Borghese Moisturizers for Dry Skin

I am becoming a huge fan of Borghese products, their moisturizers are amazing because they do a great job of keeping my dry skin from flaking and keep my skin supple and moisturized. Especially spending Christmas in Washington where it was freezing cold and at times, dry, my skin needed something that will quench its thirst. I love a good product for my skin, and because my skin is the most important to me, I don't mind paying a little more for great quality- something that works. I took these products with me to Washington, and it was a skin saver!

Equilibrio Equalizing Restorative ($44.50, 1.7 oz)- 4.5 out of 5 stars
What it is: A lightweight, oil-free moisturizer which restores the moisture balance of your skin while controlling shine. Non-comedogenic, Equilibrio normalizes skin, hydrating where necessary, leaving skin with a velvety, matte complexion.

Has witch hazel, rosemary, and white birch to capture excess oil and has Acqua di Vita complex to hydrate dry areas to leave skin balanced.


My experience with this product: I use this moisturizer before applying CuraForte Moisturizer Intensifier, in the morning and after I shower, and it keeps my skin smooth throughout the day without having to reapply and without feeling oily or greasy. Doesn't break me out at all and I love the pump bottle which makes it easy to apply, keeps it sanitary, and no product is wasted. I was using Korres Yogurt Moisturizer, which is around $30 a pop but it didn't last me long and found myself buying a new one every month or a few weeks, this one costs a little more but contains more product and so far is lasting me a long time (I already had it for 2 months now and still have a lot left in the bottle!)

CuraForte Moisture Intensifier ($66.50, 1.7 oz)- 5 out of 5 stars

What it is: A lightweight formula that intensifies and maximizes the skin's capacity to hold moisture by 200%. It softens and lifts dull surface cells allowing the benefits of moisturizers to penetrate easily and perform at their optimum. Surface fine lines and wrinkles decrease up to 70% within 11 days. Improves skin tone and clarity.

My experience: I use this after I apply my Borghese Equalizing Moisturizer, and it keeps my skin more supple, and I noticed that my skin feels more moisturized, lasting all day without any re-application. The best part about their skin products is that they don't feel greasy, or oily, they literally sink into your skin and not just keep it moisturized, but my skin feels more even and soft, so not only does it help dry skin- it also improves your skin. The only gripe I have is that it is a bit pricey, but it does last a long time, and if you are like me where you find yourself always looking for a new moisturizer or repurchasing your go-to one, it might be a savings in the end.

Dolce Notte Re-Energizing Night Cream ($53.50, 1.85 oz)- 5 out of 5 stars
What it is: While you sleep, return Normal-Dry or Very Dry skin to a comfortable, balanced and healthy state. This rich nighttime treatment encourages cell turnover, sweeping away dullness and impurities while revealing radiant skin. Non pore-clogging, good for sensitive skin. Also contains the acqua di vita complex to sweep away dullness.

My experience: Out of the 4 products, this one is my FAVORITE. I am a fan for moisturizers that you can apply at night, and does the work while you sleep. I love putting this before bedtime or after a shower and letting it just seep into my skin. I wake up with baby soft skin making makeup application so easy and everything just goes on smooth. It literally leaves you skin feeling and looking flawless. And smells amazing! And this too is lasting me a long time, it has definitely changed my skin for the better. I used to have patches of dry skin and this totally helped!

Fango Ristorativo Restorative Hydrating Mud for Face & Body ($33.50, 7 oz.)- 4 out of 5 stars
What it is: A multi-purpose mask that helps nourish and replenish skin with vital marine nutrients and Borghese’s signature Acqua di Vita® Complex. It helps protect against environmental damage while soothing stressed or dehydrated skin with a cooling sensation. Reduces redness as well as inflammation and irritation of the skin. Concentrated minerals and micronutrients replenish and re-mineralize dull, depleted skin. Softens, smoothes and enhances elasticity of the skin for a younger, healthier, more luminous complexion.

*This also comes in a tub form, so I am really happy it's now available in a tube- and at HALF the cost!

