[Review] Dermalogica Clean Start: Smart Mouth Lip Shine

April 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment

lip [Review] Dermalogica Clean Start: Smart Mouth Lip Shine

Ok, who has two thumbs and is addicted to lip products? This girl. I am a total self-proclaimed lip product junkie. Give me glosses, scrubs, sticks, tubes and stains and I will be a very happy addict.  With that being said, I have to rave about a new product I’ve been trying out; the Dermalogica Clean Start Smart Mouth Lip Shine. When I say that I am really, really, really loving this product; that’s an understatement.  Check out the specs below:

The Clean Start Mouth Lip Shine is a lip shield FIRST, with a shiny finish that makes lip-gloss irrelevant.  Filled with vitamin E, Shea Butter and Cocoa Seed Butter, the Lip Shine both moisturizes and conditions your lips to make them kissably smooth.

Review

When choosing lip products, the number one determining factor for likeability is texture.  With the skin on our lips being so sensitive, the formula has to be just right, or you can feel it immediately.  There is nothing that I hate more than a grainy lip balm, or sticky lip gloss – neither of which I found with Dermalogica’s Clean Start Mouth Lip Shine.  If I had to describe it, I would say that the texture is somewhere between a lip balm and a lotion – silky and smooth, just like butter.  The smell is just as fabulous as the feel, with hints of vanilla following a fruity, Summer inspired scent.  Backed by the Dermalogica promise, the Smart Mouth Lip Shine not only feels great, but keeps my lips looking  great far after the product was applied.

Dermalogica goes the extra mile with their squeeze-tube packaging, something that I have been raving about for years.  For those of you concerned with germs, you hear my cries – with a squeeze-tube, the risk of germs and other nasties getting inside of your products [and effectively, into your mouth] are far less.  Then again, maybe that’s my own paranoia…either way, the tube eases my worries by giving me more control during usage than I would have with a traditional stick.

Another one of my favorite features is how long it lasts.  I honestly couldn’t give you an accurate estimate, as it seems to never stop working.  Don’t get me wrong, there is a point where I don’t actually feel it ON my lips, but instead of the Smart Mouth Lip Shine getting wiped/licked off, it actually feels like it penetrates deep into my lips, leaving them extra soft for hours at a time.

Purchase info: The Dermalogica Clean Start Collection is available now at all Beauty Collection locations.

 

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Bye, Bye Breakouts: 10 Steps to Clear Skin

August 11, 2009 By 3 Comments

When it comes to acne, no one gets a free pass. Whether you’re a tween, teen, adult, or even a movie star like Cameron Diaz or Brad Pitt, chances are you’re going to have to battle breakouts at some point. [And, if you have our luck, usually before a hot date!]

The culprit? Oily skin. During adolescence especially, raging hormones put the glands that moisturize your skin into overdrive, trapping oil, dirt and bacteria—a perfect storm for acne. While most people weather the brunt before age 20, it’s not uncommon to bear those blemishes well beyond your teen years. But don’t despair! The road to clear skin starts here:

#1. Cleanse. Use a daily cleanser for your face and body. Celebrities like E! News’ Giuliana DePandi Rancic swear by DDF Blemish Foaming Cleanser. For very oily skin, the magic ingredient is salicylic acid. Try DDF Salicylic Wash 2%.

#2. Treat. Stop those angry-looking pimples in their tracks with a medicated mask, like DDF Sulfur Therapeutic Mask, which also prevents new blemishes from forming. DDF Benzoyl Peroxide 5% Gel with Tea Tree Oil uses the acne-fighting staple benzoyl peroxide to zap zits, while the tea tree oil soothes the skin and prevents it from drying out.

#3. Protect. If you’re not careful, over-scrubbing can leave your skin dry and flaky. Keep it hydrated with an oil-free lotion like Murad Acne Skin Perfecting Lotion.

#4. Drink up. Water helps combat oily skin from the inside out. Make sure you get eight glasses a day to keep your skin healthy and clear.

#5. Work it out. Moderate exercise is good for your skin. It promotes your overall health and can be a great stress reliever. Skip the makeup though to avoid clogging pores and shower afterwards to keep your skin clean and oil-free.

#6. Don’t get picky. Resist the urge to pop those zits. You’ll just spread the bacteria, and worse, you could end up with nasty scars.

