Tag: face wash

PanOxyl 4% Acne Creamy Wash Daily Use

Pamela is probably my favorite friend/reader to dish beauty about. Not only does she have great skin and is always up to date on products, she lives in New York and gets to do all the latest treatments and fitness classes! I can’t wait to get back to New York soon to check out some of her favorites. But her latest recommendation to me not only is fabulous, but can be found around the corner at anyone’s drug store.

I picked up PanOxyl 4% Acne Creamy Wash Daily Use on her recommendation without much research. I was thrilled to see it is creamy – my favorite formula for face wash. I was a little fearful of the benzoyl peroxide as my skin is slightly sensitive and I don’t suffer from much acne. But the product indicated that this wash is designed for those with “slightly sensitive skin” and “mild to moderate acne like whiteheads or blackheads” ***raises hand***.

While 4% benzoyl peroxide is strong medicine, it is not as strong as their more powerful formula offering 10% benzoyl peroxide (the strongest available with a prescription). For those with more serious acne, ask your dermatologist if this might work for you.

I loved the foaming, cream formula and used it with these little sponges (thanks She’s In The Glow!). Between using this new favorite and PanOxyl, but pores are unclogged and skin is exfoliated and fresh. As a note, I use P50 in the morning and PanOxyl at night – probably too much to double up with both at the same time as it is already pretty aggressive to have these two in a routine. Despite the powerful ingredients, the addition of 3 humectants and 4 emollients in the formula leaves my skin soft and not dry. I don’t notice any tingling or a smell but some might find it slightly acidic.

Perricone MD Nutritive Cleanser

I am like Goldilocks with my cleansers. I can’t seem to find one that is just right. I love Drunk Elephant Pekee Bar and classic Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Cream Cleanser, but they didn’t demand my loyalty. Perricone MD Nutritive Cleanser might not be the end all, be all of cleansers, but it comes close.

This facial wash has a gel-texture but doesn’t strip skin like other gel cleansers. I find that the day is washed away but my skin is still supple and nourished – a delicate balance. The formula is designed to purify skin and remove makeup without removing skin’s natural oils. In addition, it delivers anti-oxidants like DMAE and Alpha Lipoid Acid to help fight aging.

I do need a swipe of makeup remover on my eyes first, but that is likely due to my addition to waterproof mascara. Other than that, skin is perfectly primed for treatment. I cannot detect a strong scent. While it is pricey for a cleanser, I am a sucker for packaging and it looks fab in my bathroom. And I’ve used it for a month and the bottle is still over 3/4ths full. Formula is paraben-free. Available at Sephora.

Upgrading My Face Washing Game

By now, I assume my fellow beauty-addicts have changed their skin care routine to accommodate the climbing temps. But if you have not (or are just looking for a major upgrade in your cleansing game), check out this new set available at Sephora from Caudalie and Clarisonic.

Cream cleansers start to feel heavy this time of year. And while I love oils, I often need that second step after removing makeup to get a fresh and clean feeling. This set offers a balanced approach that doesn’t leave skin irritated or dry, but still super clean. Plus, the product combo brightens – something so crucial with the lighter makeup routine I’ve been embracing.

I had tried many of Caudalie’s products but the Instant Foaming Cleanser was new to me. It is gentle and straightforward. Plus, it offers that instant gratification to those of us who love the foam. The serum and sorbet both soften and hydrate skin and you cannot beat the cult-favorite Beauty Elixir.

Regular readers know I love the Clarisonic – if you don’t, you can read more thoughts here. But one new item I have been adoring are the new luxe brush heads. Since my skin is prone to redness, this fluffy and gentle option keeps my skin calm but still super clean. And it helps hydrate! Sold.

