Review: Philosophy Resurface Microdelivery Dual-Phase Peel

Philosophy Microdelivery Dual-Phase Peel
$69

My darling friend Nancy and her family were visiting from London this weekend. We are childhood friends and though I don't get to see her nearly enough, when we are together we are in instant lock-step and spend most of it laughing. I adore her.

Nancy came to Greenwich on Friday to see me.  We shopped at Richards and then I took her to Warren Tricomi to meet with my dream team;Christopher for color and Jennifer for brow and eyelash tinting.  SinceMichael spends half of his time at Warren Tricomi and the other half at Vidal Sassoon in London as their Creative Director, I thought he would be the perfect person to cut Nancy's hair.

Nancy and Diva at Warren Tricomi

Since we didn't feel like we had nearly enough time together, we agreed to a part 2 in New York on Saturday.  Nicely, Nancy is a huge fan of my Blog and asked if we could first meet at Sephora, so I could help her select my must-haves. 

Nancy was asking for my recommendations, but I couldn't take my eyes off her flawless, glowing skin.  Forget what I'm using...I wanted to know what she was using--she looks fantastic.

Nancy thinks that Philosophy's Resurface Microdelivery Dual-Phase Peel was a true game changer for her.  Naturally, I wasn't leaving without it and she couldn't wait for me to try it.

The reviews for this product are extraordinary; young, old, sensitive skin, oily skin, dry skin, everyone it seems loves their results.

The first phase is the application of the Vitamin C crystals to exfoliate and resurface the skin.  It is best applied to clean dry skin for 60 seconds, in a gentle circular motion, (avoiding the delicate eye area.)  The next phase is applying the activator, which contains both lactic and salicylic acids. It foams and warms slightly.  Simply leave it on for three one minute and rinse thoroughly.  Truly, I have never used a simpler peel.

The results are stellar. Baby soft, glowing skin. Now I know why the reviews were so exemplary...It works!!!  My makeup today went on flawlessly.

Thank Nanc!

We ended up doing plenty of damage at Sephora sharing both our ,"must haves". Her incredibly patient son Noah was an absolute trooper...He could not have possibly anticipated and hour and 20 minute pit stop.  Lucky for him we didn't have enough time to hit Bergdorf's. Lucky for us too... one of us may be a bad influence...

Shorts-Elegantly

Shorts-Elegantly by divadebbi 

Shorts are such a huge trend for Spring.  I cringe when I see women of a, "certain age" sporting shorts with two inch inseams and platform shoes.  Um, isn't this standard attire for West 14th St. at 3:00 am???

I do think if you legs and veins are up for it, shorts can be tasteful ie. wear them a little longer, add a blazer or long cardigan and a flat shoe. Voila.

Ladylike vs. Lady of the Night...

xox,
DD

MAC's SOAR: The Ultimate Lip Pencil

 

MAC SOAR Lip Liner $15
Photo courtesy of Indian Makeup Blog

There are a few things that I consider my "Holy Grail" products. Years of trial and error have taught me they are at the top of their class and nothing can top them...despite this, I am still at times either fickle or lazy and purchase other products.

Without question, MAC's SOAR Lip Pencil, (which I have written about many times before) is the perfect, natural, rosy, nude. Since it is such a universal shade, one would assume there is a version of it in every beauty collection. Not SO. Not even close. Even if it appears to be close, it won't be once you see it in sunlight.

I knew it was time to toss all my other look-a-likes, so I made a trip to Bloomingdale's, the only free standing store in my vicinity that sells MAC, since I am mall phobic. Tragedy struck, when I found out they were not surprisingly sold out of SOAR,

Good God, that meant I had to go to the Westchester Mall. Those who know me, know my sense of direction is non-existent, so I might be able to enter it, but exiting is dicey...

The anchors are a little easier for me to navigate from. Neiman's doesn't carry MAC, but Nordstrom does, so I parked as close to the elevator as possible and hoped for the best...Apparently, there is a run on SOAR, because they too were out of stock.

Review: St. Ives Revitalizing Pear & Soy Body Wash

Review: St. Ives Revitalizing Pear & Soy Body Wash

St. Ives Revitalizing Pear & Soy Body Wash
$3.99 24 oz.

You know I love best when my beauty and fashion stars align.  I always have a bar of anti-bacterial soap in the shower for  certain parts, but I much prefer a body wash for the rest.

I recently ran out of whatever I was using and sought to replace it at CVS. Perusing the aisle, I felt very turned off by the offerings. Everyone of them seemed like they were bursting with petrochemicals.

I left empty handed.

Review: Viviscal Hair Filler Fibers

Viviscal Hair Filler Fibers
5 shades $24.99

I am a Beautystat.com member and reviewer.  If you are not familiar withBeautystat.com and enjoy reading and commenting on product reviews Beautystat   is a font of information, in fact, it is the leading beauty community on Facebook and the web.

Reviewers like me, are always encouraged to review products in an completely unbiased and honest manner, which I appreciate.

Though I am blessed with thick hair, I have started to notice a slight thinning in the front of my part.  Viviscal is a company primarily known for their hair care line which produces vitamin supplements, serum, shampoo and conditioner for thinning hair.  The product I asked to review is Viviscal Hair Filler Fibers.  It piqued my curiosity because I had never heard of anything else like it.

