It's that that time of the week!

Oprah's Ross' Product Pick of the Week!

Welp, I hope you are as excited as this guy!

Here is one of my favorite products that I would like to introduce to you this week:

Clinique Non-Streak Gel Bronzer for Men (and Women too!)

Why it's my favorite:  Okay, so pretty much everybody looks better with a little bit of color, BUT nobody looks good with a little bit of wrinkles! Get the bronzed glow you are looking for without the sun damage with this wash-off gel bronzer by Clinique! Yes, that's right, this stuff gives you believable color that washes off at the end of the day! You won't look orange like the guy above...just saying....

Personally, I NEVER apply this product fully strength, I prefer to mix this product in with my daily moisturizer so it is not too strong. This way, I get that all-over color that is even and natural looking, plus it cuts out an extra step, see me in action here:

If you would like to look into this product a little bit further, check it out below on Amazon.com:

Did I mention that you get 2 oz. of this product and that will last you FOREVER? Hello!?!?! This is a product that you cannot pass up!

I hope you like it!

Ross

Chemical vs. Physical Suncreens

Here's one for ya!

She was obviously more concerned with finding the LARGEST pair of sunglasses she could wear that day...

ANYWAYS... Sunscreen works in one of two ways: Chemical sunscreens are filters. They reduce the amount of destructive UV radiation that gets through to your skin. Chemical sunscreens generally contain chemicals (duh!) that absorb both UVB (remember B = Burning) and UVA (remember A = aging) radiation.

On the other hand, physical sunscreens are sunblocks. As suggested by the name, they provide a physical barrier from UVA and UVB light.

Quick & Dirty BENEFITS of using Sunscreen:

By using a "broad-spectrum" (UVA and UVB blocking) sunscreen daily, you can protect your skin from sun damage and premature aging a.k.a. wrinkles, age spots, and the dreaded leather-like texture that is all too common! There is even evidence that regular use of sunscreen might help repair damage. Awesome!

I have always said to use a daily moisturizer with an SPF (sun protection factor) of AT LEAST 15. However, The American Academy of Dermatology says to select a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. You should also pick a physical block - look on the label for ingredients like zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. However, whether you choose a cream or lotion - or even an oil-free product - is a matter of personal preference!

Here is a video that explains the basics of skin care by Yours Truly.

I hope this clears the air a bit!

Ross

It's Music Monday!

I love dance music and I listen to it ALL the time, but it's not my favorite. In actuality, my favorite music is chill, down tempo, coffeehouse style. An exemplary artist that creates this style of music is Jason Mraz. His music is infused with jazz, soul, and *generally* wholesome, meaningful themes. Listen to the videos below and let me know what you think!

"Dynamo of Volition" from album "We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things"

"Make it Mine" from album "We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things"

"The Remedy" from album "Waiting For My Rocket To Come" -you might recognize this one!

I hope you enjoy these songs as much as I do! Here are the albums on Amazon Music:

Ross

Product Pick of the Week!

These are a few of my favorite thingsssssssssssssssss! 

This is a fun topic! Once per week I will blog about my "Product Pick of the Week" but I'm not designating a day because you know I'm not THAT good! This way I'll always have a topic to blog about in the event that I draw a blank. The products I choose to share with all you wonderful readers will be amongst my favorites, skin care related or not! Of course I will explain why it earns the lofty "Pick of the Week" title and where you can get it (most likely Amazon.com because its the easiest for everyone!). Lets get started!

This week I picked: Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum, Fragrance Free

Guys and Gals, seriously, this stuff is AMAZING! If you have never used a serum before or have no idea what a serum is, here is the low down:

A serum is generally a concentrated moisturizer that targets the anti-aging aspect of skin care. A good serum will have high levels of active antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients, superior moisturizers, and provide skin with a silky-smooth finish.

In my opinion, this serum by Olay hits the nail on the head! I randomly bought it on sale once without even realizing that it had an incredible formulation and an impeccable finish that leaves skin feeling smoother than a baby's bottom!

