beauty girl tv: L'Occitane Immortelle Cream Mask {review}

the Immortelle flower defies aging ~ it never wilts or withers, even after being picked. the concentrated action of the Immortelle mask delivers the anti-aging benefits of remarkable Immortelle essential oil. a superb face treatment infused with shea butter to nourish and protect…

when dry air depletes skin of moisture, it's a beauty girl's mission to treat the issue before it gets out of control. dehydrated skin shows signs of fine line and wrinkles, may be flaky or look uneven and rough…

though i still have skin that leans more oily, it has in recent years become less so. i do experience the tight feeling in my face from time to time, rough texture and have observed lines only associated with skin in need of serious moisturization.

i'm barely in my mid thirties, so it's definitely something i can still fight against!

other moisturizers i've used in the past have helped {there are plenty of fabulous products out there, as we all know}, but i'm quite thankful to have been given the opportunity to test out Immortelle Cream Mask from L'Occitane.

it's luxuriously rich, yet still light-feeling and it has made such aa fabulous difference in the way my skin looks and feels in this dry, cold season.

watch my video review and, if you like it, please be sure to click the thumb up! and of course, i'd really  love it if you'd subscribe to my channel!




visit the L'Occitane website for more info.

product courtesy of L'Occitane; this is my honest review; pics 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 :)

new product alert: Boscia Luminizing Black Mask

in the world of beauty, Boscia really stands out among other skincare brands. their products are botanically-based as well as preservative and chemical-free, so all skin gets are yummy ingredients to nourish, replenish, purify and pamper it (and those of us who can be sensitive to some don't have to worry about irritation!).

their latest and greatest comes in the form of a mask-- a peel-off mask to be specific-- and while it's a bit messy at first, the results are definitely worth it.

my first experience with this wasn't a total home run. i didn't apply it thick enough, like the directions say to, so i didn't get to peel all of it off. this wasn't a big issue, though. i just used a wash cloth to remove it and rinsed the rest away. my second attempt (and each time since), however, was much better, and i had fun "peeling my face off" once the mask dried (haha, don't lie, you know that's the fun part!).

now i enjoy using this mask twice a week. it's little pampering product that forces me relax at the end of the day, keeps my skin glowing and is fun to use (but be warned, like i mentioned before, it's a little messy).

find Boscia Luminizing Black Mask exclusively at Sephora.

xo
product featured sent to me for review consideration.

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 :)

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

review: Exuviance Rejuvenating Treatment Masque

i've been using Exuviance Rejuvenating Treatment Masque for the last few weeks (fyi, it comes in the latest Beautyfix kit), and while i don't usually use peel-off masks, the benefits (stimulates cell renewal, gently exfoliates, reduces fine lines and increases skin's clarity and firmness) and ingredients captured my attention.

now i am in love with the stuff!

this treatment mask is uber-pampering and oh-so refreshing. it combines a blend of alpha and polyhydroxy acids that go to work to remove dirt, excess oils and dead skin without sucking out precious moisture. antioxidants (pro-vitamins A, B5, C and E) give skin protection to fight against free radicals (you know, those pesky things that cause cells to break down, leading to pre-mature aging), and botanicals keep my skin balanced-- in a nut shell this treats my not-getting-any-younger skin fabulously and leaves it looking amazing-- you need to try it for yourself!

find Exuviance Rejuvenating Treatment Masque at dermstore.com

xo

review: Jan Marini Age Intervention Regeneration Facial Mask

Jan Marini Age Intervention Regeneration Facial Mask is a product that started like most others-- just using it to test out for review-- but has become a product i really love and enjoy using-- it makes my skin look great!

as many of you know, good skincare is always a high priority in my beauty routine. being a beauty editor requires me to use many different products, so my skin experiences a lot. it sometimes doesn't like what i use ("bleh"!), and other times it almost looks like it wakes up (!) and becomes excited for whatever the new thing is i've introduced it to.

this Age Intervention Mask is one of the latter products-- it keeps my skin clear, gives me a refreshed look, and leaves my skin feeling amazingly soft. i attribute this to the fabulous ingredients like kaolin, glycolic acid, the new red wine extract, Resveratrol, and antioxidants like algae, white and green tea extracts, and pomegranate-- sounds good, doesn't it?



what can i say, i'm hooked! this mask delivers a great, refreshed look and feel after using it once, but continues to rebuild and resurface skin over time. i've used this 2 times a week for almost a month, and have been nothing but thrilled at how it continues to keep my skin looking superb.

visit myjanmarini.com for more info or to buy the Age Intervention Regeneration Facial Mask.

xo
pics taken by me :)

My Favorite Drugstore Beauty Buys 3.20.09

it's the first day of spring! the weather here in socal is warming up, and while some of my friends are ecstatic, i can't help but wish the cool weather would stick around forever-- ha! you could say me and extreme heat are not friends. my kids love it of course, because that means we can go swimming-- always a good thing. :)

this week's beauty buys are fun little goodies that i sometimes use to create a pampering mini spa day at home. take a look...



Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque is a mask with kaolin and zinc oxide to absorb oil and impurities, and the sulfur is great for clearing up and keeping breakouts under control. i like to use this about once a week in the winter because it can be a little too drying, but when the weather begins to warm up and my skin starts to freak out because of the weather change, i use it twice a week.


de-luxe BAIN Instant Manicure & Body Polish works fabulously as a shower scrub, leaving skin feeling amazingly soft and moisturized, and is great as a quick manicure treatment. there are more expensive products like this, but this one works just as good, and the price actually makes it better!



