My Skin Care Routine For Adult Acne

I have struggled with acne prone skin since my early teens. I have tried just about everything! Even seeing the dermatologist didn't help, the harsh products actually made my skin worse. 

I have been using this routine for a while now and it has actually worked very well for me. Of course I still have break outs, especially once a month, but I can keep most my acne at bay with this routine. It seems like a lot of products but it is actually very quick and simple. It's not so much the products I use it's the order in which I use them and the active ingredients that they contain that makes the difference.

In the morning:

I wash my face with Neutrogena Acne Stress Control cleanser. This has salicylic acid that prevents future break outs and exfoliates the skin. I only in the morning because it dries out my skin to much if I use it two times a day.

I use Origins Brighter By Nature SPF 35 (not pictured) before applying my make up. I really like this moisturizer because is has an SPF of 35 and it gives the perfect hydration without looking oily. Plus it doesn't break my skin out.

In the evening:

I wash my skin with Simple Moisturizing Face Wash twice. Yes twice, once to get my makeup off and once to wash off any oil and other yucky stuff. I really like this cleanser because doesn't dry out my skin and really gets off my makeup well.

I remove my eye makeup with pure olive oil and a tissue. 

Then I apply Acne Free Terminator spot treatment on my acne prone areas. I let this dry completely before using my next product. This is more for prevention than for a spot treatment. Any spot treatment will be fine as long as it has Benzoyl Peroxide in it. I also like Neutrogena On The Spot Treatment for this application too.

Next I put a few drops of Tarte Maracuja Oil in my palm and rub gently all over my face. This stuff is amazing! It sounds strange to put oil on oily skin but this stuff absorbs well and is silky soft. My skin stays perfectly moisturized with this oil and it is supposed to be amazingly good for your skin too. I also like argon oil for the same reasons.

Then I gently apply  Dr Brandt Overnight Resurfacing Serum. I really love this product! It contains retinal which keeps wrinkles at bay and also resurfaces the skin overnight.

Lastly I use Mario Badescu Drying Lotion on any emerging or existing acne. This is a zit miracle product! Most the time my pimple is gone or at least half what is was the day after I use it. I look funny going to bed with spots all over my face but its worth it to have clear skin.

I hope this is helpful for any of you who suffer from acne. It can really lower your self esteem to see spots all over you face. Believe me I know.
All you can do is lower your stress level, eat healthy, don't pick at your face and establish a skin care routine that works for you. So keep trying and don't give up!

A Lovely Vintage Polka Dot Dress

I found this lovely vintage polka dot dress at a local store. I spotted the white polka dots from ten feet away. I pulled this beauty from the rack and promptly crossed my fingers that it would fit! I tried it on and not only did it fit, it fit like a glove! 

No label to be seen. I actually think it was homemade and maybe from the 50's or 60's.  I can imagine a girl asking her mother to make her a dress for an upcoming church picnic or event. Maybe she wanted to impress a certain gentleman ; )....... Of course her mother kindly obliged, and made her this fabulous polka dot frock. Needless to say, she impressed the said, "certain gentleman" and later they were wed.  Can you tell I have a wild imagination? 

Who knows, maybe it's possible. But, I know it was only $11!! 

I paired it with a yellow belt and oxford heals, both thrifted. this outfit only cost $15 from head to toe!

I hope you all are having a great weekend!

"J. Crew-ish" bubble necklaces

I sold a few items on eBay for some extra cash recently. And I have been lusting after the J Crew Bubble Necklace for some time now. It took some research but I found these "J, Crewish" beauties on Etsy and Ebay for under $30 each! Much better than the $150 price tag of just ONE necklace at the real J. Crew!

I am excitedly checking the mail daily!

I cant wait to style these lovelies into my summer wardrobe!

My Thrifty Finds

Chunky vintage bangles $10 for all four.

Vintage neon yellow canvas clutch $1.

Love the gingham lining!
This will add a nice punch of color to an outfit, and it's a perfect color for summer!

The Goodwill Outlet store has dollar furniture sales every once and a while, so I got this cute chair for a buck! I love the the burlap cushion and the lovely teal color.

Mint color maxi skirt $2! I obsessed with maxi skirts this season so needless to say this was a major score! Its a little bit see through so I will have to find a long slip to wear under it, but I LOVE it!

No thrift post would be complete without a new birdie to add to my collection. I love this hand painted bird I got for only $1! I think it's very Anthropologie looking too.

Beauty Products I Currently Love!

Seriously this is a before and after shot. I have been using John Frieda Go Blonder for about two weeks, almost every day. I am blown away! I never thought I would get so much blonder! I am super excited to not have to get my roots touched up as often.

I didn't use any other product to lighten my hair other than Go Blonder. What a difference! I am not a natural blond either I just had highlights. If you want to go lighter for summer this is well worth using! Purchased at CVS.

I am loving Mac Fast Response eye cream. I like the texture, very light and absorbs well. I have noticed the dark circles getting lighter and the skin around my eyes is very soft. By far my favorite eye cream! Purchased at my local Mac store in Macys.

Elf Eyelid Primer. The best part about this product is...... it's only $1 at Target! It works just as well as other primers and is really a steal. Love it!

NARS color stick in Orgasm. LOVE! This product was rather pricy but I think it is well worth the cost. I can imagine it lasting forever! It is a lovely peachy color with just a small amount of gold shimmer. You can wear it on your eyes, cheeks, and lips. I really want another one to keep in my purse. So Fantastic! I purchased this from Sephora online.

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, basically a miracle for zits. The BEST overnight spot treatment I have ever tried. I have tried dozens! Just a dab on top of the blemish at night and in the morning it will either be gone or half the size. Most of the time mine will be gone. Seriously if you get breakouts buy this! I purchased this at Ulta beauty store.

What are your current favorite products?

DIY Lovely Lace Back Top

One stripped tee from Old Navy and some beautiful lace I picked up from the thrift store.

Cut the lace to the size you like.

Fold in the sides and pin.

Sew along the edges and top.

Cut the fabric at the seam, carefully!

Done! A lovely lace back top.

Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken

This is so simple you can hardly call it a recipe. It's easy, quick and yummy. I make this on busy weeknights when I have only a few minutes to get dinner on the table. I use this chicken for burritos, tacos, quesadillas and nachos but sometimes I just serve it on rice with a simple salad on the side. It is very versatile.

2 lbs of chicken thighs or breasts (I prefer thighs)

1 cup of your favorite salsa

2 cloves of garlic (optional)

I added one bell pepper (optional) because thats what I had in my fridge. 

Salt and Pepper 

Simply dump all ingredients into slow cooker and cook on high for 3 hours. Remove from slow cooker 

and shred with a fork and add back in juice (the salsa turns into a yummy juicy sauce) to your liking

I told you it was easy!

What are your go-to busy week night dinners? Or any favorite slow cooker recipes? 

Please do share!