What's Good for Mama (Earth) is Good for You!

Since today is my fiance's birthday, Earth Day kind of takes a backseat in my world, but this offer from Sephora is making it hard to forget what today is all about to everyone else. 

Today only, bring an empty cosmetic product container from any brand into Sephora and leave with a full-size (1.7oz) Origins moisturizer for FREE. That's right. Just bring an empty. You don't even have to buy anything- just grab a cosmetic container you were about to recycle yourself (you were, right?) and hightail it to the mall. You even get your choice of formulas: choose from Origins Starting Over Age-Erasing Moisturizer with Mimosa or Origins A Perfect World SPF 25 Age-Defense Moisturizer with White Tea. 

If you're trying to save gas today, you can still take advantage of the offer with any online purchase of $30 or more, just enter code EARTH12 at checkout.

FYI, this offer isn't valid at Sephora inside JCPenney or for Canadian online orders, and it's only available April 22, 2012 while supplies last. And they're gonna go fast, so get going!

Product Review: Likewise Skincare Facial Moisturizer with SPF 50

Sun protection is a vital part of my daytime routine. I am extremely fair, use topical retinol, and take more than one oral medication that causes photosensitivity. That means that just a short time in the sun unprotected can be a bad situation for me.

Since my dry skin makes moisturizer a "can't live without it" product for me also, I find the easiest way to go about giving my skin the protection I need is to kill two birds with one stone. To me a daytime moisturizer that doesn't contain sunscreen doesn't qualify as a daytime moisturizer.

Having said that, sunscreen isn't the only thing I look for in my moisturizer. I'm not sure if it's some type of time/space anomaly, or perhaps the result of a curse related to some piece of vintage jewelry I picked up somewhere (have I ticked off any priestesses lately?) but my age seems to be rapidly advancing, and I'm not fond of the idea. That means that I need a product that will treat and protect my skin from the onslaught of whatever forces cause me to age a whole year in just a few hundred days.

Lucky for me, I was introduced to Likewise Skincare. Developed by board certified dermatologist Dr. Julie Pena, Likewise is only available online and in Dr. Pena's office only. Unless you happen to frequent Dr. Pena's Nashville practice, there's a good chance Likewise has flown under your radar until now, which is a darn shame. Now, a doctor's name on the bottle does not necessarily a good product make, but in this case, Dr. Pena has really shown her expertise in choosing targeted ingredients to create an all-in-one moisturizer.

Likewise Facial Moisturizer is a powerhouse product if ever there was one. One pea sized drop delivers:

• High-level (SPF 50) broad-spectrum sun protection, which shields burning UVB rays and aging UVA rays. 
• Antioxidant vitamins C and E to protect against the damaging effects of the environment. Vitamins C and E are network antioxidants; they work together to regenerate and reinforce the action of one another. Both vitamins have also been shown to help neutralize UV damage, boosting the effectiveness of sunscreen.
• Soy (in the form of genistein), which has proven antioxidant and anti-irritant abilities. Studies have shown that soy stimulates collagen and hyaluronic acid production in the skin, which can lead to an increase in firmness and elasticity. As if that weren't enough, Soy may also provide further UVB protection, and has even shown some promise in lightening dark spots on the skin and reducing hair growth.
• Niacinamide. If you're not familiar with this wonder ingredient yet, then you're not paying enough attention! Though it sounds too good to be true, there's strong evidence that Niacinamide does everything from improving wrinkles to reducing acne (and tons in between). 

Of course, ingredient lists alone don't sell me on a product- it's all about how they perform. I'm delighted to report that Likewise is a winner. I began using this in January, and was very pleased at how well this moisturized my skin, even when it was at its peeling, cracking driest. 

Despite the high level of protective zinc oxide in the formula, Likewise smooths on easily without leaving behind a white/blue cast or chalky feeling like some sunscreens can. It also soaked in quickly without any filmy feel or greasy finish. For those with oily skin, the company does offer formulas for oily and normal to oily skin (these contain all of the benefits above with the addition of acne-controlling azelaic acid). 

While I wouldn't call Likewise inexpensive (it's $44 for 1.69oz), I would say it's a good value for your money. It's so well formulated it beats down department store options that cost twice as much, not to mention virtually eliminating the need for separate antioxidant or anti-aging serums. It's also concentrated enough that one tube should last upwards of 6 months. In case you can't tell, I'm totally geeked out- if you're looking for a great daily moisturizer, consider Likewise highly recommended!

The product featured in this review was submitted for promotional consideration by a representative of the company. What does this mean? I didn't pay for it. My commitment is to you- my readers- and to myself (it's called integrity, I like to have it). The opinions expressed on Outinapout.com are my own, based on my own research and experience; I am not paid in any way nor is the final outcome of the post influenced by any outside party.

Quick Tip: Give Your Skin a Chill Pill!

Cold weather outside can mean all kinds of nasty things, but a little cold for you skincare can actually do you good!

Keeping eye creams, face masks, even moisturizers in the fridge can give your skin a little extra in addition to what's built into the formula. The chill of your potions on the skin can help to relieve puffiness, reduce redness and make pores appear smaller! It's a nice wake-up call too!

Just remember to keep bottles and jars tightly capped (or if possible, store them in a low-humidity compartment) to keep goods at peak performance!

Product Review:Burt's Bees Sensitive Skin Solutions

Recently, I was invited to participate in my first BzzAgent campaign and got the chance to try two new products from Burt's Bees. Both items were from the company's new Natural Skin Solutions for Sensitive Skin line. Burt defines sensitive skin as skin that shows signs of redness, irritation, stinging, dryness, itching, blotchiness, rashes or even skin that easily breaks out. Since I exhibit all of those symptoms (though luckily, usually not all at the same time) I certainly fit into the line's target demo.

