summer beauty: defy sun-damaged skin

the summer season is just around the corner, beauties! along with longer, brighter days also comes what we all dread ~ sun damage! so if you're looking forward to getting out and soaking up the sun, it's that much more important to make sure that you're taking care of your skin before you do any unintended harm...

i'm sure you're well aware that the more time you spend in the sun the more likely you're going to end up with damage; and this won't always show up right away {not everyone burns, after all}, but when it does, it reveals itself in the form of uneven skin tone, spots, hyperpigmentation and unwanted blemishes. thankfully, there are fabulous products to repair the damage, bring back the radiance and give skin a more even tone. here are some suggestions that can be a great help...

MD Complete Dark Spot Remover ~ {pictured, at top} this beauty serum is formulated to help fade unwanted dark spots, freckles and sun damage; evens and brightens overall skin tone giving skin a more youthful and healthy-looking complexion. mdcompleteskincare.com

Exuviance OptiLight Tone Corrector ~ a potent targeted skin tone corrector that aids in diminishing the look of dark spots; active ingredients include botanicals to treat and prevent uneven tone. NeoGlucosamine® gently exfoliates to break up pigment clusters, while retinol and vitamin C help reduce the intensity of existing spots. exuviance.com

Lumixyl Brightening System ~  this revolutionary multi-faceted approach promises to effectively treat hyperpigmentation without irritation or other side effects associated with prescription hydroquinone or retinoids; the 8 week program includes the Active-Prep Cleanser, Topical Brightening Creme, GlycoPeel 20 Rapid Exfoliating Lotion, and MoistureLock Sunscreen spf 30, which work synergistically to target existing melasma and to prevent its recurrence. lovelyskin.com

elure Advanced Brightening Lotion ~ uses mushroom-derived Melanozyme™ which is touted to safely and effectively brighten, soften, and retexturize skin. Melanozyme™ breaks down existing discoloration, without the irritation and side effects of harsh prescription drugs, working to dissolve existing pigment in as little as 4 weeks. elureskin.com

remember, while these are more than likely to give you what you're looking for, prevention is most important, so wear sunscreen daily!

product info and images courtesy of respected brand's PR

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 :)

spring beauty: L'Occitane Immortelle Brightening Mist

 although it's currently raining here in so cal, sunny spring days are quickly approaching. so, as they say, there's no time like the present to update and refresh your beauty regime! 

what to start with?

consider L’Occitane's new Immortelle Brightening Mist

 extending its Immortelle Brightening rage with this new product, Brightening Mist is formulated with the same rigour and exacting standards as the most advanced anti-aging creams.

alcohol-free, the mist promises to soften and brighten skin as well as aid in keeping makeup in place all day; it combines the unique properties of immortelle essential oil with bellis perennis to keep skin young-looking, radiant and even-toned.

sounds like beautiful days are ahead...


 visit loccitaine.com for more info.

info and image courtesy of brand PR

review: That Gal by Benefit

i like to go and have my makeup done at beauty counters so i can experience not only new products, but products i may have heard of but never used. this occurred the last time i went to the Benefit counter and the sales woman used That Gal to prep my face.

"That Gal is a skin brightener and primer," she explained, "but one thing i really love about it is that you can apply it over existing makeup and apply more makeup over it if you don't have time to start from scratch. your make looks refreshed, and know one is the wiser."

what?!

yep, she was right. That Gal is not only a makeup primer, but it is an all around skin brightener and works to smooth out your skin and give it a fresh look. i have to say, it was love at first use. and the smell is so yummy, i knew i had to take it home with me.

and that's what i did. and i've been loving it ever since. the sheer pink formula gives my skin a great glow and my foundation-- whether i opt for a liquid, cream or powder-- stays in place and looks great. i have even done the "over the makeup" trick i first learned at the Benefit counter a few times with no side effect of irritation or breakouts. love this stuff!

find That Gal at your local Benefit counter or store, in Sephora and online at sephora.com

xo