peter thomas roth







A summer well-spent means you've danced in the sand, splashed in the waves and probably soaked up a little more of that gorgeous sunshine than your skin would have asked you to.  Not worry if that's the case because August is the month of skincare revival as we all get ready to shift gears into fall.  Whenever the weather turns from one steady beat to that of another, it's a crucial time to adjust the way we are treating our skin.  Post-summer skincare means a good sloughing off of what the season left behind and the revealing of a fresh, brighter, more supple complexion beneath.  You can honestly achieve this goal in six steps or less.  And, what's even better is that those six can often be paired down into fewer depending upon the skin you're in.  

For starters, we all need a great way to take off the day and for me I always reach for one of these two beauties.  A silky, smooth cleansing balm is so indulging when you want to release the impurities and pollution that the day has deposited on your face.  This one does double duty as it not only cleanses but also uses enzymes to soften and loosen up sticky dead skin cells that can cause your complexion to lose its glow.  If it is early in the day and I don't feel like a splash of water is quite enough, or you have oily, congestion-prone skin then this one from Tatcha is what you'll want to try.  The fruit enzymes in it mirror the effectiveness of what the papaya enzymes would do but they are delivered in an oil free gel that's perfect for younger skin.

Once you are working with a clean canvas, you'll want to help finish off what your gel or balm has started with a bit of smoothing polish.  The Method: Polish from Dr. Lancer is on repeat in my rotation.  Every two or three days (or whenever my skin is feeling "rough"), I dab this on and softly scrub my way smooth.  Celebs loveeee this line and I can definitely see (and feel!) why.  

Once you have revealed that baby's bottom quality, you'll want to lock in softness while adding the first layer of hydration.  Oh, hello toner.  This liquid gold from Fresh is so very replenishing yet super light.  My skin feels dewy for a moment and then evolves into soft, supple and completely plumped.  That youthful fullness is what you want to protect and promote.  Peptides and retinol are what will get that job done.  Peptides are essentially amino acids that help with collagen production and do so in a much gentler way than their counterpart, retinol.  Peptides are often easier to incorporate into your routine than retinol because they can work with other products you're already enjoying.  I currently use and can't get enough of these pads from GloPro. 

 Retinol is a stronger alternative that is also aimed at improving collagen production, plumping skin, smoothing fine lines and improving skin tone.  Again, it is important to remember that retinol is a more aggressive choice.  With that in mind, I am using this formula.  Because it is delivered through an encapsulated formula, it works effectively on a cellular level while maintaining balance and hydration.  Unlike the little white tubes your derm once gave you that left your skin red, patchy and peeling, this liquid leaves my face smooth and glass and extremely comfortable. That's the best of both worlds.  Depending upon your skin type and its sensitivity level one or the other (peptides or retinol) will be what your skin craves.

Lastly, once you have treated your skin to the steps above all you really need then is a clean beauty way to lock it all in and stay hydrated.  Enter squalane oil.  This little bottle has done more for my skin than any moisturizer ever has.  A few drops at the end of my routine makes my skin absolutely glowy for hours and completely balanced all day long.  With all the actives available throughout the rest of this routine, a heavy laden moisturizer is not necessary.  Sometimes less is more...and that's so often a good thing.

I hope this helps show and tell how simple a great skincare regime can be.  Believe me, your face will thank you!  Wishing everyone a beautiful weekend.  Enjoy it friends!

xx,

~K

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WHAT YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE NEEDS RIGHT NOW








A summer well-spent means you've danced in the sand, splashed in the waves and probably soaked up a little more of that gorgeous sunshine than your skin would have asked you to.  Not worry if that's the case because August is the month of skincare revival as we all get ready to shift gears into fall.  Whenever the weather turns from one steady beat to that of another, it's a crucial time to adjust the way we are treating our skin.  Post-summer skincare means a good sloughing off of what the season left behind and the revealing of a fresh, brighter, more supple complexion beneath.  You can honestly achieve this goal in six steps or less.  And, what's even better is that those six can often be paired down into fewer depending upon the skin you're in.  

For starters, we all need a great way to take off the day and for me I always reach for one of these two beauties.  A silky, smooth cleansing balm is so indulging when you want to release the impurities and pollution that the day has deposited on your face.  This one does double duty as it not only cleanses but also uses enzymes to soften and loosen up sticky dead skin cells that can cause your complexion to lose its glow.  If it is early in the day and I don't feel like a splash of water is quite enough, or you have oily, congestion-prone skin then this one from Tatcha is what you'll want to try.  The fruit enzymes in it mirror the effectiveness of what the papaya enzymes would do but they are delivered in an oil free gel that's perfect for younger skin.

Once you are working with a clean canvas, you'll want to help finish off what your gel or balm has started with a bit of smoothing polish.  The Method: Polish from Dr. Lancer is on repeat in my rotation.  Every two or three days (or whenever my skin is feeling "rough"), I dab this on and softly scrub my way smooth.  Celebs loveeee this line and I can definitely see (and feel!) why.  

