i’m wearing: banana republic dress, jcrew cardigan, spike the punch necklace, target belt, target neon wallet and the nail polish is “play date” by essie.

i wore this a few weeks ago and i just didn’t like my pics for some reason. thank goodness i kept them though because after feeling so horrible the last few days, i’ve barely gotten out of bed let alone taken any pics. and now i am completely broken out to boot! so ladies, i need your help. what is your skincare routine??? i’ve been using proactive forever and it is just not working. i need something that helps acne AND has anti-aging miracle wrinkle remover in it! i’m thinking of going back to the basics with cetaphil and then spending more on moisturizers/wrinkle creams. help!

p.s. don’t forget to enter my $150 cash giveaway courtesy of ebates!

33 Comments ( Reply )

  1. Penny Pincher Fashion
    Mar 28, 2012 @ 4:19 am

    You already know my skincare routine, so I won’t bore you with the details. I’m actually heading to my dermatologist today to talk about these ridiculous lines on my forehead…I’ll let you know what I do!

    Your outfit here is cute…not sure why you didn’t like these pictures? Although I could barely see through my seething jealousy of your Spike the Punch necklace 🙂

  2. Jo-Lynne {Musings of a Housewife}
    Mar 28, 2012 @ 5:47 am

    Loving the pops of neon!! (including the lipstick) 🙂

  3. Lyndzie @ fashionable footprints
    Mar 28, 2012 @ 6:11 am

    I love the colour of this dress with that belt & cardigan! No skincare tips – I struggle with the same issues 🙁

  4. Alysson
    Mar 28, 2012 @ 6:45 am

    ok- so because of my instagram I have so many skin care suggestions. I did switch to cetaphil about a week ago, and I feel my skin IS getting better! The other thing I want to invest in is a clarisonic brush. I had so many suggestions to use the brush with the cetaphil! The other line I heard great things about is Eminence (more pricey..so I’m trying cetaphil first). Eminence has many lines and products so you could mix and match. Now for aging, my mother swears by the Arbonne line. Something you can look into??? I’m trying to go all natural in how I cure my issue because the Dr. just doesn’t seem to help me at all. So a few other natural things to try adding to your diet: Vit E supplement, Vit A (just be careful on the amount..can be toxic if overtaken), alpha lipoic acid cream or pill & collostrum cream. I haven’t tried these creams yet…so maybe if you try- fill me in! Hope some of this helps!!!

    PS feel better!!!!!!!!

    • jennifer
      Mar 28, 2012 @ 7:04 am

      thanks alysson!!! i am going to get cetaphil today! i think kimberly (ppf) also uses arbonne. definitely going to look into it too! i have the clarisonic brush but it is like 5 years old and when i tried to recharge it, it didn’t work anymore! =( i never used it before because my skin wasn’t so bad. hoping i can get a new battery! thanks so much!

      xoxo, jenn

    • Sally
      Mar 29, 2012 @ 10:20 am

      I personally had bad experiences with clarisonic brush and found it to be a waste of money, so I just returned it. I think it’s psychological that because you’re using a tool to clean your skin that it’s cleaning it better, but I honestly found no difference in my skin.

      I did begin using lush skincare products from last October and it really improved my overall skin quality. Also, during my worst breakout times I would get extractions.

  5. Hilary
    Mar 28, 2012 @ 6:49 am

    Mary Kay has a great acne line called Velocity. Everything Mary Kay has can work together, so you can get their Velocity facewash and use their Time Wise anti-aging line with it. Eye creams, serums, microdermabrashion scrubs, the works! Mary Kay has come a long way from their 5 step process. Let me know if you need a hook up (or some samples).

