FarmHouse Fresh's NEW Mighty Tighty Tumeric & Banana Tightening Mask

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FarmHouse Fresh's NEW Mighty Tighty Tumeric & Banana Tightening Mask:

Now here is a mask for you that sounds good enough to eat, right?!?! Introducing FarmHouse Fresh's NEW Mighty Tighty Tumeric & Banana Tightening Mask! 

With powerhouse ingredients like banana, turmeric, and echinacea, you are destined to see some great results in your skin like tightening and firming as well as boosted radiance. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, while banana pulp and banana peel are rich in bioactive compounds including antioxidants, provitamin A, carotenoids and phenolics that help skin with healthy growth, repair, and protection.

This 98%-natural, vegan mask featuring a phthalate-free, all-natural fragrance, and contains 3 different clays (Illite, Bentonite and Kaolin), which together pull impurities, toxins and excess sebaceous oils from the skin’s surface, helping to purify and detoxify.

FarmHouse Fresh does state that this tingly NEW Mighty Tighty Tumeric & Banana Tightening Mask is not for sensitive skin. I do have somewhat sensitive skin. However, I was still able to tolerate this mask. So, I recommend that you do a patch test before trying this mask if you fall into the sensitive category. 

To use, just apply this mask to gently cleasned skin. Let the mask dry for about 15 minutes and then rinse off with tepid water. 

This mask retails for $30.00 for a 3.2 fl oz jar (which contains approximately 14-18 applications). 

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NEW Glycolic-Infused Skincare from Pixi Beauty: Get Glowing!

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Get Glowing with Pixi's Glycolic-Infused "Glow" line expansions:
I have long been a fan of Pixi's cult-classic Glow Tonic. Well, exciting news: Pixi has expanded their Glow line to include a variety of exciting new products! Introducing Pixi's new Glycolic-infused Glow Mud Cleanser, Glow Mud Mask, Glow Peel Pads, and Overnight Glow Serum!

Glow Mud Cleanser:
This pore-purifying cleanser is a gentle exfoliant and cleanser in one. It is an excellent start to your skincare routine and it can give a "boost" to the other products in the Glow line by Pixi. It is actually quite gentle on my skin. It contains 5% Glycolic acid (to exfoliate), Mud (deep cleans and detoxifies pores), hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and avacado (to plump and nourish your skin). Retails for $24.

Glow Peel Pads:
I am kinda obsessed with peel pads. They are one of my biggest skincare "secrets" for clear skin! I like to use a peel pad about 2 times a week to resurface my skin and keep breakouts away. Whenever I explore a line, I always want to check out their peel pads right away! So, when I found out Pixi now had peel pads, I just had to try them!!! These peel pads contain Pixi's highest concentration of Glycolic acid. They are a powerhouse treatment that helps refine your pores and skin texture. Now, I do have sensitive skin. However, I can still use these with no problems. I just can only use them about 2 times a week. You do feel a slight tingle after you apply them. However, it is not that uncomfortable. To use, you simply swipe them on your face (after cleansing and patting dry) and leave on. After about 2 minutes, rinse off. I follow this with a heavy-duty moisturizer (and no treatment products). These Glow Peel pads give me the most deep-down clean feeling. I just LOVE these!!!

Glow Mud Mask:
I adore skincare masks. I honestly look forward to my home "spa" nights. I try to do a mask at least 1-2 times a week to keep my skin clear and refreshed. This 15-minute facial absorbs oil, draws out impurities, and fights breakouts. The mask contains kaolin and sea salt (to purify skin) and ginseng and aloe vera (to balance skin). I apply after cleansing and leave on 15 minutes. Then I rinse off with tepid water. My skin is left so soft and baby smooth after I use this! I feel that consistent use has helped keep breakouts at bay.

Overnight Glow Serum:
This Overnight Glow Serum works while you sleep! I just love the idea of applying something before bed that will do the work for you overnight. This soothing serum works to smooth fine lines and texure to leave you with smooth glowing skin. This serum contains 10% Glycolic acid, Vitamin A, Cucumber, and Aloe Vera.

