Dr. Gross Alpha Beta Daily Facial Peel

I recently tried a few samples of these peels and I really liked them.  It is a peel you can use daily, so it isn't anything drastic that makes you peel like crazy.  But at the same time, it is powerful enough to take that dead skin off your face and make it feel super fresh and clean.

The towelettes are pre-soaked, so application is super easy.  You just rub the pads on your face until they are dry... and voila, you're done!  My skin had never felt more clean after using these for a few days.  (I must note that I did not use them consecutively.  Due to the fact that I use other anti-aging products pretty rigorously I did not want to overdo it.  I used them every other day.)

They are a little pricey, but for the convenience and quickness of these, they are totally worth it!  You can purchase a set of 30 treatments or as little as 5.

Purchase:

• Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta(R) Peel Original Formula 5 Treatments

Obagi Exfoderm Forte

A product I cannot live without...

Adding Obagi Exfoderm Forte to your current skincare routine will be the best thing that ever happened to your skin.  I currently use Rodan + Fields products, and adding this stuff (an oldie but goody- I used with the Obagi system previously) definitely helps my R+F products work more effectively.  

Because Exfoderm Forte is 6% Glycolic Acid and 4% Lactic Acid, I do not use it every day... I stick to every other day or every 2 days- it really depends on the sensitivity of my skin.

Although it says to use in the a.m., I use it at night.  My routine is as follows:  R+F daily cleansing mask, R+F Toner, Exfoderm Forte (I let it absorb for a few minutes), R+F Night Renewal Serum, R+F p.m. renewing cream and eye cream.  The Exfoderm Forte has DEFINITELY made my Night Renewal Serum more effective!!

As I've said before, exfoliation of your skin is KEY.  Read more about the importance of exfoliating your skin in this post (it also includes my favorite scrub!).  Exfoderm Forte ensures that your skin cells are turning over more rapidly with its alpha hydroxy acids and helps your other skincare products penetrate better.

The Break Down:

• contains a high percentage of alpha hydroxy acids: (6% Glycolic Acid; 4% Lactic Acid)
• exfoliates dead skin cells
• smoothes and tones skin
• helps with fine lines
• great for dull skin
• avoid eye area
• for normal to oily skin (try Obagi Exfoderm for normal to dry skin)
• helps other products penetrate more deeply

PURCHASE w/ Free Shipping:

• Obagi Exfoderm Forte  
• (you can also purchase from a dermatologist or other doctor's office; this is a link to get a discounted price on Amazon... my friend and I have both ordered separately from this Amazon vendor, and the product was not expired and the exact same you get from the doctor!)
• If you have dry skin:  Obagi Exfoderm

About my Rodan + Fields skincare regimen:

• My Secret to Amazing Skin
• Purchase Rodan + Fields Products HERE (I use the REDEFINE... in love with the entire system!)

Set Your Makeup & Make it Last

Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray 

(the secret to long-lasting makeup)

It has just recently come to my attention how many people are unaware of this glorious product.  My friends have been using this spray for years, and I recently jumped on board and cannot believe I have been living without it for so long.

It is very lightweight spray... it does not mess up your makeup at all when you spray it on.  Just hold the bottle in front of your face (not too close... I'd say 6 or 8 inches away) and spritz in a circular motion around your face- I usually spray 3 or 4 times.

And voila- it sets your makeup... the claim is that it lasts up to 16 hours, but I cannot say that I've ever worn makeup that long.

It works especially well with powder!  I usually dust on some powder after I apply my BB Cream, and this stuff ensures that my powder stays put and even looks better.  (I hate that dry powdery look you get right after you apply powder!)

Tip:  For real staying power, make sure you use a primer as a base for your foundation, powder, or BB Cream.  One of my favorites: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

Shop this post:

• Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray
• Smashbox Photo Finish Primer

ph: sephora.com

Pop-Up! Fashion. Art. Beauty.

Plans this weekend?  Make sure you drop by and check out this Pop-Up Shop on Saturday if you are in the New Orleans area.  I love that these girls came together to have an event to showcase Fashion, Art, & Beauty!  

I can't wait to check out all of the pretty little things Maison Hebert will have... (will have an upcoming post on this store in more detail soon!)

Here is a sneak peak at just some of what Maison Hebert will have to offer:

Are you sold yet on pretty much EVERYTHING in this picture?  Yeah, me too!

What's Your Secret? ...Featuring: Fay

Meet Fay, an uber talented (and need I say gorgeous) photographer that resides in the city of Miami.  Fay, my first ever BFF (she was born in New Orleans), is totally mesmerizing because she somehow manages to look perfect while leading her incredibly active life- whether she's at the beach, in the water, or doing a photo shoot... (or all of those things at the same time) she is always flawless.

