TheMakeupGirl

Skin Saver: Clarins Bright Plus HP Intensive Brightening Mask...

As regular readers know, I am a HUGE proponent of skin care, and taking care of your skin.  If your skin isn't as flawless and pretty as can be any makeup you put on it won't matter.  That being said, there have been huge advances in the skincare world as our skin problems have compounded.  With the addition of the fleeting ozone layer and our inability to stay out of the sun, it has become necessary to take certain measures for making our skin look brighter. Clarins is one of the skin care giants that is stepping up to the bat.  I used to work for them back in the day and honestly, it i one of the best department store lines I have used.  I love that European philosophy of using plant extracts...plus it smells great!

So a few weeks ago, I got a few items from the Bright Plus HP line to try out.  The one that stood out to me the most was the  the Bright Plus HP Intensive Brightening Mask.  This is honestly one of the best products they have introduced this year.  Sold in a box of 8 individual application tubes, this white cream is lightweight and creamy feeling.  I definitely got more than one use out of the tube for sure and I managed to scare my son in the process (bonus...LOL).  This mask is great for age spots, hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores, too much sun, or skin that just feels dull.

I tested t out on a Saturday after I did my weekend hair washing and body scrubbing.  I left the mask on for the recommended 10 minutes (it was kinda tingly!!) and when I rinsed it off my skin really looked brighter, I was like really???  I have a few darker spots on my face that were significantly lighter and my skin felt fresher.  This mask is an all in one brightener and moisturizer that I think is an excellent addition to your skincare repertoire.

Clarins Bright Plus HP Intensive Brightening Mask retails for $28 (which a total steal considering you get more than one use out of each tube) at major department stores nationwide.

Mask Pretty!!

Skincare 101: Switching Up For Spring Summer...

If you are like me...you switch your skincare out for the seasons.  And if you aren't...then you should be!  One of the biggest skincare mistakes I see is people using the same things all year long.  Even if you are oily, there are things you can do so that you don't get oiler in the warmer months.  Also, I honestly think that you should invest in the Clarisonic Skincare Brush 6 oz Daily Cleanser as it has made a huge difference in the texture of my skin as well as it's ability to absorb product more effectively.  Now don't complain about the price tag, this is an investment in your skin.  If it's something that you just can;t afford right now, then make a goal and save up for it.  The only thing you have to replace every 6 months is the brush head and those are only $25.  I am not so keen on the cleanser that it comes with but it is a bundled product so it's whatever...save it and use it as a stocking stuffer at Christmas.

Now onto the actual skincare.  If you are dry, I would recommend switching to a gel based or a gel cream or a lotion moisturizer for the warmer months.  If you are oily, I would actually do the same thing BUT make sure it is formulated for oily skin OR that it is oil free.  Philosophy's Hope in a Jar is actually a really great mid-priced face cream PLUS they have different formulations according to your skin type.

To cleanse, I prefer something that feels "soapy" when it is warmer out.  I just feel like my face gets cleaner.  I still use Purity Made Simple because that will get every last bit of makeup off but I often also use Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser for All Skin Types because it just makes my skin feel SUPER clean as I have a little bit of oiliness when it gets warm.

Bottom line, stow the rich and emollient creams until the weather gets cool again and switch things up to lighter fare for the warmer season.  You skin will thank you!

Stay Pretty!!

Lemme Lemme Upgrade Ya...

Ready for a self tanner upgrade??  If you are new to the self tanner game, and thinking about trying a high end brand why not start with the best one I have tried ever....  Okay I am biased because i worked for them for so long, but I still use the products today so that says something.

Clarins has been in the skincare business since 1954, in fact they were one of the first "high-end" sun care lines I tried.  They used to have this amazing tinted sun care cream that was SPF 20 (unheard of back then) that I used to slather all over my body...LOL.

Clarins has the science and the expertise to deliver.  The Self Tanning Starter Kit is no exception.  This three step kit has everything you need to get a nice golden glow.  Kit contains...

