Total Beauty Total Cure Baby Quasar PowerPack Giveaway

As you are probably aware October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. The economy is tight and might make it difficult to donate, so why not enter and learn a fact along the way about breast cancer that you may not have known? In order to promote breast cancer awareness, Total Beauty has organized the Total Cure initiative. Over 50 beauty blogs have been partnering with several different beauty brands to provide giveaways throughout the month of October to raise awareness for Breast Cancer.

Mythbuster Beauty along with Baby Quasar are enthusiastic to be part of this initiative. In search for a cure and to promote BCA, for today only you can enter here to get a chance to win a Baby Quasar PowerPack!

What it is: The Baby Quasar PowerPack (which is both the Baby Quasar and the Baby Blue) are Photo Rejuvenation and Acne Clearing Devices.

The Baby Quasar (or BabyQ, as it’s affectionately called) is designed to deliver four light wavelengths that can enhance the skin cells’ circulation, stimulating collagen production and healing. The Baby Blue delivers only blue light and kills the bacteria that causes acne. Both devices have been favorably reviewed and are probably the most coveted photo rejuvenation items on the planet!!!

To read my very positive review of the Baby Quasar and Baby Blue, you can follow this link to: Mythbuster Beauty Review: Baby Quasar and Baby Blue.

These two “babies” have a total retail value of $749!

So how do you enter? Just enter your name, email address, and one of the facts about breast cancer found on the Total Cure Myspace and Facebook pages in the box below. But HURRY…this contest will be open for 24 HOURS ONLY!

Giveaway Rules:

The contest will end at 3:00 AM EST on Saturday October 18th. I will draw THREE winners at random and they will be notified by email. The winners have 48 hours to respond to my email notification that they have won and if they do not respond an alternate will be drawn. The winners will be announced by Monday, October 20th.

FGW: Take it off, take it all off…

“Hi, I’m Mo, and I’m an exfoliator.”

Crowd:  “Hi Mo”

“I like passive exfoliators fine enough. You know Alpha and Beta Hydroxy acids and all. But I just…I can’t give up my…my…aggressive exfoliators!”

Crowd:  *Gasp* “The horror, the shock! Wait, what are we talking about? What the heck do you mean anyway?”

Everyone has their own terminology for different types of exfoliators. In my world, chemical exfoliators are “passive”, while actual scrubs that physically push away dead cells are “aggressive” exfoliators. I use both, a chemical exfoliator twice a week and a scrub two to three times a week, depending on how my skin feels. Not everyone can or should exfoliate so often, and those with thin or sensitive skin should consult a dermatologist before beginning, just for safety’s sake.  I find that a lax exfoliation schedule leads to many more breakouts for me, and exfoliating regularly lets me get by with using less acne product overall.

Most people know that an effective exfoliation doesn’t require an expensive scrub. Many of us do it inadvertently when we use a washcloth to remove our cleanser. If that’s more your speed then there are products out there that can step up your game but still fit perfectly into your regimen.

The Supracor Spacells facial sponge ($12) is unlike any “sponge” you’ve ever seen.  Naturally antifungal, antibacterial and allergen free, Spacells unique honeycomb design is an energizing experience. Used with your usual cleanser it really clears off makeup and skin cells, but also stimulates blood flow and massages your skin. Be sure to use the softer clear side for scrubbing and the more firm side for massaging and for rough skin, like elbows.  Better yet, get a bath mitt ($32) for your body and keep the sponge just for your face. This is a durable and long lasting product, just rinse after use and allow to dry. Since you can use any cleanser you like with it, all skin types would really enjoy the refreshing experience of a Supracor spacells facial sponge. Supracor’s Stimulite products range far beyond just face and body. Mattress covers, foot wear, baby and pet products, and even an equestrian line truly offer something for everyone. That bed pillow has my hot headed name all over it!

