I Am THE Makeup Junkie

Idebenone: What Is It and Where Can You Find It In Skincare Products?

The other day I was on the phone with my friend and we were searching around Amazon looking at skincare products, as we are prone to doing. I came across an ingredient I was not overly familiar with. Idebenone. I thought, this is interesting. What is idebenone and what exactly does it do? Where can one find it in the skincare world? So I thought I would do a little bit of research and write up an article on the topic, for you to have some knowledge on the subject.

Idebenone, pronounced eye- deb- eh-known, is an antioxidant that was originally developed for the use of Alzheimer's disease and other ailments related to aging. It is a synthetic for Coenzyme Q10. Some do not like that it is a synthetic agent and is not natural, although many natural ingredients are derived from their plant sources and can interact with other products, causing irritation. Idebenone produces the same effects as Coenzyme Q10 with the only difference being that idebenone has lower water solubility and a slightly higher affinity for lipids. It was originally created by a Japanese pharmaceutical company to treat the deterioration of the memory in Alzheimer's patients. However, its effects were limited. Skincare companies have turned their attention to its effectiveness as a free radical fighting agent, as it might be safer than other synthetic skincare ingredients.1

It can be used by all skin types and works well with most ingredients. Idebenone is believed to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. As an antioxidant, it works by reducing the free radicals in the skin. Free radicals are molecules that have a positive electron charge and damage the skin, collagen, and reduce skin's elasticity. The process is called oxidative stress, where the body is exposed to UV rays, pollution and other environmental factors causing aging of the body. Idebenone is thought to reduce oxidative stress. It is also thought to reduce irritation and soothe the appearance of redness. This is why it is in skincare products for sensitive skin.1

Idebenone is new on the skincare scene and it has not been fully researched and explored. Apparently recent studies found that it does not dissolve fully in water-based formulations and it may have trouble being absorbed when taken orally. Although it is relatively new, the ingredient is generally considered safe for use. Few people have experienced redness, irritation and stinging when using an idebenone-based product. If you would like to use idebenone and have sensitive skin, run a small patch test first. Note too that its effectiveness decreases when exposed to UV rays. So make sure to keep the product away from sunlight and wear a SPF30+ daily.1

Where can you find products with idebenone in them? Since it is so new there are not as many products on the market with this antioxidant in them...yet. The ingredient has been around since 1986 but has just recently caught the eye of skincare enthusiasts. There are a few nice products in the marketplace though and all you have to do is do a little bit of digging to find them. I feel as if I did some of the work for you though!

Vasseur Skincare Idebenone Cream ($40.00) for 0.50 oz. is one cream that exists. When used before sun exposure it claims to reduce the number of sun-damaged cells by 38%! I am not sure if they have anything to back up these claims, I would like to see data on this. They also claim that idebenone is being called the most potent and effective antioxidant known and tested in skincare today. This is based on tests comparing it to Vitamins C and E.2

Amazon has a couple of items with idebenone too. One of which is MIXX LAB Idebenone Serum 1% for face ($16.99). This serum defends skin from UV rays and smooths skin texture. It defends all skin types from free radicals, boosts radiance, diminishes pigmentation, and encourages skin cell recovery after each application. Also, it calms and soothes the skin. Snow Mushroom Extract, which rivals the hydration properties of hyaluronic acid, is included. It is loaded with Vitamin D and and antioxidants. Sunflower Seed Oil, Squalene, and Vitamin E are also in this formula to keep skin hydrated and protected from sun damage and free radicals. Easy to use, just apply after cleansing and toning mornings and evenings. Massage the serum until absorbed.3

There are some products available from Amazon & other places online that have idebenone in them. However, they are basically the same: products that focus on defending the skin against free radicals and UV rays. They also have the added protection of soothing some irritation and calming skin. Amazon has an Idebenone Face Cream for $38.00 that looks okay. It seems as if the ingredient is so new that there are very few products on the market yet and the few that do have the ingredient are quite expensive. I imagine the market will open up soon. Hopefully this has been an interesting learning experience for you. Please feel free to email me with notes or questions.

Until Next Time~

Marie Papachatzis

LANCÔME Clarifique Refining Brightening Dual Essence

(1. https://bit.ly/3tv0i3x)

(2. https://bit.ly/3trYWqx)

(3. https://amzn.to/3ocIIRb)

Saturday, May 8, 2021

Guest Post: 6 Easy Tips and Tricks for Looking Better in Photographs

6 Easy Tips and Tricks for Looking Better in Photographs

(via: https://pixabay.com/photos/camera-phone-girl-hands-1869430/)

Getting our pictures taken is something most of us will have to do at one time or another. It could be a family photo, a work headshot, wedding photos and a variety of others. Selfies are also growing more popular and the average person will take more than 400 annually.

