Amazing Facial Scrub & Mask: Live Clean Fresh Face

A few things that I find that really help to keep my oily *cough* aging *cough* skin look fresh, clear and smooth are deep cleansing clay masks and scrubs. I don't over-use either, as my sensitive skin rebels and freaks out if I use products that are too harsh, or if I use them too often. But weekly or bi-weekly,  I like to do a scrub and mask. Not on the same day, and usually a few days apart, as I don't want to shock my skin. Tip: do scrub, then a day or two later, do the mask. The mask can work better on skin that isn't clogged with dead skin cells.

The facial line of products from Live Clean, Fresh Face, has some very worthwhile products to try, at their fabulous reasonable prices. From their site: "Live Clean Fresh Face promises exceptional performance with a minimum of 98% plant-based ingredients. Infused with a combination of Orchid – the eternal youth flower, anti-oxidant Vitamin C and Certified Organic Botanicals". Based around the brightening and tone improving power of Vitamin C, these are definitely worth trying.

My latest fave scrub is from Live Clean's Fresh Face line, their Smoothing Facial Scrub. It uses natural grains of finely ground Corn Cob to remove dead skin cells and vitamin C to brighten and add radiance. Lovely soothing stuff like aloe, chamomile, buckthorn, and cucumber calm the lovely fresh skin that is left behind after sloughing off the dead dry and dull skin on the surface. I use it once a week at the most, and find it makes a big difference in helping my skin absorb other treatments like moisturizer, and also lets make up sit better on the smoother surface. A tiny bit goes a long way as well. I use a drop or two on my lips to get rid of dry dead skin, and along my bikini line to help exfoliate and avoid ingrowns. Knowing how gentle and pure Fresh Face Smoothing Facial Scrub is makes me feel better about using it in delicate areas.

I love using a clay mask to deep clean pores and to brighten my skin. Makes my skin feel like I've had a facial and feeling squeaky clean. Especially if I've been wearing more make up than usual, sweating a lot, or driving around with the top down in the air with goodness knows what all flying around. Live Clean Fresh Face Deep Cleansing Clay Masque is the perfect solution for that. It only takes around 15 minutes max for this mask to do it's work. Formulated with natural Kaolin,  it deep cleans to remove impurities, absorbs excess surface oil while calming the skin. Like the Fresh Face Scrub,  the Clay Masque also has brightening Vitamin C, and aloe, chamomile, buckthorn and cucumber to calm and sooth skin as well, so all that is left behind is a glow.

Fresh Face Facial Scrub is $19.99 and the Deep Cleansing Clay Mask is $14.99. In Canada, Live Clean is sold at drugstores and Walmart. At this time, only the Live Clean Baby line is available in the United States, although www.well.ca sells the entire Live Clean line including Fresh Face, and they ship to the US.

Clinique Stay-Matte Hydrator Can Take The Heat

Wow. That was my reaction after an afternoon running around in the super heat we are having after using Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Stay-Matte Hydrator. I have been using it in conjunction with my Skinceuticals & Vichy regime and am in love. I use it more like a primer than a simple moisturizer. After applying my serums, eye cream etc, I give them a few minutes to soak in. Then, before using my powder and concealer, I apply the Clinique Stay Matte Hydrator. Wow.

I've been meaning to try the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer, which seems to be the ultimate primer for oily skinned folks. Somehow Clinique Stay-Matte made it into the collection first, perhaps due in part to the raves I read on Future Derm (I really trust her skincare opinions). But she also loves the Hourglass...so next time. Clinique Stay-Matte Hydrator does what it promises, delivering matte skin and keeping pores and oil at bay. It's full of good stuff that controls surface shine and helps control sebum production, as well as some amino sugar skin exfoliating technology that helps keep pores clear of dead surface skin cells, helping them appear smaller and tighter.

Matte skin means less touch-ups....

It dries to a silky texture without the slippery texture of silicone primers (which I hate, they just feel greasy to me) and allow for smooth application of cosmetics. I really just use concealer, powder and bronzer, but I find Clinique Stay-Matte keeps my face looking fresh and non-melty all afternoon. I'd say I get around 4 hours of good looking skin vs 2 max without it. Then, all I need is a quick dusting of oil control powder (review on 2 excellent ones coming...) and I'm good to go.

Verdict? Love. 

Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Stay-Matte Hydrator is $43 and available wherever Clinique is sold.  

Dewy, Plump & Soft Skin: Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 Gel

I am loving Skinceuticals more and more with every product I use. My latest love is for their moisturizing serum, Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 Gel. I am in love with this serum and can't imagine being without it. It's full of the goodness of healing and skin repairing B5, and helps bind moisture to the skin with hyaluronic acid. These simple and amazingly effective ingredients have helped my skin stay smooth and supple. Even after hot summer days of sun, sweating, swimming and just generally feeling dehydrated, this lovely soothing serum gives my skin a dewy glow.

