Luxetips Beauty! Win a Month's Supply of Brazilian Peel Now Available at Nordstrom

Hello Divas!

I hope you are living and loving life!

Brazilian Peel, the first ever professional strength self-neutralizing at-home glycolic peel, is now available at Nordstrom and Nordstrom.com. If you have not heard about it, Brazlian Peel is all the rage!  


The unique self-neutralizing formula keeps the peel powerful, safe, and fool-proof. Most users experience a complexion that is tighter, firmer, and more radiant while the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes, and dark spots are reduced.


It only takes 10 minutes for the peel to work its magic and it is simple and easy to apply.  


Brazilian Peel is a Winner of Allure Magazine's 2010 Best Beauty Breakthrough Award. A one month’s supply retails at $78 is available at Nordstrom stores nationwide and on Nordstrom.com.


Now for the fun part!  One lucky Luxetips Reader will win a full month's supply of Brazilian Peel!  Simply leave a comment on this post mentioning Brazilian Peel.  The contest begins today, Friday, January 13th and will end Monday, January 16th at midnight.


Toodles! 

Luxetips Beauty! Erno Lazlo: The Hollywood Collection

Hello Divas!

I hope you are living life and enjoying it!

Erno Lazlo is a brand I love that I don't discuss much on this blog due to the price point.  When I was a super paid lawyer in NYC, I tried Erno Lazlo products and their Retina-A cream was the only thing that cleared up my bad acne.  My skin was glowing.  And the Sea Mud scrub is to-die-for! Fabulous.

Well Erno Lazlo just released a new collection entitled "The Hollywood Collection" that is glamourous while also creating beautiful skin.  Erno Lazlo is celebrating its 85th birthday and to commemorate this occasion this set pays tribute to some of the brand's most loyal and first devotees:  Greta Garbo, Ava Garner, Grace Kelly, Katherine Hepburn, and Marilyn Monroe.  This set includes:



The set includes:

1 (0.5 oz) Velvet Night Cream
1 (0.5 oz) Instant Eye Repair
1 (0.5 oz) Refresh Moisture Infusion
1 (0.5 oz) Intense Porcelain Veil
1 (0.5 oz) Morning Beauty Rescue


Erno Lazlo was a renowned Hungarian dermatologists and created the first dermatological skincare line 85 years ago.  He also created the splashing technique and the daily skincare ritual to acheive beautiful healthy skin.  He was also the top choice for celebrities worldwide.


Toodles!

Luxetips Best of 2011 Giveaways Day 6: Lumene Premium Beauty Skincare

Hello Divas!

The winner of the GAP Super lightweight skinny leggins jeans is Collifornia. Congrats!  Please email me at latoicha007@gmail.com to claim your prize.

We are actually on Day 6 of giveaways.  I mis-numbered the giveaways. Ooops!



5. Lumene Premium Beauty Skincare line.

You guys know I love Lumene skincare products.  The best drugstore brand skincare line hands down.  I am currently obsessed with their Premium Beauty line.  I use the Day and Night cream religiously and my skin is GLOWING!!   It protects the skin against hyperpigmentation and reduces wrinkles.  You can purchase Lumene at any CVS.



We are choosing three winners for this contest.  The winners will receive either a full size Day Cream, Night Cream, or Serum.


The contest will run all day and end at 12 midnight. 

There are three ways to enter:  You can either:

1. Leave a comment on this post.
2. Tweet this post
3. Follow Luxetips on Google.

A winner will be chosen randomly.  Contest will end 12 midnight!

Toodles!

Boscia Facial Toner: Cleansing and Moisturizing

Hello Divas!

If you have a dream or a goal, don't ever give up.  Despite all circumstances, ANYTHING is possible.

A few months ago, I was given the opportunity to try some Boscia facial products.  Boscia is a Japanese based skin care line that features botanically-based and preservative-free skincare products.  Overall, I have been very pleased with the brand.  However, I have been particularly pleased with the skin toner.

