Tag: cleanser

What’s In My Shower These Days

You probably aren’t shocked to find out my shower is full to the brim with beauty goodies. Every day, I grab for something different. But there are those favorites that I keep buying again and again, using every bit to the very last drop. Here’s my current shower MVP list:

H2O Plus Sparkling Currant Shower & Bath Gel is doing a darn good job getting me ready for spring time. The fruity, invigorating scent reminds me of being at the beach in high school without any of the cloying sweetness. The Black Currant Extract and Fruit Enzymes improve skin tone and texture. The best part? The Vitamin E capsules – tiny, jelly like balls that burst with just a bit of pressure that add crazy softness to my skin.

Tokyo Milk Eiffel Tower Soap from Neiman Marcus are almost too pretty to use. But eventually, I couldn’t resist and ripped that pretty paper to reveal a heafty bar of delicious smelling soap. The triple milled soap is made from a pure vegetable base and scented with the finest perfume. I get great lather while Shea Butter provide moisture. The Eiffel Tower scent is a blend of Linden, Honeyed rose, Wisteria petals and White musk.

Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel is my new go-to shower face cleanser. While it doesn’t have my beloved foaming action, I love the way it can remove every bit of makeup and dirt. It has a fairly strong floral, cucumber-like scent – sounds odd, but it is actually delightful. Papaya and Grapefruit Extracts are provide exfoliating Alpha Hydroxy Acids to deep clean pores. Love using this with my Clarisonic.

Neutrogena Shampoo, Anti-Residue Formula is a relatively new addition and I constantly scratch my head why the classic formula didn’t make its way into my shower sooner. My hair was looking a little dull – no excuse for that – I never color it and always use this heat defense serum. Well, the problem was residue. Used once a week, this shampoo and remove all that gunk from shampoos, conditioners and styling products.

St. Ives Revitalizing Pear & Soy Body Wash, another bargain hit from St. Ives that really works. Soy and Pear not only make this formula smell great, but also moisturize skin. Like H2O Plus Sparkling Currant Shower & Bath Gel, the fragrance is getting me in the Spring mood. The soap lathers but without leaving that dry, tight feeling. And around $3, you can beat the price.

Latest and Greatest from Simple Skincare

I’ve been test driving the newest Simple Skincare products for about a month now and I wanted to report back on the most recent items to hit the shelves. Like all my other Simple favorites, the new products play oh so well with my sensitive skin. (They introduced two new versions of the wipes – a huge fan favorite!)

Foaming Cleanser: I’m a huge fan of foaming cleansers. There is something so satisfying about that lather, especially when I’m using my Clarisonic. This version from simple is loaded with Pro-Vitamin B5. So not only is your makeup gonzo, but your skin feels refreshed and not stripped of moisture.

Radiance Cleansing Wipes: Call me crazy, but I really do think my skin looks more radiant when I use these. After a workout or first thing in the AM, I’ve been opting for these as a gentle way to refresh. Mango extract helps leave skin not only clean, but healthier.

Oil Balancing Cleansing Wipes: I’ve been a long time fan of Zinc PCA to heal angry or irritated skin. So no wonder I’m a fan of these wipes. If you are prone to shine, these guys will leave your skin clean, not irritated and balanced. But even on my dry skin, they don’t strip my skin of moisture.

Eye Make Up Remover Pads: For some reason, I’ve been reviewing loads of gel eyeliner. We love this stuff, right? Stays on so well. But removing it can be irritating to delicate skin around the eyes, especially if the skin is already sensitive. Simple’s Eye Make-Up Remover Pads are loaded with gentle cleansers to get after stubborn makeup with out stinging or drying. They get every little bit of hard to remove makeup with a couple swipes.

Protecting Light Moisturizer with SPF 15: The biggest pet peeve I have with my sensitive skin is how some SPFs can sting and burn after application. While I’ve navigated what UV blockers are the main culprits, I haven’t found a good drugstore SPF with zero sting. Until now. Protecting Light Moisturizer with SPF 15 is oil-free but still nourishing (packed with vitamins and moisturizers). The non-greasy finish works especially well under makeup.

This post was created in connection with my appointment as an Influencer in the Simple® Skincare Program. Visit www.facebook.com/SimpleSkincare to share your story on sensitive skin.

Brand Spotlight: Mario Badescu & 5 Products Everyone Should Own

I’ve been deep in the world of Mario Badescu for the last couple of weeks. Not a bad place to be at all. The products, established by Romanian-born Mario Badescu in 1967 in New York, are based on Eastern European skincare with a focus on being simple, gentle and effective. The price point is compelling, bringing luxe results and reasonable prices. Today, the spa attracts stars and beauty gals in the know (I dream of one day visiting). While I have always had mad respect for the brand, I haven’t really had a chance to dive in and discover some of the crown jewels. Today, I am rounding up five of their products that I think every woman (and actually men too) should have in their bathrooms.

