skincare Archives | Brighter, Darling

3 Reasons Why I Wear SPF Every Day Always

May 14, 2018

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Olay. The opinions and text are all mine. #mySPFmatch #feeltheWhip
I started wearing SPF on my face by accident. It was during college when I started wearing mineral powder foundation (because who didn’t?) and I needed to use an affordable moisturizer suited for sensitive skin to help the foundation apply nicer. I turned to Olay back then for their Olay Complete All Day Moisturizer Sensitive Skin SPF15. Being in my 30s now, my skin care requirements are multi-faceted: I want long-lasting hydration, nothing heavy or greasy, must provide anti-aging benefits and protects my skin from the sun…exactly what you get from the new Olay Whips with SPF. If you want to know three key reasons why I wear SPF every day and why I think it’s a HUGE key to younger-looking, brighter skin then keep reading.

Pregnancy Files: My 8 First Trimester Beauty Essentials

May 10, 2018

*Affiliate links and PR samples used. Full disclaimer details here.
Kicking off this pregnancy series, I figured it would be apt to begin with my first trimester beauty essentials. After all, this is a beauty blog. You’ll also find a correlating first trimester “bumpdate” on my YouTube channel (later in the day on 5/10/18) if you’re interested in other pregnancy details. But back to beauty. Let’s just say it’s been a very interesting introduction into the world of hormones, as my insanely oily skin has taken a turn for the dry side, and after 11 years of Retin A, I’ve had to bench my go-to anti-aging/anti-acne treatment. How are things holding up and what am I using it its place? Let’s see…

Thoughts On The Glossier Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector…

April 24, 2018

*Affiliate links and/or PR Samples used. Full disclaimer details here.
10 years ago, I never would have thought putting acids on my face every day would be the standard in my life for clearer, smoother skin. But I do, and I’m always trying new ones. Recently, Glossier released their version of a chemical exfoliator and, in the name of blogging, HAD to try it myself. Chemical exfoliation is using an Alpha Hydroxy or Beta Hydroxy Acid to remove the dead skin cells instead of using a physical exfoliating method – such as a scrub. Here are my thoughts on the Glossier Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector and if I think it’s worth it…

A Moisturizer That Saves Time In The Morning: Olay Whips

March 22, 2018

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Olay. The opinions and text are all mine. #feelthewhip #ad
I know there are still friends and family of mine out there who don’t apply moisturizer daily. It’s a travesty all skin care junkies like myself hear regularly. But I get it. With everyone trying to get out the door in the mornings ASAP or dealing with crying babies (or both), applying a moisturizer (forget about using a primer!) is just a hassle. I’ve been using Olay Whips for the last week or so, and this moisturizer hydrates deeply, dries instantly, and perfectly primes for makeup… all while treating my skin to amazing antiaging ingredients in a flash. Let’s get into the technology behind this new release and why I’m loving this moisturizer that saves time in the morning…

NEW K Beauty Brand To Try: It’s Skin

March 2, 2018

I participated in this sponsored campaign for It’s Skin on behalf of One2One Network. All opinions stated are my own. #ItsSkinUSA
Always trying new K Beauty brands is a legitimate hobby of mine. I am constantly scouring the new items on websites in their K Beauty selection to see what unique offerings are going to give me that glowing, glass-like skin on all the K Beauty websites! I was doing some ingredient research lately and started down the rabbit hole of CICA-based products. From there, I discovered It’s Skin. It’s Skin offers a Cica Gel Cream, Cica Balm, and a few other high-performance skincare products I’ve been testing. To learn about the secrets of Cica and what products from It’s Skin I think you need, continue reading!

Getting Microdermabrasion at Ageless Skin and Laser Center NJ

February 4, 2018

*This post was written in partnership with Ageless Skin and Laser Center. All opinions are 100% my own. Full disclaimer details here.
Ever just think if you could blast off a layer of your skin, you’d have softer, smoother, more even-toned skin? Well, you would. And that procedure is called microdermabrasion. It’s perfect for those who struggle with texture, fine lines, hyperpigmentation and minor sunspots. I recently had a chance to get it done professionally at the Ageless Skin and Laser Center in Sewell, NJ (outside of Philadelphia). Ready to see my results after getting microdermabrasion at Ageless Skin and Laser Center NJ?

Create A Personalized Facial Serum: Kiehl’s Apothecary Preparations Review

January 31, 2018

*Affiliate links and Press Samples used. Full disclaimer details here.
A couple of months ago, I was invited to create a custom-blended, personalized facial serum at my Kiehl’s store in Philadelphia. A new, in-store experience!? You *know* my skincare obsessed self HAD to check it out. With 10 possible unique formulas, I was ready to make my blend. To find out how I created my serum, what my serum targets and how you can get one yourself, continue reading my Kiehl’s Apothecary Preparations review.

My Winter Skincare Routine For Oily Dehydrated Skin [YouTube]

January 7, 2018

*Affiliate links and PR samples used. Full disclaimer details here.
I haven’t gone through a thorough skincare routine on the blog in a while, and I finally sat down and filmed my entire morning and evening skincare routine recently. I’ll warn ya: I’m a skincare junkie and ingredient critic, so my routine is not for everyone, but if you’re interested in how I keep my skin balanced during the bitter cold months, then continue reading for my winter skincare routine for oily dehydrated skin.

How I Keep My Skin Firm and Hydrated With Palmer’s

December 1, 2017

I participated in this sponsored campaign for Palmer’s® Coconut Oil Formula on behalf of One2One Network. All opinions are my own.
I may splurge on cosmetics quite frequently, but when it comes to body care, you’ll find 99% of my collection is affordable drugstore items. When I spotted Palmer’s new FIRMING Coconut Oil collection at my local Walmart – including a firming body sheet mask (!!!) – I needed to try it all. Plus, the mild coconut fragrance of Palmer’s products is lovely during the colder (and warm) months. If you’re interested how I keep my skin firm and hydrated with Palmer’s products and want to try them yourself, continue reading.

How To Quickly Get Rid of Acne At Home | Lightstim For Acne Review

October 27, 2017

*PR Samples used. All opinions are 100% my own. Full disclaimer details here.
When will it end!? I’m 32 years old and still manage breakouts. Of course, it does not help that I am constantly testing new products to review here but regardless; I was ‘blessed’ with oily yet dehydrated, sensitive, acne-prone skin. Derms have always told me to try laser/LED therapy, but it can be VERY PRICEY and even *I* have monetary beauty limits. I discovered an at-home LED blue and red light therapy system called LIGHTSTIM from my most recent facialist and I was quite intrigued. If you want to know how to quickly get rid of acne at home, then this review is for you!