2 Mud Masks I'm Loving This Summer

 As an oily skinned gal, I love a good mud mask. Anything to help decongest, detoxify and keep my skin from breaking out is something I want to keep in my routine regularly. Some mud masks however can strip my skin horribly, leaving it dry and uncomfortable - only exacerbating the issue and making my skin more oily and prone to breakouts. I have been using two mud masks religiously this summer and love how they manage to clear out my skin while still keeping it balanced and hydrated.

1. NIOD Flavanone Mud - There are mud masks, and then there is the NIOD Flavanone Mud. It's more advanced than any other mask in my collection mainly because it continues to work days after it has been removed helping to protect the skin from environmental damage. It removes surface impurities, leaves my skin less oily immediately after and the day following and gives a slight exfoliation. Because of it's formulation, it is not designed to irritate or disrupt the skin leading to little or no inflammation after. Initially I used it every night for 5 nights as suggested and found that my skin looked better as the week went on. I had a particularly uncomfortable blemish on my chin and it cleared up quicker than usual, with little to no surrounding redness of the area. I now use it in my routine once a week for maintenance and my skin has stayed balanced and my pores look cleaner and less congested. The only downside is the color - I prefer removing it in the shower because it stains very easily. But for these results I'll take the risk.

2. Omorovicza Ultramoor Mud Mask - While most mud masks are designed to help deep cleanse the pores, I got quite a lot moor (haha) with this mask than expected. After leaving it on for 10-15 minutes, my pores looked minimized and my skin felt tighter and firmer almost immediately. Exfoliation is often an added benefit of using a mud mask, but this left my skin smooth yet incredibly hydrated and radiant. This mask experience is a mini facial in a jar! It's a great product to use when you need a quick boost for the skin and want instant results. I went on to apply my makeup right after to see how it would wear and it glided on my skin like I had airbrushed it on. It's true that good skin can truly enhance the look of makeup, and this mask's results proves that completely.

*pr samples included

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My All-Time Favorite Mattifying Products

Sandals, Bag, Sunglasses, Hat

While I'm thrilled the warmer weather is here and I don't have to suffer through snow and freezing temperatures anymore, the tradeoff is the oil slick that my face becomes because of the heat. I already have oily skin, so add humidity and heat and it's a recipe for a makeup meltdown. Thankfully however, I have a few products that help me manage. Almost all of these products with the exception of one new discovery have been my favorites for years. I have reviewed most of them multiple times over, but felt it was necessary to compile them in one post for reference.

1. Murad Oil-Control Mask - This is my newest discovery, but since it comes from the Murad Oil-Control line, I knew I was in good hands. Like with most mattifying or oil-control masks, I need to use them sparingly so as not to dry out my skin which in turn makes it more oily. I love using this mask 1-2x/wk and find that it does wonders for me if I use it in the morning. Rather than putting it over my entire face, I apply it only on my t-zone and my skin stays much less oily throughout the day.

2. Murad Oil-Control Mattifier - I'm sure this one is no surprise to any of you following my blog for the past few years - I swear by this stuff! I love it as a makeup primer before I apply foundation and it does wonders to help me stay matte for 8-10+ hours. What makes this better than other mattifying priming products is that my skin still looks fresh and healthy after it's applied, instead of flat and dry. I will never be without this in my summer skin routine.

3. Tatcha Pore Perfecting Sunscreen - I discovered this last year when it launched and was immediately blown away by how it looked on my skin. Not only does it provide sun protection, but it helps my foundation last longer, mattifies my skin and blurs imperfections. But to be honest, I have yet to try a Tatcha product that didn't blow me away. The entire line is perfection. (Currently loving this serum and eye serum from them).

4. Shiseido Urban Environment Sunscreen - Before I discovered the Tatcha SPF, I was crazy for (and still am) this sunscreen. Initially because of its runny texture, I was afraid it would be greasy and do the complete opposite of what I wanted. But thankfully, I didn't let my first impressions stop me from trying it. My skin looks beautiful after applying, and any makeup I put on top lasts all day long. It is a bit more matte than the Tatcha so if it's going to be super humid out, I will reach for this SPF first.

5. Laura Mercier Universal Invisible Loose Powder - If you are a Laura Mercier lover, than you know this powder. It is a staple of her collection because of it's ability to mattify the skin and set makeup, but it also made a name for itself because of how invisible it is on the skin. For being such a stark white powder, it disappears into any skin tone from very fair to deep. I use it with the corresponding powder puff and find that pressing it into the skin makes all the difference.

6. By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra Powder - I was happy with my Laura Mercier powder and was not looking for anything to replace it. Then I had the opportunity to try the By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra Powder and it was game over. My Laura Mercier had some serious competition. While the Laura Mercier was amazing at mattifying the skin and making my makeup last all day, the By Terry powder did both of those things and blurred imperfections. After pressing this into my skin, I find that pores appear minimized and my face looks like velvety perfection. And just like the Laura Mercier powder, this looks great on any skin tone without leaving an ashy finish.

Let me know what are some of your favorite mattifying products?! I am always looking for new ones to try.

6 Skincare Products My Mom Is Loving Right Now

It's been awhile since my mom's last post on here, but I challenged her with the task of writing about any products that might be new to her routine that she is enjoying. She immediately came back to me without hesitation raving about these 6! Here's her review of each:

1. Tatcha Luminous Overnight Memory Serum Concentrate - I have used the Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist for years and was thrilled to find this overnight concentrate helped give me that serious boost of hydration like the mist. The serum is a fun texture - a bit wobbly and bouncy, but absorbs into my skin immediately after applying. I prefer to use it in the evening, and apply a night cream over top or on some nights will make this my final step. By morning I find that my skin feels firmer and any makeup I apply glides on much smoother.