1. Glycolic Foaming Cleanser: My obsession with Glycolic Acid is no secret. There is nothing better to break down debris on the skin to reveal more even, radiant skin. This version is super soothing (the formula is amped up with herbal extracts). They recommend using a couple times weekly, but I just can’t stay away – shhhh. This works like a champ with my Clarisonic.

2. Almond and Honey Face Scrub: I may or may not have just gone into my shower and taken a huge whiff of this stuff. Do you like almond scents as much as me? You won’t be able to resist this yummy concoction This non-abrasive scrub has finely ground Almonds and Cornmeal to gently remove dead skin cells. The honey acts to hydrate and soften skin. YUM.

3. Drying Lotion: Is there a more iconic Mario Badescu product? I think not. I’ve owned this in the past, but feeling high and mighty about having my acne under control, it has been out of the rotation. Well, a short day after getting my paws on a new bottle, I got the deepest, most annoying blemish on my neck. SO RANDOM. Anyway, I used this spot treatment loaded with salicylic acid and calamine and that bugger shrunk right up overnight. Don’t shake this stuff – just dip a cotton swab past the liquid into the pink lotion and dot on the blemish. Don’t rub in. (Note: this will also take the itch out of mosquito bites!)

4. Hyaluronic Eye Cream: I’m dry… dry… dry. And nothing looks less cute than a dry, haggard under eye. This calls for the revival skills of Hyaluronic Acid which looks in moisture without leaving a greasy or heavy feel. After a couple minutes of absorption, this eye cream works like a dream under makeup. I’ve been using it day and night and darkness and dryness are banished! You can also use this on the lips.

5. Oil-free Moisturizer SPF 30: I admit, I turned up my nose at first to an oil-free moisturizer. But in the interest of blogging, I tested it out and was so so impressed. The formula has a balance between being lightweight and hydrating (not an easy task for a sunscreen). Green Tea fights premature aging while Aloe Vera hydrates and softens skin. St. John’s Wort soothes and repairs. This is my new recommendation to those who need sun protection after starting a retinol treatment. Dry skin suffers, don’t shy away. This keeps my skin comfortable all day.

So, Mario Badescu fans, tell me in the comments… which of your favorites did I miss?

Shop my favorites here:

Mario Badescu products can also be found at Nordstrom.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE WAS PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Brand Spotlight: Tata Harper

I’ll be honest… if there is a brand I have been lusting after, it is Tata Harper. I had a little mini-facial at NYFW way back in September 2011 and never quite got the brand out of my mind. I will never forget hearing that Tata herself manufactures all her products on a 1,200 acre farm in Vermont. How cool is that??

Tata Harper developed the line with the health of women wanting to look beautiful in mind. The products are all 100% natural and non-toxic from ingredients grown on the farm and thoughtfully sourced from around the world. The natural, fragrant nature of these products are soothing just in themselves. Tata oversees all the R&D, marketing, distribution and formulations. The packaging is fresh and luxe – how often to you find “feel good” products that look so stunning on your vanity?

The Tata Harper Refreshing Cleanser is one of those cleansers that is not really designed to remove makeup, but is so gentle and creamy, my sensitive & dry skin eats it up. There are no detergents or alcohol in the milky formula. Fueled by minerals and French clay, the cleanser can get into pores and remove dead skin. White Willow Bark exfoliates while Pomegranate extract acts as an antioxidant. And the Neroli and Bergamont make cleansing a fragrant pleasure.

Tata Harper Repairative Moisturizer is silky and luxurious. This liquid lotion packs as much of a hydration punch as a thicker cream. Long lasting moisture is provided by Jojoba and Vitamin E while Oleosomes from Safflower helps retain moisture and improve the skin barrier. Natural Hyaluronic acid takes hydration to the next level. Fresh Rose and essential oils, including sandalwood, magnolia, and geranium help foster radiant, plump and fresh looking skin. After application, I almost feel a slight tightening as if my skin is protected and reinforced.

The most intriguing products I tried was the Tata Harper Replenishing Nutrient Complex. This serum comes in a vial with a roller ball that you are directed to roll over your face and neck. The ritual of application almost became addicting as the cool metal ball acts as a massager. This goes on over your moisturizer (so I guess it isn’t really a serum). The thin liquid is absorbed into my skin almost immediately, lending to a radiant complexion. Alfalfa extract gives you a dose of vitamins A, B, C, D and E, working to improve hyper-pigmentation. Rosa Rubiginosa seed oil contains a trans-retinoic acid working against fine lines. Carrot Oil and Borage Oil calm and freshen the skin. Lastly, rose otto adds just a very slight fragrance.

