BB All You Can BB

1. Blemish Balm? Blemish Base? Beauty Balm? Whatever your BB Cream, they are out there, everywhere, just waiting for you. This week, I gave Lumene, Bright Now Vitamin C, BB Serum a go.

   
   

   This specific serum does not have a tint as many other BB Creams do, which I ended up really liking! I also loved how well this cream plays with others-it blended in with my average day routine perfectly! I've run into some of these creams that are not so workable with other moisturizers and/or concealers. Lumene's version also created this beautiful matte effect and I really did notice a bit of brightening to my skin over a few days. 

   
   

   A simple description for such a simply elegant product: Light, bright, lovely and easy.

   

   
   

   
   

   
   

A True Sanctuary

We have a special guest post today BrainyBeautys—

My wonderfully beautiful and game sister, Christine, gave Sanctuary Spa Facial Youth Boosting Facial in a Box Kit a whirl. Sanctuary Spa is the UK's number one day spa, and specially designed this "revolutionary" facial to include all the steps carried out in a professional spa treatment in order to deliver visibly firmer and plumper skin at home. The treatment includes a single sample of products found within Sanctuary Spa's Youth Boosting skincare range that when used together, enhance the other's skin boosting qualities.

Christine's insightful review is as follows!

The before

Step 1- Warming Exfoliator/Scrub: This had a clean fresh scent and provided a warming, relaxing sensation when rubbing in. Although it was sticky upon application, I definitely noticed smooth, softer skin after washing off.

Warming scrub doing it's warming thing.

Step 2 - Time Renewal Mask: Cooling, with a pleasant fresh lemony scent. I experienced a tingling sensation after a few minutes on my face and found it to be very hydrating. The instructions also call for you to put the entire contents of the mask on your face, but that felt like it was too much and maybe a waste.

Mask-tastic!

Step 3 - Serum: A little goes a long way here! It was very hydrating and smoothing, but also unfortunately a bit gross smelling... kinda like a sweaty locker room. Yuck! Although perhaps small price to pay for beauty?

Looking good there!

Step 4 - Lift and Brighten Eye Cream: The eye cream had a Vaseline like consistency, and went on smooth. I focused only on the crows feet and under eye area and found it to be especially cooling on the eye area. Again, a bit of an odd smell... not bad, not good, just odd.

The eyes have it—do they seem brighter to you too?

Step 5 - Night Concentrate: Ahhh! The concentrate features a fresh, clean lemony scent and was very hydrating. Not at all greasy which was awesome.

Ta-dah!!! The final outcome: Hydrated and loving it.

Final verdict? Overall, the mask was my favorite. I could definitely notice a difference in the hydration of my skin throughout the day. I usually have very dry skin, so it was nice to notice the hydration. Not sure of the price, but I'm sure it's much cheaper than getting an actual facial at the spa with probably similar results. I've only had one spa facial before, but my skin felt similar after doing this at home kit. I would recommend the kit to anyone looking for a little complexion boost- it was easy and fun to use and left my skin feeling great.

Thanks Christine! You rocked it!

 Sanctuary Spa Youth Boosting Facial in a Box is priced at $39, and can be purchased through QVC and www.QVC.com

Pure BIOBLISS

Like, OMG! It's the "new anti-aging advancement in skin care!"

Hallelujah! Woot woot! Yeeeeeee-haw! Wheeeeeeee!

I mean, come on- every new anti-aging product/system/treatment/etc makes this claim. And as mentioned in previous posts, I am a, shall we say, maturing woman (what? 30 is no 19 people!) and therefore increasingly down with experimenting with the latest wrinkle preventing lotions and potions. But I am also increasingly realizing that most all include fantastic, fancy ingredients that will indeed improve the look and feel of skin long term. So when it comes down to it, you really just have to find something that you love and that you feel works for you. Perhaps that something will be BIOBLISS.

The BIOBLISS System offers a range of products in order to prepare skin and extend the anti-aging effectiveness of its treatments:

Clean: This mild and refreshing cleanser includes calming cucumber extract, Aloe Vera and skin protecting antioxidant Vitamin E. Plus, it smells awesome and left my face feeling super clean.

Srub: I had no idea this was even an exfoliating scrub until after I used it (labels?! who needs em'!?) because it was so extremely gentle. Once I read the packaging (those blasted labels again!), I discovered that it's derived from coconut, olive, macadamia nut, sunflower and avocado. Nothing abrasive about any of those!

Lock It In Serum: This was my least fave of the bunch. Personally, it smelled funny and had a weird texture. And it's specially matched to the Anti-Wrinkle Treatment Patch, of which I did not receive a sample. HARRUMPH! (But my skin did feel super soft after using it.)

