Paula's Choice

Well, it has been quite awhile since I have posted anything on this blog site! Just thought I would update where I am at with all this crazy anti-aging process.  A few months ago I was browsing the web, again, for a great skin product.  I came across this website paulaschoice.com.  Paula Begoun is the "Cosmetics Cop" who has a panel of people who rate skin care products on a scale of Best, Good, Average and Poor.  I got quite excited about this site and obviously looked up all my current skin products.  Some were in the Best category, which made me so happy, and then some not so good.  I have since purchased a few of Paula's products and am quite happy with the results!! I am currently using Paula's Choice Resist Ultra Light Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum, with a ROC Multi Correxion 4-Zone Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30 as my day routine.  In the evening, I am using Paula's Choice Resist Daily Smoothing Treatment with 5% AHA, and Paula's Choice Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum as my nightly routine.  I have to say, my skin looks pretty great! No breakouts, no increase in wrinkles, no new sunspots, and I get complements on how great my skin looks!! Even my esthetician said my skin looks amazing!!!  I am so happy with what I am seeing that I pretty much tell everyone who will listen about this amazing website.  I have no connection to Paulaschoice.com or Paula Begoun, so I promise I am not just trying to promote her products. :) I plan to continue to use her products, especially in the Resist line, to see where they take my skin.  I did purchase the Resist Skin Revealing Body Lotion with 10% AHA as well, but haven't noticed anything different in my skin while using this product. Very excited!!

Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Kit

I purchased this kit from Sephora as a value set.  It is a $68 kit but contains $138 worth of product.  This kit comes with an Un-Wrinkle serum, night cream, peel pads and a cute little pink lip gloss.  I really like this kit! The Un-Wrinkle serum is formulated with Argireline which is a product that is supposed to relax the skin, sort of like Botox, to smooth wrinkles. The night cream contains Retinol, which we all know is great for wrinkles.  The peel pads are formulated with exfoliators and amino acids to help remove dead skin and create cell turnover. The pink lip gloss has anti-aging properties as well and looks great!!!
The products are smaller in size and lasted me about a month.  I enjoyed the peel pads as they made my skin feel super soft and had a tingly feeling, which made me feel like they were working. I didn't notice a huge difference in my skin, other than I had fewer to no breakouts and it did make my skin feel soft.  So, still have my wrinkles, but they are still the same, not worse.  So I would say this product works great as a preventative and helps smooth the skin. I may purchase the Un-Wrinkle serum in the full size to use again as I have read many reviews on Argireline and would like to give this one another shot.

Jurlique

Okay, now that my Strivectin chapter is closed, I decided to move on to a product by Jurlique. I received a blog about how the algae in some Jurlique products is supposed to be just as good or similar to Retinol, minus the irritation.  So, I decided to give it a shot and I purchased the Purely Age-Defying Facial Serum. I have just started using this product today, so no results to post yet, but the product is light and has little to no smell.  The product was $75.00, purchased at Sephora.  On Sephora's website, it states that the active ingredient is Blue Algae, "Blue Algae Extract: Helps firm skin like a natural retinoid without any of the irritation or sensitivity usually associated with retinols; this pure, additive-free active naturally boosts elasticity." I am very intrigued and will post my results in a few weeks, or as soon as I see change. 


Update: I have been using this product for awhile now, and I have not seen any significant change in my skin tone or wrinkles.  It is good to use as just a moisturizer if you have oily skin.  I would like to try another product from this brand though and see how it does. 

DDF Sulfur Therapeutic Mask

Zits. Just the word makes me cringe.  The words pimple or blemish are not much better, or maybe they are worse!  I mean, the word blemish according to Websters Dictionary states, " A mark or flaw that spoils the appearance of something (especially on a person's body); "a facial blemish"".  Now, that is just appealing, especially when a blemish is difficult to conceal and may as well scream, "Look at me!". 
Alas, emerging from my teenage years and into my 20's and now 30's has not stopped the zits, pimples and blemishes from appearing. So, looking for a product that doesn't dry my skin out, bleach my pillow cases or is showcased in commercials by teenagers, I found this lovely "grown up" product by DDF.  It is a sulfur mask that contains 10% sulfur. It is meant to be used once a week and is left on the skin for 5-10 minutes. The product can be used on the face, neck or back. I used this product for the first time last night on my lovely array of blemishes on my forehead. This morning, they are still there, but do look noticeably smaller!!  I plan on using this once a week, as directed, and will post back my results next week after my second treatment. 

