This topic has been a long time coming. I am not a dermatologist, but a lot of my clients ask me about skincare and how I take care of my skin. I also get questions about product recommendations and what products I think will work on them and tips I can provide to improve skin texture and breakouts. In this entry, I will talk about what I have done personally, rather than generalize about skincare, because everyone’s skin is different.

A younger me...fixing my hair and thinking about my skincare and the upcoming makeup look for the day

When it comes to my skincare regime, one thing that has worked for me is patience and consistency. Once I find a product that works for my face, I stick with it (until something comes up that gives me a reason to change). For me, the trial period is the most frustrating part of the process. But patience is a virtue when it comes to skincare. During my trial period (which lasted for yearsssssssssssss), I figured out the products that matched my skin needs. Once I found the magic combination, I just knew. My skin was glowing and I started to receive compliments from people around me, because they too noticed the change in my skin.

Now… somewhere along the line, when I would notice my skin didn’t feel or look that great anymore… i would reevaluate the products I had been using and would find a new routine.

My skincare story:

When I was about 15 years old, I started noticing changes in my skin. I wasn’t really prone to acne, but once in a while I would get really painful pimples. I tried different products including drugstore brands, like Noxema, Clean and Clear, etc. But as I got older, my skin would go through periods where it was either really oily or it would dry up like crazy. I started using Proactive when I was in College but it didn’t really work that well for me. 

Fast forward some years, I now have a skin regime that I love. Over the years, my skin has been consistent and I don’t see a lot of change. I can now describe my skin as oily and with occasional pimples (few and far between, knock on wood)

My updated skin care regime is below:

1) I use Mary Kay 3 in 1 cleanser for combination to oily skin: I love this cleanser because not only is it great for oily skin and it also serves as my cleanser, my exfoliator and my skin fresher. I also use the Clarisonic two to three times a week. I find this helps to maintain an even completion and helps to keep my skin smooth. I also love how it opens up my pores, getting my skin ready for moisturization.

Cleanser

2) I use Mary Kay Blemish Control Toner after I am done cleansing my face.  This toner helps to remove excess oil and reduce blackheads and acne, while preventing new pimples from forming.

Toner

3) To moisturize my face, I currently use MAC Complete Comfort Cream, which launched back in December 2010. I love this product because it totally absorbs into my skin without leaving me feeling oily. In the middle of the summer or when I am in Nigeria, I use an oil control moisturizer, like MAC oil control lotion or Mary Kay Oil control lotion. I also use an eye cream as needed at this point.

Complete Comfort Cream

4) After I am done with cleansing, toning and moisturizing, I prep my skin for makeup.  I use MAC Prep + Prime Skin Refined Zone Treatment, around my T-zone and my upper cheeks, pretty much the areas where I tend to be the oiliest at the end of the day.  This helps to reduce control oil and shine and mattify my skin and prepares my skin for foundation.  I have found that some primers leave my skin feeling clammy, but this primer does not do this. If I plan on staying outdoors for an extended period, I use MAC Face Protection Visage with SPF 50 as my primer. FYI: I also have SPF in my foundation.

Skin Refined Zone Treatment

5) Last but not least, when I do have breakouts I put Mario Badescu drying lotion on the surface of the pimple and it really does dry it out while I sleep.

Below are some skincare tips I have shared in the past, but I really do live by these tips, so here goes, maybe it will help someone out there:

1) Washing your face every night is essential (or use makeup wipes to take off your makeup. I love the MAC Wipes).
2) Make sure you change your pillowcase often. You will notice that if you sleep on the same side of your face for a while, sometimes pimples will occur on the areas that make contact with the pillow.  So to prevent the pimples from forming, change your pillowcase and switch up the side you lay your head.
3) When washing your face, do it twice. I think that is a good habit to develop. When you wash your face the first time with a cleanser, you are taking off any impurities and bacteria buildup. The second time around, you are cleansing your face to remove any oils from your face. Oil can be resistant. Think about when you hand wash your dirty, oily dishes, most times you have to wash it a couple of times, to get it completely clean. The same goes for your face. Twice is perfect, as you do not want to dry out the essential nutrients in your skin.
4) Whatever you do to you face, you should do to your neck. This includes washing your face and neck, moisturizing your face and neck, SPF on your face and neck, etc.
5) Sunscreen is a most for all skin types and complexions. You will reap the benefits as your skin ages.

6) Treat the area around your eyes like you would a baby. Be nice and use an eye cream, it’s never too early to get your eye game on point. Prevention is Key! lol

Please share any skincare tips you might have.

Thots,

Tiwa

Sephora

Thots,

Tiwa

It’s been over a year since I last shared some of my favorite beauty items. Since then some items have changed and some have remained the same:

1. I still use MAC Paint in Bamboom as an eye primer, but lately I have been grabbing for my Urban Decay Primer Potion in Eden. I love the finish of the primer and the opaque coverage which really makes my eye shadow pop.
   

   Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Eden

2. I can’t live without my MAC  Spiked eyebrow pencil.
3. Can’t get enough of my Cover Girl Queen Natural Hues Minerals Bronzer in Ebony Bronze. I use it to contour my cheeks and temple area, but sometimes I use it as a eye crease color as well. This is a great all over bronzer for women of color.
   

