Here we go again creeping into the cool weather when skin gets flaky, dry, and as a result more sensitive. I don't exfoliate my skin year-round because I get the feeling that when I do, my skin gets more prone to sun damage, so I only do it regularly fall through early spring when my skin begins to really dry-up. Natural beauty company Terralina has come-out with Terralina Gentle Facial Exfoliator ($24 for 2.75oz), which targets just the kind of skin I'm talking about. The beads in the cleanser aren't overly harsh and the scent isn't obtrusive. The formulation is 98.65% natural and works for even those who, like me, have very sensitive skin given that it does not contain parabens, PEGs, ethoxylates, glycol, acrylates, silicones, harsh alcohols, mineral oils, or artificial fragrance. While even in the dead of winter I never exfoliate more than 3-4 times a week, supposedly this formulation is gentle enough to use everyday. To boot the exfoliator is packaged in a tube made of 40% post consumer recycled material!
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Here we go again creeping into the cool weather when skin gets flaky, dry, and as a result more sensitive. I don't exfoliate my skin year-round because I get the feeling that when I do, my skin gets more prone to sun damage, so I only do it regularly fall through early spring when my skin begins to really dry-up. Natural beauty company Terralina has come-out with Terralina Gentle Facial Exfoliator ($24 for 2.75oz), which targets just the kind of skin I'm talking about. The beads in the cleanser aren't overly harsh and the scent isn't obtrusive. The formulation is 98.65% natural and works for even those who, like me, have very sensitive skin given that it does not contain parabens, PEGs, ethoxylates, glycol, acrylates, silicones, harsh alcohols, mineral oils, or artificial fragrance. While even in the dead of winter I never exfoliate more than 3-4 times a week, supposedly this formulation is gentle enough to use everyday. To boot the exfoliator is packaged in a tube made of 40% post consumer recycled material!
We love shu uemura cleansing oils (they are especially handy when removing fake lashes, never pull your false lashes off as it may rip your own precious lashes with it. I rub a bit of shu uemura cleansing oil on it instead and it slides off easily. Rinse the oil off and set the lashes on tissue to dry so that you can re-use them!) and we are OBSESSED with Japanese manga (comic books-- I stay up all night reading them whenever I'm home in Asia, they're addictive!). Very excited about the limited edition Tokyo Kamon Girls cleansing oils by manga artist Moyoco Anno! Japanese contemporary art meets the art of beauty in shu uemura's 2009 artist collaboration series, Tokyo Kamon Girls Cleansing Oils. Celebrated manga artist (manga is Japanese for comic), Moyoco Anno brings art to daily life with her unique and inspiring designs found on each of shu uemura's iconic Cleansing Oils. These limited-edition bottles are beautified with raditional kamon crests and images of women living in contemporary Tokyo.
Inspired by the expressions and characteristics that coexist in all women, Moyoco adorned each of the oils with a "Tokyo Kamon Girl" who represents the different emotions women across the world share in common. Suggested
Retail Price: $65.00 (Classic, Enriched and Fresh) or $75.00 (Brightening and Premium) at shuuemura.com and shu uemura boutiques worldwide.
Continue reading shu uemura introduces Tokyo Kamon Girls Cleansing Oils by Moyoco Anno.
What better way to pamper my skin after a long day at the beach than gems for the face!?!? I used the BVLGARI Masque Precieux every couple of days during the two weeks I was in Malibu to keep my skin from drying out from sand and wind. It's an intensive regenerating mask and is as decadent as it sounds! The richly hydrating mask is enriched with an oxygen carrier to detoxify, an antiaging complex Polypeptides III to help increase the production of collagen and elastin and the high performance properties of Bvlgari Gem Essence®, a patent pending formula that nourishes and renews the skin. 
You really need to use this consistently to see the results, it doesn't promise any miracles but use it often and you'll see a new luminosity to your skin. $130 at Bergdorf Goodman. I also used the BVLGARI Radiance Toning Lotion ($60) to remove traces of chlorine from my face, neck and chest after swimming in the pool each day (chemicals in the pool almost as bad as the sun!). Just a few quick swipes and tight dry skin will immediately feel soft and supple.