Once you have revealed that baby's bottom quality, you'll want to lock in softness while adding the first layer of hydration.  Oh, hello toner.  This liquid gold from Fresh is so very replenishing yet super light.  My skin feels dewy for a moment and then evolves into soft, supple and completely plumped.  That youthful fullness is what you want to protect and promote.  Peptides and retinol are what will get that job done.  Peptides are essentially amino acids that help with collagen production and do so in a much gentler way than their counterpart, retinol.  Peptides are often easier to incorporate into your routine than retinol because they can work with other products you're already enjoying.  I currently use and can't get enough of these pads from GloPro. 

 Retinol is a stronger alternative that is also aimed at improving collagen production, plumping skin, smoothing fine lines and improving skin tone.  Again, it is important to remember that retinol is a more aggressive choice.  With that in mind, I am using this formula.  Because it is delivered through an encapsulated formula, it works effectively on a cellular level while maintaining balance and hydration.  Unlike the little white tubes your derm once gave you that left your skin red, patchy and peeling, this liquid leaves my face smooth and glass and extremely comfortable. That's the best of both worlds.  Depending upon your skin type and its sensitivity level one or the other (peptides or retinol) will be what your skin craves.

Lastly, once you have treated your skin to the steps above all you really need then is a clean beauty way to lock it all in and stay hydrated.  Enter squalane oil.  This little bottle has done more for my skin than any moisturizer ever has.  A few drops at the end of my routine makes my skin absolutely glowy for hours and completely balanced all day long.  With all the actives available throughout the rest of this routine, a heavy laden moisturizer is not necessary.  Sometimes less is more...and that's so often a good thing.

I hope this helps show and tell how simple a great skincare regime can be.  Believe me, your face will thank you!  Wishing everyone a beautiful weekend.  Enjoy it friends!

xx,

~K

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Happy Friday loves!  Spring is definitely in the air and that means a major refresh of the beauty closet.  Today I'm sharing my latest beauty loves that are everything your hair and skin crave during these warmer, sun-filled months ahead.  First in any beauty regime is cleansing your skin in the most thorough yet gentlest way possible.  The latest tech gadget that's caught my eye is the Foreo Luna. This handheld cleansing device, much like the Clarisonic before it, rids your face of any and all makeup, debris and pollutants of the day as it sweeps the pores clean and makes way for the more efficient absorption of all your beauty routine products.  But happily, the benefits don't stop there.  The Foreo also has an anti-aging mode that uses direct lower-frequency pulsations that, when applied to wrinkle-prone areas, reduces visibility of fine lines and wrinkles and brings you firmer-looking skin.  Now that's what I call workin' for ya!  Sunscreen is also something that, if you don't already use faithfully (aka daily), you need to make a part of your everyday face routine.  Sun exposure (not just the kind you get from a day at the beach but the type you get driving in your car or sitting at your desk) is one of the biggest factors toward premature aging. Keep your skin smooth and youthful with a great physical block like this one from Kate Somerville.  Hair needs UV protection too and nobody does it better than Phyto.  Don't go out without it!  Soft colors (like these from Essie) and rosy lips and cheeks (a la Bobbi Brown's pot rogue) say springtime pretty.  Oh and one more thing I just cannot forget to mention is THIS scrub by Peter Thomas Roth.  Rich in enzymes and natural dead skin slougher this peeling gel exfoliant is the absolute best one I have ever tried and I've tried a lot!!  Please don't miss it…your baby bottom skin will thank you!  My other spring beauty must-haves are all linked below and are more than worth a try.  Hope you enjoy them half as much as me!

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Spring Beauty Faves




Happy Friday loves!  Spring is definitely in the air and that means a major refresh of the beauty closet.  Today I'm sharing my latest beauty loves that are everything your hair and skin crave during these warmer, sun-filled months ahead.  First in any beauty regime is cleansing your skin in the most thorough yet gentlest way possible.  The latest tech gadget that's caught my eye is the Foreo Luna. This handheld cleansing device, much like the Clarisonic before it, rids your face of any and all makeup, debris and pollutants of the day as it sweeps the pores clean and makes way for the more efficient absorption of all your beauty routine products.  But happily, the benefits don't stop there.  The Foreo also has an anti-aging mode that uses direct lower-frequency pulsations that, when applied to wrinkle-prone areas, reduces visibility of fine lines and wrinkles and brings you firmer-looking skin.  Now that's what I call workin' for ya!  Sunscreen is also something that, if you don't already use faithfully (aka daily), you need to make a part of your everyday face routine.  Sun exposure (not just the kind you get from a day at the beach but the type you get driving in your car or sitting at your desk) is one of the biggest factors toward premature aging. Keep your skin smooth and youthful with a great physical block like this one from Kate Somerville.  Hair needs UV protection too and nobody does it better than Phyto.  Don't go out without it!  Soft colors (like these from Essie) and rosy lips and cheeks (a la Bobbi Brown's pot rogue) say springtime pretty.  Oh and one more thing I just cannot forget to mention is THIS scrub by Peter Thomas Roth.  Rich in enzymes and natural dead skin slougher this peeling gel exfoliant is the absolute best one I have ever tried and I've tried a lot!!  Please don't miss it…your baby bottom skin will thank you!  My other spring beauty must-haves are all linked below and are more than worth a try.  Hope you enjoy them half as much as me!

