skincare review: Murad Transforming Powder

bonjour, beauties ~ hope you're doing well...

i've been relishing some fab skincare goodies as of late, including this new one from Murad.

the powerhouse brand has expanded its arsenal of acne products thanks to the recent release of its first-ever powder cleanser, Transforming Powder. this water-activated cleanser provides the ideal amount of exfoliation to help blemish-prone skin get {and stay} clear but without the risk of irritation.

this dual-action powder is formulated with exfoliating bio-enzymes and dissolving jojoba beads to quickly transform from an exfoliating scrub into a light, foaming cleanser with the addition of water. the enzymes aid in breaking down oil, dirt and dead skin cells, but unlike other exfoliators, is super gentle and rinses away easily.

  over-exfoliation can be a problem, and especially so if if you have acne-prone skin. this is, as i've already mentioned, really kind to my skin. other ingredients {pumpkin seed extract and salicylic acid} work to keep pores clear, manage oil production and encourage cell turnover, a fab benefit for keeping skin looking youthful as well!

so, it's another win for Murad! i've really enjoyed the last few products sent to me to try. are you a fan of Murad products? what are your faves?

be sure to visit murad.com for more info.

product featured sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

new product alert: Murad Pore Reform Skin Smoothing Polish

bonjour beauties! there's a new skincare gem on the market, just released today in fact! it's new from Murad, part of the Pore Reform range, and it's fabulous...

meet Skin Smoothing Polish!

meant to be used 1-2 times per week, this deep cleansing exfoliator works to give skin the clean slate needed to boost your skincare routine. i was so excited to see how gorgeously rejuvenated my skin looked after using it just once.

if you're a regular reader, you know i'm a huge proponent for exfoliation. it keeps skin clear, helps reduce the look of fine lines, smooths rough skin texture and creates an even-toned look in the skin. it also boosts circulation, so skin is left with a pretty, rosy glow ~ love that!

so, here's how Smoothing Polish works: fine jojoba beads deeply scrub away impurities, unclogging pores; i love how it leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth and looking beautifully polished. witch hazel and cinnamon work to tighten pores, improve the look of imperfections and helps to both remove excess oil and keep skin balanced ~ all without over drying! pomegranate seed extract provides powerful antioxidants to prevent free-radical damage and starflower and sunflower seed oils help increase the ability of the skin to resist moisture loss, leaving skin soft and supple {that's thanks to their high omega-6 essential fatty acid content}.

i've only used Murad Pore Reform Skin Smoothing Polish a couple of times {i just received it this past friday}, but i am already a fan! i'll only be using it a couple of time a week, so it's a product that will easily fit into my skincare routine.

what do you think? will you be trying Skin Smoothing Polish?

visit murad.com for more info!

product fettered sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me:)

skincare gem: Murad Acne Clearing Solution

bonjour, beauties!

have you heard of or tried the new Murad Acne Clearing Solution yet? if you battle acne on a mild to moderate level, you're familiar with plenty of treatments and products that address this issue. this is one i think you should check out...

the older i get, thankfully, the less i experience breakouts. i still do get a pesky zit or two every now and then, but they're small. of course who wants to have a pimple at all?? what i love about Murad Acne Clearing Solution is that it not only helped clear my skin of a pesky spot quickly, but i do believe it's helping to keep the time between breakouts even further few and far between.

meant especially for daily use, Murad's Acne Clearing Solution combines salicylic acid with other acne-fighting ingredients {tea teea oil and queen of meadow extract} to treat and prevent breakouts. in a study, 96% of users saw clearer skin in 72 hours*. i personally found that it sometimes worked faster. another thing i love about this Murad gem is that it's not drying {i made sure to pay special attention for any excess dryness or irritation since it is for use on a daily basis}. i haven't had any peeling or irritation, and overall, using this has been fab. i highly recommend!

visit murad.com for more info about Acne Clearing Solution as well as the plethora of skincare goodies for any and every skin concern you may have. 

*in a Murad sponsored study. product sent to me for review consideration; pic taken by me :)

beauty review: Murad Pore Reform

since receiving some products from the new Murad Pore Reform line {Daily Cleansing Foam, Balancing Moisturizer and Blackhead & Pore Clearing Duo}, i have been beyond excited. after using them for a few days, i grew more anxious to share with you my experience, but i know it takes at least a few weeks to really give skincare products time to show what they are supposed to do, so...i had to be patient and wait...

until now!

so, beauties, as i type this i'm hoping you've heard of this new range, and maybe have tried it out for yourself {maybe?}. i figure this since most of us are obsessed with keeping the appearance of pores as small as possible, right? {*wink*}. in any case, you should definitely have these goodies on your radar...

