Beauty Products For the Warm Summer Ahead!

Hot weather does such weird things to my skin.  It has been so humid in Kansas City that when I walk outside, I sweat (gross, I know) and it makes my skin oily.  But exposure to the sun, even with SPF, can also leave my skin dry.  So my skin needs a lot of tlc in the summer!

I was sent the following products for my hones review, and I’m glad I was because I really need them!

Eraclea products contain a new, proprietary ingredient, scientifically designed to maintain the hydration that helps retain the youthful appearance of the skin. This efficacious ingredient is the result of a half-century of research. Its earlier forms were successfully used in medical and cosmetic applications. A carefully crafted combination of hyaluronic acid sponges and hyaluronic acids of various molecular weights, called the HylaSponge®System, is the key to the Eraclea hydrating properties.  Each Eraclea product features the HylaSponge®System in combination with select antioxidants, vitamins, peptides and botanicals, all chosen for their functionality within the formulations.

  • Pure Hydration Serum/Zinc ($80) — Perfect for stressed, irritated skin, this moisture-intensive serum draws on the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of zinc to promote healing while reducing redness. The serum delivers pure hydration to rejuvenate and replenish the skin. For optimal results, use after Intensive Repair and Protect Serum/Vitamin C.
  • Daily Bamboo Exfoliant ($40) This daily exfoliating micro-scrub removes impurities, oil, makeup and dead skin cells leaving the skin clean and fresh with a more youthful glow. It helps increase skin cell turnover rate and resurfaces the skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, pores, age spots, discolorations and acne scars.
  • Intensive Repair and Protect Serum/Vitamin C ($75) — After a long day in the sun, it’s important to remember that skin needs replenishing. It works to protect against cell damage, accelerate cell renewal and improve texture.

What I think:  Loving this line!  The exfoliating cleanser works really well on my sensitive skin.  It doesn’t irritate it at all, but it does remove dry, dead skin.  Both serums are really making my skin look younger:   Pure Hydration Serum/Zinc calms my red skin down in the morning and I use the Intensive Repair and Protect Serum/Vitamin C at night to repair my skin — it glows in the morning!

Available at http://www.eracleaskincare.com

A natural breakthrough in skin brightening that boasts dramatic clinical results after just four weeks. Burt’s Bees Brightening regimen is a daily arsenal of five formulas dermatologist-tested and clinically-proven to visibly brighten skin, diminish the appearance of dark spots and discoloration and even skin tone, while improving skin hydration and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.   

The items in the collection are:

·         Burt’s Bees® Brightening Daily Facial Cleanser (6oz. $9.99)

·         Burt’s Bees® Brightening Refining Tonic (6 oz. $9.99)

·         Burt’s Bees® Brightening Dark Spot Corrector (1 oz. $19.99)

·         Burt’s Bees® Brightening Eye Treatment (.5oz $19.99)

·         Burt’s Bees® Brightening Even-Tone Moisturizing Cream (6 oz. $19.99)  

What I think:  I have been testing the cleanser and eye treatment.  The cleanser is gentle, but effectively removes my makeup in the evening and leaves my skin clean, but not dry.  I also love the citrus scent.  The eye treatment does seem to brighten up the dark circles.  I will use a little longer and let you know if I see a noticeable difference in a month or so!

Where to buy: At leading drug, grocery and mass retailers or at www.burtsbees.com.

Korres Pomegranate Balancing Cream-Gel Moisturizer
Korres Pomegranate Balancing Cream-Gel Moisturizer

Korres Pomegranate Balancing Cream-Gel Moisturizer ($32 USD) — This pore-minimizing and mattifying moisturizer delivers immediate and lasting hydration while simultaneously balancing oily to combination complexions. The unique lightweight cream-gel texture is formulated with a blend of 15% pomegranate water, pomegranate extract, alpine willowherb, and contains tannins and polyphenols. These ingredients help reduce the appearance of pores and rejuvenate the look of skin while providing a matte finish. Hyaluronic and salicylic acids combine to offer an immediate moisture boost while conditioning skin for an overall smooth appearance.

What I think:  Light moisturizers are so perfect in the summer!  I love that this is a natural product. I like to use it at night over serum, but I also apply it sometimes in the morning with an SPF over it. I love the fresh scent and how it instantly absorbs into my skin.

Korres Natural Products may be purchased at Sephora.com

What skincare are you using as summer approaches?

Holiday Skin Care

The cold winter air, holiday stress and tons of party makeup can have a hug toll on  your skin this time of year.  It can take a little work and a bit of product, but you can keep your skin looking great through the holidays.

Here are some wonderful products I was sent to review for my honest opinion.  Try one or more out for fantastic skin this holiday season!

ASAP’s Daily Exfoliation Facial Scrub
ASAP’s Daily Exfoliation Facial Scrub

ASAP’s Daily Exfoliation Facial Scrub ($49.00 USD) — Revitalize and smooth your skin’s natural texture with ASAP’s Daily Exfoliation Facial Scrub.  This #1 bestselling product from ASAP Skin Products is recognized as a “skin savior” throughout Australia. It uses smooth, round beads and alpha hydroxyl acids (AHAs) to gently  remove dead skin cells and unclog pores without irritation. The unique dual-exfoliation action it provides is scientifically formulated to promote cell renewal and collagen production to improve the appearance and texture of skin, while helping to minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, acne, and sun damage.