The toner comes in a spray bottle and when I spray it on my face it is instantly refreshing and soothing.  I usually let it sit on my face for about 30 seconds before removing it with a cotton pad.  The toner does lift excess dirt and make-up from my face.  But unlike other toners that leave your face feeling dry and stripped of natural moisture, this toner leaves my face soft and smooth.  It is genius!

Boscia has a host of skin care products such as facial cleansers, masks, and moisturizers.  You can visit their website here for a complete list of products.  Also Boscia is sold exclusively at Sephora.  The toner retails for $24 and is well worth the price!

Toodles!

Disclaimer:  Product was complimentary via Boscia.  However, my opinion is 100% true and mine.

Day 14: The Perricone Presciption

Hello Divas!

Holidays are about spending time with the ones you love.  So don't stress and just enjoy it!

Chamele is finishing off her 30 Days of Luxetips! Enjoy!

Ever since reading the "Perricone Prescription" six years ago, I have been aware of  the role inflammation plays in aging. While I have had some trouble cutting back on those sugars, I have been experimenting with products that help prevent and erase the damage I have done. Thanks to Dr. P.,  I became familiar with Ester C, which is twice as beneficial as Vitamin C.  Dr. Perricone's meticulous study of vitamin C and its properties fighting inflammation had me hooked.  I then began to familiarize myself with the Perricone  line.

This year, Dr. Perricone has introduced a new line of products called "Super by Dr. Nicholas Perricone" This line contains super foods including apples, acai, ginger and yogurt. I am eager to try all of the products, but particularly the four listed below.

This time of year, the weather can strip our skin of oils and leave the skin looking lack luster. Trust me. I know. I love facials and I love ginger so I am especially excited about the Super 3-Minute Facial with Ginger.  It is a  fast facial that leaves the skin hydrated. $50.00 for a 2 oz serving.

Next up, is the Super Acne Treatment with Green Apple. Even though I am aging, I am still experiencing  periodic breakouts.  The Super Acne Treatment exfoliates and fights acne with salicylic acid. I am all too familiar with salicylic acid. It is a life saver.  The Super Acne Treatment also contains quercetin, a natural antioxidant. I had recently been trying out some new products with quercetin and  noticed a huge improvement in my laugh lines.  I am uber-excited about the Super Acne Treatment because it will simultaneously fight acne and aging. Multifunctional products are where it's at!  $50.00 for a 1 oz serving of the Super Acne Treatment with Green Apple.

I also want to try the Super Hand & Cuticle Cream with Yogurt. The cream claims to heal and soften hands and cuticle by stimulating collagen production with yogurt probiotics. If you are not familiar with probiotics you should be! It is no secret that some of the worlds most beautiful queens, for instance Cleopatra, bathed themselves in milk. Why?  The bacteria of course. This is probably the best time of year to indulge your hands, and I trust that Dr. Perricone has engaged in a thorough study making his products most effective. $30.00 for a 2 oz serving.

Finally, I plan on indulging my soup coolers with the Super Lush Lips with Coconut Oil .  Yummy! The name alone makes me want to wear it.  But the delectable coconut oil  it contains is a huge source of vitamin E.  Vitamin E plays an important role in healing, and the Super Lush Lips purports to "nourish, quench, and shine lips."  $20.00 for a 0.5 oz serving.

All products are free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes and petrochemicals. I know the prices seem steep but trust me, a little goes a long way with the Perricone products. It doesn't take much to save your skin; and besides, you are an investment! All products are available exclusively at Sephora.

Until tomorrow,

Chamele

Clarisonic Plus Week 4: Wrinkles?

Hello Divas!

How are you???? I hope fabulous and thankful for life despite its ups and downs. 

