pregnancy face blunders

pregnancy breakouts by deniselopatka featuring Ylang Ylang

This pregnancy has thrown my face for a loop.  Georgia didn't cause a lot of hormonal breakouts and crazy face time, but baby boy?!  It's in full swing.  I have had to switch up my regime a bit (partly because you can't use salicylic acid during pregnancy) but also my face has just needed a more gentle routine lately.  So below is what I have found that actually works!  All is safe for pregnancy (and after pregnancy and for life because the ingredients are GOOD!  not scary!).  Hope this helps!

Cleanse - Essential Cleanser

I cleanse morning and night with this gentle cleanser.  This is not a change from pre-pregnancy.  This has been my go to cleanser for awhile now.  It's gentle but so effective.

Tone - Treatment Pads & Apple Cider Vinegar

I still love my Enlightening Treatment Pads and I was using them morning and night.  Since pregnancy I have switched to using them just in the morning.  They're great because they help exfoliate a bit (which helps makeup go on smooth) while also working on evening out my skin tone.  At night I have switched to good 'ole Apple Cider Vinegar.  I mix equal parts ACV and water in a jar and use a cotton ball all over my face after I cleanse.  The smell goes away when the toner dries and it has really calmed my face down.  I will stick with this after baby for sure!

Treat - Tea Tree Oil & Belli Spot Treatment

I've always been a fan of Tea Tree to treat my acne and I still use it pregnant.  But I also got a snazzy little bottle of this Belli Spot Treatment and love it too!  I use it if I notice a big under the skin something coming up and tea tree if its just maintenance.

Nourish - Oil

I used the oil before pregnancy too and it is the only one that doesn't cause me to breakout!  It has chamomile which calms my skin and allows me to wake-up with a dewy complexion instead of a red one.  Good stuff.

Deep Clean - Face Mask

I use this mask 2-3 times a week.  I love the ingredients and it helps to keep my breakouts at bay.  It helps exfoliate as well!

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winter skin savers

winter skin savers by deniselopatka featuring a body moisturizer

winter skin savers for your face by deniselopatka featuring Ylang Ylang

Every year as the temperatures drop, my skin has a little bit of a freak out.  I usually have oilier skin but during the colder months I definitely have to moisturize a little extra so my skin doesn't dry out!  That leads me to my skin savers.  Each one of these is in my bathroom and gets plenty use throughout the winter (and some year around!).  The best thing about these effective products?  They are filled with SAFE ingredients – none of those crazy chemicals you can't pronounce.  And that's important to me.  I want Georgia to be able to rummage through mommy's products one day and not worry about the things going onto her skin.  So here are my winter skin savers:

For my body…

Hydrate, Everyday Body Lotion:  I use this stuff morning and night, winter and summer.  It’s just good stuff.  And it’s safe.  Win win.

Lustro Body Oil:  I’m big into oils if ya can’t tell and this stuff is on the top of my list.  You only need a tiny bit and truthfully I use this summer and winter as well.  It gives a nice shine to your legs when you’re in shorts but really nourishes your skin when it needs a little TLC from the sun or the winter cold.  The Rosemary + Citrus Scent is my personal favorite but the Jasmine is also quite dreamy.

Glow Sugar Scrub:  The importance of exfoliating has become so apparent to me in the past few years.  I used to have this negative attitude towards it and didn’t see a point, but once I started actually using a good exfoliator, I saw changes in my skin from head to toe.  This scrub feels and smells divine and helps to scrub away any dead skin or flakiness that comes with the harshness of the weather.  I use it once a week when I take a bath.  I usually soak for a while (it’s also my “me” time) and right before I get out I will rub the scrub all over and gently splash the water to wash it off.  I then follow with the Body Lotion and Body Oil above and my skin couldn’t feel better.

For my face…

Lustro Oil # 3: I love this stuff ya’ll.  I put it on over my night cream as my last step every night (unless I do a spritz or 2 of Rosewater Spray!)  Sometimes I’ll even pat a tiny amount on my cheeks in the AM for a rosy glow under my blush.  #3 is recommended for oily/acne prone skin, but if you want something that targets mature/aging skin Lustro Oil#2 is for you and if you have sensitive skin then Oil #1 is your gal!

Gentle Exfoliator:  Because my skin is a bit drier in the colder months it is even more important that I exfoliate to keep it from looking dull.  I love this exfoliator because it isn't harsh or irritating.  I keep it in my shower and use it 2-3 times a week.

Countertime Cleansing Balm:  This is the most luxurious feelingstuff I own.  I feel like a famous person when I put it on.  I mean, I’m sure Duchess Kate rubs something this fancy all over her face every night right?  Well she should!  Because it is ah-mazing.  I use it in place of my regular cleanser twice a week to give my skin a bit more love.  And once a week after I wash with my regular cleanser, I’ll pat this stuff all over my face and sleep on it.  When I wake up, it's like my skin has a dewy glow.  Even Matt notices!  And he loves the smell.  This stuff is the bee's knees when it comes to anti-aging and moisturizing.  And the best part is that it doesn't clog pores which is a must for little ole me who still gets breakouts every now and then!

Do ya’ll have any beauty favorites for the fall/winter months?

Nightly Beauty Routine

Last week I talked about my morning beauty routines (here and here), but I really believe that nighttime is a great time to take care of your skin and let it rejuvenate from all of the stuff we put it through during the day.  So below is what I use to do just that!

Nightly Beauty Routine by deniselopatka featuring a lip treatment

1. Routine Clean Cream Cleanser or Burt's Bees Acne Solutions - I use one of these (or sometimes I mix them) depending on my skin.  I have acne-prone skin at times so when I'll use the Burt's Bees when that is the case.  But during the winter and when my skin is not having any major breakouts, I like the Routine Cleanser.  Purchase Routine Cleanser HERE.  Purchase Burt's Bees HERE.