Unfortunately, plenty of people simply don’t like the way they look in photos. This could be because it feels awkward, because they don’t like their smile, or simply because they cannot find a good pose. However, you aren’t doomed to feel this way forever. This blog post is going to go over six easy and simple tips for improving how you look in photos.

Get Your Hair Under Control

In order to look your best, you need to get your hair under control. It should be styled in a way that accentuates your features and looks great at the same time. Of course, if you aren’t happy with something about your hair, be sure to change it before your big photoshoot. For example, if you are going grey, this article can be helpful and assist you in getting your confidence back. If you feel confident in your hair and it looks great, it will shine through in the photo.

Smile Naturally

(via: https://pixabay.com/photos/adult-bald-beard-corporate-1868750/)

If you try to force a smile, it can be obvious, especially around the eyes. To look your best, you want to smile naturally. If you have trouble doing this on the spot, think of a happy or funny memory, or have the photographer or other people around attempt to make you laugh. Your natural smile encompasses your whole face and generally photographs much better in most situations.

Practice Makes Perfect

Practicing is one of the most tried and true ways to improve how you look in photos. It can feel a bit silly, but standing in front of the mirror and practicing can help you find your best look and how best to smile. In addition to practicing your smile and poses, consider taking a lot of photos as well. The more you take, the better the chances you will find one that you like. Not only that, but the more you take, the more comfortable you will become in front of the camera.

Find the Right Angle

Taking great photos is often about finding the right angle, and there are many to choose from. Photos can be taken from above, straight on, from below or even from the side. Many people have a “good side” they prefer, or an angle that helps them look slimmer or better. It is up to you to find this angle and use it to your advantage to get the best photos possible.

Use Props of Some Kind

One of the biggest problems people have when taking photos is not knowing what to do with their arms or hands. Instead of awkwardly crossing them or holding them to the side, consider using props. This could be anything from holding a wine glass, to holding your sunglasses, or even holding your sweater or jacket over your shoulder. These poses can also give you something to do, and will look much less awkward in most cases.

Highlight Your Best Features

Most people have at least a couple of features on themselves that they are happy about. This could be your eyes, your smile, your hair, your shoulders, your arms or anything else. When you take photos, make an effort to highlight these features you feel are your best. In a similar vein, find ways to hide or downplay the ones that you don’t. This can all be done by the clothes you wear, the angle the photos are taken from and how you are positioned or posed.

In conclusion, we hope the simple tips and tricks in this article have been able to help you learn how to look better in photos.

Ashley Lipman

The Blog Frog

Friday, May 7, 2021

Review: LANCÔME Clarifique Refining Brightening Dual Essence

(product photo courtesy of lancome-usa.com)

5 fl.oz./150mL $95.00

Essences have become an ever popular step in our skincare regimen thanks to the the KBeauty phenomenon. And I am very happy about that. What exactly is an essence? An essence is a primer step in your skincare. Essences are different than toners. They absorb the products you apply afterwards, helping the rest of your skincare routine work better and harder, all the while providing unique and targeted benefits. I love a good essence. I find them to be better than a regular toner. A good essence not only restores the pH level to the skin but it treats it too. Usually it will hydrate the skin, restoring necessary hydration that was lost during the cleansing process and therefore helping to benefit the natural moisture barrier.

However, sometimes an essence can go a bit farther and actually clarify and brighten the skin too. That is the case with LANCÔME Clarifique Refining Brightening Dual Essence. Clarifique is supposed to visibly improve uneven skin tone & texture while minimizing the appearance of pores, exfoliate, and nourish the skin. The dual-acting bi-phase formula is made of two essences:

Clear Active Essence: glycolic acid, salicylic acid and organic beech bud extract to gently exfoliate the outermost layer of the skin (the stratum corneum). Beech Bud Extract also hydrates the skin.
Lipidic Oil Essence: infused with grapeseed and sunflower seed oils, which are rich in omega-6 fatty acids that help to nourish & hydrate the skin.

