Spring Sun: Illamasqua Cream Blusher in Zygomatic

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Illamasqua Cream Blushers. The most pigmented, creamy and long-lasting cream-based product I have used.

For my first purchase I decided to go a bit conservative. This was extremely difficult as there are so many tempting colors. I wanted a color I could wear everyday that would give a natural dewiness. Enter Zygomatic. A “naked pink brown” as described by Illamasqua. Subtle yet on the skin it creates the perfect pinkish tan glow like you have soaked up a little Spring sun.

This product blends beautifully and creates a healthy dewy finish. Use alone or as primer for your powder blushes. This will create even longer staying power.

Lastly… If you are thinking about trying an Illamasqua Cream Blusher – go to your nearest Sephora – as the color swatches on the websites are inaccurate.

Currently Coveting: Promise and Rude.

Luxury Launch: Kinara Weightless Infusion Antioxidant Primer

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Celebrity adorned Kinara Skincare was created by renowned facialist and skincare expert Olga Lorencin-Northup. Located in Los Angeles, Kinara Skin Clinic and Spa is frequented by celebrities as well as individuals who understand good skincare. Meaning “on the edge” in Hindi, Kinara combines old world recipes with cutting edge cosmeceutical ingredients.

This month, Kinara launches a powerful antioxidant-packed primer – Weightless Infusion Antioxidant Primer. This serum/gel is the only product that successfully combines fourth generation peptides, powerful antioxidants, and skin lightening agents to create an oil-free lightweight primer. The results leave your skin rejuvenated and healthy with a radiant appearance.

Benefits:

♦ Firms skin by building collaged and elastin.
♦ Preserves the skin from oxidative stresses.
♦ Improves DNA protection.
♦ Protects against glycation damage.
♦ Brightens and lightens skin tone and prevents discoloration.

Kinara Weightless Infusion Antioxidant Primer will be available January 2013 at Kinara Skin Clinic and Spa, independent spas and retailers nationwide, and online at kinaraspa.com.

ABOUT KINARA:

As a renowned facialist and skin care expert, Olga Lorencin-Northup has spent years studying and perfecting skin, client-by-client, hour-by-hour, and pore-by-pore.

A native of Yugoslavia, Olga was classically trained in the European tradition. Rigorous regimens and timeless ingredients shaped attention to every detail.

Moving to Los Angeles, Olga worked in the prestigious Ole Henriksen salon where the ability to achieve immediate and long-lasting results for her clients soon captured the attention of Hollywood’s most famous faces. Feeling the desire to share her skin care philosophy with even more people, Olga opened Kinara Skincare Clinic in 2001 and her product line was invented – in the treatment room, not the board room.

Combining old world recipes with cutting edge cosmeceutical ingredients resulted in a concise line of must-have products designed for the good of the skin delivering dermatological change with unapologetic pleasure.

Winter Skin: Boscia Restorative Day Moisture Cream SPF 15

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Skincare 101: The skin’s moisture levels are controlled by lipids, oily substances produced by the epidermis (outer layer of skin). An epidermis that is deficient in lipids allows water to escape from the skin and evaporate, causing dryness. Chilly temperatures, cold winds, low humidity, and dry indoor heat cause water to evaporate from the skin because there is more water in your skin than in the air. Combat winter skin with nourishing and hydrating skincare.

In the winter, we need to add products to our skincare regime that protect from the harsh elements. If you are still using your normal, summertime, lightweight moisturizer, bump it up to a more emollient one. boscia Restorative Day Moisture Cream SPF 15 is an advanced cream that delivers continuous moisture to reverse dryness, help diminish the appearance of uneven skin tone and dullness, and restore luminosity and brightness. This cream additionally provides SPF 15 protection, which is essential for the prevention of future damage from harmful UVA/UVB rays and other environmental stresses.

