Bio Oil: Is there a cure for stretch marks?

I started using Bio-Oil early in the second trimester of my pregnancy as I was looking for something to prevent stretch marks. As a child going through a growth spurt I developed countless stretch marks on my hips and thighs. I thought I'd be doomed to get stretch marks all over my belly as soon as I got pregnant and desperately wanted to avoid this. I have always been told that stretch marks are genetic and that, if you are predisposed to them, there's no potion in the planet that could prevent them.

But I didn't give up.
Early in my pregnancy I used regular creams and lotions including Palmer's Cocoa Butter. But, upon reviewing Palmer's ingredients, I realized that it didn't contain anything special so I embarked on a search for something better.

I used The Body Shop's Body Butters, and although rich and moisturizing, my skin seemed to need something else.

I came upon a Bio-Oil ad in a pregnancy magazine and was curious. I remember a good friend of mine who swore by treatment oils for the prevention of stretch marks in pregnancy. Particularly, Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil, but at nearly $50 a pop, this little gem seemed too high of an unproved indulgence. Besides, I remember my friend telling me that she would apply the oil and then have to wait around about 20 minutes before getting dressed in order for the Clarins product to absorb, and I am just way too impatient for that.

I bought Bio-Oil and tried it on the same evening. Honestly, I was afraid I'd end up a messy oil slick. But was happy to find out that this little gem absorbed completely within a minute or two.

Initially, I was put off by the heavy fragrance: kind of like a knock off of Chanel No.5, in my opinion. And was surprised that a product marketed to pregnancy women (and their sensitive noses) would have such a heavy scent. But thankfully, the fragrance dissipates quickly.

The first week or so, I only used this at night because I was afraid to stain my work clothes, or the product sticking to my clothes. One morning I got brave and decided to put it on and head to work. I was marveled that it left no residue on my clothes and I started wearing it religiously morning and night.

I even re-applied on those insomnia laden nights when I had nothing better to do :P

I am happy to say that although I carried the baby weight all in my belly, I gave birth without a single stretch mark!!! I definitely think Bio-Oil made all the difference. Obviously, I am prone to stretch marks, but this is simply a product that delivers what it promises.

I am still using Bio Oil post-partum. Having a C-Section, the skin on my belly seems sensitive and tender, and this little serum has helped it regain suppleness and hydration. This product is definitely worth its weight in gold!

Revisited: Philosophy Exfoliating Wash

Remember how I gave a less than dismal review to Philosophy's Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash, but promised to re-review if things changed?
Well, I they have. I have to make good of my promises, even if that mean eating my previous mean review.
I have continued to use the wash daily. (Well, almost). I use it in the mornings, only after I was my face with Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap . because Philosophy's Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash is STILL a terrible product as a face wash (you know to remove residue and actually cleanse= not so good)
But where this product actually delivers on it's promise is on the exfoliating department. Yes, the granules feel a little "science lab-ish" instead of luxurious. (truth be told, this product lacks in presentation) HOWEVER, it has left my skin the smoothest it has been in a long time.

I know after using this in the shower, my foundation will glide on as if I had applied a primer!

Best thing, with this product, a little goes a long way. I have been using a deluxe sample for over a month and I still have product left.

I really wanted to dislike this product. (not sure why, but whatever!) But I don't hate it. Dare I say I love it? *gasp*
Yes. I do.
Not only that, but I will be quick to buy a full size as soon as I run out of this sample.

This *is* and Incredible Pumpkin Peel

MyChelle Incredible Pumpkin Peel has been on my wish list for a while. (months, actually) It gets raves on MUA and I

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

had been contemplating the purchase for a while.

It's $27 dollars. Although not really expensive for a treatment, to me is tad steep for what I consider "cosmetic skincare" (i.e not a staple, an auxiliary to the routine) in other words: to me masks are like the fun, fluffy part of a skincare routine.

