Beauty

How to get seriously radiant complexion- 7 products that will revive dull skin

how-to-get-radiant-skin

how-to-get-radiant-skinDo 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-review

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

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-Mask-review

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-Review

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

  • Reply
    Cheryl Woodman
    February 16, 2016 at 9:02 am

    I 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

  • Reply
    Ashley
    February 16, 2016 at 11:17 am

    I 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

  • Reply
    Jodie
    February 16, 2016 at 11:29 am

    I 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

  • Reply
    Amanda Elizabeth
    February 16, 2016 at 12:17 pm

    I have been looking for a good skin supplement, I definitely need to check that one out!

  • Reply
    Ela BellaWorld
    February 16, 2016 at 2:12 pm

    I 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

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      February 22, 2016 at 4:05 pm

      Ohh 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.

  • Reply
    Becky Hughff
    February 16, 2016 at 4:34 pm

    Great suggestions – a lot of brands I haven’t heard of and will need to check out now!

    http://www.ohsobecky.com

  • Reply
    Yized
    February 16, 2016 at 6:45 pm

    I 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

  • Reply
    The Sunday Mode
    February 16, 2016 at 6:47 pm

    I’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

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      February 22, 2016 at 4:03 pm

      I’ve never tried the regular version so I wouldn’t know. I always went for the extra strength :)

  • Reply
    Caked To The Nines
    February 16, 2016 at 8:10 pm

    I’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

  • Reply
    MargaritaChi.co
    February 16, 2016 at 8:12 pm

    I 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

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      February 18, 2016 at 6:31 pm

      Ohh 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. :)

  • Reply
    Rachel Shuchat
    February 16, 2016 at 10:07 pm

    That Bobbi Brown mask sounds amazing, my skin does well with illuminating and exfoliating, I’ll need to check it out!

    RachelShuchatMakeup

  • Reply
    Kate @ Green Fashionista
    February 16, 2016 at 10:14 pm

    Awesome round up! Definitely pinning this post, I’m super intrigued by the Bobbi Brown Boost Mask <3
    Green Fashionista

  • Reply
    Linda Libra Loca
    February 17, 2016 at 4:19 am

    Diet 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

  • Reply
    Dagmara Klich
    February 17, 2016 at 9:27 am

    AHA 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

  • Reply
    Kiss & Make-up
    February 17, 2016 at 9:42 am

    I have that Bobbi Brown mask :-) Together with a nice BHA exfoliator it works wonders!

  • Reply
    Dora Toubanaki
    February 17, 2016 at 10:11 am

    Thank you for reviewing!

    Dora http://www.BangsBang.com

  • Reply
    Cassidy
    February 17, 2016 at 11:21 am

    These 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

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      February 18, 2016 at 6:25 pm

      I 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.

  • Reply
    Hannah McDonnell
    February 17, 2016 at 12:54 pm

    Love the idea of taking some supplements to help with your skin! Great tips!

    glamlifeliving.com

  • Reply
    Mona Ahmed
    February 17, 2016 at 3:28 pm

    Great post I’m Testing out the dr Dennis gross peel so far so good

  • Reply
    Alina
    February 17, 2016 at 6:20 pm

    Such 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

  • Reply
    Marina Laduda
    February 17, 2016 at 6:28 pm

    Ok I NEED this. My skin is super blah lately. And yes, supplements are definitely a great idea.
    http://www.MarinaSays.com

  • Reply
    Whitney
    February 18, 2016 at 2:43 am

    Your 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.

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      February 18, 2016 at 6:24 pm

      Haha 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 ; )

  • Reply
    Susan
    February 18, 2016 at 4:00 pm

    Great recommendations and photos!

    http://a-woman-of-a-certain-age.com/

  • Reply
    Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
    February 22, 2016 at 4:06 pm

    :)

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