Restorative Day Moisture Cream SPF 15 contains a highly-effective proprietary botanical formula:

• Trehalose Derivative: a plant sugar that has water-binding properties and a powerful skin-conditioning humectant that provides continuous, long-lasting skin moisture.
• Magnolia Bark Extract: brightens skin discoloration and improves skin elasticity and firmness by preventing the breakdown of collagen and elastin by UV light.
• Mulberry Extract: provides whitening and brightening effects, prevents discoloration such as age spots and improves skin dullness.
• Mallow Extract: helps reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles.
• Palmitoyl Penta-Peptide: promotes skin firmness, minimizes and prevents fine lines and wrinkles.
• Jojoba Leaf:  botanical that prevents free radical damage, protects and nourishes.
• Willowherb: plant that provides soothing relief for skin,calms inflammation and reduces redness.
• SPF 15 UVA/UVB Sunscreen (broad spectrum sunscreen): • Octinoxate absorbs UVB radiation to prevent skin damage and sunburn. • Avobenzone (Parsol 1789) absorbs UVA radiation to prevent premature aging.

boscia Restorative Day Moisture Cream SPF 15 is by far the most hydrating daytime cream I have ever used. The gel-like consistency quickly absorbs into the skin and feels amazingly nourishing. TRUTH: If the bottle did not say “SPF 15” – I would never believe it contained sun protection. There is no trace of white residue or heavy, overwhelming texture. This cream does not make the face look shiny or slick, but healthy and glowing.

Win the battle against winter skin with boscia Restorative Day Moisture Cream SPF 15.

 

Dynamic Duo: Vapour Organic Beauty

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Vapour Organic Beauty consists of high-performing natural products, made with 70 percent organic ingredients. The line is formulated without water or other fillers, which means they are super concentrated and enjoy a longer shelf life. Vapour only uses biodegradable ingredients and recyclable packaging in order to minimize their environmental footprint.

Two exceptional products from Vapour Organic Beauty are: Stratus Soft Focus Instant Skin Perfector and Atmosphere Soft Focus Foundation.

Vapour touts Stratus Soft Focus Instant Skin Perfector as the original organic BB Cream; a 3-in-1 moisturizer, primer and no-color foundation. Stratus Soft Focus Instant Skin Perfector is applied like a primer and leaves a smooth base for makeup application while achieving a natural soft satin finish. From the first application you will see a difference as it works instantly to blur imperfections, hydrate the skin and add radiance without a trace of residue. Vapour’s Light Reflective Technology immediately perfects the appearance of your skin – revealing a younger and fresh complexion.

*** In an independent study 8 out of 10 people who tried Stratus saw an immediate improvement in their skin tone and texture. Seven out of 10 people saw an immediate decrease in the appearance of lines, wrinkles and pores.***

Effortlessly achieve the look of radiant, healthy skin with Atmosphere Soft Focus Foundation. This buildable, medium-to-full coverage foundation delivers a flawless and luminous finish. The lightweight formula evens the complexion and instantly perfects the skin. Vapour’s Light Reflective Technology is used to blur the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pores. Atmosphere Soft Focus Foundation feels extremly moisturizing and nourishing on the skin. Easy to apply, it blends beautifully into the skin and provides the perfect naturally healthy finish. Great for use in the colder months when skin looks dull and lackluster – this foundation will brings the skin back to life.

Both Stratus Soft Focus Instant Skin Perfector and Atmosphere Soft Focus Foundation are made with 70% Certified Organic ingredients and 30% natural mineral pigments & vitamins. Nourishes with Organic Pumpkin and Papaya complex and brightens skin with Organic Camellia.  Infused with Vapour’s face specific infusion of anti-inflammatory Frankincense, antioxidant Tulsi and moisturizing and calming Lotus flowers. All the performance of a luxury moisturizer and foundation with none of the chemicals.

Vapour Organic Beauty raises the bar for revolutionary performance and purity with their Soft Focus line. Designed to balance all skin types, including combination and oily skin, the Soft Focus line will work for everyone. Both of these products can be worn separately, however, when used together they create the dynamic duo.

The Balm: REN No.1 Purity Cleansing Balm

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Chemistry 101 dictates that “like dissolves like.” When it comes to cleansing the face, oil is better at binding to oil and dissolving it, which is why it is so often the basis of makeup removers.

