Carolyn Braden Tries My Konjac Sponge

After reading several reviews, I decided to try using a Konjac sponge to exfoliate and clean my skin. 

I found a good routine using it that has made my skin smooth and clear.

I have super fickle combination skin with large pores on the sides of my nose (thanks mom!) Sometimes it's really dry and other times it looks like I rubbed olive oil all over my face. I think I get pimples by just thinking about them! 

A routine that is working and I hope it continues:

Take off make-up with Gentle Skin Cetaphil. 

Use Angels on Bare Skin (Lush) with my Mia Clarisonic to get the rest of the make-up gunk out of my pores. 

Rub the wet Konjac sponge over my skin for a few minutes. 

Masks I like to use often: Cupcake by Lush and Refining Mask by Proactiv

I use Proactiv Repairing Lotion and the Oil Free lotion. I spot treat with the Refining Mask. 

I use Retin-A to ward off wrinkles and Avon Eye cream at night and Pure Coffee Eye Cream during the day. 

I get facials for a good, deep cleansing about every other month.

Yes, this routine seems like a lot but you know what? It's worth the time. I tried a holistic approach to skin care and my skin denied me the opportunity to continue it. I continue to eat only non- GMO and organic foods. I take non-GMO Zinc, organic multi-vitamins and vitamin D, colloidal silver and drink carrot juice for vitamin A. I also take a shot of chlorophyl every day. These things work to keep my body in shape, my energy levels up and my skin clear. 

Once you find the right routine, I've learned you must stick with it. I am happy to say I think I'll be keeping y Konjac sponge in my cleansing routine. My skin still gets slightly oily and I get some pimples still but sometimes is better than every second of the day!

Carolyn Braden and Her New Year, New Thing: Writing For eHow

My new year, new thing:  I will write more!


I am now a contributing writer for www.ehow.com.


My first article was just published.  You can check it out below by clicking on the link.  It is about how to use my new favorite Lush product, Charlotte Island skin tint.  I blogged about it a couple of weeks ago and I wanted to share the news about how it's a great alternative to self-tanners and tanning in the sun (and in tanning beds).


http://www.ehow.com/how_7713184_use-charlottle-island-skin-tint.html


I plan to write articles about style, fashion, and beauty products, but I also will write about other topics.  I am currently an art educator, so I plan to write articles that inspire people to create art projects and crafts.  Having taught art to elementary and middle school age students, I've figured out very simple and easy ways to break down hard projects.  Going on my 7th year of teaching, I've learned a lot and I am excited to take my knowledge to the next level, which is writing about it.  I write a blog about what is going on in my classroom and about certain art projects called Braden's Art Stars.( http://bradensartstars.blogspot.com/ ) I also contribute my knowledge in the arts on other websites such as www.kinderart.com and SchoolArts Magazine.( http://www.davisart.com/portal/schoolarts/sadefault.aspx ) Now, with www.ehow.com, I'm just adding more to my writing resume.  And this is one step in the direction to keep my new year, new thing resolution!

More Style Tips!

The color red. Not as in politics, but the color red is really standing out to me right now. Red leather jackets will be hot, as in the one similar to Michael Jackson wore in Beat It. I recently found my husbands Michael Jackson jacket he had from a child. Yes, it was the one with the silver detailing and the zippers! It was in my closet, hidden. I pulled it out and wore it to dinner one night. Unfortunately, it started falling apart (kind of dry rotting) towards the end of the dinner. :( No, it wasn't a real leather one. Ah, another fashion hunt is underway. I loved that jacket! Time to find a real leather one.

The Wizard of Oz is big right now too. Ooohh...those ruby slippers. I wanted a pair of ruby slippers so bad as a child!!! I am going to try to get tickets to see Wicked here in Louisville in January 2009. I'd love to hear the untold story of the witches of Oz. I'm going to see Dracula on Friday night. I can't wait! I am thinking about wearing my Pammie Peacock costume. I have to think about whether I want to embarrass my friends and husband or not. :) I love my costume!!

Rose Petal is back! I loved her as a child, and I believe she is going to be big with the children of today.

Roses in general are big right now. Any color is great, but red is always a great color to go with....hence the color red being big right now.

Gunmetal colored nail polish! Wear it now. It's a silvery black color.

Lush is opening at Macy's!!! Their products are the best! Try them, you will fall in love.