What I think:  This is a gentle, but very effective scrub.  I love to use it every few days to keep my skin looking smooth.  Remember that exfoliating skin is an important step in your skincare routine because skin that has been unclogged will soak in serums and moisturizer better!

Available at www.SkinStore.com.

Eraclea Daily Bamboo Exfoliant
Eraclea Daily Bamboo Exfoliant

Eraclea Daily Bamboo Exfoliant ($40 USD) — This daily exfoliating micro-scrub removes impurities, oil and makeup and dead skin cells to leave the skin clean and fresh with a more youthful glow.  It helps increase skin cell turnover rate and resurfaces the skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, pores, age spots, discolorations and acne scars.

What I think:  Another gentle exfoliator, you can use this everyday if you wish as the bamboo is non-irritating.  My skin is so clean after using this!

Learn more and purchase at www.eracleaskincare.com.

G.M. Collin’s Ceramide Comfort Capsules
G.M. Collin’s Ceramide Comfort Capsules

G.M. Collin’s Ceramide Comfort Capsules ($98 USD) — Stress, environmental radicals, and harsh winter weather all discomfort, dry, and drain your skin. Restore your skin’s balance and silky smooth texture with G.M. Collin’s Ceramide Comfort Capsules. The capsules replenish and nourish your skin in practical single dose capsules for all skin types. The combination of sophisticated and unique ingredients, such as soybean oil and vitamin E, improve the skin’s epidermal moisture barrier, combat and protect the skin against environmental aggressions, prevent wrinkles and fine lines, and provide the skin with an instant and incredible comfort.

What I think:  After exfoliating, use these wonderful capsules to nourish skin.  They sink right in and really sooth dry skin.  Besides the comfort and anti-aging ingredients I love that they product from the environment.

Available for $98.00 at www.GMCollin.com and spas nationwide.

Reviving Exfoliator + Ultra-Nourishing Boost
Reviving Exfoliator + Ultra-Nourishing Boost

Reviving Exfoliator + Ultra-Nourishing Boost ($89 USD) Two full-size M. Steves bestsellers brought together for an at-home, anti-aging facial. The Reviving Exfoliator first resurfaces the skin by removing lackluster skin cells that dull your complexion and allows for maximum absorption of the Boost. The Ultra-Nourishing Boost then rehydrates the skin and leaves skin looking radiant.

Use the Reviving Exfoliator first, followed by the Ultra-Nourishing Boost for a quick, 10 minute facial treatment. For flawless skin, use the Ultra-Nourishing Boost everyday, and the 2-product treatment once a week.

What I think:  This is a potent combination!  Here is another luxe choice of exfoliator.  Followed by the boost, skin is so soft and smooth.  It also gives skin a little glow, which is perfect in the cold weather.

Available at www.msteves.com.

Sensai Deep Lift Filler
Sensai Deep Lift Filler

Sensai Deep Lift Filler ($140 USD) — The Kanebo Sensai Collection Cellular Performance Deep Lift Filler is an intensive care product that restores natural volume to hollow areas around the cheeks, eyes and lips, plumping from deep within the skin.

Restores natural volume to hollow areas around the cheeks, eyes and lips, plumping from deep within the skin and counters sagging and replenishes the lost of facial volume for specific areas.

What I think:  This product is for us ladies who need a little extra anti-aging help.  Just a little goes a long way.  I have been using around my lips and have noticed a plumping in my nasal-labial folds.

Sensai Deep Lift Filler may be purchased at https://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/ and http://www.neimanmarcus.com/.

Osmotics Age Prevention Sheer Facial Tint SPF 45
Osmotics Age Prevention Sheer Facial Tint SPF 45

Osmotics Age Prevention Sheer Facial Tint SPF 45 ($39 USD) — This lightweight, sheer tinted moisturizer is perfect even for the most sensitive skin. The formula protects against free radicals and UVA/UVB rays – an important step many of us forget in the winter.

What I think:  Tinted skincare is such a time saver — especially one that has SPF!  We need to protect our skin even in the winter — the sun’s rays can getcha in any season!  This apply smoothly and gives an even, light coverage.  Love!

Available in Light, Medium, Dark at www.osmotics.com

EverDeep Skin Care
EverDeep Skin Care

EverDeep ($39.95 for one month’s supply) is a patented  anti-aging skincare system delivering the nutrient-rich composition of a unique algae found in the deep waters of northern Europe. EverDeep harnesses the power of the algae to deliver smoother, more radiant, and younger looking skin.

This type of algae is extremely resilient and efficient in retaining moisture even in the most extreme environments.

Within its nutrient-rich composition and vital properties this unique strain of algae holds the secret to EverDeep: a breakthrough anti-aging discovery called the Algasome™ complex. The Algasome™ complex is a rich and concentrated source of essential fatty acids, amino acids, antioxidants, and vitamins B, D, and E.

The luxurious skincare system includes the following products:

Radiance Revitalizing Cleanser

Illuminating Toner

Lifting Day Cream SPF 20

Refining Resilience Mask

Complete Repair Night Cream

Intensive Anti-Wrinkle Serum

Triple-Action Eye Cream

Instant Wrinkle Corrector

What I think: I have been trying some of these products and think it’s a great, affordable anti-aging line to try.  The cleanser is gentle and leaves skin soft and glowing.  I love the eye cream, it really hydrates my dry eye area.  I am also enjoying the light day cream with SPF and the richer night cream.

Available at www.EverDeep.com