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:)

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! :)

StriVectin Overnight Facial Resurfacing Serum

StriVectin Overnight Facial Resurfacing Serum is a new product that promises to gently exfoliate skin overnight-- while you sleep to be more specific --minimizing the appearance of large pores, improving skin's tone and overall appearance so you look more radiant when you wake in the morning.

so, does it work??

i found that it did leave my skin feeling smoother and looking more refreshed the next morning after using it for the first time. now after using it for over 6 weeks, my skin still looks great and a few dark spots (that had been left after a few pesky breakouts) are a distant memory. i am really enjoying this facial serum!

ingredients include willowbark and retinyl palmitate (they gently exfoliate the skin), rosa multiflora fruit extract (helps brighten the skin), and vitamins C and E (antioxidants). it also caontains Exfolactive®,a rich source of complex sugars that increase natural enzyme productivity for enhanced exfoliation.

if you're looking for a gentle exfoliating product, i highly recommend you try this for yourself. this new breakthrough product is one anyone of any age can use, and it's even safe to use around the eyes.

visit strivictin.com for more info and to purchase. you can also find it in Sephora and Macy's stores.

xo
product sent to me for review
pic taken by me :)

i'm loving: MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator & Volcanic Ash Thermal Mask

two skincare products from MAC that i am absolutely loving right now: Volcanic Ash Exfoliator and Volcanic Ash Thermal Mask! these are definite must-haves (i was more than happy to buy them with my own money) but they're limited edition (!!), so if you don't have yours yet, what are you waiting for?

here's a little info you should know...

first of all, my beauty blogging peers can't get enough of the Exfoliator. part of the current Style Black collection, it was originally released as part of the Future Earth collection last year. it came in a pot and sold out everywhere (then it was on ebay, where you could buy it for like $80-- crazy, i know, but it was that popular!).

Volcanic Ash Exfoliator combines natural volcanic ash with sugar crystals to create one of the most fabulous exfoliators-- i love it! when i bought this, the gal at the MAC counter told me there were only a few left (it had only been out for a few days!). thankfully, it's still online...

in any case, i like to use it in the shower so i can smooth it on my face and rub it in until the sugar completely dissolves. then i rinse and my skin feels incredible.

as for the Volcanic Ash hermal Mask, i was pleasantly surprised. the first time i used it, i was fascinated by the heat. it was really warm-- not hot, don't worry-- and instantly gave me a relaxed feeling. after about 15 minutes, i rinsed it off and, again, my skin looked and felt incredible.

and it's the same every time i use it. love...

so don't hesitate to get to your local MAC and test these out. there's a reason the Volcanic Ash Exfoliator is loved and coveted by so many-- the Volcanic Ash Thermal Mask isn't too far behind in the love department-- so if you've been thinking about it, stop and just get it already!

visit maccosmetics.com to order. fyi, right now MAC is offering free standard shipping on any purchase. no offer code necessary. valid until 11:59 pm eastern on saturday, october 24th on orders shipped to u.s. addresses only.

xo
pic taken by me :)

Dr. Denese Shares How To Keep Your Summer Glow

the end of summer is upon us (can you picture me doing a happy dance? ha!), and i'm here to share some tips that i received on how to keep your fabulous sunkissed-glow from renowned skincare specialist and anti-aging expert, Dr. Adrienne Denese. she has four steps that will maintain your hard-earned radiance, and it's very simple-- all you'll have to do is exfoliate, moisturize, bronze and protect, and you’ll be looking like you just stepped off the beach for months to come!




step 1: exfoliate

"it is important to get rid of dead skin cells; they are what make your skin look dead and old. they have a rough texture so they block out skin’s natural radiance and that natural glow. if you self tan, you need a freshly exfoliated canvas. otherwise the self tan will come out to be blotchy. this applies for face and body alike. many of us use minimal make up in the summer so we can’t hide dull, sallow, tired looking skin anymore.

