refreshing beauty products for summer...

as if you hadn't noticed, summer is in full swing. if you enjoy the high temps, i'm sure you've been in heaven, but if you're like me, the heat isn't your favorite. there are ways to make the best of it, of course. 

those things include {but are not limited to} cool drinks, staying indoors as often as possible, and taking advantage of extra pampering {because the heat really does take a lot out of me}. 

speaking of cool drinks and pampering, here's a fun list some fab parings featuring the most refreshing drinks of the summer. as a compliment, check out products from Laura Mercier, ReVive and nyakio ~ you'll be more than happy to treat yourself with one of these luxurious products while you sip your favorite drink.

take a look...

if you like iced coffee:

you should try nyakio Kenyan Coffee Face Polish ~ it blends naturally energizing and exfoliating kenyan coffee extract with jojoba to gently remove dull skin while providing antioxidant benefits. lemongrass and neroli oils also play a role, making this a unique fusion that leaves skin toned, moisturized, soft and immediately radiant.



if you prefer banana mango smoothies:

ReVive Moisturizing Renewal Serum, made with key ingredients coffee, mango pulp and banana pulp extracts to hydrate, gently exfoliate, and kick start the anti-aging benefits of skin-repair, is a luxurious formula that also boasts RES Technology that aids in smoothing and re-texturizing skin.



if strawberry lemonade is your drink of choice:

Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Colour in Strawberry Sorbet will give lips the ultimate in color, texture, and finish. this gorgeous, creme formula lippie envelops lips in rich color with a semi-lustrous finish in one smoothing swipe.


if green juice with ginger is your summer fave:

nyakio Hydrating Face Oil with Kola Nut  is a blend of light, non-greasy african kola nut and 8 essential oils, including ginger, ximenia, chamomile, and trichina oils. these promise to invigorate and hydrates for over 12 hours while aiding in softening, toning, creating more even look and reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles, leaving all skin types more youthful-looking.


tell me: what skincare products help your skin look its best during these hot summer days?

info and images courtesy of brand PR

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:)

RoC Retinol Correxion® Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer with Broad spectrum SPF 30

 
for a little over a year now, i've been a beauty brand ambassador for RoC skincare. as a RoC brand ambassador {though i must confess, i spent the first year mostly just using and getting to know the products without sharing too many reviews. i was thrilled when they asked me to partner with them for a second year!} i've really come to appreciate that their products not only fight off signs of aging, but are also all about keeping my skin healthy.

as a proponent for prevention, RoC Retinol Correxion® Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer with Broad spectrum SPF 30 is a product that i would absolutely consider using, even if i weren't working so closely with the brand. i've had a fabulous experience using Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer ~ it's truly become one of my go-to anti-aging, sun protection products!

 Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer is a multi-tasking gem. since sun protection is key to keeping sun damage at bay, combining it with anti-aging ingredients to prevent additional wrinkles is certainly a plus. what i love most about this day cream, beyond the promised benefits, is the fact that it absorbs beautifully, leaves my skin well hydrated, and has never made my makeup look weird or go south as the day moves on. my only complaint is that i wish it came in a bigger size.

oh well...

whether it's for your health or for vanity, sun protection should be a top priority in your skincare life ~ i highly  recommend this RoC Retinol Correxion® Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer with Broad spectrum SPF 30! let me know if you have or are planning to try it ~ i'd love to hear from you!

you can find all RoC skincare at drug and mass retailers nationwide.
visit rocskincare.com for more info.

product featured sent to me for review consideration; i am a brand ambassador for RoC skincare; i was not paid for my review; all opinions and thoughts are my own; pics taken by me. :)

beauty girl tv: RoC MAX Resurfacing Facial Cleanser

RoC is quickly becoming a favorite skincare brand. i was given the opportunity to try their MAX Resurfacing Cleanser courtesy of the brand. yes, i did get this for free, but all my thoughts about this beauty are my own…

watch my video to find out why ~ thanks for watching! :)

beauty review: EYES by ToGoSpa {formerly Eyedews}

EYES by ToGoSpa {formerly known as Eyedews} have been pampering my eyes for the past couple of weeks and what treat they are! these at-home, spa-inspired gel treatment pads work by stimulating circulation and production of new, youthful skin cells. 

the pads, once applied, are activated by the body's temperature and are packed with a fabulous combination of natural, high-density marine collagen, enzymes, amino acids, natural marine minerals, trace elements, proteins and vitamins. all of these ingredients have worked quite well together, and leave my eyes looking more awake and youthful ~ love! 

other benefits i've noticed: the skin around my eyes look more relaxed, calm and moisturized; they also de-puff, reduce irritation, and leave my skin well-hydrated, so the appearance of dryness surrounding my eyes has been reduced {keeping fine lines away!}...

you'll also be happy to know that EYES can be used anytime and anywhere. they're a bit slippery coming out of the package, but they stay put once they've been applied. 

what else can i say about these other than you should definitely give them a try! they come in 3 "flavors": Soothe {ice water}, Lift {green tea} and Firm {pomegranate; not pictured}…

visit togospa.com for more info! 

