One Less Excuse to Avoid the Gym Courtesy of Neutrogena

Now that summer is almost here and I can no longer hide under a huge wool sweater, I've started to get serious about working out. Since back in the day I was an avid runner who could finish 10 miles with ease (ease may be an overstatement, but I could run 10 miles), I've decided to dust off the Nikes and hit the pavement in order to get into prime shape. There's just one problem - sweating. It makes me feel like every pore on my face is clogging simultaneously. The good part is I'm so worried about my skin that my run is over before I know it. 

Someone over at Neutrogena must be as crazy as I am because the brand recently introduced Deep Clean Sport, a facial cleanser that eliminates 99% of sweat, dirt and oil, "keeping you worry-free about post-workout skin concerns." (couldn't have put it better myself). Beta Hydroxy Acid deep cleans to remove pore-clogging impurities and an active skin-cooling agent leaves your face cool, clear and refreshed. Sounds like just what you want after a run in the hot sun, no? I also love the package - it looks all sporty and like it won't leak in your bag if you're taking it to the gym. For the ultimate in portability, there's also Deep Clean Sport On-the-Go Cleansing Wipes. Both retail for $6.99 and can be picked up at drugstores nationwide.

Test Drive: Clean & Clear Finishes Pore Perfecting Moisturizer

I usually associate Clean & Clear as a line for teens, save for my cheapie one step facial, Morning Burst In- Shower Facial (formerly known as STEAM In-Shower Facial), which you can read about here, but on a recent drugstore expedition I stumbled upon Finishes Pore Perfecting Moisturizer, a fairly new product part of the new Finishes line of cleanser, moisturizer and toner. I'm a sucker for anything promising to smooth the appearance of pores, and at around $6.49, I thought why not pick it up and see if it works.

The Experience:

Upon first application the moisturizer felt really light and non-greasy, yet hydrating at the same time. I love the fact that it has SPF 15 as well, yet manages to not have that heavy, SPF moisturizer feeling. I definitely noticed some pore smoothing action on bare skin, which looked even better topped with foundation. The real standout was how this moisturizer performed in natural light, which can be pretty harsh. Pores didn't completely dissappear, but they did look softened and diffused, which is exactly what Finishes promises to do. So how exactly does it work? Light reflecting minerals smooth the appearance of pores and imperfections for healthy looking skin.

The Verdict:

If you're looking for something to smooth imperfections, soften the appearance of pores, protect from the sun, moisturizer without being heavy and work great under makeup, Clean & Clear Finishes is a no brainer - especially at the $6.49 price tag (which is going rate at Target.com). Pick it up at drugstores nationwide.

The Eye Cream Diaries: Avon Reversalist Illuminating Eye System

Ok, first things first. A huge I'm sorry for lack of posting - Mr. M and I made the very long drive from Indy to NJ late last week and it's been a whirlwind of bachelorette parties, dog sitting for the Big D while she's on a cruise, and attempting to find a summer sublet in the city that isn't $1 million a month. 

Now to the goods. I recently had the chance to try out Avon's Reversalist Illuminating Eye System, which is a fab little eye cream that contains an illuminator that acts as an instant dark circle remedy. I have been battling dark circles for as long as I can remember, which are largely attributed to a combo of genetics, caffeine and lack of sleep. This two part eye system takes on fine lines and dark circles with Activinol Eye Technology (exclusive to Avon), which in clinical and consumer studies has been shown to:

    * Instantly, helps reduce the look of dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes    

    * In 2 weeks, fine lines and wrinkles visibly improved up to 25% 

    * Over time, clinically shown to improve the look of dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles

The texture of the eye cream is amazing - light, yet rich, absorbs easily and feels really hydrating. And the Brightening Veil (shimmery cream highlighter) is a life saver. You can apply under or over makeup, and continuously apply throughout the day to wake up the eye area and instantly diffuse dark shadows. I even pat a little on my brow bone sometimes to act as a subtle brow highlighter. I've definitely noticed an improved appearance in dark circles and increased hydration around the eye area, so stay tuned for more results in the coming weeks. 

Also be on the lookout for a Q&A post with Anthony Gonzalez, Senior Manager of Global Skin Care Product Development for Avon all about Activinol and anti-aging in general.