product suggestion: Dr. Denese Advanced Firming Facial Pads




step 2: moisturize

"in the summer it is very important to protect the skin from dehydration which kills skin cells. air conditioning is one of your skin’s worst enemies. it takes out the humidity in the hair and dries your skin. you must protect your skin from moisture loss which damages skin by moisturizing once a day."


product suggestion: Dr. Denese HydroShield Ultra Moisturizing Face Serum




step 3: bronze

few of us realize that every real sun tan we get during the summer will translate into several actual permanent lines on our face. try a non streak self-tanner. some self tanners are so advanced and so different from all other self tanners on the market that it truly gives you the look of an actual tan."


product suggestion: Dr. Denese Glow Younger Self Tanner



step 4: protect

"all dermatologists would agree that the single worst enemy of your skin is the sun. nearly everything that you do not like about your skin: lines, wrinkles, age spots, enlarged pores, loss of firmness, red capillaries on your nose and cheek, loss of elasticity, all has to do with cumulative sun exposure. Daily SPF 30 broad spectrum protection is imperative, even if it rains.

product suggestion: Dr. Denese SPF 30 Defense Day Cream

xo

Origins Modern Friction

Origins doesn't want you to have to scrub your face with harsh, chemical crystals, so they have created Modern Friction, a rice starch cushioned in cream, to gently slough off dead skin cells, reverse damage and get rid of discolorations. lemon oil starts the process of illumination, while aloe keeps skin calm and comfy. there's no ouch, extra steps or other complications. no redness or flaking follows, and the perk-me-up aromas of bergamot and peppermint help you look on the bright side.

from the reviews online, this is definitely something i want to try! stay tuned...

find Modern Friction at your local Origins counter and online at origins.com

xo

review: Rx for Brown Skin Absolute Radiance Intensive Exfoliating Serum

an even skintone is desired by all women, and Rx for Brown Skin has a fabulous serum that can help achieve it. Absolute Radiance Intensive Exfoliating Serum works to not only even out the skin, but the exfoliation that come from the glycolic and lactic acids also help to keep my skin clear. if you're prone to breakouts, this is definitely something you will appreciate.

when i apply this silky serum with a cotton pad its light texture glides so smoothly over my skin, never stings (even over a blemish) and absorbs quickly. using this 2-3 times a week has helped me see a clearer, brighter complexion since i started using it a little over a month ago. i love that this doesn't overdry my skin and little really goes a long way.

if you are ever at a Sephora store, be sure to ask for a sample of this little skincare wonder to try for yourself! you can also find it online at sephora.com

xo
pic taken by me :)

review: Crabtree & Evelyn Aromatherapy Distillations Clarifying Body Mud Treatment

i love a good spa treatment, but i really don't have time or money to do it as often as i'd like. thankfully i can give myself a spa treatment at home, at my convenience and without driving anywhere, with Crabtree & Evelyn's Aromatherapy Distillations Clarifying Mud Treatment.

on saturday i indulged in an at-home spa day complete with this great little product that left my skin glowing and feeling smooth. yes, this is a body mask, so whether you do it alone or have help, i recommend prepping everything before you apply it (lay down towels, have blankets ready to drape over yourself, and be sure your radio or tv it tuned where you want it).



in the kit are three body wraps and a wooden applicator, so it keeps the mess to a minimum. the body wrap is like a plastic housecoat that, on me, comes to about mid-calf (i'm 5'3"). when i layed down, i really enjoyed the way this smelled (very invigorating) and i could feel the treatment working as i relaxed. at times it did feel like a cool sensation, and i assume it's because of the spearmint. after about 25 minutes, the mask had dried. wetting the mask a bit in the shower, the mask became a great exfoliator as i rubbed it around, thanks to the coconut shell and passionflower seeds in the mud.

needless to say, this is a great product and i can't wait to do this treatment again!

find Crabtree & Evelyn's Aromatherapy Distillations Clarifying Mud Treatment at crabtree-evelyn.com

xo

review: Bioelements Quick Refiner

Bioelements Quick Refiner is a liquid exfoliator that i have been using for last couple of weeks, and i have to say i love it!

