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.

Skinceuticals Sheer SPF 50

"A groundbreaking first-to-market mattifying fluid with transparent finish, this paraben-free, all-physical filter sunscreen provides increased protection in an ultra-sheer texture for all skin types, even very sensitive. Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50 offers the photoprotection of trusted broad-spectrum, physical filters, zinc oxide (Z-COTE) and titanium dioxide, and is enhanced by artemia salina, a plankton extract, to increase the skin’s defenses and resistance to UV and heat stress.  The unique ‘shake then apply’ action assures even distribution of active ingredients in this silky sheer fluid that dries quickly and leaves no residue."-Skinceuticals 

I wanted to love this, but the white cast is ridiculous and makes my foundation look HORRIBLE.  Great UVA/UVB sun protection with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.  It took some time to get used to it and find a way to get rid of the white cast- I've given up on this SPF.  I mixed moisturizer and this spf in the palm of my hand to warm it up and it spreads easily onto skin.  The fact that it is liquid makes it lightweight, easier to absorb and less likely to clog pores.  I had a few clogged pores on my neck and jaw. Suitable for FAIR, sensitive, oily, acne prone skin.  I do NOT suggest for brown skin (the white cast is terrible.)

Pros:

• Provides non-chemical UVA/UVB protection (contains zinc oxide & titanium dioxide)
• Matte Finish.
• Non-comedogenic and Paraben free
• Liquid formulation

Cons:

• Leaves a very noticeable white cast on brown skin (try mixed with moisturizer.)
• Contains dimethicone (can prevent skin from breathing and breakouts.)

Update 5/11/12:  This SPF must be mixed with a moisturizer to diminish white cast.  I tried mixing  equal parts spf & moisturizer, but it still leaves a unnatural white cast on my bronze skin.

$28-$32

50 ml

Bottom line: A good SPF for fair skin tones.

*Daily (that means rain or shine, indoors & outdoors) use of SPF 30+ will prevent sun damage:age spots, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles and the general visual signs of aging.  SPF should be reapplied  every 2-3 hours and MUST be reapplied at the beach or during water activities.  NO SPF IS WATER RESISTANT OR WATERPROOF.

*Update: 1/22/13
I experienced irritation, a white/blue cast and clogged pores.

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.

Blush & Breakouts

Update 1/20/12: Both of the following Blushes should be avoided for acne prone skin and maybe contribute to breakouts in any skin type!  Cover FX Bronzer contains isopropyl isostearate, silica, Glyceryl Stearate SE.  The Elf Mineral blush looks fantastic on the skin, but I feel like it has contributed to  irritation, even when tested from other blushes.





I have to be very careful with cosmetics, because I am acne prone. Blush can be a little tricky for me, because I have a natural flush and my skin is constantly being treated for acne.  After many years of having breakouts where my blush was applied, I realized the blush was making me breakout.  I became obsessed with finding a "non-comedogenic" blush.  After much trial and error, research and reading plenty of reviews, I finally came to the fact that I do not believe in "non-comedogenic". Any company can slap on this label and I always double check ingredients.  I shop with my zero zits list, which has been a tremendous help!  Become a Acne detective with Zero Zits

Cover FX Bronzed FX

                                                      e.l.f. Mineral Blush

I have finally  found two blushes that work well with my skin and do not make me breakout.  Cover FX sunkissed bronzing powder in "garnet" $28 & e.l.f. mineral blush in "peachy" $5.  Cover FX bronzing powder contains mica, is oil free, fragrance free, paraben free suitable for sensitive skin like mine.  It comes in a regular 'bronze' shade, as well as blush shades.  I am very thrify, so I was thrilled when the e.l.f. mineral blush worked with my skin.  The mineral blush is very light, great oily skin, 100% mineral based, contains no parabens, no preservatives, and no chemical dyes.  The minerals give my skin a healthy glow and at a very cheap price!  Don't forget to clean your makeup brushes often!