My experience: I love masks, but to be honest I rarely reach for them. But because this is in a tube and total time is 5 minutes, it makes it super easy to use. The cream is white straight from the tube, but turns a light blue when you apply it on your face as it has little micro beads. It has kaolin to help clean and purify and fights against inflammation of the skin. I just apply, leave on for 5 minute and rinse off. It was a nice feeling on my skin because I am used to masks being so drying to take out any excess oil, but this was nice because after rinsing, you can feel your skin is more refreshed.

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Product Review: Korres Yogurt Cream

I haven't had time to take pics of the additional prizes to the 2 additional winners Erica and I picked out since I had a bad migraine on Friday, so I will try and get around to it hopefully tomorrow. :)

I have officially found my holy grail of moisturizers- Korres' Yogurt Cream. ($29.50 at Sephora). Korres is a brand originated in Greece, and they have TONS of other awesome products that I can't wait to also try out.

This crazy weather lately has been making my skin super dry, and I've even gone back to the oil cleansing method and skipping washing my face in the morning (now using a makeup wipe) just to avoid making it more raw and flaky. I even tried the thickest and greasiest of moisturizers, only to have my skin eat it up and it's STILL dry and/or it breaks me out. Hence i've been using my liquid foundations lately so that my mineral foundation didn't make my flaky skin more obvious.

So out of desperation to find the perfect moisturizer that works for me; I caved in and spent $29.50 on Korres' Yogurt Cream which is a moisturizing cream for oily and dehydrated skin. It is perfect for everyday use on all skin types. It contains actual yogurt as well as lactose, proteins, minerals, vitamin E, and olive oil to provide moisture and hydration to dry skin.

After just one night of use, I immediately noticed a difference in my skin, the dry flakes were gone, my skin was moisturized, soft, and supple; and it felt A LOT smoother. It definitely gave me results that no drugstore brand has given me, and the best part? It didn't break me out nor did my skin absorb it too fast to where it felt dry again and i'd have to re-apply. I can see why it got such amazing reviews!

I even had the BF try it and put a tiny bit on his face and he liked it!

What's great is that there are no parabens, sulphates, or any of that nasty stuff, it has mostly natural ingredients.

Ingredients:


Product: 5 out of 5
Packaging: 4 out of 5
Quality: 5 out of 5
Overall: 5 out of 5
Price: $29.50 @ Sephora
Would I buy again? Yes

What they say: Yogurt is often thought of as the perfect afternoon snack. But few people know that it is also an ancient healing remedy that goes back hundreds of years. In Greece, yogurt is known for its ability to instantly soothe the skin by delivering increased moisture to the upper levels of the epidermis.



PROS:
- A little goes a long way, you only need a little bit; I dab four dots on my face (cheeks, chin, and forehead) and rub it into my skin in circular motions.
- Smells so yummy!
- Really moisturizes my face without being too greasy, my skin totally absorbs it and keeps it hydrated and moist.
- The cream itself isn't thick or watery thin, it's in between. It may feel greasy and thick at first, but doesn't stay like that once your skin absorbs it.
- Just after a week of use I noticed a more even skin tone, smoother and softer face, and no more dryness!
- Available at Sephora, not hard to find.

CONS:
- The jar is a bit small, but a little goes a long way so it lasts for me.
- Also it's IN a jar, and I know that some people don't like having to dip their fingers in, but I actually prefer my moisturizers in a tub/jar, those are the best ones!
- $29.50 may be a little steep for some, but totally worth it for me because I love the results!

Also try:
- Their yogurt mask

Overall? I am absolutely in love with this moisturizer, it doesn't break me out and keeps my face moisturized and haven't had dry flaky skin since I've been using it. I use it both morning and night and I love the smell. I definitely recommend it to those of you who have dry skin (even though ANY skin type can use it), as well as those of you who haven;t quite found their holy grail moisturizer. Definitely try it and see if it works for you, you can always return it with Sephora's awesome return policy!

