Nude Skincare - ProGenius Treatment Oil

I can not believe I haven't posted since September - shameful!  Especially because I've tried so many wonderful products!

One of my recent adventures into the skincare world was trying NUDE Skincare's ProGenius Treatment Oil.  Here's what the product claims to do: "This 100 percent pure and active treatment oil provides a precisely balanced diet of vital nutrients for luminous and healthy looking skin. The all-absorbing formula delivers deep and long lasting skin cell nourishment, revealing skin that appears lit from within."

I had a sample size packet, but since you only need 2-3 drops of this oil (and it is definitely an oil), it has lasted several days.  I've been putting it on my skin at night, after cleansing/toning as usual.  The pros to it are definitely strong - it's suitable for vegans, gluten-free, allergen-free, a simply natural product.  When I initially put the drops into my hand, I thought my face was about to feel greasy.  When you first rub it into your skin, you have a tiny sheen, yes.  But very shortly after, it's simply like you used a good non-greasy moisturizer.  It soaks into the skin quickly and very well.  The next morning, my skin still felt supple and moisturized, but clean.  


Overall, it's definitely a good product.  It's probably best for normal to dry skin. Reviewers of the product recommend blending just a drop with foundation for a great flawless finish.  Others say it has definitely made their skin brighter.

While the full-sized product is not exactly cheap ($78.00), the bottle must last for absolute ages!  The sample size (which is tiny) has gone several days for me and still isn't empty at all.  I'd imagine this full-size product could last over a year.  For someone needing some extra moisture or suppleness/brightening, that's a solid investment for a year!

This is the first time I've tried an oil on my face, but it was quite nice.  Have any of you used one you recommend?

Product Link: http://www.sephora.com/progenius-trade-treatment-oil-P374111?om_mmc=GoogleKWL-ws

Pearly Whites Love

Over the years, I've learned the incredible value of taking care of my teeth.  I had quite a few fillings as a child/teen, and later learned that fillings aren't permanent.  They usually have to be replaced after a number of years.  That process is not fun.  And it's expensive to replace them with something that WILL last, like porcelain.  Worth it?  Yes.  Avoidable?  Also, yes.

My new dentist (I adore their practice, which is saying a lot coming from someone who hates going to the dentist) was incredibly kind to me last year, and he gave me a brand new electric toothbrush.  It is another product that has honestly changed my life, and I won't go without one now.  Since I began using it regularly, I haven't had a single dental problem.  My exams are wham-bam-gorgeous-teeth-thank-you-ma'am. Love it.  

A lot of people have these toothbrushes and love them.  If you don't, PLEASE get one.  The one I have is literally $12 online.  (Link: http://www.amazon.com/Oral-B-Pro-Health-Clean-Electric-Toothbrush/dp/B002HWS9G6)  It's battery-powered, so they do have to be changed occasionally, but then it travels well with no charging cord.  You can go up to a couple hundred bucks with these things, and I might spring for the $100 Oral-B re-chargeable one at some point.  For now, this one has been so great.  It times your brushing for two minutes and rotates lots to get your teeth squeaky-clean.

Of course, this works BEST if you floss every day (floss picks - another wonderful product!) and use mouthwash, but a $12 investment is something everyone can make, especially if it saves you money on dental procedures in the end.  Stocking stuffer idea, yes?

Makeup Remover Wipes = Amazing

There are not very many products that I can say have definitely changed my life, but makeup remover wipes certainly have. Sure, they're cheap.  But they can make such a difference in skincare quality, especially for busy women!

I heard/saw a renowned aesthetician once say that the single biggest mistake women make with their skin that causes poor skin quality and aging is simply not removing their makeup completely every single night.  This hit home with me, because at the end of a long day, I often opted to sleep in my makeup vs. going through a full face washing routine.  

Once I realized I could buy these handy wipes to take off all my makeup, I began removing it all the time at home, even during the day.  Having a clean face just feels so nice!  

