skincare review: Radical Skin Perfecting Screen SPF30

sun protection is an important part of my skin care routine, so when i was sent a new facial sunscreen from Radical Skincare, i beyond thrilled to try it.

and…

yes, i'm pretty excited about it!

 
not only does Radical Skin Perfecting Screen protect my face from harsh UV rays with a non-chemical spf 30, but it's a skincare gem because it contains light-reflecting pigments that help create a beautiful, luminous finish that is still matte and lasts all day. 

without Radical Screen on the left, with it on the right. :)

 this unique, pearl-toned, slightly shimmery formula applies beautifully, absorbs well and is definitely a new fave of mine. if you have the opportunity, don't take my word for it, try it for yourself. your skin will thank you! :)

visit radicalskincare.com for more info.

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. :)

beauty review: Laura Mercier Foundation Primer - Protect Broad Spectrum SPF 30

 Laura Mercier Foundation Primer recently got a boost ~ it's now available with broad spectrum spf 30!

 for a lasting makeup look, we beauty mavens know a good makeup primer is key.  Laura Mercier Foundation Primer - Protect Broad Spectrum SPF 30/PA+++ not only provides this, but also boasts spf 30/PA+++ to protect skin from the harsh rays of the sun and the damage {premature aging, discoloration, uneven texture} that comes with it. since the original formula {as well as the other varieties} has such a great reputation for working so well, it's fabulous to know skin can now be prepped, primed and protected everyday, year-round...

from the product description on the LM website:
lightweight, oil-free creamy gel creates perfect canvas for makeup application; provides uvb/uva spf 30 protection; helps prevent signs of premature aging due to sun exposure features “colour true complex” to keep makeup looking fresh and colour-true all day; forms an even, invisible layer that acts as a buffer to outside elements and expertly holds foundation; visibly minimizes the appearance of imperfections and pores for a smooth, natural finish.

i used Laura Mercier Primer - Protect with a few different foundations, and it made each look and last beautiful all day. i love the silky texture and the way it gives an even, smooth surface for my skin. unlike some products that contain sunscreen, it has no scent, feels weightless and leaves no white cast residue after application. and because i love a multi-tasker, this primer/sunscreen is perfect for both eliminating a step from my skincare routine or being the bonus to it {for me, it's typically the latter}.

you can find all things Laura Mercier via Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook and YouTube. Laura Mercier Foundation Primer - Protect Broad Spectrum SPF 30/PA+++ is available on counter and online at major department stores {Nordstrom, Macy's, Neiman Marcus}, Sephora and of course, lauramercier.com.

product featured sent to me for review consideration; opinion my own; pic 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 :)

Beautifully Protected: Janson-Beckett Sun Block Daytime Moisturizer

finding the right sun protection for your face is important, but can be tricky. thankfully, Janson-Beckett has an amazing product-- Sun Block Daytime Moisturizer-- that is so silky and light, you may just forget you're wearing sunscreen on your face (yes, i did...once. but in my defense, i had just started using it).

oil-free, and non-greasy (you remember i said it was silky and light, right?), Sun Block Daytime Moisturizer contains shea butter, aloe vera, and soluble collagen to keep skin looking good while also keeping it protected thanks to sun protection factor (spf) of 40. as i apply it, it disappears into my skin, after it's on it doesn't cause my makeup to look weird, and to the joy of me (and my skin), didn't cause any breakouts.

my only gripe is the size. i really wish it were offered in something larger than just an ounce. true, it will have lasted about two months by the time it's gone, but when it comes to skincare, i like my products to come in bigger packages, you know?

visit janson-beckett.com for more info about this product, the company (they make great injection-alternative skincare) or to order.


xo
full-size product sample sent to me by the brand's PR for review consideration; pic taken by me :)

Dr. Denese SPF 30 Eye Defense Cream

daily sun protection is a must. adding a bit extra around the delicate eye area can be irritating. thanks to Dr. Denese, now adding extra sun protection around the eyes without irritation is possible with her SPF 30 Defense Eye Cream. it not only treats the skin around the eyes with peptides*, but also conceals and protects skin from harmful uv rays.



the silky texture of this eye cream goes on smoothly and can be applied on the eyelid in addition to under and around the eye (because i was wearing makeup, i show it applied under my eye). the color is a light beige, but as it is promised, the color adjusts, so it acts much like a lightweight concealer. i found it blended in easily and made my eyes looks more rested. this is definitely a must-have!

Dr. Denese SPF 301 Eye Defense Cream can be found on qvc.com and drdenese.com

xo
*peptides are protein fragments that can stimulate the production of collagen and elastin and can thicken the dermis (the layer under the skin that gives skin its plumpness) without any harsh side effects.

hair therapy: L'Oreal Paris EverPure UV Protect Spray

if you color your hair and want to prevent color fade, using the appropriate products are essential. L'Oreal's line, EverPure, has a full product line that helps prevent haircolor from looking dull and lifeless after a few weeks, and their UV Protect Spray is one i think you'll want to try.

this spray can be used on hair that is wet or dry, and leaves hair protected from the harsh rays of the sun (love that) while also leaving it more conditioned (multitasker!). i love the smell-- rosemary mint-- and the way my hair looks after using it. it's not heavy and doesn't leave a weird feeling behind. what i did expect more of was shininess, but it didn't deliver quite as well. the good news is, my hair is left looking healthy and feeling soft. :)

so, while i haven't dyed my hair since last year, i'm happy to protect my hair with this anyway. it's a great product, and who knows, i may start coloring it again...

visit your local drug or mass retailer to purchase L'Oreal EverPure UV Protect Spray or find it online at drugstore.com

xo
pic taken by me :)

H2O Plus Suncare Collection

summer may be coming to the end, but that doesn't mean forgoing the sunscreen or faux tan. H2O Plus has introduced a full line of products for face and body to keep you looking great and staying sun smart!




