These Are Not Your Average Cleansers

I'm sure by now if you are a regular blog reader, you know my affinity for cleansers. They are so easy to interchange in and out of a skincare routine and results are quicker than serums or moisturizers. I've recently been testing out three new cleansers that vary from the average cleanser out there in either formulation or technology. All are from brands that I love and respect (and use frequently), so I knew my skin was in good hands.

1. First Aid Beauty Milk Oil Conditioning Cleanser - The name completely confused me when I first saw this bottle. Was it an oil? Was it a milk? How could it be both? Well as you can see from the left swatch in the below photo, it's a thick milk texture. The oil in the name refers many of the ingredients that are derived from different oils, but the overall feeling of the cleanser is a delightfully thick milk. It is designed to be used without water, and in a pinch can remove makeup and cleanse the skin by just massaging it on and wiping away with a tissue. I prefer to use it with water, but the results are still the same. This stuff cuts through some serious makeup - fast and easy. It feels so nourishing on the skin and while I normally follow my initial cleanse with a second cleanse (by a different cleanser), this was so effective I could use it alone and my skin felt amazing. Another hit from First Aid Beauty.

2. Perricone MD Blue Plasma Cleansing Treatment - While I may have been a bit confused by the FAB Milk Oil Cleanser, I was totally at a loss on how to use this new Perricone MD Blue Plasma Cleansing Treatment. It says it can be used as a cleansing water to remove makeup and cleanse the skin, but we all know I wear a full face and this just wasn't powerful enough to do that. However, that being said, I shortly after fell into my groove with this as a second cleanse and now can't get enough of it. I find it best used on a cotton pad and swiped over the entire face which leaves my skin feeling so fresh and clean, yet still conditioned and hydrated. Because of the Blue Plasma technology, it helps to purify pores by removing impurities which is the first thing I noticed. I have been suffering from an awful hormonal breakout this past month, and only after a few weeks into the breakout did I decide to try this cleanser and soon began to notice that is why my skin began to take a turn for the better. It wasn't overnight, but there was a marked difference when I added in this cleansing treatment. The congestion I was suffering from on parts of my face was beginning to subside and now I am in the homestretch and my skin is slowly getting back to normal. Just as I felt the original Blue Plasma was a winner, this new Cleansing Treatment is definitely award worthy.

3. GLAMGLOW Powermud Dualcleanse Treatment - Though not technically a standard cleanser, this new mud-to-oil treatment definitely straddles the mask/cleanser category and deserves some recognition. While I don't use this to remove my makeup, I L-O-V-E this as a second cleanser step because it helps me knock out two birds with one stone - cleanse and mask. I apply this after my first cleanse, leave it on for 5-10 minutes and then remove. While it sounds basic and simple, it's so not. The mud dries down and then once water is added turns into a glorious oil that really gets my skin super clean and soft. Because it's such a deep cleaning treatment, I find it best used only once a week but that one time will leave your skin glowing. I have used other GLAMGLOW products and enjoyed them but this instantly stood out to me and became a favorite from the range.

*pr samples included

Shop some of my other cleanser recommendations:

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.

Out With The Old, In With The New: Cleanser Edition

I just recently finished a few cleansers in the past couple weeks so it was the perfect time to usher in new ones to my routine. This one by NUDE and this one by Liz Earle were the last ones I finished and enjoyed a lot, so I was hopeful these would fare just as well.

1. La Prairie Foam Cleanser - I am not here for foam cleansers. I like milk, balms and oils but rarely do I choose a foam. They make my skin feel tight, dry and I do not like it. *stomps feet* That is until I tried the La Prairie Foam Cleanser. Holy moly, it is amazing. I had a suspicion that if anyone could do a foam cleanser the right way, La Prairie could. I tend to use it after removing my makeup, but I will say it does a great job removing makeup alone. It leaves my skin refreshed, hydrated and feeling wonderful. I am still not excited about foam cleansers but this one will forever be the exception and have a place in my skincare routine.

2. Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Oil - While I am not here for foaming cleansers, I am here for any and all cleansing oils. Occasionally I come across one here and there that don't measure up, but for the most part they are the most effective cleansers out there. Since I am already an avid user and fan of the Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm, I figured I would love this cleansing oil. And I do. It is lightweight and thin but does a stand up job of removing makeup and giving my skin a deep clean. I enjoy it so much that it has now reserved a place in my top 3 favorite cleansing oils. (this one and this one are my other faves)

3. Perricone MD Nutritive Cleanser - Another slightly foam-y cleanser that surprised me. This does not foam as much as the La Prairie for me still gets some good suds going. Being that it is from Perricone MD, you can count on it having a ton of anti-aging benefits even for a cleanser. The most noticeable result I have found since using is how firm and taut my skin feels after washing, and not in a dry or tight way. I find that it does not completely remove my makeup, so I prefer to use it after an oil or balm. But for my morning routine, it has become quite a delight to wake up and use.

