I am incredibly passionate about skincare. Just take a peek at the innards of my medicine cabinet…. obsess much?

Around age 21, which marked the ceremonious start of my battle against adult acne, I embraced skincare lotions and potions with open arms. I have always taken great pride in the care/management of my skin. After all, skin is the body’s largest organ. While many facets of skincare float my boat and light my fire, two groups of products in particular have made the biggest impact on the quality of my skin.

1) Sunscreen

2) Peels

You all now that sunscreen is an absolute MUST for me. I have written countless blog posts on the importance of a daily stand-alone SPF product. In my opinion, sunscreen protects against a multitude of skin issues like pre-mature creasing, hyperpigmentation, age spots, and uneven tone

The second most important area of skincare, in my opinion, is chemical exfoliation….i.e. chemical peels, alpha hydroxy acid, glycolic peels, etc.

Earlier this year I wrote about my battle with hyperpigmentation and graphically detailed my process for ridding my skin of dark (nearly black) post acne spots. In the post I discussed the importance of at-home chemical exfoliation. Today I will elaborate on this most important step as well as highlight several products that I have used over the course of the year and ABSOLUTELY LOVE.

I have been d-d-dying to write this post for months and share with you the at-home peels in my life that truly ROCK.com!

If you’re not currently including at-home peels in your skincare regime, sister — you are totally missing out! Peels are incredibly effective at improving texture, increasing luminosity, reducing pore size, correcting uneven tone, and restoring skin’s overall brilliance. Even though I embrace a very complete and through skincare regime overall, I strongly feel that the process of chemical exfoliation is what has made the BIGGEST difference in my skin. Without sounding like a narcissist, because believe me I am not, my skin’s texture is incredibly smooth and brilliant…even when I’m battling a breakout. The pimple is there, don’t get me wrong…but the surrounding skin maintains a certain level of smoothness. And quite honestly, the surrounding “smooth” skin is what keeps me from slitting my wrists when I’m dealing with the routine dastardly cystic zits!

Over the last year I have had the pleasure of trying many at-home peels and I am delighted to share with you my faves! Each product mentioned below is ThisThatBeauty tested. I have used each for at least 4-6 weeks and honestly love them all. I whole-heartedly stand by my recommendations. My rationale behind listing several products is this: I wanted to recommend a variety of products based on various skin types, budget, ease of use, and regional availability (I recently had a Canadian follower email me regarding products that I recommend that are not available in her neck of the woods).

So without further ado, here are my current favorite, most effective at-home chemical peels. I hope that you will find a product that suits your skin type and budget.

For those of you (like me) who deal with the occasional acne bout, I very highly recommend Cane + Austin Acne Treatment Pads with 5% Glycolic Acid and 2% Salicylic Acid. This one-step acne/glycolic acid treatment is derived from pure cane sugar, which acts as an exfoliator to gently resurface skin while salicylic acid treats acne. What I love most about this product (and its sister product, Cane + Austin Retexturizing Treatment Pads with 10% Glycolic Acid) is that the treatment is delivered in a single step. With many glycolic treatments, you are required to rinse or use a neutralizer. With Cane + Austin, you simply apply day and night and follow with a moisturizer. Super simple! A 30-day supply is $60.

ThisThatBeauty Tip: When I used this product for 30 days, I used the acne treatment pads during the day and the glycolic ones for night. Admittedly, I tend to overdue it…and I have a very high tolerance for glycolic products. You might choose to start slow with evenings only.

Talk about an unsung hero…I wish this product received more buzz. I first learned of Actifirm Z Peel a couple of NYFW’s ago and it sat in my beauty closet for months before I decided to give it a whirl. If you’ve got three minutes and ActifirmZPeel, you’re well on your way to brighter and smoother skin. Z Peel is marketed as a “smart” peel that targets specific areas and exfoliates only where you need it. If you’re sensitive to glycolicpeels, you might find this product of interest because it is said to mimic nature’s own exfoliation processes and does not cause excessive redness, scaling or irritation. Instead of glycolic, Actifirm Z Peel uses exfoliating enzyme from Japanese mushroom along with 14 additional botanicals. The formula also includes a soothing cocktail of extracted oils from lavender, coriander and Roman chamomile flowers.

