Posts tagged skin care

Masque*ology -Brightening with Arbutin Product Review

I recently tried a sample of Masque*ology, a mask “Researched and Developed by Top Dermatologists in Korea.” The one I used was Brightening with Arbutin which is formulated to diminish the appearance of dark spots.

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A rayon cellulose single use facial mask saturated with advanced multi-functioning ingredients that contours to your face leaving your complexion brighter and refreshed.

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his mask contains ingredients to revitalize and even out the appearance of your complexion. It diminishes the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Immersed with more than one ounce of ingredients, it is a luxurious, intense treatment that softens skin’s overall texture and enhances the appearance of your complexion.

I opened the packet and extracted a very slimy thin sheet, carefully I unraveled it and put it on my face. The picture in the package looks pretty, this is what the mask actually looks like:

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The mask does have opening for the eyes and mouth, but you can close those flaps if you want the ingredients to work in all your face. Once you put it on, you will lie down and rest for 20 minutes, then take it off. It was weird to put it on my face since its saturated by a gel-like substance and it’s cold, I felt a very slight tingle after the first 10 minutes. The convenience of this mask is that once I take it off there is no need for rinsing, just throw away the mask, and massage the remaining product into face and neck. The end result is a softer, very refreshed and relaxed face.

The Brightening Mask is just one of the products Masque*ology offers, this is their complete line:

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Philosophy’s The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash Review

After the summer months my skin felt rough, even though I used sunblock, my face was tanned and my usual skin care routine did not work as well. I tried a sample of Philoshophy’s The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash and decided to buy the full size.

 

A mild, exfoliating facial cleanser.
Designed to effectively cleanse the skin while providing resurfacing benefits. Gentle enough to use daily, this unique formula is sulfate-free and formulated with ingredients designed to replenish and protect the skin with topical antioxidants as it helps condition the skin and retain its moisture level.

The cleanser has a light gel consistency with a sandy feel to it. It is very gentle on my skin and my face didn’t feel dry or tingly, and it doesn’t feel harsh like a scrub would. In the morning or at night it is a great way to cleanse the skin and get it ready for the next step on the skin care process.

I will admit I do not use the Exfoliating Wash every day because I’m lazy and prefer to use cleansing cloths. It took my skin several weeks to feel smooth again, so I assume that if I had used the Exfoliating Wash every day, the results would have been quicker. It is best to shake the bottle before using the product to get the micro beads well distributed in the gel.

Three Little Wonders by Ole Henriksen

For the last week I’ve been using samples of the Three Little Wonders by Ole Henriksen. The trio of products are formulated to moisturize your face and neck, as well as provide anti-aging and re-texturizing benefits.

 

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Twice a day you are to use the Truth Serum Collagen Booster, which is a high-potency vitamin C complex that prevents and corrects signs of aging while promoting brightness. The serum feels like a light gel which absorbs very quickly on the face and neck.

 

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In the AM, after the Truth Serum, apply Sheer Transformation. This cream is also very light-weight, you might be tempted to think it’s too light, but let it absorb and you’ll notice your skin won’t be tight or feel dry. Sheer Transformation helps fade skin discoloration, nourishes and re-texturizes the complexion.

 

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In the PM, after the Truth Serum, apply the Invigorating Night Gel. Over time this light-weight gel stimulates cell turnover, exposing a younger, firmer-looking complexion. This product is in the form of a gel, thicker than the serum, very similar to hair gel. Some people have found it sticky, in my case I liked the way it was quickly absorbed by my skin. I did notice the stickiness when I applied a thicker layer. It’s not what you would expect from a night cream, but it works!

 

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After one week of using these products, I have noticed a difference. My skin feels a lot softer and I’m considering switching to the Three Little Wonders when my current face cream is finished.

The trio costs $70, which is a lower price than buying them separately. My suggestion as always is to try a sample first before committing to a purchase, and even though the bottles are only 1 ounce, a little does go a long way.

StriVectin-TL Neck Tightening Cream

In the eternal fight against aging StriVectin is at the cutting edge with skin treatments formulated to dimishing deep wrinkles and stretch marks or give certain areas a little lift as it is in the case of StriVectin-TL Tightening Neck Cream.

