Does the Rodan and Fields AMP MD Roller Really Work?

Well, I guess there's a reason that there is a waiting list for it!

I have been dying to try the Rodan and Fields AMP MD Roller and this "microneedling" ever since it came out in 2011 and was on "The Today Show" morning segment as a must-have anti-aging product for 2011.  This pre-dates my knowledge of the R+F Products, and is actually how I first heard about the products.  I thought being able to do something they do at the dermatologist or plastic surgeon's office AT HOME was absolutely revolutionary (...plus, I read Angelina Jolie used microneedling).

The AMP MD Roller was taken off the market for awhile so the FDA could approve it (or something like that) and is now finally available again.

My first question was:  Does the AMP MD Roller hurt?  

No.  Can you feel the needles?  Sort of... they are microneedles (not the size of regular needles) and you feel pressure, but it definitely does not hurt. About 10-15 minutes after use, my skin is red and tingling, which is because it is starting to repair itself and basically give you fresh, new skin (more collagen production).

What are the benefits of the AMP MD Roller and microneedling in general?

Before I used it, I searched a ton of websites to find a good explanation from a doctor that explains the principal behind microneedling... this was a great explanation from a plastic surgeon:

Microneedling is a form of Collagen Induction Therapy(CIT). The idea behind CIT is similar to that of many other non-surgical skin-tightening procedures in that it aims to create a controlled injury underneath the skin's surface, thereby inducing the body to respond through the formation of new tissue layers of elastin- and collagen fibres (neo-collagenesis) as well as new capillaries for an improved blood supply (neo-angiogenesis) in the treated area. The skin plumps and thickens in response to this stimulus, ultimately reducing the appearance of scars, and fine lines and other skin texture changes. In addition to CIT, the channels made from the micro-needles allow topical gels and creams to be absorbed more effectively through the top layer of skin.

So, basically, it injures the skin (not in a noticeable way) so that your skin forms new, fresh skin tissue. And what is really awesome is that it allows the serum and/or cream (in my case, I use both) to penetrate your skin.  

The Rodan and Fields AMP MD Microneedle Roller is designed to be used with the Redefine Regimen, especially the Night Renewing Serum. (The roller comes with a 2 month supply of the Night Renewing Serum)

What do I use with my AMP MD Roller?

To order:

• Due to the waiting list, only R+F Preferred Customers will be able to order the AMP MD Roller next month.
• However, you can sign up NOW to be a Preferred Customer to participate in this special promotion and be one of the first people to get the microneedle roller as soon as it becomes available again next month!  (Becoming a Preferred Customer will give you free shipping on your monthly orders, discounted prices for all the products, and eligible for special promotions like this.)
• Email me to join my wait list or ask any questions you may have: 
• blondeandlippy@gmail.com

UPDATE TO ORIGINAL POST:

• Although the AMP MD Roller was originally on wait list at time of release, it is now available!  Email me to order or for questions about the roller and tips on use. BlondeAndLippy@gmail.com

The Best Razor: Schick Hydro Silk

I've never really been 100% stuck on one razor until this one.  I randomly got it because it came free as a sample in an order from Hautelook.

I love it.  It is super moisturizing and gives you a smooth, close shave.  What more can you ask for?

For super sexy legs, follow your shave with Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs (click link for my post on that amazing stuff...) and you're good to go!

What to look for in the store.

What is the Best Facewash Out There?

Which facewash is right for YOU?

Ok... what I have come to realize is that everyone likes something a little different when it comes to their facewash.  Some people like a foaming wash, some a creamy wash, etc...

So, I have picked out my favorites in each category.  All of these are tested, tried, and true!

1.  Obagi Foaming Gel  

A foaming wash that I truly adore.  Why? Because it takes off ALL my makeup and it's a great price for a high-end wash that will last you awhile.

2.  Rodan and Fields Daily Cleansing Mask 

A clay mask/wash that is pretty amazing.  You wet your fingers with warm water,  then massage the mask onto your DRY face (it also has a gentle exfoliator).  Let it dry for a few minutes... I then remove it with my Clarisonic (click HERE for more info on the Clarisonic Skincare Brush).  I love it because it removes impurities from your skin without being drying at all.  The fact that it doubles as a mask is great because Kaolin Clay actually draws impurities out of your pores.