I have to be honest with you Divas. Luxe Mama is going through a very difficult time in her life and that is why I have not been posting as much.  But I realized that I have to stay positive and focus on the things I love the most like my writings and my luxe kids. So be prepared for a flurry of posts on the latest and greatest.  This blog makes me happy and feel beautiful, so I am going to feed it because it feeds me.

So back to the Clarisonic Plus. I ADORE IT! Yep, it is certifiably the best thing smoking in the beauty category.  It is doing absolute wonders for my skin. For example, I have three lines in the middle of my forehead that I detest.  Too much frowning and worrying about things I can't control.   After using the Clarisonic Plus for 4 weeks, the three lines in the middle of my forehead are significantly less pronounced...even when I do frown.  Seriously, if you do not own a Clarisonic, you need to get one asap!

In addition, my skin is becoming smoother and smoother by the day. Now luxe baby's skin is perfectly smooth and I feel like I am getting close to her skin texture..of course my skin will never be that smooth, but close! LOL!

So that is my re-cap of week 4.  I can't wait to share my results for week 5! 

Remember you can purchase a Clarisonic Plus here or at any Sephora.


Toodles!

Clarisonic Plus: Week One

Hello Divas!

Always have hope!  Remember as long as you are trying and living, your situation can always become better.

Well after wanting a Clarisonic for 2 whole years, I now have two! Who would have thunk it? I won the new blue Clarisonic Mia on Twitter.  Yes, I follow Clarisonic on Twitter and they are always giving away Clarisonics by hosting cool contests.  Love how Clarisonic is using social media to get awareness for their brand.  Then, Clarisonic offered to let me test the Clarisonic Plus.  I tell you, when you put something out in the Universe, somehow it just comes to you.  Yeah!

So, the Clarisonic Plus comes with two brush heads.  One for the face and one for the body.

Face Brush

The face brush can be set at 3 settings: low, normal and high.  I have been using the normal setting because I have problem skin.  The high setting is recommended for the decollete.  Also the Clarisonic Plus comes with a Body brush.  This brush is to be used for targeted areas of the body.  I have been using it for my knees, elbows, and back.

 Body Brush

The Clarisonic Plus also includes Clarisonic's own line of facial products.  There are 3 types of cleansers for sensitive, normal, and oily skin.  And there is a body polisher to be used with the body brush head.  The polisher contains micro beads that really removes dead skins and makes your body parts baby smooth.

Lastly, the system comes with a charger.  

I have been using the Clarisonic Plus for one week and I am enjoying it.  I use it twice a day, morning and evening and my face is smoother and brighter.  When I use my toner, I barely see any excess dirt on the cotton pad.  Usually, I can fill up a cotton pad with excess dirt after washing my face.

Also, I like that the Clarisonic Plus comes with detailed instructions on how to use the product.  The product is programmed so the user utilizes it exactly as it should.  For example, the face brush is designed to clean your face for one minute.  So you spend 20 seconds on your forehead, moving the brush in round circles.  After the 20 seconds is up, the brush stops and prompts you to move the brush to your T-Zone (nose and chin), the brush stops again and prompts you to spend 10 seconds on each cheek.  After one minute, the Clarisonic promptly shuts down! Genius, Genius, Genius!  The body brush is also programmed for optimal results.  It will run for 3 minutes and you can use it in constant mode or pulse mode to really hit a problem area!

The body brush head should be used for targeted areas.  My friend Natasha has one and she swears the brush has lifted layers of dark skin from her elbows! Amazing.  I have been using it on my elbows, knees and back.  So far so good. I will let you know how it turns out.

Cons

I believe the facial cleanser is breaking me out.  I have very sensitive skin and I will try the Clarisonic cleanser for sensitive skin or go back to my own cleanser. 

After one week of use, I am pleased with the product.  Check back on this blog weekly and read my Clarisonic Plus diary posts.  I am documenting this journey!

The Clarisonic Plus retails for $225 and you can purchase it online here or at any Sephora. Steep but worth it.  Women claims it is a life changer and I am beginning to believe it.

