Dermaplaning: I finally went under the knife

Julie Pipilo's Dermaplaning Scalpel
DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!

Julie Pipilo owner of Skin NY
914 -213-5724

I don't know what took me so long to finally meet the fabulous Julie Pipilo, a skilled aesthetician, with over 30 years of experience.  Half the women in my book club are devotees of Julie's and have entrusted her to care for their skin for years.

Elegant and cozy, Skin NY is located in Rye at 269 Purchase Street. More than just a place for facials, Julie has created a comprehensive Beauty and Age Management Center. Every client is treated to her warm, knowing expertise, where customized treatments and long term skincare are discussed to help you reach your skincare goals. As part of Julie's total approach to health and beauty, she also has a team in place, that includes a nutritionist, acupuncturist, a dentist who does teeth whitening, a laser specialist and a Plastic Surgeon who does Botox and fillers.
You can read more about Skin NY here, as well as see a menu of services.

So what did Julie perform on me?  A dermaplaning session. What exactly is dermaplaning?  Dermaplaning is a safe and simple procedure that exfoliates the top layer of skin and "vellus" hair or peach fuzz.

Dermaplaning is not to be confused with dermabrasion, and outdated, aggressive medical procedure that often led to infections and scarring.  Dermaplaning is simply shaving the epidermis with a scalpel, abrading the skin with light, feathering strokes.

There is zero downtime and no adverse effects. It is frequently done in conjunction with facials and peels. Julie can help you determine what is best for you.  Every treatment ends with a firming cocktail of vitamins and collagen. When I got up and looked in the the mirror, I literally squealed with delight!

I swear, Julie removed 5 lbs of skin and 5 years in a half hour.  This is the best $105 you will ever spend. If you are worried about developing a 5:00 shadow, it is for naught. The only hair that will grow back is what was there before, neither thicker or darker.  Julie recommends having this treatment approximately every 5 weeks. It is perfect for people with dry skin, hyperpigmentation or fine lines and wrinkles.

In short, WoWza!

I was so impressed with Julie's boundless knowledge and skilled hands.  We bonded immediately.  I can tell she is as passionate and devoted to her clients as I am to mine, with ouronly agenda being how you can be your best self.

For those of you in NYC, Westchester or Ct. I highly recommend you consult with Julie. She is special and will help you look and feel that way too. If you are interested in dermaplaning, please make sure you find an experienced aesthetician, preferably through the referral of someone you know whose skin looks beautiful.

Here's to a younger looking you and the women like Julie who help us feel good about ourselves...

xox,
DD

Vichy Liftactiv Serum: Luscious Lashes Can Be Yours

$47

I used to have a really great memory for details of all kinds.  Nowadays something really has to resonate with me, like what I ate for breakfast for example, things just seem to fly out of my head.  A few months ago I remembered reading a tweet by my friend Jane Daly who writes the beauty blog The Daly Beauty.

Jane has a particular love of fragrance, old and new, but also covers her fair share of beauty products.  What stood out for me, was her tweet that after using Vichy Liftactiv Serum 10 for Eyes & Lashes her lashes were so lush she had stopped wearing mascara.
Come again??? Yes. That's right.  I tucked this choice tidbit away and never forgot it.

I happened to be in CVS last week, with a 20% off coupon already locked and loaded on to my Beauty Rewards card.  Vichy and La Roche Posay are two of the premium brands that CVS carries. Vichy was running a special as well; $10 off a $30 purchase.

The perfect storm.  I hadn't paid attention to the price, which for CVS and a tiny bottle, packs a fairly hefty price, but I did remember Jane and her lashes, so into my red basket it went.

After just one week of using Liftactive Serum twice a day, I could see my own lashes looking extra long and lush too

Monday I was in Sephora, and Carlos, one of their charming associates, stopped me to inquire about my lash routine.  I told him I have had some great results with Grande Lash MD over the last few months, but the icing was the results I was getting with Vichy Liftactive Serum.