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

beauty review: Kinara Weightless Infusion

 combining cutting-edge peptides, powerful antioxidants and lightening agents to create a lightweight primer, Kinara Weightless Infusion has become a favorite in my skincare routine. while i've been testing other products, i've found this serum to also be a perfectly lovely compliment.

benefits:
~ firms skin by building collagen and elastin
~ preserves the skin from oxidative stresses
~improves DNA protection
~ protects against glycation damage
~fast-acting line reducer
~ brightens and lightens skin tone to discoloration
~ ultimate anti-aging product
~ quickly revives and refreshes stressed and environmentally compromised skin
~excellent primer to any other skin preparation

in my personal experience, this clear, silky formula absorbs into my skin quickly, getting straight to its {hydrating} job. after using for the past several months, i'm happy that Weightless has left my skin all glowy and pretty. it looks more healthy, well-hydrated, smooth and rested.

perfect for all skin types, Kinara Weightless Infusion can be found at Kinara Skin Clinic and Spa, independent spas and retailers nationwide, and online at kinaraspa.com.

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

natural beauty: my current Jurlique faves

i've been a fan of Jurlique for years now and for good reason. with natural ingredients, highly effective formulas and gorgeous smelling products {always a good thing}, it hard to resist the inner and outer {i love their packaging!} beauty that is created by the brand.

 when it comes to cleansers, i have used plenty in my life. the delicious-smelling Balancing Foaming Cleanser naturally cleanses away surface impurities, leaving my skin comfortably fresh, hydrated and feeling soft. it's perfect for combination skin types and a little goes a long way ~ a fabulous benefit when budget is a concern.

to refresh, tone and keep my skin hydrated, i'm crazy about Citrus Purifying Mist. there's little doubt as to why this citrus and aloe-infused, skin-loving fluid is a bestseller and beauty editor fave ~ this mist keeps oil under control, nourishes {it's packed with antioxidants} and is a most fabulous treat when skin {or i, haha!} needs a little midday pick-me-up.

jojoba oil, sweet violet, lavender and lemon oils {among others} compliment the sun-protection of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide in Purely Sun-Defying Moisturizer with SPF 15 Sunscreen. i love this lightweight cream because it's an overachiever: it addresses the visible signs of aging skin as well as protects it against environmental aggressors and premature aging caused by icky UV rays.

a facial treat at the end of my day has been to include a healthy dose of Herbal Recovery Night Cream; nourishing and antioxidant-rich {thanks to botanical extracts and vitamin A}, i've enjoyed the benefits of this all-skin-types cream. it's a bit thicker in texture, but not heavy in the slightest; i love waking up with hydrated, happy, glowing skin!

every product from Jurlique is unique and so effective. if you're not familiar with them, take some time to visit their website, jurlique.com, and learn more! i'm sure you'll be happy you did. :)

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

total beauty: 23 tried, tested and rejected anti-aging products

before you head out to buy a new anti-aging product, check out this list of poor performing products as reveiwed by real women at Total Beauty's website!

23 Horrible Anti-Aging Skin Care Products

Readers say these anti-aging products did nothing that they claimed to do

This is a TotalBeauty.com anti-aging skin care article To help save you from getting hurt by these products that don't deliver, we're here to share a list of the anti-aging goods our readers have tried, tested and rejected. See products

No. 23: Cosmedicine MegaDose Skin Fortifying Serum, $60

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6

"I was completely disgusted by the smell. I don't know what this is 'supposed' to do for your skin, but the smell makes me not care."

No. 22: L'Oreal Paris RevitaLift Complete Lotion SPF 15, $16.59

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6

"I tried using this once and had to stop, [because it made my] face start to itch and feel dry."

No. 21: Benefit Eyecon, $28

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6

"After applying it twice a day for over a month" one reader didn't see "changes under my eyes" or "any lightening at all."

Want to see what other products made the list? Click here!

