C’watre is a brand that labels itself as “oceanic skin care,” which does make you think of spas, gentleness, and natural ingredients. They use “molecularly stimulated ocean water” as an essential ingredient in their products. They also mention that they are sure to only use ingredients in such amounts that they are effective. As an interesting aside, the nutrients and minerals found in sea water are incredibly similar to the molecular makeup of human blood plasma and spinal fluid (you learn something new everyday!).
C’watre as a brand embodies a fusion between Japanese traditions and American innovation to create an enjoyable line that is easy on the skin. Whenever I learn or try out a brand that often utilizes scientific terms or special ingredients, like sea water, I get a little nervous about the cost. C’watre isn’t cheap, and while some of their products are affordable, others are more of mid to high range in terms of skin care. They’re no La Mer, but they aren’t your Olay, either.
I tried the Kanreki Wash… was it worth it? Continue reading →
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.
Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub ($6.99) is an anti-acne facial scrub that utilizes salicylic acid while exfoliating with microbeads to help slough away dead skin cells. This product is alcohol-free (alcohol is a huge no-no in skin products!), which is always a big plus when considering an exfoliant and regular skin product. It does have menthol in it, which gives the product its tingling sensation when used. I find I keep this in my shower caddy and reach for it occasionally. It does tickle my nose a bit, because of the menthol, but I know I’m a bit overly sensitive when it comes to that kind of thing. The microbeads are incredibly gentle, and I feel like this is a good abrasiveness level for an everyday or every other day scrub.
Get yours at drugstore.com or your local drugstore!
Biore Mandarin Blossom Nose Strips ($6.99 for 8) is a twist on their traditional deep cleansing nose strips, because they are now lightly scented with a citrusy scent of mandarin blossom (this is a limited edition offering). These strips bond with dirt and help remove build-up after wearing the strip for ten to fifteen minutes. It is recommended that these strips are used once a week to help remove weekly build-up from deep within the skin (which means those eight strips will last you two months, not bad for the price!). It is really important that you follow directions (cleanse thoroughly, dampen the nose, and wait!) to maximize the results. Just a helpful FYI based on experience, HA! I find these work well enough to merit the weekly usage, and they are perfect for my weekly pamper-me-day. The scent of mandarin blossom is really light and reminds me a bit of taking a jaunt the spa – not at all a heady or overwhelming scent at all.
Get yours at drugstore.com or at your local drugstore.
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 is targeted 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.
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.