Ren’s No. 1 Purity Cleansing Balm uses plant-based oils to cleanse the skin. It is extremely gentle on the skin, but powerful enough to remove oil, oxidized sebum (blackheads), daily dirt, and even waterproof mascara. Infused with chamomile oil and pink violet leaf, it calms the skin and soothes redness, while rose oil relieves stress, leaving skin purified and clear.

A totally unique way to cleanse your skin, the creamy clear balm transforms into a rich milk on contact with water. As you rub the product into the skin, the emollient process begins. This gives you ample time to work on a deep-facial massage – a facialist secret and crucial component to great skin. The balm is nourishing and hydrating and leaves the skin feeling clean and supple. It comes with a muslin cloth, which works wonders to remove all traces of makeup, grease and dirt while gently exfoliating the skin at the same time.

Avoiding overly-cleansed skin is key to healthy skin – especially those with acne-prone skin. Dryness sends a signal to your skin to produce more sebum (oil), which can make skin and acne worse. The oils in REN’s No. 1 Purity Cleansing Balm bind to the oil in your pores, and whisk away grime without stripping your skin.  If your cleanser leaves your face feeling tight and dry, you’ve likely been stripped!

Moisture Surge: Clark’s Botanicals Deep Moisture Mask

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Fall is here. Along with the crisp mornings and turning leaves, you may have also noticed your skin feeling a little chapped and dry. When the season changes, so does your skin. This is a great opportunity to take advantage of the colder weather and ease your skin into the winter months gracefully.

Now is the time to seal in the hydration. Clarks’s Botanicals Deep Moisture Mask is designed to hydrate, nourish and comfort dry, aging, environmentally damaged and dehydrated complexions. Natural ingredients work together to deeply moisturize and replenish the complexion, allowing it to regain radiance and suppleness over time. With regular use, fine lines and wrinkles will be diminished and a youthful glow will take their place.

The mask hydrates and soothes skin quickly, and can be used year-round to nourish the skin and restore the natural glow. The high concentrations of algae extract, coupled with comfrey root, Jasmine Absolute, and Japanese Green Tea, make this mask a potent anti-oxidant treatment. It is thick and rich and instantly quenches the skin. It can be used as a weekly treatment or as a daily moisturizer. If used daily, only the smallest amount is needed. Skin will be noticeably plumper and hydrated.

Make a few tweaks in your seasonal skin care to ensure healthy, glowing skin all-year-round.

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ABOUT CLARK’S BOTANICALS

Some skincare lines come and go. This year’s miracle ingredient is often next year’s outdated science.Then there are those exceptional lines that not only deliver results, but are truly compelling because they are based on real human experience and a brand narrative not created by a corporate marketing team, but by a personal history.

Clark’s Botanicals was born out of tragedy when company founder Francesco Clark, who then worked at Harper’s Bazaar, suffered a crippling spinal cord injury in a swimming pool diving accident on June 1, 2002.

With his central nervous system impaired, Francesco lost the ability not only to walk, but even to sweat. This led to clogged pores and chronic breakouts. When neither over-the-counter nor prescriptive remedies worked, he turned to his father, Dr. Harold Clark, a physician trained in both traditional Western medicine and homeopathy.

Together they developed botanically-based formulas that effectively rebalanced Francesco’s skin, clearing it up entirely. Through word-of-mouth, other people discovered and fell in love with these products, and in 2005, Francesco began selling Clark’s Botanicals on his website: http://www.clarksbotanicals.com

Even as the collection grows into a full-fledged skincare system, rebalancing skin remains its overarching objective. That’s why all Clark’s Botanicals products today feature Jasmine Absolute, a precious essential oil that naturally rebalances skin. Derived from nocturnally-blooming flowers, this extract is also antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and immuno-stimulating. It works to calm and heal a broad spectrum of skin types, from young to mature, oily to dry, and normal to sensitive.

With a passionate consumer following, Clark’s Botanicals is pleased to announce its latest move into select, prestige retail distribution with updated packaging and a launch family of thirteen paraben-free treatment products.

“Clark’s Botanicals is an organic part of me and my recovery,” says Francesco. “Everything about this line has a purpose and reason for being, from the ingredients to the packaging. It’s an expression of who I am in its purest form.”

Francesco Clark serves as a National Ambassador for the Christopher Reeve Foundation, which is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy.

