Elta MD PM Therapy Facial Moisturizer & UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40

A leader in protecting and maintaining healthy skin, Elta MD has been a favorite over the years. This line makes sure to include ingredients that will give your skin long term benefits and prevent skin cancer by use of physical sunblock. I have tried numerous products over the years post peel or in colder weather, but Elta MD has been reliable in hydrating my skin without fragrance and irritants. This season, I tried the two new products and loved them both! My skin has taken a dramatic turn from greasy to complete dehydration and these products have helped my skin repair itself. If your skins is over exfoliated, over processed these products were made to heal and protect vulnerable skin like yours.

Elta MD PM Therapy Facial Moisturizer $30 1.7 oz
Hydration has become an important step in my skincare regime to maintain some balance and this takes the cake. The formulation is not to heavy or light, making it an option for someone with extremely oily skin or parched skin. I used it following a peel and didn't have any burning or redness. My skin felt comforted by the many hydrating and healing ingredients including, niacinamide (Vitamin B3 evens skin tone), Thioctic acid, Vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid. Ceramides strengthen the skins moisture barrier, allowing it absorb other hydrating ingredients in this moisturizer. It glides onto skin, doesn't ball up, and feels like silk on the skin. Other brands contain these skin ingredients to heal and protect the skin, but this product delivers it without irritants. This multifunctional moisturizer will help your skin rebound from dehydration, traveling, peels, and sun exposure.

Elta MD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 (Tinted) $25 1.7 oz.
This tinted spf contains 9% transparent Zinc Oxide  and 7.5% Octinoxate, offering skin a solid shield against the suns damaging rays. The light bronze tint was a little too light for me. Vitamin E fights free radical damage, hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines. There was no residue, oily feeling, or tight feeling (which is quite common in spf.) My dehydrated skin liked this formulation. It is recommended for normal, combination and post procedure skin. I am pretty picky about spf and this sunscreen can be used around the eyes without any stinging sensation and is a great option for those wanting to quickly even out their skin tone.


Products provided by Elta MD.

Glossier Phase 1 Set

Thanks to Instagram, I came across Glossier numerous time on my favorite fashion bloggers accounts. This skincare set offers instant hydration for dehydrated winter skin and gives skin enough tint and natural sheen to make your skin look runway ready. The four piece set includes the following...

1. Soothing Face Mist Rosewater Spray: I first noticed this spray was very fragrant; it smells of roses. I found it very useful after cleansing to relieve ant tightness from cleansing, throughout the day to hydrate my skin, and to set my makeup. Glycerin and aloe aid in hydrating and soothing skin.
2. Priming Moisturizer: I couldn't stop laying this creme on. Hyaluronic acid hydrates, while tea and honey extracts soothed any redness I had. Vitamin A, C, and E prevent cell damage, so think of this moisturizer as a major multitasker. It works as an excellent primer for foundation allowing it to last throughout the day and didn't crease. I found myself using it on my hands as well, which made them extra soft. Perfect for the delicate eye area and it's shea butter did not break me out. Two layers of this in the winter and my stressed skin felt instant relief. Skin is supposed to feel this good!
3. Balm Dotcom: Winter is harsh, this balm has been a lifesaver! I've used it on my lips, around my nose, lips, cuticles and elbows. It was very useful for my holiday in Oregon. Loaded with Omega 6 & Omega 9 fatty acids, it provided lasting hydration and antioxidant protection.
4. Perfecting Skin Tint: This tinted moisturizer offers a very sheer wash of color + some much needed hydration. Simple dab onto skin with fingers for wash of color. I loved the dewy finish, as my skin needs all the hydration and sheen it can get. My face looks natural and healthy while using this skincare set. I tried the shade, "Dark" and it matched perfect; actually perfect is an understatement, other company's should take note on color matching. This stuff is amazing!

I also tried the liquid foil liner which were excellent for the holiday season. The gold and silver liners are full of pigment, smudge proof and easy to use. No makeup artist skills needed to apply this liner! Removal was easy, my normal makeup remover and cloth was not needed, it came out with warm water. I experienced no redness around the eyes or tugging to remove this liner, which I loved.

