Search results matching tags 'complexion' and 'pores'

Key to Looking Younger! Education of Products and dermalogica and Jan Marini!

Karen — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 19:22:00 GMT

My favorite skin care brands that I’ve used (or still use) personally are typically ones that I used professionally in the past. This is usually because I was thoroughly trained via classes and seminars put on by the brands themselves, attended aesthetic conferences with workshops, or simply taught by the brand or cosmeceutical or pharmaceutical rep within the office or spa.

When you’re professionally trained you understand how and why each product works whether by understanding the ingredients used, the science which makes it work (bio-availability and what part of the skin and underlying cells its affecting and why that is), indications for usage and what the expected outcome should be, as well as proper application technique (absorbability, mechanical means, steps, etc.).

When I think of the ultimate example of a brand that trains exceptionally well, two skin care companies come to mind. Dermalogica and Jan Marini! Both lines are phenomenally effective and results oriented, easy to use, indication specific and extremely professional. They are constantly evolving and are the leaders in cutting edge science in relation to skincare.

You can find both at many professional day and medical spas as well as many dermatology offices. I buy both my Dermalogica and my Jan Marini products at www.spalook.com because that’s much more convenient for me and they are a lot more competively priced.

You will never find me out of stock of my two favorite dermalogica and Jan Marini products as they are crucial to my skin care regimen and to my looks! LOL I always have a back up of each.

dermalogica AGE smart power rich is an amazing pharmaceutical strength treatment that moisturizes brilliantly, reverses the signs of aging, softens, firms and tones and stimulates cellular turnover and renewal. It’s pricey, but more than worth it. This is probably my pick for the best skincare product on the market.

Next is my Jan Marini C-ESTA Facial Mask. The effects are instant and absolutely amazing. I always use it before important occasions or when I want to look my ultimate best. It is seriously the closest thing to an instant facelift I’ve ever used. I can’t even begin to tell you how much you will love this mask!

PCA SKIN pHaze 9 Purifying Mask is Phenomenal!

Karen — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 20:38:00 GMT

I’m leaving tonight for Utah and I wanted to look especially good for my trip so I pondered what treatment to give myself. I came to the conclusion that my best options for quick beauty would be a mask. I wanted a mask that would brighten up my dull skin, tighten up my pores and firm up my sagging skin.

I chose PCA SKIN pHaze 9 Purifying Mask. And what a good choice I made! It’s formulated with the most incredible exotic ingredients. Algae from the Red Sea, red clay from France and wine extracts just to name a few! It has the best anti-oxidants and is a great choice for any type of skin. My face is completely refreshed, revitalized, detoxified and smooth and bright. From the moment I removed it with my wash cloth I couldn’t believe the immediate result I had just achieved.

PCA offers so many incredible products. I’ve always loved PCA SKIN brand! I used it professionally years ago but had kind of forgotten about it over the last year or so. Then when I was pondering which mask to use this morning it hit me that I had the PCA Skin pHaze 9 Purifying Mask in my drawer and realized how lucky I was to get to use it. It was a brand new tube that I must have forgotten I had purchased a while ago.

Don’t wait until you’re going on a trip to try out this mask! Try it sooner rather than later and you’ll be really glad you did! You will look like you just stepped out of a day spa. That’s truly the only way to describe it!

Say Bye-Bye to Body Acne with Murad, MD Formulations and Glytone Body Sprays!

Karen — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:11:00 GMT

Everyone is always writing about acne treatments for the face but rarely does anyone concentrate on specific treatments for the body (including me). But today I thought I’d share with you three great products specifically formulated for the treatment of body acne.

Acne sprays are great because they are quick and easy to use and also reach places that you normally can’t reach when applying topical gels or creams.

The incredible Murad brand offers Murad Clarifying Body Spray within its Murad Acne line. This spray will control body breakouts with antibacterial properties that penetrate pores and clear away blemishes while preventing new ones from forming.

Amazing MD Formulations products have been a forefront in superb skincare treatments. Within the MD Formulations brand you will find MD Formulations Vit-A-Plus Body Clearing Complex Spray. It effectively treats and prevents body breakouts and inflammation resulting from excess sebum mixed with dead skin cells and bacteria. The quick drying spray contains acne attacking beta and alpha hydroxy acids and retinol along with rosemary which offers up soothing and relaxing antibacterial benefits to the skin.

Glytone is one of my favorite glycolic acid brands. It’s extremely effective and very affordable. Within Glytone products line you will find Glytone Back Acne Spray. It’s a 2% salicylic acid blend that both treats and prevents blemishes. It dries quickly, is fragrance and colorant free and will indeed promote your skin’s clarity. No More Back-ne!

