Lipgloss Break: skincare
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Showing posts with label skincare. Show all posts
Showing posts with label skincare. Show all posts

Giveaway Break: Hard Candy Color Correct Line

I remember how excited I was to get a new Hard Candy nail polish in the 90s. Remember how they came with fun, colorful matching rings? Hard Candy is back with a full line of makeup and beauty products, and they are awesome.

They just released a new, limited edition, line of color correcting primers and concealers that can combat dry skin, acne and dark spots. The line has the perfect shade for any complexion and affordable prices.

Here's an overview of the new line:

Hard Candy Color Correct Expert Stick, $5
Creamy, bendable pastel stick concealer
Camouflages skin imperfections
Available in six shades

Hard Candy Color Correct Radiant Primer, $5
Neutralizes skin impurities prior to makeup application
Available in six shades

Hard Candy Color Correct Expert Créme Wand, $5
Corrects skin imperfections
Flexible brush tip applicator is soft on the skin while contouring the face
Available in six shades

This line is only available at Walmart, or, you can enter to win the full line here! I'm lucky enough to partner with Hard Candy for a giveaway - Enter to win the entire new Hard Candy Color Correct line! US residents only please, and you must be 18+ to enter. There are several ways to enter - good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Currently Loving...Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Aging Perfector

Finally, warm weather has arrived in Michigan. This past Sunday we probably spent 5 hours playing outside, walking uptown and eating on patios. Now that we have sun and we're spending more time outside, I'm working on incorporating SPF in my skincare routine.

I'm currently loving Neutrogena's Healthy Skin Anti-Aging Perfector. It has everything I'm looking for in my every day makeup routine:

  • SPF 20 to help protect my skin from harmful rays
  • Tinted moisturizer to even out my skin tone
  • Retinol to help reduce fine lines

I use a makeup sponge (previously talked about my makeup sponge on my other blog, The Non-Housewives) to put this on, and it goes on really smooth. I don't feel like I'm wearing makeup when I use Anti-Aging Perfector, and my bronzer and blush lays nicely over it. This is the first time I've been able to wear makeup like this without breaking out. I'm hooked.

I'm going to stock up on this for summer so I never run out. I may purchase a shade darker for summer. It's so easy to throw on over moisturizer, and I can always use the extra SPF. This is going to be my go-to for Summer!

You can find Neutrogena products online or at a store near you.

Neutrogena sent me products to review as part of their Ambassador program. All thoughts are my own. 


Giveaway Break - AGE Therapy Gel

Yesterday I posted about TrueAge Skin AGE Therapy Gel, which helps to improve the skin's appearance while boosting its protective layer (protecting it from glycation, read more here). Today, I'm giving you the chance to win a full size tube of AGE Therapy Gel to try for yourself. Good luck!

***Giveaway***

Enter to win a full size AGE Therapy Gel!

Fill out the form below to win! There are also several different ways you can get extra entries: sign up for my mailing list, post a link to this giveaway on your blog, follow my blog, follow me & retweet on Twitter, follow me on Pinterest, add me to one of your Google+ circles, follow me on Instagram or become a fan on Facebook. Make sure to list the number of extra entries in the form below. Enter up to once a day to increase your chances of winning!

This giveaway is open to US residents only. The contest will end on Sunday, February 15th. I will randomly select a winner and announce them on Lipgloss Break (and will send an email as well), so keep checking to see if you're a winner - Good Luck!



TruAge Skin AGE Therapy Gel

As a 33 year old with a magnified mirror in her bathroom, I'm constantly obsessing and spotting new wrinkles and skin blemishes. It doesn't help that I have a newborn at home that doesn't like sleeping much, so my skin is so tired looking these days. I'm open to trying any new products that help with aging skin.

I recently learned about TrueAge Skin AGE Therapy Gel, created by Morinda. Morinda is the leading creator of anti-aging beverages, supplements and skin care products, and most recently, this new gel.

AGE stands for advanced glycation end-products, which causes skin damage, also known as glycation. Do you know what glycation is? If not, don't worry, I had to Google it. Glycation occurs when excess sugars in the bloodstream bind with proteins in the skin, causing stiffness and inelasticity, while impairing the skin's protective function. AGE Therapy Gel helps to improve the skin's appearance while boosting its protective layer.

