SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

Sk-II Facial Treatment Essence is the product that made me miss writing "Look Damn Good." I couldn't wait to share my experience using this product with you!

Completely lured by the SK-II ads featuring the luminous Cate Blanchett, I buckled and purchased a bottle of the "Holy Water" that so many rave about.

Keep in mind as you read this, that I started using SK-II while I was in the Midwest, "enjoying" the effects of one of the harshest winters I've ever experienced.

The very first evening I used this liquid, as instructed - by placing a small amount directly into the hands and pressing onto the face - I noticed an immediate effect. My skin felt instantly tighter, but not in a "Sea Breeze" way, almost in muscular way. It looked and felt as if my skin had actually been made snugger.

The next morning, my skin looked more clear and pores less noticeable.

After a week - others started noticing. When you start hearing unsolicited "You've got great skin" comments, you know something must be working.

A month, my visage, is dare I say ... more radiant and even toned? I am confident enough to go out without make up now - not saying that I ever would - I love a full beat down too much. Plus, make up looks even better on my new, smoother canvas! This product is an aesthetician/make up artist's dream.

The bottom line is that SK-II Facial Treatment Essence totally works for me.

It is the only new product I have added into my skincare regiment and the results are stunning enough to make me a believer.

The secret? Pitera, an ingredient discovered in Japan in a Sake Factory. According to the SK-II website, "Pitera, the seemingly magical ingredient found in all SK-II products, helps restore vital balance by promoting the skin's natural 28-day surface renewal process. This single blend of vitamins, amino acids, minerals and organic acids produces a seemingly miraculous rebirth of appearance."

Be sure to hydrate your skin while using this product, as it does exfoliate quite aggressively.

Learn more and purchase SK-II here: http://www.sk-ii.com

(image from: sk-ii.com)

Caudelie Premier Cru La Creme

After two weeks of traveling, including a final 48 hours of four flights ... my skin was dehydrated and looking way less than fabulous.

I stopped into the Scottsdale Fashion Square Sephora and was introduced to Caudelie Premier Cru La Creme.

I had been curious about Caudelie after reading an article about the brand.
Founded by a young couple and a Professor of Pharmacy, the line is based on the properties of grape seeds ... which, if you read this blog - you know I am obsessed with!

The line contains:
- no parabens
- a maximum of natural active ingredients
- NO animal testing or ingredients
- no mineral oils or colorings
- no sodium laureth sulfates

Check out their website for more info on their products:
http://caudalie-usa.com

I received a sample of their newest product, The Premier Cru La Creme from Sephora.
The gorgeous creme was explained to me as a fusion of their best products into one concentrated formula. The creme contains, "Caudalie's three signature patents: titrated Resveratrol and Viniferine from Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte grapevines, and grape-seed polyphenols." It claims, "It regenerates and redensifies skin, filling wrinkles, firming and lifting, and minimizing dark spots for an evenly luminous look." (Info from Sephora.com)

After one application, I can attest to the power of this product. My skin immediately felt smoother and softer and I awoke this morning to a clearer, firmer, more radiant complexion.

You can purchase Premier Cru La Creme from Sephora or the Caudelie website:
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P246528&categoryId=C10479

Sephora and the Caudelie site also offer a limited edition cosmetic bag filled with must haves from the line, including a full size eye creme and lip conditioner:
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml;jsessionid=3LWVDHPYYWDVECV0KQLQX0Q?id=P249307&categoryId=C10479

(picture from: sephora.com)

Alpha Maximum - Maximum Strength Alpha Hydrox Intensely Hydrating Face Cream

I love me some Glycolic Acid. I've found the most incredible all- natural Glycolic creme that actually improves the condition and look of your skin:
Alpha-Maximum Maximum Strength Alpha Hydrox Intensely Hydrating Face Cream by MicroNaturals.

Alpha-Maximum was created by Wendy Avansino and is 100% natural. It contains NO parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrance, synthetic dye, petro-chemicals or phthalates. Ms. Avansino created the cream in conjunction with a cosmetic chemist out of her frustration of not being able to find anything that really worked well without having to go to a salon and paying their high prices.

It contains 10% AHA in the form of Glycolic acid. This is the maximum amount allowed in over the counter products; you can actually feel it tingle!

The unique and amazing thing Ms. Avansino has achieved with this formulation is that Alpha-Maximum is as strong as it is with out over drying the skin. How many times have you used an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) product, only to be left with red, irritated flaking skin?
Not with Alpha-Maximum. It is intensely hydrating as well as being effective at exfoliating the skin.

I received a sample of Alpha-Maximum and have been using it as a night time moisturizer/treatment for a little over three months. Within the first four weeks, my super oily, acne prone skin cleared up. Then, I noticed a smoother, more even skin tone, diminished wrinkles and minimized pores - all without the common side effects of a chemical exfoliating product. Let me assure you, I've tried them all - over the counter and RX, nothing else I've tried has had the dual power of hydration and exfoliation. I especially recommend this product for those suffering with adult onset acne who have worn out every three step kit on the market.

If you are looking to simplify your night time regime with a truly effective, affordable product, I highly recommend giving Alpha-Maximum a go.
Just be sure to:
1. Cleanse only with a gentle, creme cleanser
2. Use NO other over the counter or RX chemical exfoliants.
3. Wear at least 30 spf during the day to protect your newly refreshed skin.
4. Give the product at least six and up to twelve weeks before you switch or commit - you need to let your skin go through an entire renewal cycle to REALLY see the fruits of the acid's labor.

You can also use the cream on any part of the body that has unwanted pigmenatation like freckles or age spots to help minimize their appearance. It's also a fabulous hand and foot cream that achieves the ultimate softness.

Alpha-Maximum is only distributed locally in Reno, NV right now, but you can order a 2oz. jar of Alpha-Maximum for $19.99 (includes shipping and handling) by emailing micronaturals@charter.net or click the link below:
Order by clicking here