SPF 45 for Body glides on silky smooth, absorbs beautifully and is water-resistant. the lotion-like consistency left my skin feeling soft and the smell is fresh and light.

SPF 30 for Face is hydrating, oil-free and didn't irritate or cause my skin to break out. like the Body formula, this absorbs nicely, smells light and left my skin smooth.




Sunless Tan Body is a self tanner that gives skin a bronzy glow without being orange. another great benefit of this tanner is that it's already tinted, and results are almost instant-- no need to worry if you may have "missed a spot".

Sunless Tan Face is light-textured and gives a "touch of sun" look. this cream is white, but dissolves into the skin. it can be used to build a deeper tan look, but looks more natural if used every few days.




After Sun Body Serum is excellent for soothing skin after being in the sun, but i found that it also works great without having gone out. the light gel formula moisturizes without being greasy and leaves skin feeling refreshed-- love this stuff!

thanks to H2O Plus for the opportunoty to try these new products! be sure to visit h2oplus.com to discover more from the brand.

xo
pics taken by me :)

review: Fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment

exclusive to Sephora Beauty Insiders, Fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment is the must-have lippie of the summer. it features all the lip-conditioning benefits of the original, but in a pretty rosy tint! i didn't hesitate to put this in my basket on my last Sephora trip-- i had already heard "the buzz" and wanted to try it for myself. once i did, i was hooked.

this lip treatment leaves lips with a natural, sheer tint that is suitable for all skintones, but the best part about this yummy, citrus-scented lip-treatment is that is comes with an spf 15. it can be worn alone or under your favorite lipstick or gloss-- either way, your lips will be protected.



if you're not already a Sephora Beauty Insider, sign up here-- it's completely free (you can also sign up in-store). visit your nearest Sephora store to check it out or click here to order online.

xo

Bare Escentuals Sun Proof Fun

Bare Escentuals has created a fabulous kit, called Sun Proof Fun, to help protect your gorgeous eyes from uva/uva sun damage. these 100% pure bareMinerals SPF 20 eye colors feature beach-inspired shades so you'll look fab as you wear them!

the long-lasting hues include bareMinerals spf 20 shadows in Well-Rested (cream linen), Sandcastle (warm light roast velvet), Starfish (iridescent apricot pink glimmer) and Boardwalk (milk chocolate cocoa velvet). as with all of the BE line, these are free of synthetic ingredients, parabens and sulfates.

find Bare Escentuals Sun Proof Fun at sephora.com

xo

my favorite drugstore beauty buys 11.7.08

hello beauties! how was your week?

mine was super-busy, and doesn't show any signs of stopping! on top of that, my poor 5 year-old son isn't feeling well...awww...it breaks my heart when my kids are sick!

so, now i'm going to focus on a topic that doesn't make me sad: fabulous products that don't cost a lot of money!


Almay One Coat Lengthening Nourishing Mascara is a must-have if what you want is natural-looking length! i love the mascara- even a couple of coats gives your lashes a beautiful effect! i of course cannot just stop a couple of coats, so i pile it on, and, thankfully, never have any clumping. it lasts all day without smudging, and washes of easily.




Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blends Sheer Highlighting Blush works so brilliantly because it isn't just one color. all of the colors give a sheer wash of color with a hint of pretty shimmer. p.s- use a real blush brush with this. the one that comes with it isn't good at all.




Softlips Lip Protectant with SPF 20 is an all-time favorite and definitely a must-have product. i love it in vanilla, but it also comes in many other "flavors". the moisturizing lasts long enough, but it's mostly the spf i like-- because just like the skin on our face and body, our lips need protection, too!


have a beauty-filled weekend, all!

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

Murad Energizing Pomegranate Lip Therapy SPF 15

Murad Energizing Pomegranate Lip Therapy SPF 15 is a fabulous lip balm to wear everywhere. not only does it protect your lips from the harsh rays of the sun during the day, but it also moisturizes like crazy, making it a great product to use at night!

but, if you're like me, the rationale is, i don't need a sunscreen at night, so i'm going to save my beautiful sun-protecting lip balm for the day, when i really need it, which is a wise argument, if i do say so myself...

this soothing, and pink (!), lip balm gives lips amazing moisture with shea butter and jojoba esters, and protection with pomegranate extract and UVA and UVB sunscreens, making this one heck of a lip balm! the very subtle hint of color leaves bare lips looking perfectly glossy and over lipstick, it's a beautiful companion. i love this stuff!

find Murad Energizing Pomegranate Lip Therapy SPF 15 at murad.com


xo

Lisa Hoffman Day Cream Spf 15

Lisa Hoffman has blown me away with her Spa Facial Packette, and now i am in love with her Day Cream Spf 15.

although all of her products are geared at dryer skin types, i have found that this day cream isn't too greasy, and it never made me break out. glancing over the ingredient list, salicylic acid is actually included on the list! as a naturally exfoliating ingredient, this works for all skin types.


keeping your skin hydrated and protected is key to keeping your skin looking young! i know that aging can't avoided, but we can armed an ready to fight against it as it comes.

discover the entire Lisa Hoffman line for yourself at lisahoffmanbeauty.com!

xo

looking for a fabulous spa?
click here:

image