Because this set offers such great hydration, it's also great when traveling, so pack it in your carry on!

Products are not tested on animals, hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, and paraben free.

Products provided by Glossier. This review is my honest opinion based on a 3 week trial of products.

Restore Vital Moisture with Murad Toners

I have often overlooked this step in my skin regime because I never found the right toner.  Why do we need a toner anyway?  Moisture.  Your skin will hold in more moisture, allowing it to look younger longer.  Toner will also pull products (treatments, serums, creams) deeper into the skin and removes hard water residue.  A hydrating toner or one full of antioxidants can hydrate, revive, replenish, brighten and soothe skin.  Throw out the 100% witch hazel, its too harsh and drying on skin (and contains too high percentage of alcohol.)  Witch hazel should only be used in tiny amounts mixed with hydrators and antioxidants.  When the skin is dry and dehydrated it will wrinkle faster, so hydrate hydrate hydrate.  Prevention is your best option, so start early if you can.  Mature skin will need toner, anti aging serum, weekly exfoliating, bi weekly facials and a rich moisturizer to keep revive skin.  If you start early, all you will need is maintenance.

Toner also allows serums and treatments to lock into skin.  Remember moisture attracts moisture.  Applying products to thirty skin will not allow for proper benefits to take affect.  The skin will still be thirsty-so quench it. =)

I alternate between the two toners below and am thrilled with both products.  My skin looks and feels healthier, smoother, supple and happy (with no breakouts!)  Before these toners my skin appeared and felt dehydrated (even with my oily skin), tight, uncomfortable and sometimes itchy.  For those with oily and acne prone skin like myself-toner is essential so make your skin happy!

Murad Hydrating Toner:  Great for ultra hydration, dehydrated skin, restores suppleness, neutralizes surface impurities, soothing & calms irritation with chamomile and cucumber.  I use daily and am thrilled with how my skin looks and feels! $24 Lady J Favorite

Murad Essential C Toner:  Contains Vitamin C, brightens skin, strengthens skin, hydrates (binds water to skin).  A amazing refresher throughout hot summer days! Not suitable for acne prone skin.  $26

6 fl oz.

Murad Available @ Murad, Sephora, Massage Envy

How to Choose a Cleanser for your Skin Type/Condition

Stay away form drugstore cleansers (with the exception of Cerave), my experience with them they are way to drying, strip the skin of vital moisture, contain irritating dyes, fragrance, too much alcohol- (too much of all the above) -especially Neutragena.  Neutragena is the devil.  Article coming soon..

1) Normal: A balanced complexion, not to oily or dry, but just right!  Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, Murad Renewing Cream Cleanser, CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, CeraVe Foaming Cleanser or Murad Refreshing Cleanser.

2) Dry: Lack of oil, tight, dry, flaky skin all over face, maybe sensitive (not to be confused with dehydrated-lack of water from skin treatments, not enough moisture, or general hydration).  Try a cream cleanser.  Murad Renewing Cleansing Cream, CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser.

3) Combination: Oily in some areas (t-zone forehead, nose, chin) Dry in others (predominately cheek area).  Try Murad Energizing Pomegranate Cleanser or Renewing Cream Cleanser.

4) Oily: Larger pores, oily all over face, feels greasy, looks shiny.  Try a gel cleanser.  Neostrata Anti-bacterial Facial Cleanser, Murad Clarifying Cleanser or Murad Time Release Acne Cleanser (for adult skin oily & acne prone),  Andalou Naturals Citrus Kombucha Gel or CeraVe Foaming Cleanser.

Skin Conditions

1) Acne prone: Typically oily but some are dry.   Dry acne prone skin is harder to treat.  Look for salicylic acid, triclosan, sulfur, vitamin A (retinol), hydrogen peroxide (not the bottle to clean cuts), Tea tree oil (no it doesn't clog pores.  Antibacterial), BPO (benozyl peroxide.  Neostrata Anti-bacterial Facial Cleanser, Murad Clarifying Cleanser, Murad Time Release Cleaner (for adult acne), CeraVe Foaming Cleanser (only for very oily skin), CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser for (normal, combo, dry skin), Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser (3x week rotate cleanser with regular cleanser, for most skin types except extreme sensitive cases.)