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Today's love story is one between glamour and efficacy that culminates in beauty and that feeling of totally pampering yourself in luxury.  While beauty's best is constantly emerging, it's so fun to stop and sample the latest luxe treats your skin will thank you for.  It seems like masks are everything right now.  That's no real wonder since we're deep in the heart of the winter and its moisture draining wrath.  Now is precisely when your skin is craving a thirst quenching boost.  This rose stem cell mask from Peter Thomas Roth is the cure for any dullness or dehydration you're wanting to erase.  Eve Lom is another favorite of mine.  Their Rescue Mask will boost those winter doldrums while illuminating any cold weather redness and irritation you may be having.  This incredible {no, really, I mean incredible!} new serum by La Mer will take your skin back in time to days gone by.  Soft, supple, totally rejuvenated and ready for a make-up free day, if you want.  If you've tried and loved any of the La Mer serums before, this is the best of the three designed into one.  Try getting a sample and I promise, you'll be hooked.  I also love smelling so good and this Red Roses scent from Jo Malone is the one to get the job done, beautifully.  Just so good.  One last thing for all of us girls who fall in love with makeup brushes daily, this line is the absolute best I've ever felt or seen.  Try them and you'll wonder, how did you ever, ever get by without.  Hope you find a new beauty love to add to your daily routine…xx.

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Beauty Love Story





Today's love story is one between glamour and efficacy that culminates in beauty and that feeling of totally pampering yourself in luxury.  While beauty's best is constantly emerging, it's so fun to stop and sample the latest luxe treats your skin will thank you for.  It seems like masks are everything right now.  That's no real wonder since we're deep in the heart of the winter and its moisture draining wrath.  Now is precisely when your skin is craving a thirst quenching boost.  This rose stem cell mask from Peter Thomas Roth is the cure for any dullness or dehydration you're wanting to erase.  Eve Lom is another favorite of mine.  Their Rescue Mask will boost those winter doldrums while illuminating any cold weather redness and irritation you may be having.  This incredible {no, really, I mean incredible!} new serum by La Mer will take your skin back in time to days gone by.  Soft, supple, totally rejuvenated and ready for a make-up free day, if you want.  If you've tried and loved any of the La Mer serums before, this is the best of the three designed into one.  Try getting a sample and I promise, you'll be hooked.  I also love smelling so good and this Red Roses scent from Jo Malone is the one to get the job done, beautifully.  Just so good.  One last thing for all of us girls who fall in love with makeup brushes daily, this line is the absolute best I've ever felt or seen.  Try them and you'll wonder, how did you ever, ever get by without.  Hope you find a new beauty love to add to your daily routine…xx.

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1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7


Beauty treats are always a fun indulgence and when they are packed full of skin nourishers and hydrators things get even better and so does your complexion.  Some of the top brands that really deliver a potent punch are Josie Maran, Tarte Beauty, It Cosmetics, Peter Thomas Roth and WEN.  Here are a few of my favorites from each… Josie Maran is to me, the queen of good for you glamour.  Her infamous argan oil has blossomed into some of the richest and most wonderfully luxurious beauty products you can find.  This Argan Exfoliating Cleansing Powder leaves your skin as silky and smooth as glass.  I love how it's so finely milled yet so nourishingly effective.  Also can not get enough of this hydrating argan milk.  It Cosmetics is another favorite of mine for its good for you benefits.  This creamy redness reducer is perfect for cold weather chapped skin.  Peter Thomas Roth's Cucumber Gel and Pumpkin Enzyme Masks are detoxifying and resurfacing.  Don't forget to feed your scalp too.  Chaz Dean's Six-Thirteen replenishes lost moisture and leaves my hair bouncy and soft.  Shop more good for you glamour finds in the links below…Have a beautiful Monday!

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Good for You Glamour



1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7


Beauty treats are always a fun indulgence and when they are packed full of skin nourishers and hydrators things get even better and so does your complexion.  Some of the top brands that really deliver a potent punch are Josie Maran, Tarte Beauty, It Cosmetics, Peter Thomas Roth and WEN.  Here are a few of my favorites from each… Josie Maran is to me, the queen of good for you glamour.  Her infamous argan oil has blossomed into some of the richest and most wonderfully luxurious beauty products you can find.  This Argan Exfoliating Cleansing Powder leaves your skin as silky and smooth as glass.  I love how it's so finely milled yet so nourishingly effective.  Also can not get enough of this hydrating argan milk.  It Cosmetics is another favorite of mine for its good for you benefits.  This creamy redness reducer is perfect for cold weather chapped skin.  Peter Thomas Roth's Cucumber Gel and Pumpkin Enzyme Masks are detoxifying and resurfacing.  Don't forget to feed your scalp too.  Chaz Dean's Six-Thirteen replenishes lost moisture and leaves my hair bouncy and soft.  Shop more good for you glamour finds in the links below…Have a beautiful Monday!