Choosing the right mineral makeup for you

Meli recently asked a question at the Bare Escentuals VS. Drug Store brand Mineral Makeup post:

I would be happy to get your thoughts on Bare’s Get Started kit. Quality vs price? Which one of the following would the best pick?  Bare, Maybelline or Everyday Minerals? What about L’Oreal?

Sincerely, thank you for your precious answers,  Meli

Hi Meli, so great to hear from you!  There are so many mineral makeup lines and so many factors to take into consideration.  Hope this information will help you make an informed decision!

Here are a few things to consider in choosing the best mineral foundation for you:

• Skin type.  Finding the right match of formula for your skin type, oily, dry, combination…
• Skin color. Is your skin tone difficult to match, or do you tend to find a compatible shade easily?  Some complain that certain mineral makeups can look ashy or orange on their skin.
• Convenience. Do you prefer to purchase this at your local drug store or do you mind ordering on-line, or going to a department store counter?
• Price. A large range of prices when it comes to mineral makeup.

Here are my feelings on the specific mineral makeup brands you listed:

1.  L’Oreal’s mineral makeup is formulated with talc, so if you have sensitive or breakout prone skin, watch out!  Not recommended.
2.  Maybelline’s mineral makeup is best for those with normal or dry skin.  This is based upon many comments from a review at the Makeup Moxie website.  Another comment was that while they love this mineral foundation, but do not like the brush that is included.  I would suggest purchasing your own kabuki brush for optimum application.  If you have oily skin it will not work well for you, but it is a great value and you can purchase it at your local drug store.
3.  Bare Minerals is the most popular of all the mineral makeup lines, and many people love it.  I think it is best suited for those with oily skin.  For individuals with drier skin, it can accentuate fine lines and look flaky.  This line is more expensive, but their starter kits offer a better value ($30), and can be purchased online, department stores, and at Target.
4.  Everyday Minerals is a wonderful line and offers different formulas for different skin types (Original Glo, Semi-Matte, Matte, and Intensive) and at very reasonable price ($12 for a large container).  Their samples are generous and allow deciding which formulas are best for your skin.  Highly recommended for both quality and value.

My personal experience with mineral makeup is mixed.  My best results have been with the Everyday Mineral line, and that could be due to my specific skin type (combination skin and sensitive to breakouts) and I have liked their Original Glo and Semi-Matte formulas.  Ideally, I still prefer a liquid foundation or a tinted moisturizer. 

My biggest complaints with SOME mineral makeup foundations are:

• The “itch” factor, my skin feels coated and slightly irritated by the mineral makeup
• Some mineral powders can accentuate fine lines on my skin, and deposit in my laugh lines
• My skin ends up looking too matte and chalky
• The powder can emphasize flaking and dry patches on my face

But I realize that with the right formula and the right skin type, your skin can look amazing while using a mineral makeup foundation.  Here are some other MBB posts on the subject of mineral makeup:

• Mineral Makeup + Prime Time = LOVE
• Drug Store Mineral Makeup: Maybe Not So Good
• Attack of the Orange Foundation
• Follow Up: Mineral Makeup Mania

Best wishes Meli, and hope to hear what you end up using and how you feel about it.  JEN

Beauty Bit: Do pre-foundation primers make a visible difference?

 

 

Do pre-foundation primers make a visible difference?

Pro makeup artist Molly Stern says primers are meant to serve as a layer between skin and foundation to create a more even surface. But not everyone needs them. “The best candidate for them would be someone who is very oily or has a lot of scarring from acne,” she says. But do primers actually make a difference? We had two women of different ages each test a top foundation primer geared toward their skin type. Find out if their makeup looked better … and if anyone noticed.
See primers

FGW: Resurfacing- It’s not just for roads….

Every now and then you look in the mirror and feel like starting fresh. At times like these there’s only one thing you can turn to: Chemical peels. What, you expected me to say therapy and self discovery?