3.  Vivite Daily Facial Cleanser 

If you're looking for something with chemical action, this one is for you... it contains 12% glycolic compound (due to this DO NOT use in or around your eyes!).

4.  Lancome Creme Radiance Clarifying Cleanser 

This one also removes your makeup... it is a cream wash that foams as you massage it onto your face with water.  

What do I use?  Usually a combo...  

If I have makeup on,  I use my Obagi Foaming Gel when I take my bath to take all my makeup off.  I then use my Rodan and Fields mask (avoiding my eye area) because I'm obsessed with it.   and it has really changed my skin... along with the entire R+F line that I use- click HERE for more info.

If I do not have makeup on, I use the R+F wash/mask by itself because I believe it is the most effective yet gentle facewash I have ever used on my face.  It truly makes my skin feel so smooth! (especially when used along with my Clarisonic.)

The MACRO Exfoliator ...(My New Favorite Thing)

Professional Level, Doctor's Office Results at Home?!  I was skeptical, but....

This is 100%, hands-down the absolute best at-home beauty tool beauty ANYTHING I have ever used.  I had been thinking about trying the Rodan + Fields Macro E for a long time, and I honestly never got around to trying it until recently.  I did not want to spend the money on it, but I have never been more amazed at the results of anything skincare related. After ONE USE, I could tell a major difference in my skin.  Don't believe me? Look at the below photo!  I swear to you... the before and after were taken 5 minutes apart.
My skin had never looked so vibrant and SMOOTH.  This is definitely the path to "luminous skin."

UNRETOUCHED- My forehead (yikes!) after my first time using the Macro E

Honestly, I should have known it was going to be fabulous after I read about it in "O Magazine"... you know Oprah knows her stuff! Haha!  But really, as I am getting older I am realizing that if there is one thing I want to invest in, it's my skin!

Here are a few things I DID NOT KNOW about the Macro E until I used it:
It is intense! There is a lot of suction going on, so use with caution.  You can do the auto-setting "Doc-Smart" patent pending technology, which varies the degree and duration of the macro-exfoliation.  The screen will show you which area of the face you should be exfoliating (and the direction and amount of time you should spend there).  This is how I started, but I did have to adjust the intensity throughout the process for my first use.  I love that you can adjust the intensity because you can start out easy and work your way up.
It comes with filters, so after each use, you can actually SEE the skin cells that shed during the exfoliation.  (Gross but cool.)
You can download a "Macro E" app on your phone to track your progress and have reminders sent to you for your next use.
You can only use it once a week!

The reason these Rodan + Fields products and tools are so great is that the doctors set out to create products that closely resemble what they used in their own practices.  The Macro Exfoliator sweeps away 5 million dead skin cells in just 5 minutes.  I was seriously shocked that just one use could so drastically change my skin and fine lines.  One thing I was worried about was that my face would be beet red for a few days... but thankfully, your Macro E comes complete with "cooling gels" that soothe your skin overnight.  

"Cooling gels" that come with your Macro E

I have only used mine one time, and I cannot wait to see how my skin looks after weeks of using it!  Another thing I think it helped with was blackheads... my skin just looked so smooth and clear after that one use!  I can't imagine blackheads would even be able to build up if you are continually using this.

You should hold your skin taut while using the Macro Exfoliator.

UNRETOUCHED results from using the Redefine Regimen with the Macro Exfoliator

SHOP THE POST:

Click here to purchase the Macro Exfoliator.*

Click here to purchase the Aging Redefined Value Set that includes the Redefine Regimen AND the Macro Exfoliator. **

To save $36.00 on your Macro Exfoliator and get free shipping and discounts ALL the time on ALL your Rodan + Fields products, sign up to be a Preferred Customer.

*Please read thoroughly before purchasing, as people with certain skincare conditions are not candidates for the Macro Exfoliator.

**For more information on the Rodan + Fields skincare regimen I use: My Secret to Amazing Skin.

As always, please feel free to email me with any questions:  blondeandlippy@gmail.com

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

The Cheap & Easy Way to Make Your Own Green Juice & Green Smoothies

Cup of Deliciousness.

For awhile I was back and forth about buying a juicer.  They are so expensive I started to think that with the price of the juicer plus the price of all the fruit (and wasted product from the fruit) that I should just forget about juicing at home.