"pore size is determined by genes and, aside from very invasive treatments which do not always work, the actual size of a person's pores cannot be changed. that said, we can minimize the appearance of pores with products that keep pores clean and healthy." ~ Dr. Howard Murad, M.D, FAAD, founder of Murad, Inc and the Inclusive Health® movement.

Pore Reform is a complete line of skin care for oily or combination skin. the collection of products work together to create healthier, clearer skin. after a few weeks of consistent use, i've experienced less shine and my blackheads are minimal.

thanks to detoxing ingredients {AHAs and witch hazel} and its Energizing Pomegranate Complex, Pore Reform Cleansing Foam aids in treating problem skin, without stripping it of essential oils. i love that it cleanses thoroughly but, unlike may foaming cleansers, my skin is treated well ~ without leaving it feeling tight or dried out.

Pore Clearing Duo is a 2-step treatment that i absolutely love! the first step is a thick paste that helps detox skin and reduce blackheads with exfoliating volcanic mineral clay and shikakai extract {left on for up to 10 minutes, it really helps draws out dirt and excess oil, purifying pores}; step 2 is a silky formula infused with Murad's Oxidation Reversal Complex {targets oil production and the build-up of dirt, a leading cause of blackheads} and pomegranate seed oil {acts as an astringent, tightening pores and refining complexion}.

to hydrate and balance skin after cleansing, a moisturizer is essential. one with spf is even better! Balancing Moisture Cream {with broad spectrum spf 15} is the perfect, hydrating finish. it contains  antioxidant vitamins a, c and e to fight against skin-aging free radicals. the light textured formula also beautifully keeps shine under control thanks to balancing ingredients like lactic acid.

as i mentioned, i've been using both the cleansing foam and balancing moisture cream daily along with the clearing duo {which i've been using twice a week} for the past few weeks, and my skin looks and feels smoother and clearer. i love that the duo has really helped clear up and keep those pesky blackheads {like around my nose, blech} away. i've also been letting my daughter {she's 13 now!!} use it to exfoliate {an important step for keeping skin clear} ~ she's also a fan!

the Pore Reform collection also includes a T-Zone Pore Refining Serum to clear pores, normalize oil-production and keep skin clear. i haven't tried it, so i can't tell you how it works.

want to learn more about skin and how to keep it looking its best? the Murad blog highlights many issues you may have and is worth a visit! for more info about Pore Reform and other products created by Dr. Murad and his team, visit murad.com.

products featured sent to me for review purposes; pics taken by me :)

skincare review: Murad Renewing Cleansing Oil

i'm no stranger to cleansing oils, though it seems they are fast becoming the next hottest thing in skincare. to the excitement of many, the Murad brand has finally formulated and released their own!

meet Murad Renewing Cleansing Oil for face, eyes and lips...

the formula, part of the Resurgence range, is abundant in natural botanical oils; gently cleanses and renews the skin while maintaining skin's natural moisture barrier. with a botanical blend of jojoba, licorice and sweet almond oils, Renewing Cleansing Oil helps to improve dry skin, cleanse and hydrate, thus replenishing essential moisture.

ok, now that the  boring technical details are out of the way {LOL}, i'm sure you just want to know how does it work and compare to other cleansing oils??

first, let me assure you {especially if you're acne-prone or of an oilier skin type, like me} that when it comes to cleansing oils, they are {most} always formulated not to clog pores or cause breakouts, and this one is no different.

my favorite cleansing oil is Dermalogica PreCleanse {which, oddly enough, i've never formally reviewed}, followed by MAC Cleanse Off Oil {which i have}. another fab oil i recently shared is made by DHC.

in comparison, Murad Renewing Cleansing Oil is good. i've enjoyed using it, but it just didn't perform the way i had hoped. using this on its own doesn't remove all of my makeup. yes, it is a beautiful aid in makeup removal, but instead of using it first in my double cleanse routine, followed by makeup removing cleanser {that's how i use cleansing oils}, i found better results using it second.

 this has actually been the best thing! Murad Renewing Cleansing Oil leaves my skin and lashes feeling so smooth and soft without any oily residue or irritation. i then apply my serum, eye cream and moisturizer...