Immediately skin feels hydrated, plump and softer to the touch. Skin is better prepared for the skincare products to follow. After 1 week, skin looks luminous radiant; skin texture and tone are improved. After 4 weeks, skin is revitalized; skin feels purified & refreshed, pores appear to look tighter. (based on self assessment of 51 women in a 4-week study)

Clarifique benefits skin that is dull, has large pores, and has uneven skin texture and tone. The website lists it as benefiting dry skin but my skin is normally dry (it is in its normal stage right now for the spring/summer season) and I find this product to be slightly drying as of right now. There is some denatured alcohol in the formula, listed as the second ingredient. I cannot consciously recommend it for dry skin. However, I would recommend for any other skin type. That would be normal, combination, oily, and even acneic skin types. Sensitive skin is not a skin type but a skin condition. If your skin is sensitive this would not likely work for you. The essence does contain a fair amount of glycolic acid, which can be harsh on dry and sensitive skins. Also, there is nothing to really hydrate the skin in this formula other than the grapeseed and sunflower seed oils. For example, there isn't any glycerin or hyaluronic acid. I feel this formula would benefit more from just a slight bit of one of those ingredients and then it could be used more for dry skin. One would think that an essence like this would have more hydrating ingredients should it be recommended for dry skin types. It also contains a derivative of Vitamin C, Vitamin Cg (ascorbyl glucoside), which is known to neutralize free radicals, brightens, and smooths the skin.

To use: for use day and night before serums to help skincare work better. Shake to activate formula. Pour three drops onto the palm of hands or onto a cotton round. Press onto face and neck. Follow with serums and moisturizer.

Did I notice any results from it? You can see below. It definitely brightened the skin. I noticed some significant brightening around my forehead, which is where I have the most hyperpigmentation. I did not notice any significant difference in pore (hair follicle) size. I really don't believe that pore size can change that much once it has been dilated to a certain point, because hair follicles aren't elastic in nature. However, I was happy with the amount of exfoliation and pigmentation decrease I did see in the month I have been using this product. Also, these pictures were taken with different phone cameras, so they do look different. The first picture was taken with an iPhone 6SE and the second was taken with an iPhone 12 Pro Max. The resolution is vastly different.

All in all, I would recommend this product for anyone with skin that is normal, combination, oily, or acneic. This is best for those who are looking to deal with minor hyperpigmentation issues at best. I don't think you will see any difference with pore size. It does exfoliate well too, that is something that the glycolic acid, salicylic acid and enzymes do extremely well. It is not a bad product at all, but the price point for an essence is a little high mind you, at $95.00.

LANCÔME Clarifique Refining Brightening Dual Essence retails for $95.00. Like LANCÔME on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lancomeUS/; Follow LANCÔME on Twitter: @lancomeusa; Follow LANCÔME on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lancomeofficial/; Follow LANCÔME on Pinterest: https://fr.pinterest.com/lancomeusa and Subscribe to LANCÔME on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/lancomeusa.

Until Next Time~

Marie Papachatzis
I Am THE Makeup Junkie
IG: iamthemakeupjunkie
@iammakeupjunkie

(this item was sent for consideration)

5 Ways To Help Prepare for Your First Tattoo

Getting a tattoo is a fascinating experience. This is particularly true if a tattoo is something you have always wanted or if it holds special significance to you.

However, there is no denying that getting a tattoo can be painful. Therefore, you need to prepare appropriately for the appointment.

So how do you prepare for your first tattoo? Read on to find helpful and straightforward tips that will help you prepare for the whole experience.

Prepare Yourself Physically

On the day of your appointment, ensure you put on some comfortable clothing. The position of your tattoo will also determine what to wear. For example, when getting your tattoo on your leg, wearing shorts would be a great idea.

Putting on simple attire will make it easier for the tattoo artist to access your skin, and in return, the process will be less painful. You may be in the tattoo shop for some time; therefore, you need to be comfortable during the process.

Before stepping in for your appointment, ensure you have had something to eat. Your body needs to have the energy to help you sustain the pain from the needle. Carry a snack or a light meal if you will have a long appointment to keep you nourished throughout the process.

Ensure that you stay hydrated during the days leading up to your appointment. Staying hydrated improves the condition of your skin, making it easier to handle the pain. Avoid alcohol and substances that will dehydrate your body. You can also practice a skincare routine to help improve your skin’s health.

Photo by Lucas Guimaraes from Pexels

Think About the Tattoo’s Design

As it is your first time getting a tattoo, it would be best to try a smaller size to help familiarize yourself with the pain. As you get accustomed to the pain, you can go ahead and increase your tattoo size.

