Writing this blog is something I’m really passionate about. And it’s not just because I enjoy writing the beauty reviews (I do), or that I get to test some really great products (I do), or because I think looks are the most important thing in the world (I don’t). I like sampling skincare products, makeup and cosmetics because I believe that these things can be used to create inner strength and meaningful beauty.

If you’ve ever suffered from constant breakouts, or are at an age where wrinkles and spots start to appear- you know how this can undermine your confidence. Some of the biggest surges in my personal confidence were at points in my life when I finally got control over an appearance issue that was really plaguing me.

And you know what? I realized that I’m really good at searching out solutions to skincare problems and unearthing effective products. That’s why I started this blog. So that I can help you do the same thing. Meaningful beauty to me means feeling good about yourself. So I really try to make sure my beauty reviews offer you something that will improve your life in a concrete way.

Don’t worry- I won’t sign off today without offering my latest find from the field of skincare and beauty. Here is one of my favorite tips for completely upgrading your appearance- and no one will know why you look so much better!

Shape those eyebrows! Whether you have them waxed at a salon or use an at-home kit like the Bare Escentuals A-List Brows ($50 Value) A-List Brows, this simple act will instantly make your face look cleaner and more beautiful. And it’s so easy. What a gift to yourself to immediately look well-groomed and more elegant. Part of meaningful beauty comes from knowing that you are in control of your appearance. Here’s one easy way to take control. And you know I’ll be back with more!

Sincerely,

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

Sometimes I get questions that throw me for a loop. One gal wrote in to ask me for hydroquinone directions proactive; since I’ve started researching the proactive acne system for you, I figure this was something I’d better look into.

I already know what hydroquinone is. It’s a bleaching solution used in some acne products to even out skin tone. Basically age spots, blemishes and any darker pigmented areas that need to be removed to make you skin tone more even. According to the chat boards I checked out, this is a concern for women of color for obvious reasons. So my next job was to see if proactive acne treatment contains hydroquinone. This was interesting.

I read the ingredients list in the proactive renewing cleanser, revitalizing toner, and the repairing lotion. None of them contain the ingredient hydroquinone. Much less anything referring to hydroquinone directions proactive.

From my research I think that the focus of the Proactiv Solution 5-piece kit is more preventative than anything. But I can also tell you that after a couple of weeks it did even out my skin tone. I’m not sure yet if it’s because of the tiny exfoliating benzoyl peroxide granules that prevent future breakouts and slough away older skin, or if something about the calming botanicals in the toner adds to that. So I’m off to do a bit more research for you. Happy Skin Health!!

Sincerely,

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls