I’ve actually heard the MaMa Lotion named bounced around occasionally in conversations about acne, but I’d never gotten around to trying it. Recently I got to remedy that, with the opportunity to try MaMa Lotion as well as a couple products from the newest MaMa line, M2.

The formulation for these may seem like a typical AHA product, but there are a few subtle differences. For one thing, they contain Mandelic and Malic acids. Malic acid is the acid found in tart apples and as an additive in candies like SweetTarts. Malic acid brightens and helps to hydrate the skin. Mandelic acid is derived from bitter almonds and is a great antioxidant which also has antibiotic properties, in addition to the regular exfoliating properties of AHAs. One of the key things about the choice to use Mandelic acid is that the molecules are larger than glycolic acid and are generally more tolerated by the skin. Together, these two ingredients play off one another and boost the efficacy beyond what would be available from only one of them. And, because they’re more easily tolerated than some other acid products they can be ideal for sensitive aging skin, particularly aging skin that is still battling mild to moderate acne. Read the rest of this entry »

For those who love Lancome lipsticks and would like a chance to name a new shade, read on!

We’re thrilled to announce that we’re bringing back the Pout- à-Porter Lipstick series! The previous four lipsticks in this collection were collaborations with celebrated designers Behnaz Sarafpour, Proenza Schouler, Peter Som and Thakoon. All four of the lipsticks sold out and one Proenza Pink lipstick even sold for $122.50 on eBay. So many of you have been incredibly supportive of this project and it would not have been such a huge success without you. Read the rest of this entry »

A while back one of my favorite giveaway sites featured a skincare set from Kiss My Face. I didn’t win, but I got over it quickly enough when some Kiss My Face products showed up in my mailbox a couple weeks later.

Besides the super fun name, what makes Kiss My Face different? Well, for one thing they’re no newbies to this natural skin care thing.  They sprung into action in the 80’s with a big ol’ bar of ugly green olive oil soap and have kept on truckin ever since, even after a fire wiped out their warehouse and distribution center in the 90’s. They also believe in humor and honesty, two things I look for when deciding where to spend my time and money. Hanging on for almost 2 decades in a market that is just now really starting to appreciate the value and impact of natural products is no small feat, and managing to maintain an independent spirit and sense of humor as well speaks volumes to their dedication and passion.

I tried some products from their Potent & Pure line, a selection of products that get the job done with natural and organic ingredients. Read the rest of this entry »

A while back, Mo reviewed a super neat-o all natural skin care line, Garden Girl Skin Care.  Garden Girl was born out of a passion of providing natural skincare and promoting a healthy lifestyle.  Adore their name! I would like to consider myself a bit of a garden girl.  My garden this summer has had a slow start, due to an unusually cool start to our summer here in Utah. Got a bunch of heirloom tomatoes growing, peppers, cucumbers and squash and a few varieties of herbs.  I guess you could call it a salsa garden.

Time to get off my garden tangent and get back to this skin care review!  I recently got hold of Garden Girl’s Break Free fruit acid gel for oily/problem skin, $50.00 (4 oz.).  The gel contains a combination of glycolic, lactic and pyruvic acids.  This fruit acid peel was created to benefit those who suffer from break-outs and have sun damaged skin.  These AHA’s gently remove the outer layers of damaged or thickened skin.  Garden Girl claims that by using Break Free regularly it can improve dry skin, treats age spots, can improve oily and acne prone skin, and will decrease fine lines and wrinkles.

My response?  Read the rest of this entry »

It’s been a while since I’ve mentioned one my favorite all-natural skin care companies on the planet, suki.  After being introduced to suki’s lemongrass cleanser a few summer’s ago, I included it in one of Mythbuster Beauty’s very first posts.  I also was able to interview the founder and name behind the brand, suki kramer.  Since then, suki’s uncompromising integrity and skin science smarts has led to the development of the sukispa line.

The first product I tried from the sukispa line was their renewal bio-resurfacing facial peel. My face, neck and decollete feels so smooth and soft after using this.  All with no irritation, intense redness or burning like other enzyme masques I have tried. Read the rest of this entry »

Admit it, you’ve been up late at night or early in the morning and found yourself watching an infomercial. It’s okay, we all do it from time to time. Heck, my 7 year old would rather watch infomercials than cartoons, and he’s constantly telling me about the latest thing I just have to have. One of those things is Smooth Away.

You’ve seen them on TV and in stores, “flex crystal” pads which stick to an applicator and effortlessly buff away body hair. “Removes hair instantly & pain free” the box boasts. “Discovered in Europe!”, “No chemicals”, “No razor burn”, throw in the coupon I found and you’ve got a perfect storm for some beauty experimenting my friend. At about $9.99 at big box and drugstores everywhere, the dollar off coupon made it seem like a worthwhile risk, so I snatched it up and headed home. Read the rest of this entry »

Coconut Oil.  Since the write up “Skin Care Health with Coconut Oil” last week all the gals at my office are taking their daily tablespoon of the good stuff (and thanks to Sean)!

I wanted to add an additional review of a fabulous body butter that I discovered that uses coconut oil and has made my legs, arms, elbows and heels feel especially yummy this summer!  Those gosh darn heels of mine have been especially needy.  During the summer I spend a lot of time barefoot in my yard, and the elements are not always kind to your skin.

Sumbody’s Pure Coconut Butter combines nourishing Vitamin E and moisturizing essential fatty acids made from the milk of Virgin Coconuts.  Don’t know exactly what qualifies a coconut to be virgin or not, but whatever works! Read the rest of this entry »

With all the various beauty sites and blogs, how do you know which reviews you can trust and which you cannot?  I wish there was an easy answer, but the complexity that surrounds beauty reviews is quite extensive.  To help answer this question, The Beauty Brains wrote a very well thought out article titled, “Are Beauty Product Reviews Reliable?”

Being a self-appointed beauty product reviewer, I spend a great deal of time reading other beauty reviews.  In reading so many reviews, I have become somewhat of an expert on the “BS” reviews and the valid ones.  The Beauty Brains mentioned six points to consider when assessing the validity of a beauty product review, they include:

• Is it real? – don’t trust any single review on the Internet
• Easily Fooled – beautiful packaging and big price tags don’t always equal a good product Read the rest of this entry »