skincare

clarisonic deep pore detoxifying solution (and a giveaway!)

Monday, July 29, 2013

By now you know I love Clarisonic so whenever there’s a new solution from the brand, I feel like it’s my DUTY to let you guys know!

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The new Clarisonic Deep Pore Detoxifying Solution ($169) combines Clarisonic’s first-ever two-step solution with its patented Deep Pore Brush Head and sonic technology to optimize the cleansing experience when it comes to pores.

This collection includes the Clarisonic Mia 2 Sonic Skin Cleansing Brush with the Deep Pore Brush Head, Deep Pore Daily Cleanser and Detoxifying Clay Mask. While I normally use my regular cleansers and masks with my Mia, I threw caution to the wind when I read that this set reduces pore appearance by 25% after just one use, and after 93% of users saw increased skin clarity after THREE days.

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The Mia 2 features two speeds, a one-minute pulsing timer to let you know how long you should be using the system for, and a protective travel case making traveling with the system a breeze (I use the case to store it when it’s not in use). I’ve been using the Acne Clarifying brush head religiously because I am acne prone but I did notice that the cleanser that came with it dried out my face and I was more concerned about oily skin during the summer versus acne. I don’t have severe acne and the system is good for handling a breakout here and there.

The Deep Pore Cleansing brush head is firmer than the Acne Clarifying (which is meant for sensitive skin) but I’m convinced it’s the one for me since it’s ideal for cleansing oily skin - something I’ve lamented about on this blog before. Gentle enough for daily use, I felt like my skin was really clean after one use (removed A LOT of makeup that I tend to wear during the week). While it took about seven days for me to see best results, I definitely recommend using the Deep Pore Detoxifying Clay Mask one to two times a week for best results. It doesn’t leave my face feeling tight, itchy, or dry and is one of the few masks I’ve been using weekly. I did notice that I broke out on my chin after using this which was a bit odd as I never break out after using a Clarisonic but it was gone after two days so no harm, no foul. Overall, I’ve come to be addicted (as usual) with this and have swapped this as part of my everyday routine. I use it morning and night since my skin isn’t sensitive and it does not irritate me at all.

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Now the fun part - GIVEAWAY!!!

The good folks at Clarisonic have given me TWO Clarisonic Deep Pore Detoxifying Solutions to give away to two loveley MissWYA readers. Since I recently celebrated SIX years of having this blog, what better way to thank you all for reading MissWYA than to give something I truly love? To enter, simply enter via the rafflecopter widget below. Open to US residents only. Giveaway ends 11:59 pm on August 5, 2013. Winners have been notified and contacted. Thank you all for entering!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you’d rather purchase the Clarisonic, you can find it online.

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rescue me: kiehl’s skin rescuer stress-minimizing daily hydrator

Monday, June 3, 2013

So I know I’ve been MIA lately but, forgive me, I’ve been a bit all over the place. In between starting a new job, trying to be a young twenty-something in New York, and looking for an apartment I’ve been crazed. To say stressed would be an understatement - even if that stress is self induced because I’m a worrier. Throughout the month of May I’ve been living off of Kiehl’s Skin Rescuer ever since I received the sample and pored over the press release.

When you feel stress, the brain sends signals to your vital organs, which then trigger your organs to react to the stress aggression. You know the feeling: your heart starts beating faster, your muscles tense, and your skin can go haywire - inflammation, redness, dullness, blotchiness, you name it (which can lead to premature aging)! My biggest issue is dehydrated skin. I’m constantly ashy or peeling and no matter how much moisturizer I apply it looks dull.

Scared, yet?

To combat this Kiehl’s introduced their newest product, the Skin Rescuer Stress-Minimizing Daily Hydrator. I’m afraid to call it a moisturizer simply because it’s SUPER lightweight and allows me to apply my normal moisturizer (with SPF) over it without leaving me feeling greasy or heavy. With the help of the ingredients Mannose (a barrier protecting rare sugar that shields and helps maintain skin to promote recovery) and Rosa Gallica (anti-inflammatory agent), the formula limits the release of stress signals to the skin.

My skin was less irritated, less dry, and overall happier. Good lookin’ out Kiehl’s!

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ONE DAY ONLY: Josie Maran Limited-Edition Set on QVC

Monday, August 6, 2012

As someone who suffers from occasional dry skin, I rely heavily on Josie Maran’s Organic Argan Oil. What started out as a simple test drive turned into a full blown love affair! The oil absorbs into skin without feeling heavy, gross, or greasy. It’s one of those products I recommend without hesitation and is considered my gateway product into the world of Josie Maran. When I heard that the brand was releasing a QVC exclusive, my ears perked up since I know I’ll want to pick it up.

