Tag: exfoliation

PMD Personal Microderm Personal Microderm System

PMD Personal Microderm Personal Microderm System on Belle Belle Beauty

I fell in love with a version of microderm thanks to the amazing talents of a Mr. Gabriel Horn here in Tulsa. There was something about that manual exfoliation that just set skin aglow. But with the new work gig, it is hard to sneak away for facials. And just my luck, a similar tool is now available for at-home use. While I know it isn’t a professional level facial, I love it when I know I need a mid-week refresh.

PMD Personal Microderm Personal Microderm System combines an exfoliating disk with a unique vacuum that can literally suck up dead, dull skin and increase blood flow. This in turn helps stimulate collagen and elastin. Right now, radiant and glowing skin is all the rage (in fact, when is it not aside from the matte phase every now and then?) And this little tool really delivers.

Their patented spinning skin is covered with aluminum oxide crystals. Thanks to these gems, we can avoid all the issues with manual exfoliation. The vacuum suction pulls blood flow to the surface of skin to increase circulation – crucial for anti-aging efforts. This causes a healing process, boosting collagen and elastin.

I was a little concerned that a “professional-grade” tool would cause my skin to become red. But the system comes with three different types of disks, including a training white version so you can make sure you’re using the tool without side effects. Also included with the tool is a facial cap (designed to be used on the face) and cap that adapts the disk to a more active body-appropriate microderm. Last, there is a filter.

If you are like me and need an occasional at-home boost, consider adding this to your tool arsenal. They have done a great job with professional-like efficacy and safe at-home use. Not to mention glowing and exfoliated skin.

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, but as always, opinions are my own.

For The Guys: A Jack Black Routine

For The Guys- A Jack Black Routine on Belle Belle Beauty

I’m hearing more and more from men with questions about how to care for their skin. With more options than ever, even the guys can find a routine that addresses concerns from anti-aging to acne. Jack Black might be one of the original premium men’s skin care brands. In fact, I’ve found I love tons of their products myself like this lip balm.

Despite the temptation to keep these goodies for myself, I reluctantly let my dad give Jack Black Epic Moisture MP 10 Nourishing Oil and DIY Power Peel a try – and wow, they were a hit!

First up, I have to note that my dad is an exfoliation junkie. We share a tendency for ingrown hairs and dry skin. So I knew he would love the super-powered DIY Power Peel. This is a professional level peel so guys, you have to skip shaving on days you use the pads. But don’t worry if you have sensitive skin. The gentle exfoliation helps with anti-aging and can lighten dark spots. Dad reported no irritation and a more radiant complexion both the day of use and over the couple of weeks he was testing.

Another surprising thing I’ve discovered since I enlisted dad to be a product tester: he loves anything moisturizing. Since I had fallen for face oils, I had a feeling he’d be open to trying one out especially designed for men: Jack Black Epic Moisture MP 10 Nourishing Oil. MP 10 stands for ten multipurpose benefits for skin and hair. Ideal for men, this oil is light and absorbs quickly, leaving a sheer, non-greasy moisture behind. The antioxidants and fatty acids improves skin over time. If you have a guy in your life that shies away from lotions and creams, this could be just the ticket!

Available at Neiman Marcus and now earn up to a $500 gift card with your select online purchase of $200 or more and code APRILGC. Shop The Post:

Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program, but as always, opinions are my own.

Brand Spotlight: TATCHA + Their Friends & Family Sale

Brand Spotlight: TATCHA + Their Friends & Family Sale on Belle Belle Beauty

It is no secret that I hold Asian skin care tradition in very high esteem. Some of my favorite products hail from that part of the world. No surprise that I fell head over heels with the geisha-inspired TATCHA. Geishas are known for flawless, beautiful skin. Their beauty secrets are said to be passed down through the generations by word of mouth. So when TATCHA founder, Victoria Tsai, she came across a beauty manuscript from 200 years ago detailing the geisha beauty regime she struck gold.

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Perricone MD ‘Blue Plasma’

Perricone MD 'Blue Plasma' on Belle Belle Beauty

Regular readers, you already know I am an exfoliation junkie. Particularly with my recent peels, I’ve had a great need to slough off dead skin. And I’ve found that my skin looks more even and radiant with regular exfoliation. While my skin doesn’t love the more aggressive types of at home peels this time of year, I do need some sort of resurfacing. And what could be better than an easy, no-rinse formula?

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Brand Spotlight: Mario Badescu & 5 Products Everyone Should Own

Mario-Badescu

I’ve been deep in the world of Mario Badescu for the last couple of weeks. Not a bad place to be at all. The products, established by  Romanian-born Mario Badescu in 1967 in New York, are based on Eastern European skincare with a focus on being simple, gentle and effective. The price point is compelling, bringing luxe results and reasonable prices. Today, the spa attracts stars and beauty gals in the know (I dream of one day visiting). While I have always had mad respect for the brand, I haven’t really had a chance to dive in and discover some of the crown jewels. Today, I am rounding up five of their products that I think every woman (and actually men too) should have in their bathrooms.