ActifirmZ-Peel is sold in two at-home concentrations – 10% for those with sensitive skin and 15% for folks like me who always want MORE MORE MORE. In fact, I totally wish I lived near a licensed professional who does the professional strength Actifirm Z Peels peels (30-60%). I would absolutely do the occasional in-office peel! $66.30

Naturopathica Glycolic Refining Peel – I cannot say enough wonderful things about this product. In just four minutes a night, this potent exfoliating treatment lives up to its claim. It promotes more youthful and radiant looking skin by increasing cellular renewal. The potent alpha hydroxy treatment is balanced with the inclusion of soothing aloe verato cool and calm the skin. This refining peel contains a concentrated blend of five botanical extracts (bilberry, sugar cane, sugar maple, orange, lemon) that contain naturally occurring AHA’s like citric, glycolic, malic and tartaric acids. This one definitely tingles, ladies. The recommend dosage is four minutes per evening. If you’re new to AHA treatments, I highly recommend starting slow with about 1-2 minutes. $68.

For my “go green” girls, try this: jeune d’age organics 5% Glycolic Pumpkin Peel. I have written about this product before, as part of my Hyperpigmentation Series, but could not resist including it in my “fave peels” roundup (in case ya missed it before). jeune d’age organics 5% Glycolic Pumpkin Peel is an excellent product for individuals who prefer organic skincare. Click here for my previous review. Since my review back in May, the brand has launched new packaging! $23.95

Get the glow you desire with Votre Vu Nouveau Glow. Through a gentle blend of bergamot, healing bilberry, and AHA loaded citrus fruits like lemon, grapefruit and orange, the formula resurfaces skin without irritation. What separates this at-home peel from the other recommendations in this rundown is the use of highly emollient ingredients like Vitamin E, papaya extract and sunflower seed oil….making this peel deeply moisturizing and incredibly soothing. While the product is labeled as safe for all skin types, I imagine that more mature skin types will appreciate the hydrating benefits. $45

Continuing with the trend toward sugar cane derived exfoliants, Bambola Glycolic Sugar Cane Exfoliant is effective at accelerating the removal of dead skin, increasing collagen production, and reducing the appearance of slight facial creasing, sun spots, and hyperpigmentation. This serum also incorporates a balance of smoothing and soothing ingredients…Apple Acid is used to smooth and firm while cucumber nourishes and clarifies. $48

The name says it all. LIERAC Comfort Peel is a 2-in-1 daily moisturizer and face peel treatment. This ultra gentle formula contains time-released glycolic and salicylic acid which leaves skin deeply exfoliated and perfectly hydrated. The slow release of 1% salicylic and 4% glycolic acid optimizes effectiveness, while living up to the product’s claim of “comfort”. No tingling or burning sensations here! $52

Philosophy The Microdelivery Peel is a sure-fire oldie but goodie, and is widely available online and in-store via Sephora. The two-piece kit contains a 2 oz container of Lactic/Salicylic Activating Gel and a small 2 oz tube of Vitamin C/ Peptide Resurfacing Crystals. I love products that have a “participation” element and Philosophy The Microdelivery Peel satisfies. After applying the Resurfacing crystals to dry skin, the activator gel is applied over the crystals. From there a warming sensation takes over and a foam appears…this tells me that the product is going to work to break down the yucky disgusting layer of dead surface skin…and fresh, rejuvenated skin in en route! $65

I hope you’ve enjoyed my run down of my favorite “peels” of the moment. I tried to cover a range of products at different price points that work well for a variety of skin types – acne prone, oily, mature, dry.

Please comment and share your thoughts. Do you see a product that appeals to you? Have you tried any of my recommendations? Was this post over-kill with 8 recommendations? Do you feel there was something for everyone?

Cat got your tongue??? Share!!!

xoxoFelicia

Does your pretty little face require specific skincare at different times of day? It’s a question worth pondering, particularly given the financial investment we make in our arsenal of topicals, lotions, potions, serums, and creams. Let’s face it (pun intended), keeping 30+ skin disguised as 25+ comes at a price. Isn’t it worth it to go the extra step and make sure you’re getting the absolute most out of your products?

While anti-aging, reparative ingredients (like retinol and glycolic) are highly effective at improving tone, texture, and easing the appearance of creasing, they’re best applied at bedtime, as skin goes through its regenerative process. But what about day?…what’s the best possible way to treat skin during the day?

For daylight hours, skin requires an antioxidant rich regimen designed to fight free radicals, pollution, and the photo-aging affects of the sun. SkinCeuticals AOX EYE GEL‘s triple antioxidant treatment (Phloretin: increases eastin, Vitamin C: promotes collagen production, Ferulic Acid: neutralizes free radicles) is perfectly suited for daytime use and is effective at combatting the plagueing signs of fatique. For the last month, I have been generously applying the gel-like serum under my eyes and around my brow area. The immediate benefits are increased hydration, luminous texture, and vibrant appearance. The formula penetrates easily without a sticky residue. I generally apply my CARGO under eye brightener directly over SkinCeuticals AOX EYE GEL and the product does not run, fade, or crease…a major feat! Over time, I have noticed that my eye area appears more supple and fresh. The added caffeine in the formula gives my tired, puffy eyes a much needed boost in the a.m. and also helps to improve circulation.