A typical Glycolic Acid facial in a spa can be a relaxing and refreshing experience, but there are a few drawbacks. The first is time. At 45 minutes to an hour plus transit time, you’re looking at a decent chunk of time every 2-6 months, depending on your skin and the exact results you wish to achieve. Second is the cost. At roughly $80 a piece, generally as a series of about 6 treatments, that’s a lot of fun money, at least for someone like me. If you choose to get a stronger peel from a doctor than you can expect to spend $150-$300 a session, though the length of time between sessions can be much longer, depending on your needs and results. The recovery from one of these procedures is also much more intense, often with flaking, redness, and oozing skin. Makes me want to run right out and get one, how about you?

Thankfully, there’s a third option, an home peel. Alpha Hydroxy Acid products sold to consumers must be a concentration less than 10%, so the chances of doing your skin serious damage are greatly reduced when choosing these. These products can give your skin the little extra boost you’re looking for, brightening and smoothing rough, sun-damaged skin.

I’ve been trying Murad’s Intensive Resurfacing Peel for just that purpose.

Sold as a set of 12 ampoules, Intensive Resurface Peel covers the needs of many skin types with both Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) and Beta Hydroxy Acids(BHA). AHAs work mainly as an exfoliant, sloughing off dead skin cells and making room for regrowth of new skin. Alpha hydroxy acids are reported to improve wrinkling, roughness, and uneven skin tone of sun-damaged skin and may even stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. BHA (salicylic acid) is able to penetrate into pores which contain sebum and exfoliate the dead skin cells that are built up inside the pore. BHA is better used on oily skin with blackheads and whiteheads, while AHAs are better used on thickened, sun-damaged skin. Containing both glycolic acid and salicylic acid, Intensive Resurfacing Peel covers all the bases.

A few moments after applying you start to feel a tingle. Some people with more sensitive skin might even call it a slight sting. Any broken skin or irritated blemishes will definitely sting if you apply this over them. First you cleanse and tone, then apply the peel all over your face/neck. After 10 minutes, or less if you find it too irritating, you simply rinse your face with warm water and continue your typical regimen. I first got a hold of this product as a deluxe sample from Sephora, but after that one use I just HAD to try the full cycle. The 12 ampoules are meant to be used 3 times a week, giving you a month’s worth in one package, though it is entirely possible to squeeze extra uses from each ampoule without altering the effectiveness. My skin felt so smooth and supple after using this, I just about fell over from the sheer joy of it. Over the month I used this I saw improvement in some old scarring from chicken pox, though it wasn’t quite as drastic as I’d hoped. My serums and moisturizer certainly felt as though they absorbed faster and better after use.

The bamboo beads included in the formula are sparse and are more puzzling than effective. Something else that I found incredibly annoying was the poor design of the packaging. Perhaps there’s something I’m missing, not being privy to research and all, but it is impossible to extract all of the product from this bottle without prying off the top and using a cotton swab. With a product that costs as much as this ($165 a set) I would expect to be able to get my money’s worth without playing MacGuyver to scoop it out. The price is a deterrent as well, since your instinct is to use as little as possible due to the cost, which could reduce the effectiveness. Also, you MUST remember to use a sunscreen when you’re using AHA or BHA products, since they make your skin more sensitive to sun exposure. Ironic, isn’t it, that the product which can repair your skin’s sun damage also makes it more susceptible to sun damage?

Overall I loved this, but I’m just not sure I’m quite ready for something so intense yet. My skin is still fairly young and in pretty good shape, and the proper use of cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen is really all I need for the moment. If you feel like you need a little more for your skin, you know where to find a fast, easy, effective home peel, Murad’s Intensive Resurface Peel.

Retin-A: More questions and where to start?

The other day, Rachelle the fabulous author of Fashionably Foodie and contributor to the Posh Mama site asked a question about starting on Retin-A at the post, “All About Retinoids:  Considering Retin-A.”

jen,
so i turned the big 3-0 this summer and i am ready to do something. (guess i need to adopt marilyn’s “Start aging, and shut up!” mantra still.)  i live in mexico and can buy retin a and renova over the counter. soooo- how do i use them?  like moisturizer, after cleansing?  instead of moisturizer or over it?  how much do i use?  and do you know if i use it while i’m nursing? (guess i could google it.) TIA!

hope your beans are delish~
rachelle

First and foremost, the beans I made using the recipe that Rachelle posted on the Posh Mama site were delish, and my family totally stuffed themselves last night.  I served them with rice and homemade salsa, very yum!

