Dual cleansing, Korean skin care rituals, and makeup free skin all seem to hum around the beauty world these days. I’ve been wearing less makeup during the week. And I have been trying to shed my habit of only using makeup wipes every couple of nights. Frankly, this bliss cleanser was the answer to all I was looking for in my new routine while hitting the current beauty buzz.
Bliss Fabulous Makeup Melt Gel-To-Oil Cleanser dispenses as a gel but transforms to an oil on my skin. Just massage it into dry skin and when you rinse, it becomes a cleansing oil that removes makeup and debris all while leaving skin soft and clean.
A longtime favorite, bliss is always innovating in a spa context. Probably why they integrate oils so well into their formulas. This makeup remover uses seven: tamanu, mirabelle plum seed, abyssinica seed, olive, orange, lavender, and sage. These oils leave skin nourished and calmed.
Sometimes I proceed with a foaming wash, but not always. When I tone post cleansing, my cotton comes away super clean letting me know the Cleanser works against makeup. And on those days when I am not wearing a ton, Bliss Fabulous Makeup Melt Gel-To-Oil Cleanser is all I need in the cleansing step of my routine.
AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.
Seems like skin care just moves more to the forefront every day. Not just for beauty buffs and bloggers, but for my gal pals and family too. I love that great skin is now valued as much as a great foundation! So I thought I would start out this little weekend series (aka Happy Valentine’s Day to Me) with my evening skin care routine. I don’t dive into formulas too much here – just discussing why I love the products.
1. Drunk Elephant Pekee Bar – I just started reviewing this line, but I am already obsessed with their bar soaps. Don’t let the bar form scare you – this formula is still toxin and soap-free. My skin is left balanced, moisturized, calmed and clean.
2. Foreo Luna – I use the Drunk Elephant to create a foam and then use this strange looking device to amp up the cleansing action. I use the Ultra Sensitive version and am still really pleased with the improvement in my cleansing action. While I will never relinquish my Clarisonic, I prefer this in the evenings. The low-frequency pulsation smooths skin, the device is waterproof and you never have to buy replacement brushes – bonus!
3. Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask – I don’t use this every night, but it is part of my routine a couple times a week. The black tea works against free radicals (which causes wrinkles – yuckie). The whipped texture is just too fun to use. And my revealed skin is clearer and softer. Plus, you guys… this stuff smells so darn good – like a warm, beach-front spa.
4. blisslabs active 99.0 anti-aging series multi-action eye cream – I know I have mentioned this eye cream before but it is just so darn good. I am also obsessed with a Kate Somerville version, but more on that later this weekend. I slather this on when my under-eye is looking rather crape-y and tired. And I’ll be darned – I look perked up instantly.
5. Tammy Fender Intensive Repair Balm – This last one is also a repeat, but I literally missed this moisturizer while I was out of town. The gel-like texture dives deep to nourish skin and I wake up with the glow that I usually only find in the summer months.
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Foreo and Fresh samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program. I consult for Neiman Marcus which is affiliated with the Neiman Marcus Group. Other products may have been provided by the company. As always, all opinions are my own. See Disclosure Page for more information regarding our use of editorial samples.
Anyone else celebrating (crying) with me tonight as the TV show Parenthood ends? I honestly think it is the smartest show on television – lovely actors, usually amazing story lines and “that hit home” moments. I will always love the Bravermans.
In honor of that milestone, I thought I would share my skin care routine along with my January favorites today. I am leaving town for a long stretch in a short bit and am a bit distraught about being away from my skin care goodies. I thought maybe sharing my current favorites would help me narrow down the lineup for the trip.
I have no idea how 10 years ago (in my twenties) I could muster a carry on for six weeks in Europe in seven different climates. These days, 7 days in two American cities just undoes me.
I’ve been battling some serious fine lines around my eye area. They aren’t super pronounced, but I know now is my chance to stave off any major wrinkles. Welcome to your mid-thirties, Belle Belle! So I decided it was time to really dive into the world of eye cream. I’ve selected my favorites for particular concerns whether you have fine lines like me, battle puffiness or get those dreaded dark circles. Let me know if you have any other superstar favorites I missed in the comments below!
I mention the Opal first because I use this tool with all the creams and serums tested below. I adore Clarisonic so no surprise that their tool for the eye area was equally impressive. The micro-massage (which is super-gentle) drives active ingredients into skin. Amplifying infusion with the vibration equals quick results. The Opal runs on a one minute cycle and I have to say it is actually fun to use. The rubbery applicator tip is gentle and keeps the amount of product to a reasonable level – something I found difficult when using just your finger. My only beef? I wish there was a beep when I needed to switch to the other eye. So I just do a full rotation (one minute) on each eye.