   CoverGirl Queen Collection Natural Hue Minerals Bronzer in Ebony Bronze

    

4. MAC Pro longwear foundation in NC 50. I love it!
   

   Pro Longwear Foundation

5. MAC Studio Finish Concealer w/ SPF 35 in NC 50
6. Haute & Naughty Lash Mascara is theBOMB.com.  It really works for my unruly lashes and helps to define them perfectly.
   

   Haute & Naughty Lash

7. Styli-Style 24-Hour Power Line & Seal 24-Eyes…I love how long it stays in my waterline without smudging or running. I use the pencil in carbon black and I pick them up at my local CVS store.
   

   Styli-Style Line and Seal Eyeliner in Carbon Black

    

8. For eyeshadows; MAC Bitter, Fig 1, Jest and Girlie are some of my favorite eyeshadows of the moment.
9. For lipglosses; I can’t commit to any one color…or brand.  But right now, I am really feeling MAC Flusterose Lustreglass. I am also loving, NYX slim lip pencils. There are so many great colors to choose from.
   

   NYX Slim Lip Pencils

    

10. My friend, Onada told me about the Clarisonic Cleansing System in 2009 and I knew I wanted to try it out, but I kinda procrastinated about it until last year. It is by far the best skincare tool for exfoliation and improving the texture of one’s skin. There are reviews everywhere, so I won’t duplicate efforts, but trust me once you try it you will know what I mean. The Nordstrom Exclusive packages are still available online. The exclusive package is valued at $315  but you get it for $225. The package includes extra brush heads, cleansers and a cute pink travel bag.
    
    

    Clarisonic Cleansing System

What beauty items can’t you live without?

Thots,

Tiwa

There is no point talking about how great Chris Brown’s performance was or how passionately Adele sang at the show last night, because Beyonce stole the show. In retrospect, her baby glow was evident throughout her performance of  “Love on top”. Congrats to her and Jay-Z!!!

I love her makeup, especially the subtle coral lips which complimented her dress perfectly.

Beyonce at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards. I love how her skin glows in this image. Totally flawless!!!

Beyonce....How cute!

Images from here

Any thoughts on last night’s show?

Tiwa

Below is an image from her photoshoot. Makeup by Tiwa Lawrence; Musical talent by Christal Reynolds

Christal Reynolds, Contemporary Gospel Vocalist

(Image provided by Artist)

Tiwa

Models: Justice and Morgan, Stylist: Adeola Ashiru, Makeup: Tiwa Lawrence

Bite This Style

Behind the Scenes

Behind the Scenes

Thots, 

Tiwa

Photography by Ed Frazier; Modeled by Carsa; Makeup by Tiwa Lawrence

Carsa as Bettie Page

Carsa as Bettie Page

Carsa as Bettie Page

Thots,

Tiwa

I accidentally found myself watching the 2011 ESPY Awards a few hours ago. But I am happy I did, because I am truly inspired by the man who won the Arthur Ashe Courage Award, Dewey Bozella. His story of how the prison boxing program taught him never to give up, re-energized me. Against all odds, his murder conviction was overturned and he was set free after 26 years of imprisonment. No matter the odds against us and no matter what we think about ourselves and our abilities….we can do anything we put our minds to.

But you guys know me, I couldn’t help but share my favorite looks of the night

Kerry Washington. She was my favorite of the night...she looked amazing from head to toe. The silver/ gunmetal eyeshadow was the biz.

Emmanuelle Chriqui...cute look.

Serena William....She looked great!!!

I also loved her makeup look. Kudos to her Makeup Artist!

Images from Here and Here

Thots,

Tiwa

I really enjoyed watching the 2011 BET Awards last night. The host, Kevin Hart, was too funny. It kinda hurt laughing so hard. The “Real Husbands of Hollywood” parody sketch were simply hilarious. I also watched the pre-award show and it was nice seeing the all the Nominees for Best International Act (Africa). But I was even more excited that 2Face Idibia and D’ Banj were the big winners of that category. The highlight of the show for me, were the performances by Chris Brown, Kelly Rowland and Patti LaBelle. So, on to the the important stuff

As for the fashions and makeup looks, ummmm, I wasn’t really wowed, but I did like Tracee Ellis Ross and Kelly Rowland’s looks.  I also liked Eve’s hairstyle at the pre-award show performance. 

Kelly Rowland's Makeup is totally on point!

I love her pink dress. She looks amazing!

Tracee Ellis Ross...I love her shoes

Eve's hairstyle was the business

I thought D'Banj looked great

2face at the BET Awards

Images from Here, Here and Here

Any thoughts from the show last night?

Thots,

Tiwa

Cutie...Gbeke

Mrs. Doyin

My Eyi...Maid of Honor

Zaniab

Adeola

In the process of completing Ibiene's makeup (Picture by Gbemi)

Getting ready to head out....

Eyi...looking too hawt!!!!

The Bride, Yetsa...A Beauty any day

Yetsa in Her fabulous wedding dress

(All makeup by Tiwa Lawrence)

Tiwa