2. Tula Exfoliating Treatment Mask - I love exfoliating, and I love masks so putting the two into one is perfect for me! While many exfoliating masks make my skin feel softer, they can also leave it feeling tight and dry afterwards. This Tula mask manages to give me glowing and radiant skin while still making it feel hydrated and comfortable.

3. Charlotte Tilbury Multi-Miracle Glow Cleanser - I use this as a second cleanse, removing any final traces of makeup. I like to massage it in for 60-90 seconds and find that it makes my skin feel so supple afterward. In the colder months, I leave it on for 5-10 minutes as a treatment mask and then remove with a warm cloth. After I rinse it off, I can't stop touching my skin because it feels so soft!

4. Sisley L'Integral Anti-Age Cream - This cream is decadent and rich so I only need a small amount in the evening, but I love how my skin has reacted to this. I only began using it about 4-6 weeks ago, and can already see a difference in how supple and even toned my skin looks. I prefer to use it in the evening as my final step, warming the product up in my hands and then pressing into the skin. This layered over the Tatcha Memory Serum Concentrate has been my favorite combination right now.

5. Kate Somerville DermalQuench Liquid Lift with Retinol - Maree told me this was a unique product and she was definitely right! It comes out as a cool foam and then breaks down to a liquid. I wasn't sure I would like it at first, but Maree was raving about it for herself so I was intrigued to try it as well. I began using it in the morning under my moisturizer (currently loving this one), and it made my skin look so smooth and my pores appeared minimized after only a week of using. Because I loved the results so much, I began adding it into my nighttime routine as well and that's when I noticed that a few dark spots I had were beginning to fade. Since it is a booster, I can use this before my serum and moisturizer and it doesn't feel heavy on the skin. Though I was skeptical at first, this product turned out to be one of my favorites recently!

6. Tatcha Luminous Deep Hydration Firming Eye Serum - Applying this serum with the cooling applicator gives me such a wonderful wake-up in the morning. I had developed milia under my eyes from another eye cream, and after using this serum twice a day for a few weeks - the milia had disappeared!

*pr samples included

6 Products To Help Hydrate the Skin

I can use all the heavy duty anti-aging products that I want, but if my skin is still dehydrated I will not get the results that I want. I have found that when my skin is adequately hydrated, it looks younger, plumper and more radiant. Of course there are other factors that can contribute to keeping skin hydrated such as reducing stress, getting enough sleep, drinking enough water and even taking proper supplements, but from a skincare perspective I keep a majority of my morning and evening routines focused on hydration. Here are some products that I have been testing over the winter that I really enjoyed for helping maintain the moisture levels in my skin:

1. Darphin Intral Cleansing Milk - I love a good oil or balm cleanser to remove my makeup, but for a second cleanse I often reach for a cleansing milk as a great way to nourish the skin and ensure the cleansing process isn't stripping the skin. This Darphin cleanser is incredibly creamy yet gentle and leaves my skin feeling calm and soothed. In addition to using it as a traditional cleanser, I like to apply it generously and leave it on for a few minutes as a hydrating treatment.

2. Darphin Hydraskin Essential Emulsion - Typically hydrating or moisturizing products are seen as heavy or rich in texture, but I find that some of the most lightweight creams can enrich my skin the most. This Darphin moisturizer has a texture that combines both a cream and a gel and would be great for either winter or summer. It has the richness needed to nourish the skin in the winter, yet is still light enough to feel comfortable on the skin during the warmer months. I love this as a daytime moisturizer and find that it wears beautifully under makeup because it keeps my skin hydrated without increasing shine throughout the day.

3. First Aid Beauty Hydrating Serum - This. Serum. From just the look of it, you can already guess that it is like a shot of water for the skin. It's deceptively thicker than it looks on camera and only one small pump is good to cover the entire face. I find that if I use too much, it can feel too heavy or tacky on the skin. That being said, my skin has been loving this serum since the first day I used it. My skin feels better (less tight, soothed) and looks better (more balanced) while using. Because of it's tendency to be a bit tacky, I prefer to use this at night or on the weekends if I am not wearing makeup. However, the results of this serum far outweigh any texture issues - I would recommend this for anyone looking to add in a moisturizing serum to their routine.

4. Tatcha Overnight Memory Serum Concentrate - Sadly the picture above does not do this texture justice. I posted a video to my Instagram showing how unique it is - watch that here. See? It's hard to look away from, isn't it? LOL. Many people asked me if it was similar to The Body Shop Bouncy Sleeping Mask and in theory it is, but I found this concentrate to be much thinner in texture with a more gel-like consistency when you break it up on the skin. Additionally I felt that the Tatcha concentrate gave me a stronger boost of hydration, whereas The Body Shop mask delivered more on firmness. I have enjoyed using this alone after I have cleansed and toned. If I wanted to address any other concerns, I could layer a serum under this but this concentrate did a fantastic job of acting as both a serum and moisturizer.  

