Posts tagged skin

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.

Brazilian Peel

The latest advance in the fight against aging is the Brazilian Peel.

Brazilian Peel is the first 30% glycolic acid, medical strength peel for at-home use. 5x stronger than other retail products, this unique new Brazilian style peel is clinically proven to visibly brighten, smooth, firm and tone skin for a more youthful appearance. All the benefits of a professional peel in an easy do-it-yourself treatment.

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I had a chance to try it thanks to a sample from Sephora and I was very impressed with it. The treatment consists of four once-a-week applications that come packaged in a small double syringe. The way to use it is by opening the syrenge, dispensing the contents in the palm of your hand and mix it with the fingers, once it feels warm, then it’s time to apply it to face, neck and decollete. Rinse after 10 minutes and pat dry.

Since this is a stronger peel than most of the commercial ones, it does warn against using it on irritated or damaged skin and to avoid long exposure to the sun for at least one week after the treatment. In my case, I’ve used peels for a long time and didn’t feel any discomfort with this one, but I can say I did notice a big difference on my skin afterwards. It was incredibly smooth and that was with only one application. Another thing I’ve noticed is my skin looking slightly shinier, but not oily, in a way more alive.

If you have thought about peels, but maybe hesistant to go for the Brazilian Peel which is strong and costs $78 for the four once-a-week applications, then you can start slow with Avon’s Anew Clinical Advanced Dermabrasion System.

Advanced Dermabrasion, the first 4-level at-home system, is so effective because it starts at a lower dose and gradually works up to a maximum dosage of resurfacing ingredients.

 

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I’ve tried this one and it also works great on the skin, but is much gentler, it starts you at a very low level and each week the dosage increases. In this case I also felt a very big difference from the first applications.

It’s always such a treat to touch your own skin and feel it as smooth as it can be, and even better when people around you notice it as well.

Moisturizers: Sephora and Dior

We all want to maintain a youthful look, right?? Then the best way to prevent premature fine lines is to start moisturizing your skin no matter how young you are and maintain the routine of cleansing, toning and moisturizing on a daily basis. With the exception of those nights one comes back too tipsy to care or remember.

Recently I’ve tried several moisturizing samples and these two have greatly impressed me.

Sephora’s Super Supreme Body Butter

Oh my goodness! The packaging mentions “lusty pleasure” and it is! The texture is very thick and silky and smooth, it gets absorbed by the skin almost immediately and leaves your body feeling and looking hydrated all day. It really is amazing!

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Dior’s Skin Perfect Pore Refining Perfecting Moisturizer

I’ll be honest, this is a product I’ll probably not be buying because of the cost ($65 for 1.7 ounces), but it was so good to use the sample. It has a light clean smell, the consistency is silky and it left my face feeling so soft.

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Of course, these moisturizers worked incredibly well on my skin, but every skin needs are different always ask for samples and try as many as you can before you select the one that makes your skin feel special!

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Hint of Tint Review

When it comes time to go out to the world, I like to show a nice face and concealing my pores in one of the steps I take that make a huge difference on my look. Now I have a new favorite: it’s Dr. Brandt Skincare Pores No More a pore refiner.

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I’ve tried a sample of the product and I tried to make it last as long as I could and now I’m definitely going to buy the product. What I liked about the Pore No More is that it’s like putting make-up on. This is how I’ve been using it:

First, I use Cargo One Base Concealer + Foundation in One. Which does a great job with my dark circles and sunspots.

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Second, I use Pores No More Hint of Tint in the areas where my pores need it the most.

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Third, I use Nars Powder Foundation SPF 12 to give my face a matte look

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And after the base is done, then I do the eyes, lips, etc and give myself one spritz of Murad Hydrating Toner, which hidrates the face after all that makeup while at the same time helps to set it and now you’re good to go.

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I’ll be honest: I took a before and after pic so you could all see the huge difference, but then I didn’t have the guts to post the pics. My nose looks huge because of the camera angle and all my imperfections would be too visible….but trust me I look like I have almost flawless skin!!

Guerlain Terracota Skin

This summer has been one of the best ones for me, I’ve been to the beach or outdoor events two or three times a week and the sun has been shinning in San Diego all summer long. Even though I do put on sunscreen, my tan is very uneven and when I wear something strapless you can see several straps on my shoulders. Fortunately I received and tried a sample of Terracota Skin from Guerlain.

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Guerlain’s first healthy glow foundation, TERRACOTA SKIN, offers the texture of both a foundation to even out the complexion, and a bronzing powder for a natural second-skin tanned effect. In just a few seconds, its magical texture melts into the skin to reveal a perfectly even complexion that simply glows with natural beauty.

As for my personal experience, the consistency feels very luxurious and creamy and it did leave my face feeling smooth, but since it’s already tanned it darkened my face more, which I didn’t like too much. Instead I used it on my shoulders and it did even out the non-tanned parts and the effect did not wear out. They offer the foundation in two shades, for blondes and for brunettes.

 

This product in particular is pricey at $49 for a 1 oz tube, but a little goes a long way. Guerlain has an ample selection of brozing products. Looking at their Terracota line it offers bronzing powders and spray that will help you either keep the tan you already have or give you a tan if you have none.