Lashes without mascara using Vichy for one week

Lashes with mascara

Peak results are supposed to kick in after a month, but if  I can see a difference in just a week, I can't wait to see what another three will bring. This of course is not just a product for lashes,  It is also meant to brighten the eye area, reduce wrinkles and firm the skin around the eye. I'll take that on the plus side.

The key ingredient is, "Rhamnose", (though I have not clue one what that is), Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides and Illuminators. It is a highly concentrated product, so just one drop cover both eyes. It is both suitable for sensitive skin and Opthamologist tested.

Since I was one of the 1% minority who had red irritated eyes a good deal of the time when I useGrande Lash MD, I'm hoping to ween to just once or twice a week and fortify my lashes with  Liftactive Serum instead.

Anyway, here's to Jane and remembering all the important things, lush lashes being chief among them...

xox,
DD

Review: Beauty Keeper Back Sleeper Pillow

$79.99

"Over time, the "sleep wrinkles" caused by crushing you face, won't disappear once your awake".
Dr. Julia Tzu Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology, NYU School of Medicine. Marie Claire, March 2014

My own sleep creases yesterday, without the Beauty Keeper Back Sleeper

I believe you.  That is why when I heard from the creator of the the Beauty Keeper Back Sleeper offering to send me one of their back sleeping pillow to write about, I gratefully accepted.

I'm a burrower, particularly on cold nights and a side sleeper and with all I do during waking hours to keep wrinkles at bay, it seems silly to undo it all while I sleep.

Here's the challenge; old habits die hard. I'm a week or two into my trial and I have only made it through the night once.  On the plus side, my back and neck felt great and my chest and face were indeed creaseless.

I want to keep at it...I need to keep at it.

Here are some more details about the Beauty Keeper Back Sleeper:

The Beautiful Benefits of Sleeping on Your Back:

• Balances out your body weight, keeping your internal organs aligned, preventing neck & back pain.
• Helps prevent cleavage wrinkles on the chest and sleep-lines on the face while relieving pressure on existing wrinkles.
• Beauty products have a chance to penetrate the skin and deliver maximum results without rubbing off on the pillow.
• Prevents oils and dirt from your hair and scalp from coming in contact with your facial skin, clogging pores and causing acne.
• Keeps breast skin from stretching and causing sagging.
• Provides support for healing after surgeries that require back sleep during recovery.
• Helps keep the sinuses clear by preventing compression.

Makes sense, don't you think?  With all we spend on lotions and potions with the hopes of minimizing wrinkles, $79.99 may be more of a sound beauty investment than the priciest of night creams.

I have read reviews from satisfied customers who have managed to break free of their old side and stomach sleeping patterns.  It takes a little time and a lot of tenacity.

I've got both...what about you?

xox,
DD

We Have a Winner!

Congratulations to my lovely friend Lisa, who is a partner in Elizabeth Daniel NY, a company that manufactures fantastic cotton stretch blouses that fit  and layer like a dream.  (They also pack pack perfectly.  I never travel without one or two.) On trend for Spring 2014, collared shirts are having a moment, so do check out their fab collection.

Lisa has won my giveaway of Trophy Skin Rejuvaderm MD at home microdermabrasion system! Winners were selected randomly from comments left on both my blogs DivaDebbi and Forever Forty Four, (sorry Sis. Six years in and your still empty handed.  I was rooting for you though.)

It's such a fantastic product.  Originally, I was sent their first system, which is larger, not portable and more expensive. I have used it weekly for nearly a year from head to toe, with fabulous results.

Their new product, Rejuvaderm MD, which Lisa has won, thanks to my generous friends at Trophy Skin is even better, with a diamond tip head for the body and a smaller one for areas like the eye and mouth.  Nicely, it's also priced brilliantly at $199.

I recommend this to absolutely everyone, and at this more affordable price, I urge you to treat yourself to the number one tool in my anti-aging arsenal.

