Why We Love Mario: Results & Other Solutions

Hello again!

Remember when I posted about my breakout the other day? Like I mentioned, I used Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion and I wanted to show you guys the results because it's one thing to try a product, but it's another when it actually WORKS! Here is the Before & After shot:

I added in Mario's Glyconic Toner and Erno Laszlo Sea Mud Soap (as used by the amazing Marilyn Monroe). This Sea Mud Soap has been a favorite of acne sufferers for years! It cleats the skin without over drying which is the Holy Grail for all who suffer. 

My biggest discovery this week (other than Mario Badescu) is the benefit of baking soda in a beauty regimen. Yes, that's right, baking soda! Acne sufferers are encouraged to avoid scrubs because the bacteria in acne can spread, but because of the cleansing properties of baking soda and the refined nature of the product, it is the PERFECT scrub to minimize pore size and accelerate skin healing and renewal. It's also amazing for exfoliating the lips and brushing teeth. Just add water, it's that easy!!

xoxo,

Nat

Why We Love Mario

Hello, hello beautiful readers! 

I can't believe I'm doing this... I can't believe I'm about to post a photo of my cystic hormonal acne.  Today, I put makeup on before I went outside to exercise, yet now I'm uploading a photo of my most recent breakout for all the world to see.  My struggle with cystic acne began around my 24th birthday.  It started with an occasional hormonal breakout in the form of a deep knot (or cyst) which would linger for about two weeks, leaving behind a scar that would usually fade over weeks or months, but not always.  These breakouts became more and more frequent as time progressed, and today - two years later - I suffer with cystic acne on a regular basis (two weeks per month).  

Here is a photo of my most recent breakout:

Even my Mom couldn't believe it when I showed her this picture at Thanksgiving!  

My Dad, who also suffers with the same acne even in his mid 50's, has been using topical antibiotics for nearly half his life to keep these kinds of breakouts at bay.  

In an attempt to use my current struggle to help others, I have given myself a little mission...  I am going to review as many acne products as possible in hopes of giving those who are similarly suffering the best directions from my personal experience and as a makeup artist.  

Here is the first product:  

Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion.  

This is an interesting product.  It contains Isopropyl Alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and calamine lotion.  You are instructed NOT to shake the bottle, even though the ingredients naturally separate and it is compelling to do so... 

Dip a q-tip completely into the bottle and pull it out.  Apply the mixture directly to the cystic breakouts before bed and sleep with the product on the skin. 

Okay- I gave it a shot and I am impressed.  I've used Benzyl Peroxide in the past with little to no results, but I've never actually used Calamine lotion or rubbing alcohol on my skin... Despite my skepticism, this product actually reduced the size and redness of the breakout areas.  

I'm a fan- I give this product a 5 out of 5.  

What products are you guys using to cure your breakouts? We'd love to hear! xoxo!

Real Weddings: Allison & Gunther

Happy Monday, lovelies! 

We have been so lucky to this year to be able to work on the most amazing weddings! This fall has been weekend after weekend of beautiful brides & wedding parties and we are so excited that photos of early fall weddings are starting to pop up! Today, we wanted to share Allison & Gunther's wonderful September nuptials that we were so happy to be apart of for hair and makeup! Photography by Little White Dress Visuals:

We loved doing a simple, yet elegant pulled back hairstyle for Allison that really brought out her personality and also meshed so well with her STUNNING gown!

Thank you so much, Allison & Gunther! We wish you all the happiness in your new journey together!

xoxo!

Introducing: Welsy Mourino

Hello lovely readers! Phew, have we been busy! Fall wedding season is our busiest time of the year so pardon us on the lack of blog posts for everyone! To get back into the game, we wanted to start spotlighting our newest Ave 42 ladies that we have been so lucky to have on our team. We thought it would be fun to get them to take a quick little survey so you can learn their experience in the beauty world and also some fun facts:)

This week, we are introducing the lovely...... Welsy Mourino!

Photo by Katie Stoops Photography

Hometown: Virginia Beach, Va 

Beauty/Biz Expertise: Editorial hair and make overs!

Why you love working at Ave 42: I love the creativity and passion we all bounce off of each other. At Avenue 42 we are truly a team with tons of ideas and we can't wait to share them with the world.  Oh and how can you forget about the chandeliers!!

Current trend you are loving: The slick low ponytail, it fits any personal style.

Current product you are loving: Icon

Product you will always use: Terax's deep conditioner Crema and finishing hairspray. 

Beauty trick that will never go out of style: Doing a roller set!!! Seriously, if you want your style to hold all night or for a couple of days do it and use the right products in your hair.

Guilty pleasure: Eating a box of cream puffs while watching while watching one of these shows:

#1 The Voice, I always cry during the show because the contestants stories. Darn it, they always get me! 

#2 The Vampire Diaries, EYE CANDY!!!! Seriously, have you seen the actors in this show? Sexy SEXY sexy!

#3 Once upon a time, Who doesn't want to live in a fantasy world? I know I do!

#4 Revenge,  I know in a pass life I was a bad ass like Amanda Clark.

#5 Glee, If I could sing...I would never shut up. 

Favorite Date Night spot/activity: One thing I love about Richmond is the restaurant scene, who doesn't love to treat themselves and get waited on? Hmmm...Let see I have a couple... 1) Ballicueax for the nightlife and Sunday brunch and Family style dinner, 2) Selba for their Garden Room, it's romantic but easy, 3) Ipanema, best vegan/vegetarian spot in Richmond, hands down! Very rustic and easy, I love this place <3

Your reason why girls have more fun: My type of girls have more fun because we are open minded and we don't take things too personal. So of course we have more fun, who wouldn't!  

Your favorite style decade and why: I like the decade that we are in now because in this decade you can mash all the decades in one look. The elegances in the 20's -50's and the rebellion in the 60's-90's. This is how I would describe my personal style sweet but rough. 

If you could give any celebrity a makeover, who would it be?: Hmmmm..... Any reality "celebrity", just pick one.

Some work by Welsy for Ave 42: