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Skincare

My Paula’s Choice Skincare Regimen

June 19, 2015 by Kim S. / Reviews, Skincare / 19 Comments

I have a skincare goal, and it’s to wear little to no foundation, especially on hot and humid summer days. My skin has seen better days – I’ve suffered breakouts, which, of course has led to not so pretty blemishes. This only means it was time to switch up my skincare regimen and incorporate new products. Fortunately, I was able to try a few products from Paula’s Choice that have successfully helped my skin become better each day.

After a short telephone consultation with a Paula’s Choice skincare representative where I addressed my skincare concerns, I was sent over a set of Paula’s Choice skincare products that included a cleanser, oil-absorbing mask, exfoliator, and vitamin C serum.

Clean skin is the pathway to better looking skin, so I always start my skincare regimen off with a good cleanser. The Paula’s Choice RESIST Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser, which is formulated for normal, oily, or combination skin is beyond amazing! I swore I had a HG cleanser until my skin met this Paula’s Choice RESIST cleanser. I love that it leaves my skin clean without feeling stripped, and my skin is amazingly soft afterwards. The fact that it doesn’t have fragrance is a plus.

For me, during the warmer months, my skin can become an oily mess. At least twice per week, I’ve incorporated the Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Oil-Absorbing Mask into my regimen, which is also formulated for normal, oily, or combination skin. I thought my skin was soft and smooth post cleansing, but using this mask afterwards made it even softer, if that’s even possible. The only thing I noticed that I didn’t like with this mask was the intense tingling I felt during the first few uses, which made me rinse it off earlier than the recommended 10-15 minutes; however, I was still happy with the results from using it.

After the mask, I would exfoliate using the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid. It’s a clear liquid formula that’s easily applied to my skin with a cotton round, and left on to dry. I’ve found that I like to use it at night because I’ve noticed that during the daytime, my skin would look a bit oily. However, when using it at night, I wake up with beautiful, smooth and glowing skin.

After cleansing, applying my mask, and then exfoliating, I would follow-up with my favorite toner, and then use a serum. My new regimen consists of adding two drops of Paula’s Choice RESIST C15 Super Booster, which is a combination of 15% Vitamin C with Vitamin E & Ferulic Acid. This serum helps reduce brown spots and brightens skin. My dark spots have lightened, and I’m sure that with continued use they will seem less visible. It’s seriously the icing on the cake, and an important step in my skincare regimen. After applying that, if it’s daytime I’d apply my favorite SPF moisturizer, or at night apply an overnight mask.

I’m so happy with my skin at this point. I’m confident that with continued use of Paula’s Choice skincare products, my skin can only improve even more. I can’t wait to try out more products from the line.

Paula’s Choice skincare products cater to any skincare concern and/or need. If you suffer from hyperpigmentation, have sensitive, dry, oily, and/or mature skin, there’s bound to be a Paula’s Choice product for you. That said, I would definitely recommend scheduling a free skincare consultation with a Paula’s Choice aesthetician by calling 1-800-431-4088 to help you find the right products for your skin.

As a Power Primper with Pretty in my Pocket (download their app here), Paula’s Choice is giving Makeup by Kim Porter readers a chance to try out their products at 20% off + FREE shipping when you click here, click the ad above, or use the code PRIMP20 at checkout. Act fast because this offer expires on June 30th!

COOLA Suncare Mineral Sunscreens Review

April 27, 2015 by Kim S. / Beauty, blog, Skincare / 16 Comments

PR Sample | Affiliate Links

We’re back with a brand that’s new to the blog, COOLA Suncare. COOLA Suncare is an organic luxury sun and skincare brand that incorporates a Farm to Face® sourcing philosophy, using the freshest and most natural ingredients whenever possible. That said, I’m reviewing two of the brand’s mineral sunscreens: Face SPF 30 Unscented Matte Tint and Face SPF 20 Rose Essence Tint.

About COOL Suncare’s Mineral Sunscreens

“Coola Mineral Sunscreens contain non-nano sized mineral (physical) actives Zinc Oxide and/or Titanium Dioxide. We formulate our Mineral Sunscreens uniquely, separating and encapsulating each active in an effort to keep them equidistant from each other. This equal dispersal provides not only the most transparent application, but also the best protection, as the active particles evenly reflect UV rays. These lightweight lotions are reef-friendly and include formulas that are water resistant up to 80 minutes.”

First, we’re going to talk about the FACE SPF 30 Unscented Matte Tint, which COOLA calls a “Natural BB Cream”. I’m a fan of skincare that doesn’t include fragrance, so this is a plus for me. Even though it’s lightly tinted, once applied, it doesn’t give off that ghostly effect.