ANEW Reversalist Illuminating Eye System retails for $30.00 and is available exclusively through Avon Representatives. To locate an Avon Representative, call 1-800-FOR-AVON or visit www.avon.com.

Disclosure: a press sample of product was provided for editorial consideration.

Quick MET Costume Institute 2010 Recap

Friends, I have about 30 seconds to write this post since tomorrow is moving day for Mr. M and I and I'm in the middle of doing a million things, but I had to comment on the looks from the 2010 MET gala. My faves of the night were:

Emma Watson:

How gorgeous does she look? Love the effortlessly wavy hair combined with polished skin, a smoky eye that's the right amount of intensity and a neutral lip. And don't get me started on that dress. Totally gorge, her body looks amazing and I am always on board with a one shoulder. When done right, it's beyond flattering.

Blake Lively:

She can literally do no wrong in my eyes. She really knows what looks good on her. Am I surprised she wore a mini with pulled back hair and bronzed, glowing skin? Definitely not, because she usually does, but when something works, a la Jen Aniston, just go with it.

Kate  Hudson:

All the boob job scandal hoopla aside, Kate Hudson is another one who just knows what works for her and always comes up with a winner. Love the polished version of a beachy braided 'do, combined with an amazing (faux) tan, flushed cheeks, lightly defined eyes and a sunny lip.

What were your faves of the night?

Photo credits: WireImage

The Eye Cream Diaries: YBF Verdict

It has been quite some time since I updated you on my experiences with YBF Correct, my eye cream dujour for The Eye Cream Diaries. You can read all about my initial thoughts here, but to sum up: YBF Correct moisturizes, firms, tones, depuffs, smooths fine lines, lightens dark circles. So here it is, the final verdict!

Verdict:

YBF Correct is truly one of the best eye creams I've ever used, in fact, I can't think of a single one I like better, so that my friends, is a huge victory in Beauty is the New Black land. This is the perfect eye cream for anyone who hates the way their eye area looks and needs a product that will tackle a multitude of issues. My dark circles have definitely lightened up, my eye area looks firm, toned and awake, my puffs diminish immediately upon application and fine lines have really been smoothed out. The texture is great, it's kind of like a gel cream, so it's really refreshing for day, but hydrating enough for night. 

At $150 for .5 oz. YBF Correct is a bit of a splurge, but I've always said I'd rather pay money for products that work than own a bunch of non-working $30 eye creams. Order online at The Skincare Shop.

Taylor Swift Named New Face of CoverGirl

I think this is a primo choice on CoverGirl's part. Country cutie Taylor Swift will join the likes of Drew Barrymore and Queen Latifah as CoverGirl's newest face. The ads will debut January 2011, coinciding with the launch of a new, luxurious line in the CG family. Taylor Swift is CG to me. She looks like a young, fresh, down to earth teen/early 20-something and if she weren't a best selling superstar, she'd look like someone you'd find in the drugstore browsing the CG. Check out a still below during the photo shoot.

I'm Using a Chemical Peel Week 2

So I meant to post this at the end of last week, which was my real week 2, but it was such a busy weekend (that um, started on Wednesday night and went right through on to Sunday) so time wasn't on my side. Mr. M and I are getting ready to make the drive back to NJ, where we'll stay for May, then live in NYC for a few months, then head back to Indy. So the past few days have consisted of a lot of socializing, mixed in with some preliminary packing.

Anyway, so I posted that I had started using an at-home chemical peel, Exuviance Performance Peel AP 25 to be exact, and I wanted to give a little week 2 update. I wish I had one of those medical cameras that zoom to every line and pore (well maybe I don't actually) so I could do a before, during and after, but you'll just have to take my word for it. After week 2 I've noticed great improvement in skin texture, I actually really look forward to using the peel (I use them on a Sunday, Thursday schedule) because my skin feels so smooth after. I really only have subtle fine lines (which I deem deep) around my eye area, and those have definitely started to diminish. 

Now, let's be clear, you can't use this peel on your eyes, but what I do is gently wipe the peel pad around the orbital bone (the place where your cheek bone meets your undereye area). I repeat: do not get this in/really close to the eye area. At this rate, I'm confident the lines will be completely gone by the end of 6 weeks. But of course, I'll keep you all posted.