Makeup By Kim Porter

Skincare

Get Radiant & Glowing Skin with Valentia Even Glow Serum Vitamin C 20%

Valentia Even Glow Serum Review
 

At my age, it’s important for me to take my skincare more seriously, which is why I use serums daily.  For over a month I’ve incorporated the Valentia Even Glow Serum into my skincare regimen, and like the results.

Valentia Even Glow Serum is a 20% Vitamin C serum that promises the following:

– Increases Glow and Radiance

– Evens skintone

– Absorbs rapidly

– Boosts collagen production

– Reduces Wrinkles and fine lines

Before using a product I always do a sniff test.  To my delight, the Valentia Even Glow Serum has a light scent of oranges, which is rather refreshing.  Actually, it’s unlike any other vitamin c serum that I’ve used in the past, too.  Don’t worry, the scent dissipates quickly just like how easily it absorbs into the skin after application.

Valentia Even Glow Serum  packaging
Using the serum was easy.  After cleansing my face, I’d use my favorite toner, apply a pea-sized amount of the serum, and then let it dry, and finish it off with a moisturizer.  During the day, I’d top it off with a moisturizer containing SPF.  Although I used the serum both night and day, I found that my skin appeared more radiant and had a glow after night usage;  however, the overall texture of my skin has changed since using the Valentia Even Glow Serum.  It’s as smooth as a baby’s bottom.  I’d attribute this to some of the awesome ingredients incorporated in the Valentia Even Glow Serum like Organic Sea Buckthorn Oil from where the serum gets its color, Organic Rose Hip Oil, and hyaluronic acid.

Valentia Even Glow Serum ingredients
The Valentia Even Glow Serum is packaged in a 1.18 Fl oz glass bottle with a dropper.  The glass bottle is brown, and although I may be reaching, I think it’s in a brown bottle to reduce the amount of UV rays entering the bottle, which could cause the product to spoil.  As a beer connoisseur this is my only guess.  Don’t judge me!  Anyway, the dropper makes it easy to dispense the bottle; however, I did notice that since the consistency of the Valentia Even Glow Serum is a bit more dense than some other serums I’ve used, there’s usually a lot of serum around the body of the dropper from where I can retrieve and apply the product.

Overall, I’m happy with the Valentia Even Glow Serum Vitamin C 20%.  I love the glow it provides after night usage, and the smooth texture of my skin.  It’s paraben-free and contains organic ingredients.  Also, the price is amazing! It’s only $35 on Amazon.com, which is half of the suggested retail. Plus, I’ve paid a whole lot more for other Vitamin C serums. If you’re looking for an affordable Vitamin C serum with all of the above benefits, check out the Valentia Even Glow Serum.

 

Disclosure:  Product provided for review consideration.  All opinions are my own and are honest. Affiliate links.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant is a Vital Addition to my Winter Skin care Routine

Disclosure: Product provided for review purposes only due to my iFabbo Membership.  All opinions are my own and are honest.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
 

Dermalogica products are staples in my skincare routine; from the PreCleanse, to the Skin Recovery SPF50, the Skin Hydrating Booster, and Solar Defense Booster SPF50.  I was first introduced to Dermalogica products at The Makeup Show New York Holiday Pop-up Shop where I purchased their four-piece cleansing system.  One of the items included in the kit was the , with which I fell in-love.   I love it so much that I’ve continued to use it in my daily skincare routine thanks to a review opportunity through my iFabbo membership.

 

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
 

The colder months, as I mentioned in a previous post (read here), are the months that are most important to have a skincare routine that works for you.  One of the most important steps, next to increasing your water intake, cleansing and moisturizing is exfoliating.  Exfoliating the skin increases the skin cell turnover rate, thus making you less vulnerable to skin conditions like hyper-pigmentation, acne, and dermatitis.

 

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Results
I love the because it is a gentle, rice-based enzyme powder exfoliant that can, as it states in its name, be used every day, or in my case, every night, without damaging your skin.

It takes a little bit of time (just one minute), and a small amount (1/2 tsp) of the powder formula, mixed with water to create a creamy paste, massaged into your skin in circular motions, while avoiding the eye area to achieve softer, smoother, and healthier looking skin.  It’s amazing how a powder, transformed into a creamy paste can effectively exfoliate your skin without being too harsh.

The Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant is perfect for those with sensitive skin, too since it is both fragrance and color-free.  Although the Microfoliant is fragrance-free, if you’re familiar with the scent of rice paper, it does smell like it once mixed; however, the scent doesn’t linger.

 

Dermalogica skincare
Below is how I incorporate the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant into my [evening] skincare routine:

Step 1

Apply, and then rinse off the Dermalogica PreCleanse to remove any makeup and dirt from the day.

Step 2

Cleanse with a Dermalogica prescribed cleanser (or your favorite cleanser)

Step 3

Exfoliate with the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

Step 4

Apply a toner of your choice

Step 5

Moisturize.  I use Dermalogica Skin Recovery SPF50 mixed with the Skin Hydrating Booster

Dermalogica is offering everyone a chance to win a prescribed $250 Dermalogica Regimen 

The Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant can be purchased at  for $52.00 or  Ulta.com; however, during the month of October, Dermalogica is hosting several “Face Map Our Nation” events allowing you to get complimentary Face Mapping Skin Analysis, and remember to #shareyourmap with @dermalogica for a chance to win a prescribed regimen worth up to $250!!! For more information, please visit http://www.facemapnation.com/US

 

Have you tried the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant? What are your thoughts?

 

Disclosure: Product provided for review purposes only due to my iFabbo Membership.  All opinions are my own and are honest.

Winter Skincare Tips Featuring Essence of Beauty Naturally Indulgent Bath and Body Collection

Winter Skincare Tips
The evenings in New York City are already getting colder and it’s only fall.  Winter is right around the corner, and the colder, dryer weather can lead to dry, itchy skin.   These tips, along with the use of CVS/pharmacy’s #1 best-selling fragrance and body care line, Essence of Beauty Naturally Indulgent Bath and Body Collection will help keep your skin soft, smooth, and moisturized this winter.

1. Take Shorter Showers in Lukewarm Water

I love taking hot showers in when it’s cold; however, lingering in a hot shower (or bath) can lead to dry skin.  Therefore, limit your time in the shower, and/or lower the temperature.

I love using Essence of Beauty Naturally Indulgent Bath and Body Collection Lemon Verbena with Olive Oil Bar Soap ($4.99).  It’s non-drying, moisturizing, rinses clean and leaves a soft citrus scent.

Winter Skincare Tips Essence of Beauty Bar Soap
2. Exfoliate

Exfoliating your skin at least once per week helps slough off dead skin cells, which allow moisture to seep back into the skin.

The Essence of Beauty Naturally Indulgent Bath and Body Collection Lemon Verbena with Olive Oil Sugar Scrub ($9.99) does a good job at exfoliating without being too rough, which leaves my skin super soft, and the oils in the scrub leave my skin supple and moisturized.

 

Essence of Beauty Naturally Indulgent Bath and Body Collection
3. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize

During the winter keeping your skin moisturized truly is the key to having healthy, soft, smooth skin.  After your shower or bath, remember to apply some form of moisturizer.  I love using body butters during the colder months because of their thickness, and ability to keep the skin soft and supple without the oiliness that some lotions and creams leave.  Lately, I’ve been using the Essence of Beauty Naturally Indulgent Bath and Body Collection Lemon Verbena with Olive Oil Body Butter ($9.99).  It goes on smooth, absorbs quickly, and leaves the skin moisturized without being greasy.

Essence of Beauty Lemon Verbena with Olive Oil Body Butter
I also carry the Essence of Beauty Naturally Indulgent Bath and Body Collection Lemon Verbena with Olive Oil Hand Cream ($5.99) in my purse to keep my hands from drying out during the day.

SONY DSC
About CVS Essence of Beauty Naturally Indulgent Bath and Body Collection

The Essence of Beauty Naturally Indulgent Bath and Body Collection is an affordable ($5.99-$9.99) natural line of skincare products that are available both in stores and online at http://www.CVS.com.  The natural line is available in three scents: Lemon Verbena with Olive Oil, Lavender with Rosemary Oil, and Eucalyptus with Mint Oil.  Each scent includes seven naturally-inspired bath and body products:  Hand Cream, Body Butter, Sugar Scrub, Botanical Body Wash, Foaming Bath Soak, Nourishing Body Oil and Shea Butter Bar Soap. The formulas contain plant extracts and essential oils, and the line is free of parabens, phthalates, petrolatum and gluten.