Congrats again Lisa, and thank you to all who participated.  Maybe next time it will be you Sis...

xox,
DD

Mea Culpa: My mistake is your gain

Whoops!!! I forgot to put an end date on my Trophy Skin Rejuvaderm Home Microdermabrasion System giveaway!!!

(http://divadebbi.blogspot.com/2014/02/rejuvaderm-home-microdermabrasion.html

My bad!

To make up for it, I will run the contest for one more day with the contest closing on Friday 21st at 10:00 PM EST.

It's a $199 value and I swear by it, for diminishing fine lines and age spots from head to toe.

Hop to it!

xo
DD

Rejuvaderm Home Microdermabrasion Review and Giveaway Contest!!!

Trophy Skin's New, portable and less expensive at home Microdermabrasion system
$199

And did I mention improved???  And that I'm giving one away???  Read on!

I first received a Trophy Skin MD Home Microdermabrasion System to try in March of 2013.  I'm not a handy dandy Girl, by any stretch, so I was a bit concerned that I would either not be able to operate it, or would remove half my face...Unfounded on both counts.

It was easy to operate, left my skin glowing, diminished fine lines over time and me being me, lightened every freckle and age spot on my body, since I couldn't resist going south.  LOVED LOVED LOVED it and still do.  I have used it weekly since the day I received it with fantastic results.  The only stumbling block for everyone I have raved about it to was the $300 cost. I also included it in my DivaDebbi Best of Skincare 2013 roundup.  It's a winner.

Is it worth it?  To me, unequivocally yes!  We are wear our face and bodies every day.  How many times a year do you wear that blouse, blazer or dress you picked up for just that price or more? As well, if you like the effect of microdermabrasion, one purchase handily covers 3 professional sessions, (which undoubtedly they will also recommend adding a facial or peel with; translation? beau coup bucks.)

So, who knew they could improve upon perfection, but yes, Trophy Skin did, by creatingRejuvaderm MD, a portable system, that also included additional tools, including a larger one for, (yay!),  the body.  In addition to the tool for blackhead extraction in the original, there is also a narrow diamond tip that is perfect for gently working around the eye and lip area and a tool to increase hydration with a serum after your treatment. (They sent me their own Argan Stem Cell Serum $39.  Oh the glow!!! I am mad for it, though I have not yet gotten the hang of how best to use that particular tool. It is one I will definitely be buying on my own.)

Best of all it is completely packable an portable and they lowered the price by $100. So, here's the amazing part.  My friends at Trophy Skin are letting me do a contest giveaway, by far, the best one I have ever had to offer my loyal DivaDebbi readers.

So how can you enter to win your own Rejuvaderm MD?


Simple.  Two things please. 1) Leave me a comment on this blog telling me why you would like to try it with an email address to contact you if you win.  Vote for me to win a trip to Paris Fashion Week and leave me on comment on my entry page, (Debbi NY/CT.) wishing me Bon Voyage at the link below once a day until February 14th:

http://bit.ly/1ishw8O

One good turn deserves another, donchathink???

xox,
DD

Voluma XC- The New Fountain of Youth

 

Back in September, my interest was peaked when I read a NY Times article declaring "the cheek" as newest area of interest to recreate a youthful appearance. "Baby Faces", it seems, are having a moment...The Daily Mail UK also picked up on the story.

The problem? Mid-Volume Face Loss... 

Who knew?

Here is an excerpt from the NY Times article explaining, "The Triangle of Youth":

"In a young face, the widest part is at the cheeks", dermatologist Dr Marina I Peredo explained to the New York Times.

+5

New trend: Dermatologist Dr Marina I Peredo says cheek fillers are becoming increasingly popular

"But as we age, the cheeks deflate and excess skin falls toward the jawline. . . That makes the triangle flip upside down so that the widest part of the face is now at the jawline."