A percentage of profits from the sale of Clark’s Botanicals go to The Christopher Reeve Foundation.

 

Q&A: Jouer National Makeup Stylist – Neil Scibelli

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Yin and Yang, “shadow and light”, is an ancient Chinese philosophy used to describe how polar opposites or seemingly contrary forces are interconnected. Jouer Cosmetics has found this balance with two exceptional and  exceptionally different products, Luminizing Moisture Tint and Matte Moisture Tint.

Jouer’s best-selling Luminizing Moisture Tint contains light-diffusing minerals that give skin a soft, healthy glow. This product is formulated with powerful antioxidants like ginseng and ginko biloba leaf extract to improve the skin and SPF 20 to protect it. Jouer’s Luminizing Moisture Tint provides the perfect amount of “glow.” Sometimes products that claim a “luminizing” or “dewy” finish, just end up making you look sweaty. This product perfects the look of healthy skin.

Allure recently gave Luminizing Moisture Tint it’s coveted “Best in Beauty” seal.

The counter part to a glowing complexion is found with Jouer’s new Matte Moisture Tint. This is the first matte-formula I have used that does not make my face flat. The lightweight formula blurs imperfections, moisturizes the skin and provides a velvety, soft focus finish – that looks amazing on the skin. Enriched with Vitamins A, C and E, this formula delivers rich antioxidants to the skin. The oil-free formula absorbs oil and reduces shine throughout the day.

As a special treat, Jouer’s National Makeup Stylist – Neil Scibelli has provided all the answers needed on using, applying and selecting cream-based products.

Jouer National Makeup Stylist, Neil Scibelli, for Glow-T.com

Q: What are the benefits of using cream-based products?

A: Cream based products have the ability to leave a more dewy finish to the skin. A lot of cream based products have built in moisturizers, so I recommend them to women with dry skin.

Q: Can all skin-types use them?

A: Yes, all skin types can use cream based products. There are different categories of cream products, so choosing the right one for your skin type is key.

Q: How to pick the right colors for your skin tone?

A: I usually test a small amount of product on the lower jaw line area- to match the skin tone. I like matching the neck color.

Q: Should you use fingers or brushes to apply these products? If brushes…what are the best to use?

A: Fingers are a user-friendly way to apply cream products (like a tinted moisturizer), for those who are on the go.  From a makeup artist standpoint, I recommend using a foundation brush for applying cream products; it creates a more even, flawless finish.

Q: How to apply?

A: I put a dime size amount on the top part of my hand, and dip into it with a foundation brush to apply. This way, you have control as to how much your picking up with your brush. You don’t want to end up with too much product directly on your face, so its a good way to build your coverage up. Apply from the center, moving the product outward.

Q: Any tips or tricks?

A: To prevent a cream product from looking streaky, I recommend patting the formula into the skin. It ensures coverage, without moving the product around too much.

Q: How to make cream-based products last?

A: You can set it with a translucent powder, to lock the product in place. This helps with setting the product, and also absorbs shine in the t-zone area.

Q: Favorite cream-based products?

A: Allure’s award winning product from Jouer Cosmetics, Luminizing Moisture Tint. For a more oily skin type, try the new Matte Moisture Tint also by Jouer. They leave the most incredible natural glow to the skin. They’re both oil-free and ideal for daily wear.

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About Neil Scibelli:

Born and raised in New York, Neil Scibelli has established himself as one of today’s leading fashion and celebrity makeup artists. Growing up alongside his grandfather, an oil painter, Neil began blending colors at the young age of five.  Over the years, his passion for painting developed into a keen interest in makeup artistry.

While absorbing all of New York City’s cultural influences and style, makeup artistry was a natural calling for Neil. He studied his craft while training under world-renowned makeup companies including Yves Saint Laurent, Laura Mercier and Kevyn Aucoin. Neil has also assisted some of the industry’s top artists, such as Kate Lee and Mally Roncal.

A combination of talent, dedication and ambition allowed Neil to successfully turn his years of training into a full-time career. His work is mainly focused in fashion, television, music videos, and red-carpet appearances, with loyal celebrity clients in all genres.

