Do you feel like your skin has lost some of its luster?
Cold weather, poor diet, high stress levels, lack of sleep- all of these things can affect the way your skin behaves. Thankfully, there are some some awesome beauty products that can help you get that gorgeous, radiant complexion.
And speaking of stress levels, what did you think of Sunday’s episode of TWD? Are you a fan? I was on my knees, crying, cheering, screaming (pretty sure my husband is now certain that I’m out of my mind) and I still don’t know how to deal with all the feels.
Right…. now let’s talk about some of these skin-transforming gems.
DR. DENNIS GROSS ALPHA BETA PEEL
Scrubs, like a lot of things in the skincare world, do have their limits: they only treat the top layer of skin and unfortunately, most of the trouble-making build-up cells are way beyond their reach. Chemical exfoliants, on the other hand, dissolve the bonds and intercellular cement between skin cells, allowing it to ease away. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs i.e. glycolic acid) and Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA- salicylic acid) are chemical exfoliants that are most commonly used in skincare. Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel (Extra Strength version) is one of my favorite skincare products, of all time. Clogged pores, dull tone, hormonal breakouts and most importantly, acne scarring, are only few of the things that this product has helped me with. Immediately after the application my skin feels incredibly soft and smooth and I can just feel my other skincare products absorb a lot deeper into my skin. Even though I use the “extra strength” version, I have never experienced any discomfort after using this peel.Being an amazing product that this is, it’s quite pricey. There is a great drugstore alternative for these, although not as intense: St. Ives Exfoliating Pads with a natural AHA complex. Sadly, these have been discontinued (seriously, why does this happen to so many wonderful products? I don’t get it.) but I’ve stocked up on these and you can still find them on Amazon right here.
PAULA’S CHOICE RESIST PURE RADIANCE SKIN BRIGHTENING TREATMENT
Formulated with proprietary complex of proven vitamin- and plant-based ingredients that fade brown spots and refine skin tone this brightening treatment will give your skin radiant and youthful appearance. This product leaves your skin feel extremely smooth and you will notice it look brighter immediately after use. I love that it’s fragrance-free and doesn’t irritate my skin.
FREEMAN ILLUMINATING FACIAL SERUM WITH EVENING PRIMROSE
This is another great option if you’re on a budget. It’s hydrating and smoothing at the same time and leaves your skin looking healthy and dewy. Formulated with Orange Blossom it also helps to brighten age spots and post-acne hyper-pigmentation.
BOBBI BROWN RADIANCE BOOST MASQUE
This is a new product from Bobbi Brown and I fell in love with it right after first use. It’s great for when you need something that’s a bit of a quick-fix- it’s brightening and exfoliating. It’s an instant boost for glowing skin it gently smoothes, re-texturizes and softens skin to reveal a more even, fresh-faced glow. It’s formulated with absorbent Kaolin Clay and moisturizing Algae Extract and Sodium Hyaluronate that reduces excess oil while balancing skin’s moisture levels. A light, energizing touch of Orange Oil is an extra wakeup call for tired, dull skin and it has a that fresh, energizing orange scent. I also love that this mask works in 2-5 minutes, which is perfect for someone like me who can get a little impatient when it comes to face masks. Serums and moisturizers apply like a dream after this!
REN FLASH RINSE 1 MINUTE FACIAL
This is is an express treatment that is formulated with water-activated Vitamin C that reduces small skin imperfections and turns dull-looking skin to a bright, toned and smooth complexion. I love that this works quickly and brings such great, instant results. If you have sensitive skin though, I’d either stay away or do a patch test- this product does make your skin *tingle* and might cause slight discomfort. Love using this stuff on my face, but avoid using it on my neck as recommended, because that’s where my skin is very delicate and sensitive.
STUDIO 35 AHA CREAM
Having an acne-prone skin means that I have to deal with post-acne hyper-pigmentation and AHA products seem to work the best for me when it comes to fading those. One of my all-time favorite AHA moisturizers is Acne.org AHA which contains 10% Glycolic Acid but Studio 35 AHA Cream is probably one of the best budget-friendly products I’ve ever come across- you can find it at Walrgreens for about $10.00. It contains 8% Glycolic Acid. It’s a thick cream that absorbs quickly into the skin. I apply a thick layer every other night and always wake up with my skin looking bright and feeling supple. On days when my skin feels extremely dry, I top this off with a very thin layer of vaseline at night and wake up to bright, glowing skin.