4. Eve Lom Cleanser - This is a cult classic and you either love it or hate it. And yes, I love it. I know the thick grainy texture can be off putting for some people but I adore it and find that it makes my skin unbelievably soft. Some cleansers are great at only cleansing the skin but fall short in the makeup removal area but this one does both and does it well. I went to the SpaceNK website and watched the video demonstrating the Eve Lom Facial Technique which uses a muslin cloth to remove the cleanser. I have adopted this method and find that the few seconds I leave the hot muslin cloth on my face makes all the difference. It is a bit of a splurge but I do think of this acts as an exfoliator and cleanser so to me it justifies the price a bit more. Either way, I highly recommend grabbing a sample if you can and giving it a try. I think your skin will thank me.

*pr samples included

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New In and Loving: Shiseido, Perricone MD and Nyakio

A body scrub with the most delicious scent, a finishing powder that gives my cheeks the most radiant glow and a skincare based makeup line from one of my favorite brands - this post has it all!!! Some products in this post were exactly in line with my expectations, and some were a complete surprise. Aren't beauty products great that way? Just when you think you will dislike something, you turn around and LOVE it. 

1. Nyakio Giant Fig Body Scrub - The first thing to pull me in with this scrub was definitely the scent. Fresh, fruity and sweet but not overwhelming at 7 am in the shower. Side note: don't you hate those products cant' be used too early in the morning because the scent is just too powerful? Yeah, I hate those too. The texture is somewhat solid and easy to keep together in your hands as you are scrubbing which is one of my favorite features of this product. Nothing worse they taking a scoop of body scrub and having it all run through your fingers before you even get through exfoliating one arm. 

2. Shiseido Face Color Enhancing Trio - This was the product I was referring to that was the complete surprise. I love multi-color finishing powders that help to color correct, give the skin a glow, add radiance, etc. But truth be told, the color range in this palette was not hitting my fancy - with the orange looking too orange and the yellow shade giving me the jitters, I was prepared for the worst. Boy was I wrong! This palette wowed me and then some! It was absolutely stunning and radiant on the skin. And I know what I am about to say next may seem too outrageous to be true....*whispers* but I like it better than the Chanel Les Beiges Summer powder (reviewed here). OMG!!!!!!!! I know, I know...that is a huge statement but it's the truth. Even since I received it (in the shade peach - you need to check out the other colors as well, see them here), I can't stop wearing it. It does tend to be a bit dusty when dusting the powder through, but who cares when the color is this beautiful? Ok, I have gone on enough about it. Onto the rest of the products.

3. Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation - Yes this completely lived up to my Perricone loving expectations. What a formula! Extremely sheer with a natural satin finish but truly looks like second skin when on. I do need to use a setting powder as I can get a bit shiny mid day with this formula, but it is still wears beautifully all day. Even with such minimal coverage, it gives me a flawless look (see it on me here). For the days I want a bit more, I add a dab of a heavier foundation on the nose, forehead and chin. And with there only being two shades in the range, I was quite sure it would be too dark but it surprisingly self adjusted to my skin tone.  

4. Perricone MD No Concealer Concealer - Again, a total winner for me. The color below looks waaaaayyy off, but surprisingly looks perfect under the eyes. The texture is beautiful and blends right into the skin as if nothing is there. 

5. Perricone MD No Lipstick Lipstick - My favorite product of the entire range!!!!! I know, I know - another lipstick? But this is truly one of the most moisturizing and nourishing lip products I have ever used. I think it's the skincare properties that make it unique to any other lip products and applies as a solid but feels almost like a serum on the lips. And the color? Absolutely stinkin' perfect. I don't think I will ever be without this product again. It is a forever staple in my lip wardrobe, and will be the perfect color to layer with, wear alone or use to treat my lips when dry or chapped. Perricone MD really knocked it out of the park with this.

6. Perricone MD No Mascara Mascara - Another sleeper hit for me. Since I prefer an intense dramatic lash (we all know this one and this one are the ones I talk about all the time), I was rather disappointed when I saw the brush. Stiff wands like this often deliver thin, wimpy lashes. Nope, not this one. It actually gave me a beautiful, voluminous and defined lash, without even needing to layer. The shade is more of a brown/black, but shows up as intensely as any black mascara in my arsenal. And like it's other No Makeup Makeup family members, it is chock full of good ingredients to help nourish, condition and strengthen the lash with each use. Music to my ears.

* press samples

Have you tried any of these products? What was your experience? Leave me a comment below! 

