Tea Tree Oil: Does it really work?

Lately, my skin has been for lack of a better word: CRAZY. Now, I have never had perfect skin. In fact, after High School I definitely struggled with some major breakouts. I turned to a fad, ProActiv, which actually worked for me. I only used it for about a year or two as I saw it start to put a huge hole in my (okay, my mom's) wallet, as well as when I started to research skincare and kept reading about how things such as this skincare line can strip your skin, and actually lead to more breakouts. So, I stopped. I didn't see a huge change in my skin...until now.

I'm not sure if it's because I turned 25 (hormones?) or if it's the insurmountable amount of stress that I have been under lately, but my skin is angry, angry, angry.

Now, I've heard things about Tea Tree Oil being a great spot treatment, but I've never really given it a shot. However, that is all about to change! I did some grocery shopping earlier today at Trader Joe's (love them), and stumbled upon a little bottle of 100% Tea Tree Oil. Since it is concentrated, they suggest diluting the oil with some water before applying to skin to avoid irritation.

I have a couple of active breakouts (read: volcanoes) on my face which I plan to attack with this bad boy tonight. I will most definitely update on the effectiveness (or lack thereof) of this natural treatment. Till then, anybody have any advice, stories, etc?

Year Hiatus

I can't believe almost an entire year has passed since my last post. So much has changed since then.

In September of 2011, I, along with a couple of friends went to Burning Man. To say it was a life changing experience is putting it mildly. Upon my return, everything changed. Whether I wanted it to or not. One of the biggest changes than came about was having my heart completely and irrevocably shattered. Yes, I know- I sound quite melodramatic, but at the time (and still from time to time...) it felt like the end of the world. In a sense it really was the end of the world. At least it was the end of my world and life with someone who I honestly felt that I could someday marry. The reality of that relationship was that we not only grew apart, but we were never really right to begin with. What I want from a relationship, he could never give me. And what he needed, well...I still don't know what he wanted from me. I don't even think he knows. It has taken me a long time to get to this point, and there are still days that I struggle with it.

Another change which happened exactly 1 week ago is that for the first time in my 25 years on this Earth, I have moved out from under my parents thumb. Not to say that I was ever really under their thumb, but it sounds dramatic and exciting so just go with it. And it really IS exciting. And terrifying. But mostly exciting.

I have moved to Carlsbad, CA (roughly 1 mile from the beach!) and am itching for summer to arrive. While it may sound utterly cliche, I feel like this is only my beginning. I don't know why, but I have an inkling that this summer may be a catalyst to some extraordinary things that are in my future. I just wish I knew what these extraodinary things are.

Natural Disasters

I hate natural disasters, and wish they would go away. However, it never ceases to amaze me the amount of kindness, love, and support that comes out of a tragedy such as this.

Want to help?

Text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 to the Japan and Pacific tsunami relief.

Want updates?

Follow @CNN on Twitter or visit http://www.cnn.com/.

xo

Erno Laszlo: Unlock the beauty of your skin

When it comes to skincare, I am constantly on the lookout for the next big thing to implement into my skincare routine. Unfortunately, I also suffer from combination skin (oily in the T-zone area, but dry patches throughout) that is extremely sensitive so implementing new products into my skincare routine sometimes takes a bit of a leap of faith, and a lot of trust.

Recently, my mom and I went to Neiman Marcus to return a few things, and while browsing I met a makeup artist by the name of Danielle. Besides being beautiful, Danielle was very knowledgeable about various aspects of the beauty world, including skincare. I noticed that her skin was not only smooth and blemish free, but also had an amazing glow that is wanted by so many, but very hard to achieve. After a bit of discussion, I realized that we had used a lot of the same products, had a lot of the same issues, and had a similar skin type. Eager to learn more about how she achieves such radiant skin, I asked her what her go to skincare product was. Her answer was Erno Laszlo’s Sea Mud Soap.

The "Splashing Technique"
Credit: Google Images

I had never heard of Erno Laszlo before, so I decided to do a little research of my own before venturing into a skincare line that may lead me down a path I really didn't want to go down. What I found out was this:

Dr. Erno Laszlo was the first to launch a "dermatologist branch."

He was the first to create personalized skincare rituals, introduce a skincare system for men, formulate sunscreen and products with PH-balance, and even the first to design water-based skincare for oily skin.

Lastly, Erno Laszlo has been around since 1927, and is a revolutionary in the skincare world. One of the best things about their line is that they don’t have a “one size fits all” mentality, but rather acknowledge the fact that everybody’s skin is different and believe in a personal prescription for every skin type.