The products I was sent were the Sensitive Facial Cleanser and the Sensitive Daily Moisturizing Cream. Both products, as with all products in Burt's Sensitive line, are fragrance-free, hypo-allergenic, allergy-tested and dermatologist-tested. It's important to remember though, most of those terms are marketing terms, not scientific ones. There's absolutely no regulation for use of the term hypo-allergenic, and all "allergy tested" and "dermatologist tested" tell us is that they were tested. The terms alone don't tell us what they were tested for, whom they were tested by, or even what the results are. Of course, having these terms doesn't automatically make the product bad, but it doesn't necessarily make the product better either.

Burt's Bees Sensitive Facial Cleanser ($10 for 6oz) is a rich cream cleanser that is designed to cleanse skin without causing irritation or stripping skin of its natural protective barrier.

I found this cleanser to be gentle and non-drying, and while it's not greasy, I do think it's a formula best left to drier skin types. The cleanser contains plenty of emollient ingredients, and while it does rinse away mostly with water, I felt like it left a waxy film behind. A peek at the ingredients shows several potentially comedogenic ingredients, notably the coconut and cotton oils. This may not be as big of a deal in a rinse-off cleanser, but it's certainly something break-out prone individuals should be aware off. I also felt like this cleanser lacked a little bit in the makeup removal category; I definitely saw traces of foundation left behind after cleansing.


Burt's Bees Sensitive Daily Moisturizing Cream ($15 for 1.8oz) is non-SPF hydrator that has a nice not-too-thick, not-too-thin lotion consistency.

It smooths on easily and leaves skin feeling slightly balmy, though on my dry skin it was not at all oily. I actually feel like this is just on the borderline of not being rich enough for my dry skin, and would guess that the formula would be best for normal skin that is not excessively oily or excessively dry. I like the pump bottle: its opaque, airtight design keeps antioxidants and soothing ingredients at peak performance, and it was very easy to control the amount coming out of the tube. Pumps are also more sanitary than jars, an important consideration for all skin types.

I did notice that both versions of the Sensitive moisturizers (this one and the Night Cream, which I did not test) have corn starch listed quite high on the ingredient list, which I find concerning. Corn starch is used as a thickener, skin protectant and absorbent in skin care, but is also abrasive, which is not good for anyone with sensitive skin. It also can promote fungal and bacterial growth, which is why it's generally recommended that acne prone skin types avoid it- the corn starch actually feeds the bacteria that cause acne!

One last thing I have to concede is my confusion of Burt's use of "Cotton Extract" and the claims that the brand makes surrounding it. While the picture of cotton on the label certainly conjures up feelings of comfort and gentleness, I couldn't find any evidence that this "extract" (more commonly known as cottonseed oil) functions as anything but an occlusive emollient. While occlusive ingredients (even basic petroleum) may help to keep skin hydrated and promote healing, I think more is implied by Burt's claims. Sure, eliminating irritation may make skin softer and reduce redness (which would, in turn, make skin appear more even-toned) BUT irritation is not the only cause of such symptoms. If you have such issues in the absence of actual irritation, cotton extract won't do a thing for you. 

Despite the exaggerated marketing, Burt's Bees Sensitive Skin solutions seem like a decent choice for those with sensitive skin who are looking for reasonably priced, no-frills skincare. Personally, I would have liked to see more protective antioxidants, and soothing anti-irritants and anti-inflammatory ingredients, but there's something to be said for the less-is-more approach. The less that's in the product, the less of a chance there is of reacting to it!

The products featured in this review were submitted for promotional consideration by a representative of the company. What does this mean? I didn't pay for it. My commitment is to you- my readers- and to myself (it's called integrity, I like to have it). The opinions expressed on Outinapout.com are my own, based on my own research and experience; I am not paid in any way nor is the final outcome of the post influenced by any outside party.

Beauty Buzz Words:Natural Moisturizing Factors

Our skin is protected by a natural barrier, which is composed of lipids and components called Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMFs). It's this barrier that holds moisture in and keeps bacteria out. A weakened barrier can result in irritation, inflammation, moisture loss and a hospitable environment to bacteria. This can mean acne, wrinkles, and dry, rough, flaky skin.

Natural Moisturizing Factors in skin care mimic the skin's natural structure, and have been proven to help repair barrier damage. These ingredients are virtually identical to the naturally occurring components in your skin. Since your skin can't tell the difference between what's naturally there & what you're adding, this means NMFs have very little potential to irritate.

Ingredients to look for include amino acids (like arginine, glycine, lycine, and tyrosine), ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids (like glycerides and sterols, glycerin and hyaluronic acid (aka sodium hyaluronate.)

Bargain Beauty: CeraVe Moisturizers

Today, while posting on one of my favorite website forums (Lipsticks & Lightsabers- thanks to the awesome Anastasia for setting up the forums for us!) I realized that I've totally dropped the ball in telling you about one of my favorite skincare finds, CeraVe Moisturizing Creme. I mentioned it briefly in my 2010 Best of Beauty post. And, OK, once again when I posted about my skincare routine, but I guess I feel like it deserves its own separate post to celebrate it's glory.