Another thing, this mask is tiny! 1.2 oz. Maybe I'm used to the enormity of clay type masks, but this container was a lot smaller than I expected.

Upon opening it, I discovered this masks looks just the batter for my "Most Excellent Pumpkin Bread" batter. ~ Same color, consistency and smells like the batter albeit saturated on the cloves.

It is described as:

"Organic pumpkin puree with pineapple and ginger for ultimate exfoliation and nourishment."

Yum! Sounds delish. (And in my head I thought "and ineffective!")

But I finally took the plunge and bought this.

I leave this on for five minutes and rinse with a warm washcloth.

No tingling or redness whatsoever.

No pain no gain, right?

Nope. LOVE.

This completely smoothed the texture of my skin. Cleared all blackheads (my trusted Paula's Choice 2% liquid was beginning to fail me ) And overall improved the condition of my skin unlike any other product (except for Avene Diacneal)

As far as the puny size of this mask. I found that very, very little is needed for this to be effective. The kin does not need to saturated orange for this to be an effective peel.

Excellent buy. I highly recommend this product.

Next on my mask wish list: Zia Papaya Enzyme and MyChelle Fiesta Fruit Peel.

Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash

I must tell you in advance that I am not a fan of Philosophy facial skin care. I do like their fragrance and body products, but their face products have failed to swoon me.

The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash is no exception. Don't get me wrong, I don't think it's a bad product. It's just kind of meh.

This exfoliating wash sells for $25 for 8 ounces. The price it's kind of high for a cleanser, and OK for an exfoliating treatment.

What do you want to get from this product?

According to the description this product is "designed to effectively cleanse the skin while providing resurfacing benefits. "

Well, the first problem is that the description is misleading in that this product does NOT "effectively cleanse". As a matter of fact, this product hardly cleanses at all.

But I knew that by reading reviews before I used this. You *must* use a separate cleanser. Even though this exfoliating cleanser claims to be gentle enough for daily use, it will not replace your existing cleanser because it just isn't as good at cleansing.

Now for the exfoliating part. This part it does well and without much irritation at all. The granules are very fine and uniform in shape, which makes it less damaging to the skin.

The product lacks glamour: the exfoliation spheres are similar in texture to the Aluminum Oxide abrasive used in sandblasting machines to polish metal in the Dental Technology field.

hmmmm, not so chic.

One of the ingredients (and what I suspect is the main polishing agent) is sodium magnesium silicate.

Sodium magnesium silicate is most commonly used in in cements, passive fire protection, refractories, textile and lumber processing.(Wikipedia)

Now, I'm not going to get all preachy on you about this. I'm sure this ingredient is fine and dandy. I'm sure I've used a lot worse on my skin on a regular basis.

But, why do I want to use this on my skin everyday again?

Yes, my skin felt softer. But it wasn't like "Wow, this is the best ever!"

I will, in all fairness, continue to use what I have until is gone. And if it delivers great results, I will make an updated review.

Until then: meh ~ save your money.

Free Gift + Free Shipping With Ingrown Eliminating Pad Purchase

Bliss Ingrown Eliminator Pads combine 6% glycolic and 2% salicylic acid to gently exfoliate the skin and prevent ingrown hairs, while lavender and green tea soothe. No more bikini bumps this Summer!
But I must admit that my favorite part of this fantastic deal is the hot salt scrub. And I know what you are thinkin: "But I already have a scrub" Well let me tell ya, THIS scrub will leave your legs with celebrity skin. You know what I am taking about: look at the gossip magazines a hunt for pictures as they just arrive from vacations ~ their tanned legs just glowy and smooth from the fantastic spa treatments in the Mediterranean~ Bliss' Hot Salt Scrub will give you 12 ounces of that. And it's FREE! with Free Shipping!!!! What else could a girl want this summer?
Get a free bliss hot salt scrub (6oz) and free shipping when you purchase ingrown eliminating pads. Offer code 069910. Expires 7.15.09.

