Exuviance OptiLight Tone Corrector

I have been a fan of Neostrata products for a fair amount of time and was curious about their moisturizers and Vitamin C products. This specific product drenches skin with moisture, while brightening (turmeric yes please!), gently exfoliating with NeoGlucosamine. A combination of Retinol and stable Vitamin C gently fade existing dark marks. Like any brighteners, this product should be use religiously with SPF 30+ on a daily basis. Sunscreen will keep those pesky marks from re-darkening and allow the product begin it's work on your skin. The hydroquinone free formula guarantees your skin is in good care and the many antioxidants provided improves the health of your skin.

I was pleasantly surprised by the citrus smell of this yellow lotion and enjoyed it so much, I have incorporated it into my evening hand moisturizer. This powerhouse brightening formula is excellent for sun damage and acne scarring! Upon first application, my skin instantly looked brighter and felt hydrated and loved. I highly recommend for those with sun damage and acne scarring!

Products Available at Ulta & Neostrata $65 1 oz.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Acetyl Glucosamine, PEG-8, Dimethicone, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Propylene Glycol Hydroxystearate, Nylon-12, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Arginine, Retinol, Citric Acid, Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane, Tocopheryl (Vitamin E) Acetate, Glycerin, Melissa Officinalis (Lemon Balm) Leaf Extract, Veronica Officinalis Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Lavandula Angustfolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Primula Veris Extract, Alchemilla Vulgaris (Lady's Mantle) Extract, Plumeria Rubra Flower Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Extract, Achillea Millefolium (Yarrow) Extract, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower/Leaf Extract, Hibiscus Abelmoschus Extract, Hedychium Spicatum Extract, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Extract, Gardenia Tahitensis Flower Extract, Elettaria Cardamomum Seed Extract, Polianthes Tuberosa Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Steareth-20, Ceteth-20, Polysorbate 20, PEG-75 Stearate, Xanthan Gum, Cetyl Alcohol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, BHT, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene, Linalool, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, CI 19140 (Yellow 5), CI 17200 (Red 33).



Product provided by Neostrata. This review is my honest opinion.

Fresh Launches NEW Soy Moisturizing Cream SPF 20!

When I think of Fresh products, I think of quality ingredients, fine packaging and lovely, luxurious products.  The products contain the finest of ingredients, whether it be Soy, Milk, Sugar, Rice or Umbrian Clay. 

"Soy Moisturizing Cream SPF 20 with protective sea lavender extract and amino acid-rich soy proteins instantly delivers optimum moisture and revives the skin while providing vital broad spectrum protection from damage caused by UV rays (in vitro test)"- Fresh

• Packed with Antioxidants, Amino acid-rich soy proteins, anti-inflammatory botanicals.
• Paraben free.
• Suitable for all skin types.
• SPF 20/ PA+++ protects skin from UV rays.
• Smells slightly like lavender.
• Cream consistency.
• Does not leave a greasy film, but a soft matte finish.
  

 Likes 
The quality ingredients in this moisturizer are hydrating, soothing and nourishing.

• Sea Lavender from France provides regenerative properties and protects skin against environmental damage, protects & boost collagen production.
• Soy Proteins packed with amino acids stimulate collagen and promotes cell turnover for soft & smooth skin.
• Vitamin C & E hydrate and soften skin.
• Polyphenol rich green, red and white tea work together to detoxify and protect skin.
• Jojoba seed oil & Meadowfoam nourish and hydrate.
• Seawater & Rosewater invigorates and balances all skin types.
• Cucumber extract provides anti-inflammatory benefits to soothe skin.
• NO breakouts!

Dislikes

• Contains no Physical blocker such as Zinc Oxide or Titanium dioxide.
• The scent irritated my eyes and allergies.

Bottom line: This moisturizer is suitable for all skin types except very sensitive & dry.  Dry skin types may need additional moisture.

1.7 oz.
$42
Available at Fresh, Sephora & Neiman Marcus.
*Product provided by Fresh.  This is a honest review.

Give your Skin a 3 Day Glow with GlamGlow Tingling & Exfoliating Mud Mask!