I rarely trust my skin to drugstore brands, so when I find something I like it's all the more special. Now, I'll admit, I'm far from the first person to extol the virtues of this cream- I must have read about CeraVe about 100 times in magazines, on "best of" lists, in "dermatologist recommends" columns, etc...before I finally hunted it down.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream comes in a gigantic (for face cream) 16oz jar and runs about $15. It's pretty bare bones- the jar looks generically medicinal, and the cream doesn't feel as luxurious as many upscale creams, but it's my first choice when my skin is angry and won't put up with anything else! The medium-weight cream feels slightly waxy at first, but spreads easily and soaks in within a few minutes without ever feeling greasy on my skin. It's got glycerin to hydrate, hyaluronic acid to attract & hold in moisture (in case you haven't noticed, hyaluronic acid is a favorite ingredient of mine!) and ceramides to help strengthen the skin's natural protective barrier. It's fragrance free, non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) and it's actually time-released so it works throughout the day.

For oilier skin, CeraVe does offer a lotion formula. Since my skin is dry to severely dry, I've not used the regular lotion, but I do like the new AM version (around $13.99 for 3oz). Aside from all of the components listed above, it's got SPF 30 and the anti-aging ingredient niacinamide (a friggin' wonder ingredient, it does everything!) I like the SPF lotion, though occasionally it can seem a little light for my skin (but only when I'm super parched). The only other minus to the AM version is it's scent; probably because they don't add fragrance or other ingredients to mask the natural scent, the lotion smells strongly of sunscreen, and that smell lingers a bit when you first apply it. It is, however, a small price to pay, in my opinion, and I'd still give the CeraVe AM lotion a big thumbs up!

So...what's your favorite drug-store steal?

Hey Baby! What's Your (Skin) Type?

Knowing your skin type is vital if you want to put your best face forward- so why does it remain such a mystery to so many people? Often, we look at symptoms like acne, flakiness or dry patches and make assumptions about our skin type that may not be accurate. Sadly, the fact is, people with dry skin break out and people with oily skin can experience dry patches or flakiness. So how can you tell what your true skin type is? A few simple questions, and a bit of introspection.

1. How does your skin feel immediately after patting it dry after a bath or shower?

• Normal and combination skin will typically feel clean and comfortable.
• Oily skin often feels as if it's not clean enough, or may even still feel slightly greasy. Pore generally appear larger on oily skin.
• Dry skin will feel tight or itchy, may look visibly taut or stretched, and often has dry patches or flakiness. Pores will likely be less visible on dry skin.

2. How soon do you see an oily shine after cleansing your skin?

• Contrary to popular belief, seeing shine on the skin is NOT in itself a sign of oiliness. It's normal for your skin to produce oil- that's how it protects itself. If you're not noticing the shine until midway through the day (say, lunchtime) then you're probably not truly oily, but rather normal/combination.
• If you notice oil all over your face within an hour or two of washing, you may be oily.
• Dry skin may not show oily breakthrough at all, or if it does, it probably won't be until well into the evening.

3. If you could change one thing about your skin, what would it be? What's the one thing that bothers you the most when you look in the mirror?

• If you think this is a horribly rude question because you're one of the lucky few that simply wouldn't change a thing, then good for you! Protection and prevention should be your main focus. Sunscreen and antioxidants are your best friends, and if you're in your twenties or beyond, look for products with peptides or niacinamide to fend off wrinkles.
• If you're already concerned with signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, or dark spots, peptides and niacinamide can help you too. Products with alpha or beta hydroxy acids can also help to some degree, but more advanced expression lines and dark spots are most effectively treated with prescription retinol.
• For those plagued by breakouts, you may want to try a gentle cleanser with salicylic acid. For dry or sensitive skin with breakouts, sulfur or charcoal are good ingredients that generally don't cause the dryness and irritation that salicylic acid can. Since acne is caused by bacteria in the skin, severe cases can be treated by prescription antibiotics. This is also a concern in which prescription retinol can be helpful, so if over the counter options aren't helping, talk to your doctor.
• Two common mistakes people make when trying to control oil are over-cleansing and skipping moisturizer- creating a vicious cycle. Over-cleansing strips your skin of its natural oil and disrupts its protective barrier, which triggers your skin to pump out even more oil to compensate. This leads to more cleansing to get rid of that oil, and so on... Instead, choose a gentle foaming cleanser and use an oil-free gel or lotion moisturizer. Your skin is smart- it’ll sense the moisture you’re providing and, in time, cut its own oil production back since the excess oil is no longer necessary.

Finally, you need to consider what kind of products you're using. In the years that I've been advising on skincare and makeup, I can't tell you how many people I've seen that are using the wrong products on their skin and are actually causing the problems they complain about. Everything you use on your skin can affect its natural balance- even something like a cleanser that's only on the skin for a few minutes per day. In fact, things you don't directly put onto your skin, like shampoo or hairspray, can make a difference. (If you're going "Huh?" then read this!)

These indicators are tough to describe in writing, but often in cases where the skin is doing confusing things it can be traced back and remedied by changing a step or two in the skincare process. For instance, if you feel tight after cleansing, but have oil peeking through by lunch, you probably have normal/combo skin but are using a cleanser that's too harsh. That's just one example...skin is as unique as...well...a finger print, and everything from diet to heredity weighs in.

Armed with this knowledge, analyze your answers to the questions above- average them together and a clear skin type may present itself. As always, if you’re not confident after reading this, feel free to leave questions in the comments (or even message me) and I'd be happy to help!

Good luck!

Product Review: Annemarie Börlind Rose Dew Hydro Stimulant Night Cream

Börlind's night time offering in it's moisture-rich Rose Dew line, this cream claims to intensively moisturize the skin, stimulate the skin's own moisture-binding capabilities and minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Does it? Read on...