Toodles!

Disclaimer:  The Clarisonic Plus was provided courtesy of Clarisonic. However my opinion is 100% true and solely mine.

Carol's Daughter Coconut & Rose Sea Salt Scrub!

Hello Divas!

I hope your day is blessed! Remember to focus on the good things and not the negative.  It will surely brighten your day!

Carol's Daughter body scrubs are the bomb diggity! And I sincerely mean that.  They are made with sea salt and other all natural ingredients that will have your skin moisturized, glowing, and smelling yummy.  Around the holidays, I purchased an Almond Cookie Fragrance and the cashier gave me a small bottle of the Coconut & Rose Sea Salt Scrub.  I didn't officially break it out until my beach vacation because of course I needed to exfoliate so I could achieve a smooth pretty tan.  And I am now officially hooked!  First of all the smell is just simply intoxicating.  The coconut and rose together is heavenly.  The smell quickly fills up my shower and bathroom and it is so aromatherapeutic!  The sea salt is very coarse and exfoliates skin perfectly.  You do not have to scrub as hard to remove the dead skin.  A gentle massaging motion is all you need.  Also the body scrubs contain jojoba, avocado and wheat germ oil. These ingredients make your skin so soft and smooth, you will be amazed.

I need another jar of the Coconut & Rose Sea Salt Body Scrub but it is not available on the website.  I think Carol's Daughter was testing the product and it may not officially be on the market.  But I hope it makes a debut soon.  However, my favorite Carol's Daughter fragrance, Almond Cookie, comes in a sea salt body scrub and I can't wait to try it.

Toodles!

Update! $100 SkinCareRx.com Gift Card Giveaway

Hello Divas!

I hope your day is progressing beautifully!  Remember Life is Beautiful even when it is hard!

Thank you to everyone who has entered the $100 SkinCareRx.com gift card giveaway.  You have tweeted, followed SkinCareRx on Twitter and joined their Faceboook page.  Remember you gain multiple entries every time you do one of the above.  Here are the details:

1. One entry for becoming a fan on SkinCareRx.com's FaceBook page.
2. One entry for following SkinCareRx on Twitter @skincarerx1
3. 2 entries for retweeting @Luxetips tweet of this contest
4. If you have a blog, you can receive 10 Entries for writing a blog post with a link directed to La Roche-Posay 

However, I forgot to ask you contest goers to leave me a comment detailing how you entered the contest.  So if you could PLEASE leave me a comment letting me know how you entered the contest as required above, that would be great!!!  I was finding it very difficult to keep up with all the entries! LOL!


Remember the individual with the most entries wins the $100 gift card.  So keep entering!  The contest will end on June 17 at 12 midnight!


Toodles!

JolieMD Metamorphosis Skincare: Glowing Skin without Irritation

Hello Divas!

Are you loving life? You know you just have to regardless of what you are going through. Life is beautiful!

I was given the opportunity to try JolieMD Metamorphosis.  I have been using the skincare line for the past six weeks.  JolieMD is the brainchild of Dr. Jason Litner and Dr. Peyman Solieman, renowned Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeons, and Creative Director Nadine Jolie of the world famous blog Nadine Jolie.  Nadine also is an accomplished author and former magazine beauty editor.

JolieMD Metamorphosis is a two part skincare system that contains a Softening Serum and Enlightening lotion.  You first apply the serum to cleanse and prepare your skin.  This serum gently exfoliates and removes blemishes while also prepping the skin for penetration of the Enlightening lotion's pigment or blemish corrective ingredients.  The Enlightening lotion, is a pigment or blemish corrective solution that gently and over time fades and diminishes darks spots and wrinkles.   The products are to be used once daily and with sunscreen.

What do I think?

First I LOVE the packaging.  I have never seen packaging like it.  It is sleek and gorgeous! Hey I am a girl. I like nice packaging!