NEOCELL GLOW MATRIX*
The only skin supplement that I’ve been taking religiously for years now is Omega 3, but for the last couple of weeks I’ve also been taking these Glow Matrix* supplements and I love them. Ingredients include: Vitamin A as blend of Palmitate Beta Carotene (5000 IU, 100%), Vitamin C as blend of Amla Extract Ascorbic Acid (60 mg, 100%), Vitamin D3 as Cholecalciferol (1000 IU, 250%), Vitamin E as mixed tocopherols (60 IU, 200%), Vitamin K2 MK7 (200 mcg, 250%), Vitamin B2 as riboflavin 5phosphate (25 mg, 1471%), Vitamin B6 as Pyridoxal 5Phosphate (10 mg, 500%), Selenium as Selenomethione (50 mcg, 71%), Glow Matrix Blend (689 mg), Coconut Water (500 mg), Hyaluronic Acid (100 mg). I noticed that after about two weeks of use my skin started to feel hydrated, plump and looks brighter.
In addition to good skincare, you also have to pay attention to your diet if you’re after that gorgeous, radiant skin. Avoid sugared drinks (soda, juices) stick to water and make sure that your diet is rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acids.
*PR sample/gifted item
46 Comments
Cheryl Woodman
February 16, 2016 at 9:02 amI love niacinamide for brightening your skin! The fancy chemistry way of saying vitamin B3… [it doesn’t stop at brightening, it does so much more and there is a LOAD of science backing up its greatness for skin!]. The Paula’s choice skin brightening treatment has a good dose of it… it’ll be an anti-aging active at the amount it’s at in that pick! :D
http://www.honestyforyourskin.co.uk
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
February 22, 2016 at 4:07 pmLove that treatment for PC’s!
Ashley
February 16, 2016 at 11:17 amI haven’t tried any Bobbi Brown skin care products, only their makeup, but definitely going to give it a go <3
Ashley
http://www.ashleyelizabethbeauty.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
February 22, 2016 at 4:07 pmI love their eye creams, too!
Jodie
February 16, 2016 at 11:29 amI don’t think my skin has ever been anything other than lacklustre. I love the sound of the Bobbi Brown mask, I didn’t even really know they did skincare items! x
Jodie // Jodie Loue
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
February 22, 2016 at 4:07 pmOh they do, they masks are new though.
Amanda Elizabeth
February 16, 2016 at 12:17 pmI have been looking for a good skin supplement, I definitely need to check that one out!
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
February 22, 2016 at 4:06 pmIt’s pretty awesome!
Ela BellaWorld
February 16, 2016 at 2:12 pmI used to be a fan of TWD, and not I hardly watch it, now you got me curious! I have never taken supplement for skincare, do they really make a significant difference?
Ela BellaWorld
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
February 22, 2016 at 4:05 pmOhh TWD is SO good ;D :D They really do. I healed my cystic acne just by taking Omega 3 supplements. Whenever I run out and don’t take them for a few days, it shows on my skin immediately.
Becky Hughff
February 16, 2016 at 4:34 pmGreat suggestions – a lot of brands I haven’t heard of and will need to check out now!
http://www.ohsobecky.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
February 22, 2016 at 4:04 pmThanks Becky.
Yized
February 16, 2016 at 6:45 pmI haven’t heard about most of these products, but the Bobbi Brown masque is something I really want to try! Thanks for sharing these! Very informative post. :)
http://www.novojun.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
February 22, 2016 at 4:04 pm;)
The Sunday Mode
February 16, 2016 at 6:47 pmI’ve just bought myself the Dr Dennis Gross peel in the extra strength version and I’m really excited to test it out. When I was buying it the assistant kept trying to convince me to buy the regular version, but I stuck to my guns because I remember so many people saying the extra strength version is actually a whole lot better.
http://www.thesundaymode.blogspot.com.au
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
February 22, 2016 at 4:03 pmI’ve never tried the regular version so I wouldn’t know. I always went for the extra strength :)
Caked To The Nines
February 16, 2016 at 8:10 pmI’m saving this post for sure because I’m always on the hunt for new skincare products. You’re definitely being an enabler right now :p but I’m 100% okay with that ;)
xx
Nida | Caked To The Nines
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
February 18, 2016 at 6:32 pmHaha :D Time for payback! Some of my purchases were influenced by your posts, too!