Lucky you to get Retin-A OTC!  And I am not a Doctor, so I can give you some advice, but would strongly recommend you work with a licensed Dermatologist.  I have heard that the lowest concentration is where you should start (.025%) or possibly .05%, and you should research the topic of using retinoids while nursing.  I surmise that some will say okay, and some will say nay.  I tend to side with how young is your baby and how often do you nurse?  Retin-A is simply a concentrated form of Vitamin A and a minimal amount is absorbed into your bloodstream.

In the PM, after cleansing and allowing your skin to dry, dab a pea-sized amount around face (a little bit goes a long way and this is strong stuff)!  You can then proceed with your moisturizer.  You should only use this every other night until your skin adjusts to the retin-A (which will take a few weeks), then gradually build up to using it every night.  If you notice peeling or irritation, stop using Retin-A for a few days.

If you are using any creams or lotions containing peptides, specifically copper peptides, you will not want to use a retinoid, AHA, or vitamin C cream within 2 hours of use, or rotate using one every other day.  I am not a chemist either, but I have read that the copper peptides are not effective if combined with these acidic ingredients. 

And most importantly you will need to take particular precautions to protect your skin during the day while using Retin-A.  Wear a hat, use sunscreen, and avoiding going outside during the peak sun hours.

For treating acne, Retin A will take 6+ weeks of use to notice the benefits.  For treating wrinkles, Retin A will take 6+ months to see improvements, and will produce optimal results after a year of continual use.

Best wishes for some great skin and enjoy those 30′s, you are really in your prime!  Jen

 

Gingi: No gimmicks, just smart skincare.

This summer I attended the Cosmoprof North American Trade Show and met with several beauty and skincare companies.  At this show literally dozens of skincare lines are being featured and each line seems to have a gimmick.  Ingredients that guarantee to lighten, tighten, brighten and stimulate your skin, and promise to make you look 21 again.  With skincare, I really don’t want a gimmick, I just want a well orchestrated skincare line that works well with my skin type.  And that is exactly why I am excited to introduce you to the Gingi Skincare line.

I tried several samples of their line, and was instantly impressed.  All felt, smelled and reacted well with my 39 year old skin that is sensitive to break outs.  In my first letter to Gingi, I jotted down some of my first impressions: 

• I like the simple and informative product names, like “Deep Comforting Cleanser” and “Instant Eye Lift Masks.”  Dang, I could use some of those eye masks this morning!
• I enjoy the natural fragrances (or lack of) of the products I have sampled.
• I really like the gel formulations of the moisturizers and treatments, they absorb well and do not leave a residue or sticky feeling on my skin.  In the winter months, I might want a cream based lotion though.
• So far, I have been able to tolerate products without any sensitivity issues or breakouts. 
• The Sun Care Cream was really nice, absorbed well, with a light, pleasant orange scent.

Gingi Skincare responded to my feelings by saying,

“We pretty much try to keep the whole line simple – part of our philosophy.  A simple line of high quality products and high quality ingredients (90% of the raw materials come from Germany and 10% from Japan – we manufacture and bottle here in southern California).  We package our products for gift sets as well – something you don’t see too much of in the skincare trade.
 
As for the fragrance (or lack of), the products are designed to be unisex so we try to keep the scent as neutral as possible.  I use the Refreshing Toning Water as an aftershave and the Citrus Sun Care on top of my head (no hair!) – though I always tell everyone that the best sunblock is to stay out of the sun!  By the way, the Citrus Sun Care is featured in a sun care article in the August issue of Day Spa magazine.”

