ProductWhores

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.

 

Think Pink!

In observation of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Murad has released an amazing limited-edition Hydrate for Hope set!  Their Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture and Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture for Eyes come in this adorable pink and white polka-dotted cosmetics bag!  I have to say the moisturizer and the eye cream are fantastic!  I've been using them both religiously for a few weeks now and I love how great my skin looks and feels.  Plus, HUGE bonus, 10% from the sale of each set to retailers goes directly to the City of Hope's breast and women's cancers research, treatment and education programs.  This is a truly great way to have beautiful skin and feel great knowing money has been given to support City of Hope.

Murad’s Hydrate for Hope set will be available at Murad.com and select retailers nationwide in October 2012 and retails for $49.50 (a $79 value!).

Physical Fusion UV Defense

I have decided if I was to ever play football (really hilarious if you know me and my inability to handle anything even remotely active) I would insist my position on the field be Physical Fusion UV Defense.  I feel like it sounds like an awesome role as part of the defensive line (my husband is laughing so hard at me right now but, yet, is impressed I even knew there was a defensive line).  Anyway, when I first checked out Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 lotion by Skinceuticals I thought it'd be funny as a football position.  Then I tried the stuff and think it's better suited to be a superhero!  I love, love, love this product so much.  It provides high broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection in an ultra-sheer, mattifying fluid!  It has a slight color which actually becomes translucent on skin to just make your natural skin look amazing.  I was shocked at how non-chalky it is and how smooth it feels on skin without any weird sunscreen-y odor.  It's paraben-free, non-comedogenic and really feels fantastic on.  It contains Z-Cote which is a microfine zinc oxide who provides broad-spectrum protection against burning UVB and aging UVA rays.  The perfect sunscreen for the face, if you ask me.  Then again, if you ask me anything, you get made-up football terms. 

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

Tilvee

I have to be honest, when I hear a bunch of "good" words like "eco" and "ethical" strung together in reference to skincare I pretty much assume I'm going to hate it.  I mean, don't get me wrong, I want the best for my skin but it's hard to find a brand that actually delivers all the moisturizing and cleansing goodness and still be all-natural.  Enter Tilvee, a truly eco ethical skincare brand which has none of those nasty parabens, petroleum or toxins in any of their wonderful products.  While I haven't had the honor of trying everything from their collection, I checked out both their Argan & Sea Buckthorn Age-Defying Creme and their Shea Butter Cleansing bar.  I was amazed at just how moisturizing and wonderfully soothing the Argun & Sea Buckthorn Creme really is.  My skin can be very sensitive and it LOVES this stuff - no redness, no dry skin and no added fragrance (although it still smells lovely and fresh).  After just a week of using it I noticed a difference in my skin - it really glows and is so soft it's insane.  I also am a big fan of the Shea Butter Cleansing Bar - incredibly soothing (I don't get that dried-out tight-face feeling after using) and it really gets off all the gunk from my face (even mascara).  This is a lovely brand that anyone with sensitive skin (or even normal skin looking for eco-friendly skincare) should check out.  They have an entire line - even stuff for the babies.

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

Live By The Youth Code

 

I got this news in my inbox last night and it's definitely interesting because I was just eyeing a display of these products at CVS and wondering about them.  The L’Oréal Paris Youth Code collection has been given the Good Housekeeping Seal, after evaluation by the Good Housekeeping Research Institute.  It's kind of a big deal, since the honor (which will be revealed in the April issue of the magazine) means that they've found Youth Code to deliver breakthrough anti-aging technology and cutting edge gene science.   Interesting, right?  Especially because you can most likely find it on sale at your local drugstore chain if you do a little research (I just got a 20% off my entire purchase coupon for CVS, so it was all perfect timing for me).  Here's a little scientific info on the brand:

 Backed by 10 years of gene research through a partnership between L’Oréal Paris and the St. Louis Hospital in Paris, the Youth Code skincare collection is specially formulated with GenActiv TECHNOLOGY™ to target signs of aging including  sagging features, laugh lines, dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles.  The breakthrough technology is specially formulated with Biolysat, Adenosine and enhanced with peptides that help make the skin act faster and younger. Biolysat, known as a good bacteria, works to activate the repair gene on the epidermis level and tells the genes to act faster in the recovery process. Adenosine, a molecule that naturally exists in skin’s DNA and is essential to proper cell functioning, acts as an anti-wrinkle ingredient stimulating DNA and protein synthesis while producing collagen. The powerful combination of these ingredients leaves skin feeling luminous, smooth, and hydrated.

