Recent Skin Condition & Beyond The Rack Purchase

The acne on my face has gradually gotten worse over the past year. I really wish I knew if it was something I did differently that cause the sudden change or if I am going through hormonal acne again. But unlike my acne from my puberty years, these have been leaving me with different kind of scars...the dreaded ice-pick scars. I know I shouldn't be touching, let alone picking, the pimples but sometimes my hands just do it subconsciously. Other times, it is really hard to resist myself. Hopefully they don't become too noticeable. But for now, I just have to stop myself as best that I can.

I recently went to the dermatologist for first time in years. The consultation wasn't very long so I am not sure how thorough it was. The doctor did ask whether I preferred to ingest or apply treatment. Since I chose the latter, she said that the type of acne I have would benefit from using Retin A. I heard this term now and again on YouTube, but don't really know much about it in detail. But from the dermatologist, I got that it'll make my skin very sensitive and requires me to wear tons of gel sunscreen in particular. (Which I don't know any of, so if anyone has recommendations for one I'd be glad to check it out!) Hopefully, the treatment will work a whole lot better than what I've been using for my skin for now. & I'll try my best to update on how Retin A is.

Prior to my derm visit, I placed an order from Beyond the Rack towards the end of May (I think...). It took a long time to arrive. But I think that's just how shopping at those sort of sites work. The sale event has to end, Beyond the Rack gets the stuff from the company and then they ship it out to the buyer.

First time I've seen such a box filler!
Top: Honey & Oat Cleanser, Charcoal Detox Cleanser, Organic Lemon Toner
Bottom: Acne/Oily Skin Kit
There are so many enticing sale items but I really tried & continue to try not to get sucked into all the deals. Be it clothing, shoes, etc. I think I have done pretty well. This is only my first purchase and I joined the site a year + ago! I haven't heard much about Michael Todd skincare but the description and price of these items convinced me to get it at the time. I only started to use the Charcoal Detox Cleanser for now and it isn't too shabby but not great either. Definitely isn't deep cleansing or treating but cleanses well and is gentle.

Has anyone else tried Retin A before? How was it for your skin?
What about any Michael Todd skincare products?

Zoo Part Two

Bestie C has been itching to visit the zoo since last year, but we didn't have the opportunity to go then. Before the summer session started she planned our itinerary and off we went. This was the very first time that I went to the Bronx Zoo by public transport. (In the past, I went with my parents by car.) Boy was the ride long. But it didn't seem too bad when the four of us chatted away.

For those who are interested, I would recommend going on Wednesdays because it is their suggested donation visiting day. The downside is there are probably going to be many more groups of kids then too. But it isn't all too bad. There's more than enough for everyone to enjoy!

One of my favorite shots of the day. Just because it was an awkward turtle! (Or is this a tortoise?)
Poor thing was stuck until a zoo keeper went in and turned it right-side up!




So relaxing ^o^



The four of us waited by the peacocks for the longest time...just to watch them fan their tails. I didn't get to see this last year so the wait was well worth it. This was actually the highlight of my day! There were so many peacocks that were opening their tails for the peafowls, but none of them were successful at courting their mate (at least not while we were there).



Have you been in touch with nature lately?
I know the zoo can't really qualify as being nature, but compared to the 'concrete jungle' it is close enough for me right now :P

Pastel Rainbow Nails

L to R:
Seche Clear ... Milani 3D Holographic Nail Lacquer ~ 509-HD,
American Apparel Rose Bowl (pink) ... OPI Rumples Wiggin (purple),
OPI What's with the Cattitude? (blue) ... Revlon Buttercup (yellow),
American Apparel Office (green) ... Sally Hansen Insta-Dry Anti-Chip Top Coat
My nails are finally strong enough for polish! I felt like I haven't done my nails for yearrrss (it's probably only been half a year lol). I had such a hard time deciding what color to choose. So I ended up using 5 colors instead to make the decision easier. Who ever said we can only use one polish color at a time? :P Would you do the same or was I just a little bit too excited?