2) Sensitive (considered a skin type & skin condition) : Easily irritated skin, blushes easily, may have rosacea or psoriasis.  Murad Soothing Gel Cleanser or CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser.

3) Sensitized: Skin has become sensitive from treatments (retinols, glycol, ect) or overly harsh products with fragrance, dyes, irritating ingredients.  NOT normally sensitive.  Try same as Sensitive.  

4) Rosacea: Chronic skin condition you turn red, may swell, skin sores that look like acne, blushes easily, spider like blood vessels.  Same products as Sensitive/Sensitized.

5) Dehydrated (Lacking water) :Tight, over processed, parched skin.  Feels like your skin needs a drink of water & is not normally dry.  Avoid gel cleansers until skin is balanced again.   Try Murad Renewing Cleanser, which protects skins natural moisture barrier.  Instant relief. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is also a good option.

6) Aging Skin: Loss of elasticity & firmness, hyper pigmentation (dark spots, age spots, sun spots, melasma).  Murad Renewing Cream Cleanser or Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser.  

Trying out Vitamin E oil as a Moisturizer

"The Spring Valley Vitamin E Skin Oil 12000 IU is an excellent moisturizer which keeps your skin supple and healthy. It also softens your rough skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles present in your skin. The Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant which prevents formation of free radicals on your skin cells. The skin burn moisturizer prevents water loss from your skin and restores the normal oil balance of the skin. You can apply the vitamin E oil in your skin directly or can be soaked in a bathtub to be used as a massage."-Spring Valley 

I know this sounds weird for someone with oily skin, but it has really improved my skin.  My skin was dehydrated from acne products.  I picked up the oil at Grocery outlet for $1.99 and didn't bother reading the label.  After applying this oil, I noticed it also contained coconut oil & soybean oil.  I almost had a panic attack, but I thought I'd leave in on and see what happens.  The oil seemed to work with my skin, left my skin moisturized.  I previously tried applying Vitamin E capsules directly on my skin- I broke out AND had a allergic reaction.  Everyones skin is different, treating acne can have unpredictable outcomes

Over the years, my skin has become less oily with age.  During middle school, high school and college my skin was a greasy mess.  You could fry a egg on it.  My acne was hormonal and inflamed.  Now my skin has calmed down, but I do deal with congestion and breakouts.

What to Know about Spring Valley Vitamin E Oil

• Moisturizes and balances my skin.
• Improves the appearance of acne marks (hyper pigmentation).
• Not a greasy oil, but light.
• Great for face, body and hair.

       Bottom line: As a skincare professional I do not suggest using Vitamin E topically (directly on skin) it is highly comedogenic(pore clogging).  It is thought to heal scars effectively, but if you are acne prone this is a big NO NO.  I use this only my my feet, elbows, knees.

Beauty Obsession of the Day: Water Lilies

I love Water Lilies!  I am in love with the way they float in the water, so beautiful.  Water lilies are a symbol of beauty, tranquility and purity.

What Exactly is Dehydrated Skin?

Dehydrated skin is not dry skin.  Dehydrated is a skin condition lacking water, whereas dry skin is a skin type lacking oil.  Any skin type can become dehydrated, even oily skin.  My oily skin is currently a bit dehydrated , because of acne treatment gel.  I decrease use to once a day or every other day depending on how dehydrated my skin becomes.  I also drink a TON of water and no soda.  Oily skin must be hydrated and moisturized, whether dehydrated or not.  Skin can also become dehydrated from sweating, not drinking water, dry weather, not moisturizing, skin treatments, alkaline based products, and medications.

Dehydrated skin looks flaky and can feel tight and dry.  It will also absorb products extremely fast, so layering on moisture throughout the day is a good idea.  If you wear a makeup base, your skin will absorb the base, your skin will feel tight and your face may look like it will "crack".  Adding that extra moisture is very important to prevent this and keep skin hydrated.  If you are acne prone, dehydrated skin can actually worsen your condition, so drink plenty of water and don't forget a light moisturizer like CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion. This lotion contains ceramides, which helps moisturize, soften skin and retain water.  Cetaphil Moisturizer is also a favorite of mine.