DIY Beauty: Mask

Because of the dire economic news on the American market, I decided to post a simple and fab "semi-home made" recipe for a mask.
I use powdered clay from the health food store Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay This anhydrous clay keeps fresh for an eternity and costs next to nothing per use.
You can mix this with water (even cheaper) but makes the mixture rather difficult to remove.
OR
You can mix with any liquid or viscous substance. A favorite toner, perhaps?
My favorite "mixer" is Dannon Plain Yogurt (full fat) Not only does adding yogurt make the mask super easy to remove, the mild lactic acids in the yogurt add extra benefits to skin detoxing properties of clay.

A mixing ratio of 1/1 yields the perfect consistency.

BONUS~ Learn from my mistakes:
Adding Apple Cider Vinegar yields the stinkiest mask you could ever imagine. The ACV smell seeped into my pores and took an eternity to dissipate.
Honey I do love honey. But this was the messiest addition ever. Not worth it.
Salt Water Toner May have anti-septic qualities, but this burned my skin.

****************

para Ya que la situación economica en el país esta tetrica, aquí les brindo una receta (medio) caserauna mascara.
Uso arcilla en polvo Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Ya que es super barata y no se daña.
La puedes mezclar con agua (sería aún más barata) pero sería bastante dificil de aclarar.
O le puedes añadir cualquier liquido o substancia viscoza. ¿tu tonificante predilecto? Como no!
Yo prefiero usar el yogurt Danon (sin sabor)
Gracias al yogurt la mascara es facil de aclarar y el ácido lateo ayuda a darle tersura a la piel. Proporción de mezcla 1/1

Aprende de mi:
El vinagre de manzana - sirve pero huele a horrible.
La Miel de Abeja - Tambien sirve pero empata y es muy dificil de quitarse
Tonificante de agua de mal - Me quemo la piel

(pero el yogurt si sirve :)

Soft Awakening: Avene

Allow me to brag now about one of the most luxurious body treatment products in the market: Avene Eluage Corps. Avene is by far one of my favorite brands. I have already raved about Diacneal and Emulsion SPF 50+ Sunscreen. I really wasn't planning on trying this product, but my brother send me a care package containing this recently. I've been using regularly since and with each application I am even more delighted to have gotten it.

The texture is light and less greasy than most lotions. This treatment formula contain s hyaluronic acid and Retinaldehyde. It claims to firm, smooth and moisturize.

Honestly, I don't know about firming. But it definitely smooths and moisturizes. But what I love the most about this is its fragrance. It's hard to describe but it reminds me of early morning outings and orange blossoms.

I prefer to use this at night. One of my treats to unwind. Ever since I got this I wake up to smooth, radiant skin. ***love***

Dejame contarte de una de las cremas de lujos mas bellas que he probado: Avene Eluage Corps. Avene es una de mis marcas predilectas. A mi me fascina el Diacneal y el bloqueador solar Emulsion SPF 50+...

La verdad es que no tenía pensado probar este producto, pero mi hermano me lo mando del exterior. Cada vez que me pongo este producto me encanta más!

La crema tiene una textura ligera que humecta divinamente. Según el paquete, este es un producto anti-edad que reafirma, alisa e hydrata.

No se si reafirmara, pero la verdad es que me deja la piel hecha un sedal. Pero lo que más me gusta de este producto es que su fragrancia. Huele a viajes mañaneros, depertares trempranos y naranjales.

Me gusta usarla de noche, para asi despertar con la piel suavizada y...felices sueños. Que encanto!

Do you practice sun avoidance?

Image via Wikipedia

The U.S is nation of extremes, at least when it goes to sun exposure.
While there are at least 10 tanning salons within a 5 mile radius in my town, there are also those that go through great lengths to avoid the sun.

Some women often skip lunch to lay on a tanning bed on their work lunch break, while some sport parasols and long sleeves in the scorching heat of this Tropical Summer.

