Future Perfect Water-Optional Cleanser
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Saturday, November 30, 2019

makeuptutorial1

Hello, this is my first makeup tutorial that I did on my YouTube channel. Please Subscribe. My name is iamthemakeupjunkie. I plan on doing lots of unboxings, skincare reviews, makeup reviews, etc. Thank you for supporting me.











Until Next Time~



Marie Papachatzis

I Am THE Makeup Junkie

Follow Me On Instagram: iamthemakeupjunkie

Friday, November 29, 2019

Holiday Gift List 2019: HOLIDAY offerings from maude #safesex #maude #holidaygiftlist2019 #cybermonday #PHE

HOLIDAY Offerings From maude

CYBER MONDAY

maude will be donating 100% of Cyber Monday sale proceeds to Peer Health Exchange
Peer Health Exchange (PHE) is a program committed to empowering young people with the knowledge, skills, and resources to make healthy decisions - focusing on sexual health, mental health, and substance use in low-income high schools. 

HOLIDAY


Please find the catalogue here! All holiday kits available starting November 7th.

Cabin Kit, $30


5 rise condoms
Ultra-thin, easy-to-open latex condoms


2 oz. shine lubricant (choice or organic or silicone)
(Silicone) Paraben-free, long-lasting personal lubricant OR 
(Organic) Naturally hydrating, aloe-based personal lubricant


2 oz. burn candle
Skin-softening, jojoba oil-based massage candle


Tub Kit, $32


Bath 
A gentle and hydrating coconut milk powder bath


Soak 
A hand-harvested Southern Dead Sea salt soak


Quickie Kit, $10

''
Organic Shine Lubricant 
Naturally hydrating, aloe-based personal lubricant

2 Rise Condoms
Ultra-thin, easy-to-open latex condoms

All available at www.maude.com on CYBER MONDAY

Happy Holidays!

Marie Papachatzis
Follow Me On Instagram: iamthemakeupjunkie

Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sales! #blackfriday #cybermonday #sales #iamthemakeupjunkie #discountcodes

Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sales

City Beauty:

Black Friday:
Buy one, Get one free on City Lips. The promotion will be a free City Lips Clear with a City Lips glossy shade of choice
  • There will be free shipping on all orders for this offer as well!
  • This offer cannot be combined with a coupon code
  • Offer valid Friday 11/29 through Saturday 11/30
  • Offer valid Friday 11/29 through Saturday 11/30
  • Follow This Link: BOGO City Lips

Cyber Monday:
  • There is free shipping on all U.S. orders over $50
  • Offer valid Sunday 12/1 through Tuesday 12/3 
  • Use the code MARIEP to get 35% off sitewide
FARMACY Beauty

From Wednesday 11/27 through Monday 12/2 - we will be offering 30% OFF EVERYTHING when you spend $120 OR 20% OFF all other orders when you use code CYBER.

Exclusively for Cyber Monday, we will be layering  FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS! Free Shipping is combined with our "up to 30% off site wide" sale.

Our Cyber Weekend sale is applicable sitewide as well as on our holiday value sets!

See full details below:

Black Friday Sale: 30% OFF EVERYTHING when you spend $120 OR 20% OFF all other orders. Use Code CYBER. Valid 11/27 - 12/2
https://account.shareasale.com/a-getmerchantcode.cfm?merchantID=70626&assetid=1458934

30% OFF Everything on orders $120+ OR 20% OFF all other orders. PLUS, Free Shipping for Cyber Monday! Use Code CYBER. Valid 12/2 Only.
https://account.shareasale.com/a-getmerchantcode.cfm?merchantID=70626&assetid=1458938

FOREO

The FOREO Black Friday Sale starts Now!  Below are the banners.  You can find text links in the interface. 
Please share these offers now!
  • 15% off LUNA 3
  • 25% off LUNA 2, ISSA, ESPADA, IRIS, UFO mini, All UFO Mask Collections and LUNA fofo
  • 25% off LUNA mini 2 (aqua, yellow, black)
  • 35% off UFO (all colors)
  • 35% off LUNA mini 2 (Pearl Pink and Fuchsia)
Foreo

Carol's Daughter
  • Black Friday Flash Sale! Up to 50% off select items + Free shipping. Valid: 11/29 Only.
  • Black Friday Sale: 50% Off Select Items. Valid: 11/30 Only.
Happy Holidays!

