beauty review: Juara Skincare faves

Juara recently sent me a few of their products and, naturally, i wanted to share some of my thoughts about them with you. the fabulous Kerri Russell had some of the products used on her skin to prep it for a red carpet event, and like many people, i loved the results ~ what a surprise when the products showed up on my doorstep!

Tamarind Tea Hydrating Toner
this toner-serum fusion is a fabulous product ~ it really makes my skin look and feel so beautiful. i first tried this toner in 2009, and in my review i said it was "the most moisturizing toner i have ever used." fast-forward 5 years, i still think it's still a fabulous gem. to quote myself: "this toner is unique in that it provides hydration and moisture without oil, while also soothing and leaving my skin feeling amazingly soft! if your skin needs hydration, this is perfect. if you are looking for a toner with calming benefits, this one will work for you too." it's definitely a gorgeously beneficial step in my skincare routine.

an oil-free gel-cream, the Sweet Black Tea & Ginger Mattefying Moisturizer combines radiance-boosting, anti-aging benefits thanks to antioxidant-rich sweet black tea. this beauty is infused with vitamin B, hydrating hyaluronic acid as well as purifying ginger and cinnamon to nourish and keep skin in gorgeous condition. i love how the formula glides on smoothly, absorbs quickly and leaves my skin feeling moisturized with a soft, matte finish.

Juara Sweet Black Tea Eye Crème is quite luxurious, i must say. the silky texture feels amazing to apply morning and night. it's kept the area around my eyes so hydrated. the combination of  kombucha {fermented black tea}, avocado butter, rice bran oil and candlenut oil all work together to nourish, refresh, treat and keep my eyes looking youthful.

are you a fan of Juara products? what are your faves? visit juaraskincare.com for more info and to find a retailer near you.

products featured sent to me by the brand; pics taken by me :)

currently loving: c. Booth Mimosa Honeysuckle Body Souffle

when it comes to my skin, keeping it nourished and moisturized is important. when a product works well, the next thing that makes or breaks my decision to keep using it is the scent. this c. Booth Mimosa Honeysuckle Body Souffle not only keeps my skin feeling soft and smooth, but it smells incredible!

i'm all about floral and citrus-infused scents, so this blend of mimosa flower, coconut, grapefruit and orange were happy-making from first smell. with it's tropical, bright and sweet fragrance, this soufflé is fabulous for summer. the rich blend of oils and skin soothers melts beautifully in to my skin and never feels heavy, so i love using it even on the hottest days.

there's so much in this body soufflé to pamper you and your skin, so you should discover it for yourself! find the c. Booth range of products at Ulta and Rite Aid {i've seen it at CVS as well}. to find a retailer near you, visit freemanbeauty.com

product 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. :)

expert tips for using coconut oil

if your skin is struggling to recover from the cold, miserable winter {or dry, practically rainless "winter"}, no worries…you’re definitely not alone. there is hope, of course, found in an all-natural resource: 

coconut oil!

and it's not only great for skin, but hair, nails…well, actually every part of your body, from head to toe…

Josie Feria, director of operations at Lapis Spa at Fontainebleau Miami Beach recently shared her suggestions on how to utilize this hot beauty multitasker, and the best part? you can find it as close as the grocery store.

take a look at Josie’s tips below and your skin will be back in gorgeous shape in no time...

intensive treatment for dry hair work into wet hair, cover with a shower cap and leave on for up to 30 minutes; rinse and shampoo as usual.*

stimulate hair growth by massaging a bit into your scalp*

to fight frizz use a small amount in your hair for instant control.*

use as makeup remover on your face:, including eyes and use in place of lip balm to treat lips.

massage into cuticles to eliminate dryness and stimulate nail growth

as a body moisturizer, use as you would a normal body lotion for overall treatment, focusing especially on dry elbows.*

 mix with sea or rock salt and exfoliate {mix with sugar for sensitive skin} for a skin-pampering treat.

apply to skin daily to prevent stretch marks and avoid scarring during pregnancy

 apply to skin affected by poison ivy, oak or sumac to soothe irritated skin

rub on feet to hydrate and condition skin; fights athlete's foot and low level fungus.



tell me: do you use coconut oil? if so, how do you incorporate it into your daily routine?; if not, are you going to try any of these ideas for yourself?

many thanks to Josie for sharing such fabulous tips to help us get our most gorgeous skin. here's to the  beautiful spring/summer season ahead!