So what is so good about this product? 
First off, this serum is fragrance free. We know that practically ALL fragrances in skin care products are irritating to the skin. Irritation impairs the healing process and delays collagen production, at all cost, do your best to avoid fragrant skin care products. Keep in mind, this serum is also available WITH fragrance, so if you have a choice be sure to choose the "fragrance free" version.

The serum contains Niacinamide, a vitamin that improves moisture levels in skin and evens out skin tone (reduces acne scars too!). It also contains antioxidants Vitamin E and Green Tea Extract, two amazing ingredients that are excellent for skin!

Finally, this serum is silicone based. Silicone is a silky skin protectant that gives this product its amazing finish. Silicone will fill in pores and fines lines giving your skin an even surface that is perfect for makeup application. Even if you do not apply makeup on top on this product, your skin will appear even, smooth, and wonderful!

I recommend applying this serum onto clean, bare skin, but you can also apply it on top of a moisturizer! Check it out below available in 1.7 oz & 3.4 oz.

I hope you try this one out, I know you will love it!

Ross

What Does Ross Think Of....

ProActiv Solution?

Well....where do I start? I give ProActiv 4 out of 5 stars. Overall, this sentence sums up my thoughts: "ProActiv is effective for controlling (not curing) mild to moderate acne ALTHOUGH it is overpriced, gimicky, and a relatively standard treatment for acne."  I will elaborate on this thought below, so please continue on if you would like more details!

So you have seen the cheesy, overly positive infomercials and honestly, they are just ridiculous. Literally, as I am writing this, a ProActiv commercial comes on and now Justin Beiber is their newest spokesperson! Am I really supposed to believe that Justin Beiber uses this stuff? Not to mention Jessica Simpson, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry, I mean isn't it just OBVIOUS that they use celebrities as sales people? Let's be honest, celebrities get Accutane, that way acne is never a problem...period. More on Accutane later. The fact of the matter is that ProActiv is more about marketing than skin care. Yes, the 3-step system is effective, but truly there isn't anything all that special about it!

The system is based off of Benzoyl Peroxide, a topical antibacterial agent that kills the acne-causing bacteria in the pore. There are many, many products that utilize benzoyl peroxide that are equally as effective, less expensive, and readily available (unlike ProActiv). The system is accessorized by specialty treatments to enhance acne-prone skin such as masks, BHA exfoliants, and oil absorbing items that warrant a try. What ProActiv DOES DO right, is make it easy to follow a decent skin care routine with a step system that is available as a package.

The stand out products by ProActiv include the "Repairing Treatment" (benzoyl peroxide) and "Clarifying Night Cream" (1% BHA) for their superb formulations. Forget their new "Medicated Cleansing Bar", all bar soaps are irritating to skin and this one in particular has a lot of fragrance that just adds to the problem!

Basically, if you do not have the desire to seek out well-formulated acne treatments on your own, ProActiv is a quick and easy solution. Otherwise, if you want to save some money, try creating your own skin care regimen by mixing and matching products from multiple brands! Checkout my videos on YouTube for information on other, very effective products!

Ross

Music Monday! Hey!

Oh yeahhhh, it's time to DANCE! Here is a track titled "Round and Round" by Mischa Daniels. Based out of Amsterdam, Mischa creates dance/house/electro music that puts me in the mood to groooove! I hope this gets your blood pumping!

Ross

Happy Hump Day!

Hump day is a Bi*ch! Actually, Monday is pretty sucky, but when Wednesday rolls around, and you realize you still have a WHOLE half-week to go, the feeling is pretty disheartening.  So, in celebration of hump day, here is a video that will surely brighten your day! (at the expense of this funny, little girl....I'm sure she's okay with it by now...)

OMG....I die EVERYTIME!  LOL

Happy Hump Day! Have a good one!

Ross

P.S. - This is the original video from her channel, TheChanningShow, just to give her proper credit since you know, I'm a YouTuber too!

DIY: Make Your Own Facial Toner!

Do you use a toner in your skin care routine? If not, here is a creative and cost-effective way to try it out!