Common sun avoidance technique listed below have developed as a protest to the "baking in baby oil" craze of the 80's, increased awareness of sun/skin cancer links, or just a vanity driven attempt to postpone "wrinkleage" as much as possible.


Which one of these common sun avoidance techniques do you practice?

• Wear sunscreen at all times

• Avoid the sun between 10p.m-4 p.m.
• Wear parasols when walking outside.

• Big sunglasses at all time

• Wide brim hats
• Avoid the beach at all costs
• Avoid unnecessary daytime activities
• UV protecting window tinting.
• Long sleeves and pants, always.

Neutrogena Dry Touch: The Least Sticky US Sunscreen

Don't you hate it everytime you put sunscreen on and you face looks and feels like it has just been buttered? Well, until recently the only way to get adequate sun protection was to slather a super heavy concoction that was virtually impossible to wear under make-up.
Along comes Neutrogena with it's Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 55. Not only is this formula stable (with Helioplex) this is an actually cosmetically pleasing formular that mattifies and lasts.

PROS:

• Stable ~ Helioplex is a patented blend of Avobenzone 3%, Homosolate 10%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 2.8% and Oxybenzone 6%
• Consistency ~ This formula goes on creamy but it sinks in leavy a velvety finish that even absorbs excess oil
• Broad Spectrum Protection ~ Provides protection agains both UVA and UVB rays
• Oil Free ~ Need I say more?
• Waterproof and Sweatproof ~ Great for the beach and for working out outdoors
• Non-Comedogenic ~ Alas! One of the few sunscreens that doesn't break me out into a cystic mess
• Availbility ~ Widely available in the US. (rare thing for a stable formula)
• Price ~ At around $10, it break the bank !

CONS:

• Fragrance ~ Personally, I don't mind the fragrance, but a lot of people with allergies seem to be really suceptable. It is rather strongly scented, but *shrugs*
• Waterproof ~ Although this is a great selling point for a sunscreen, IMO; waterproof means that you have to use an oil based cleanser in order to fully remove the product ~ I love DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
  
  
• Sensitivity ~ Although this product claims to be suitable for sensitive skin. I find that if I use my usual anti-acne skin "actives" this stings my face quite a bit. Not enough to prevent me from using it, but enought to redden my skin.

Overall, this is a fantastic product and my most favorite U.S Sunscreen by far!

Want Radiant, Smoother Skin? Try this 10 Minute Treatment

(image from www.renskincare.com)

REN Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask - that's quite a big name for such an unassuming product! But this is yet another product that delivers! This mask smells and looks like apricot preserves. I didn't think it would do much as most cosmetically pleasing products, often disappoint in the performance department. A few minutes after putting this one, I noticed a little tingling ~nothing bad~ just tingling. I kept this one for just short of 10 minutes and rinsed with a warm washcloth.

• My skin glowed! Next morning my skin was still glowing and noticeably smoother.
• Foundation and concealer applied effortlessly.

Just last week I totally forgot about my weekly REN Glycolactic Mask ritual and I could definitely tell the difference. Not that my skin looked bad, it's just that it didn't have the healthy, lit from within look that this peel mask gives it. Yes it's pricey at $55 but it lasts and truly delivers. This product is worth its weight in gold!

Fresh Lip Balm: Worth $22.50?

Fresh Sugar Lip Balm costs $22.50. But, Is it worth it???

I know loving Fresh is trendy, all the "cool people" love Fresh. It's "natural", "green" whatever.
It is still not worth $22.50 for 0.15 oz of product. That equals out to $150/Oz. of lip balm. You're kidding. Right?
I'll give them this: the ingredients are natural:

Beeswax, Castor Seed Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Decyl Olver Esters, Grape Seed Oil, Fragrance Carnauba Wax, Wheat Germ Oil, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Avocado Oil, Sucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate, Safflower Seed OiI, Apricot Kernel Oil, Black Currant Seed Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Macadamia Seed Oil, Retinyl Palmitate, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Tocopherol, BHT

So why the extra expense?

