Brightening, Setting, Retouching.. And this is after you've applied foundation, concealer, bronzer, blush.. As I age, my multitude of skin issues are more apparent and that means more product. Often, too much has the adverse effect and you end up looking like a art project gone wrong, but setting powders is a necessary step to perfect makeup.

After applying topical medication (rosacea), serums, moisturizer, corrective creams, and sometimes foundation, my face is rather shiny. Thanks to my 'angry', combination skin, I'm having to deal with an oily complexion too. Bobbi Brown White Skin Correcting Powder is meant to 'brighten and illuminate' fair skin tones, but I use it to slightly mattify my look. It's the last step in my makeup routine, but if I'm having one of those 'dry' days, the powder will magnify my dehydrated skin. Decisions - oily or flakey?

I apply Bobbi Brown Skin Correcting Powder in peach to add a little warmth to my complexion. Focusing my cheeks, this subtle shade looks great on my super-fair skin. I don't feel like either of these retouching powders are drastically enhancing my makeup, but Bobbi Brown is about subtlety!

Move over BB, there's newbies in the Cosmocube! Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder is like magic fairy dust. The transparent powder is formulated with light-reflecting micronized pigments that illuminate your under eye area while setting your concealer. Apply concealer, blend with a damp beautyblender, be sure there's no creasing, dab your damp makeup sponge into the powder and lightly pat it onto your under eye area. Too much is ok - it will settle and you can sweep off the excess product in a few. AMAZING results! My concealer is set, there's little-to-no creasing and my under eye area appears significantly brighter. LOVE!

The mint green tint of Laura Mercier Shine Control Pressed Setting Powder tones down redness (I NEED THAT) while reducing shine. The 'Shine Control Complex' gives you a shine-free, fresh, mate finish - a much-needed addition to my cosmetic bag for on-the-go touchups. While we're on the topic of green - Sephora Collection Bright Future Color Correctors are super light and great for combating discoloration, blemishes.. I use the green shade to neutralize the redness on my nose. The formula is lightweight and blends nicely. 

I'm dedicated to trying each mask in the Sephora collection. I really like the natural fiber eye masks and the line has expanded to include a lip masks, face masks, hand masks and a foot mask (I'm excited about that one). Yesterday was 'mask' day.. 

The Shea lip mask is a jelly-like, lip shaped mask that fits over the lips. The mask has an opening, so you can breathe easily and I guess talk if you had to. The texture is super strange and it does tingle a little. The mask is over-sized - anyone with lips that big, should really ease up on the fillers! The Shea lip mask is said to nourish and moisturize in 15 minutes. You can wear it sitting, standing, walking around, and it doesn't slide or drip. After 15 minutes, I removed the mask, wiped the access from my skin and left the remaining on my lips. DO NOT LICK YOUR LIPS - it doesn't taste good. Post application your lips feel a little sticky, but they appear moisturized. Jelly-like feeling aside, I like it. I'm definitely gonna repurchase during the cold season, when my lips are dry and chapped.

The Orchid eye mask scent is subtle and lovely (like a flower). My rosacea didn't flare up, but I had a little irritation around the outer edge. It's common for my skin to react to products. My under eye felt a little tighter, but I didn't see dramatic results from the one-time use. The Orchid eye mask is for anit-aging and smoothing, and like any anti-aging product, you need to use it for months, before you'll see any great results. 

The hand masks are fun and my favorite. There are two, non-drip hand gloves in a pack. When you open the packet, you'll notice the gloves are attached - tear at the perforated line, put them on, and pull the tabs around your wrist to seal in the moisturizing treatment. The inside has a fiber lining drenched in solution and the outside a plastic lining. Best thing about these masks is you can go about your business while wearing them (I vacuumed my house). The Aloe Vera hand mask is for ultra-moisturizing and beautifying (beautifying?). The fresh scent is amazing and the concept of a moisturizing glove is great. After use, my cuticles appeared nourished and my hands felt soft. I will repurchase and can't wait to try the foot mask.

While laying in bed perusing the Internet for a hairstyle to mask the damage from my recent salon experience, I can feel my face heating up (rosacea - there's no hiding when I'm mad). I gotta get out of bed and tell you about my botched, bleaching experience. Imma try to keep it short, but it's been tragic watching my hair deteriorate and I have a lot to bitch about!

I wanna start by saying, I'm no stranger to bleaching my hair. I tried to go from black to blonde last year. My stylist at the time insisted we take it slow and after two rounds (four weeks apart), I decided to go back to black. I didn't like the in-between, warm shades. There was minimal damage to my hair - it was dry for a few weeks, but the integrity of my hair remained strong. My recent bleaching experience was very different..