Choose a design that will make you happy even in the future. Remember, tattoos are long-lasting, and removing them can be both excruciating and expensive. Exactly why you should only get a tattoo that you genuinely love.

Consult With a Tattoo Artist

After settling on a design, it is time to find a tattoo artist to do the work. You can do this by asking for referrals from people you know. You can also research on the internet for tattoo artists around your area.

Some tattoo artists have websites and blogs for their businesses. The websites help them display their certifications and cosmetic tattoo insurance that enable the customers to feel safe. Go ahead and contact them to book your appointment.

Consider the Placement and the Pain

You can place a tattoo on any part of your body, but you need to consider the pain associated with the body part. You are encouraged to put your tattoo on a part with more flesh. Delicate parts of your body, like the leg or the ribs, will be more painful.

Consult your tattoo artist on the best position for your tattoo. Look at tattoo pain charts that will show you the pain levels of different parts of your body. Resultantly, this will help you make an informed decision about your tattoo position.

Plan for the Aftercare

After completing the process, your tattoo artist will place a bandage over your tattoo. They will give you instructions on how to take care of it and clean it. Follow their instructions to ensure your tattoo heals correctly.

Bottom Line

Getting a tattoo is a big deal. Before getting one, ensure you are well informed about the whole process. Hopefully, this article will help you feel prepared.

Until Next Time~

Marie Papachatzis
I Am THE Makeup Junkie
IG: iamthemakeupjunkie
@iammakeupjunkie

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Review: Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Body Lotion #DrJart #CeramidinBodyLotion #Beauty #Skincare #BodyCare

(product photo courtesy of us.drjart.com)

Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Body Lotion

6.76 fl.oz./200mL $20.00

Today, let's discuss body skin. If your body skin is anything like mine, then chances are it is dry and itchy. In case you hadn't noticed, the body doesn't make enough sebum for the body skin the same way the face does and it needs more moisture to help compensate for this issue. Speaking for myself, my body skin is extremely dry and water exposure only compounds the problem. Which means I need to hydrate and moisturize my skin after showering. After swimming this is even especially worse because chlorine causes my skin to become extremely itchy and dry.

Did you ever wonder why some parts of your body are drier than others? It is because of sebaceous glands! Sebaceous glands are microscopic organs in the skin (connected to the hair follicles) that produce sebum, an oily substance made of fatty acids, sugars, waxes, and other natural chemicals that coat, moisturize, and protect your skin. Along with ceramides, they form a protective barrier against water evaporation and help protect the body against environmental damage. Sebum helps to protect the natural moisture barrier of the skin. Sebaceous glands cover a vast majority of the entire body, but are heavily distributed on the scalp and face. Smoother surfaces like the soles of the feet and the palms of the hand have fewer glands which is why we tend to be drier in those parts of the body. Since the body in general has less developed sebaceous glands than the face, it requires more moisturization.

I have found plenty of body lotions that help my dry, itchy skin but there is one in particular I really like that does an excellent job of hydrating and moisturizing my skin. It is Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Body Lotion. This lotion sinks right into my dry skin and provides deep moisture that is needed to help keep skin in healthy shape. Soothing on the skin, packed with 5 types of ceramides and 5 types of hyaluronic acid, it gives long-lasting hydration for moisturized skin. Lightweight, hypoallergenic and non-sticky, the formula quickly absorbs into skin so you can easily wear it under clothing. Containing Line Scatter Technology, a 3-step circulation system that works to generate fine particles and increase ceramide content for improved skin absorption to maintain the flow of moisture within the skin. That is a fancy way of saying that the formula has smaller molecules and increases the ceramide content so that the skin absorbs the lotion better, and keeps the moisture flowing. The 5-Cera Complex and 5 Hyaluronic Acid Complex work together to boost collagen, keeping skin firm, strong and youthful looking. Hyaluronic acid pulls water from the atmosphere to hydrate the top layers of the skin and help it retain moisture, while ceramides help to strengthen the natural skin barrier and prevent trans-epidermal water loss. All skin types can use this body lotion, even sensitive skin, but it is ideal for dry skin as it provides long-lasting hydration.

Since this lotion contains 5 different types of ceramides and 5 different types of hyaluronic acid, it is perfect for the driest of skins, like mine. It also contains glycerin, my favorite humectant that penetrates past the epidermis into the dermis of the skin. Yet this lotion is still extremely lightweight and has a great feel on the skin. The ceramides are high on he list of ingredients, meaning that they are likely greater than the 1% threshold of ingredient percentages. This is definitely a good thing. Replenishing lost ceramides is sublimely helpful in repairing dry skin. I would honestly recommend this product for any body skin type, as it is so lightweight and replaces lost ceramides and hydration. The price is a little steep, I will grant you that. Currently it is selling for $5 below its original price of $25.00 for $20.00 per tube.

