Tag Archives: Skin care

Hate Your Sunscreen Yet?

Posted on July 3, 2012 | 6 Comments

Sunburn Barbie

Sticky, hard to rub in, smells toxic, ghostly white, too greasy, stings your eyes, rolls your makeup and irritates your skin. Are you sick of your facial sunscreen yet? If you’re ready to ditch your current tube, have I got the thing for you (cue the music).

Josie Maran moisturizer sunscreen

Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 40+

In my (humble) opinion Josie Maran has hit it out of the park with her chemical-free moisturizer + sunscreen duo for face, neck and chest. It’s an Argan Oil based moisturizer, with the added benefits of micro-mineral sunscreen and a SPF 40+. The silky, mild lotion (almost a milk) has other skin supporting ingredients like jojoba oil, pomegranate oil, green tea and chamomile.

Here’s why I love it so much:

  • chemical-free sunscreen in SPF 40+
  • feels more like a moisturizer than a sticky sunscreen
  • no white residue — the mineral sunscreens immediately disappear
  • less products, less steps in the morning (1 step, rather than 2)
  • Argan oil moisturizes without looking shiny
  • acts like a make-up primer (now that’s 3 steps covered)

I’ve been using the Joise Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 40+ ($32) for over 5 months now and haven’t had a single complaint with this product. It smells very good (fruity), pumps out easily and my first bottle (the 2.0 oz) lasted 3 months with daily use. I then sent a bottle to my mom for her try out and she loves it too. I’m onto my second bottle now (the jumbo 4 oz) and plan to use this until the end of time.

Reviewers over at Sephora give it 4.7 out of 5 stars. Nearly a perfect score. That’s pretty good if you ask me.

Also, if you’re into natural skincare,  you’ll be happy to know that it’s formulated without: Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Fragrances and Dyes, Petrochemicals, Phthalates, GMOs and Triclosa.

What about the rest of my me?

I’m using the Josie Maran product strictly on my face, neck and chest. For the rest of my body, my go-to sunscreen is still Dr. T’s Supergoop!. Read my review of it over here. This sunscreen gets high marks from my whole family and we buy it in the large size pump, which lasts a fair amount of time. This formula sinks right in, is invisible on skin, leaves a slight sheen, is water-resistant, and free of parabens, fragrance and oxybenzone. Also available at Amazon.com.

Have fun in the sun this week!

x Laura

More posts like this one:

  1. Beauty Reviews: Does Natural Deliver?
  2. Much Ado About Sunscreen
  3. Why is Everyone 35?

→ 6 Comments

Posted in Beauty, Skin care

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

Beauty: Acure Brightening Facial Scrub

Posted on April 23, 2012 | 2 Comments

Acure Organics Skin Brightening Scrub, $15

Last month I was in Pharmaca, the clever vitamin + natural beauty + pharmacy all rolled into one, and a rep from Acure Organics was giving away samples from their skincare line that day. She hooked me up with a few products and after trying them out, the one I went back for was the Brightening Facial Scrub, $15.

What’s In It?

The scrub has three parts to its organic ingredients formula to get you glowing: (1) the sea kelp and walnuts exfoliate, (2) the french clay and lemon peel remove impurities, and (3) the chlorella and raspberry help stimulate new cell growth. All I know is that my complexion is visibly brighter, clearer and actually prompted someone to say, “what are doing differently?” Wow, get me some more of that scrub, pronto!

Pro Tips

How to use it: Get your face really wet and with wet fingers apply a small amount (pea size) to your face. Gently rub it all around, avoiding the eye area and then leave it on for 2 minutes. Rinse off with cool water. The rep says by leaving it to sit on your face for a few minutes, you get added benefits from the active ingredients. By the way, she was 40+ and had gorgeous skin — glowing, dewy and vibrant.

Where To Get Yours

Did you notice that it’s only $15? Their whole product line is extremely affordable, organically-sourced, free of petrochemicals AND supports the fight for breast cancer. Available at Pharmaca, Whole Foods and online at AcureOrganics.com.

What have you tried lately that you love? I’m always interested to hear about what you’re into!

xLaura

More Beauty Reads:

→ 2 Comments

Posted in Beauty, Skin care

Tagged , , ,

Beauty Reviews: Does Natural Deliver?

Posted on August 15, 2011 | 4 Comments

Going Natural

Can natural skincare products deliver the same kind of results as their chemical cousins? I decided to dive into some natural beauty lines this summer and find out. Thanks to a rise in awareness and demand, more botanically-based skincare options are being offered as an alternative choice. Over the years, I’ve found many of the mainstream products (chemically-based) leave my skin red, stingy, irritated, and prone to breakouts. I just thought that was part of the process, but I’m finding it doesn’t necessarily have to be that way.

