Superfood for your Skin: Products from Youth to the People

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Superfood for your Skin: 

Products from Youth to the People 

Superfood for your skin? Yes, please! 

As someone who loves to eat clean and live a healthy lifestyle, the Youth to the People superfood-based product line really appeals to me! What can I say, I get pumped up about Kale in my salad and Prickly Pear margaritas (okay...so, maybe not *all* my eating is healthy, lol!)...so, you can see how I get excited with those same ingredients in my skincare!!!

Plus, the tree-hugger in me really appreciates brands with natural ingredients and vegan skincare. Yes, I have explored veganism lately, too. While I would love to be 100% vegan, it just was too difficult with a family of varied diets. So, I am leaning towards about 80% vegan these days, with cheats on weekends and a few family dinners a week non-vegan. With that said, I do have an extra appreciation for brands like Youth to the People, that are vegan! Plus, Youth To The People is made up of 100% recyclable packaging which makes such a positive impact on the environment.

I love exploring skincare and have had nice initial results with this skincare line! So, lets jump right into the product details with information directly from Youth to the People:

NEW! Youth To The People | Superberry Hydrate and Glow Oil

This new power-packed formula contains, Maqui, the most antioxidant dense fruit in the world along with açaí and goji to create a potent antioxidant elixir. I am such a fan of using facial oils...and this one is my newest favorite in my oils collection (yes, as a beauty blogger...I love many, but this one is now at the top!!!). 

The Scoop: 

This ultra-enriched, flash absorbing face oil harnesses the nutrients of rare superberries

Maqui, the most antioxidant dense fruit in the world, is combined with açaí and goji to create a potent antioxidant elixir. The formula is infused with intensely hydrating Prickly Pear and Squalane Oil to lock in moisture. Also, this velvety soft formula contains Jojoba and Sunflower Oil to illuminate skin and create a healthy glow.

This oil leaves my skin feeling so lovely!!! The oil has a very light feel and glides on beautifully. After a few minutes it sinks in with no oily residue. It just leaves behind a beautiful luminosity to the skin. It has a super light fruity scent that makes it very refreshing to apply. Now, generally, I do prefer non-scented products for my sensitive skin. However, I must admit that at the same time, appealing scents do draw me in...especially when it is a natural scent of a key ingredient and not a "added scent"...this is a scent of an important active ingredient in the product. 

I use this product in a varitey of ways...I like adding this oil as a drop in my morning SPF/moisturizer, a few drops after cleansing my face, or as the final touch in my skincare routine: smoothing a drop or two after all my skincare treatments. Love it!!! 

Key ingredients:

• Maqui: most antioxidant dense fruit, free radical eliminator, prevents the signs of aging
• Acai: antioxidant rich, Omega 3, 6 and 9 for collagen production, revives dull, dry skin
• Goji: brightens, supports collagen production, increases elasticity
• Moringa: relieves skin fatigue, tightens and firms, and antioxidant-ample
• Prickly Pear: stimulates cell renewal, reduces redness and hyperpigmentation, superior hydrator, and high in betalains
• 100% vegan, cold-pressed ingredients

This awesome oil recently launched and is available on Sephora.com. Youth To The People Superberry Hydrate and Glow Oil retails for $44 on Sephora.com.

Youth to the People | Kale + Green Tea Spinach Vitamins Age Prevention Cleanser: 

We eat it, we drink it, let’s wash with it. lol! Seriously, bring on the Kale ya'll! I love it! Youth to the People's nutrient-rich gel cleanser helps balance your skin while removing daily dirt and toxins to keep your pores fresh and clean. Packed with antioxidant-rich kale, spinach and green tea to give you that fountain-of-youth glow, it also protects you from free radicals and environmental stresses that try to bring you down. 

Key Ingredients:
This cleanser really is loaded with superfoods: Kale, Spinach, Alfalfa, and Green Tea!

I like that this cleanser is both non-drying and gentle on my sensitive skin. It gets my skin completely clean with no residue and without a dry/tight feeling. Plus, I must say that I really like the glass bottle packaging. It is simple, but just my style! I like the look of this on my bathroom counter. It is one of the few products that I leave sitting out as I really like the packaging style! 

Retails for $36.00 at Sephora. 

Youth to the People | Kale + Aloe Sunflower Oil Tripeptide 5 Age Prevention Superfood Eye Cream:

Small but mighty, this nourishing cream delivers vital nutrients with Youth To The People’s proprietary superfood blend of kale and spinach, tried and true aloe, ultra-emollient sunflower oil and an army of reparative vitamins. Equipped with Tripeptide 5 to reduce fine lines and boost collagen plus Crosslinked Hyaluronic Acid to plump and lock in moisture so all eyes are on you!

