First off, my apologies all around for being MIA last week. My husband came home after a little bit of time in the desert and I took some time with my family for a vacation. And while it may have left you feeling unloved my dears, it was certainly worth it when I heard my 2 year old wake in the middle of the night and call for her daddy to comfort her.

So now onto the stuff you really care about, this weeks product review!
Chella Professional Skin Care is one of those companies that has somehow managed to fly under my radar for way too long. Focusing solely on their dedication to charities it’s a company I can support, but there are plenty of other reasons to try these products as well. Lots of research and plenty of proven botanical ingredients certainly don’t hurt.

With oily, blemish prone skin I have occasion to use clay masks on a regular basis. They’re great for drawing out impurities and helping to clear my skin during the most troublesome of breakouts. However, they also have a tendency to be very drying and can be too harsh for sensitive or delicate skin types, and sometimes even oily skin. Chella’s Balancing Clay Mask (more…)

Many of us would like to use Alpha Hydroxy Acids but cannot tolerate using Gylcolic Acid (the most commonly used and considered one of the harsher forms of AHA’s). So what do you do if you want the exfoliating and anti-aging benefits of using an AHA, but have sensitive skin?  I recently discovered a wonderful Gylcolic Acid alternative skincare line called NuCelle.   Not only does it incorporate the use of the a gentler Mandelic acid AHA, NuCelle has created a skincare line that responds beautifully with sensitive, dry, oily or acne prone skin.

The secret ingredient that will reveal your naturally beautiful skin is NuCelle’s almond-based Mandelic Acid. Physicians have long recognized the powers of this anti-bacterial alpha-hydroxy to treat common skin problems such as photo-aging, irregular pigmentation, and acne. (more…)

DERMAdoctor, how do we adore thee? The fun purple packaging, the helpful friendly website, and, of course, the extensive line of products giving us easy access to treatments for a variety of skin related issues that most prestige companies skip entirely. Honestly, if you’ve only ever seen DERMAdoctor on the shelves at your specialty beauty store you will be amazed at what they offer in their full product line.  From Athlete’s Foot to Tinea Versicolor (it’s okay, I had to look it up too), they have great selection of helpful products and tips to go with them. I am personally a devoted fan of  KP Duty and KP Duty Scrub (buy the kit for $60), which has done wonders for my “chicken bump” arms. Since I have moderately oily skin and have had such great results with KP Duty, I was thrilled to try out Tease Zone oil control gel. (more…)

In 2002, Suki Kramer started her own skincare company, Suki, Inc., and has recently branched out in making a cosmetics line as well, Sukicolor. I first heard of Suki’s skincare line through my friends at Megsmakeup.com. If you haven’t had the chance, you can read my enthusiastic reviews of two of her products: Suki’s Lemongrass Cleanser, and her Sukicolor Tinted Active Moisturizer. Most recently I have fallen in love with a new sukispa product which I will be reviewing in detail soon, sukispa’s renewal bio-resurfacing facial peel!

The only thing that is better than finding an amazing skincare line, is getting to interview the phenomenal people that are behind these companies.

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Is the No. 1 wash from Clinique? Neutrogena? Nope!  I am feeling some Mythbuster Beauty validation because several of my favorite picks for cleansers are on the Total Beauty reader’s best list such as, Suki’s *Lemongrass Cleanser, Caudalie’s Foaming Cleanser, and *Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple! 

(*Click on the links to read Mythbuster Beauty reviews!)

A cleanser is a cleanser, right? Don’t they all do the same job? Hardly. Our readers gave us their two cents about which cleansers made their faces squeaky clean — without leaving their skin feeling like the Sahara. What product was ranked No. 1 by TotalBeauty.com members? Read on to find out.

See cleansers

Warning! The photo rejuvenation devices I am about to review are expensive! You may be better off being blissfully unaware of these rather awesome devices. I give you this warning because once you read about what the Baby Quasar and Baby Blue Photo Light Devices can and do for your skin; you will covet them until you finally own them!

What are the devices: Photo Rejuvenation and Acne Clearing Devices

How they work: The Baby Quasar (or BabyQ, as it’s affectionately called) is designed to deliver four light wavelengths (that is amber, red and infrared). The Baby Blue delivers only blue light. This is a picture of the Baby Quasar. The Baby Blue looks exactly the same, but emits a blue light.

What the devices do: By following a series of photo rejuvenation sessions for six weeks, the Baby Quasar can enhance the skin cells circulation, stimulating collagen production and healing. The Baby Blue emits a blue light that kills the p. acne bacteria. Used together, they can reduce the inflammation and redness associated with acne or sensitive skin. The red light causes the release of nitric oxide, which is essential for healing. These devices are meant to enhance and improve the effectiveness of your skincare serums and treatments. Light Therapy is best for individuals with sun damage, redness, broken blood vessels and brown discoloration, including freckles.