  6. Tristen Eaves
    Mar 28, 2012 @ 7:21 am

    I sent you an email about this last time you posted about being broken out but maybe it came across as spammish 🙂 I’m a mom of 4, who, like you, wanted to stay home with my kiddos. I use (and sell) Rodan+Fields (creators of Proactiv) products and LOVE them. I, like most of us, had the “drawer of dispare” where every skincare product that I have tried goes to die. That drawer is now gone! Regardless of whether you buy them from me or someone else, you really should try the Rodan+Fields Unblemish line. It’s a completely different formulation than Proactiv and it’s geared toward adult acne AND you use it with the Anti-Age line they offer as well and BAM! Blemish free and Wrinkle free. I LOVE it. My sister has had serious acne for years and tried everything. She has used Unblemish for 3 months and gets compliments on her skin for the first time…ever!

    The key to the issue of breakouts is to stop the cycle, get on a multi- med regimen (such as Unblemish) and you will see results.

    Anyway, contact me if you want more info. The best part is everything is guaranteed for 60 days…you don’t love it, you get your $ back. Can’t hurt to try. I’m happy to send samples/info to anyone who wants to try or get more info.

    I know it’s frustrating…good luck with whatever you try 🙂
    Tristen

  7. Tiffany K
    Mar 28, 2012 @ 7:58 am

    I would recommend trying to go to your local Sephora if you have one near you. My sister works there and they have great products and they will find one that works for you. Best of all you can ask for samples to try things out and see if they work for you and then come back and buy the products. When I had this issue the line that worked well for me was Ole Henriksen. Here is the link to purchase the products http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P294401&categoryId=C19971&shouldPaginate=true. Here is the kit for acne http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P258246&categoryId=S15135&shouldPaginate=true. I use these products for just about everything from wrinkle cream to acne creams. Good luck! I would also suggest Clarisonic, which you can find here. http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P307608&categoryId=C151

  8. Kenzi
    Mar 28, 2012 @ 8:17 am

    I love the neon & neutrals. It reminds me of a dress I saw on “Fashion Star” last night. Which I totally would have bought if it hadn’t gone to Saks and costs $300!

    I’ve never used anything like proactive for my skin. I also don’t always wear makeup. Most days I just put on mascara and try to avoid foundation. I’ll actually do my full makeup routine on the weekends or if I’m doing something in the evenings. I feel like the air where I work just makes my face extra – oily so I just go au naturale. I’ll use face wipes throughout the day and use St. Ive’s apricot scrub at home.

    I’ve also seen on Pinterest an Aspirin mask? I reccommended it to my bf because he has similar problems. he uses proactiv but it doesn’t do much for him. I can’t remember the specifics but I’m pretty sure its just crushed up aspirin & water.

  9. bravoerunway
    Mar 28, 2012 @ 8:23 am

    Jenn I know the feeling. Tomorrow Sephora has the VIB 15% off deal and I am going in exactly for the same thing you are looking for. I’m still fighting acne at 31, and all the acne is now at my chin and underneath…this was the reason why I had to turn the first two photos in today’s post into ‘sepia’ you’d see the zits! I tried the juice blemish serum in my birchbox last month but that caused more zits…I’ve tried the clinique on the spot treatment (doesn’t work). I’ve tried the sulfur based treatments…they STINK.

  10. Sophie @TheForge
    Mar 28, 2012 @ 8:23 am

    lovely outfit. the hints of neon are spot on 🙂

  11. MmeMcM
    Mar 28, 2012 @ 8:26 am

    Hi there, first-time poster, long-time lurker, haha.

    I have fair, sensitive, 40-year-old skin. I’ve tried many many products but I have found that even the most natural ones tend to make me break out, dry out my skin, etc. So fun. The best luck I’ve had in recent memory (I’ve been using about two years now) is the Patricia Wexler line. You used to be able to get in in-store at Bath & Body Works but now, alas, it’s only online. And sadly, they have discontinued their sensitive skin moisturizer…which is the bomb. I love love lurve the line’s sensitive skin exfoliating peel (I think that’s what’s it’s called?) and their universal cleanser. Love. LOVE. I don’t sun and drink a lot of water but genetics aren’t on my side (I have my father’s skin, and my grandmother was very wrinkled) so I do what I can to delay the inevitable. Try the line….they often have sample kits on sale.