The product acts similarly to my Burt Bee's Lip Balm. It does an OK job at protecting lips from chapping. That's it.

But, as the matter of fact, I actually prefer my Burt Bee's. It may not be as glamorous coming out of my purse as Fresh: dressed in it's sleek brown casing, ready to tell the world "look at me! I AM sooooo fabulous" But at $3 a pop, my Burt Bee's never disappoints. Nor does it melt all over the place as soon as it's exposed to Tropical Summers.

Why does this product have such a cult following?

Blackheads No More! ~ Beat Acne Series

Paula's Choice 2% Beta Hydroxy Acid Liquid delivers on a promise many products make, but the majority fail miserably on: This product virtually eliminates blackheads!

If you've been struggling with this unsightly form of acne, you need to try this PC's 2% BHA Liquid.

It's a simple, slightly tacky liquid that with regular use dissolves blackheads and unclogges pores.

This slightly tacky liquid also serves as a great "pre-clay-mask-prep" for the skin. I think this facilitates the pore cleansing action of many masks.

This product is very thin. Think more of a toner (without the refreshing qualities) So it is very applied as a mist. (a spray attachment is sold separatly on-line) You can spray it on a cotton pad (a bit of a waste, I think) OR Mist it on your clean hands and apply a thin layer on your face.

Wait until this sinks in (it might take a few minutes) and proceed with the rest of your routine.

It is available from cosmeticscop.com


******

Paula's Choice 2% Beta Hydroxy Acid Liquid es uno de los pocos productos que SI sirven a eliminar los puntos negros (barritos)

Si tu sufres con este tipo de acne, tu tienes que probar este producto!

Es un liquido, algo pegajozo que disuelve los puntos negros y limpia los poros.

Tambien sirve para prepar la piel antes de la aplicacion de mascaras de arcilla. Ya que parece facilitar la limpieza de los poros al levantar de las impuresas profundas.

Paula's Choice 2% Beta Hydroxy Acid Liquid no es un tratamiento espeso si un liquido fluido (como un tonificante, pero sin tener propiedades refrescantes) Por lo cual combiene comprar un rociador que venden por separado en el sitio web. Ya que a mi me parece que aplicarlo en un pedazo de algodon es desperdiciar demasiado producto.

Asi que rociate el producto en las manos limpias y aplicate una ligera capa en la piel. Espera un par de minutos a que se absorba y continua con el resto de tu rutina.

Disponible en : cosmeticscop.com

Granule Free Exfoliant

If, like me, you have sensitive skin; you have probably found that most exfoliators leave your skin hyper-sensitive, red and irritated. (I still have nightmares of St. Ives Apricot Scrub)

So any I normally run away from any product that claims to "exfoliate"

Yves Saint Laurent Gommage is different: it doesn't have ANY granules whatsoever. Instead it has the texture of honey and works with sugars and oils instead of harsh chemicals.

It must be massaged onto dry skin until the thick textures liquifies. That's when you know the product is done working.

Then, rinse with warm water: it turns into a thin milk. And voila! Soft, even skin without a trace of irritation.

2.5 oz retail for $44 (but the bottle lasts forever!) Available from http://www.yslbeautyus.com/

Si como yo, tu tienes la piel sensible, seguro que la mayoria de los productos exfoliantes tambien te dejan la piel roja e irritada. (Aun me da pesadillas pensar en productos como el St. Ives Apricot Scrub)

Yo le salgo corriendo a llamados "exfoliantes"

Pero Yves Saint Laurent Gommage es distinto: Es como una miel baso es azulares y aceites en vez de quimicos irritantes.

Se masajea sobre la cara seca hasta que la textura se vuelve liquida.

Despues se aclara con agua tibia y ya! Piel super suave, sin nada de irritacion.