My experience:

I was told to start by using the Baby Blue device first followed by a Baby Quasar session for six weeks to achieve the maximum benefits. I used both devices every other day for six weeks and each session lasted for about 35 minutes.

Both devices were easy to use. The warmth from the light felt good against my skin and there was no pain involved. I found the light therapy sessions very soothing, especially after using the Baby Quasar. I noticed that my blemishes seemed to heal more quickly and the number of my breakouts diminished while using both devices. I generally used the Blue Light as a spot treatment on areas where I tend to break out (nose, cheeks and chin), and the red Baby Quasar over the entire face.

I noticed that the Baby Quasar significantly helped diminish my skin’s redness. It was very soothing to my skin. Over the six weeks, I noticed more firmness and softened lines around my eyes, mouth and forehead. My pigmentation issues have improved and are less noticeable on my cheeks and chin. On my cheeks, I noticed some very dramatic improvements including some pigmentation spots fading and completely vanishing. I have been trying to clear up some very deep small whiteheads on the apples of my cheeks for years, and while using the BabyQ and Baby Blue, these small whiteheads have slowly been surfacing and disappearing!  I have also noticed diminished pore size around my cheeks, chin and nose.

In short, I loved the Baby Quasar. You are going to love what these devices can do for your skin!

You will need to avoid shining the light directly into your eyes or around mucous membranes. I did get a few strange sores after exposing my nostrils to the light. Other than that, I noticed no other side effects or adverse issues while using the Baby Quasar and the Baby Blue devices.

Where do you purchase, and how much:

The price of these devices is very high. The Baby Quasar costs $449 plus $20 s&h at the Baby Quasar site. Both the BabyQ and Blue devices are sold for $699 plus $20 s&h in the Baby Quasar Power Pack. However, if you look at the cost of going to an esthetician or clinic for Photo Rejuvenation Therapy or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) a series of five treatments can cost between $1,000 – $2,000. To have a device that can be used at your convenience and indefinitely, you can see how these devices can be a deal. The Baby Quasar devices have a one year warranty from the manufacturer, and the company provides excellent customer support. You can also share the devices with other family and friends. This discount code can also be used toward the purchase of Baby Quasar Pro Line, professional strength results at home!

Special Discount Code: Baby Quasar is offering a promotional code, ‘mythbeauty’ that will give you an additional 10% discount off any Baby Quasar device.

Conclusion: The improvements are subtle and take time, but I have noticed some real benefits while using the Baby Blue and Baby Quasar. I highly recommend using the Baby Quasar.

[Here is picture I took today with a bit of makeup, (but really not that much), and no touch-ups! My skin isn't perfect, but not bad for a 39 year old mother of five.]

Don’t just take my word either, a fellow beauty blogger and skincare aficionado Miss K has also written rave reviews of the Baby Quasar device, “What my skincare routine has been missing”: Miss K’s Blog. She also includes some great before and after pictures.

If you are serious about getting the most out of your skincare, purchasing the Baby Quasar would be definitely a step in the right direction. BabyQ really rocks!

I am a fan of the Oprah show, but didn’t catch a recent episode with guest Sophie Uliano about her newly released and revolutionary book, “Gorgeously Green.” 

“Gorgeously Green is a lifestyle choice that is simple, easy and fun.  Going Green doesn’t mean you have to go without.  On the contrary, it’s the most exciting, fulfilling, and wondrous way of life imaginable.” – Sophie Uliano, Gorgeously Green

Sophie appeared with Oprah and Julia Roberts and discussed her new book, her “GG” philosophy, and some great eco-smart products.  One of the beauty products she mentioned was from my favorite skincare line, suki®! 

this mother’s day, pamper mom  + make her look + feel especially beautiful! 

all our luxurious gift sets presented in a deluxe suki® box.

nurture + nourish for a gorgeous summer glow, **special price $129

protect + enrich deep moisture, **special price $95

plus free ground shipping within the continental u.s. 

special promotion for orders placed before may 5th.

www.sukipure.com

(coupon code: “nurture” or “protect“. if you wish to order both gift boxes, please contact our customer service department at 1.888.858.suki.)

Last week I visited with one of my best neighbor friends Stacy. Actually, I went over to pick up three of my girls that were playing with their five children. At the front door, I noticed a few more neighborhood children playing there as well. Stacy’s home is a magnet to many of the neighborhood children because she is such a warm-hearted person, and her children are such an enjoyable group to hang out with.