2.  Organic Coconut Oil - I use this to take my eye makeup off every night.  It's gentle and doesn't pull my skin which I love.  I also use a clean eyelash brush and brush some on my eyelashes and eyebrows every night.  Purchase HERE.

3. Nelson's Acne Gel - I mentioned earlier that my skin is prone to breakouts at times.  It has gotten much better since I've managed the products I'm using but when I do have a blemish or feel one coming on, I use this gel as a spot treatment.  It usually is gone within a day or two.  Purchase HERE.

4.  Countertime Restorative Night Cream - After cleansing my face and using my spot treatment if I do so that evening, I lather this night cream on my face, neck and chest.  It feels so good and protects my skin against wrinkles!  Purchase HERE.

5.  Countertime Vibrant Eye Perfector - I love this eye cream.  I can really see a different in my crows feet since using it.  I dab this around my eyes every evening.  Purchase HERE.

6.  Lip Conditioner - Everywhere I go, this lip balm usually comes with me.  I put some on before bed every night.  Purchase HERE.

7.  Lustro Oil 3 - After my night cream has set in, I dab some of this face oil over my entire face, neck and chest as well.  I can honestly say this stuff has done great things for my skin.  Oil 3 is for acne prone skin and it has evened my skin tone like whoa!  I'm not gonna lie, face oil was weird for me at first, especially because for the majority of my life I feel like I've been trying to get RID of oil on my face.  But now I know there is a such thing as good oil and this is it.  Purchase HERE.

8.  Rose Water Uplifting Spray - Kind of like the lip balm, this stuff goes everywhere with me too.  I spritz some on right before my head hits my pillow.  Purchase HERE.

What are some of our favorite products at nighttime?  Night creams?

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My Morning Beauty Routine (when staying in!)

Yesterday I shared my morning beauty routine for when I have to be seen in public.  When I don't have to be seen (and sometimes even when I do), I leave the make-up alone and really try and nourish my skin a bit more.  So here is my morning beauty routine for when I'm staying close to home!
**Side note - all of these products can be used under make-up and when I do leave the house, but when I have errands to run I'm usually a chicken with my head cut-off and simply forget!  So I find that it's better if I just try to use them when I can remember at home :) **

My Morning Routine 2 by deniselopatka featuring a lip treatment

1. Every Day Cream Cleanser - I wash with this gentle cleanser every day.  I love it because it's not harsh at all and in the morning you really don't need much when it comes to a cleanser!  Purchase HERE.

2. Countertime Enlightening Treatment Pads - Y'all, I fell in love with these pads.  They leave my skin feeling fresh, clean and I truly believe they have brightened it up a bit too!  I found that you really don't need a full pad, so I cut all my pads in half and swipe a half of a pad over my face and neck.  Purchase HERE. 

3. Radiance Firming Complex - I use this when I'm at home as my antioxidant serum - only it's a bit creamier which I love.  It helps with evening out skin tone and brightening my complexion (which I desperately need because of my former sun exposure!).  Purchase HERE.

4. Vibrant Eye Perfector - This eye cream helps my crows feet like whoa so I dab this on the in morning most days and refresh mid day with this stuff.  Purchase HERE.

5. Lustro Face Oil 3 - I love this stuff.  Some of my friends use this under their makeup but I haven't quite figured how to do that without looking like an oil face.  So I use it every night before bed and every morning when I'm hanging close to the house.  This one is particularly good for people with acne prone skin and/or oily skin.  If you have sensitive skin I recommend this one, and for mature skin I recommend this one.  Purchase HERE.

6. Lip Conditioner - This stuff just feels so good on my lips and leaves them feeling so smooth and soft and luscious (in my opinion!).  Purchase HERE.

7. Rosewater Uplifting Spray - I use this every morning, night and during the day whether I'm at home, out and about or somewhere in between.  I love it.  Purchase HERE.

** Next week, I'll be sharing my nightly routine and Georgia's beauty favorites! **

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Beauty Counter Business Venture and GIVEAWAY

So I have some exciting news friends!  While I have not been as attentive to my beloved blog here, it is for good reason!  I have decided to join the Beauty Counter team and help women and babies get safe, healthy products that actually work into their homes.  These products are amazing y'all and they are safe.  Time after time I have gone to Ulta or Sephora in search of good skincare with safe ingredients and unfortunately, I felt that most of the natural products didn't work.  They didn't clear my skin, they didn't prevent aging and they sure didn't soften my crows feet!  Then I tried Beauty Counter and honestly, I'm in love.  My skin is clearer, more even-toned and brighter.  Matt even noticed something was different!  

They even have a Kid's Collection!  Georgia loves it and I love not worrying about what is going on her precious skin.  Beauty Counter has recently launched their anti-aging line (my new obsession is the Enlightening Treatment Pads) and their face oils are to die for.  Face Oil is something I'm somewhat new to (I've been using oils for about 6 months) and I have really loved the results.  I find that I wake up with plumper, brighter and more even skin.  My personal favorite is the The Lustro Face Oil 3! Beauty Counter is also coming out with a makeup line later this year and I'm not sure how I can wait any longer!

Soooo... to kick-off my Beauty Counter eternal party I'm doing a giveaway!  Enter below to win any product of your choice from the Essentials Collection (my faves are the Rosewater Uplifting Spray and the Gentle Exfoliator Polishing Cream!).  A winner will be drawn in 1 week!  So get to entering!  You can come back each day for a twitter entry!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Beauty Counter Website

** If you have any questions or are interested in sampling any of the products, please email me  at denise.lopatka(at)gmail.com and I would love to help!  **

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