*ways i've used coconut oil {and i also sometimes cook with it} :)

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 :)

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 :)

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 :)

summer beauty: natural-looking skin with Mary Kay

summer is all about scaling back, taking it easy, and, with regard to makeup, the opportunity for me go with a more natural look, putting less is more into practice. to do this, i enlist the help of a trio of Mary Kay products that you yourself might like to try...

to start, i use Tinted Moisturizer Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 20. one thing i wear daily {and year-round} is sunscreen, but i love this skincare beauty because it eliminates a step in my routine. the coverage is quite sheer {i use bronze 1}, but the subtle dewy finish makes my skin look really pretty.

to cover up flaws the moisturizer doesn't hide, MK's Concealer is amazing. a heavyweight in the coverage department, its creamy texture feels incredibly lightweight once applied, creating a smooth and flawless finish.

finally, i use MK's Facial Highlighting Pen {shade 3}. this formula can be used to brighten up dark areas of the face {under the eyes, around the mouth, corners of the nose}, but i like to use a bit blended in the corners of my eyes and over my cheekbones, so the sunlight will catch the reflective pigments, creating a lit from within appearance.

with my skin finished, i typically complete my natural, less is more look with a little blush, a light dusting of powder or finishing spray to set everything in place, and i'm good to go!

well, i also have to apply mascara...lipgloss...fill in my brows...

hey, i said i'm practicing... ;)

tell me: do you wear less makeup in the summer? what are your go-to products?

get more info about these products by visiting marykay.com

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

what i'm loving now: 100% Pure Tinted Moisturizer

it's not hard to believe that 100% Pure's Tinted Moisturizer is made with such nourishing ingredients-- the name of the brand tells it all. what is hard for me to believe is that all of the ingredients come from fruits and nature's most fabulous sources!

this tinted spf 20 skin protectant uses fruits including peach, carrot, cocoa beans, and pomegranate (just to name a few) to add pigment, and treats skin with white tea, aloe juice, acai oil and vitamin C. the formula offers sheer coverage that can be built up to be a medium coverage, but don't rely on this hide anything major.

i have been using this in Toffee both under, and sometimes over, my regular foundation. i love the smooth texture it gives my skin! it's just the right color for me right now, but i figure come summer, that might not be the case. it's a dewy finish, but never greasy-- perfect for my oily skin.

100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Tinted Moisturizer is 100% natural, 100 % vegetarian and gluten free. visit 100percentpure.com for more info.

xo

product featured sent to me for review consideration

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

review: Estee Lauder DayWear Plus

who doesn't love a GWP? they are definitely one of my favorite things, and a true incentive for buying something you may have been putting off. with a little gift with purchase encouragement, i'm typically more likely to buy something i've been eye-balling for awhile. enter Estee Lauder's DayWear Plus, a little gem of a moisturizer plus spf that happened to be in the last two Estee Lauuder GWPs.

DayWear Plus is not only excellent at moisturizing, but it is refreshing with its cucumber scent-- yes, cucumber! it couldn't have come at a better time either. the first time i received it in an itty-bitty jar and the weather was hinting at warming up. from first use, i had to add it to my must-buy-in-full-size list simply because of the smell (not always the best thing, i know-- i didn't even know how my skin would react). needless to say, after a couple of weeks (i only used it once a day), i loved it, and it was gone. ugh, so sad! but, a couple of weeks later, i was in for a surprise...



it just so happened that about a week later i needed to get more foundation. since my fave is from the some brand, and because of the price, i received a new GWP-- a great tote filled with goodies-- including my beloved DayWear Plus, in a bigger size! i could hold off another month or so buying it in the full size. don't you love when that happens?