5. Sisley Express Flower Gel Mask - It's no wonder Sisley is known worldwide for their masks - they are truly some of the best around. I have been using this one for the past few years and it's one of my favorite masks to help nourish and calm my skin. It's decadence in a tube. And this one is just as luxurious. There are very few products that can hydrate my skin to a visible difference nearly instantaneously (this sheet mask is another one of those instant miracle products), but this mask manages to do the impossible. I think they should rename this Sisley Express Flower Gel Infusion rather than mask because that's exactly what it feels like it's doing - infusing my skin with moisture. Truly splurge-worthy.

6. La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water Mist - I'm a total mist gal. I love using them in my skincare routine, I love using them throughout the day - I exercise my right to mist anywhere and everywhere. This Thermal Spring Water mist is delicate in application (no sudden heavy bursts of water from the nozzle #rude) and delicate in feel. I particularly like using this if my skin is feeling irritated or sensitive as it is calming to the skin. This may sound a bit silly but I find it to be calming to my energy as well when I spray myself with it. I close my eyes and mist away giving myself a mini 5 second break from the day. Cupcakes can also do that but there is less guilt afterwards with a mist.

*pr samples included

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Introduction to Herbivore Botanicals

Though I don't use all natural skincare products exclusively, I have discovered more and more brands that I really enjoy and have put into regular rotation in my routine. Oskia (love this cleanser and mask), Tata Harper (this is a holy grail cleanser) and MV Organic Skincare (this is perfect for dry or dehydrated skin) are a few of the brands that have impressed me and I can now add Herbivore Botanicals to that list. I had the chance to test out 3 of their products recently and here are my thoughts on each:

1. Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Face Mist - I should first mention before anything else that the packaging was one of the first things to hit me about this brand. All the bottles and jars are glass so they feel quite weighty in my hand, and the simplistic label and font mixed with the colorful product formulas feels so fresh and modern. This Rose Hydrating Mist gives quite a strong mist when sprayed so be prepared, which is why I prefer to use it during my skincare routine rather than over my makeup. From first spritz, it instantly refreshes the skin while helping calm and soothe it at the same time. It's great for any and all skin types and the scent is pleasant without being overwhelming. After cleansing, I give my skin two sprays and pat it in to the skin. Immediately I can feel a boost of moisture and though this step may seem small, it makes such a huge difference in my skincare routine. Every last bit of hydration I can get is worth it!

2. Orchid Facial Oil -Who knew that as an oily skinned gal, I would come to love face oils so much, but it's true! They are so wonderful for helping keep my skin balanced yet moisturized. This Orchid Facial Oil is designed to help hydrate, nourish and protect the skin using a wide range of  vitamins and fatty acids such at Vitamin E, Camellia Oil and Orchid Extract. I find that this oil falls in the medium thickness range - it's not too runny nor too heavy. I prefer using it at night, rather than the morning but if you have drier skin, I think this would be a beautiful oil to use under makeup. It absorbs nicely, but I only need one drop to cover my entire face. My skin looks glowy and fresh the next morning and much less oily. As with all the Herbivore products that I tried, the scent is prominent though not overwhelming.

3. Brighten Instant Glow Mask - Out of all the 3 Herbivore products that I tried, this mask was by far my favorite. I do love an exfoliating mask in general, but there are so many ways the process can go. Is the mask too strong? Too weak? Grainy in texture? Does it irritate my skin? Is the exfoliation more chemical or manual? I always gravitate towards chemical exfoliants either from acids or natural elements, and in this mask is pineapple enzymes. As with the Orchid Face Oil, I felt that the strength of this mask feel in the middle of the spectrum. There was a slight cooling/tingling sensation but nothing too strong and the results were visible, though I found they were more significant after using the mask a few times in a week. After 10-15 minutes (or 20 if I forget I had it on - whoops!), I rinse it off with warm water, however I find that using a wash cloth was the best way to remove. It came off much easier than simply using my hands. For those that have sensitive skin or have trouble finding exfoliating masks that don't irritate their skin, I think this would be a wonderful option. 

*pr samples included

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Review: Kiehl's Pollutant Defending Masque and Energizing Radiance Masque

I don't know if it was the bright packaging or intriguing names of these masques that piqued my interest. I have been a long time Kiehl's fan (this cream is a holy grail), and find their products to be effective yet still affordable. I used to get quite overwhelmed by their selection, but I ended up working for them about 8-9 years ago for a short time so it gave me a better understanding of all their ranges. They release quite a number of new products every year, and while not every single launch draws me in, these two masques most certainly did.

1. Kiehl's Turmeric &  Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque - I had a feeling I would love the Pollutant Purifying Masque immediately, but had reservations about this one because it had larger seed particles in it which can sometimes be irritating to my skin. Thankfully I didn't let that deter me because I was obsessed with this masque from first use! The name could not be more accurate since my skin looked immediately more radiant and energized after. As soon as I applied the masque, it had a cooling effect and my skin felt instantly revitalized. I left it on for 10 minutes, and then removed it with a warm cloth because it hardens on the skin. FYI, it can be a bit stubborn to remove so a cloth is necessary. The seeds were not a problem and did not cause any irritation and when I went to look at my skin in the mirror - it was shocking how bright, clear and fresh it appeared! In fact, the huge (and quite painful) cystic blemish I had on my chin was less red and smaller by the next morning. For those fighting with dull and tired skin, this is a great option for a quick pick-me-up.

