Proactiv: Beyond the Three Step System

So unless you live under a rock you know about Proactiv's famed three-step system for acne-prone skin. What you may not know is that the brand has a slew of other products perfect for those who experience the occasional breakout, but don't have a major acne problem. I had the pleasure of trying out a few products that definitely changed the way I think about Proactiv.

Clarifying Night Cream is hands down my new favorite skin care product. It contains all the ingredients that really improve skin - retinol, salicylic acid, vitamins, but it's gentle and non-irritating. This is perfect for in between skin when you don't need to use a serious acne medication, but you don't need a heavy duty anti-ager yet. Clarifying Night Cream improves skin's texture and tone, refines pores and just makes skin look glowy and amazing. 

I've seen people on the three-step infomercial rave about the Green Tea Moisturizer and it really is that good! It's the perfect daytime lotion because it replenishes moisture without feeling heavy and greasy. In fact, it actually feels light and refreshing and is perfect under makeup. Plus, I'm a total sucker for anything with antioxidants.

I'm a major lover of makeup removing cloths and Proactiv's Makeup Removing Cloths are super soft, I'm talking t-shirt soft, and thoroughly remove eye makeup. I reach for them when I'm feeling exceptionally tired (or lazy) at the end of the night, or anytime I need a quick refresh, like pre- and post-gym. Plus I love that the package is truly resealable so they won't dry out - a major towelette pet peeve of mine. 

Each of these products is available at QVC.com.


Disclosure: Samples were provided for editorial consideration.

Paul Wesley Loves CeraVe!

Can we have a candid moment here? I am one of those vampire-obsessed way too old to be watching stuff like Twilight and The Vampire Diaries but I do anyway kinds of girls. Can you really blame me though? Rob Pattinson, Paul Wesley, Ian Somerhalder? Yes, please. 

If you're like me and have been waiting for The Vampire Diaries to start its new season (tomorrow on the CW btw) you'll appreciate hearing that Paul Wesley's gorge face is taken care of by CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser and Moisturizing Lotion, according to VD's makeup department head Beverly Jo Pryor.

CeraVe is a line of super gentle, dermatologist-recommended cleansers and moisturizers perfect for those with dry, sensitive skin or if you're using something like a retinoid and want to keep the rest of your routine non-irritating.

I'm a big fan of the cleansers because I come from the school of thought that you should leave the crazy acids and such in your treatment products and just use a gentle cleanser that thoroughly removes dirt, oil and makeup without stripping skin dry. And this brand does just that!

Swoon

Test Drive: Garnier Moisture Rescue

I love gel-based moisturizers because they're so fresh and light, but frankly they sometimes just don't get the job done. I was so excited to try Garnier Nutritioniste Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream and see if it could give me the moisture I need with the super lightweight, refreshing feeling I crave.

The Experience:

Biggest thing to note: a little goes a long way with this product so no need to glob it all over the place. The cream absorbed super fast and felt like nothing on, but my skin felt incredibly soft and smooth. Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream worked perfectly under makeup and didn't leave me with that greasy, over-moisturized feeling at the end of the day. I also love that it has antioxidant fruit water (that just sounds refreshing, no?) and vitamin E to fight free radicals.

The Verdict:

Love love love. If you're looking for a truly lightweight, but really effective moisturizer that delivers the perfect amount of hydration without that burst of greasiness some rich moisturizers give this is for you. Loved it so much I want to try the rest of the line now!

Avon Anew Emulsions

I'm a huge advocate of preventative care when it comes to aging, but with so many products out there, sometimes a girl has to wonder if using a heavy-duty anti-ager meant for a 50 year old at 25 is really the greatest idea. Avon solves this problem with Anew Emulsions - a new line of age-fighting night moisturizers for specific age groups: 30+, 40+ and 50+ and their respective concerns.

Anew Rejuvenate Night Sapphire Emulsion is for the 30+ crowd, although late 20s can easily hop on this train. This intense moisturizer helps to smooth and refine, and virtually erase the look of pores.

Anew Reversalist Night Sterling Emulsion for 40+ helps to smooth fine lines and firm skin. Sterling Polypeptide Complex replenishes moisture and helps skin maintain a youthful appearance.

Anew Ultimate Night Gold Emulsion for 50+ increases moisture levels by 400%, while providing an uplifted youthful look. Pro Sirtuin TX stimulates youth proteins to repair.

So now no matter what your age you can look up to five years younger and not have to wonder if a certain product is right for your age group. Visit avon.com to locate a representative to purchase.

Limited Edition La Mer

Put the words limited edition and La Mer in the same sentence and I'm there. The ultimate luxe moisturizer just announced its fifth anniversary partnership with Oceana, the world's leading international ocean advocacy organization. To celebrate, La Mer created a 100ml limited edition World Ocean's Day blue Creme de la Mer jar and will make a $200,000 donation to Oceana.

Maybe it's the Cancer in me, but I am such a sucker for anything with an ocean scene/theme and I love the blue La Mer. This is also historic since La Mer has never altered its packaging until now. Quantities are limited; so get thee to lamer.com, or participating Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus or Bergdorf Goodman locations to scoop yours up. Retail price is $310. An investment? Of course. But, a La Mer purchase is always justified (super concentrated, lasts forever, God's gift to moisturizers, you get the picture), especially for a lovely limited edition such as this. 

World Oceans Day
Created in 1992 and made official by the United Nations in 2009, World Oceans Day takes place annually on June 8th and is a day to recognize the sea’s importance as a vital ecosystem and take action to preserve its delicate habitats and wildlife. With over 300,000 members in 150 countries, Oceana’s science-based policies have greatly reduced over-fishing and protected threatened marine habitats.

For more information about World Oceans Day and the partnership between La Mer and Oceana, please visit www.lamer.com/oceana.