Dr. Denese SPF 30 Eye Defense Cream

daily sun protection is a must. adding a bit extra around the delicate eye area can be irritating. thanks to Dr. Denese, now adding extra sun protection around the eyes without irritation is possible with her SPF 30 Defense Eye Cream. it not only treats the skin around the eyes with peptides*, but also conceals and protects skin from harmful uv rays.



the silky texture of this eye cream goes on smoothly and can be applied on the eyelid in addition to under and around the eye (because i was wearing makeup, i show it applied under my eye). the color is a light beige, but as it is promised, the color adjusts, so it acts much like a lightweight concealer. i found it blended in easily and made my eyes looks more rested. this is definitely a must-have!

Dr. Denese SPF 301 Eye Defense Cream can be found on qvc.com and drdenese.com

xo
*peptides are protein fragments that can stimulate the production of collagen and elastin and can thicken the dermis (the layer under the skin that gives skin its plumpness) without any harsh side effects.

Jan Marini Age Intervention Prime Face Primer

primers are a must-have and are especially so when you want to achieve a long-lasting finish for your foundation. Jan Marini Age Intervention Prime Face Primer does this and also has the added benefit of being and anti-aging product (gotta love that!). i've been using it for a little less than 2 months and have become a huge fan.



anti-aging ingredients like co-enzymeQ10, peptides, pomegranate and green and white tea extracts work to fight off free-radicals (they leave skin looking dull, tired and older-- they are not our friends) while hyaluronic acid keeps moisture in the skin, making it appear more plump (this is good since our faces lose volume as we age). the effect upon first application was that of a more "soft-focus" finish to my skin.

the primer itself feels super smooth and dries to a powdery consistency after application. i've noticed that over the past few weeks it has helped in improve the texture of my skin. it looks smoother and more polished before and after i put on my foundation. i'm so thankful to have been given the opportunity to try this new product-- my skin is thankful too! :)

for more information about Jan Marini Age Intervention Prime Face Primer visit janmarini.com

xo
product sent to me by the brand for review
pics taken by me :)

review: 3Lab 'M' Cream

3Lab's "M" Cream came to me by way of Beautyfix, and i am in love with it! it uses advanced science along with natural ingredients, and promises to bring firmness, radiance and moisturization to parched skin.

let me tell you, it delivered!

not only uber-luxurious, this gel-cream hydrates fabulously and leaves my skin looking so fresh. it isn't greasy in the slightest and as soon as i use it, my skin perks up-- even on mornings that i had had little sleep, my skin still appears to look well-rested-- love that!

i must mention that "M" Cream has a lot of technical stuff going on, including ingredients called Nano-Claire GY, and CellTec Malus Domestica that work to firm skin and slow down the aging process, respectively. i won't get into it heavily, but 3Lab definitely has worked hard to create a product that actually does what it says it will do.

"M" Cream is amazing, amazing, amazing and absolutely makes my skin look fabulous (can you tell i am head over heels for this stuff?). this little wonder is splurge-worthy, but if you'd rather sample it before making the investment, you can try it for yourself at Barney's and Sak's or visit beautyfix.com to get a whole kit of goodies, including a sample of this, for around $50.

visit 3lab.com to learn more about "M" Cream.

xo

Beauty Girl TV: Glowelle Beauty Drink Mix

included in this quarter's BeautyFix group is an innovative beauty product called Glowelle. what makes it different is the fact that it's a supplement drink, and not something you rub into your skin. it's packed with vitamins and antioxidants that help give you skin nutrition to look its best and fight off signs of aging.



be sure to visit glowelle.com for more info.

xo

review: Olay Pro X Protocol Starter Kit

the Pro-X Anti-Aging Starter Protocol by Olay is an introduction kit to the three-part daily program. if you buy the products separately, they come in slightly larger sizes. all of the products have been designed and professionally tested to resignal skin to perform more like it did when it was younger.

when i was given these products to try i have to say, i was very excited to use them. i had seen the ads online, heard all the buzz around the beauty community, and read good things in my beauty mags. the kit itself comes with the following items:

Pro-X Age Repair Lotion with SPF 30
Pro-X Wrinkle Smoothing Cream
Pro-X Eye Restoration Complex

so what did i think?

i liked the texture of the Eye Restoration Complex; it seemed to absorb quickly into my skin and left my under eye area smooth. unfortunately, it started to cause a burning sensation around my eyes after about three days (not fun).

the Wrinkle Smoothing Cream was too heavy and greasy for me-- i have oily skin-- so after a week, i had to stop using it. i'm not a fan of waking up looking like a grease ball.