It is recommended as a product to use in conjunction with a Vitamin C (brightening) product and it does seem to work beautifully with my skin routine. I may layer it with a slightly richer cream come the dry and mean days of winter, but for now, this serum is just what the doctor ordered. I am seriously in love with the simplicity and honesty of the Skinceuticals line. There are no empty promises, just simple effective products that deliver on what they promise. Verdict on the Hydrating B5 Gel? Love. 

Skinceuticals buying information is available on their website. US buyers check here and Canadian buyers here. 

Skinceuticals Phyto Corrective Gel Soothes and Beautifies

After being so impressed by Skinceuticals Physical Fusion SPF 50, I had to try their serums. I'd read rave reviews, and I'm on a bit of a serum kick these days as well. Serums are the perfect way to treat the skin as they just sink right in and get to work, and there is something to suit every skin type.

It feels as cool & fresh as a forest stream...

Skinceuticals Phyto Corrective Gel was created for sensitive and problematic skin, and is also oil-free. It is chock full of botanical extracts like cucumber, thyme & a natural alternative to hydroquinone. Anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, it is perfect for acne prone skin. It calms the skin, reducing redness, inflammation as well as discolouration. One of the best parts is how cooling and soothing it feels on the skin. It has become part of my evening routine, and I've come to love the slightly odd and herbal scent as the cool deep green gel sinks into my skin. The scent disappears almost instantly, but the effects of the gel are amazing. Using this in the evening and my Vichy proEVEN in the morning has made my skin even toned and smooth. 

Cucumber thyme lemonade with vodka...yes please.

During this heatwave, and after a busy day of running around in the hot sun, driving with the top down, pelted with wind, dirt and all those nasty free radicals blowing around, nothing soothes and calms my skin better than this. I wish I had a jug of it to bathe head to toe in. It is *that* amazing. Verdict- love. If you have skin that is sensitive, oily, acneic or easily irritated by environmental factors, you must try this.

Skinceuticals are available on their website and at select authorized retailers. Lucky Torontonians can just pop into the divine Gee Beauty for yours.

Mario Badescu- Why Did I Ever Doubt You?

I'm such a magpie with beauty products. There is always a new sparky one that catches my eye and off I run, chasing a new holy grail. I am oily skinned and acne prone, which has always seemed quite unfair, especially when one is, ahem, over forty. My younger daughter is going through the acne roller coaster now: antibiotics- ineffective, retin A- hard to tell. Now she is trying ProActiv and so far so good. Before the ProActiv though we were away and a monster zit reared its head. She was desperate so I got her the old cult fave, Mario Badescu Drying Lotion. You know- the one that looks like Pepto Bismol and smells like, well, Buckley's Cough Medicine or Pine Sol. But it worked on that evil zit and made it into the arsenal of Zit Busters. 

I don't know why, but over the past few weeks my skin decided to freak out and treat me to some lovely cystic acne around my mouth. Maybe the weather? Who knows. Cysts are evil and almost always rooted in hormones which makes them very hard to treat. In a fit of pique and desperation, I busted out the Drying Lotion, gave it a shake, dabbed with a q tip and hoped for the best....

So, what happened? It worked! It kept the monster that was growing at bay for 2 days by using it at night.  Day 3 it started to shrink and by Day 4- today- it is gone! My skin is a tad dry where I applied the lotion, but I would rather have a dry patch than a monster zit or, worse, a scar. The interesting thing is how many people swear by this product and how effective it is. Yet when I looked it up on Beautypedia, it is dismissed as a nothing product with nothing in it that could ever ever ever help with acne. Good thing I read this after buying it and using it successfully or I might have believed it.

Thank you Mario Badescu Drying Lotion! I will never doubt your magical abilities again! Available wherever Mario Badescu is sold for around $17.

Whatever you do, resist and do. Not. Pop.

The Future Called: It Wants It's Sunscreen Back

I love having my mind blown by amahzing skincare and beauty products. Remember Vichy proEVEN? Still loving it, still can't imagine life without it. So, now that Vichy proEVEN has made our skin tone gorgeous, we need to protect it. We knew that already but after a winter of living indoors like trolls under a bridge, the light is coming in through the cracks & as we tear off our layers, we can't forget our sunscreen. Just like the song says.

Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF50 is the latest product to impress me. I am a lover of warm weather and being outside in the sun, but I'm no fool. I keep myself covered in sunscreen at all times to enjoy the rays without cooking and turning into a piece of brown leather. We all know that look- besides being dangerous, it ages us and looks, well, awful. Please don't make me post another photo of Magda from There's Something About Mary. You know who I mean.  Enter Skinceuticals and their lastest sunscreen offering. From their website:

"A groundbreaking, weightless sunscreen featuring color-infused sunscreen technology that provides a universal tint and boosts daily radiance. PHYSICAL FUSION UV DEFENSE SPF 50 offers the photoprotection of trusted broad-spectrum, physical filters, zinc oxide (Z-COTE®) and titanium dioxide, and is enhanced by artemia salina, a plankton extract, to increase the skin’s defenses and resistance to UV and heat stress."

Indirect light - below is sunscreen, almost dripping away, above it is rubbed in.

The formula is a light as water, so even though I know there is a silicone in there, the chemical make up of it is so fine & light that it doesn't bother my sensitive skin. The zinc is also healing and so helpful with oily skin. Sunscreen on the face is a tricky endeavor. The wrong kind causes brutal breakouts, a white cast or turns into a grease slick. My favourite to date has been Shu Uemura Under Base Mousse SPF30. I still love it and likely always will, as it is a genius primer, and keeps shine at bay for hours. But spending a long day in the sun sometimes calls for stronger than SPF30. But the Skinceuticals is as incredible as the Shu with more protection. I've never used a product with this sheer, light as a feather formulation. Super sheer universally flattering shade that enhances skin, ability to hold make up in place, low/no shine and no breakouts. The formula is interesting in that it needs to be shaken before using. It sounds like it has a ball in the bottle like nail polish to help it mix.

The safest spot on the beach...

This is a key part of my summer skin protection arsenal. I plan to get one for my fair skinned/freckle-y daughter, and my oily skinned daughter who is using anti acne products that make her skin extra sensitive to the sun. It's perfect for all of us.

Skinceuticals are available in the US, check here for availability near you. Canadians check here.

Banish Future Blemishes & Hide The Ones You Have With Vichy

I am recent lover of Vichy skincare. After Vichy proEVEN pretty much changed my life and my life and my skin, I have a lot of faith in what Vichy can do for me. Since using Vichy proEVEN my skin tone has changed to the point where my poor concealer collection is gathering dust.  I used to have spots left behind from blemishes that seemed to last forever. I was covering up all the time. Vichy proEVEN has made that unnecessary. I can say honestly as well, that every woman I have recommended proEVEN to have told me the same thing. Usually within the first week of use, they see a dramatic difference.

I do love to use a mask and scrub for my pores still, however. I like a deep cleansing mud-type mask, and I like a scrub that is not too abrasive. Enter Vichy Normaderm Tri-Activ Mask. The website says "a triple action mask that cleanses, exfoliates and mattifies. A formula associating a high concentration of clay, ''peeling'' ingredients and a soothing agent.". And it's true. I don't get irritated or red from using it, and my skin feels baby soft. I like to put it on before the shower and let it dry, then use gentle circular scrubbing motions to rinse it off 10 minutes later in the shower. Use it as a cleanser to thoroughly yet gently eliminate sebum/impurities without drying skin. It also unclogs pores to help reduce blackheads/whiteheads and evens out skin tone. Use it as a mask, and it draws out impurities, as it is enriched with 25% natural clay to remove excess sebum to clarify complexion

The emphasis on this product, besides the efficacy of it, is the gentle formulation. It's hypoallergenic, soap & paraben-free, and made with the famous Vichy thermal spa water. I love it now, but I know I'm going to love it even more in the summer. 

The only concealer I use is one under my eyes, and one to cover the occasional evil zit that decides to set up shop on my face. And the one I am using for that is, big surprise, Vichy Normaderm Anti-Imperfection Stick. My friend uses it and told me she loves it's mattifying qualities as well the fact it is medicated to help up those zits. It's in a nifty twist-up pencil format, which makes it perfect for the purse. The colour is supposed to be universal, which is a bit of a stretch. It's on the darker side, yet not dark enough for a dark complexion. It works for me, and I can dab a little powder on top to lighten it. If I am using self tanner or in the summer, the colour is perfect. It actually helps dry up the little zits without drying out the skin. Most medicated concealers contain so much stuff they dry out the skin, and non-medicated ones can clog pores. Vichy Normaderm Stick is just right. My 16 year old uses on her acne as well and really likes it.

Vichy is available at Canadian drugstores: the Tri-Activ Mask is around $20 for 125ml and the stick is around $15. Vichy Tri-Activ Mask will be available in the US August 2012.

Clean & Fresh Skin With Weleda

One Step Cleanser & Toner and Refining Toner

I'm on a bit of a Weleda kick these days. I love the purity of the products, and the comforting gentle scents. Lately I've been enjoying their One Step Cleanser & Toner and their Refining Toner. They manage to treat my "winter ravaged skin that also went south on holiday" gently while exfoliating yucky dulling dry skin. 

