Author: kikicarr

HourGlass

A full-coverage, weightless, waterproof. Perfect for under eyes, not too thick and heavy. Blurs. Brightens. Last up to 16 hours.

$36.00

Favorite Stories

About the Author, KiKi Carr

Cosmetic Formulations Chemist
Licensed Aesthetician
Makeup Artist
Educator

Will Vaseline Clog Your Pores?

April 20, 2022July 20, 2023

KIKI CARR

Will Vaseline clog pores? No, Nope, Negative, Nah, NADA!!!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

If you suffer from acne you are probably terrified to use petroleum jelly on your face. Petroleum jelly is thick and viscous! Most people attribute those traits to being pore clogging and assume it will cause break outs. However those are that very traits that actually help with acne.

Vaseline is the most popular brand of petroleum jelly. The house hold name Vaseline is so synonymous with the wonder jelly that many people use the terms interchangeably. However, Vaseline is a brand that sells petroleum jelly.

In fact, Vaseline is the number one selling brand of petroleum jelly. One reason Vaseline is more entrusted is because of the purification process. Vaseline filters its petroleum jelly 3 times, removing impurities and potentially harmful bi-products.

What Causes Acne?

There are three main causes of acne. One cause is genetics. We all have different skin types. Acne prone skin is the oily skin type. Another cause is hormones. When hormones fluctuate most commonly we experience physical changes in our skin and hair. But the number one cause of acne is bacteria.

When there is a build up of oil it causes dead skin to stick to our skin which then creates a blockage in pores where bacteria grows and forms acne.

What is Petroleum Jelly?

White petroleum jelly is a refined and purified product of heavy waxes and oils. It is considered an ointment and is non comedogenic, meaning it does not clog pores. The skin is able to absorb petroleum jelly, pores become clogged by blockages. White Petroleum Jelly surpasses the safety standards set by the FDA for use in food and cosmetics.

Why Does Petroleum Jelly Help with Acne?

Oily skin over produces oil. Instinctively, people strip the oil away which triggers the body to produce more oil. When petroleum jelly is applied to the skin, the body is not prompted to produce more oil.

Petroleum jelly is an emollient. Emollients are skin conditioners. Skin conditioners soothe the skin and are used to soften rough, dry, flaky skin.

Petroleum jelly forms an occlusive layer. Occlusive layers reduce water loss which is essential for acne. More water in the skin brings moisture. Moisture is essential to wound healing and countering the over production of oil. Occlusive layers keeps the skin protected and hydrated longer.

How to Use Petroleum Jelly for Clear Skin

Petroleum jelly should be the last step in a skin care routine. A basic skin care routine is to cleanse, tone, moisturize, and protect. During the day the protection should be a sunblock. At night protecting the skin means locking in moisturizing ingredients. This is especially beneficial when using expensive serums and eye creams.

After the skin has been cleansed and hydrating products applied, place a thin layer of petroleum jelly on the face. Petroleum jelly is a skin protectant helping to keep moisture in and the environment out.

Petroleum jelly is great for locking in moisture and forming a barrier to protect the skin. However clear skin starts with a thorough cleanse. Cleansing the skin is the most important part to keeping it clear. Especially when using an oil. If the skin is not thoroughly cleansed a build of of debris will possibly cause a form of contact dermatitis and certainly clog pores.

SHOP THIS STORY

Vaseline

Skin Protectant

$1.79

View on Target

Favorite Stories

About the Author, KiKi Carr

Cosmetic Formulations Chemist
Licensed Aesthetician
Makeup Artist
Educator

Mothers Day Gift Ideas on Amazon

April 16, 2022May 11, 2022

KiKi Carr

Mother’s Day is around the corner and in the 21st century the streets want to know “what can I get my mom on Amazon!?” I mean Amazon is all of the things darling. Seems like every retailer in the world is on there. Plus, who wants to go to the store when Amazon can deliver moms gift straight to her front door.

Amazon has the best gifts for Mother’s Day. Rather you are shopping for mom or wife all of the top gifts are on Amazon. These Mother’s Day gift ideas were hand picked by me and are not only thoughtful but USEFUL!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

The Spa Lover | For The Mom Who Loves To Relax

PRODESIGN

Long Kimono Robe. Satin Sleepwear.