the Age Repair Lotion i didn't have a problem with, and it worked well under my makeup. i did stop using it after about a week, though. i think because i wasn't happy with the other products, i felt i needed to give them to someone who may have a different result-- my mom.

she took them, happily.




now, my mom has has oilier "mature skin", but she didn't get any of the reactions or have the complaints that i did. after using it for a few weeks, she is enjoying the products, her skin looks healthy and vibrant, and she really likes that she doesn't have to hunt these down in a specialty store, plastic surgeon's office, or get a prescription. her gripe, though, is the cost. being that it is a drugstore product, "you'd think they'd charge less for them," she said. so would she buy this kit again...?

yes. and trust me when i say that my mom is not the easiest woman to please when it comes to her skincare!

you can find the Olay Pro X Protocol Starter kit, as well as the rest of the Pro X line at a drugstore near you and online at drugstore.com

xo

Beauty Girl TV: Jan Marini Peptide Extreme and Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant

on this "episode"of Beauty Girl TV, i'm sharing my thoughts on Jan Marini's Age Intervention Peptide Extreme serum and the Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant Spf 30.

enjoy!



p.s. you can also order online! i didn't know this when i filmed the video, so if you're an online shopper, be sure to check out MyJanMarini.com to purchase these and all of the Jan Marini line of products!

xo

review: Bioelements V-Neck Smoothing Creme

Bioelements V-Neck Smoothing Creme was created because normal aging, sun exposure and other environmental assaults can cause deep neck creases, freckles on your chest and crinkly, weathered skin from your cleavage to chin.

this cream is fabulous-- it's moisturizing, has brought a new glow to my neck and decolletage, and i love the way it smells!

treating the skin on my neck and decolletage has always been second nature to me; when i exfoliate my face, i do the same to my neck and chest (if you don't do this already-- you should be!). when i moisturize, it goes there too, etc, etc. this is all mainly because my mother taught me that a woman's age can be given away by the condition of her neck (as well as her hands). as i have gone through my life, i have found this to be nothing but true: women are walking around with fabulously flawless faces, but their necks are anything but.

before i start a full on rant, let me just tell you that Bioelements V-Neck Smoothing Creme is a great product whether you already have signs of aging going on on your neck and chest, or if you are like me, and just want to prevent, prevent, prevent.

V-Neck Smoothing Creme is formulated with hyaluronic acid to moisturize, alpha arbutin to promote lightening of hyperpigmantation as well as even out skin tone, and acetyl hexapeptide which inhibits changes in collagen structure and the breakdown of elastin to reduce the appearance of lines, creases and wrinkles.

visit dermstore.com to read more about this product or to order; try it and i promise, you won't be disappointed!

xo

review: YBF Skincare Defend

YBF Defend is an oil controlling gel that is designed to protect skin from daytime agers, improve your look with spin trap (the cutting-edge antioxidant) and keep pores under control.

sound too good to be true?

well, it's not!

if you are a regular reader, you know i have a soft spot in my heart for oil-control products that actually work, and last year i found some great ones. i have had Defend since last fall, but didn't start using it until the end of the year, so i had no idea that i was missing out on a fabulous product.

seriously, this was one of those products that made me say, why didn't i start using this sooner? ugh...

well, no use complaining about it because now i use it everyday, and my skin loves it. the gel is light and fast absorbing, and since it does such an amazing job of keeping the moisture level in my skin from getting too low-- which, if you have oily skin you should know, causes an over-production of oil secretion from the pores-- my skin stays looking fresh and well-balanced all day.

Defend not only defends against oil, but free-radicals and wrinkles as well. it, like Restore, is formulated with Spin Trap, a powerful antioxidant, vitamin E, which is a great for moisturizer and fighting off free radicals and hyaluronic acid, an ingredient that literally helps draw moisture into your skin as well as helps with the delivery of other ingredients so you get their full benefit.

i love this product-- it's definitely on my highly recommended list of products.


visit ybf-skincare.com to find out more about Defend


xo

review: Redpoint Age Minimizer Line Filler

Redpoint Age Minimizer Line Filler has become my newest go-to primer. it works to help smooth out the skin and moisturizes to my keep makeup looking great all day.

this light formula also contains amino acids (for fighting off wrinkles), hyaluraonic acid (to moisturize and firm the skin) so this isn't your basic primer!

i love the fact that this comes in a pump-style rather than a squeeze tube, and i don't need a lot to get a great result. light-reflectors leave a sheer iridescence on my skin, and my foundation glides over it smoothly.


so if your looking for a primer that does a little something extra, this might be one you'd like to try!

find Redpoint Age Minimizer Line Filler at redpointbeauty.com