These wipes are quick, easy, disposable, and cheap.  Here's the kicker - you can get them for $5 to $7 a package at the grocery or drugstore, but you can also use my trick and go to Ross/T.J. Maxx/Marshall's and check the beauty section - they typically always have packages for $3 to $5.  I am not picky about brand, as long as they say "makeup remover" on them (there are some that are only for refreshing).  I've never had bad results from any brand, but some of the highest-rated are the Neutrogena Cleansing Towelettes and the Olay 2-in-1 Daily Facial Clothes.  I've also had luck with ELF and Dead Sea Cosmetics.

 

I recommend taking off eye makeup, then using a cloth to remove the rest of your makeup and cleanse.  If followed by a cleansing toner and some serum/eye cream, your skin could quite possibly look fantastic.  These are going to be stocking stuffers for the women in my life this year...inexpensive, but very helpful!

Fabulous Fitness Attire

So...I work out pretty often now.  Sure, it's something to be proud of if you're into it.  But the amount of sweat?  Ew.  

And I have now discovered that basic cotton lounge clothes just aren't very conducive to regular exercise.  They stay terribly wet, then they can mildew in the laundry basket (gross, I know).  With regular exposure to sweat and more steady washings, they also break down and get worn out really quickly.

I've tried active wear from various brands now - some cheap, some really pricey.  And my favorite?  My favorite is actually Old Navy - mostly because of the balance between product quality and price. The items always go on sale (in-store sometimes, online basically all the time), so they're crazy cheap at times.  At the same time, the compression and dry-fit materials are good quality, comfortable, and they stay dry or dry quickly.  They last quite a while - longer than my more expensive items from other stores, actually. I would wager something much more expensive (like lululemon) may last a little longer, but when considered with the price factor, ON is more worth it.

Some of my favorite items...

1. The GoDRY Tank (right now some are on sale online for $9!)

2. The Active Running Top - well vented and light

 
3. Compression Capris - give a great range of motion, comfortable, and easy to work in!

I also really like their yoga clothes, shorts, and sports bras - all worth checking out if you need some active wear added to your wardrobe!



 

Body Butter(s): Yum

I think I am possibly addicted to feeling moisturized.  Recently, I've tried various lotions, body oils, shower gels, etc.  

My favorite find has most definitely been Tree Hut Body Butter - I stumbled on ONE at Publix, but they're all available online and are very affordable ($7-ish per jar).   The one I tried is the Brazilian Nut scent - info on the product here:

"Natural Brazil nut oil hydrates and repairs, damaged and neglected skin, with vitamins A, C and E, helping it to regain its healthy sheen. This extra thick body butter, infused with certified organic Shea butter, Cocoa butter, Brazil nut oil and Safflower Seed oil, was designed to seal in moisture for those problem areas, leaving you with repaired, renewed skin."

From trying the whole jar first-hand, I have to say - the website doesn't lie.  It's a thick cream, but it rubs/soaks into the skin beautifully, leaving skin ultra soft and actually feeling firmer.  The scent and moisture last all day.  

I love this product, and now that I've located their various scents, I will likely have to purchase them all...you know, just to be thorough!  This may also become a gift of choice for my lady friends - fair warning!

In Our Prime(rs)

If I've learned one really valuable lesson about cosmetics, it's to never skip primer.  At one point a couple of years back, I felt like I couldn't find the right foundation for me.  Even with expensive foundations, nothing seemed to apply right or last through the day, so I was always wearing too much or re-applying to compensate for it wearing off.  I asked a makeup artist about the issue, and her reply was simply: "What primer are you using?".  She was shocked when I revealed..."Well, I'm not."  

Apparently, it's a basic rule of the cosmetics world that you never put any makeup on your face without applying primer first.  And now that I've used several different primers, I agree wholeheartedly with the rule!

Since using primer, I use LESS makeup.  This allows me to purchase BETTER, more expensive cosmetics (which are better for my skin!), and to not worry about re-applying throughout the day.  Primers are made to address various skin issues, and here are two of my favorites.