2. Kiehl's Cilantro & Orange Extract Pollutant Purifying Masque - Both of these masques are intensely aromatic - with this one being the strongest. While the Tumeric & Cranberry Seed masque feels very invigorating on the skin, it is the scent in this one that really refreshes me. It's a bit different than a traditional minty aroma, but one that I did not mind. The texture looks like a paste from the above picture, but when you touch it it has a slippery gel feel. It is designed to be used as a last step at night, applied for 5-10 minutes and then removed with a tissue patting in the remaining product into the skin. I preferred using it as a traditional mask halfway through my routine and then continuing with the rest of my products (typically serum and moisturizer). The effect was not as immediate with this masque as it was with the Energizing Radiance one, but after using 3x a week for two weeks straight, I did notice that my skin looked less congested and felt nicely hydrated after each use. At this price point, it's a nice masque to add into your routine if you want an added boost of hydration and something to help detoxify the skin.

*pr samples included

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A Few of My Favorite Sheet Masks

Sheets masks have exploded over the past few years, and so many more brands are offering them now. Not only do they provide great benefits to the skin, but they are easy to bring when you travel. I know some people hate the feeling of sheet masks because they can have a slippery (or some would say slimy, I get it) texture, but I do not fall into that category. The benefits outweigh the feel in my opinion. Here is a look at 4 of my favorite sheet masks - some I have been using for years and years, while others are relatively new but made a strong impression already:

1. Colbert MD Illumino Anti-Aging Brightening Mask - I am already a fan of the Colbert MD Illumino Oil, so that fact that they made it into a sheet mask delighted me greatly. While many sheet masks focus mainly on hydration, I love that this one has ingredients like lactic acid to help give the skin a gentle exfoliation along with hyaluronic acid which provides the standard benefit of hydration and increasing skin's elasticity. There are also ingredients in this mask that help to target hyper-pigmentation and dark spots. No you won't see significant results the way you would with a serum or moisturizer that you use daily, but it is a nice added benefit if you are already trying to help reverse any scars, dark marks or sun damage. I actually make sure to save any of the liquid left in the packet once I remove the mask and pat it into the skin at the end so that I get every last bit of treatment that I can from these ingredients.

2. Tatcha Deep Hydration Lifting Mask - Tatcha has been a brand that has been a staple in my skincare routine for years. In fact they were one of the first brands I ever began blogging about, and they still remain a constant here. Their hydration sheet masks were the first one I tried out of all 4, and the results were almost immediate. My skin looked plump, firm, supple and felt as if I had just had the best facial of my life. I recommend these for anyone that struggles with dehydration, dry skin or is a frequent traveler. They will definitely save your skin when you need it the most.

3. SK-II Facial Treatment Mask - As an avid lover and user of the popular SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, this mask is one of the best ways to get the benefits of that essence in a quick, on-the-go option. And frankly, one mask is a lot more affordable than a bottle of the essence. While I leave most sheet masks on for 10-15 minutes, I like to leave this one on a bit longer (20-30 minutes even!) because I want the benefits of the Pitera to have extra time on the skin. I typically save this mask until I have to go somewhere special or have a big event because it preps my skin better than 3/4 of my entire skincare collection. My skin looks calm, awake, hydrated, firm and makeup applies flawlessly. There is a reason that it is in so many makeup artist's kits who do makeup for award shows.

4. Farmacy Hydrating Coconut Gel Mask - Farmacy is a new brand I was introduced to early last year and instantly fell in love with the entire line. The products blend nature with science and deliver wonderful results. This product from them was in my Best of Beauty 2015. Along with the lip balm, I enjoyed the Gel Masks the most. They have the most unique texture with their bouncy, cushion-like feel, and conform to the face better than any other sheet mask I have tried. While some sheet masks don't lay completely flat on the skin around certain areas (mainly the bridge of the nose and around the eyes), this mask is so incredibly pliable that it can adhere to the contour of the face. 

*pr samples included

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3 Masks for Glowing Skin

After cleansers, masks are my favorite skincare items to use. The results are often instant, I can use one after another, I can treat different parts of my face with different masks - the possibilities are endless. And it's a great way to try a brand without fully investing in a moisturizer or serum. I've recently tested out a few new masks that are designed to help detoxify, clarify and exfoliate the skin. I love using these types of masks at least once a week because they help to keep my skin looking fresh and glowing.

1. Dermalogica Charcoal Rescue Masque - Hormonal breakouts have met their match with this mask. The activated charcoal helps to draw out impurities and my skin is less oily the next few days after using. But the added bonus of alpha hydroxy acids to this mask means that the skin gets a nice chemical exfoliation, while removing the mask gives a manual exfoliation. The result is super smooth and radiant skin. However, if you have sensitive skin, I would recommend a patch test first to ensure it doesn't cause irritation.

2. Pixi Glow Mud Mask - Compared to the Dermalogica mask, this Pixi mask is smoother in texture with little to no graininess. It still did an amazing job of detoxifying the skin and helping to decongest especially when I was having breakouts, and my skin looked radiant and felt soft and soothed after using. If I had to rank them, this Pixi mud mask is the most gentle out of all three masks which is nice when my skin may be feeling a tad more sensitive but still needs a good clarifying treatment.

3. Tula Exfoliating Treatment Mask - Tula is a new brand to me and as I said before, the first product I like to try from a line is typically their masks (or cleansers - I'm a sucker for either). While this mask still gave me a strong exfoliation, I loved the addition of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids along with Vitamin E to help nourish and condition the skin. Too often exfoliating masks can focus only on removing dead skin, but I loved how my face felt replenished and hydrated after using this. The lactic acid gives a chemical exfoliation while the small granules give a gentle manual exfoliation. It's been a great addition to my winter skincare routine because it manages to balance smoothing my skin with keeping it calm and hydrated. It's a masking win/win! AND - as a bonus for all those that are interested in trying this or any other products from the Tula line out, they have generously given me a discount code for 25% off the entire line + free shipping! Use code: Maree25 to receive the special. You can shop the entire line here. Enjoy!