 

So if this summer you spent your time between cubicle walls or if you live in an area where you can’t get a good tan even if you want to, then try out these products and give yourself a well deserved glow.

 

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Terracota Bronzing Powder

 

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Terracota Light Sheer Bronzing Powder

 

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Terracota Mineral Flawless Bronzing Powder

 

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Terracota Spray SPF 10

 

Oliveology Shave Gel review

I’ve been using a shave gel that I just love, it’s called Oliveology and for now you can only get it online. Among the gel’s ingredients are primarily Olive Oil, as well as aloe vera, sap from the sangre de grado tree, and antioxidant Vitamins A, D and E.

 

oliveology

 

These ingredients are meant to condition, lubricate and moisturize the skin. It helps the razor so slide on smoothly and truly gives a close shave. It has a very slight soapy like smell, so it can be used by men without them feeling like their using a “girl’s product”.

 

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My personal experience with it has been a good one, I have very fine body hair and can be up to a week without shaving my legs and not only is it not noticeable but the hairs don’t threathen to shred my sheets. So in my arms and legs I didn’t notice a big difference.

So here comes the time of a little TMI. I’m the biggest chicken when it comes to getting a wax, I’ve never done it and unless I’m sedated I never will. So instead of getting a bikini wax, I shave, even though I know the result is not the same. Now here comes Oliveology and this shaving gel really does the trick, I love how smooth my skin “there” feels and it works just as well on my arm pits. It’s awesome!

I was lucky to get a 2 fl oz as a sample (I paid for the shipping), so far it’s lasted me several months and at their website this size costs $5 and the 8 oz bottle costs $12. This is a great deal for a very good product.

Another thing about the company is that Oliveology Gives Back, 30% from every purchase goes to the foundation of your choice. The programs you can support are The Brent Shapiro Foundation which helps people in the fight against drug and alcohol dependence and A Chance for Children which works with homeless and disadvantaged youth. As I mentioned, you can only purchase Oliveology online and I wish them the best of luck for their product to eventually be offered in stores as well.

Murad Hydrating Toner

I’m in a tricky part of my skin development, slowly transitioning from combination to dry skin, it’s been hard to find a moisturizes that make my face feel nice. It’s like being in-between sizes, don’t you just hate that?

Anyway, the last few months I’ve been trying everything from Avon Anew to Estee Lauder until I fell in love with Philosophy Hope in a Jar and I’m so happy with it.

 

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I already did a post on Hope in a Jar, so this time I want to talk about another moisturizing product that I recently discovered. It’s Murad’s Hydrating Toner.

 

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This product’s original purpose is to cleanse and tone, to be used after cleansing and before the moisturizer.

Combats hormonal aging and concerns associated with dry imbalaced skin.

Among its ingredients its lecithin which locks in moisture and restores suppleness and it has a very light and clean smell that comes from chamomille and cucumber with a hint of peach, which helps soften the skin.

I like to use natural products on my skin, so mini-spritzer bottle of home-brewed chamomile tea is always on my refrigerator ready to give me a quick refresher. And I’ve been using Witch Hazel as a toner and cleanser for years. But Murad has combined all these ingredients in one bottle and it’s great.

Another tip I got from the gals in Sephora is to spritz lightly after makeup has been applied. It will help it get settled and stay on longer. And I can attest to that.

So to recap: Murad’s Hydrating Toner can be used to:

  • Cleanse and Tone
  • Give the skin a quick moisturizing
  • Set your make-up

This is one multi-tasking toner, a new must in my make-up case.

 

Philosophy: Hope in a Jar

One of the best preventive weapons we have against premature aging and fine lines is moisturize the skin, as well as protect it from the sun. For the last couple of weeks I’ve been using a great moisturizer that comes in a plain looking package, but there is nothing plain about the product. It’s called Hope in a Jar by Philosophy with the motto

philosophy: where there is hope there can be faith, where there is faith, miracles can occur.

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The moisturizer is very light weight that provides antioxidant protection, helps improve skin texture and tone, you barely feel it on your skin but at the same time the skin feels great. I am using the original formula for all skin types, but if you go to the Philosophy website, you can take skin care quiz which will suggest which products are best for you depending on your skin concerns.

And I really can’t stress enough how important it is to moisturize with quality products, even if you spend less money on cosmetics. I’m closer to 40 than to 30 and I’m very proud on how my skin still looks youthful. I know I won’t be confused with a 20 year old, but looking at the pictures from my late 20’s and early 30’s, I still look the same without the use of Botox or chemicals. Not that I’m against it, when the time comes, I’ll be getting my injections for sure, but I can wait several years for that. But I digress.
Philosophy has created its own cult following with products such as Amazing Grace a perfurmed hot salt scrub, perfumed hand & body lotions, fragrances, shower gels and so much more. Makes pampering yourself an experience. Each product contains a different motto, like in the hot salt scrub which says:
philosophy: if you only had one day to live, how would you spend it? would you smile or frown? watch the sunrise or watch t.v.? take a walk or take a nap? say i love you or show you don’t care? consider this…you aren’t guaranteed tomorrow, so treasure this day as of it’s not your last but the best day you will ever own

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You can find Philosophy products at Sephora or directly at the Philosophy website. Hope in a Jar retails from $15.00 to $105.00 depending on size, a true investment in your skin.

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