By Sam, Teen Beauty Expert

Sam is 14-years old, lives near Atlanta, Georgia with her mom and two (of three!) older brothers. She was born and raised in Georgia, but her family originally hailed from Illinois. You will find her busy meeting new people and enjoying teen soap operas/dramas (like Vampire Diaries)–and of course, she’s madly in love with all things beauty. When she’s not playing around with makeup, you’ll find her with headphones on listening to everything; from classical to rap, pop to heavy metal, and almost everything in between (though she favors rock!).

Sam’s Teenage Acne Must-Haves

Almost every teenager goes through breakouts and even some adults still deal with it. It happens. And it sucks.  I could go on and on about how frustrating it is to wake up with a surprise on my face, but you probably already know how that goes!

A little history on my experience with acne: I had my very first breakout when I was around ten-years old. I’ve never heard of anyone breaking out as young as me, even though they were far and few in between. I was around twelve when I started getting worried about my skin. My breakouts were on the moderate side but becoming more frequent. I would drag my mom to Walmart or CVS to buy a new cleanser every few weeks. I literally tried everything I could buy at the drugstore.  Usually the product would work fine for about two weeks, give or take, but then my skin would tolerate whatever I was using, and just like that I was back to square one.

I’m almost fifteen and  I’m still struggling to keep my skin tame, but from trial and error, I have learned a few things that I want to pass on to readers, teenagers or not, who relate. I really wish I had some “before” pictures, but either the camera washed me out or it was taken too far away and you couldn’t see it at all!

Stay Confident No Matter What

Self-confidence isn’t a product you can buy at the store or a topical treatment you apply to your face or a prescription a dermatologist can give you. It comes from with in, and trust me, it helps!

I’ve shed my fair share of tears over my skin and that’s totally fine! Acne can really take a toll on one’s self esteem, if they allow it. Sure, sometimes it may seem like you’re the only one among your friends who’s breaking out. But you’re not alone in this! I’ve watched all three of my older brothers go through it, and now it’s my turn.

Staying positive is key! Look in the mirror and list a few things you love about yourself. You’ll feel better instantly and having a good attitude will make a world of a difference! If you focus on the negative, you’re only battling yourself and nobody wins. That isn’t worth the time or energy, now is it? Remember that having acne isn’t the end of the world!

Check out three products Sam uses to help with her acne! 

My holy grail acne/skincare product would have to be my Clarisonic Mia ($119.00). It has changed my life as well as my view point on traditional skincare.  Mia is a one-speed face cleansing gadget. There are interchangeable brush heads for different skin types, and the bristles vibrate and rotate to rid your skin of dead cells and deliver a much deeper clean. It also helps boost the absorbency of post-cleansing products (such as moisturizer) making them more effective. The charger is a neat little magnet rather than a plug, which makes Clarisonic waterproof so you can also use it in the shower. The $119 price tag may seem a little steep to some, but I can’t express enough how much it is worth it!

I use my Mia at least once a day, twice if I remember, with my Benefit Foamingly Clean Face Wash.  Just how fresh my skin feels after is worth the money itself. I could see a difference in my complexion’s radiance and cleanliness after the first use. After one day (two uses), my skin was already noticeably softer and brighter than usual. About a week of use, my complexion evened out significantly and the redness from my (current and past) breakouts were subtly vanishing.

Two weeks into use, I noted that when a pimple or two did show up it wasn’t like my typical acne type. Normally my skin would get flaky and red near my breakout zone, but now if there is a pimple underneath the surface, I can feel it before I see it–cystic acne. Experiencing a breakout with Clarisonic is normal and expected, though. I believe it’s just bringing all of that dirt, oil, and toxins to the surface. After giving it some thought, I think the cystic zits are a small price to pay compared to the decrease in amount I breakout. Breakouts aren’t as visible as they used to be, and I haven’t scarred once since using my Mia. Has it eliminated acne completely? No, but it has shed some light into my skincare regimen.

