TruAge Skin AGE Therapy Gel

As a 33 year old with a magnified mirror in her bathroom, I'm constantly obsessing and spotting new wrinkles and skin blemishes. It doesn't help that I have a newborn at home that doesn't like sleeping much, so my skin is so tired looking these days. I'm open to trying any new products that help with aging skin.

I recently learned about TrueAge Skin AGE Therapy Gel, created by Morinda. Morinda is the leading creator of anti-aging beverages, supplements and skin care products, and most recently, this new gel.

AGE stands for advanced glycation end-products, which causes skin damage, also known as glycation. Do you know what glycation is? If not, don't worry, I had to Google it. Glycation occurs when excess sugars in the bloodstream bind with proteins in the skin, causing stiffness and inelasticity, while impairing the skin's protective function. AGE Therapy Gel helps to improve the skin's appearance while boosting its protective layer.

According to Kira Davis, Morinda's global product development manager, "glycation is responsible for virtually every sign of aging and can have a devastating effect on skin." TruAge Skin AGE Therapy Gel is created from the best ingredients found in Morinda's flagship AGE-fighting product, TruAge Max.

AGE Therapy Gel works well along side any skin care routine. I have really sensitive skin and I had no issues when I tested it out. The gel is really light weight and absorbs very quickly. Here are the key benefits:

It Protects...The topical TruAge Max blend is compromised of ingredients that create a protective barrier against AGE accelerators such as free radicals, environmental damage and moisture loss

It Soothes...Oat kernel extract and beta-glucan provide a soothing effect on skin, reducing redness and irritation, as well as helping to strengthen the skin's barrier function.

It Repairs...Carnosine has been shown to block AGE damage, protect minor cuts, scrapes and burns, and relieve dry, chapped skin. It also protects and relieves chafed and irritated skin. 

So what do you think? Would you be interested in trying this out? AGE Therapy Gel is available now exclusively at Morinda.com at a special introductory price of $42. Check back tomorrow for a special giveaway from Lipgloss Break!

Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.

Neutrogena #PoreNoMore Challenge

I was recently asked to take the Neutrogena #PoreNoMore challenge. I was hesitant to switch up my skin care routine at 38 weeks pregnant, so I enlisted my best friend to help...my husband.

My husband doesn't usually follow a strict skincare routine like I do, so this was definitely a challenge for him. But, since the Neutrogena Pore Refining Collection has so many different products and options, I think it made it easier for him to stick to it. He always complains about his large pores, so I really didn't have to twist his arm to participate.

Here's a rundown of the products:

Pore Refining Daily Cleanser
This cleanser is non-comedogenic (meaning it won't clog pores) and dermatologist tested. It's gentle enough to use as your every day cleanser. It will help to shrink pores, especially when paired with other products in this collection. 

Pore Refining Exfoliating Cleanser 
This exfoliating cleanser helps to reduce the look of pores just by washing your face. The exfoliating micro beads gently sweep away dead surface skin, than the alpha-hydroxy formula penetrates pores to remove dirt. This cleanser is non-comedogenic, soap free and dermatologist tested. I advised my husband to only use this a few times a week in place of the Daily Cleanser. 

Pore Refining Toner
You may think your skin is clean, until you swipe some of this toner over your skin with a cotton ball. It always amazes me how much oil and dirt can be left behind after a quick face wash. This toner is designed to sweep away dead surface skin, and then penetrate deep into pores to help them appear smaller. It's also non-comedogenic and dermatologist tested.

Pore Refining Moisturizer
End your pore cleansing routine with this moisturizer, to help visibly reduce appearance of pores and for softer, smoother skin. It contains Beta Hydroxy to smooth rough, uneven skin, and Retinol, that reveals the look of brighter skin. It's also oil free (I always look for this in products!), hypoallergenic and it won't clog pores. 

So did my husband follow this exactly? Nope. But he did pretty good. He even kept it up when we were in the hospital for the birth of our son! Sometimes after a late night of working he would be too tired to wash his face, so it was nice to have the Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner on hand for a quick cleanse to remove oil. And he especially liked the Pore Refining Exfoliating Cleanser. He said the little exfoliating beads really made it feel like he was getting his skin super clean.