What is your all-time favorite beauty product discovery?

Blinc "Tube" Mascara .  I usually despise mascara because it flakes off and I always end up with circles under my eyes!  But this mascara stays put... you just wash your eyes with warm water and pull it off at the end of the day.  It is awesome!

If you had ONE beauty secret to share with my readers, what would it be?


Coconut Oil! I love love love coconut oil!  It is one of the best all natural moisturizers that will not clog your pores.  The possibilities are endless... You can add a tablespoon to a bath or mix it with sugar to make a scrub. It makes a great cheekbone highlighter.  I use it as a tanner when I lay out.   I put a tablespoon in my smoothies and use it to cook- it has amazing nutritional benefits.


What are 3 beauty products you could not live without?


1. My Laura Mercier Eyebrow Pencil
2. My Radiant Antioxidant Moisturizer by Prasada Beauty

3. My Protective Illuminating Concealer by beingTRUE

What health and fitness rules do you live by?  


I drink organic smoothies every morning.  I swim in the ocean.  And instead of eating three large meals a day, I eat several small meals throughout the day.

Check out Fay’s photography:
www.FayBaldwin.com

Yours Truly & Fay circa 19eightysomething

M.A.C. Brush Set Exclusive Deal

As part of their anniversary sale, Nordstrom has a brush set for a limited time that is an amazing deal.  It is only $49.50 and includes 5 essential makeup brushes.  PLUS, it comes with a limited edition brush roll designed by Rebecca Moses.

I swear by MAC brushes- they're awesome.  Great quality and they last forever!

It features:

• Large Angled Contour Brush (seen in this post)
• Duo Fibre Eyeshadow Brush
• Tapered Blending Brush
• Pencil Brush (you can use this for so many things)
• Small Angle Brush 
• Brush Roll w/ flap to protect brushes

Purchase with Free Shipping & Free Return:

• M.A.C. Brush Kit

My Secret to Amazing Skin: Rodan + Fields

Ever since this post, I've been testing out gazillions (feels like it) of skincare products to see what I like the most.

Within the first week of using this line of products, I knew this was the answer to my skincare and anti-aging needs.  However, I wanted to use it for a little while longer and be 100% sure before I actually posted about it for my readers...

I am happy and EXCITED to say that I loved each and every thing about this line of products from Rodan + Fields.  After I posted asking for everyone's skincare secrets, my friend Kelly called me and said, "Lauren, what have you been using? You need to use Rodan and Fields!"  So, because Kelly is the mother of a 12 year old and still looks like she does (please see her GORGEOUS pictures below), I took her advice...

She could not have been more right.  We have both tried pretty much EVERY product under the sun... (from Saks, Neiman Marcus, Sephora, Earthsavers, the dermatologist, etc.) and this is by far our favorite and the most effective... and it does not irritate your skin.

Why is it so great?? Where do I begin...

First, let me say that I was incredibly hesitant to try something that wasn't really mainstream or sold conventionally.  Then, I found out Rodan and Fields was originally sold in department stores like Neiman Marcus, Lord & Taylor, and Nordstrom.  It was actually Nordstrom's #1 skincare product in 2005 before the doctors of Rodan and Fields decided to market and sell the brand differently.

With that new info, and knowing these doctors also created Proactiv, I decided to give it a try.  I swear I could tell a difference in my skin after my first night of use.  The overnight cream and night renewing serum just did wonders on my skin.  It felt so soft and moisturized (but not greasy) the next morning.  And after just one week, I could see a major difference in the fine lines on my face.

So, I loved the product line, but I didn't know if I wanted to actually sign up to receive products every month, etc (you do not HAVE to do this).  At first, I did this because in the long run it was cheaper- then I found that it kept me from skimping on the products (i.e. not using them every day or not using enough of the product).  Knowing that I was going to do a re-order anyway made me eagerly use the products and also try some of the other R+F products (like the self tanner, Macro Exfoliator, Microdermabrasion Paste, I could go on and on!).  I have loved everything I have tried so far, and as I've said before, if I DO NOT like something, I will not recommend it to you. (more posts to come on these other products)

After doing more and more research on the company, I decided to become a consultant.  I love that I am now representing this line of skincare products that I truly love and believe in.  There are 4 different lines for different skin types, so everyone can improve their skin according to their own needs.   Not to mention, I was using the products regardless, so becoming a consultant gave me a MAJOR discount.  Mark my words, use it a few weeks and you will have better skin than you thought you ever could.