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1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10



Winter can be a beautiful time…think  falling snowflakes, glittering skating rinks and warm, cozy firesides.  Your skin, however, can easily suffer the effects of these seasonal favorites.  I keep my skin soft, supple and baby smooth all year long with the help of a few clever and effective products.  To start, I'm always sure I treat my skin to a daily thorough yet gentle cleansing that leaves it soft, supple and free of pore-clogging debris.  This magical little brush is amazing for doing that.  One use of the Clarisonic will leave you and your face wondering how you ever lived without it.  That fresh canvas will glow like a child's when you give it a simple advantage.  I love this non-irritating liquid gold by Peter Thomas Roth.  Its encapsulated retinol formula allows for increased cell turnover (aka baby smooth skin) and a boost in collagen production (hello firmness and tone) without any of the irritation associated with some retinoid creams.  Choose a wonderfully hydrating moisturizer to combat surface dryness like this dream cream from Bobbi Brown.  Top it off with a swipe of this gorgeous highlighter by MAC and you'll look like you've been enjoying tropical breezes instead of that winter's chill.    Your hands and body need a little extra love too this time of year.  This firming body cream from philosophy is my absolute favorite!  It firms all over and smells absolutely delicious.  You can shop more of my favorite winter must-haves shown above in the thumbnails below.  I'm betting you'll find a few new favorites too!

Happy Wednesday and thanks so much for stopping by today!











Winter Skin Savers










1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10



Winter can be a beautiful time…think  falling snowflakes, glittering skating rinks and warm, cozy firesides.  Your skin, however, can easily suffer the effects of these seasonal favorites.  I keep my skin soft, supple and baby smooth all year long with the help of a few clever and effective products.  To start, I'm always sure I treat my skin to a daily thorough yet gentle cleansing that leaves it soft, supple and free of pore-clogging debris.  This magical little brush is amazing for doing that.  One use of the Clarisonic will leave you and your face wondering how you ever lived without it.  That fresh canvas will glow like a child's when you give it a simple advantage.  I love this non-irritating liquid gold by Peter Thomas Roth.  Its encapsulated retinol formula allows for increased cell turnover (aka baby smooth skin) and a boost in collagen production (hello firmness and tone) without any of the irritation associated with some retinoid creams.  Choose a wonderfully hydrating moisturizer to combat surface dryness like this dream cream from Bobbi Brown.  Top it off with a swipe of this gorgeous highlighter by MAC and you'll look like you've been enjoying tropical breezes instead of that winter's chill.    Your hands and body need a little extra love too this time of year.  This firming body cream from philosophy is my absolute favorite!  It firms all over and smells absolutely delicious.  You can shop more of my favorite winter must-haves shown above in the thumbnails below.  I'm betting you'll find a few new favorites too!

Happy Wednesday and thanks so much for stopping by today!











Read more »











Skincare has always been something I'm extremely passionate about.  My much enjoyed research, reviews and hands-on testing has been tremendously helpful towards leading me in the direction of beauty's best blockbusters.  I have to say, there are some highly impressive products available on the market.  The question to ask though is, which ones are truly right for you and your personal skin type.  While age and environmental considerations do play a huge role in deciding how to put together an effective skin care regime, one product ingredient transcends these factors and trumps all lotions and potions.  That one must-have magic cream is retinol.  

If you've spent anytime circling the beauty counter or strolling the cosmetics aisles then it's likely you've seen and heard something about retinol before.  What you may not have gotten, however, is a true understanding of what this ingredient really is and how it can turn back the clock for you.  It took me some time {along with the most gracious help of my derm doc} to really sort through the hype.  Happily, it turns out that the magic on this one is real.  And, even better than that is the fact that there is a bottle of the good stuff custom made for every budget and need.  

If you are a basics-work-best kinda girl then your local drugstore is the perfect place to start.  Well-known brands like Roc and Neutrogena both offer options that are worthy of a look.  While these lines contain retinol as opposed to retinoic acid {more on that in a minute}, they are therefore, less potent and a safer bet for anyone with sensitive skin or those who've never tested the vitamin A waters.  That being said, the results, while still cumulative, are slower in coming.  

The next step above these beginning options are what are known as medical grade retinols.  These choices are also of a non-prescription strength.  The big difference being that they slowly convert retinol into retinoic acid which is the game changer that prescription strength creams contain.  You can find these kicked up options at your dermatologist's office and in the form of a serum, cream or gel-based cream.  Most will come packaged in an airtight pump or metal tube, both designed to eliminate air and light exposure as these elements erode the product's efficacy.  

