If you follow my 140 character beauty outbursts via Twitter (@ThisThatBeauty), you are well aware of the fact that I am having a hot and heavy, rich and inky, love affair with Guerlain Terracotta Khôl Kajal. Why just this Friday, I tweeted this pic…

….while looking over my shoulder and keeping a watchful eye out for the Khôl Police – I mean, is having this much fun with Khôl during the daytime even legal? Can’t be!

Well before I’m carted away by the Khôl Coppers, I thought I’d share the deets on the dramatic daytime look I’m currently coveting.

Guerlain Terracotta Khôl Kajal in shade Black Frida has earned permanent residency in my purse. It’s another one of those products (like my classic red lip) that gets the look “done” in an instant. The richly pigmented (yet non tear-inducing) Khôl is perfect for us beauty girls about town who go from the office, to events, to cocktails…with little time to spare in between.

A quick rimming of Guerlain Terracotta Khôl Kajal is all it takes to amp up your eyes….in a flash!

While I generally pair Guerlain Terracotta Khôl Kajal with a nude lip, last week (at Thierry Mugler Angel launch party for Eva Mendes) I went hog-wild and partnered Guerlain Terracotta Khôl Kajal with red lips…surprisingly, it works!

Are you crazy for Khôl? Share your thoughts on my new found love!

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.

While we generally, wholeheartedly embrace bursts of color during the playful spring and summer months, I challenge you to give your fall routine a little shake up-wake up and introduce faint streaks of color NOW!without flash/ with flash

Here I am sporting a flash of NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Abbey Road on my upper lash line and MILANI Blue My Mind haphazardly smudged on the bottom. It’s a very subtle introduction of color….and a great way to accent your eyes without loads of color on the lid – which sometimes requires more artful blending than this busy beauty maven has time to implement.

So for a quick and easy flash of color, try this!

Fear not color this fall.

]]> http://www.thisthatbeauty.com/2012/02/fall-color-nars-abbey-road-milani-blue-my-mind-pow/feed/ 4 http://www.thisthatbeauty.com/2011/12/thisthatbeauty-reviews-by-terry-cover-expert/ http://www.thisthatbeauty.com/2011/12/thisthatbeauty-reviews-by-terry-cover-expert/#comments Sat, 10 Dec 2011 17:33:01 +0000 Felicia http://www.thisthatbeauty.com/?p=9967

 Contributor @PlushPinkAllure shares her must-have foundation for the holiday season…

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After surveying the beauty landscape at a recent Space NK fete, I mad a b-line for what I am now dubbing the must have item of the holiday party season – Cover Expert.  The innovative foundation contains BY TERRY’s Intensive Mimetic Camouflage technology which the brand refers to as  “Photo shop in a tube” and believe me — it’s no joke!  It glides on like pure magic and is completely weightless.  The alumina-coated titanium dioxide minimizes flaws, and reduces signs of fatigue, while the regenerating active pool and hyaluronic acid filling spheres capture the water already in the epidermis. Together the formulation increases facial volume to produce an instant lifted appearance. With 12 different shades ranging from Fair Beige to Warm Copper – girls, stop worrying about those dark circles and spotty freckles. BY TERRY’s got you covered. Party on!

Writer @cnicholac keeps complexion clean and moisturized with…read on:

Sometimes I am just so pooped I don’t even have time to brush my pearly whites let alone wash and and moisturize my face. In July, I was introduced to Lumene (see review here) and fell in love with, Lumene Sensitive Touch Cleansing Wipes.  I have tried many facial wipes before but Lumene is the only one that doesn’t sting when I used it to remove eye makeup. I keep these bad boys right by the bed and on those nights when I’m too tired to even remove my jeans, let alone wash my face, I reach for Lumene Sensitive Touch Cleansing Wipes.

Lumene Sensitive Touch Cleansing Wipes are formulated 100% organic  arctic linen seed extract, castor oil, glycerin and vitamin E.  The cleansing wipes are suitable for face, eye, and lip makeup removal. They’re also alcohol-free, colorant-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, paraffinoil-free and silicone free.

Ideally, I would want to moisturize my face before bed but skipping one night of moisturizing after using Lumene Sensitive Touch Cleansing wipes definitely doesn’t hurt my skin.

At a price of 2.99 or less at Target, CVS and Ulta Beauty, you can keep a steady stock of Lumene Sensitive Touch Cleansing Wipes by your bed and in your handbag, for those unexpected sleepovers.