Cuesta $44

ROC Retinol Correction Eye Cream

This could possibly be the best eye cream I have ever tried! ~ and I've tried a LOT!

The consistency is like that of a cleansing milk: not your usual eye cream. It doesn't leave a ticky residue and it wears well under concealer.

If you have a very dry eye area, I recommend layer an emollient eye balm over it. But definetly don't skip this!

Within two weeks I've noticed a dramatic improvement in the fine lines around my eyes. My eye area appears brighter (and I'm a total non-believer when it comes to claims of "dark circle reduction)

Also, this comes in a tube, so no dipping my fingers (or fingernails) into a jar ~ yuck!

Also, this mixes beautifully with my MAC concealer for a simple and flawless application.

Under $25 and widely available. What more could one want?

Esta crema puede que sea la mejor crema para los ojos que yo he probado (y la verdad es que he probado una cantidad!)

Es bastante ligera. Como una locion limpiadora y no tan espesa como la mayoria de las cremas.

No deja la piel pegajosa.

Si tines la piel bastante seca, te recomiendo que te pongas una crema mas pesada *encima* de esta, pero no la dejes de usar!

Despues de dos semanas de uso, he notado que tengo menos "arrugitas" alrededor de los ojos y hasta parece que me ha aclarecido las ojeras (y eso que yo, por lo general, no creo que en productos que prometen "borrar ojeras")

Tambien, esta biene en un tubito (no en jarra) Asi que nada de meter los dedos (ni las unas) y quedar empatados de crema!

Y este producto se mezcla increiblemente con mi maquillaje MAC.

Cuesta menos de $25 y se puede comprar en tiendas populares

Zia Papaya Enzyme Mask

I want to try you....

My newest skincare lemming.

This product lures me with promises of softer more radiant skin AND it's Vegan-ness.

Me wants!

*************

Me gustaria probar esta mascarilla.

Mi deseo mas reciente.

Este producto me atrae con sus promesas de tersura y nitides para la piel, y hasta es un producto vegano!

Yo quiero!

Quench parched acne prone skin

Normally I don't use a moisturizer. I have oly skin and I just don't like the feel of most moiturizer. I bought Avene Clean AC because I decided to aggresively treat my skin with a number of "actives" and was antipating a major peeling session. I can honestly say that I love this product.
I wouldn't dream of using it daily because it's way to rich for my oily skin. But it works wonders as an "as-needed" treatment for dehydration caused by acne treatments.
It's $16 at drugstore.com




Por lo general yo no uso humectantes porque tengo la piel grasosa. Pero se me dio por comprar Avene Clean AC porque ya que estoy tratando mi acne con productos fuertes, sabia que se iba a deshidratar.
La verdad es que me fascina, solo lo uso cuando la piel se me reseca (no ha diario ye que es demasiado cremoso) Pero me parece una maravilla para tratar la piel resecada por productos quimicos.

Neutrogena Ultimate Sport Sunblock Lotion

I went to the beach twice last weekend (and then again today) So I was looking for a sunblock that would really protect my skin. Since I've been treating my face and chest with numerous chemicals I *know* I have protect my skin as much as I can. I love, love my Avene sunblock but its waaaay to expensive to use all over.

So I bought this because lately I've been hearing wonders about Neutrogena's Helioplex.

I've been using at the beach and I still get some color. Nothing bad. No burn, but obviously damaging rays are still getting through.

It's not greasy or overly white. It has a slightly manly "cologne" like fragrance--not bad though.

Retails for about $10.

Some people complain this bruns their eyes. It's a BODY sunscreen. Do not misuse the product and then whine about it! (There's a Face version of this with no fragrance)

*****************

Fui a la playa la semana pasada un par de veces. Asi que he estado buscando un bloqueador solar bueno. Sobre todo porque estoy usando una cantidad de productos "activos" y se que me tengo que proteger muchisimo.