Last summer, I freaked myself out after reading the Environmental Working Group (EWG) reviews on sunscreens. That was the turning point for me in finding more skin-friendly options that are free of petrochemicals, parabens, and sulfates. Why do I care about limiting those ingredients? Well, since skin is the largest organ on my body, the fewer toxins and allergens absorbed through it, the better for me in the long run. I know it’s a small act of purity, amid a cesspool of daily environmental gook, but it’s a fantasy that’s working for me right now.

Natural Beauty Product Reviews:

Korres Quercetin and Oak Antiaging Collection

I’ve been a longtime fan of the Korres natural skincare products. Their Wild Rose 24-Hour Moisturizer and Brightening Cream has been a staple in my cabinet for over 18 months and I truly love it. Now, I’m expanding my love and shelf space to include their newest set of products, the Quercetin & Oak line.

After reading the hype on the Korres Quercetin & Oak Antiaging Antiwrinkle products, I wanted to try it. The claims are pretty strong, saying that 100% of women saw improved moisture, elasticity and texture and 91% of women saw a reduction in fine lines (with 84% seeing reduction in expression lines). Now I can say my own experience falls right in line. After using the serum ($62) for two months, I’ve noticed a softening of expression lines on my face. Recently, I added the Night Cream ($52) to my regime and now my chest and neck are looking vastly more hydrated and firm. Plus, there were no incidents of break-outs, irritation or redness.

Try before buying at any Sephora to see if you like it. Korres is offering great value set deals, so check that out too. (p.s. I’m not paid by Sephora to say that, I just like them best.)

Dr. T’s Supergoop Sunscreen

There has been a fair amount of belly-aching at my house when it comes to sunscreen. Natural varieties are notoriously annoying when it comes to rubbing in, the ghost-white glow of zinc oxide, and general consistency. Last year, in my Much Ado About Sunscreen post, I named Keys Solar Rx Broad Spectrum Sunblock as my favorite and I still love that product. This year, I was looking for a formula I could get locally and I found it. Doctor T’s Supergoop in both lotion ($28) and wipes ($29) are such great sunscreens. The formula sinks in right away, is invisible on the skin, and it’s highly rated by the EWG for being non-toxic, even though it does contain the chemical, Avobenzone. Technically, it’s not natural, however, the wipes are rated a 2 (out of a risk of 10) and that’s about as safe as you can find. Maybe I shouldn’t have included it, but it’s fantastic, so I did.

Sidenote: My daughter loves the wipes so much, she been putting on her sunblock all summer, by herself, without a fuss (and that goes for my husband too).

Josie Maran DailyMoisturizer SPF 40+  is a hybrid of sunscreen and lotion, infused with Argan Oil from Morocco that delivers a lightweight, but effective veil of moisture along with SPF 40+. It also comes in tinted shades, so you can speed up your morning routine by eliminating the 3-steps of moisturizer + sunscreen + foundation, and replacing it with just one.

I stumbled across Desert Essence Organics Green Apple & Ginger Shampoo and Conditioner ($7) at the local natural foods store. Come to find out, it’s been given two Beauty Awards, one by Fitness Magazine and a Reader’s Choice award at Goodhousekeeping.com. After using it for awhile, it wins my vote for imparting noticeable shine, volume and softness, plus it’s free of parabens, sulfates, dyes and petrochemicals. The bright, juicy smell delivers a nice wake-up-call in the morning.

What is Considered Natural, Anyway?

The classic definition of natural skin care is based on using botanically sourced ingredients currently existing in or formed by nature, without the use of synthetic chemicals, and manufactured in such a way to preserve the integrity of the ingredients.

Recommend

What are your favorite all-natural products? There’s nothing better than getting a recommendation from a friend, so I’d love to hear what you’re using and why you like it.

→ 4 Comments

Posted in Beauty, Fashion, Skin care

Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Beautify, Rinse, Repeat

Posted on December 2, 2010 | 1 Comment

Who’s on the hunt for a cocktail dress? Before I forget to mention it, I’m putting up my daily picks for the season’s Best Cocktail Dresses on my Facebook page. Today’s pick from Tibi is a stunning, plum silk dress with a gorgeous embroidered waist and small cutout in the back. It is dynamite. Go see for yourself!

Just in time for cheek kissing and party rounds, these are my latest and greatest beauty products picks. You know that I test these things, right? I wouldn’t just toss out products to you that I’ve only seen in a magazine. Oh no, these babies have been squirted, patted, slept on and applied religiously for months.

Redken Thickening Lotion 06 Body Building,$15

This is my new holy grail for hair. Gives significant heft to hair without compromising softness or styling ability. For maximum fullness, combine with a root boosting spray at the crown and the Redken Thickening Lotion everywhere else.

 

Ole Hendriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster, $48

Packed with 10% Vitamin C, this daytime serum boosts collagen, smooths skin and brings forth the glow. Sinks into skin quickly offering immediate and long-term hydration. Natural ingredients and absence of parabens and sulfites also make me happy. I follow it with a sunscreen or with Korres Wild Rose 24-Hr Moisturizer.