    • Tristen Eaves
      Mar 29, 2012 @ 11:05 am

      Sensitive skin is so common and frustrating. Check out the Rodan+Fields “Soothe” line if you are interested in a possible alternative to what you are using now. Many people with severely sensitive skin have had great results. There is more info on my website https://tristen.myrandf.com/Shop/Soothe
      Many have been able to “repair” their skin barrier and are able to use our traditional Anti-Age products that they wouldn’t have dare tried before. Lots of great videos and before and after stories too. If you would like more info, please contact me at tristeneaves@gmail.com

  12. Dani M.
    Mar 28, 2012 @ 11:11 am

    Yes! As mentioned above, try Rodan + Fields! I’m new to it (as in, I’ve been using it for a week and a half) and ALREADY see a difference! Here’s a little bit about Unblemish:

    https://www.rodanandfields.com/images/Archives/Audio/FINAL_RF__Unblemish_092809_Grey-MPEG-4_.mov

    You will love it.

    • Tristen Eaves
      Mar 29, 2012 @ 11:07 am

      Agreed! So glad you posted this…since I sell it I feel like it’s hard for people to take my advise as unbiased 😉 It truly is great stuff. Buy it from me, buy it from another consultant…but TRY it! You won’t be disappointed!
      https://tristen.myrandf.com/

  13. Fashion By Alicia
    Mar 28, 2012 @ 12:04 pm

    I am really loving this look and glad you shared them. I have been having major breakout issues since I moved to Dallas. I blame the water. If you find any good products definitely let me know.

  14. Corinne
    Mar 28, 2012 @ 1:29 pm

    Murad, Murad, Murad – I use the acne/clarifying line – clarifying cleanser, gel exfoliant, skin perfecting lotion, toner somtimes. It takes a couple of weeks, but it transformed my skin. Murad also has products you can supplement for anti-aging. Best of luck!

  15. Tara
    Mar 28, 2012 @ 2:18 pm

    Oh your outfit is so cute…especially with that awesome necklace!

  16. Tiffany
    Mar 28, 2012 @ 2:29 pm

    I love your little pops of neon!!

  17. WhatWouldGwynethDo
    Mar 28, 2012 @ 2:33 pm

    I agree — a simple cleanser (I use Philosophy Purity) and moisturizer (I use Aveeno) plus regular exfoliation and a mask or serum for problem areas works for me.

  18. FASHION TALES
    Mar 28, 2012 @ 3:07 pm

    I’ve been travelling for work and although I love it, it has been annoying because skin suffers from being in different locations. I’ve been loving Dead Sea anti-aging cleansing exfoliator, and Perricone cleanser.
    It’s always goo to keep those pics, even when you’re not feeling it. I love that outfit! -xo

  19. Jodi
    Mar 28, 2012 @ 3:09 pm

    Just stumbled across your blog, as I’ve been thinking about subscribing to Birchbox and was looking for reviews. (Your December review came up.)

    Love the outfit, and I wanted to chime in on acne products.

    I recently got a Clarisonic and it’s made a huge difference. Use with your regular cleanser (as long as it doesn’t have sharp exfoliating scrubby things; the rounded beads are OK) and usual skincare routine. Seriously, awesome purchase. I went with the Pro model, which is cheaper than the Plus and has more features. (Pro and Plus have a body brush and body mode, which is great! I use that and Cremo shave cream on my legs and they are silky smooth and satiny, and the shave lasts two to three times as long. If you’re not looking for the body mode, or want to get a “face” brush for your body, go with the cheaper Mia or Mia 2.)

  20. The Fashionable ESQ
    Mar 28, 2012 @ 5:28 pm

    I’ve heard wonders about Murad & I do like their toner quite a bit.
    I alternate between two cleansers, one Neutrogena calming cream cleanser and Philosophy. Philosopy “Purity” is the one I like (Which I just tried to link for you but cannot find it on Sephora? Could they have discontinued this? Crying….)