A mi me encanta mi bloqueador Avene, pero resultaria carisimo usar el tubito en todo el cuerpo.

Asi que compre este producto porque he leido maravillas del complejo "Helioplex" que tienen los productos de Neutrogena.

Use este producto en la playa; pero me de todas formas me broncie un poco. No me queme, ni nada. Pero el bronceado quiere decir que el bloqueador no es completamente efectivo encontra de los rayos solares.

El producto no es grasoso, ni supremamente blanco. Huele un poco a colonia y cuesta mas o menos $10 dolares.

He leido que gente se lamenta de que este producto les hace arder los ojos. Pero este es un bloqueador para el CUERPO, no para la cara.

Neutrogena hace un bloqueador sin fragancia especificamente para la cara. Asi que dejen de quejarse!

REN Detox Mask

This little beauty ain't your plain old clay mask. REN Multi Mineral Pore Minimising Detox Mask is all that its long name claims to be: It's a fantastic treatment against blackheads and skin congestion.

I got a sample of this at Sephora and didn't use it for the longest time. I seriously thought this was just an overpriced version of Queen Helene Mint Julep. But when I actually tried it I was impressed: this did NOT irritate my skin while on and it was suprisingly easy to remove. I hate, HATE removing clay masks: I feel like I am removing cement from my skin and they usually leave my skin red and "angry"--no matter how painstakingly gently I try to be.

Unlike most clay masks, this product dries gently on the skin as well. No uncomfortable tingling.

AND this mask comes off with ease, revealing tighter, cleaner looking pores.

While I thought things couldn't get any better, I tried this mask shortly after treating my skin with Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid and the results were even better!

Close to miraculous, if I say so myself.

At $34 the price is a little stiff for a clay mask, but considering this product actually delivers it seems like a small price to pay for no more blackheads.

Esta máscara de barro (arcilla) es una maravilla mucho más avanzada a las mascaras de antaño. REN Multi Mineral Pore Minimising Detox es todo lo que su largo nombre promete: Es un tratamiento fantástico para las espinillas y la piel congestionada.
Me dieron una muestra en Sephora y la utilice inmediatamente: Yo estaba convencida de la que se trataba de una versión carísima de Queen Helene Mint Julep. Pero en cuanto la probé me fascino: No me irrito la piel, y es súper fácil de limpiarse de la piel. Por lo general yo detesto quitarme las máscaras de arcilla: Porque algunas se endurecen como cemento A diferencia de la mayoría de las máscaras de barro, este producto se seca suavemente en la piel. No incómodo hormigueo, ni resequedad.
Cuesta $ 34 lo cual es bastante caro para una máscara de barro, pero teniendo en cuenta este producto ofrece realmente parece un pequeño precio a pagar por no más espinillas.

When "sensitive" claims do not live up...

I ran out of my HG cleanser recently, Dr. Bronner's Baby Mild, and didn't have time to go to Whole Foods for a new bottle. I went to the grocery store and looked around for an insane amount of time and tried to pick something that sounded "innocent" and not aggravating to my skin.

I have managed to keep my skin fairly under controlled and the thought of changing a step was too much. But I didn't have a choice.

I narrowed it down to four finalist and opted for Olay Sensitive Skin Face Wash because it is fragrance free and seems to have a very minimalist list of ingredients --So I figured: less chance for irritations. right? Wrong!

I've used this for about a week and my skin does NOT find this suitable at all. My skin feels "hot" after I use it. And the feeling doesn't subside. And I am actually breaking out in several different spots.

I've since read several reviews on this cleanser from people that complained of breakouts. Honestly, I thought: "whiney people! - there's NO way this could be the culprit"-- Now I eat my words.

WTF? How could a cleanser marketed to sentive skin irritating my skin never crossed my mind.

