Facial Pads Round Up

I've been talking about the benefits of toners for quite a while now. They are an integral part of my skincare routine and help to both balance the skin and prepare it to receive the subsequent treatments such as serums and moisturizers. One of the easiest ways to add in the benefits of  toner into your routine is with facial pads. There are a ton on the market now, so there is certainly something for everyone. Many are designed to help resurface the skin with mild acids, while others are designed to help treat problem skin that may struggle with acne and breakouts. I like to use both types of pads at different times depending on how my skin is feeling and acting. I typically use them after my second cleanse and follow them up with a quick spritz of a hydrating mist or toner to help give my skin a boost of moisture. Here is a quick round up of a few facial pads that I enjoy.

1. First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads - I am still going strong with these as well as the Blemish Patrol Pads. These are by far the most gentle out of this bunch, and really give a delicate exfoliation while still helping to brighten, even out skin tone and refine the texture of the skin. I use them both morning and night after my second cleanse, and they feel wonderful on the skin. No tingling or burning and they are always a safe bet for me. These are forever in my routine and as soon as I finish one tub, I already have a back up waiting.

2. Zelens Resurfacing Facial Pads - Out of the three standard peel pads from this post (First Aid Beauty and Dr. Dennis Gross), these fell in the middle in terms of strength, from my experience. They combine both alpha hydroxy acids as well as beta hydroxy acids in one formula to help target fine line/wrinkles, even out skin tone and to help reduce the appearance of pore size. I did notice however that these are the driest pads out of all four and I tend to prefer the pad be a bit more saturated. That being said, I found they worked so well on my skin that I quickly got over that small nuisance. They not only helped me with texture and the overall tone of my skin, but I found that they were suitable to use even when I had a breakout.

3. Arcona Raspberry Clarifying Pads - Outside of the First Aid Beauty Blemish Patrol Pads (which I LOVE), I have yet to try and love another facial pad product for acne or problem skin. Until now. I am already a HUGE fan of Arcona (this is my holy grail face peel and this hydrating mask is one of my top 3 of all time), so I already had a good feeling about these. Formulated with salicylic acid, witch hazel and tea tree extracts, these really help to treat current breakouts while also preventing future ones. They are incredibly saturated which I actually prefer and can give a bit of tingling to the skin, but nothing that irritates me. I don't use these daily but rather only when my skin is acting up.

4. Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Pads -These Alpha Beta Peel Pads quickly rose through the ranks of cult classics early on and they are still one of the gold standard for facial peel pads. Frankly, all of Dr. Dennis Gross' peel products are top rated (I love this peel - read my review here), and after using these I can see why they are so well loved. They are a two-step treatment pad (I am just showing step 2 here, but the step 1 jar and pad looks exactly the same), that are suitable to be used daily. Amongst this group, I would say these are the strongest out of the First Aid Beauty Radiance Pads and Zelens Pads, though I still find these suitable for regular use without any irritation. What I love about these pads is that in addition to the strong exfoliation they give which helps to target uneven skin tone, fine lines, wrinkles and pore size, they are also gentle enough for sensitive skin and will help to calm redness and irritation. They are like a miracle in a pad! 

*pr samples included

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My Favorite Facial Peels

There is little I love more in life than a good facial peel. A little tingling, sometimes a bit of stinging but the result is always the same - glowing, fresh, radiant skin. Peels can help to break up hyper-pigmentation, exfoliate at a deeper level than granular scrubs, reduce the appearance of fine lines and give clearer/brighter skin. Though I can never resist trying a new peel, I do have my all time favorite peels that have made the biggest impression on me. Here are my five favorite facial peels:

1. Revive Glycolic Renewal Peel - This is definitely the strongest peel that I have and is saved for when I want to really bring out the big guns. Serious hyper pigmentation, rough skin texture, remnants from a bad breakout, dull lackluster skin - any of these (or all of them - ugh) make me reach for this peel. Because it combines both peel pads and an exfoliating gel afterwards, the two step system is what really makes the difference for my skin. The gel does tingle so make sure you test it first to make sure your skin can handle it, but if you can your skin is in for a treat. This gives me near perfect skin afterwards - pore appearance is minimized, skin is smoother, and fine lines are almost non-existent. *round of applause* Because my skin can be a bit red after, I do not use this on a night I am going out but rather save it for the evening before. Even using it a full 24 hours before a big event, I still have stellar results. This peel is by far the closest thing I have to an at-home spa treatment. Robe and cucumber water not included. 