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How I Take Care Of My Skin

This one is going to be a long one folks so grab a snack and take a seat.  My skincare routine is probably the most asked about question I receive regularly on my blog and different social platforms.  It's no secret, I have quite the multi step regimen but after much trial and error, I have found some underlying principles and rules that keep my skin looking its best.  Now I preface this post by saying that I am not an expert, doctor, or esthetician - I am simply one girl (with oily skin) staring in the mirror asking her skin to be as good as it can be.  And while you can search my blog for tons of great specific product recommendations, this post will be an overall conceptual explanation for how I approach taking care of my skin.  My extensive routine may not be for everyone, but this is what works for me, so remember that you can adapt some of my experience to what works for you.  The kicker with my skincare system however, is my skin is constantly changing and will continue to change for the rest of my life.  So the trick is trying to treat what my skin needs now, rather than trying to find the perfect recipe that will last me forever.  This is a major reason why I don't use the exact same routine every single night.  If I am testing out a new product, I will usually add to my routine 4 nights/week, maybe 5 for at least 4 weeks to see effectiveness.  But my skin is never (ever) the same from day to day due to external factors (stress, weather, NYC, life in general), so using the exact same line up every night does not work for me.  I do however, try to balance out ingredients each night, trying not to overload my skin with too much of the same thing all at once.  For example when using an acid based cleanser and toner, I may finish up my routine with a soothing mask and hydrating moisturizer. Remember however, this is what works for me - and many of you may have differing opinions for your own skin.  That's cool.  Diverse skincare routines is what makes the world go round, baby.  I have now rambled way too long, so let's get into the good stuff.  Here is a look at some of my best practices for taking care of my skin, and after each category, I will list a few of my favorite products.  Click on each product link for more information. 

1. Cleanse - I cannot cleanse enough.  And surprisingly I find that my skin does not dry out from my cleansing routine mainly because it's geared towards properly removing my makeup so not a single bit of residue remains.  I always begin with a face wipe of some kind to initially help me remove the first bit of my makeup.  Naturally it never gets everything off (eye makeup especially) so I always follow with a cleansing oil.  Cleansing oils are my holy grail products - and a huge key to how my skin stays looking so great.  Nothing breaks up makeup, dirt, grime and oil (eek, my face is disgusting, right?) like an oil based cleanser - and any amount of eye makeup I may be wearing comes off effortlessly.  Finally I finish with a third type of cleanser depending on what my skin needs that evening - perhaps an acne/glycolic wash or a gentle milk rinse to make my skin feel great but never stripped.  

• Wipes I love: Ole Henriksen, Dermalogica Pre-Cleanse
• Cleansing Oils I love: Shu Uemura (holy grail), Nude, Shiseido
• Cleansers: Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel, REN Foaming Cleanser, Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish

2. Tone - Why? What? Who? How? This is exactly how I felt about toning when I began my skincare journey.  And then I just dove in, did some research and tried out different types.  Voila - I am now in love with toners.  Typically, they are designed to remove any remaining traces of dirt/makeup, balance the pH of the skin and prepare the skin to receive the following treatments/serums/creams that will follow.  Since I have oily skin that is acne prone, I tend to gravitate towards ones to help me remove bacteria so I can prevent future breakouts.  But if my skin is particularly dry/irritated/sensitive that day due to who-knows-what, then I treat it accordingly.  

• Acne specific toners: Mario  Badescu Special Cucumber Lotion (holy grail)
• Hydrating Toners: Murad Hydrating Toner, Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater

3. Exfoliate - This step by far has made the most difference in my skin over the past two years - helping me achieve radiant and even-toned skin. I do love getting rid of those dead skin cells, but I read a great article a few months ago which mentioned too much exfoliation can have a negative effect.  Eureka! That was me - I was exfoliating in some form almost every night - and multiple times over.  It was a miracle I had any skin left.  So I began to really look at what was in the products I was using each night, and to make sure I was not overloading my skin with peels, scrubs and then acidic based ingredients in my products.  The two main types of traditional exfoliation I do regularly are chemical (peels) and manual (scrubs) - and I use each once a week, normally on Wednesday and Sunday nights.  The rest of the week I may have cleansers, toners, serums, creams with exfoliating properties, but traditional peels/scrubs I save for once each a week.  

• Peels: Perricone MD Blue Plasma (I swear by this stuff), Arcona Raspberry Resurfacing Peel
• Scrubs: Tatcha Deep Rice Enzyme Powder, Clarins Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, Kate Somerville Exfolikate

4. Mask - This step for me truly embodies the notion of treating what the skin needs when it needs it.  If my skin is dry that day - a hydrating mask.  If I have a breakout, a pore refining mask.  If my skin is dull, an exfoliating/refining mask.  And a great tip that I learned from a close beauty blogging friend is that you only have to mask the part of your face that needs it.  For example, the t-zone may need that clarifying clay mask, but the cheeks and forehead may be dry and need a hydrating mask.  Mix it up.  Don't layer the masks - just use them on the parts of the face that will benefit the most.  

• Pore Clarifying - Boscia Luminizing Black Mask, Mario Badescu Drying Mask, Mario Badescu Silver Powder (not really a mask but amazing blackhead treatment)
• Hydrating - NARS Luiminous Aqua Gel, Dermalogica Multi Vitamin Power Recovery Masque, Tatcha Luminous Sheet Mask
• Exfoliating Mask - Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask, Ole Henriksen Blue/Blackberry Enzyme Mask
• Calming Mask - Mario Badescu Calma Mask

5. Eye cream - Many people feel that using their face cream around the eyes is a suitable treatment for this area.  Like I said before, I am no expert, but I do prefer to use a product designed for the eye area as I feel it may be more sensitive to the needs of that particular skin.  I liken it to using shampoo for your hair and shower gel for your body - while you can probably use one product for everything, you may not necessarily get the same results.  

