Lano Face Face Base The Aussie Flyer Leave-on Recovery Mask

I’ve made a major dent in this Lanolips mask which is basically an intense moisturizer for very dry skin. Because it’s a mix of water, lanolin, and shea butter, there’s an immediate cooling effect as the water evaporates and you put it on your skin.

Although this a says mask on it, it’s basically like an old-school cold cream.  It seals in moisture so it’s best used after a serum and leaving it on your skin will help hydrate it.  When my skin is really dry, I put it on and then wipe it off before layer on my oil and I find that’s working well.

Pick it up at Sephora. $32.

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Current Night Time Routine

Here is what I’ve been doing at night time for the past month and it’s giving me the most glowy skin ever.

Right after I wash my face (or get out of the shower), I put on Differin which is a prescription retinol.  It’s pretty strong and because it’s a gel formula, it’s not moisturizing at all and needs something on top.

I’ve had this gel for a year, and I’ve used it off and on.  I really notice results when I use it, but then sometimes I like to try other retinols too.

Then I like to apply a big juicy dose of this Deciem Hylamide C25 Booster vitamin C serum. This is Ethyl Ascorbic Acid which has been shown to brighten skin when used twice a day for a month.  Going to stick with it.  Although this is 25% Vitamin C, it’s in a formula that is so moisturizing.  It’s like an oily gel that takes some time to absorb into your skin, but when it does, you’ve got some glow.

Then I’m using this Sothy’s Paris Depolluting Moisturizer which is the nicest most creamy moisturizer I’ve ever used.

I’m finding that I’m waking up with better and better skin with this routine, so I’m sticking with it as long as I’ve got this vitamin C on hand.

What’s your routine right now?

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Merry Christmas

If you want to know what I’ve been up to, you can find me on Instagram!  Happy Holidays!

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Tom Ford Soleil Blanc

I’ve been wearing this perfume this winter – and I’ve definitely noticed that the trend this year is for fragrances that smell beachy.  This is one of those.

Soleil Blanc is described as a gourmand and it definitely is.  It has notes of Bergamot, Pistachio, and Amber and it just smells sunny and yummy.  It’s easy to wear, and doesn’t have a very strong personality.  So if you’re a Tom Ford fan and want one of his newer scents, this might be for you.

Personally, I think that there are a lot of better sunny fragrances out there and I really liked Maison Margiela Beach Walk.

$297 for 1.7 oz in the Eau de Parfum version.

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Kevin Murphy Doo.Over Review

I’ve added a bit of Kevin Murphy Doo.Over Dry Powder Finishing Hairspray to my regimen.  This is not your average spray.  It’s a combination of hairspray and powder, so not only does it help your style stay in place, but it also has tapioca starch in it which helps absorb excess oils.  You could use this as a dry shampoo or as a texturizer on already styled hair.  Or you could do even better, and restyle your second-day hair (give it a “Doo.Over” if you will) and then spray this on top to help keep that style or absorb oils.

I find that unlike most powder sprays, and most dry shampoos, this has a lot of hold to it and if you use to much, you’ll end up with stiff hair that’s not touchable.  It’s great for volumizing because you can spray it at the roots and it’ll give lots of hold. I love the hold and the powder but I make sure that I use this sparingly and then wash it out at the end of the day.  It’s not a product that you can layer and layer day after day.

I will say that the best thing about it is that it smells amazing!  Cedarwood and Patchouli make a great combo, and this smells earthy and fresh.  I reach for it because of the scent.

Pick it up in salons.

 

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I Love Bodywash

If you’re into fun scented bodywashes, the way my kids are, then you’re going to want to check out the I Love collection that’s now available at Shoppers Drug Mart.

These are the smaller sizes, but the full size bodywashes are $9.99 each.

Check them out now! The brand is known for beautifully-scented products, and I can’t wait to see what they come out with next!

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Microdermabrasion

Lets talk about a cosmetic procedure that’s quite common and can be done by people of almost all ages: microdermabrasion.

The old kind of microdermabrasion was done using aluminum crystals that were put on the skin and pushed around to slough off the dead skin. The crystals were then vacuumed off (and sometimes recycled to be used again).

