ProductWhores

New Zealand Does It Right

I LOVE finding new skin care lines.  I mean, don't get me wrong, I love buying my tried and true favorites, but there's something so fun about discovering a new brand that does exactly what you want that others don't know about.  Plus, then you get to spread the word!  It's the good kind of gossip!  Ao Skincare is a holistic line that was developed by Dr. Mark Gray, a clinical dermatologist in New Zealand (dying to visit there, by the way!).  There are six total products that are referred to in numbered steps:

1. Prepare - Cleanser
2. Fortify - Day Moisturizer
3. Protect - SPF30
4. Restore - Serum
5. Repair - Night Moisturizer
6. Rewind - Retinal

How much do I love a system where the steps are clearly laid out and easy to follow?  So much!  I personally tried out step #6 - the Retinal (mainly because I'm testing a bunch of other stuff right now and I didn't want to get my results mixed up).  What's interesting about it is that it's an example of "raw" skin care, which is where a cold processing method is used to create an emulsion without using any heat whatsoever, which apparently lets the active ingredients and delicate botanicals hold on to their full potency.  Who knew?  The retinal itself has been great.  Sometimes products like this that are so strong and meant to do many things (reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, etc.) can make my skin so sensitive it just peels off, but this one didn't at all.  (They recommend that you use it two to three times a week until your skin is used to it, which is what I did).  I haven't been using it long enough (and luckily I don't have enough wrinkles yet!) to see a change in the appearance of that stuff, but I do have quite a glow going on right now.  Definitely loving that!  Check the line out now and see which of the steps (maybe all!) are right for you too.

Note: A sample of this product was sent to me by a PR representative working with Ao Skincare

Mask Up

I love a good mask.  There's nothing more relaxing than putting on pajamas, throwing your hair up in a bun, and putting on a mask to do its work as you lounge on the couch reading magazines and drinking wine.  (And sometimes, watching trashy reality shows at the same time.  What's up, "Teen Mom?")  I'd never even heard of the brand Hada Labo Tokyo before, but when I got my hands on their Ultimate Anti-Aging Facial Mask, I was super excited to try it because it's not your average, run of the mill mask.  The box contains four pre-cut masks, each in its own packet.  When you're ready to use, you simply open the pouch, unfold it, and position it over your eyes, nose and mouth before you press it on.  Super simple and even easier than applying a traditional mask.  It feels cool and wet on, so it's very refreshing - especially in the hot weather we're having out here in L.A.  The mask itself promises to drench your skin with an entire bottle of serum to boost hydration, smooth fine lines and restore firmness and bounce to your skin.  My skin definitely felt hydrated and smooth when I took the mask off (they recommend leaving it on for 10-15 minutes, so it's not a long time commitment) and I also like that you don't rinse after it - they recommend that you pat the excess serum into your skin, so it's absorbing a ton of the product.  I've definitely never used a mask like this before and I really liked how easy it was and how my skin felt afterwards.  They recommend that you use it one to three times a week - at $15 for a box of four, that's easy to justify.  (Plus it gives you a good excuse to place an order on Drugstore.com, my guilty online pleasure.  Love it!)      

Note:  A sample of the above item was sent to me by a PR representative working with Hada Labo Tokyo

Age-less

Who doesn't want to find a brand of affordable, great skin care that's easy to get your hands on?  No one I know.  Avalon has launched a new collection called Age-less that consists of four products.  (I love an easy routine that's already laid out for me).  Here's their official descriptions:

• Cleansing Milk ($9.99) - Our soap-free milk cleanser gently lifts away impurities while replenishing skin’s nutrient balance with six essential vitamins and antioxidants.  Dry, sensitive skin feels soft and clean, never stripped or tight.
• Revitalizing Cream ($15.99) - Our rich, nourishing face cream deeply hydrates and helps rebuild tone and texture.  With a hearty dose of antioxidants and vitamins, revitalized skin appears illuminated from within.  Whether used as a richly replenishing night cream or as a daily moisturizer, this cream will awaken your skin’s youthful vibrancy.
• Illuminating Serum ($19.99) - This concentrated, dual-action solution works synergistically to brighten skin from both inside and outside.  Treated with a replenishing combination of vitamins and antioxidants, skin structure is supported internally while the skin’s surface is softened and smoothed.  As a result, your complexion appears even and more radiant.
• Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Daily Moisturizer ($15.99) - Lightweight, daily moisturizer provides broad spectrum protection against incidental sun exposure.

I haven't tried any of the products yet because I'm currently testing a bunch of other skin care products (I know - classy problem to have, right?) but they have a ton of vitamins in them (A, B, C, D, E, K) and all the formulas are biodegradable with recyclable packaging that's made from 100% post-consumer material.  Love that.  I'm also super happy that they're available at Walmart because it means everyone can easily get their hands on them.  (You can also order them at their website, AvalonPersonalCare.com).  Check them out now!

Stuff It!