Marie Papachatzis
Follow Me On Instagram: iamthemakeupjunkie

Review: Juice Beauty STEM CELLULAR Anti-Wrinkle Booster Serum #juicebeauty #stemcellular #antiwrinkleboosterserum #serum

(product photo courtesy of www,juicebeauty.com)

1 fl.oz./30mL $80.00

I have always been a fan of Juice Beauty. When their Green Peel first came out I was a HUGE fan of its use and I still am. I use it regularly to help make my skin look flawless. Also, I am a fan of their use of organic ingredients as much as possible and the fact that they are the driving force behind Goop skincare.

One product that I have come to like a lot is their STEM CELLULAR Anti-Wrinkle Booster Serum. This serum helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with an ultra-light gel serum. Power packed with an optimum dose of their proprietary blend of fruit stem cells infused into a Vitamin C, resveratrol-rich grapeseed formula to help boost and enhance skin tone and texture. This product is ideal for all skin types, especially dry and mature skins and even including acneic skins (it is that light). But is especially good for skins showing signs of aging. 

Formulated to maximize the performance of the STEM CELLULAR Anti-Wrinkle Moisturizers by preparing the skin to absorb rich antioxidants. It hydrates and moisturizes skin with organic antioxidant-rich jojoba and shea butters. Provides essential fatty acid emollients and powerful antioxidant action with evening primrose oil, linseed oil and borage seed oil. Plant-derived hyaluronic acid provides plumping moisture to skin. vegetable hyaluronic acid provides the perfect slip needed for a makeup primer. Formulated without parabens, petroleum, propylene, butylene glycol, SLS, pesticides, phthalates, artificial dye or synthetic fragrances.  

To use: use after cleaning skin. Apply before makeup as a primer to help protect skin from pollution and impurities the skin may encounter during the day. Make sure to apply a broad spectrum SPF30 over the product so as not to undo the wonderful actions this product does during the day. 



This is a product which is best used during the day. It is very light and does indeed make a good makeup primer, but is best used with a SPF30 or higher. It's authentically organic and helps boost skin against free radicals found in the atmosphere. Also, it helps protect the skin against pollution, against free radicals and acts as a nice makeup primer. This product is very light and comes out as a light serum-gel that glides onto the skin, leaving it feeling very smooth and soft. After use for a few weeks skin's lines and wrinkles might look less prominent and skin tone will look more even, texture will feel even and hyperpigmentation will look better.

Juice Beauty STEM CELLULAR Anti-Wrinkle Booster Serum retails for $80.00. It can be found online at www.juicebeauty.com and anywhere Juice Beauty is sold. Like Juice Beauty on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/JuiceBeauty; Follow Juice Beauty on Twitter:@juicebeauty; Follow Juice Beauty on Pinterest:https://www.pinterest.com/juicebeauty/; Follow Juice Beauty on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/juicebeauty/ and Subscribe to Juice Beauty on Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/juicebeauty

Until Next Time~

Marie Papachatzis
I Am THE Makeup Junkie
Follow Me On Instagram: iamthemakeupjunkie





Thursday, November 28, 2019

Review: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% High Strength Vitamin and Mineral Blemish Formula #TheOrdinary #DECIEM #Niacinamide #Zinc

(product photo courtesy of www.deciem.com)

1 fl.oz./30mL $5.90

I have done posts on products by DECIEM and their subsidiary The Ordinary before. DECIEM was started by two biochemists who were looking to bring skincare to people without all the fillers and extraneous ingredients in the products and just have the actives in them. So they started a company where the products available only have the active ingredients one needs and are priced extremely fair. The Ordinary is a brand from DECIEM. It is an umbrella of brands focused on advanced functional beauty. The team is specialized in materials chemistry and biochemistry, and they have brought pioneering innovation in skincare through their core brands. All DECIEM products, across all brands including The Ordinary, are free of parabens, sulphates, mineral oil, methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, animal oils, coal tar dyes, formaldehyde, mercury, oxybenzone. The Ordinary is "Clinical formulations with integrity".