• Hydrating - Tatcha Ageless Eye Cream
• Exfoliating - Perricone MD Blue Plasma Orbital
• Depuffing/cooling - Mario Badescu Ceramide Eye Gel

6. Serum - Often packed with a higher concentration of active ingredients, serums pack a serious punch when delivering results.  They are usually more potent than your typical face moisturizer and are best used under a day or night cream.  I have the least amount of serums in my arsenal mainly because they are the priciest of all skincare items, so I like to choose only a few that are effective for treating different conditions.  Hydration is a major concern for my skin, because while its oily, it can also be dehydrated - so a moisturizing serum is always in rotation.  I also love an exfoliating/retexturizing serum which really aids in brightening the skin and making it look refreshed.  Lastly,  I always need to have an acne treatment because I still break out after all these years - stupid hormones, ugh. 

• Hydrating - Mario Badescu Hydrating Serum (amazing stuff)
• Brightening - Sunday Riley Good Genes
• Acne treatments - Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, Mario Badescu Buffering Lotion, Mario Badescu Drying Cream

7. Moisturizer - My goodness - where to begin with this final category. This is probably the category I am the least loyal to because I am always trying something new.  With that being said, I again take the "treat what you need" approach to moisturizers.  If I am dry, irritated, red, broken out, dull, or feeling like I need a whole new face (kidding, but there are those days), I will reach for the cream to address the concern.  Yes I have a few favorites that I can't live without, but for me, this category is forever just trial and error.  You win some moisturizers, you lose some moisturizers.  

• SPF day options: Mario Badescu Oil Free SPF 30, Dermalogica Oil Free Matte SPF 30, Perricone Photo Plasma SPF 30
• Hydrating/Soothing: Tatcha Rich Moisture Silk Cream, Neal's Yard Remedies Beauty Sleep Concentrate, Kiehls Ultra Facial Moisturizer
• Anti-aging: Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturizer

So there you have it folks - a more thoughtful approach as to the "whys" behind how I take care of my skin.  I feel that understanding this concept is more empowering than the products themselves.  Now that I know how to give my skin what it needs when it needs it, I feel more comfortable navigating all the trials and tribulations that my skin will go through over the years.  Let my future wrinkles be warned. 

  
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Beauty Bits: Rich Face Creams

This. Weather.  For those of you outside of the US Northeast, we are experiencing a blizzard/snow storm here in NYC.  And to be honest, this entire winter has been quite rude to say the least.  Coldest days on record, inches and inches of snow and then bam!  A mild day mixed in there.  My skin seems to be all over the map, but the comforting texture of richer creams are quite welcome during this time.  Even though I am oily, a gal needs her moisture and my skin can suffer from dry patches and irritation especially in the colder months.  Here is a look at some  of the creams I have been trying out and using the past few months and my thoughts on each:

1. Tatcha Moisture Rich Silk Cream (c/o) - Surprisingly the name of this cream sounds a tad frightening to someone with oily skin, but this has become a great staple for me this winter.  The texture feels like a gel but moisturizes like a cream, and unlike other ones leaves my skin matte which I simply love.  Though I typically use in the evening, I have begun using for day when my skin is particularly dry and makeup wears beautifully over it.

2. L'Occitane Creme Divine - Richness personified.  A delightful scent and buttery like texture makes this pleasurable to use, though I only need a small amount for my entire face.  It does tend to make me a tad oily the next morning when I wake up, so I often need to balance it with a oil minimizing toner.  For those with much drier skin, I think this would be an exceptional cream for the evening.

3. Lierac Hydro Chrono - Again, it is always a gamble when I try a product with "balm" in the description because it can be delightfully nourishing or way too heavy.  This is an extremely unique texture that resembles both a gel and balm.  For me, I found this worked wonders on those pesky dry patches I often got after trying to treat a blemish.  Using acne products can be great at getting rid of my blemishes but can leave my skin dry and flaky occasionally, and a few dabs of this on those spots immediately banished any of that irritation.  

4. Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturizer (c/o) - I have three words to describe this moisturizer - Ah. May. Zing.  I had high hopes for this one as the reviews were stellar to say the least, and I was relieved when the results matched my expectations.  Moisturizing yet not too thick, rich yet not too heavy, it is just perfect.  I prefer to use it at night but have found that my skin looks so smooth and supple the following morning - allowing for flawless makeup application.  My only concern now is how many jars can I begin to stock pile?

5. Tammy Fender Antioxidant Creme Neroli and Orange - I began using this early last year and at first was quite impressed.  The ingredients are designed to help soothe and nourish the skin, while also helping to balance overactive sebum glands.  The soothing aspect was a definite plus and I continued to use when my skin was feeling exceptionally irritated or chafed from the cold weather, but sadly I did not see any reduction in oil production.  In fact, I found that I was quite oily the following day unfortunately.  From reviews that I have read, it may be more of a fit for drier skin types and those who prefer a more natural skincare range and ingredient composition. 

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Giveaway Winner: Blue Plasma

It's Christmas Eve - what better day to pick a giveaway winner!!!  Congratulations to Alison Coe (@alisoncoe) for winning this Blue Plasma!  Please send me an email to mareesye (at) gmail (dot) com.  Thanks for participating and I am looking forward to a great 2014 filled with amazing giveaways!  Happy Holidays!

