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Skincare

Testing LED Light Therapy with CurrentBody

October 13, 2022

I’ve been testing out the LED Light Therapy Mask from CurrentBody and love the convenience of being able to do this treatment at home! I’ve had several LED light therapy treatments at skincare clinics in the past and loved the results. However being able to use a device at home is so much more convenient and affordable. After putting a few items from the CurrentBody line to the test I’m excited to share some first impressions today.

With any kind of skincare treatment consistency and patience is key. I have been using the LED Light Therapy Mask ($380) for 3 weeks and plan on sharing updates with you throughout the rest of the year. I’ve noticed subtle changes with consistent use. Skin has started to look and feel firmer and some of my sun spots have started to fade. I can’t wait to see the results with longer consistent use.

The CurrentBody LED Light Therapy Mask uses a combination of Red Light (633 nanometers) and Near Infra-Red Light (830 nanometers). There are 56 lights total evenly distributed to target your entire face. Red light helps boost collagen production to reduce wrinkles and fine lines.

Near Infra-Red Light works with this to penetrate skin at a deeper level to reduce inflammation, texture. Both work to help boost the skin rejuvenation process and it’s something I am all about as I’m in my early 40s and have noticed changes in my skin and body this past year as I age.

The bulbs are bright but still safe for the eyes and I can wear the mask without goggles. The mask is made of a flexible silicone material. It’s lightweight and comfortable to wear with the Velcro strap. It does take a few tries to get the adjustment right. They recommend you do a patch test on your arm first before trying it on your face. I had no irritation or any issues – you don’t even feel the heat from the bulbs on the skin. It’s painless and there’s no tingle.

Recommended use is 3-5 times per week for 10 minutes. The power remote is timed to shut off automatically at the 10 minute mark. I use it on clean skin but also tried one of their Hydrogel Face Masks which I absolutely loved for added hydration and skin softness. I definitely plan on ordering more!

CurrentBody also has an entire line of skincare and tools. They have a serum set called The Power of Four Skincare Set ($80) with four serums to restore, add glow, help with anti-aging and hydrate. So far I’ve tried and liked the Glow Serum which has a really nice hydrating feel to it.

I love rollers for the skin to help with instant depuffing and CurrentBody Skin Cryo Roller ($35) is a really nice one! It’s made of stainless steel and has a really nice cooling sensation. I struggle with puffiness in the morning and these types of rollers work wonders on me to help. This is one of the largest ones I’ve tried and it’s great for covering larger areas of the face.

I also really like the Dr. Harris Anti-Wrinkle Sleep Mask ($79.99). It’s a silk material with raised silicone dots designed to help your face relax to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. I love that it’s light-blocking and helps me stay asleep in the morning. A lot of the items are available in bundles or sets with a price break so definitely browse their Gifts and Sets section.

Overall I’m really impressed with CurrentBody. I can’t wait to share more of my skincare journey with the LED Light Therapy Mask. If you’ve tried any LED treatments please let me know in the comments!

They’ve given me a 20% off promo code for you to use on the above products use code BEAUTYLEDCB to save 20% now.

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Sponsored by CurrentBody.

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Beauty Favorites Nordstrom Skincare

Summer Skincare Saviors

July 18, 2022

It’s been a while since I’ve done a skincare roundup and with summer in full swing I have an updated routine with my favorites for clean and clear skin. With the heat, sunscreen and extra sweat my skin is prone to getting clogged and irritated. If you also experience the same issues during the summer, I have my current go-to’s I swear by from Nordstrom. These are my favorites to help clear out the pores and keep skin looking fresh!

Cleansers

Long time readers know I’m a fanatic about cleansing my skin. Keeping skin super clean and making sure I remove all traces of sunscreen and makeup at the end of the day is essential but with long wear makeup formulas it can be tricky. I rotate cleansers and use different formulas for morning vs afternoon.

Using a good makeup remover whether it’s a cleansing balm or cleansing oil is always a must. It helps break down foundation, concealer, blush etc.

I really love the Chanel Sublimage L’Huile En-Gel De Demaquillage Gel-To-Oil Cleanser ($110). I love it because it’s less messy than a regular liquid oil. The gel melts right into the skin and has that signature Sublimage scent (obsessed!). It makes the skin feel super soft and smooth and clean!