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% High Strength Vitamin and Mineral Blemish Formula is specifically made with Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) to reduce the appearance of skin blemishes and congestion. A high 10% concentration of this vitamin is supported in the formula by zinc salt (1%) of pyrrolidone caryoxylic acid to balance visible aspects of sebum activity. Do not use if topical Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid and/or Ethylated L-Ascorbic Acid is used as part of skincare. It should be applied at alternated times with this formula. Ideally Vitamin C in the PM and this formula in the AM but never at the same time. Niacinamide can affect the integrity of the Vitamin C. 

While Niacinamide andd Zinc PCA reduce the look of blemishes and balance visible sebum activity, neither is a treatment for acne! For persistent acne-related conditions, it is highly recommended to use Benzoyl Peroxide and/or Retinoic Acid. DECIEM doesn't recommend ongoing use of BHAs such as Salicylic acid for peristent blemishes. For temporary improvement in appearance of blemishes, Salicylic acid would help. This formulation can be used alongside acne treatments if desired for added visible results. Independent studies suggest Niacinamide is also an effective ingredient for brightening skin tone.

How To Use: Apply to entire face morning and evening before heavier serums and creams. If irritation occurs, cease use and consult a physician. Use only as directed on unbroken skin. Patch test prior to use, is advised. Please refer to their in-depth guide to patch testing. Keep out of reach of children. If applying during the day, make sure to use a SPF30 or higher to avoid photodamage of the skin.

This serum is wonderful when used in addition to the Retin-A I use for preventing acne. Yes, even at age 48, I still get hormonal acne on my chin. Just on my chin too. And it is so annoying that it isn't even funny. So I took matters into my own hands and subscribed to a Retin-A service that delivers it every other month and use this serum every other night to prevent blemishes from forming. Niacinamide has been known for a while now that it works well on blemishes and Zinc even longer. Together they make a great fighting force that helps to  rid of the skin of nasty blemishes and their scars. This is recommended for all skin types especially acneic and oily skins. 

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% High Strength Vitamin and Mineral Blemish Formula retails for $5.90 per 1 fl.oz./30mL bottle. It also comes in a 2 fl.oz/60mL bottle.  Like DECIEM on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deciem/ and Follow DECIEM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deciem/.

Until Next Time~

Marie Papachatzis
Folloe Me On Instagram: iamthemakeupjunkie






Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Review: Naturopathica Calendula Essential Hydrating Cream #naturopathica #calendula #calendulaessentialhydratingcream #moisturizer

(product photo courtesy of www.naturopathica.com)


1.7 fl.oz./50mL $59.00
I use Retin-A, which also has Azelaic Acid and Clindamycin in it. Because of this I definitely need a good moisturizer. Also I suffer from some ezcema on my neck, just in one weird spot on the left side of my neck for a few years now. It started about four years ago and I noticed it when I went to Greece and was out in the sun, I thought it was a reaction to the sun but as it turns out it is atoptic dermatitis or eczema. My oldest daughter also suffers from eczema, but all over her body. When you have something like this it is an immune response and you need to use products that are very calming to the skin. Luckily I was gifted this cream in one of my subscription boxes and I found how wonderful it is.

Naturopathica Calendula Essential Hydrating Cream is a calming and soothing moisturizer that contains Calendula, Borage Seed Oil and Sunflower Seed Oil just to name a few of the ingredients. It is very good for sensitive skins and dry skin. Calendula is an herb that has been prized for its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing qualities. It was one of the first skin remedy staples to line the shelves. After witnessing Calendula's powerful ability to soothe radiation burns her mother experienced during cancer treatment, Naturopathica's founder, Barbara Close, was inspired to harness these same healing benefits in the Calendula Essential Hydrating Cream. This luxurious cream remains their most-beloved moisturizer thanks to this transformative ingredient with a gentle touch. 

