RETINOL: CORRECTS & PROTECTS

Plain and Simple- Retinol, reverses the damage that has been done to your skin, and continues to deliver powerful results to prevent new or worsening damage. Retinol is key to any treatment regimen you may have. It helps improve the appearance of post-acne scarring, fine lines, dull complexion and sun/blemish dark spots.
Anyone who loves the idea of an anti-aging product and wants healthy, radiant-looking skin (who wouldn't?!)...consider adding retinol to your beauty routine!!!

I use a product by Neutrogena Dermatologics, available exclusively at QVC. I'm sure every woman and teen is familiar with the trusted Neutrogena brand, right? Well, the Dermatologics line pumps it up with their Retinol NX Concentrated Serum!
I finally found a GENTLE (because we all know how harsh these retinol treatments can be), light-weight, and EFFECTIVE...Yes, I said it...EFFECTIVE retinol serum! Whoop-Whoop!!
Don't worry, you don't have to alter your whole skin care regimen just to add a retinol. You can simply apply it to clean skin and then put your favorite moisturizer/treatment on top (this retinol is safe to use day or night). I like to use it just once a day, usually at night. But if you choose to use yours during the day don't forget to APPLY SPF (you should be applying SPF everyday, I'm just sayin')!!!

Retinol treatments are not cheap! However, this 1.7 oz. bottle lasts me about 3 1/2 months (using it mostly once a day), and costs $79.00. If you know how much retinol treatments could cost...this is considered a good bargain! 

Luminosity is a beautiful word isn't it? Get this product and you'll see the -- luminosity come from within!! 

Correct and Protect with Retinol,

Protect what you Correct with SPF!  :)

What's all the Fuss About Argan Oil?

Argan Oil is extracted from a seed of the Argan tree, native to Morocco. This is an all natural, organic & chemical-free oil that can be used from head to toe, literally! Argan Oil, is high in vitamin C and essential fatty acids, light-weight, fast absorbing and non-greasy. Perrrrfect!

This powerhouse beauty product is great for:
Dry Skin & Cuticles
Healing Acne & Scars
Minimizing Fine Lines
Split Ends & Fly-Aways
ATTENTION all you moms-to-be...It can even be used during pregnancy to reduce the appearance of stretch marks!

Told ya, it was a powerhouse beauty product, right?!

I first heard about this product from Supermodel, Josie Maran, while I was watching QVC.com (my trusty source for all things beauty). Then, I think, all the Argan Oil hype started. I see products and information about Argan Oil all over the place now. Maran, started her own cosmetic line called, Josie Maran Cosmetics. I really trust in Josie's products & I really appreciate that everything she carries is made with Argan Oil and is natural, organic, and comes STRAIGHT FROM THE SOURCE! And with this product below, is how it all started...

This is one cool multi-tasking beauty product!!!

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This short clip from Maran's website, shows the processing of the Argan Oil, in Morocco.

Josie Maran's line includes moisturizers, SPF, cleansers, mascara, body butter, foundation and MORE! 

You can buy Josie  Maran's Argan Oil products at:

http://www.josiemarancosmetics.com/

http://www.sephora.com/

http://www.qvc.com/

This is a product worth checking out, reading about and TRYING! We can all use a powerhouse product like this!

Sundays are Reserved for Beauty

For me, Sunday is the day I take the time out for some pampering at home! It's the end of the week, and a great way to start the new week off... so why not get those face scrubs and masks out!
"These are a few of my favorite things..." :)

The Clarisonic: Using the Clarisonic is the fist step to every skin care regimen I have. The Clarisonic is a sonic face & body cleansing brush. Once you clean your skin with sonic technology, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it! Cleaning your skin with just your hands or a washcloth is OLD NEWS! This cleansing brush deep cleans your pores, clears break-outs faster, and leaves your skin glowing and ooh-so soft. I LOVE IT! I got mine on QVC.com. And best of all, if you buy it on QVC, you can get it cheaper than retail price! And they generally offer an "easy-pay" option. Currently, the featured price listed on QVC is - $216.48, with an easy pay offer of 3 installments of $72.16 a month (not including S&H). Otherwise, you may choose to buy yours straight from the Clarisonic website at, http://www.clarisonic.com/, or you can also find it at the Nordstrom department stores.

This is what mine looks like -

After I cleanse my face, I use a good face scrub. I use a two-step resurfacing "peel" called, The Microdelivery Peel by, Philosophy. The kit includes the vitamin C/peptide crystals and the lactic/salicylic acid activating gel. The crystals help to resurface and rejuvenate the skin, at the same time infusing the skin with vitamin C and peptides, which help with skin tone and reducing fine lines. The kit is gentle enough to use up to 2 times a week. You can buy this on Philosophy's website, at Nordstrom department stores, and on QVC.com.