Check out BVLGARI Gem Essence products at Bergdorf Goodman here.
The Wonder Bar is a facial cleanser made from a special MOOR clay from Heilmoor of Austria. This clay contains the essence of over 700 herbs and plants from the 3,000 years it took to create it. This MOOR essence is incredibly valuable for its benefits to the skin. There is also an algae formulation called Chlorey'nahre that's in this cleansing bar. All of that is a lot of confusion names and compounds but I have been using this cleanser and to put it plain and simple - it has changed my skin completely. Basically, the cleanser detoxes your skin. If you have clogged pores, it will extract all the gunk out. I get regular facials so I don't have that problem, but my husband does not facial so I had him use this. After the first couple of days, he got all these whiteheads, his clogged pores were purging itself. Now his skin is radiant like mine. OK, I am HUGE on exfoliating. After using the Wonderbar, I have not needed to exfoliate. After a good lather and rinse, my skin is soft and smooth, even though there is nothing abrasive in it. It is super mild. I have creamy soft baby skin. I'm not kidding. And my husband won't need to hear me nag about getting facials anymore, in fact, it has gotten rid of his rosacea. The Wonder Bar is cheaper than most cleansers I use, a 25 gram bar that last 4-6 weeks is $40. You can also get the 5 gram trial size good for 1-2 weeks for $10. It does not take off eye makeup so you will still need an eye make up remover afterwards.
I started a new regimen last month and can not believe I have not discovered iS clinical products until recently. The rep told me not to use anything else during my test period and believe me, it was difficult to give up my usual 12 step routine with thick creams. But I'm on a less is more mission to simplify my life and this could not have come at a better time. I've always had good skin but my skin is now unbelievable, even the pesky little white heads on my forehead are gone! I will describe each product below in detail and highly suggest you go to an iS clinical skin professional near you for a consultation. It is only 7 products total for day and night and the best system I have ever used. In fact, I believe in this regime so much I am going to give away this entire set in August!!
AM (Must use in this order)
1) Cleansing Complex- I start each morning with a drop of cleanser to clean my T-zone area. It removes left over residue from grease collected while sleeping and any make up that was not removed.
2) C Eye Advance + Gel- Lightweight but ultra potent, it does not sting on the eyes and can correct past sun damage if used consistently.
3) Super Serum Advance + - This has replaced my Skinceuticals C+E, it's also lightened my pigmentation so I actually save money.
4) Eye Complex- Chatecaille and La Prarie got nothing on this amazing eye cream. Goes on under make up smoothly without greasiness or peeling.
5) Youth Complex- The fountain of youth~ if you get nothing else from my day routine you must get this (and the Active serium for night). I apply a few drops on face, neck and chest. Amazing!! My make up goes on smoother and most days I no longer need foundation. Just a dap of concealer and I'm good to go.
6) SPF Treatment Sunscreen- I hesitated at first, 25SPF only? But the organic and powerful ingredients in this is more than enough. It is one of the best sunscreens I have ever used.
PM (Must use in this order)
1) Cleansing Complex- This cleanser has a gel texture and cleans all my make up off, even the water proof mascara from Serge Luten that Kelly convinced me to buy.
2) Active Serum- The HOLY GRAIL of the line. You MUST get this. Forget about emailing me with complaints about your wrinkles, spots and acne ever again if you don't get the Active Serum. I can't help you if you don't help yourself.
3) Eye Complex- This is the same eye cream above. I use it day and night. Don't even think about getting botox or laser treatments for the lines around your eyes without trying this first!
Congratulations Deborah of NC for being our Quiz #1 winner!
To celebrate and promote the idea behind Earth Day this month, we are doing major giveaways on beauty products that are eco-friendly, which is good for Mother Earth and really good for your face!