DayWear Plus comes in two formulas-- dry, and the one i have, normal/combination skin-- they each offer a blend of antioxidant ingredients (grape seed and a combination of vitamins C and E), and both come in the same amazing cucumber scent-- the spf is a bonus!

find Estee Lauder DayWear Plus at your nearest Estee Lauder beauty counter and online at esteelauder.com

xo
pics taken by me :)

review: Decleor Nutri Delice Ultra-Nourishing Cream

if you have dry skin and you're looking for a highly moisturizing facial cream that will give your skin the moisture it needs, as well as leaving it feeling and looking healthy, check out Decleor Nutri Delice Ultra-Nourishing Cream.

i have oily skin, so obviously i didn't apply this to my face. i did however rub some into my hand and instantly knew that anyone with dry skin just might benefit from it. so, i enlisted the help of my friend, Kat, who has ultra sensitive, dry skin, and she fell in love with it.

"i started using this a few weeks ago, and even the first time after using it, i could see and feel a difference in my skin. it made my skin look so healthy without leaving it feeling greasy. some creams i've used in the past have either irritated my skin or made my skin feel good for only a couple of hours. with this, i use a little amount in the morning-- a little goes a long way!-- and my skin looks and feels so good all day. i apply a bit more at night and my skin looks fresh and hydrated in the morning! it is finally getting good moisture. i haven't had any reactions to it and highly recommend this to anyone who has dry skin."

thanks Kat!

find Decleor Nutri Delice Ultra-Nourishing Cream near you by clicking here. it's also sold in Sephora stores and online at sephora.com

xo

review: Caudalie Premieres Vendanges Moisturizing Cream

Caudalie Premieres Vendanges Moisturizing Cream has become my favorite moisturizer over the past few weeks. it's light textured formula is perfect for my oily complexion (but works for all skin types) and works great day and night.

made without any parabens or synthetic ingredients, this moisturizer is made with antioxidant grape seed oil to fight off yucky free-radicals, and honeysuckle extract to nourish skin. it absorbs nicely into my skin and doesn't cause it to break out-- this definitely keeps my skin hydrated and healthy!

if you're looking for a new or lighter-feeling moisturizer for summer, head to Sephora and pick up a sample to try. for more info, visit sephora.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

what i'm loving now: La Mer The SPF 30 UV Protecting Fluid

La Mer The SPF 30 UV Protecting Fluid instantly became my new favorite sunscreen shortly after i first began to use it. its oh-so luxurious formula makes my skin feel amazing after applying it, and the smooth cream is so lightweight, gives my skin a pretty glow and even works great as a primer!

The SPF 30 was designed to utilize light energy, provide broad spectrum uva/uvb protection, and keep skin soft, comfortable and hydrated.

how does this one product do so much?

first of all, it contains exclusive Hollow Photonic Spheres that help reroute light and scatter individual light waves. so while the spf is protecting the skin, the spheres capture the good light, making the skin appear more healthy and luminous.

to keep skin feeling comfortable and hydrated, The SPF 30 contains a new smart seaweed ferment, along with green tea and rosemary, to protect skin against fluctuating pH, humidity and climate changes. it attracts moisture as well, preventing dehydration.

and before i forget, the fluid uses gemstones to enhance the formula's anti-oxidant activity.

whew! there is so much going on in The SPF 30 Protecting Fluid that thinking about it could just make your head spin, so take it from me-- it's simply fabulous! i love that my skin is protected, hydrated and has a "helping hand" to stay looking great all day.

visit lamer.com for more info about The SPF 30 Protecting Fluid

xo

my favorite drugstore beauty buys 2.27.09

well, this has been a crazy week for me. remember on monday when i told you about my son being sick over the weekend? yeah, well, that little cold turned into the flu, and he's been home all week. my poor little guy slept a lot, felt and looked miserable. thankfully he's feeling better, but is still not 100%**. i also sent my 8 year old daughter off to her first winter camp, which was exciting for her-- she practically jumped out of the car, lol-- but a little bittersweet for me...

well, that's life, right? but on to some fun stuff-- this weeks drugstore beauty buys-- yay!



Olay Age Defying Intensive Nourishing Night Cream is a product i thought i'd already shared with you, but i haven't, and i can't believe it! this night cream is great because it's oil-free and contains soothing chamomile plus a beta hydroxy complex (fabulous) to keep skin looking great. my skin loves this-- it smells wonderful, feels like silk and never irritates or causes breakouts.




