For those of you that are new to the brand Philosophy, this is the perfect starter set for you.  It is an effective skincare line and comes at a completely affordable price.  This set includes Philosophy’s best-selling skincare products all designed to promote radiantly clear and smooth skin.  And coming in fairly large sizes, The Miracle Worker will last long enough for you to see real results.  I highly recommend it to those of you looking to try a new line but don’t want to spend a ton on purchasing an entire skincare regimen.

The Miracle Worker contains:

• 8 oz Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser
• 8 oz The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash
• 2 oz Hope In A Jar
• 0.5 oz Hope In a Tube
• 1 oz The Microdelivery Peel Crystals
• 1 oz The Microdelivery Peel Gel

Do any of you use Philosophy products?  I’m a huge fan of their body care line and especially their holiday sets. Check out my previous post on another Philosophy holiday gift set I’m definitely picking up!    And head over to Sephora.com to see more from their holiday collections.

Until next time girls and boys…  xoxo

I’ve mentioned before on BCB how much I love Caudalie’s products.  From their cleansers to their body regimens, Caudalie is by far one of my top skin care lines.  Not only are their products highly effective, they are derived from natural sources and strive to continually be eco-conscious.  Overall, Caudalie’s mission to effectively treat the skin while maintaining respect for the environment goes hand in hand with my personal philosophies as well.

So today I wanted to tell you all about my love for Caudalie Beauty Elixir and how it seems to be the only thing that instantly makes me feel better on sick days other than being babied by my mom and boyfriend.    This spray is an anti-dull complexion treatment that smoothes features, tightens pores and literally provides an instant burst of radiance to the skin.  With ingredients like orange blossom and organic mint, the smells and sensations provide the perfect pick me up.  My senses are awakened, my skin feels soft and dewy, and I actually look alive!  What more could I ask for when feeling completely under the weather?

Now not only does Caudalie’s Beauty Elixir make for a great pick me up, it can also double as a wonderful after-shave for men or an exceptional makeup setter.  Just spritz it on before your moisturizer, after foundation, or any time of the day for instant energy and radiance.

What helps you guys out when you’re not feeling too well?  Leave me a comment and let me know!

Until next time my friends…  xoxo

Now how many of you wish you could smooth out those infamous dimples in your skin?  And no I don’t mean the cute dimples that appear in your cheeks when you smile.  I’m talking about those dimples in your butt and thighs!  Yup, cellulite has plagued many of us women for quite some time. And it seems like there have been thousands of products out there that claim to get rid of cellulite.  Well let me break it down to you a little bit here on some important facts about cellulite:

• Cellulite is gel-like lumps of fat, water, and residues of toxic substances beneath the skin, usually around the hips and thighs.
• Cellulite is caused primarily by female hormones and genetics, meaning men don’t get it!  Lucky!
• Cellulite becomes visible when damage to the dermis occurs causing the fat cells to become closer to the surface of the skin.  This damage happens when water is lost and the collagen and elastin tissues become weakened.  Another reason to stay hydrated!
• Unfortunately, reducing the appearance of cellulite is a continual process and cannot be completely diminished.  But fortunately, there are ways to refine our figures and smooth out that dimpled skin even if it does take a little work.

Caudalie Contouring Concentrate is an ultra-concentrated care product that really does produce visible results.  It comes with a 30 day marked gradation on the side of the bottle that lets you know exactly how much you need to apply each day.  I’ve just completed my first 7 days and have to tell you that I am so pleased with the results.  Not only has the product started to smooth out my dimples, my skin feels firmer and totally hydrated all day long.  Made completely with active ingredients coming from plant extracts, the solution itself also helps to drain excess water weight and leaves a refreshing lemon scent that is 100% natural.  Its something that has made an easy transition into my daily regimen and makes me feel better in my own skin.  How much more could I ask for?  I’m so happy to have finally found an anti-cellulite treatment that has given me visible results so soon and am really excited to see what continued use of this product can do!  I’ll definitely be keeping you all posted!

Until next time my loves…  xoxo

These particular inflammations of the skin are usually caused by depilation, such as shaving, waxing, or tweezing.  It is a condition that is more common in persons with very coarse or curly hair, and also seems to occur more often in men.  Improper shaving seems to be the most common cause of pseudofolliculitis but it can be reversed with proper care.

Exfoliating is necessary to keep the hair follicles open and there are many products on the market that help to alleviate the buildup of your skin cells.  But there is one in particular that I have found to deliver the best results.  Tend Skin Razor Bump Solution-8 fl.oz has for many years been recommended not only by myself, but from most of my colleagues as well.  It’s extremely simple to use which makes it easy to add into your daily skin care regimen.  Take a cotton pad, sprinkle on some solution, and swipe!  It’s that easy!!!

Regular application of Tend Skin will not only reduce the appearance of existing ingrown hairs, but will also help to reduce any redness that appears after most depilation methods.  Tend Skin is also so gentle that it can be used right after shaving or waxing as well.  Some other great benefits that Tend Skin claims is that it can prevent foot and underarm odor and also helps to soothe any redness that occurs from wearing neckties.  I find that so interesting!

Now before using Tend Skin on a larger area, I do recommending doing a test patch on a smaller area of the skin.  If no irritation or redness occurs after 5-10 minutes, you are good to go.  I do also recommend reading through the pre-cautions as people with allergies to aspirin, or those that are on an exfoliating treatment (such as Accutane), should not use this product.

How many of you use Tend Skin?  Share your thoughts and leave me a comment!

Until next time ladies AND gents…  xoxo

Finally, Ladies!  An answer to the infamous question of “What order do I apply my products?”  Well here is a quick breakdown on the basics of what your daily skin care regimen should be:

1. Cleanse
2. Exfoliate (usually 2 times per week)
3. Mask (usually once a week)
4. Toner
5. Serum
6. Moisturizer (for face and eyes)
7. SPF (ALWAYS the last step)

Please keep in mind that this is a general scenario and you can certainly tweek it to work with the products you use.  But also keep in mind what your esthetician or skin care specialist has recommended for you.  Everybody’s skin is different and we all need our own specialized treatments.

However, one thing that is an absolute across the board is your SPF.  I cannot stress this enough and I’m sure that you will hear about it more throughout my blog, but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE use an SPF of at least SPF15 every day!  Even when its gloomy outside and you would never think those sun rays are getting to you, THEY ARE!  And for those of you who think you’re safe just because you’re sitting inside all day (but under fluorescent lights), you need it too!  So be safe and just make it a part of your regimen.  Your skin will thank you 20 years from now.

And for  those of you who are curious about your Makeup Application:

1. Lip conditioner (always start with this so that your lips are already halfway luscious by the time you get to your lipstick application)
2. Concealer
3. Foundation
4. Powder
5. Blush
6. Eye shadow
7. Eyeliner
8. Mascara
9. Brow liner
10. Lip liner (if you’re not using a lip primer, use your lip liner to fill in your lips before lip gloss or lipstick application.  This will ensure that your lip color stays on longer)
11. Lip gloss or lipstick

TA-DA!  Now you’re looking fabulous!

Until next time ladies…  xoxo