A toner is a water-based liquid that will help remove the last traces of dirt & makeup and infuse skin with beneficial ingredients that help repair, replenish, and brighten. Apply toner to clean skin with a cotton ball or cotton round, and allow the solution to absorb. You can follow-up with a moisturizer to help minimize water loss and provide more vitamins and skin-identical ingredients. All these ingredients like antioxidants will enhance the repair process and reduce inflammation to promote healthier skin! Follow the directions below and make your own toner!

You Need:

• French Press
• 2 Cups Distilled Water
• 10 tsp. Chopped Green Tea and/or White Tea Leaves (loose leaves are best!)
• 1 Tbsp. Pure Aloe Vera Gel
• 6 Drops Rose Hip Oil
• 2 Vitamin C capsules
• Small (clean!) Spray Bottle (if its new, most likely its clean as can be!)

Instructions:

1. Place chopped green tea and/or white tea leaves in a french press. If you do not own a french press, I suggest you buy one.   ...LOL, just kidding, you can always boil the leaves in a small pot and use cheese cloth to drain, but really, a french press makes the most amazing coffee!
2. Boil distilled water in a separate pot. Once the distilled water reaches a rolling boil, pour it over the herbs.
3. Stir the mixture, cap the french press, and let steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Plunge and allow the solution to cool to room temperature.
4. Pour aloe vera gel, vitamin E capsule contents, and rose hip oil into your clean spray bottle. Fill spray bottle with contents of the french press and shake well! Shake it baby! Shake it!
5. Spray the toner directly on clean, dry skin. Allow it to dry on its own, or apply a moisturizer while it is still damp to really lock in the moisture! Use it whenever you need a little pick me up for an energizing boost.
6. Store your new, homemade toner in the refrigerator. Remember it doesn't contain any preservatives like alcohol or parabens, so it won't last forever! It's hard to put an exact expiration date on it, but I would say no longer than 1.5 - 2 months. Regardless, spraying this cool toner on your face will not only be refreshing, but will shrink pores and be amazing for your skin!

Oh yeah, this toner is best applied at night, vitamin C doesn't stand up well to sunlight! But if you do use it in the morning, a moisturizer with SPF of 15+ should help. I mean, you ARE already using a daily moisturizer with SPF 15+ because I taught you that....right?!?!

Enjoy!

Ross

Music Monday!

Music makes me happy. I am not a musician, but I do believe in the power of music in that it can be inspirational, therapeutic, and even life changing. Every Monday, I will be sharing some of my favorite artists, individual tracks, and/or music videos that I love. You will notice that my taste in music varies from dance to alternative within the realm of "Popular" music. So, without further ado, here is my first "Music Monday" post!

I could listen to Florence + The Machine all day, everyday. Her music is artful, uplifting, and incredibly unique. Here are a few of my favorites that I would like to share.

 "Shake It Out" from album "Ceremonials"

"Between Two Lungs" (live) from album "Lungs"

Just amazing, her music is the best whether I am studying, cleaning, or for background music while friends are over. If you are interested, her are the albums on Amazon Music.

Ross

LUV this moisturizer!

Of course I am always keeping an eye out for new products that are worthy of the @SkinCareWhiz seal of approval...JK... Anyways, I happened to come across a moisturizer that will forever be a part on my skin care routine! Actually, I don't know how I lived without it previously!

CeraVe has a line of outstanding moisturizers but their CeraVe Moisturizing Facial Lotion PM is literally amazing! During the night your skin (and entire body) goes into recovery and healing mode, that's why using a well-formulated moisturizer at night is SO important! A good moisturizer will aid in the recovery process and promote clearer, brighter, healthier skin. Not only does this facial lotion have a light texture that absorbs quickly, it contains niacinamide (Vitamin B3) which is a cell-communicating ingredient that enhances skins barrier function, improve elasticity, and help even skin tone, INCLUDING ACNE SCARS! It also contains hyaluronic acid, a skin-identical ingredient that boosts skins moisture content.

Did I forget to mention that it only costs $11.49 on Amazon? Whats not to LUV? Check it out!

The AM version also contains niacinamide, but has SPF 30! The only place both lotions are lacking is in the antioxidant department, but for the price, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better product!

Ross