Giveaway: Perricone MD Blue Plasma

I told you to brace yourselves for the giveaway of all giveaways, didn't I?  I teased to it on Twitter and Instagram, and it is finally here!  In honor of my "Best of Beauty 2013" post that I will be uploading next week, I figured I would give away one of the items from the list.  And of course, it had to be the Perricone MD Blue Plasma - one of the most amazing skincare items I have ever tried!  Read my full post here, and if you are familiar with the product, then let's get to entering!  See below for details on how to enter:

1.  Follow me on Twitter @alittlebitetc.

2.  For a second entry, like A Little Bit etc on Facebook.

3.  Leave a comment below this post letting me know one of your "best of beauty" items for this year!  Please be sure to include you twitter handle for reference. 

4.  The winner must have a valid email address to be contacted.  

5.  The contest ends December 23rd at 11:59PM EST and the winner will be announced on my blog on December 24th, so be sure to check back.

Items featured are not affiliated with any brand, no compensation given and have been purchased by me.  Giveaway open to US residents only, and the winner will be selected at random.  Good Luck!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

New Beauty Bits: Perricone MD Blue Plasma Orbital Review

 

Little else brings me as much joy in life as trying out new skincare - well frankly, ANY skincare.  But especially when it's from a brand that I know and love, and already use regularly.  Many of you have heard me wax on poetically for months and months about the Perricone MD Blue Plasma (new to this blog? well hello there.  Here is the original post), and now it has birthed a little sibling - Blue Plasma Orbital.  YES. YES.  And more YES.  And I had the pleasure of receiving one from Perricone MD to try these past few weeks, and it is every bit as good as I anticipated, and my anticipations were high, ya'll.  Like way high.   

 

If you are unfamiliar with the Blue Plasma line, let me give you a brief synopsis of this revolutionary, and ground breaking product line.  Formulated with salmon roe enzymes and copper, it is a non-acidic daily peel that gives you all the benefits of a peel without the irritation and redness.  It helps to dissolve dead skin cells, exfoliate, purify and rebalance the skin's hydration- otherwise know as pure magic in a bottle - trust me.  And now, all of that goodness is available for the eye area! *throws confetti*  Using similar ingredients, the Blue Plasma orbital helps to remove dead skin cells, deliver immediate tightening benefits and address any fine lines by smoothing and hydrating the area.  That sure may be a mouthful to say, but it delivers on its promise.  The texture is a smooth and water-like gel that dissolves instantly into the skin - giving a soothing and refreshing feel upon application.  The instant tightening effect is for real you guys...it is quite amazing.  They advise it to be used underneath another eye cream, and I find that it layers well with almost any other I use.  It seemed almost impossible that I could fall any more in love with the Blue Plasma line, but this new addition has solidified my absolute devotion.  BFFs for life - count on it. 

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Have you entered my Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette Giveaway yet???? Well, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!! It's amazing - click here to enter.

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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A Bit Obsessed: December Beauty Favorites

Happy New Year!  Another month, another year, another beauty favorites.  Where does the time go?  And more importantly, how do I continue to narrow down my favorites every month from the 13,659 products I am buying/trying/lusting after to just a few picks?? I'm always still shocked that I manage to create a post that is manageable to read without just taking a picture of my entire makeup/skincare collection and calling it my "favorites".  Or more than that - just walking to the Bergdorf Goodman beauty floor and taking a picture of the entire thing and calling it "favorites".  But I did narrow it down (somehowwwwww....ugh. See the things I do for you???!!), and this month was much heavier into skincare than ever before - hope you enjoy!

Candles?  CANDLES?  On a monthly beauty favorites?!  Yes I was just as shocked as you, but to be honest, there was not a single day that followed after receiving these candles that I was not burning one - they are that amazing! What was my apartment smelling like before NEST Fragrances??  I can't and DO NOT WANT to remember.
1.  NEST Fragrances Holiday Candle - I received this as a gift from my boss, and found that this candle single handedly made my apartment festive.  Not the tree or the stockings or the twinkle lights - this candle!  If I was at home, I was burning this candle.  Not just for an hour to let the scent linger - for the entire time until I would leave the apartment again.  Spoiler alert: friends and family members - please note - you are getting this candle next year.
2.  NEST Fragrances Luxury Votive Set (c/o) - I know I already rambled on and on about how great these candles are - but this set truly sealed the deal. I think what has made me so in love with this brand is the way the scent dissipates throughout the room - never too intensely but just enough to envelope the room with a delightful aroma.  Each and every scent I have tried is amazing though the Moroccan Amber held a special place in my heart. 