L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara is a mascara i had for a long time in the package and didn't start using until i found it in a box full of other products i needed to use (oops). well, i fell in love with this one, as it delivers full, rich, black lashes but without any icky stiffness. it's never clumped on me, smudged or flaked. i wear it almost everyday, and when it runs out you can bet i'll be re-buying this!



John Frieda Frizz-Ease Extra Strength Hair Serum is a fabulous serum to use if you have any problem combating frizz. i like to put a few pumps of this in my hands after washing and towel drying my hair. i then let my hair air dry and style it as usual. the result? smooth hair that is resistant to frizz, of course!


have a great weekend!

xo
**by the time you are reading this, hubby has also come down with the same flu :(

My Favorite Products of 2008

happy new year! how would you say 2008 was for you? good? better or worse than most? i would say, for me, it was a good year overall. i have learned a lot, and grown a lot. i hope 2009 will be even better!

this is my first-annual "favorites of 2008" post, and i have chosen the products i absolutely loved this year, but i have to say, it wasn't easy! but, i had to choose, so here they are...


my favorites of 2008 by beauty girl

favorite cleanser: Philosophy Purity Made Simple-- really i can't say enough about this cleanser except that it is really the best cleanser for removing all traces of dirt and makeup (including mascara)! i love everything from the smell to the texture and i even sometimes use it to clean my makeup brushes! honorable mention: Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser

favorite eye cream: iQ Derma RestoreEyes Firming Eye Therapy-- this eye cream keeps my eyes looking bright, hydrates wonderfully, and i never have to worry about puffiness when i use it! honorable mention: L'Oreal Skin Genesis Eye Serum

favorite moisturizer: L'Oreal Skin Genesis Daily Moisturizer Oil Free Lotion-- to quote myself, "i love this stuff!" honorable mention: Bioelements Beyond Hydration

favorite acne treatment product: Bioelements Amino Mask-- this fabulous mask keeps my skin clear and works great as a spot treatment. honorable mention: iQ Derma Acne Treatment Lotion

favorite spf product: Lisa Hoffman Day Cream SPF 15-- non-greasy and keeps my skin looking healthy! honorable mention: Raw Minerals Active Veil

favorite oil-control product: Cosmedicine Medi-Matte-- controls oil, and contains an spf! honorable mention: MAC Oil Control Lotion

favorite foundation: Redpoint Transformative Dual Foundation- this full coverage foundation goes on smooth, blends easily and never feels heavy. honorable mention: Revlon Custom Creations Foundation

favorite new eyeshadow: L'Oreal HiP Metallic Eyeshadow Duos-- highly pigmented, long-lasting, beautiful colors for a beautiful eye look. honorable mention: Bobbi Brown Metallic Eyeshadows

favorite mascara: Maybelline XXL Extensions Mascara-- gives me long, lush, beautiful lashes that wears all day and removes easily at night. honorable mention: CoverGirl LashBlast mascara

favorite blush: Redpoint Airbrush Effects Blushwhip-- love the beautiful sheer color it gives. honorable mention: The Body Shop's Nature's Minerals Cheek Color

favorite lipgloss: L'Oreal Infalllible Never Fali Lipgloss--the best long-wearing lipgloss that doesn't dry lips out in the slightest. honorable mention: Clinique Superbalm Lipgloss

favorite lipstick: Bobbi Brown Metallic Lipstick in Pretty Pink-- i don't usually like lipstick, but this one is easy to love. honorable mention: NARS Lipstick in Beautiful Liar

favorite body wash: Caress Cream Oil Body Wash really surprised me with how soft and smooth it left my skin! honorable mention: Jan Marini Bioglycolic Resurfacing Body Scrub

favorite shampoo: Aveda Dry Remedy Shampoo-- the most moisturizing shampoo ever! honorable mention: none

favorite conditioner: L'Oreal Vive Pro Nutri Gloss Conditioner-- a product i didn't expect too much from, but found to be truly amazing! honorable mention: none

favorite hair treatment: Moroccanoil Masque for Hair leaves my hair silky and shiny! a definite must-have! honorable mention: Bumble & Bumble Creme de Coco