Enter Juvederm VolumaXC:

When this article came out, Juvederm XC was still pending FDA approval in the U.S. It had already been one of the most popular injectible fillers in Europe and Canada, over the past 5 years.

A few short months later, it was on our shores and patient curiosity was already at a fever pitch.

I immediately called Tami Healy at The NY Group for Plastic Surgery for the 411 when this article came out. They were  awaiting it for patient use and were already training to inject it.  

Juvederm Voluma XC is the only FDA-approved filler for adding volume to the cheeks. Similar to the original Juvederm formula, Juvederm Voluma XC is a hyaluronic acid filler that restores volume to sagging skin on the face. Results are visible almost immediately and do not require surgery.

What are the advantages of Juvederm Voluma XC?

• First and only FDA-approved treatment for adding volume to the cheeks
• Lasts up to 2 years with optimal treatment
• Little to no discomfort during treatment
• Non-surgical, minimally invasive injection
• Patients can return to normal activities immediately after treatment

How do Juvederm and Juvederm Voluma XC differ? 

Juvederm focuses on moderate to severe wrinkles around the nose and mouth. Juvederm Voluma XC, in contrast, targets sunken or sagging skin on the cheeks. Adding volume to this area can result in smoother, tighter skin and a more youthful facial contour. 

Before and After with Juvaderm Voluma XC
Looking Good!!!

I checked back in today with Tami, She and the Drs. are now injecting about 5 patients per week with Voluma XC, achieving excellent, immediate results, with a just a single treatment. Because it contains lidocaine, there is minimal discomfort.

Dr. Andrew Salzberg added, "patients are leaving happy and refreshed looking.  We expect this number to continue to grow, as more women become aware of this new tool in our anti-aging arsenal". "We are also now doing the Lazer Lift, a new procedure that lifts and tightens the lower face and neck without scalpels, stitches or scars and can be performed with just local anesthesia". "We are very excited to be able to offer this minimally invasive procedure to our patients".

Like some of the overly Botoxed, in Hollywood and other upper income enclaves, I fear we may be in for a phase of women resembling chipmunks with nut stuffed cheeks:

A youthful and natural Brandi Glanville

Brandi today...intervention anyone???

It may also be a Godsend to super skinnies with -0% bodyfat, who will no longer have to fear the old adage, "at some point, a woman must choose between her face and her *ss".

Madonna

Because Voluma XC can last for up to two years, I strongly recommend doing this minimally invasive procedure with a well trained Plastic Surgeon, Physician's Assistant or Dermatologist. It may not be surgery, but it still requires expertise to create a natural increase in volume, proportionate to the face.

The trend toward less invasive anti-aging beauty solutions continues.  As always, I trust and recommend my team at The New York Group for Plastic Surgery, who not only perform beautiful breast reconstruction but all areas of the face and body with care and great skill.  My readers will always enjoy the DivaDebbi discount; 15% off your for procedure, if you mention it when you book your appointment.

Here's to a beautiful, youthful, natural looking you...

xox,
DD

Review: Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Powder

Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Powder (L) and Loose Powder (R)
$34

"See the pretty girl in the mirror there...who can that attractive girl be"???...
Maria, West Side Story
DivaDebbi, stunned Nars Reflecting Pressed Powder  user

On Friday, I blogged about Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer, my new 'HG'concealer that covered any hint of darkness under my eyes while whisking 5 years off my face.

While I was at Sephora, I asked for a clean brush to try Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Powder.  I find loose powders to be too messy for my liking, so even though it looked luxuriously finely milled, I opted for the (very) hard pressed powder instead.  Besides, wouldn't it be nice to be able to travel with it in my handbag?
I didn't pay much attention to the look of it in Sephora, but my skin instantly felt refreshed. Many hours later, when I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I couldn't believe how flawless both my skin and makeup looked.

I was excited to use my new concealer this morning, but suspected that I grabbed the wrong shade by mistake..."ginger" just sounded darker than something I would have selected, though the color wasn't obviously deep hued.