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Product Review: P.Roth Sulfur Cooling Masque

Product: 3 out of 5
Packaging: 4 out of 5
Quality: 2.5 out of 5
Overall: 3 out of 5
Size: 5oz.
Price: $40
Where to buy: Sephora
Would I buy again? No

What they say: Sulfur Cooling Masque was specially made for those who prefer an aromatic medicated mask. With eucalyptus, sulfur, and purified clay, this mask is designed to exfoliate dead skin cells. Great for cleansing oily skin, the T-zone area, and clogged pores. Dries and clears blemishes and helps prevent their return.

Ingredients: Active: Precipitated Sulfur U.S.P. 10%. Purified Water, Bentonite, Kaolin, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Aloe Vera, Zinc Oxide, Eucalyptus Oil, Polysorbate-20, Titanium Dioxide, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Carbomer 940, Sodium Hydroxide, Propylparaben.



My experience: I had an annoying and painful pimple on my forehead and applied this mask on it. I left it on overnight and in the morning I noticed it was less painful and has shrunken in size. It does not get rid of pimples completely as it is not designed to do so, but rather to help clear blemishes and exfoliate dead skin cells. Based on reading reviews on both Makeup Alley and Sephora, many women use this as an all over face mask, and others use it as a spot treatment; and they both have had positive results. The reason I gave it a 3 out of 5 was because I think after awhile it starts to lose its affect (like the product stops working after continuous use), because I noticed personally that it wasn't working as well as the first time I used it but of course it may be different from others who have tried this product. :) It may work great as an all over mask to take out dirt and oil which I have not tried using it as...

PROS:
- Similar to the consistency of the Queen Helen Mint Julep Mask, in which it goes on as a cream, and dries cracked to absorb oil and impurities.
- Minimizes pimples little by little drying it up as well as making it less painful
- You get a lot of product, comes in a huge tub that will last you a long time! If you are worried about contamination, I use a Q-tip to apply it directly on blemishes.

CONS:
- $40, although you get a lot for your money, I wished they had a smaller size for half the price (just like MAC pigments!)
- Strong smell, smells like a creamy version of Vick's Vapo Rub
- Stopped working for me in which I noticed other blemishes did not shrink in size.

Overall: This may work for those with acne-prone skin, and as a spot treatment for some; but for me this product just didn't work as well as I wanted it to. Even though I noticed a huge difference the first time I used it, there were no significant results thereafter, therefore I would not buy again.

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Skincare: Pretika Facial Care System

Everyone yearns for great skin, and those of us who do have great skin- want to maintain it. I get a few compliments on my skin but let me tell you, I do have pimples that come outta nowhere at times and it's not easy maintaining nice skin!

I was browsing through Sephora a few months ago and came across the Clarisonic Facial Brush and was interested in trying it until I almost fell outta my chair when I saw the price! $195!

Clarisonic Brush:


Now don't get me wrong, if it was a little miracle in a bottle and did wonders for my skin, I eventually would cough up that much for it- however, with tough economic times and the fact that the BF and I are getting our own place, $195 isn't in our budget. So what is a girl to do??? I did my research!

I looked at several facial brushes (even manual cheap ones) and hours later I found myself wandering the aisles of my local Rite-Aid and stumbled upon Pretika SonicDermabrasion Facial Care System for only $30! What a steal! You can find more info on it in various sites online, and find other products from Pretika here on the Rite-Aid website.

I read a few reviews on it from makeup alley in which it was highly praised and just as good as the Clarisonic brush (mind you I have NOT TRIED the Clarisonic Brush so I can only speak for the Pretika brush), and that it prevents the amount of breakouts and helps keep skin clean and clear. The other Facial Regimen Brush also from Pretika was not as good as many claimed that it stopped working after a few months (my guess is because it's cheaply made and battery operated); but the one I bought has its own charger and plugs into the wall.

