Summer 2021 Skincare Favorites- Skincare products that give me a natural glow

Somebody start playing Lil’ Rob Summer Nights immediately! The heat has arrived in southern California which obviously means summer is here. This summer I’m going to show off all my skin care hard work and really let my skin shine. So here are some products that I use to help keep me looking juicy and glowing all summer long.

Neutrogena

Hydro Boost Sunscreen

I don’t know what Neutrogena is doing that makes this sunscreen so perfect but every other sunscreen needs to take notes. This sunscreen is hydrating and feels almost like a moisturizer. It has a similar texture to their other hydro boost products, like their water gel moisturizer which I LOVE. This wears wonderfully under make up since it is not thick or greasy. Most importantly, this sunscreen does not leave a white cast so this is great for all skin tones. Definitely my top summer must have item.

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Solis Modoern Wellness

Illuminating BB Oil

Not to toot my own horn but TOOT TOOT! Solis Modern Wellness put a little twist on our popular BB Oil. The Illuminating BB Oil will hlep you get that juicy glow all summer long. It’s made with nontoxic and vegan shimmer to give you an illuminating glow all over from head to toe. I love putting it on my legs when wearing biker shorts to give a little more oomph! to a casual outfit.

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Solis Modern Wellness

Citrus Body Polish

Tooting my own horn again, TOOT TOOT! You need this body polish in your life immediately. Showing more skin in the summer is just what has to happen to survive the scortching heat. To ensure your skin is looking on point exfoliating should be done at least 2x a week. Of course, I’m biased and think our body polish is the best but go ahead and try it out for yourself.

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Fenty Beauty

Pro Kiss’r Luscious Lip Balm – Hint Hint

When I first bought this product I was a little mad that I paid $18 for a lip balm. Like, what?! Burt’s Bees would NEVER lol. However, I quickly realized that this wasn’t just a lip balm, but the perfect combination between a lip balm and lip gloss. The texture is one of a kind leaving your lips hydrated, non sticky, glossy and the lightest hint of color. This is the lip product you need when out by the pool or enjoying the sun and want to enhance your lips with a natural look.

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These are some simple summer skincare necessities that I use to survive the summer. However, I want to know what are some products you use in the summer? Let me know in the comments below!

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Tried it! Kosas Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant- A Natural, No Aluminum or Baking Soda, Alternative Deodorant.

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When I first heard of “Natural Deodorant” I couldn’t help but think ” Musty, Stinky, BO” just to name a few words that came to mind. However, my family health history has lead me to a more natural way of life. I’m definitely not perfect, I don’t always use “Clean” make up or organic food. However, I really try and incorporate small changes that will help me live a healthier lifestyle.

My family, on both my mother and fathers side, have a vast history of breast cancer. Family history wasn’t enough for me to make changes until my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago. Breast cancer hit home, literally, and that was when I realized I needed to take my health more seriously. Those health concerns only grew when I had my baby girl. I want to do anything and everything possible to ensure I live a long and healthy life for her, so I can care for and love her for as long as God allows.

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I am a full on sweat-er. I put my shirt on and I already have sweat marks. I used to use the clinical strength antiperspirant deodorant from drug stores and that STILL wouldn’t keep me 100% dry. Although I wish what I’m saying was an exaggeration it’s not and I’m here to give you all the bare nasty honest truth. Let’s get down to what everyone really wants to know, does this deodorant actually work? and my answer is yes but also no. Let me explain.

Pros

• Great smell
• No white marks or residue on clothing
• 8/10 controls sweat
• Lightens armpit darkness (Hyperpigmentation)
• Helps with ingrown hair

Cons

• Wet formula takes some time to dry down.
• Need to reapply to avoid BO
• Packaging

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I give the Kosas Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant a 7.5/10

This deodorant has many benefits that makes me really want to make this work for me. Unfortunately its not my go to everyday use, especially my busy moving and grooving days. I absolutely love the smell or better yet lack there of. The smell is very light almost nonexistent which I personally love. My favorite benefit however is the lightening effect, which definitely brightened and lightened my arm pits. As well, I noticed a significant reduction in ingrown hair which I am extremely prone too.

However, as much as I love the benefits that I mentioned above I have to keep it 100 with you guys… it didn’t stop me from being a little stinky at the end of the day. Mind you that I am a stay at home mom that is cleaning, cooking and keeping up with a 1 year old but unless I reapplied towards the afternoon I could definitely smell myself. Also, the packaging makes applying a little difficult once your half way through the product. The product is suck towards the bottom of the tube and doesn’t apply product as evenly with the roller top.