This eye cream was formulated to combat dryness, lack of firmness, and fine lines and wrinkles. While I don't have lack of firmness, my eye area can tend to be dry, irritated, and some fine lines are apparent. This eye cream works to smooth out my eye area and leaves it feeling hydrated and plump. I like the light feel and fast absorbsion. I struggle with dark under eye circles. While this product doesnt specifically target that issue, I do find that it leaves the eyes prepped well for the concealer that I need to combat the dark circles. So, it layers very well under my makeup! 

Retails for $35.00 at Sephora. 

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Cool as a Cucumber: Kiehl's NEW Cucumber Herbal Conditioning Cleanser

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Cool as a Cucumber: Kiehl's NEW Cucumber Herbal Conditioning Cleanser

This July Kiehl's released their NEW Cucumber Herbal Conditioning Cleanser. This gentle cleanser is a companion product to Kiehl's cult classic Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free Toner (which honestly, I have never tried...but, now I want to, lol!). 

Kiehl’s Cucumber Herbal Conditioning Cleanser is soap-free and sulfate- free non-drying formula. This cleanser is an excellent option for drier and more sensitive skin types. According to Kiehl's, each cucumber within the formula is carefully extracted to maintain the integrity of the ingredient and to preserve its unique benefits.

Kiehl’s Cucumber Herbal Conditioning Cleanser is formulated with cucumbers and plant-based glycerin. I love how this gel-like lotion-y cleanser turns into a super light foam when you are washing your face. I find the formula to be super gentle to my somewhat sensitive skin and somewhat blemish-prone skin. It cleanses completely without over-drying nor leaving me feel stripped of moisture. My skin just feels clean and soft afterwards. This cleanser removes my light makeup and dirt and oil easily. Plus, I love the spa-like herbal scent of the product! I especially like using this for my evening cleansing routine. I love how my skin feels fresh and hydrated after using this cleanser.

Kiehl's NEW Cucumber Herbal Conditioning Cleanser retails for $24.00.

If you are looking for a gentle and somewhat hydrating cleanser that is safe for sensitive and acne-prone skin, then look no further than the Kiehl’s Cucumber Herbal Conditioning Cleanser!

XOXO!!!

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L’OCCITANE Immortelle Precious Collection: Fight Early Signs of Aging

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L’OCCITANE Immortelle Precious Collection: 

Fight Early Signs of Aging with the Power of the Immortelle Flower

It is time for a skincare update! Lately, I am loving using the combination of L'Occitane's Immortelle Precious Intense Cleansing Foam with the Immortelle Precious Mist as part of my cleansing skincare routine. These Immortelle Precious products from L'Occitane leave my skin feeling cleasnsed and refreshed wihout over-drying nor irritating my somewhat sensitive skin. Plus, I get an anti-aging boost from the power of the Immortelle flower. 

L’OCCITANE's Immortelle Precious product range harnesses the exceptional  anti-aging powers of  the immortelle flower. The Immortelle  Precious product range was created specifically to target emerging fine lines and early onset wrinkles; this anti-aging collection helps hydrate and nourish  skin to reveal its youthful glow and natural radiance.

The core ingredient in this collection is a complex patented blend of immortelle cell extract and  essential oil, This formula took years to develop and it boasts a high concentration of active  molecules to target fine lines and emerging wrinkles for more youthful-looking results.

Immortelle Precious Intense Cleansing Foam ($32):

Enriched with organic immortelle floral water and sunflower seed oil, this ultra-rich cleansing foam  lathers to a dense texture to gently help purify the face for clean and fresh skin. Use morning and night to damp skin. Just massage and then rinse off.

I love the dense foam texture of this cleanser! I honestly just love the feel of using this to cleanse my skin. It works great to remove all traces of dirt and debris from my skin as well as removing my makeup! If I have very heavy makeup on (which is rare), I use a makeup remover first. However, for everyday makeup, this cleanser alone removes all traces. 

Immortelle Precious Mist ($16):
Comprised of organic immortelle floral water and soothing chamomile oil, this refreshing, ultra-light  and alcohol-free mist gives skin a much-needed hydration boost as it helps moisturize and revitalize  the face and body.

I like giving my skin a mist of the Immortelle Precious Mist after cleansing my face. I just spray it on my hands and tap it onto my face. You can also use this mist throughout the day to refresh and hydrate your face. In addition, you can use it to set your makeup.

