Face Freaks

04/19/2018

Hiya Face Freaks!
Way back in late December before we'd even moved out of our home in Washington DC into temporary lodging in order to relocate to Beijing in January, a beautiful woman named Lindsay, creator of asked me if I'd like to try her facial oil blend, Enlightened. I'm kind of a sucker when beautiful packaging also aligns with gorgeous ingredients and I was thrilled to pull up her INCI list and then wholeheartedly be able to shout back at her, "YES PLEASE!!!"😂 (Ingredients in comments.)
I've been using her blend at night, as an end cap to everything I apply in my evening routines, and even in the cooler month that I was still in America, it shone. But here in the dry, dry lower humidity of Beijing China, it is just simply this: dang splendid. I have skin that errs to being oily so I have to say that its sweet spot for me is in drier locales. As I went back to the States to visit my very suddenly ill father in humid Alabama, it was not as frequently reached for. But if you live in a drier location, need something beautiful to get you through a drier fall and winter, or have drier or more sensitive skin that always needs extra pampering, this blend is superb. And I definitely did use it in humidity when my skin felt off and needed soothing.
There are a slew of fabulous ingredients, but the three big essential oils used to do good here also smell lovely together: frankincense, bergamot, and lavender. Honestly I'm not a huge fan of frankincense, but Lindsay has so well combined this trio that they are neither sharp nor bitter, but soft, soothing, and supportive instead. Her full size of 30 ml's retails at $118 which is on the high end scheme of things, but which is amply conducive to any budget who may have been considering a luxury blend yet found others' $150+ price points a bit hard to swallow.
(Important note in comments below...)

04/07/2018

Hello there lovely Face Freaks. I have been utterly absent since my father was suddenly taken ill last month and then had brain surgery to remove a rapidly growing cancerous tumor. Our family of six rushed to see him, traveling from Beijing to the US, and were able to spend three amazing and precious weeks with him. We got back to China about a week ago and I still feel like my life is on hold a bit. We received the rest of the things we had shipped from America to here, and a few days ago I started fully putting my studio together. I'm looking forward to spending time this next week seeing where my creativity leads. I still have five pictures from my last session in Washington DC, and here is one of them, a that almost without exception is exactly a mimicry of what I've done recently. Almost every item on this table is still a regular player in my routine and I have respect and love for them...for their formulations, textures, scents, and efficacy.
So here goes, notes in comments, since this introduction has been absurdly long. 😆
And for those of you asking, thank you, my father is the dearest, very cheerful, and has just started treatments. None of us know how long we have. But now I have extra reasons to be careful not to let time slip past me. His sacrifices in my life made me who I am, and showed me a glimpse of God's love...such an amazing gift. ❤️

03/06/2018

Hello Face Freaks! I have had a busy week, prepping for a new homeschool curriculum to use with our kids while we're living in Beijing, and just doing life. I got to visit a wonderful flower market and bought some of the most delightful cacti you have ever seen. They'll be in my new pictures very soon.
Today's is from several months ago, and looks quite full, as you can see for yourself. 😆 I started with ' Soothing Milk Facial Cleanser, which I suspect might have been one of my last uses. It is much better decanted into a pump bottle, since it is incredibly runny. It is lovely feeling though, albeit smelling slightly of lactose (sour!). After that I used 's Extreme Glycolic Night pads , and spritzed with 's Serozinc . That was immediately topped with 's Copper Amino Isolate Serum , the first version. I find it so much easier to use less and get better coverage with the serum if I use it over a hydrating toner. Next I used three drips of my favorite mixture of NIOD's MMHC2 and 's SubQ Anti-Age. I started working on my eyes: , NIOD's Fractionated Eye Contour Concentrate on my left eye and Hylamide's SubQ Eyes on my right, and 's Repairwear Laser Focus to top all off. After that went on, and my face was ready for more layers, I used 's Niacinamide and zinc and antioxidant EUK134 with NIOD's Survival0 on top. My skin was feeling off enough to still need a little bit more soothing, so I used ' Rosehip and Hibiscus moisturizer, fairly light yet fluffy, but maybe a tad bit heavier than I prefer for daytime use. I knew I was going to get a bit of sun that day, so I put on La Roche-Posay's Anthelios spf 60 , and also used 's UV Aqua Richard Watery Essence while I was out running errands later in the day. Both of these make my eyes miserable if I get them anywhere close to them, which is sad, but they are otherwise fantastic products. I ended everything with a bit of caring for extremities: Deciem's The Chemistry Brand products: Hand Chemistry and Heel Chemistry.
Cont in comments...