well, you know the routine... :)

tell me: do you use cleansing oils? if so, what is your favorite? if not, do you plan to try this or any other variation of a cleansing oil? tell me in the comments!

for more info about Murad Renewing Cleansing Oil for face, eyes and lips visit murad.com

product featured sent to me for review consideration; pics taken my me :)

9 skin care products i'm currently loving...

with the start of a new season, it's quite understandable {and actually recommended!} to start a new routine for your skin ~ a seasonal resolution of sorts. the following list includes some of the {many} products i've been using over that past several months for this special round-up. each has wowed me in one way or another. they've proven to be amazing for getting and keeping skin looking fabulous...this season and beyond!

Zelens Z Recovery Intensive Repair Balm + PHA Bio Peel Resurfacing Pads

Dr. Marko Lens has developed a line of high-tech-meets-nature products through his Zelens line, but i have to give special love to the Resurfacing Pads and Repair Balm. the pre-soaked pads contain effective alpha and beta hydroxy acids, as well as more gentle polyhydroxy acids to exfoliate and reveal  a more refreshed, bright tone; to keep skin hydrated and treat any irritation that may occur, Repair Balm is so luxurious and soothing. the silky texture feels delicious on skin and is a fabulous treat at the end of the day.

Kiehl's Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream SPF 30

formulated with copper PCA and calcium PCA, this highly effective moisturizer/sunscreen has helped give my skin a boost. not only does it offer sun protection, but the anti-aging ingredients also aided in smoothing the texture of my skin.

January Labs "Glow and Go" Power Peel Exfoliant
i started using this last fall, and with cinnamon as its star ingredient, it was a perfect fit. i typically use this mask a couple of times a month and it's such a treat, especially when i don't have a lot of time. after 15 minutes, my skin looks and feels refreshed and, yes, glowing.

Algenist Regenerative Anti-Aging Ultra Rich Cream

highly moisturizing, this rich cream is perfect for dry, aging skin. alguronic acid combined with shea butter and vitamin C really delivers a moisture boost. this formula is a bit too rich for my skin, but i found a tiny amount worked well for me when mixed in with another moisturizer when i felt my skin was parched. i use the Ultra Rich Cream in full force on my neck, decollate and hands.

Kate Somerville Exfolikate + RetAsphere 2in1 Retinol Night Cream

the legendary ExfoliKate is a holy-grail favorite of mine and will always be on my must-use list! to get the best looking skin all i can say is you need this. another fabulous product from the skin guru is  RetAsphere ~ it's simply A-mazing! i love the creamy textured night treatment for its ability to moisturize, keep fine lines at bay and even out my skin tone, all with just a thin layer used nightly.

Derma E Evenly Radiant Serum

this treatment is a natural-product lovers' dream! ideal for oily or blemish-prone skin {or as a treatment underneath your favorite moisturizer}, this rich in antioxidants, green tea-infused, gel-textured serum hydrates, fights signs of aging and brightens skin over time with daily use.

Murad Oil-Free Broad Spectrum SPF 30

like ExfoliKate, this sunscreen is a must-have favorite. i highly recommend it because it contains antioxidant-rich pomegranate {attacks free radicals to repair existing sun damage and slow the signs of aging}, is oil-free {no breakouts here}, and leaves my skin looking great all day {the formula dries to a matte finish}. oh, and it smells good, too!



with regular use, all of these goodies will do your skin a world of good.
have favorites of your own? share in the comments!

products featured sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

beauty review: Murad Essential-C Cleanser + Intensive-C Radiance Peel

let's face it, the environment isn't exactly our friend when it comes to our skin health. in fact, it's a big enemy. from sun damage to pollution, there isn't a day that goes by that our precious skin isn't exposed to these harsh elements {and more depending on where you live, work, etc}. top it off with possible dark spots from aging, acne or hormone imbalances, and what's a person to do?

well, i say try using Murad Essential-C Cleanser twice a day for about six weeks along with Intensive-C Radiance Peel 1-2 times per week, and you'll see fabulous, more even-toned, hydrated skin.

this, at least, has been my experience with these brilliant products.

the Cleanser is antioxidant-rich and rids skin of impurities, but leaves skin hydrated and feeling amazing. not only do i enjoy its yummy citrus-basil scent {thanks to mandarin orange, grapefruit and basil essential olis}, but i've noticed a healthier, brighter appearance to my skin. i've also enjoyed seeing the benefits of the Radiance Peel, using it weekly, improving the look and texture of my skin.