Neil has keyed numerous fashion shows and presentations, including his re-occurring work with stylist Brad Goreski and the Kate Spade company.  Other recent projects include his signature glamming for model/actress Molly Sims, assisting on Beyonce’s music video ‘Party’, and grooming for recording artist John Legend.

In 2008, Neil joined the Jouer Cosmetics team as a freelance makeup artist.  Jouer promoted Neil to the role of National Makeup Stylist in 2011; a position he currently holds.

Summer Must-Have: Facial Mists

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Stay cool this summer with a tantalizing facial mist. A Summer must-have, these sprays will instantly boost your spirits and skin. Throw one in your handbag, beach-bag and/or travel-bag for a quick pick-me-up. Here are my five favorites:

TIP: Always refrigerate facial mists for extra freshness and stimulation.

Caudalie Beauty Elixir is great for those wanting a quick radiance boost. Part-toner/part-serum, this potion contains a mix of essential oils that will tighten pores and awaken the skin. Mist onto face anytime your skin feels dull and in need of a little hydration. Great for travel.

Kerstin Florian Rehydrating Neroli Water is an uplifting aromatherapy water that refreshes and hydrates the skin. Made from the bitter orange blossom, this facial spray soothes and hydrates the skin. The moment your face feels tight, one spritz will instantly hydrate and refresh the skin. Use as a toner after cleansing the face or as a body spray after showering. Perfect for après beach.

Chantiecaille Pure Rosewater ~ See full review HERE.

Avène Thermal Spring Water is a mineral-rich water, great for softening and soothing sensitive skin. Gentle and effective on irritated, sunburned and post surgery/procedure skin. This calming solution provides antioxidant protection that leaves a soothing barrier on the skin. It creates a dewy, healthy finish on the skin. Essential for sensitive skin.

Suti Peppermint Water is a cooling burst of refreshing hydration. Known as the “wake-up” water, this facial spray stimulates the senses as well as the skin. Made with organic peppermint leaves this facial spray relieves redness, inflammation and is famous for it’s anti-inflammatory properties. It instantly energizes and replenishes the skin creating a healthy glow. A beach-bag must-have.

Healthy Skin from Within: Nordic Naturals Complete Omega – 3.6.9

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There are a million reasons to take an omega-3 supplement everyday. One of the many is that EFAs or essential fatty acids control a large number of cellular processes in the body that directly relate to the health of your skin, hair and nails. Before I get to that, let’s look at the numerous benefits of fish oil.

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are considered “essential fats” because they are required for optimal health but cannot be produced by the body. EFAs can be found in fish, flaxseeds, walnuts and canola. Fish oil supplies the most beneficial omega-3s, which are: EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Eating actual fish (mostly oily, cold water fish like salmon, tuna, herring and sardines) is the best food source of EPA and DHA, but due to concerns about toxins such as mercury, a fish oil supplement is the safest source.

OMEGA-3:  EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)

*Healthy heart and body*

• Maintains a healthy heart and circulatory system
• Enhances joint flexibility and movement
• Promotes healthy immune function
• Supports optimal metabolism and body composition
• Promotes balanced blood sugar levels
• Supports the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response

OMEGA-3:  DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)

*Healthy mood, mind and memory*

• Supports learning and memory
• Promotes positive mood and well-being
• Supports and protects the brain, eyes, nervous and immune systems
• Essential for the proper development of infants and children
• Recommended by physicians for pregnant and lactating women

OMEGA-6:  GLA (Gamma-Linolenic Acid)

*Healthy skin, hair and hormones*

• Nourishes hair and skin
• Supports healthy joints
• Enhances Hormonal Balance
• Maintains optimal body fat metabolism
• Supports positive mood
• Supports a regular menstrual cycle

OMEGA-9:  OA (Oleic Acid)

*Healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels*

• Naturally occurs in fish oil
• A “good for you: omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acid
• Supports healthy blood vessel function
• Promotes healthy cell membrane structure

Healthy Skin from Within:

Our skin cells need plenty of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. Without these, our skin can become dry, dull, prone to premature aging and even inflamed. There are two key essential fatty acids that your skin and hair will love. Since your body doesn’t manufacture them, they must be sourced through food and/or supplements.