Keeping in mind that this particular product is antioxidant packed and suitable for daytime use, for evening I recommend an eye cream that is formulated for overnight repair. I like ROC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream.

Do you adjust your routine from day to night? You should!

I’d love to hear about your skin rituals. Leave a comment & share.

Grab a cup of tea, a big bowl of (ThisThatBeauty’s fav) popcorn, glass of vino, yummy cocktail, or what ever it is you reach for when you settle in for a good read. This article promises to be the longest post in ThisThatBeauty history.

I am often approached regarding my exact skin care routine. I must confess. This is an extremely difficult question to answer for a number of reasons:

1) Everyone’s skin is different and the results I achieve may or may not be similar for your sweet little face.

2) My skin care routine changes from season to season…and when I say “season to season” I am not referring to weather. I am referring to my different “skin seasons”. For example, there’s the “acne season”, where my primary focus is managing my annoying adult acne. There’s the “dry season” where I incorporate products that help remedy excessive dryness. Currently my skin is in “hyperpigmentation season” so my routine is very heavily and aggressively focused on remedying the dastardly dark spots that have taken up residence on my otherwise pristine (I kid) mug.

3) I regularly (and cheerfully) review/test/and flip flop from product to product….and allow me to clarify what I mean by “flip flop”. I only flip flop from product to product after I’ve used for the recommended time frame (usually 4-8 weeks). If there’s no adverse reaction, I generally stick with a product until its used up. I then write a review and decide to re-purchase or move on to the next one. However, I should note that even though I regularly review and switch products, there are certain skin care principles that are constant (more on that later).

4) My overall skin care routine is somewhat extensive. Just ask @KatAragon. We recently roomed together in LA and she lovingly poked fun at my diligent day and evening skin care rituals…but she also all but licked my face and marveled at how smooth and even my complexion is. (I kid about the licking, but I could tell she wanted to-LOL).

So for reasons 1 through 4, it is hard for me to give an exact run down of what my skin care routine is….No two faces are the same, my skin issues and products change often, and my overall routine is quite intense…I’ve actually seen eyes glaze over when I’ve tried to explain it all.

The main focus of this article is my current “skin season” – HYPERPIGMENTATION, which is in bold and spelled out in caps to signify that I am yelling the word at the top of my lungs. Hyperpigmentation is no joke! It makes me feel angry, sad, insecure…and basically unpretty. So for this article I will share with you, the intimate details of my struggle with hyperpigmentation and the products I am currently using. Once I am through this particular “skin season” some of the products will likely change.

Before getting into the actual products, I have to take a small step back and talk a bit more about my overall skin care routine. As I’ve already said, my routines are “skin season” specific and change often. HOWEVER HOWEVER, there are CORE PRINCIPLES that are constant….cleanse, tone, eye cream, treat issues, anti oxidant serum, sunscreen, special treatment masks, regular facials and regular dermatologist visits.

PROPER CLEANSING

I generally tend to favor gentle cleansers. I am usually on some sort of topical medication for acne management (currently using Evoclin foam) so I steer clear of harsh cleaners that will possibly conflict. However, the cleanser must clean deep enough to control my excessive sebum and oil production. A few of my fav cleansers include:

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser – It is super gentle and does no harm.

KISS MY FACE Exfoliating Face Wash – Don’t let the word “exfoliating” scare you. The formula is gel-like with no bits or particles. The cleanser gently uses the power of natural fruit acids to exfoliate the skin. Lemon Grass Oil is incorporated as an anti-inflammatory and astringent. Antioxidant Green Tea repairs damaged skin.

Lancome Creme Radiance – This clarifying cream to foam cleanser contains antioxidant White Lotus and soothing Rose de France to penetrate deeply without drying out the skin. I always feel brighter after using.

GRN Blue Chamomile Cleanser – Certified Organic Extracts of Chamomile, Rosemary and Green Tea. This gentle cleanser provides deep cleansing without harsh chemicals. It does not dry or irritate my skin.

