Skincare

Until recently, I always equated masks to a skin drying, meant to scare your spouse and children at night kind of product. I simply didn’t understand the benefits or the importance of detoxifying my face. It wasn’t until I used two Dr. Jart+ masks, included in my Clarisonic Mia 3 K-Beauty Cleanse Set, that I discovered the powers of a really potent mask.

Everyday our skin is exposed to dangerous UV rays, pollutants, bacteria and other grime—not to mention the buildup caused by the application of daily makeup. While nothing can replace a good nightly cleaning, either with a wipe, cream, oil or foam-based cleanser, masks help target areas that need more TLC.

My Favorite Masks

  1. Jart+ Water Replenishment Cotton Sheet Mask ($7.50)

This super hydrating mask is perfect to use after a day at the beach because of its cooling effect. It also helps with diminishing redness and laugh lines while simultaneously brightening the skin. To get the most benefit, be sure to slather any remaining product over your neck and allow your skin to soak in all the goodness.

  1. Jart + Pore Minimalist Black Charcoal Sheet Mask ($35 for 5 single use masks)

Dr. Jart + Pore Minimalist Black Charcoal Sheet Mask really focuses on two goals: detoxification and pore tightening. So if you are in the market for a product that targets these issues, you’ve hit the jackpot with this particular face mask.

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    Front

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Insider Tip

This past December, I purchased a limited edition of Dr. Jart+ Book of Masks ($39) which contained eight full-face and spot treatment masks. This prices each mask at $4.87 compared to its regular price of $7.50. That’s more than two dollars in savings per mask!! So be on the lookout for such steals during the next holiday season.

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Reviewing My Very First Clarisonic Mia 3 K-Beauty Cleanse Set

I debated long and hard before I decided to finally take the plunge and purchase my very first Clarisonic.  I came to this decision after experiencing constant frustration with my skin’s complexion.  No matter what products I used, my skin remained flakey and dull.  So with my renewed vow to a better and healthier glow, I chose the Clarisonic Mia 3 K-Beauty Cleanse Set ($199).  While pricey, I gravitated towards this Clarisonic set because it offered me the ability to try out three Korean beauty brands that I had heard of but never tried. The Clarisonic Mia 3 K-Beauty Cleanse Set includes brands such as Boscia, Dr. Jart+, and AmorePacific.  I figured that using these products in conjunction with the Clarisonic Mia 3—a three-speed cleansing device—would give me the best results (the Clarisonic Mia 1 is one-speed while the Clarisonic Mia 2 supports 2 speeds).  Well, my gamble paid off and I am beyond pleased with my new radiant face. 

Within several weeks of use, my dry, patchy skin was becoming a thing of the past.  In conjunction with the Clarisonic Mia 3, I used the accompanying Boscia Makeup-Breakup Cool Cleansing Oil ($30 for full version) which worked amazingly well to remove all makeup residue and other impurities.  This new regimen left my face refreshed and luminous.  Another added bonus was that it left me with a better canvas in which to apply my foundation.  I instantly noticed my makeup application go on more smoothly and evenly.  Overall, I can’t say enough great things about the Clarisonic Mia 3 K-Beauty Cleanse Set.  

My Clarisonic Regimen:

  1. Remove all makeup.
  2. Dampen the Clarisonic brush head with warm water and place 1 to 2 pumps of the Boscia Makeup-Breakup Cool Cleansing Oil directly onto the brush head.  (Note: this Clarisonic set comes with a sensitive head brush.  Other brush types can be purchased according to your personal needs.  Clarisonic recommends replacing the brush head every three months).
  3. Begin by pressing the Clarisonic’s middle button, then gently holding and moving the brush along sections of your face.  This device does timed sections, so simply move to another part of your face with every beep.  I like to use the fastest speed for my nose and chin (bye bye blackheads!!).  I then lower the setting for the rest of my face.  
  4. Rinse off your face with warm water and apply your favorite night cream.  I use the CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM ($13.99) because its non-comdogenic.  
  5. For best results, use a maximum of three times per week.  I found that using it more than that can cause breakouts.  On my off days, I follow through with either a Dr. Jart+ mask or Dr. Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel.    

Care and Cleaning:

Aside from changing the brush head as recommended, there are other steps that I take to ensure that my $200 investment lasts a long time.  

  1.  After every use, I rinse and clean the brush head against my palm in smooth circular motions.  This removes any excess makeup residue and prevents discoloration.  
  2. I then place the brush head on a clean flat towel to dry off.
  3. Next, I clean the inside of the Clarisonic with a Q-tip.  Grime and other gunk can accumulate if you don’t follow this step.  When finished, place it on the Clarisonic drying stand and let dry.  
  4. I would not recommend using or storing the device in the shower.  Keeping it dry helps keep it from becoming a breeding ground for grime.  

 

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Dr.Gross skincare alpha beta peel

I was first introduced to the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel ($88 for 30 treatment + 5 bonus) at a Ritz Carlton Spa. My brother is massage therapist there (lucky me!) and he recommended I get a facial as a step in helping me on my journey to amazing skin. I heeded his advice and plunked down my hard earned money in hopes of coming out looking youthful and refreshed. I must say the experience was a pleasant surprise because not only did my skin look and feel better, but the service was tailored made to my specific skin needs (combination skin and acne prone). In fact, I was given a list with the products used and recommended skin care regimen (Please continue reading for a snapshot of this list).

The product that stood out to me was the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel. Before this moment I never dared to venture off and experiment with facial peels for fear of doing damage or not using it correctly. I always assumed they were too powerful to use on my own and thus better off left to the professionals. Well I was wrong! This peel was effective in evening out my skin tone and diminishing fine lines – all while in the comfort of my own home.

When purchased, you get two pre-soaked pads per treatment. Step 1 of the Dr. Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel is clearly labeled and consists of the exfoliating acids. Once applied to the face and neck you let it sit for two minutes. At first, I found that my faced tingled after use. However, the sensation dissipated after a few seconds. After two minutes, proceed with Step 2 of the Dr. Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel and let your skin air dry. Feel free to conclude by moisturizing your skin.

Overall, the Dr. Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel is a top notch product. It certainly is expensive and can be very costly if used on a regular basis. I find myself applying the peel 1-2 times a week thus a box of 35 treatments lasts me a few months. And while this particular at-home peel has worked wonders on my skin, I would highly recommend others to try a sample before committing.

Insider Tip

If you happen to be a member of the Sephora Beauty Insider Rewards program, they sometimes include the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel as a reward product. In the past, I’ve redeemed 100 points for one treatment of this at-home peel. Given the regular price for this product, using your rewards points on this particular peel is well worth it.

Ritz Carlton Suggested Skin Care Regimen

Cleansing: Eminence Lemon Cleanser ($36 for 8.4 oz.)

Toning: Eminence Soothing Chamomile Tonique ($36 for 4.2 fl oz.)

Exfoliation: Eminence Pear and Poppy Seed Microderm Polisher ($36 for 2 fl oz.)

Mask: Eminence Pink Grapefruit Clarifying Mask ($52 for 2 fl oz.)

Day Cream: Eminence Persimmon and Cantaloupe Day Cream SPF32 ($68 for 2 fl oz.)

At-home peel: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel

 

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