For a good cleansing oil I am currently loving the Chanel L’Huile Anti-Pollution Cleansing Oil ($50, on my third bottle) and the Bobbi Brown Soothing Cleansing Oil ($53) is a classic I’ve repurchased multiple times too.

For my second step cleanser I love a wide range of brands but right now am rotating between the Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash ($52) and Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser ($23). Both are really good for cleansing the skin without stripping it.

Toners

I always follow with a toner to help rebalance the skin and make sure all traces of cleanser and makeup are removed. My two go-to’s right now are from Kiehls and Sisley. The Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Toner ($12 – $20) helps moisturize the skin and refine texture. I also swear by the Sisley Balancing Floral Toning Lotion ($115) which is the best alcohol-free formula I’ve used.

For texture and resurfacing, the Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads ($59) have been the best resurfacing pads I’ve tried. There’s no stinging, no uncomfortable residue, and really works for smoother skin. You can use these daily but I use them 2x per week.

Pore Cleaning Masks

To keep the pores clear and clean I use Glamglow. The Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment ($25-86) is one I cannot live without (Value Set for $69 here). Anytime I feel like pimples or clogged pores are surfacing I use this and it’s the most effective AHA and BHA acid mask for problem skin. Charcoal helos absorb excess oil and toxins. Apply a thin layer and leave it on for 5-20 minutes (I usually leave it on for 10). Rinse thoroughly.

I also really love charcoal based masks/cleansers and the Glamglow SUPERCLEANSE Clearing Cream-to-Foam-Cleanser ($32) and SUPERSMOOTH Acne Clearing 5-Minute Mask ($34) are essential for my summer routine. Both are gentle enough for me to use daily but I usually have these in rotation 2-3x per week. Andrew loves these too. They’re great to absorb excess oil without stripping the skin.

If you have ultra sensitive skin the Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Mask Set ($40, NSALE) is the best gentle pore mask I’ve tried.

Moisturizer Routine

I rotate with oils and moisturizers but really love the Sisley Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream ($220) right now. It’s the perfect lightweight moisturizer for a fresh glow. I use this as a first layer then add the Sisley Double Tenseur Moisturizing Gel ($210) on top for my perfect smooth base. They’re quite the splurge but there’s nothing quite like either!

For eye treatments I love the Sisley Black Rose Eye Contour Fluid ($165). It’s another expensive buy but 100% worth the splurge if you want a really nice lightweight eye cream. Right now Nordstrom has the Black Rose Set for the Anniversary Sale which has the full size cream, eye fluid and mini black rose mask ($230 on sale, $415 value).

La Mer is always a nice luxurious treat. I splurged on the La Mer Luminous Renewal Set ($95) from the NSALE which has travel sizes of the Cleansing Foam, The Treatment Lotion, Renewal Oil and Moisturizing Soft Cream. If you have dry skin they also have this set with the regular Crème de la Mer in the Radiant Hydration Set (also $95).

The last thing I wanted to highlight is a new try! La Mer recently launched The Micro Peel ($270). It is a leave-on resurfacing peel treatment with AHAs, BHAs and PHAs to polish the skin and clear pores. I just started using it at night 1x to 2x per week. It has a bi-phase formula so you shake the bottle to activate the formula and mix contents. Use on clean skin and don’t rinse. You can add moisturizer on top if you want but I’ve been applying it on its own. It has a minimal tingle and I really like it so far. Will keep you posted as I can test more!

Sunscreen is also a very important part of my summer skincare routine but I’ve saved that for a future post (coming very soon!).

You can find all of my picks available at Nordstrom.

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Many thanks to Nordstrom for partnering to sponsor this post. As always all opinions are my own. All products purchased by me.

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Skincare

Radiant Dewy Skin with Sulwhasoo

February 4, 2022

First Care Activating Serum

The First Care Activating Serum is their prepping serum they recommend as the first step in skincare after cleansing. It has a blend of 5 herbs to improve hydration, brightness, radiance and helps reduce the look of wrinkles. Sulwhasoo’s serum has what they call their JAUM ActivatorTM which is a mix of Lotus, White Lily, Solomon’s Seal, Peony and Rehmannia. I love the pump packaging and it has a very lightweight fluid texture to help boost the effectiveness of following skincare steps.