Have you tried the Imortelle Precious Collection from L'Occitane? I would love to hear your thoughts on the other products. I would love to try more from this collection! 

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New From Michael Todd: The Soniclear Petite!

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Introducing the NEW Soniclear Petite from Michael Todd:

Guess What? Michael Todd has just released a NEW Soniclear: The Soniclear Petite Antimicrobial Sonic Skin Cleansing Brush-Tutti Frutti by Michael Todd! This NEW Soniclear Petite is an ULTA exclusive. I just love the convenience of shopping at ULTA. I can get all of my beauty product shopping done in one place. From drugstore-level products, to high end makeup, to luxury and specialty/boutique or organic skincare...ULTA really does have it all. Now I can even find Micheal Todd products at ULTA Beauty! 

I have been a fan and user of the Soniclear brushes from Michael Todd for quite some time. So, I am super excited about the NEW Soniclear Petite Antimicrobial Sonic Skin Cleansing Brush! It is nice to now have a smaller and travel-friendly version of my favorite sonic brush!

The Soniclear Petite Antimicrobial Sonic Skin Cleansing Brush-Tutti Frutti by Michael Todd:

Have you experienced Sonic Cleansing? There really is nothing quite like the clean feeling that you get from a sonic cleansing brush! The best part? The Soniclear Petite Antimicrobial Sonic Skin Cleansing Brush-Tutti Frutti by Michael Todd has some really unique features that set it aside from other sonic cleansing brushes on the market. The Soniclear Petite by Michael Todd is the first sonic cleansing brush on the market with built-in antimicrobial protection! The Soniclear Petite brush's proteciton inhibits up to 99.9% of stain and odor causing bacteria. That is impressive as the drawback to sonic cleansing brushes is the possibility of bacteria on your brush negatively impacting your skin. Well, you don't have to worry about that with this brush! So, your brush stays fresh and bacteria-free longer and you don't have to replace the brush heads quite so frequently. You can get up to 6 months on each brush head (compared to about 3 months with competitor brushes). 

Key Features:

• Waterproof - The Soniclear Petite is waterproof (not merely water resistant) for use in the bath or shower.
• Three Speed Options - Three cleansing speeds enable you to customize your sonic cleansing experience to your specific skin type and skin concerns.
• Cleansing Timer - For even and thorough cleansing, the Soniclear Petite features a built in automatic timer that beeps every 20 seconds to indicate it is time to move to another cleansing area.
• Rechargeable - The Soniclear Petite is rechargeable with the included USB Induction Charger and can provide up to 35 minutes of continuous use on a single charge.

How I Use:

I have somewhat sensitive skin. So, sonic-type skincare brushes work best for me when I use them about every other day. If I use them too frequently, I get irritation brushes. If you do not have sensitive skin, you can use this device up to twice a day. Because of my sensitive skin type, I use my Soniclear Petite Antimicrobial Sonic Skin Cleansing Brush-Tutti Frutti by Michael Todd every other day in the evenings. First, I wet my face and wet the brush. Then I apply one of my favorite cleansers on my face. Next, I turn the brush on and then gently move the brush across my face. The sonic waves micro-massage my face while removing dirt, perspiration, and makeup. 

My Results:

I love the super clean feel that I get with this brush! My skin is so soft and smooth when I use this brush consistently. The Soniclear Petite provides excellent exfoliation which allows my skincare products to absorb better and work better for my skin. Plus, I love that the brush has anti-microbial protection! I don't have to worry about bacteria build up on my brush and I don't have to replace the brush head as frequently as other skincare brushes that I have used in the past. 

If you are looking for a fantastic and travel-friendly anti-microbial sonic brush, be sure to check out the Soniclear Petite Antimicrobial Sonic Skin Cleansing Brush-Tutti Frutti by Michael Todd!

#ULTABeauty #MichaelTodd #Soniclear

@Michaeltoddusa @ULTAbeauty

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The NEW Michael Todd Soniclear Elite Face + Body Sonic Cleansing System: Giveaway!!!

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The NEW Michael Todd Soniclear Elite Face + Body Sonic Cleansing System:

Did you know that Michael Todd has a NEW addition to their Sonic Cleansing collection? Introducing the NEW Michael Todd Soniclear Elite Face + Body Sonic Cleansing System!

I am a huge fan of Michael Todd Skincare. Their Knu Serum and Soniclear Brush have been staples in my beauty routine for awhile (be sure to check out my previous reviews here and here, if you haven't already). They are items and products that I always return to in-between testing out other products for the blog. So, when I heard that a new Soniclear was coming out, you know that I wanted to jump at the chance to try this baby out!

