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December 2013

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Algenist Gentle Rejuvenating Cleanser

gentle

If you’re a make-up wearer like me, you need to use a cleanser that removes your make-up really well. A few years back, I started researching anti-aging cleansers. I felt like I needed a cleanser that would not only remove my make-up, but would also comfort my dry, aging skin. Algenist’s Gentle Rejuvenating Cleanser, $25 at Sephora.com, kept coming up in numerous reviews. I knew I just had to try this one for myself. I have been using this cleanser for almost two years now and I absolutely love it. I always use this in conjunction with my beloved Clarisonic, which by the way, EVERY woman should own! A great skincare routine should always start with clean skin. The cleaner your skin, the better your products will absorb. This cleanser is so soothing, sometimes I let it sit on my skin for 5 minutes before even rinsing it off. Give this cleanser a shot. I promise your skin will thank you for it.

Caudalie Premier Cru The Cream

CRU

I discovered Caudalie products about two years ago, and I now use them on a daily basis. From this all-in-one cream, to their hydrating mask, every product I have tried has been top notch. I’m often scared to switch skincare products because I’m never quite sure how my skin will react. Often times when we introduce a new product into our skincare routine, our skin will have an initial reaction like a breakout until your skin adjusts. Caudalie Premier Cru caused absolutely no reaction to my skin. In fact my skin was immediately soothed and hydrated, which was exactly what I was looking for. I use this powerful cream religiously both day and night. There is no need to use a serum underneath this moisturizer, as it already incorporates the benefits of a serum into the product. This cream truly does it all. The Caudalie line is known for it’s powerful resveratrol based anti-aging ingredients. It also does not contain parabens or sulfates. That is probably why my skin did not react in a negative way when I first started using it. Caudalie’s Premier Cru is pricey at $155 for 1.7 oz., available at Skinstore.com. But, if you consider this product also contains a serum, it works out to be about the same cost if you were using two separate products. Caudalie just introduced a heavier cream version of this product called Premier Cru La Creme Riche. With the cold winter months upon us, my skin has become drier and definitely needs a little more hydration. I can’t wait to try that one as well. Stay tuned

Rimmel London’s Extra Wow Lash Mascara

They say our eyes are the window to the soul. I believe they are and so much more. Bold lashes definitely finish off any make-up routine and help define your face. With so many choices of mascara on the market, it’s great to find one that actually does what it says and is super affordable. I absolutely adore Rimmel London’s Extra Wow Lash Mascara in Extreme Black, $3.59 at Walgreens. If you want to amp up your look, simply apply some false eyelashes as well. I usually only wear false lashes for a night on the town or for a special occasion. If you want a good affordable pair of lashes, check out E.l.f. Cosmetics version from their Everyday lash Collection. They are a great basic lash, and if you cut the full lashes in half (which is what I always do) you get three pairs of lashes for
$3 at elfcosmetics.com. So go out there and look ’em in the eyes and show them what you’re made of! After all, it’s all about demanding attention- Wink wink:)

Xen-Tan Dark Weekly Self-Tan Lotion

Self-tanners are one of my guilty pleasures in life. I’ve had a thing for them for far too many years. I absolutely refuse to go in the sun without sunblock, plus I know the damage that the sun causes to our skin. Sun damage is one of the leading causes of premature aging and of course it can cause skin cancer. With that being said, I still love the look of a great tan. Being part Cherokee Indian, I tend to have an olive complexion, but on a daily basis, especially during these cold winter months (well, as cold as it can be in L.A.!) my skin can get pretty pale. There is something about bronzed skin that just adds a healthy glow and improves my overall skin tone. My all time favorite self-tanner for my body is Xen-Tan Dark Weekly Self-Tan Lotion,
$40 at Dermstore .com. I have tried dozens of self-tanners through the years and this one is leaps and bounds better than the others. The color is believable, it lasts for days, and this formula gives you that sun kissed look immediately without that horrible smell found in most self tanners. I prefer to apply it with the Xen-Tan self-tanning mitt, $8 at Nordstrom, to avoid getting the product on my hands. This self-tanner is one of my beauty staples that I can’t live without. So whether you are going on that tropical vacation or just need a quick fix for those winter blues, Xen-Tan will give you glowing skin from head to toe. Bon Voyage

M.A.C. Cosmetics Devine Night Holiday Colour Collection

The Devine Night Holiday Collection from M.A.C. can simply be described in one word, AMAZING! The colors are richly pigmented and can take your look to the next level. For those of you that are afraid of a little too much color, this collection may be pushing your boundaries, but I say go for it! The Mineralize Skinfinish in Centre of Attention, $33 at maccosmetics.com, is the perfect way to give that overall polish to your face. Swipe this across the bridge of your nose, or simply dust it over your entire face for glowing skin. It is absolutely beautiful. The Devine Night lipstick in Prepare for Pleasure, $16.50, is guaranteed to turn heads. M.A.C.’s Fluidline eyeliner in Macroviolet , $17.50, is the perfect deep aubergine that complements any eye color or skin tone. This liner definitely has staying power. To complete your look down to the final detail, let’s not forget your nails. Devine Night Nail Lacquer in Fierce Entrance, $17.50, is simply perfect in every way. M.A.C. cosmetics slogan for this collection is “What happens at night stays there.” Hmmm? I must admit I’m slightly intrigued. Good Night!