Olay Body Thermal Pedicure Foot Treatment gives my little tootsies a warm treat and helps extend the time between my pedicures (love that!). white sand, pumice, and micro-crystals smooth away dead skin, and moisturizers like shea butter leave them soft and looking great.


have a great weeekend!

xo

product craving: Borghese Fango Active Mud

do you ever see an ad and think, i need to try that? well, if you're like me, it happens a lot. i have found yet another product that i am eager to try: Borghese Fango Active Mud.

Active Mud is a multi-tasking product that can be used on face or body, and energizes and nourishes skin cells. special absorbing action unclogs pores, eliminates dead skin cells and detoxifies impurities. skin feels comfortably hydrated, firmer and invigorated.

now i don't know about you, but with the way i've been feeling lately, this sounds like a dream...

what about you? are there any products that are on your must-try list right now?

xo

review: Bioelements Restorative Clay

Bioelements Restorative Clay is a simple to use, 10 minute facial treatment mask that keeps my oily skin under control, smooths my skin and keep it looking fresh, clear and healthy looking.

you'll definitely love this if you have any issue with oiliness, large pores, dehydration, breakouts or dull skin-- this is a fabulous product for getting and keeping your skin in check. you might also think of Restorative Clay as the product to reach for when your skin needs a little pick-me-up-- this stimulates circulation and clears out pores with chinese herbs and soothing chamomile in an active clay base.

find Bioelements Restorative Clay at dermstore.com

xo

review: Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask

Bliss is famous for a little facial they call the Triple Oxygen Treatment. it's actually one of the most popular treatments because it leaves skin feeling and looking amazing.

the Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask is like that facial in a bottle, and let me tell you...it gives great results! it smells great (my favorite-- citrus!), my skin was soft, looked refreshed and the entire process took five minutes!

i do have to tell you that during my wait time for this mask's effects, i giggled...a lot.

why?

well, there are many little bubbles that "burst" as it sits on your face, so it created quite a tickly sensation. i really wanted to scratch my face while it was working, but instead just watched as the mask sort of "popped" away (funny, trust me).

now don't get me wrong, this in no way irritated my skin.

so, i had hubby try it out, and without telling him what he was in store for, i laughed as he applied it. "what the...?" he said as the mask started to work. he was surprised, and i had to remind him that it was only 5 minutes. he also watched the bubbles burst (it's very interesting, i tell you!).

what an experience this mask gives! and the results are great, i love that it's quick and now that i know wat to expect, the "bursting" isn't a surprise anymore. my skin glows and i give this a very high recommendation!

find out more at blissworld.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

review: Blue Corn 3-in-1 Deep Cleansing Scrub Mask

if you love multi-tasking products as much as i do, then you are going to love what The Body Shop's Blue Corn 3-in-1 Deep Cleansing Scrub Mask does!

1. it deep cleans

2. it exfoliates

3. it moisturizes


so, how does it do all of these things? check out the fabulous key ingredients:

bergamot, geranium and ylang ylang essential oils-- these oils are renowned to help balance an oily skin type. they also provides an uplifting and sensual aroma during use.

blue corn powder-- gently exfoliates the skin, removing dead skin cells, excess oils and dirt.

glycerin-- an effective moisturizer which helps improve softness and maximize hydration.

kaolin clay-- helps control shine. deeply cleanses, drawing out impurities from the skin, and is a mineral that helps to restore the skin's natural balance.


if you have an oilier skin type, obviously, this is perfect as a 1-2 time a week mask, but even if you have a more normal skin type, this is perfect as a 1-2 times a month mask.

it gives a cooling sensation when on the face that is quite soothing (love it after a long, hot day),and it's very important when you rinse to rub gently as the little granules will do the scrubbing for you.

for the past couple of years, my husband has loved to do this mask about once a month to really clean out his pores, and give his skin a "glow" (but don't tell him i told you!), and i love to do it weekly to help control oil and keep my skin clear.


find the Blue Corn 3-in-1 Deep Cleansing Mask at The Body Shop and online at thebodyshop.com


xo

Bioelements Amino Mask

if you have acne prone skin, like me, and are looking for a fabulous new way to control it, i recommend you get yourself Bioelements Amino Mask. it's the best, most effective mask i have ever used! i think i can say it's an HG product!

i have used many masks to control my acne. and not to say that they didn't work, but they didn't work like this one. i usually would have to use a mask several times before i saw results. the Amino Mask shows skin improvements overnight. i know, i know, there are other masks on the market, one in particular comes to mind, that claim to work overnight, but they didn't work for me.

Bioelements Amino Mask is a salicylic acid mask that also contains sulfur, a great anti-bacterial ingredient. it helps to unclog pores and control oil-production (an added bonus), as weel as calm the skin. it gives a cooling sensation while it sits on my face, which feels lovely (especially with the weather i've been living with lately!). 15 minutes later, my skin feels fresh and soft. the best part-- it clears up exsisting acne, and prevents new flare-ups.

i have two kids, who are now both home on summer break, so i'm a little stressed sometimes! and as you might know, stress can sometimes show up on the face. now i don't have to worry about it. this mask, that could also work well as a spot treatment, has got my back.

find Bioelements Amino Mask can be purchased at dermstore.com and glow.com

xo

sometimes skin need an extra treat!
click here to find it:

photo: glow.com