Korres Quercetin & Oak Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream, $42

Speaking of Korres, I really love their products and this eye cream is impressing me. After receiving a heaping sample from the angels at Sephora, I have been using it for a while (3-4 weeks). No miracles yet at erasing wrinkles, but if you’re looking for a good cream, go get yourself a sample and try it out.

NARS Lip Gloss, $24

This probably seems like a no-brainer to you, but NARS simply makes the best lip gloss I’ve ever tried. It’s pigment rich without being too heavy. It stays on without being too sticky. It shines without being glittery. Let’s put it another way –  it’s gloss for grown-ups.

Let me know what you’re trying and if you like it or not. I love hearing from you. Don’t forget to check out the pretty cocktail dresses on my Facebook page. I’ve been adding a new one every day and have a bunch more lined up for you.

If you’re in the Denver area this weekend, make plans to see the Holiday Fashion Show, benefiting the Volunteers of America and featuring the fashions of big-hitting boutiques Garbarini, Lawrence Covell and Mariel. Show is December 4th and tickets are available at www.voacolorado.org.

Related Items:

Beauty MVPs

Beautiful Skin: Instant Gratification

Beauty Round-up: Winter Skin

 

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Beauty, Fashion, Skin care

Tagged , , , , , ,

More Beauty, Less Beast

Posted on October 5, 2010 | Leave a comment

photo: Allure magazine

There must be something about Fall and the need to generate lists. Maybe as the calendar year begins to wind down, we need to enumerate things and compile our best of experiences. The other day, I put up a link to Vogue’s 100 under $100 list, which featured 100 wallet-friendly items that are absolutely on-trend. Today it’s all about Allure‘s Best of Beauty Awards, which are supposed to be the end-all and be-all of beauty products. You might have already picked up the October 2010 issue of Allure to get your list of 232 award-winning products, all tested and hand-picked by their editors, who must be the best-smelling, dewy-skinned, lovely-locked and best-groomed people on the planet. If not, click the link above and see for yourself.

My Own Field Tests

So, I may not be in the leagues of product-blessed Allure editors, but I did a field test of my own with a few of their 2010 award winners:

Hair

Pantene Pro-V Flat to Volume Shampoo & Conditioner is pretty darn good. I had been using a much more expensive shampoo and conditioner for my hair and this product blows it away. It smells good going on and does deliver big, shiny, lasting volume to my hair. Apparently, the hair gurus at Pantene discovered that 98% of women fall into four hair structure types and began developing formulas to suit them. Fine hair tends to be fragile, flexible, straight and protein-deprived. They introduced an ingredient called HPM Cellulose that boosts the cleaning power without stripping hair, which results in better volume.

The research also reveled that Medium to Thick hair is more inclined to frizz and break. They found an ingredient, Triquat-76, that holds wet and dry conditioners on the strand in a net-like structure, which smooths the cuticle and protect hair against humidity. If you have Medium to Thick hair there is also a Pantene Pro-V shampoo available.

Eyes

Cover Girl LiquilineBlast Eyeliner Pencil in Black Fire & Brown Blaze gives deep, dark, precise lining to your eyes. It works like you’re holding a marker, but is smudge-able (and includes a smudging tip). It stay put and doesn’t wander. Comes off easily. I used it sparingly for daytime, but it really does the trick for a more dramatic nighttime eye.

Maybelline New York EyeStudio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner comes in a pot and includes an application brush. This one allows you to be even more precise with your application by either lining it straight on or smudging it between your lashes. Seems like it might be hard to apply, but actually very easy. I bought the Eggplant for something a little different and it really brings out my eyes. Good for day and night.

Face

L’Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Powder. Lordy, there are a lot of choices when it comes to figuring out which True Match is your true match. If I had been smart, I would have brought the remnants of my old compact with me to the store to figure this out faster. That said, I’m pretty so-so on this powder and wouldn’t recommend it to you, unless you’re trying to combat a lot of shine. I need something less matte and bit more luminous for my dry skin.

Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Corrector is said to break up dark spots in less than three months, but it’s going to take me longer than that. I’ve been using it for about a month now, but can only use it every other night since my skin is so sensitive. It’s already doing a good job of fading spots that started to darken this summer, so I’m staying on track and will continue to use it. If you’re not sensitive to retinols or plant-based exfoliators, you should be able to use this everyday and get faster results.

Click here for the complete Allure Best of Beauty 2010. They have products in all different price ranges, but so many of them are affordable this year. It’s great to know you don’t have to kill your wallet to get great results.

You Might Also Like This:

Beauty MVPs

Beauty Round-up: Winter Skin


Hair

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Beauty, Skin care

Tagged , , , ,