i always recommend exfoliation when asked about ways to improve skin tone, what to use to soften fine lines and wrinkles, how to keep skin's texture smooth and blemish-free and of course, think of it as most important when fighting against hyperpigmentation.

i think Quick Refiner would be a great formulation to achieve all these results!

using a blend of glycolic and fruit acids, Quick Refiner helps to dissolve away dead surface cells, that not only helps reveal fresher-looking, more even-toned skin, but it also keeps skin clear by helping to unclog pores. the light serum goes on smooth and absorbs quickly, leaving my skin feeling super soft. i did experience a bit of a sting around areas that were blemished, but i didn't have any other irritation once that feeling subsided.

over the course of using this i have noticed my skin behaving better as well. i have less breakouts and if i do get a blemish here or there, they go away quickly!

have i said that i love this product yet?

find Bioelements Quick Refiner at dermstore.com

xo

what i'm loving now: ZO Offects Exfoliating Polish

i love exfoliating products! for me they help so much. Dr. Obagi's new ZO Offects Exfoliating Polish can now add itself to the list of exfoliators i am in love with (the list isn't long, really...i promise).

do you exfoliate? if so, how often, once a day, week, month?

exfoliation is necessary for anyone who wants to keep their skin clear and smooth. it helps to reduce the size of wrinkles and gives a healthy glow. it also helps any type of serum to penetrate the skin better because you've sloughed off all of the dead cells.

exfoliation not only keeps my acne at bay, but it helps with cell turn-over (that just keeps slowing down every year, dang it!), and let's be honest, who doesn't love having healthy-looking, glowing skin?

Dr. Obagi has also added vitamins A, C and E for their antioxidant properties and skin repairing abilities, so not only are you getting rid of old skin cells, but your helping your skin to renew itself!

love this stuff!

find out more about ZO Offects Exfoliating Polish and the entire ZO Skin Health line at zoskinhealth.com

xo

review: PCA Skin pHaze 9 Purifying Mask

one thing i can't get enough of is a good mask. PCA Skin's pHaze 9 Purifying Mask has a lot of what i want in a mask, and a few things i don't.



things i like:

*it leaves my skin feeling soft

*it exfoliates well

*works quickly (you only need to leave it on for 3-5 minutes)


things i don't like:

*it's not the consistency of a traditional mask

*the particles are a bit rough (no extra rubbing is required)

*my face is a bit red after using it


so it seems i have a bit of a love/hate relationship with this product. so i found just using it as an exfoliant (with a ton of water) works best. rubbing it onto my face to use as a mask is just too much on my skin. i don't like the grittiness of it, so that's what i have to do...

all PCA Skin Products can only be found at professional skincare offices and clinics. call 877-PCA-SKIN to find a location near you.


xo

Ojon: "The Ball"

what is better than chocolate? nothing, as far as i'm concerned, but Ojon's "The Ball", comes in a close second.

created using only natural ingredients, The Ball was inspired by a 1000 year-old central american tradition. it infuses savage cacao and pure Ojon oil to give you the ultimate good-for-your skin treatment.

i love the fact that this Ball smells like yummy chocolate, but know because of a friend's experience, that it really tastes nothing like chocolate.

so what are the benefits of The Ball?

*exfoliates and polishes- packed in The Ball are smooth bits of ojon nut shells, cacao nut paste and alula crushed leaves to gently, yet effectively, smooth away dead skin cells and refine skin's texture.

*moisturizes and calms- wildcrafted Ojon oil, cocoa seed butter, passion fruit oil and rice starch extract leave skin feeling so soft. alula extract and Swa™ oil contain natural ant-irritation properties.

*powerful antioxidants and omega fatty acids- the savage cacao blend contains the same antioxidant amount as 2,834 lbs of blueberries to fight of damaging free radicals, while Ojon oil (omega 3, 6, 9) and passion fruit oil (omega 6) helps with skin's function and structure.