According to Kira Davis, Morinda's global product development manager, "glycation is responsible for virtually every sign of aging and can have a devastating effect on skin." TruAge Skin AGE Therapy Gel is created from the best ingredients found in Morinda's flagship AGE-fighting product, TruAge Max.

AGE Therapy Gel works well along side any skin care routine. I have really sensitive skin and I had no issues when I tested it out. The gel is really light weight and absorbs very quickly. Here are the key benefits:

It Protects...The topical TruAge Max blend is compromised of ingredients that create a protective barrier against AGE accelerators such as free radicals, environmental damage and moisture loss

It Soothes...Oat kernel extract and beta-glucan provide a soothing effect on skin, reducing redness and irritation, as well as helping to strengthen the skin's barrier function.

It Repairs...Carnosine has been shown to block AGE damage, protect minor cuts, scrapes and burns, and relieve dry, chapped skin. It also protects and relieves chafed and irritated skin. 

So what do you think? Would you be interested in trying this out? AGE Therapy Gel is available now exclusively at Morinda.com at a special introductory price of $42. Check back tomorrow for a special giveaway from Lipgloss Break!

Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.



Tips for a Clean 'Movember' Shave


Are you ladies ready for 'Movember' to be over? Now that it's December men all over the world should be shaving! The growing 'Movember' trend has men everywhere tossing their razors aside for the month of November, and growing out their mustaches and beards. Last year we even had a 'Movember' contest at work. The men were looking a bit scruff towards the middle of the month!

Lucky me, my hubby didn't grow a mustache, but he did try out Neutrogena's Men Shaving Line and Panasonic's new wet/dry shaver to get rid of his stubble. Here are the steps and some pro tips for a clean 'Movember' shave....
Neutrogena Men's Line & Panasonic wet/dry razor
Neutrogena Men's Line & Panasonic wet/dry razor
1 - According to Elizabeth Ulloa, Neutrogena beauty and grooming expert, you should prep your skin by running a washcloth under lukewarm water to open your pores. You should leave the washcloth on your face for about 45 seconds.

2 - Next, use a face scrub, like Neutrogena's Razor Defense Face Scrub, to clean out your pores and smooth out your skin. According to Ulloa, this will help remove dry, dead skin, which could potentially block the razor blade. Neutrogena's Face Scrub is a great option since it's oil free, dye-free and won't clog pores. It's also gentle enough to use on a daily basis.

3 - Cover all areas you want to shave with a shave cream. Depending on the type of cream, foam or gel you use, you will need to use different amounts. With Neutrogena's Shave Cream, a little goes a long way, and you only need a thin layer. Ulloa suggests gently massaging the shaving cream for about 1 to 2 minutes to help prevent razor burns. 
tips for a clean shave
4 - For shaving, dermatologist Dr. Kenneth Beer recommends 'using warm water, and following the grain.' My hubby really liked the Panasonic wet/dry shaver for a clean, close shave. This shaver makes shaving easy with its sensor technology and pivoting head. He loves that it is both a wet/dry razor, and has the option to take it in the shower with him if he needs to multitask. He got minimal razor burn while using this razor both wet and dry. Another tip: Use a magnifying mirror like the one above to make sure you don't miss any spots!

5 - Make sure to rinse your razor periodically while shaving!

6 - After your clean shave, rinse off the remaining shave cream and apply an after shave. Another tip from Dr. Kenneth Beer, 'avoid alcohol-based aftershaves.' Neutrogena Men Sensitive Skin Post Shave Balm is alcohol free and great for sensitive skin.

Did your boyfriend, hubby or friend partake in Movember? Hopefully these tips will help erase any signs of unwanted Movember mustaches! 

*Sponsored post
**Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.



Neutrogena #PoreNoMore Challenge


I was recently asked to take the Neutrogena #PoreNoMore challenge. I was hesitant to switch up my skin care routine at 38 weeks pregnant, so I enlisted my best friend to help...my husband.

My husband doesn't usually follow a strict skincare routine like I do, so this was definitely a challenge for him. But, since the Neutrogena Pore Refining Collection has so many different products and options, I think it made it easier for him to stick to it. He always complains about his large pores, so I really didn't have to twist his arm to participate.