• 4.4 oz Self Tanning Instant Gel
• 1.7 oz Radiance-Plus Self Tanning Cream-Gel
• 0.69 oz One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser

Use the cleanser to exfoliate your face before you apply the Radiance Plus to your face, the Instant Gel is amazing because it dries so quickly you will never know it was there.  No streaking, no funny orange color...just beautiful bronze glow.

Tan Pretty!!

Are All Eyemakeup Removers Created Equal??

I think not...I have been using Lancome for the longest but we will get into that later.  I recently read an article where Beyonce was saying that sometimes she doesn't like to wash her face after she gets her makeup done professionally so that she can look made up in the morning.  WHAT????  Are you serious????  That statement my friends is a bunch of HOOEY.  Let me say it one more time with feeling....YOUR MAKEUP WILL NOT LAST THROUGH SLEEPING AND YOUR SKIN NEEDS TO BREATHE SO TAKE IT OFF.  Got it??  Good. 

That being said, when you clean your face...pay special attention to the delicate eye area.  When removing your eye makeup, please refrain from pulling and tugging...we don't need any extra unwanted wrinkles or puffiness. 

My favorite brand of eye makeup remover of all time is Lancome Bi-Facil.  It is a dual action remover that you have to shake to combine...it takes off waterproof mascara in a blink with no oily residue and is very gentle on the eyes.  If you are not wearing waterproof mascara, try Effacil, which is equally gentle and removes everything with no residue.  Close second to the Lancome brands is Clarins.  They now also have a remover specifically for waterproof mascara removal called Instant Eye Makeup Remover, the Gentle Eye Makeup remover is for regular mascara.  Both Clarins and Lancome removers are safe for contact lens wearers and ophthalmologist tested.

Blink Pretty!!

Skin Care Regime: Serums...

In keeping with my French theme today, I though I might talk about the virtues of using a serum in your skin-care regimen.  In the life of your skin, there are many things you can do in order to enhance the texture and appearance of it.  One of those things is to use a serum.  Now, many people would disagree with me on this point but hear me out.  I have been using SOME kind of serum since I was 18 years old.  I am now staring at 40 and most folks think I am about 27 (I do think that is pushing it...but hey I will take it...lol)  So as far as I am concerned, there HAS to be some truth to it.  That and most of the leading European skincare companies like Sisley and Clarins offer serums in their lines.  For years, European skincare has been the leader in research when it comes to how the elements and different variables affect your skin.  And we all know that European women are still fabulous as they get older, look at Sophia Loren and Catherine Deneuve.  That being said, in recent years, American skincare companies have been doing their own research with some fantastic results.

Here are some of my favorites that have proven track records for incredible results...

Clarins Total Double Serum I know I know...Clarins isn't American!  But they have a US division don't they?  HA HA.  This is the first serum I ever used, so I am a bit biased.  Although it has been re-packaged in a new fancy container, this is the same good old double serum from the old days. Formulated with 42 natural ingredients to boost the skin's radiance and vitality while enhancing a firmer more toned appearance.

Philosophy When Hope Is Not Enough I am currently using this one.  It contains Vitamin C and E peptides (which are links of amino acids which are structural building units of proteins) and soy.  This serum is great for firming and brightening the skin.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrate This was created back in 1982 as Night Repair, It was re-formulated in 1990 as Advanced Night Repair.  This new formula is a super intensive serum that helps with dehydration, excessive sun exposure, or pre- and post micro-dermabrasion and chemical peels.  Use this one if you have spent a lot of time in the sun or if your skin needs a little TLC.

Origins Plantidote  I have only used this in sample form for about a week, but I was extremely impressed with the results.  I was actually an Origins fanatic before I started using Philosophy 2 years ago.This serums is great for hyper-pigmentation, extreme dryness, lines wrinkles and puffiness.  Use this if your skin seems stressed or extra dry.

Treat your skin to some extra help in the cooler months, you should treat is well all year long really.  But especially if you spend a lot of time in the sun.  Even if you only spend what you consider to be a little time in the sun without protection, you are still at risk for sun damage. 

Every woman in this day and age should be using some kind of SPF of at least 25 on a daily basis.  Sun damage can cause a myriad of other problems including dehydration, hyper-pigmentation and extreme dryness, not to mention skin cancer.

Stay Pretty and protect that skin!!