My experience with the product has been mostly positive.  The Softening Serum did sting my skin for a few weeks, and then my skin became accustomed to it and it did not bother me anymore.  However, the Enlightening lotion is phenemenol.  It is lightweight and very non-greasy.  This is important to me because I have very oily skin.  In addition, the Enlightening lotion gives your skin the most amazing glow.  The glow is better than a light sun-kissed tan. More importantly, this skincare system did not break me out.  I have extremely sensitive skin and I did not experience one blemish during the 6 week trial.  I was so worried about trying this product because I do tend to break out easily and because this product did not cause any flare-ups it is already a winner in my book.

Does it fade dark spots?  Now if you have read my blog, you know I struggle with hyperpigmentation.  I have it bad.  But I manage it with a host of products.  JolieMD Metamorphosis did lighten my dark spots, but did not fade them completely.  The only product I have ever tried that completely fades dark spots is Kojic Acid.  It is the truth!  However, JolieMD Metamorphosis did give me a healthy glow and more even skin tone.  I also noticed that JolieMD made my skin very very smooth.  It improved my skin's texture by 100%. Seriously.  I am always struggling with blackheads and big pores, but my skin feels smooth as a baby's.  I am sure that is the slow and daily exfoliation caused alpha-hydroxy acids in the Softening Serum.  Last week my niece touched my face and she said "Toicha, your skin is so smooth". Boy that made me feel good!

Overall I really love this product! I am out of the Softening Serum but have a teeny bit of Enlightening lotion left.  I am definitely going to use JolieMD Metamorphosis as my skincare system of choice;  not because it totally got rid of my dark spots.   But because I have not had one pimple or black head since using the product and like I said my skin is so soft and smooth!  The two-part system retails for $96 dollars and I think it is absolutely worth it.  You can purchase it here.

Current Facial Routine: Avon Gold Elmusion and Perricone MD

Hello Divas!

I hope your life is fabulous!

Saturday I went to a good friend's baby shower this weekend at The Original Chocolate Bar in Downtown Atlanta.  This place is insanely fabulous! But I digress. One of my friend's remarked on how good my skin looked. And you know I took a second look and it does look pretty good. Why?  Well for the past two months, I have been attacking my hyperpigmentation issues.  I have been using Perricone MD Pigment Corrective Moisturizer in the a.m and I am using Avon's Anew Ultimate Night Gold Emulsion at night.

I was given the opportunity from the folks at Perricone MD to try their Pigment Corrective treatment.  I had been using Perricone MD's Pigment Corrective for a while and had not noticed any improvement with discoloration.   However, the moisturizer did make my skin texture smooth and it works as a great primer for my make-up. I mean my make-up goes on like a dream.

I started using the Avon Gold Elmusion Ultimate Night treatment a month later.  I had been sent the treatment to try and had not used it.  But after doing research on treatments for anti-aging and hyper-pigmentation, this treatment kept getting rave reviews.  Users of Gold Emulsion kept singing its praises!  They loved how fast it worked and how well it improved their skintone.  So I gave it a try and boy I am happy I did!  This treatment is a gel and it quickly absorbs into your skin.  When applying Gold Emulsion, my face starts to tingle and I imagine that this tingle signifies that it is working its magic.  After two months of use, my skin is fuller and so smooth.  My face feels so supple and full of moisture.  Also, my hyper-pigmentation is almost gone.  I really do not need to use foundation.  I still use a teeny bit to cover new dark marks I have created from picking blackheads. Bad habit of mine.

Anyhoo, my new facial routine has resulted in great skin and I am elated!  Avon's Gold Emulsion regularly sales for $34 but it is now on sale for $29.  Divas if you purchase a treatment like this at any Department store or Sephora, you would spend $75 plus! What an amazing deal! And I promise you I am not just saying that because it was free. This stuff really is like Gold. It works. Do some research yourself.  Dr. Perricone's Pigment Corrective Moisturizer retails for $95. Yes very steep. Do I think it is worth the price. NO. (See I am being honest and I did receive this for free also! LOL!) Although it is great, you can find something less expensive that works a bit faster.