Finally, if you're ready to play with the big boys then you'll be most pleased with a prescription strength retinoid.  These creams undeniably cut to the chase with a three month window of wait and see time.  Following those 12 weeks, women and men have reported marked improvements in the texture, tone and firmness of their skin.  Some have even said it has given their complexion a clear, glasslike smoothness reminiscent of years gone by.  Wow!  That's pretty powerful praise.  

With all these options and the possibility and potential they hold, it is easy to want to give them a try.  And, by all means, my advice is to go for it.  There is, however, a word or two of caution I absolutely must express.  That being, these creams whether low dose or doctor-prescribed, can cause skin to react with redness and sensitivity {both perfectly normal but still in need of mention}.  With the increased turnover of cells, newer, fresher skin is being exposed and most susceptible to sunlight.  Daily SPF is a must!  Not that it isn't always, it is even more pertinent when using any retinol cream.  Since summer's rays are the strongest, you may want to wait for September to come before beginning a retinol regime that takes you into the fall and winter.  Then, by the time the turkey is being carved you'll be even more thankful this year for that beautiful, radiant glow and porcelain-like complexion!

Let me know your thoughts or if you have any questions.  I'd love to help!  Wishing you a beautiful weekend!!












Sources:  WebMD.com  newbeauty.com  Ava Shamban, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology, UCLA. Photo Credits:  youbeauty.com pinterest.com sulia.com

SKINCARE 101: MUST-HAVE MAGIC CREAM












Skincare has always been something I'm extremely passionate about.  My much enjoyed research, reviews and hands-on testing has been tremendously helpful towards leading me in the direction of beauty's best blockbusters.  I have to say, there are some highly impressive products available on the market.  The question to ask though is, which ones are truly right for you and your personal skin type.  While age and environmental considerations do play a huge role in deciding how to put together an effective skin care regime, one product ingredient transcends these factors and trumps all lotions and potions.  That one must-have magic cream is retinol.  

If you've spent anytime circling the beauty counter or strolling the cosmetics aisles then it's likely you've seen and heard something about retinol before.  What you may not have gotten, however, is a true understanding of what this ingredient really is and how it can turn back the clock for you.  It took me some time {along with the most gracious help of my derm doc} to really sort through the hype.  Happily, it turns out that the magic on this one is real.  And, even better than that is the fact that there is a bottle of the good stuff custom made for every budget and need.  

If you are a basics-work-best kinda girl then your local drugstore is the perfect place to start.  Well-known brands like Roc and Neutrogena both offer options that are worthy of a look.  While these lines contain retinol as opposed to retinoic acid {more on that in a minute}, they are therefore, less potent and a safer bet for anyone with sensitive skin or those who've never tested the vitamin A waters.  That being said, the results, while still cumulative, are slower in coming.  

The next step above these beginning options are what are known as medical grade retinols.  These choices are also of a non-prescription strength.  The big difference being that they slowly convert retinol into retinoic acid which is the game changer that prescription strength creams contain.  You can find these kicked up options at your dermatologist's office and in the form of a serum, cream or gel-based cream.  Most will come packaged in an airtight pump or metal tube, both designed to eliminate air and light exposure as these elements erode the product's efficacy.  

Finally, if you're ready to play with the big boys then you'll be most pleased with a prescription strength retinoid.  These creams undeniably cut to the chase with a three month window of wait and see time.  Following those 12 weeks, women and men have reported marked improvements in the texture, tone and firmness of their skin.  Some have even said it has given their complexion a clear, glasslike smoothness reminiscent of years gone by.  Wow!  That's pretty powerful praise.  

With all these options and the possibility and potential they hold, it is easy to want to give them a try.  And, by all means, my advice is to go for it.  There is, however, a word or two of caution I absolutely must express.  That being, these creams whether low dose or doctor-prescribed, can cause skin to react with redness and sensitivity {both perfectly normal but still in need of mention}.  With the increased turnover of cells, newer, fresher skin is being exposed and most susceptible to sunlight.  Daily SPF is a must!  Not that it isn't always, it is even more pertinent when using any retinol cream.  Since summer's rays are the strongest, you may want to wait for September to come before beginning a retinol regime that takes you into the fall and winter.  Then, by the time the turkey is being carved you'll be even more thankful this year for that beautiful, radiant glow and porcelain-like complexion!

Let me know your thoughts or if you have any questions.  I'd love to help!  Wishing you a beautiful weekend!!