So you see, I mainly use cleansers that are gentle and free of harsh irritants. My cleansers do rotate from time to time, but GENTLE is key for any cleanser I use. In addition, my Clarisonic Skin Care Brush is a staple. This brush is working miracles in my skin….*cue the parting of the sea and the conversion of water into wine*

This brush saves lives! I bought my first Clarisonic a few years back when Lady O (not Michelle, Oprah) touted the brush as one of her fav things. The brush flew off the shelves like Free Pancake Day at IHOP, but I was lucky enough track one down (and was later rather unlucky because I left it at a hotel and was forced to buy a replacement). For some odd reason I abandoned using the brush…bad move. During a skin care convo with my sister from another mister – Adri, she encouraged me to get back on my Clarisonic grind. I charged up the super sonic brush and have not looked back. My skin is, at this very moment, the best it has been in a long time. Regardless of the different cleaners I rotate, my Clarisonic skin care brush is a staple.

TONER

The next step of my skincare routine involves the use of a “gentle” toner. There’s that word again, “gentle”. My current favs are all awesome with a capital “A” because they are non-drying, contain no alcohol, and help to restore my skin’s balance after cleansing:

Chella Refining Tonic – Contains zinc and pomegranate. Is gentle and refreshing. The yummy pom scent is a bonus!

Renee Rouleau – Moisture Infusion Toner, Revitalizing Ginseng Toner, and Balancing Skin Tonic are my favs.

KISS MY FACE Balancing Act Facial Toner – (Description from KISS MY FACE) Tone and nourish skin with organic ingredients. Revitalize tired skin with this blend of certified organic grapefruit, orange, ginger and lemon balm essential oils and extracts. Seaweed extract provides trace minerals while antioxidants Ester C® and Vitamin E help fight the signs of aging.

Again, the trend is “gentle” yet effective!

The last few steps in my general routine include acne medication, serum, eye cream, SPF, special treatment masks, regular check-ins with my derm, and somewhat regular facials.

And now, getting back to the main focus of this article, the next few products in my routine are formulated specifically to address my current “hyperpigmentation season”.

Are you surprised that I stated there will be a “few products” required to address hyperpigmentation? Well don’t be. Often times we expect one miracle product to solve our issues. I wish! The reality is that good skin takes a concerted and continued effort.

While this post is intended to share with you the products I am using to win my personal battle against hyperpigmentation, I also want to express my opinion that a lot of folks out there are slackin’ on their skincare pimpin’ and expect one miracle product to improve your skin. Girlfriends, I am here to tell you that if you are not properly addressing your skin from all angles, don’t expect the two or three hyperpigmentation remedies I’m about to recommend to work for you.

For example -

• If you’re sleeping in your makeup….your skin is filthy and not properly repairing itself so don’t expect these products to work for you.
• If you are not using sunscreen daily (preferably SPF30)…. don’t expect these products to dramatically diminish your hyperpigmentation.
• If you do not properly exfoliate…do not expect these product to magically transform your roughness.

Am I making myself clear:) Good skin care is a multi-pronged approached. Whipping your skin into shape is serious business, kids. I highly suggest that you evaluate all aspects of your regime and not just place a band-aid. I am taking the time to highlight my core principles of skin care because I want you to understand that it takes a certain level of sustained commitment to achieve your desired results.

So having said ALLLLLLLL that (Whew, momma’s tired), I now want to share with you the products that I am currently using to address my hyperpigmentation. But remember, overall good skin care habits in conjunction with these products is the route that ThisThatBeauty wholeheartedly recommends.

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I did not always have post acne hyperpigmentation. When I was in my early twenties and first started breaking out (Hello Adult Acne), my pimples usually healed without leaving a trace of its existence. This is no longer the case. I went through a terrible breakout phase last summer. The pimples were often cystic and extremely painful. After months of a couple pimples here and a couple pimples there, my face transformed from relatively blemish free to a face full of dark spots.

I went from skin like this (no makeup in pic):

To occasional breakouts like these (NSFW):

Which eventually led to lots of dark spots like these (DOUBLE NSFW):

I even ended up in my derm’s chair for cortisone shots:

With the help of great concealers by Cinema Secrets, Make Up For Ever, CoverFX, and BECCA, I was able to conceal the dark spots with minimal effort. But that was a band-aid, not the solution. The products I am recommending in this post are tried and true skincare solutions!

First and foremost, not to beat a dead horse because I already mentioned my Clarisonic in this post but ….hats off to my Clarisonic skin care brush. Its sonic technology gently and effectively cleanses my skin, clears pores, and really helps to improve my tone and texture. Everything about my skin improved once I started back using my Clarisonic skin care brush. Without proper cleansing, environmental stressors like pollutantion, oil and bacteria accumulate on the skin, clogging pores which causes blackheads, blemishes and dullness. Clarisonic’s gentle cleansing and massage help to prep my skin to better absorb my skin care products. In a study Clarisonic reported that after cleansing with their brush, skin showed a 61% improvement in the absorption of Vitamin C. They claim that skin becomes clean, clear and smooth—allowing skin to experience the full benefits of serums and moisturizers. I co-sign. The proof is in my gorgeous glowing skin….and did I mention I bought two Clarisonic brushes? Yea, its that serious!