03/01/2018

Hiya all you Face Freaks! As promised, another review of a product I've been using for months and months. ' Soleil Mineral Cooling Water
Link in bio. Enjoy!

02/25/2018

Whats up you, beautiful Face Freaks? Busy here for the Freak family in Beijing. But, I finally received some photography equipment today! Hooray!!!🎉
Today's picture from a is from several months ago now, but is truly one I still use in regular rotation.
I started with the lovely ' , whose sides are really both great. I'm sorry I don't like the packaging, Caroline. Can you forgive me? 😆 I would absolutely buy these separately, and am hoping they may be released that way. A girl can dream! 😍
After the double , I used 's P50W 1970 , then spritzed with glorious and simple rose water. I applied 's Copper Amino Isolate Serum ( ) on top in three thin stripes, massaged it in, barely, and used three drips of my favorite mixture of NIOD's MMHC2 and 's SubQ Anti-Age serums. I moved on to my eyes by streaking my lash lines with , then used NIOD's Fractionated Eye Contour Concentrate on my left eye and Hylamide's SubQ Eyes on my right, followed by 's Repairwear Laser Focus Eye Cream (so good!). Back to my face, I used several last products, but small amounts of them--Hylamide's C25 ethylated vitamin C, with 's Resveratrol and Ferulic Acid 3% mixed on my face, with Survival0 by NIOD, and 's Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule applied and mixed on my face concurrently as well. Lastly I used a little ' Rosehip and Hibiscus moisturizer on top, because I needed a little more cush.
I also used Deciem's The Chemistry Brand products: Hand Chemistry and Heel Chemistry. Hand Chemistry has been amazing here. No joke crazy good. It has made such a difference even this week in helping to keep my hands from cracking and bleeding in the arid air. I have several more product reviews for you Freaks very soon. I hope you have had enormously wonderful weeks! Hugs to you all. ❤️

02/14/2018

Happy Valentine's Day, you practicing Face Freaks! 🌹
I'm amazed by all of the love on my last post and review. Thank you for coming alongside my journey. ❤️
Today's still-life is from several months ago and shows the first evening my face had recovered enough after having a reaction to sweet Josh Rosebrook's products to be able to use an again...albeit half strength (cut with water hence that sexy water bottle 😂).
I started with a single cleanse (no makeup or sunscreen needed that day) using 's . It's just so different from anything else out there. I've heard the smell likened to Marmite, mushroom risotto, and dirt. I think it smells like caramelized carbohydrates, and for me it's really pleasant. Plus, more importantly, it does a terrific job cleaning.
Next, I wet a half of a cotton round with a little bit of water, and then splashed some 1970 W on it. I wasn't ready to see if I was ready for full-strength, and when in doubt, always go for the cautious approach.
Then I spritzed with ' Soleil Mineral water and applied three thin stripes of NIOD's (Copper Amino Isolate Serum) on top, which makes it easier to spread, and firstly balances the pH of the acid toner a bit.
After that, I applied three drips of my half half combo of pre-mixed NIOD MMHC2 and 's SubQ Anti-Age serums. These are so nice together. After Buffet from comes out with added Copper, I think I just might mix it with MMHC2 (after I get to look at ingredients first). That could be a pretty formidable team, and so much cheaper for those of us who stick to a budget. :-)
I was still only using the pictured lackluster , and then used NIOD's Fractionated Eye Contour Concentrate on my left eye and Hylamide's SubQ Eyes on my right, which I'm still needing to release pictures of, results-wise, from my three month trial of using one per eye. Last eye treatment was the lovely by : Repairwear Laser Focus Eye Cream. It's so nice. It's thick. It's great for night time and was just what I was looking for when a friend suggested it to me.

