My Top 3 Favorite Face Masks - A Review.

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IT'S FRI-YAY! Happy weekend everyone. I mentioned last week that I would post a review about my favorite face masks, and I'm so excited to talk about these because I've been using them for a while now & have been doing wonders for my skin (In addition to some other skin products, and the way I eat too of course). Here we go! 

1. One Love - Brand New Day Scrub & Mask: This scrub is a go-to for when I'm in more of a time crunch but still want to get the benefits of doing a mask and some exfoliation. The packaging gives you directions on how to use it as a mask vs. as a scrub. If using it as a mask, it says to leave it on for 10-15 minutes but I can usually get away with leaving it on for more like 5-10 minutes. In addition, what I like to do is to use it as an exfoliator once I'm washing it off. The "grains" or powder is fine and not abrasive (as with any masks/scrubs - go easy when working it in your skin!) It says it's good for clearing skin up, but for my skin, I know that this by itself will not keep my skin clear. But I would say it is something that can help. I love the packaging too because it gives you a guide on WHAT it's for, WHAT it does WHEN/HOW OFTEN you use it - all of the One Love products have them & it makes things simple and easy! It has a pineapple scent BECAUSE one of it's main ingredients is Pineapple fruit extract. Lastly, this is a kaolin clay-based mask and scrub which helps with pulling out impurities from your skin.
Tip: Mix with Greek Yogurt for a more clarifying mask OR with Raw Honey for a more hydrating mask.
Price: $39
Rate: 7/10 - Good for if you have a more sensitive skin AND occasional breakouts, OR to just maintain your skin.

2. Gressa - Dirty Pretty Things: One of my favorite things about this product is that it combines a power-house of all natural ingredients for a deep clean that my skin really needs. This is also a clay-based mask, but it uses Red Moroccan Rhassoul Clay instead. (TBH: I'm not a clay expert - I just know from reading online articles that Kaolin is better for sensitive skin, whereas Red Clay is stronger in a sense that it's more mineral rich and is able to pull more impurities out of your skin). I will tell you that this mask tingles a little bit (at least for me), but I'm not sure exactly from what Ingredient - I'm guessing the Neem and/or the Cloves. When I use this I tend to keep it on for 25-30 mins, and I do the same as I did when using the mask above - I gently work the product into my skin to get additional exfoliating effects. Price point wise, I think this is a great product that gives you the luxury of all natural ingredients + the benefits that come with it. I also think it will last you a long time since you really should only be using a mask once or twice a week! 
Price: $48
Rate: 9/10 - Good for those who have more pesky/troublesome skin, but make sure to follow up with a good serum and/or moisturizer! Get all the benefits of those minerals ;) Price-point wise, I think this is far superior than anything I would pick out from Sephora.

3. May Lindstrom - The Problem Solver: Alright you guys - now before your jaw drops at the price of this product please hear me out first. This mask if by far the LARGEST size out of the 3 I am writing about. Which means that I've had the same container for about a year and a half or so (that may be past it's "good until" date, but I made sure to store it well & I think it still works!). Anyway, this is my absolute favorite & is something that I will most likely have to wait to purchase again because it is a more expensive product. BUT! It is one of the BEST face masks that I have tried. Seriously - the name says it all. May Lindstrom's products (and I've tried most of her line), are heavenly to say the least, and this is not an exception. The Problem Solver really does solve my skin problems at least. I would say this mask if better for those who, again, have a more problematic skin (as I have - I really have to maintain my skin well to prevent those pesky breakouts). This mask tingles as well, just like the Gressa one, but that to me is just the product working. I would say the ingredients of this and the Gressa mask is somewhat similar (with the Red Rhassoul Clay as the base), but I would say this one has more "premium" ingredients if you will. It also contains cayenne pepper (say what?!) - which is to help get the circulation flowing for your skin. This mask is by far the longest one I keep on my face because its recommended time is 45 mins on. It's truly a ritual when it comes to using his mask - so I highly suggest this when you're having a little R&R and detoxing. If this is out of your price range (as it currently is out of mine :( - I'm going to have to save up for it!) I recommend the Dirty Pretty Things by Gressa which is half the price BUT is still similar. You can check the ingredients on each individual product by clicking on the links so you can compare!
Tips: Use this for when you really want to treat yo'self ;) Also for when you have a big event coming up soon, use this once or twice a week to keep your skin in check. 
Price: at a whopping $90 dollars, this is definitely a luxury pick - BUT I do have to say, it is one of THE BEST if not all time best, face mask that I have used. 
Rate: 9/10 - I would give it a 10/10 except it's not as budget-friendly for me.

Note: So as you noticed, one of the masks I talked about has a DUAL purpose of being a MASK + a SCRUB. So get a 2-in-1 product. Also, I try to use mostly #greenbeauty products (not all - I'm still having a hard time to completely transition to using ALL green products due to $$  and being in medical school). I guess you can say I try to be #greenbeautyish. Lastly, I'm always trying to find the best products for the best price, and I seriously consider skincare products as an investment. I've had acne for a long time and ever since switching over to green beauty products I have noticed a tremendous difference (compared to when I've been advised to take Accutane - I personally did not want to take it, but if that's your jam or if it helped you, more power to you!). 