Omega-3s in fish oil have been shown to:

• Keep the skin hydrated thus helping to prevent dry skin and other skin conditions
• Help soothe scaly, rough skin by reducing unnecessary inflammation
• Improve blood flow and support the elasticity of red blood cells thereby providing more oxygen to nourish the skin
• Encourage the production of strong collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis making skin look younger by reducing wrinkling and sagging

GLA is an Omega-6 fatty acid that occurs naturally in evening primrose and borage oils and has shown to:

• Relieve dry skin
• Reduce hair loss
• Provide relief for eczema, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis

Your skin is the largest organ in the body and allows approximately 60% of “what goes on it, to go inside it”. Anything that increases the body’s ability to maintain integrity in our highly polluted world is a plus for your beauty routine.

Nordic Naturals is the leading manufacturer of fish oil in the United States. They are committed to delivering the world’s safest, most effective omega oils. The Complete Omega – 3.6.9 is an omega-rich blend that contains all the needed ingredients to support heart health, brain function, positive mood, healthy joints, as well as healthy hair, skin and nails. It has a fresh lemon taste that ensures no fishy smell, taste or aftertaste and all research is based on third-party test results – resulting in an honest and pure product. You will not find a better fish oil than Nordic Naturals.

Dry Brushing: Body Shop Round Body Brush

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Body Shop Round Body Brush

In past posts, I have discussed the importance and benefits of body brushing. It helps shed dead skin cells, improve skin texture, increase circulation, eliminate toxins and assist in absorbing nutrients.

The Round Body Brush by Body Shop is my current favorite. It has dense soft bristles that are tough and sturdy. The round shape provides easy control and fits comfortably in the hand.

Dry brush regularly for radiant and healthy skin. Find a brush that works for you, making sure it is not too harsh (may break tiny blood vessels or capillaries).

Drugstore Find: Palmer’s Skin Therapy Oil

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Palmers Skin Therapy Oil

Palmer’s Skin Therapy Oil is a multi-purpose moisturizer that improves the appearance of scars, uneven skin tone, stretch marks, aging, dry and damaged skin.

The oil formula is non-greasy and lightweight. The oil soaks into the skin immedietly and leaves the skin with a soft glow. Skin feels instantly hydrated and incrediably soft.

When I first tried this product, my initial thought was… average moisturizer/nothing special. After a weekend baking in the sun, I used this oil twice a day and noticed my skin was incredibly hydrated, radiant and dewy. Even a couple areas where I had failed applying sunscreen, healed almost instantly.

Palmer’s products use a Cocoa Butter Formula that smells reminiscent of sweet chocolate. The fragrance is a little potent but does not last on the skin.

This is a great summer moisturizer to replenish the skin from the sun’s harsh rays. Palmer’s Skin Therapy Oil is an inexpensive option for healthy skin.

Super-Sonic: Clarisonic Mia

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If you have not jumped on the Clarisonic band-wagon…  Get moving!

This ingenious little device is like having professional-style facials daily in the comfort of your own home. Recommended by dermatologists, the Clarisonic Skincare Brush uses sonic frequency to remove dirt and oil from the skin, resulting in, smooth, radiant… healthy skin.

My pick is the smaller version – Clarisonic Mia. The brush size is exactly the same as the original only this device is travel-sized. It is recommended to change the brush-head every 3-4 months and to clease it with antibacterial soap. Clarisonic has recently introduced a new brush head, Deep Pore Cleansing, ideal for cleansing oily skin, large pores or hard to reach areas of the face, such as around the nose. All brushes are gentle enough for daily use.

Tip: Those with extra-sensitive skin, when purchasing new brush heads, look for the Sensitive Cleansing (limited edition) or Delicate Cleansing.

Sonic Cleansing Benefits (Clarisonic Website):

• Removes 6X more makeup than manual cleansing
• Leaves skin feeling and looking smoother
• Removes impurities that keep creams and serums from working their best
• Gentle enough to use twice a day
• Reduces oily areas, dry skin patches and blemishes
• Minimizes the appearance of visible pores