Elemental Herbology uses all natural and organic ingredients but is effective. And everything smells so good!! We are giving away the Biodynamic Facial Souffle worth $102. It is a intense hydrating mask for overexposed skin, perfect for the summer. Also the Cool and Clear Facial Cleanser, worth $61, a gentle cleanser that is free of soap and fragrance, but amazing for washing away dirt and congestion to prevent acne, again perfect for the summer with all that sunscreen on your face. The total giveaway prize is $163! Thank you Elemental Herbology for sponsoring!! To win, do something nice for the earth today and answer: Who is this lovely environmentally conscious star often seen riding her bike? Put your answer and what you did for the earth in comments by Sunday April 12th at 11:59pm EST. One entry per person please. We will choose one winner among all correct answers using a random computer drawing. We will be doing Earth Day Giveaways everyday starting today until Earth Day on April 22nd.
BE NICE TO THE EARTH =)
To celebrate and promote the idea behind Earth Day this month, we are doing major giveaways on beauty products that are eco-friendly, which is good for Mother Earth and really good for your face!
Elemental Herbology uses all natural and organic ingredients but is effective. And everything smells so good!! We are giving away the Biodynamic Facial Souffle worth $102. It is a intense hydrating mask for overexposed skin, perfect for the summer. Also the Cool and Clear Facial Cleanser, worth $61, a gentle cleanser that is free of soap and fragrance, but amazing for washing away dirt and congestion to prevent acne, again perfect for the summer with all that sunscreen on your face. The total giveaway prize is $163! Thank you Elemental Herbology for sponsoring!! To win, do something nice for the earth today and answer: Who is this lovely environmentally conscious star often seen riding her bike? Put your answer and what you did for the earth in comments by Sunday April 12th at 11:59pm EST. One entry per person please. We will choose one winner among all correct answers using a random computer drawing. We will be doing Earth Day Giveaways everyday starting today until Earth Day on April 22nd.
This is one of those things that when you see it you just have to try it. This Cleansing Balm looks like black mud but it is not a mask, it dissolves into an oil that thoroughly cleans your skin and leaves your skin moisturized and enriched with minerals and vitamins. It is made of Hungarian thermal mud and Hungarian healing water, which are both rich in minerals and allows a deep pore cleanse, drawing out all the gunk and impurities. And it takes off makeup like you would not believe. You start on the cheeks and work in a circular motion to break down the balm, once it is oily, you work it up to your eyes and it will remove anything you have on, including stubborn waterproof mascara. This is meant as a one step process, you clean your face with this and wipe, not wash, it off leaving all the oils and minerals behind as a treatment for the skin. The instructions says to wash with water but the SA told me to leave it on. I don't like the idea of makeup traces left behind, so I am opting for the wash with water route. Everything about this is really incredible and I highly recommend it, except, it is really pricey, a jar of this stuff is $102 and if you wear makeup everyday, or even if you don't and just want to use this daily, you can go through this in a month. Exclusively at Neiman Marcus.
Congratulations Zarka of Cambridge, MA for being our Snob Quiz Winner!
BE NICE TO THE EARTH =)
To celebrate and promote the idea behind Earth Day this month, we are doing major giveaways on beauty products that are eco-friendly, which is good for Mother Earth and really good for your face!
Elemental Herbology uses all natural and organic ingredients but is effective. And everything smells so good!! We are giving away the Biodynamic Facial Souffle worth $102. It is a intense hydrating mask for overexposed skin, perfect for the summer. Also the Cool and Clear Facial Cleanser, worth $61, a gentle cleanser that is free of soap and fragrance, but amazing for washing away dirt and congestion to prevent acne, again perfect for the summer with all that sunscreen on your face. The total giveaway prize is $163! Thank you Elemental Herbology for sponsoring!!
To win, do something nice for the earth today and identify this eco-friendly hunk who is helping to rebuild Katrina-ravaged homes in New Orleans. Put your answer and what you did for the earth in comments by Wed April 15th at 11:59pm EST. One entry per person please. We will choose one winner among all correct answers using a random computer drawing.
We will be doing Earth Day Giveaways everyday starting today until Earth Day on April 22nd.
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