Product: 4 out of 5
Packaging: 5 out of 5
Price: $30, 5 out of 5!
Quality: 5 out of 5
Overall: 4 out of 5

What they claim:

* Sonic frequency technology produces 630 rotations per minute that works with the natural elasticity of the skin to deeply and gently cleanse
* Step 1 Microdermabrasion Scrub. Before use, cleanse skin with a mild, soap-free cleanser and pat dry skin.
* Step 2 Hydrating Firming Complex: Dot your face in four (4) areas with Hydrating Firming Complex: forehead, cheeks, chin and nose
* Step 3 Clean Applicators. After each treatment, thoroughly clean Micro-Fiber Exfoliating Bristle Applicators using hot water
* The new Microdermabrasion way to rejuvenating skin

So how was my experience with it? Once you get it, charge it overnight before use. You can use it with your own facial/skin regimen products such as your current facial cleanser, etc. It's a fun little machine and has a BUILT IN TIMER and beeps every 20 seconds (4 times only) so you know how much to spend on each area of your face (cheeks, forehead, chin, nose), then automatically turns off; AND you can control 2 speeds, one for normal and sensitive skin. I really feel like it's exfoliating my skin, loosens up the natural oils and dirt on my face, revealing a smoother looking and even-toned face.

The bristles are a little rough on the face (even on the sensitive setting) and I am guessing because it's still new and hasn't 'soften' yet, or my skin is just too sensitive to the slightest things (and yes I am using super light pressure to where it's barely even touching my face). So please use it with CAUTION the first few times until you and your skin are used to it. Also, it's waterproof obviously so you CAN take it in with you to the shower (just dry the bottom charging poles at the bottom before you place it back into the charger to prolong its life).

How much and where did you get it? $30 (before tax) at Rite-Aid (don't know any other actual stores you can walk-in and get it at sorry)

What does it come with? It comes with the charger, a replacement brush head, a brush head already attached to the actual device, the microdermabrasion scrub to exfoliate, and the Hydrating Firming Complex.

Where can I purchase more replacement heads? On their website www.pretika.com or you can search other distributors online.

What's cool about it? It has a built-in timer that beeps every 20 seconds (4 times only) so you know how much to spend on each area of your face (cheeks, forehead, chin, nose), then automatically turns off.

Can you take it in the shower? Yes, it's waterproof!

How do you use it? Turn it on, and like any normal facial brush or sponge, rub gently in circular motions over entire face.

Overall? I love this brush, and I love the price even more. It's definitely at a good price and it's great quality. My skin has never looked more radiant! I say save/use the other $165 you would have spent on the Clarisonic brush on other things (like more makeup! LOL)



The kit fresh out of the box!


Comes with:


...and replacement brush head!

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Product Review: The Body Deli Light Facial Emulsion Moisturizer

I recently had an opportunity to try this product out; the "Light Facial Emulsion" with Flash Flood Moisture ($36), it's from The Body Deli which is a company that sells only fresh organic skin and body products using only the freshest, organic ingredients. You can find a wide range of the ingredients they put in their products HERE. I never tried any of their products before so I was eager to try this.

It's basically a nice light moisturizer for the face, it smells like an orange creamsicle, almost like a smoothie- so it's a nice treat for the face, even though I was so tempted to just drink it since it smelled so good! It is loaded with antioxidants and vitamins E & C, and Chamomile. I just really like how it's pure and contains natural ingredients, which in turn makes me want to try some of their other products like their scrubs.

This particular moisturizer feels really nice on the skin. My face absorbs it well without leaving my skin feeling tight or dry. It's also not watery, but not thick either, so it feels like a perfect balance of both a great moisturizer, one that doesn't have you re-applying every so often and one that doesn't make you feel oily. In comparison to the Merlot Grapeseed Moisturizer, this one doesn't feel as watery in terms of consistency, and the smell is nicer to me than the Merlot which has a strong grapefruit type of a smell that sometimes can be a bit overwhelming for me personally. I also like how the body deli moisturizer comes in a pump bottle which I like for sanitary reasons, as well as the bottle itself being a perfect size for traveling or even just to moisturize throughout the day.