I'm going to try the products out, so I'll keep you guys posted about my results.  Maybe I'll wind up looking 17 again! 

Sin-Care is Sin-Fully Addicting

When I first read about this skincare company in Australia (appropriately named Sin-Care) that had released serums that are specifically targeted to 8 different sins, I was immediately intrigued.  First of all, anyone who has a sense of humor a bit on the wicked side brings me such happiness!  Kimbereley Pearson (an Aussie - gotta love those folks from Down Under) created her line with the idea that just saying a product is anti-aging is definitely not enough.  Each of her serums was specifically developed to combat whatever "sin" you indulged in (or currently indulge in) that is most definitely not good for your skin.  She has eight formulas, each one I adore more than the one before it - on name alone!  Smoker's Secret (smoker damage), Sun Goddess (sun damage), Sugar Hit (poor diet), Relaxation Sensation (stress), Sleep Doctor (lack of sleep), Skin Coach (sports fatigue), Line Rewind (time poor) and Urban Renewal (good 'ol city living).  While I actually fit into a few of those categories (yes, I wolfed down 4 donuts yesterday, can't get my schedule straight and feel like I'm constantly in a stressful state), I opted to check out Urban Renewal, because, well, living in the smoggy city of LA can't be good for my skin!  The formula is light, smells delightfully fresh and after using it underneath my regular moisturizer (as instructed) for almost a month has made a definite difference in my skin.  No, I can't measure if it's actually stripped my skin of the city pollutants, but I can tell you that my skin is clear, soft and a bonus that she doesn't usually talk about - it acted as a nice primer which made my foundation last longer!  It contains Hyaluronic Acid which aids in reducing fine lines, Anti-Pollution System (a concoction of Hydrolysed Wheat Protein, Biotin and Tilia Cordata to reduce skin stress), Oxygen Complex (to stimulate oxygen consumption) and Ginseng extract to enhance skin vitality.  Again, I am definitely not a scientist, but I am a beauty junkie and this stuff is addicting.  The scent is slightly floral, and I am telling you it's so refreshing to slather on in the morning and before bed.  It's a bit pricey ($70.00 USD) for 50 ml, and it does have to come from Australia (which will set you back about 12.00 for shipping), but it really is a great serum.  I only wish she sold a gift set with mini versions so you could pick and choose your sins (how freakin' cute would that be to gift?!)  

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

Brighten With Bobbi

“I believe beauty starts with healthy, glowing skin. Traveling through Asia, I’ve discovered that many brightening skincare lines do not address women’s immediate need to cover dark spots. I used my makeup artist’s perspective to create this simple 5-step regimen: It includes skincare to give you brighter, smoother and clearer skin over time—and treatment makeup to give you a beautiful, even complexion instantly."

                                                              -Bobbi Brown

 
Here's the ritual Bobbi has come up with to give you fresh, radiant, lit-from-within skin:
 
Step 1 - PREPARE
BRIGHTENING HYDRATING LOTION ($50)
Your journey to a brighter, clearer complexion begins here.  Skin is clearer, instantly hydrated and perfectly prepared for the next step.

Step 2 - BRIGHTEN
BRIGHTENING INTENSIVE SERUM ($95)
The star of the Brightening Skincare line, packed with a Vitamin C Complex and unique blend of Grape, Mulberry and Scutellaria to inhibit melanin production and diminish the appearance of dark spots.

Step 3 - MOISTURIZE
BRIGHTENING MOISTURE CREAM ($70)
This deeply hydrating, lightweight lotion quenches skin, locks in moisture and strengthens your skin’s natural barrier, improving its ability to resist future damage. Skin feels fresh, soft, and perfectly hydrated.

Step 4 - PROTECT
SPF 50 UV PROTECTIVE FACE BASE ($38)
This lightweight, quick-absorbing lotion shields your skin from the harmful effects of the sun with a high level of broad-spectrum UVA and UVB to prevent future damage and maintain a radiant, even skin tone.

