homage to gommage

i haven't posted in over a year... only YSL's gommage is reason enough to bring me out of hibernation.
after the miserably cold winter we had here in NYC my skin had become a flake infested cardboard box. i tried tons of exfoliators, microdermabrasion, facials... you name it... nothing seemed to do the trick. in comes YSL Gommage Natural Action Exfoliator - game changer! you apply it to dry cleansed skin. it goes on like a gel and after massaging into skin it liquefies. after you rinse it off with luke warm water and towel pat...your skin feels like a smoooooth operator. there are no granules which i know are sometimes so satisfying BUT they are what typically destroy the skin. i promise you this product will change your skin life. whether you have sensitive skin or the toughest around.

buy it here (no pressure): http://www.barneys.com/Yves-Saint-Laurent-Gommage-Natural-Action-Exfoliator/00447109000478,default,pd.html

trois couleurs: red redder REDonk

i’ve been cursed with red face.  a constant blushing that only goes away after my skin settles into a consistent temperature.  this disfiguring condition is best known as rosacea face.  the winter months are a trigger, as well as wine (how sucky), and also people who embarrass me, or really attractive men.  i see a dermatologist on the regular to keep my rosacea face under control.  her recommendation is to stick with products made for sensitive skin (CeraVe, of course) http://www.makemeprettymel.blogspot.com/2010/09/moisturizer-for-every-ageevery-skin.html; however, all on my own i discovered Eucerin Redness Relief Cleanser.  here’s what it does:

gently yet effectively cleanses as it soothes visibly red skin. soap-free gel removes make-up and impurities. gentle formula minimizes the risk of irritation. formulated with natural licochalcone (a licorice root extract with skin soothing properties). maintains skin's moisture balance-won't leave a dry, tight feeling.

·                         fragrance and soap-free

·                         non-comedogenic

·                         dermatologist recommended

·                         safe for sensitive skin, redness-prone skin, and rosacea

i use this every evening and rotate in the morning with my NIA 24 physical cleansing scrub http://www.makemeprettymel.blogspot.com/2010/09/lets-get-physical-cleansing-scrub.html - what a magical combination!  even if you don’t have chronic red face (luckeeeee) you should try this cleanser! 

buy it here: http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/eucerin-redness-relief-redness-relief-soothing-skin-cleanser-gel/ID=prod1336699-product

only one Phlo Retin (CF)

catch my rapper reference there?  okee so i've decided to step up my morning skin care routine by adding an active serum that does the following:

-prevents premature signs of aging and corrects existing photodamage (yes please)
-divides and conquers the range of reactive oxygen species (ROS) throughout the skin (whatever that means)
-prevents cell mutation by shielding skin’s DNA (sounds scary - i don't want to mutate)
-accelerates cell turnover (so you don't mutate)
-boosts skin’s support structure (boooooost)
-inhibits UV-induced discolorations (aka sunspots)
it's working...it really is!  have you ever used the de-noise tool on photoshop?  yeah, this does that!

how i use it:
-cleanse with NIA 24 physical cleansing scrub http://www.makemeprettymel.blogspot.com/2010/09/lets-get-physical-cleansing-scrub.html
-apply 3-4 drops of Skinceuticals Phloretin CF http://www.skinceuticals.com/_us/_en/catalog/prevent/Phloretin-CF.htm?cm_mmc=LabeliumSearch-_-GoogleBrand-_-Skinceuticals+Products-_-skinceuticals%20phloretin%20cf&gclid=CNPP_M_g87ACFcXe4AodvXFkFA
-wait 2 minutes
-moisturize with CeraVe http://www.makemeprettymel.blogspot.com/2010/09/moisturizer-for-every-ageevery-skin.html OR NIA 24 http://www.makemeprettymel.blogspot.com/2010/09/moisturizer-for-every-ageevery-skin.html

it's spensive...no doubt...BUT a little goes a long way.  yer worth it girrrrrl or dooooood...

i'm done with the sun...son (ode to V)!

i've never been a sun worshipper, but i've always done a little bit of chicken fryin in the summer months (gal bonding).  now that i'm approaching middle age (ok it's starting to feel that way) i'm increasingly worried bout wrinks on my chest/neck region (see below post).  after speaking with a few profs i have found the biggest culprit is indeed the sun (ah-doy!).  i'm done with the sun fo reals...fo wrinks....fo fo.
NIA24 products are fab for reducing the signs of sun worship...i've already raved bout the physical cleansing scrub they have (which i still use every morning - on face and neck area) http://makemeprettymel.blogspot.com/2010/09/lets-get-physical-cleansing-scrub.html#comments
and now i've added NIA24 sun damage repair for decolletage and hands (and i'm using it on my face as per my dermo)!  LOVE it.  after 3 weeks of consistent use...my freckles (sun damage) are fading! 
buy it here: http://www.drugstore.com/nia24-sun-damage-repair-for-decolletage-and-hands/qxp203870

you cover me come for me comfort me...

i'm not one for foundation covering up all my freckles and other impurities...however, i've just discovered Peau Vierge Anti Aging Complexe by Le Metier de Beaute:

it's a tinted light weight serum with Retinol.  Peau stimulates collagen, increases blood flow, lessens dark circles, smoothes lines, protects from harmful uv rays, and tons of other amazing things.  i used it this morning and my coworker had to ask what was different... that i had a glow! 

pricey fer sho!  a lil goes a loooong way!

