Sunday, April 15, 2012

Glow with Dr. Brandt Overnight Resurfacing Serum



I received a sample of Dr. Brandt Overnight Resurfacing Serum when I ordered my Clarisonic.  Here is some information on the product.

"This concentrated serum is formulated with a time released 2% Retinol Complex that provides both immediate and long term release to promote radiance from within. It stimulates new cell turnover to improve skin texture and tone. The appearance of lines, wrinkles, and enlarged pores is softened, revealing new, healthy skin with a youthful glow.  This serum contains Oliveactive to counteract inflammation, reducing redness and irritation while protecting against oxidative stress."-Dr. Brandt


This is truly a wonder serum.  And Dr. Brandt certainly makes us pay for it at $85.  This is my first time trying his products and won't be the last, with results like these..I'll be back for more.  The serum instantly softened my skin and it felt like silky hydration.  My skin calmed down before my eyes, my skin started to glow and I woke up to soft, smooth, more even toned, glowing skin, and refined pores.  It sounds like special effects lol.  This serum also effectively improved & exfoliated my forehead congestion overnight. Thank you Dr. Brandt!  Free of  Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Fragrances Synthetic Dyes, Petrochemicals, Phthalates, GMOs and Triclosan.  P.S. I wish I could afford to use this all over my body!


Bottom line: The perfect resurfacing product for anyone, even if you have sensitive skin.


$85
1.7 oz
Available at Sephora
A Lady J Favorite!

The BEST Investment I made for my Skin: Clarisonic!


To get things started, I honestly I am a bit mad at myself for not purchasing the Clarisonic Mia sooner.  It improved my skin overnight and already with 2 weeks use, it's had to believe I suffer from chronic acne.  I previously attacked my congested cheeks with Differin and Retin-A.  My forehead congestion has been a major issue and after using the Clarisonic Mia, my skin is on its journey to my "flawless" ideal. I do know my skin will never be flawless, but I would like to regulate it enough that it doesn't become congested and lighten my hyper pigmentation for a more uniform skin tone.

I first purchased the Olay cleansing system, at the time I thought it was amazing.  This was obviously before I purchased the Clarisonic Mia.  I used Olay's brush for 1 year.

Get to the review already!

Need to Know:

  • Deep cleanses skin with gentle sonic micro-massage action.
  • Cleans 6x better then your hands or washcloth, which allows skincare products to absorb and work BETTER!
  • Gently clears pores without chemicals or harsh abrasion. 
  • Reduces appearance of pores, fine lines, wrinkles & improves skin tone.
  • 1 speed.
  • Waterproof!
This cleansing tool delivers on all its claims and then some.  I am very excited to tell you this lol, this is my new BEST FRIEND!  My skin is now unbelievably soft, smooth, clear, exfoliated, refined, de-congested, more even toned and my products are working more effectively!!  When I feel my face after using this, I can't believe it's MY skin.  My pores are almost invisible and extractions pop right out!  I also use on my neck, chest and back and is great for ingrown hairs!

I ordered my Clarisonic Mia in Mandarin from Sephora for $119.  It came with a sensitive skin brush head, trial size Clarisonic Refreshing Gel Cleanser, charger and instruction.  I also purchased the Deep Cleansing Brush head $25, which is very similar to the Sensitive brush head (a little disappointing).  I thought the bristles would be much more different, with that title.  Either way, they both get the job done and clean my pores.  Each brush head should last 3 months and then be replaced with a new one.  I cleanse my skin for about 4 minutes, so I probably will be replacing it sooner.

While cleansing, I apply flush to my skin and move the brush in a circular motion to cleanse skin.  The on/off button has a timer for 1 minute and shuts off after 1 minute.  I usually use it for 3-4 minutes.  When not using the Clarisonic, I keep it on it's charger.

Bottom Line: If you are going to invest in any product cheap or expensive, make this a priority to add to your skin regime.  It will turn your skin concerns around!  I can't stress this enough!

$119
Available at Sephora, Ulta & Clarisonic.
Lady J's FAVORITE! 





Thursday, April 12, 2012

Liz Earle will leave your Skin Baby Soft!


Liz Earle skincare is a popular UK brand, that takes pride is providing quality natural active ingredients.  With a number of award winning products, there is a something for everyone.

Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser 
Talk about instant soft skin! This award winning cleanser is not your normal cleanser. 

"We only make one cleanser because this formulation is the ultimate in concentrated yet gentle cleansing power and works on every age and skin type.
Our plant based cleanser has a two-phase action, phase one is the cleansing. Free from mineral oil, it has a rich and creamy texture and swiftly removes all traces of face and eye make up, even stubborn mascara.  Phase two is the polishing. Polish off the cream using the pure muslin cloth to gently dislodge dead skin cells and help reveal clean, soft and radiant skin.  Naturally active ingredients include eucalyptus and cocoa butter for smoother, clearer skin."-Liz Earle


I applied the thick cream cleanser to dry skin as instructed, then ran the muslin cloth under warm water and started buffing my skin in a circular motion.  Rinse well with warm water.  My skin felt amazing.  My skin felt balanced and not stripped.  The next day I woke up with a couple zits on my jawline, which was unfortunate.  My skin is oily, sensitive and acne prone.  I would not say this is suitable for all skin types, but for normal, non acne prone, dry, sensitive skin.  The cocoa butter in this cleanser could be a disaster for severely acne prone skin.