After doing the proper research, I happily went to Nordstrom located at UTC to see the products for myself and possibly speak with a representative or specialist that could steer me in the right direction. The reps at Nordstrom were more than eager to share their experience with the Erno Laszlo brand, and even gave me an informative booklet on all of the products that are separated in different categories. These categories are: cleansers, toners, moisturizers, anti-aging, eye care, special care, acne, brightening, body care, and finishing. After going through this booklet, I was more than ready to purchase the Sea Mud Soap which goes for $39, but was instead prompted to take home a sample size of the soap to make sure it was exactly what I was looking for. I have been using the sample size of the Sea Mud Soap for a couple of days, and can already notice significant changes in my skin.

If you find that your skincare routine is in a rut, or just feel like implementing a new product into your routine then this skincare line may be just what you're looking for. You can learn more about this and other products by visiting www.ernolaszlo.com, or by speaking with a representative of Erno Laszlo located in Nordstrom at 4545 La Jolla Village Drive San Diego, CA 92122.

Continue reading on Examiner.com: Erno Laszlo: Unlock the beauty of your skin - San Diego Makeup | Examiner.com

Are you hiring?

My first post on this blog (which you can read here), discussed my "interviews blues" and how absolutely frustrated I was by the lack of jobs that are out there. Unfortunately, the blues have creeped up on me again.

I have sent out close to 100 resumes since then with only a handful of callbacks that have led to nothing.

I have tried hard to remain positive about the situation that I (along with countless of people) have found myself in, but a girl can only take so much.

I've also tried hard to outline my skills, and verbalize what I have to offer to a business or individual which has led to me writing and re-writing my resume over 20 times.

Frankly, I'm growing weary of this battle between me and every employer out there. All I have is a less than stellar resume (just being honest), and no face time to prove otherwise. I wish someone would just give me a chance.

Side note: My dream job would be a as a blogger/writer/editor, but I am willing to take anything that comes my way at this point!

xo

Oscars 2011: Best makeup looks

Who else thought the Oscars sucked this year? I'm not blaming anyone, but Anne Hathaway and James Franco looked medicated. Well, at least everyone looked pretty...

Below are my picks for the best makeup looks at last night’s Oscars:

Hailee Steinfeld

True Grit’s 14 year-old breakout star who was nominated in the Best Supporting Actress category looked like a true princess at what was undoubtedly one of the biggest nights of her life. Hailee looked beautiful in her pink princess dress, ballerina hair, and simple makeup. This overall look made a statement, but was 100% age appropriate.

Anne Hathaway

Anne (along with James Franco) may have been a dud as a host, but she shined wonderfully in a red gown which she paired with a simple black wing and a red lip. Anne proves you just can’t go wrong with a classic red lip!

Scarlett Johansson

I was not a huge fan of Scarlett’s dress which did absolutely nothing for her amazing figure, but I did appreciate her pairing a unique orange/brown eyeshadow along with her purple dress. I am usually not a follower of matching your makeup to your wardrobe, so it was nice to see her pair a dramatic smokey eye to offset the color of her dress.

Michelle Williams

Michelle was nominated for Best Actress for her gritty role in Blue Valentine, and kept with the theme by wearing a beautiful blue shadow under her eyes. She kept up with the mod look that she has been seen wearing recently by wearing a white fitted dress, short platinum do, and beautiful vintage inspired earrings. Michelle was definitely channeling Twiggy with this look, and it suits her well!

Mila Kunis

Mila paired her beautiful lavender colored dress with a golden brown eye that made her green eyes pop. She paired this understated eye with a pink pout, and pink cheeks. Her overall look was ethereal, and relaxed.

Mandy Moore

At first glance, I wasn’t sure how I felt about Mandy’s hair and makeup mostly because it seemed to age her. On second look however, I absolutely fell in love with how she let her sparkly dress do most of the work by pinning her hair back, and applying a beautiful orange lip to constrast. Take note: Orange and coral lips will be all the rage this spring.

You can go here to see more trends to expect this spring!

Halle Berry

Seriously, has Halle aged? Halle paired her nude ruffled dress with a brown eye color that picked up the beautiful chocolate hue in her eyes, along with a nude lip, and a rosy cheek. When you look as good as she does, simplicity is key.

What was your favorite (and least favorite) look from last night's Oscars?

Continue reading on Examiner.com: Best Oscar 2011 makeup looks - San Diego Makeup | Examiner.com

Credit: Google Images

Sad movies

I am such a masochist when it comes to watching movies. I either want to laugh until I can't breathe, cry until I can't breathe, or be so scared that I can't bare to look at the screen.

This week I have seen two of the most depressing movies EVER.

First, The Diving Bell and The Butterfly. This movie is based off the french memoir written by Jean-Dominique Bauby. Bauby was Elle magazines editor before suffering a massive stroke that left him in "locked-in syndrome." With the help of a speech therapist, Bauby was able to communicate using only his left eye to pen his memoir. Bauby died just two days after it was released.

Second, The Green Mile. Based off the critically acclaimed novel written by Stephen King. What else is there to say? It's Stephen King. You have been warned.

xo