the peel doesn't irritate my skin, but rather has given my skin a radiance that i more than greatly appreciate these days! it contains a powerhouse mix of ingredients including glycolic acid to exfoliate, vitamin C and indian fig to protect and clarify; myrtle extract helps to support collagen production ~ love it!

needless to say, i'm happy using these products in my skincare routine. if you're looking give your skin a makeover, definitely give these a try and get ready to say hello to a more gorgeous, glowing complexion.

visit murad.com for more info.

products featured sent to me for review consideration; pics taken my me :)

Beauty Girl TV: Murad Pomegranate Exfoliating Mask

on this episode of Beauty Girl TV, find out about my experience with Murad's new Pomegranate Exfoliating Mask! this gel mask contains fruit enzymes and AHA's to gently exfoliate skin, and pomegranate acts as a natural antioxidant to fight off free radicals, leaving skin looking healthy and radiant.



visit Murad.com to find your local Murad retailer or click here to purchase online.

xo

How To Create A Gorgeous Valentine's Day Look

Valentine's Day is fast approaching, and since i know you beauty gals love tips and how-to's (i know i do!), i asked my new friend and celebrity makeup artist Melissa Walsh to put together a fabulous V-Day look (complete with tips and product suggestions) that will have you looking flawless in 30 minutes! take a look...




for the best looking skin, prepping it first is key.




Melissa says, "start by cleansing your face thoroughly. i love the Clarisonic Brush and combine this with a good face wash by Murad (i use the clarifying wash as i have oily skin but there are many different types to suit every skin type). the brush not only gets rid of any dull dry skin but also gets the circulation going and gives it an instant healthy glow!"








"next, moisturize with a good moisturiser. as anyone who has read any of my previous features will know, i adore Alpha Derma CE by Janson Beckett as it creates a tight smooth base, just perfect for putting makeup on."







"now that your skin is prepped you can start your makeup. i love Hourglass Fluid Veil foundation and use this on all my celebrity clients as it creates a perfectly even, flawless base that doesn't look at all heavy. blend this well with a sponge and then apply an undereye concealer- Jouer Age Repairing Brightener is amazing. cover any blemishes with a concealer that is perfectly designed for the job - Murad Acne Treatment Concealer hides and treats at the same time."









"for a really romantic glow, use cream blusher and blend onto the apples of the cheeks (Josie Maran make some lovely natural colors). finish with a light dusting of powder over the t-zone, omitting the cheeks so as not to dull the natural sheen of the blush."





"for your eyes, a light look with some definition is all that is needed. i really like cream eyeshadows for this as they are easy to apply and the right ones stay put all night. i really like Tarte Lock and Roll. just use the cream for this look (there is a powder on the other end). smooth the cream eyeshadow over the lid and into the crease, making sure it feathers out and doesn't have a hard edge. then, taking Laura Mercier's Smoky Eye Brush, dip the tip of it into a dark matte powder eyeshadow (dark brown or black preferably) and lightly line your top lashline."







"line your lower lids with a metallic eyeliner in gold or silver for a bright eyed look. once again a light hand is essential - Urban Decay has a great selection and they stay on all night! now, a few coats of mascara- Lash Venom by DuWop is my choice of the moment - and your eyes are done."






"for a soft kissable mouth use a rosy tinted stain- Benefit Benetint is the original and still one of the best. finally, top with Beautifull Lips by Janson Beckett; it plumps up the mouth instantly and makes your lips rosier without leaving gloopy lipgloss on your man!"



thanks Melissa!

want to create a look in 15 minutes or less? check out my feature that Melissa helped me out with for a Style Bakery Beauty feature by clicking here.

xo

Murad Energizing Pomegranate Lip Therapy SPF 15

Murad Energizing Pomegranate Lip Therapy SPF 15 is a fabulous lip balm to wear everywhere. not only does it protect your lips from the harsh rays of the sun during the day, but it also moisturizes like crazy, making it a great product to use at night!

but, if you're like me, the rationale is, i don't need a sunscreen at night, so i'm going to save my beautiful sun-protecting lip balm for the day, when i really need it, which is a wise argument, if i do say so myself...

this soothing, and pink (!), lip balm gives lips amazing moisture with shea butter and jojoba esters, and protection with pomegranate extract and UVA and UVB sunscreens, making this one heck of a lip balm! the very subtle hint of color leaves bare lips looking perfectly glossy and over lipstick, it's a beautiful companion. i love this stuff!

find Murad Energizing Pomegranate Lip Therapy SPF 15 at murad.com


xo

Murad Acne Spot Treatment

if it were up to me, i would never have acne again. i'm sure if you have any experience with it, then you feel the same.