Such is the life of busy, big social families. It is wonderful, and a bit stressful. With a large group of kids, there is a large amount of noise, mess, and general chaos. Stacy and I got talking about skincare, and she mentioned that she has been struggling with some breakouts along her jaw line and chin areas. I have learned that these breakouts are usually associated with hormone fluctuations and stress related issues. I want to recommend one of my favorite skincare products that not only treat blemishes, but soothes and purifies the skin as well. Of all the skincare products I have tried, Sukipure’s Transformative Facial Clay would top my list.

Sukipure’s Transformative Facial Clay: green tea, roses, and white willow

Achieve real results with our uniquely powerful facial purifier. an effective cleanser, masque & spot treatment for normal, combination, & oily skin, blemishing, acne, any condition of inflammation, & for refreshing & brightening all complexion types. helps rid the skin of blemishes, impurities & toxins, evens tone & reduces inflammation in as little as 5 minutes.

I enjoy the delicate smell and texture of this kaolin clay lotion. I use this for my PM cleanser and when I need some additional purification treatment, leave it on 5 to 15 minutes as a masque. Sukipure’s transformative clay leaves my skin feeling soft and refreshed. This clay is a very effective cleanser and treatment for sensitive, acne-prone, or oily skin types. The Sukipure facial transformative clay retails for $36.65 at www.sukipure.com.

Foundations… If you are like me, you have facial imperfections you are wanting to hide. I have tried so many products that promise a natural feel with some coverage, and after using them are disappointed with the results. “No orange chalky face please!

Suki was way ahead of me with her skincare and makeup philosophy, and while reading her mission statement, I kept pinching myself, as if dreaming:

“I created sukicolorâ„¢ to fulfill my desire for 100% pure, clean colors that blend effortlessly with my complexion and enhance my features, not make me look powdery or made up. I also wanted a sophisticated natural look that struck the perfect balance — not glittery, not flat.”

Wait, this is incredible news! Sophisticated and natural? Suki is spot on here!  Okay Suki, this all looks great in print. But can your products really stand up your intentions?

Sukicolor Tinted Active Moisturizer:

This gorgeously sheer, customizable tint enhances your complexion, evens tone and minimizes pores. you look perfectly radiant, never cakey or made-up. fabulous for the whole face, for a healthy flush, or for touch-ups.

I instantly fell in love with this tinted moisturizer! Why does Suki call it an “Active” Moisturizer? Because this product goes way beyond a conventional foundation; it heals and repairs your skin.

One very special active ingredient they use is the White Willow Extract:

White willow. provides powerful, natural salicylic acid which treats acne, pain, inflammation, and works as an antioxidant.

After using Sukicolor’s Tinted Active Moisturizer for several days, I decided to write them a letter of gratitude, here is an excerpt:

“I just wanted to get back to you about how much I am enjoying your Tinted Active Moisturizer! I was a bit skeptical at first when I noticed how dark it was in the container, but was pleasantly surprised by how it blended perfectly with my skin tone. This Tinted Moisturizer feels incredibly natural and with just the right amount of coverage. It really makes my skin glow. You can tell that it is made with all natural, soothing ingredients as well. Bravo to you for creating such a wonderful product!”

Along with some other Tinted Moisturizers, I strongly encourage you to give this one a try. Sukicolor’s Tinted Active Moisturizer really does it all: covers, nourishes, repairs, and gives you SPF!  During the winter months, or if your skintone is very fair, I recommend blending Suki’s moisturizer with your favorite moisturizer product to lighten its tint. 

“No orange chalky face please!”

Just give me a natural, glowing, sophisticated face, the way I want, and am supposed to be…

Thanks Sukicolor!

A few months ago, a very smart gal at Megsmakeup did a write up on the Erno Laszlo Dead Sea Mud Soap. On Erno Laszlo’s website, you can categorize your skin type by a system they term as “clocking.” Once your skin type is determined, they prescribe a skin care regimen according to your specific needs.

I found the site fascinating. After filling in the requested information, I was tagged as a “1 o’clock”, combination skin with occasional breakout concerns. I looked at their product lines, and was interested in trying them, but decided to hold off on it.

It wasn’t until my Saturday Facial with Doc Perricone that I noticed a display table with Erno Laszlo’s line. I immediately searched for the black soap, and discovered it was $36 bucks! This quest for beauty stuff isn’t cheap, but decided to give it a try because I had heard such wonderful things about it.

I have been using this very messy black soap, which will last an eternity by the way, for the past three weeks. It leaves my skin feeling very clean, has a mild and natural scent, but doesn’t feel over stripped so it must be gentle. I also have had NO new breakouts in the past few weeks. This mud soap holds some antibacterial properties, and I cannot be 100% certain that I can attribute everything to this alone, but I am very impressed.

I am pretty pleased with my $36 dollar investment.