Category: skin-care

Miracle Skin™ Transformer Body SPF 20

Unfortunately, I have loads of redness in my skin.  And I suffer from Keratosis pilaris, a VERY common skin condition in which a protein in the skin called keratin forms hard plugs within hair follicles. This appears as red, bumpy skin, usually on the back of your arms. So, I was thrilled to find this one-step skin enhancer that doesn’t necessarily cover skin imperfections but evens them out. Plus, it contains a UVA/UVB SPF 20.

I know this will be a life saver in the summer. But it has already come in pretty handy. For these holiday party cocktail dresses, there is no shortage of bare skin. I have used the Miracle Skin on my arms and legs. It gives legs an even and glowing appearance which actually makes you look longer and leaner. As the eye travels, it isn’t distracted by unevenness and imperfection. And I don’t care how much people tell me they are in fashion again – I just won’t do nude hose.

Miracle Skin Transformer is definitely a workhorse with SPF 20 and antioxidants. The finish is hydrated but mostly matte. This is achieved with a naturally derived silicone formulation that improves skin texture, minimizes fine lines and pores, and reduces pigmentation spots over time. It also uses the M3 Complex to deliver Vitamin A, K, E, and enzyme Q10 for long-term improvement of skin texture. While I would love to say I use this regularly, I generally save it for special occasions, so I can’t speak to long term benefits.

I have the middle shade, Glow Enhancer, which is just enough coverage for my natural skin tone with a slight shimmer and increased depth of color. It is also available in Sheer Enhancer (lighter) and Bronze Enhancer (darker). Swatches from Sephora below:

The middle shade can be a little messy, especially if you are wearing black. So beware if you are wearing tight fitting clothes.  But it did beautifully with my short, black cocktail dress with no transfer.

As a side note, Miracle Skin Transform founder, Sarah McNamara, is a corporate beauty vetaran. She launched her products largely on the foundation of social media – very cool. She also believes that “consumers are choosing to buy less in order to buy better, reflecting a desire for products that possess greater meaning in their lives.” She understands that beauty consumers are savvier than ever, and I know that is something all of us are thrilled to hear.

 

Rodin Olio Lusso Luxury Face Oil and Lip Balm

I finally got my little paws on some Rodin Olio Lusso goodies.  I have been lusting after this creation since this summer.  Rodin Olio Lusso was created by Linda Rodin, a former fashion editor at Harper’s Bazzar and NYC stylist.  Rodin had access to all the greatest skin care lines in the world, but ached for something simpler.  So she developed her first oil in 2007 in her own kitchen.  Other products followed, all based on the original building blocks of essential oils.  This regal beauty knows her stuff and her emphasis on simple and natural is right up my alley.

I started with her staple – the Olio Lusso Face Oil.  My skin is dry and sensitive, so I have no qualms about smearing oil all over my face.  But this might not be right for those with an acne-prone complexion.  I do get the occasional break out, but using this for a couple weeks did not result in any blemishes at all.  In fact, my skin looked clearer.   The oil is a (very) aromatic blend of eleven essential oils from flowers and other botanicals. I’d categorize the smell as a very strong floral (perhaps gardenia?).  My generally angry and sensitive skin was soothed, and in the morning, I had a glow.  It was the only moisturizer I used in the evenings, and after two weeks, my skin looks more hydrated than ever before.

But I couldn’t just stop there.  Since I consider myself somewhat of a lip balm junkie, I had to try the Rodin Olio Lusso Lip Balm.  It is advertised as having the same floral scent as the oil, but I can’t smell a fragrance.  What I did find is a sheer, natural lip balm that just plain worked.  The formula is not greasy at all. And I adore the chic lucite square compact. I do have a serious case of the “dropsees” and the case even survived hitting my travertine bathroom floor multiple times.  Mom is somewhat of a lip balm  junkie too – it will be a miracle if I make it back from Thanksgiving with this.  I just know she’ll snag it 🙂

fresh Sugar Lip Duo

These adorable little tubes are mini versions of the full-sized fresh Sugar Lip Treatments. But they still are packaged in the same fabulous metal material with a screw top lid.  I felt like this was a perfect way to try out lip treatments that have earned rave reviews and awards.  Both flavors leave just a hint of color and are incredibly nourishing.  While you can build the color up, I think it looks great just giving a wash of pink or violet. You know that beauty junkie on your Christmas list?  She would love these.