The One Step Cleanser is a really neat product. It has a thin milky consistency that lends itself best to use with a cotton pad. I love it as a refreshing cleanser in the morning. It wakes up my skin, removes excess oil gently and adds a glow. It has a zesty scent that invigorates without being overwhelming. I especially loved it while on holiday after a day walking around in the heat, and it is amazing after a work out. I find the scent a bit strong to use on my eyes, but it does remove eye make up as well if you can tolerate it. My eyes are especially sensitive so your mileage may vary. It is a toner as well but more of a moisturizing toner. My skin feels soft and dewy after cleansing without a hint of tightness at all. SO I would say this would work for different skin types well. It removes the bad but keeps the good. I adore the cobalt blue glass container- it has an old fashioned high quality feel about it, in addition to looking pretty. And the product inside is kept nice and stable. A little of the One Step Cleanser goes a long way so this will last me ages!

The Refining Toner is just fab. I use plain old rosewater obsessively but like to use a toner that will improve the texture and consistency of my skin ie remove dead skin, refine pores and brighten the tone. This toner is full of good stuff like rose and lemon to clarify and tone and I love it. I use it with a cotton pad in the evening after taking off my make up. I find it especially wonderful during times of the month when my skin is a bit oilier and needs a little extra help to stay clear. It definitely adds a glow. 

Weleda is available on their website and most drugstore and health food stores.

Photoshop For Real Life - Make Up Forever HG Powder

How have I not reviewed the amazing Make Up Forever HD Powder? Perhaps because it is such a necessity, I may sadly have taken it for granted. I got into a Twitter discussion about this last week and had such an overwhelming response of shared love for this, I figured it was time to discuss it. 

Make Up Forever ( hereafter known as MUFE) HD Powder is a loose powder that is white and promises to blur just about anything- pores, shine, lines, spots- you name it. Not only does it promise but it delivers.  I got my little jar (they are small...but honestly they last forever) at Sephora and use my own small fluffy brush to apply. When all other make up has been applied, a touch of the HD powder and BOOM! All flaws are gone. And I mean gone. I had to squint in the mirror the first time I used it as I could not believe how perfect my skin appeared. 

I tap a little bit of the powder into the lid, lightly dip the brush in, tap the brush, then "buff" it on, blending thoroughly.  I am generally not a fan of loose powder- messy and not klutz proof, but the little jars of MUFE HD Powder are pretty great. Turn it upside down with the cap on, tap the bottom of the jar with the brush, and you end up with "just enough" powder in the cap to dust down the t-zone. Perfect! Being basically just pure silica, it leaves no trace of colour on the skin and truly works with every skin tone. I use it in place of translucent setting powder and the beauty is with MUFE HD Powder, I need less tinted moisturizer, less concealer- less everything.

But, as with all good things, there is a danger to HD Powder. Blending and a light hand are key, because this miracle stuff has an evil side. There is no pigment, so to speak, in HD Powder, but the silica in it can leave a very visible white cast in bright flash photography if blended judiciously. And even then, if the flash is close to your face and bright, well, there can be issues.  I know you've seen these photos of the stars that look like they stuck their face in a flour bag (or worse...) before heading out....YIKES.

That said, you will still have to pry my MUFE HD Powder from my cold dead hands. This stuff is amazing and really helps you feel polished and presentable when you may otherwise feel shiny and blotchy. Go from shiny or sweaty to cool as a cucumber in a few shakes of your jar. There is really no way to describe the wonderful effect this powder has, so I suggest you get to a Make Up Forever counter and get a demo. I got my powder at Sephora for $30, and they often have a wee size for around $17 that is perfect for purse, gym bag etc. It is one of the best cosmetic purchases. Evah.

Dermaglow Really Makes Me Glow

Now this is a glow....love it

Lately I have been using a Dermaloglow regime. I wrote about their amazing Foaming Cleanser when I first got it, as I could tell right away that it was an amazing and thorough cleanser. But the lotions needed a couple weeks to do their stuff and I wanted to give them a fair shake.

I've been using the Purifying Oil-Free Night Cream for a few weeks now and I love it. It contains willow bark extract, zinc and salicylic acid to help with acne, and has collagen and hyaluronic acid to help fine lines and radiance for a smoother younger appearance. What I find amazing is how gentle this is. It delivers on all points without a tingle, tinge or burn. My skin looks amazing (aside from a hormonal stress cystic bump....le sigh...it never ends...) and feels good too. None of the pain or sensitivity I get from heavy retinol products. It is pretty much scent free and has a lovely light texture that sinks right into the skin while still leaving it feel moisturized. The Dermaglow Purifying Oil-Free Cream contains no parabens, no dyes and no fragrance. I love this product! I top with my Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate and wake up with soft glowy skin. I often wake up with an oil slick on my face, even if I use a retinol product. Not so with Dermaglow.