So you may have noticed, the ThisThatBeauty family is growing. It’s my pleasure to introduce my newest Contributor, Jennifer Lafferty…also know as @plushpinkallure. So far, Jennifer has attended nearly a dozen events for TTB…and has the blog posts to prove it.

So having said that, I feel it’s high time you meet the gorgeous redhead behind the tweets and posts!

Everyone, meet Jennifer!

And…HOW. ABOUT. THOSE. EYES?! Va-va-voom!

As part of Jennifer immersion into the ThisThatBeauty brand, I sent her for a holiday makeover at one of my favorite counters at Berdorf Goodman – Guerlain. There, Makeup Master Extraordinaire – Jason, worked his magic and gave Jennifer a gorgeous, glamorous, holiday look. I’ll load the entire face chart soon, but let’s first focus our attention on the eyes and the palette that made it possible.

Guerlain Four-Color Eye Ombre de Nuit: Green, deep blue and gray shades are iridescent for a luminous shimmering effect. A matte black shade for an intense and precise liner finish.

Get your hands on this gem before it’s gone (limited for holiday).

Want to play Queen Far A Day?

Visit Jason at Bergdorf Goodman and get glam’d: 212 872 2734

Here’s Jennifer’s BEFORE/ AFTER

Jason really knows his stuff!

Click HERE, Jason shares sage beauty advice on choosing your perfect lipstick shade.

Catch this, TwiHearts: Makeup Artist, Stacey Panep reveals her go-to skincare while on set with Kristen Stewart during the making of Twilight Breaking Dawn. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic and Daily Moisture was used to balance and moisturize Kristen Stewart’s skin. And after a long day of set makeup, SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Masque was used to replenish. So there you have it!

More below on the products that give Kristen Stewart the glow:

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

Price: $144.00 at SkinCeuticals.com

This revolutionary new antioxidant combination delivers an unprecedented 8 times the skin’s natural protection against photoaging – neutralizing free radicals, helping build collagen, and providing unmatched antioxidant protection. More protection means more youthful looking skin and better defense against environmental aging. Containing 15% pure L-ascorbic acid and 1% alpha tocopherol, the addition of ferulic acid doubles the already synergistic benefits of our original high-potency formula, C+E, transforming it into an unrivaled super-antioxidant combination.

SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture

Price: $59 at www.skinceuticals.com

This lightweight pore-minimizing moisturizer for normal or oily skin hydrates, nourishes, and helps reduce the appearance of pore size with an exclusive combination of natural extracts. High levels of pure vitamin E heal and protect while Brazilian sea algae deliver proteins, amino acids, and essential minerals to the skin.  Daily Moisture contains burnet, cinnamon and ginger to help reduce pore size without leaving the skin feeling greasy.

SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel

Price: $69at www.skinceuticals.com

Enriched with vitamin B5, known to help with tissue repair, Hydrating B5 Gel replenishes nutrients the skin needs to feel smooth and appear younger.  This moisture-enhancing gel contains hyaluronic acid, the body’s natural hydrator, to bind moisture to the skin. Hydrating B5 Gel is recommended for use with vitamin C treatments and will help maximize the benefits of your daily moisturizer.

For the last few weeks for my day job, Bergdorfs, I’ve been testing out a mascara that claims to extend lash length in a little as two weeks. A lofty claim? Yes! Not one to back down from a lofty beauty claim, particularly one that promises enviable fringe, I put Chantecaille Faux Cils Longest Lash Mascara to the test. Want to know how it went? C’mon, you know the drill…follow my beauty babble over at the Bergdorf Goodman blog, 5th/ 58th. xo

ThisThatBeauty Contributor Jennifer L. investigates Lancome Eau Fraiche Douceur Micellar Cleansing Water. Read on for Jen’s two cents …and follow her beauty babble via @plushpinkallure

As the season’s festivities begin, we’re sure to see a flurry of red lips, smoky eyes, and shimmering cheeks. Protect your sensitive skin from the whirlwind weeks ahead with Lancome Eau Fraiche Douceur Micellar Cleansing Water. Designed to easily remove face, lip, and eye makeup, along with gently cleansing the skin, this deliciously floral scented water is the ultimate calm-after-the-storm treatment for exhausted holiday skin. To use, saturate a cotton ball, and run it all over face…no rinsing necessary.  Lancome Eau Fraiche Douceur Micellar Cleansing Water even stands up to waterproof mascara! The end result is skin that’s smooth, calm and refreshed.  Ah, serenity. ‘Tis the season!