And, oh, have you entered my giveaway yet? The prize is valued at $100!

Nuance Salma Hayek Oxygen Activated Foaming Face Wash

There is something so fulfilling about a good, foaming face wash.  It is so gratifying to work up that lather.  But with drier, winter skin, some formulas can leave a our skin tight and strip us of our much needed hydration.  And Cetaphil, while really wonderful for the skin, sometimes leaves behind the daily grime and makeup.  So, I am thrilled to recommend a drugstore cleanser that is foamy fun AND won’t parch your skin: Nuance Salma Hayek Oxygen Activated Foaming Face Wash exclusively at CVS.

Salma Hayek wasn’t just a celebrity name to slap on a product line.  Her grandmother, a cosmetologist who developed home remedies, inspired throughout the development of the line.   Salma was active in the creation of products and you can really see her Mexican heritage in the ingredient list (mimosa, blue agave, camapu & prickly pear extracts –  these help soothe and hydrate skin).  Mushroom & beet extracts help maintain skin’s natural protective barrier.  And O2 complex invigorates skin for a healthy-looking glow.  Even with my current dry, sensitive situation, I wasn’t irritated in the least.  She covered the basis – this cleanser is : Paraben free, Dermatologist tested, Not tested on animals and Gluten free.

In fact, there is so much I love about this line, I am hosting a giveaway.  And its a BIG ONE.  Stayed tuned for updates.

Friday Finds

This week I was reunited with some old favorites and discovered new gems.  Here’s a taste of some of the highlights in honor of the weekend.

1.  Butter London – Limited Edition 3 Free Lacquer in Bluey (in lamplight looks like a holiday evergreen)

2.  W3LL People Cosmetics (more to come on them in the near future – local Austin company)

3.  Honeybee Gardens Truly Natural Mascara (a natural mascara that actually works for $10.99)

4.  Solar Rx Cosmetic Moisturizer Sunblock (uses simple natural ingredients to get maximum physical protection)

SircuitSkin Fall Facial – Carrie Berry Skincare

Frankly, I wasn’t really feeling the holiday spirit.  Halloween was basically a non-event, having forgot to buy candy (and it isn’t exactly my favorite holiday).   Yesterday it was 88 degrees here in Austin – I’m not complaining, but it certainly doesn’t feel like November.  But after a blissful hour with Carrie from Carrie Berry Skincare I could have belted out a holiday tune.

Carrie Berry Skincare is located at Bella SALON & Spa in downtown Austin.  The salon staff were very welcoming and the spa, in typical Austin fashion, was casual and cozy.  Carrie has that friendly, nurturing way about her (she’s a natural with that Oklahoma background).   Plus, she finally validated me by conclusively confirming that I do indeed have dry skin, perfectly suited for the fall facial featuring Youth Accelerator Pumpkin Enzyme Peel by SircuitSkin.  Actually quite a deal at $75.

SircuitSkin is one of those skincare lines you can’t help but love.  They have been in business for almost a decade and I am shocked that more people haven’t heard of them.  They have been “green” since inception with focus on pure, fresh ingredients and cutting-edge technology.  Products are cold processed and formulated in small batches.  And I love they are always cruelty-free and have absolutely no fillers, artificial colors, artificial preservatives or artificial fragrances.

The pumpkin enzyme peel was incredibly gentle – my skin felt hydrated and clean.  The peel actually never tingled, which is rarity for me.   But I could sense it was active.  Pumpkin enzymes naturally remove dead skin cells and deep clean pores while nourishing with Beta Carotene and other nutrients.   The fragrance was definitely pumpkin but not in an overly sweet way.  I will admit, I had to stop for a Starbucks Pumpkin Latte on the way home.

And it is worth mentioning, I discovered my new favorite cleanser.  SircuitSkin X-trap is a super gentle cleanser (can even be used on post-laser/surgery skin and those with rosacea.)  But it still has that gratifying foaming action.  Smells amazing and works perfectly with the Clarisonic.