exfoliator

my lucite dreams ‘Best of Beauty’ Skin Care 2014

January 5, 2015January 21, 2015by My Lucite Dreams18 Comments

This past year has been beautiful in thanks to you, my dear readers. I want to extend my sincere gratitude and love for your continued support.

In this New Year, I’m taking a look back to share with with you my stand-out products of 2014. In this post I am featuring skin care. From toners, to serums, to masks, these products have shined the brightest in 2014.

Shea Terra Acacia Honey & Argan Oil (Api-Therapy) Facial Wash

This incredible cleanser softens this skin as it gently cleanses and keeps my acne at bay. (review)

May Lindstrom The Problem Solver

The Problem Solver is an intense mask that deeply cleanses like none other. It’s a multi-tasking mask that detoxifies, battles dehydration, increases circulation and fights blemishes. (purchase)

Wedderspoon Manuka Honey $16+

Wedderspoon’s Manuka Honey is a godsend for a variety of skin concerns. This sweet treat is a regular in my routine as a spot treatment, mask and cleanser. I am continually amazed at how effective this product from the pantry is for the skin. (review) (purchase)

Lina Hanson Global Face Serum

I was lucky enough to sample this gorgeous Face Serum from Lina Hanson this year. It keeps my skin moisturized and radiant and has made its way into my holy grail of skin care. (review) (purchase)

S.W. Basics Toner

Toner’s in general were a myth to me as I wondered how effective they can actually be. When I came across this one from S.W. Basics all apprehensions were lost. I am now a devout in practicing this one simple, and highly effective step in skin care. (review)

Queen of the Hive by Wedderspoon Manuka Honey and Bee Venom Face Contour Cream

A face cream rich in Manuka Honey! Yes, please. Queen of the Hive pairs theirs with a selection of incredible naturals, along with bee venom, to create one effective anti-aging cream. (review)

One Love Organics Brand New Day

This powdered exfoliator gently exfoliates to reveal brighter, more radiant skin. Use it as a mask, or for a quick morning scrub to quickly brighten and soften your complexion. (review) (purchase)

Gressa Dirty Pretty Things

Another exfoliator/mask that softens, brightens, and perks up your complexion with a variety of antioxidant rich spices, and deeply cleanses pores with Red Moroccan Rhassoul Clay. (review)

Elizabeth Dehn for One Love Organics Vitamin B Enzyme Cleansing Oil and Makeup Remover

The gently exfoliating Cleansing Oil from the genius duo of Elizabeth Dehn and One Love Organics, removes all traces of makeup while conditioning and nurturing the skin. Call it love. (review) (purchase)

Stay tuned for the next installment of ‘Best of Beauty’ 2014.

Dreamy Picks

Dreamy Picks: November

November 17, 2014January 21, 2015by My Lucite Dreams2 Comments

Loving Porter Magazine which is loaded with stunning visuals.
I’ve upped the ante in my exfoliation routine and have seen great results. Powdered exfoliants are my favorite and One Love Organic’s Brand New Day is a top pick. It’s gentle enough for daily use and contains pineapple enzymes for added exfoliating benefits. (buy)
Kahina’s Fez serum, or just “the Fez” as I call it, is like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket. It’s moisturizing benefits are substantial and its fragrance, intoxicating. (buy)
I’ve suddenly taken to lip pencils, just like that. In the past I often omitted this step for fear of looking too ‘overdone’. However, as of recent, I’ve been quit keen on MAC Cosmetics Lip Liner in Oak.
The Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask in Champagne, which I recently reviewed, is a top pick for fall.
The Kjaer Weis brand blows my mind with its ingenious ingredients, performance, and textures. A little bit goes a long way with their cream blushes. I’ve been wearing the shade Abundance regularly this fall season. It’s a stunning plummy taupe with a subtle iridescent finish. (review) (buy)
Off the topic of beauty, I had to share my love for Athleta’s Beloved Bralette. It has cups for added shaping (no uni-boob) and gorgeous back detailing.
The NAILS INC. Gel Effect Polish is a lovely formula that applies with ease. Kensington High Street is a rich deep burgundy.

Skincare

Gressa Skin ‘Organic Luxury Apothecary’

December 10, 2013January 6, 2015by My Lucite Dreams6 Comments

Gressa Skin is a line of all natural and organic wild crafted skin care with simple yet potent ingredients. Each product is hand-crafted in small batches and contains only the highest quality raw ingredients. I can assure you that in due time, Gressa is a brand that will be popping up all over the beauty scene with rave reviews. Gressa’s line of luxury apothecary is one to know.