Calendula Extract has been used for centuries as a healing herb in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines. It helps to soothes and strengthen all skin types. Calendula's usage dates back centuries and throughout several civilizations from ancient Greece and Rome to Egypt and the Aztecs. During the American Civil War, soldiers carried Calendula with them to treat battle wounds. This herb belongs to the same family as Arnica and is approved in Germany and other European countries for topical use on slow-to-heal wounds, mild burns and dry skin. Borage Seed Oil is high in fatty acids and this cold-pressed oil helps provide relief to dry, irritated skin. It is also a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid. This oil increases lipid protection and is known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory and skin conditioning properties. Sunflower Seed Oil is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E. It ensures skin remains plump and moisturized. Trehalose is a naturally occurring saccahride and is present in a wide variety of plant and animal life, enabling survival in the harshest climate conditions. It helps protect the skin's fibroblasts from dehydration by replacing water in the tissue, which helps retain the natural structure of the skin. Xylitylgucoside, Anhydoxylitol and Xyltol (xax) are all vegetable-based, sugar-derived compounds that helps moisturize and restructure the skin while improving overall skin barrier function. 

To use, gently smooth a pea size amount over face and neck using upward and outward movements. Apply morning and night over serums or after treatments for best results. If applying during the morning, make sure to wear a SPF30 or higher to avoid sun damage. 

I like this moisturizer because it is very soothing to the skin. It really helps soothe and lessen the irritation of my eczema. The only thing I don't like about it is that it leaves a film on the skin, whereas other moisturizers sink into the skin. It isn't very noticeable though and is just a very light film that I can feel. Otherwise this is pretty much the perfect moisturizer. It calms and soothes the skin from anti-inflammatory problems such as itchiness and irritations. 

Naturopathica Calendula Essential Hydrating Cream retails for $59.00 and can be purchased online at www.naturopathica.com. Like Naturopathica on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/naturopathica; Follow Naturopathica on Twitter: @naturopathica; Follow Naturopathica on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/naturopathica and Follow Naturopathica on Instagram: http://instagram.com/naturopathica.

Until Next Time~

Marie Papachatzis
Follow Me On Instagram: iamthemakeupjunkie











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Monday, November 25, 2019

EXCITING NEWS! #iamthemakeupjunkie #domainchange

Iamthemakeupjunkie.com is now born!




Finally, after several years of being on the domain of http://iamthemakeupjunkie.blogspot.com, we are now at www.iamthemakeupjunkie.com. So please set your bookmarks to the new domain name and everything will be fine. All of my posts will be migrated over, so you will still have everything you want to see, including my treatise on "What is Acne? How do you treat Acne?"


Until Next Time~

Marie Papachatzis
Follow Me On Instagram: iamthemakeupjunkie


Holiday Gift Guide 2019: philosophy amazing grace ballet rose gift set #philosophy #amazinggrace #balletrose #giftset #holidaygiftguide2019

(product photo courtesy of www.philosophy.com)

$58.00 ($95.00 value)

With it being holiday time you knew it was only going to be a matter of days until I brought out a fragrance gift set. One of the most favored and well known fragrances around is philosophy's amazing grace. It now comes in a ballet rose scent. 

philosophy amazing grace ballet rose is a beautiful light scent accentuated with  a delicate hint of rose and peony added to the well known amazing grace. Layered with sparkling lychee and finished with woods and sheer ballet pink musk, it takes the iconic scent on a new and captivating adventure. This limited edition holiday gift set showcases the elegant fragrance in three ways, wrapped holiday style and perfect for presenting to whomever captures your heart.

Included are:

  • 2 fl.oz./60mL spray fragrance
  • 8 fl.oz./240mL shampoo, bath & shower gel
  • 8 fl.oz./240mL body lotion
To use: 
  • amazing grace ballet rose fragrance: spray onto clean, dry body and avoid direct eye contact.
  • shampoo, bath & shower gel: first dampen body and hair, then slowly massage into your skin and hair.
  • body lotion: apply a generous amount to skin with fingertips, and massage in gently with a soothing circular motion.
I love the new scent. It is light but has enough rose and peony without being to cloying. The scent is something you will find yourself smelling often because it is that beautiful. And unlike other fragrances, it lasts longer than most too. It is actually better to layer a scent by using the entire gift set than to just use the fragrance spray alone. That way you will have the scent on you throughout the entire day. I have loved every version of amazing grace I have tried. philosophy is very good at putting together a light, wonderful fragrance that American women seem to love very much.

Purchase this gift set for the holiday season, either for yourself (a great idea) or for someone special in your life. It would be the perfect gift for a mother, daughter, aunt, niece, friend, or sister. It is too much for a Secret Santa or stocking stuffer but there are other gifts philosophy has for those kinds of exchanges and gift ideas. 