I am really loving the Glow line from Pixi! There are so many options for adding Glycolic Acid into your skincare routine. The trick for me is that I can't use all of these products at the same time (that would be too much for my sensitive skin). However, I can pick and choose the items that I am in the mood for or that will work for my skin on that particular day. So, a combination of the cleanser and the Peel Pads, etc. I am loving the results and feel that these products to keep my skin more clear and glowing!

Have you seen or tried these products yet? I would love to hear your thoughts!

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L'Occitane's NEW Addition to the Divine Anti-Aging Collection: The Divine Cream Mask

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L'Occitane's NEW Addition to the Divine Anti-Aging Collection: The Divine Cream Mask:
Did you know that L'Occitane has a new addition to their fabulous Divine Anti-Aging Collection? Introducing: the Divine Cream Mask! This mask is a cream mask with a gorgeous 24K gold-plated massage applicator. The lovely gold applicator actually helps the mask to absorb better for better results: firm and luminous skin! 

I am such a fan of the Divine Collection products. So, I am super excited to share the news of this product. I have tried out a few of the items from the Divine Collection line and have fallen in love with each one! The Divine Cream is actually one of my very favorite face creams! If you are looking for beautifully packaged luxury skincare with unique and effective ingredients, look no further than L'Occitane's Divine Collection! From the lovely scent of these products, to the outstanding ingredients, to packaging so beautiful that you want to display it on your bathroom counter, this collection is one of my all-time skincare favorites!

Apparently I am not the only one who loves this mask! Celebrity makeup artist Andrew Sotomayor offers his input on the Divine Cream Mask:

“This mask is like a deep conditioning treatment for your skin. You can use overnight once per week or every night for a week as an intensive treatment to help skin transition during seasonal changes in weather or before big events like weddings and red carpets. The texture is softer than other masks, so it can be massaged into skin easily, and the special 24K gold plated massaging applicator will boost microcirculation and skin breathing while you sleep for a more rested, soft appearance.” 

To find out more about L'Occitane's fabulous NEW Divine Cream Mask and to hear about some special application tips and my results, please click "read more" below! :)

My Skin Loves: My Latest Favorites from Algenist!

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It is time for another update in my "My Skin Loves" blog series! This is where I highlight what my skin is loving lately! :)

Any other Algenist fans out there? As many of you know, I am a huge fan of the brand! For example: Algenist's Regenerative Daily Moisturizer with SPF 20 is my everyday staple for my Winter Skincare Routine (to learn more, check out my full review here: Algenist Regenerative Daily Moisturizer with SPF 20). Well, I have recently added quite a few new Algenist products to my routine and let me tell you, my skin is loving it!

Here are some of the newest Algenist additions to my current skincare rotation: Algenist's Overnight Restorative Cream, Algenist Multi-Perfecting Pore Corrector Gel Moisturizer, and Algenist's Firming & Lifting Intensive Mask. To find out more about these products please click "read more" below for my reviews! :)

Naturally Simple Products: TruSelf Organics: Facial Mask, Body Butter, and Lipgloss Review!

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Sometimes simple and natural is best! TruSelf Organics embraces this philosophy with their gentle and natural ingredients. I tried out the TruSelf Organics Toning Facial Mask, the TruSelf Organics Raw Body Butter, and the TruSelf Organics Raw Honey Lipgloss, please click through for my review!

My Home Spa: Adovia Purifying Mask

Being a stay-at-home Mom of a 5 month old baby, I need a little self-pampering! But, the demands of an infant and a single income family means that trips to the spa for facials and massages are few and far between.

So, I continue my search for great spa-like products that I can use at home. Even a few minutes soaking in the tub or laying down with my eyes closed and a facial mask on...these little treats can really revive a tired new Mommy like me! Over the next few months, I am going to be posting about all of my various at-home spa-like treatments!

I have become a bit obsessed with facial masks lately! They truly are the perfect 20-minute treat. I find that it is not only easy, but also extremely relaxing to apply a mask before bed. Plus, it really doesn't take that much extra time.