The Dermaglow Mattifying Oil-Free Daily Lotion is also a new Holy Grail product for me. Again, the light clear texture of Dermaglow products kind of blows my mind. This product slips over the skin and sinks in with a silicone-free formula. It does mattify more than most products I've used although I still need to use a powder. It has anti aging properties and I most definitely feel my fine lines are under control. I cannot be without the plumping qualities of hyaluronic acid and Dermaglow delivers. My skin looks smooth and hydrated all day long. Again- scent and paraben free means it is simple and clean and does not irritate my sensitive oily skin. I've had no breakouts or reactions and my skin feels smoother with an even complexion.

Who doesn't want to glow....

I love the simplicity of the Dermaglow line. Simple packaging, no scent and high quality products that deliver. It is a no nonsense line based on science and using products deliver what they promise. The packaging is simple, clean and modern, as well as practical and hygienic. They have a custom line with products for every skincare need and want. The oil free anti aging line is perfect for me! They are an expensive line if you are comparing to drugstore lines with the tubes of lotion I reviewed in the $50-70 range, but quite on par with department store brands. When a product delivers on what it promises, I will pay. Another random tidbit that makes me feel good about Dermaglow - they have been a major sponsor of Pride week in Toronto, one of the largest organize gay pride festivals in the world. Bravo, Dermaglow!

I am very excited to explore this line further. 

I get my Dermaglow at Shoppers Drug Mart in Canada but it is available in several places. It is a Canadian product but I will find out where International buyers can get this.

I'm Officially In Love With Dermaglow

I've toyed with the Dermaglow line via the samples I get from my friendly neighborhood Shopper's Drug Mart Cosmetic Angels but never really given it a fair shot. They now have a new oil free line that combines oil free and mattifying qualitites with their anti aging science. The issue I have with a lot of anti aging products is that they are often too rich and emollient causing breakouts for my super sensitive and oily skin. This cleanser is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, oily and aging skin like mine.

Get squeaky clean with foamy bubbles!

Today I am reviewing their Foaming Cleanser. It is exactly that, a fragrance free foaming cleanser. I've used a ka-billion cleansers in my time and was not expecting to be overly impressed. It is velvety soft and spreads easily over wet skin, plus, a little goes a long way. And WOW does it clean. Every last drop of make up is removed, even my Urban Decay 24-7 waterproof eyeliner and my Kiehl's Mineral Mascara. Not a hint of a sting in my eyes and my face feels squeaky clean. Not tight and dry but super clean. Amazing that such a gentle cleanser can melt off a day of make up and environmental yuckiness. After cleansing and drying, I do a light mist of rosewater toner (I have been loving this one) and let that soak in before applying my day or night moisturizer. Those reviews will come later but I had to start with this cleanser. At $45 it is not cheap, but a little goes a long way and for results like this, I am willing to pay more. It would take at least 2 go overs with my usual Spectra Gel to get my face this clean! 

Beautiful Clear Skin with La Roche Posay

My oily acne prone skin drives me crazy. I won't complain too much, as oily skin tends to age slower and my mother's smooth lovely skin is proof of that. At any rate, I still don't like breakouts. Taking cod liver oil capsules has made a huge difference (thanks to Beauty Editor's amazing post ) but a bit of topical help is still good. A lot of acne creams make my skin dry & flakey which is a drag. When I have a zit that need healing, or dry flakey skin, La Roche Posay Cicaplast has proven miraculous. Makes sense that another La Roche Posay product would help those little zit buggers before they become a wound. 

I saw La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo at my local pharmacy, being sold with the Effaclar cleanser as a bonus. I decided to give it a try, based on my love of the Cicaplast. From the website: Effaclar Duo is a complete skincare product that combines 4 active ingredients to act on the two main symptoms of skin with imperfections: Severe localised imperfections: Niacinamide and Piroctone Olamine to fight against bacterial proliferation and eliminate imperfections. Pores clogged with sebum: the combination of LHA and Linoleic Acid unclogs pores while eliminating the accumulated dead cells responsible for blockage. These active ingredients are combined with soothing, anti-irritant La Roche-Posay thermal spring water to reduce redness.

The first thing I notice is the texture. It is creamy and milky and quite thin, a light liquid that just melts into the skin. Not thick at all but nor is it drying.  It has a fresh clean scent that I quite like, it feels fresh going on. It doesn't build up or ball off (like some salicylic acid gels) but seems to sink right into the skin. I feel my skin is clearer and brighter since using it. The main thing I really like about Effaclar and La Roche Posay is that they recognize that acne prone and oily skin are also sensitive skin. It took me a long time to realize that by using harsh nasty stuff on my face, it would often freak out and break out even worse. I've found the gentler I am, the better my skin is. Basic gentle cleansing, no violent scrubbing and no harsh creams.  Effaclar Duo is very gentle- trust me.