Here's a rundown of the products:

Pore Refining Daily Cleanser
This cleanser is non-comedogenic (meaning it won't clog pores) and dermatologist tested. It's gentle enough to use as your every day cleanser. It will help to shrink pores, especially when paired with other products in this collection. 

Pore Refining Exfoliating Cleanser 
This exfoliating cleanser helps to reduce the look of pores just by washing your face. The exfoliating micro beads gently sweep away dead surface skin, than the alpha-hydroxy formula penetrates pores to remove dirt. This cleanser is non-comedogenic, soap free and dermatologist tested. I advised my husband to only use this a few times a week in place of the Daily Cleanser. 

Pore Refining Toner
You may think your skin is clean, until you swipe some of this toner over your skin with a cotton ball. It always amazes me how much oil and dirt can be left behind after a quick face wash. This toner is designed to sweep away dead surface skin, and then penetrate deep into pores to help them appear smaller. It's also non-comedogenic and dermatologist tested.

Pore Refining Moisturizer
End your pore cleansing routine with this moisturizer, to help visibly reduce appearance of pores and for softer, smoother skin. It contains Beta Hydroxy to smooth rough, uneven skin, and Retinol, that reveals the look of brighter skin. It's also oil free (I always look for this in products!), hypoallergenic and it won't clog pores. 

So did my husband follow this exactly? Nope. But he did pretty good. He even kept it up when we were in the hospital for the birth of our son! Sometimes after a late night of working he would be too tired to wash his face, so it was nice to have the Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner on hand for a quick cleanse to remove oil. And he especially liked the Pore Refining Exfoliating Cleanser. He said the little exfoliating beads really made it feel like he was getting his skin super clean.

Want to shrink your pores? Check out this collection of products and take the #PoreNoMore challenge yourself! Please share your results in the comments below! 

Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.


Modere Beauty Box Review

I love trying and discovering new products, and one great way to do this is to subscribe to a monthly beauty box subscription or sampler program. Modere just launched their new Beauty Box, which allows you to try their top beauty products for 7 days, risk-free.

Each box comes with 5 full size items, and 4 sample sizes, for $79. If you don't like the products, you can send back the full sizes and you will not get charged. The sample sized products and eye gel are yours to keep. If you want to keep everything, your card will be charged, or, if you want just one or two items, you'll be charged the MSRP listed for that product plus S&H.

A little bit of background on Modere....
Modere believes that "the future of beauty starts with a natural you." Modere bases their products on naturally derived ingredients, to make them gentle and intuitive. They are all about enhancing unique and authentic beauty.

Exfoliant
The Modere Exfoliant is designed to cleanse pores and restore your complexion. The tiny hint of prickly pear exfoliates gently, while Jojoba wax beads massage your face, leaving behind moisture. There's no need to scrub this on your face and neck, a gentle massage will do. It's also not advised to use this every day. 2-3 times a week will work!

The Modere Exfoliant retails for $12.99.

Anti-Aging Serum
The Modere Anti-Aging Serum is a quick absorbing serum that is formulated to help preserve and enhance your natural look. After cleansing or exfoliating, you should use a dime size amount of this on your face, massaging in upward, circular motions. I also like to add a little bit to the back of my hands. This is a fairly large tube (1.5 oz) so only using a dime size amount will definitely make this product last awhile.

This product comes out as a light, milky white serum, and absorbs extremely quickly. The light scent is really pleasant, but I can't quite put my finger on what it smells like.

The Modere Anti-Aging Serum comes in a 1.5 fl. oz tube and retails at $39.99.

Antioxidant Gel
Modere's Antioxidant Gel contains Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, which is a type of Vitamin C, to help preserves the nutrients in this gel until they are being applied to your skin. After cleansing you can apply a pea-sized amount to your face, neck and decolletage. If you're using the anti-aging serum as well, you can apply the gel after the serum. It's suggested to use this 2x a day, and follow up with a Modere Day Lotion or cream.

I LOVE the way this gel feels when applied. It comes out of the tube in clear form, and once rubbed in it almost takes on a powdery finish feel. It absorbs really quickly, and doesn't have a smell to it.

The Antioxidant Gel retails for $24.99.