My Skin Background: 

My skin, generally speaking, falls into the normal-dry category.  But, with the warm-hot weather, I am feeling a bit more oily lately. Plus, since having a baby, my hormones are a bit whacked and I have been getting daily oily breakthrough in the t-zone area. This means my skincare must be switched up a bit! My skin rarely breaks out. But, I am a bit "congested" on the chin area. Not zits per-se, but little bumps/clogged pores. In addition, my pores are somewhat large throughout my t-zone region.

My latest mask? Adovia Mineral Skincare Purifying Mud Mask!

My Face Works: I Need to be Firm Sheet Mask

Have you ladies ever tried a sheet mask? What a unique concept? But, a pretty funny looking when it is on your face, lol!

This review is for the My Face Works (mfw) "I need to be Firm" sheet mask. I got a one-time use sample of this mask in my January 2011 Birchbox. My Birchbox Montly Sample Box Subscription is just great for finding new skincare items!

This mask is designed to moisturize, tone, and smooth your skin. The mask itself is made out of silk and it is in a cutout face shape (I know!!! Look at the picture, bizarre!!!). The mask is soaked in a rich and yummy lemon scented serum which contains ingredients such as sodium hyaluronate, witch hazel, and algae. Full sized packages of this product come with 6 individually wrapped sheets for $55 (I know, pricey!!!).
If interested in hearing about my experience with this mask, please keep reading after the jump!

Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask: An Epic Fail

Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask:

Hello my lovely beauty-readers. What shall I call you guys, my lovelies? I am here with a mini-product review. But, this time it is not a rave, but a "Total Fail" or "Epic Fail" for me. I will always be honest with my readers...and if I try something that doesn't work for me...I will let y'all know. Now, keep in mind that I have *very* sensitive skin. So, mostly, this is a heads-up for all you sensitive ladies (and men?) out there.

Honestly, I should have known better than to try a product that has a "sensitive skin" disclaimer on it. And, when I squeezed out the product into my hand and smelled the strong menthol fragrance...well, hello, that should have been my second warning. But, I went ahead and tried it. I had a very mild "spot" (mini pimple)on my forehead, and really felt like doing some sort of treatment.

Well, here's what happened. I applied the product to my t-zone only. It burned my skin immediately and my eyes started watering from the strong menthol fragrance. OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!! I left it on for not even 30 seconds. When I realized that the burning was continuing...and getting worse; so, I took it off. You know, some products might "tingle" a bit upon application...but, this was no tingle...it was a burning sensation. So, I took a wet/warm washcloth and proceeded to remove it. Luckily, it did not leave me red or anything; so, whew!, on that.

I wish I could tell you more about this product, but that is as far as I got. Maybe some of you out there have tried it and had a positive experience? I do have a friend who has been using this for years and totally loves it. But, she must not have the sensitive skin issues that I have (lucky girl!). So, basically, all I can tell you that it is a menthol scented clay-based mask (smooth, no granules) that burned the cr*p out of my skin upon application.

I am thinking the menthol was the culprit in this mask. Really, why does a company add a skin "irritant" (I believe that menthol is a common skin irritant) to a facial mask? Maybe because a "tingling" sensation makes people think a product is working??? The company describes it as a "cooling intensity that builds as it penetrates your pores". I don't know, for me it was just "ouch"! I think this mask could potentially be excellent for mild breakouts (without the menthol) because it has 3.5% of benzol peroxide in a clay base. So, if anyone from Neutrogena ever reads this...just a thought to make a sensitive-version?

Generally, I think Neutrogena is a great brand. Very "dermatologist's office" friendly. In the past, the Foaming Cleaner from Neutrogena used to be one of my staple items.

Oh well...this product is just not for me. A total and epic fail. Heads-up for you sensitive ladies out there!

My search is on for a good clay mask...Please leave suggestions if you have any! I know I have tried Origins in the past and Queen Helene has some suprisingly good ones.