UPDATE!
So, it has been a few days since my first treatment and my blemishes continue to get better. Last night I was feeling frisky, so I put a dab of the mask on each of my blemishes and went to sleep.  This morning they are smaller, less red and almost gone!!!  I am still going to follow the recommended treatment, but had to let everyone in on this little delightful tidbit!!!  

Tanda Anti-Aging Light Therapy Treatment

So, for Christmas, I asked for the Tanda hand held red LED light system. This system is used to treat fine lines, wrinkles, improve skin texture, color and tone. I, being the anti-aging queen that my husband knows and loves, received this from him for Christmas. We opened gifts last night, so I used the Tanda with the red LED light last night for the first time. It was painless, easy and I have to say, I felt a bit silly. But, if the reviews are correct with the "healing powers" of LED light, I am going to give it a shot!!! I will post my review and results in a few weeks, or as soon as I see any changes. Wish me luck!!!

Update: I used this product for a few weeks, but saw no change in my skin.  It was a soothing experience though, since I would use it before bed.  It has a nice warm feel to it and was easy to use.  I would use this at night while reading a book before bed. I was supposed to wear the protective eye wear while using this, but I didn't unless I was close to my eyes.  I read great reviews on this and maybe it would have been better if I had used it longer.  I really wanted this to work for me!

Strivectin SD

Okay, so here I go off on another anti-wrinkle face moisturizer journey. I bought a travel size of the Strivectin SD which came with an eye cream and a deep wrinkle serum. I used it for the first time this morning, so obviously no results yet, but I will post my results in a few weeks!!

UPDATE: I have been using the product for awhile now, and still no reduction in my wrinkles.  But, my skin does have a nice glow to it and looks much better from the gray sallow look I had before.  So, thus far, this is my favorite skin cream because unlike the other products, I have actually seen a difference in my skin. Not the wrinkles, but in the skin tone. I am going to continue to use this product until I run out.

UPDATE: Okay, I have been officially using Strivectin for 2 months now and sadly, no change in my wrinkles or fine lines.  My skin still has a nice glow. I am starting a new product today, so this will close the chapter on Strivectin. I still have the eye cream, and plan to finish the tube, but no change in my dark circles or wrinkles. Hope this review helps!

Silk'n SensEpil

Okay, so who likes shaving? Anyone? That is what I thought. I went out on a limb and purchased the Silk'n SensEpil, which is an at home IPL type hair removal system. It was spendy, $500, plus extra light cartridges cost $50, but if it does what it is supposed to, it is WELL worth the money. I just did my first treatment, and it was very similar to the IPL treatments you get at a fancy Spa. Professional IPL treatments can run you about $500 for just one treatment on your lower legs and bikini line. Some places even charge you more. So, I will update in a few weeks the results of the Silk'n. You are supposed to do the treatments every two weeks for 3 months or so, depending on the hair growth. To be continued.......

December 1st RESULTS: Okay, so I have not been using this regularly, but I have noticed some great results! I used this on my arm and when the hair grew back, I could actually see where I had used the device because, well, there was no hair growth. So I went back to "fill in the blanks". I have been using this on my armpits and bikini line as well and have noticed the hair growing in finer and MUCH softer. It is nice not to feel harsh stubble. On top of this, I did purchase an extra light cartridge just in case mine runs out, but so far it is still going strong and I have used this at least 5 times on my bikini line, armpits and arms. I will continue to use this system!!

Quercetin & Oak Antiwrinkle Night Cream

I am currently trying out a new night cream by Korres. According to Sephora, it is supposed to dramatically reduce skin wrinkles and improve skin texture. Also, it received 4.5 out of 5 stars from 64 customer reviews. It has a nice texture, not too thick or greasy. It kind of smells like Play-Doh to me, but the smell goes away after you apply. I will update my findings in a few weeks after the product has had a chance to work it's magic. Stay tuned!!!

UPDATE: I have noticed that my skin does look better!! Not perfect, but it does look much smoother lately! I am going to continue to use to see how much better it gets.