I found two pumps enough to cover my entire face. They recommend using this both morning and night. Skin is left glowing and dewy!

Concentrated Ginseng Renewal Cream

The second product I tried is their Concentrated Ginseng Renewal Cream. This is one of the creamiest moisturizers I have tried! It has a super silky smooth texture that melts right into the skin. They’ve combined Korean red ginseng and retinol to help with visible signs of aging which have started to creep in. It makes my skin feel more supple and bouncy. Complexion is noticeably more plump! I like using this as my night time moisturizer.

You can find both products available online at Sulwhasoo. If you’re new to Sulwhasoo products and want to try things out first they have a Bestsellers Trial Kit which looks really good, it has both the serum + cream in it along with a couple other items I’ve been wanting to try (I will probably order this myself). Also available in minis too here and here.

Do you have any Sulwhasoo favorites? I’ve heard so many good things about their face masks and serums! Would love to know what you love from the line!

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Beauty Favorites Skincare

New Year Skincare Refresh Favorites from Kiehl’s

January 7, 2022

I’m excited to share some of my skincare favorites from Kiehl’s today! I have used and loved so many things from Kiehl’s over the years. They have a lot of great everyday staples for a wide range of skin types and needs. (Andrew also uses a lot from the men’s line!) I’ve partnered with them to highlight some of my favorites. If you’re looking for some things to refresh your winter skincare routine, I hope you find this roundup helpful!

Ultra Facial Cream

The Ultra Facial Cream has been a go-to staple for a great everyday lightweight moisturizer. It’s one of their best sellers suitable for all skin types. It has a lightweight feel, absorbs nicely into the skin, and has a mix of Squalane and Glycerin to restore and retain moisture to the skin. I love that it’s smooth and balancing. A little goes a long way.

Cleanser

I have quite a few other things from Kiehl’s in my skincare routine. I tend to rotate skincare as the seasons change but I have several staples I use regularly. Their Ultra Facial Cleanser is a favorite of mine for it’s thick texture. It’s great to remove excess oil, dirt, makeup and even sunscreen. I love that it’s effective at cleansing but doesn’t strip the skin.

Toner

Kiehl’s has a lot of great toners too! One I’ve been loving lately is the Milk-Peel Gentle Exfoliating Toner. I like this one because it has salicylic acid and a mixture of other ingredients to gently resurface, soften and brighten skin.

Night Time

For night time treatments I love the Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum. It’s one of the few retinol products my skin can handle. It works well to keep my skin smooth and helps reduce wrinkles over time. The Micro-Dose technology allows for positive anti-aging results without harsh side effects.

Detox Mask

One last favorite I want to highlight is the Rare Earth Deep Pore Minimizing Cleansing Clay Mask. I love this to give the skin a detox cleanse once a week and this is one of my favorite masks to do just that. It helps reduce clogged pores and blackheads. I’ll use it as a spot treatment on trouble areas. Leave it on for around 10 minutes and rinse. Skin feels a lot smoother, tighter and pore size is reduced.

That wraps up my Top 5 Kiehl’s favorites in my routine right now! You can find all the items available online at Kiehl’s.

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Sponsored by Kiehl’s.

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Skincare

Healthy Fresh-Faced Skincare Loves from Dermalogica

December 1, 2021

I’m all about that ultra-clean feeling when it comes my skin and I’m a firm believer in double cleansing to keep the skin clear and healthy. These days so many makeup brands have formulated their products to last longer throughout the day which I love, however it also means you need make a little extra effort to remove it all the end of the day. Cleaning your skin thoroughly is must for me to maintain healthy glowing skin.

I’ve loved Dermalogica for years for their easy-to-use no-fuss skincare staples. I love their philosophy and that all their formulas are fragrance-free, alcohol-free and cruelty-free as well. If you’re looking for some skincare sets there are some great ones from Dermalogica this season. I’ve partnered with them to share a look at their Best Cleanse + Glow Set ($95) which includes full-sizes of the PreCleanse (5.1 oz). Special Cleansing Gel (8.4 oz), and Daily Microfoliant (2.6 oz). The cleansers will remove makeup, oil and dirt without stripping the skin.