 

***Win It!***

Two Makeup by Kim Porter readers will have a chance at winning the entire collection off the scent of their choice.  Open to US Residents Only.  No purchase necessary. Must be 18 years old or older or have parents permission to enter.

Disclosure: Product provided for review consideration.  All opinions are my own and are honest.

Essence of Beauty Naturally Indulgent Bath and Body Collection Giveaway

My Skin, but Better: NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in ‘Martinique’

Disclosure: All opinions are my own and are honest. Product purchased with my own money. Affiliate links.

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Review
 

When the weather is hot, and the humidity is high, I keep my makeup to the minimum.  That means, no heavy foundation.  How do I get around that? I use a light foundation like MAC Face & Body mixed with some SPF or a tinted moisturizer.  Over the last few months, since purchasing NARS’ Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in Martinique, I’ve been using it almost daily. While attending The Makeup Show New York 2014, I stopped by the NARS booth to see what they had, swatch products, and of course shop!  The one thing I picked up was the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer, and I only paid $32 (retail $42).  You’re probably thinking, “Wow, that’s a lot, Kim!”  Hmm, but I think it was money well spent, especially due to the compliments I receive when wearing it.

What is NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer?

The NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer helps dehydrated skin with its infusion of “..lush, naturally derived ingredients.”  According to NARS, this tinted moisturizer “…has been proven to help reduce the appearance of discoloration and dark spots caused by hyperpigmentation for a clearer and brighter complexion in as little as four weeks. Oil-free and luxurious, it obscures the appearance of lines, wrinkles, pores, and other imperfections while SPF 30 adds a translucent veil of protection.”

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Swatches

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer is available in 11 shades in varying undertones like neutral pink, neutral yellow, peach, red, golden olive etc. I picked up Martinique, which is described as medium dark with warm, red undertones.  When swatched against my skin (remember ladies, swatch on your jawline or your neck), Martinique was the perfect summer shade for me, while Seychelles is perfect for winter.  You know, your skin color changes from light to dark depending on the season; therefore, it’s important for your makeup shades to change, too.

The NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer, for me, applies well with a fluffy foundation brush. I found that when I used my fingers, the application was a little streaky, and less natural-looking. After I apply it, I apply my Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder shade #7, and spray with Skindinavia’s The Finishing Spray for Oily Skin.

The SPF30 property of the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer is a plus because you have sun protection for up to 2 hours post application and sun exposure, which means you’d have to re-apply it throughout the day if you are depending on it for that purpose.  Plus, I’ve noticed, that if I didn’t use primer prior to, or powder prior to application (sometimes I do because I get oily) I’m blotting or using blot powder 2-3 hours in.  Unlike other products I’ve used, I don’t end up looking like a grease bucket, it’s more like a glow or dewy effect. This doesn’t mean that the coverage doesn’t last throughout the day because it does.  Plus, a little goes a long way; I only use a pea sized amount to cover my face.

There is a slight, lemony, herbal scent to the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer; however, it dissipates quickly.  Trust me, when I say it’s light, I mean, it’s like a barely there scent.

Why do I like NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer?

– It has broad spectrum SPF30

– It makes my skin look and feel better.  My skin, but better.

– It gives my skin a natural glow.  I’ve been asked if I’m expecting because of the glow I have.

– It’s lightweight & doesn’t feel heavy.

– It’s oil-free & non-comedogenic.

– Paraben, phthalate, and sulfate-free

What I don’t like about NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer?

-It has the tendency, without proper skin prep, to become oily, that is if you have oily skin.

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer is a product I will purchase again.  In fact, once fall/winter hits, I’m picking up Seychelles.  This tinted moisturizer is great for someone willing to splurge on a lightweight moisturizer with SPF30, that provides good coverage, and makes your skin look radiantly amazing.  I know $42 is a lot to commit to for a product you’re just trying out, so try picking up a sample at your local Sephora. Found at the following retailers: NARS, Beauty.com, Neiman Marcus, Barneys, Bloomingdales, and Saks Fifth Ave, Sephora.

 Have you tried the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer? What do you think?

Disclosure: All opinions are my own and are honest. Product purchased with my own money. Affiliate links.