Murad Acne Spot Treatment is formulated with sulfur to fight bacteria, salicylic acid to exfoliate and hydrolyzed oat flour to help counteract dryness and flaking. sounds so great, right? like it will solve all of you blemish woes the instant it touches your skin?

well...

i'm not saying it didn't work. it did, just not as well as i thought it would. what with all of the hype and the good things that have been said about it, i just expected it to work better. it did help my blemishes to not get bigger. but they hung out a little too long for my taste. of course, i still use retin-a, and i used a great mask to speed up the process, so i know my skin is in good hands.

so is this a favorite product? no.

would i recommend it? yes, and only because i know that not everything will work the same on every person with the same condition. as is the case for everything on the market: what doesn't thrill me might become your HG product and vice versa.

so find out more about Murad Acne Spot Treatment at Murad.com




xo

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photo: murad.com

Grow Young: Murad Youth Builder Supplements

part of the Genetic Aging line, Murad Youth Builder Collagen Supplements are clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines up to 34% in five weeks. glucosamine, amino acid complex and vitamin A work to boost collagen production and stimulate healthy cell function while promoting skin clarity and tone.

when i received these from the Murad Clinic on the Total Beauty tour back in may (wow...it's already july!), they sat on my dresser a good couple of weeks before i decided to take them. i know Dr. Murad uses supplements to enhance results of his products from the inside out, but i thought, "i don't have wrinkles, what will this do for me?"

well, reading the ingredient list convinced me that my skin would benefit from the vitamin A (for the clarity of my skin) and the antioxidants (to fight off free radicals). really, it couldn't hurt to take them so, why not? two pills twice a day. simple.

all i can say is these haven't hurt me in the least bit. in fact, my skin is radiant and clear, and i notice that even the skin on my body looks healthier and vibrant! if this is a "fountain of youth", i plan to keep taking these for the rest of my life!

don't get me wrong, i'm not afraid to get old, i really just don't want to be old looking. (smile)

find Murad Youth Builder Collagen Supplements at Murad.com


xo

spa getaways are fabulous for you health!
plan one, or at least dream about one here:

photo: murad.com

protection for your skin: Murad Waterproof Sunblock

Murad Waterproof Sunblock spf 30 is a fabulous full spectrum sunscreen that works for face and body.

oil-free, water-proof, and packed with anti-oxidants, this wonder will help your skin fight the battle against premature aging. hyaluronic acid (for intense moisture) and pomegranate (for uber-antioxidant protection) make this a power player in your fight against the rays of the sun.

i have loved this formula since it was released almost 2 years ago. i was just out of it last month when i received it from the Murad Clinic on the Total Beauty tour. i love to use this for days at disneyland, at the pool, and days when i know i'll be exposed more than normal to the sun. my fair-skinned hubby loves that it doesn't have a "sunscreen" smell, and it keeps him from burning. i love it just as much, and really, the smell is fabulous!

my kids still groan when i say "come over here, i need to put sunscreen on you", but i just reply, "you'll thank me when you're older!"

find Murad Waterproof Sunblock at Murad.com.


xo

take your sunscreen with you on a spa getaway! visit spasofamerica.com
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Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

cleasning and exfoliation is so important, and Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser is a gentle but efficient exfoliator works two ways: salicylic, lactic and glycolic acids encourage clarity and brightness by dissolving skin cell buildup. jojoba beads further polish and retexturize.

this is a cleanser that instructs the user to only use 2-3 times a week, and since i am so into exfoliating because of my oily, acne-prone skin, it was hard to not use it everyday. while 2-3 times a week is sufficient enough to keep the skin looking and feeling fabulous, i would go so far as to say you could use it daily without irritation. the beads are not harsh, and the alpha and beta hydroxy acids are beneficial to every skin type. it didn't leave my skin feeling tight, irritated or looking like i had overdone it with the exfoliation.

other ingredients include sodium pca and jojoba seed oil to help counteract dryness, and licorice extract to provide anti-irritant and anti-inflamatory properties.


xo

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photo: Murad.com