$38.99

Vanity Planet

Hot and Cold Facial Steamer. Aromatherapy with Smart Technology

$79.99

Lovery

Bath Gift Basket Set. Relaxing at Home Spa Kit.

$37.99

The Fashion Lover | For The Trendy Mom

Tommy Hilfiger

Women’s Quartz Watch with Stainless Steel Strap. Gold.

$125.00

VANESSA ROSELLA

Personalized Gift Monogram Tote

$24.95

The Glam Lover | For The Mom That Still Got It

Dyson

Premium Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer. Limited Edition Gift Set. Fast Drying.

$738.95

Cooluli

Skincare Fridge. Makeup, Cosmetic & Facial Skin Care Products.

$179.99

The Tech Lover | For The Modern Mom

Aigostar Store

12 in 1 Smart WiFi Air Fryer 7.4 QT. Touch Screen, Timer & Temperature Controls, Nonstick Basket.

$98.99

The Fitness Lover | For The Use It Or Lose It Mom

Beats

Studio3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones. Apple W1 Headphone Chip, Class 1 Bluetooth, (Latest Model).

$249.98

Rhswets

Ajustable Wrist and Ankle Weights. 1 Pair (1lb & 2lb) for Women Men, Strength Training Arm Wrist Weights Set.

$49.00

Favorite Stories

About the Author, KiKi Carr

Cosmetic Formulations Chemist
Licensed Aesthetician
Makeup Artist
Educator

Pink & Nude Lipstick for Dark Skin

April 13, 2022August 28, 2022

KiKi Carr

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

I have said it before and I am going to say it again. MAC Cosmetics is my go to for everything because they always have it, whatever the “it” may be. Currently MAC holds a title for the number one lipstick brand in the United States. When combining the many different shades of lip glosses with the various shades of lipsticks, MAC has over 200 lip color choices. With that said, it is a no brainer to shop MAC for the best pink and nude lipsticks for dark skin.

Some of the best pink and nude lipstick shades by MAC Cosmetics for dark skin are; Lady Be Good, Myth, Whirl, Angel, Dangerous Curves, and Spite.

mac cosmetics lipsticks for dark skin pink and nude

Although a few of the mentioned shades are Best Sellers that is not why I am highlighting them. In my opinion those shades can wear them without a liner. Women of color often pair pink and nude lipsticks with a brown liner, however these colors don’t need it. They are beautiful shades on their own.

MAC Cosmetics is iconic in the beauty industry. No makeup lover is without it in her arsenal. Rather a professional makeup artist or beauty enthusiast, MAC has always been and will always be a makeup bag staple.

Lipsticks

Angel

Soft pink. A Lipstick formula with smooth, build-able coverage. High pearl. Semi-lustrous finish.

$19

Myth

Light neutral nude. Creamy. Soft cushiony feel. Medium-to-full coverage. Satin finish. Best Seller.

$19

Whirl

Dirty rose. A creamy rich lipstick. High color payoff. Matte finish. are more important today than ever before. Best Seller.

$19

Glosses

Spite

Muted plum taupe brown. High-gloss, glass-like finish or a subtle sheen. Can be worn on its own, with lip pencil or lipstick. Lasting shine. Pigmented. Very shiny. Contains jojoba oil which helps to soften and condition lips. Best Seller.

$19

Favorite Stories

About the Author, KiKi Carr

Cosmetic Formulations Chemist
Licensed Aesthetician
Makeup Artist
Educator

Glowing Skin Products for Black Skin

April 6, 2022May 27, 2023

KIKI CARR

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

Every summer social media is filled with pictures of women and men sporting the “glowy” look. Well that glow is glass skin. No, they were not born with it and no it isn’t just highlighter. It is likely that during the spring those brilliant babes ditched the winter skin care routine for a spring skin care routine.

Other than increasing your water intake the key to glass skin is exfoliation and hydration. Exfoliation removes dead skin which reveals a brighter complexion and assist with product penetration. Glass skin is recognized by its ultra smooth and dewy finish. Hydration is essential to achieving this look. When the skin is hydrated it is looks smoother, plump, and luminous.

Spring is the perfect time to implement the new! Spring weather is still cool enough to use chemical exfoliates yet warm enough to rock a bronzed complexion. Implementing a new skincare routine during the spring will give your skin enough time to adjust to the weather and product changes.

black woman acne — Click Here for More Info!