A rich, luxuriously nourishing cream that delivers potent firming and moisturizing ingredients to the neck and jawline. StriVectin’s new three-tiered technology tightens on skin’s surface upon application. It provides immediate and long-term benefits, including hydrating, lifting, and firming properites. It also improves skin’s overall tone and elasticity.

According to the instructions StriVectin-TL should be used twice a day and after two weeks you will feel a noticeable improvement. In my case, I did notice a small improvement, but nothing that would amaze me, then again my neck does not sag too much….at least not yet.

The cream is thick but glides on very nicely with a slight and pleasant scent. From what I’ve seen in other people’s reviews some women absolutely loved it and I’m glad for them since the 1.7 fl. oz. jar costs $89.

StriVectin-TL has very high end ingredients such as Patented NIA-114 discovered in skin cancer prevention research which helps rebuild skin layers and is clinically proven to reduce visible signs of aging, wrinkles and stretch marks. Other ingredients include collagen, shea butter, cumingii leaf and others.

Because of the cost I suggest you ask for a sample first and then decide for yourself. This might be what the Doctor ordered, without having to go to one. Also check out their product line of anti-wrinkle and stretch marks creams.

Homemade Yogurt Exfoliating Scrub

iimage of Yogurt Exfoliating Scrub

Back in my days as a retail slave I worked down the hall from Lush Cosmetics.  I loved their products but I dreaded entering the store every time.  I am horribly sensitive to scents.  Every visit to Lush resulted in an empty wallet and screaming bad headache. I still cannot make it through the perfume section of The Bay without feeling nauseous. I decided while in makeup school to bypass the whole skin care shopping experience and see what I could figure out on my own.  I love to cook, so I began focusing on creating DIY skin care products that I could make out of the basic pantry items I had on hand in my kitchen.

image of exfoliating Scrub made of Yogurt

It appeals to my crafty, pioneer-like nature.

Did anyone ever watch Pioneer Quest on PBS?

Aww! I miss history-centric reality television.  So deliciously nerdy! Why on earth is Fear Factor making a comeback and not 1900 House?

Sorry… got sidetracked.

image of orange peel face scrub

Anyway, without further ado here is the recipe for my favorite homemade exfoliant, complete with a refreshing, non-disgusting scent.  This simple scrub takes a few pantry items to make and about ten minutes to mix.  It contains plain yogurt, honey, lemon zest, and almond meal.  Each component is beneficial to your complexion in its own way.

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Yogurt is the ultimate skin remedy for this time of year.  Yogurt is rich in zinc and lactic acid; these components help close pores, remove dead skin cells and prevent and reduce the appearance of fine lines and acne.  You’d have to buy ten products at outrageous prices to do all that and I’m not done; yogurt is perfect for summer use, because it tones down freckles (thanks, once again, to our friend lactic acid) and eases sunburns.  The perfect beachside companion.

Honey has been used in skin care since the Roman Empire.  Honey contains natural humectants, which makes it the perfect moisturizer.  Humectants have the ability to bind moisture to the skin, helping it stay hydrated.  Honey is also a natural antioxidant, which helps reverse the signs of aging.  It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, so it is a potent acne fighter as well.

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Almond meal acts as the exfoliant in this scrub.  Be sure not to press too hard when scrubbing or you could scratch your skin.  Almond meal replenishes the skin’s natural oils, which are often lost during the cleansing process, resulting in dry tight skin.  Almonds also act as a natural toner.  How awesome is that?

Lemon zest, like its friend yogurt, reduces the appearance of freckles and age spots. A little lemon juice can be used to lighten any skin discoloration on any part of your body (like your elbows).  It removes dead skin cells and leaves behind soft even skin.  To make the most out of the benefits of lemon juice add ½ a cup to your bath and soak for twenty minutes.  Be aware that some skin types are sensitive to citrus acid.  It’s best to try out a small, diluted amount of lemon juice on a patch of skin. Be sure to leave the sample to sit for fifteen minutes to ensure there is no reaction before proceeding.

Make sure to store the scrub in the fridge in a sealed container.  The scrub should keep for approximately two weeks.

image of Yogurt face scrub

 

Yogurt scrub:

3.5 oz of plain yogurt (Greek yogurt works best)

Zest of half a lemon

1 tbsp honey

2 tbsp ground almonds

Directions:

Place all ingredients in a small bowl and stir to combine.

Apply to a damp face in circular motions working from the center of the face out.

Rinse with warm water and towel dry.

 

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