    For nighttime I use a vitamin serum but sometimes alternate b/w serum and Aveeno redness relief moisturizer.

    xx
    The Fashionable ESQ
    http://www.thefashionableesq.blogspot.com/

  21. Amy
    Mar 28, 2012 @ 5:53 pm

    Love this look, downplayed but the accessories pop! Am wanting that necklace!!

  22. Lauren
    Mar 28, 2012 @ 9:10 pm

    Love this look! I am loving the bright lips and the beautiful Spike the Punch necklace! Those things sell out like mad… The other day I got on a mere 10 minutes after she had restocked and they were already GONE! It was insane.

    The best thing I have found so far for my skin has been a facial lotion called Vanicream. It does WONDERS for my skin keeping it hydrated, which is nice when I have to use any sort of acne treatment as they all tend to dry out my skin. The best acne treatment I’ve ever come across is called Clenia… I think it’s prescription only, but that stuff is seriously a miracle in a bottle for my skin. It’s great!

    Love the dress! Glad you kept the pics! They look great!

    Lauren
    bangbylo.com

  23. Kristen
    Mar 28, 2012 @ 9:44 pm

    I’m totally in the same boat skin-wise, so I’m loving reading all these helpful comments! Thanks for sharing!

    Oh, and your pops of neon are just perfect. I think neon should have made it reappearance from the 80’s much sooner than now…it’s awesome!
    -Kristen
    The Mrs. and The Momma

  24. Simone
    Mar 28, 2012 @ 10:47 pm

    Love this outfit! neutrals and a pop– fabulous!! Hope you are feeling better. Skin issues seem to plague us all. I have been an Olay gal for years (like 20 or so!!) but it doesn’t really seem to be working any longer and have been thihnking about making a switch too! Glad there is all this helful info. One note, I did try Arbonne a while back and it was WAY to rich for my skin! Made things worse. Look into b+b creams. I have been using a Garnier tinted B=B and love it for daytime! Good Luck – and please post your findings!

  25. Sherri @ Design2Shine
    Mar 29, 2012 @ 5:20 am

    Love the outfit! Great neutrals with pops of bright colors.
    My skin care: wash my face daily. and sometimes I sleep in my makeup overnight. Don’t hate. :/ LOL

  26. Tina Bowling
    Mar 29, 2012 @ 3:04 pm

    I saw the neon accessories at Target and just couldn’t decide if I needed anything! Love the clutch you have. I have tried a few things that have worked for me this year for acne (I used proactiv for many years as well): Nelsons Pure & Clear products for daily use and the Kate Somerville Clearing Mask is like a miracle worker for breakouts also. Another great mask is c. Booth Volcanic Mud mask, amazing. As for skincare that’s great for my 37 yr old face: Hydroxatone products worked very well for me recently. Also, I had deep wrinkles on my forehead and Skin2Skin worked wonders for those. I’ve got reviews of all on my blog if you have some time check them out. I love to review skincare if you haven’t guessed!!

  27. kristen
    Mar 29, 2012 @ 7:51 pm

    Wonderbar!!! I’m not even kidding!! If you follow the directions it will change your life.

  28. Alison
    Mar 29, 2012 @ 8:04 pm

    Ok, this is one of my favorite outfits I have seen you wear! The belt and lipstick are to die for! You look so pretty and fresh!

    Alison 🙂

  29. kate
    Apr 25, 2012 @ 8:27 pm

    just found your blog, love it 🙂 i have adult acne as well and feels like i’ve tried everything through the years…the best product i’ve used so far is Benzaclin (it’s prescription though so you’d have to see a dermatologist). i’ve been on it for about 6 years and i don’t really get any small zits anymore…just the occasional cyst type one. also retin-a type products (also prescription) are used for BOTH acne and wrinkles so that might be something to try. good luck! acne is so frustrating! (oh and FYI i don’t think cetaphil is oil free…myself, i just don’t let ANYTHING that’s not oil-free touch my face…)