Why Is Glass Skin So Popular?

Glass skin is in because looking overly done is CANCELLED! Women want to take care of their skin, and not feel the need to hid behind makeup. We don’t care to look “beat” anymore. Our new goal is for our skin to look bouncy and fresh.

Can Oily Acne Prone Achieve Glass Skin?

Absolutely! Glass skin can be achieved by any skin type. It’s all about having healthy happy skin that looks radiant. Oily skin has a natural dew. By keeping the dead skin away break outs will lessen and your skin will become smoother and clearer over time.

How To Get Glowing Skin

First thing, it ain’t ALL skin. Amazing skin care products are crucial to glowing skin, however the truth is they will only take you so far. Skin is imperfect, naturally. Skin is not all one even tone. The trick to having perfect looking skin is a sheer makeup application.

3 Skin Tips For Glowing Skin

Keep it Light: In the winter it is ok to use thicker heavier cosmetics but for the summer and spring they aren’t necessary. With the increased humidity we can keep it light. The Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Skin Tint will give you the perfect amount of blur for the glass skin look.
Exfoliate: The best way to get glowing is to remove dead skin. Dead skin causes our complexions to look dull. An excellent way to remove dead skin is with an enzyme. The Josie Maran Pineapple Enzyme 2-N-1 Cleanser helps to dissolve dead skin while hydrating and smoothing.
Mind Your Eyes: Spring is the most prevalent allergy season. A common allergy symptom is puffy eyes. Stay ahead of the curve with an eye mask. Swelling can be treated with coolness. The Estee Lauder Eye Mask has a cooling effect that will leave your eyes feeling calmed and soothed. Store in a cosmetic fridge for extra effectiveness.

It takes time to see changes in the skin. Yes, you can absolutely see and feel a difference immediately after a facial, rather the facial was an at home treatment or professionally. However, lasting results are achieved over time and with consistency. Working toward summer skin goals during the spring will amplify results and improve your skins health.

SHOP THIS STORY

Pineapple Cleanser

Daily face wash with pineapple enzymes to help clear and smooth skin.

$28.00

Eaze Drop Skin Tint

Light weight, build-able skin tint that leaves the skin looking smooth and blurred.

$32.00

Eye Treatment Mask

Rejuvenating eye mask for fresh, more rested, luminous youthful look.

$42.00

#FoundItOnAmazon

Cooluli Beauty Skincare Fridge

Premier beauty fridge for skin care storage. Helps to optimize and prolong the shelf life of beauty products.

$179.99

Favorite Stories

About the Author, KiKi Carr

Cosmetic Formulations Chemist
Licensed Aesthetician
Makeup Artist
Educator

3 Tips for Fast Weight Loss

April 2, 2022May 27, 2023

KiKi Carr

I went from an 18 to an 8 without counting calories, measuring food or any of the other common weight loss tactics. I know what you’re thinking, that I must have went super hard in the gym. NOPE! I did one thing, I decided I was going to lose weight. PERIOD! The fastest way to lose weight is to decide you are going to lose weight.

I changed my mindset from giving into my flesh to being in control of me. Self control is the absolute hardest thing in the world to master. I continue to struggle with self control to this very day. And you know what, that is ok. Change and discipline is never “achieved”. It is something we all must work at day in and day out.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

Some of the things I did and DO to help me on my weight loss journey:

Control my portion
- I think we all have been conditioned to finish our plate. We have been trained that not eating everything on our plate is being wasteful. It isn’t lol. We can’t save the world, only ourselves.
Increase my water intake
- Water helps you to feel full for longer, it flushes toxins, and curbs the appetite. In addition women in particular carry a-lot of water weight. Adding more water reduces water weight.
Chose healthier options
- My absolute favorite snack is chips! I love to mix different kinds in a big bowl and go to town! I replaced chips with popcorn and nuts. Sometimes I have veggie straws. But in moderation.

Whenever I want some “candy” I eat a couple of these Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies. These gummies are appetite suppressants.

Deciding to be disciplined is hard. Choosing to be disciplined is hard. Remaining disciplined is hard.