For daytime I use Kiehl’s Highy Effective Skin Tone Corrector (KHESTC). This has been a staple in my anti-hyperpigmentation arsenal. I’ve been using for over four weeks and already see significant improvement.

KHESTC is formulated with a blend of antioxidants and acids that help to lessen the appearance of dark spots, sun spots, and uneven skin tone. KHESTC does not contain Hydroquinone. Instead it is made of a unique blend of Glycolic Acid, Emblica Fruit extract, and HEPES which KHESTC claims is as effective as 2% Hydroquinone and a safer, gentler combination of ingredients to achieve almost similar results.

Emblica Fruit extract contains a large amount of Vitamin C which serves to protect the skin from sun damage, promote collagen production, reduce inflammation, and help repair damaged skin. It is a natural antioxidant, which means it eliminates free radical damage to the skin. Emblica extract also works as a skin lightener. HEPES is an organic chemical buffer and acts as a hydrating agent to the skin. HEPES helps to eliminate roughness. It is as powerful as Glycolic Acid.

Glycolici Acid, a long time friend of mine, is essential because it works to dissolve the outer skin layer, breakdown hyperpigmentation, and reveal fresher looking skin. Glycolic Acid also helps to even out skin tone and improve texture/scarring.

I like that KHESTC is a corrector and antioxidant in one. That’s very important because it cuts down on the need for a separate antioxidant serum. The product comes in a gel like formula which is quickly absorbed into the skin. My one complaint about the product is the packaging. The metal tube oozes product long after you squeeze and dispense. This leads to the wasting of product. Here’s how I worked around this annoyance…I squeeze less than I need and allow the tub to ooze out additional product. Does this make sense?

After applying KHESTC, I follow up with a healthy slathering of Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer SPF20. I am eternally grateful to my beauty blogger bud who was kind enough to give me her press sample of Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer SPF20. I had heard buzz from several friends in the industry that the moisturizer is effective in correcting hyperpigmentation. I used the product every morning for about 6-8 weeks and noticed that my dark spots were beginning to fade. Over time they became less and less obvious. After going through one full sized container, I rushed out and purchased another. I continue to use it today.

In the evenings, for the last 2-3 weeks, after cleansing, toning, eye cream, and Evoclin, I have been applying Murad Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel. Once again, I have my sister from another mister, Adri, to thank for turning me on to this product. I was complaining that I need another product in my anti-hyperpigmentation arsenal and she suggested stepping up my game with Murad Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel. NOTE: Your Hyperpigmentation might not require a treatment for day and a treatment for night….but you saw my pictures. I did not have time to play games. I should disclose that Murad contains 2% Hydroquinone. Momma’s not hear to judge, but merely inform. My dark spots, in my opinion, require a product like Keihl’s that’s safe for daytime use…AND a product like Murad’s that’s highly effective for evening use. Once my spots fade a bit more, I will transition off of the Murad because I don’t want to use a product with hydroquinone for an extended period of time. You definitely need to think long and hard about the severity of your hyperpigmentation and then choose a product accordingly. Consult your dermatologist…which is actually a very important step that I won’t spend too much time on today. But see your derm…I do, regularly. Over the counter products can be expected to do but so much. I usually get regular facials and Silk Peels (but I haven’t made time for either since starting this new regime…bad girl!).

After applying Murad, in lieu of a night cream I rotate between one of two Vitamin C serums. In the evenings I alternate between Mario Badescu Vitamim C Serum and MD Skincare Hydra Pure Vitamin C Serum. Both contain potent doses of Vitamin C and have proved effective in diminishing my dark spots. Sometimes I skip the serum and go straight for Creme de La Mer.

On a weekly basis I use enzyme masks like Chella’s Enzyme Exfoliating Crema Mask. I also alternate between at home peels like Erno Laszlo C Peel or MD Skincare Alpha Beta Peels.

I am incredibly pleased with the improvement I am seeing in my skin. If my skin remains on its current course, I hope to slay the hyperpigmentation beast and be blemish free by summer.

Here’s what I look like today…WITH NO MAKEUP!!! You will notice that my hyperpigmentation is SIGNIFICANTLY improved. Perfect? No! But definitely much improved. I feel I’m well on my way….

