Summertime is the best of times and the worst of times for my skin. I like my summer skin because it's not so dry as my wintertime skin. All the humidity in the air seems to do wonders for my dry skin. It's the worst of times because any sun brings on my melasma problems. I also like a bit of tan- I love the golden tan color I get and I feel like I look healthier and thinner. LOL
From what I've found out about melasma- women with olive undertones tend to be more affected by it than other skin tones. It's also known as the "mask of pregnancy" and hormones play a role in this lovely (NOT) mask. I've been battling melasma nearly a decade- knew it was getting bad when my hubby says "Dayna, you need to blend your makeup better" and all I'd had on was a sheer bronzer from Serious Skin Care (B-Bronze) and I knew it wasn't the lack of blending that he was commenting on.
Even though I wear SPF and sun hats and try to hide my face from getting any sun, no matter what my summer face ends up looking like this-- WARNING- they aren't pretty. Here's one that I changed to B & W to really emphasize the mottled look my face turns.
This is the very reason I wear makeup- my mineral foundation doesn't necessarily hide all of the melasma but it does blur it and I think the results are significant.
As you can see, the middle of my face seems to be multiple shades lighter than my body but the darker outer parts are even darker than my tan.
My right side is really the darkest area. As you can see it's nearly all very dark from my hairline and most of cheek.
You'll see around my eyes, middle of forehead and small patch between cheek and chin are much lighter color.
My left side isn't as solid dark color which almost makes it worse look because I often think "what the hell is on my cheek?"
I once read that people don't just judge age by wrinkles- it's actually the evenness of skin that is the more "telling" aspect of age in other's opinion. Sure, if you are wrinkled like a dried apple people are going to guess "old" but more important is not being spotty and uneven (like I am.)
I've pointed out all the trouble areas-- so summertime means wearing makeup when I am out in public because no matter how much SPF I put on, I just can't seem to prevent my mottled mask from appearing.
Big difference with makeup, huh?
In this FOTD I am wearing Tanya foundation with a little Beach Bronzer.
Blush is a brand new pink- no sparkle version of Perfect Pink- I'm calling Sweetheart. It's such a natural looking color on. I've made a lighter version for fairer skin called "Fair Maiden"
Eyes- New eyeshadows too. Limited Edition (misplaced recipe for it- soI've been sending out a freebie with orders recently until it is gone- Kind of sad because it's a neat color- kind of coppery tan but has this neat pink hue.) all over lid below crease. Summer Highlight for brow highlight and inner corner- light tan with glow verse high shimmer. Brazilian Brown over e.l.f. sealer as liner and then smudged on dry on outer corner and lower lash line. (really digging this color too) Full N Soft Mascara (WP)
Brows done with Just Browsing Brown
Lips- Content Mint
Today I should be receiving my order from Avon- I ordered their Anew Clinical Luminosity Pro Brightening Serum since it's supposed to block the melanin production without ingredients like hydroquinone. The reviews I read were quite promising. I also purchased Garnier Skin Brightening Moisturizer but the review on that didn't have much in way of fading sun damage but people did like as a moisturizer. I like that it has SPF 28 in it. It's not as light feeling as the Neutrogena SPF 70 but it also doesn't make me breakout at all. So I'll be testing the Avon product to see how it does. It's not cheap but if it works I will continue to buy it.
The pic with all the arrows cracked me up. Good thing you make your own mmu so you can find the closest shades to remedy the problem. Also LOL re your hubby's subtle hint. :D
Posted by: Fur | 06/30/2010 at 01:08 PM
Dude, mineral foundation really evened out your skin tone. It erased all the arrows!!! LOL
My skin is similar but on my cheeks and eye areas.
I love that coppery/champagne e/s color!
Aren't husbands something? Mine is the same. "Why are your lips all orange? Why are your cheeks so orange? Why do you look like a nurse wearing that?"
Posted by: LT | 06/30/2010 at 03:45 PM
Oh, forgot to mention, if you're looking for a good SPF moisturizer try Cetaphil SPF 50 moisturizer. I'm currently using it and I really like it.
Posted by: LT | 06/30/2010 at 03:47 PM
I am glad I do MMU but wish my skin was just more even. My Avon order arrived on time so I'm going to see if this Anew product really does help out with the problem.