I’ve been really loving the Best Cleanse + Glow Set because it offers a simple cleansing routine. Step 1 is their PreCleanse which is a cleansing oil that works to break down and melt away makeup, excess oil, sunscreen and waterproof makeup. Apply on dry skin and massage it over the face, then wet hands and then work the emulsified oil into the face. Finish by rinsing with warm water.

Step 2 is to use the Special Cleansing Gel. I’ve used and repurchased this several times in the past and love that it’s a lightweight but effective cleanser. It’s soap-free with a gel formula that lathers well. It’s gentle and also has Balm Mint to calm the skin and Lavender Extract to soothe.

The final step in their Cleansing Routine is to use the Daily Microfoliant which is a gentle rice-based exfoliating powder. It’s activated with a little bit of water and has papain, salicylic acid and rice enzymes to gently polish the skin. It’s been a while since I’ve used a face scrub as I found most too harsh for my skin. I still know it’s important exfoliate and this is a gentle option that really makes a difference in texture and tone. It also has colloidal oatmeal to calm the skin.

I also love their masks! I’m always on the hunt to try a good detoxifying mask that helps clear out pores and clears skin while still calming it. I tried their Charcoal Rescue Mask ($49) around the areas I have congestion and it works really to refine pores and brighten the skin. I apply it on the nose and T-zone area along with some trouble spots on my cheeks but you can apply it all over as well.

If you’re looking for some other sets check out their Skin Kits and Sets page.

You can find the Best Cleanse + Glow Set available online at Dermalogica. Have you tried the line before? If you have what are some of your favorites? If not, do you double cleanse? What products do you have in your routine right now?

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Many thanks to Dermalogica for partnering to sponsor this post. As always all opinions are my own.

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Skincare

Maintaining Healthy Youthful Skin with ALASTIN Skincare

March 29, 2021

I’ve been testing out a new skincare line called Alastin Skincare for the past few months and have been really impressed with their products! Alastin is a physician-dispensed skincare line with products designed to restore and renew skin and keep it healthy looking. A number of their products have what they call TriHex Technology formulated to support pre and post procedure recovery. Their medical grade skincare contains ingredients to help speed up the renewal and skin rejuvenation process.

I’ve found the line to be great for anti-aging and helping improve elasticity. This is the last year I’ll be in my 30’s and I’ve found my skin no longer has the same bounce it did when I was younger. It’s definitely needed some extra help to improve elasticity and deal with fine lines that have started to creep in. I’ve really liked everything I tried from Alastin Skincare and am thrilled to partner with them to share a closer look at what I’ve tested!

Their Daily Product lineup is straight forward and easy to incorporate into your existing routine. I love that everything absorbs nicely into the skin without feeling heavy or thick. All of their products have a really nice calming component and no added fragrance.

Step 1: Cleanse

Gentle Cleanser is gentle and calming cleanser – one I will definitely repurchase! It has ingredients to soften and calm the skin including Oat Beta Glucan and Oat Kernel Extract. One pump is enough to cleanse the face and it’s gentle enough to use day and night. It has a nice self-foaming action and it’s especially great for days I have skin flare ups and sensitive skin.

Step 2: Renew and Restore

To renew and restore the skin Alastin has three products they recommend for daily use. The Restorative Skin Complex is a serum concentrate designed to support the product of new elastin and collagen. With regular use I noticed fine lines start to soften around the 2 month mark. It’s lightweight and my skin texture has improved with this!

The Restorative Eye Treatment is an excellent lightweight eye cream with a gel texture. It noticeably brightens and smooths the eye area and helps me with puffiness. For my skin type and needs it has the perfect texture that absorbs into the skin well. It’s great for me since I live in humid climate and it’s not too heavy or emollient.

As I age, I’ve started to notice certain areas need more love and care. I’ve tried a number of neck creams but typically find them on the heavy side and rarely stick to using them consistently. The Restorative Neck Complex is lightweight lotion that was formulated to help with tightening, firming and combat skin and age discoloration on the neck. I love the packaging and truly appreciate the lightweight texture. My neck is one area I’ve neglected and I am thrilled to have found a product I actually love.