Do you have a new product you are using that you love and want to share? Please do tell. I am a product junkie! LOL!

Fun Fridays! The Skinny and NARS Holiday!

Hello Divas!

I hope you are having a fantabulous week! It is freezing in Atlanta! 27 degrees! I need a new pair of Uggs!

Have you guys heard of The Skinny? Well the The Skinny is like Gilt and Rue La La for skincare products! Basically The Skinny has online sample sales events for luxury high end skincare products lines and spa services. Perricone MD, Lisa Hoffman, and 100% Pure are just a few of the lines The Skinny features. Currently the site is having a Lisa Hoffman sample sale and the products are 40%-50% off retail! Woot! Become a member of The Skinny and receive an additional 20% off coupon when you invite friends to join also!

NARS has several holiday gift sets that are just too fab! You Divas know how much I love NARS! Gorgeous Makeup! TheDay and Night Palette is simply divine! Beautiful Holiday Colors. They also have a 8 shade lip gloss set, and 4 mini nail color set that I want badly! All of these items are $50 and under! Yeah! This is a perfect gift to treat yourself.


Toodles!

Hot Drugstore Find of the Week: Lumene Time Freeze Serum

Hello Divas!

I hope your life is simply beautiful!

As you Divas know, I filmed an interview with Lisa Price of Carol's Daughter last Friday. However, I am having major problems getting the video off of my VADO mini-cam. For one it is not MAC compatible, so I have to use a PC. Unfortunately, I am having issues downloading the video using the PC also! Ugh! So please be patient and stay tuned. The interview is great and I can't wait to share!

Previously, I wrote a post about how much I love Lumene's Time Freeze Serum. Usually I use it once a week when I do my mini-facial. Well since I ran out of my Lumene Day Cream with SPF 15 and my Lumene ExCellnet daily serum, I have been using the Time Freeze Serum as a daily and nightly moisturizer. LOL! I just used what I had! Well I am glad I did because my skin is like pure silk. It is glowing and the texture of my skin has improved 100%! I am in love with this Serum. I guess the twice daily application of highly concentrated vitamins and minerals is renewing my skin in a major way. This just proves that with a little experimentation, you can discover a new way to use a product that will generate amazing results!

Lumene's Time Freeze Serum retails for $19.99 and you can purchase it from CVS or Target.

Toodles!

Giveaway! Lumene Excellent Future Deep Repairing Cream and Serum.

Hello Divas!

I hope your Thursday is fabulous! It is the 4th of July weekend! Whoohoo! Time for cookouts and frozen treats!

As you beautiful Divas know, I LOVE Lumene Skincare. Lumene products are my primary skincare products of choice! Their products are luxe brand quality but with drugstore prices. Recently, I was given the opportunity to preview Lumene's new Excellent Future Deep Repairing Cream and Serum. These products will not hit stores until July 6, but I can give you the scoop now. LOL! I have been using the serum and moisturizer for a week and a half and thus far I am pretty impressed with the results I have received. My favorite product in this line, hands down, is the serum. It is fantastic! I use it every night and morning and my skin is firmer and smoother. Also after applying the serum at night and waking up in the morning, my face looks well rested and relaxed. I apply the serum alone at night and I apply it under the Lumene Vitamin C Day Cream with SPF 15 (SPF 15 is a must!) in the morning. The serum quickly absorbs into my skin and I only need a few drops to cover my face and neck. What I love most about Lumene products and especially this serum is that it does not break out my skin. I have super sensitive skin and I try many products and 50% of them will break me out. I can TRULY say that Lumene products have never caused one blemish on my skin. (Knock on wood) In my book this is huge!

The Excellnet Future Deep Repairing Cream is very thick, so you only need a small amount to moisturize your face. I only use it sparingly and not every night. The Day Cream with SPF 15 works better for me.