I love compiling the list of my favorite stocking stuffers for the season!  Ever since I was a little kid the stocking held the most amazing treasures and even as I got older my parents always managed to fill it with delightful things.  It still is my favorite part of Christmas.  So, without further ado, the best stocking stuffers for 2013 (in my humble opinion)...

Rock Star Hand Creme by Julep is downright fantastic!  This non-greasy, lightly scented tube of fantastic-ness leaves hands feeling super soft and it's shocking how fast it sinks into skin.  It's free of Parabens, Sulfates and Phthalates and full of shea butter, glycerin, coconut oil, and vitamin E.  This is a powerhouse for hands and my new favorite.  Retails for $20.00 (and even though it says online only at Sephora, I actually picked it up at my local Sephora.)

Nyakio Hydrating Face Cleanser with Kola Nut is so luxurious.  I know it seems strange to stuff a stocking with a facial cleanser but this one is so fabulous, you'll be a hero for including it!  It is super hydrating so your skin won't feel like it's been stripped (especially nice if you have dry skin like me). It smells lovely and contains all sorts of good things like Rooibos Tea, Ivory Coast Kola Nut and African Trichilia and Chamomile Oils.  It's formulated without all the icky stuff - parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes, phthalates, triclosan.  I love this cleanser and even though it's a bit pricey at $29.00 it's worth every penny!

Beauty Addicts new GlimmerSHEERS are a delightful surprise and a lovely stocking filler.  Each duo comes in a cute, pink compact and is the perfect formula to highlight and luminize eyes, cheeks and face.  I love how pretty the colors are and how easily they apply.  My fave is Motivate (pinks) but all four color combos are really pretty.  I carry it in my bag for touch-ups throughout the day and it's a fantastic item for airplane trips (you know, that much-needed added glow right before you land).  Retails for $28.00.

em by Michelle Phan has a delightful new lip balm that is a must-gift to anyone.  Pillow Plush lipbalm comes in 7 tints and while Berries (pretty, deep burgundy) is my definite favorite, they are all really pretty.  Formula is non-drying and color is more rich than a usual tint.  I also adore the little pot it comes in.  Retails for $15.00.

SkinCeuticals Eye Balm is... well... the balm.  This is by-far my favorite eye cream - super hydrating, thick formula and has really made a difference on my undereye area (reduced wrinkles and brightened my skin).  SkinCeuticals is the best skincare line anyway, so no surprise that their eye balm is to die for.  Yes, it's expensive, but it's so beyond worth it.  I never thought I could love an eye balm the way I love this one.  Retails for $81.00.

Note:  A few of these items were sent to me by PR representatives working with the above companies.

 

Firm, Baby, Firm

So for the past year or so, I've been all about the serums.  I think I read some article about how important they are, so even though I used them before, now I use one every morning and night.  I'm good like that.  Lately, my serum of choice has been Bliss' Firm, Baby, Firm Dual Action Lifting + Volumizing Serum.  I've been using it for 2-3 weeks now, so I'm not sure how much I can speak to the long-term results, but on a daily basis, my skin feels less tight and it seems to be making my sensitive skin less... reactive.  I also really love its scent - I can't even totally place it - it's something fresh and spa-like, which makes sense since the 99% active, water-free formula is what they use in every Firm, Baby, Firm facial at their spas.  All I know is, when I smooth it on, the scent makes me really happy, which is a definite plus over some of the other medicine-like serums I've used.  (It might be lavender mixed with something else, since the serum has an aloe base with lavender in it).  It's also supposed to correct and prevent the appearance of fine wrinkles with long term use, which is a definite plus (I'll keep you guys posted if it seems to be working on me although luckily, I don't really seem to have any wrinkles yet.  Thanks, sunscreen!)  I'm kind of obsessed with Bliss products at the moment (pretty much all of them, from the shower gels to the entire skin care line) so this one fits into my new routine nicely.  Bring on the firming! 

A sample of this product was sent to me by a PR representative working with Bliss

Meaningful Beauty

Who wouldn't want to age like Cindy Crawford, right?  I mean, sure, genetics play a large part but I couldn't help but wonder if those skincare products she was so excited about would actually work.  I was given the opportunity to test out the Advanced System kit by Meaningful Beauty which I promptly passed on to my friend who suffers from fine lines to get her full assessment. She had this to say -

After trying them religiously for a month, I was actually really pleased with the results!  While I don''t have a bad thing to say about any of the products in the system (only thing slighly negative was the Skin Softening Cleanser was a bit drying), I definitely have three faves I would buy again.  Creme de Serum goes on really well, sinks right into skin and leaves my face feeling hydrated and I also have seen a slight difference in fine lines.  Skin Brightening Decollete and Neck Treatment SPF 15 is especially awesome!  It feels like it's working the minute you rub it in and leaves my neck and decollete soft and super hydrated.  Antioxidant Day Creme also feels great on my skin and I was surprised by how quickly it soaks in and how glowing my skin looks.  I never have a greasy feeling with these products which has been a huge bonus for me! 