The philosophy amazing grace ballet rose gift set retails for $58.00 but is a $95.00 value. It is is available from www.philosophy.com, www.sephora.com and www.ulta.com. It is also available in SEPHORA and ULTA stores. Like philosophy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philosophy; Follow philosophy on Twitter: @lovephilosophy; Follow philosophy on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lovephilosophy/; Follow philosophy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovephilosophy/ and Subscribe to philosophy on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/philosophy.


Happy Holidays!

Marie Papachatzis
Follow Me On Instagram: iamthemakeupjunkie

(These were sent for consideration)  









Review: Clark's Botanicals Deep Moisture Mask #clarksbotanicals #deepmoisturemask #mask #moisture

(product photo courtesy of www.clarksbotanicals.com)

1.7 fl.oz./50mL $72.00

During the winter, we often have to change our skincare regimen to "pump up" the moisture for what the weather takes out of our skin. With cold air blowing against the skin taking moisture, and heating utilities sapping moisture from our skin, to the cold temperatures actually chapping our skin. It seems then that we would want to try different masks and moisturizers that work better for dry or drier skin. I actually have the perfect one.

Clark's Botanicals Deep Moisture Mask is an amazing mask and moisturizer that is lush and creamy. It can be used as a deep moisture mask or as a moisturizer. This product steeps skin in algae, Japanese green tea extracts and Vitamin E to quiet signs of redness and sensitivity while boosting vibrancy and bounce. Every skin type in need of an intense boost of hydration will benefit from this mask. It works well with Clark's Botanicals Retinol Rescue Overnight Cream, Clark's Botanicals Nourishing Youth Serum and their Soothing Herbal Face Wash.

It works because it immediately and deeply hydrates and revitalizes the skin. Algae and Vitamin E help hydrate and plump the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Japanese green tea helps protect against free radicals. Jasmine and comfrey root help re-balance, soothe and soften the skin. This mask is vegan, gluten-free, made in the USA, made with clean ingredients and is cruelty-free. 

After one month of use:

  • 91% report immediate increase in moisture
  • 91% report smoother and more nourished skin
  • 90% report healthier, bouncier skin
How To Use: 
If using as a deep moisture mask, apply a generous layer to face and neck. Leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry. Then apply a moisturizer. If using as a moisturizer, apply sparingly to cleansed skin. 

I prefer to use Clark's Botanicals Deep Moisture Mask as a sleeping mask or moisturizer. This way I get the most use out of it and it hydrates and moisturizes my skin more than other moisturizers would. It really and truly deeply moisturizes the skin. It is a heavy moisturizer that works well for mature, dry and normal skins. It would also work for combination skin in the non T-Zone area but I wouldn't recommend this for acneic skins, it is just too heavy. 

Clark's Botanicals Deep Moisture Mask retails for $72.00 and can be found online at www.clarksbotanicals.com. Like Clark's Botanicals on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClarksBotanicals/; Follow Clark's Botanicals on Twitter: @ClarksBotanical; Follow Clark's Botanicals on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clarksbotanicals/ and Subscribe to Clark's Botanicals on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiiD1eW0XgNP8mjvDZIpBkA.

Until Next Time~

Marie Papachatzis
I Am THE Makeup Junkie
Follow Me On Instagram: iamthemakeupjunkie






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Sunday, November 24, 2019

Review: dr.brandt Hydro-Biotic recovery sleeping mask #drbrandt #hydrobiotic #recoverysleepingmask #sleepingmask #mask

(product photo courtesy of www.drbrandtskincare.com)

1.7 oz./50g $52.00
I am a huge fan of sleeping masks. Sleeping masks are a mix of essentially souped up moisturizers mixed with mask ingredients that you wear at night,leave on and wash off in the morning. They work extremely well at helping to moisturize and nourish the skin than a normal moisturizer or mask would.