1. Glycolic Foaming Cleanser: My obsession with Glycolic Acid is no secret. There is nothing better to break down debris on the skin to reveal more even, radiant skin. This version is super soothing (the formula is amped up with herbal extracts). They recommend using a couple times weekly, but I just can’t stay away – shhhh. This works like a champ with my Clarisonic.

2. Almond and Honey Face Scrub: I may or may not have just gone into my shower and taken a huge whiff of this stuff. Do you like almond scents as much as me? You won’t be able to resist this yummy concoction  This non-abrasive scrub has finely ground Almonds and Cornmeal to gently remove dead skin cells. The honey acts to hydrate and soften skin. YUM.

3. Drying Lotion: Is there a more iconic Mario Badescu product? I think not. I’ve owned this in the past, but feeling high and mighty about having my acne under control, it has been out of the rotation. Well, a short day after getting my paws on a new bottle, I got the deepest, most annoying blemish on my neck. SO RANDOM. Anyway, I used this spot treatment loaded with salicylic acid and calamine and that bugger shrunk right up overnight. Don’t shake this stuff – just dip a cotton swab past the liquid into the pink lotion and dot on the blemish. Don’t rub in. (Note: this will also take the itch out of mosquito bites!)

4. Hyaluronic Eye Cream: I’m dry… dry… dry. And nothing looks less cute than a dry, haggard under eye. This calls for the revival skills of Hyaluronic Acid which looks in moisture without leaving a greasy or heavy feel. After a couple minutes of absorption, this eye cream works like a dream under makeup. I’ve been using it day and night and darkness and dryness are banished! You can also use this on the lips.

5. Oil-free Moisturizer SPF 30: I admit, I turned up my nose at first to an oil-free moisturizer. But in the interest of blogging, I tested it out and was so so impressed. The formula has a balance between being lightweight and hydrating (not an easy task for a sunscreen). Green Tea fights premature aging while Aloe Vera hydrates and softens skin. St. John’s Wort soothes and repairs. This is my new recommendation to those who need sun protection after starting a retinol treatment. Dry skin suffers, don’t shy away. This keeps my skin comfortable all day.

So, Mario Badescu fans, tell me in the comments… which of your favorites did I miss?

Shop my favorites here:

Mario Badescu products can also be found at Nordstrom.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE WAS 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.

Winter Skincare Tips from Simple Skincare

Winter Skincare Tips from Simple Skincare // Belle Belle Beauty

We are at that point in the year where are attention is starting to turn towards the festivities of Spring. Trips are being planned, spring wardrobes are being built and self-tanning is in the not-so-distant future. Yet, here we are with frigid temps. As we limp through the last couple of months of winter, it is important to keep those winter skincare practices in step. Alas, they are the only way to radiant, summer skin. Here are three tips that can help both those with oily and dry skin from Simple Skincare:

NUMBER 1: So often when we see dry, flaky skin, we want to over moisturize. But what your skin actually needs is some tender exfoliation! The removal of dead, dull skin will allow healthy skin underneath to show itself. But when skin is suffering, so many exfoliators can be on the harsh side. I’ve been loving Simple® Smoothing Facial Scrub to gently buff my skin. The scrub contains rice granules which work with Pro-Vitamin B5 and Vitamin E to reveal brighter and more evenly textured skin.

NUMBER 2: With the heater going full blast, I am always parched. And to add insult to injury, I take steaming hot showers when it is cold out (bad girl – this can dry out your skin even faster!). So, my skin often feels tight after washing. What we need to be looking for are cleansers that don’t strip natural oils from the skin, helping it retain its moisture and glow. Simple® Skincare Moisturizing Facial Wash cleans and nourishes without stripping soap. It also contains Bisabolol (found in chamomile) which is a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant.

NUMBER 3: Believe it or not, some individuals can get even more oily in the winter months. Over-drying can actually disrupt the skin barrier and cause an increase in oil production. So, how to cleanse without over-drying and moisturize without clogging pores? Simple® Refreshing Facial Wash Gel is 100% soap-free and leaves more oily-prone skin clean and revived without stripping it of moisture. Post cleansing, shoot for a moisturizer that is lightweight but still offers vitamins to get a full day of moisturization (try Simple® Hydrating Light Moisturizer).

This post was created in connection with my appointment as an Influencer in the Simple® Skincare Program. Visit www.facebook.com/SimpleSkincare to share your story on sensitive skin.

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