My skincare regimen consists of the REDEFINE products.  I use the Daily Cleansing Mask, Pore Minimizing Toner, Night Renewing Serum, a.m. Triple Defense Treatment Cream (with SPF 30), p.m. Overnight Restorative Cream, and the Lip Renewing Serum every single day.

Yes it may seem like a lot, but I honestly look forward to it every night.  It's my little ritual before bed.  I love that I feel like I'm doing something good for myself and pampering myself every single night (because I am... goodbye wrinkles!).

My Nightly Ritual

Night Renewing Serum: a potent, proprietary blend of peptides and retinol; patented time-release technology; it is a retinol in a form that will not irritate your skin!

Lip Renewing Serum: contains peptides and antioxidants that help lips retain moisture, smoothes lip texture, and reduces the appearance of lines in your lip... I think it has even plumped my lips!

You massage this facewash onto your skin (it's lightly exfoliating)... let it dry about 1-2 mins then wash off.  I love it because it doesn't dry out your face but still gets it really clean.

And one more thing:

Goodbye to the "product graveyard" in my bathroom closet.  I am sick and tired of using something for a few weeks and not seeing results... or for that matter, using it and seeing results like crazy- extreme peeling, redness, etc.  They say to wait and that's the process- yeah right.  Who really has the time to have a red and peeling face every so often??  It seemed like it never ended.

Unsure about which regimen is right for you?  Use the R+F Solution Tool:

• Rodan + Fields Solution Tool

To shop products now:

• Rodan + Fields Preferred Customers

If you have any questions about any of these products or want to learn more about being a part of the Rodan and Fields company, please feel free to email me:  blondeandlippy@gmail.com

Start Your Day Off Right

BUT I'M TRYING TO BE!!!

I can't help it... I am just not a morning person.  It's not that my mood is completely horrid in the morning, I just hate to wake up and leave my cloud-like bed and snuggles from my miniature dachshund, Minnie.  I'd much rather snuggle up to her and fall back asleep than jump out of bed.

In addition, I am the worst "snoozer" of all time... and I hate myself for it.  I love the mornings that I jump out of bed early because I am not rushed.  I feel so much better about myself and always have a much better day when I don't rush through my morning routine.

So, as of late, I've been trying ever so hard to be a morning person.  I don't know if I'll ever be one of those people who jumps out of bed bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, but I definitely want to be someone who starts their day off the healthy, both physically and mentally.  

Here are some tips I have been following lately that I'm sharing with you... these small changes have truly made a difference in my life:

• I've been trying desperately not to snooze... ok at least ONE snooze per morning!
• Open up the blinds in your room and let the sunshine in! (I have taken to cracking the blinds at night so the sun helps wake me up)
• Hug/kiss your significant other, child, or pet- start your day off HAPPY.
• Do a quick workout- I do some jumping jacks as soon as I roll out of bed to wake up my body.  However, I read that push-ups are even better for you in the a.m.
• I then splash cold water on my face for a few minutes- this is refreshing and it wakes me up!
• Ok, this next one has been hard for me: showering in the morning is good for you- not just because it cleanses your body from your night of sleep, but allows you time to meditate or think while you shower.  I have always been someone who showers before bed and then only washes my face in the morning, but I definitely feel better if I shower in the a.m.
• Eat a healthy breakfast.  This makes me feel better both physically AND mentally.  Try and eat one that is high in fiber.  (And don't forget regular breakfast eaters are leaner than most people!)
• Drink a full glass of water with lemon- I keep seeing more and more about this since I posted THIS the other day.  Some people say it wakes them up better than coffee!
• Take time with your appearance.  I swear I am more productive when I look more put together.  I also just feel better about myself overall.  
• Timothy Ferriss, author of The 4 Hour Work Week, says you should decide the ONE most important thing you want to do each day and try and tackle that first.  I love that one.  This goes along with the notion that the most successful people in the world are early risers.  

Let me know if you guys have anything I should add to my routine!  Hope some (or all) of these can make a difference in someone's routine. 

Blackhead Melting Gel

Seriously, just the name of this stuff made it a must-buy for me.  So many of you have sent me questions on how to get rid of blackheads.  It's obviously a problem that everyone faces... and HATES!  While I do think my skincare routine (posting on it next week) keeps blackheads away, I want to try this stuff and have it on hand just in case.  

Whether you have blackheads are not, this is a good product for skin cell turnover... which, as you may know from this post, is super important!