I adore this new eye cream from bliss. Part of their active 99.0 line, this treatment is professional-grade without being irritating. It manages to fight all the concerns mentioned above. And nourishes my dry and thin skin. It is a one-stop shop for those who want to address a range of concerns.
Major kudos for releasing something specifically for women (and I guess men!) in their 30s. This workhorse fights free radicals around eyes and lips and soothes sensitive areas where signs of aging first appear. The consistency is very light, making it perfect for those with oilier or combination skin. It is my lazy girl answer for nights you just can’t don’t have the energy.
I fell hard for Cindy Crawford’s skin Meaningful Beauty back here and the price point takes the sting out of a normally very expensive product. She developed her line with a dermatologist and the active ingredients really work to tighten and lift. The small tube is perfect to throw in a travel bag or purse. And it works beautifully to refresh under eyes at the end of a long day before cocktail hour.
SkinCeuticals is always my pick for people who want powerful formulas. Usually the line is a little irritating on me, but this balm from SkinCeuticals was surprisingly gentle and nourishing. I loved the anti-inflammatory nature and soothing chamomile that fought my redness like a champ. I felt refreshed and smooth a full day when using this balm.
I used to think StriVectin was a gimmicky brand, but after trying so many of their products, I am seriously obsessed with their ability to fight a wide variety of skin concerns. I don’t usually have puffiness, but I went though a phase of terrible allergies recently and this was the only eye treatment that got those puffs to calm down. My eyes were immediately “deflated” for lack of a better word. And that’s not all. The formula contains retinol – a workhorse against lines and hyper-pigmentation. And it isn’t irritating.
When I feel like I need to baby my under eye area, this is what I reach for. The silky serum smooths skin and plumps any dehydrated areas. And when I say “silky” I mean literally. The serum contains Persian Silk and is perfect after a sleepless night or one too many cocktails. It just feels sooo good to use.
Murad’s standout focuses on radiance by boosting collagen production. The tangerine butter brightens the eye area and leaves youthful baby-soft skin. And a bonus point – if you like using eye cream on lids like I do – this one is gentle enough to be used over the entire eye area.
AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.
I feel like there is a drive towards simplicity in skin care lately. This new serum pops into mind. And this mask is in the same ilk. Bliss’ newest, multi-‘face’-eted anti-aging clay mask is straight-forward, simple-to-use, and oh-so-wonderful. I love products like this not only because they are lovely and work but also because they are just so darn easy to recommend.
My biggest skin care beef lately is dull and discolored skin. I have been having some issues with reaching that “radiant” look. And while I love to exfoliate, so often my sensitive skin gets red and irritated with strong ingredients. Enter this mask – exfoliating, rejuvenating, refreshing but not too irritating.
What makes this fun to share? It is also wonderful for those with larger pores and olier skin. While it doesn’t make my sensitive skin angry, the mask still works to clean out pores with glycolic acid. And those dark spots that are forever the bane of my exisitance? Kojoc acid and lemon work against those. Carbon and pumice gentle turn over skin cells and jojoba nourishes skin.
I apply fairly thickly all over my face. The beauty is it only takes 5-7 minutes. And there is a minty and refreshing scent. After rinsing off with a washcloth, my skin is left radiant, clean and still supple … without one ounce of redness. I don’t know how they manage the slightly gritty texture that still leaves my skin happy, but they do it!
AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.
Well, we’ve hit the 90s over the last couple weeks down here in Oklahoma and pool season has officially begun. Here are some of my favorite summer beauty buys I’ve discovered over the last couple of weeks:
Dior Iconic Overcurl Mascara: this curved brush gets the “wide open” look that really awakens my complexion and I never have had any smudging and flaking, even with the non-waterproof formula
bliss fat girl slim arm candy: not only does this firm arms but eliminates redness making sure I’m ready for “sleeveless” season and I love the massaging dispenser for a little mini-spa moment
Brazilian Blowout Acai Deep Conditioning Masque: even though I have fine hair, I’ve discovered my dry ends really crave moisture and this mask does just that without weighing strands down (not to mention, I love the beachy scent)
Dior Addict Fluid Stick in Kiss Me: the gloss/lipstick hybrids that have been all the craze lately can sometime be drying on me, but this beautiful and feminine nude keeps my lips moisturized
Weleda Skin Food: even with the more humid weather, my skin remains dry and this rich and natural moisturizer doesn’t clog my pores, plus I love the herbal scent
AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.