You’ve probably heard of aluminum crystals before. Cosmetic companies began to use them in over-the-counter sloughing creams that were often used with a hand-held scrubbing device. Remember Susan Lucci? She used to shill for one on television. The problem with these over the counter creams was that the aluminum crystals are so small that they’re liable to clog pores. Since there’s no sucking that’s taking place, as in a professional’s office, this was something that many people using the drugstore “microdermabrasion” kits saw.

Microdermabrasion has changed now, namely in that there’s Diamond Microdermabrasion that is cleaner, and super efficient.

Now, there’s a ring-shaped head that’s attached to a machine that sucks up dead skins. The head has crushed up diamonds on it and they’re smoothed over the skin to take off dead skin which is instantly sucked up by the machine. Doing your entire face can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes and there’s virtually no redness or discomfort during or after the treatment. Your skin is instantly clearer and brighter.

Because you’ve taken off the top layer, any skin cream that you use afterwards will be more effective.

 

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The Oxygen Facial

The Oxygen Facial is back – it’s non-invasive and leaves your skin feeling fresh.

It’s completely non-invasive and natural! The facial is done using a machine called the Intraceuticals Topical Hyperbaric Oxygen System. It “delivers therapeutic-grade oxygen under hyperbaric pressure to infuse a hydrophilically (water-loving) active serum to the deeper layers of the skin. The serum has a base of hyaluronic acid, an ingredient found naturally in the skin and renowned for its superior benefits as an ingredient carrier.” Basically, pressurized oxygen gets blown on to your skin with serum that contains hyaluronic acid as well as nutrients.

Well, now the facial is available in most major cities, and it’s great for revitalizing your skin.  It has become so popular that lots of spas in the city offer it.

I had a facial done and it was a great feeling – more than anything else, you will come out of there refreshed and rejuvenated. Your skin will feel great, and there’s absolutely no pain, and no breakouts like there are with most facials. You can also opt to include a line filler with your treatment (I didn’t) and that will leave you with skin that is instantly plumped.

The treatment is a must for this time of year – your skin is hydrated and looks amazing afterwards.  The facial takes an hour but I think you’ll find that it’s an hour well spent.

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Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

I conclude my Dermalogica reviews today with the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant.

It’s a rice-based powder that you mix with water to form a paste which is then rubbed all over the face. It’s a truly gentle exfoliater that’s great for everyday use.
Please use this exactly as the instructions say to. Not following the instructions could result in a scrub that is entirely too harsh for anyone.

If you find yourself allergic to some scrubs or routinely find them to be too greasy, then definitely check this scrub out. It’s gentle but it works and used over time will leave your skin much smoother and clearer.

Needless to say, I’ve found all Dermalogica products to be truly excellent. They do what they claim to, and never over-dry or over-moisturize your skin. They often include plant-based ingredients and always smell amazing. Find a Dermalogica retailer near you, experience a face-mapping session, and pick up their recommendations the next time you have a chance.

$82 for a large bottle.

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Deciem Hylamide C25 Booster

This is the vitamin C that I have in my routine right now and it’s life-changing.  It’s the most moisturizing vitamin C I’ve ever used.  The texture is on the oily side, but on my dry skin it absorbs in a few minutes.

The Hylamide C25 Booster is formulated to be a stable form of 25% vitamin C in a formula strong enough to actually brighten skin.  It is very potent but in a formula that’s moisturizing instead of being drying. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which is great for all skin types.  It helps prevent sun damage and hyperpigmentation, so your skin is more radiant after continued use.

Here’s how I’m using it: in the morning, I use my Biologique Recherche p50 toner, wait for it to absorb and then apply this Vitamin C generously.  I then top that with my tinted sunscreen.

At night, I’m using my prescription-strength Differin retinol first, and then I’m using a generous amount of this Vitamin C and I’m waking up to better and better skin.  I’ve also started to use it on the back of my hands, and I don’t notice any brightening so far, but my hands have never been softer which is amazing. The Differin makes my skin pretty dry because I just started using it again, so this vitamin C is exactly what I need on top.

Vitamin C is a great antioxidant to incorporate into your skincare routine – it’s even been shown to improve collagen levels in skin so it’s a great anti-aging ingredient.

You can find this one online. $29.

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