A favorite of makeup artists, Glam Glow Tingling & Exfoliating Mud Mask is popular among many celebrities including Natalie Portman, Ryan Seacrest and Nina Dobrev.

"GLAMGLOW is an amazing rapid gentle exfoliant mud mask. Its mud base is dredged from Southern France, home to glamorous Cannes, St. Tropez and Monaco. Its moisturizing collagen synthesis is for both men and women and it revitalizes the user’s complexion for illuminating, brighter radiant skin instantly. TEAOXI® is GLAMGLOW’s continuous time-release, patent-pending technology. It delivers ‘Super-Squalene’ and ‘EGCG Super-Antioxidants’ direct into the mud from the real pieces of tea leaf contained in the mask. The product can be used a couple of times a week or simply when you need GLAM-tastic skin that starts glowing in 10 minutes or less."-GLAMGLOW

When applying I noticed this mask dries rather quick, so I applied it and layered more on.  I thought the tea leaf chunks were a little strange, but they are packed with Antioxidants and Polyphenols.  I would want them blended into the mask, so there are no chunks.  It did not itch or nor did I feel clastriphobic. I rinsed the mask off with warm water rubbing in a circular motion to exfoliate my skin.  This mask contains gentle pumice.

After using this mask, my skin was exceptionally soft, smooth and 5 minutes later I noticed my skin was in fact glowing!  The day after I used the mask, my skin was peeling a little.  A much needed exfoliation, this helped release congested areas on my face. My skin looks more even due to this exfoliation, glow and ingredients!  Day 3 and my skin still has a healthy glow!

GLAMGLOW Benefits

• Noticeable 3-Day glow from skin collagen synthesis.
• Leaves skin brighter, smooth and soft. 
• Exfoliates and evens out skin tone.
• Diminishes fine lines and wrinkles.
• Tightens skin and minimizes pores.
• Absorbs impurities without removing skins natural oils.
• Helps protect against free-radical damage.

Need To Know

• Made for all skin types.
• Natural & Vegan.
• Full of antioxidants.
• Cruelty Free
• Contains TEAOXI time release technology (delivers squalene, EGCG Antoxidants & Polyphenols).
• 99% Paraben free.
  

Available at Glam Glow, Fred Segal, Kitson, and W Hotel.
$69
1.7oz.
4.5/5

Product provided by Glam Glow.  This Review is my honest opinion.

Review: Weleda Pomegranate Firming Facial Care

I have been meaning to try Weleda products for a while and finally had the opportunity recently.  Weleda truly regenerates your skin.  I tested the products over a 3 week trial and after each application, my skin looked instantly brighter and healthier.  My skin stayed moist and supple, not heavy and oily  and my firm skin felt very smooth. and soft.  I enjoyed each and every product from the Pomegranate line and continue to use Weleda products.  Woman see wrinkle reduction of 29%, experienced a 23% increase in cell renewal and enjoyed a lasting moisture increase of 39%, while using this line.  I am really enjoying natural skin care!

Benefits of Weleda Pomegranate Firming Line

• Works in harmony with your skin to improve elasticity and firmness
• Helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles
• Tightens and moisturizes your skin
• Activates the skin processes and helps the skin to actively regenerate
• The ideal companion to the skin’s natural aging process
• Utilizes organic pomegranate seed oil, organic argan kernel oil and organic jojoba seed oil among other key ingredients
• Dermatologically tested
• 100% certified natural by NaTrue

Pomegranate Firming Serum ($45, 1 oz.) – "An antioxidant-rich intensive treatment that helps reduce wrinkles while deeply moisturizing and firming the skin. Contains a blend of highly effective, concentrated natural ingredients, including organic pomegranate juice and golden millet seed, which greatly improves skin elasticity as it strengthens and supports skin regeneration. Use before the Pomegranate Firming Day Cream or Pomegranate Firming Night Cream for best results."-Weleda 
All the products smell delicious, like pomegranate.  This serum works hard so you skin can looking healthier and younger.  The non sticky serum comes in a pump and is a light gel.  Fantastic firming, smoothing ability and hydrating. 