favorite styling aid: Bumble and bumble Spray de Mode-- a fabulous and unique hairspray! honorable mention: Product

favorite multitasker: Ojon Tawaka Ancient Tribal Rejuvenating Cleanser-- cleanses the skin on your face (removes makeup, too!) and body, as well as your hair with good-for-you ingredients. honorable mention: Global Goddess Beauty South Pacific Shimmer

favorite body lotion/cream: Bioelements Vitalization-- leaves skin feeling and smelling fabulous! honorable mention: Elizabeth Grant Vitamin C Body Lotion

favorite nail color: NARS Jungle Red-- my perfect red. honorable mention: OPI Baby It's "Coal" Outside

favorite fragrance: Miss Dior Cherie-- an amazingly girly scent that is fun and still sophisticated! honorable mention: John Varvatos for Women

favorite beauty/fashion book: Carmindy's Get Positively Beautiful-- i love the makeup tips and how-to's, but i think it's great that there's so much more to this book than that. honorable mention: Rescue Your Nails by Ji Baek and The One Hundred by Nina Garcia

what were some of your favorite products this year?

happy new year!

xo

Creme de La Mer: The Moisturizing Gel Cream

a couple of weeks ago, i reviewed the original Creme de la Mer. while my results were satisfactory, i have to say i love The Moisturizing Gel Cream formula so much more!

designed to be used in the warm weather months, the Gel Cream also works amazingly for oilier skin types. it's so cool and refreshing when i apply it to my face- i felt like my skin is so thankful for it!

the formula, that contains the special sea kelp found in the Original (combined with other natural ingredients like calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, lecithin, Vitamin C, E and B12), is ultra-lightweight, but my skin gets great hydration. the bonus? it has a citrus scent (wow, am i scoring big time lately with the citrus scents or what?)!

if you have oily skin, or you're looking for a great lightweight moisturizer, this is definitely an alternative to the original Creme de la Mer.

and if you're wondering: yes, it too comes in sample sizes for you to try!

find La Mer Moisturizing Gel Cream at select Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman stores and online at lamer.com


xo

DDF Protect and Correct UV Moisturizer SPF 15

i have been using DDF Protect and Correct UV Moisturizer SPF 15 now for about 3 weeks, and i am so thankful that it contains broad spectrum SPF.

as many of you know, i experience breakouts (ugh), and when those little buggers go away, i am left with what i like to call their "shadows".

these "shadows" take forever (as my son would say for something that takes a long time) to fade, and even if i am using a fading cream, i have to wear some sort of sunscreen to keep the "shadows" from coming back. if i forget to protect my skin, the spots reappear (boo).

DDF Protect and Correct not only protects my skin to prevent the hyperpigmentation ("shadows"), but also corrects with ingredients, that DDF calls a Micro-Radiance Complex, that help fade existing discoloration. that is fabulous! what i love about this as well, are the very fine light reflecting particles that help the skin appear to be more even and radiant. i never look overly glittery.

with the help of this product, i have been able to keep the hyperpigmentation under control. i still have some spots, but i have noticed that when breakouts clear up, their "shadows" are not left as dark any more, and they fade much quicker.

find DDF Protect and Correct UV Moisturizer SPF 15 at ddf.com

xo

Kate Somerville's Oil-Free Moisturizer

first off, i must say: Kate Somerville and her products are fabulous!

ok, now that we have that established, i must tell you about a new product she has recently introduced.

it's her new Oil-Free Moisturizer, and it's designed for anyone looking to give their skin moisture without added oil as well as the benefits of an anti-aging product. what also sets this moisturizer apart is that people with sensitive skin can use it as well!

this moisturizer contains algae-based Pepha-Tight® that tones and hydrates the skin while working to help fight the appearance of lines and wrinkles. skin will appear tightened and refined. you'll see immediate and long term effects from rich sea plant extracts containing powerful amino acids to encourage collagen production, and the unique blend of ingredients that help absorb oil and reflect light for a flawless finish.


doesn't it sound lovely? i know this is already a popular one! find out more info or buy it at katesomerville.com



xo

photo: katesomerville.com