After a lot of thought…Dermalogica is still Numero Uno with me!

Karen — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 22:51:00 GMT

Being a skincare expert for over 25 years I’m often asked what is the best skincare brand I’ve ever used both personally and professionally. The problem with that question is oftentimes there are too many variables to answer with just one brand. What I’ve found is that usually the person asking the question is that they want to know what the best brand is for them…and even more specifically the products within the brand to address their specific skin issues. So as you can see individual needs and indications are what’s important when recommending products; not just an umbrella answer of one brand.

Having said that; I’m asked that question so often that I decided I would consider all of the hundreds of brands I’ve tried and used both personally and professionally and on a variety of skin issues and make a well informed, educated decision on exactly what brand I would answer as my choice for being the best.

After taking into consideration brand reputation, results, variety of products within the brand, ease of use, ingredients, ratings and reviews from users as well as dispensing professionals I have come up with my answer.

Without a doubt, no reservations, I’m going to say hands down, the best skincare brand available today as well as way back when I started has to be Dermalogica.

Dermalogica uses only quality, results-oriented ingredients and will not sell their soul by using artificial colors, fragrances and cheap fillers such as mineral oil. And not only do they not use ‘bad for your skin’ fillers; they spend top dollar using ingredients that are proven to treat and repair your skin so that it’s as healthy as it has the potential to be. Their philosophy being that beautiful skin is indeed healthy skin!

Here’s a list of my top ten all time favorite Dermalogica products. Typically when I do my top ten lists of anything I rarely put them in any specific order. However, I’ve decided to place these in order (albeit reverse) because the last five or in this case the top five are not only my favorite skincare products within this incredible Dermalogica brand but I would be remiss if I didn’t say they were my top five beauty products of all time period (regardless of brand or line)!

10. Dermalogica Essential Cleansing Solution
9. Dermalogica Multi Active Toner
8. Dermalogica ChromaWhite TRx Brightening Regimen
7. Dermalogica AGE Smart Antioxidant Hydramist
6. Dermalogica MediBac Clearing Adult Acne Treatment Kit
5. Dermalogica Precleanse
4. Dermalogica Multivitamin Thermafoliant
3. Dermalogica AGE Smart Multivitamin Power Firm
2. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

And my number one pick for the very best Dermalogica product (and in my opinion...the very best skin care product ever made!) is numero uno!

1.Dermalogica AGE Smart Power Rich

These are my favorite Dermalogica products. However, the whole line is spectacular and you can find all of these superior products at SpaLook.com. Hope you’re as impressed as I am with Dermalogica (after having a relationship with them for over 25 years). Experience really does speak volumes!

Elizabeth Arden…My Royal Regimen! Part 3!

Karen — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 06:06:00 GMT

I told you I would reveal my incredible Elizabeth Arden regimen and here it is...

Cleanser: Elizabeth Arden 2 in 1 Cleanser from the Basic Skincare Line. For those of you who know me…I like to find the best cleanser that doesn’t dry out my already dry skin and I refuse to pay a ridiculous amount of money for a cleanser. I’d rather save my cash for the good stuff…like serums, and anti-aging treatments! I’ve also rarely used toners in my life but I love that this cleanser has one built right in. My skin looks clarified, radiant and my pores minimized. And all for under twenty bucks!!

Eyes: Holy Cow…if you can only get one thing from my regimen…this would be it! I love my Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Gold Ultra Lift and Strengthening Eye Capsules. This product is out of the Ceramide line and has the name gold aptly placed in the title…this is the proverbial treasure in my regimen. These little precious gems erase my lines and wrinkles around my eyes and even lift my sagging eyebrows. In addition my eyes look brighter and less puffy. Love it!!!

Targeting deeper wrinkles: Ok actually there are two things you might want to consider if you can only get one…lol! This is another treasure from the Ceramide line and the best part it not only works overtime, but you get immediate results as well! Take a look at my Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Plump Perfect Targeted Line Concentrate. Oh my goodness…great product!

Day Cream: My day cream is a multi-tasker from the Intervene line. Elizabeth Arden Intervene Pause and Effect Moisture Lotion SPF15. My skin looks dewy and luminous. It’s lightweight yet I feel luxuriously hydrated. And I don’t have to add another sun block on top as it’s got a sun protection factor of 15 built right in.