Created specifically for men and women with thinning hair,Viviscal Hair Filler Fibers contain, "mircroscopic electrostatically charged fibers which stick to hair and create a volumizing appearance".

I sometimes use a spritch of Gray Away, a temporary hair color spray intended to cover new hair growth at the roots on the front of my part.  It effectively covers the area that appears thinning only to me.

Review: c. Booth Coconut Fig 4-1 Body Lotion

c.Booth Coconut Fig 4-1 Body Lotion
32 oz. $9.99

"Why should faces get all the special treatments?"

Haven't I been asking the same question for years???

I'm so excited that fabulous, affordable anti-aging body products are finally becoming main-stay.

c. booth, apparently, is right on the same page, believing in, "equal rights below the chin."

Brava!!!

When I received information about  c. Booth's Coconut Fig Lotion,  infused with alpha hydroxy acid, apricot kernel and shea butter oils, 

vitamins, minerals and caffeine, I immediately asked to sample it.

Simple, natural, trusted.

Check out  the, "four fabulous benefits of this extremely busy lotion"

:

4-in-1

1. A potent combo of alpha hydroxy acids works tirelessly to ditch dead skin cells and even out skin tones so even sun-damaged areas look healthy and happy.
2. Sweet almond, apricot kernel and shea butter oils work in perfect harmony to hydrate needy skin.
3. Vitamins and minerals perform like superheroes, valiantly fighting off the dastardly deeds of the harsh environmental forces that threaten our skin.
4. Caffeine firms and tones less-than-taut skin, making it feel youthful, revitalized and wide awake.

I was unfamiliar with c. Booth as a brand, and was surprised and delighted to see it is a division of Freeman products, whose smartly priced body lotions and scrubs were an old fave.

I was amazed to receive a 32.oz bottle, knowing that the retail was only $9.99.  I couldn't wait to shower the next morning and try it....

The consistency is wonderful, gel like yet still creamy and fast absorbing.  My only glitch was the smell, which I found to be extremely overpowering.  I'm not sure what coconut and fig is supposed to smell like, but to me it smelled like Jungle Gardenia. I ended up blending it with St. Ives Naturally Smooth Body Lotion, which calmed the heady fragrance quite a bit, so it was tolerable and pleasant for me to continue using.

I checked out the raves on Ulta's website and apparently, I am very much in the minority;  213 people thought Coconut Fig 4-1 Lotion smells great.  I guess that makes me one of the 7 make that 8, who disagreed.  You, might just love it.

I went on Freeman Beauty's website and they do indeed have two other 4-1 Lotions- Lemon Sugar and Vanilla Cream.  I'd be happy to try either and will no doubt, in the future.

I was also intrigued by the Walnut Shell Body Scrub and Cleanser and the Rosemary Mint Shower Gel.

All in all, I think it is a real breakthrough to see quality products, that have a hint of spa like luxury wrapped up with top tier ingredients.

Who says, "faces should have all the special treatment"???

Certainly not the Diva...

xox

DD

You mig

Review: MicrodermMD by Trophy Skin

Microderm MD by Trophy Skin
At home Microdermabrasion system
$299 (and worth every penny)

I promised to follow up with my experience and a review of my Trophy Skin MicrodermMD home microdermabrasion system. I am not a handy Girl, and when I first received a large somewhat heavy package, I momentarily panicked. Was this going to be a complicated system and was I in over my head, before I even got started??? Big Gulp.

My fears were completely unfounded. MicrodermMD is rather compact and there is NOTHING complicated about it. I anticipated having to rev it up for a few hours before using it, but nope!

To my delight you plug it in, hit the power switch and you are good to go.

So what is MicrodermMd  all about? I think it's best if you read the description from Trophy Skin and then I will weigh in with my experience using it:

The MicrodermMD by Trophy Skin is a revolution in at-home skincare, for the first time offering a professional grade microdermabrasion device that can be used at home. The MicrodermMD offers a fast, gentle, and extremely effective microderm treatment delivered in the comfort of your own home.

Our device offers 5 power levels of exfoliation, so you can choose your comfort level and get the best possible skin exfoliating treatment depending on the area of the face or body you are treating. The MicrodermMD allows you to experience the same professional quality treatment offered by Salons, Spas, and Dermatologist offices in the comfort and convenience of your own home.

The MicrodermMD is a natural diamond tipped device that is 100% Crystal free, meaning there is no mess or cleanup time needed when using the device. You simple turn on the device and apply the diamond tipped exfoliating wand directly to the skin. A 5-10 minute treatment a few times per week is all that is needed to achieve glowing, radiant skin.

The MicrodermMD works by gently and powerfully exfoliating the top 3-5 layers of outer dermis, removing dead skin and the soon-to-be dead skin beneath. This causes the rebirth of collagen and elastin, giving the skin a smooth and glowing appearance. Over time, these home microdermabrasion treatments reduce the fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and brown spots on the face and body. Uneven skin tone and texture will gradually become smooth and uniform, just like getting a microderm at a professional Spa or Salon.