Regardless, I love the benefits so much that I still use this deodorant at night after I shower so that I can sneak in those lightening factors. If your not a heavy sweat-er like me and are looking for a natural deodorant then I would say giving the Kosas Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant a try.

Disclaimer: All links, as well as links through out the Blog , are affiliate links. Products purchased through these links give me a small commission that helps me create content for the blog and income for my family

How to Keep Smooth & Moisturized Skin During the Winter- 3 Steps to Healthy Hydrated Skin.

Having dry skin is a struggle year round, however during the harsh winter months dry skin takes a turn for the worst. Dry skin not only looks horrible, but feels just as bad-itchy and at times painful. I used to think that I didn’t need to moisturize as much since I was going to wear long sleeves and jeans, which meant nobody would see my ashy ass elbows or knees. That all changed when my skin went 360 on me post partum, and now every inch of me is drier than the Sahara. Thankfully, it’s possible to keep your skin supple and healthy during the winter with just 3 simple steps.

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Gentle Cleansers/Body Wash

It’s easy to over look what kind of body wash your using in your daily routine, since we care more for the scent than anything else. However, using a gentle formula will cleanse your body without stripping it of its essential oils. Those essential oils that your body produces keeps your skin healthy, which is usually striped away while using harsh soaps and body washes. Look for products that are formulated for dry or sensitive skin, which will effectively cleanse your body without drying our your skin even more than it already is. Also, Fragrance Free is your sensitive skin’s best friend!

Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash

Exfoliate

Exfoliating is very important, especially during the drier colder months. Exfoliating will help remove all your rough patches and reveal smooth skin. Exfoliate at least once a week, but I do not suggest exfoliating everyday. Try one of my brands body polishes that are designed with skin loving oils and non abrasive exfoliates like sugar to help reveal beautiful skin.

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Solis Modern Wellness Cafe De Olla Body Polish

Moisturize

The most important step to keep your skin from looking like a reptile is moisturizing! Usually during the winter months, I will reach for a thicker consistency moisturizer like a butter cream. Butter creams help seal in all the hydration my skin needs and lasts all day. Solis Modern Wellness recently released the Calendula Repair & Revive Butter Cream, which has Organic Calendula Extract and so many beneficial oils such as shea butter and mango butter.

Solis Modern Wellness Calendula Repair & Revive Butter Cream

Let me know in the comments what products you use during the winter months to keep your skin glowing and healthy.

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Disclaimer: All links, as well as links through out the Blog , are affiliate links. Products purchased through these links give me a small commission that helps me create content for the blog and income for my family

Aztec Clay Mask: Acne’s Worst Enemy and Your Skins Best Friend

 Raise your hand if you have ever been personally victimized by Acne? *Raises both hands*.

Entering adult hood I was looking forward to, what I believed would be, the end of my acne. However, I’m turning 27 this year, and although I have a better hold of an effective skin care routine for myself, I still get the occasional break out. My breakouts have migrated through out the years on my face, first all over my cheeks to my lower chin area and now back to my cheeks again. It can get frustrating thinking that you got rid of your acne only to see a few weeks later its back and now moved on to a even more noticeable area. However, I have found a topical solution that has helped me tremendously, the Aztec Clay Mask.

One of my favorite skin care steps is using a face mask. I really enjoy the relaxing feeling of laying on my bed for a few minutes and allowing what ever concoction I smothered all over my face to penetrate and do its thanggg.

The Aztec Clay Mask is like a vacuum for your face, seriously. The first time I put on the mask, it felt a little intense since it has a pulling and pulsing sensation. After leaving the mask on for about 10-15 minutes I gently washed it off. Typical of my skin, my face was RED like I got a sun burn, I have very sensitive skin so I was expecting this from reading reviews online. I threw on my moisturizer and went to bed with hopes that the mask would help me even in the slightest way. The next day my pores were noticeably smaller but to my horror, it made me break out even more!

I thought to myself, ” Maittita, what the fuck did you do to yourself?!”.

The interesting thing about my break outs were that they were new from under the skin bumps I had and the old break outs had dried out and were no longer inflamed. So, I waited a few days and gave the mask another shot. I had a feeling I had broken out because it sucked out all the gunk in my skin, and I was right.

I don’t use this mask all over my face anymore, its become more of a spot treatment for me. It maybe the prenatal vitamins that have helped balance my skin out, but whenever I need some extra TLC on a particular area I go straight to the Aztec Clay Mask every time.

Mix the powder with Apple Cider Vinegar for a deeper cleanse.

Will this mask erase a bad skin care routine? NO.

Will this mask solve unhealthy eating habits affecting your skin? NO.