Dr, Jart+ Ceramidin Body Lotion retails for $20.00 and can be purchased online at us.drjart.com and SEPHORA. Like Dr. Jart+ on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJart/; Follow Dr. Jart+ on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjart/ and Subscribe to Dr. Jart+ on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/usdrjart.

Until Next Time~

Marie Papachatzis

Peach & Lily Super Reboot Resurfacing Mask

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Review: Peach & Lily Super Reboot Resurfacing Mask #PeachandLily #RebootMask #Beauty #Skincare

(product photo courtesy of www.peachandlily.com)

2.70 fl.oz./80mL $43.00

Sometimes your skin needs a reboot. It gets bogged down by dead skin cells, texture that is uneven in nature and a lack of exfoliation. Your glow is gone. I have a mask that will fix that and is known to help do it gently, without giving your skin a raw, red rash or anything that will compromise the natural moisture barrier.

Peach & Lily Super Reboot Resurfacing Mask is a Best of KBeauty Award Winning Product of 2021. This mask contains an AHA and a BHA to gently exfoliate, resurface and retexturize the skin. It is a pro-level wash-off mask that effectively and gently does an excellent job at deep-cleansing, purifying and resurfacing facial skin where dead skin cells are clinging to the epidermis. This mask unclogs, unglues, degunks and gets rid of impurities deep within pores (hair follicles) so that fresh skin is revealed, Do you have clogged pores? Rough patches? Bumps? This mask is for you! After using this mask your result will be clear, glowing, dramatically smoother skin with drastically minimized appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It gives your skin a total reboot. The jelly like texture of this blue mask may change over time, and that is due to the natural ingredients that make up the mask. All skin types can use it, even sensitive skin. It is that gentle of an exfoliant. Comes with a subtle floral yet ocean fresh scent.

The ingredients in this mask that work to exfoliate the skin are glycolic acid and salicylic acid. Glycolic acid, an AHA, comes from sugar cane and is a great exfoliant for all skin types. It works well to unglue dead skin cells and revamp skin texture. Salicylic acid comes from willow bark and is an excellent exfoliant for all skin types too. It also acts as an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. This BHA helps clear out impurities from the hair follicles and helps prevent acne lesions. Blue Agave acts similarly to aloe vera. It helps soothe and heal the skin, but is more powerful because of its microbial properties. Mixed with other ingredients it refreshes, brightens and softens fine lines and wrinkles. This mask contains a potent blend of 10% glycolic acid and 0.5% salicylic acid. Super Reboot Resurfacing Mask also contains allantoin and panthenol, both of which are extremely soothing to the skin, and which is why this mask is great for sensitive skin. Should it cause any irritation these ingredients will immediately calm it down. Hyaluronic acid is included to help hydrate the skin and counter the effects of the exfoliants. There are also many botanical extracts in this mask, too many to go over, but suffice it to say that they act in a way which helps to revamp the skin texture and help it glow. For example, centella asiatica, chamomile, and aloe deeply soothe and hydrate the skin.

To use this mask, apply an even layer to clean, dry skin and let sit for 5-20 minutes, depending on how skin feels. You should feel a slight tingling. It should not feel uncomfortable. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry. Repeat at least 1-2x a week.

I found that this product works wonderfully on my skin. It helps to exfoliate gently but effectively, without any irritation. After using this mask my skin felt softer, more supple and was definitely glowing more. I have only used it a few times, but I like how it helps gets rid of those pesky dead skin cells (what little I have since I am an avid exfoliator) that are left on my face. I did not notice that it reduced any appearance of fine lines or wrinkles, as I am starting to see signs of those on my face and I do pay attention to what gets rid of them. Cell turnover slows down as we age, which is why it is important to notice it and keep on top of it when one is older. It can take up to 70 days for skin to renew itself from the bottom of the dermis to the top of the epidermis. That is a long time. When we are young it only takes 28 days! The mask also helps acne, as salicylic acid is a great anti-bacterial agent that helps to control acne lesions such as blackheads and pustules. Pores will be clear and skin will glow nicely after continued use. I would recommend this for any skin type, even sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin however, do a patch test first just to make sure you can handle the glycolic acid. This mask is vegan and cruelty-free.

