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 review: Shiseido IBUKI skincare

as an Allure 2013 Breakthrough Beauty Award winner, the Shiseido IBUKI range of skincare products boast a multi-action formula that corrects the appearance of unevenness as well as visible pores, dryness, breakouts and blemish marks, and skin roughness.

according to Shiseido, IBUKI Skincare "builds skin's resistance to UV rays and daily stress by infusing it with long-lasting moisture". their exclusive technology "puts your skin in a super-hydrated state, so it can maintain a healthy, more radiant glow"…

i don't know about the UV resistance, since i wear spf daily, but i can say from my experience that my skin absolutely appreciates the added {much-needed} hydration. these products have definitely given my skin a smoother looking and feeling appearance…

take a closer look...

the Purifying Cleanser contains micro-granules {they are very micro, btw} that allow the formula to gently exfoliate skin. one major standout to me is that it only takes the tiniest amount {like a pea} to create a serious, rich lather, and i like the way it removes all traces of dirt and oil, but never leaves my skin feeling tight or over dry.

Softening Concentrate is simply fabulous. this deep-infusion formula puts its softening ingredients into the skin for a smoother look and feel. as it claims, i've found this post-cleanser liquid enhances the benefits of the skincare i apply after it since it hydrates and smooths so well. i also no longer have any over-drying from my blemish-fighting toner since this Concentrate puts the moisture back in. love that!

Refining Moisturizer Enriched is a multi-action formula that is so rich, lush and highly moisturizing without a greasy feel.  i use it day and night {a bit more at night} and love that it absorbs quickly; it also contains witch hazel, a beautiful ingredient that helps keep blemishes at bay.


do you use Shiseido skincare products? i've been so impressed by what i've used so far to this point…

in any case, you can find Shiseido IBUKI at Sephora, Macy's and other fine departments stories. visit shiseido.com for more info!

products featured sent to me for review consideration; all thoughts and opinions are my own; pics taken by me :)

beauty review: NARS Adelaide Illuminator + NARSissist Blush Kit

while i lean more toward having a matte skin look, it's still nice to have my face reflect a pretty glow and luminescence. this is something that is easily created thanks to the new and fabulous {and pink!} Adelaide Illuminator from the NARS Final Cut collection

just as the the name of the product suggests, the Illuminator is a sweet multitasking liquid-gel that aids in creating a highlight wherever you apply it. you can also mix it with your moisturizer or foundation to create a subtle lit-from-within glow. another bonus: a little really does go along way!

the new NARSissist Blush Kit is a beautiful palette of three best-selling shades that work together to  create a great overall look. i love that its compact size, so it's perfect for travel. of course it can be used everyday, and the fact that it comes with a {super-soft} blush brush is a huge bonus!

the blush palette features the bronzer, Laguna, perfect for most skin tones. i typically use Casino {a deeper bronzer, also from NARS}, but i like how this shade adds a nice warmth and subtle depth to my skin. then there's Orgasm, the blush shade everyone loves because of its not-too-shimmery, peachy-pink tone. in the past i've used it as a complimentary shade to matte blushes, but have found myself using it alone more and more these days. rounding out the trio is Devotee, a simply perfect-for-highlighting blush. it has a nice shimmer to it that is not at all glittery; while on the frosty side, it blends out very well and looks beautiful with its palette mates as well as every other cheek shade i've chosen to wear it with.


my final verdict? i highly recommend you seek out these new NARS products if you're looking for some fabulous new beauty goodies {as beauty junkies, when are we not?! LOL!}. and if it's still blustery and cold where you are, these are sure to add cheeriness to your days and help you look forward to spring. and if not, they're still just as enjoyable…

the NARS Adelaide Illuminator is available in store and online at Nordstrom; the NARSissist Blush Kit is available in store and online at Sephora.

 here's to a beautiful spring! :)

  

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

beauty review: MAC Lightful w/Marine-Bright complex

~ it's a new year, so you may have resolved to start a new skincare routine. and even if that's not the case, we all want skin that's soft to touch and beautiful to look at. to make it reality, good skincare products are essential! to help you navigate through the plethora of products, i've been testing out many for the past few months and will be sharing my thoughts and opinions throughout the month of january. i hope you'll find it useful! ~

nourish, hydrate and brighten the skin with the exclusive asia-inspired formula that defies dull skin while fortifying against key environmental aggressors. enhanced with marine-bright formula, featuring three potent seaweeds harvested from the world's oceans and optimized with vitamin C. this unprecedented skin-brightening complex, made possible through our exclusive technology, improves clarity, evens pigmentation and creates perfectly luminous skin instantly and over time.

this is the description regarding the MAC Lightful range of skincare products; i'm here to say i'm beyond happy with what i have been using {3 of 4 products}: Softening Lotion, Essence and Moisture Creme {there is also a Cleanser, but i have yet to try it out for myself}. each of these beauties are formulated to give skin a healthy glow and feed skin beneficial ingredients to make your skin look its best.

like millions of people, i've always been a fan of MAC; i'm also especially fond of their skincare products, which i think are so underrated and don't get near the amount of hype they deserve {just saying…}. sure, i love my studio fix plus powder, lipglass, and don't even get me started over the assortment of amazing eyeshadows, but MAC's skincare is quite effective. needless to say, Lightful has my heart.

let's take a few moments to take a closer look at the products i've been using, shall we?