3.  Mario Badescu Special Cucumber Lotion (c/o) -My Instagram followers are quite familiar with my love of this toner - since I post it almost once a week in my nightly skincare routine pics, but use it at least 3-5x/wk.  Designed for acne prone/oily skin, this has done wonders for me to help clear up my skin.  
4.  Amore Pacific Treatment Cleansing Oil - As I stated time and time again, I am never too far away from a cleansing oil.  This one in particular is worth the splurge.  It is stellar at cutting through makeup and removing any grime that is left on your skin.  Every skin type could benefit from adding a cleansing oil to its weekly skincare routine. 
5.  Mario Badescu Buffering Lotion (c/o) - I think I have officially forgotten what blemishes look like after using this miracle product.  Ok I still remember but this product has given me quite a good case of temporary amnesia.  Used at the first sign of trouble, blemish trouble that is, and it's positive that those pimples will never see the light of day!
6.  Korres Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial - I had had enough of hearing about this product, and had to try this cult classic for myself.  And yup - you are going to hear me rave about it too.  Used at night after my 12,758 step cleansing routine is finished, and I am sure to wake up the next morning with bright, glowing skin that give my foundations a run for their money.

7.  NEST Fragrances Midnight Fleur - I know this little card is only a sample but when something knocks my socks off, attention must be paid.  And this fragrance is by far one of the most unique and intoxicating scents I have used in a long time.  Rich with notes of patchouli, black amber and jasmine, I simply cannot love this fragrance enough!  And after my new found love affair with the candles - my heart is bursting with beauty love for NEST.
8.  LUSH Popcorn Lip Scrub - It's fair to say that I have been living under a rock since this was my first time trying any LUSH products.  But naturally I instantly fell in love.  And this lip scrub - flavored like buttered popcorn is no exception.  Added to my nightly routine and my lips have never felt better.
9.  Lancome Hypnose Drama - Yes I know I need another mascara like I need a hole in my head, but I purchased this a few months back and felt the need to draw attention to it again, rightfully so in a monthly favorites.  Full, dramatic, thick lashes is inevitable after one coat of this - and for a gal who appreciates a bit of drama for the day - this is on regular rotation for my morning face. 

10.  Julep Instant Warming Foot Scrub - Ah Julep.  How my heart has such love for this brand!!  I talk about it time and time again, with each product better than the next. I received this foot scrub in a recent Maven box, and my feet rejoiced after first using.  It has actual natural pumice granules in the formula that do an excellent job of exfoliating and the "warming" sensation that is described is the real deal.  Instantly it heats up on your foot, and makes an at home pedicure feel truly spa like.

For other favorites both fashion and beauty, check out my "Shop my Favorite Bits" tab at the top of my blog to search through all my recommendations and purchase for yourself! 

Looking forward to the new year, what other beauty posts would you love to see on A Little Bit etc?  I think every blogger continues to challenge themselves to put forth great content that resonates with their readers but it is always great to hear direct feedback.  Leave me a comment below or tweet me @alittlebitetc and let me know your thoughts - more single product reviews, products I am using regularly, makeup tutorials, videos - hit me with em all!!! And thanks for coming back week after week and supporting my sass!!

A Bit Obsessed: November Beauty Favorites

The time has come once again for me to bestow the much coveted title of "favorites" to beauty products that I simply adore.  A slightly more beauty heavy month, in terms of favorites, but that does not mean my skincare favorites were not as awe inspiring - some might even say though there were only 2, they were 2 exceptional products.  But first, the makeup/nails/tools favorites:

1. MAC Lipstick in Modesty - Your eyes do not deceive you - that is a neutral pink/brown shade and I KNOW you are not surprised.  Strong enough to give my lip color, easy to wear with any eye look, this lipstick has quickly found its way into  my everyday makeup bag. Even though I may put on a different lipstick in the morning, I always seem to wear this at some point during the day.

2. Julep Base Coat - Julep, again? Yes. Always yes.  To this day, I have yet to find a product from them I do not adore - and this base coat is no exception.  Protects my nails from staining and is incredibly long lasting.

3. Chanel Nail Colour in Malice - A recent debut on Sunday Nailday, this color has been quite talked about in the blogosphere recently, so I had to try.  This is only my second ever Chanel polish (yes I am ashamed), and it is truly worth the hype.  Super long lasting, chip resistant, easy to apply - oh, and this color is absolutely gorgeous.  Darker on than in the bottle but a must have for the holiday season.

4. Julep Top Coat - How could I mention the base coat and not the top?  Impossible.  And since this is the fastest drying top coat I have ever found, and amazing at preventing chipping - it may actually be working its way from favorites to holy grail.  If you are not yet part of their membership Maven program, I highly recommend it - receiving a box of nail polishes and beauty goodies every month for under $20 is simply heaven.  Click here to become a member.

5. Chanel Inimitable Mascara - After a glowing review just a little over a week ago, it was hard to imagine that I wouldn't feature this product in my favorites.  The ultimate in a volumizing, thickening mascara to make your lashes absolutely perfect.  Per. Fect.

6. Miracle Skin Transformer Concealer - Mornings never felt so good after discovering this concealer.  An amazing smooth texture, allows this to glide right on and it does not move. At all!  And why would we want it too - faking the awake is what makeup is all about.  Am I right ladies?

7. Real Techniques Buffing Brush - This brush is certainly not new to my makeup routine, but it is truly the brush I use every morning to apply ANY foundation and felt it deserved recognition.  The bristles are incredibly soft and the blunt shape of the hair allows it to buff the makeup into the face, giving a flawless and almost airbrushed finish.  Your brush collection is not complete without this buffing brush - trust me.

