Over the past few weeks I’d been debating on purchasing a Clarisonic Cleansing System. My skin is oily, sensitive, acne prone not to mention…I have HUGE pores. So as you can imagine it’s been a challenge to keep my face clear of blemishes. I’ve always felt that due to my very oily skin that I was just not getting my face clean enough, especially on the days where I wear a full face of makeup. Well this is where the Clarisonic comes in. Like I said I’ve had my eye on this little gem for a while now and for very good reason. According to Clarisonic here are the benefits that you can reap from using one of their skin care systems:

• 6X more makeup removal
• Soft, smooth skin
• Cleanses so well that products absorb better
• Reduces appearance of oily areas, dry skin patches and blemishes
• Reduces the appearance of visible pores

The Mia model (featured here) has a single speed, is compact for easy travel and includes a sensitive brush head. Clarisonic offers other options for your skin cleansing needs, other models offer various speeds (low, normal, high, body mode) and body brushes. If you’re the type that likes options the “Mia” comes in 4 colors: white, pink (breast cancer research) and blue and can even be engraved if purchased from the Clarisonic website. Fancy. The brush makes 300 movements per second using a patented sonic frequency to gently loosen dirt and oil from your pores. So basically what you do is use this unit twice a day for 60 seconds (it automatically shuts off) and voila off to apply toner. So as you can see I decided to purchase the Mia, let’s take a look inside:

Inside the box: Clarisonic Mia w/sensitive skin brush, charger, Gentle Hydro Cleanser and instructions ($149)

Using the Mia is pretty simple just apply the cleanser to the brush (wet with water), wet your face and massage in a circular motion for 60 seconds. Easy Breezy. So I’ve had my Mia for a week and I’ve been using it for 60 seconds/twice a day religiously and my initial thoughts are WOW my skin is so soft. My face is the kind of soft that you get when you go for a 90 minute facial kind of soft. Swoon. If that’s not the best news ever…I have not spotted a new pimple yet which is a pleasant surprise for me especially during these hot summer months. The Mia keeps my skin much cleaner than just using my facial cleanser with my hands or a washcloth, I used it after washing my face and there was more makeup on the brush. Which is kind of alarming. Anyhow I’m loving it so far and I look forward to it’s continued benefits especially smaller pores, that would be ideal. Do you own a Clarisonic, is so how has it improved your skin?

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.

]]> http://lipstickandluxury.com/2010/05/neutrogena-ultrasheer-liquid-daily-sunblock-spf-70/feed/ 3 http://lipstickandluxury.com/2010/05/dermalogica-launches-ultracalming-system-for-sensitized-skin/ http://lipstickandluxury.com/2010/05/dermalogica-launches-ultracalming-system-for-sensitized-skin/#comments Fri, 21 May 2010 03:15:16 +0000 Nicole http://lipstickandluxury.com/?p=897

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.

UltraCalming Cleanser

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

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.

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.

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 is applied 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.