One I like A LOT is dr. brandt Hydro-Biotic recovery sleeping mask. This mask bridges the gap between "inside out" and "outside in" beauty with a biotic (probiotics) balancing complex that works in harmony with your skin's natural overnight recovery and repairing process to deeply hydrate, reduce redness and also to help soothe signs of irritation while you are sleeping. You wake up to a glowing complexion. It is a leave on sleeping-mask that works overnight to balance skin's natural flora, restoring hydration to dry skin in 24 hours. It locks in moisture for 72 hours* and helps to strengthen the skin's natural moisture barrier. This product also helps to minimize fine lines and wrinkles. (*Instrumental evaluation conducted on 30 volunteers) This product has been tested with dermatologists, ophthalmologists, is hypoallergenic and is safe for contact lens wearers. It is alcohol-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free and fragrance-free. The product is very lightweight and comes in a gel form, and is ideal for every skin type, including acneic skins.

In a study done, after one use*:
  • 100% showed immediate skin hydration
  • 100% showed a reduction in skin redness after 1 night
After 4 weeks of use**:
  • 100% reported skin feels softer
  • 97% reported skin fees smoother
  • 94% reported product delivers long-lasting moisture
  • 94% reported product restores comfort to the skin
  • 87% reported product soothes irritation and itchiness
  • 87% reported product relieves redness 
(*Instrumental evaluation conducted on 30 volunteers. ** Self-assessment test conducted on 30 volunteers.)




The Hydro-Biotic recovery sleeping mask contains a biotic balancing complex that maintains skin's naturally occurring flora for a strengthened natural moisture barrier. It has a unique deliver matrix that combines a soothing peptide with Honey, Boswellia and Tea extracts to reduce redness and soothe skin. A restorative blend of ceramides, fatty acids and Tamarindo extract provides deep hydration, improves elasticity and reduces water loss in the skin. This product is especially suited to sensitive skins that need something to reduce redness and irritation. I would also recommend it for skins with rosacea. 

Personally, I like to use this mask after I have used a chemical peel on my skin, to tone down the redness and irritation. I also like to use it when my eczema is acting up on my neck. Or, when winter is in full blown mode and the wind has left my skin feeling a bit chapped and dry. This is a great mask to use anytime you need to calm irritation or itching on the face. It is very soothing to the skin and the probiotics in this mask help to keep the skin's natural microbiome in place, so that skin doesn't get out of whack as easily.

dr. brandt Hydro-Biotic recovery sleeping mask retails for $52.00 and can be purchased at www.drbrandtskincare.com and anywhere dr.brandt skincare is sold. Like dr. brandt on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drbrandtskincare/; Follow dr. brandt on Twitter: @drfredricbrandt; Follow dr. brandt on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbrandt/; Follow dr. brandt on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbrandt/ and Subscribe to dr. brandt on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/fredricbrandt.

Until Next Time~

Marie Papachatzis
Follow Me On Instagram: iamthemakeupjunkie



Review: MURAD Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum #murad #rapidagespotserum #pigmentlighteningserum #hydroquinone #serum

(product photo courtesy of www.murad.com)

1 fl.oz./30mL $72.00

MURAD skincare has been around for over 30 years, and with good reason. Dr. Howard Murad, who is a dermatologist that invented the line (and whom I met at an Esthetics convention in Toronto once) is one of the innovators of modern skincare. His skincare always has the latest and greatest ingredients that help anti-aging and acneic skincare, as well as everyday skincare. 

Today I want to review one product that is great for skin with a lot of hyperpigmentation and works well for those like mine, who have seen a lot of sun and have a lot of sun damage (photoaging). it is called MURAD Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum. This product does contain hydroquinone at a 2% level and is one of the only products left to contain this ingredient, but it works very well. It is the #1 brightening product in the US available without a prescription. It fades dark spots fast and is suitable for all skin tones and for all skin types, from oily to dry and even mature skins. This product helps fade the spots you can see and the ones you cannot see yet. For 50+ years, dermatologists like Dr. Murad have prescribed hydroquinone because it quickly and effectively targets hyperpigmentation. MURAD offers the highest level avalable without a prescription to help quickly fade dark spots, age spots and sun spots. Celebrity Esthetician Gina Mari and Dr. Howard Murad talk all things Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum, the #1 Brightening Specialist Product in the U.S.* It’s clinically proven to fade dark spots and improve radiance in just 1 week with 2% hydroquinone, the highest level available without a prescription. 