Hyperpigmentation is no joke! In my day to day as a makeup artist and beauty writer, I often come across women who struggle to remedy their hyperpigmentation. Often times in our insecure moments of weakness we purchase some random snake oil in hopes that we’ll wake up looking like new money. This is almost never the case, love bunnies. You must commit to improving the overall health of your skin. And that has everything to do with how you care for your skin from sun up to sun down and from “skin season” to “skin season”. Make the investment!

This is an extremely personal post for me. I went back and forth in my head debating whether or not to leak my “un-pretty” photos. In the end I decided to share my photos/experience and pour hours into writing this post because I want to help other women in the hyperpigmentation struggle. I want to arm you with the information and resources to improve your skin. Be empowered! I also want you all to know that you’re not alone…ThisThatBeauty’s been there too!

Please share this post with your girlfriends, aunties, roommates, etc. I hope this extremely long article is in some way helpful!

Please share your thoughts! Have I helped…or run-on for way too long? Leave a comment:)

Writer @brandalynfulton tries out a new cleanser and. . .

Have you ever been excited to wash your face? I am so pleased with my complexion from using the Refine™ Deep Penetrating Clay Cleanser from SKIN by Monica Olsen for the past few weeks. I love the way my skin feels after doing my weekly mask. Imagine your skin having that fresh, nourished, perfectly yet-clean-not stripped feeling every morning after washing your face.

Refine™ Deep Penetrating Clay Cleanser from SKIN by Monica Olsen is gentle enough to use daily. Apply it like a mask on your face & neck, but avoid your eye and lip area. Rinse after 2 minutes. Be generous about the waiting period to get maximum results. This cleanser is packed with essential oils and antioxidants that cleanse your skin and serve as a gentle exfoliant. Kaolin, the main clay ingredient, has been used in cosmetics for centuries — it absorbs and removes impurities from skin.

SKIN by Monica Olsen is a unique skin and hair care company founded by model, Monica Olsen. This company uses natural preservatives and you will not find alcohol, petroleum, dimethicone, parabens, or fragrances used in any of the products. To keep their formulations as pure as possible, they manufacture in small batches — ensuring the highest quality. You can find SKIN by Monica Olsen at select Duane Reade in New York City or online at www.skinbymonicaolsen.com. The Deep Penetrating Clay Cleanser retails for $16.95.

Brandalyn’s PRO ARTIST Tip: Exfoliation is essential for an amazing complexion. It also helps foundation apply flawlessly! If your foundation does not look smooth…have you exfoliated lately?

I sent ThisThatBeauty Star Contributor Christene Carr (@cnicholac) on fun little assignment that promised fabulous, plump, enviable lips…Uhm, sounds interesting! Take it away, Christene:

When I think spa treatment, never before has the thought been on lips, but at a recent Bliss event at the W Hotel, I was introduced to a spa treatment that is intended just for lips! “Fabulips” by Bliss, is a four step process to soften, smooth and dare I say — encourage kissable lips. The treatment goes a little something like this:

Step 1: Refresh with the Foaming Lip Cleanser – This first of its kind lip shampoo with cocoa butter, shea butter and rice bran extract, foamed and expanded when I applied it to my lips. To test the efficacy of this lip shampoo, I applied a lip stain moments before applying the cleanser and it did a good job of cleaning my lips.

Step 2: Retexturize with Sugar Lips Scrub – What better way to polish your pucker than with an oil and sugar based scrub, formulated with almond and walnut shell? I can’t think of any.

Step 3: Rejuvenate with the Lip Plumper – This step uses peptides and cork tree extract to plump the lips and prepare them for pouting perfection.

Step 4: Replenish with the Softening Lip Balm – This is the final step to the perfect pucker. It contains shea butter, ultra moisturizing jojoba oil and vitamin E.

At the Bliss event after my lip treatment, I wasn’t convinced that Fabulips really made a difference. However, once I got home and was able to apply the Refresh and Retexturize steps with my finger tip, (rather than the cotton swab used at the event) my lips were super soft and I was happy with the results. Bliss, I am a believer! *taps bible*

Products are available at Bliss Spas, www.blissworld.com, www.sephora.com and bliss catalog 888 243 8825

@cnicholac shares her thoughts on AMORE PACIFIC:

Moisture Bound is AMORE PACIFIC’s collection of rejuvenating skin treatments. The collection is formulated with high concentrations of bamboo sap — an ingredient known to provide skin with intense hydration, which in turn plumps and reduces the presence of creasing and tiny lines. Bamboo sap improves skin radiance and overall complexion. The Moisture Bound collection includes:

• Rejuvenating Creme
• Vitalizing Masque
• Rejuvenating Serum
• Natural Protector SPF 30/PA+++
• Rejuvenating Eye Treatment Gel
• Refreshing Hydra‐Gel
• Treatment Cleansing Foam
• Treatment Enzyme Peel

For a limited time, specific items from the Moisture Bound Collection are available at Sephora for up to 50% off!