To find out how I like the new Soniclear Elite and to enter the Giveaway for a Soniclear Elite, please click "read more" below!

A Holistic Natural Approach to Skincare: Lets talk about LATHER!

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Exploring and trying out skincare is one of the reasons that I got into blogging! I am certainly a skincare junkie, lol! Great skincare products really do excite me. Especially when I dive into a new (to me) brand and just start exploring. Well, my lastest skincare-crush? LATHER!!! 

LATHER Skincare: "Clean Skin for a Radiant Life":

LATHER certainly does live up to their trademark tagline "Clean Skin for a Radiant Life"! LATHER is an co-concious brand with a holistic and natural approach to skincare. They source natural and organic ingredients and combine them with essential oils to create products that work naturally and provide aromatherapy benefits. They also use recycled packaging materials and have in-store recycling programs. Plus, they work with non-profits like "Clean the World" (gives soap to people in need) and the National Headache Foundation to give back! Isn't it nice to know that a skincare brand that you have grown to love...is worth loving for their environmental-friendly and humanitarian practices! 

My introduction to LATHER skincare: Lets talk products!

To get started with LATHER, I tried out a variety of facial skincare products. To find out how I like LATHER's Toning Eye Gel with Vitamin K, Ultra Mild Face Wash, Facial Polishing Powder, and the Daily Defense Facial Sunscreen, click "read more" below!

Do you PreCleanse? Here is why you should with Dermalogica!

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Have you jumped on the oil cleansing/per-cleanse bandwagon yet? What is a PreCleanse? Is PreCleansing something I need in my life? All good questions! Lets jump into some answers! ;)

Dermalogica's PreCleanse Oil and Wipes are really a revolutionary new way to get the most out of your cleansing process. It is a PreCleanse: a step before cleansing to remove makeup, impurities, pollutants from the enviornment, sunscreens, etc and prep your skin for an ideal cleansing experience with your 2nd step.

Do you ever have this trouble: Where you remove your makeup and cleanse your face (thinking you are completely clean) only to wake up with raccoon eyes in the morning because your eye makeup was not removed all the way? I hate that! Well, a good PreCleanse will eliminate this problem!

Dermalogica has 2 great products for PreCleansing: PreCleanse Oil and PreCleanse Wipes (travel friendly!). Both formulas are water soluble, so they wash away without leaving any residue. Plus, PreCleanse even works for oily skin! Yes, oil on oily skin...sounds like a crazy concept...but it works as oil dissolves oil. I can attest to this as my combo skin is leaning much more towards oily lately and these PreCleansing products certainly do rinse clean, leave me feeling fresh, and wash away my face oils while still leaving me soft. I am impressed!

Dermalogica PreCleanse Oil:
PreCleanse Oil is a lightweight and freshly scented cleansing oil. To use, dispense into dry hands and apply to dry face. Massage to dissolve makeup, surface oil and dirt, concentrating on areas of congestion. Wow, this step is amazing! You can literally see the product breaking down the makeup and melting the dirt right away. Next, you emulsify the product by dampening your hands with water and continuing to massage your face with your wet hands. The product turns into a milky emulsion. I love this step! Next, rinse with warm water (sometimes I like to use a soft washcloth here, too) and follow with your cleanser. This process truly does give you a deeper clean! After my 2nd cleansing step, I especially notice how clean and soft my skin is! This is a truly deep clean (without over-stripping your skin!)

Dermalogica PreCleanse Wipes:
PreCleanse Wipes are biodegradable wipes for healthy skin in a travel-friendly form! To use, wipe over eyes, lips, and face to dissolve makeup, surface oil, and dirt. Then, you add water to the wipe to activate the emulsification process and wipe again over the skin. Next, you rinse and then follow up with your step 2 cleansing (your normal cleanser). These wipes are a great way to get your Dermalogica PreCleanse if you are a "wipes girl"! Also, if you want a really deep clean you can use the wipes and even follow up with the PreCleanse Oil and then your step 2 cleanser.

Do you PreCleanse? Is this something that you would like to try? Honestly, before I tried it, it sounded like "just another step" to add to my beauty routine. Who has time for that? I am always tired in the evenings and ready to just get to bed after a long day. Well, after seeing the results, I am certainly going to try to take the time to PreCleanse with Dermalogica more often! I mean, it just removes my makeup so well and gives me such a great cleanse! I think these products are so effective!