Pomegranate Firming Day Cream ($33, 1 oz.) – "A rapidly-absorbed, antioxidant-packed facial cream that intensely nourishes aging skin, reduces wrinkles, stimulates skin renewal and protects skin from damaging environmental influences. Suitable for use under makeup."-Weleda
I love this day cream!  It smells amazing, brightens my skin and actually makes it look healthier.  When my skin is dehydrated from acne treatments I apply Cetaphil moisturizer and layer on this cream.  The firming cream is light on skin, comes in a tube and is a creamy.  My skin is already quite firm, but this cream makes it even tighter.

Pomegranate Firming Night Cream ($37, 1 oz.) – "A rich cream, with borage seed oil and sunflower seed oil, that nourishes skin during its nightly regenerative cycle. It aids in the reduction of wrinkles and results in skin that is firm, renewed and refreshed upon awaking."-Weleda

A great cream for nourishing and keeping skin hydrated while you sleep.  I literally wake up with glowing skin.  All the products make my skin incredibly smooth and soft.  A great addition to your skin regime.

Pomegranate Firming Eye Cream ($33, 1 oz.) – "A luxurious, fragrance-free cream that boasts skin softening, nurturing and smoothing properties. Protects and firms the delicate eye area from damaging environmental elements, and contains ruscus root extract for anti-inflammatory action."-Weleda
My first eye cream and I love it!  It does not sting or burn.  This non sticky cream hydrates the delicate under eye area very well.  Great for tightening, moisturizing, smoothing and puffy eyes.  

Overall, I love all the products.  The products are well made, results oriented and they deliver on their claims.  I would recommend this line to anyone wanting to undo free radical damage from sun exposure, aging skin, prevent fine lines, tighten skin or pomegranate fans!  I'm in love with Weleda products!  Weleda products are available at CVS and Weleda.com


Products provided by Weleda.  This review is my honest opinion.

Weleda

Beauty Obsession of the Day: Thandie Newton

 This post goes nicely with the idol makeup look: fresh, natural and glowing.  I admire Thandie Newton as an actress and envy her fabulous skin.  She always looks chic and natural, never over done.  Cleanse with Olay Cleansing System to deep cleanse skin and exfoliate.  To achieve fresh glowing skin exfoliate with a fine scrub (not a coarse granular scrub) 1-2x a week, more for oily/acneic skin.  A antioxidant serum like PCA Skin A&C Synergy Serum is a great cell regeneration product for brighter, tighter, stronger skin! 

Make Your Skin Glow with Turmeric

Turmeric is well known as a cooking spice, but also a natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic.  With these properties, turmeric makes a great skin care ingredient.  I have created home-made facial masks, scrubs and spot treatments with turmeric and absolutely stand by its ability to heal skin, even out skin tone, and give a nice glow to a complexion.

Turmeric contains  a compound called Curcumin.  Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant that helps heal damaged skin caused by UV rays, environmental factors and psoriasis.  It prevents the formation of damaging free radicals (they cause sun spots) and slows down the spreading of free radicals, has anti-cancer and healthy liver benefits.  Turmeric is also 2x stronger then Vitamin C or Vitamin E and is available as a supplement as well.  Turmeric is also great for stretch marks, acne, body scrubs, masks, reducing unwanted pigmentation & evening skin tone, fighting free radicals, skin rashes, burns, reduces facial hair growth, minor cuts, gum infection, anemia, and diarrhea.

Home-made turmeric concoctions can me mixed with plain yogurt, gram flour, lemon, or milk.  I do suggest using turmeric on skin at night, because the spice can stain skin. Gentle wash skin again in the morning with cleanser.  There are products available that contain turmeric already and can be used anytime of the day.  JUARA Turmeric Antioxidant Radiance Mask is a non-drying mask that brightens, detoxifies, and strengthens skin.  Super By Nicholas Perricone Day Light Savings Spf 25 Moisturizer is a great day moisturizer that gives skin a nice glow.