The website describes it as: Flood your skin with weightless moisture. This revolutionary facial emulsion uses chiral technology to greatly increase cellular absorption and reduce irritation. This light facial moisturizer is designed to hydrate the skin and treat acne prone skin conditions. Salicylic acid and our proprietary blend of Silica, Sulphur, Maganezium and Copper act as a benzol peroxide alternative to help heal and clear up blemishes without drying out the skin. Use this moisturizer daily to condition the skin and enjoy the fresh, clean feeling of this very special facial emulsion.

Fresh Ingredients:
Organic Aloe Vera Juice, Micro Clustered Ionized Water, Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, D-glucuronic, D-alpha-tocopherol, Soy Lecithin, Rosemary Oil Extract, Green Tea Extract, Vegetable Emulsifying Wax, Polysorbate, Yarrow Extract, Fresh Cells of Pomegranate, Pumpkin, & Carrot, Squalane, Soy Amino Acid Complex, Ionic Silica, Ionic Sulphur, Ionic Copper, Ionic Maganezium, Organic Evening Primrose Oil, Organic Carrot Seed Oil, Organic Rosehip Seed Oil, Beta-Glucosamine, L-alpha bisabolol, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Chamomile (L-complex), Cucumber Distillate, Blood Orange, Rosemary, & Potassium Sorbate.

So for those of you who love organic ingredients, especially when it comes to skincare, then definitely look at their website and check out the different products they have. They have tons of stuff from facial care, scrubs, to body care- to suit any skin type: dry skin, oily skin, normal skin, etc.

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Product Review: Ly-Na Pearl Cream

Product: 5 out of 5
Packaging: 3 out of 5
Quality: 5 out of 5
Price: $3-$4, Seafood City Asian Market, or small Asian stores or markets, also available online and on eBay: Veryasia.com, eBay, HerbsDirect
Would I buy again? YES! I buy these by the case load, LOL.

What it does: Removes blackheads, pimples, ephelis and wrinkles.

Direction: Cleanse your face, apply the cream and massage for 2 to 3 minutes, once in the morning and at night. (I personally spritz a little water so it goes on better, MAC Fix+ spray is great too)

Active ingredients: Stearic Acid, Centanol, Lanolin, Glyceryl Monostearate, Isopropyl Myristate, Sulfur, Perfume, Ion Exchange Water, Glycerine, Potassium Hydroxide, Pearl Powder.

Yes, yes, I know that everyone and their momma has raved and blogged about Ly-Na Pearl Cream, but this seriously is a holy grail. I don't use it as much as my sister does but she swears by it and so do I.

I use it when I have a few pimples that I want to zap, but I try to use it every other night, or at least 3 times a week to maintain that "glow". It's basically a medicated paste, and I actually remember my grandma using it all the time when I was younger and I see why! This stuff works miracles!

As a beauty blogger, essentially my curiosity leads me to try different things on my face (skincare, foundations, moisturizers, etc) so my skin can take a beating at times, and doesn't react all that great to certain things...and when I apply the Ly-Na Pearl Cream at night for a few days, my skin dramatically clears up and is back to normal.

PROS:
- Cheap! Only $3 a jar!
- It really worked for my sister, minimized her scars and pimples, and it calms my skin down when it gets crazy, as well as giving a nice glow!
- I like the smell of it
- I like how it's a night-type of a treatment, makes me feel like it has a longer time to "do it's thing", and then I just rinse off in the morning!

CONS:
- The jar packing itself is pretty cheap, it's also very shallow so you don't get as much product in comparison to the size of the jar- but hey it's $3

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Product Review: Mandom Gatsby Black Mega Scrub

Product: 3.5 out of 5
Packaging: 5 out of 5
Overall: 3.5 out of 5
Would I buy again? Yes
Price: Got it on sale for $3, but usually around $5-7. Bought it at a tiny Asian store in Diamond Bar (forgot the name) but also available on Ohayo.com, or Marukai. I also found it HERE.

This scrub falls under the men's skincare line, but I like it regardless, and it's gentle enough for us gals (at least in my opinion), and I know some of you already tried men's facial scrubs before, so this is just another to try!