Set includes:

Clarisonic Mia 3
USB-Enabled Charger
Sensitive Brush Head
Caudalie Beauty Elixir
Caudalie Instant Foaming Cleanser
Caudalie Vinosource Crème Sorbet
Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum

pr samples and affiliate links may be included in the above post

Bliss Fabulous Makeup Melt Gel-To-Oil Cleanser

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.

h2O Waterwhite Advanced Brightening Collection

Literally hours ago I was having a conversation with a friend about how Vitamin C can be sometimes hard to use. It is often harsh and irritating. At the same time, I was planning to write about my new favorite cleanser and toner – a duo that left my skin clear, clean, bright and full of clarity. As I researched my new infatuation, I discovered that it was made with none other than Vitamin C. But without the harsh side effects.

h2o is fabulous at using effective ingredients in a calculated and soothing way. The Waterwhite Advanced Brightening Cleanser has all the foaming action I crave while still fading dark spots. Along with Vitamin C, Knotted Sea Kelp and Asian Brightening Botanicals blend into the silky formula to keep skin clear but not dry or tight. Sea minerals work to soften and energize skin, repairing signs of aging.

I am a huge convert to toners. It was a struggle to relinquish this one to try out Whitewater Advanced Brightening Toner. The new arrival is just as captivating. With the same ingredients as the cleanser, the toner rids my skin of any residue while refreshing skin. Surface cells are scooped away and my skin tone is totally brightened.

Both products are amazingly gentle on my skin – surprising now that I know they both include Vitamin C. The ingredient is crucial for correcting tone but can often cause redness on me. However, not with these guys. I get very little scent with both the cleanser and toner. One caution, the cleanser does hurt if it gets in your eyes so take care. Overall, I think this duo is perfect to transition to spring without drying on skin and working on dark spots.

Pick up this collection at h2oplus.com.

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Clarisonic Sonic Radiance Brightening Solution

I drank the Clarisonic kool-aid years ago and the devices have been a part of my routine ever since. I’ve used the Plus, Mia and Pedi, all with stellar results. But regular readers here know my biggest beef is hyper-pigmentation and a general lack of radiance. So the newest Clarisonic really had me pumped. After releasing earlier this year, I finally got my paws on the newest system and I can say I am a total convert and this is my top choice from the Clarisonic family.

Sonic Radiance comes with a device and brightening formulas just in the nick of time to erase our summer skin sins and achieving a winter glow. The system includes the newest Aria – one I hadn’t tried. While I can’t tell a huge difference, I like the technologically-advanced charger and lighter weight.

The brush head is new as well – a Radiance Brush Head – full of dense but soft filaments that doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin. Note: remember not to push the brush against the skin but allow it to lightly touch skin, loosening debris and preventing redness. The pearl pink is a little less shocking than the traditional pink Plus model and it is feminine without being over the top.

I’ve always enjoyed the cleansers that come with the Clarisonic devices but I really love the included products in this version including a morning cleanser, a nighttime peel wash, and a brightening serum (Clarisonic’s first-ever leave-on treatment.) All three products and the device work together to improve acne spots, blotchiness and sun damage. I’ve been using the products and device day and night for two weeks and see imrpovement, particularly with darkness on my cheeks.

The cleansers are foamy and work well against the residue of the day. I do like removing makeup beforehand with a wipe – my favorite these days is this one. That way, makeup doesn’t transfer to the brush head and the products can really work to improve the look of skin.

The Skin Illuminating Cleanser is designed for the AM and gently cleanses and exfoliates skin. The Skin Renewing Peel Wash, my favorite, is creamier and foamier designed for use at night. Then the real gem: the new Brightening Activator Serum can be used morning and night. The combo of treatments allows for potent action and visible results but while still nourishing skin.

Kit includes: Clarisonic Aria, Universal Voltage Charger, Radiance Brush Head, 6 oz Skin Illuminating Cleanser, 6 oz Sin Renewing Peel Wash, Brightening Activator Serum. Products can be purchased individually as well. Or without the device and just the brush head.

Available at Nordstrom and Sephora