The Effaclar Gel cleanser that came with the lotion as a bonus is also terrific. I am just as happy with my usual cleanser but this one came in a smallish tube that will be perfect for travel. 

I got my La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo at Shopper's Drug Mart for $25.00, with the cleanser as a free bonus. US buyers can get La Roche Posay online here.

Jeune d'Âge Serum is Beautifully Moisturizing

I love serums for my skin. They are perfect for oily skin types, and feel like they sink right in and get to work doing what they should, ie smoothing, soothing, plumping up wrinkles, shrinking pores etc. Often though, modern serums are full of silicone, giving the illusion of a silky fine liquid. Sadly they just sit on top of your skin, often blocking pores, often causing break outs and rarely doing what they promise. The effective ingredients are so diluted, and frankly how can these products get to my skin and get to work if they have a barrier of silicone there? So frustrating. Enter the gorgeous organic skincare line, Jeune d'Âge. Well, I have to say the gorgeous Jeune d'Âge Serum with it's firming and anti aging qualities manages to do what it promises, beautifully and with rather revolutionary and beautiful packaging to boot. This Serum comes in individually packaged envelopes of product, to keep the synthetic and preservative free product fresh. I actually get two doses out of each package, although they are labeled single dose, which is to ensure you are using fresh product each time. These products use organic ingredients but do not claim to be 100% organic, which is fine by me. Performance is what counts to me, and this serum performs.

I love dewy...

The box contains 30 "single dose" packets but as I find there is more than enough for 2 doses, so I use half each evening, with more than enough to spread over my face and neck. I would not leave a packet open for more use after more than a day, and that is only in my cool dark bedroom. Remember this product is all natural with no nasty chemicals preserving it so freshness is key. Packaging them this way means the Serum is also perfect for travel, just toss a few packets into your make up bag- at this size they are even carry-on friendly. One of the most striking aspects of the packaging is the box the wee packets come in. It is a gorgeous black paper board box, which is made out of flower seed paper. Plant the box when you are done, and watch it grow! Not only that, but it is pretty and elegant and looks lovely sitting on your vanity or bathroom counter. 

The product is simply lovely. It has a luxe rich feel, and one can tell it is full of high quality concentrated ingredients. It is a liquid serum that spreads so easily, and a little goes a very long way. It is practically fragrance free, aside from a slight vegetal or plant like aroma- and by slight I mean hardly noticeable. It soothes the skin as it soaks in, leaving a dewy finish and your skin hydrated and glowing. Not a hint of oily or greasy here. It gives a plump dewy appearance to the skin and really feels deeply moisturized without feeling like it has a coating on it. Any further moisturizers or treatments apply beautifully on top, if one needs, and as winter approaches and we have dry indoor heating I will likely need more on top. In the meantime the serum makes a lovely base for any cosmetics I might use. What I love the most is the way my skin drinks it up, yet doesn't feel dry after wards. It feels like it is full of exactly what my skin needs and wants. Its full of goodies that hydrate, smooth and gently plump the skin, helps to improve fine lines and skin texture and gives us an all over glow. The plumping comes from hyarulonic acids- and the ones used in Jeune d'Âge products are animal friendly, as opposed to most used today which are sourced from- wait for it- rooster comb. Ahem.  Thankfully, even my oily and uber sensitive skin loves it and the fact I have not had one breakout since using it is a testament to the gentle nature of Jeune d'Âge Serum. I have been using a few products from the Jeune d'Âge line that I also love and adore so stay tuned for more reviews. 

Jeune d'Âge Organics are available online on their site and through select salon retailers in the US. At $39.99 for a box of the serum, and only $19 for refill packages for your lovely flower box, the price is amazing. 

Your Best Face™ Restore is Beautiful

I recently received some generous samples from the skincare line Your Best Face. This is an American line and I had not heard of it. It was started by two young smart people who really had an interest in the  technology of skincare. The buzz online was, well, quiet, so I really had no idea what to expect and no preconceived ideas about the line at all. My experience has been quite interesting and I have reserved writing about this line because I wanted to be sure I had really given them a good run. I didn’t want to rave about something then get cystic acne or a rash 2 weeks later. So it has been a little over 2 weeks and I’m ready.

I have been using the Your Best Face Restore product after cleansing my face at night. It is a Vitamin C serum, so the results we hope for would be radiance, even skin tone and hydration. I have used many vitamin C products, some burn my skin, some are so heavy on silicones that they make me break out, and some are unstable and turn into thick sticky blobs while sitting in my night stand. I like to use vitamin C at night, as I feel my clean fresh skin is ready to absorb a rejuvenating product that is as light as YBF Restore. I guess I like the idea of waking up to a fresh face too! The product is a gel like serum-lotion, sort of lighter than a lotion yet richer than a serum. They have a soft almond-y scent that, while inoffensive to me and quite short-lived, may bother some so test first if you are sensitive to scent. That said, Restore is so gentle and soothing and I have not experienced even the smallest bit of irritation.