What it does: Removes dirt and oil from pores with comfortable scrubs. Contains Charcoal powder and three scrubs made of charcoal, different in size, shape, and touch. Leaves your skin refresh after wash. Keeps your skin clean and helps prevent acne. Aqua note scent. Preservative free.

Directions: Take a generous amount onto palm (about 2cm) and create fine foam. Massage through face and rinse well with water. Do not shake the container.

PROS:
- Has a minty-citrus sort of a scent
- Gives a nice cool, refreshing sensation on you face, similar to that of the Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Wash
- I love how it's black and has tiny scrubbing beads that exfoliate the face and help slough off dead skin cells
- Pretty big tube for the price and has a lot of product, better than dealing with messy jars
- Consistency is the same as many facial washes with the beads

CONS:
- Left my face with a tight feeling, almost dry, but I follow-up with moisturizer so it's not so bad

Overall? It's a pretty good product for the price, it's not the best scrub out there I am sure, but it's decent and great for traveling. I like the cooling sensation it gives, leaving your face nice and clean.

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Product Review: Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser

This thing was staring at me for months whenever I went into a store and I never got it because I don't have any blackheads, (but occasionally I do get whiteheads), and didn't really want to spend $16 for it given that I don't have blackheads! But after seeing Tracy's review and how she mentioned it makes a great exfoliator- it made me wanna try it myself since I was in need of one.

I know RiceBunny uses a toothbrush, but I wanted something with more surface area and this little gadget is the perfect size and conforms well to your hand so it's very easy to use. I have had a dry and rough chin for a few weeks due to the weather and the skin was very uneven and blotchy; i've been using this for just a few days and my skin after the first use was already noticeably smoother and more supple. I also noticed how even my skin felt and looked, my chin seriously feels like a baby's bottom! I am DEFINITELY IMPRESSED!

I have NOT tried the wave so I don't know how they compare, but Tracy definitely compares the two on her review on it so check it out. Frankly I like that this has a little bit more oomph (acne fighting part) rather than the wave so it's a plus for me.

Product: 5 out of 5
Packaging: 5 out of 5
Quality: 5 out of 5
Overall: 5 out of 5
Price: $16-17, any 'mart' store or drugstores
Comes with: 20-pack refill pads which contain the blackhead serum, and a battery



How you use it: Place the pad onto the device which is held together by velcro, wet your face or the pad (the device is waterproof, I use mine in the shower), turn on the vibrations, then in circular, upward motions do your entire face or areas that are have or are prone to blackheads to reveal smoother, clearer skin.

PROS:
- Very small and convenient, which makes it perfect to use anywhere, even for traveling
- Easy to use
- Requires a battery that you can replace, and not a built in one so you can use it over and over again
- Comes with 20 pack pads containing acne fighting ingredients as well such as salicylic acid to control and treat acne and blackeads
- They also sell refill packs in 20 (sold separately), so when you are done with your pack you can buy them for $5.99
- Immediate results! My skin is so much more softer and even.

CONS:
- None that I can think of!

Would I buy it again? Yes, at least I only have to buy the refills, but like I said, it makes an AWESOME facial exfoliator, so even if you do not have blackheads, it's great for cell turn over (sloughing off dead skin cells), to reveal more radiant and smoother skin.

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Product Review: Merlot Grape Seed Moisturizer

Product: 4 out of 5
Packaging: 3 out of 5
Quality: 4 out of 5
Overall: 4 out of 5
Price: $14, Walgreens (4 oz.)
Other things to know: It has SPF 15, and they have a night moisturizer as well (with no SPF), you can find more of their amazing products by clicking here.

I know that Tao uses this too and loves it, and I do too!

What they say: Creme de Vin is made of natural red grape seeds polyphenols. It offers sensational antioxidant properties thereby helping to inhibit the aging process.