The technology of this new line is amazing. These products contain a combination of apple stem cell extract and Arctic White Peat (a key ingredient in Lumene products) that claim to repair and delay the signs of aging. Sounds impressive? If you would like to try these new innovative products, Lumene is graciously giving away the Excellent Future Deep Repairing Cream and Serum to five (5) lucky Luxetips readers. Simply live a comment telling me why you want to try these products. Winners will be selected at random and must agree to share their experience with these products on this blog after one week of use. Contest ends Sunday, July 5 at midnight.

Toodles!

I Need This in My Life: Patricia Wexler MMPi.20™Skin Regenerating Serum

Hello Divas!

I hope your Thursday is Fantabulous!

As you can see the Wednesday "Hot Drugstore of the Week" post was done on Tuesday and the Tuesday "I Need This in My Life" post is today. I switched things around a bit because I had to report on the Lumene Instant Eye Cooling Stick. It is a great product and it is on sale. I don't want you Divas to miss a bargain. LOL!

Well the next item that I need in my life is Patricia Wexler MMPi.20™ Skin Regenerating Serum. I have known about this product for over a year but have not wanted to cough up the $150 to try it. Can you say steep? But I have heard from many women that this is truly a miracle serum. This product contains patented MMPi.20™ anti-aging technology. As stated on their website, MMPi.20 "blocks the damaging effect of all 20 known MMPs (skin destroying enzymes that break down production of collagen and cause skin to sink, sag, and wrinkle) and prevents the production of new MMPs, correcting the signs of aging you see today and preventing future damage."

Women claim to achieve even skin tone; improved skin elasticity; faded acne and blemishes; and wrinkle reduction in as little as ONE WEEK! ONE WEEK! And good news ladies, Bath and Body Works is currently selling this serum for only $65!!!! Now I can justify this purchase! That price is 60% off the original price! Click here for purchase information!

Has anyone tried this product? If so, please share your experience.

Toodles!

Luxe vs. Less: Is expensive better?

Hello Divas!

I hope your Sunday morning started off nice and calm. When I read this article, I was too excited! The fab people at Total Beauty did a comparison of skincare items in the luxe (more expensive) category and the less (drugstore brand) category. After reading this article, you will know if you really do need to spend your hard earned dollars on that Clarisonic, which they do highly recommend! I am getting mine soon!

Toodles!

Luxe vs. Less Skin Care

Find out what products to splurge on and when to save your hard-earned dollars

You don't have to spend half your paycheck on skincare products to stay wrinkle and pimple-free. Dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban and P&G scientist Mary Begovic Johnson helped us compare products with similar ingredients that are very different in cost to see which are really worth the price. Here's what we found. See products

Hello Divas!

I hope your Monday is awesome! We all want to know if a product works before we spend our hard earned money. Check out this list of anti-aging products that do not live up to the hype.

Toodles!

14 Products That Won't Keep Your Skin Young

Skincare addicts beware: These won't likely smooth away your wrinkles and age spots -- so save your money

With proper skincare habits, a little product can go a long way to help reduce signs of aging over time. But before you invest, make sure you're getting your money's worth: Avoid these overhyped, overpriced disappointments. See products

No. 14: Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Gel, $45

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 4.9*

Why: "Week 1, no results. Week 2, still nothing. Week 3, I saw something and it's a frown on my face from seeing that this wasn't a very effective product...

No. 13: Burt's Bees Evening Primrose Overnight Creme, $14.99

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 4.4*

Why: "It felt very thick and oily and didn't do dramatic things for my skin..."

No. 12: Principal Secret Reclaim EyeMazing Eye Serum, $36

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 4.6*

Why: "It just makes my eyes puffier and I have noticed looking more tired than usual..."

Want to see what's #1? Click here!

Free Gift from Mario Badescu!

Hello Divas!