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod98720054&parentId=cat25240740

zeno… a creation from the dictator of the galactic confederacy???

when they decided to create zeno (a heat warmer for pimples) what the heck were they thinking?  this product claims to kill 99.9% of bacteria that causes acne…well that .1% must be working double duty because this machine doesn’t do shite (cept cause red circles that last up to 10 mins).  i can’t believe Zenu tricked me into buying Zeno…i thought i was the perfect candidate… the random pimple here and there…nothing white – nothing black.  $45 completely wasted…. i hate this machine.  boooooo!

mel NOSE best when it comes to blackheads (and a few other things)!

those stubborn b-heads on the nose are terribly unattractive. that's why i LOVE Mario Badescu's Silver Powder.  dampen a cotton ball/swisper and dip into the Silver Powder.  apply to nose and even chin if you have some issues in that zone.  leave on for 10 minutes and then with a toner (this part is importante) remove all of the hard white layer.  your b-heads will have gone on a semi-perm vacay!  i try to do it monthly in the winter months and every other week in the summer.  the best part of Silver Powder is that it only costs $12!!!

http://www.amazon.com/Mario-Badescu-Silver-Powder/dp/B000YBIOAS

i'm in love with another man...

and his name is peter thomas roth!  i like to call him PTR.  seriously tho - i have been in love with PTR's Firmx Growth Factor Extreme Neuropeptide Serum!!  i'm using it in the morning and at nite...i don't normally like serums/creams at nite because they give me puffy eyes in the morning (even tho i don't put it directly under my eyes!) or they make me break out - this product does neither of the two.  i wake up with a glow...for serious.  i've added this to my regime - so far so amazing.  it's $150 a pop, but totes worth every penny!

buy it at Sephora, Amazon, or Nordstrom!

let's get 'physical cleansing scrub'...

NIA 24 physical cleansing scrub is the deal!  i'm a self-diagnosed rosacea sufferer, and many dermos have recommended NIA 24 (to be used only 2 to 3 times a week).  not only is it great for redness but it also works for those with moderate to severe sun damage. checky this product description - it really is amazing:

PreDamage. PostDamage. UnDamage.
Niacin-Powered Skin Therapy
For Moderate to Severe Sun Damage
24-Hour Prevention, Repair, and Protection
MicroNutrient Delivery: Niacin
SPF 30, Oil-Free
5% Pro-NiacinTM Patented Formula
Physician Recommended; Fragrance, Color & Dye Free; Allergy Tested; Non-Comedogenic
This all-in-one cleansing scrub gently removes dead skin cells. Pro-Niasomes®, which are spherical Jojoba Beads infused with Pro-NiacinTM, help wash away skin's visible imperfections.
Continuous, deep delivery of Pro-NiacinTM strengthens the skin barrier.
Formulated with Pro-Niasomes®, spherical Jojoba Beads encapsulated with Pro-NiacinTM.
Visibly improves dry patches and uneven texture.
Chamomile, Oat and Sage calm and soothe skin.
Sunflower Oil instantly hydrates skin.
Pores are primed to receive the maximum benefits of our Skin Strengthening Complex and Sun Damage Prevention, 100% Mineral Sunscreen.
Tap into skin's own self-protective powers 24-hours a day with patented NIA 24TM - the first inside-out topical Niacin-Powered skin barrier-building system. Inside, this patented MicroNutrient Delivery system brings a useful, continuous-release form of Niacin to skin. Outside, skin's barrier is restored and signs of damage dramatically reversed, ensuring stronger, better skin that's more resilient to sun damage. Overall skin tone and texture improve.
Improve the appearance of sun damage, hyperpigmentation and brown spots.
Reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles.
Improve skin tone, texture & firmness.
See stronger skin with a better self-defense against visible signs of sun damage and moisture loss.

http://www.amazon.com/NIA24-Physical-Cleansing-Scrub-3-75/dp/B000N2ZMNK/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t

what (busta) rhymes with spectacular?

CALENDULA!  when your skin is being fussy...use kiehl's calendula toner to tame it.  there is such high demand for this product that they limit the amount you can purchase - 6 units max!  $62 for 16.9oz

a moisturizer for every age...every skin type....and every bank account...

i think i would cry if i totaled up the amount of money i've spent on fancy skin creams.  kinerase ultimate day moisturizer is still in my top 5, but after consulting with a few nyc dermos i've found that cera ve is a top choice amongst the experts!  i thought it was going to be similar to cetaphil (which is actually too greasy for me), but it's lighter - smoother.  i use the moisturizing lotion all over my face, and when i have a dry spot or two i use the moisturizing cream.  these will only run you about $15 to $20 each - cera ve is worth every penny!  even if you are trying to combat wrinkles... this is the stuff (tho i recommend using it in combination with a retinoid cream - such as renova or retin-a). 

**UPDATE** many peeps are wondering where to buy: duane reade! walgreens! cvs!

bloomingdales (sike!)