Tag: Radiance

Clarisonic Sonic Radiance Brightening Solution

I drank the Clarisonic kool-aid years ago and the devices have been a part of my routine ever since. I’ve used the Plus, Mia and Pedi, all with stellar results. But regular readers here know my biggest beef is hyper-pigmentation and a general lack of radiance. So the newest Clarisonic really had me pumped. After releasing earlier this year, I finally got my paws on the newest system and I can say I am a total convert and this is my top choice from the Clarisonic family.

Sonic Radiance comes with a device and brightening formulas just in the nick of time to erase our summer skin sins and achieving a winter glow. The system includes the newest Aria – one I hadn’t tried. While I can’t tell a huge difference, I like the technologically-advanced charger and lighter weight.

The brush head is new as well – a Radiance Brush Head – full of dense but soft filaments that doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin. Note: remember not to push the brush against the skin but allow it to lightly touch skin, loosening debris and preventing redness. The pearl pink is a little less shocking than the traditional pink Plus model and it is feminine without being over the top.

I’ve always enjoyed the cleansers that come with the Clarisonic devices but I really love the included products in this version including a morning cleanser, a nighttime peel wash, and a brightening serum (Clarisonic’s first-ever leave-on treatment.) All three products and the device work together to improve acne spots, blotchiness and sun damage. I’ve been using the products and device day and night for two weeks and see imrpovement, particularly with darkness on my cheeks.

The cleansers are foamy and work well against the residue of the day. I do like removing makeup beforehand with a wipe – my favorite these days is this one. That way, makeup doesn’t transfer to the brush head and the products can really work to improve the look of skin.

The Skin Illuminating Cleanser is designed for the AM and gently cleanses and exfoliates skin. The Skin Renewing Peel Wash, my favorite, is creamier and foamier designed for use at night. Then the real gem: the new Brightening Activator Serum can be used morning and night. The combo of treatments allows for potent action and visible results but while still nourishing skin.

Kit includes: Clarisonic Aria, Universal Voltage Charger, Radiance Brush Head, 6 oz Skin Illuminating Cleanser, 6 oz Sin Renewing Peel Wash, Brightening Activator Serum. Products can be purchased individually as well. Or without the device and just the brush head.

Available at Nordstrom and Sephora

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN 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.

Favorite Masks For Radiance

I’m in the midst of another hyper-pigmentation treatment and have been using some pretty hefty stuff to battle the sun damage that has returned with the summer months. While I am loving the results (more on that in a couple weeks), I have noticed that all the strong ingredients can leave my skin a little dull. And there is nothing worst than dull summer skin.

Good thing I had my beauty closet to raid. I’ve been rotating two hydrating and radiance-boosting masks over the past couple of weeks and found two winners – depending on your skin type. The first I like for drier or more mature skin. The second is great for normal to oily skin.

First up, Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Radiance-Boosting Mask is luxe and rich. The gummy texture sounds like a mess but it is surprisingly soothing. Technically a gel, this mask was designed to be used before makeup application. Shhh… don’t tell… I have been using it in the evenings before bed. Auto Pilot Radiance-Boosting Mask smooths skin and adds softness while blurring lines with Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E.

The first thing I notice is this gormound, cozy smell that I can’t quite put my finger on. The gel applies evenly all over the face and doesn’t budge. After 20 minutes, my skin has a velvet soft feel and my skin looks more even and glow-y. While you can tissue this off, I felt a little weighed down and went ahead and rinsed with water. While the product is technically for all skin types, I think those who are looking for a moisture/nourishment boost will be happier with this mask.

For those looking for something a little more “deep” and/or “active”, check out June Jacobs Spa Collection Radiant Refining Brightening Masque. This often overlooked line of skin care uses plants and extracts to revive stressed skin. How’s this for a little fruit cocktail?: bearberry, mulberry, licorice, lemon peel extracts and gigawhite nourishes and clears skin. Meanwhile, lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide rejuvinate. And white, red and green tea extracts, goji berry, pomegranate and grapeseed extracts protect skin from the environment by neutralizing free radicals.

This milky cream goes on smooth and dives deep into skin. I get just a slight tingling but my skin isn’t left looking red. I can’t really detect a strong scent. And skin is immediately left more even and glowing. I apply with my fingers and keep on for around five minutes. Then rinse and pat dry.