Sources:  WebMD.com  newbeauty.com  Ava Shamban, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology, UCLA. Photo Credits:  youbeauty.com pinterest.com sulia.com
Read more »
CHIC BEAUTY: Alpha Hydroxy Acids








































Cold weather no longer needs to be the culprit in robbing your skin of its gorgeous dewy glow.  Take back the softness and suppleness with the magic of hydroxy acids.  Alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids are what your skin craves, especially in the winter and cold weather months.  While serums and moisturizers are must-haves for repair and protection, AHAs and BHAs are what keep skin looking and feeling youthful, radiant and clear.  Let's find out how....

Alpha Hydroxy Acids:  Available in sheer, ultra-light formulas, these acids works to exfoliate skin's surface while evening texture and tone.  Brighter, smoother, youthful looking skin reveals your most beautiful complexion all while working to reduce previous signs of sun damage.  What's even better?  Research studies conclude that AHAs improve collagen production resulting in increased skin firmness and moisture retention.  All this equals a fresher, younger looking you.


Beta Hydroxy Acids:  Acne plagued skin types rejoice.  BHAs are the answer to your collective prayers.  Whether this is or was something you have struggled with, get ready to do an about face.  This exfoliant doesn't stop at renewing skin's surface.  Rather, it goes one better by simultaneously cleaning out the debris that's residing in your pores.  Skin cell turnover rate is improved and dramatic changes in the skin's appearance are possible as these wonder working acids improve collagen production and smooth skin's surface.  Blemish causing bacteria is banished and clogged pores, begone.  


While AHAs are generally used more for jump starting drier, more weathered skin types and BHAs are friendly towards oilier, acne-prone types, both can be effectively incorporated into your skincare routine.  Here are some options to consider....

AHAs

BHAs


Give these skin savers a try.  You won't be sorry.  Everybody can benefit from their skin softening and complexion perfecting effects.  The coveted baby soft, smooth supple skin you adore is waiting.

Have a beautiful Wednesday!





CHIC BEAUTY: The ABCs of Soft, Smooth Skin....Ready, Set, Glow!

CHIC BEAUTY: Alpha Hydroxy Acids








































Cold weather no longer needs to be the culprit in robbing your skin of its gorgeous dewy glow.  Take back the softness and suppleness with the magic of hydroxy acids.  Alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids are what your skin craves, especially in the winter and cold weather months.  While serums and moisturizers are must-haves for repair and protection, AHAs and BHAs are what keep skin looking and feeling youthful, radiant and clear.  Let's find out how....

Alpha Hydroxy Acids:  Available in sheer, ultra-light formulas, these acids works to exfoliate skin's surface while evening texture and tone.  Brighter, smoother, youthful looking skin reveals your most beautiful complexion all while working to reduce previous signs of sun damage.  What's even better?  Research studies conclude that AHAs improve collagen production resulting in increased skin firmness and moisture retention.  All this equals a fresher, younger looking you.


Beta Hydroxy Acids:  Acne plagued skin types rejoice.  BHAs are the answer to your collective prayers.  Whether this is or was something you have struggled with, get ready to do an about face.  This exfoliant doesn't stop at renewing skin's surface.  Rather, it goes one better by simultaneously cleaning out the debris that's residing in your pores.  Skin cell turnover rate is improved and dramatic changes in the skin's appearance are possible as these wonder working acids improve collagen production and smooth skin's surface.  Blemish causing bacteria is banished and clogged pores, begone.  


While AHAs are generally used more for jump starting drier, more weathered skin types and BHAs are friendly towards oilier, acne-prone types, both can be effectively incorporated into your skincare routine.  Here are some options to consider....

AHAs

BHAs


Give these skin savers a try.  You won't be sorry.  Everybody can benefit from their skin softening and complexion perfecting effects.  The coveted baby soft, smooth supple skin you adore is waiting.

Have a beautiful Wednesday!





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10 Best Ways to Exfoliate




Have you ever felt that your skin is just somehow not living up to its beautiful potential?  It's likely you're right.  The probable culprit?  Old, dead skin cells that are clinging to the surface of your skin, leaving it looking dull, tired and far from its best.  The solution?  Regular exfoliation that will gently lift these radiance robbers off skin's surface and reveal a smooth, fresh glow.  Hastily skipping this step, therefore, is not in your nor your skin's best interest. 
 Here are ten simple yet super effective ways to whisk your skin clean:

 MANUAL EXFOLIATORS:  These are among the simplest exfoliators often found in scrublike formulas designed to softly lift those dead cells off the top layer of skin.  Skin is allowed to shed its layers and breathe in new life.  Be sure to look for those formulas containing round, sphere shaped beads designed to be gentle on skin's delicate surface.  Another option?  A really good exfoliating brush that rotates and pulses as it works to thoroughly and effectively cleanse the skin in just one timed minute. Ones to try: Clarisonic Mia  2 ($149), Bliss Pore Perfecting Facial Polish ($30), Bobbi Brown Buffing Grains ($42).