#DoubleCleanse
#iFabboMember

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Celebrate National Oatmeal Day! My Daily Shower Favorites from Aveeno! #AveenoLovesOat

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Did you know that today, October 29th is National Oatmeal Day? Who knew? ;) As an oat-nut and an Aveeno Ambassador, I am going to celebrate National Oatmeal Day by sharing some of my favorite everyday Aveeno products with you and, of course, by having a big bowl of oatmeal for breakfast!

Many times, daily standard products get neglected as far as praise. These are the un-sung heros of our daily routines. Products that work...products that we come back to time and time again. As I was cleaning and organizing my shower this week, I realized that I have not raved about these two daily staples! So, I am going to give them some blog-love today! I have used both of these products off-and on for years and continue to love them today. Lets talk about Aveeno's Positively Smooth Shave Gel and Aveeno's Ultra Calming Foaming Cleanser!

Aveeno is known for their oatmeal based products created with active naturals which are ideal for sensitive skin. While I love my ultra-scented products in the shower, sometimes I need to go "back to the basics" and just use gentle products that are calming to my skin. Honestly, I typically find that these types of gentle basic products actually work better and are more effective on my skin.

Aveeno's Positively Smooth Shave Gel: I hands-down get the best shave from this shave gel. It is an amazingly rich gel that transforms to an awesomely thick and rich foam on your legs. It allows your razor to slide across your skin effortlessly which decreases your chances of razor nicks! This shave gel is formulated with soy and natural emollients. Plus, this formula helps you to naturally minimize the appearance of hair with continued use. Now, who doesn't want that?!?! :)

Aveeno Ultra Calming Foaming Cleanser: This cleanser is unbelievably gentle! I love using this in the shower. Typically, I shower in the mornings and my skin only needs a light cleansing. There is just no need for me to use anything harsh or abrasive to cleanse my skin in the mornings. This gentle cleanser gets my skin clean and leaves my face feeling soft and fresh without feeling at all dry nor tight. It is gentle face cleansing at its best! The product is a liquid with a pump top. The pump releases just the right amount of light foam to cleanse your face. Love this cleanser!!!

What are your everyday favorite staple shower products? Are there products in your routine that you use over and over yet fail to rave about enough? I would love to hear about them! :)

Happy Oatmeal Day!!! xoxo

#AveenoLovesOat

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My Skin Loves: Kate Somerville's Gentle Daily Wash and Mega-C Dual Radiance Serum

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It is time for another update in the My Skin Loves series! This is where I highlight fabulous skincare products that I am currently using and loving. 

My Skin:

Before diving into talking about new products. Let me give ya'll a bit of background on my skin. I have classic combo skin (normal-oily in Spring/Summer and normal-dry in Fall/Winter). I get everything from dry patches to oily spots depending on the fluctuation of my skin. I just turned 40 a few months ago. So, I am *very* interested in anti-aging skincare. I have no major lines or wrinkles yet (whew!). I want to fend those off for as long as I can! So far, I just have fine lines that crop up around my eyes (especially when my skin is dry). I do occasionally break out. Not all the time, but I do get breakouts still. Typically, breakouts are on my chin and occasionally by my nose. I have a few dark spots that arrived with my pregnancy. Luckily, these are gradually fading (but still bothersome). My biggest skincare complaint? My very dark under eye circles. I have hereditary dark circles plus allergies and a general lack of sleep. So, my poor eye area looks haggard! Finding good eye creams and concealers is one of the main reasons I am into skincare and got into beauty blogging! ;)

There is no question, Kate Somerville is one of my Top 5 Skincare Brands. I am always excited to try out products from this line! Recently, I have been testing out Kate Somerville's Gentle Daily Wash and Mega-C Dual Radiance Serum. To find out more about these amazing products and how they worked for my skin, please click "read more" below!

Win It!!! Celebrate Cherry Blossom Season with Hado Labo Tokyo: Review and Giveaway!

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What better way to celebrate Cherry Blossom season than a review/giveaway with Hado Labo Tokyo! Why? The US version of Japan’s best-selling skincare brand, Hada Labo Tokyo, has packaging that features cherry blossoms inspired by a specific branch growing in Kyoto, Japan.

In Japan, cherry blossoms, or sakura, start in the south and make their way in a beautiful bloom up the country. Depending on the year, this happens anytime between mid-March and mid-April.  The Japanese people celebrate this short but brilliant blooming season with a festival called hanami, in which friends and families gather under the sakura to feast and appreciate the flowering trees. 