2. Perricone MD Blue Plasma - I've been singing this product's praises for years now. Not only can it be used daily both morning and night, but it gives the most gentle exfoliation without any of the side effects that come with peels. I had no redness, no irritation, no tingling and no stinging and my skin always looks better when I use this regularly in my routine. It's easy to add into any regimen and works with almost any product mix I am using at the time. It has now secured a place in 'Maree's Skincare Hall of Fame' (if there was such a thing). 

3. Arcona Raspberry Resurfacing Peel - The first time I used this peel, I did not know what to expect. And then after about 10 minutes, I removed the gel from my face and stared at my skin for what seemed like forever. It was absolutely glowing, and so hydrated which is rare for a peel! In the list of peels that I mention in this post, it is probably my second strongest one so I only use it once or twice a month. But when I do, I am guaranteed gorgeous glowing skin for the next week or two. I rarely get ready for a big night out or special event without doing this mask the same night - because my skin never fails to look its best after. There is a bit of tingling and stinging with this one so be prepared, but for me, I don't mind it. Because the results are soooo worth it. Bring on the sting!

4. First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads - As I have said over and over again, there is not one product from the First Aid Beauty range that I don't absolutely love. And these pads are no exception - in fact they were the first product I ever tried from the range that got me hooked. I love them because they are incredibly gentle and suitable for every day use. Using them at the toning step of my routine is how I found them to be most effective since they give a light exfoliation right after cleansing. I then follow up with a hydrating mist, toner or essence, to help replenish the moisture in my skin and keep it balanced. And since these pads are so gentle, I find that they can work for almost any skin type, even sensitive (though you should always test things first to be sure). My skin regularly looks brighter and more even-toned when using these pads. And I have noticed a distinct difference in how my foundation wears on my face when using these pads - it seems to almost glide on with little to no pulling on dry patches, caking up or looking too heavy. It's almost as if these pads were made for gals who love a full face. 

5. m-61 Power Glow Peel - When I feel I want to amp up the results from my First Aid Beauty pads, I switch to these from m-61. They are a bit stronger and I typically use them every other day so as not to irritate my skin. I find that these help me prevent stubborn breakouts, and have had a significant impact on any hyper pigmentation that I may be suffering from at any given moment. These were all I used after the summer was over to help erase any lingering sun damage that managed to get through my SPF. Rude. But regardless of the sun's ruthless ways, these pads worked to help fade the dark spots and make my skin return to it's non-patchy appearance.

Hydrating Masks For Every Price Point

I love hydrating masks for a multitude of reasons.They are suitable for almost any skin type, work in any season and can give instant results. I have been testing out a slew of different ones that were sent to me over the past few weeks and thought I would highlight the ones I enjoyed the most. They range from moderately priced to a complete splurge, so if you are looking for a new hydrating mask, you are bound to find one in this group. Here are my thoughts on each:

1. SK-II Facial Treatment Mask - Big time splurge, but big time results. This is definitely a special occasion mask for me. I used it before going to a wedding because I wanted an extra boost of hydration and radiance - and boy did I get it. Wow! I applied it an hour or so before I put on my makeup, left it on for 15 minutes, removed and pressed the remaining essence into my face. It was like an instant facial, and my makeup applied like never before. For a true pampering experience, this is a must have in your skincare arsenal.

2. Amore Pacific Moisture Bound Sleeping Recovery Mask - After having such a great experience with the other two sleeping masks I been have using (this one and this one), I was happy to add a true hydrating one to the mix. The Amore Pacific Sleeping Recovery Mask has a cooling gel-like feeling when applied and a little goes a long way. It does take a few more minutes than my other sleeping masks to dry down, but nothing that is unreasonable. The first thing I noticed the next morning was how plump my skin appeared and it was as if I had been drinking the recommended 8 glasses of water a day for my entire life (which sadly I do not all the time). There was not a dry spot in sight and barely any sleep lines, which I always get because I sleep on my stomach or side. Great to use once a week or more if needed.

