It’s been a while since I’ve written real content here on Mythbuster Beauty, and there has been a really DARN good reason why.

In short, my life took a detour. Nobody died, just things got rearranged – a divorce, starting back at full-time work, and a move. And, I am still here and still passionate about the beauty industry. Along with these changes, my anxiety and stress levels have soared, and my skin has definitely taken a hit. I started breaking out more and more, and the anxiety triggered some of my prior, picking habits. I have been getting super discouraged about it, having not just one or two, but continual breakouts around my jaw and chin and cheeks. This type of breakout is generally termed “hormonal” or “adult acne,” and although I have read a TON about the treatments of acne, wasn’t finding relief. (more…)

We often hear the benefits of using Vitamin C and E in skin care, but do we honestly know why?

One of my favorite skin care sites, SkinCareRx.com recently added some very well researched content articles on several ingredients and skin care conditions. Here is a little excerpt from their Vitamin C page:

“Vitamin C is an antioxidant which protects skin from the sun and neutralizes free radicals. It effectively promotes collagen production and tones and tightens the skin to help repair the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It has also been proven to reduce skin discoloration due to sun damage, aging, and acne scarring. Vitamin C is very unstable and can easily oxidize, making the compound ineffective, so it’s important to pay attention to expiration dates on products.”

Vitamin E is another highly praised antioxidant ingredient, and when used topically can hydrate and heal the skin, as well as reduce the scars left by acne.

In honor of Vitamin C & E, Mythbuster Beauty is giving away two SkinMedica Vitamin C & E Complex (Retail Value of $90). I have enjoyed using this complex because it leaves my skin feeling smooth and protected. The Vitamin C is suspended in silicone to prevent the dreaded oxidation (read quote above), and enjoy the extra hydration of the Vitamin E, as well as the added Bisabolol which is an anti-inflammatory.

And with this contest, there is a question. On the SkinCareRx.com Vitamin C page, which form of Vitamin C is found in SkinMedica’s C & E Complex?

As much as I hate to admit it, I often choose to pick up dinner on my way home from work for the family. I know this is not the most economically or nutritionally sound choice, however, I have found a couple of local take out joints that offer yummy vegetarian dishes that don’t cost too much. (and if you have any great, easy veggie recipes to share – please send them along)!

Just like great take out, I often crave the trip to the spa for a super relaxing facial or skin care treatment, but cringe at the thought of the price tag associated with this luxury. I just discovered the best at-home microdermabrasion device, and after trying it out, was really wow-ed! I used the blue disks which are the finest gradient, and lightly went over my face and the back of my hands. The results? Super smooth, polished skin.

A very easy-does-it approach and watching the instructional DVD is highly recommended. The Personal Microderm is a serious skin care tool, and if you are a fan of microdermabrasion, this device can give you comparable results without the repeat spa visit pricetag – a must try!

Mythbuster Beauty is giving away one Personal Microderm System (retail value of $179). Be sure to enter and get some fantastic “take out” skin care for yourself!

Hello Mythbuster Beautiful People! Who doesn’t love long, thick lashes?

I am very happy to announce a very fabulous giveaway of one of my personal favorite lash enhancing products, Marini Lash from Jan Marini Skin Research!  I tried and reviewed Marini Lash over a year ago and had amazing results.  This product really works, but it costs a small fortune ($160). Considering that eyelash extensions usually run at about $200 and last for 2-4 months, and this product works and lasts for a full 6+ months, the price tag doesn’t sound as unreasonable as it first may seem.

Marini Lash is formulated using a proprietary peptide and avoids the use of Bimatoprost which can cause irritation, darkening of the iris, and/or upper lash line.

While shopping at my local Whole Foods a few months back I came across a woman giving out samples of a orange-colored juice from a company called Sibu. Being a bit jaded from the continual outcropping of liquid supplements I asked, “What’s the gimmick with this drink?” I found out that the secret ingredient found in this supplemental drink is the Sea Buckthorn Berry – a cherished fruit that is native to Tibet. Sea Buckthorn is loaded with Omega fatty acids 3, 6 and 9 and also claims to have exceptional nutrient qualities for hair, skin and nails. (more…)

One of the distinct benefits of working at the airport is that it’s like free market research. I get to see what people carry in their cosmetics cases and what products everybody loves. When a woman has to pick and choose what she’s going to shove in that little one quart bag and what she’s going to toss in the trash, you can tell which items she loves the most because they’re the first ones to get saved. One of the things I started seeing more and more of was the Dermalogica AGE Smart Multivitamin Thermafoliant (say that 3 times fast!), and everyone I asked about it just loved it, so of course it moved to the top of my “must try” list.

I shall not bore you once again by waxing poetic on my love for exfoliants, but let me say that I was so excited to try this that even the $49 price tag didn’t dissuade me. (more…)

My eyes and neck are my aging troublespots… and since turning 40, I’ve been turning to eye treatments to work their miracles on my crow’s feet, circles, and drooping eyelids!  Top complaints with eye treatments are that they either feel and appear greasy and my makeup slides off, or that they aren’t moisturizing enough and the product actually exaggerates my fine lines and wrinkles – true story!

For a few years running, SkinMedica has been one of my favorite skin care lines and when their new SkinMedica Illuminating Eye Cream came out, I had to give it a try.  (more…)

Even if you don’t follow skin care, at some point or another you have probably heard of an AHA.  AHAs or Alpha Hydroxy Acids are often used in skin care to aid in the exfoliation of the skin.  Many moons ago (about 15 years ago I think), the Alpha Hydrox line was released and constant ads were touting its amazing skin rejuvenating powers.  I kept saying to myself, it sounds promising, but put acid on my skin – is that really safe?  This is also about the time that chemical peels were becoming popular and the tabloids would report about “deep peel horror stories” and women being scarred for life.

The pH level of the skin ideally should be slightly acidic (at about 5.5).  The skin is designed to create an Acid Mantle which protects the skin from the elements and other nasty intruders (like bacteria and fungus).  To learn more about the Acid Mantle, there is a very informative article on the SkinCareRx.com site about maintaining the proper pH balance of the skin, “Maintaining the Ideal pH:  Create beautiful skin that will last a lifetime.” (more…)

Sometime amid the chaos in our house today my previously written post was deleted by one of my darling little munchkins. I can’t say for sure which one of the monsters shut down my browser without hitting save first because they’ve banded together quite admirably and aren’t naming names. Oh well, it gave me the energy to whip up another batch of cookies and I have to love the fact that for once they aren’t falling all over themselves to tattle.

As I may have mentioned a time or twenty before, I have blemish prone skin, even in my 30’s. I’m also creeping into fine line territory and I believe I have definitely whined before about how unfair this is. The major problem is that there aren’t really many products for women in my position. There are scads of acne control products on the market, and an infinite number of wrinkle creams and treatments, but I’ve had trouble finding a product for that lucky woman who has need of both. Besides the expense of doubling up on products to treat both issues, I’m irritated by the difficulty I have finding just the right balance between acne and wrinkle treatments. Intense wrinkle creams can often exacerbate oily skin and many acne treatments are drying, so using both at once can sometimes be counterproductive. I need a lightweight moisturizer that will help prevent aging without breaking out my already finicky skin, is that so much to ask? (more…)

Begging Jen’s forgiveness, I’m posting a little late this week. Which is pretty much the way I’m doing everything this holiday season. Nobody else out there is late  prepping for the holidays are they? I’m sure you all have everything collected and neatly wrapped, stashed in a closet or under the tree, all ready for giving, right? Well, there’s bound to be a few of you who are like me and haven’t even begun to SHOP yet, much less start the wrapping. For you I have some quick tidbits from the one place you can always shop, the internet!

First, you only have 2 days left to take advantage of  the friends and family deal from tarte. 40% site wide AND a complimentary card case with purchases over $25? Um, heck yeah! Use code: FFDEC at checkout for this hot deal.

Fresh is offering free standard shipping on all orders through Dec 14th with the code HOLIDAY09. If you haven’t checked out their stuff yet you totally should. Who wouldn’t want a bar of Sugar Lychee soap in their stocking this year? Their selection isn’t limited to just soap either, with body and skin care products for any woman (or man) in your life.

Sephora has a whole section of nothing but value sets, including the much beloved Lash Stash. Or check out the Lancome Juicy Tubes set that gives you glosses for 8 of your favorite gal pals (or yourself!), for less than 40 bucks. There’s even a section of gifts that ship free, so you can “make up” for being a little late by having it shipped right to your loved ones door at no additional charge.

Skin Botanica has some really great stuff in their 2010 catalog, and even more on their site. The derma e products are very reasonably priced and I’ve been pleased with what I’ve tried from them so far. But what really caught my eye were the Eminence products right on the cover.  How could I look at something called “Blueberry Soy Sugar Scrub” and not instantly deem it drool worthy?! Their selection of masques is equally enticing and you’re sure to find one perfectly suited for your bestie or favorite beauty blogger (Cranberry Pomegranate or Sugar Plum? Hmmm…)

Finally though, a quick personal note after the jump… (more…)