"Everyone deserves a little bit of luxury"
23 May
I just received my Neutrogena UltraSheer Liquid Daily Sunblock SPF 70 and I’m quite excited to see how it works over the next few days. This sunblock is smooth, lightweight and dries to a matte finish so that it can be worn alone or under your makeup. The packaging states that it’s waterproof, sweatproof, non-comedogenic, oil free and PABA free. This formula contains helioplex which is said to provide more protection against UVA and UVB rays.
This is my first time trying this product and after using it for one day I must say that this product does blend well and dries to a matte finish without any greasy residue. This is a plus because my skin can get quite oily and can be acne prone. I was able to apply under my makeup and my face felt just like it normally did under my minimal makeup application. Over the next few days I will be trying this formula out (hoping that it not too heavy to become part of my daily routine). The sunblock has a light pleasant smell and was easy to apply to the skin – not too thick and very easy to blend in with my moisturizer.
More to come over the next few days.
xoxo
Disclosure: The product mentioned in this review was provided for editorial consideration.
20 May
As a woman with sensitive skin I am always on the lookout for products that cleanse, tone and moisturize without stripping away the precious moisture of my skin or leave it read and irritated. When I learned that Dermalogica was launching a system specifically targeted at sensitized skin I jumped all over it. Dermalogica launched their new product line in their 1,640 square foot Soho, NY store where clients received microZone treatments – 20 minute mini facials where your skin is analyzed and then zone specific treatments are utilized to treat areas of concern. I really love the concept of a 20 minute facial because it’s quick enough to do on your lunch break but thorough enough where you will feel completely refreshed. The treatment is $35 for a 20 minute facial which is a steal in my opinion considering the great customer service and the high quality or products that are used.
The product that stood out the most to me was the UltraCalming Cleanser which is a ph-balanced cream cleanser that helps to calm the skin, cool the redness and easily rinses away. Some of the key ingredients are Raspberry fruit extract, Lavender and Cucumber all which calm and sooth sensitive skin.
The cleanser retails for $9.50 for 1.7 fl oz bottle and $33.00 for 8.4 fl Oz bottle.
The other products included in this line are:
UltraCalming Mist - a soothing toner with Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice. $8.50 for 1.7 fl oz and $32.00 for 6 fl oz.
UltraCalming Serum Concentrate - a silky moisturizer to correct inflammation and redness. $52.00 for 1.7 fl oz
UltraCalming Barrier Repair – a waterless moisturizer to soothe and help repair damage from the environment. $37.oo for 1.0 fl oz
UltraCalming Relief Masque – this formula uses colloidal oatmeal to soothe irritated skin. $42.00 for 2.5 fl oz
I was able to try each product in the new line as well as check out some of the many skin care treatments that Dermalogica offers. The Concept Spaces have Skin Bar Stations, MicroZone Treatment areas and Face Mapping skin analysis. The Skin Bar is equipped with personal steamers, mirrors and other implements to allow clients to test and experiment with products.The consultations are free of charge and there is no appointment necessary. There are two Concept Spaces in the US: Soho, NY and Santa Monica, CA however if you are ever in Berlin, Dubai, New Zealand or Mumbai feel free to give your skin a treat.
All of the products were created by The International Dermal Institute which develops skin care products free of mineral oil, artificial colors, fragrances or SD alcohol. To learn more about Dermalogica please visit www.dermalogica.com
15 Mar
Juara’s Tamarind Tea Hydrating Toner provides serious oil free hydration. This toner is water based, dermatologist tested and suitable for all skin types. The key ingredients are hyaluronic acid, tamarind and three types of teas. The hyaluronic acid is a protein that is naturally found in skin and it decreases with age. When applied to skin it helps skin retain it’s natural moisture, studies have also shown that it helps to decrease skin irritation and may enhance healing. The extract of the tamarind see has been found to increase skin hydration and stimulate the skin’s regenerative process. The teas included in the toner are white tea, green tea and black tea all of which have been shown to decrease the free radical damage to the body and help stimulate cell repair.
Immediately after washing you would apply the toner is with your hands, not cotton ball required. The texture is not like other toners as it’s a little bit thicker with a gel like consistency. The toner immediately was absorbed by my skin and the scent was light not too heavy like I expected. My skin felt silky to the touch and was so soft! I have combination skin and my cheeks tend to get dry without any moisturizer but in this case I really did not need any.
Juara products use botanicals and herbs found in the Indonesian tropical forests. Juara offers an innovative and luxurious line of products that combines the best in modern technology with ancient beauty secrets of Indonesian royalty. Many of their products contain healing teas, sandlewood, turmeric and candlenut oil. This product is paraben free, alcohol free, oil free, 100% vegetarian, has no artificial colorants, is unfragranced and is not tested on animals.
The Tamarind Hydrating Tea Toner retails at $27 for a 4.75 oz bottle.
1 Mar
Once a week I like to treat my skin to facial mask for a little deep cleaning. Be fine makes beauty products that are Paraben free, Allergen Free and made from vegetable protein. The product that I tried was Be fine’s Cooling Peel Off Mask with Apple, Lemon & Green Tea. This mask cools instantly upon contact and felt tingly on my face (it didn’t sting). The apple and lemon have natural occurring alpha hydroxy acids to help remove impurities and support new skin growth. The green tea which nourishes your skin while helping to prevent free radicals which age your skin.
It took about 15 minutes for the mask to dry completely. Even after removing the mask my skin still felt tingly and also incredibly soft and smooth almost like I just exfoliated. My skin didn’t feel tight like I does when I sometimes try new facial cleansers. I also liked that the product contains many natural ingredients and that it’s not tested on animals. One things that I did notice was that my skin my slightly red after I took the mask off but the redness toned down after about 10 minutes – my skin still felt tingly as if I just came from a spa facial. Overall I loved the results and thought that the mask felt great and was very relaxing.
The mask is sold as a kit with a one use cleanser and retails for $20.
*I did not use the cleanser as part of my facial.
3 Jan
As a woman with extremely sensitive skin, I am always on a quest to find a product that will clean but sensitive but very oily skin. So when came across this gem, I knew that I had to share. I decided to try YSL’s Gommage Action Biologique natural action exfoliant since it was granule-free and and suitable for sensitive skin and boy was I pleased! This honey colored cream gel applies directly to dry skin and is massaged gently on your face until it “liquifies”. Simply add a little cool water and upon contact it turns into a milky emulsion which gently removes impurities and dead skin cells.
When rinsed my face off, it felt clean and smooth and most of all not dry or tight. One try and I was completely hooked. Ever since I purchased this product, I’ve consistently used it daily with no problems. I highly recommend trying it if you need a great, gentle exfoliant for your sensitive skin. This little gem retails for approximately $44 for a 2.5 oz. tube.