Antioxidant Hair Serum
Modere's Antioxidant Hair Serum has me obsessed! I love this stuff. I've putting a pea-sized amount on my hair after styling, and it gives a beautiful, healthy shine, and keeps it frizz free in this humid weather we've been having in Michigan. You can also apply this to wet hair before styling. A little bit of this serum goes a long way.

Key ingredients include...Kukui Seed, Argan Oil (love!) and Jojoba seed oil (love this too!).

The Hair Serum retails for $21.99.

Dual Action Eye Gel
I've used this eye gel non stop since I received my box, and I'm loving it. I'm 37 weeks pregnant and haven't been sleeping well, so this gel has been my best friend in helping me to hide and soothe my puffy eyes and darks circles. I've been using this morning and night after washing my face, underneath my eye and over my eyes. A little amount goes a long way.

This Eye Gel retails for $29.99, but is yours to keep even if you return the box!

Stay tuned for a Modere sponsored giveaway - coming up soon on Lipgloss Break! In the meantime, check out the Modere Beauty Box for yourself and let me know what you think. If you're interested, sign up to receive the box for yourself. If you don't like it, you can send it back, you don't pay anything, and get to keep the samples and eye gel. It's risk free!

This post was sponsored by Modere. This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.


Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50 Review


I'm all about sunscreen in the spring and summer, and I usually use a higher SPF on my face when in the sun. I'm currently loving Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50. It's a daily moisturizer that provides great protection from the sun, while helping to minimize aging. It's a medium-weight moisturizer, and so far hasn't caused me any breakouts or rosacea (I've used it about 10x). 

Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery has no artificial fragrances, colors or parabens. Since it's a little bit thicker, I feel like I need to use a little more than my lighter moisturizer to get full coverage on my face. Plus, if I'm going to be in the sun, I like to make sure I'm evenly covered. This moisturizer blends in really well.

Some of the additional benefits listed on the Dermalogica site include:
 - long lasting hydration
 - controls triggers that lead to aging skin

This is the second Dermalogica product I have tried and have really enjoyed. Check out my review of Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster. Have you tried out Dermalogica products before? If so, which ones are your favorite? Please share in the comments below! 

A tip from Dermalogica: always protect your skin with SPF on a daily basis to protect against skin-aging environmental assault. 

Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.




Giveaway Break – Cetaphil Gift Basket

I can’t talk enough about how important it is to take care of your skin. Dry, oily, sensitive, no matter what your skin type, it’s important to research and talk to a skincare specialist about the right skincare regime for you.

Personally, I have dry, sensitive skin, and I’m also prone to rosacea. Yesterday I posted about Mirvaso (brimonidine) topical gel, 0.33%, a new topical gel specifically developed and indicated to treat the persistent facial redness of rosacea. Mirvaso is all about treating the redness, so you don’t have to conceal with makeup. 

The Break Up with Your Makeup portal, which you can get to from yesterday’s post, includes information on skincare tips and the treatment for rosacea. You can also enter for a chance to win a trip to the Emmys! Enter by adding your email address into the portal and clicking ‘Submit.’


If you miss the window for entering the trip, don’t fret. Galderma, who also makes Cetaphil, has generously offered to give one lucky Lipgloss Break reader a Cetaphil Gift Basket! Enter below!

 ***Giveaway***

Enter for a chance to win a Cetaphil Gift Basket!

Fill out the form below to win! There are also several different ways you can get extra entries: sign up for my 
mailing list, post a link to this giveaway on your blog, follow my blog, follow me & retweet on Twitter , follow me on Pinterest, add me to one of your Google+ circles, follow me on Instagram or become a fan on Facebook. Make sure to list the number of extra entries in the form below. Enter up to once a day to increase your chances of winning!

This giveaway is open to US residents only. The contest will end on Thursday, July 31. I will randomly select a winner and announce them on Lipgloss Break, so keep checking to see if you're a winner - Good Luck!


Note: This post is sponsored by Galderma Laboratories, L.P. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.