All green tea used in AMORE PACIFIC products is grown in the company’s own garden. This tea is combined with Korean red Ginseng and Bamboo Sap — the main botanicals used to formulated AMORE PACIFIC Time Response collection (ThisThatBeauty’s favorite of the two lines). Time Response products are formulated to help restore skin’s volume, density and elasticity on a cellular level. The Time Response collection includes:

• Skin Renewal Creme
• Skin Renewal Serum
• Skin Renewal Eye Creme

Side note: Bamboo sap is also what gorillas sip on for a beastly happy hour. Don’t let the gorillas have all the fun with the Bamboo Sap, get on it!

New Contributor Makeup Artist Brandalyn Fulton (@brandalynfulton) shares her thoughts on Cetaphil RestoraDERM™ Skin Restoring Body Wash…and a PRO ARTIST tip!

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It is hard to gauge whether its fall or winter nowadays! When the seasons change, it’s a clear indication to modify our skincare routine. Changing your skincare doesn’t just mean switching from a lotion to a cream. It also means finding cleansers that help skin retain moisture. Cetaphil RestoraDERM™ Skin Restoring Body Wash is formulated for atopic skin, so it’s equipped to address severe issues like eczema as well as common symptoms associated with sensitive, itchy, inflamed skin. Cetaphil’s RestoraDERM™ technology treats the aforementioned symptoms by  rebuilding skin’s natural barrier.

While Cetaphil is known for its amazing Daily Facial Cleanser, the newly formulated Body Wash lives up to the Cetaphil brand and is destined for cult-like status. The wash is creamy, it lathers well and has the same gentle, fragrance free, non-irritating feeling of the brand’s classic Daily Facial Cleanser. Enriched with Shea butter and mild cleansing agents used in children’s cleansing products, the body wash is paraben free, soap free, and nut oil free.

My skin is very dry (all year round) and this product has become a staple in my routine this winter. After showering my skin feels clean, supple, nourished, and relieved. I can feel the effects of the cleanser working even as I apply my moisturizer.

You can find Cetaphil RestoraDERM products at CVS, Walgreens, and Duane Reade for $14.99.

Brandalyn’s Pro Makeup Artist Tip: No matter how good your face or body may feel after cleansing, always follow up with a moisturizer. No skincare routine is complete without it!

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Need winter skin care advice for the face? Follow Felicia’s easy advice!

CLICK link below to view the TUTORIAL

ThisThatBeauty’s Winter Skin Care Solutions

*Now that crisp fall air is upon us, I thought I would re-publish my “Winter Skin Care Solutions” blog post with originally ran in December 2010. Enjoy!*

Dry winter skin happens to the best of us…even a top notch Grade A (my words, not yours:)) Beauty Editor like myself. I generally have fairly oily skin, so you can imagine my shock and dismay over my recent bout with parched, winter, sandpaper skin. After returning from Paris (where is was 20 degrees), my skin decided to betray me and behave as if it’s one hundred and eighty five years old. My cheeks were dry and wrinkly, my forehead was extremely dehydrated…with every facial expression, deep dry lines road-mapped my entire face. So very un-pretty!

If you’ve noticed, I am speaking in the past tense and using words like “was” and “were” because thanks to a few incredibly effective skincare products from my beauty closet, I am healed!!! In a matter of two weeks, my skin’s balance has been restored and supple hydrated skin is mine. Not one to keep a good thing to myself, I created a quick video to demonstrate my step by step regime for combating dry winter skin. This regime worked for me and I hope it works for you! Here are the products used:

jeune d’âge organics Premiere Cleanser

jeune d’âge organics Marin Toner with Mister

Clarins Skin Beauty Repair Concentrate

Mario Badescu Herbal Hydrating Serum

And here is my video tutorial. I would love to hear your thoughts on my regime.

Now that we’ve got your dry skin in check above the neck, let’s journey south. Annet King, Director of Global Education at The International Dermal Institute and Dermalogica shares her top tips for winterizing skin. To add to my tips above, here are Annet’s top to do’s for a beautifully hydrated body!

Lower humidity levels, extreme cold, and varying indoor and outdoor environments can all damage the skin’s protective outer layer, causing irritation, sensitivity, dryness and even stinging. We all know the look: Dull, flaky, dry skin around the eyes, red cheeks. Winter can wreak havoc on all skin types.

Here are some simple tips to protect your body from the elements, while keeping your skin hydrated.