This face mask is an accessory to a healthy lifestyle with a solid skin care routine. Keep this in mind if you try it out.

Quick Tips

• Use only glass/plastic bowl and brush when applying the mask.
• A thinner/runnier consistency of mask is best for first time use, to see how your skin reacts.
• This mask can be very drying, use a hydrating moisturizer right after.

Hopefully if you have troubled skin this helps you and let me know below if you’ve tried this before and how it worked for you.

My Night Time Skin Care Routine: Oily and Acne Prone Skin

You’re never too old to become younger.

Mae West

Let me start by emphasizing that I AM NOT a skin expert but a girl trying to figure out her skins love language. Currently I’m speaking English and my skin is responding in Spanglish.

After 26 years of living on God’s green earth I still haven’t figured out my skin completely. Skin changes over time and I know 3 things for sure that have not changed..

1. I am acne prone
2. I have oily skin
3. I have big pores

Now with that being said, I have found a few skin care items that have helped me with my skin issues. These items have helped me and might help you too.

My first step in my skin care routine is cleansing. Your probably wondering “Maitte, you already fucked up, what about make up removing wipes/Oil?” Well quiet honestly, I don’t wear makeup everyday to work *Kanye Shrug*. However, whenever I do decide to beat my face I usually use makeup removing wipes then go in with this Cerve Foaming Facial Cleanser.

Gentle enough for your face but strong enough to cleanse your soul.

This cleanser is one of the few cleansers I’ve ever used that does not strip my skin. When I was younger I believed that because of my oily skin I needed to feel my face squeaky clean to the point of it feeling tight and dry. However, as I entered the University of YouTube and beauty guru’s would mention that oily skin becomes oilier because of lack of moisture and blah blah blah. I finally realized that I needed to cleanse my face without over doing it. This cleanser is specifically formalized for oily skin and I can not recommend it enough!

Tone your face as much as you try to tone your arms.

Once you’ve cleansed your face you would think that all the makeup and gunk would be gone, right? Think again! That’s the beauty of toners they help remove the excess makeup, oil, etc. that was left behind from cleansing. I’ve tried many different toners, however I always come back to this classic, Thayers Witch Hazel Aloe Vera Formula Rose Petal.

I apply my toner by soaking a cotton pad and lightly swiping across my entire face and down my neck. Allow a couple of minutes to pass by as you allow the toner to dry and absorb into your skin.

P.S Don’t forget to get into your hair line as make up and dirt linger there!

This part of my skin care routine separates the girls from the Comadres, because the Comadre life is not for everyone! As I’ve grown older I’ve realized that my skin needs a little more TLC than it once did in my late teens/early twenties. Back in the days I could stay out all day, nap for 30 mins, drink and party my life away at night, then get 4 hours of sleep, wake up for my soccer games and still look fresh and rejuvenated. If I did that today I would literally look like a White Walker straight out of Game Of Thrones.

A Face Lift in a Bottle

However, what has helped me keep a more youthful look has been serums. What is a serum? Again, I’m not a dermatologist or any sort of skin expert so I’ll keep this simple. A face serum is a type of moisturizer that helps give your skin a smoother, firmer look as well as increase moisture retention and make your pores appear smaller.The Tree of Life Hyaluronic Acid, Retinol, and Vitamin C Serums have been my go to face serums for two reasons, price and results.

The hyaluronic acid and retinol serums I use at night; applying the retinol serum first then following up with the hyaluronic acid. Remember, wait a few minutes in between applications to allow the serums to absorb and dry on the skin before applying the next serum.

Now if you would like me to go more in depth about these face serums, especially the Vitamin C, let me know in the comments below so I can write a separate blog post!

Light Weight Under Eye Gel Cream

“Maitte are you done yet?” Nope, not yet! One of the most important parts of your face that should be taken care of is your under eye area. Girls, it’s 2019 nobody has time for crows feet or baggy under eyes, PERIODT! Remember to always use a under eye cream, I have been using Artistry Hydra-V Refreshing Eye Gel Cream. This eye gel cream is very refreshing and light weight, which is great for day time wear and for under makeup.

Seal it with moisture

Lastly and arguably one of the most important steps, I moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. To seal in all that work and money I put onto my face I apply the CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion. It’s light weight and fast absorbing, perfect for oily skin.

Start to finish it takes me 20-30 mins to complete all these steps, and this is my “simple” routine. My night time skin care routine is the time of day where I can start to wind down before bed, its almost as if I’m washing away all my worries of the day. I truly enjoy the process not because I have to but because it feels great to take care of myself.

What do you do for your night time skin care routine? I wanna know, comment below!