I hope your day is filled with sunshine! Well the sun finally came out today in Atlanta. I am so happy!!!! Today's post will be short and sweet. A good friend of mine, Robin, wanted me to hip you beautiful ladies to a fantastic freebie. Mario Badescu skincare will give you a free gift, if you go to their website here, and fill out their skincare analysis survey! How cool is that??!!

If you lovely Divas do not know, Mario Badescu, is a world-renowned skin care line that is a MUST for celebrities. This skincare line treats problem skin such as acne, scarring, and aging skin. It is a favorite of Charlize Theron and Martha Stewart.

If any of you lovely Divas fill out the skincare analysis survey, let me know. And enjoy your free product!

Toodles!

Hot Drugstore Find of the Week: Lumene Arctic Touch Peat-Facial Mask

Hello Divas!

I hope all is well! It is still raining in Atlanta. On the one hand I am thrilled that we are getting rain considering we had a serious drought. On the other hand the gloomy weather is NOT cool. However, I love to focus on the sunny side of life and I am happy to share my hot drugstore find of the week. As you know I purchased a bunch of Lumene products at 50% off from CVS. The Purifying Peat-Facial Mask was one of the products I purchased and I think it is fabo! This mask is specially forumulated for normal to oily skin. I have oily skin so it is perfect for me! As advertised by Lumene, "it obsorbs excess oil and impurities from the skin and tightens pores." So does this mask live up to the hype? Absolutely! The mask is clay based and it contains arctic peat, kaolin and rosemary. This mask is so rich and creamy. It easily smoothes over my face. Also the rosemary gives it a nice aroma and a cool tingly sensation. I love that this mask set and tightens the skin but not too much. It is very comfortable on my face. I apply the mask for 10 minutes and then I rinse it off and use a toner to clean my face. After using this mask, my skin is physically firmer and tighter. In addition, my pores seem smaller and my skin feels so soft. I HIGHLY recommend this mask. I use this mask once a week as part of my mini-facial routine as suggest by MischoBeauty. This mask retails for $10 and you can purchase it at any CVS.

Divas I must say I am really loving Lumene skincare! So far so good. Stay tuned for more Lumene Reviews coming up in a few weeks!

Toodles!

Lumene Arctic Touch Clarifying Mineral Scrub

Hello Divas!

I hope your first full week of 2009 starts of with a bang! I am working on my goals today. Yes! Well over the holiday break, I popped into CVS to purchase some household items and I noticed that all Lumene skincare and cosmetics were 50% off! Now I had never tried their products, but you guys know I am: 1. a sucker for a sale and 2. a product junkie. So I picked up a facial cleanser, mineral scrub, peat mask, moisturizer with SPF 15, and an instant lift serum. I know I went a little crazy. lol! But I am happy to report that I am really enjoying the products. Lumene is a Finnish Beauty Company that produces products that are made from Arctic plants and minerals. The products focus on anti-aging and restoration of damaged skin.

I have only been using the products for 1 week, so I can't tell you if they are living up to the hype just yet. But I can rave, rave, rave about the Arctic Touch Clarifying Mineral Scrub. Can I just say fantabulous? I am in LOVE with this Scrub. First this Scrub contains Arctic minerals and jojoba beads that stimulate skin renewal and remove dead skin. When I use this scrub I feel that it is working. The jojoba beads provide great exfoliation but they are also gentle. It is the perfect balance. Also the minerals in this scrub actually give your face a very cool but tingly sensation. It really feels like a blast of cold air on your face...very refreshing. After I use this scrub, my skin is so smooth. I know that the scrub has done its job and removed dead skin. Plus my skin is unbelievably soft. The scrub does not dry out your skin or cause rough patches. I have used this product twice in one week and my skin looks refreshed, smoother, and even. Ladies and gents I promise this scrub is a MUST have! This scrub retails for $12 and you can purchase it here online or at any CVS.

Toodles!