Posted by: Hoozey | 06/30/2010 at 04:22 PM
Don't you hate the melasma? I have very few wrinkles but definitely the spots age me. I feel like Lady MacBeth "Out, out damn spots" LOL.
Sounds like you like "Limited Edition"-- I may have to try and recreate the color because it really is pretty. I hate when I do something STOOOPID like lose/forget to write down the recipes when I'm creating.
Yep, hubbies can be oh so subtle. The kicker is that if I would have said something similar about a problem with his skin he would have been seriously wounded. Sometimes they just don't think. LOL
I've been using a Neutragena SPF in 70 but as you can see, it wasn't enough for a week at the beach even with a sunhat on the whole time. I'll let you know if the Avon Anew stuff works.
Posted by: Hoozey | 06/30/2010 at 04:30 PM
try a ski mask next vacation. :)
re: your hubby would be wounded if you are the one being "insensitive". i mean i don't have a DH, but my dad is totally that way... he thinks it's all funny to humiliate you in front of a ton of people, but if it's the other way round, he would be totally pissed off. stupid men.
Posted by: Fur | 06/30/2010 at 05:50 PM
I also had a bout with uneven skin tone and dark skin pigmentation on a few areas of my face (mostly my upper cheeks). Glycolic peels and Diamond Peels from the dermatologist's office helped improve mine (aside from helping clear up my skin and lessen the oilies). Also there are lots of face creams with skin lightening properties out there. Here in Asia, skin lightening is BIG business although I use them not to make my skin white but to remove the dark spots - which has helped.
Posted by: Nikki | 07/01/2010 at 12:13 AM
This is why I can't live without MMU, Dayna. It really does help to even out your skin tone. MMU also creates a barrier, preventing your skin from free radical damage so even though I hate putting on makeup every time I go through the door, the latter makes me do a quick dusting.
I still think you should continue with the SPF and wear a hat too. Also, you may want to head over to Youtube and look at the reviews for the Avon Retexturizing Peels. Apparently, they are really great at evening out skin imperfections. Another product you may want to take a peek at is the night cream by Herbal Glo. I meant to do a post on it but will give you a quick run down. I've been using this now for some months and to say the least, It's a keeper. I picked it up at my local Health Store. The results are amazing -- softer, younger-looking skin just like the product claims. I can definitely see a difference when I wake up in the morning. My skin looks healthier and less breakouts too. The formula in my opinion isn't greasy whatsoever and It sinks in really fast. It's key ingredients include Rooibos, Shea Butter, CoQ10, Chamomile, Hemp Seed Oil, DMAE, Retinol A, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Aloe Vera & Vitamin C
In the meantime, hang on to your MMU;)
Posted by: Canadian Goddess | 07/01/2010 at 10:02 AM
I'll try the ski mask next vacation. LOL
Yep, DH is kind of like your dad. =D
Posted by: Hoozey | 07/01/2010 at 10:22 AM
I had Dr. offer Rx for hydroquinone but I passed on it because I know it just lightens and really doesn't prevent. This Avon product is supposed to suppress the melanin so I'm going to give it a try. I try to stay out of the sun but it just can't be done 100% and it always comes back.
Posted by: Hoozey | 07/01/2010 at 10:29 AM
I'll be checking into those Avon peels. I got my order yesterday from Avon and the box for the Anew product says that people saw more even tone after just 3 days. I happen to order 2 kinds of lip glosses from them and I am in love. (The one has a brush applicator which I prefer over sponge type.) So maybe I'll get some more and try out that peel. It's not the Avon I remember as a kid. LOL
I totally agree about sticking w/ SPF and sunhat- plus I look totally cute in a hat. LOL Not sure I can find the Herbal Glo around here. We are "the big city" locally but not really that big but maybe I can find online if I don't see the Anew working.
Posted by: Hoozey | 07/01/2010 at 10:49 AM
Yeah, definitely try out what you've received first. Hopefully, you get some amazing results;) 3 days sounds good to me;D
I use to order a lot of their lip glosses and have to say that the quality was always amazing. I also prefer the brush applicator -- gives more control while applying. What colors did you get?