3. Arcona Wine Hydrating Mask - I always expect a thin, watery gel-like consistency when I use hydrating masks. And this Arcona hydrating mask served to break me of that misconception and stereotype. As soon as I squeezed some out of the tube, the thick rich cream texture told me that it would be different than other hydrating masks I have tried in the past. Instead of being solely for moisture renewal, I found this mask to be great at nourishing, calming and replenishing my skin. With ingredients like shea butter, hyaluronic acid and grapeseed extract, it's no wonder the results were so substantial. 

4. Rodial Dragon's Blood Hyaluronic Mask - The Arcona mask may have thrown me for a texture loop, but this Rodial Dragon's Blood Hyaluronic Mask brought back the expected hydration mask texture I have come to know and love. A gel-like consistency that feels refreshing from the moment it is first applied. I don't typically like masks in the morning because I am running around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to get ready, but I have been applying this after I wash my face and before I step into the shower. I don't know if it's the shower intensifying the moisturizing properties, but my skin feels glorious when I rinse the mask off. I have even skipped my usual morning serum combo (this and this), in favor of just adding some SPF and applying my makeup straight away. It feels like a new secret I just discovered and I am loving the way my makeup looks after using this. I can't say this new addition makes me any more of a morning person (I wish I was), but at least my skin can fake it, right?

Have you tried any of these masks? What are your thoughts? Do you have a favorite hydrating mask? Leave me a comment below!

What Should Be On My Vanity

A good mix of both new and existing products are currently trying to make their way onto my vanity. While I do love a new launch, I find myself not wanting to miss out on great staples from each line.  Where is that unlimited trust fund when you need it??  What is currently on your wish list? Click on each item for more information.

1. Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Milk

2. Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet

3. Arcona Raspberry Clarifying Pads

4. Eve Lom Sheer Radiance Translucent Powder

5. Chanel Long Wear Luminous Eye Shadow in Emerveille

6. YSL Kiss & Blush

7. Armani Luminessence CC Cream

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Beauty Bits: Peels At Every Price Point

If I had to list my favorite past times - they would include eating, reading, taking my little nugget to the dog park - oh and exfoliating like a champ.  It's a wonder I even have an outer layer of skin left (kidding, sorta) with the amount of enjoyment I get from sloughing away those dead skin cells.  But with all the new technology out there - all that manual exfoliation and exhausting your arms is a thing of the past with the introduction of facial peels.  Peels are typically formulated with various ingredients that help to exfoliate, retexturize, smooth, and brighten - basically they make your skin look ah-may-zing.  I have rounded up some great ones at every price point so everyone can share in the fun!  Let's discuss:

1.  Arcona Raspberry Resurfacing Peel - This was the first peel I ever purchased many months ago, and have loved it from the start.  Formulated with a blend of mandelic, lactic and malic (say wha???) acids, this leaves my skin super refreshed, smooth and incredibly glowing, and has become my go to product before special occasions.  But beware - it does tingle when applied.  That's how I know it's working..... ;) 

2.  Perricone MD Blue Plasma - As if I could love this product any MORE!  You have heard me rave for months about this gem and its revolutionary method of giving the effects of a peel without any irritation, dryness or side effects.  The active ingredient is salmon roe enzyme (for real) and can be used daily to help hydrate, exfoliate and smooth the skin over time.  Completely worth the splurge.  

3.  Alba Botanica Pore Purifying Mini Peel (c/o) - New to my peel arsenal, I was thrilled after trying this super affordable option and finding its results to be quite remarkable.  Formulated with 6% alpha hydroxy acid, this fast acting gel works well at eliminating toxins and dull surface cells to reveal shiny, revitalized skin.  And with its natural claims of being 100% vegetarian, paraben and sulfate free, and hypo-allergenic - it is a must try!  

Final note:  With all this sloughing, scrubbing and removing of yucky, pathetic dead skin cells, it does leave the skin sensitive to the sun so be sure you are wearing a sunscreen!  *shakes finger at you*

As if I wasn't already overflowing in beauty products, I still want more.  I'm a lost cause, save yourselves!  But if you are like me and cannot be saved, feel free to follow along on my Pinterest board I have dedicated to beauty products I am currently coveting.  Hopefully we will all get through it together.  

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