The United States has several cherry blossom festivals to commemorate the season, starting with the largest in Washington D.C. featuring trees originally gifted from Japan as a sign of friendship between our two countries. Georgia residents and visitors can enjoy Macon’s 32nd Annual Cherry Blossom Festival, while both Brooklyn Botanic Garden and  San Francisco's Japantown offer their own unique takes on the season. 

We actually have a Cherry tree in our back yard here (we live in GA). The beautiful cherry blossoms were my yard's very first sign of Spring! While the blossoms are gone, we can still celebrate the season with this review/giveaway from Hado Labo Tokyo! I am already a huge fan of the products as I use the Hydrating Facial Cleanser practically every day! So, I am thrilled to be able to share these products with you readers through a giveaway. 

To hear more about the Hado Labo Tokyo products including the Hydrating Cleanser and the Replenishing Hydrator and to enter the Giveaway, please click "read more" below!

Relief for Winter-Dry Skin: Products from Aveeno, Lubriderm, and Neutrogena!

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Like many people, my skin gets so dry in the winter. Not just dry...but, itchy, flaky, and even chapped. So, I need to rely on rich and moisturizing products with proven ingredients. With so many products on the market, it can be hard to navigate the drugstore! The best way to search for products? Look for ingredients that are proven effective and that you know work for you. 

I am so excited that I was able to connect with Johnson & Johnson to get a direct quote from  one of the product development scientists over at Johnson & Johnson as well as some other tips and product recommendations from the brand. 

What Ingredients are Helpful for Winter Dry Skin?

“In the winter months, the cold temperatures and decreased humidity can wreak havoc on your skin. We need to use products that contain ingredients such as oatmeal that help prevent dryness and  fortify the skin.” -- Michael Southall, Senior Research Fellow, Research & Development at Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc.

Knowing about the best ingredients and technologies – like Vitamin E, Vitamin B5, Glycerin, Oat and Hydrophobically Modified Polymer (HMP) Technology – is the first step to keeping your skin healthy all winter long.

For Winter-dry skin, I need products that I trust and that are proven to work! What are some of my current staples? Lubriderm Advanced Therapy Moisture Lotion, Aveeno Skin Relief Healing Ointment, and Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser! To find out more about these products, please click "read more" below! :)

The Weekly Question: Would you rather give up your Skincare Routine or Makeup for 2 months? (hint: my picks for favorite bar soaps!)

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Every other Wednesday, the Metro Atlanta Beauty Bloggers answers a beauty-related question just for fun! 

This week's question is...

If you had to either give up ALL makeup for two months or give up your skincare routine for a week and just simply wash your face with soap and water.. which would you pick?

Give Up Makeup or Give Up Skincare Routine???

What would I do? I would give up my skincare routine! If I was forced to choose (thank God we don't have to *really* choose to do this!), I would rather wash my face with soap and water than give up makeup. Mostly, I don't want to give up on using concealer for my dark under eye circles! I don't want to walk around for 2 months looking like I have black eyes. 

Plus, I have a secret...I love bar soap! Really, I do! Typically, I do use liquid cleansers for my face. However, I love bar soap for the shower for my body and I do love a few bar soaps for the face! 

My Picks for Facial Bar Soap:

• Sibu's Sea Buckthorn Cleansing Bar: Oooooh! Ya'll know that I love Sibu. :) Their Sea Buckthorn Cleansing Bar really is amazing. While I do slightly prefer their liquid soap version, I would be totally happy cleansing my face with this wonderful bar for 2 months! If you missed my full review, please check it out here. :) 

 image source

• Dove Sensitive Skin Bar Soap: I will fully admit that I have not used this soap in years. However, this soap was previously one of my standard facial cleansers when I was on Retin-A treatment. It was what my Dermatologist recommended that I use...and I am a rule-follower, so I used it! :) I like the sensitive, unscented version of this soap. :) 

 image source

• Neutrogena Transparent Facial Bars: Here is another old favorite bar soap: Neutrogena's classic glycerin soap!!! I used this for years and would be happy to venture back to it! It is super gentle and leaves you clean without over drying. You really can't go wrong with this bar soap! :)

So, what would you do if you were forced to choose between your Skincare Routine or your Makeup??? What would you give up? 

Also, if you are a bar soap lover, I would really like to hear what your choices are for bar soaps! :) 

As always, thanks for reading! Please be sure to visit the links below to my fellow Atlana area beauty blogger's posts! :) xoxo

  

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Be sure to check out the other Metro Atlanta Beauty Bloggers' blogs!