Rose Dew Hydro Stimulant Night Cream $44.99 for 50ml/1.69 oz

Very similar in formulation to the Rose Dew Day Cream (read my review here), this formula is rich in restorative Natural Moisture Factors and protective antioxidants. I was also excited to spy one of one of my favorite hyrdating ingredients, squalane, near the top of the ingredient list! Squalane (usually derived from olives) also appears naturally as a major component of our skin's own oil. It hydrates, smooths and softens, locks in moisture and has immune-stimulating and antioxidant capabilities. The best thing is, your body basically can't tell the difference between this stuff and it's own oil- so even sensitive and irritated skin soaks it up without a blink.

When it comes to evidence of the claim that Rose Dew minimizes "the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines." I say, sure- with a caveat. Let's take a brief lesson in beauty industry marketing. Yes, Rose Dew Night Cream may make lines appear minimized-this is a claim pretty much every moisturizer can make because wrinkles are simply less visible on moist skin. Saying that a product reduces the appearance of lines does not mean that the product is actually making fine lines and wrinkles go away; they just look better.

Aside from the addition of squalane, there's not a huge difference between this and it's daytime counterpart. I will say, the PM version is slightly thicker than the AM, with a waxier feel. It moisturized well, and even though I did feel oily at times, I can't complain of a single breakout. Like the Rose Dew Day Cream, this formula had less slip to it than I'm used to, but this was easily remedied by patting, rather than rubbing, the cream into my skin. And, speaking of similarities- my #1 complaint about this cream? The Rose Dew Night Cream jar is virtually identical to the Day Cream jar! Börlind, I'm begging you- put a silver lid (or something!) on this jar, because that little pink moon icon isn't cutting it for me- at 3am, without my eyeglasses, I just need a little more help!

This cream is a good option for dry skin types looking for basic protective moisture. While there may be cheaper creams out there that could provide similar benefits, Rose Dew Night Cream layers in a ton of good ingredients, and I think it's fairly well priced compared to other prestige skin care lines. If natural ingredients combined with sound social and ecological practices is worth a few extra bucks to you, then I'd definitely recommend giving Annemarie Börlind a try.

The products featured in this post were submitted for review consideration by a representative of the company. What does this mean? I didn't pay for it. My commitment is to you, my readers, and myself (it's called integrity, I like to have it). I can assure you that the opinions expressed in my product reviews are my own, based on my own research and experience; I am not paid in any way nor is the final outcome of the review influenced by the featured company.

Product Review: Annemarie BörlindRose Dew Hydro Stimulant Day Cream

Today, we take a look at one of Annemarie Börlind's daily moisture options: Rose Dew Hydro Stimulant Day Cream $42.99 for 50 ml/1.69 oz

Natural Moisturizing Factors (aka NMFs for us cool kids) like jojoba, avocado, and wheatgerm oils play a key role in this rich day cream designed to hydrate and protect poorly moisturized skin. Wound healing amino acid arginine and the anti-irritant allantion help to soothe irritation and strengthen skin. This formula has tons of powerful antioxidants- everything from Shea Butter (which also adds & seals in moisture) to vitamins C and E to gingko biloba and sage extracts. The addition of urea provides gentle exfoliation and additional moisture binding properties.

Börlind claims that this rose-scented day cream will stimulate the skin's moisture binding abilities and intensely protect it. To me, there's no doubt that this stuff is mega-moisturizing. It's super-rich for a day cream, definitely on target for dry to very dry skin. I've actually been known to use night creams during the day, so for me, this was ideal. I did notice that my skin looked a bit oily (a first for me!) if I didn't put makeup on, but underneath foundation this formula behaved very well. My skin retained a nice glow, but the oil from the cream never broke through my makeup or made me look shiny. One thing I did notice about the texture is that it seemed to tug a little bit when I applied it. Not a huge deal, but when I first started using it I did tend to use more than I really needed because it seemed like it wasn't spreading enough. Simply patting the cream into place, then blending, seemed to work much better for me.

Because of the abundance of NMFs and antioxidants in this cream, I definitely think the formula's moisturizing and skin protecting claims hold water. There is, unfortunately, one BIG hole in this cream's bucket. How can a company say a cream is "intensively" protective when it doesn't contain sunscreen??? In my opinion, this was a big fail for Börlind, and a deal breaker for me. Sun damage is the main cause of premature aging, not to mention skin cancer. I consider it a vital part of my moisture routine. Some people aren't as lazy as me though, so If you're OK applying a separate product to get your SPF, or don't really care about sun protection (maybe you're immortal, so skin cancer doesn't really concern you?) this may be a good option for dry skin looking for a tall drink of water.

The products featured in this post were submitted for review consideration by a representative of the company. What does this mean? I didn't pay for it. My commitment is to you, my readers, and myself (it's called integrity, I like to have it). I can assure you that the opinions expressed in my product reviews are my own, based on my own research and experience; I am not paid in any way nor is the final outcome of the review influenced by the featured company.

Product Review: Annemarie Börlind Treatment Products

Today I'm talking about repair products- a topic I take very seriously. Treatment products are designed to repair what bothers us the most about our skin; the thing we look in to the mirror and scowl at when nobody's looking. That's high stakes! If you can't swallow the entire review at once I've conveniently, and quite unintentionally, started with my favorite, and descended from there. Funny how our subconscious works sometimes, huh? Obviously, my hope is that you'll be so compelled by the fascinating nature of the review that you'll just fly through the article. However, you may need a bathroom break after Act II...

Naturesome Nature Effect Fluid $86.99 for 50ml 1.69 oz

Designed to hydrate, soothe and protect skin, Naturesome can be used by all skin types, though in slightly different applications.

The long list of proven ingredients start with nourishing jojoba seed oil. Jojoba oil is a great emollient for all skin types because it's chemically very similar to our skin's natural oil. While this may not seem a plus for oily skin types, studies have shown that jojoba oil can actually dissolve excess sebum in the pores, allowing it to be washed away. Shea butter and rapeseed oil also make appearances, adding free radical protection and added hydration. Shea butter, along with moisture-binding hyaluronic acid, also helps to lock in all of that lovely moisture.