Then I saw the NutriBullet commercial... I was intrigued... I liked that it didn't take all the fiber out of the food and that it could break up nuts and seeds.  (I definitely wanted something that could grind flax seeds!)

I was talking to someone about the NutriBullet, and she said to just buy the Magic Bullet.  I was hesitant, but for $50 I figured it was worth a try!

ANDDDDD... I LOVE IT!  The Magic Bullet is definitely the best $50 I've ever spent.  I use it every single day.  I either make green juice, green smoothies, fruit smoothies, or sometimes a mixture of everything!  It is so convenient and easy to clean.  And if I don't drink the entire juice, I screw the top on and put it in the fridge.

Not to mention, you can use it for a million other things... soups, pasta sauces, etc.  Comes with a recipe group full of great ideas.  But I've been so busy juicing I haven't gotten around to it!

Furthermore, I can 100% feel a difference in myself.  I have so much more energy than I used to.  I definitely believe that getting your nutrients from actual foods is A TON better than a multi-vitamin that was created in a lab.  Your body recognizes the vitamins and minerals from real food better!

Here are some pictures of a recent juice recipe I created... and that is another great part of it... you can experiment.. take a sip... don't like it? Add some more fruit/greens/whatever you want!  You can toss them in WHOLE.  Virtually no chopping.  You can even put frozen veggies or fruits in there too.  I will start to document my juice/smoothie experiments more often, but this one turned out great!

The Ingredients I started with: A lime, frozen pineapple, ginger root, 2 handfuls of kale, heaping Tbsp of flax seed.

I used about an inch of ginger root

                     

                       I then decided to throw in a few dashes of Cayenne for good measure.

                  

Throw it all in the Magic Bullet cup.

                

Fill up with water about 3/4 of the way.
  (This is important! Otherwise it will make something of the consistency of baby food!)

                  

Lock into place and watch it blend!

  

Voila!  (and this was after I drank some of it btw... too delicious to wait)

Here is a link for the Magic Bullet (sale price) with Free Shipping:
                                                                 

If you have any questions regarding the Magic Bullet, feel free to email me or comment!

The Best of Beauty: Mattifying Moisturizer

SEPHORA COLLECTION 8 HR 
Mattifying Moisturizer with Sunscreen

So I finally tried one of the products I listed on this post.  A friend asked me a few weeks ago to do a post on a good moisturizer that helps with shine.  I thought that was a great idea- especially since the temperatures outside are rising- (I love you Louisiana, but these summers are brutal).

First, let me give you a run-down on my skin type again.  Pretty normal, but can be oily in the summer on my nose and chin area.  Occasionally I get some shine on my forehead after an entire day of having makeup on my face- and who doesn't?  How nice would it be to be a guy and not have to wear makeup every day?  Ok, let me back up.  Scratch that-  I LOVE MAKEUP.  Still, wearing makeup every day annoys me.  But, if I've got to do it, let me do it the best and healthiest way possible for my skin.  Which is why I use B.B. Cream and a good moisturizer.  One reason this moisturizer really intrigued me was because it contains antioxidants- AND sunscreen!

I tried 3 products that I heard were pretty decent when it comes to mattifying your skin:

• SEPHORA COLLECTION 8 HR Mattifying Moisturizer Sunscreen 1.69 oz ($22.00)
• The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Lotion, 1.69-Fluid Ounce (ranges $10.00- $13.00)
• Murad Oil-Control Mattifier SPF 15 l PA++ ($39.50)

I definitely like the Sephora Mattifying Moisturizer the best.  I also liked the consistency and smell of the Body Shop Tea Tree Lotion, but it felt almost like a film on my face.  The Murad Mattifier was a little better, but it was a very thick lotion... wasn't in love with it.

I really liked the Sephora Mattifying Moisturizer right off the bat because it was light consistency and blended easily into my skin.  I do have to say that it has a bit of a sunscreen smell to it, but given that I do a lot of running around during the day, I like that I KNOW it has sunscreen in it and is protecting my skin from the sun (without the greasiness of sunscreen!).  

As far as being a mattifier, it definitely worked.  I didn't have that icky end-of-the-day gross makeup feeling on my face.... which was AWESOME!  It gave me the shine control I was looking for.

I also loved that it has a pump, which to me says it will last me a long time because I won't use too much product at a time.

Last but definitely not least, it is only $22.00!!!  This is my new go-to day moisturizer.