From Laneige:

• Melting Gel containing Keratinase enzyme which effectively melts down dead skin cells like blackhead and easily rollable silicon melting-massager create synergy effect to melt down dead skin cells and blackheads that aare clogging trouble-prone areas of nose and he surrounding areas.
• Keratinase mostly made of Keratin which is effective in dissolving excess dead skin cells and blackhead is superior to AHA, commonly used for dissolving dead skin cells in less damaging but more effective way of melting and removing blackhead clogged poreand dead skin cells. It facilitates skin cell turn-over and changes dark and rough skin surface into smoother and brighter skin.

Purchase with FREE SHIPPING:
                                                               

Post-4th Detox

ph: glamour.com

After America's birthday celebration yesterday (and after cocktailing to celebrate it), I'm feeling a little bleh (for lack of a better word).  

But as luck would have it, I came across this article from Glamour.com.  Not only is it great for a little post-cocktail detox... you can do this every morning to give your body a little jump start:

Experts say that the simple act of sleep can pull water from your body, leaving you dehydrated. Citric acid—what's in lemon juice—helps the body's enzymes function, which in turn can stimulate your liver and help it detox. And the clean water helps return hydration to your body, while flushing out your kidneys. People who drink lemon water in the morning report that they experience a big mental boost and have increased energy!

Plus, it's filled with vitamin C—one lemon has 187 percent the amount you need in a day—which is a great antioxidant that helps boost your immune system.

To unleash these benefits, add the juice from half a freshly squeezed lemon to a glass of warm water (warm is apparently easier for your body to process than cold).

Full article here.

Smell Good At All Times

Perfume You Can Take Anywhere

I love these tiny roll-on perfumes from Sephora.  You can take it with you anywhere and everywhere!  It will fit in your purse, makeup bag, clutch, etc. so that any time you need to freshen your scent, you can.

Another plus is that you can try a scent you are thinking of purchasing... for only $29.00.  Since every scent/perfume smells different on everyone, it's a great way to find out if a perfume you like works for you without biting the bullet and paying full price (In this case, over $100 for even a fairly small bottle of Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb.)

And trust me, these tiny bottles last a while.  Not sure if it's the fact that you apply with a roller- but it has lasted me way longer than I expected. 

My New Favorite (and under $10) Lipgloss

L'Oreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stain

I discovered this lipgloss from a makeup artist while discussing this lipgloss with her.  She told me it was the same formula, but that YSL's glosses had more complex colors.  Sure enough, they are quite similar.  While the L'Oreal does not offer the same color the YSL Glossy Stain gives, it definitely gives you staying power.

If you check out the color of the gloss in the tube from the first pic... it doesn't exactly translate to the same color on my lips.  I would think the darker colors probably work a better, but I was going for something sheer.  Note: there is nothing on my lips besides this gloss.

And the price- under $10- you can't beat that for the quality of this gloss.

I apply one coat... let it dry... then apply another coat... and let dry.  Do this without drinking anything and WITHOUT RUBBING YOUR LIPS TOGETHER!!  Once it sets, you are good to go.  Definitely keep it in your purse to reapply- but compared to other glosses, it truly stays on your lips for a good amount of time... keeping them shiny without being too sticky.

L'Oreal Colour Caresse shown in pictures:  Pink Perseverance.

Purchase with Free Shipping:

                                                              

Katy Perry on Her Makeup Routine

I really enjoyed this video from Vogue.com... and HOW can I get those perfect eyebrows?!? I can't even get over the transformation.

The Best Highlighters ...and Highlighting & Contouring

Benefit High Beam & Josie Maran Argan Illuminizer 

Benefit High Beam & Josie Maran Argan Illuminizer are 2 of my favorite products.  High Beam, an oldy but a goody, has taken on a new meaning for me since I have learned about highlighting and contouring.  Highlighting and contouring really does wonders for your face (like making it look a lot thinner!!)... and these products give you a beautiful glow as well.

Benefit High Beam is definitely my favorite of the two; however, some people don't like it because of the pinkish tint it has.  That is why I posted the Josie Maran Illuminizer as well.  Also a great product, and has more of a bronzey color to it.

Please note that both pictured are the travel sizes, so when you click the links they will look a bit different.  

By the way, while searching these items I found a great deal on the Josie Maran Argan Illuminizer & the Josie Maran Color Stick I told you about in this post.  You can get both for $29.00:

• Josie Maran Argan Illuminizer & Color Stick Duo

FYI:  these products are for use where I have shaded in the highlight portion of the diagram... not for a diagram like this.  These products have too much sheen to be used all over the face.

A Few Must-Haves for Vacation

• Ray Ban Aviators
• Josie Maran Argan Oil (for only $29!)
• Obagi Nu Derm Healthy Skin Protection SPF 35
• An adorable alligator bottle opener (I also love this one)
• Fedora to keep just a little shade on my face (similar)
• J Crew Flip Flops
• A great magazine.