Colbert MD Illumino Face Oil

Do you know that feeling when something happens and it feels so life changing… then all of a sudden you realize you’re left not too far from where you were before the momentous event? I’ve spent a couple days angry about something and then I was listening to a new top 40 hit, Pompeii by Bastille and heard these words:

But if you close your eyes,
Does it almost feel like
Nothing changed at all?
And if you close your eyes,
Does it almost feel like
You’ve been here before?
How am I gonna be an optimist about this?

So here we are pretty much exactly where we started and the challenge is to become optimistic. I guess I can do that. And what better way to put on a happy new face than a brand new face oil. By now, you know I love a good face oil, and Colbert MD’s Illumino Face Oil is a luxe version worthy of high praise.

Dr. Colbert is an accomplished Internal Medicine and Dermatology physician with accolades, books and tons of media appearances. His skin care line was developed around his patented QuSome delivery system, allowing for max absorption of ingredients before they start to work. Thanks to this, the line is particularly well-suited to fight aging and inflammation and add radiance to skin.

The Illimino Face Oil works on texture and glow especially well. Since I am back on the Retin-A bandwagon, I actually appreciate the active ingredients. Retinol and Vitamin C work to even and brighten. While the oil adds nourishment and hydration. Win win. Specifically the oils work several ways:

Borage Seed Oil A rich source of Gamma Linoleic Acid (GLA) which aids in cell repair and improves skin’s overall tone and texture.
Yangu Oil Improves skin’s elasticity, suppleness.
Marula Oil Infused with Oleic Acid which aids in hydration and skin barrier function.
Passion Fruit Oil Improves skin’s elasticity while acting as an antioxidant.
Argan Oil A deeply penetrating antioxidant rich in Vitamin E.

Available at Space NK, Barneys and ColbertMD.com.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN 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.

Bliss Triple Oxygen Ex-‘glow’-sion! Vitabead-Infused Moisture Cream

Looking to up your moisture game for fall? Look no further than the newest from Bliss. Bliss Triple Oxygen Ex-‘glow’-sion! Vitabead-Infused Moisture Cream is packed with ingredients to not only moisturize but give that radiant glow. The formula is infused with oxygen and micro-algae, delivering vitamin E and C.

The texture is almost whipped while still managing to be luxurious and rich. The light citrus scent is pleasant and invigorating. There is no greasy feel and it absorbs quickly. It even is ideal to be used on the neck (and I even treat my decolletage with it!). I’ve been using both at night and in the AM under my sunscreen.

Available at Bliss, Sephora, and Neiman Marcus.

glow by dr. brandt™ ruby crystal retinol hydracrème

I’m pretty much a goner if I ever see skincare with promises of this elusive “glow” – I’ll snap that puppy up in no time. All I can think about is that youthful, even and radiant skin. Well, recently I discovered a little gem that makes that glow not so elusive anymore.

Dr. Brandt came up with this thick and pearlescent illuminating moisturizer inspired by an in office treatment he performs called a ruby laser procedure. (I don’t know what that is but I want it.) In the meantime, I am striving for similar results at home with the ruby crystal retinol hydracrème. I’ve been using this morning and night for a week and won’t be quitting anytime soon. The formula works great under makeup and gives an immediate luminescence while promising long-term improvement in skin’s texture and evenness.

The Ruby Crystal actually transforms external light into an energy source for skin cells (kinda weird but I like it). The Hydra-Balance balances skin water content and prevents dehydration. I’ve found this alone provides plenty of hydration on my dry skin. Oliveactive counteracts inflammation -perhaps the reason I have zero irritation with this product. And my all time favorite ingredient, retinol, increases cell turnover, smoothing skin. Just make sure you use a supercharged UV protection while using this product.

You can buy the glow by dr. brandt™ ruby crystal retinol hydracrème at Sephora.

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.

Buxom Divine Goddess Luminizer

This little baby hits Sephora shelves today and you don’t want to miss it. I’ve been trying out this face and body luminizer for a couple days and it is just what the doctor ordered for – let’s just say not-so-tan – winter skin. I’ve been using it as a highlighter, skin evener and leg shimmer, all to great success.

Buxom Divine Goddess Luminizer // Belle Belle Beauty

The cream is ultra-lightweight and blends easily to a sheer, not to “glittery” shimmer. Because it is so sheer and balanced between warm and cool, I expect it to work on most skin tones.

Buxom Divine Goddess Luminizer // Belle Belle Beauty

The cream has just a touch of a cooling sensation. And pretty darn good staying power. Would work great for on the legs during New Year’s festivities!

Available at Sephora today.