After a few months, the results in using my Clarisonic were almost unbelievable. I still have some scarring that needs a little extra TLC, my skin is smooth to the touch and major breakouts are merely a thing of the past. I can recommend this tool to anyone, regardless of skin-type or age, with complete confidence! I’ve never been one to share my skincare products – or really any products – with my brothers (too much money + too many people + too little amount = a rather quickly diminished product), but I actually felt this was too good to pass up and encouraged them to try it for themselves! If I can pry it out of one of my brothers, I’ll definitely provide some information on how their skin has reacted.

My favorite moisturizer is Josie Maran Argan Oil ($48.00), as mentioned in my must-haves list. I only need a minimal amount, and since using my Mia, I cut down from three drops to one! It sinks into my skin quickly, which always makes or breaks a moisturizer for me. The reason I love it most is because it has made a huge difference in my acne scars. I don’t think I breakout as much as it looks like I do. The deepest and most red “pimples” on my face are actually scars from past breakouts. A few days after I switched to this moisturizer, one of the first things my mom mentioned in the morning was how great my skin looked.

I feel this moisturizer is universal enough for several skin types to get away with using. Both the oily and dry areas of my face have benefited from it. I don’t feel like I have applied a thick lotion to my face. Instead, my skin feels hydrated. I don’t think I would recommend this to people with skin that’s super oily; and somebody with skin on the more dry side may want a little extra hydration.  It is a great addition to my skincare routine. I also like to mix it with other products such as a thicker moisturizer for my evening routine.

I will admit that I was nervous about spending $14 on a small vile of oil (0.5 oz.) since I’m a teenage–my budget doesn’t have much breathing room!  I’ve been applying this religiously for three months and so far about two thirds is gone. I’d say it gets my value stamp of approval, and it’s money well spent.

Biore Ultra Deep Cleansing Pore Strips ($7.49) have worked for me in the past and are still a favorite of mine to use occasionally. They are easy to use and clear out most of the gunk on/around my nose. But why should I pay almost seven and a half dollars for six strips?! Ridiculous! My solution was to start using a well-known flavorless gelatin + milk recipe. The recipe is:  1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin + 1 tablespoon of milk; mix, then cook in the microwave for ten seconds and mix again, and then apply as much as needed.  It’s much more cost-friendly and just as effective, if you can get past a few of the cons:  the smell is awful (and I haven’t found a way to get rid of it) and the consistency is thick and gel-like, which may be different from other products (like the strips).  My skin felt soft and almost moisturized after I peeled off the rubber-like mask. I don’t get that result with the ones you can buy from the store.  Overall, I recommend trying one of these if you get those annoying little black dots on your nose and can’t seem get rid of them.

That’s everything I can think of that’s changed the life of my skincare routine. Let me know in the comments any useful tips/tricks you have to send acne packing!

By Sam, Teen Beauty Expert

Sam is 14-years old, lives near Atlanta, Georgia with her mom and two (of three!) older brothers. She was born and raised in Georgia, but her family originally hailed from Illinois. You will find her busy meeting new people and enjoying teen soap operas/dramas (like Vampire Diaries)–and of course, she’s madly in love with all things beauty. When she’s not playing around with makeup, you’ll find her with headphones on listening to everything; from classical to rap, pop to heavy metal, and almost everything in between (though she favors rock!).

Sam’s Teen Beauty Must-Haves

Here is a list of my must-have beauty products. I have tried many out there but these are the ones I always reach for in the end. Feel free to comment if you have tried any of these and what you’re experience was like, or if you have any recommendations! Also if you have any questions, I would gladly help as much as I can. Now tell me, what’s on your “must-haves” list?

Makeup

Too Faced Shadow Insurance is my go-to eyeshadow primer. You only need to use a tiny bit for it to perform flawlessly! I’m forewarning you though, this stuff adheres eyeshadow to my lid like a second skin. It lasts on my slightly oily eyelids all day and night with little to no creasing. Even after taking a shower, my eye makeup will still be in almost-perfect condition.

Urban Decay’s Naked Palette is my all-in-one eyeshadow palette. It doesn’t seem to matter what kind of eye makeup look I’m going for, I always use at least one of the shadows. Hustle is my favorite for making my brown eyes pop, and Buck is the perfect color for filling in my brows.

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk is my favorite cream shadow in my collection. It works great as a base to make colors pop even more. And, thanks to Xsparkage, I’m obsessed with using it as a tear duct highlight. My makeup just isn’t complete without using this as a highlighter!