*pr samples included 

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New In and Loving from Guerlain, Peach & Lily, Oskia, Omorovicza and Belif

So many new skincare items have landed on my desk recently and I thought I would share with you the ones that have stood out the most or made it in to regular rotation. 

1. Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist - Even though my skin is oily, I love adding a face mist after I cleanse (or cleanse and tone) and then quickly apply my next step (serum, moisturizer or face oil) to try and trap that moisture on my skin. I've recently been spritzing my way through this Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist and have really enjoyed it. While some face mists are good for the moment, the moisture leaves almost immediately after the mist absorbs into the skin. My skin felt hydrated for longer periods of time when using the mist. It has now earned a spot next to my bed because I like waking up with it and giving an additional spritz before I go to sleep.

2. Belif Aqua Bomb - I do have a ton of anti-aging products that bring out the heavy guns in terms of ingredients (retinol, glycolic, etc). However, it has been my motto for years that keeping the skin hydrated is the best anti-aging action of all. This Belif Aqua Bomb felt as good on the skin as the name would imply. It manages to mix the lightness of a gel with the rich, nourishing properties of a heavy cream. I am loving this now as we enter into the colder temps, but I can see this also working wonders in the summer to help replenish any moisture loss from being out in the sun. Year round hydration, please!

3. Caolion Blackhead Bubble Pore Pack - I was intrigued initially by the name of this product, and that intrigue continued when I opened it and saw the texture. I had to immediately put it on my face. Any mask the bubbles up is a friend of mine. But even though the experience using it is pleasurable, it means nothing if it doesn't work, right? Thankfully, this gives a great pore treatment that makes my skin looks cleaner, less congested and pores appear smaller. It has a slight warming/tingling feeling on the skin, so if you have sensitive skin you may want to patch test. But for those that have skin like myself that is not easily irritated, tingle/bubble away!  

3. Dr. Hauschka Quince Hydration Body Milk - Winter time should be nicknamed "itchy skin time". And of course I don't help the issue by taking super hot showers because I'm freezing at night or in the morning when getting ready. But I own my mistakes and try to compensate for it by using intensely nourishing body lotions and creams. I have already had great success with Dr. Hauschka products being soothing, comforting and gentle on the skin so I knew I had to try something for the body. While I typically reach for a rich body butter or cream to fix the itch (lol, that sounded funny), I was surprised when this lightweight lotion immediately soothed my legs and arms. The scent is delicate and pleasant, and absorbs so quickly that before I even get done applying one body part, the other one is dry with no sticky residue.

4. Oskia Super 16 Serum - There are so many fun aspects of beauty blogging, but when you focus a lot on skincare, attention needs to be paid to the efficacy of products and for how long you test them. Some products like masks, cleansers, mists, etc can show their results quickly, but serums need time. This is why I do not review them as frequently as other skincare products. In fact, I regularly turn down press samples of serums because I can't take a product when I know I won't be able to test it until months later. But I was nearing the end of a recent serum test run and felt it was time to give this one from Oskia a go. I already swear by their Renaissance Cleansing Gel and Renaissance Mask, so I had high hopes for this serum. The Super 16 Serum is a powerful anti-aging formula that uses an all natural retinol equivalent called Bakuchiol, which delivers similar results without any irritation. I noticed within the first 2 weeks how my skin looked brighter, less dehydrated, more supple and pore appeared less congested and minimized. It's incredibly lightweight so I can wear it either morning or night, and it wears well under makeup. I am about 2 months in and still loving the result. Oskia stays winning in my book - there is no product yet that has let me down.

5. Guerlain Purete Cleansing Cream - I love a good cleansing balm. I love a good cleansing milk. So when the two come together, magic ensues. I have to confess that I do own a ton of cleansers. They are my skincare weakness, what can I say? But this Guerlain Cleansing Cream is like no other cleansing formula I own. It feels almost like a cold cream style cleanser - giving the skin a comforting yet cooling cleanse. It is not powerful enough to cut through makeup (and frankly too fancy to be wasted on that task), so I use this as a second cleanse. Recently I decided to go one step further and apply a thick layer to damp skin and leave it on for a few minutes as a quick mask treatment. My skin was left so incredibly hydrated and supple that I only needed a light serum after. I don't wish a cold on myself this winter, but I will definitely be reaching for this as a product to help nourish and comfort my skin if I get one.

*pr samples included

Face Masks You Mix

I have quite a good number of masks in my skincare collection, but surprisingly I do not have any that I mix. And then in a matter of a few weeks, I had two different ones arrive for me to test and I wondered how I managed without one in my arsenal all this time.

1. May Lindstrom Skin The Problem Solver - This mask means business! Holy cow. Formulated with charcoal, soil nutrients, cacao and exotic warming spices, it is really going to make you feel like it's working on your skin. Mix equal parts water and powder to form a light mousse texture and then use the brush to paint it on the skin (that is my favorite part - so luxurious). You can leave it on for up to 45 minutes, but be warned it will definitely tingle and has a slight warming sensation. I would patch test this if you have sensitive skin. Luckily, my skin is not sensitive so I was happy to feel it working. After almost an hour, I went to rinse it off and in addition to the purifying properties of the mask, it gives an amazing exfoliation as you remove it. My skin looked clean, radiant and felt like I had just had the facial of my life. It is clear that May only puts the best into her products just based on how the skin looks after using her products. Next on my list to try is this cult classic and this face oil. Both sound like heaven for the upcoming cold weather!

