DivaDebbi's Best of Skincare 2012

I tried a number of products this year that are absolutely fantastic!  Why?  Because they do exactly what they purport to do  Bravo!  Below are my new anti-aging faves, that leave me glowing, with links to purchase:

1) Murad's Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel ($60) A truemiracle product, this clear, lightweight gel rapidly and effectively lightens and brightens skin.  It was far more effective then the prescription cream I once got that turned a funky shade of muskrat around the top of the applicator.

Genius...

2) Murad's Intensive-C Radiance Peel (49.50)  Just like it promises, this peel will leave your skin glowing after the first use.  I apply it every Sunday morning for 15 minutes, while I sip my coffee and watch the morning talk shows. It's a peel that won't make you peel...just glow and a little goes a long way. I am not even close to using half of a tube that is 6 months old.

Look for it on next year's Hall of Fame list...

3) Murad's Renewing Cleanser (6.7 oz. $35) Yes. Another winner fromMurad. I tried several cleanser this year and this by far, my favorite.  As with all Murad products, you need very little to get the job done, so if they seem at all pricey to you, bear in mind you will be using them for quite some time.  This cleanser whisks away my makeup, gently exfoliates and never leaves my skin feeling tight, dry or stripped, just dewy and glowing.

Ding, ding, ding...

4) Clarisonic Mia ($119) I held out waaaaay too long before springing for this product, which was highly touted by my friend Kari at FaboverForty, whose reviews I put complete faith in.  NO...No matter how clean you think you are getting your skin with your regimen of choice, you can and will do better with a Clarisonic Mia. The additional benefit?  Any cream, serum, lotion or purchase you use afterward will work more efficaciously.

A Game changer...




5) Jergen's Natural Glo and Protect SPF 20 (10.99)  created separately for both face and body, I test drove this in Florida recently with mild trepidation.  Would the SPF truly be as effective as straight up suntan lotion and was the "natural glo" I was going to end up with, come from being fried???  No worries on either count...the gradual tanning element helped keep me from looking like a tuna in the early days of my visit, while the SPF kept me from burning.

Smart...

6) Laura Mercier's Almond Coconut Milk Scrub ($46)  I adore this stuff!  It vaguely smells like a Mounds Almond Joy.  It cleanses, exfoliates, moisturizes and leaves my skin glowing.  And the absolute best part?  It is not oil based, like so many other scrubs, so it's just me who is getting scrubbed, not my shower stall.  I think all of LM's bath and body products, in their elegant packaging, making lovely gifts as well.

Treat others, treat yourself...

7) Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Body Glow Pads ($45 for 8 large towelettes)  Well, this is just BRILLIANT. I am crazy about this product.  Talk about multi-taskers!  Infused with Vitamin D, these towelettes have a water like consistency, create a natural tan without streaking, exfoliate and brighten, all without noxious fumes.  I use it once a week to maintain a year-round natural glow.

 Peerless...

8) Emergin C Scientific Organics At Home Facial Peel and Clarifying Kit ($90/60 pads each) I have long been a huge fan of glycolic pads. They are simple to use and are incredibly effective. Dr. Gross's two step peel pads were always my fave, especially when he developed them in an extra strengthformula. Heaven!!! Frankly, I thought nothing could top them, until I triedEmergin C's two step At Home Facial Peel and Clarifying Kit.  The peel pad definitely has a kick to it.   You only need leave it on for a few minutes, which is a good thing, since it does have an odd somewhat skunky smell.  You can immediately stop the peeling action by splashing with cold water if it feels too aggressive.  The second step is a cool, comforting douse from the clarifying pad. Unlike other pads I have used, Emergin C's stay incredibly moist and fresh, even if you only used them once or twice a week.  I have been burned many times by glycolic pads that dried out and no,dousing them with water does not bring them back to life  I love how glowing and smooth my skin looks after using them


There you have it lovelies! My tried and trues.  Please, always feel free to leave me a comment or email me at DivaDebbi@gmail.com if you feel I am missing out on something fabulous!!!

Don't forget to tune in for my DivaDebbi Best of Makeup 2012 and if you haven't already, do enter my Elizabeth Daniel NY shirt giveaway contest.  I generously have been given 3 shirts to give away to my readers, and I will be announcing them on January 2nd.

Wishing you a safe and beautiful New Year's Eve.

xox,
DD

Actively Radiant with Murad's Active Radiance Serum

Murad's Active Radiance Serum
1 fl. oz. $89.00

When I first started blogging back in March of 2008 (!), I recalled my introduction to the world of serums.

I have always been a PBS Girl, and will slog through the fundraising events because I know they need viewer support.