Crown Brush has a 15 Piece Brush Set that comes in a really neat faux crocodile skin case, and include pretty much every brush I will ever need. All the brushes are very soft (I can’t open the case without my cousin rubbing the blush brush all over her face!), and they do their job well. I like to use the foundation brush for applying face masks! I have a few other brushes (mostly Bare Essentials) that I keep in the case and use often. But for the most part, this set can’t be beat!

Make Up Forever’s Aqua Liner in #14 is my favorite liquid eyeliner for my top lash line. The black/brown base doesn’t appear too harsh on my eyes, and the gold and purple micro glitter make my eyes stand out! And I’m in love with the sponge applicator–it’s practically fool-proof!

Jack Black’s Intense Therapy Lip Balm is my favorite lip treatment. I have never tried any lip product that works as well as this. I’m a lip balm junkie and tear through tubes exceptionally fast. I can literally apply this at night with damaged lips, and when I wake up they’re practically healed! The original/mint flavor is great for everyday use, but the lavender/vanilla is my favorite for applying right before bed. Lavender essential oil has some pretty amazing healing power, while inhaling it helps me sleep better. (Is anyone else insomniac?)

Check out hair care, skin care, and fragrance must-haves!

Hair Care

Fortune Cookie Soap Shampoo Bar is amazing! It’s compact and great to travel with, and it lasts forever. If somebody told me I could get two months of use out of this cube, I honestly wouldn’t have believed them. I wash my hair with shampoo every other day and got about thirty washes out of this, give or take a few. All I have to do is get my hair sopping wet, rub the bar directly on my scalp a few times, work it into my hair with my hands, and I have a head full of bubbles! Best part? It’s made with only all-natural ingredients.

WEN Cleansing Conditioner is actually meant to be a shampoo replacement, but I’m a rebel and use shampoo anyway. There isn’t one thing I dislike about this conditioner. I currently use the cucumber/aloe formula, and it makes my hair extremely soft while retaining the natural oils and nutrients that are essential for healthy locks! Tip: the longer you leave this in, the better! Double tip: rinse this out with the water as cold as you can stand–it makes you’re hair so much shinier and gives it an extra boost of softness.

Skincare

Benefit Foamingly Clean is my favorite facial cleanser. I tried a mini sample of it from the introduction kit I purchased at Ulta. The lather is really creamy and rather milky. It made my face feel really fresh and clean, but not stripped. I’m fresh out of it, so it’s something I plan to buy at Sephora’s F&F this year.

Josie Maran Argan Oil has changed my skincare routine completely. I was always guided to use “oil-free” moisturizers, but this works ten times better for my skin! My skin is combination and acne prone. I have dry cheeks, but my T-Zone gets rather oily during the day. I only use three drops for my entire face, and then use the excess for my jawline and neck. I saw in improvement in my acne the next day, and it keeps getting better with use! I’m just terrible with keeping routines. Also, you can use this to moisturize other parts of your body. I use it on my legs immediately after a shower/shaving for that naturally soft feeling.

Homemade Sugar Scrubs are a favorite way to exfoliate my skin. I still haven’t found a store-bought one that delivers any better than one I can make at home. I normally use just plain ol’ sugar mixed with olive oil and honey. Sometimes I’ll add an essential oil for a more pleasant fragrance (I’m not a huge honey fan). I use it in the shower and rub in circular motion until the sugar dissolves, then rinse. Or in the summer, I use ground up coffee beans to give my super light skin a natural tint.

The Bath Chemist Whipped Body Mousse is hands down the best body lotion I have ever used! My skin is sensitive to harsh preservatives. With continued use, parabens seem to inflame a skin condition I have called Tinea Versicolor. But luckily all of The Bath Chemist’s products are made of natural ingredients. The lotion sinks into you’re skin right away and leaves it feeling baby smooth. Sadly, they can’t ship anywhere out of Canada (but they are working very hard on fixing that!). So, for my Canadian friends! If you want to try a new bath and body care company, please give them a go! And I definitely recommend the Island Sorbet fragrance, if you’re a sucker for beachy scents like me.