Night Time: This is where I let my treatment products work. I like my uber ingredients to work in the middle of the night when sleep is regenerating all my cells. I use two products from the Basic Skincare line at night. They are awesome! Elizabeth Arden Overnight Success Skin Renewal Serum and Good Nights Sleep Restoring Cream. The words Renewal and Restoring in each name speak volumes. I’ve never awaken with skin this gorgeous in my life!

Elizabeth Arden! Part Two!

Karen — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:30:00 GMT

So today I said I’d chat about the individual lines within the superb Elizabeth Arden brand. I also mentioned I’d share with you my very own Elizabeth Arden products I use in my all inclusive Elizabeth Arden regimen!

First a little about each of the lines:

Basic Skincare: Every regimen needs the basics and beautiful skin starts with a basic regimen. Whether you individualize and/or potentiate your regimen with serums and treatments or not; skin needs to be cleansed, moisturized, and protected twice daily to remain beautiful and get even more gorgeous. And the fact that Elizabeth Arden uses the ultimate in ingredients and offers products for all skin types means that you’ll be even further ahead than most skincare lines. In fact, I’m not so sure basic is the best word for this line… with night creams, serums, and specialized eye treatments. It’s way beyond basic!!!

Ceramide: “The Elizabeth Arden Ceramide line infuses innovative, age-fighting ingredients with luxurious textures and scents for the ultimate in anti-aging skin care.” My thought: Ceramide line kicks all anti-aging lines butts! It’s formulated with cutting edge science and it’s worth its weight in gold!!! One of its ingredients is know as SNAP-8 and it does just that…your skin is so firm and the elasticity is so greatly improved you feel like you can practically see it snap back…bye bye sagging skin!

Eight Hour Cream: This particular Elizabeth Arden line has been around since 1930! That speaks volumes! If you want a moisturizing seal that heals, quench’s, and protects your skin for a full eight hours all you need to do is look at this line. It’s a winter must-have!!!

Green Tea: Indulge in hydration and decadent luxury with Camellia Oliefera Leaf Extract…aka Green tea! And now Elizabeth Arden has formulated a body butter with it along with shea butter, aloe, macadamia nut oil and kukui nut oil…It doesn’t get any better than that for the skin of the body!!

Intervene: The award winning Intervene line is a line of products that repairs and prevents the signs of aging. It is formulated with a specialized technology from a botanical extract from the Narcissus Tazetta Bulb. The Intervene liquid foundation is the ultimate in anti-aging makeup..

Pretty: Oh this line speaks for itself right within its name! Elizabeth Arden Pretty is a line of products that are formulated with the most beautiful floral scents. “Pretty is a spirited floral fragrance of exceptional charm. The floral heart is surrounded by a mélange of fruits, wrapped in a well-rounded background of serene woods. At its core is a premiere ingredient, Petalia.” The bottom line is…you will definitely feel pretty!

Pure Finish: Love mineral makeup? Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish paints a flawless face that stays gorgeous all day long. The lightweight powder goes on so ultra sheer almost as if it’s an airbrushed finish…but yet covers imperfections beautifully. You’re left with corrected skin that looks younger, luminous and oh so radiant.

Red Door: You’ve got to check out the Red Door fragrance line. This gorgeous scent is formulated in an array of products. Here are the notes of the sexy, sophisticated and stylish fragrance...

Top Note: Ylang-Ylang and Vibrant Red Roses
Middle Note: Oriental Orchid, Jasmine, Lily of the Valley, Moroccan Orange Flowers, Forest Lilies, Rich Freesia, Carnation and Wild Violets
Base Note: Oakmoss, Sandalwood, Spicy Vetiver and Honey

I’m thinking my secret regimen is going to have to wait till next week to reveal. This was a whole lot of good Elizabeth Arden info without it! But no worries…I will reveal!

B. Kamins for Clear Control and SkinMedica for Superb Hydration!

Karen — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:36:00 GMT

Today we’ll take a look at oil control and supplementing moisture.

For a fabulous mattifier take a look at B. Kamins Clear Control Corrective Mattifier. For less than 50 bucks this superior purifying and sebum removing product clears and mattifies the skin while soothing it from acne break out irritation.

May be used on all skin types except sensitive. Use it on the affected areas such as the t-zone or as a spot treatment. It contains glycolic acid that’s terrific for cell turnover and antioxidants to fight future free radical damage.

For incredible hydration for all skin types check out SkinMedica Hydrating Complex. Your skin will be firmer, have better elasticity and be brilliantly hydrated. It’s rich in hyaluronic acid and replenishes the skin’ moisture reservoir while simultaneously stimulates your skin’s own natural production of the hyaluronic acid molecule. The result is a softer smoother all day long dewy skin. If you have dry skin use it in combination with your moisturizing cream. If you’re more on the oily side…try using it alone. Superb hydration!

