M-61

There is little I love more in life than a good facial peel. A little tingling, sometimes a bit of stinging but the result is always the same – glowing, fresh, radiant skin. Peels can help to break up hyper-pigmentation, exfoliate at a deeper level than granular scrubs, reduce the appearance of fine lines and give clearer/brighter skin. Though I can never resist trying a new peel, I do have my all time favorite peels that have made the biggest impression on me. Here are my five favorite facial peels:

1. Revive Glycolic Renewal Peel – This is definitely the strongest peel that I have and is saved for when I want to really bring out the big guns. Serious hyper pigmentation, rough skin texture, remnants from a bad breakout, dull lackluster skin – any of these (or all of them – ugh) make me reach for this peel. Because it combines both peel pads and an exfoliating gel afterwards, the two step system is what really makes the difference for my skin. The gel does tingle so make sure you test it first to make sure your skin can handle it, but if you can your skin is in for a treat. This gives me near perfect skin afterwards – pore appearance is minimized, skin is smoother, and fine lines are almost non-existent. *round of applause* Because my skin can be a bit red after, I do not use this on a night I am going out but rather save it for the evening before. Even using it a full 24 hours before a big event, I still have stellar results. This peel is by far the closest thing I have to an at-home spa treatment. Robe and cucumber water not included. 

2. Perricone MD Blue Plasma – I’ve been singing this product’s praises for years now. Not only can it be used daily both morning and night, but it gives the most gentle exfoliation without any of the side effects that come with peels. I had no redness, no irritation, no tingling and no stinging and my skin always looks better when I use this regularly in my routine. It’s easy to add into any regimen and works with almost any product mix I am using at the time. It has now secured a place in ‘Maree’s Skincare Hall of Fame’ (if there was such a thing). 

3. Arcona Raspberry Resurfacing Peel – The first time I used this peel, I did not know what to expect. And then after about 10 minutes, I removed the gel from my face and stared at my skin for what seemed like forever. It was absolutely glowing, and so hydrated which is rare for a peel! In the list of peels that I mention in this post, it is probably my second strongest one so I only use it once or twice a month. But when I do, I am guaranteed gorgeous glowing skin for the next week or two. I rarely get ready for a big night out or special event without doing this mask the same night – because my skin never fails to look its best after. There is a bit of tingling and stinging with this one so be prepared, but for me, I don’t mind it. Because the results are soooo worth it. Bring on the sting!

4. First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads – As I have said over and over again, there is not one product from the First Aid Beauty range that I don’t absolutely love. And these pads are no exception – in fact they were the first product I ever tried from the range that got me hooked. I love them because they are incredibly gentle and suitable for every day use. Using them at the toning step of my routine is how I found them to be most effective since they give a light exfoliation right after cleansing. I then follow up with a hydrating mist, toner or essence, to help replenish the moisture in my skin and keep it balanced. And since these pads are so gentle, I find that they can work for almost any skin type, even sensitive (though you should always test things first to be sure). My skin regularly looks brighter and more even-toned when using these pads. And I have noticed a distinct difference in how my foundation wears on my face when using these pads – it seems to almost glide on with little to no pulling on dry patches, caking up or looking too heavy. It’s almost as if these pads were made for gals who love a full face. 

5. m-61 Power Glow Peel – When I feel I want to amp up the results from my First Aid Beauty pads, I switch to these from m-61. They are a bit stronger and I typically use them every other day so as not to irritate my skin. I find that these help me prevent stubborn breakouts, and have had a significant impact on any hyper pigmentation that I may be suffering from at any given moment. These were all I used after the summer was over to help erase any lingering sun damage that managed to get through my SPF. Rude. But regardless of the sun’s ruthless ways, these pads worked to help fade the dark spots and make my skin return to it’s non-patchy appearance.

Some days I feel like I am just going to explode with excitement for products – it’s like I am still 6 years old. Too much good stuff not to share my thoughts, and these few items are new to my collection but first impressions are already knocking my socks off. A little skincare, a little makeup and a little fragrance – a complete trifecta of products I am loving right now.

1. Nest Fragrances in the scents Paradise and Indigo* – If you follow my blog, you know I am a Nest fanatic. I love the candles and the personal fragrances (this one being a holy grail fragrance), and once again they hit a home run with their two newest fragrances Paradise and Indigo, now available at Sephora. Paradise smells exactly as the bottle looks – bright, vibrant and citrusy with notes of blood orange, white ginger and cedarwood. It’s delicate and fresh for the summer. Indigo on the other hand was a bit darker, moodier but with a sweetness that I simply adore! Wild fig, bergamot, and black cardamom come together to create a scent that is as perfect for day as it is for night. Frankly, I keep them both side by side and do eenie meenie minie mo each morning to decide. I am the picture of sophistication. 

2. M-61 Power Glow Peel* – What happened to that top layer of skin? Oh, the M-61 Power Glow Peel took it away forever!!!! OMG! And what was left was baby soft, glowing, radiant, and gorgeous skin. People have been telling me on Instagram (over and over actually) that I need to try this product. Alright already! So I have. And welp…..it’s awesome. Instagram was not lying to me. Formulated with salicylic and glycolic acid, these pads give a strong exfoliation, but surprisingly also help to calm and soothe. I would recommend starting with once a week to see how you do and then build up from there. But watch out, you may not be able to turn back. Your wallet has been warned. 

3. Guerlain Lingerie de Peau – I have a developed a love/hate relationship with this foundation. On one hand, it wears beautifully on the skin. Truly one of the most flawless foundations I have ever used on my face. That being said…..the only caveat is it oxidizes. Quite deeply I might add. But I was too in love with it to give up, so I decreased the amount I use (because a little can go a long way) and it has solved most of the problem. I don’t use bronzer on the days I wear this so as not to add fuel (aka color) to the fire (aka my face). But I just can’t quit the finish….so stunning. A satin like finish that makes my skin look like it has been airbrushed. And no pulling on dry patches, settling into fine lines or creeping into my pores. It knows better than that.

4. Laura Mercier Baked Eye Shadow Quad in Rendezvous in Monte Carlo* – Part of the new summer 2014 collection, this quad has been on my eyes almost every day since I received it. The colors blend so well together and they wear for-ev-er. Each shade can be worn dry or wet, though I prefer to wear the lighter shades dry and then wet the dark plum/brown shade to use as a liner. When done, I’m pretty sure my eyes look better than your eyes. (ok, ok, I know it’s not a competition. sorry)

5. Laura Mercier Sheer Creme Glow* – Golden pink highlighted cheeks is on the menu for this summer. The finish of this new Laura Mercier summer 2014 cream blush is divine and looks gorgeous tapped on the cheekbones for glowing, fresh, ‘I just woke up like this’ skin. Yes, your summer self needs this. No, your cheekbones won’t survive without it.

* press sample

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