Growing up in South America, hats were a must. I still do love 'em and feel like I look cute in 'em too...LOL Since the summer started, I haven't applied SPF to my body, only face. I'm trying to store as much Vit. D as possible to avoid supplementing during the winter. My body has already taken on a tan and quite honestly I'm liking it since It's beginning to match my darker face.........rofl I wish I was armed with this knowledge when I was younger and then I wouldn't have to deal with a two-toned body, haha
If you want to try the cream and can't find it there, I can always get it for ya. Just let me know.
Do keep us updated on how the Anew works out for ya. Good luck!
Posted by: Canadian Goddess | 07/01/2010 at 11:01 AM
Once again you amazed me, posting photos of your bare face with arrows pointing to the problem spots. And I don't even dare to step out without concealer :)
Limited Edition looks gorgeous, btw!
Posted by: fern8910 | 07/01/2010 at 07:10 PM
You are way braver than me, lol. I use Garden of Wisdom products and love them. I'm much holder than you and don't have the melasma probs, but I do have previous sun damage and her products have definately helped even out my skin tone, that plus MMU.
Posted by: queenie50cat | 07/02/2010 at 02:31 AM
I wore SPF 50 at the beach and wear when I know I'm going to be roasting in the sun (like all day track meets) but like you, I want to get vitamin D and I like being tan. I noticed that a lot of SPF now has Vitamin D in it.
Posted by: Hoozey | 07/02/2010 at 06:02 AM
Showing bare face wasn't nearly as difficult as weight loss before photos. At least with my face, I can hide spots with MMU when I'm out, can't do that with fat. LOL I may have to try to recreate Limited Edition- everyone is loving it, including myself.
Posted by: Hoozey | 07/02/2010 at 06:07 AM
I tried some GoW products for lightening but found I broke out from them. I have this weird theory about plant based oils breaking me out because I've tried red raspberry, squalene, jojoba, etc and seem to break out with all of them. I once saw a commercial for blood type diet and mine was supposed to eat lots of meat- so maybe my skin is also against plants. LOL I don't break out from many chemicals either- like dimethicone and other silicones don't bother me. I'm glad GoW products worked for you, I would have preferred more natural solution to my spots.
Posted by: Hoozey | 07/02/2010 at 06:18 AM
Honestly I think there is a learning curve with most natural or near natural products, so whatever works for you is best.
Posted by: queenie50cat | 07/02/2010 at 10:24 AM
mmu has done a good job for me too, hiding out acne scars and also fresh acne I'm getting. But I think I'm not going as good a job with application as yours. Yours is amazing!
Love the eye shadow too, hoping you can get the recipe back..
Posted by: moonleo | 07/02/2010 at 11:19 PM
I've been using this big buffer brush from MMBB (Lisa) and the grape mist for my foundation application. It sounds like I really need to recreate Limited Edition recipe because it seems like a winner. Silly me for misplacing it. LOL
Posted by: Hoozey | 07/03/2010 at 08:25 AM
I get to wear mineral foundation again now that my skin is not dry and flakey, specifically your foundation in NYL 1. It´s a perfect match for me in the summer.
Start experimenting on trying to recreate the LE e/s. I´d totally buy it from you!
Posted by: MarsG | 07/03/2010 at 12:08 PM
I love seeing the before and after photos. Your mmu makes you look flawless and so natural! :) Man I hear you on these skin issues...I have a similar problem with increasing age spots on both sides of my face and chest area, which actually started developing during my teen years! I do wear sunscreen to protect, but my spots are so dark that they are still very noticeable with makeup. :( Good luck with Anew!
Posted by: girl heart bunny | 07/03/2010 at 02:55 PM
Wow. Thanks for posting the before and after pictures, I believe it's not an easy thing to do! Just curious,do you only get in on your face though?
Hmmm..now that you've pointed out about those with stronger olive undertones are prone to melasma... o_0. Living in this tropical climate with sunshine throughout the year isn't the easiest thing. And it doesn't help that I can't use any sunscreen.
As for your FOTDs, your blush and e/s is gorgeous!! Could you please post some swatches of the new blushes? ;)
Posted by: SueW | 07/04/2010 at 03:17 PM
I hear you on summer skin not being so dry and flakey. = D
Posted by: Hoozey | 07/05/2010 at 06:30 AM
I may be crazy but it does seem like the Anew has been helping lighten up the spots.
Posted by: Hoozey | 07/05/2010 at 06:31 AM