Tata also has a collection of aromatherapy treatments. Appropriately so, I’ve been trying out Tata Harper Aromatic Stress Treatment. I can’t believe how addicted I am to this – I reach for it all the time. The roller ball dispenser is designed to be applied to pulse points to calm and promote relaxation to the mind, body and spirit. Sweet, honeyed linden, rose otto, bittersweet neroli and frankincense really do conjure a relaxed state of mind. When things are really tense, I take a moment to apply to my palms, cup them over my face and take five deep breaths. And good news: you can use this as many times as needed throughout the day. I truly believe even the thoughtful act of doing something to calm the mind makes for a healthier spirit.

Shop for the above Tata Harper products here:

Brand Spotlight: Amarté Skin Care

I love reviewing skin care systems that embrace regimen approach. When products are designed to work together, I feel my skin gets a re-boot – almost like a cleanse for the face. The system is comprised of four components: cleansing, moisturization, rejuvenation and protection. The Heart & Seoul Collection, the set I tried out, encompasses all these steps in one easy package.

Amarté views cleansing as a fundamental part of skin care, maintaining integrity and skin barrier function. The Daily Wonder Cleansing Foam has that creamy formula which plays so nice with my dry skin. At the same time, I love foaming action to really get my skin clean.

Amarté has a two-step approach to moisture. At first, I was confused how to layer and use these two products: Aqua Veil and HydroLift. But after I was instructed to use Aqua Veil first, followed by HydroLift, I found my dry skin uniquely quenched. The hydration was “sealed in” with the second, richer application. The Aqua Veil is a cucumber-infused moisturizer on the light side. It might be just perfect for the warm summer months. I love the fresh, nourishing feel without any heaviness. The heavier HydroLift works agains fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol works on tone and texture while caviar extract and acacia collagen deeply hydrate to plump the skin.

Restoration comes next with the Eyeconic Eye Cream, coupled with an applicator like I’ve never seen before. The formula contains 3.8% stabilized retinol, while remaining gentle and elegant. I experience zero irritation and am thrilled to find an eye cream turbo charged with retinol.

The Heart & Seoul Collection also included two travel size containers for their Natural Finish BB Cream. My friend, Amber, reviewed a full size of the BB Cream here and I share in her enthusiasm. It is truly a best of breed with great coverage, natural finish and rigorous skin care. The SPF 36 is up to my standards and the consistancy is rich and smooth. The formula contains antioxidants and complexion enhancers

If you feel the New Year is bringing a need for a little re-set, I highly recommend the Heart & Seoul Collection. The portions are generous and it is a great way to expose yourself to the brand. At the very least, check out the BB Cream. The collection can be found at www.amartecosmetics.com.

A little about the brand: The Amarté Skin Care has deep roots in Korea, but was discovered by an American dermatologist, Dr. Kraffert, and introduced to the West. The line is developed at a Bio Regional Innovation Center using leading science, maintaining its roots in luxurious and results-oriented skin care.

Dr. Jart Black Label Detox Pore Penetrator and Renewalist Melting Cream

One of my most popular posts ever was Dr. Jart’s Beauty Sleep Masks. So, I know you guys have love for Dr. Jart. Today, I want to highlight two other products that I’ve fallen for from the famed dermatologist.

The first product… I’m a bit reluctant to admit I need. I’ve always had good pores. Hyper-pigmentation and a couple fine lines – sure. But always clean and small pores. Lately, I’ve had “moments” with myself and a magnetized makeup mirror. And those pores weren’t what they used to be. I’m not sure if it is because I live in busy, construction zone downtown or it is the rich moisturizers my dry skin craves. Either way, Dr. Jart to the rescue.

Black Label Detox Pore Penetrator is a treatment mask that can lossen black heads and debris in one 10 minute process. For those of you who love fun textures – you won’t be disappointed This thick, gel-like mask is applied wherever you are prone to blackheads (for me, on the nose). Botanicals soothe while dead skin cells is removed and Pore Care Solution refines and tightens enlarged pores. My dry and sensitive skin had zero problems with the formula. Massage and then rinse off – squeaky clean skin is revealed. Voila!

Next up, Renewalist Melting Cream – this cream is like a little bit of dessert on your vanity. The “sorbet-like” texture brightens and soothes. Key word here is melting. This cream’s ability to absorb is what makes it special. Using the included spatula, I scoop a small amount and warm it in my hands (required since this is a stiff formula). Applying to the face, you get a infusion of moisture to what feels like an unually deep level. Dr. Jart’s patented platol white-c complex brightens dull skin. Nutrients, oils and antioxidnets improve the look of skin. With just a little leg work using your body heat, you get quickly absorbing, heavy duty moisturizer with a silky, clean finish. There no greasy residue, making this perfect for under makeup.

Both available at Sephora.