I honestly loved this product so much I was afraid to write about it. I thought maybe my great skin was just a coincidence. I am skeptical of crazy skincare claims and I spent the first few days of using Restore looking in the mirror- hard- trying to convince myself that the Restore was, indeed, That Good. My skin is smooth, bright and even toned. The little dark spots from the adult acne that continues to vex me (although not as much as before…) seem to be fading before my eyes. My pores look a bit smaller and my skin just looks, well, better. I wake up without, wait for it, an oil slick on my face. Why do we like vitamin C for our skin? Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect the appearance and structure of the skin from damage caused by free radicals, such as the sun rays, pollution and cigarette smoke. Vitamin C helps refresh and improve the brightness and smoothness of skin, and helps smooth skin tone. But the key is the delivery system, and if a lotion doesn't contain a stable vitamin C then you won't get the benefits. The YBF packaging uses the "airless pump" in insulated opaque packaging so you know the product is safe and stable. Wow. I am pretty sure that Restore is silicone free, but am waiting on confirmation from the company.

Verdict- well, amazing. I love this, will buy more, and can’t imagine what I would do without it. I have paired it with the amazing Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate a few times, but that is a bit rich for the extremely hot weather we've had, but also nice after a day in the sun and wind. Again, why this line isn’t Big News is a surprise to me. Incredible.

I am also using the YBF Defend but will talk more about that in another post. You can buy the products from their website and from various other online retailers. A 30 ml bottle of Restore is $120 and I imagine that a bottle would last around 3-4 months. Expensive yes, but for a product that delivers what it promises, and more, I will pay.

The Beauty of Derma E Anti-Wrinkle Gel & Cream

In my never ending quest to stay moisturized without breaking out I try many things. I try to do my research first but often find obscure products that haven’t been reviewed anywhere. I decided to try Derma E as their products are free of parabens and use naturally derived ingredients. They happily provide full disclosure and an ingredient list for all their products which is nice and makes it seem like they have nothing to hide.  Their price point is very reasonable with almost nothing over $20. Derma E products certainly don’t have a lot of “buzz” online, maybe the cream a little but the gel was an unknown. Years ago I used a glycolic gel on my body and then could never find it again and have been looking for a similar smoothing product ever since. The Derma E Vitamin A Retinyl Palmitate Wrinkle Treatment Gel is a fantastic replacement! The Vitamin A Retinyl Palmitate Wrinkle Treatment Crème is also a fantastic product. Palmitate is a form of retinol or vitamin A which helps with aging or acne prone skin. I bought this on a whim to use on my neck, around my eyes and on my décolletage and I am quite pleased with the results.

The  Derma E Vitamin A gel is a nice light gel and is perfect for oilier skins or in hotter weather on its own or if you drier its lovely layered with the Vitamin A crème. I have done this when the temperature dipped down to -30 Celsius and I needed an extra layer of protection from the cold and the indoor heat. The gel feels like an aloe base but it’s not listed in the ingredients- but it is a similar gel texture. It has a very light soft cucumber-ish scent that disappears almost immediately. I used it almost all over at bedtime and after the shower, under my Kiehls Crème de Corps or Nivea Q10. At bedtime I have been using it on my face under my Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate. It is not a strong or irritating vitamin A formulation, but just enough to feel a difference in the texture of my skin. Since using the gel, my skintone is a bit more even and my pores are reduced. I got it for both my daughters as they have inherited my oily skin and it is just the right amount of moisture for them. My younger one will layer a gentle rose day cream on top if she needs an extra boost.

The Derma E Vitamin A crème is lovely. It has a silky texture that is from the glycerin and sesame oil as opposed to silicones, thankfully. It sinks right in and leaves just enough of a dewy finish that stays so one doesn’t feel dry or that you need more product. I LOVE it on my neck on décolletage and around my eyes and whatever extra product is on my hands I rub into my cuticles. It has a very soft scent, a floral scent that makes me think of violets, but again, it does not last and is quite inoffensive. I do my La Mer trick with this product, which is to rub it vigorously between my hands before “rolling” it into my skin. I find this makes a little product go along way and is less likely to irritate my sensitive pores.