Want to shrink your pores? Check out this collection of products and take the #PoreNoMore challenge yourself! Please share your results in the comments below! 

Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.

Modere Beauty Box Review

I love trying and discovering new products, and one great way to do this is to subscribe to a monthly beauty box subscription or sampler program. Modere just launched their new Beauty Box, which allows you to try their top beauty products for 7 days, risk-free.

Each box comes with 5 full size items, and 4 sample sizes, for $79. If you don't like the products, you can send back the full sizes and you will not get charged. The sample sized products and eye gel are yours to keep. If you want to keep everything, your card will be charged, or, if you want just one or two items, you'll be charged the MSRP listed for that product plus S&H.

A little bit of background on Modere....
Modere believes that "the future of beauty starts with a natural you." Modere bases their products on naturally derived ingredients, to make them gentle and intuitive. They are all about enhancing unique and authentic beauty.

Exfoliant
The Modere Exfoliant is designed to cleanse pores and restore your complexion. The tiny hint of prickly pear exfoliates gently, while Jojoba wax beads massage your face, leaving behind moisture. There's no need to scrub this on your face and neck, a gentle massage will do. It's also not advised to use this every day. 2-3 times a week will work!

The Modere Exfoliant retails for $12.99.

Anti-Aging Serum
The Modere Anti-Aging Serum is a quick absorbing serum that is formulated to help preserve and enhance your natural look. After cleansing or exfoliating, you should use a dime size amount of this on your face, massaging in upward, circular motions. I also like to add a little bit to the back of my hands. This is a fairly large tube (1.5 oz) so only using a dime size amount will definitely make this product last awhile.

This product comes out as a light, milky white serum, and absorbs extremely quickly. The light scent is really pleasant, but I can't quite put my finger on what it smells like.

The Modere Anti-Aging Serum comes in a 1.5 fl. oz tube and retails at $39.99.

Antioxidant Gel
Modere's Antioxidant Gel contains Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, which is a type of Vitamin C, to help preserves the nutrients in this gel until they are being applied to your skin. After cleansing you can apply a pea-sized amount to your face, neck and decolletage. If you're using the anti-aging serum as well, you can apply the gel after the serum. It's suggested to use this 2x a day, and follow up with a Modere Day Lotion or cream.

I LOVE the way this gel feels when applied. It comes out of the tube in clear form, and once rubbed in it almost takes on a powdery finish feel. It absorbs really quickly, and doesn't have a smell to it.

The Antioxidant Gel retails for $24.99.

Antioxidant Hair Serum
Modere's Antioxidant Hair Serum has me obsessed! I love this stuff. I've putting a pea-sized amount on my hair after styling, and it gives a beautiful, healthy shine, and keeps it frizz free in this humid weather we've been having in Michigan. You can also apply this to wet hair before styling. A little bit of this serum goes a long way.

Key ingredients include...Kukui Seed, Argan Oil (love!) and Jojoba seed oil (love this too!).

The Hair Serum retails for $21.99.

Dual Action Eye Gel
I've used this eye gel non stop since I received my box, and I'm loving it. I'm 37 weeks pregnant and haven't been sleeping well, so this gel has been my best friend in helping me to hide and soothe my puffy eyes and darks circles. I've been using this morning and night after washing my face, underneath my eye and over my eyes. A little amount goes a long way.

This Eye Gel retails for $29.99, but is yours to keep even if you return the box!

Stay tuned for a Modere sponsored giveaway - coming up soon on Lipgloss Break! In the meantime, check out the Modere Beauty Box for yourself and let me know what you think. If you're interested, sign up to receive the box for yourself. If you don't like it, you can send it back, you don't pay anything, and get to keep the samples and eye gel. It's risk free!

This post was sponsored by Modere. This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.

Giveaway Break - Mary Kay CC Cream & Lash Love Mascara

It's the first long weekend in Spring and everyone in Michigan has been checking the forecast religiously. It's suppose to be in the 70s and sunny. Perfect weather for Memorial Day weekend!

This weekend you should be armed with SPF products to help protect your skin. I usually go for a minimalist look on the weekends. I'm of the opinion that a good tinted moisturizer or foundation with SPF, and a waterproof black mascara are staples for a laid back, weekend look.