She's definitely raving enough that the Meaningful Beauty line is worth a check-out!  Yeah, you may not look like Cindy, but it's worth a shot, right?

Note:  Samples of the above products were sent by a PR representative working with Meaningful Beauty

One Stop Shopping

When I was packing for my trip two weeks ago, I was trying super, super hard to pack lightly.  It did not go well.  I somehow managed to wedge 4 pairs of boots and sneakers into my suitcase for a 10 day vacation (and that's not even counting the sandals for the warm weather later in the trip).  It all started out so promisingly and ended with me paying $75 to get my bag onto the plane.  So when it came time for me to pack makeup, I was determined to at least not add to the weight and brought only products that could do double-duty.  Instead of packing numerous bottles of face products, I only packed one - Clinique's Age Defense BB Cream SPF 30.  I haven't tried a lot of BB Creams and hadn't even opened this one before, but I love that it's one product that does everything you need.  It has an SPF in it for sun protection, antioxidants to keep your skin healthy, and slightly more coverage than a tinted moisturizer.  Plus, it acts as a primer too.  It's actually the perfect product to take on vacation with you because you need all of 30 seconds in the morning to be done with that whole part of your routine.  I also really like the coverage - it feels really light on my face, but it covers enough so I feel like it hides the few freckles I have and such.  I like it so much that I've reached for it both mornings (okay, fine, I'm jet lagged and sleeping at weird times, so afternoons) since I've been back. It's vacation-worthy AND regular life-worthy.  I love it when that happens.     

Note:  A sample of the above was sent to me by a PR representative working with Clinique

Get Your Skin In Shape

 

 

Okay, if you have breakout-prone skin and you've been resisting getting a Clarisonic (for some crazy, unfathomable reason) now is your time.  Clarisonic has a new Acne Clarifying Collection that looks fantastic.  Here's the official info on it:

Clarisonic brings you closer to clear skin—in just one step! The inventor of the professional-caliber, dermatologist-recommended Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System, has paired its patented sonic cleansing technology, including an innovative new brush head, with a gentle yet powerful salicylic acid-based cleanser to form the Clarisonic Acne Clarifying Collection. In one easy step, that’s safe and gentle enough for use twice daily, you can remove dirt, oil and impurities more thoroughly---and begin to treat acne blemishes.

I love, love, love, LOVE my "regular" Clarisonic, but it sounds like this one will be even better at helping  with skin that's a little bit more problematic.  It doesn't start shipping out until March 15th, but you can pre-order now.  Get on that!

Soothe Your Skin

 

 

As someone who has sensitive skin that gets easily irritated, I'm totally in love with Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Soothing Treatment Lotion.  (Phew, that was a mouthful.  I've had relationships that took less time than it did to type that out!)  I like to use a toner or other sort of cleansing lotion at the end of my skin care routine, but most of them are too harsh or drying or otherwise make my skin sad.  This one is perfect though.  It's super light and feels refreshing on, but I can still tell that it's cleaning the last bits of makeup off my skin.  It also doesn't leave my face feeling tight or sticky, which always happens when I use a "regular" toner.  (How on earth did I ever use Sea Breeze when I was younger?  That stuff can like, strip the paint off cars!)  The lotion has Dr. Weil's beloved Mega-Mushroom blend in it and is one of the ten products of his that Origins carries.  If you have sensitive skin or your skin is prone to redness, you absolutely must try them.  They're some of my favorite gentle products ever because they clean really well without stripping your skin of its moisture or irritating it even more.  (The Face Cream and Face Serum are especially fabulous).  Also cool?  Dr. Weil donates all of his after-tax profits from royalties from sales of Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins products directly to the Weil Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting integrative medicine through training, education and research.  Very cool of him.  Even more reason to pick some of the products up!

Note: A sample of this product was sent to me by a PR representative working with Origins

iO Beauty

I swear I've tried about a million different skincare products - some I've loved and some I've hated and some, well, I've just been on the fence about.  I can't remember the last time, however, that I used a new skincare line and had other people comment on my complexion!  iO Beauty, the skincare line behind make-up guru Sue Devitt and nutritionist Tanya Zuckerbrot, has completely changed my skin, and all for the better.  I've been using their entine line for a few weeks and the results have been incredible.  Their Eye Concentrate is super-hydrating and sinks in quickly which I love (so many eye creams I've used are super greasy, but not this one), their Moisture Concentrate is brilliant-  uber-moisturizing and leaves skin so fantastically soft, but the true stand-outs for me are the Treatment Concentrate and Beauty Booster.  I use a few pumps of the Concentrate, mix it with a few drops of the Beauty Booster (which has all these fabulous antioxidants) and put on my skin before the moisturizer.  It smells lovely and really gives my skin a healthy glow.  I can't remember the last time my skin looked this with so little effort.  Love this line so much and am so excited to let you all know that on Feb 17 iO Beauty is launching on QVC!  So excited to see the amazing deals they will be able to offer.

Note: Samples of the above products were sent to me by a PR representative working with iO Beauty