#7. Pull back your hair. Hair traps dirt and oil – don’t let it rub on your face! Try wearing it short or pulled back. Ladies, make it easy with a pretty pony cuff or band. Choose one of our favorite tangle-free bands from Smoothies.

#8. Go oil-free. Skip oil-based makeup and go for water-based eyeshadows, toners, moisturizers and sunscreens like Peter Thomas Roth’s Über Dry Sunscreen. To avoid clogging pores at night, make sure to remove all makeup before going to bed.

#9. Do your laundry. Fabric traps oils and dirt, so make sure to use clean towels everyday. Switch out pillow cases, washcloths and makeup brushes for each use to keep skin clean and fresh.

#10. Rest up. Skimping on shut-eye throws off your body, and those changes can result in breakouts. Can’t get your 7-9 hours a night? Sneak a cat nap in the afternoon and make sure to schedule some downtime when you’re awake.

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The Ultimate Beauty Kit for College Girls

August 4, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Classes are about to begin and chances are the dorm-bound coed in your life has a mini-fridge and a microwave high on her must-have list. But what about the day to day products she’ll need to feel fresh for that 8 a.m. class? Beauty Collection has everything today’s college student needs to look her best, whether she’s just off to the cafeteria or going to an evening formal. When putting together the ultimate beauty kit for your favorite college girl, here’s a handy checklist to get you started:

Bath Items

Stock that oh-so-vital shower caddy with everything she needs to stay fresh. Along with her favorite shampoo and conditioner, add a scented body wash such as 100% Pure’s Fresh Squeezed Pink Grapefruit Juicy Shower Gel. Don’t forget a razor and shaving gel like the rose-scented cream from The Art of Shaving for Women.

Hair Care

In addition to her preferred styling products, she’s going to need hardware to keep her hair looking fabulous all day. For dorm living, choose hair dryers and styling irons that are reliable but not too expensive [in case they go missing]. Beauty Collection also stocks a variety of hairbrushes including Bio Ionic’s nano-ionic brushes to help speed up the drying time before that early morning class. Remember to pack hair accessories like headbands and bobby pins too.

Nail Care

Most students don’t have the extra cash to spend on a professional manicure or pedicure—so give her what she needs to do it herself. Stock up on hot fall colors like Manicurist of Seville and Conquistadorable Color from OPI’s España Collection. And don’t forget the JAPONESQUE Manicure Set which includes tweezers, nail clippers, cuticle scissors and a nail file—all in an adorable pink tote.

Foundation/Blush

Mineral-based foundations and blushes from Stript will give her the flawless look she wants without the parabens. Made from marine botanicals, these foundations and blushes are formulated with the antioxidants A, C & E to help naturally moisturize the face.

Skincare

Breakouts aren’t unusual for the college crowd, especially during finals week, so include a complete acne regimen like Dr. Murad’s Acne Complex Kit. [For more on keeping blemishes at bay, see our "Bye, Bye Breakouts" post.] Also pack her favorite moisturizer such as Boscia Oil-Free Daily Hydration [SPF 15] and hand lotion to prevent chapping.

Lipgloss

This coed staple gives lips a natural fresh look for any time of day. Give her a variety of fun colors for every occasion and look for ones with shimmer like Stila Lip Glaze.

Eye Makeup

Today’s college coeds go with a natural daytime look with a little something extra for night [think Emma Watson—the university-bound star favors dramatic eyeliner for evening premieres]. For daytime eyeshadow, go with soft colors like Starlight or Kitten from Stila and try smokier shades from the Stila Smokey Eye Collection for night.

Smile Care

To keep those pearlies white, she’ll need dental floss, toothpaste and a toothbrush for starters. Add a travel-sized mouthwash like GoSMILE Touch-Ups so that she can freshen up between classes.

Odds and Ends

Don’t forget to stock up on must-have items like cotton balls and swabs, bandages and facial tissue. Add a set of makeup brushes such as the Japonesque Touch Up Tube Brush Set to round out her beauty kit.

Storage

Storage space is at a premium, especially for dorm dwellers, so help her organize her beauty supplies. A cute makeup case like the Japonesque Medium Train Case with accordion trays can store everything she needs [and more!] without taking up valuable drawer space.

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