And now we have the monthly skincare favorites - which though there are only two, are two pretty remarkable, knock your socks off, products.  

1. Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel (c/o) - As a new customer to this brand, I am amazed over and over again at how fantastic and EFFECTIVE their products are for my oily, hormonal, acne-prone, petulant-teenager-like skin.  Since it is soap free, and formulated with alpha hydroxy acids to exfoliate, it gives me everything my skin needs to stay clear and blemish free - hallelujah! 

2. Perricone MD Blue Plasma (c/o)- Though this product has just recently launched, I was able to try it a few months ago and was immediately blown away.  It is a non-acidic daily peel (yes you heard right - non-acidic!) that exfoliates and renews the skin without all that ridiculous redness, peeling and irritation that comes with similar products.  My skin immediately took to this product, and radiant results would be an understatement.  Glowing, smooth, hydrated, - skin that is almost perfect would be the best description for my results.  

So there you have it, another month down, another list of beauty favorites to add to your virtual shopping cart.  Remember it's the holidays, so for every gift you buy for a loved one, you must buy one for yourself, and I highly recommend starting with this list.  Tis the season!

A Bit Obsessed: October Beauty Favorites

Just like parents who cannot pick a favorite child because they love them all equally, I am presented with the same challenge when trying to bestow this title on stand outs from my beauty collection.  However, there are those products that impress over and over again that must be given the illusive "favorites" title and spoken about on my blog.  Truth be told, blogger favorites are often how I decide what products I am going to purchase next so I felt it was only fair to give everyone a chance to cop some of my highly regarded goodies.  The people have a right to know!  So without any further adieu, ladies and gentlemen (props if you are of the latter category - Dad, you don't count), here are my October beauty favorites:

1.  NARS blush in Outlaw - Please do not adjust your screens, this blush is as pigmented as it looks.  But it is a beauty.  Just a dab'll do ya, but the finished result is a beautiful, rosy, glowing cheek.  Fun fact for all you beauty nerds (yup, yup, one right here), this blush was limited edition but because it was so popular with NARS customers they brought it back.  THAT is customer loyalty.  Props to you NARS.

2.  Mario Badescu Cucumber Tonic Mask - My clear skin has found a new BFF in this mask.  Rarely has a pore cleansing mask worked so well, without drying me out, and for that I am eternally grateful.  Clear skin = happy blogger = Mario Badescu customer for life.  

3.  Mario Badescu Silver Powder - Dirt in your pores does not stand a chance with this one.  A thorough cleaning is an understatement.  A word to the wise, the product can be a little messy as it starts to dry but what is left after are some seriously clean pores and skin.  Not mad at it. Not mad at all. 

4.  Dior Forever Foundation - Alright, it has become clear scanning through many of my previous posts and more posts, that I do have a "thing" for foundation.  It is just so hard to find ones that perform so perfectly for my oily, shiny, no-I-am-not-sweating skin, so I have to try them ALL.  But perform this does - all day, flawlessly and without shine.  Take a bow, Dior. You earned it.

5.  Bobbi Brown Creamy Matte Lip Color in Razzberry - If there was a twelve step program for people who have too many lip colors of the same tone, the nude lip group would definitely have me as a member.  So you can imagine my surprise when a bold, berry lip made its way into my favorites contention.  A perfect fall berry shade, and a texture that feels like butta on your lips. 

6.  Butter London in Wallis - You have seen this before on a Sunday Nailday, so I am sure you have already been swooning, but I felt it necessary to bring the focus back again on such a unique, bold shade.  Slightly green, slightly gold, slightly brown - slightly AWESOME.  Meek nail color lovers need not apply. 

7.  Guerlain Noir G Mascara - Does that mascara come with a mirror?  You bet your sweet makeup loving butt it does.  For lack of a better term, this mascara is quite the contraption.  Refillable, mirror, doubles as a paper weight - pretty sure it makes coffee if you can find the right button. Oh and it makes your lashes absolutely amazing.  Full, lush, separated with no smudging.  Hold me Guerlain Noir G.  

There you have it - my monthly favorites.  Thinking 'bout making this a monthly regular for my readers.  Tweet me @alittlebitetc or leave me a comment below if you say yay.  

P.S.  Word on the street is there might be a giveaway coming soon on A Little Bit etc.  Rumors are also swirling that the item was featured on Oprah's favorites!  Get outta town!  I know, right?  A monthly favorites post AND a giveaway leak?  Mind. Blown. 

Beauty Bits: A Typical Day

Fact:  I own 3,456,752 pieces of makeup.  Fact: I continue to buy more as if the world is ending.  Drugstore or luxury, makeup is the fluff that helps us get through life.  The non-sensical items that clutter our bathrooms, weigh our purses down and in the same breath make us squeal with joy like a 5 year old on Christmas morning.  But even though I am sure that the sheer volume of makeup I own may suffocate me one day while alone in my apartment, there is a method to the madness.  A color scheme if you will that has become my  staple for every day.  I pepper in other colors here and there (evidence of this is my Instagram feed @alittlebitetc), but generally I stick with what I like and then buy 14,000 different variations of each type of product.  I will walk you through my typical daily makeup routine and why I wear what I do.  It's a science, truly.