* Natures most powerful antioxidant
* Anti-Aging
* SPF 15
* Fragrance Free
* Non-Oily

Ingredients:

Purified Water , Grape Seed Polyphenols , Propylene Glycol , Petrolatum , Dimethicone , Chamomile Extract , Cetyl Alcohol , Glyceril Monostearate , Stearic Acid , Phenoxyethanol , Triethanolamine , Carbomer 940 , Comfrey Extract , Aloe Vera , Zinc Oxide

PROS:
- It's non-oily or greasy and I love that, I hate moisturizers that make my face feel sticky and yucky after I apply it, and my skin just absorbs this and feels really nice after, no sticky-ness at all!
- Smells like grapefruit, and for some reason that alone made me already think that it's "working" and was a good moisturizer.
- Big jar, has A LOT of product in it, enough to last you a long time, so well worth the $14! (look how big it is compared to my hand)
- My face has stayed clear and free from blemishes, a lot more softer and supple, and looks more refined and even-toned.
- Paraben-free and has anti-aging antioxidants (grape seed!)
- Has SPF 15

CONS:
- As much as I love the huge jar because you are getting so much product, I personally like pump dispensers so that I don't have to dip my fingers in it and get the cream all in my nails. It's also hard to transfer this into a dispenser because it's quite thick.
- Kinda bulky to travel with but there are some jars that come with a free-travel size version.
- When my skin is really thirsty sometimes, I need to apply more of it because it can feel like it's more on the watery side (it's not) but it's not as thick as normal moisturizers so it's sort of a pro/con.

Overall? Give it a try if you are searching for a new moisturizer. I LOVE this moisturizer! I used it for awhile now and my skin is so supple and clear, I found a lot of other great reviews on it as well on MakeupAlley and other forums, find these reviews: HERE and HERE.



Look how much is in there!

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Reader Question: Daily Skin Regimen

I have been getting some requests as to what my daily skin regimen is, it has since changed since I last posted it a few months back, since I am now a little more ingredients cautious and am currently concentrating on more holistic, natural, or even just mild remedies rather than the ones you find in the drugstore. As crazy as it sounds, my skin regimen is actually REALLY simple and doesn't take a lot of time out of the day or materials either.

I naturally have a baby face in which it's soft and delicate like a baby's skin (sensitive) and my pores are invisible. My skin can be somewhat dry overall, but with seasons I can have an oily t-zone. I rarely break out, but I do get a pimple every now and then if I get careless with taking care of my skin. I notice the less products you use, the better. Also DO NOT overwash your face as that just cleanses your pores stripping your skin of it's natural oils and hence allowing more bacteria to harbor in your pores. In between washings I like Neutrogena's Makeup/Face Wipes (the blue box), or lately, Everyday Minerals Face Wipes.

Again, this is just MY skin regimen, it works great for me because I don't have a lot of blemishes so I don't really need or use a lot of products, just good 'ol face washing to maintain it. So if you do decide to follow any skin regimen, not just mine, be cautious as some products may not work for you.

Castile Oil and Sample of Calamine Bar Soap



Here are some of my favorites (not in any particular order), but just some products I have used in the past as well as recently:



Cleansers:
- Philosophy "Purity" Cleanser, so far so good, only used it 3 times, but it doesn't dry out my face like other cleansers do, also it didn't break me out as of yet like some people have observed when using this product.



- Calamine Soap Bar (www.pureluxecosmetics.com)
I LOOVVVEEE this stuff! Smells great, very mild and gentle on the skin, and it really has cleared my skin up as well as prevent breakouts and keep existing pimples at bay without causing them to reach cystic acne stage.

Pure Luxe describes this wonder soap as: "This soap is excellent for troubled skin. Full of beneficial ingredients all designed to aid and soothe. Made with premium oils such Shea Butter and Emu Oil. Calamine powder (zinc oxide & iron oxide) for its soothing effect, chamomile and hibiscus for soothing anti-inflammatory properties and mild astringency, rose geranium essential oil to help balance sebum and to keep skin supple. Tea tree essential oil for its anti-bacterial and anti-acneic effects, and chamomile essential oil to help soothe irritated skin."

