Chicks, man

As I realized this is probably the first "girly" topic post, I got reminded of Joel McHale of the Soup and thus the title. James is obsessed with that show. All I can say about it is that, dang, Joel is kinda tall.

A while ago I talked about b!tched about my whiteheads problem. I really want to say a huge THANK YOU! to every one who gave me some wonderful suggestions/recommendations. Without your help, I would have stood in the drug store aisle like a deer caught in headlights, seen all 200000000 choices, screamed, and ran out.

Using all your wise runner's advice, I bought a cleanser, and a scrub. I've also been diligent about my skin care (gosh, feel like I'm in high school again), and it's actually working! I thought I'll do a quick run-down of my routine/products I've been using. (click on photo to view larger)
From left to right:
Product: Murad SPF 30 moisturizer
Comments: I got this as a sample at Sephora. I have been applying this every most mornings after washing my face. Since it's summer time in southern CA, the sun is pretty strong. I think wearing SPF daily has helped tremendously in preventing skin blemishes. This moisturizer blends into my face really well, and is non-greasy. It also has no weird smell, which is good. It keeps my face moisturized all day without turning my face into an oil slick. I think its a great moisturizer for everday use. (I use a different product for running/extended periods of outdoor activity) I am almost finished with this tiny sample, so I think I will need to buy another SPF moisturizer. I hope to find a cheap one.

Product: Olay Foaming Face Wash for Sensitive SKin
Comments: I have always had good luck with Olay products. The "pump" style of this face wash makes it convenient to use around the sink. It doesn't dry out my skin at all; which is a problem I find in many other cleansers. The only thing I don't like about this product is that it feels kind of slimy when trying to wash off. I feel like I need to splash my face with water a few extra times to get all soap residue off. But overall, I like this product, and most likely would purchase again.

Product: Neutrogena Acne Stress Control
Comments: Not gonna lie, I chose this product over others at the store because of its packaging. It looked new. It looked powerful. It looked liked it'll sucker punch those white heads. And I think this product actually lives up to its packaging. The scrubs are just the right texture for me; not too big, not too many, and not too coarse. It IS scented, which I don't like, but the smell is actually quite pleasant; it's light and refreshing. I use this product after a sweaty workout, after a long day in the sun, or when I'm feeling extra dirty and grimy. I feel like it "cleans me up". It doesn't dry out my skin, and I think it's good to use this product every other day or so.

Product: Creme de La Mer.
Comments: OMG. Let me just say this is THE BEST PRODUCT IN THE WORLD. Ever.
My mom swears by this stuff, and whenever she buys a jar for herself, she gives me the sample size one (I could never afford it on my own). This stuff is what the gods use I swear. It's thick, luxurious, and leaves your skin as soft and silky as a baby's ass. This stuff is simply ahhhhmazing. I could go on and on about this stuff. I use it about 2-3 times a week at night, before I go to bed. This stuff won't get rid of your acne/whiteheads, but it will make your skin soooooooo soft so that blemishes are less noticeable. If you ever happen to find yourself with extra $$, get this stuff. You will NOT regret it.

Product: Olay Age Defying Night-time Moisturizer
Comments: This is what I use for everyday use. I use it at night when I don't use La Mer, and in the mornings when I know I won't be spending anytime outside (oh the joys of working in a windowless cubicle). It's fine as a daily moisturizer. Nothing too special. Scented, but OK. Not too rich, but soaks into skin nicely, no greasy residue. I don't think it's claim to be "age defying" is true, but I can live with that. It's only like, 9 bucks at Target, so you can't expect too much out of it anyways.

My Routine:

1. Wake up, and wash my face with Olay cleanser. (I used to just wash my face with water. Upgrade!)
2. Apply Murad or Olay moisturizer.
3. Don't apply any foundation/bronzer/blush to face. (I'm only wearing eye make up and lip stick till my face gets better.) Concealer if I have a volcanic eruption.
4. Wear a baseball cap when going on my lunch time walks.
5. Remove make up before exercising.
6. Wash face immediately after exercising, with Olay and/or Neutrogena scrub.
7. Apply La Mer or Olay moisturizer
8. Apply zit cream if necessary.
   

So far, this regimen has been working quite well. I would say that my issues are about 75% resolved. The hardest part for me is remembering to wash my face as soon as I get home from working out, and to wash my face BEFORE as well. But I will continue with this routine since it seems to be working! (It's a HUGE departure from my old routine which consisted of merely water, vaseline, and occasional moisturizer, and occasional make up remover)

As far as workouts go, I went to the gym yesterday and had a good iron pumping session. And it is finally warm and sunny today so I hope to jump into the pool, but we'll see if the weather holds up or not. (keepin' my fingers crossed!) I think this post is long enough already, so I will save my workout description for a later post.

...speaking of the pool and the soup, now I am stuck with the image of Mankini in my mind. I have a feeling he and I are gonna have a long morning battling it out in my head..... haha