Mary Kay's CC Cream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15 and Lash Love Waterproof are perfect for a lounging, weekend look. If you'll be in sun, you must put SPF on first! Layered over a higher SPF cream, the CC Cream has eight skin benefits in one cube! It's super light, and has a natural finish. The added sunscreen can't hurt, either.

Lash Love Mascara comes in both brown and black, and is great to wear in the heat or to the beach, lake or pool. No one likes raccoon eyes after swimming or sweating in the sunny weather!

If you need help summer proofing your beauty routine, enter to win both of these items!

 ***Giveaway***

Enter to win both the Mary Kay CC Cream (in your choice shade) and Lash Love Mascara! 

 
Fill out the form below to win! There are also several different ways you can get extra entries: sign up for my mailing list, post a link to this giveaway on your blog, follow my blog, follow me & retweet on Twitter , follow me on Pinterest, add me to one of your Google+ circles, follow me on Instagram or become a fan on Facebook. Make sure to list the number of extra entries in the form below, as well as your CC Cream shade. Enter up to once a day to increase your chances of winning!
 
This giveaway is open to US residents only. The contest will end on Monday, June 23rd. I will randomly select a winner and announce them on Lipgloss Break, so keep checking to see if you're a winner - Good Luck!

15% off at Dermalogica.com

I hope everyone saw my rave review of Dermalogica's Skin Hydrating Booster. If you'd like to try it out yourself, I have a coupon for you! The coupon code is: BOOST and will get you 15% off any purchase from Dermalogica.com now until May 31st! Happy Shopping :)

Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster Review

It's now mid-April in Michigan, and it's been 70 and sunny the last few days, but just a week ago, it snowed! I'm sure everyone from the south are tired of hearing about this harsh winter, but trust me, it's taking a toll on everyone involved, both mentally and physically. When it's sunny out everyone seems to be in a great mood! But when it's cold, it's a downer! And it doesn't just have an effect on my mood. My poor, dry skin, has been suffering this winter too.

Normally I don't do much testing with skincare products. I have really sensitive skin and I usually don't like to rock the boat. But since we've had this extremely cold and dry weather, I've caved. I've been testing out several different moisturizers and treatments to help protect my skin against this weather.

One of the moisturizers I was able to test was Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster. I've seen great results from this product! I've been using it religiously under my moisturizer for about 3 weeks now and have been extremely happy with the results: softer skin, less redness in the morning, and no breakouts.

The consistency of this product is just like water, which is also the first ingredient. According to the site, it's suppose to not only help with redness but also with fine lines. It also contains hyaluronic acid, panthenol, glycolipids and algae extract. No artificial fragrances or colors are added.

The directions on the box suggest mixing this with your existing moisturizing, but I've been applying it directly to my skin, and then a layer of my moisturizer over it (sometimes). A little goes a long way, so I can see this 1 oz bottle lasting awhile. 

It's hard to see because it looks like water!

A little goes a long way with this formula, and I can see this 1oz bottle lasting a long time. And after seeing really good results from this product, I definitely want to try out more Demalogica products. You can purchase Dermalogica from their site and also at Ulta Stores. This product retails for $56. 

Have you tried Dermalogica products before? If so, which are your favorite? 

Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.

Jurlique Purely Bright Mist

I usually steer away from testing out new skincare products because my skin is so sensitive, but I received a sample of Jurlique Purely Bright Mist and was very intrigued! I have been using it for the past 2 weeks before I put my moisturizer on in the morning and am loving how it makes my skin feel and look. I can tell it helps to give my moisturizer an extra boost and my skin looks, and feels, more hydrated after using it. With the winter we've been having here in Michigan, I need all the moisture boost I can get! 

Jurlique's Purely Bright Mist contains "VitaBrightKX and features Kakadu Plum, the world's richest natural fruit source of Vitamin C, and a potent blend of botanicals including Daisy to help hydrate and soften skin for a radiant glow. 

I use about 2 sprays on my face and 2 on my neck and chest when I get out to he shower, wait for it to soak in, and then apply my moisturizer. The floral scent is really nice for a morning pick up me up!