 NATURAL ENZYMES:  If scrubbing is not for you, you may want to look to natural enzymes to get the job done.  Fruit enzymes and natural sugars do the work for you here by dissolving old skin cells at the surface.  One quick rinse later and your skin takes on a fresh new life.  Sensitive skin types do well with fruit enzyme masks as they are effective yet gentle enough, even for easily aggravated conditions like rosacea.  Ones to try:  Fresh Sugar Face Polish ($55), Jurlique Fruit Enzyme Exfoliator ($45), Ole Henriksen Blue/Black Berry Enzyme Mask ($32), Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Gentle Exfoliating Treatment ($65)

 ALPHA-HYDROXY and GLYCOLIC ACIDS:  A third option that's highly effective, would come in the form of a pad or peel soaked with the natural acids (alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy) found in fruits.  These formulas provide more of a pampering feel as they can be left on a bit longer and subsequently penetrate some of the deeper layers of skin below the visible surface.  Ones to try:  Peter Thomas Roth Gentle Complexion Corrector Pads ($36), philosophy The Microdelivery In Home Vitamin C Peptide Peel ($40), REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask ($55)
With options so simple as these readily available at your fingertips, you too can make weekly exfoliation an easy part of your skincare routine.  Give it a try....A smoother, brighter more radiant glow awaits!

 Have a beautiful Monday!

 XO,









Make It Happen Monday featuring...The 10 Best Ways to Exfoliate






10 Best Ways to Exfoliate




Have you ever felt that your skin is just somehow not living up to its beautiful potential?  It's likely you're right.  The probable culprit?  Old, dead skin cells that are clinging to the surface of your skin, leaving it looking dull, tired and far from its best.  The solution?  Regular exfoliation that will gently lift these radiance robbers off skin's surface and reveal a smooth, fresh glow.  Hastily skipping this step, therefore, is not in your nor your skin's best interest. 
 Here are ten simple yet super effective ways to whisk your skin clean:

 MANUAL EXFOLIATORS:  These are among the simplest exfoliators often found in scrublike formulas designed to softly lift those dead cells off the top layer of skin.  Skin is allowed to shed its layers and breathe in new life.  Be sure to look for those formulas containing round, sphere shaped beads designed to be gentle on skin's delicate surface.  Another option?  A really good exfoliating brush that rotates and pulses as it works to thoroughly and effectively cleanse the skin in just one timed minute. Ones to try: Clarisonic Mia  2 ($149), Bliss Pore Perfecting Facial Polish ($30), Bobbi Brown Buffing Grains ($42).

 NATURAL ENZYMES:  If scrubbing is not for you, you may want to look to natural enzymes to get the job done.  Fruit enzymes and natural sugars do the work for you here by dissolving old skin cells at the surface.  One quick rinse later and your skin takes on a fresh new life.  Sensitive skin types do well with fruit enzyme masks as they are effective yet gentle enough, even for easily aggravated conditions like rosacea.  Ones to try:  Fresh Sugar Face Polish ($55), Jurlique Fruit Enzyme Exfoliator ($45), Ole Henriksen Blue/Black Berry Enzyme Mask ($32), Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Gentle Exfoliating Treatment ($65)

 ALPHA-HYDROXY and GLYCOLIC ACIDS:  A third option that's highly effective, would come in the form of a pad or peel soaked with the natural acids (alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy) found in fruits.  These formulas provide more of a pampering feel as they can be left on a bit longer and subsequently penetrate some of the deeper layers of skin below the visible surface.  Ones to try:  Peter Thomas Roth Gentle Complexion Corrector Pads ($36), philosophy The Microdelivery In Home Vitamin C Peptide Peel ($40), REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask ($55)
With options so simple as these readily available at your fingertips, you too can make weekly exfoliation an easy part of your skincare routine.  Give it a try....A smoother, brighter more radiant glow awaits!

 Have a beautiful Monday!

 XO,









Read more »






Think of how much you can (and often do!) spend on your clothes. If you're anything like me, you might wear some of your favorite pieces only four or five times in a season - after all, there are just so so many cute must-haves! Given that, the price per wear is not always so flattering. When it comes to beauty products and purchases, however, you know you wear your face everyday. With a couple of worthy investments and the option to mix and match price points on other items, you can effortlessly create an easy to follow beauty routine and look radiant while doing it. Stick to these five essential steps and watch your skin begin to glow.

STEP 1: Cleanse ~ in order for any of the other steps to work effectively,
you need to thoroughly cleanse and routinely exfoliate. Otherwise, the
additional products you apply will not be able to reach skin layers below.  Clarisonic
makes this amazing cleansing brush.  Pair it with your favorite cleanser and
 you'll never want to go a day without that fresh clean skin feeling.

STEP 2:  Exfoliate ~ once your skin has been cleansed it needs to release those
stubborn skin cells that are still hanging on, causing your complexion to look dull. 
There are so many great exfoliators out on the market today.  One that I really like is
this one by Peter Thomas Roth.  The natural plant extracts and gentle acids loosen dry flakes
leaving you with the smoothest, softest skin you recall in years.