“I believe health comes from the organic whole foods that we eat. I feel the same about our skin. Our chic eco-skincare does just that, provides nutritious and luxurious skinfood. I invite you to turn the simplest, most essential daily need of skincare into a ritual. Feel good about what goes in your skin.” – Svetlana Sanchez (founder, Gressa Skin)

Dirty Pretty Things is a powerful treatment mask that contains a blend of herbs, spices and antioxidants that “regenerate, renew, remineralize, and revitalize the skin.” A combination of aromatic herbs, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon and vanilla bean stimulate the senses as it nurture’s your skin. When the mask is applied to skin a slight tingling sensation occurs, as it undoubtedly clears pores deep down leaving behind brighter, clearer skin. In addition, it gently exfoliates, while delivering a healthy dose of antioxidants to the skin. You’re left with a glowing complexion, as your skin is ultimately renewed.

Dirty Pretty Things comes in powdered form which is mixed along with water to create a paste.

The Rejuvenating Mist contains pure Neroli (orange blossom) which refreshes, moisturizes and tones the skin. I apply this toner after cleansing and as a setting spray after makeup application. The Neroli scent is a pure delight and skin feels calmed and refreshed. It has also become a handbag essential, as I reapply it throughout the day to keep my skin hydrated.

All Gressa Skin products are packaged in a violet glass bottle to ensure freshness of products.

Dirty Pretty Things $23.99 & Rejuvenating Mist $24.99

Available at gressaskin.com

also available at select Whole Foods Markets

Skincare

Kahina Giving Beauty Antioxidant Mask

March 19, 2013January 6, 2015by My Lucite Dreams5 Comments

When Kahina Giving Beauty sent over a sample of their Antioxidant Mask for me to try, I’ll admit that I was already a big fan of the mask. I had received a generous sample of the product along with a purchase I made in early November. So when this mask arrived on my doorstep I was thrilled to say the least.

The Antioxidant Mask contains Kahina’s high quality organic Argan Oil along with rhassoul clay and extracts of pomegranate and acai. The combination of ingredients “detoxify by drawing out impurities at the deepest level, replacing them with trace minerals. Stimulate collagen production and improve skin strength and elasticity. Deliver potent antioxidants to fight free radical damage and reduce signs of aging. Gently exfoliates while leaving skin toned, smoother and more supple.”

The Antioxidant mask comes in Kahina’s signature violet glass packaging (an important element in helping to preserve the all-natural and organic ingredients). The multitasking mask works in minutes to instantly smooth, detoxify and soften the skin. Applied to pre-moistened skin, the mask is left on for a duration of 7-10 minutes. The mask does not harden and remains moist on the skin. The way in which you remove it, by gently buffing it away with dampened fingertips is one of my favorite elements of this mask. You can continue to remove the mask with water then apply your skin care. I actually sometimes choose to buff it away and then leave it on because my skin feels so comfortably moisturized.

The Antioxidant mask has the most delightful scent of natural botanicals and mint. The eucalyptus and mint ingredients gently provide the mask with a refreshing and rejuvenating feel that instantly perks up the complexion. The mask applies clear and because of this I found myself using much more than necessary at first. I have discovered only a small amount is necessary to be effective, about 1/4 teaspoon is sufficient.

The mask is a great multitasker with quick and easy results. Unlike other cleansing clay masks, Kahina’s Antioxidant Mask is not dying but quite the opposite, in fact it’s incredibly moisturizing. The mask contains small granules that effectively exfoliate the skin in the gentlest way as you remove it. After use, my skin feels cleansed, smoothed, plumped and intensly hydrated. Visually my skin looks glowing and more radiant. I use this mask 2-3 times a week and before an event. I know I can count on it for an instant boost.

The Antioxidant Mask is another exceptional product from the Kahina Line of skin care. The mask is a perfect fit for my skin and the results are clear. I will be replenishing my stock once I run out and I highly recommend it to any skin type. Those with sensitive skin might want to try before they buy because of the of eucalyptus and mint ingredients.

Kahina Giving Beauty Antioxidant Mask $62 (here)

Have you tried anything from Kahina? What is your favorite clay mask?

Disclosure: This post contains product(s) provided by PR for my consideration of review. I am never provided with compensation for my reviews. All opinions expressed are my own and presented honestly and true to my own personal experience.