2. MV Skincare Signature Mineral Mask - This was the first mask I tried out of the two, and it gave a real "wow" effect from the first use. The texture of the powder and subsequent mask is a bit more gentle then the one from May Lindstrom. It is so finely milled that I took a deep breath while scooping it out and it went all over my bathroom sink. Whoops. Once I got the hang of mixing it (once again equal parts water and powder), this really gives a deep clean but without any tingling. But don't let the gentle nature of this mask fool you, it is like a hoover vacuum for your pores. In fact, the first time I used it, I stared at my pores in the mirror for 2-3 minutes after because they looked as if I had had extractions done. THAT is how clean they were. But surprisingly, that is not even the mask's intended purpose. It's designed to help calm, nourish and soothe the skin, but I found that an added bonus was the clarifying effects it had on my pores. Add a few drops of one of their boosters (I love this one) to give the mask an extra oomph. And if you purchase the mixing bowl and brush with it, you can have your own spa day without ever leaving your house. YAS! Living that robe life while masking all day. There is nothing better.

*pr samples included

Review: Sjal Masks

To say I get excited to try a new skincare brand is an understatement. Whether it is new in general or new to me (as is the case with Sjal skincare), I feel like a kid in a candy store. I want to put it all on my face immediately and sit and play with the products for hours on end. (I'm sure all of you can relate - which I assume is why you come back day after day LOL) Sjal has been on my radar recently and I have been particularly interested in their concept of bringing elements of eastern medicine and combining it with western technology to create a simple but effective range. I had the opportunity to test out their Perfecting Mask and Exfoliating Mask and wanted to share my thoughts on each.

1. Perfecting Mask -What the above photo fails to capture adequately is the pearlescent quality that this mask has when applied to the skin. It looks luminescent and glows with a pearlized finish to it. It naturally made me that much more excited about how my skin would look after using. I used it on a night when my skin was particularly dehydrated and dull looking, hoping that it would liven things up north of my neck. I left it on for the recommended 15 minutes and used a warm cloth to remove it. While I anticipated a boost of hydration and radiance, what I didn't expect was how instantly calm and soothed my skin looked. My pores appeared smaller and everything looked and felt firmer. Additionally, I had a breakout brewing under the surface on my chin and was expecting it to break through any day, but by the next morning the bump had gone down in size and the blemish never ended up rearing its ugly head on my face. Victory!

2. Exfoliating Mask - Second to cleansing and eating cupcakes, I love to exfoliate. With a mask, a scrub, a serum, a peel - you name it, I love it. So this was actually the first product I tried from the line. It has slight granules in it  so there is both a chemical exfoliation happening from the complex of enzymes and fruit acids as well as a physical exfoliation occurring from the granules. I typically don't do a ton of peels or use a lot of exfoliating products in the summer because I am out in the sun more than usual so my skin has been a bit more textured than normal which gave the mask a bit to work with. Again as with the Perfecting Mask, I left it on for 15 minutes and rinsed off with a warm cloth. I should note that the granules were so delicate and fine that I barely felt them when removing. It was a nice change from standard masks with a scrub-like texture that can be effective though a tad harsh. This was gentle yet effective. My skin felt soft and smooth without any residual redness, and continued to feel that way for the next few days following the treatment. While I am definitely going to stick to my reduced exfoliation in the summer, this is one treatment that seems suitable for helping keep my skin's texture in check without being too harsh. 

*pr samples included

Glossier Face Masks

I've been having a love affair with Glossier products ever since I was introduced to them a few months ago. I wear the Perfecting Skin Tint a few times a week, keep the Soothing Face Mist with me all day and the Balm Dot Com has become a regular staple for my lips and cuticles. Two new masks were released in the collection this year and being a huge mask lover, I knew I had to try these.

Currently the range consists of two masks - the Mega Greens Galaxy Mask which is designed to detoxify the skin, and the Moisturizing Moon Mask which helps to replenish and soothe the skin. I love using them together one after the other starting with the Mega Greens Galaxy Mask followed by the Moisturizing Moon Mask. It helps address all my skin's needs at once and my skin is left looking balanced, hydrated and calm.

1. Mega Greens Galaxy Mask - When reading the description of this mask on the Glossier site, it said it was like a juice cleanse for the face. Hello?!!! Sign me up! I love a good cupcake, but I equally love a great green juice so I couldn't wait to get this on my face. It's very thick when first applied on damp skin, but the white kaolin clay in it dries down after 10+ minutes. Often with clay masks my face can feel a bit tight after which I don't enjoy, so I sat patiently waiting for that to happen with this mask. But after the standard 10 minutes, the product had dried but my skin still felt comfortable and get this.....even hydrated. I checked the ingredients online to see what is helping keep the mask so balanced and it was definitely the avocado oil and aloe. It's rare that I use a clay mask and describe my skin as feeling "refreshed" after, but that's the only way I can describe it. Clean and fresh - I wish they made this in a body mask. Can you imagine using that after a long day at work? I'm sold.

