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

Tips for Healthy Skin

This post is for all skin types & conditions.

• Maintain a consistent AM/PM skincare regime.  Changing products results in flare ups, irritation and little to no beneficial results.  A simple regime may consist of  A) Cleanser B) Treatment ( serum, Vitamin C, acne treatment, retinol, glycol, ect)  C) Moisturize (AM and PM) +SPF (AM).  There are plenty of moisturizers with spf 15+, but I recommend spf 30 everyday regardless if its cloudy or you are indoors.  
• Choose a cleanser for your skin type/condition.  Unless you are oily within a hour of cleansing, you won't need a foam cleanser (already foam when you pump the bottle).  It will be too drying for your skin, stripping it of vital moisture.  Excess oil and natural moisture barrier are too different things.
• Always cleanse 1-2 minutes with TEPID (lukewarm) water, never hot.  It strips skin, dries and irritates.
• Apply skincare products in order 1) Cleanse & Tone 3) Treat/Repair 4) Hydrate/Protect (SPF for day time) 5) Primer & Foundation
• Most drugstore skin products are too harsh on skin (contain excess alcohol, chemicals, irritating ingredients, no anti-inflammatory's, or hydrators.)  Neutragena is the worst thing you can use.  I trust CeraVe products though.
• Toner's purpose is to remove cleanser residue, debris and bring skin back to its pH.  Do not use 100% alcohol or witch hazel to tone-it's too stripping on skin.
• Use a gentle exfoliant, not a gritty St. Ives type scrub.  It creates micro tears, damages and irritates skin.  Use a Beta hydroxy acid: salicylic acid (for acne or oily skin) or alpha hydroxy acid: glycolic, lactic citric, mandalic acids.  Enzyme exfoliants are gentle and effective. The Clarisonic also exfoliates!
• Exfoliate 2x week and 3x week for oily/acne skin.  Normal/Combo skin: Murad T-Zone Pore Refining Gel  (amazing on blackheads).  Murad Pomegranate Exfoliating Mask can be used on all skin types. Oily/Acne prone: Murad Acne Exfoliating Treatment Gel. Adult acne: Murad Acne & Wrinkle Reducer. Aging Skin: Murad Age Reform at home peel, Complete Reform and Intensive Wrinkle Reducer. As you can see I love Murad.  I also work with these products on a daily basis with amazing results =)
• Make sure to cleanse skin in the evening.  Remove makeup-don't sleep in it.  Makeup wipes are not sufficient cleaning, so use your wipes to remove makeup, then wash your face.
• EVERYONE needs to moisturize, especially oily & acne prone skin.  Without moisture your skin will try to overcompensate for needed moisture and produce even MORE oil.  Skin may not heal as fast either.  Try a oil-free moisturizer.  I love Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion (the ONLY moisturizer that doesn't break me out & has done wonders for my oily/acne prone skin.)
• Steer clear of products with bright colors i.e. Neutragena (not the box, but the actual product).  They have overly irritating ingredients..dyes, synthetic fragrance that can wreak havoc on your skin.
• Higher percentage of skin treatments does not equal better results.  Starting with a higher % can irritate your skin, putting your skin in shock.  Adjust slowly to products.  Take baby steps to avoid irritation.  
• Don't try and dry your oily skin out or over scrub/over cleanse acne prone skin.  Your skin will produce more oily and your skin will become irritated.  I know this from personal experience (I am acne prone AND oily) & as a Professional Skincare Therapist
• Don't over use cleanser, it can dehydrate skin.
• Thoroughly rinse cleanser off skin, including hairline and sides of the face.  Rinse up to 4x if  necessary to remove all impurities and cleanser residue.
• Apply serums, lotions, creams to still moist/damp skin.  Products will absorb better and lock in vital moisture. 
• When using lightening/brightening products, apply product to entire face, neck and chest.  Do no spot treat, you will have light and dark spots if you do.  
• Invest in a Clarisonic Mia!  It deep cleans skin with sonic micro massage brush, exfoliates, allows products to work faster & more effectively, refines pores.  Think your skin can't get any better?  Buy the Clarisonic Mia $119-it's worth it, believe me.
• Avoid dimethicone or "cones" especially in primers-they don't allow your skin to breathe.  There are dimethicone & cone free primers out there!
• Steer clear of skincare products by cosmetic company's (Mac for example).  Most have skin conditioning ingredients  to make skin look soft and smooth but with no real benefits.  Also they have the tendency to clog pores with synthetic ingredients, dimethicone, silicones, 'cones'.
• Pick a great everyday SPF unlike greasy traditional SPF.  Murad has fantastic spf's: Acne/Oily-Murad Anti-Aging Moisturizing SPF 20. Aging skin: Perfecting Day Cream SPF 30. Sun Damage: Essential C Day Moisture SPF 30.  
• A balanced diet can truly change your skin.  Eliminate fast food, fried food, processed food.  Juicing does wonders for the skin as well as fresh fruits and fish (omega fats great for anti aging).  Acne prone folks: follow the above statement and try and eliminate dairy, it has been shown to clear skin up.  I worked at a frozen yogurt ship for 3 years-after I left my skin cleared up (sugar too.)
• Give your skin a nice boost with supplements.  A multi-vitamin and Green tea for everyone. Aging skin: Fish Oil,antioxidants: Pomegranate extract.  Acne prone skin: Zinc, B vitamins, yellow dock, burdock, antioxidants..Murad Pure Skin Clarifying Supplement hits all the marks.  L-lysine promotes healthy skin, heals skin (acne) and promotes collagen production.    

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.

Basic Skincare

A skincare regime is very important for the health and appearance of your skin.  Here are the steps you should be taking to a healthy complexion morning and night.

1. Cleanse morning and night. Pick a cleanser appropriate for your skin type.  Wash your face with a Clarisonic brush or clean washcloth.  Be sure to remove all traces of makeup before going to bed.  This will prevent accumulated makeup, oil, debris and bacteria from causing breakouts.

 2. Tone.  This balances skins pH, removes cleanser residue and excess debris.  Choose a toner without alcohol, which can strip skin of its acid mantle.

3. Treat. Apply serum or corrective skincare & eye cream.  Target your areas of concern.  Apply when skin is still moist, products will penetrate better and work better.

4. Hydrate.  Moisturize your skin, even if its extremely oily.  Oily skin can will overcompensate for loss of moisture and produce even more oil.

5. Protect (day only).  Wear a minimum SPF 30 EVERYDAY.  No one is immune to skin cancer, protect yourself.  Olay Sensitive Skin SPF 30 is a great option without irritation.

Weekly Skincare
1. Exfoliate.  Exfoliation is extremely important, sloughs off dead skin cells to reveal fresh, healthy skin cells.  Acne prone skin and oily skin must be exfoliated up to three times a week to clear & prevent clogged pores.  Everyone should be exfoliating at least 2x week. I do not suggest using St. Ives Apricot Scrub, it is too aggressive for facial skin, will irritate skin and create micro-tears (it's better suited for feet).  Instead try a enzyme, AHA/BHA or Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant.  Exfoliate after cleansing.

2.  Mask.  A mask can treat blemishes, draw out impurities, brighten, rejuvenate, nourish, calm & soothe, tighten & tone skin, and hydrate skin.  Use a mask 1-2x a week.