Applying the COOLA FACE SPF 30 Unscented Matte Tint is easy. It goes on smooth, and a little goes a long way. I’ve worn it alone, under and over makeup. I love that I can apply it over my makeup throughout the day for both sun protection and shine reduction without having to worry about it affecting my makeup. Also, it does help a bit in keeping the oil down after applying, which I like, too.

Next, we have the COOLA Suncare Face SPF 20 Rose Essence Tint. This sunscreen is also lightly tinted, and is deemed, by COOLA Suncare, a tinted moisturizer. The tint is so sheer, especially after applied, and blended into the skin, there’s really nothing to see except, soft, smooth, and radiant skin. Oh, and there’s a light rose scent, too. The rose fragrance is very light, but, if you’re like me, and you don’t like fragrance in your skincare, it may be off-putting.

The SPF on the SPF 20 Rose Essence Tint isn’t as high as the FACE SPF 30 Unscented Matte Tint, and I usually like to have my sun care products in the SPF 50 range, but any SPF is better than no SPF, right?

Both of the COOLA Suncare products are water resistant for 40 minutes. Keep that in mind if you tend to perspire a lot, and if you’re spending lots of time at the beach or in a pool, and if you’re doing either of the latter right now, I’m seriously jealous.

You’re probably wondering how are you going to choose which one is right for you, right? Well, the COOLA Suncare FACE SPF 30 Unscented Matte Tint is suggested for those with normal or oily skin, while the Face SPF 20 Rose Essence Tint is suitable for all skin types including those individuals with sensitive skin. If you prefer a higher SPF, and something that takes away shine, then you’d choose the FACE SPF 30 Unscented Matte Tint. If you’re looking for a sunscreen that gives your skin a radiant look, without adding much color, and you don’t mind rose fragrance, then the Face SPF 20 Rose Essence Tint is your best bet. Either way, both are good products. I actually carry around the Matte Tint with me in my purse for on-the-go touchups.

Both products can be purchased for $36.00/ 1.7 FL oz at http://www.coolasuncare.com

Have you tried any COOLA Suncare products? What are your thoughts?

COOLA Suncare SPF 30 Unscented Matte Tint Ingredients
Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide (Sunscreen) 3.2% Zinc Oxide (Sunscreen) 1.8%

Inactive Ingredients: Aluminum Hydroxide, Butyrospermum Parkii (ORGANIC Shea Butter), Cucumis Sativus (ORGANIC Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Glycerin (ORGANIC), Hydrogen Dimethicone, Iron Oxides, Isopropyl Myristate, Isopropyl Titianium Triisostearate, Linum Usitatissimum (ORGANIC Linseed) Seed Oil, Mica, Oenothera Biennis (ORGANIC Evening Primrose) Oil, Plankton Extract, Polyamide-5, Polysilicone-11, Propylene Carbonate, Rosa Canina (ORGANIC) Fruit Oil, Silica Silylate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Synthetic Wax

Organic Ingredients: Cucumber Fruit Extract, Evening Primrose Oil, Glycerin, Linseed Seed Oil, Rose Hip Oil, and Shea Butter

COOLA Suncare Face SPF 20 Rose Essence Tint Ingredients
Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide (Sunscreen) 4.2%

Inactive Ingredients: Aluminum Hydroxide, Caprylohydroxamic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Carthamus Tinctorius (ORGANIC Safflower) Seed Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (ORGANIC Orange) Fruit Water, Cocoglycerides, Coriandrum Sativum (Coriander) Fruit Oil, Cucumis Sativus (ORGANIC Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Euterpe Oleracea (ORGANIC Acai) Fruit Oil, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus (ORGANIC Sunflower) Seed Extract, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/PVP Crosspolymer, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Iron Oxides, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Lauryl Glucoside, Linum Usitatissimum (ORGANIC Linseed) Seed Oil, Mica, Plankton Extract, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Propanediol, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Extract, Synthetic Wax, Tocopherol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Water, Xanthan Gum.

Organic Ingredients: Cucumber Fruit Extract, Glycerin, Linseed Seed Oil, Orange Fruit Water, Safflower Seed Oil, and Sunflower Seed Extract

LUSH Tea Tree Water Toner Review

April 2, 2015 by Kim S. / Reviews, Skincare / 20 Comments

My t-zone gets oily at times, and during that time of the month, like most women, I experience minor breakouts. To help with both of those problems, in the past I’ve used diluted tea tree oil as a toner, and to help brighten my skin. But, sometimes I get lazy, and don’t feel like making my own products. I mean, we all go through that at times, right? So after hearing rave reviews about the LUSH Tea Tree Water Toner, I visited my local LUSH store to pick up a bottle.