1. Color Me Right: PUR Minerals Color-Correcting Primer

This primer is made to - you guessed it - correct discolorations.  It comes in neutral (to even color/tone), green (reduce redness), and peach (reduce dark spots).  It's a mid-price primer at around $30 per bottle, and does a pretty good job making your skin look more evenly-colored.  This was my go-to primer for quite a while, and I still keep it on hand.

2. Keep It On: Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer

 A bit on the higher end, this primer does it all - evens skin tone, reduces pore size, creates a smoother canvas for makeup application - but most of all, this one is great for keeping makeup on.  I have literally used this (with foundation) before a sweaty workout - and my makeup didn't come off.  Impressive.  It runs more expensive, at around $50 per bottle, but does last a long time.  With the savings it provides on foundation, it's still worth it.  It also contains SPF 15, giving you a little extra protection.

Unfortunately, my third favorite primer (Tarte ReCreate) was terrific for smoothing the skin out and creating the perfect base for foundation, but it was discontinued - bummer.  My search for a replacement continues.

All in all, the money spent on a good primer comes back to me tenfold when I can use less makeup AND feel more confident in my overall appearance day to day.  Definitely a product I recommend for all women. Does anyone else have primers you love?

Biore Triple Action Astringent

Astringent seems so 1980's, doesn't it?  Regardless, this is an item I've kept in my bathroom for a couple of years now.  It's a cheap product (between $5 and $9) and has helped keep my pores small and my face clear of breakouts, simply by helping remove excess oil, dirt, and makeup.

 

I will say I'm not sure this product would be for everyone.  I am not very acne-prone, and if I break out, it's because I haven't cleansed or exfoliated correctly, or because I used a bad product.  After I cleanse my face each night, I do a quick sweep of this and the cotton pad always has extra dirt and makeup on it that didn't come off with just my cleanser.  The active ingredient is your basic 2% salicylic acid, and there is some alcohol in this.  I don't mind that, and I get a very clean, tight, tingly feeling after using it.  And what's more - I don't break out.

I'm not sure how this Biore formulation differs from the other astringents in this price point (Clean and Clear, Clearasil, etc.), but it works much better, in my experience.  A good add to your medicine cabinet if you just want a little extra clean feeling on your face.

Moisturizers with SPF - Avon, Dermalogica, Aveeno

It's a given that everyone should be using facial moisturizers with SPF in them - and luckily, there are great options at any price point.  Jen wrote last week about Avon's Anew Rejuvenate Day Cream with SPF 25 - a great option at a mid-price point of $30.  

According to a recent article from Glamour, you need to...

"Make SPF Your BFF. Ward off future skin damage (think wrinkles and sun spots) by rubbing on a broad-spectrum formula that contains Helioplex, Mexoryl or Active Photobarrier Complex—they offer the longest-acting protection—has an SPF of at least 30 (the new everyday standard) and contains antioxidants."

They suggested one I've used often before - Aveeno's Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer.  This comes in SPF 15 or 30, and the 30 is certainly recommended.  This is a great product - besides providing sun protection, it also evens skin tone and texture, doesn't cause breakouts and isn't greasy.  Price point is low, between $10 and $15 depending on where you shop.

 

Another great option would be Dermalogica's AgeSmart Dynamic Skin Recovery w/SPF 30.  I am currently using this as my daily moisturizer and have been pleased with it.  This is a higher-price option at around $60 per bottle, but provides a lot more age prevention and correction.

 

With so many solid options to protect your skin and improve it at the same time, there's really no excuse to NOT use one of them and keep your skin beautiful for years to come!

Hand Cream - Avon Moisture Therapy

Since Jen was kind enough to share an Avon facial moisturizer she loves in the previous post, I thought it fitting that I share another Avon product that really works - their Moisture Therapy Intensive Healing & Repair Hand Cream.  

 My mom actually bought a container of this for my husband - being a firefighter, he uses his hands all the time and they get cracked and dry.  But I (ahem) "borrowed" it from his cabinet and may have had a little trouble putting it back.  It's thick and creamy, and really soaks into my hands and feet.  It doesn't feel greasy or heavy after soaking in.  It's also hypoallergenic, which is important for some folks.  The smell is light, almost non-existent, and very clean.