Until now. Here I sit, hoping that my beloved Diacneal will cure my current skin woes while I vow to never stray from what works. EDITED: Ok, OK. I now I *just* vowed never to stray. But that's not true. I'm kind of addicted to skin care and make up. I love the research, the find...as they say "the skin is always clearer on the other side"

rating 0 out of 5. This sucked!



El otro día se me acabo el limpiador facial (Dr. Bronner's Baby Mild Castile Soap) y solo tuve tiempo de ir al supermecado (en vez de la tienda especializada a donde venden el que me gusta)
Leí los ingredientes de la mayoria de los que tenian disponibles. Me decidi por Olay Sensitive Skin Face Wash porque esta recomendado para las pieles sensibles y sus ingredientes parecian los mas "inofensivos" que habian.
Ultimamente, la piel se me habia mejorado en cantidad y la verdad es que tenia miedo de cambiar cualquier paso de mi rutina. Pero no tuve otra opcion ya que estaba de prisa y tenia que comprar "algo".
¡Que desastre! Use este por una semana y me sento mal.
Note que me deja la cara super reseca. Lo cual es muy raro ya que yo tengo la piel grasosa y, por lo general casi nada me reseca. Tambien me di cuenta que despues de lavarme la cara, se me sentia como un calor interno en la cara.
Lo continue usando porque estaba de viajes, sin modo de conseguir el mio y no queria dormirme con el maquillaje puesto.
Les cuento que este producto me broto la cara horriblemente! No se como es posible que un producto especificado para la piel sensible me hubiese hecho tanto daño, pero así fue.
¿Viste lo que me paso por andar tratando productos nuevos?
¡Que rabia!

An Apple a Day...

I must admit that I was tempted to shun this product based on the name of the company alone: Juice Beauty.
I immediately associated this with a certain brand known by its over-hyped, over-priced lounge wear and tacky jewelry that it's better suited to be hanging from the rear view mirror on a N.Y Cab than on the neck of any human being.
But I digress.
Recently I went to Sephora and was given a choice of samples.
Being in search of a good peel, I chose Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel because it was specifically geared to sensitive skin AND I love green apples :P
Normally I have really bad luck with peels. Even the so called "daily" peels leave me blistering for a week at a time after just one use.

I was hoping that since I've recently incorporated "actives" into my daily routine, my skin would be able to tolerate this.

I applied this and noticed some tingling. Nothing uncomfortable, just enough to let me know it was there.

After 12 minutes I rinsed thoroughly and noticed my skin was bright pink. It looked sunburned, but felt good.

Then again, it's called a PEEL. Redness is normal. I never understand why people give peels poor reviews because they caused tingling or redness!!! or *gasp* peeling!!

Blisters and welts, not so good for OTC peels. But redness is OK in my book.

After the redness dissipated, my skin was baby smooth. Pores look smaller and tighter.

The next morning my make up looked better.

2 oz. retail for $39 at Sephora


rating 5/5


Debo admitir que yo era la tentación de huir de este producto basado en el nombre de la: Juice Beauty
Inmediatamente asociado con una marca conocida por su exceso por ropa de mal gusto y de joyería que es mejor para ser colgada del espejo retrovisor de un taxi de Nueva York en el cuello de cualquier ser humano.
Recientemente fui a Sephora y se dieron unas muestras.
Ya que ando en busca de piel tersa, escogí Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel porque está indicada para piel sensible -y me encanta manzanas verdes: P
Normalmente tengo muy mala suerte con los “peles”. Incluso los llamados “peels de uso diarios" me dejan ampollas en la cara.

Me aplique este producto y note un poco de hormigueo pero nada supremamente fuerte.
Después de 12 minutos, enjuague cuidadosamente me dejo la piel enrojecida—como si me hubiese quemado por el sol, pero no me ardía.
Después de que el enrojecimiento se disipó, mi piel termino tan suave como la de un bebito. Poros más pequeños y limpios.
A la mañana siguiente mi maquillaje se veía muchísimo mejor—más nítido.