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! 

My Daily Beauty Products

PCA Skin Blemish Control Bar saved my acne prone skin!

Olay Cleansing Brush is a must buy. 

PCA Skin A&C Synergy Serum gives my skin a antioxidant boost & a instant glow.

PCA Skin Acne Gel is well worth the money.

Clean & Clear shine control moisturizer keeps my skin hydrated.

PCA Skin Pigment Gel helps even out my hyperpigmentation.

Bobbi Brown Natural Finish Long Lasting foundation offers the most NATURAL foundations!

PCA Skin Perfecting Protection SPF 30 protects my skin.

Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets for my oily skin.

Paula Dorf Mascara.
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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! 

PCA Update Acne & Hyperpigmentation

I have been using PCA products for 30 days now.  When I received my order, I jumped right in and started using each and every product. I have been getting compliments on how good my skin is looking and it feels great!  Then the weather started heating up, not a good combination for my oily/acne prone skin.  The sun has been my enemy for some time now, I usually avoid it at all costs.  I do not want my hyperpigmentation getting any darker.  I have been outside ALOT over the past few weeks, which has altered the color of my skin and is very disappointing.  Not PCA's fault at all.  My face is dramatically clearer, thank you PCA.  I still have some stubborn clogged pores on my forehead and I am in desperate need of a facial with major extractions.  I like to leave that to someone else, as I become antsy working on my own skin.

My skin is very sensitive and was noticing ALOT of peeling and dehydrated skin.  The products are extremely strong for my sensitive skin.  I have eased off using the serums 2x a day to 1x a day & upped the Clear Skin moisturizer.  I then noticed the CeraVe foaming cleanser and moisturizing lotion was causing irritation.  I discontinued use of CeraVe and the irritation vanished. 

My current Day regime:
1) Cleanse with blemish bar w/ Olay Cleansing brush- I am in LOVE with both!
2)  Apply THIN layer of Acne gel all over face or spot treat-can be too aggressive and burn skin if too much is used. Add pigment gel every other day.
3) Clearskin moisturizer-gives my skin a shiny appearance, I wish it had a matte finish & moisturized better.
4) Perfecting Protection spf 30- sometimes balls up & leaves a white residue but I make it work by applying RIGHT after moisturizer while skin is still moist.

Night regime:
1) Cleanse w/ Blemish bar w/Olay cleansing brush.
2) Tone w/ Smoothing Toner-burns like hell everywhere but my forehead, I do not like it and only use on forehead for congestion.
3) Acne Gel- A great acne gel at that!
4) Pigment Gel-drying and very aggressive.EEK!  Not a fan.  Not using on a regular basis.

*A&C Synergy Serum-makes my skin look orange, I do not think it is helping with discoloration but it MAY BE helping with preventing breakouts. Pretty much I feel like it's a waste of money.

Would I repurchase these products again? I will buy the Blemish Bar & the Acne gel again.  My next purchase will be gentle products. And I'm swearing off the sun lol.

Olay Cleansing Brush-A must buy!

                           Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System

I am very particular about cleansing my face. I was using clean sponges, my finger pads or a wash cloth.  So when I the Clarisonic brush ($200) came out I read the mixed reviews and hoped there would be a cheaper version on the way.  Olay released a very similiar cleansing brush at only $30. I had to get it.  I regret not buying it sooner, it truly is the best thing to cleanse my skin with! I use the cleansing brush at least once a day and rotate with a sponge or wash cloth.  Wash cloths can harbor bacteria or be to aggressive on the skin, so wash in hot water and do not aggravate skin by scrubbing aggressively.  Learn to be extremely gentle with your skin.

The Olay brush comes with a sample size of Pro-X Exfoliating Renewal Cleanser (great for exfoliating) and 2 batteries. Refills brush heads are sold separately. The cleansing brush has 2 speeds and claims to clinically cleanse skin 6x better then regular cleansing.  I am here to say they are not false advertising, this is completely true.  Proper cleansing is very important for many reasons.  One, being that if you do not cleanse your skin correctly and thoroughly, the products you pile on will not take affect. Two, when you are cleansing you are also exfoliating.  Whether using your hands, a brush or a sponge, dead skin cells are being swept off the surface and rinsed down the drain.  Using this cleansing brush will cleanse your skin properly, exfoliate and allow products to penetrate your skin and take affect. I use this product once a day, as time does not allow me to use 2x a day and my skin looks fabulous!  My skin looks and feels much smoother! I suggest everyone (even men) try this product.  You will not regret it!

Update 2012: Olay cleansing brush doesn't compare to the amazing results with Clarisonic Mia!  Invest in the Clarisonic.