Peach & Lily Super Reboot Resurfacing Mask retails for $43.00 and can be purchased online at www.peachandlily.com. Like Peach & Lily on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PeachAndLily; Follow Peach & Lily on Twitter: @peachandlily; Follow Peach & Lily on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/peachandlily/; Follow Peach & Lily on Instagram: https://instagram.com/peachandlily/ and Subscribe to Peach & Lily on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCywO5s_Px-g2bNFpOGi29-w.

Until Next Time~

Marie Papachatzis

Kiehl's Daily Refining Milk-Peel Toner

@iamthemakeupjunkie

Monday, May 3, 2021

Review: Kiehl's Daily Refining Milk-Peel Toner #Kiehls #DailyRefiningMilkPeelToner #Beauty #Skincare #Toner

(product photo courtesy of www.kiehls.com)

6.8 fl.oz./200mL $45.00

Liquid exfoliants have become quite commonplace in skincare regimens as of late. These products are generally more gentle than their stronger counterparts and make for an easier, lighter peel for the skin. Even those with sensitive skin can use some of them.

One liquid exfoliant that I tried out recently and really do like a lot is Kiehl's Daily Refining Milk-Peel Toner. This bi-phase toner contains two chemical exfoliants, a LHA (lipo-hydroxy acid), which is a salicylic acid derivative and lactic acid. LHA means that it is a fat dissolving acid. These acids are great daily gentle exfoliants because they dissolve the bonds between the surface cells of the stratum corneum (the outer layer of the epidermis). LHAs also have astringent properties that further enable skin protection. As it also contains 23% emollients & almond milk and it hydrates the skin so well, this toner is affable enough for daily use. The Daily Milk-Peel Toner is perfect for those with sensitive and dry skin types. It contains squalane, which is an excellent emollient/moisturizer for dry and sensitive skins. Squalane occurs naturally in the skin but is also reproduced typically in olives too. This product was inspired by the Korean 'milk peel' dermatologist treatments. It decongests the skin by removing dead skin cells in the "pores" (hair follicles), gently exfoliates and dissolves impurities while replenishing the skin's moisture levels for a more refined, clearer complexion*. The amount of capryloyl salicylic acid and lactic acid are not mentioned, however, the former should be more than 1% at least. The lactic acid is low on the list and is likely to be at the 1% amount. That is enough to exfoliate though. Lactic acid is perfect for this product as it is the most gentle of all the AHAs and it hydrates the skin too. (*results based on expert grading in a clinical study of 44 panelists, aged 30-50, after 4 weeks of use).

To use: shake well before use to mix the bi-phase toner. Twice daily apply the toner to a cotton pad and gently swipe along a clean and dry face & décolletage. Avoid the eye area. For best results, use after cleansing and before any serums.

Clinical Results Show:

After 7 days skin was clinically-proven to be softer, smoother and brighter
In a clinical and consumer study of 52 women, after 7 days**:

96% agree skin feels moisturized
93% agree skin feels comfortable
90% agree skin looks more supple

(**Results based on a 4-week consumer perception study of 52 panelists aged 30-50 having all skin types, including 50% of sensitive skin)

Normally I wouldn't recommend any sort of liquid exfoliant for sensitive skin that should be used daily, however this milk-peel is perfect for dry and sensitive skin types. Although it was designed for all skin types, it is especially good for sensitive and dry skin. Sensitive skin can be oily or dry, it is a state of being, not a skin type per se. I found this toner to be an excellent way to help exfoliate the skin, decongest the "pores" and bring some clarity to the skin. Because it is so gentle, this product is not likely to work so well on those with oilier skins. I would also recommend it for mature skin types too. This toner is very emollient and hydrating, as it contains a large amount of squalane and almond milk. After shaking it up and wetting a cotton pad, it is applied to the face and the skin feels very refreshed, hydrated, supple and almost soothed in a way. My own skin happens to be dry and it works very well for my skin. The bottle is huge and should last a long time, I purchased mine during the SEPHORA sale.

Kiehl's Daily Refining Milk-Peel Toner retails for $45.00 and can be found online at www.kiehls.com and anywhere Kiehl's is sold. Like Kiehls on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KiehlsUS/; Follow Kiehls on Twitter: @kiehls; Follow Kiehls on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kiehlssince1851; Follow Kiehls on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiehls/ and Subscribe to Kiehls on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/kiehls.

Until Next Time~

Marie Papachatzis