02/08/2018

Hiya, Face Freaks! I've owed you lovely ones soooooooooooo many reviews lately. So. Many. So I'm catching up. And here's the first. Head over to my website www.facefreaks.com (link in bio) to hear my thoughts about Deciem The Abnormal Beauty Company's 's Glycolic Acid 7 % Toning Solution.
Hugs and hope you are all doing well. ❤️

02/05/2018

Hello beautiful Face Freaks! We've finally all felt better as a family but have been so busy catching up on errands and family time, and celebrating our first born daughter's birthday today. I baked a cake, cinnamon monkey bread, and chocolate chip cookies (all from scratch) last night, and we enjoyed eating them today. ❤️
Today's started with 's Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter (I love this for morning single cleanses, and for evening double cleanses. It's a solid workhorse with fantastic texture and a lovely smell!) After cleaning my face, I yet again skipped an due to my face recovering from angry inflammation after using 's beautiful products which simply do not work for my skin. Sometimes trying new things is like this--not everything will be a win, and that's okay. ❤️ I skipped on to 's Serozinc , and applied three thin stripes of 's Copper Amino Isolate Serum ( ) on top. It's much easier to rub CAIS in and use less if it is applied on a moist surface. After that I used my half half mixture of NIOD's MMHC2 and 's
SubQ Anti-Age, which I think I will always love for its viscosity and in between price point. Next I used , then NIOD's FECC on my left eye and Hylamide's SubQ Eyes on my right; I am working on compiling pictures of my face from this and a write up. Lastly, I used 's Repairwear Laser Focus Eye Cream on my eyes. (Love it. Still.) I put NIOD's Survival0 on top of everything on my face, as well as ' Rosehip and Hibiscus moisturizer for some extra cushion and help healing. I slathered on some of Deciem's The Chemistry Brand Hand Chemistry and Heel Chemistry after I was finished with my face.
I hope you have a wonderful day, wherever you amazing Freaks are. Go blow someone away with some love and kindness. We all need it. 💞

01/22/2018

Hello, Face Freaks! Forgive my absence, but with 3/4 of the kiddos sick and myself feeling close to capitulation, I've been quite busy. 😆
Today's is from several weeks ago, and started with a gel I really love the smell and feel of, but which I feel may foam a tad too much to be a foamless cleanser in the spirit of Caroline Hirons' preference. I do think the smell is unique, lifting, and utterly fresh though. I received this sample in an bag last summer, and I've been torn ever since on whether to purchase a regular size of it. After cleansing, I swiped my face with 's Extreme Glycolic Night pads, spritzed with 's Hydra Density Mist, and then immediately applied three thin stripes of NIOD's (Copper Amino Isolate Serum). After that I used three drips of my favorite mixture of NIOD's MMHC2 and Hylamide's SubQ Anti-Age and rubbed it in everywhere, including eyes. I allowed that to dry while I used (cannot recommend this one--honestly pony up the money for 's if you truly struggle with sparse lashes. This particular serum has lost all of my length from using LashBoost last year. (Pictures and an updated review to come.) Next I used NIOD's Fractionated Eye Contour Concentrate on my left eye and Hylamide's SubQ Eyes on my right, and A Perfect World for Eyes to top everything off. Last face serums were 's Niacinamide and zinc, and NIOD's Survival0 with The Ordinary's EUK134 mixed on my face. I put Survival0 on first, because it's thicker, so it stays put better while I quickly put a little dot of EUK134 close to the dots of Survival0 to rub in together. (Mouthful. 😁)
I hope you are all well, had a great start to your week, and are pushing your heart into love and blessing others. It's a hard world out there, Freaks. It needs our love. 💞

01/21/2018

Yet another reason I love this company. Love them. Seriously.