Hydrate Lotion: My oh my did my face feel soft and supple after using this! La-la-la-loved! I did feel though that it is better suited to fall/winter months, as it was a bit thick for the current hot and humid Michigan climate. At $60 a pop it's an investment, but definitely a splurge-worthy pick!

To learn more about BIOBLISS, these and other products visit www.biobliss.com

V Beaute

Evidence Eraser (cleanser)
Rub Off (exfoliator)
Undercover Agent (anti-wrinkle serum)
Lite Up (brightening treatment serum)
Buying Time (Everyday Creme)
Eye Never (eye creme)

Available as a travel friendly clutch (the It Kit) or individually.

I read about V Beaute before trying & thought "Oh great, another hedge-fund-manager/socialite using her money and connections to make people buy whatever crap she has other people making for her. Super, I love giving my money to people who don't get out of bed for under a million."
Yes, I'm slightly bitter about not being a millionaire-socialite. I would even make do without the socialite-part.

After trying the V Beaute line, however, I am impressed.
Very impressed.

Fragrance free! Paraben free! Products that work without irritating my skin!

I use the Undercover Agent before sunblock in the morning; then one of the face washes, the Light Up, the Eye Never, and finish with the Buying time at night. Tightens & brightens, makes my skin happy.

Can't argue with results-- this chick (V Beaute creator Julie Macklowe) has done the work & come up with something great. Expensive and lux, but you'll have your face for the rest of your life-- might as well treat it right.

L'Occitane Immortelle Brightening

Immortelle Brightening Essence

Immortelle Brightening Moisture Cream

So, could L'Occitane have done something wrong?

I love the Immortelle Precious Cream & Eye Balm, was very skeptical that any reformulation could be good.

I tried the Brightening Essence (read: serum) and Moisture Cream, not expecting much.

I have rarely been so happy to be proved wrong!

This combo seriously worked on my parenthesis, those dark spots from my temples around the side & up onto my forehead.

My skin glowed, and not in that oily-sheen way.

Again, well done L'Occitane.

I <3 again="again" amp="amp" brilliance.="brilliance." div="div" doubt="doubt" efficiency="efficiency" in="in" never="never" will="will" you="you" your="your">

P.S. The milky glass containers? Love almost as much as the cobalt glass.

Radical Skincare

No, really, that's the name: Radical Skincare.

I have been using the Eye Revive Creme, Youth Infusion Serum, and Restorative Moisturizer.
It is a costly system, no bones about it.
But, in this case, you are getting your money's worth!!!
All three smell light and fruity, go on smoothly, and work very well.
Since I have been using the system, I have been told that I am "all glowy," and that I have "perfect skin." No joke, and not just the once!
Oh, and the packaging for the eye cream and the serum are awesome, the pumps twist back into the bottle--easy traveling!
A very aptly named line.

P.S.: Check out the scientific explanations on their website. So good, sooo good.

Dr. Brandt Time Arrest Face Fluid

Think of visible signs of aging as a werewolf-- this is the silver bullet.

Light serum that spreads on easily, perfect first step. Absorbs quickly so you can put your sunblock on next.
Slight lavender scent, not at all overwhelming (as lavender can be).
Makes your skin feel wonderful!

MyChelle Apple Brightening System

Apple Brightening CleanserApple Brightening PeelApple Brightening Serum
Apples, not just for snacking anymore!
Use this trio to fight and correct hyper-pigmentation.
Gentle, even the peel.
It does take time, but the long-term payoff is excellent.
Substantially faded the odd parenthesis-shaped dark spots around my temples.

Will be trying the whole Age Spot / UV Recovery Regimen
Complete Regimen/UV Repair set next, it comes with an SPF 28 cream, super-hydrating cream, and an Apple Brightening Mist. I do love a Brightening Mist!
What really sold me on this was the peel, works without feeling like I'm taking off my face. If you are going to start somewhere, the peel is my recommendation.

Umberto Beverly Hills Roman Oil Serum

Add a few drops of this olive oil based serum to your hair for softness & manageability.
It really works! No frizz, just gorgeous hair.
And for $10 at Target?
Smells great, and your hair will love you for it.
Doesn't leave me greasy, I can even use it on 2nd day hair.

Youth Corridor Anti-Oxidant Boost Skin Serum

Developed by Dr. Gerald Imber.
This serum is Brilliant!

Costly, but a little goes a LONG way (6 drops for your face, neck, and decolletage).

And you're paying for some kick-ass science.

Improves skin texture, tone, even helps with clarity.

I think it even made my pores smaller.

Definitely helped with the radiance!

Consider it an investment in towards furthering scientific research.

Orlane, Paris~ Un journal de 14 jours

I will be keeping a 14 day diary of my experience with 3 time fighting

products by Orlane, Paris.

Ooh la la!

Day 1: I used Orlane's First Time-Fighting Care after my before-bed face cleansing. I wasn't expecting any miracles of course, but my husband did comment "Honey, your face looks really shiny..like, good shiny!" Hey, I'll take it!!