Life is hard. We all suffer. The great thing is we get to choose who and what we are going to suffer for. One secret is when ever I decide to change my body my whole life changes. It seems like God rewards my efforts. I workout 5 days a week, Mon – Fri for 30 mins. I try not to skip because skipping one day often turns into 2 days .. 2 weeks .. 2 months.

Don’t wait until tomorrow, next week, next month or next year to make your health a priority. Click the link to get your beginners weight loss plan and free video on how to keep it off!

SHOP THIS POST

Diet Works ACV Gummies

Helps Bloat
Naturally Alkalizing For Digestive Health
Supports Water Balance And Weight Loss

$8.49

Favorite Stories

About the Author, KiKi Carr

Cosmetic Formulations Chemist
Licensed Aesthetician
Makeup Artist
Educator

Black Skin Care for Acne

March 30, 2022November 12, 2022

KIKI CARR

Have you ever wondered what are the BEST black skin care products for acne? It’s a fair question because the skin is delicate and most acne treatments tend to be very harsh. They are designed to burn the acne or dry it out. Although that can be bad for any skin color, it is especially harmful for black skin. Black skin has melanin and when injured a dark mark known as hyperpigmentation will remain at the site of injury.

Natural Hyperpigmentation Treatments

Therefore, the best black skin care products for acne are MOISTURIZING! Products that moisturize and lock in moisture are the best types of products to treat acne. Acne is a condition in which the skin produces an excess of oil. Introducing products enriched with moisture helps to bring balance to the skin, countering the over production of oil.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

What Is Acne?

Contrary to popular belief acne is not caused by greasy food, dairy, pop, or chocolate. Can those things contribute to the condition? SURE! But those things are certainly not the cause. Acne or P. Acnes is a condition of the skin in which the pores become clogged. Once clogged, bacteria grows causing the surrounding area to become inflamed.

Click Here

Why Do I Have Acne?

Acne is a state or condition of skin. For Example, a rash is not something that is permanent when properly treated. Like a rash, acne is not permanent. Acne is simply the current state or condition the skin is in. Most likely you have acne because of your skin TYPE! There are 3 genetic skin types: normal, dry, and oily. Majority of people with acne have the oily skin type.

What Skin Care Routine is Best for Me?

A good skin care routine for oily acne prone skin should include an amazing cleanser, a toner, a moisturizer, a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF (for the day) and an oil (for the night). This regimen helped me and it is the regimen I recommend for black skin as a black esthetician.

Skin Care Routine for Black Oily Skin

All Natural Black Owned Skincare

Clear Skin Kit

$125.99

Add to cart

Natural Acne Treatment for Black Skin

Product on sale

Lighten Up Soap

$12.99

Add to cart
Clear Skin Kit

$125.99

Add to cart
Balm Boobs

$39.99

Add to cart

#TargetStyle

Cleanser

The Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser contains Hyaluronic Acid, an all natural intensive moisturizing agent. The cleanser is paraben free, dermatologist tested and recommended for oily skin. The Cerave hydrating face cleanser works by optimizing the skin barriers so that it functions efficiently.

Toner

Click Here

Thayers Witch Haze l contains ingredients used for centuries in beauty. Aloe (nicknamed the plant of immortality by the Egyptians) and Witch Hazel. Witch Hazel has been used to treat oily skin for decades. Witch hazel is an all natural pore constrictor. As the pores are constricted oil is reduced.

Serum

Acne is inflammatory and inflammation causes hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C is a skin brightener and lightener. The Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum restores youthful luminosity to skin and brightens uneven skin tone leaving the skin glowing.

Moisturizer

Helps lock in moisture & maintain balance. Tula 24-7 Moisture Hydrating Day & Night Cream calms the look of irritation, helps nourish and firm. This moisturizer contains the ingredient squalane, which minimizes oil by mimicking sebum.

Oil

Sunday Riley Acne Treatment Face Oi l is the best product for anyone looking for a fast acting miracle product. This oil has everything needed to fight acne, clear pores, treat and prevent blackheads as well as fade dark spots. This is literally clear skin in a bottle.

Free VIP Access

Sunscreen

The importance of sunscreen is truly undervalued.Sunscreen is necessary to protect the skin from harmful sun rays and critical in the fading of hyperpigmentation. It is recommended to use a sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30. Black Girl Sunscreen has an SPF of 45, is water resistant and fragrance free.

