Over-The-Counter Power: Avène Rétrinal + 0.1 Cream

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Recommended by dermatologists, Avène Rétrinal + 0.1 Cream is currently one of the most innovative skincare products on the market.

Available in three different strengths including 0.1% retrinal (French for retinol) which is currently the highest amount of retrinal available in an over-the-counter product. The lowest strength is 0.025%, which is where someone who has never used a retrinal product should begin. Classified as dermo-cosmetics, Avène Rétrinal Skin Care products are considered to be cutting edge skincare with a medical approach to skincare.

Avène Rétrinal + 0.1 Cream is quite effective for a couple of reasons. The product is a form of Vitamin A which through clinical studies has been proven to improve elasticity, radiance and skin texture – as well as reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. You will get the normal side effects with any retrinal/retinol product – skin sensitivity, peeling, dry skin. But it is all well-worth the end result. Clear, glowing, firm skin.

The easy to apply product should be applied to the face and neck after cleansing. As with all anti-aging products it is imperative that broad-spectrum sunscreen be used at all times when exposed to the sun.

I have used many retinol/retrinal products, over-the-counter and prescription – this is by far the best over-the-counter product I have used.

Floral Water: Chantecaille Rosewater

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Chantecaille Rosewater

Rosewater is a by-product made when producing rose oil. It is rich in vitamin C and vitamin A and has antioxidants that help transform dull, tired skin to radiant, glowing skin.

Rose is a natural astringent with anti-inflammatory properties. It is excellent for maintaining hydrated skin and combats pre-mature aging. Rose water helps to balance the pH of the skin, controlling both dry and oily skin and can also soothe many types of dermatitis.

Chantecaille Rosewater contains 100% of the Rose de Mai, an antique rose named after the month of May, when it blooms. It is harvested by hand and distilled in the purest artesian well water to produce this healing, moisturizing and uplifting spray.

Continuing my love of French skincare, it is said that Rosewater has been used in the beauty ritual of French women for centuries. It can also be used in many different ways: to enhance skincare, as a make-up setting spray, body fragrance, linen spray, hair-freshener…

Chantecaille Rosewater is a wonderful treat for both the skin and the senses.

 

Benefits of Coconut Oil: Organic Fiji Virgin Coconut Oil

Organic Figi Pineapple Coconut Organic Cold Pressed Coconut Oil

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Coconut has an abundance of benefits and uses. Enriched in vitamins A, B, C and E, Coconut oil is a natural anti-oxidant that nourishes and repairs the skin and hair.

Coconut oil is one of the best natural nutrition for hair. It can easily penetrate into your hair restoring it’s protein content and provide incredible antioxidant properties. Coconut oil also contains a powerful antimicrobial called Lauric acid. Lauric Acid is a saturated fatty acid that fights bacteria and infection and has been used in the treatment of acne.

On the long list of benefits, Coconut oil is an amazing moisturizer. Organic Fiji Pineapple Coconut Organic Cold Press Coconut Oil for Face, Body & Hair is my favorite. This product is extremely nourishing and smells amazing. The tropical aroma of pineapple and coconut is relaxing and intoxicating. Slather it all over your hair and/or body and you will instantly be dreaming of your next vacation.

Dynamic Duo: Per-fekt Cheek Perfection Gel Duo

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Per-fekt Cheek Perfection Gel Duo

The Per-fekt Cheek Perfection Gel Duo uses two products to create radiant skin. The two different shades, Blushed and Bronzed, instantly enhance the cheeks appearance.

The formula consists of a gel-like texture that smooths beautifully over the skin to create a flawless canvas. Silicone-based, this silky gel reduces the appearance of redness and discoloration, enlarged pores, fine lines and shine. The formula also contains Niacin (Vitamin B3) which helps increase circulation, Caffeine, Vitamin A and E, antioxidants that protect from free radicals.

The Per-fekt Cheek Perfection Gel Duo provides both a bronzer and blush product. The colors of these products are quite intimidating. The bronzer is a dark green-based brown and the blusher, a deep rosy red. I prefer to mix the two products to create a warmer pink-flushed cheek. A drop of product is all that is needed for application, the gels are extremely pigmented but blend easily.

These products are not the simplest to apply, some precision and control is needed. I prefer applying the product with a brush because it renders more control. I use a dense contour brush (MAC 109), and stipple the product on the skin in circular motions.

The Cheek Perfection Duo can also be used on the body, try a little bronzer on the décollage for a sun-kissed appearance. When applied Per-fektly, these products are a great option for the cheeks, however, if not heedful it can end up a duo-disaster.

 

 

 

 

Tried & Tested: Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush

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Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush is a nutrient-rich, fade-free, long-wearing cheek product.

The main ingredient, Amazonian clay, minimizes oil on the skin to keep the product in place. Its nutrient-rich formula, infused with Vitamins A, C and E fights free-radicals and protects from premature aging.

The Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush comes in an assortment of eight shades. From baby pink to strawberry red, the colors are strong and pigmented.  Some of the colors have a sparkly finish, while others take-on a more more matte finish. I have found that the matte finishes tend to be a bit chalky on the skin and prefer a more shimmery hue.

This blush is accurate in it’s 12-hour, long-wear promise. The color remained true throughout the day and survived in 75 degree heat.

Bright Eyes: Tarte EmphasEYES Inner Rim Brightener

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Tarte EmphasEYES Inner Rim Brightener

Tarte EmphasEYES Inner Rim Brightener is an eye pencil that instantly brightens and lightens. This creamy liner washes away any redness of the inner eye-rim and produces a “wide-awake” apperance.

This look can be done with any run-of-the-mill white eyeliner, however, Tarte’s unique version is a skintone shade that looks much more natural. This multi-tasking pencil can be used all over the eye area, as an inner-rim brightener, brow highlight, or use to illuminate the inner and outer corner of the eye.

If you are apprehensive to inner-rim application, even the most sensitive eyes will not have a problem with this pencil. All-natural ingredients like Beeswax, Vitamin A & E and Aloe Leaf Extract sooth and benefit the area.

Tarte EmphasEYES Inner Rim Brightener is a much-needed product for those with allergies, sensitive eyes or are just recovering from a late night. This little marvel makes a drastic difference.