Day 2: This morning I again used the First Time-Fighting Care cream and also took a try at the Morning Recovery Concentrate and Eye Contour serums. Neither products felt heavy nor had a bold scent.

Day 3: Today I started to see a little breakout, so I called my dermo. She recommended using the First Time-Fighting Care  cream at night only, not during the day, under make-up. A word to the wise with sensitive skin like myself!

Day 4:  I fell in love today. Orlane's Morning Recovery Concentrate is no joke!! It really gives my skin an instant, brightening, boost!

Day 5: Breakout butt has been kicked. Crisis averted.

Day 6: Call me a placebo princess, but I definitely started seeing a difference in my under-eye discoloration today! Welcome to my heart Eye Contour Serum!!

Days 7,8,9: I truly am seeing a difference in my wake-up-face, since lathering up with  the First Time-Fighting Care cream each night! I'm hooked!

Days 10-12: I stayed the weekend away and neglected to pack my Orlane products!! My skin is definitely feeling and looking a bit malnourished from only 3 days away!

Day 13: Ahhh...back to the routine. What a difference a day makes! My face feels replenished and instantly brightened.

Day 14: I must say, Merci beaucoup, Orlane, Paris!!

Shine vs. Matte - You Decide

Redken Wool Shake 08
Is shiny out?! If you say yes, then this is the product for you. You can get volume and texture with Redken's Wool Shake. It gives your hair a different feel and texture rather than the typical smooth and shiny. Hair looks great without looking grungy. Advice: you do NOT need to use a lot, even if you have long hair. A little spray goes a LONG way.


Ouidad Shine Glaze Serum
Dull, drab hair? Not into texture and matte? Give your hair some shine with a little Ouidad Shine Glaze Serum. Not only does it make your hair look healthy and shiny, it also fights frizz! I found out it works best on straight hair. Definitely not sticky or greasy, but a little is all you need for hair that is smooth, sleek, and shiny.

Sustainable Youth Immune Performance Elasticity Cream

Immune Performance Elasticity Cream

Immune Performance Revitalizing Serum with Alasta

From Colleen:

Promises to improve skin elasticity & firmness.

Seems to be working!!!

I would buy again.

Ecru New York Silk Nectar Serum

Hello, smooth & soft hair.

Welcome, lovey, not greasy, shine.

I finish with this after I flat-iron.

If I'm too lazy to do anything else, this does make my hair less likely to extreme-frizz

in this lovely fall humidity (think Monica's hair at the Paleontology conference).

& it even smells nice--slightly fruity.

Juice Beauty

Juice Beauty reviews from Emily:
-Cleansing Gel: Love it, feels very clean without over drying.

-Oil-Free Moisturizer: Works well, usually need a little more moisture, ended up buying the green apple spf 15 moisturizer.

-Blemish Clearing Serum: Love it, I believe it has diminished scars and helps prevent new issues. I like to think it's a barrier between me and my make-up

-Green Apple Peel/Sensitive: Like it, but would like to try the regular (not sensitive).

** Bought a skincare kit from Juice Beauty via Sephora, loved it! Even came with eco-bamboo headband. **

Kinerase Brightening Anti-Aging System

Kinerase
Brightening Anti-Aging System


Recently, I noticed some dark circles under my eyes. As you may all know, there are a ton of products claiming to remove dark circles and wrinkles. I have been curious about these products, but never sure which one to try first. Luckily, Kinerase sent a Brightening Anti-Aging System to the Brainy Beautys for testing. It is a two-part system. There is a brightening serum and a more concentrated spot treatment. Upon my first trial, I felt a little burning sensation with the use of the concentrated spot treatment. The face serum went on smooth. Not too greasy and it didn't make my face break out. After about 4 days of using both the face serum and the spot treatment, I started noticing some results. Not "miracle" results, but my complexion looked a little more even, and the circles under my eyes were not as dark or puffy. After about 2 weeks of use, I would say that it did help clear up a couple of dark spots on my face and the bags under my eyes did not appear as dark as before. Overall, I think this product delivered what it promised. I would definitely recommend this product to those wanting to try an anti-aging serum, but unsure of which one to go for.

Cosmedicine--MegaDose Skin Fortifying Serum

Cosmedicine
MegaDose Skin Fortifying Serum
Bit of a sticky wicket here, as I can't really say whether or not this product works. I did NOT try it on a long-term basis. I don't think I had it on for more than a minute. I opened the package (brand new), put some of the gel-goop on my finger, spread on my nose (my first lotion area) & almost retched. Have you ever had to plunge a backed-up sink? Pretty much same smell. I don't know if the stuff somehow went bad or what, but it was seriously foul. It took 2 face washings & some toner before I could get rid of the stench.