My stylist was on vacation, so I booked an appointment with the salon owner. She started off with her thirty-second elevator pitch and I gotta say, I was impressed. She had decades of experience and was operating out of her second salon. Y'all know I have color-treated, black hair. At the time it was short, very healthy, and super shiny. The salon owner asked if I'd consider lightening my hair and I explained the experience I had one year prior (see video on the blog). She said there is a new product called 'Olaplex', that will allow a stylist to bleach the clients hair many times without comprising the integrity of the hair. She claimed that I could go from black to blonde in one day and my hair would remain healthy. 

I went home and researched Olaplex. There is not one bad review on this stuff. I bought into the hype and three weeks later was ready to bleach the shit out of my hair! I'd had black hair long enough and the trendy silver/blonde shade was a much-needed change. Eight weeks later, I realize that these reviews are not entirely true - Imma call it 'photoshopped' reviews. They ommit the 'hair drama' and 'time-lapse', to produce a dramatic hair transformation and promote their expertise. 

My stylist was back in the salon and hesitant to make me silver/blonde, but the salon owner was there to mentor and seemed confident. The first bleach was on the ends, the second bleaching went from root to ends and the third was a purple colored bleach to combat the orange. At this time, my head is burning, we're all tired and my stylist says it's enough for today. I was in shock - they expected me to walk around for one week with bright 'leeloo' hair?! To add salt to my wounds, I had a birthday dinner to attend that weekend. FUCK! 

The following morning, I woke up and felt crusty blobs in my hair. After further examination, I realized I had many burns on my scalp that had secreted and clumped in my hair throughout the night. Not pleasant. Oh and it's been eight weeks and the wound (pictured above) just healed completely. 

One week later, I went back to hopefully finalize the process and leave with silver/blonde hair. The first bleaching (fourth in total) didn't remove the orange, so we did another. Then she applied the gray color. I honestly didn't think the gray was gonna cover the orange. Now my hair is green and both stylists are panicking. The salon owner calls Wella and Olaplex for advice. This is a bad sign.. She says 'you know what we have to do' - 'go back to black'. Are you fucking kidding me?! After thirty minutes of them pondering the botched job done on my hair, speaking in Dutch (I don't speak Dutch), she suggested we apply a blonde color. I asked if there was bleach in it (it's blonde after all) and she said no, just color. The color wasn't evenly applied and my head started burning (hmm..). I told my stylist and she said 'can you go another ten minutes?' I'm desperate, so ok.. The green diminished, but I was not happy leaving the salon AGAIN with hideous hair color. It was greenish/yellow, with gray roots and orange ends! Oh and my scalp was bright red.

While the interim greenish/blonde shade was bearable, the damage was irreversible and getting worse everyday. I couldn't get a brush through my hair and had to go back for treatments and a blow-dry twice a week. My stylist said the treatments were at her expense. Oh gee thanks. You destroyed my hair, it looks terrible, you still charged me full price and for every blow-dry, but you'll cover the cost of treatments - you're so generous (insert sarcastic tone).

I know I agreed and I have myself to blame. If something is too good to be true, it ain't true! I still can't help but feel mislead by the salon owner - she was negligent and experimented on my hair, lacked hair bleaching/Olaplex knowledge and showed no empathy for the damage caused. She didn't apologize, accept blame, say hello, or look me in the eyes during the following weeks of treatments and blow-drys. My stylist didn't apologize either. During my last blow-dry she said, 'I didn't want to do this and now it's my problem'. I could sense that she was upset with her superior and felt bad about the outcome, but still showed little compassion. It's unfortunate that she will go down with the ship, but I had to share my experience - I realize she didn't endorse this hair transformation, but she did administer it. 

You can't go from black to blonde in one day. It takes time and patience. Don't trust any stylist that claims you can go from black to blonde in hours or that Olaplex will maintain your healthy hair through five+ bleachings. It's not the fountain of youth for hair and can't instantly reverse the harsh effects of hair bleach.

Last month I posted the Pomegranate Eye Mask and said I'd try other Sephora eye masks and let ya know what I thought.. I recently used the Sephora Perfecting & Brightening eye mask. Unlike the first eye mask I tried in this collection, this mask did not irritate my rosacea. Everything bothers my skin, so I'm happy when I find products that don't turn my face bright red! This white pearl infused mask claims to illuminate your skin - not sure my under eyes appear brighter (it's gonna take more than a fifteen-minute mask to fix my under eye problems), but my skin feels and looks nourished. I'm happy with the results.

Application is easy, the masks wraps around your under eye area and up to your brows (good coverage) and the serum-like solution doesn't run down your face. The Pomegranate eye masks had a subtle, refreshing scent. This mask, however, had a funny smell - not bad, but not pleasant. I have six more masks to go..