All in all these products are a big thumbs up and I will purchase them again. Maybe a case of the gel, I don't want to run out of this stuff. Its's also well priced, you can buy a huge bottle (220ml) for $13. If you are only using it on your face it will last forever! The tub of crème is around $13 as well for around 113 g (approximately half as much product as the gel) and is rich so a little goes a long way. They have a hyaluronic line that I am dying to try, if it performs as well as the Vitamin A line, then sign me up. I have not been able to find it yet though, so stay tuned. My only critique of Derma E is their website. They use vague categories for their products and it is impossible to find anything without using their search function.

 I got my Derma E at Shoppers Drug Mart and I have seen at health food stores as well. Have any of you used this line? What are your thoughts?

Exuberance Silicone-Free Primer is So Beautiful!

I’ve been meaning to review this for awhile, but, like my favourite perfumes, I tend to be at a loss for words when it comes to reviewing things I love. What should be an objective description and assessment comes off as gushing. Well, I guess that’s ok, and gird your loins for some gushing.

I love the “idea” of a make up primer- mattifying, smoothing and a reduction of shine. Sounds good, right? Sadly 99% of primers out there are loaded with silicone. If your primer rolls between your fingers with a lot of “slip” chances are that is the silicone. It’s ubiquitous and I am always amazed at the broad range of beauty products that contain silicone. So back to the Exuberance Beauty Helichrysum Silicone-Free Primer. The soft silky base in this is likely aloe but the real rockstar ingredient in this product is Helichrysm which is a plant in the sunflower family. Helichrysm is known to have unrivaled skin toning and tightening benefits, as well as regenerating qualities. This means it can help with the healing of dark spots, acne, and scars. I am all for healing skincare.

I would go so far to say that not only is this a primer that works well, but it actually improves my skin over time. Exuberance Beauty uses the best botanical ingredients money can buy and it shows. This product is full of luxury- it feels amazing and smells even better. A very soft orange blossom/neroli scent soothes and calms as you apply the product.  The emphasis is on soft as the fragrance is very gentle and dissipates after a few minutes. A little goes a long way and it sinks right into the skin. Results are visible immediately and as a user of very light bases for my make up, I often wear just this with some concealer where I need it (under eyes, sides of nose and random spots-sigh) and some powder and I’m good to go! It feels healing and soothing to my oily, acne prone yet sensitive skin as well as creating a smooth, shine free canvas for make up. My pores appear smaller and it keeps my oil in check. What more could you ask for in a primer? For $36 a 30ml bottle will go a long way, and considering what I’ve spent in the past, this is a small price to pay for the wonderful effects of this primer.

Exuberance Beauty is available on their website and at make up counters at several locations of the Bay

Wake Up Beautiful with Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate

From the Kiehl’s website:

“This lightweight, readily absorbed elixir effectively restores skin's healthy appearance overnight, resulting in smoother, more radiant complexion by morning. Enriched with Squalane, a botanical lipid similar in molecular structure to natural skin lipids, Evening Primrose Oil, rich in Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Essential Oils including Lavender, our formula provides a boost of intensive moisture to depleted skin. These natural oils instantly penetrate the skin surface to help replenish it. Our recovery concentrate works at night when skin is most receptive to repairing itself from daily aggressors. With skin hydrated, supple and soft, rest assured you can say goodnight to tired-looking skin.”

This elixir is an oil and is to be applied at bedtime. It contains 99.8% naturally-derived and paraben-free botanical ingredients. I’ve been meaning to review this for awhile because I LOVE IT. I have always been intrigued by the idea of using oils on my skin. Although I have oily skin, in the past I have flirted with facial oils with success. Shu Uemura cleansing oils are amazing- I keep meaning to buy some but perhaps I didn’t love them enough? Not sure why they haven't found a permanent home with me *makes mental note to revisit*. Dr. Haushka Normalizng Day Oil is another product I’ve loved and often use it in the winter with my moisturizer for some extra protection.  The neat thing about a good quality facial oil treatment is that is doesn’t make you skin oilier, and can actually help with oil production. I was very curious about the Midnight Recovery Concentrate and so when I was at Kiehl’s buying some Crème de Corps the sales associate gave me a couple samples. Rant: Attention cosmetic companies- it has been proven that consumers that try samples of products are more likely to purchase them- note the perfume companies have figured this out, as has Sephora. Kiehl’s is unsurpassed for the generous size of their samples and for the sales associate’s willingness to fork them over. End of rant. Back to my inner glow in a bottle...

All it took was a week of using MRC for me to see a visible change in my skin. My pores became less visible, clogged pores were purged and I noticed a dewy glow to my skin in the morning. This became all the more noticeable when I stopped using MRC to try other products I was asked to review. Almost 3 weeks of not using it and my skin broke out, pores became congested and noticeable again- I was not happy. I am back on my routine and happy to be so. My skin is calming down- smooth, slightly plumped and with a glow. I know, sounds gushy and improbable but if there was one skincare product I had to live with Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate would be the one.