Ashley Elizabeth from Ashley Elizabeth's Beauty Blog

Brittney from BellBelleBella

Christine from Simply Stine

Cleo from Pretty Little Syko

Dawn from Ritual Beauty

Dionne from Glittery Fingers & Sparkling Toes

Harri from TrailerHood Chic

Kaitlin from Blushing Beauty

Mandy from MandysSecrets

Pam from Pammy Blogs Beauty

Quinn from Mama Fashionista

My Skin Loves: Sibu!!! Facial Cleanser and Eye Cream Review

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It is time for another installment of the "My Skin Loves" skincare blog series! My skin can be temperamental and I typically write about skincare that works well for me. The "My Skin Loves" series highlights the "best of the best" of my home skincare arsenal.

My Skin:

I believe that your skin's needs are constantly changing and you need to evaluate your skin and give it what it needs. Your skin's needs and temperament can fluctuate not only week-to-week or month-to-month, but also day-to-day. It can be complicated and frustrating for sure! Currently, I am pregnant. So, my hormones have been wreaking havoc on my skin. I have changed from my usual "combo" to "combo-oily" and even just straight up "oily". My skin has also been somewhat acne-prone lately through this pregnancy. 

Signs of Aging?

Yes, I am starting to see some signs of aging in my skin. As a women in my late 30s (40 is just around the corner, ya'll!), I am seeing some fine lines around my eyes and even my mouth. While I have not deep lines or wrinkles yet, I do want to keep those at bay. Also, I do have some dark spots emerging. These tend to occur with me during pregnancy and they seem to slowly fade after pregnancy.

Sibu and the Sea Buckthorn Berry:
Sibu Beauty is an entire skincare line designed to deliver the nutrients of the Sea Buckthorn berry to your skin in a pure and natural way. The idea behind Sibu was sparked when the founder traveled to India and met an ayurvedic specialist in Chinese plants and herbs who introduced him to the famed Sea Buckthorn berry.

image: Sibu

What is so great about the Sea Buckthorn Berry? According to Sibu: With over 190 bioactive compounds, sea buckthorn is an unsurpassed source of Omegas 3, 6, and 9. And it's a rich source of the elusive essential fatty acid, Omega-7, an essential fatty acid vital to collagen production and healthy skin, hair and nails.

My Skin Loves: Sibu's Sea Buckthorn Balancing Facial Cleanser and the Sibu Sea Buckthorn Age Defying Eye Cream:
There is no question that my "skin loves" Sibu! The products are gentle and effective and my skin has really improved. Actually, one of these products is my new "Holy Grail" favorite! That does not happen often!!!

To find out more details about both the Sibu Sea Buckthorn Balancing Facial Cleanser and the Sibu Sea Buckthron Age Defying Eye Cream, please click "read more" below!

Need a Super Duper Gentle Cleanser? B. Kamins Vegetable Cleanser

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No, this cleanser is not for cleansing vegetables, lol! It is an all-in-one super gentle cleanser for your face: B. Kamins Laboratories Vegetable Cleanser. The key ingredients in this cleanser include vegetable compounds, like soy, which give the Vegetable Cleanser the ability to easily glide over the skin.

Have you heard of B. Kamins? 

I am new to the Canadian B. Kamins brand and am already a big fan! In addition to this Vegetable Cleanser, I am also in the process of testing out an assortment of facial sunscreens from B. Kamins. So, stay tuned for an upcoming Sunscreen Favorites post which, hint hint, includes 2 SPFs from B. Kamins!!!

B. Kamins knows that consumers of higher-end skincare have big expectations for quality products that produce results. That is certainly how I feel! B. Kamins fuses the visible results of clinical skincare with a luxurious experience. The products are packed with pharmaceutical-grade ingredients and unique natural compounds that products visible results while also being incredibly gentle on your skin. That was the hook for me with this brand! I want results, but not irritation. My skin is very sensitive. So, using gentle products is a big deal for me.

B. Kamins "Bio Maple" Compound:

Apparently the entire B. Kamins product lineup contains something they call the "Bio Maple Compound". "Bio Maple" is a natural compound derived from maple trees. It is effective in hydrating and protecting the skin. The exclusive Bio-Maple Compound is a synergistic naturally occurring balance of anti-oxidants, polyphenols, polysaccharides, minerals, and AHAs extracted and purified from select Canadian maple trees (acer saccharum).