White Tea, Vitamins C and E, and Ceramides join the party to reinforce the skin's protective barrier and reduce environmental damage, which can contribute to dark spots and wrinkles. Great ingredients, but not by a long shot are they uncommon, rare or expensive to produce-so frankly, what's in this stuff that makes it so damn expensive?

The company highlights the inclusion of sea fennel, and the fancy sounding immortelle, so I figure that's a good place to look for our dollars at work. According to my package, these ingredients "ensure a feeling of well being, happiness and relaxation". Um, OK. Not exactly quantifiable. In the non-metaphorical world, immortelle is known as an anti-inflammatory, and indeed aromatherapists use it for its calming, uplifting properties. On the other hand, sea fennel seems to fall a bit short. It may have some antioxidant and antibacterial properties, but that's really all she wrote.

Now on to the actual using, trying part. Since I have dry skin, I used this as a treatment, under my day cream. The first thing that struck me was the scent. I'd classify this as a light, slightly sweet but herbal floral. It actually reminds me a whole lot of the Victoria's Secret perfume Sexy Little Things. Applying the lotion, it feels light and non-oily, but takes its time absorbing into the skin. For people with dry skin types, think of it as a supplement to boost moisture and add environmental protection to your daily routine. For normal, combination and slightly oily skin types, I think this would work well as a daily moisturizer, but would likely be too much for extremely oily skin. My only caveat is that it doesn't contain SPF. For me, this was a non-issue since I was using it as a treatment, but for people wanting to use it as a day cream, it's a major deduction.

I like the feel and love the scent of this product, and will continue to use it, though I can't say I'll be running to replenish it when it's gone. I think Naturesome is a great product to soothe, hydrate and protect skin from environmental damage, but if I'm being honest, I think similar benefits could be found in a much less expensive product. If, however, you're looking for a treatment and this fits the bill, and you're willing to pay a premium for the piece of mind that Börlind's social and environmental practices provide, then this may be the product for you.

Orange Blossom Energizer $35.99 for 50ml/1.69 oz

This dual phase treatment is a mixture of botanical oils and extracts that Börlind says is meant to help skin regain firmness, and smooth wrinkles while revitalizing and strengthening skin.

Many of the oils that make up this formula are Natural Moisturizing Factors, meaning they mimic the way healthy skin functions. Because of this, they can help the skin's natural lipid barrier remain strong- which keeps bacteria out, reduces irritation, reinforces the skin's ability to repair and regenerate itself. The formula also includes anti-irritants and a decent dose of anti-oxidants. These components convince me that this product will indeed strengthen the skin.

This product was great to wake up to! As you may guess from the name, it's got a slightly tart, zesty scent that's derived from Sicilian blood orange extract and orange flower water. The sticky part is, both ingredients are potential skin irritants, and there's some suggestion that the extract can even prompt photosensitivity in fair skin. Luckily, these two components appear at the bottom of the ingredient list, so they may not be concentrated enough to cause problems. I certainly didn't notice any, and I'll remind you that not only am I extremely fair, but I use retinol, a prescription medication that causes photosensitvity itself. If someone were going to react, I'd think my chances would be pretty good (bad?)

With it's light-oil preparation, this product is mainly going to appeal to dry and severely dry skin types. It does sinks into the skin quickly though, and really could be used as a moisturizer for those with normal or combination skin. I liked how this felt going on, and appreciate the product's barrier strengthening potential. On the other hand, I think the formula falls short on it's firming and wrinkle smoothing promises. I didn't notice any marked improvement in that area, nor did I see any ingredients in the formula that seem to be able to cash that check.

This product is more reasonably priced than most of the Börlind products that I tried, and is a decent treatment for those looking for basic antioxidant protection, barrier repair and, of course, added moisture. However, for those looking to help ease the signs of aging, I'd suggest a product with more advanced anti-aging components.

Facial Firming Gel $49.99 for 50ml/1.69 oz

The name says it all here, according to the company, this product is meant to "give the skin a firm and smooth appearance." BUT WAIT! There's more! This slick gel also promises to minimize the appearance of pores and broken capillaries.

I don't put anything on my face without looking at the ingredients first; this gel was no exception. The first thing I noticed staring me in the face was the second ingredient- alcohol. If you read my review yesterday on Börlind's toner, you'll know that of course, I had to write the president of the company and ask "why? Why? WHY?" Her response was that alcohol is used because of it's astringent qualities, and a natural preservative, and that in the low concentrations used, it is not drying to the skin. Be that as it may, the presence of alcohol in this gel is not exactly unnoticeable since it smells a bit like a hospital. In addition to that, firming is not really a concern of mine, so I'll admit, my motivation to try this one was a bit lacking.

When I did get around to trying it, I definitely noticed a distinct tightening feel. Personally, I wasn't all that fond of it myself- having dry skin I do all I can to get rid of that feeling, but I can recognize that someone who is trying to improve the firmness of their skin may greet this tautness with open arms. Appropriately, this firming effect seems to be the result of an extract from the Baobab tree- better known as the African "Tree of Life" (you know, the one from The Lion King). Indeed. Horsetail also imparts a tightening effect, and some antioxidant properties, but can be irritating to the skin. Despite the tightening feel of this gel, Baobab actually seems to hold promise as a moisturizing and barrier strengthening ingredient, and glycerin is added to the moisture binding efforts.

