Avon Anew Clinical Advanced Dermabrasion System ($28.00)

For a long time, Avon was not in my beauty realm, but I have to admit that in the past few years, they’ve really expanded and spiced up their line.  You hear about Avon reps, and you just don’t associate it with a product you’d have in your beauty closet [when you become a bit of a beauty snob, like myself].  This product has earned a spot in my shower caddy, which has very limited space (seriously, I have things stacked on top of each other!), because it is not only effective, it’s techy and makes so much sense.

It is truly a system, because there are two sizes of crystals (microfine is the smallest, and the other size is a little larger, grittier).  There are four levels of exfoliation, with the first level being purely microfine particles.  You stay on each level for two weeks (so eight weeks to complete the system), and then you stay off of it for about two weeks.  The amount you use is less than a quarter (they say “quarter size” but I found you can use less than that quite easily!), so you should have no problem getting plenty of use out of the tube.

You only use this 2-3 times per week (every other day, basically), as well, and I use it in the shower because I like to multi-task and save some time in the mornings.  Your skin will feel ridiculously smooth and soft after you use it, and I have to tell you that that is one superb feeling.  Because it has four different levels of abrasion, it gives you time to cycle through and really renew your skin.  It also means that I don’t have to worry about two or three products with different types or strengths in exfoliation!

Learn more at www.avon.com.

DHC recently launched a Salicyclic Acid Acne Treatment System that includes a Salicylic Acne Wash ($13.00), Salicylic Acne Toner ($14.00), Salicyclic Face Milk ($19.00), and Acne Spot Therapy ($12.00). The wash is a non-drying cleansing gel that foams to gently exfoliate, while calming skin with aloe vera and green tea. I find that it’s fairly gentle, despite being an active acne-fighting product, so my eyes handle it well if any gets in them on accident. The toner works well for those who are oilier, but I found myself skipping this part of the four-step routine when I was pressed for time (that’s probably a big oops, right?) because I felt like I didn’t need it. The Face Milk is a lightweight moisturizer that ist argeted to help reduce acne because of the salicyclic acid in it, but it ensures hydrated skin while doing so. Out of the system, I think one of my favorite products was the Spot Therapy, because I felt like it did help to minimize redness caused by new blemishes in a short amount of time. Many acne-fighting products tend to dry out skin, which is why I liked the DHC system, because they recognize that and make sure to infuse their products with hydrating ingredients to give skin the balance it needs while breaking down blemishes.

Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Youth Creme ($250.00) is a product I recently received to test. I want to put it plain that I did not purchase this product, so there is no confusion. I am by no means on an unlimited cosmetic budget, so for me to test a cream of this standard is a real treat, but I always desperately hope not to love it, and secretly desire it to fall flat on its face. Why? Because a face cream for $250.00 is not friendly to my budget. I preface this review with so much attention to the price because I now face a huge dilemma: there is something about this cream that has performed a small miracle on my face in the past three weeks of continuous use.

What it’s supposed to do: Resveratrate is the trademarked ingredient dubbed “The Youth Molecule” by Estee Lauder. It “is a more potent, stable, and time released form of Resveratrol.” This product is meant to extend the skin’s youthfulness so that time “stands still.” According to Estee Lauder, the skin will increase in its clarity, tone, and fine dry lines will be plumped by the moisturizer. There is science clearly involved, and they talk about “longevity genes” that regulate the lifespan of skin’s epidermal cells.

What it actually does: Based on testing it for three weeks as both a day and night moisturizer (and let me be honest, there were a few times I misplaced it, so I substituted, but generally speaking, I used this pretty religiously). After one week, I noticed something very impossible happening–my acne was vanishing. Now, this is not an acne-preventing product, it is an anti-aging product geared towards women in their late 20s and older. My diet hadn’t undergone any real change, water intake didn’t increase, and I hadn’t added any other products to my daily facial regimen.

I have never suffered from severe acne, but I get enough that it can be annoying, and there is always one that’s far too noticeable for my liking. Since using the Youth Creme, almost all of my noticeable acne has disappeared. I am not 100% clear-faced, but in my eyes, this is about as close as I could ever get. My skin looks much improved because of the blemishes being gone, but it is also more even and healthy looking. Every time I see my Mom, no matter what, she mentions how pale and sickly I look–but she didn’t say that when I saw her last week (first time since using the Youth Creme). She asked if I did something different with my makeup, because I looked healthier. Application is easy, as you don’t need much to cover the entire face, and it feels lightweight, but it still moisturizers quite well (despite wintry patches of skin). I also love that it dries quickly! There is no strong, overpowering scent, either - it kind of reminds me of a very subtle organic, maybe a touch of oatmeal scent that you can only distinguish if you put your nose in the jar. So to me, it’s nearly fragrance-free once it’s on my face.