Important Safety Information
Indication:  Mirvaso® (brimonidine) topical gel, 0.33% is an alpha adrenergic agonist indicated for the topical treatment of persistent (nontransient) facial erythema of rosacea in adults 18 years of age or older.  Adverse Events:  In clinical trials, the most common adverse reactions (≥1%) included erythema, flushing, skin burning sensation and contact dermatitis.  Warnings/Precautions:  Mirvaso Gel should be used with caution in patients with depression, cerebral or coronary insufficiency, Raynaud's phenomenon, orthostatic hypotension, thromboangiitis obliterans, scleroderma, or Sjögren’s syndrome. Alpha-2 adrenergic agents can lower blood pressure. Mirvaso Gel should be used with caution in patients with severe or unstable or uncontrolled cardiovascular disease. Serious adverse reactions following accidental ingestion of Mirvaso Gel by children have been reported. Keep Mirvaso Gel out of reach of children. Not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

*Each gram of gel contains 5 mg of brimonidine tartrate, equivalent to 3.3 mg of brimonidine free base.



Stop Concealing, and Start Treating!

For a long time in my teens, I had issues with extremely red, pink cheeks. My dermatologist at the time finally diagnosed me with rosacea, and I was able to treat it properly. But up until I was diagnosed, I tried multiple brands of cover up and powders to try and disguise it, but really I was just making it worse!  I still get flare-ups once in a while, and have to be careful of the products I put on my face.

Here’s a little background on rosacea:
-        Rosacea affects an estimated 16 million Americans
-        24% of rosacea sufferers say that persistent redness was their first symptom
-        4 out of 5 rosacea sufferers have used cosmetics to hide their redness (I’m not alone!)

Luckily, there is a treatment to stop concealing, and to start treating! Mirvaso (brimonidine) topical gel, 0.33%* is the only FDA-approved treatment, specifically developed and indicated for the persistent facial redness of rosacea. It can work in as little as 30 minutes! Mirvaso can provide same day results that can last up to 12 hours before the redness returns. I really wish this treatment had been around 15 years ago!

Even if you don’t suffer from rosacea, here are some healthy skincare tips from NYC dermatologist and Clinical Associate Professor New York University Langone Medical Center, Dr. Doris Day:
1 - Calm your skin – Skin with rosacea is more sensitive and likely to react to ingredients in both prescription medications and skin care products, so talk to your dermatologist about what options are best for you. Moisturizers containing lipids, such as ceramides, are usually well tolerated and can improve the skin barrier, which is often compromised in people with this condition.
2 - Be Picky about Sun Protection – It’s a fact that daily sunscreen is a must, but not all sunscreens are created equal. The best bets if you are prone to rosacea, are sunscreens that contain transparent zinc oxide and moisturizing ingredients, like niacinamide, and are fragrance-free and non-comedogenic.
3 - Eat and Sleep Well, Stay Hydrated – It may sound basic, but not getting enough sleep can make you look older because sleep is when your body repairs itself. Alcohol, sugary foods and processed foods can affect the skin’s ability to repair itself and cause premature skin aging, so try to eat a balanced diet and indulge rarely.

For more tips on skincare and to learn more about the treatment of rosacea, check out the Break Up with Your Makeup portal (below). Along with some amazing information, you can also enter for a chance to Win a Trip to the Emmys! Enter by adding your email address below and click ‘Submit.’

Check out the below information and let me know what you think in the comment section. If you have rosacea, how do you manage your redness? 


Note: This post is sponsored by Galderma Laboratories, L.P. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.

Important Safety Information
Indication:  Mirvaso® (brimonidine) topical gel, 0.33% is an alpha adrenergic agonist indicated for the topical treatment of persistent (nontransient) facial erythema of rosacea in adults 18 years of age or older.  Adverse Events:  In clinical trials, the most common adverse reactions (≥1%) included erythema, flushing, skin burning sensation and contact dermatitis.  Warnings/Precautions:  Mirvaso Gel should be used with caution in patients with depression, cerebral or coronary insufficiency, Raynaud's phenomenon, orthostatic hypotension, thromboangiitis obliterans, scleroderma, or Sjögren’s syndrome. Alpha-2 adrenergic agents can lower blood pressure. Mirvaso Gel should be used with caution in patients with severe or unstable or uncontrolled cardiovascular disease. Serious adverse reactions following accidental ingestion of Mirvaso Gel by children have been reported. Keep Mirvaso Gel out of reach of children. Not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

*Each gram of gel contains 5 mg of brimonidine tartrate, equivalent to 3.3 mg of brimonidine free base.