I decided to leave it in pristine, unused condition and headed back today to see if I had indeed chosen the wrong shade. (I did. I am apparently a perfect "biscuit".)
While I was there, I had to give Nars Reflecting Pressed Powder another whirl.

It is so hard pressed, there is NO VISIBLE product on the brush.  That doesn't mean, however, that it will not be present on your skin...even if you can't see it there either.

What you will see is visibly blurred imperfections and flawlessly radiant skin.WOWZA!

You do know I love to read reviews, particularly when I am at the extreme end of loving and hating a product.  Makeupalley, an online website strictly devoted to members experiences, gave it a spectacular rave of 4.5 out of 5 Lipsticks.  That, is a rarity, particularly for a prestige brand that some consider very expensive, often a detriment in ratings.

Sephora had many 5 star reviews, but some complained that zero product is on the brush or the skin...I disagree.  I do agree that that the flimsy, thin, sponge square applicator is nothing to write home about, but I loved Nars sleek packaging, and the smart, fold over final pouch will keep it pristine in my handbag. (Some exchanged their pressed powder for the loose version and were then thrilled with the results.)

For those of you who like the "dets", here they are:

What it is:
A weightless, translucent powder for all skintones that creates a soft matte finish that looks luminous in any light. 

What it does:
This setting powder enhances the look of foundation without a trace of color, extending makeup wear thanks to the NARS exclusive Light Reflecting Complex™, which optimizes light-reflection on the skin. Its silky powder is infused with Photochromic Technology, which diffuses light and adjusts to new sources of light throughout the day. Soft, silky and luxurious to the touch and undetectable on the skin, this weightless formula applies evenly and blends effortlessly. One of the best parts? Fine lines, wrinkles, and pores optically fade as skin is visibly smoothed. Additionally, revolutionary microfine mineral powders are loaded with glycerin and antioxidant vitamin E to help guard against dryness and keep skin comfortable all day. Ideal for touch-ups, it helps regulate shine throughout the day and seamlessly sets foundation. This product is paraben- and fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. 

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens 

What else you need to know:
NARS Light Reflecting Complex utilizes a blend of pure ingredients that work in synergy to transform light like a prism. Light-active micro-prisms are combined with algae extract and Polynesian seawater to optimize light reflection on the skin.

Research results:
In final clinical test results:
- 84% agree that the product was non-drying
- 72% agree that the product blurred enlarged pores
- 72% agree that the product blurred fine lines and wrinkles
- 94% agree the product smoothes out skin’s appearance
- 91% agree that the product absorbs excess oil
- 81% agree that the product sets the foundation
- 75% agree that the product helps the foundation and other makeup to stay put all day

Nars, it seems is on a roll, with me anyway.  Both Radiant Creamy Concealer and Light Reflecting Powder are my new on my Holy Graillist.  What could possible be next???

Dressed to Kill Satin Lipstick. A new formula and a spectacularly pretty, luminous rose. Why not make it a trio?

xox,
DD

Holy Grail Alert: Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer
10 Shades $28

Want to look younger and rested???  Is there anyone among us who silently answered no???  Read on!

Wowza!  A product that not only lives up to it's hype, it surpasses it!  I have been reading excellent reviews and following all the buzz about Nars Cosmetics new Radiant Creamy Concealer, which launched this month.

Let's start with the fact that it bills itself as, "crease proof"...really???  I'll take two. That's one claim I have never heard associated with an under eye concealer.

I tried  Radiant Creamy Concealer at Sephora last week, and was amazed that it instantly covered my under eye circles. Not a hint of darkness and I was looking tired that day.  Unfortunately, they were out of the color I needed. Despite some gentle prodding, I knew that this shade was too light and pink for me and I could not be persuaded to buy it.

I did however, get to see how well it wore that day, also living up to its "long wearing" promise.

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