WARNING: LONG PERSONAL POST AHEAD!

I feel like I need to admit that I’ve tried just about every product ever offered at ULTA before finding my “IT” makeup. My wallet would tend to agree. Sometimes finding the right mix of products is not as easy as the beauty bloggers make it look. I’ve had my fair share of bad foundations, horrible concealers and crappy mascaras. It’s about time I landed on a product and brand I can trust to get the job done.

Another thing I must admit is that I have melasma.

A lot of you have asked for videos over the years, and due to this skin condition, I shy away from sharing. If you don’t know what melasma is, generally speaking, it’s a skin condition mostly found in women due to hormonal changes or sun exposure. It predominantly shows up as dark spotting on the cheeks, forehead, nose, chin and upper lip. Once I first started getting melasma, I was asked if my face was dirty, or what was wrong with my face. That’s how bad it can get. To say my confidence quickly diminished when not wearing make up, would be a major understatement. Coming from someone who has generally always had a clear face, I feel fortunate to just now be experiencing this. However, the confidence struggle can definitely be real, just ask my husband. Our bodies do change, we are women after all. This year I’ve decided I am fully embracing the change and making the necessary changes to love myself confidently.

I am not a dermatologist, or an expert on skin so I will not pretend to be one. However, for anyone struggling with melasma, I have found a few things that work and I intend to share them. If you have questions about melasma, I am happy to help answer them. Shoot me an email: alex@lexwhatwear.com

MY “IT” MAKE UP

 – I’m not being paid for this post. I simply want to share in hopes of helping others. –

 I joined the IT Cosmetics fan club and I am not looking back. The coverage and long-lasting products get the job done for this girl. I of course add in a few extras from different lines, but the core of my makeup routine consists of IT Cosmetics and their reliable line. My favorite products are the Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer and the Airbrush Perfecting Powder. The concealer literally does incredible things for my melasma spots. As you will see below (no shame), these spots are dark and in clusters. I have NEVER seen a concealer work like this one. I simply apply a tiny amount to my ring finger and dab it on slowly. The coverage lasts all day. The airbrush powder gives me that airbrushed look you all see on all my photos. It is MAGIC y’all! You only need a small amount on your powder brush to get the look you want to achieve.

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TREATMENT

I recently was able to get a laser treatment called PICOsure at Skin Physiques in Nashville. They specialize in aesthetics and lasers, and they have AMAZING products HERE. I 150 percent recommend Skin Physiques and their practice. If you are local here in Nashville, please call my girls at Skin Physiques 615-567-3864. They will treat you as one of their own. If lasers aren’t your preferred treatment method, I know a thing or two about brightening pads. These also work, but make sure you see a dermatologist or skin specialist first. Here’s a few shots of my first laser treatment with Skin Physiques. The results are incredible. My after photos are below. It’s been a little over a month since I had this done, and it was only my first treatment.

PROTECTION

If I could go back and tell my teenage self anything, it would be, SUNSCREEN! SUNSCREEN! SUNSCREEN! Below are my FAVORITE sunscreens. I cannot be in the sun without a hat, sunglasses and 100 SPF anymore. My melasma goes bonkers if I attempt it. Again I am no expert, but if I can preach anything it’s sunscreen and no tanning beds ladies. The Jersey Shore look is NO MORE!

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XO, Alex