The two-step skin care kit - 

After the peel, I use a mask. I have several different masks to choose from. But my decision is based on my skin's need. If I feel like I need a bit more radiance/oxygen to my skin then I go for, the Peter Thomas Roth Radiance Oxygenating Masque. This guy is pricey but is packed with benefits! This mask is for those of us who need more brighter, clearer and hydrated skin. This 3.4 fl oz. is priced at $50.00, but lasts a LONG time because you only use it 1-2 times per week. Again, you can buy this on the Peter Thomas Roth website, and Nordstrom department stores.

Lastly, If my skin is feeling congested I will use a mask by Kiehl's called, Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Masque. This is great to use if you need to minimize and unclog your pores. This product is made with Amazonian white clay, which acts like a magnet to draw out all the dirt and yucky stuff that clogs the skin. This mask is $23.00, and you can buy it at Kiehl's, Amazon.com ( I found it for $21.85), and Nordstrom department stores.

So I hope you reserve a day for beauty...you DESERVE to put your best face forward, and pamper yourself!! 

Tell me what products work for you!

High Fashion, Non-Toxic Nail Lacquer

I mentioned in my first post, that I would tell you about one of my latest obsessions...nail lacquers by Butter London! What's the big deal? Well, my favorite quality is that they are made without the use of toxic ingredients such as, Formaldehyde, Toluene, Carcinogens, and Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP). They offer  an array of colors in brights, metallics, glitters and neutrals- all fitted with quirky names or terms commonly used in England. These colors are high fashion, long-wearing, and fun!
Butter London Has been featured in numerous publications such as, Women's Health, Life & Style, Vanity Fair, US Weekly and many more.

The current Spring/Summer Collection includes-
Bossy Boots: Light, opaque pistachio green.
Disco Biscuit: Hot pink with iridescence, and a hint of glitter.
Slapper: Bold and bright teal (one of my favorites).
Knackered: A sheer, glittery oyster shade.
Trout Pout: Opaque and subtle shade of cantaloupe.

All the nail lacquers are priced at $14.00. Not bad huh? And you can buy them online at, http://www.butterlondon.com/, or you can also find them at the Nordstrom department stores, and http://shop.nordstrom.com/.

Butter London, also launched a new collection called LIPPY. Lippy is a new line of long-wearing lipgloss, made to perfectly match your nail color! How cool is that?!

Below are the colors that I currently own and love (2 of which are part of the spring-summer collection)!

ALL HAIL THE QUEEN

DISCO BISCUIT

HENLEY REGATTA

SLAPPER

WALLIS

WEST END WONDERLAND

It would be hard for people NOT to take notice of your amazing manicure. And when they ask what polish you're wearing...just say, "Tea with the Queen!"

Welcome, Fellow Beauty Buff's

Hello! I have to say, this is one of the most exciting and highly anticipated moments for me! This is my very first blog, so thank you for joining me.

Since this is my first post, I should tell you a little bit more about me, and what I'm into. I intend for us to have fun as we share our opinions on... ALL THINGS BEAUTY!


- My name is Kristen, and I am a self-proclaimed beauty addict. What I share with you are my opinions only, based on what I have tried, want to try, or researched about.


- My favorite color is Purple. This color is so beautiful in any hue...and it makes me happy whenever I wear it!

- I am in the Public Relations field.

- I got married last February in the beautiful country where I was born, Costa Rica.

- I try to eat and use organic products as often as I can.


- I watch QVC's beauty segments religiously (QVC is a home shopping network)! I consider it my "study time." My family gets a kick out of it!

- One of my friends recently turned me on to trying Pilates Reformer, and ever since my first class...I have been HOOKED!

- My current favorite lip products are by YSL! They're a must! I have attached a picture below of the ones I'm trying this season.

Coral, pink and purple hues for the spring/summer- a must!! The two you see on the left, are YSL's new glossy lip stains. I have never had a good relationship with lip stains. But these take the cake! They leave a beautiful hint of color and subtle shine to your lips without..wait for it...DRYING THEM OUT! Hallelujah! The colors are build-able, last forever, and smell good to boot.

- Currently, I am totally into the nail lacquers by BUTTER London. I will post my favorite colors and a few interesting things you should know about this company later.

- Oh! I just recently started using this eye cream by Kiehl's called, Line-Reducing Eye-Brightening Concentrate. It is amazing! Now, I'm still in my 20's, but I got this cream to prevent and delay what's sure to come one day. But even so, I have noticed my eyes feel tighter, look brighter and more dewy. It must have something to do with the 10.5% Pure Vitamin C this treatment has?! It's a keeper!

- I'm happy to share with you all my beauty obsessions! I would love to hear what you're trying and loving this season too!