MicrodermMD by Trophy Skin

When I discuss exfoliation with my clients in terms of it being a must & incorporating it into their regimens, most of them think of old school apricot scrubs. There are many types of exfoliation: chemical, enzymatic & manual- like a scrub. Microdermabrasion is a popular professional, yet pricey treatment that polishes the skin like glass while stimulating circulation for an added glow.

The MicrodermMD personal microdermabrasion unit brings that professional treatment into the convenience of your home.  As an esthetician, I know that exfoliation is an essential key to optimal skin health. It reduces the appearance of fine lines, evens out skin tone & allows the other products you apply to work more effectively.

This machine is perfect as we head into summer, as I always advise my clients to taper off from aggressive chemical exfoliants if they know they're going to be outside a lot. The unit comes with filters & a cleansing brush. I also love that there's mirror located in the unit so you're not limited to just using it in front of the vanity. Just cleanse your face thoroughly & you're ready to go.

If the entire concept intimidates you, the computer screen built into the unit even steps you where to place the exfoliating wand during treatment. I like to support my skin with my other hand, while performing the treatment. If you have a teen in your life who isn't consistent with their skincare regimen & their skin looks clogged- this would be a great parent-teen ritual on Sunday nights to help get their skin clearer. Pregnant & nursing mothers can rejoice- as you can use this! Expecting mothers are advised against using Vitamin A, salicylic acid & other high percentage acids- yet struggle with hormonal breakouts. The only people who might not be an ideal candidate for MicrodermMD would be those with open breakouts or on people with severe rosacea. As for me I love sitting on my couch, watching my Bravo shows & getting my glow on!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.
*Gifted for Review

Glymed Plus Ultra Hydrating Enzyme Treatment

Great news! My audition for Broadway's Wicked went really well! Just kidding Beauties! This is just yours truly looking stunning while trying out Glymed's Ultra Hydrating Enzyme Mask.

While in the midst of taking my Clear + Brilliant 30 Day Challenge I was yearning to exfoliate, but needed to do so gently.  I received a sample of this enzyme treatment in an online order I placed,  so I decided to try it out.  It uses papain enzymes to nibble away dry skin. Glymed calls papain a 'Biological Scapel', slightly creepy analogy- however this brilliant enzyme derived from papayas somehow knows to digest dead tissues, while leaving healthy live tissues alone. I use papain often in my treatment room, because of this. For a girl used to some serious exfoliation, this product was very gentle- it's definitely more of a hydrating treatment than anything else. I think it would be ideal for normal to dry skin types.  This product also includes pineapple enzymes, which are known for their anti-inflammatory effect. I did love the fact that the mask didn't harden in that 'I'm becoming a mummy sort of way.' I would recommend you apply this about 10 minutes before you shower, go frighten & startle loved ones with your green face, then hop in the shower & rinse it off in there, as it's a bit of a mess. What we do for beauty, eh?

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Atralin Gel

Those who know me, know that I consider myself the Queen of exfoliation. We're not talking scrubs here people- but AHA's, enzymes, peels: the good stuff. I tell all of my clients that in order to fight the signs of aging & to be blemish free, you must be using an exfoliant. It also ensures the rest of your skin care regimen will be working that much more effectively, since it's not sitting on dead skin. That being said, I can usually spot someone using Retin-A from a mile away. Their skin is red, raw & peeling. No thank you. Vitamin A is the gold standard for Dermatologists for anti- aging, though. So when I heard about Atralin I was intrigued. Vitamin A blended with my fave hyaluronic acid to minimize irritation & to hydrate. The texture is like a whipped gel that sinks in instantly- I love it! I topped it with one of my favorite moisturizers (Jan Marini's Transformation Face Cream) and woke up to smooth, radiant glowing skin.
Summer is not the time for most to be trying new prescription exfoliants, but since I shun the sun like a vampire & am always fully dipped in SPF, it's ok. If you know you'll be by the pool a lot this season, hold off integrating it into your regimen until fall. Whenever you introduce a new potent exfoliant into your skincare regimen I always suggest doing it 2X the first week, then 3x the next week and easing into using it every night to minimize irritation & possible peeling. An added plus? There's an awesome rebate for Atralin that I found out after I initially purchased it {I about fell over at the @$215 price tag!} Just go to their website, fill out your email & you can get Atralin for only $25 this year! That's a steal of a deal- you'll be on your way to gorgeous skin Beauties!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Sara Happ Pink Grapefruit Lip Scrub

Those who know me know that lipgloss is one of my favorite things in this universe, hence my blog's title. But to wear lipgloss & have the perfectly glossy pout, one must properly exfoliate their pucker! Sara Happ Lip Scrubs are pretty much the cutest, yet most decadent treats out there! Adorably packaged, the scrubs leave your lips feeling like a baby's bottom, while tasting & smelling divine, too! When I saw the pink box for Sara's new limited edition flavor- I squealed with delight. Sara wants your lips to be at their most beautiful this summer, that's why she's giving away one of her new limited edition Pink Grapefruit Lip Scrubs to one lucky reader!

How to enter? Just leave a comment in the comment section of my blog.

Make sure to tweet about the giveaway mentioning @peacelovegloss & 'Like' us on our Facebook pages {both La Papillon's & PeaceLoveLipgloss's} as well for extra entries! If you do so- just please tally up your entries in the comments section! Good Luck Beauties!

Peace. Love. Lip Scrub. M