So as I said, I face a serious dilemma: how am I going to be able to afford this in the future? I would like to note that the jar still seems mostly full, despite using it twice a day for three weeks. It gives me hope that I can stretch the jar over four to six months.

Do I recommend this product? I do and I don’t. I recommend it because it worked well for me, and the acne-miracle it worked for me would make it worth the price (how much money do I spend each month on products that only work minimally?) as the product jar should last me multiple months. I don’t, because I fear for your poor wallet if you fall in love with it as I have! You know that whole saying, “You can’t miss what you never had?” Exactly. So basically, I do recommend this product, but know that you may find yourself addicted!

Available now at www.esteelauder.com and Estee Lauder locations.

Have you encountered a similar dilemma before? What product led to your downfall? Did you become a loyal re-purchaser or have you been hunting for a less expensive alternative?

Prescriptives Instant Gratification Skin Renewal Peel ($45.00)

Get instant gratification for tired, lackluster skin with this all-in-one dermabrasion-peel treatment that improves clarity, renews tone and immediately uncovers a smoother, more radiant complexion.   Oil-free. Non-acnegenic. Ophthalmologist and dermatologist-tested. No fragrance.

GET THIS PRODUCT.  I am rarely impressed so much by a product that I am compelled to write the review immediately after using it.   Seriously, as soon as this product was rinsed off my face with lukewarm water, I was like, “OH MY GOD!!”  I ran to my boyfriend and made him feel how utterly soft and smooth my face was (of course, I made him wash his hands before he did this!).  I couldn’t stop feeling my own face, because I just could not get over how amazing my skin looked and felt right after using it.  I really appreciate a product that is honest about what it can do, and I was skeptical of this living up to its name of “Instant Gratification,” but I am quite happily proven wrong.  I did wait 48 hours before writing up the review, just in case there were any side-effects–there were none.  Just smooth skin!  I can handle that!

Instantly your skin will soften, feel smoother, and even look a bit brighter, healthier.  You would think with such amazing results that there’d be a complicated application process, but you would be completely off the mark!  Put a little product on your finger tips (a dab will do you) and massage into skin in circular motions for about thirty seconds.  Leave the mask on for five minutes.  Wet fingertips with lukewarm water and massage in circulation motions for an additional thirty seconds.  Rinse off using lukewarm water and pat face dry with a clean towel.  That’s it!  Now you have ultra silky soft skin that will be the envy of every person around you.  You only need to use this product once a week, so please don’t let the price tag put you off.  I think I will get at least 3 months worth of applications out of the tube (if not more), because you only need three pea-sizes worth (left cheek, right cheek, then forehead/nose/chin) or less.

Definitely check this product out if you have the chance; it is something I wholly recommend–so much so that it is now a staple in my beauty regimen.

If you remember anything about my skincare routine, I hope you remembered how much I absolutely adored Renee Rouleau’s AHA/BHA Cleansing Gel, which I don’t leave home without–it is just THAT fantastic!  Obviously, Renee Rouleau’s doing something right, so I thought I’d try a few more products!  (And now, since I was impressed by these, I am eager to try more!)

CALMING CHAMOMILE CLEANSER ($30.50)
I know many of my readers have sensitive skin, and this particular cleanser is meant to work with it in a gentle manner while doing its job flawlessly.  It is a creamy, water-soluble cleansing lotion with chamomile, aloe vera, and vitamins A and E.  It helps to remove dirt, oil, and makeup and let pores breathe.  It’s so easy to use, all you do is apply a dab to your skin and rub in circular motions into the skin for thirty seconds, wet your fingers, rub for another thirty seconds, then rinse with warm water (not hot).  I recommend this for those who have

SKIN DRINK ($33.50)
Skin Drink is a serum that’s purpose is to intensively hydrate the skin instantaneously.  It is actually quite refreshing, no doubt because one of the key ingredients is aloe vera, and cool to the touch.  You really only need about two drops of this stuff to fully cover the skin, and I find that through regular, near-daily use, a bottle will last me two months or more.  It is a great way refresh and pump skin full of moisture before applying moisturizer or after using a facial mask.  It is an oil-free serum, so those of you who worry about leaving a greasy film behind, worry not.  This serum sinks into skin and leaves no evidence behind.