Consistently stripping the skin of its oil will only cause more to be produced. The key to clearer skin is hydration. Oily skin needs balance. Hydrating products are imperative in an oily skin care regimen.

Click Here

The Luxuries

Face Mask

Face Steamer

SHOP THIS STORY

Favorite Stories

Follow Me on YouTube & Social Media!

About the Author, KiKi Carr

Cosmetic Formulations Chemist
Licensed Aesthetician
Makeup Artist
Educator

Hard Lump Ingrown Hair

March 26, 2022April 21, 2022Leave a comment

KiKi Carr

Ingrown hair vag treatments have taken the internet by storm. Vag facials, or Vajacials, are intimate area treatments performed by a medical Aesthetician. Vajacials treat the pubic area for dark spots, ingrown hairs, and other conditions of the skin.

Besides ingrown hairs Vajacials also treat dry skin, texture, discoloration and more. There are instances in which an ingrown hair will turn into a hard lump under the skin causing a pubic hair infection. Hard lump ingrown hairs are inflamed, painful and should be treated by a professional.

hard lump ingrown hair pubic hair infection

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

What Is An Ingrown Hair?

Cutting hair at the surface of the skin, by razor or a chemical depilatory such as Nair, makes it blunt. Once blunt, the hair is prickly and instead of growing out it stabs into the skin where it becomes trapped. The hair then can not grow out of the follicle as intended. It grows beneath the skin.

Why Do I Have Ingrowns?

Ingrown hairs occur after hair removal. Hair removal requires an aftercare routine. A good routine should consist of an exfoliator to prevent the build up of dead skin.

How Can I Avoid Ingrowns?

It’s best to trim the hair down instead of shave. If you do shave, using an exfoliating soap is an easy and effective way to treat and prevent ingrowns. Waxing can also help with ingrowns. However, you will need to use a product like Tend Skin for aftercare.

If you would like to treat mild ingrown hairs at home click here to learn how.

About the Author, KiKi Carr

Cosmetic Formulations Chemist
Licensed Aesthetician
Makeup Artist
Educator

Does Facial Oils Clog Pores?

March 23, 2022April 21, 2022

KIKI CARR

FACE OILS!!!

With all of the different opinions about face oils I bet you’ve been left wondering does facial oils clog pores?This story is going to debunk a lot of myths and assumptions about applying oil to acne prone skin. Oils act as a protective barrier for the skin. Immediately after applying moisturizing products the environment begins to steal them from your skin. Applying an oil as the last step in your skin care regimen is incredibly beneficial. Face oils are the secret weapon for glowing clear skin.

Facial oils do NOT clog pores. It is logical to assume face oils clog pores. However, they actually do the opposite. Face oils form a barrier for the skin, locking moisture in and keeping debris out. Clogged pores are caused by blockages like dead skin. Unlike obstructions, the skin is able to absorb face oils. Face oils are good for break outs.

Sunday Riley is the facial oil gods! Their face oils are pure and will leave the skin glowing. Sunday Riley’s oils are bountiful with antioxidants, vitamins, and other ingredients that promote healthy skin.

Designer Skin @ Sephora

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

facial oils good for breakouts — **U.F.O. for Oily Acne Prone**

U.F.O.

Clears congested pores; treats and prevents acne and blackheads.
Help purify the skin and supports clarity.
Naturally brighten the appearance of dark spots.

C.E.O. Glow

Promotes even skin tone.
Gives your skin a healthy glow and replenishes its moisture barrier with Omega-6.
Helps seal the skin with a protective barrier to keep it from losing moisture, making the skin soft and supple.

Juno

Helps alleviate dehydration and boost radiance.
Helps to combat the signs of congested skin.
Supports elasticity with beta-carotene. Improves the appearance of the complexion.

Luna

Wonderful for soothing the look of redness.
Plumps fine lines.
Powerful source of ALA, which helps minimize the appearance of lines.

facial oil for acne — Consult Doctor before use if nursing or pregnant.

Although oils are necessary for all skin types, some oils aren’t good facial oils. The skin on the body is thicker. Coco butter and coconut oil are amazing body oils, but these oils will definitely clog pores on the face.

SHOP THIS STORY

Dynamic Duo

LUNA

$55

C.E.O. GLOW

$40

Best Buddies

JUNO

$36

U.F.O.

$40