I hope that this post was helpful! Do you guys want to see more about #greenbeautyish products and reviews? I honestly truly love them! 

xo, Dorothy 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: this post contains some affiliate links. (Read full disclosure here.) Thank you.

Simple & Casual OOTD - and Update for what's to come in 2017.

in ,

Hey everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season & are ready to ring in the New Year. Can you believe it's going to be 2017 in 2 days!? I've been home for Christmas break, spending time with family, friends, and the fiance. It's been a much needed break, lemme tell you. 

As a Christmas gift, my amazing parents upgraded my phone to an iPhone 7+. So naturally my sister and I had to do a little photoshoot, and we got some pictures of a super simple OOTD that I wore on Christmas day. Nothing super fancy, or dressy. With traveling and trying to fit what you can in a luggage that will fit the overhead bins, you gotta pick and choose wisely. I tend to opt for more versatile pieces that can be casual yet still look polished.
(Outfit deets will be down below).

Top: Old Navy
Pants: Old Navy
Bag: Kate Spade
Flats: Lucky Brand
Watch: Nixon 

Shop the look here:

 

Thank you so much for reading! I have some new and fun things planned for the blog and IG (@_dorothyfaye) at the beginning of 2017 so please stay tuned :) 

**The first thing I'd like to announce is I'll be making an email address for Life In The Med Lane blog! That way, you guys can email me with any questions you may have regarding medical school, pre-med, fashion, fitness tips, health tips, suggestions, requests - really anything! It's another way to personally reach out to me in regard to this blog & hopefully to allow me to connect with you all more! Once I make this email address, I will have it on my instagram "@_dorothyfaye" and you can email away! So make sure to follow there to stay up to date. Can't wait to connect with you all! 

xo, Dorothy

 

Keeping It Casual

in ,

If you follow me on Insta (@_dorothyfaye), I told you guys that I would post details to a whole 'nother #ootd. BUT I backed up my phone and deleted all the pictures because it was running low on storage. With that said, all my photos that I planned on posting were gone (sad face). Not to worry though, I'm back home for break so I'll have lots of pictures YAY! 

Here's an alternative Casual #ootd - wear it when you're running errands, going to class, or grabbing a quick cup of coffee or tea with a friend. Whenever, really! 

I love the simplicity of a v-neck tee and a good pair of jeans, plus throw on a cardigan, put on those converse's and cross-body bag - you're good to go! This was my casual look over the weekend, during lunch with my family at an outdoor seafood place by the port.

Never underestimate a casual outfit y'all. 

 

Shop my look below (similar items linked since some items are things I've had for a while). Enjoy!
 

What's your go-to casual look? Let me know in the comments below. 

Don't forget to subscribe so you can stay up to date with all my blog posts! 

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xo, Dorothy

Review: 4 things I look for when buying scrubs, featuring Barco Uniforms

in ,

Happy Friday!

I've teamed up with Barco Uniforms to bring you this review, and today I'm going to tell you the 4 things I look for when buying scrubs. If you're a medical student, you know the amount of time you spend in scrubs and it's a LOT. Sometimes we're not even required to wear scrubs on a certain day and we wear it anyway - amiright? Scrubs become an essential in our wardrobe not just now in medical school, but also later on when we become practicing physicians. And if you are a practicing physician, or any one else in the medical field, just how much time do you spend time in scrubs? 

During my first year in medical school, I have to be honest and say I didn't spend a lot on scrubs and just went for the "okay" ones because I didn't think much of it - "oh it'll just get dirty anyway". Which is TRUE, but I didn't realize that since I'd be wearing them a lot I'm also sacrificing some comfort, and style. And plus, if I'm gonna wear them, might as well look good right? I

So here are my 4 things I look for when I buy scrubs:

  1. Comfort - this is KEY. You want a material that is soft but durable. The scrubs from Barco are just that. The material is stretchy enough, but it still maintains its shape! Material wise, dare I say these feel like workout clothes? Thank you 4-way stretch! These are definitely beyond your typical scrubs because they're made for performance as well, when you're running around to and from work, classes, wherever. 
  2. Style - scrubs can still be stylish - WHAT?! Yes they can. I bought scrub sets that were just plain boxy, and no shape. Barco's scrubs have a great shape and (if you get the right size), they fit well. No more baggy scrubs! 
  3. Pockets - who else stashes everything in their scrub pockets? Just me? Pockets are essential when you've got to stash pens, mini notebooks, phones, stethoscopes, etc. These scrubs have pockets for DAYS. Zip up pockets, side pockets, front pockets, and even a little pocket for your pen on the pants. While on the top you've got double front pockets!
  4. Durable - So, you don't want to keep re-buying scrubs, and neither do it. So these have got to last a while. As I mentioned earlier, the material of these scrubs are like workout clothes where there is stretch and it really is designed for performance. Did I mention the back has vents? So if you start to break a sweat - no biggie. Not only that, but it's moisture wicking and resists wrinkles - I'm sure these can weather any situation.

Lastly, I just want to tell you all something awesome about these scrubs: each piece is made from 5 recycled plastic bottles! Not only are these comfy, stylish, and durable but ALSO eco-friendly. 

What are your favorite scrub brands? And have you tried Barco? Let me know in the comments below! 

xo, Dorothy