STEP 3:  Treat ~ now that you have a fresh canvas that is ready to receive some
much needed vitamins and hydraters, be sure to give your skin a daily dose of
goodness by using a treatment pad.  Again, there are numerous options to choose
from but I always like to pick one that fortifies the skin with essential nutrients and replenishers.  I tend to go for those
that pack a punch and give my skin a boost.  These bare minerals Intensive Glow Pads contain
 an Active Soil Complex at returning radiance to your skin.  They also use gentle acids and
 fruit extracts to keep your skin cell turnover rate high thus leaving you with that beautiful
 glow we all covet.


STEP 4:   Correct & Protect ~ as time goes by the effects of day to day fun take a toll on our
skin.  Whether it's free radicals found in the environment or simply forgetting to religiously apply
 sunscreen, our skin shows the signs. Not to worry, a peptide-rich hydrating serum is the answer. The collagen-boosting properties of these little age fighters help build your skin back up from the inside out. I particularly like this one by Kate Sommervile that contains both clock reversing peptides as well as moisture boosting hyalauronic acid.


STEP 5: Hydrate ~ once you've cared for your skin with the four steps above, it's time to seal in all that nourishing goodness with a skin-loving moisturizer. Depending upon your skin type and formula preference, there are multiple ways to go. While lotions are more popular with oil-prone users, I tend to prefer the cushiony softness you get from a cream. When it comes to selecting a moisturizer, price doesn't need to play a huge role. If you routinely follow the four steps above and are benefitting from their effects, then your moisturizer will serve as a compliment to those, sealing in their properties. One final note to mention....always, always go for the addition of an SPF during the daytime. Think of it as a protective cover-up shielding your skin from the sun's damaging rays while it keeps you looking radiant.


Hope you enjoy this five step routine. Follow it daily and you'll quickly see its glowing results. Have a beautiful weekend!

5 Steps to Beauty







Think of how much you can (and often do!) spend on your clothes. If you're anything like me, you might wear some of your favorite pieces only four or five times in a season - after all, there are just so so many cute must-haves! Given that, the price per wear is not always so flattering. When it comes to beauty products and purchases, however, you know you wear your face everyday. With a couple of worthy investments and the option to mix and match price points on other items, you can effortlessly create an easy to follow beauty routine and look radiant while doing it. Stick to these five essential steps and watch your skin begin to glow.

STEP 1: Cleanse ~ in order for any of the other steps to work effectively,
you need to thoroughly cleanse and routinely exfoliate. Otherwise, the
additional products you apply will not be able to reach skin layers below.  Clarisonic
makes this amazing cleansing brush.  Pair it with your favorite cleanser and
 you'll never want to go a day without that fresh clean skin feeling.

STEP 2:  Exfoliate ~ once your skin has been cleansed it needs to release those
stubborn skin cells that are still hanging on, causing your complexion to look dull. 
There are so many great exfoliators out on the market today.  One that I really like is
this one by Peter Thomas Roth.  The natural plant extracts and gentle acids loosen dry flakes
leaving you with the smoothest, softest skin you recall in years.


STEP 3:  Treat ~ now that you have a fresh canvas that is ready to receive some
much needed vitamins and hydraters, be sure to give your skin a daily dose of
goodness by using a treatment pad.  Again, there are numerous options to choose
from but I always like to pick one that fortifies the skin with essential nutrients and replenishers.  I tend to go for those
that pack a punch and give my skin a boost.  These bare minerals Intensive Glow Pads contain
 an Active Soil Complex at returning radiance to your skin.  They also use gentle acids and
 fruit extracts to keep your skin cell turnover rate high thus leaving you with that beautiful
 glow we all covet.


STEP 4:   Correct & Protect ~ as time goes by the effects of day to day fun take a toll on our
skin.  Whether it's free radicals found in the environment or simply forgetting to religiously apply
 sunscreen, our skin shows the signs. Not to worry, a peptide-rich hydrating serum is the answer. The collagen-boosting properties of these little age fighters help build your skin back up from the inside out. I particularly like this one by Kate Sommervile that contains both clock reversing peptides as well as moisture boosting hyalauronic acid.


STEP 5: Hydrate ~ once you've cared for your skin with the four steps above, it's time to seal in all that nourishing goodness with a skin-loving moisturizer. Depending upon your skin type and formula preference, there are multiple ways to go. While lotions are more popular with oil-prone users, I tend to prefer the cushiony softness you get from a cream. When it comes to selecting a moisturizer, price doesn't need to play a huge role. If you routinely follow the four steps above and are benefitting from their effects, then your moisturizer will serve as a compliment to those, sealing in their properties. One final note to mention....always, always go for the addition of an SPF during the daytime. Think of it as a protective cover-up shielding your skin from the sun's damaging rays while it keeps you looking radiant.


Hope you enjoy this five step routine. Follow it daily and you'll quickly see its glowing results. Have a beautiful weekend!
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