For the body and hands:

• Avoid hot water as it removes moisture from the skin. Instead, use lukewarm water and pat skin dry, don’t rub. While the skin is still damp, apply your body moisturizer immediately. Try Dermalogica’s UltraRich Body Cream for supreme nourishment and protection from the elements.
• Nylon and wool can worsen any sensitivity or eczema, so try to wear 100 percent cotton and natural fabrics.
• With shower and bath products, avoid soap, artificial fragrance and high-foam products, as they dehydrate the skin. Alternatively, add a few pumps of aromatherapy oil to your bath. Try Dermalogica’s Stress Relief Treatment Oil and Conditioning Body Wash.
• Slough off dead cells effortlessly by adding Hydro-Active Mineral Salts to the bath for a relaxing and exfoliating soak. If your prefer to shower, try Dermalogica’s Exfoliating Body Scrub and use in gentle, circular movements paying special attention to knees, elbows and hands. For super all-over-smoothness, use with the Ultimate Buffing Cloth.
• Opt for the paraffin dip the next time you get a manicure – it’s good for locking in moisture.
• Wear 100 percent cotton gloves to bed over a healing cream like Multivitamin Hand and Nail Treatment; this practice speeds up absorption and you’ll wake up with super-soft hands.

We sent top contributor Christene Carr (@cnicholac) to check out the fall launch from The Body Shop, and, well, she’s got a few things so say:

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I have been a huge fan of The Body Shop for maybe 10 years. This Fall The Body Shop launches a myriad of new products from eyeshadows to body cream. One of my favorites from this launch is the Body Butter Duo.  I am a huge proponent of the double layer moisturizing system during winter months and with this product you get both steps in one jar!  Here is how to use this product during winter:  immediately after emerging from the shower, pat your skin dry (leaving it a little damp) then apply the cream. Wait a few minutes then I apply the butter. If you buy one new skin hydrating product this winter…BUY THIS! Your skin will thank you! The Body Butter Duo retails for $18.

Another cool product is the shimmer cube palette – besides being highly pigmented and crease resistant, this product is perfectly packaged. Each shade is packaged separately and you can mix and match your favorite shade for a customized palette that is all your own. The shadows are made with fair trade Marula oil which gives the formulation its gliding and crease resistant capabilities. Shimmer cubes retail for $22.

Next up is the Extra Virgin minerals. While I was not able to find my exact shade, I was able to mix and match to find something right for my complexion.  What impressed me most about these minerals is a distinct lack of ashen, Morticia Addams-esque look after application  All but one or two mineral foundations that I have tried have left me looking as I might be from beyond the grave, not so with Extra Virgin minerals. For only $25 you can find your perfect foundation!

The Body Shop’s  Carbon Eye-definer pencil is made from FSC certified wood and has a built in smudger on one end. It is defined as a “water-resistant formulation, with a smooth texture for a bendable and smudgable effect.” I think this is what makes the carbon brown shade perfect, not just as a eyeliner but also a brow pencil. My brows are thin and almost invisible in some places this pencil does an amazing job of filling and defining my brows and it lasts all day.  I think this very formulation and this colour should be rebranded as the best brow pencil EVER, with my name in fine print . Carbon Eye-definer pencil retails for $13.

Whiter Teeth. It’s something we all desire (come on, ‘fess up — you know you want whiter teeth). We all desire a brighter, whiter, pristine smile that tells the world “I’m a winner”. However, we’re often challenged in the “how-to” department. Even a card-carrying Beauty Girl like myself, with a closet full of gizmos, gadgets, devices, and high tech tools designed to deliver a radiant smile, I too find it challenging to set aside the appropriate time to polish my pearly whites. Yes, most of the newer gadgets promise whiter teeth in just a few minutes a day, and I’ve tried them, and they’re effective! But sometimes it’s challenging just to find the extra time…..between work, making dinner, doing laundry, returning emails, putting the kids to bed, and whatever else your life might entail – extra time is a commodity.

Having said that, I was as pleased as punch to stumble upon Colgate Optic White, a toothpaste that uses the unique technology of whitening strips, but in the form of a daily toothpaste. If you have time to brush your teeth (which, ahem, I assume you do) you have time to whiten your teeth! Pure genius! Formulated with hydrogen peroxide, with daily use, you’re one stroke closer to visibly brighter teeth. And that’s the beauty of Colgate Optic White – you don’t have to change your daily routine or set aside “special time”. All you have to do is brush your teeth….something you’re already doing twice a day!

With my first tube (a press sample), I saw results immediately…and have since purchased several tubes from Target. This one’s a winner, folks!