 Lightful Softening Lotion

this gorgeous, antioxidant-rich lotion {it's a liquid, though; think toner} is perfect for any skin type, containing a solid mix of antioxidants, repairing ingredients, and soothing agents {created to calm redness and reinforce a healthy barrier function for the skin}. i used this twice daily for three weeks when i began seeing results: smoother and more radiant skin.

Lightful Essence  

a vitamin C serum, highly infused with antioxidants and other fabulous ingredients helps to brighten skin and improve the look of discoloration and uneven skin tone.  the smooth-textured serum comes in a pump bottle and applies fabulously. i used this mainly at night, but did use it sometimes in the morning. overall, i would definitely recommend you try this out for yourself, if you haven't yet.

Lightful Moisture Creme 

my favorite! it's uber-lightweight but oh-so hydrating; the smooth texture absorbs quickly and is simply fabulous. i don't know how it was done, but this moisturizer is packed with antioxidants, and beneficial plant extracts. my only gripe: it needs to be in a pump rather than a jar. 

the MAC Lightful collection is certainly worth a look {oh, and did i mention the sparkly packaging?! so pretty…} if you're considering changing to all new skincare; of course, if you're just looking for one or two things to add to your current routine, i think you'll find them beneficial as well!

visit maccosmetics.com for more info.

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

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 :)

review: L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Luminous Bronzer

when it comes to self-tanners from the drugstore, i think L'Oreal has done a fabulous job of creating some of the best. their newest concoction, Sublime Bronze Luminous Bronzer, is a gradual tanner that leaves skin looking luminous thanks to it's micro-pearls.

i think this is perfect product to keep your summer glow going, but in a more subtle way. the formula dries quickly, leaves skin feeling soft, and allows you to decide the level of bronze you want to go. as far a s shimmer goes, it isn't too glittery, but you can tell that it's there, especially in the sun. the overall result looks golden brown without a hint of orange.

pick this up at your local drug store or mass retailer and visit lorealparis.com for more info

xo
pic taken by me :)

review: Elizabeth Grant Biocollasis Gold Advanced Cellular Radiance

Elizabeth Grant Biocollasis Gold Advanced Cellular Radiance works to give skin a youthful luminosity while restoring and revitalizing it with its infusion of liquid gold (yes ladies and gents, real gold) and other natural extracts.

legend has it that queen Cleopatra's beauty secret for achieving her smooth, glowing, radiant skin was sleeping mask of pure gold, so needless to say, i feel a bit like royalty using this moisturizer.

i find this luxurious cream to be very moisturizing and pampering, like something that would be used in a high-end spa. with a light, refreshing texture, Cellular Radiance isn't greasy and absorbs quickly; it has a light pleasant scent and leaves my skin with a luminous finish. although it's a bit pricey, this is definitely a great product. i really appreciate that a little goes a long way--always a good thing in my book! my skin looks and feels fabulous after using it, and did i mention it makes me feel like royalty?

find Elizabeth Grant Biocollasis Gold Advanced Cellular Radiance at elizabethgrant.com

xo

Get Vanessa Hudgen's Glowing Look

summer may be over, but that doesn't mean you have to give up your bronzed look. chances are you still have a tan (real or fake), so your makeup should compliment it accordingly.

makeup artist Brett Freeman created a fabulous look for Vanessa Hudgens for her appearance at Teen Vogue's Young Hollywood Party last month, and the makeup was flawless. as you can see, he kept the High School Musical star's look fabulously radiant.

"Vanessa was still bronzed from touring in mexico, so we wanted to play up her glow with make-up and hair that would suit her luminous skin,” said Freedman.

foundation: Neutrogena Visibly Even liquid makeup in True Beige blended to even her skin tone

bronzer: Stila Sun in shade 2 used to set the foundation

blush: to warm up her cheeks, Freedman lightly blended Rosie Jane Cheek Gloss in Peony and swept Benefit 10 all over as a highlighter.

eyeshadow: M.A.C. Spiced Chocolate Eye Shadow X4 was swept all over her lid to create a pale, matte eye.

eye liner: Freedman lined her lashes with Kat Von D Autograph Eyeliner in Love Metal after applying eye shadow.

brows: “i cleaned up her brows with Vanitymark Ultra-Brow Dual Sided Tweezer, then added a bit of drama and definition with Vanitymark Ultra-Brow Powder in Milk Choco,” said Freedman.
mascara: the makeup artist coated her lashes four times with Vanitymark the LASH Mascara

lips: Benefit Her Glossiness in Who Are You Wearing

highlights/countour: after applying all the make-up, Freedman misted Vanitymark SHIMMERSKIN Body Glisten “on her arms, chest and back to really amp up her natural glow.”

you can easily mimic this look with most of these products, regardless of your skintone. for the other products, like blush and foundation, be sure to choose what suits you.

xo
photo: Jason Merritt/FilmMagic via instyle.com