Cream Extreme Barrier Repair ($75.00)

A healthy and glowing complexion is directly related to the optimal functioning of the skin’s barrier.  CREAM EXTREME features Osmotics’  BRT™  (Barrier Repair Technology), a patented combination of epidermal lipids clinically proven to repair, nourish and maintain healthy barrier function, thereby eliminating the underlying cause of dry skin.  In addition, this breakthrough technology dramatically improves moisture retention and increases penetration and absorption of antioxidants and vitamins. Ideal for post treatment care after peels, lasers and dermal procedures and extreme weather conditions. Skin becomes healthier and acts younger.

Physiological Lipids- these lipids occur naturally in the epidermis and are the key components of the skin’s barrier. When all three are used in the proper molar ratio, they restore the lipid balance (by forming lamellar membranes) and provide long-term barrier repair.  The three physiological (epidermal) lipids are: Chlosterol, Ceramides, Fatty Acids- including both non-essential and essential.  Also included are:  Non-Physiological lipids, Petrolatum, Lanolin, Glycerin, L-Carnosine, Linoleic Acid, Allantoin, and Tocopheryl Acetate.

What makes it worth it:  Let me preface this review by saying that I have had this product awaiting a test run for quite awhile, but I have only recently had sufficient reason to lust after a product of this caliber.  I recently experienced incredible dryness around my mouth–I cannot really figure out why, but I think it may have been a skin drying reaction from anti-acne production–and this was my MIRACLE product.  I had already been trying to moisturize twice a day, sometimes more, for that area, in addition to applying hydrocortisone cream to it (which is what my dermatologist recommended for dry/flaky eyelids).  That particular regimen just wasn’t working, it wasn’t making it better.  It would hide it for the day, but it didn’t FIX the problem.  Osmotics’ Cream Extreme was the answer to my problem.  This is an ultra rich moisturizer, but it dries quickly and doesn’t feel heavy.  It truly does create a barrier, locking moisture in.  In two days–yes, 48 hours later–and my dry, flaky skin had been resolved and turned back into normal, healthy skin.  For that, I am forever in debt to this product.  I fully recommend it.  I am so tempted to continue using it, but at $75 a pop, I will use this as a spot treatment for dryness as I experience it.

Why you might pass on it:  The price is quite hefty for most, but it is a definite must for truly eradicating dry, flaky skin.  If used as a treatment, and not a regular everyday moisturizer, this product should last you quite awhile.  Even using it as an everyday moisturizer, it should last you at least a month, if not two.  Anyone who has experienced skin that is visibly dry and literally flaking off will know that $75 is nothing to get back to gorgeous, naturally healthy skin.

Estee Lauder DayWear Plus ($38.00)

More than moisture. More than protection. DayWear Plus actively shields skin from the multiple assaults of the environment to help prevent lines before they appear—so your skin looks younger longer. The secret? An active response anti-oxidant system with a powerful blend of new and natural ingredients. A skin-friendly UVA/UVB screen you can wear AM and PM. An advanced dual moisture system to keep skin feeling moist and healthy.  Lightweight, oil-free creme. Dermatologist-, Ophthalmologist-tested.  Apply AM and PM after cleansing, and after applying your Repair Serum.

What makes it worth it: Oh my goodness, I fell in love with this rich moisturizer as soon as I put on my first application of it in the morning!  It is a luxuriously thick cream that dries quickly and leaves skin feeling incredibly smooth and hydrated.  The scent reminds me of cucumbers and cool days, I can’t quite put my finger on it.  It’s a subtle scent, so it’s perfect for a facial moisturizer.  I just honestly felt like I was pampering my skin with this product, and I will definitely be adding this to my list of staples.  A little goes a long way, which as I always say, is most excellent.  Oh, what else?  It contains SPF15, which is an essential item you need for your daily regimen.

Why you might pass on it: None!  Buy it today.  I adore this, and I can’t think of a single reason not to at least check it out and try out the texture for yourself.  The price is the only thing that could sway you, but I imagine one container will last me at least a month of use, so I’ll fork over the money for this lovely addition.

Find this product at Estee Lauder locations, www.esteelauder.com, and www.nordstrom.com.