There are eight masks in Sephora's eye mask line; each with different skin benefits. The pomegranate eye mask awakens and tones the under eye area while reducing signs of fatigue. My 'vacation diet' (too much salt and vino), has left my eyes puffy and tired looking, so I purchased the pomegranate eye mask and used it this morning. The packaging is nice and the application easy. There is a lot of serum on each mask, so I gently squeezed a little off - otherwise, it would be running down my face. The masks are a great shape and cover the under eye area, as well as around the outer side of your eye, all the way up to your brows. The mask stayed put and felt very refreshing. There is a subtle scent of pomegranate (love that scent). After 15 minutes, I removed the masks and gently rubbed the remaining serum onto my skin. There was a lot of serum left in the packet, so I applied a little more to my under eye area and on my lids (I don't like to waste). 

I have rosacea and while the mask did not have harsh effects on my under eye area (no rosacea there), my upper cheeks and the outer sides of eyes turned very red and slightly burned. It is not uncommon for my skin to react to cosmetics, so I don't see this reaction as a bad thing. On a 'brighter' note, the pomegranate eye masks left my under eye area feeling tight and reduced the puffiness significantly. I will definitely purchase other masks in this line and post about them soon..

I'd been anticipating the January launch of Bobbi Brown Beauty-Boosting Face Masks, and despite my many trips to the BB counter in Amsterdam was left empty-handed and wondering, what's all the hype? I practically had butterflies when I saw them on display in Harrods a few weeks ago. Yes, I'm that ridiculous! Lets 'face' it, every product Bobbi Brown releases is great - you can't go wrong with this premiere cosmetic line. It's no surprise that I purchased all three masks. I would have purchased the mini's too, but they didn't have them (insert sad face).

I'm branding these masks - The Miraculous Makeover Mask Trio. Instant Detox, Radiance Boost and Skin Nourish can be used together or individually to address your specific needs. I have overdosed on all three and love the results.

The Instant Detox is my favorite. This clay-based mask is creamy, has a refreshing citrus scent and kinda cools your skin while you detox. Hawaiian Sea Salt Water and Amazonian White Clay work together to remove impurities, reduce pore size and maintain moisture. This mask will leave you feeling refreshed and super clean. The Instant Detox deep cleanse removes excess oil, tightens my skin and my complexion looks AMAZING! I use the Instant Detox in the center of my forehead, down my nose, on my cheeks and chin. At the same time, I apply the Skin Nourish around my eye area (not too close to the eye), around the edges of my nose (where it gets super dry and flaky), and around my eyebrows (they're dry from Browfood - a hair growth treatment). Combined, these masks address both my skin issues at once. This deep cleanse/nourishing treatment is my favorite facial pick-me-up.

I also use the Skin Nourish twice a week before bed. This super-moisturizing mask contains hydrating herbs Coral Grass, Salicornia, and Trehalose, Collagen producing Chlorella Extract, and Muru Muru Butter to repair your skin's natural moisture barrier. This lightweight mask is creamy, the scent is calming, and I love a mask that you can leave-on throughout the night. Apply liberally and wait two-five minutes. Then gently remove the excess product and massage the remaining onto your skin. In the morning you will have plump smooth, nourished skin.

The superfine Walnut Grain Beads in Radiance Boost, gently exfoliate your skin and improve circulation. While the Kaolin Clay reduces oil, Algae Extract and Sodium Hyaluronate moisturize your skin, and Orange Oil energizes. I have Rosacea, and very sensitive skin, so I'm not surprised that this gentle exfoliator causes my forehead, nose and cheeks to turn red. Once the redness diminishes, my skin feels super-tight (I like that), and my complexion is brighter. The orange scent is invigorating - I'm partial to citrus scents in facial care cosmetics. 

Directions: Instant Detox can be used once a week (or two if necessary). Apply, allow two-five minutes to pass and remove with warm water. Skin Nourish can be used three times a week. Apply, wait two-five minutes, gently remove access and leave the remaining product for overnight nourishing. Radiance Boost can be used once a week (or two if necessary). Apply, let it sit for two-five minutes and rinse off with warm water while gently massaging in circular motions.  

The application of these masks is quick, but the results last. I should mention that the packaging is great. The metal-like tubes are flexible and you can roll them up, allowing you to get as much product out as possible. 

Skinceuticals reigns supreme in skincare products. This dermatologist recommended brand has just about anything you need to combat every problem. I am definitely a fan and it's no surprise that I turned to Skinceuticals for a 'non-prescription' retinol treatment. Clinically diagnosed rosacea temporarily suspended my prescribed anti-aging treatments, but after years of combating this condition, I'm back at fighting the ageing process. Retinol is undoubtedly a great way to replenish your skin, combat wrinkles and revive your otherwise dull complexion - but not without side effects! I'm sure you've heard horror stories about retinol and I'm sure they're all true - I have a few of my own. In the end, it's about moderation and finding what regimen works best for your skin.