*stimulates circulation- buff The Ball in a circular motion over skin creating a gentle massage thus stimulating the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel good chemicals, to help induce relaxation and a sense of well-being.


i love all of the benefits of this fabulous product! now i finally know why so many people rave about it. my skin looks so healthy and feels so smooth after only using this for the last week. i know i will continue to use it, and my skin will continue to look and feel fabulous!

yes, it's a little on the pricey side ($65), but knowing that each Ball takes 2 days to create and helps benefit the preservation of rainforests in central america , it really does put more value on it to me.


stay tuned as i will be bringing you my review of the new White Ball, releasing just in time for the holidays!

The Ball is free of artificial colors, sulfates, silicone, or preservatives and is available at Sephora, sephora.com and qvc.com

xo

product craving: Ojon Tawaka "The Ball"

Tawaka The Ball.

have you heard of it? it's the newest product from the amazing company Ojon. this is a product that, by it's description, needs to be in my shower (and yours!). this is a truly distinct product in the body treatment category.

this Ball looks like, and even smells like, a giant chocolate truffle (!!!) and is designed to be used as an exfoliator and hydrator for the skin. the powerful formula (which also includes omega fatty acids 3, 6 and 9) contains the same anti-oxidant benefits of 2,834 lbs of blueberries (i know i couldn't even eat that in a week)!

infused with savage cacao, not to mention it's formulated without artificial color, sulfates, silicone, parabens or preservatives, The Ball prepares pores for treatment by removing debris and refining surface texture. buffing it in a circular motion helps stimulate circulation, leaving skin polished and soft with a smooth satin finish and no greasy residue.

sounds amazing, right? when i have an opportunity to try this, i will be sure to tell you all about it!

find out more for yourself, visit sephora.com.

discover more Ojon products at Ojon.com

xo

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Summer Beauty: ME! Bath's Shower Serbets

headquartered in Los Angeles, ME! Bath was founded by husband and wife team Benjamin and Lisa Nissanoff in 2002. since then, the company has become one of the fastest growing bath and body care companies on the market.

ME! Bath Shower Sherbet is a sugar-based body scrub that comes in 16 ounce ice cream pints and looks so yummy you just wanna eat it! rich in jojoba oil and vitamin E, ME! Bath Shower Sherbet is made for daily use to exfoliate, cleanse and moisturize all in one.

just in time for summer, too! with all the time in the sun, or at least looking like you spent time in the sun, the Shower Sherbet is a great product to use after sun exposure, and most importantly (for some), before you apply your self tanner.

for optimal exfoliating, follow these steps:

* remove dead skin before entering the shower by gently rubbing a loofah over the body to prepare the skin. start from the feet and move upward.

* after the body is wet, apply the Shower Sherbet directly to your skin in circular motions. make sure you get the whole body to feel refreshed all over.

* rinse off the Shower Sherbet with lukewarm water.

* follow with a streak-free self-tanner or bronzer.

or, for a non-bronzed glow, opt for ME! Bath’s Bath Body Icings to lock in moisture (enriched with a unique 20% shea and cocoa butter blend that contains high doses of Vitamin A, C and E, ME! Bath Body Icings are creamier than body lotions, but not as thick as body butter. it seals in moisture and aroma all day long).



the ME! Bath Shower Sherbets are available in Choco-holic, Cranberry Fig, Gotta Have it Pomegranate, Hawaiian Lei, Land of Milk n Honey, Lavender Lullaby , ME! Calyptus, Papaya Nectar, Peaches n Cream, Southern Magnolia, Strawberry Kiwi, Summer Rain and Vanilla Purity flavors for $24.00.


yummy products, huh?

all ME! Bath products are available at mebath.com, as well as luxury spas and salons nationwide, including Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons at Beverly Hills, Canyon Ranch, Las Vegas and the Hotel Gansevoort in New York City.


xo



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