Ingredients: olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, water, cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, calamine powder, ricinus communis (castor) oil, bytospermum parkii (shea) butter, sodium hydroxide, emu oil, matricaria recutita (chamomile), hibiscus sabdariffa (hisiscus flower), anthemis nobilis oil (chamomile essential oil), melaleuca alternifolia oil (tea tree essential oil), pelargonium roseum asperum oil (rose geranium essential oil), sodium lactate, silk fiber

- Oil Cleansing Method (more in depth detail of this method can be found on Lynne's Blog or Christiana's Blog), in which this method is effective as it cleans off your makeup without stripping your skin of its natural oils and leaving it soft and supple. I like this Peppermint Castile Oil I bought from CVS, smells so minty fresh!

Toners:
- I use toners probably twice or three times a week, I like Sea Breeze Toners or Witch Hazel.



Exfoliators:
- I use several scrubs, St. Ives Apricot Scrub, Jason Natural Face Scrub, etc. I exfoliate twice a week. This is nice to do since it gets rid of dead skin cells and leaves you feeling like you have brand new skin!



Eye Cream:
- I wanna try MAC's Moisturelush, I am currently using Neutrogena's Eye Revitalizer, it's okay, not my favorite....

Scar Removal:
- Mederma works!

Moisturizers:
- St. Ives Collagen Elastin, very light-weight moisturizer, not greasy.

Energy Waters:
- Aquafina Facial Hydrating Spray is lovely, contains Vitamin E and Jojoba Oil. Great as a refresher throughout the day as well as a leave in moisturizer. Wal-Mart, $4



REGIMEN:

MORNING (AM):
- Spray Aquafina Face Spray, let it sit. If my face is feeling too dry, then I dab 4 dots of the Collagen Elastin Moisturizer on my face (forehead, cheeks, and chin), then I apply my PRIMER and of course apply my makeup from there.

EVENING (AFTER WORK sometimes):
- I refresh my face with Neutrogena Face Wipes for a quick pick me up by just gently dabbing it on.

NIGHTTIME (PM) BEFORE BED:
- Apply Peppermint Castile Oil all over my face, concentrating on dry areas, then using a face cloth I soak it with tolerable hot water and wring it out, then apply it on my face as in Lynne's demonstration, the steam from the cloth on your face is such a nice treat after a hard day at work!

- I then wash my face with the Calamine Soap Bar which I love! I really believe this bar of soap has made such a difference in the texture and look of my skin.

- Use wipes to wipe off any excess makeup.

- Apply eye cream or on super dry days, Vaseline on my lids and undereye (It doesn't cause pimples or anything for me).

- Apply moisturizer (Collagen Elastin)

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New goodies, silknaturals.com, and Laura Geller Lip and Eye Primer for SALE!

First thing is first, I have another item I am selling, it's a BRAND NEW Laura Geller's Lip and Eye Spackle(Primer)! This is a fabulous DUO and is a definite MUST-HAVE in your purse. These neutralize the color of your lips and eyes accordingly so that lipsticks and eyeshadows are much more vibrant. It also primes these areas to make it smoother for application. This retails at Sephora for $21! And starting bid is $6.50 so bid now ladies and get it while its hot! CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR MAKEUP ADDICTING HANDS ON THIS BABY!




I received my Silknaturals.com order on Friday so I have yet to actually make my own foundation, thought it sounds each with the instructions they include. I plan on doing it soon; so of course I will let you ladies know my review on it, but so far I love how fast they shipped, it looks very promising! It even came in a cute PINK satchel! :)





I also found a BRONZER at the mall (one of those tiny Asian shops), that reminded me of MAC's MSF (mineralized skin finish) in Global Glow. Guess how much! Come on GUESS!!! Ok, ok, it was $2.99! I know right, what a deal! I LOVE it and the smiling sun that stares at me is just SUPER cute!




And got me a cute, travel-sized angled contour brush:


I also bought me some boots at DSW (well the BF did but I picked it out! haha), they were $80 each pair, but I needed some winter stuff and I love the black ones, they look so chic and classy, and ultra comfy!





Whatdya gals think?

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