While Börlind boasts of a 38% increase in skin's firmness after 28 days, I was unable to verify this, either with my personal experience or with my research. I'd like to flatter myself that my skin couldn't get 38% tighter, but lets face it: we all have areas. In the interest of science, I tested this product on an area of my body that is, shall we say, not as perky as it once was. Though the tightening feeling was quite apparent on my face, I didn't notice the effects...elsewhere. In my research, I didn't notice any ingredients that claimed to stimulate collagen production which is what would need to happen for this to have a lasting effect on the skin. Having said that, this did have a temporary tightening effect. For some, that may be enough. For right now, I'm just thankful I don't have to worry about it!

The products featured in this post were submitted for review consideration by a representative of the company. What does this mean? I didn't pay for it. My commitment is to you, my readers, and myself (it's called integrity, I like to have it). I can assure you that the opinions expressed in my product reviews are my own, based on my own research and experience; I am not paid in any way nor is the final outcome of the review influenced by the featured company.

Ask OutInAPout:What Do You Use on Your Skin?

Whether it's a testament to my profession or the condition of my skin I can't say, but one question I've always been asked is: What do you use on your skin? I'll admit, I've been told more than once that I have "perfect skin". I've always tried my best to assure people that this is definitely NOT the case; I owe the illusion of perfect skin to a hand deft in the application of concealer, foundation and highlighter. Having said that, I've always taken care of my skin, and though the specifics of the routine change, there are some fundamentals that I never stray from. Here, then, is what I do to keep my skin as close to perfect as possible.

Day time:

Cleanse- Philosophy Purity Made Simple

Generally I use this twice daily; once at night to remove makeup and once in the morning to refresh. I love Purity because it removes all of my makeup without drying out my skin. Being as obsessive about my skin as I am, I'm actually a double cleanser- at night when I'm removing makeup I actually wash twice, just to make sure everything is gone. I don't really think this is necessary with this cleanser, it just makes me feel better. Also, since my skin ranges from normal/dry to severely dry, sometimes I don't cleanse in the morning. Provided that I've been good and removed my makeup the night before, I may just splash my face with water when I wake up, then proceed with my normal routine. For a more detailed look at this product, you can check out my review here!

Treatment- Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair

I've recently returned to this old standby. I searched far and wide for a serum to soothe and protect my skin from environmental damage, while offering a nice moisture boost. Something with hyaluronic acid was a must- this wonder ingredient holds 1000 times it's weight in water, so it not only adds hydration, but helps your skin to retain what's already there. After months spent browsing product ingredients on-line and in-store, I decided I needed to return to my roots, and I'm so glad I did! I already knew of the soothing properties of this serum (I've even used it on sunburn before!) it's also got great antioxidant properties- back in my days at the counter, we'd cut open an apple and slather this on the cut side of one half- the treated half of the apple won't brown because it's being protected from oxidation (aka free radical damage.)

Despite it's name, I actually use this as my daytime treatment- the light and non-greasy texture make it perfect for under makeup and of course, skin needs free-radical protection during the day as much as it does at night!

Moisturize- Canyon Ranch Protect UVA/UVB SPF 30 Facial Moisturizer

The moisturizing component of my skin care routine is probably the one that changes most often. Constant technological development in this realm means that many creams and lotions skirt the line between moisturizer and treatment, so I often find myself switching up this element of my routine in search of my holy grail.

One aspect of my day time routine that has NEVER changed is that I ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS use a moisturizer that contains sunscreen. If I have anything to be vain about, it is the fact that for a 32 year old woman, I have very few wrinkles. (I've actually had relatives sling thinly veiled Botox accusations!) The fact is, I haven't left the house a day in almost 2 decades without sun protection on my face. That, dear readers (and relatives) is why I've had very few wrinkles.

I'm currently testing the Canyon Ranch moisturizer; a medium-weight lotion that contains a physical (as compared to chemical) sunscreen. While this may be a plus in some people's books, I personally prefer chemical barriers; I find them generally more comfortable on my skin, and physical sunscreens zinc oxide and titanium dioxide can feel chalky and make skin appear unnaturally white in photos.

This moisturizer does have anti-aging and antioxidant complexes, as well as ceramides to help keep the skin's protective barrier in tact, so there are some definite pluses. I've only been using this one for a couple of weeks, but stay tuned for a more in depth review of this product in the coming months.

Night time:

For night, my routine only changes slightly. On the off chance that I've used waterproof mascara (basically, if I've been swimming or to a wedding or funeral) I'll remove it with a dual-phase eye makeup remover like Sonia Kashuk Eye Makeup Remover. Then I cleanse just as I do in the AM.

Treatment- Prescription Tretinoin

Tretinoin is available by prescription only under several brand names, the most popular being Retin-A and Renova. It is also available in a generic form. Tretinoin is a member of the Vitamin A family, and is the only chemical that has ever been approved by the FDA to reduce wrinkles and sun damage. Tretinoin isn't cheap- even the generic of the drug runs about $90, and of course you also have to pay for an office visit to a dermatologist to get a prescription in the first place. I finally took the leap because I felt like I was wasting my money on over the counter treatments. There are so many serums, moisturizers, masks, peels, etc...out there that are writing checks that their ingredient lists can't cash. I finally figured, if I'm going to spend the money, I'm going to spend it on something that's scientifically proven to work. Makes sense, huh?

Tretinoin is available in different concentrations and formulas- since I'm sensitive and dry skinned, I'm starting out with cream in the lowest concentration available (.025%)- which is still 20 times more potent than it's non-prescription counterparts. Since the cream base contains several emollients, I often don't need a separate moisturizer, which makes the price seem less of an issue.