A Word About Hair

A word about my hair. So, I have had quite a few good comments on the texture of my hair. Yes, this may sound like I am bragging, but I am going to let out some of my tips and tricks. First, I use a great shampoo called Euphora. Yes, it is QUITE expensive, but it ROCKS. I have to switch it up every few weeks, I try and switch between Suave Vibrant Shine shampoo and Euphora to even out the cost. The Suave is of the "professional" line, whatever that means. Surprisingly, it makes my hair shiny and soft. Second, I always use a hair polish serum when my hair is still wet. I wait until it is just starting to dry and then I use a few drops. I especially do this before I use my hair dryer. I also try and not bleach my hair, only use color when necessary, and I let my hairdresser clue me in when the "necessary" is. So, in a nutshell, pretty brainless really. I am lucky enough to have great hair genes, so that is on my side. But a good shampoo and conditioner makes all the difference!!

CO Bigelow Mentha Lip Tint

I purchased a lip gloss from Bath and Body Works and fell in LOVE!! It come in a few shades, has a minty taste and a great shine! I end up licking it off usually since it tastes so yummy and have to reapply all the time, but did I mention it tastes yummy? It claims to help freshen breath, but I can't see this really working unless you put it in your mouth, and lip gloss generally goes on your lips.....
Anyway, totally recommend this product!!! Yes, it does have petrolatum in it, which some people don't like, but nobody is perfect.

Bliss Sleeping Peel Serum

Okay, I am not sure if this is even a product that is on the market anymore, or the name may have been changed. Regardless, this product is used after you wash your face at night and before you put on your night moisturizer. This product makes your skin feel tight, which I think it is supposed to, and is supposed to be a collegen boosting, pore reduction, toner and brightening serum. I have been using this product for quite some time and haven't seen any major change. I am going to continue to use it, as it can't hurt and I want to get what I paid for. If for some reason something changes, I will let you know!!!

Boscia Normal to Oily Kit

I was going on vacation and wanted to bring along travel sized skin care. So, I went to Sephora.com and purchased the Boscia travel kit for $45. It came with a cleanser, toner, daily moisturizer, night moisture and a pack of blotting linens. I like this kit!!! It was perfect for traveling, the skin cleanser was fantastic and being in Mexico, the blotting linens came in handy! My trip was for 10 days and I used all of the cleanser and had enough day and night cream to take home. I didn't use all the toner either, but I am not a big toner person. I just don't see the point. No, I didn't see major transformation in my skin and this is not the miracle potion I am searching for, but I did enjoy using this and would recommend it to a friend.

REN Vita-Mineral Radiant Day Cream

This product is a face cream. It is light, has a nice rose water smell (not too strong) and makes my skin feel nice. This product is of the natural variety, so it doesn't have any of the extra fillers. I like this moisturizer. It moisturizes. That is about it. Yes, I am looking for the ultimate product, you know, the one that makes your skin sing and your friends say, " Wow, you look fabulous!". This is not that product, at least not for me. It states that it is formulated to leave skin looking beautifully healthy, engergised, radiant, smooth and hydrated. I just found it to be a decent moisturizer, but I could spend much less and get a good moisturizer at Target. On the the next product.....

Perricone MD Advanced Eye Area Therapy

So, it was my birthday. I splurged. I went to Sephora, asked an employee which eye cream was the top of the line. She suggested Perricone MD Advanced Eye Area Therapy. $95 dollars later, I bought it. It comes in a 0.5oz bottle. The product feels nice, light and not greasy. I dove right in and started using the product that day. After 8 weeks, I did not notice any change in my wrinkles or under eye circles. I was deflated. I was hoping for something to change, but alas, nothing. It is a good moisturizer and I don't see any more wrinkling or darker circles, so maybe it is good at maintaining. But, I am looking for improvement. So, moving on to the next product.

Gypsy Cold Care

Yes, I have a cold. So, this time I thought I would try something different. I have been looking at the Traditional Medicinals teas for quite some time and now that I have a cold, what better time than now! So, the tea that I bought is the Gypsy Cold Care product. It has a nice flavor, slight bit of peppermint taste. I can't say that I have actually found this tea to make a difference in my cold, but I am just about finished with the whole box and have been only using this for three days. So, even if the herbs are not helping, I am enjoying the flavor and it does feel good to drink something hot. Hoping tonight I can get a good nights sleep sans coughing, but I am not getting my hopes up. Well, off to bed!!!