2. Moisturizing Moon Mask - After the mega greens galaxy mask left my skin feeling so fresh and clean, following it with the moon mask took the pampering experience to another level. As you can see from the picture above, the texture of the moon mask is a whipped lightweight cream that feels immediately cooling and refreshing on the skin. Though it's rich like a cream, it has the lightness of a gel which makes it great to use for any skin type. It contains sweet almond oil, squalane and hyaluronic acid so basically this is a shot of moisture for the skin. Afterwards my skin looked plump and firm and was basically the perfect canvas on which to apply makeup. Though I typically mask in the evenings before bed, I need to have those few products that I can pull out before a big event or a night out to get my skin prepped and looking its best. I shall now add these two masks to my "rescue kit" AKA the products I grab when I need my skin to perk up immediately or in preparation for a special occasion. Skincare 911. Ha!

*pr samples included

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A Few Natural Skincare Brands I'm Enjoying

It's no surprise that I am a skincare addict, but I don't tend to actively seek out natural brands to use in my routine. I struggle with wondering how effective they will be, and if I will see the same caliber of results that I do with my other non-natural brands. To be honest, I still rely on certain ingredients (retinol and glycolic acid being the two most important for me) to deliver the strongest results and that's why I still keep them in my routine often in the form of serums and moisturizers. But recently, I've been introduced to more natural brands and have been enjoying adding certain products into my routine.  

I've always been a fan of Tata Harper (this cleanser is a holy grail), and find her products to be some of the best because they straddle the 'effective yet natural' divide quite nicely. Oskia is another brand that I've been fond of for awhile now ever since their cult classic Renaissance Cleansing Gel lured me in. Dr. Hauschka and Jurlique are both new to me, but I discovered a few products from each that I enjoy.

1. Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser - Since cleansing oils are my preferred cleanser for my first cleanse/removing makeup, I naturally gravitated towards this first. The oil is thick but glides on smoothly breaking up makeup easily and even removing stubborn mascara with little to no rubbing. Once I add water, it emulsifies into a comforting milk and my skin is left feeling hydrated, soft, smooth and balanced. No feelings of tightness or discomfort. If there is one thing Tata Harper knows how to do - it's make cleansers!

2. Tata Harper Restorative Eye Cream - I've been a loyal fan of Tata Harper cleansers and swear by this resurfacing mask, but I wasn't sure how I would feel about the eye cream (again, this is me questioning effectiveness). Fast forward nearly a month later and I have been blown away with how much I enjoy using this. It targets multiple anti-aging concerns such as dark circles and fine lines, and it helps keep the skin around my eye area taut and smooth. It's rich enough for the evening, but still works well during the day under makeup. Those looking for a more natural eye cream option for targeting anti-aging, this is a great one to try!

3. Jurlique Clarifying Deep Cleansing Gel - Now that it is summer, I love to add in more gel textures to my skincare routine. This Jurlique deep cleansing gel has small microspheres of jojoba esters that give a gentle but effective exfoliation to the skin. In addition, it contains willow bark that helps to kill any acne-causing bacteria so I've been using it when I feel a breakout coming on. It's refreshing on the skin, but I have found that I like removing it better with a damp cloth to avoid making my skin feel stripped or tight. 

4. Dr. Hauschka Soothing Cleansing Milk - I don't know why it has taken me so long to finally try this product, because it has been on my radar for yearrrrrrs. I worked at Sephora when I first moved to NYC 15 years ago, and so many of our clients would come in and rave about this product. I finally feel a sense of completion now that I can participate in the Dr. Hauschka Soothing Cleansing Milk lovefest. This stuff feels heavenly when on, and literally envelopes the skin in moisture making it feel soothed, calm and nourished. I can use either with water or a damp cloth as my second cleanse, and find that it works even when my skin is at it's most sensitive.

5. Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream - While the Soothing Cleansing Milk was something I've been wanting to try for a long time, the Rose Day Cream did not interest me as much. That is until Jennifer Lopez mentioned it on 'Watch What Happens Live' one night and then my interest was piqued! LOL! I mean, c'mon....her skin is everything! I was hesitant because it is so rich, but found that using just the smallest amount worked well for me. I was surprised to see how it made my skin glow, but not in a greasy or oily way. It's definitely more of a winter product for me to wear all over my face, but I used it recently on a few dry patches I've had from breakouts that are healing and it worked wonders on them! If you suffer from dry and sensitive skin, this would be perfect for you year round. Those with oily skin may find it works better in the colder months, and as a spot treatment in the warmer weather.

6. Oskia Renaissance Mask - After hearing angels sing when using the Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel, I was excited to give the mask a try. It is designed to increase cell turnover, boost radiance and reduce the appearance of fine lines - basically it's a new face in a jar, ha! Just the description alone had me excited, and once I saw the results, it lived up to all my expectations. My skin felt smooth, soft and glowed like I just had the best facial of my life. I swear each product I try from Oskia is better than the last, and can't believe it took me soooo long to discover this fabulous brand! I think I may begin defining the periods of my life as B.O. and A.O., Before Oskia and After Oskia. My skin only prefers to only live in the A.O. era going forward. 

*pr samples included

Skincare Products With Amazing Textures

Yes, it's the results that matter the most with skincare, but the entire experience of using the product is what I love. Texture is one of those things that can make or break a skincare product. If the texture is weird and unappealing, the results must be mind-blowing to overcome that (if it even can - yikes). Conversely, if the texture is delightful but the benefits are sub par, then it's hard to justify continuation of use. But there are those rare times when the texture and results are equally appealing and the product really wins me over. I've recently come across three products that bring the best of both worlds together - amazing texture and fantastic results. 

