Exfoliators | Beauty and Fashion Tech

Jun 27, 2008

MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator

June 27, 2008 By Carleenp 5 Comments

MAC Cosmetics has come out with one heck of a good exfoliator. MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator is truly wonderful stuff, and I predict that it will make my best of 2008 list at the end of the year. I find the MAC product description to be quite accurate, so here it is:

A highly effective, dual-purpose, foaming and exfoliating scrub blending natural Volcanic Ash with fine sugar crystals from the islands of Vanuatu. Adds moisture: leaves skin feeling soft and comfortably clean. Mineral-rich. Good for absorbing skin’s natural oils. May be used on any part of face or body. Rinses off with warm water.

The scrub is pretty coarse, which I like, but the foaming action tones it down a bit, It also leaves the skin feeling moisturized--something I find pretty impressive for a scrub. The one odd point though is that it is black in color. So it seems a bit weird scrubbing this jet black goo all over your face. I suggest avoiding use of it while wearing white or with white washcloths. I don't know if it would stain and I wasn't keen to test that! Personally, I use it in the shower.

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Filed Under: Skin Care Tagged With: Exfoliators, M.A.C., Skin Care

Dec 28, 2007

Review: Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion in a Jar

December 28, 2007 By Carleenp Leave a Comment

I am rather particular about scrubs. I want to feel them working and I want to see results. Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion in a Jar nicely fit the bill on both accounts.

The Dr. Brandt microdermabrasion scrub is very fine grained and is a fairly powerful scrub. I definitely could feel it working, and my skin was nicely smooth after each use. It is strong enough that I do not recommend it for those with sensitive skin. However, it is gentle enough that those who hate real coarse scrubs might like this one because of the fine grain. It also is rather adjustable. Rub hard for a more intense scrub and rub lightly for less. In many ways it reminds me of the Biolements Pumice Peel, which was one of my favorite products of last year.

I do have one nit picky complaint though about the packaging. Every time I use the Dr Brandt scrub, the screw on cap is difficult to get back on straight, making it difficult to close the lid. But that does not keep me from recommending the product.

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Filed Under: Skin Care Tagged With: Anti-Aging, Dr. Brandt, Exfoliators, Skin Care

Sep 28, 2007

Befine food skin care at CVS

September 28, 2007 By Carleenp 12 Comments

I picked up a couple of the Befine food skin care products at CVS the other day. The Befine products are made with vegetarian proteins and are allergen, fragrance and paraben free.

The first item I tried was the Pore Refining Treatment Scrub. This light scrub contains coconut, jojba and citrus. It is very lightly exfoliating. I tend to prefer a harder scrub--basically if it doesn't feel like my skin is being sanded off, I don't trust that it is working (yes, I know that I am nuts). So this light scrub it isn't one that I would use daily, but it felt great on the skin and would be perfect for the person who wants a gentle scrub. I figure that is likely most of you!

I also tried the Warming Clay Mask, with cardamom, arnica, and pomegranate. This stuff was pretty cool! Well actually, it was literally pretty warm! When it says warming, it means it. When mixed with a bit of water, the product warms up, which feels oddly refreshing. My skin was left looking radiant and I will most definitely use this product again!

Sorry that I lack photos! These are so new that none of my sources for public domain or authorized photos have pictures up.

Befine products are available at CVS pharmacy stores.