One evening, I became mesmerized, watching the Internationally known Dermatologist, Dr. Denese spouting her shpil.   Dr. Denese is a Hungarian blonde of a certain age. Initially, I wasn't paying any attention to what she was saying because I couldn't take my eyes off her glowing skin...Then I snapped out of my revelry and whipped out a  notepad.

 Dr. Denese's skin care philosophy is backed up with a whole lotta science and boils down to 5 simple steps: 


1) Cleanse 
2) Tone
3) Exfoliate with glycolic acid 
4) Apply a "serum" with a watery consistency to 
5) Bind with an application of a "fatty" night creme.


It all resonated well with me, and I still follow this regimen every day and every night for the last 6 years. In addition to my beloved La Peau Skincare (the best day, night and eye cream ever), I have added a miracle booster, a 2 part system from 3 Sisters Restorasis before my serum. This one, two easy system clinically reverses damage. I have promised and will be providing you with in depth information about this amazing find. I am proud to be the the Brand Ambassador for both products.

In the beginning, it was nearly impossible to find a "serum with a watery consistency".  They barely  existed as a skin care category.  The market is now proliferated with them,  so hunting for an effective serum, that delivers the glow I pursue like a truffle hound is always something I am open to sample.


I  am quite enamored with Dr. Howard Murad's Skincare products.  One of the easiest, most effective glow getters I have added to my skin care regimen is  a simple application of  Murad's Intensive-C Radiance Peel, for 10 minutes, once a week.  ($49.50 and a little goes a long way).


When I had the opportunity to sample the well reviewed Murad Active Radiance Serum, I pounced.  Here's the promise:


What it is:
A clinically proven treatment for environmentally aging skin that brightens and renews the complexion by improving natural radiance and clarity. 

What it is formulated to do:
This radiance-enhancing serum protects and repairs skin to provide superior all-day defense against environmental aggressors with Resilient-C Complex, a remarkable new vitamin C technology that delivers 50-times the free radical neutralizing power of prior generations. This unique formula restores tone and smoothes texture while improving skin firmness. 

Of all the serums I have tried, I would say it's in my top 5. I have not noticed additional firming, but it definitely does brighten and leave the skin finished with a radiant glow.  At this price point, I think it will best serve those with  mature or damaged skin.


Murad makes an extensive line of skincare products targeted to different needs from acne and rosacea to hyperpigmentation and fine lines and wrinkles.  Whatever ails you, he has used the best science possible to create a treatment to improve it.


I still feel lucky to have learned how essential a serum is to a good skincare regiment from Dr. Denese and whole heartily recommend you use one too.


I always keep a notepad and pen in my night table (in the past to write down whatever I think I can't live without that is being hawked on QVC at 3:00 am.  Amazing the clarity the light of day brings...)  If Dr. Murad ever gets a gig onPBS, I'll be ready for him too...


xox,
DD

Murad Introduces MuraSol: The smartest suncare ever

I am a fan of Dr. Howard Murad's skincare products. His passion for pioneering cutting edge skincare products,is evidenced in the numerous patents he has received for advancing skincare technology. His clinical skincare lines are sold in 41 countries and is a leading seller at both Sephora and Ulta.

I particularly love his Intensive C Radiance Peel, which I use faithfully once a week. (http://divadebbi.blogspot.com/2012/05/glow-getters1-murads-intensive-c.html). Easy peasy.

I received a sneak-peak of his latest brainchild, MuraSol, a new antioxidant defense technology that will be included in all Murad products with SPF.  I won't be surprised to see this patented as well.

MuraSol, creates a stronger defense against UV rays, by neutralizing free radicals with antioxidants, before they are able to inflict damage to the skin.
Additionally, and smartly, Dr. Murad also included his patented repair system that protects and maintains firmness into MuraSol.


In other words, Dr. Murad is marrying the best of skincare, Pomegranate Extract, Vitamin E, plant lipids and Hyaluronic Acid with the best of suncare.  To me that is a forehead smacking DUH...it's kind of amazing know one has thought of this sooner.
The line will include Murad Oil-Free Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 (1.7 oz. $31) and Murad Water Resistant Suncreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 (4.3 oz. $30).

I received the latter today and I intend to see how it wears under makeup.  It was sweltering but overcast, so I applied it anywhere the sun might shine.  My eyebrows raised when I saw it was white, steeling myself for a lot of rubbing, but it was not to be.  It blended easily and had a pleasant scent.

MuraSol is launching officially this month at Sephora and Ulta as well as the Murad website just in time for summer...

Fall, winter and spring.

xox,
DD