After 1 week, 85% saw:† 
  • Spots lighten
  • Improved skin radiance
  • Improved skin evenness and brightness
(*Source: The NPD Group, Inc./US Prestige Beauty Total Measured Market, Skincare Sales, 12 months ending June 2019. †With Environmental Shield™ regimen)

Here is a before and after showing results after 1 week of use:


You can clearly see the difference in age spots, hyperpigmentation and sun spots. In the before photo on the left, the woman has severe spotting on her cheek. In the after photo on the right, he majority of her spots have disappeard, with just a little bit left. Imagine how nice it will look with continued treatment?

Not only does this product contain hydroquinone 2%, but it also contains glycolic acid hexapeptide-2. The glycolic acid exfoliates the skin to remove  dullness, it improve skin’s texture and clears away dull skin cells.  It allows hydroquinone to penetrate for better results. The hexapeptide-2 is a skin brightening peptide that improves overall tone and helps diminish the appearance of excess pigmentation. This product is leaping bunny certified. 

It can be used am and pm. To use, cleanse skin and pat dry. Smooth 2 pumps of the serum over your face. During the day, always follow with a SPF30 broad spectrum sunscreen and at night follow with a night cream moisturizer. If you apply during the day and DON'T use a SPF30 then essentially you will be negating the effects of the serum.

I have only been using it for a few days but I have noticed a little bit of repair. For me, hyperpigmentation is the bane of my skincare regimen because I have a lot of sun damage. So using this was the next logical step for me. Because it does contain hydroquinone, I don't use it every day, but every other day and stick to other products with more natural fighters of hyperpigmentation. Hydroquinone is thought to be a trigger for carcinoma and hormonal issues. 

MURAD Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum retails for $72.00 and can be purchased at www.murad.com, www.sephora.com and in SEPHORA stores as well as anywhere else MURAD is sold. Like MURAD on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MuradSkincare/ and Follow MURAD on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muradskincare/.

Until Next Time~

Marie Papachatzis
Follow Me On Instagram: iamthemakeupjunkie

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Review: SKINFOOD Coconut Sugar Wash Off Mask #SKINFOOD #CoconutSugarWashOffMask #Mask #Exfoliant

(product photo courtesy of www.theskinfood.us)

3.53 oz./100g $10.00

I am a HUGE fan of Korean skincare. And I have been using Korean skincare for many years now, mainly because most of the products are far superior to what we can find here in the United States. Have you seen the skin of Korean women? OMG. They have gorgeous, blemish-free skin that has clarity and softness to it. One of my favorite Korean skincare companies is SKINFOOD. Their products are fun, they work and they are inexpensive. Also, they contain a lot of natural ingredients. 

Today I am going to review one of my new acquisitions, SKINFOOD Coconut Sugar Wash Off Mask. I firmly believe that exfoliation is one of the keys to skincare success. If you have extraneous layers of dead skin lying on top of new skin, your skincare cannot penetrate as well and is therefore not working. In this case, you are essentially throwing away your money because the skincare isn't reaching where you need it to go. This mask is a gentle scrub mask that contains 35% Coconut Sugar and coconut pulp rich in minerals and nutrients to gently remove dead skin cells, leaving only moist radiance behind. Coconut Sugar is an unrefined raw sugar derived from coconut flower juice rich in minerals that nourishes and moisturizes the skin. The best way to use it is to apply after cleansing, massing gently onto damp (or dry) skin in circular motions. Avoid the skin around the eyes and lips, as they are too sensitive for this. After 10-15 minutes, rinse with lukewarm water. This mask is best for normal, combination, dry and mature skins. It can even be used on sensitive skin. 



The reason I like this mask so much is because not only does it exfoliate but it actually leaves skin feeling moist and supple. It doesn't strip the skin of its natural moisture barrier. After using my skin feels softened, moisturized and definitely exfoliated but not scrubbed within an inch of its life, like it would with some exfoliants. 

SKINFOOD Coconut Sugar Wash Off Mask retails for $10.00 and is available from www.theskinfood.us and www.amazon.com. Like SKINFOOD on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theskinfood.us; Follow SKINFOOD on Twitter: @skinfood_us and Follow SKINFOOD on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skinfood_us/

Until Next Time~

Marie Papachatzis
Follow Me On Instagram: iamthemakeupjunkie




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