Step 3: Moisturize

The next step is to moisturize with their Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer which is a nice calming oil-free fragrance-free formula. As with all the products I tried I love that they have a soothing component and there is no added fragrance. This one is a great smoothing moisturizer for everyday and works with my foundations.

Step 4: Protect

The HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF36 is probably my favorite item that I tried from the line! So many of you have asked for a good mineral sunscreen recommendation and this is the first one I feel like I truly love. There’s no white cast, it blends easily, isn’t too thick (although it is creamy) and does not pill on my face. I have extremely sensitive skin that reacts to a number of sunscreen formulas (both physical and chemical) and I was thrilled to find this one works for me!

It’s oil-free, fragrance-free, reef-friendly and water resistant. The product has a sheer tint to it with a beige undertone. It blends into my skin perfectly and for me it will work even once I get my summer tan although I do hope they expand this into a few other shade options. This formula is really great.

Step 5: Transform

The last product I tried is the TransFORM Body Treatment which is a lightweight body smoother. It’s a nice non-fragranced body lotion which I can apply in the morning or night. I am super picky with lotions I wear to sleep and this one is gentle and lightweight enough that it absorbs into the skin nicely without making me sticky. It helps improve texture and smooths the skin.

Overall I’ve been pleasantly surprised by everything I’ve tried in the Alastin Skincare range. I love their streamlined packaging and the fact that everything has a sanitary pump applicator to keep things fresh and clean. You can find their products on their website. More information about their TriHex Technology here and if you’re one who has any work done I recommend checking out their Procedure Enhancement lineup too.

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Many thanks to Alastin Skincare for partnering to sponsor this post. As always all opinions are my own.

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Skincare

Skincare Staples From Kiehl’s + Friends and Family Sale

March 22, 2021

One of my go-to brands in skincare is having a Friends and Family sale and I’m excited to share an early access code for you a few days early! Kiehl’s is offering 25% off sitewide this week through 3/24 with code EARLY25 (public sale starts 3/25). I’ve partnered with them to share a closer look at a couple of skincare staples I’ve added to my routine.

Ultra Facial Cream

The Ultra Facial Cream is one of their classic skincare staples. It’s a lightweight cream suitable for all skin types (even my sensitive skin). It absorbs well and never feels heavy. It contains Glacial Glycoprotein to add hydration and prevent water loss from the skin and Squalane to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier. The formula layers well with their serums and sunscreens too. I especially love that there is no fragrance or scent to it. (Full ingredient list on their product page.)

Ultra Facial Cleanser

A new discovery for me is the Ultra Facial Cleanser. Out of all the skincare products out there, I love testing cleansers! This is a really nice foaming cleanser that is gentle, effective but won’t strip the skin. It has Squalane, Apricot Kernels and Avocado Oil. I really like this one because it cleanses the skin well without leaving it super tight. Available in two sizes including a 2.5 oz ($12) and 5.0 oz ($22).

The Kiehl’s Friends and Family 25% Off Sale is available with code EARLY25. Early access is open now through 3/24.

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Sponsored by Kiehl’s.

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Older Posts

Skincare

Testing LED Light Therapy with CurrentBody

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Summer Skincare Saviors

Cleansers

Toners

Pore Cleaning Masks

Moisturizer Routine

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Radiant Dewy Skin with Sulwhasoo

First Care Activating Serum

Concentrated Ginseng Renewal Cream

Shop the Post

New Year Skincare Refresh Favorites from Kiehl’s

Ultra Facial Cream

Cleanser

Toner

Night Time

Detox Mask

Shop the Post

Healthy Fresh-Faced Skincare Loves from Dermalogica

SHOP THE POST

Maintaining Healthy Youthful Skin with ALASTIN Skincare

Step 1: Cleanse

Step 2: Renew and Restore

Step 3: Moisturize

Step 4: Protect

Step 5: Transform

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Skincare Staples From Kiehl’s + Friends and Family Sale

Ultra Facial Cream

Ultra Facial Cleanser

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