Bottom Line: Great cleanser for non acne prone skin!
6.7 oz.
$40


Instant Boost Skin Tonic
A extremely hydrating toner!  Perfect for colder months when skin is dry or stripped from a harsh cleanser.  A great option for a first toner, without harsh ingredients.

"This heavenly floral-scented, non-drying toner refreshes, soothes and brightens your skin. Gentle and alcohol-free, it also adds a fine layer of moisture.  Pour onto a cotton wool pad and sweep over face and neck after using Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser. Alternatively spritz over face and body to revitalise at any time.  Naturally active ingredients include organic aloe vera to revitalise and soften and calendula, chamomile, cucumber and natural source vitamin E to soothe and refresh the skin."-Liz Earle


Bottom Line: A calming toner packed with the finest ingredients!  Leaves skin calm, refreshed and hydrated.
6.7 fl oz
$21

Deep Cleansing Mask 
I was drawn to this mask, because it contains manuka honey. This honey is known to be anti-microbrial, anti-inflammatory, and improves acne prone skin by killing and preventing bacteria buildup.  Manuka is highly deep cleansing ingredient and contains enzymes that help regenerate healthy new skin.

The consistency of this green mask is more liquid then clay and smells very earthy.  I applied a layer and let it dry before I applied 2 more layers.  My pores looked refined and felt fresh & soft.  Website states it's not suitable for sensitive skin, but it did not bother my sensitive skin.  I also used as a over night spot treatment and loved it!



"This highly concentrated clay and manuka honey mask helps draw out impurities and excess oil to leave skin balanced and calm.  Smooth over face and neck as an all over face treatment, or to target specific problem areas.  Naturally active ingredients include green clay to draw out impurities, soothing manuka honey and propolis and rose-scented geranium to help tone and balance."-Liz Earle

Bottom line:  A great weekly mask for deep cleansing any skin type or spot treat overnight.
2.5 fl oz.
$24
Liz Earle available at LizEarle.com


All products provided by Liz Earle.
Cleanser & Tonic available in different sizes!

This review is my honest opinion.

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Holy Grail of Acne Products by Paula's Choice!


First of all, I have to say this product made my pores look smaller over night!  I honestly could not believe it.  The product is Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant.  I refer back to Paula Begouns Beautypedia, creator of Paula's Choice for product recommendations and product effectiveness quite often.  Name a product and she has a review and breakdown on her site.  I respect her opinion and her books, The Original The Beauty Bible & Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me are two of my favorites! 

Back to the product, it is a silky liquid 2% BHA (salicylic acid) exfoliant that:
  • Unclogs pores & diminishes pore size.
  • Gentle, fast acting and effective on stubborn acne and blackheads!
  • Evens skin tone, creating clear & radiant skin.
  • Penetrates skin better then a gel or cream, because it's liquid!
  • Smoothes and firms skin, making you look younger.
  • Anti-inflammatory ingredients calms redness, rosacea and  builds collagen.
  • Suitable for normal, oily and combination.
  • Absolutely no fragrance, dyes, colorants and NO animal testing.
  • Is quite moisturizing on my oily skin & works well with CeraVe moisturizer!
I suffer from extremely congested skin, meaning it needs proper exfoliating and PLENTY of it to to release the build, debris, oil, bacteria in my pores.  This exfoliant has done just that.  I have been using it 2x a day for just 9 days and it has transformed my skin.  My skin was very clear in LA, but in the Bay Area, my skin took a turn for the worse.  It also allowed my skin to calm down and has made it brighter!  This is excellent for blackheads, congested skin, including on jaw, neck, chest and back.

My skin really needed this product, I'm glad it worked for me!  Beta Hydroxy Acid exfoliates inside the pore as well as out of the pore.  I have also found that liquid exfoliants penetrate skin much better then a gel or cream.  I pour the solution into my hand and use my fingertips to apply to my skin.  Cotton balls or squares only absorbed the solution and didn't allow enough product onto my skin.  Note: Those allergic to aspirin (acetylsalicylate) should not use products containing salicylic acid (Beta Hydroxy Acid or BHA).  Be sure to wear SPF 30+ daily with Zinc oxide or Titanium Dioxide to protect your newly exfoliated skin!

Bottom Line: I will be purchasing this amazing acne product over and over till I die-it's that good!  My skin thanks Paula's Choice!

Available online at Paula's Choice
$18.95  On Sale NOW $15.16
 4 oz.
A Lady J Favorite

 *Product provided by Paula's Choice.  This is a honest review.