DR. BRANDT’S DISCOVERY KIT ($85.00)

This convenient instant gratification kit contains everything you need to replenish and retexturize your skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and maintain skin’s natural firmness.  Includes:
- mini microdermabrasion instantly polishes away dead skin cells leaving skin smooth and radiant - 0.5 oz
- mini r3p- anti-aging formulation of three intense polypeptides, and potent antioxidants to refinish, replenish and retexturize your skin 0.5 oz
- mini laser tight- tighten and tone, leaving skin firm and improving elasticity. 0.5 oz
- deluxe size crease release targeted formula to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles 0.25 oz

What makes it worth it:  First, I love skincare kits that give you an opportunity to try before you buy [in full-size], because then you save a bit of money and get a chance to test out products you might not have on its own.  I followed the instructions that come with the kit, which means you start with Crease Release.  I have to say, even though I don’t suffer too many fine lines yet (thank god, but I know they’re coming, boo!), I did notice that my eyes looked a bit brighter, and my smile lines (sigh) were less apparent.  Next to use was Laser Tight, which comes in a pump-bottle (yay!) and is meant to tighten and tone.  I think this was one of my favorites out of the kit, because my skin just felt so much healthier and great after using this for a few days.  I liked that it was an unscented moisturizer, because sometimes it’s refreshing to have little to no fragrance in a facial product.  R3p is an anti-aging ultra thick cream - I wouldn’t quite call it a luxe cream, because it’s a bit different from that in that it has a thick texture, but it is not really heavy cream.  It takes a few minutes to absorb, and you really do need to let everything dry before you continue with the steps.  Since I know I tend to dry out when I use anti-aging products (just so long as I never go through Retin-A results again, I’ll be OK!), I only used this once a day (PM) and enjoyed the results.  For my microdermabrasion treatment, I went with the once-a-week-regimen, because I have fairly normal skin that only reacts oddly around the mouth area.  This scrub doesn’t require much product to get total coverage of the face, and it doesn’t feel too rough or harsh against the skin.  In fact, I definitely think this would be a good idea for sensitive skinned readers who would like to try a facial scrub.  Overall, my skin thanked me for its healthy glow and incredibly soft texture.  Even my boyfriend mentioned I had been looking more awake and refreshed!

Why you might pass on it:  The price tag is steep, at least to plunk down all at once, but it really is an incredible value.  The products should last you a good while before you need to replace them, and of course, you get to test-drive four products in one kit.  Although, if you do love these as much as I did, your wallet may cringe at the thought of buying everything full-sized, so best ask friends and family to stuff your holiday bin with Discovery Kits!

Available at www.drbrandtskincare.com.

Find out how to use this great kit with step-by-step instructions straight from the Doctor… Read the rest of this entry »

John Masters Organics’ Rose & Apricot Antioxidant Day Creme ($24.00)

Enriched with sea algae, aloe vera and other nutrient-rich botanicals, this anti-oxidant day creme is potent yet light and gentle enough for all skin types. Oat beta glucan stimulates procollagen production and promotes cellular turnover.  $24

What makes it worth it: All John Masters Organics products must be 75-100% organic with no petroleum or non-carbon based products. They use as much organic ingredients as they can manage in their products, which means this is a line and product that is perfect for those wanting to protect the environment and still get their dosage of beauty. They also do not test on animals, use environmentally-friendly harvested ingredients, and no artificial colors/filters/fragrances can be used in their products. I liked the lightweightedness of the product, because I can’t stand a heavy cream (at least not if it feels heavy).  My skin definitely drank this creme up, as well, and it left it feeling soft and velvety. 

Why you might pass on it: I’d would prefer a more fragrant scent to accompany this creme.  I found that the oat beta glucan in it was a bit overpowering, and I’d have enjoyed a more natural, citrus scent instead.  If you’re not into organic beauty, you might find the price point a bit too high for your liking.

Find this product at John Masters Organics boutiques and www.johnmasters.com.

Who doesn’t love a little facial pampering?  And who doesn’t love to beat the price of an at-spa treatment with a do-it-yourself one?  Earthen’s InstantPeel is a non-irritating exfoliant that does it gently and quickly to remove impurities and residue from the skin to give it a lovely texture and renewed vibranchy.  Each box contains six single-use packets, which might not sound like a lot, but it just depends on your skin type.  If you have oily skin or normal skin use this once every other week or so; and for dry skin, use it once every three weeks.  It is an all-natural exfoliant, and it is hypoallergenic, which makes it excellent for those with sensitive skin.  No burning, scratching, or harshness whatsoever; it is a gentle exfoliant that does its job!

Want to see the rest of my review? Read the rest of this entry »