While looking at the ingredients, I was happy to see that the LUSH Tea Tree Water Toner has only 6 ingredients, 4 of which are natural: Tea Tree Water, Grapefruit Water, Juniperberry, and Limonene. The first three ingredients are known for their antiseptic and anti-fungal properties like. Both tea tree and juniperberry are known to help aid in reducing oil and blemishes on the skin. The naturally occurring limonene is added for its citrusy scent. And then we have two ingredients that LUSH deems “safe synthetics”: methylparaben and fragrance. I’m not fond of fragrance in my skincare, nor am I fond of parabens.

Speaking of scent. If you’re familiar with the strong herbal smell of tea tree oil, you don’t have to worry about experiencing that with the LUSH Tea Tree Water Toner. The tea tree scent, even though it’s the most prominent, is very light, and doesn’t last long. The faint tea tree oil scent could have been a sign that maybe this wouldn’t work – for me.

Although spraying the LUSH Tea Tree Water Toner on my face was quite a refreshing experience, I didn’t find that it removed anymore residual makeup post cleansing than my regular toner. In fact, it barely removed anything. It felt as though I was just using scented water on my face. Also, it wasn’t effective in keeping back breakouts and oil. I was surprised that out of all of the LUSH products I’ve used, and loved, this was the very first one that has let me down. Can you imagine how hard it was for me to write this post? Hard!

I can’t even attribute it’s ineffectiveness due to me incorrectly using the LUSH Tea Tree Water Toner because I used it based off of LUSH’s instructions, which state the following:

Spritz directly on the face after cleansing and use a cotton pad to remove any excess cleanser. To tighten pores, let the toner air dry. Follow with the moisturizer most appropriate for your skin’s needs.

Unfortunately for me, the LUSH Tea Tree Water Toner did not work well for me. It didn’t make me less oily, and it didn’t improve my complexion. However, it doesn’t mean that there isn’t someone out there that this would work for. But, I do suggest getting a sample before spending your money on a full-size bottle, especially since it has added fragrance.

Once this bottle of LUSH Tea Tree Water Toner is finished, I’m going to do a DIY Tea Tree Water Toner minus the fragrance and methylparaben.

The 8.4 Fl oz bottle of LUSH Tea Tree Water Toner that I bought can be purchased at LUSH or lushusa.com for $21.95. It’s also available in a smaller 3.3 fl oz bottle for $9.95.

Have you tried the LUSH Tea Tree Water Toner? Did it work for your skin?

RITUALS Hammam Delight Foaming Shower Gel Sensation Review

March 26, 2015 by Kim S. / Reviews, Skincare / 19 Comments

PR SAMPLE AFFILIATE LINKS

I’m back with a review of the RITUALS Hammam Delight Foaming Shower Gel Sensation. This unique shower gel is part of the RITUALS Hammam Collection, which features a range of products to help you relax while cleansing, softening and nourishing your skin.

The RITUALS Hammam collection was inspired by one of the oldest cleansing traditions in the world that originated in Turkey: the Hammam. Hamma means ‘spreader of warmth’, and claims to help cleanse both mind and body to promote inner and outer harmony and balance.

The RITUALS Hammam Delight Foaming Shower Gel Sensation is enriched with revitalizing Rosemary and Eucalyptus, which makes for an intensely aromatic, and sinus clearing shower.

Eucalyptus, known as “the healing tree”, has a multitude of uses from being an antiseptic, helping with a cough and cold, to easing aches and pains. I can see why this strong, woody, sweet scented oil is one of the main ingredients in the RITUALS Hammam Delight Foaming Shower Gel Sensation. After applying the foam to my mesh shower gloves, the Eucalyptus is the first thing that hits me – opening up my sinuses, and waking me up for the day. To be honest, I don’t really smell Rosemary at all.

The RITUALS Hammam Delight Foaming Shower Gel Sensation is packaged in a light blue, pressurized canister – similar to what shaving gel is housed in. It’s not only packaged like a shower gel, it behaves like one, too. Foaming up once dispensed onto my damp mesh shower gloves. The lather is creates is amazing! I love that you only need a little to cover your whole body to get and feel clean. I also like that the RITUALS Hammam Delight Foaming Shower Gel Sensation doesn’t strip my skin of oils and make it feel dry. After showering with Hammam Delight, I can go without slathering on lotion.

Overall, I’m enjoying taking showers with the RITUALS Hammam Delight Foaming Shower Gel Sensation, and my husband enjoys it, too. The healing, and sinus opening Eucalyptus combined with the shower steam, make for a relaxing, yet awakening shower. I would recommend it if you’re into herbal scents. It’s spring, which means allergy season is right around the corner. Allergy sufferers like me can use this sinus-clearing foaming shower gel to help lessen the effects of allergies.

RITUALS Foaming Shower Gel Sensations are available in 200 ml for $15 in five other scents: Yogi Flow, Zensation, Diwali Delight, Happy Buddha, T’ai Chi, and Samurai Shower. They can be found at Barney’s or Barneys.com.

Have you tried any of the RITUALS Foaming Shower Gel Sensation Products?