Superior Serums! Revale’Skin and Obagi…Hand’s down!

Karen — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:47:00 GMT

For Anti-Aging the super serum would have to be REVALESKIN Intense Recovery Treatment. Pricey but well worth it. You’re going to get your money’s worth and you’ll likely feel it’s the best purchase you’ve ever made when it comes to beauty!

It’s 5 star rated and contains the most potent concentration of ingredients for treating anti-aging issues. Revale'Skin, known for its high percentage of the super-antioxidant CoffeeBerry and other natural antioxidants which enhance skin restoration and protect against future attacks from free-radicals.

Benefits along with minimizing lines and wrinkles include reducing redness; stimulate collagen production and health, and evens out skin tone.
Vitamin C has always been a favorite serum of choice and for the ultimate in vitamin C topical therapy you’ve got to check out Obagi Professional C Serum 20% Strength!

Obagi Professional C Serum 20% Strength is another 5 star rated product with amazing benefits due to its superior delivery system resulting in greater penetration to all layers of the skin with a low side effect potential.

• Boosts and maintains normal cellular turnover
• Builds collagen
• Lightens and brightens the skin
• Reduces inflammation
• Decreases trans-epidermal water loss

If I were to only be allowed to use or choose one serum (ever) I would choose this one. Hand’s down! To me, vitamin C topical skin therapy is the ultimate multitasker with proven results when the brand uses the optimal delivery system and a strong potency. This one does indeed! In fact, all Obagi products are superior when it comes to delivery and potency.

Next week we’ll take a look at targeted treatments and serums for oily and congested skin, hyper-pigmented skin, rosacea and redness, and dehydrated skin.

GlyDerm, Cor and Tracy Martyn...Cleansers You Can Count On!

Karen — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:31:00 GMT

For the best value when it comes to cleansers for all skin types (including sensitive) check out GlyDerm Gentle Cleanser2%. It effectively cleanses the skin and leaves it soft and smooth. It beautifully improves the texture and tone of your skin and deep cleans your pores without stripping away the mantle.

For an overall top of the line cleanser that does it all check out Tracie Martyn Amla Purifying Cleanser. It’s natural, clarifying and brightening, not over-drying and helps to correct uneven complexion. It even treats and prevents blemishes. It’s a little on the pricey side but well worth it! Actually beyond worth it!!

For the clearest complexion imaginable try Cor Silver Soap. The active ingredients in this incredible cleanser actually contain silver, sericin, collagen and chitosan which reach deep below the surface killing bacteria, minimize wrinkles, fades sun spots and even has UV protection! Its little slogan is Foam, Rinse, and Glow! And rightly so!

Look Day Spa Gorgeous in Three Minutes with Z. Bigatti!

Karen — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 23:14:00 GMT

I think I can speak for most women when I say for the most part we like sex to last longer than three minutes; however, when it comes to beauty treatments three minutes is a dream come true! There aren’t many you can apply and remove in three minutes. Most treatments such as masks and peels take around 15 minutes before you can remove them.

Readers I give you the ultimate in three minute rejuvenation! I got the scoop at a Z. Bigatti training for professionals that I recently had the pleasure of attending.

Before this training I had already loved a few Z Bigatti products that I had tried in the past some of which I still wouldn’t be without. Namely, Z Bigatti Re-Storation Treatment! However, it’s a tad pricey so I tend to be very frugal with my supply. Even my best of friends are unaware of my stash! That’s my “for very special events only” cream! Hands off!

Well, it turns out this amazing upscale line has a few other little sleepers that I was completely unaware of. You must try two Z. Bigatti treatments that will give you an incredible, radiant glow in 180 seconds!

Z. Bigatti Re-Storation Dew-Hydrating Facial Mask is a five star rated three to five minute mask that is packed with mega hydration along with antioxidants and other nourishing anti-aging ingredients that will leave your stressed out skin youthful, revitalized, firm and dewy soft!

Z. Bigatti Re-Storation Impact Fruit Enzyme Facial Mask is an incredible three minute peel type mask that exfoliates, clarifies, minimizes pore size and improves your skin’s texture. Those little enzymes pack quite a punch leaving your face radiant, silky, smooth and repaired for the clearest complexion that I know of with a home treatment.

Keep in mind that Z. Bigatti is not a cheap brand and you’re gonna have to dig a little deeper when you become an uber Z. Bigatti fan like me. But…you’ll definitely get what you paid for and save that little precious commodity that we refer to as precious time.