Moisturize- CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

On the nights that I need extra moisture, or that I don't use my Tretinoin (since I'm still transitioning into it, my skin sometimes gets irritated and I may take a day off to recover) I've been reaching for this drug store staple. As far as night creams go, CeraVe Cream is pretty bare bones- it contains ceramides to help strengthen the skin's protective barrier, as well as glycerin and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and help skin retain moisture. It's also time released, non-comedogenic and fragrance free.

Before I used my Tretinoin, I would have insisted on a souped-up anti-aging cream, but now that I'm confident I'm getting those benefits elsewhere, I kind of like the simplicity of the CeraVe. Having said that, the line recently released a PM lotion that contains Niacinamide- an anti-aging multi-threat. Though I'll likely never run out of my CeraVe Cream (it comes in a honking 16 oz jar!) I'm increasingly tempted to pick up the new night version.

If anyone is wondering, I don't use a separate eye cream for my eye area. Those of you who have been with me for a while may recall my realization that eye creams are basically the same as most facial moisturizers, except they're 3 times smaller and twice the price. I even had my suspicion confirmed by celebrity dermatologist Dr. Jeffrey Benabio.

Otherwise, that's about it. Yes, there are a few intermittent "helpers" that I turn to (Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner when I'm flaky, MAC Fix+ for a quick moisture boost when I'm feeling tight, even plain old Vaseline for my lips and nose when they get chapped and raw.) But this is the foundation of my routine. Keep in mind, what works for me may not work for you- skin type and concerns are vital indicators of what your best skin solution will be. I don't imagine I'll ever rest on my laurels where my skin is concerned- skin types change over time, and particular concerns with them. Just think of me as a skincare mixologist looking for the best cocktail of products. Of course, you can count on me to spill them all over when I find them!

Alcohol in Skincare; What you Don't Know Might Help You!

If you're like me, you're at the point in the year where you're desperately trying to conserve as much of your skin's moisture as possible. By this day in age, anyone who has had a skin care consultation or read one or two beauty rags knows to stay away from alcohol in skincare products. Alcohol gets a bad rap because it strips your skin's natural oils, drying it and breaking down it's protective barrier. That's old news.

Problem is, like so many other things in life, relying on stereotypes will only bring you trouble. Glance at a few creams and lotions in your bathroom cabinet and you're bound to find more than a few that contain alcohol. "WHAT is going on here?" you may demand. Have you been played the fool by stingy companies trying to steal your skin's precious moisture? Was the department store salesgirl spinning alcohol-free rhetoric actually a clueless twit (or perhaps a Puritan?) Calm down, and prepare yourself. You see, the truth that most people fail to mention is that not all alcohols are bad.

Certain alcohols are actually chains of fatty acids, and are used as a carrier agent to thicken or emulsify a product (so it doesn't separate like old mayo!) Far from being drying, fatty acid alcohols are actually emollient- meaning they help to prevent water loss from the skin, softening and soothing as they go.

So what now? Well, the list of alcohols is lengthy, and unless you've got a handy-dandy photographic memory, listing the good -vs- the bad ones isn't going to do anything but bore the pants off of all of us! Here's a simple verse I learned a few years ago that will make your life much easier (at least, where this issue is concerned.) So here's the magic phrase, revealing to you which alcohols are the GOOD ones:

"When you see alcohols, steer left"

so, we break down the mnemonic and get-

see alcohols= C alcohols (OK, fine, they're cetyl, cetearyl, cetostearyl and cetyl alcohol 40)

steer= Stearyl alcohol

left= Lanolin alcohol

So, now you know. Alcohol is nothing to be afraid of (I say so soon after New Years!)

Quick Tip: Choosing the Right Illuminator

If the impending fall/winter season has you scrambling to pick up something to restore your skin's glow, here's something to bear in mind. Despite being touted as skin tone perfectors, many iridescent illuminators and skin brighteners can actually call attention to the very thing you're trying to correct.

If redness in the skin is a concern for you, whether it's something chronic like rosacea or just a few inflamed pimples, be aware that many illuminators (like MAC Strobe Cream, Estee Lauder Spotlight, or Benefit High Beam) have pearly particles that will actually emphasize red or pink tones in the skin. While they might be a great choice for brightening some skin tones, putting this type of opalescent shade on skin that it already plagued with redness is likely to bring about a glow that's more stoplight than spotlight. Many moisturizers that are billed as "luminous" also have this added pigment. While this red cast is quite apparent in some products, it's much more subtle in others. If you're not sure, put a good sized dab in the palm of you hands and rub it it. The particles are likely to settle into the fine lines and become more obvious.

A better bet for ruddy skin is a white or champagne shade, like Benefit Moon Beam or Illamasqua Illuminator in Odyssey. For an all-over glow, mix a pea sized drop into your foundation or moisturizer, or just pat it on key areas. Keep in mind, if you wear foundation, choosing a dewier formula (rather than a matte or satin finish) may eliminate your need for a separate illuminator all together. I love Face Atelier Ultra Foundation for it's fresh, natural look on the skin- it offers good coverage and allows my skin to retain that "just applied moisturizer" look without feeling heavy or greasy.

Do It Yourself: Sheer Foundation

As the mercury rises, you may be tempted to pick up a new bottle of sheer makeup and trade in your fuller coverage winter stand-by. Instead, create your own custom formulation by mixing your favorite foundation with one of your other makeup bag regulars.

To create the perfect shade of tinted moisturizer, simply mix your favorite liquid makeup with your daily moisturizer. Since you're doing the mixing yourself, you get to control the level of coverage; the more moisturizer, the sheerer your coverage will be. Keep in mind, even if your foundation contains sunscreen, you'll want to choose a moisturizer that has an equal or higher SPF, otherwise you will dilute the sunscreen and reduce the protection.