Fragrance

Avril Lavigne’s Black Star is my must-have perfume! It’s perfect as a daytime fragrance. It’s feminine and a bit hazy without being heavy. I immediately get notes of floral, but then my body chemistry warms up the softer vanilla base. That could be the dark chocolate notes, though. The bottle shape matches perfectly with my room! But the bright pink color eventually faded to a buttery beige with just a hint of the pink remaining.

Sam, 14, Georgia | Sam is 14-years old, lives near Atlanta, Georgia with her mom and two (of three!) older brothers. She was born and raised in Georgia, but her family originally hailed from Illinois. You will find her busy meeting new people and enjoying teen soap operas/dramas (like Vampire Diaries)–and of course, she’s madly in love with all things beauty. When she’s not playing around with makeup, you’ll find her with headphones on listening to everything; from classical to rap, pop to heavy metal, and almost everything in between (though she favors rock!).

Halloween Makeup: Leopard

Halloween Makeup Tutorial:  Leopard

I have a quick Halloween makeup tutorial for you, and I promise it’s easier than it sounds. This was my first time doing Halloween makeup! My cousin, Nicole, was crazy enough to let me experiment with my makeup on her, so she will be modeling for us today.

What You Will Need:

• Your Foundation/Skin Toned Eyeshadow
• Matte Light Brown Eyeshadow (Urban Decay’s Naked, from the Naked Palette)
• Matte Medium Brown Eyeshadow (Buck, also from the Naked Palette)
• Matte Light Taupe Eyeshadow (Velvet Revolver by Too Faced)
• Satin Grey/Brown Eyeshadow (NYX Charcoal Brown)
• Matte Black Eyeshadow (NYX Black)
• Black Eyeliner Pen (NYX Super Skinny Eye Marker)
• Creamy Brown Eyeliner Pencil (NYX Brown Slim Eye Pencil)
• Warm Light Brown Lip Liner (NYX Nutmeg Slim Lip Pencil)
• Beige/Brown Lipstick (NYX Tea Round Lipstick)

These are just the colors that worked for Nicole and her skin tone. You can use whatever works best for you!

Get the step-by-step guide & see more photos! 

Prior to her arrival, Nicole had already applied her concealer and foundation. I focused on the eyes first, but you can apply this in whatever sequence you like. I started off with an eyeshadow base, then applied Naked with a paddle brush. It’s just barely darker than Nicole’s skin tone, so again, use whatever works. After, I simply applied Velvet Revolver in the crease with an angled blending brush, winging the shape out slightly.

For the eyeliner, I first traced the shape with the black eyeshadow and an angled liner brush. At the end of her eye, I followed the curl of her lashes for the wing. In the inner corner, I followed the shape of her tear duct and contour of her nose. Take your time on this part, because the eyeliner makes all the difference! Just to make the lines look sharper, I then went over it with the eyeliner pen. Add a few coats of you’re favorite mascara and the eyes are finished!

For the spots, I mixed Buck and Naked together and applied generously. The larger spots were placed with the angled blending brush, and the smaller spots were placed with a dense smudging brush or pencil brush. On a leopard, the spots normally decrease in size as they reach the center of the face. And they don’t have to be shaped into perfect circles, so don’t worry if they aren’t exactly what you envisioned!

After you’re finished applying the base of the spots and it looks like you have broke out into a terrible rash, you’ll want to trace each spot with the eyeliner pen. Make shapes and Cs around the spots at random–just go with it! It turns out best that way. Once I was finished with the black eyeliner, I found that I wanted more definition. To do this, I used the brown eyeliner pencil and traced areas on both the inside and outside of the black circles.  Next, set it with the shimmery grey/brown eyeshadow. Now you have a leopard print on your face!

For the nose, I went straight across the top and followed the shape of Nicole’s nostrils with the black eyeshadow; have each side of your nose dip down and make a point in the cleft of your upper lip. After, fill in with the eyeliner pen for sharper edges and add some dots along your upper lip for the whisker roots. Lastly, line your lips to make the lip color last longer and apply a nude-ish/brown lipstick.

That completes the leopard look! I hope you enjoyed it and everyone has a safe and fun Halloween!

Halloween Makeup: Leopard

Halloween Makeup: Leopard

Halloween Makeup: Leopard