My Daily Facial Routine...because you asked!

I don't normally do this...but I've had a few questions (and comments) about my skin since I posted my review of LUSH!

To answer question #1...does your profile pic reflect what your skin actually looks like?

Well...here is my bloggy profile picture!

This is a professional head shot and has probably had some PhotoShop touch up!

and...

this is a picture of me as I sit at my desk at this very moment, with my hair up...taken by an iPhone!

I in no way prepared for this photo nor did I touch it up in any way other than cropping!

You will have to tell me what you think the answer to that question is.  

I think for a 34 year old working mother of four...it's pretty healthy skin...but I'm no expert!

I guess a few readers were doubtful of what I actually looked like since I don't post photos of myself often.

To answer question #2...what products do you use, other than LUSH, on a daily basis?

Step 1 ~ Cleanse my face with LUSH 9 to 5!

Step 2 ~ Spritz my face with LUSH Tea Tree Water

Note ~ I buy both of these products in the large bottle.  

The 9 to 5 lasts almost 3 months and the Tea Tree Water lasts a little over 6 months.

When you look at the products like that...they are not that expensive per day.

I apply the Mask of Magnaminty once every two weeks...sometimes once a week depending.

Step 3 ~ Let my face air out a bit...usually only takes a minute to dry.

Step 4 ~ Apply moisturizer. Now, it's good to note that since I started using the 9 to 5 I haven't had to use this on my entire face.  I usually only stipple a little around my eyes.  

 For this, I use Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream.

That is my daily routing in the morning!

Then, if I am going to wear make-up I start with 

MAC Prep + Prime Skin

It not only improves the laydown and application of foundation or powder, but blots way excess oil and evens out skin redness.  I find that my make-up 'stays' longer when I apply this first.

I let this dry and then I apply my foundation

YES, my foundation BEFORE my concealer!

For both the foundation and concealer, I use Revlon ColorStay...both in the color LIGHT

I dab the foundation on my face with my finger and than I lightly spread (in a small circular motion) with the 

190 Foundation Brush by MAC .

I apply the concealer, after my foundation has set for a few seconds, by dabbing it on with my finger and gently blending it in.  I do not apply it to my face with the applicator because it can hold bacteria...YUCK!

I then apply my LOOSE POWDER (by Maybeline) with the 187 Duo Fibre Face Brush by MAC.

This is seriously my all time favorite brush!  It blends SO WELL...and it's super soft!

My favorite eye shadow palette is Too Faced Naked...

I think the name says it all!  I generally go for a very soft, not over-the-top shadowing!
The key to blending, at least I have found, is to use the 217 Blending Brush by MAC
I did go pretty light on the eye make-up today...was running late!

And then on goes my eyeliner and mascara...which honestly is whatever brand is on sale at the moment.
When I want dramatic cat-eyes, which is not often at all, I use the MAC FluidLine.

I then apply a little blush to my cheekbones...but not very much.
I use MAC Powder Blush in Dame.

For my lips, and these is a new fun 'toy' that I have found - thanks to Pinterest...
Magic Tink Tint PIXIGlow

It becomes the perfect pink tint for you

"....The ultra-moisturizing lip balm glides effortlessly onto lips, reacting to your lips' pH level to deliver a perfectly personalized pink tint - customized ethereal lip magic to flawlessly flatter any fairy!..." PIXI Beauty

I rarely need any touch up throughout the day when I use this routine.
The picture above...the one at my desk...was taken after 7.5 hours at work!

Then...for my PM daily ritual!

I follow the same steps as my morning...minus the moisturizer!

To answer question #3...what do you do for nasty blemishes?

Yes, I get blemishes too!  But not nearly as often as I did before I started this regimen.

If I have any blemishes forming I dab a little
Tea Tree Oil by Body Shop onto them and let it dry.

This stuff is fabulous.
Maybe it doesn't smell all that great but that wears off in just a few seconds.
As you can see, I use Tea Tree Oil  A LOT!

BodyEcology says the following regarding Tea Tree Oil...

"Tea tree has so many anti-viral and anti-fungal benefits that the Australian army puts it in soldiers' first aid kits. Now, you can use tea tree oil in a variety of ways, especially to heal your skin.

Tea tree oil can benefit the following skin conditions:¹

• Ring worm and athlete's foot

• Softens corns

• Cuts and scrapes

• Itching of insect bites and chicken pox

• Warts

• Acne

• Dandruff

In fact, tea tree oil may be a better alternative to conventional skin treatments.Tea tree oil is an excellent treatment for acne. One study found tea tree oil to be just as effective as benzoyl peroxide, but without the negative side effects like redness and peeling.² Tea tree oil can also treat minor wounds, encourage healing, and prevent infection, so you may want to add this versatile oil to your own first aid kit!"

I have used it on acne, cuts and scrapes, and insect bites...it relieves the itch like you wouldn't believe!

My 14 year old son uses Pro-Activ...but for those nasty blemishes that still appear, I have him use the oil...the next day...nearly gone!  A few days later...gone!

Hopefully this answers the other questions or has a retort to some comments I have received
{none were mean btw}

My curiosity is spiked now however, and I'm dying to know...

Do you think my skin looks clear?
Do I look 34 years old to you?
Do you think you'll try some of the items I mentioned?

I promise...my feelings won't be hurt {wink, wink}