Benefits of the "Bio Maple" Compound:

• Increases Hydration and Skin Plumpness
• Increases Smoothness and Elasticity
• Increases Suppleness, Softness, and Resiliency
• Increases Turnover of New Cells
• Visibly Diminishes the Appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles

So, lets go ahead and dive into this product review! To find out more details about B. Kamins's Vegetable Cleanser, please keep reading!

Skincare from Apothederm: Cleanser, Serum, and Eye Cream

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 Press Sample

It is time for another skincare review! I am excited to report about these products from Apothederm!!!

Apothederm is a relatively new skincare line (2011 launch) that is now available at SFRbeauty.com. Apothederm is a "scientific" skincare line with results-based products that contain researched and patented ingredients. Apothederm specifically feature's its own "SmartPeptides" that are engineered to target fine lines, wrinkles, and stretch marks. They act as cellular messengers to help stimulate and restore critical functions. Plus, the products are all free from parabens, fragrances, phthalates, pore cloggers, and formaldehyde releasing ingredients.

My Skin:
My skin is combination-dry with some oily patches through the t-zone. In addition, my skin is also sensitive. I am in my late 30s. So, I am concerned with minimizing the effects of aging. I do not have any major lines nor wrinkles (yet!). However, I do have some fine lines that crop up around my eyes when my skin gets dehydrated. While I do not break out very often now, in the past my skin has historically been acne-prone and I am still prone to clogged pores. So, I like to steer clear from pore cloggers.

For this review, I tried out Apothederm's Brightening Cleanser, Bright Skin Serum, and Hydrating Eye Cream.

Unleash the Power of the Sea Buckthorn Berry! Sibu's Sea Buckthorn Cleansing Face and Body Bar

Have ya'll heard all of the raves for Sibu Beauty Skincare? I, for one, have been dying to try this brand!

The main component in Sibu Beauty's Skincare is the Sea Buckthorn berry. The entire line is engineered around this ancient and accalimed superfruit.

What is so great about the Sea Buckthorn Berry?
I will fully admit that I have not even heard of the Sea Buckthorn until I tried this line by Sibu! Have you heard of it? The Sea Buckthorn is getting a lot of buzz! I mean, even Dr. Oz calls this berry the "New Miracle Berry".

So, what is the scoop? The Sea Buckthorn is packed with protective nutrients such as Vitamins A, C, E, K, minerals, and carotenoids, flavonoids, antioxidants, polyphenols, and phytosterols. To count them all, the amazing superfruit the Sea Buckthorn berry hosts upwards of 19- identified bio-active nutrients! Wow!  Of all of the nutrients inside this powerhouse berry, the standout components are the Omega Fatty Acids 3, 6, 7, and 9.

The Sea Buckthorn is specifically a good source for rare Omega 7 Fatty Acids. Omega 7, or Palmitoleic Acid, is hard to find in nature. The Sea Buckthorn is actually the main plant-based source for this nutrient! Omega 7 is a naturally occurring skin nutrient. In healthy skin, Omega 7 helps to neutralize free radicals and aids in the production of collagen, a body function that begins to diminish with age. Omega 7 studies have shown improvement in membrane function, skin and tissue hydration, and enhanced elasticity.

The Skinny on the Sea Buckthorn Berries in Sibu Beauty Skincare:

• All Natural
• Wild-Crafted
• Easily Sustainable
• Fair Trade
• Full of Omega 3, 6, 7, & 9
• Natural source of Vitamins A, B, C, & E
• Gluten-free
• Powerful Antioxidant with 190 Bioactive Nutrients

Not only does Sibu Beauty pack the amazing Sea Buckthorn Berry into their products, but also, the company is cruelty-free and vegan and they practice sustainability.

Now that we know the amazing properties of the Sea Buckthorn Berry. Lets specifically talk about the product that I tried out: the Sea Buckthorn Cleansing Face and Body Bar. 

New Favorite Cleanser for my Sensitive Skin: Neutrogena's Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser

It is not every day that you find a new all-time favorite cleanser! I am so excited!!! Sure, I review a lot of cleansers on my blog. I like a lot of them but rarely do I find a cleanser that has potential to be a new all-time favorite Holy Grail cleanser. I think I have found this rare treat with Neutrogena's new Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser!!!

My Skin:
In a nutshell, my skin is combo (combo to oily in summer and combo to dry in the colder months) and sensitive. 

What do I look for in a Cleanser?
For me, the more basic the cleanser the better. My skin is prone to irritation and redness. So, I am all about a cleanser that is super gentle on the skin. I like my cleanser to rinse clean, not leave a residue, and not dry out my skin.

What do I think of this new cleanser from Neutrogena? Keep reading to find out!