1. Clinique Turnaround Revitalizing Treatment Oil - While I do have a ton of facial oils at home, I instantly fell in love with this one. To say the oil is lightweight is an understatement! The oil itself is very thin and watery, and has this incredible silky smooth finish that instantly made me want to put it on my face. I apply two drops to my fingertips, rub together and then press gently into the skin. It instantly absorbs and my face looks fresh, supple and radiant. I find that I can wear it either morning or night, and have been impressed with how much my skin loves this oil. While many other oils have a lot of bells and whistles, I keep reaching for this because it consistently feels great on and makes my skin look healthy and glowing. Clinique continues to be a staple in my skincare arsenal because the products are uncomplicated, easy to use and work. And isn't that what we all want from a brand at the end of the day? (case in point - this cleanser, this acne treatment and this body cream have been long time favorites)   

2. Mario Badescu Botanical Exfoliating Scrub - Being a huge Mario Badescu fan already (this, this and this are some of my holy grail brand favorites), I could not wait to get this on my face. The texture really surprised me because I thought it was going to be a bit chunkier and grainier (which I am not always a fan of), and it turned out to be the complete opposite. While there are small granular particles, it is so finely ground into a jelly-like base that it feels different than many of my other face scrubs. I only need a pea-sized amount to cover my entire face, and after my skin looks radiant and fresh. After playing around with it for the past few weeks, I enjoy using it in the morning because it gives me the most amazing glow and any makeup I apply after goes on seamlessly.

3. The Body Shop Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask - I had heard so much buzz surrounding this product that I knew I had to try it. And the texture absolutely blew my mind. The above picture does not do it justice, so watch this quick video I posted on Instagram to get the full scope of how unbelievable this product looks and feels. Did you watch it? It actually BOUNCES. I love beauty products with every ounce of my being, but so much of what we see is similar to what we have seen before, right? Not this mask. It was unlike anything I have ever tried, experienced or used. And to top it all off? It made my skin feel absolutely heavenly! I apply it at night as my last step after my serum, and was shocked at how thin it is when on my face. It may have this crazy bouncy thick texture, but as soon as I scooped out a bit with my finger, it turned to this creamy gel that instantly helped to hydrate and nourish my skin. I woke up the next morning and my face felt plump, firm and supple - just like the mask itself! Consider me a believer now. The hype is completely warranted on this one. 

*pr samples included

Emma Hardie Introduction

Emma Hardie skincare has been on my radar for months now. Maybe ever more than months, it could be years. I have heard so many rave reviews on her cult classic Moringa Cleansing Balm, and being a cleanser (and cleansing balm) fanatic myself, I knew I had to give it a test drive to see if all the hoopla was deserved. The Emma Hardie team graciously sent me one along with a few other products to test, and  I could not open the box fast enough. I am not exaggerating when I say I ran to the bathroom to wash my face immediately. Feel free to judge if you must (but I know you guys would do it too). What ensued could only be described as just shy of a religious experience.   

1. Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm -You guys, the hype is real. Hype may even be an understatement. I figured this balm would be good, but I didn't know it would be this good. From the first touch, it seemed a bit different than other cleansing balms I have tried. It managed to walk a fine line between creamy and firm, and felt even better on the skin. It has a melting sensation when I rub it into the skin, and while it did a fantastic job of removing makeup, I actually enjoy this as my second cleanse. It made my skin feel so smooth and soft, that I didn't want to waste it on makeup removal and would prefer to massage into my bare, clean skin and let all those essential oils do their magic. It can even be used as a hydrating mask if left on for 10 minutes, which I tried and loved. I could not stop touching my skin the entire rest of the night after using it as a mask - it was remarkable. I hesitate to bestow the holy grail title on it this early on, but sometimes you just know. I'm still 7 months away from compiling my best of beauty for 2015, but this cleansing balm has already earned a spot on the list.

2. Emma Hardie Age Support Instant Radiance Mask - I decided to continue on with my Emma Hardie skincare lovefest and use the other products all in the same evening. So once I had finished cleansing, and doing a quick swipe of these facial pads, I went in with the Emma Hardie Instant Radiance mask. The name alone got me excited. It instantly made my skin feel hydrated and soothed, and I actually forgot I had it on because it was so comfortable to wear. After 20 minutes (I got distracted watching TV - whoopsie), I used a wet cloth to remove it and my skin looked like I had just woken up from the most relaxing sleep of my life. My skin appeared hydrated, firm, plump, smooth - basically like it had gone on vacation while the rest of me stayed home. Since then, it has quickly fallen into my "quick fix" mask category - which are masks I apply when I need my skin to perk up asap. I have had a few sleepless nights over the recent weeks, and applying this in the morning while getting ready has done wonders to help me look awake and refreshed even though I'm basically running on fumes. I shall officially be renaming this mask the 'fake it till you make it' mask. It's catchy, don't you think?

3. Emma Hardie Brilliance Facial Oil - Ugh, I love a good face oil. And now that summer is right around the corner, I appreciate a thinner texture so I can still get the benefits without it feeling too heavy on the skin. This formula contains different essential oils that help to hydrate, protect and promote elasticity. How this translated for me was my skin looked very supple and fresh each time I used it. It's a very thin formula, almost watery to the touch that absorbs into my skin immediately. It gives me a radiant finish (not oily) each time and on days that I am feeling a bit more dry, it wears beautifully under makeup.

Have you tried any Emma Hardie products? What are some of your favorites?

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