Josie Maran’s Pure & Simple Argan Skincare Ritual will be available for one day only on August 11th as a QVC Today’s Special Value, featuring products inspired by Josie Maran’s signature wonder ingredient, Argan Oil. If you don’t know QVC’s beauty specials are unbelievable and a PERFECT time to snap up amazing beauty deals. Rich in essential fatty acids and Vitamin E, Argan Oil is clinically proven to improve skin’s hydration and elasticity, and can be used on the face, hair, hands, toes and everywhere in between.

The Pure & Simple Argan Skincare Ritual Kit includes:

  • Argan Cleansing Oil: A gentle, non-greasy cleanser filled with olive, safflower seed and grape seed oils to refresh and renew skin, leaving it feeling moisturized
  • 100% Pure Argan Oil: Nourish your skin with Josie’s signature product. This 100% organic, lightweight, anti-aging daily moisturizer visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while imparting a youthful, radiant glow. Use to moisturize face, treat split ends or condition cuticles.
  • Argan Daily Moisturizer Protect + Perfect Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Tinted Lotion: Defend skin against the harmful effects of UVA/UVB radiation with this non-chemical formula that delivers a universally flattering tint to correct imperfections and even out skin tone. I personally haven’t tried this but am curious on how it looks on darker skin.
  • Argan Color Stick: A dual-purpose sheer tint for lips and cheeks. The natural-looking, dewy finish complements all skin tones and creates a healthy flush or beautiful, just-bitten lips. I so desperately want to try this product!

The collection is available August 11th only so don’t forget beauty girls!

Please don’t forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.
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across the pond: nourish skincare

Monday, August 6, 2012

Always on the hunt to nail down my perfect skincare regimen, I’m always willing to try new products and learn about ingredients that will help me along the way.

When I was contacted to try Nourish, a natural, anti-aging skincare line that is works to take care of your skin’s needs and reducing the effects of the environment you’re in (think smoke, smog, pollution). The line is free of harmful ingredients and has four categories, each with products catered to work on your behalf: Nourish Protect (great for dry skin), Nourish Relax (sensitive skin), Nourish Balance (combination skin) and Nourish Radiance (normal skin).

As someone with combination skin (oily T zone and normal cheeks) I tried the Nourish Balance range, a combination of balancing apple extracts, vitamins, and minerals. I’ve been using the products at night since my morning routine focuses more on sun protection. The cleanser is super gentle and leaves your skin feeling soft. As someone who wears makeup (long wear foundation, blush, eyes — the whole shebang), I found that it doesn’t completely remove everything. After cleansing, I used the Balance Nutritious Peptide Serum which immediately brightened my complexion. It’s a bit thicker than most serums I’ve used but not as thick as a moisturizer. I also use this product in the morning underneath my SPF.

The three products that I have fallen in love with are the Balance Essential Moisturiser, Balance Refining Toning Mist, and the Argan Skin Rescue. The moisturizer is a bit thick - not heavy - and is the finishing touch in my nightly routine. When I wake up in the morning, my face isn’t oily or gross. I wish this had SPF in it since it does a great job at controlling my oily areas. The toning mist isn’t completely necessary for me but it feels good. Simple as that. I apply after the serum but before the moisturizer. I’ve also been carrying this with me and misting throughout the day whenever I’m feeling a little dry. I have a dehydration issue so mists like these are perfect for a quick boost. The Argan Skin Rescue contains my favorite skincare ingredient (argan oil) and is great in place of the moisturizer. On days where I’m feeling extra dehydrated (my office is the main culprit), I apply immediately after cleansing my skin. It soaks right in and there’s no waiting or heavy feeling.

They are based out of the UK so us stateside ladies may have to deal with some crazy shipping fees. If you want to check out the line visit their website to see which products work best for your skin type.

Samples were provided for editorial consideration. Please don’t forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.
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The NARSskin Collection

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

I’m a firm believer that your makeup looks good only if your skin allows it to. I bang on all the time about skincare on this little corner of the internet I call mine, but that’s because I truly do love it. When I learned that NARS Cosmetics was coming out with NARSskin, a nine piece skincare collection (a revamp of their current line), I was thrilled to see what the brand had to offer.

NARSskin features the brand’s unique Light Reflecting Complex™, that - when combined with Light Active Micro Prism (part of the complex), algae extract and Polynesian seawater - moisturize the skin, stimulate natural exfoliation and cell turnover, and enhance light reflection.

Think about it. After you properly highlight your face with makeup, don’t you love how the light catches your face. Your glowing! Why not use a skincare line, dedicated to delivering that same effect? Let your skincare work for you, and have your makeup enhance it.

All products will be available at Saks Fifth Avenue stores on now and elsewhere on August 15.

Disclosure: I did receive samples, however, did not try them out. Please don’t forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.
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