1.  Dior Forever Flawless Foundation - No face of mine begins without some sort of foundation.  I rally between tinted moisturizers/BB creams and foundations depending on time of year.  This was a random purchase recently, and frankly, it has knocked my socks off.  I fight regularly with my oily skin and look for foundations that will keep my skin matte, while still radiant.  Enter Dior.  Buildable coverage, SUPER long wearing and a natural matte finish that never gets shiny. Never.  This is vying to be a contender in the A Little Bit etc holy grail Hall of Fame.  Whoa.  

2. Diorshow Mascara - Dior again? Yes.  It's a mascara jungle out there and choosing one seems harder than choosing a mate.  But I always gravitate towards a full volumizing formula for all of my mascara buys.  Reason being - more looks with a thicker formula.  How?  Well I am glad you asked.  With a thicker formula, you can build the intensity and tailor it to your look.  You can wear less of a bolder mascara, making it appropriate for day, but you can never build up a thinner mascara for evening.  See how that works?  One mascara can do it all.  And this one does. 

3.  Burberry Concealer - I don't often use concealer for my face because my foundation has that on lock down, but I do like to brighten up the area under my eyes and this product has become a favorite concealer/highlighter for this purpose.  It never gets cakey, has an amazing consistency and is multipurpose and portable.  Along with acting as a rescue mission for your under eye area, you can dab along the top of the cheekbones to sculpt, under the brow to highlight, around the nose and lips to erase redness.  Who knew the maker of the best rain coats could also kill it with makeup?  Bravo Burberry.
4.  Revlon Colorstay Brow in Light Brown - Conversely to what you would think, I always opt for brow colors labeled for either "light brown" or "dark blonde" hair.  Not because I have hair envy, but because I prefer my brows to read a bit lighter than my hair color. Ok, a lot lighter.  But since I have quite prominent brows, I would rather them not reach you before I actually do.  And a bonus about this product, the product is actually a waxy based pencil so it helps the hair stay in place while giving them color.  Stay brow, stay. 

5. Urban Decay Primer Potion - As we will explore later, I am a nude lip gal.  So in the absence of lip bravado, my eyes get the spotlight.  And since my oily skin also manages to find it way onto my eyelids, primers are essential to helping my eyeshadow last and stay crease less.  Every brand out there seems to tout their primer's staying power as the best, but frankly I have tried a ton and this is the real deal.  Whatever magic Urban Decay puts in this product is like music to my eyes, or something like that. 
6. NARS Lipstick in Dolce Vita - Now when I say nude lip, I don't mean actual skin tone-J.Lo circa 1997- nude lip.  I mean a color that resembles my natural lip color, but amped up.  If I could Instagram filter my lip color, those are the shades of lipstick (rarely gloss) I reach for time and time again.  My younger self is yawning at my current self but I don't care.  I proudly pout in my nude lips, particularly this nude lip because on top of a texture that never dries my lips out, it is exactly my lip color in a Rise or Valenica filter (for all you non-Instagram users, you will have to sit that reference out.)   

7.  Giorgio Armani Blush in #10 - A rose colored blush.  Ground breaking, I know.  But like I said before, I have found what works for me and just buy tons of variations.  Since I am no longer a teenager since like 75 years ago, I prefer my blushes to have little to no shimmer.  Frankly, I am an embarrassment to my twenty something self, but you can't fight your destiny.  Your neutral, rose-colored, subtly radiant, goes with almost any eye/lip combination blush destiny. 

8.  Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Powder - So wait, I am using both a semi-matte finish foundation AND powder?  You bet your sweet no-shine ass I am.  A finely milled loose powder pressed into your foundation with a powder puff is my recipe for staying power.  And this product does it flawlessly, never adding extra bulk and never adding extra color. 

9.  Votre Vu Bronzer/Blush Duo - I'm sure by now you all have seen millions of pictures of me on my blog, Instagram, Facebook, etc so it is no secret I am one shade lighter than Casper himself.  To warm up my complexion, I opt for a subtle bronzer with little to no shimmer applied just on the cheeks and a little on my hairline to give me slight color.  This bronzer reads quite natural not leaning too orange or too brown. 

10.  Laura Mercier Palette - Many mornings I like to think I am an actual artist, mixing palette colors to create some sort of masterpiece on my face.  Naturally my color choices are always different shades of brown (and trust me there are millions, I am collecting them all), but the looks vary between subtle with just a sheer wash of color to bronzed and smoky.  Safe zone or not, a heavy brown palette enables me to create any look for any occasion.  This palette is the perfect balance of light and dark shades, and the texture of the eye shadows are divine. 

Well there you have it, a typical morning getting ready with me.  It's only fair if you let me come spend a morning with you now, right?  What does your a.m. makeup routine look like?

And in case you are sick of furiously writing down all my top items and blogged about looks (I apologize for the hand cramp), now you can shop my favorite items directly from my blog!  Just click on the tab at the top of my blog labeled "shop my favorite bits" (creativity had escaped me that day for the name) and there are all my current favorite fashion and beauty bits all in one place.  Happy Shopping!