Jurlique is an Australian brand that uses natural ingredients, along with natural innovations, to create their products. This is the first product I've tried from this brand and am so happy I did. I'll definitely be trying more of their products. You can buy Jurlique Purely Bright Mist on their site, Jurlique.com. 

Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.

Giveaway Break - Evologie Clear Skin Kit

The dry and cold weather we've been experiencing in Michigan has been wreaking havoc on my skin! I think it's time for a skin care regime change. If you're in the same boat, check out Evologie. Their Clear Skin Kit is all natural, oil free, and non-drying.

The Clear Skin Kit system is  designed to evolve with your skin's changing needs (ie. protection from this weather!). The kit contains the following:
 - Stay Clear Cleanser
 - Intensive Blemish Serum
 - Stay Clear Cream

The Kit retails for $49, but Evologie is giving Lipgloss Break readers a great discount. Get 20% off by using the promo code 'angela' on their site. Or, you can try and win the set...!

**Giveaway***

Enter to win an Evologie Clear Skin Kit to try out for yourself!

 
Fill out the form below to win! There are also several different ways you can get extra entries: sign up for my mailing list, post a link to this giveaway on your blog, follow my blog, follow me & retweet on Twitter , follow me on Pinterest, add me to one of your Google+ circles, follow me on Instagram or become a fan on Facebook. Make sure to list the number of extra entries in the form below. Enter up to once a day to increase your chances of winning!
 
This giveaway is open to US residents only. The contest will end on Saturday, March 1st. I will randomly select a winner and announce them on Lipgloss Break, so keep checking to see if you're a winner - Good Luck!

Sponsored Post - Take Care of your Skin!

I always tell my husband ‘take care of your skin, because it’s the only one you’re going to get.’ Hair grows back, clothing styles change, but your skin is forever with you, so I’m always preaching to him to take care of it!

I’m now 31 years old and I am very thankful that my mother and grandmother were both great examples of women taking great care of their skin. I remember staying the night at my grandma’s house when I was younger and it was part of our nighttime routine to wash our faces. I would then watch my grandmother put on her thick moisturizer, knowing that when I was older, I’d do the same thing.

Looking back to my teens and 20s I definitely didn’t do everything right. I didn’t wear enough sunscreen and I went into tanning beds (gasp!). That has changed since I have become more educated on skincare and quite honestly, I’ve gotten older. Here are the skincare rules I live by:

•         I wash my face at least 2x a day with a gentle cleanser. I don’t use harsh exfoliating cleansers because my skin is sensitive. But I do use a washcloth to make sure I get all of my makeup off. I use a sonic cleansing system a few times a week to do a deep clean on my pores.
•       Moisturize, moisturize and then moisturize some more. But seriously, find a moisturizer that goes well with your skin. They are not all the same. Some are for sensitive skin, extremely dry skin, etc.
•            Use an eye cream.  It’s never too early to start using one (okay, maybe wait until you are 18+ years old). You don’t have to go overboard on price to find a good eye cream. Drugstore brands are just as good as some of the expensive ones at department stores. Use your ring or pinky finger to gently dab eye cream around your eyes. Don’t rub or pull the skin around your eyes.  
•       I wear sunscreen. Notice that I didn’t say ‘I stay out of the sun.’ Sunlight in doses can be good for your mood! Just make sure you have a high SPF lotion or oil on, everywhere. Not just your face. And don’t forget your scalp if it’s exposed. I carry sample size SPF lotions with me that I received from the dermatologist office. You never know when your friends may want to eat outside on a sunny day.

I want to be clear and say that these are MY personal rules. Not yours. I’m not a medical professional, so if you have questions, please reach out to your dermatologist. Everyone has a different skin type so you have to come up with a regimen that is good for you and your age. But if you take one thing away from this, it should be ‘take care of your skin, because it’s the only one you’re going to get!’

 

As a leader in skincare with an eye for emerging trends, Olay is bringing the first-ever mass market CC line of products to the United States {Canada} beginning in October 2012. CC, or Color & Correct, Creams have started to emerge in Asia as a new category and are designed for women who love BB Creams for their ability to provide a quick, flawless finish but are seeking skincare solutions that deliver long-term benefits.