I was also lucky enough to get some full size products to use for a longer period of time and was equally impressed.  These items included Gingi’s Deep Comforting Cleanser, Green Tea Face and Body Mist, and Vitamin C & E Lipsome Moisturizer.  All wonderful products, but my favorite product by far was Gingi’s “Citrus Sun Care” which provides sun protection in a non-greasy formula and also treats the skin with antioxidants and antiseptic qualities.  My skin adores this stuff!

I recently compiled a list of the seven beauty items I would bring if stranded on a desert island and Gingi’s Citrus Sun Care topped my list.

Gingi’s skincare is notably more pricey than your drugstore skincare brands, but what you would expect to pay for a specialty brand (the $30-$50 price range).  Considering the high quality of the ingredients and performance of the line, I would consider purchasing some Gingi skincare as money well spent.   Feel free to contact their customer service for any questions with your specific skin concerns.

Gingi is offering Mythbuster Beauty readers an additional incentive by including 1 box of Facial Absorbent Paper ($25) on orders of $100 or more (& free shipping included).  The code to use at checkout is GINGIMBB.

What DOESN’T this soap do?

Sometimes I get a product that absolutely intrigues me. If Nano Cyclic soap does half of what it claims than it’s some kind of miracle product. It fights dandruff, psoriasis, acne, athlete’s foot, and can be used on diaper rash or to soften calluses. Holy crap, does it make breakfast in the morning too? Because I would buy it in bulk if it did

Nano Cyclic cleanser is a translucent round of soap. To be more accurate it’s a highly concentrated cream in the form of a bar. The ingredients are; Nano Silver, or colloidal silver in extremely small particles, Collagen, Silica, Chitosan, derived from the shells of shrimp and othe crustaceans, Sericin, a water-soluble protective gum which coats silk, Aloe, and Vitamins A, E, and D.

Silver compounds have long been used in medicine. Colloidal silver itself has a long history as an antibiotic before the discovery of other drugs like penicillin. Ingestion and inhalation of too much colloidal silver is linked to a condition called Argyria, one of the symptoms of which is a blue-ish discoloration of the skin. It’s important to note though that I couldn’t find any record of this condition being linked to topical application such as is found in Nano Cyclic soap, and Cyclic maintains that their product is completely safe and is not absorbed into the bloodstream. Generally we come in contact with trace amounts of silver in our everyday life, so short of ingesting large amounts of silver on a daily basis it doesn’t seem to be a major threat. In fact, colloidal silver has been approved by the FDA for use as a disinfectant in hospitals. If it can kill the bacteria in hospitals imagine what it can do for the bacteria in your pores.

Cyclic claims to help diminish age spots, improve skin texture, provide extra sun protection, eliminate body odor, reduce callous build-up, protect your skin from outside elements (also known as free radicals) and decrease the signs of skin conditions such as psoriasis and acne. To accomplish this they offer two similar formulas, pink and silver. Pink has a higher collagen content for sensitive to normal skin and age fighting effects, while Silver is preferred for oily and acne prone skin, like mine.

After two weeks use I can honestly say I have seen a difference in my skin tone. I have a much more even tone, with less blotchiness. It appears clearer and smoother, and while I still have blemishes they don’t have the glaring red coloration they used to. I’m surprised at the difference an even skin tone provides. I use less foundation and powder, and concealer can be used only on individual blemishes and those under eye circles that recently moved in. Using Nano Silver in conjunction with my usual acne spot treatments has eliminated almost all of the irritated discoloration I’ve previously seen. For me the Silver didn’t eliminate all my acne issues, but I was still pleased with the results. I didn’t feel overly dry with this product, though it did leave my skin a touch on the thirsty side. Cyclic recommends you not use a lotion or other product with this soap to prevent clogging of the pores and to let your skin adjust naturally. I did notice minor increased oiliness by the end of the day when using this without additional skincare products.