MargaritaChi.co
February 16, 2016 at 8:12 pmI need all of these so badly Paula – my skin has been so dull at the moment. Thanks for sharing! The Glow Matrix supplements seem to be totally up my alley since I get really slack with treatments but I am pretty good with supplements (I also have super sensitive skin so sometimes treatments just irritate me).
Margarita Chi | MARGARITACHI.CO
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
February 18, 2016 at 6:31 pmOhh then how come you always look so flawless? :) I’m definitely more likely to reach for supplements too- no need to wait for those to dry haha ;) But I do love a good mask, too. :)
Rachel Shuchat
February 16, 2016 at 10:07 pmThat Bobbi Brown mask sounds amazing, my skin does well with illuminating and exfoliating, I’ll need to check it out!
RachelShuchatMakeup
Kate @ Green Fashionista
February 16, 2016 at 10:14 pmAwesome round up! Definitely pinning this post, I’m super intrigued by the Bobbi Brown Boost Mask <3
Green Fashionista
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
February 18, 2016 at 6:30 pmThanks Kate!
Linda Libra Loca
February 17, 2016 at 4:19 amDiet and AHAs are what I rely on mostly, but thankfully radiant skin isn’t usually an issue for me.
Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
February 18, 2016 at 6:30 pmLucky you! :)
Dagmara Klich
February 17, 2016 at 9:27 amAHA and BHA peels are amazing for glowing complexion, I love using them! That BB mask sounds great! Also I noticed that if I drink plenty of water my skin looks so much better :) x
Mummy’s Beauty Corner
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
February 18, 2016 at 6:26 pmOh definitely! Staying hydrated is SO important, too!
Kiss & Make-up
February 17, 2016 at 9:42 amI have that Bobbi Brown mask :-) Together with a nice BHA exfoliator it works wonders!
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
February 18, 2016 at 6:26 pmIt’s pretty awesome, isn’t it?
Dora Toubanaki
February 17, 2016 at 10:11 amThank you for reviewing!
Dora http://www.BangsBang.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
February 18, 2016 at 6:25 pm:)
Cassidy
February 17, 2016 at 11:21 amThese look like some awesome products! I generally use a tretinoin cream every night to keep my skin exfoliated and rejuvenating itself, but I will have to give some of these a try!
-Cass
http://www.lifewithcass.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
February 18, 2016 at 6:25 pmI use tretinoin every other night- I’ve been on it for almost a year now and it looks like my skin is still getting used to it.
Hannah McDonnell
February 17, 2016 at 12:54 pmLove the idea of taking some supplements to help with your skin! Great tips!
glamlifeliving.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
February 18, 2016 at 6:24 pmThanks Hannah!
Mona Ahmed
February 17, 2016 at 3:28 pmGreat post I’m Testing out the dr Dennis gross peel so far so good
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
February 18, 2016 at 3:14 pmI love that peel! Works so nicely with my acne prone skin!
Alina
February 17, 2016 at 6:20 pmSuch a great skincare post, love your tips and there’s so many products I want to try now especially the Dr Dennis Peel x
Beauty with charm
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
February 18, 2016 at 6:24 pmOMG I can’t live without that peel, it’s the sh*t!
Marina Laduda
February 17, 2016 at 6:28 pmOk I NEED this. My skin is super blah lately. And yes, supplements are definitely a great idea.
http://www.MarinaSays.com
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
February 18, 2016 at 6:24 pm:)
Whitney
February 18, 2016 at 2:43 amYour pictures make me want EVERYTHING! I didn’t know Bobbi Brown even had a masque and the packaging is very luxurious, I’d love to try that. I have a sample of those beta peels somewhere but was too scared to try, guess I gotta try that sucker sometime.
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
February 18, 2016 at 6:24 pmHaha thanks Whitney! Oh they just released them so they’re brand new! Don’t worry about the peel, it really isn’t as strong as you might think. Do you have a sample of the regular version? Because I’ve only used the Extra Strength version, so I can imagine that the regular one is even gentler ; )
Susan
February 18, 2016 at 4:00 pmGreat recommendations and photos!
http://a-woman-of-a-certain-age.com/
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
February 18, 2016 at 6:23 pmThanks Susan!
Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
February 22, 2016 at 4:06 pm:)