I recommend this four-step regimen twice a week to start and increase as needed. Wash your face with Skinceuticals Gentle Cleanser. Of course, it's 'gentle' on your skin, refreshing and nourishing. Then apply Skinceuticals Eye Cream to combat dark circles, puffy under eyes and protect this sensitive area from the retinol. Next, apply a pea-size amount of retinol to your entire face (avoid eye area). I suggest starting with retinol 0.5 and increasing it to 1.0 if needed. Wait 30 minutes (or more) and apply Skinceuticals Epidermal Repair. I use this product for repairing my skin after retinol, sunburns, and any severe dry skin conditions I may have - It's a must-have in my skin care regimen.

The more serious side effects of retinol are chapped skin, severe dry patches, burning and redness. While reducing these side effects, this four-step regimen will nourish your skin, allowing for healing between application and extreme nourishment from the Epidermal repair cream. Retinol will diminish wrinkles, combat discoloration and give you a more even complexion. It's a great solution to ageing skin, but use with caution and don't rush in.

Intense Pulsed Light Therapy is a non-laser treatment that uses broad spectrum light programed at specific wavelengths to treat "angry" skin. IPL is used to improve photoaged skin, erase age spots, treat rosacea, reduce redness caused by broken capillaries, treat acne, remove unwanted hair and enhance your skins overall appearance, resulting in an even and radiant complexion.

I had my first IPL treatment ten days ago and am impressed with the results. The procedure was quick and the pain level, bearable. It felt like a hot light against my face and an elastic snapping on my skin (not pleasant). Thankfully my dermatologist treated my entire face in less than twenty minutes. There were minimal side effects: slight burning sensation and itchy skin (lasted one day). The brown spots on my face became dark and slowly faded over the following week. The age spots on my face are 30% of what they were prior to the treatment and my skin is luminous! I also have rosacea and since my treatment the redness on my cheeks, nose or forehead has dissipated. I will have a second treatment in seven weeks - Hopefully the IPL will remove the remaining pigmentation and my complexion will be "near perfect".

I highly recommend the IPL treatment for age spots. The cost is $300 to $600 per session. I know it seems like a lot, but think of the money you will save on foundation, cover-up and the plethora of skin enhancing facial creams and serums you use regularly! Great skin = less makeup and less product.

I have combination skin; rosacea, acne and oily. I struggled to find makeup to meet my long list of needs. My dermatologist recommended I try Bobbi Brown makeup. It's been a few years since my first purchase, and now I practically own every product made by Bobbi Brown. The makeup gives me the results I want and doesn't irritate my skin or clog my pores. The BB cream and yellow based Sheer Finish Loose Powder cover the redness on my cheeks and the Tinted Eye Brightener along with the white Retouching Powder masks dark circles under my eyes. Together these four products allow me to create a natural base, before adding blush, eye makeup and lip color.

I start with under eye cream and add a small amount of Tinted Eye Brightener. I gently sweep the Eye Brightener at the base of my under eye circles and blend upwards. Too much under eye makeup will sit in your wrinkles and cake in the corners of your eyes, so use sparingly.

Then I apply my favorite makeup product Bobbi Brown BB Cream. I squeeze the cream onto the back of my hand and using a foundation brush apply the cream to my face using circular motions to blend it in. I start on my forehead, blend down the bridge of my nose, apply to my cheeks and blend down around my chin and neck.

Finally I sweep the Retouching Powder under my eyes and across the bridge of my noise to brighten my look. Bobbi Brown Retouching Powder is amazing. It is available in six shades; each one combats specific discoloration of your skin. These powders even out your skin tone and brighten your look. 

If I need extra coverage I will apply a small amount of Sheer Loose Powder. I strive for a natural look and most days forego the loose powder.

Visit a Bobbi Brown makeup counter at any major department store for a consultation; the knowledgable makeup artists will help you find your perfect makeup shades and teach you how to apply your makeup. 

I currently use Finacea, and Elidel to treat my rosacea. Finacea is a topical medication used to treat mild to moderate rosacea. The active ingredient, azelaic acid, has the ability to reduce inflammation, as well as stop the growth of skin bacteria. Elidel is a treatment for a form of eczema called atopic dermatitis, which is a skin disease that causes dry and itchy skin, maybe even rashes. I understand that you should only use Elidel, once you've concluded that no other topical medication will work for you. In addition, there is some controversy over Elidel, and I suggest you do your research before using this medication or any other medication for that matter. In my case, the combination of these two medications is giving me amazing results, with absolutely no irritation.