Today is profound. Your love of our passion is doing good for the world. Two years ago, we introduced NIOD ELAN (30%) and Hylamide C25 (25%), both of which contain Ethylated Ascorbic Acid (EAA). EAA is an expensive direct form of Vitamin C and we paid 3,000% higher than Ascorbic Acid (AA) to buy EAA. EAA is far more stable than AA but because of the cost, the retail price of ELAN and C25 have been C$70 / US$70 / AU$105 and C$38 / US$33 / AU$57. Since the launch of The Ordinary last year, your love and support of us has helped us grow and we have now been able to use our strength to negotiate strongly with suppliers. We are now able to buy high amounts of EAA for a much lower price and, as of immediately, have reduced the retail prices of ELAN to C$45 / US$42 / AU$70 and C25 to C$29 / US$27 / AU$43. A subtle point is C25 in C$ and US$ used to cost differently but no longer does. The reason is that C25 used to be sold in pharmacies, unlike ELAN. Pharmacies impose painful margins on brands, making them have to charge higher retail prices or lower their quality to be able to survive. We have removed all of our brands from all North American and European pharmacies starting this year as we will no longer tolerate this unfairness. On a down point, C25 and ELAN continue not to be available in the EU due to regulatory limbo but we have 2 pieces of good news: with the lower EAA cost, we will not only soon offer a 15% EAA formula within The Ordinary, but this formula will also be available in the EU. And here's a peaceful point: if you have bought C25 or ELAN from us in the last 3 months, we will calculate the difference between the price you paid and the new price, multiply this difference by 5 and donate this multiple to feed children who don't have food because all of us have too much food and they need some. Our lovely retailers of ELAN and C25 will update their retail pricing this week as we will begin telling them about this change. This post can be summarized simply: we feel alive again with you and with hungry children as we have said goodbye to much corporate nonsense, all because you have given us the strength to be here. ❤️🐒

01/20/2018

Warmest greetings to you Face Freaks! Here's my from several weeks ago, when it was still Fall. I started with ' absolutely gorgeous Chocolate Orange Cleansing Balm, which I still am completely smitten with. If you're in England in particular, good grief, grab one! It must be removed with a very warm damp washcloth, in the Caroline Hirons' fashion, and it is lush. Even with shipping to the US, it was only $17 after I found a coupon. I think that is perfectly reasonable for such a glorious product. 💞 Anyhow, after that I did a quick second cleanse with 's Toleraine Gentle Hydrating , since I had spf on. Then I used 's P50W 1970 , the slightly gentler sister to her non-W version. I spritzed my face with ' Soleil Mineral water , and immediately applied three thin stripes of NIOD's (Copper Amino Isolate Serum) on top. Then I used my weirdo but effective serum mixture: NIOD's MMHC2 and 's SubQ Anti-Age. I switched over to my eyes and started with (this particular product has done nothing for me, I'm sorry to report), then NIOD's FECC on my left eye and Hylamide's SubQ Eyes on my right, with 's Blue Lotus 4 in 1 Eye Adore Serum over everything. Back to my face, I applied Tretinoin 0.025%, prescription strength , and NIOD's Survival0 over it for blue light protection and antioxidant prowess.
I hope you had a wonderful Friday, and your Saturday is full of blessings and encouragement. Hugs to all you Freaks!

01/19/2018

Hello there, Face Freaks! Today's brought to you by the refreshing loveliness that is Plié by . Then I used simple and affordable Extreme Glycolic Night pads, followed by ' Ginzing with 's (Copper Amino Isolate Serum) to top it off. After that was massaged in, I applied three drips of my half half combo of pre-mixed NIOD MMHC2 and 's SubQ Anti-Age (now that I've finished another bottle of neat MMHC2 and have recently started a new bottle of SubQ, I can say, I REALLY do love the viscosity of them combined more than either by themselves). Afterwards, I attended to my eyes: , NIOD's Fractionated Eye Contour Concentrate on my left eye and Hylamide's SubQ Eyes on my right, and Origins' A Perfect World for Eyes over all. Lastly my treble finishing touches for daytime: 's Niacinamide and zinc, NIOD's Survival0 mixed with EUK134 on my face, plus one last thing...sunscreen since I was going out that day, which happened to be 's Anthelios spf 60, a chemical sunscreen I adore, but have to keep far away from my eyes or else I cry all day. 😆
I didn't get to do my morning routine today until noon, so you know how my day has been! 😂
Hugs all you beautiful Freaks! Make it fabulous! 🤩