OK, I think it is helpful that I have had microdermabrasion treatments several times, because, like riding a bicycle, the technique and amount of pressure that was used came right back. Nonetheless, the instructions are simple to understand and follow. As instructed, I first cleansed my face.

I did start off on the lowest setting, but since my skin is thick and hearty, (not to mention use to quite a bit of beauty "handling"), I notched it up to the second highest setting, which for my skin, was not the least bit uncomfortable.

It felt identical to professional treatments I received (sans the painful one) and when I finished my entire face about 6 minutes later, I again cleansed and toned my face. If I had been going out, I would have used a moisturizer with SPF as directed.

Each kit comes with 100 filters that should be changed after each use and the diamond tip applicator should be cleaned with soap, water and the brush that is included.

My skin INSTANTLY looked brighter and smoother and and the morning, I woke up GLOWING.

MicrodermMD also comes with a special tip that is best used for extracting blackheads and oily sebum around the chin area. They recommend doing this on separate days, so I will be trying this on another night. It is also perfectly safe to use Microderm MD on your neck, decollete chest and other areas, so you know I will basically be doing my whole body!

Here is a link to Frequently Asked Questions about Trophy Skin's Microdermabrasion MD.

Just like the Clarisonic, perhaps even more so, this is truly a fabulous, quality product, that will pay for itself in two uses. You can look forward to diminished age spots, fine lines, a more even texture and glowing skin. I couldn't be more excited about a beauty product that I know is a proven anti-ager and I am thrilled I had a chance to share my experience with my readers.

xox,
DD

Review: Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser

8.99 Drugstrores Nationwide
12 oz.

These days, I  find myself flummoxed when I run out of product and I don't have any back up in my goodie closet.  Periodically, I do clean house and give my extras to friends and family, it's just unusual to come up completely empty handed.

Of course, there is always my full size sample stash to tackle and that is how I came upon Neutrogena's Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser.  It's a jewel!

First of all it smells delicious.  I never thought of myself as a person with a good sense of smell, but if a product smells off to me, it goes in the giveaway pile.
It's a also a foaming cleanser, which just feels like it's working harder and it paired incredibly well with my Clarisonic Mia.
It did indeed do a better job than my last cleanser;  the proof was on the still nearly pristine cotton ball after I used my Murad Hydrating Toner.

Developed with Dermatologist's, specifically for people with sensitive skin,Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser has been clinically proven to cleanse more effectively than Cetaphil.  It is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and contains no dyes, soaps or parabens.

This is my idea of fabulous "cheap and cheerful" drugstore find.  Truly, why pay more if you don't have to???

xox,
DD

Trophy Skin: Microderm MD Home Microdermabrasion System

When I received a Press Release about Trophy Skin Microderm MD Home Microdermabrasion System I was instantly intrigued...A HOME  Microdermabrasion system??? Clearly this was right up my alley.

I have done microdermabrasion many times over the years and I generally love how polished  and smooth my skin appears afterwards.  The best effects are achieved when done as a series and then maintained and then once or twice a year.

My worst experience was with a far too aggressive aesthetician, who insisted "discomfort" is perfectly normal.  Ok, it wasn't childbirth equivalent, but it wass painful and actually left a portion of my cheek abraded.  Bacitracin is not my idea of a beauty cream.  I was cranky.  Looking back that was last time I had a Microdermabrasion treatment, though my prior experiences were all excellent.


Naturally, I begged asked if I could receive Trophy Skin's Home Microdermabrasion System  to blog about.  Obviously, this is not a lipstick or a moisturizer, but an expensive product to ask to sample.  I was delighted that after some consideration, they agreed to let me try it, so I could share my experiences with you.

This going to be fun!  Stay tuned...

xox,
DD

A Beautiful Gift, Just for Me!

"FFF" by emavera 

Oh My Goodness!!!

I know that many of my loyal readers really appreciate my beauty reviews best, with my slightly snarky Red Carpet Reviews as a close second, but you have always known that fashion courses through my veins deeply.

When I first started posting my Polyvore sets, which is essentially my own fantasy closet, I know many of you were confused. When you started realizing that I was putting these collages together I believe you came to understand and appreciate them more, by the lovely feedback I have received about them.

What I also tried to express when I have written about Polyvore, is that I am part of an amazing community of equally fashion obsessed women of all ages, who hail from all over the globe.  They are not only talented, but incredibly warm, kind and giving. Can you envision the joy of making new friends from all over the world???

Imagine my complete delight to see this magnificent set created just for meby my friend Emavera, in honor of DivaDebbi's 5th Birthday as well as the launch of Forever Forty Four.

Emavera managed to also put in some of my favorite things: Designer Ralph Rucci, Paris, pink roses, Laduree macarons, great shoes, my dream closet and a clutch  and a bangle I would gladly add to my bulging collection.

Truly, I am overwhelmed and happy that my life is rich in so many areas.
If you didn't understand my obsession before, I hope this helps you to see why Polyvore is not just a place to make pretty pictures, but a true community of friends.

Lovely Emavera, I thank you for this gift, from the bottom of my heart!

xox,
DD