Nano Cyclic soap is applied in a unique way. After wetting your face and hands you rub the soap between your wet palms until it creates a foam. Lather the foam for a few seconds and suddenly you have a rich cream that you lightly apply to your face, no rubbing required. Leave on for 6 minutes or until you feel a tingle and rinse thoroughly. I never felt a tingle, but perhaps that’s just because I like to be difficult. Cyclic recommends leaving the product on for less time as your skin clears, while most products for acne prone skin suggest you gradually work UP to the maximum time to reduce irritation. You also need to store your soap in an airtight container after each use. This product is sensitive to temperature and moisture, so if you fail to store it properly, poof, you could lose it. Many people keep theirs in the refrigerator to extend the soap’s shelf life as long as possible.

There is a definite segment of the population this product isn’t suited for. Sadly, I’m part of that segment. During the summer break I could usually wake in the morning and let the Nano Silver do its thing before showering and finishing my morning routine. But now, with 3 kids and school to juggle, I have to jump in the shower first thing and get ready as fast as I can or I risk looking like the abominable pajama monster all day. This is a product that requires time, and I just don’t have the extra minutes to spare most mornings. Also, if your skin is particularly difficult it is recommended you use 3 times a day instead of two. I challenge you to find a time in the middle of your day when you wouldn’t mind washing off your makeup and reapplying with a 6 minute break in between. I’m sure you could do it on your lunch break if you were really dedicated, but clearly I’m not, sorry.

There are 3 bar sizes to fit any budget, and if you aren’t ready to shell out the $80 for a full size bar, you could always pay only $10 for a trial size. While this isn’t a product I will be using regularly due to my inability to multi-task, I can certainly imagine that more dedicated individuals might really love Nano Cyclic cleansing soap.

 

The difference between Alpha/AHAs and Beta/BHA

Paula Begoun released a video that accurately describes the difference between AHA’s and BHA and which one is best for your specific skin type.  Not all women can tolerate these acid exfoliants, but if you can, these acids can benefit your skin.  BTW, no I am not endorsing Paula’s Choice skincare line, but you must admit, Paula’s skin looks incredible in this video.  Obviously she is doing something right! 

Paula on The Truth About Exfoliants:

The bottom line is that for most skin types exfoliation is a good thing. No question about it. Dead skin cells make your skin feel rough, and if you are over the age of 20 (given the number of adults who have sun damage, clogged pores and dry skin), you would most likely benefit from exfoliation. There are two types of exfoliates : mechanical (or manual) exfoliation, and alphahydroxy acids and betahydroxy acids. The former you have to manually move around your face. They are pretty much ’80s-style exfoliates. I think that form of exfoliation is dated, and I don’t think there is anything in a scrub that can’t be replaced by a washcloth. What does make a difference is a well-formulated betahydroxy or alphahydroxy product. There aren’t many of them around because they are tricky to make and there is a risk of irritation. But much of the objective research out there suggests that exfoliation is good for most skin types.

So as a rule of thumb, AHA’s (which are glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, and tartaric acid) are for aging, sun damaged skin.  BHA or Saylicylic Acid is better for blemish prone, oily or combinaton skin.

Cleansers that contain AHA’s or BHA are generally not ideal because they are quickly washed off the skin and the skin needs to be able to absorb these acids to be effective.  The best form of AHA’s or BHA’s would be in the form of a moisturizer, treatment, or a masque/peel where it is allowed to penetrate the skin. 

Paula’s Choice is offering 10% off all her AHA and BHA exfoliants through the month of August at her website:  Paula’sChoice.com.

Side effects can include irritation, redness and itching, and increased sensitivity to the sun.  So while using any of these treatments you should take precautions by using a good sunscreen and avoiding prolonged sun exposure.

Beauty Byte: “As Seen on TV” Skin Product Reviews

Find out which acne fighters, anti-aging creams and moisturizers are worth the shipping and handling fees

Admit it: On nights you can’t sleep you may stay up watching infomercials or checking out what Suzanne Somers is hawking on the Home Shopping Network. After an hour or so, those products all start to sound pretty great. But which ones are really worth picking up the phone for? TotalBeauty.com readers bravely ordered and found out. Check out their favorite “as seen on TV” skin care products. …More