The Olay Total Effects CC Tone Correcting UV Moisturizers fight seven signs of aging, while also providing immediate color correction with tinted formulas that include UV protection and tone correction over time. The multiple, must-have instant and long-term benefits leave skin luminous and even-toned with the reduced appearance of discolorations, fine lines and wrinkles.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Olay via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Olay

Get Clean with Clarisonic

Have you ever tried a new product and thought, 'how did I live without this for so many years?' Well, that is what went through my mind when I first tried out my Clarisonic. My skin has never felt so clean!

This review is way overdue. I started using my Brazilliant Orange Clarisonic Mia 2 during the extremely hot NYC summer. The hubby and I would spend all day on the weekends exploring the city, going in and out of the steamy subway system and hitting the hot pavement. By the end of the day, the little makeup I wore would be totally erased from my face from sweat. I could not get the greasy or dusty polution feeling off of my skin with cleanser or a wash cloth alone. Using the Clarisonic made my skin feel squeaky clean. My skin looked brighter with only a couple of days of using it.

I have ultra sensitive skin, so I was a little timid to use the Mia at first. I purchased the Delicate brush head to use and haven't had any irritation. The Mia comes with the Sensitive brush, which I let my husband use (he loves my Mia too!). I wash my face two times a day, but only use my Clarisonic about 5-7 times a week.

The Clarisonic Mia 2 comes with the following:
*Universal Voltage Charger
*Sensitive Brush Head
*1 oz. trial size cleanser
*Protective travel case
Retails at $149 at Clarisonic.com

The Mia and Mia 2 are great for traveling and every day use. If you are looking to take your skincare routine to the next level, this is it. I always tell my husband, you only get one skin, so take care of it!

A Clarisonic is also a great gift for any special lady on your Holiday shopping list. It's a higher price point than most, so round up your siblings and go in on this for mom. It's the gift that keeps giving!

Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.

Waxelene - a Petroleum Jelly Alternative

I'm pretty much obsessed with lip balm. If I don't have one within reach at all times I go into panic mode. I normally just settle for petroleum based jelly balms, but recently discovered a new petroleum jelly alternative, Waxelene.

Waxelene contains no petroleum, parabens or artificial ingredients, they don't use animal testing and it's made in the USA. You can use it for anything you would use petroleum jelly for. I've been using it on my lips at night, to remove eye makeup from underneath my eyes, and as a cuticle moisturizer. It's not greasy and has only a slight hint of a beeswax smell. I love the way it feels on my lips, and when I use it on my face and cuticles it soaks in fast and doesn't leave a greasy finish. 

I always look for products and foods with the least amount of ingredients, which means they are that much closer to being natural. Waxelene contains the following: Organic Soy Oil, Beeswax, Natural Vitamin E Oil, Organic Rosemary Oil. Normally I don't like wax based balms, but it's not a hardened wax, but more like jelly and easy to spread. The 2 oz. & 9 oz. jars retail for $5.99 and $15.99. You can find them at Bed Bath & Beyond and several other retail locations. Find the location nearest you here. Waxelene is a must for everyone's nightstand and vanity - I'm now a petroleum jelly alternative believer! 

TotalBeauty.com - Editors' 7 Favorite Face Wipes

Editors' 7 Favorite Face Wipes

Face wipes are good for more than just cleansing your face. See the weird -- and awesome -- ways we use them every day

This is a TotalBeauty.com skin care products article A girl can never have too many multitasking beauty products, and face wipes are one of our favorites in this category. They're easy to use, don't make a mess, and come in handy when you least expect it. Check out our favorite face wipes now -- and our favorite ways to use them. See our staples

L'Occitane Shea Butter Giveaway

One of my favorite hand creams for my purse is L'Occitane's Shea Butter hand cream. My friend and co-worker Maureen bought me this a few years ago as a holiday gift, and I've been hooked ever since.

If you haven't tried it yet, here's your chance. Starting October 1st through October 14th, log onto Facebook and click to 'Like' the L'Occitane fan page to receive a free 10ML tube of the hand bag essential. If 500,000 fans are reached from October 1- October 14th, the Shea Butter Hand Cream will be upgraded to the 30ML size tube and you'll receive a 15% off your next purchase. Log on today!