For those that have oily skin, mix your makeup with a bit of silicone based makeup primer. You'll still get the shine-reducing, pore minimizing benefits of the primer, with an added bit of color and coverage.

SPF's: What's in a number?

After a short cruise to the Bahamas, 3 consecutive weekends out-of-town, dinner with a "Top Chef", and a 3 mile walk-a-thon with a feverish toddler strapped to my chest, my blogging hiatus stretched much longer than I had planned. For that I have to apologize, but no worries- I'm back now! After a personal reminder of how vital sun protection is, I decided it was the perfect time to lay down some facts about sunscreen.

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. The number you see actually represents the amount of time a sunscreen will protect you. An SPF 2 actually provides the same amount of protection as an SPF 40 does, the lower SPF will just protect you for less time.

Despite all of the confusion, it's relatively easy to determine the level of protection you'll get from a sunscreen. To find out how long a sunscreen will protect your skin, start with the amount of time it would take you to burn without sunscreen, then multiply (or factor) that number by the SPF. This means that if you normally begin to turn red after 10 minutes in the sun, an SPF 15 would extend that amount of time by 15, which would be 150 minutes (or 2.5 hours). SPF 30 would give you 300 minutes (5 hours) of protection, and an SPF 90 would literally give more protection than there are hours of sunlight.

The caveat here is that sunscreen is by no means impervious to the elements. Experts recommend reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours since it will likely have worn off by then. Considering the short life of sunscreen on the body, and the fact that no one needs 16 hour sun protection, an SPF 90 seems pretty absurd- which is why most dermatologists will tell you that you need not bother with anything higher than a SPF 30.

There is one thing in support of using a product with a high SPF, however. Since most people do not apply enough sunscreen, using a higher SPF provides some cushion. A full ounce of sunscreen (about a shot glass full) should be used on the body- using less will provide less protection. If you choose a lower SPF you run the risk of not getting adequate protection. On the other hand, if you were to use even half of the recommended amount of SPF 70 you'd still get a sufficient block (about an SPF 35).

To get the best protection out of your sunscreen, choose one that has both UVB and UVA protection; these protect your skin from the sun's burning and aging rays. If you're concerned after hearing rumbles that several common sunscreen ingredients can actually cause free-radical damage, it's important to remember that sunscreen is still our best defense against skin cancer. If you're concerned, choose a formula with added antioxidants (like Coppertone NutraShield) which will counteract free radical damage caused by the product. If you are using a separate treatment or moisturizer with antioxidants, these will provide the protection as well. Most importantly, use your sunscreen daily, and apply it liberally and often.

Foundation Primer: Do You Really Need One?

In the last 10 years or so, a new product has emerged on the makeup scene. As "professional" lines like MAC, Make Up For Ever and Smashbox have gained popularity, foundation primer has become a much recommended addition to the home kit. The question is, what does it do, and do you really need it?

Foundation Primers are most commonly gel-like potions designed to be applied before you put on your face makeup, as the name would imply. They claim rather vaguely to prep your face for a perfect, glowing finish. Depending on the brand, you'll see claims of velvety smoothness, reduction of the appearance of pores, fine lines, even scars. They say makeup glides on better and will stay on better. Despite all the varying claims, at their core, all foundation primers are pretty much the same. Sad, considering they can be priced anywhere from about $8.00 to $60.00

Primers are generally composed of a blend of silicone derivatives. Those most commonly used are Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane and Dimethicone Crosspolymer. Used as emollients, they create a barrier to help hold moisture in the skin. This barrier is also water resistant, and imparts a matte look to the skin- great for those with oily skin whose makeup melts off midday. Because of the chemical composition of these ingredients, they sit on top of the skin, and can act as a temporary "filler" to smooth out fine lines, large pores, even things like acne scarring.

Some primers employ light reflecting ingredients that act as tiny mirrors, bouncing light away from problem areas. You may have even seen the newest incarnation in the primer market- primers that are tinted with odd colors like green, yellow or violet. These products are certainly not a new idea, they're just more user-friendly versions of the color correctors that pros have been using for years to reduce redness or add tone to overly sallow or pallid complexions. (My next post will fill you in on color correctors, so stay tuned!)

So, primers do much of what they claim. The thing you need to know is that you may already be using a product that does the same thing. Many serums and anti-aging products have the same silicone-based ingredients that primers do; they too fill in problem spots like large pores and fine lines. Using a primer over these products would not only be unnecessary, but it could actually cause your makeup to "roll". If you've ever put your makeup on and had it literally ball up as you apply (or thought your skin was peeling off, but saw no flakiness when you washed your face) you may have experienced silicone overdose.

Likewise, most primers that promote anti-aging benefits have the same basic antioxidants that any good treatment serum or moisturizer would, like retinyl palmitate (vitamin A), tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), or ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Some do have higher-end botanicals, moisturizers or anti-aging ingredients, but chances are, if you're willing to shell out an extra $50 for primer, you're probably already using skin care treatments that contain them.

If you're plagued by large pores, oily skin or need a color-correcting product, primers can be useful, provided you're not using a skin care product that contains the same ingredients. If you're thinking of a primer for it's anti-aging properties, check out a treatment serum that contains one of the silicone-based ingredients listed above; chances are they'll have a higher concentration of the anti-aging ingredient and you'll be much more likely to notice results.

Simple Secret: De-flake your lips lickety-split!

After you brush your teeth at night, gently brush your rinsed toothbrush over your lips for about 10 seconds. Pat dry, then apply your regular facial moisturizer to your lip area- after all, lips are skin too! Finish with a coat of Vaseline or your favorite lip balm to seal in moisture.