I will admit I had to travel for work and forgot regular lotion, so I used this all over my body.  Regular body skin isn't nearly as thirsty as hands and feet, so I had to really keep rubbing it in, but it still worked.

I don't love many Avon products (sorry, Avon!), but this hand cream is great.  They offer an Oatmeal version to help relieve itch that's also highly rated.  The best part about these products?  They cost $1.99!  Definitely a good buy for those of us who are addicted to hand creams!

Anew Rejuvenate Revitalizing Day Cream

One of my best friends in the whole world is one of those embarrassingly over-the-top gift givers. One Christmas, I got him a sweater and he got me some perfume and a jar of facial moisturizer from Chanel. I told him off for spending so much money, but fell in LOVE with the moisturizer. It was SPF 25, and it made my face feel so soft in those brutally dry winters. It didn’t absorb quite as well into my then-oily skin during warm weather, but still, I loved it. Eventually, of course, I ran out and when I went to repurchase it, I realized my best friend is totally cracked more generous than I'd known. There was no way I was forking out $100 for moisturizer. Seven years later, I still hadn’t found anything coming close to that quality for under $40.

Fast forward to Christmas, when my mother-in-law visited. She has recently started selling Avon, and to support her I ordered a few things. I’ve been using a tinted moisturizer that I like, but I wanted a regular moisturizer to go under the powder foundation I sometimes use. On my mother-in-law’s suggestion, I ordered the Anew Rejuvenate Day Cream, SPF 25. I love it. I love it at least as much as I loved my Chanel moisturizer! It has a really pleasant scent, and a lovely, creamy texture that absorbs quickly into my skin. Within a few minutes, my skin feels soft and I can’t tell I’m wearing a product at all – no greasy residue or feeling of heaviness that I get from most moisturizers. I have normal skin now -- thank you, Accutane! -- and my morning application lasts all day. At $30 for a 1.7oz jar, it’s certainly not drugstore cheap, but it’s a steal for the quality of the product.

Check it out here!

Lubriderm Advanced Therapy Lotion

I find myself always trying new lotions, and I've found quite a few good ones.  This Lubriderm lotion is one of the better ones I've tried, and it's available at your local grocery or drug store and is mid-priced.

I don't have very dry skin - my skin is normal and can fluctuate depending on weather, how much I exercise, etc.  However, I like to feel extra supple and moisturized, so I usually go for lotions with extra "umph".

This particular formulation is creamy, but not greasy.  It soaks into the skin quickly and hasn't rubbed off on my clothing.  My skin feels good throughout the day, and I don't feel the need to re-apply very soon after - except MAYBE with hand lotion throughout the day from using my hands so often at work.


Overall, it's a solid and affordable product that I'd recommend to others.


Note - this does contain mineral oil, which I believe some women avoid if they're tanners.  I'm pasty, so it doesn't pertain to me. :)

My Favorite Night Balm - C.O. Bigelow

I was searching for a night balm to keep my lips moistened throughout the night, as Vaseline and Chap Stick weren't cutting it. I also figured keeping my lips totally moisturized throughout the night would mean less aging around the lip area. 

Most of the night-time lip treatments I found were either ineffetive (like the Neosporin one) or really pricey.  I stumbled on this night balm at Bath & Body Works and have kept a tube of it in the bedroom ever since!

I use this almost every night - it's deeply moisturizing, not sticky or liquid-y.  It soaks in.  And since I've started using it, I haven't had chapped lips once.  The moisture throughout the night has made my lips healthier and better looking overall.

Regular price is only $7.50 on this, and the tube lasts a long time.  But Bath & Body always has sales as well, making it even cheaper.  

Definitely a recommended product!

Product link: http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=10951198

Welcome to my blog!

After leaving countless reviews of products on various retailer websites, Amazon, etc., I decided it might be fun to blog about products I've tried and loved, liked, or possibly hated.  I find that lots of products reviewed in magazines are crazy expensive, and not every real girl can afford those items.  While I definitely believe in paying for quality, there are great products and values out there. 

Let the product blogging commence.