Step 5 - TREAT, COVER & PERFECT
BRIGHTENING SPOT TREATMENT CORRECTOR SPF 25 ($35)
Bobbi’s secret to instantly vibrant skin. This unique, double-action treatment makeup covers dark spots and
freckles immediately—and is packed with natural, effective ingredients that even out skin tone over time.

I am DYING to try this line, especially the Protective Face Base.  It has an SPF 50, which I love, and I'm always looking for another great product to protect my skin.  But really, every product sounds great, doesn't it?  I figure with the love I have for Bobbi's makeup, her skin care products have got to be great.  They're definitely pricey, but if I do try them, I'll let you guys know if they're worth it... 

Love Your Skin

 

I am such a Liz Earle fan girl because everything I use from them is fantastic.  From now until Valentines Day, for only $26, you can get their Love Your Skin kit and pamper yourself all night.  The kit contains a one ounce Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash, a one ounce Nourishing Botanical Body Cream, and a .5 ounce Brightening Treatment Mask.  In addition, Liz will throw in a free Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion (which I use and love) and exfoliating gloves.  It's a total bargain and even if you don't need it now, it's totally worth grabbing to throw in your suitcase for the next time you travel.  Check out lizearle.com for more details.  

Fab Skincare Line

I've always been a skincare junkie of sorts - willing to try anything and everything on my face (sometimes to horrifying results, mind you) so when I read about Sircuit Skin Cosmeceuticals I had to check out their stuff.  With products such as x-trap, o.m.g, mocha loca and i.cee u. I thought - this is one cool line, I wonder if their products are as great as they sound.  I tried the 7 Essentials Collection which contains some of their best-selling products - x-trap (amazing daily gentle face wash which smells deliciously fruity), molecular mist (a refreshing face mist), white out (daily eye cream with the cutest name and great results), day care (a moisturizing daily lotion which protects from UV rays), Sircuit Addict (a no-nonsense anti-aging serum), cloud 9 (a thick, but non-greasy, night cream which packs a moisturizing punch) and my personal fave of the bunch - Sir Activ (zeolite invigorating scrub which smells fantastic and leaves skin feeling delightfully smooth).  While Sircuit is a bit pricey, each product lasts a while because the formulas are so concentrated you only need a bit.  There are some definite stand-outs in the Essentials Collection that I would recommend to anyone (X-Trap and Sir Activ are products I will definitely use over and over again).  X-Trap is a very mild, non-drying gel cleanser that contains shea butter so your skin is left clean but actually hydrated (my sensitive skin thanks Sircuit for this).  Sir Activ is a deep-cleaning scrub that contains jojoba beads and zeolites (silicates from volcanoes - how exciting, right?) which smells deliciously of apple and cranberry.  Sircuit Skin is chemical free (no parabens, fillers, artificial colors, etc), cruelty free and is a truly "green" brand right here in Los Angeles.  This line is definitely worth checking out, especially if you're willing to spend a bit extra on superior skincare products that really are fab. 

Photo courtesy of Sircuit Skin Cosmeceuticals

Samples from this line were sent to me by a PR representative working with Sircuit.

Hydrate +

Even when Los Angeles is being pummeled with a torrential downpour (or the "storm of the century" as one ridiculous newscaster claimed), I like to protect my skin.  (You never know when the sun will make a fast re-appearance).  Anyway, I've been using Hydrate + by Cosmedix and it's a really great, relatively unknown, moisturizer.  This moisturizer boasts an SPF 17 and contains both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to help combat exposure to the sun, but without the use of chemicals.  Hydrate + is actually incredibly moisturizing (but not greasy) because it contains jojoba and olive oil, which translates to happy skin.  The downside, however, is this cream has a pretty strong sunscreen odor, so if you have an aversion to the smell of sunscreen this may not be the product for you.  The smell does dissipate quickly, however, so it's definitely not offensive to others around you.  (Please hear what I'm saying guy in office who wears too much cologne and lingers by the microwave).  Cosmedix has a big line of products which you can check out online at www.cosmedix.com.

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