Fall 2014, Thinking about Moonstone Rings

lebenslustiger at Etsy.com, Rosé Gold Moonstone Ring, $99.

lebenslustiger at Etsy.com, Rosé Gold Moonstone Ring, $99.

comejew at Etsy.com, White Moonstone Ring, $11.99.

comejew at Etsy.com, White Moonstone Ring, $11.99.

Custommade.com, Engagement Ring - 21.5 Carat Moon Stone Ring With Diamonds In 14k Rose Gold, starts at $480.

Custommade.com, Engagement Ring – 21.5 Carat Moon Stone Ring With Diamonds In 14k Rose Gold, starts at $480.

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Review #3: M2 Skin Refinish Serum, 20 percent

M2 Skin Refinish Serum, 20 percent

M2 Skin Refinish Serum, 20 percent

This isn’t the first or even second time that I’ve blogged about M2 Skin Refinish Serum, and there’s a good reason for it. This is my third post, and as I promised– I am going to talk about my experience with a stronger formula. In the first post, I explained why I use M2 Skin Refinish (because it works) and I followed up after using it for three months in the second post; in the beginning, I was using the 12 percent formula. Now, I’ve moved on to the 20 percent formula and am happier than ever with the results.

Why I use M2 Skin Refinish
M2 Skin Refinish helps tame hormonal breakouts, keeps my pores clear and less visible, and gets rid of hyper pigmentation as quick as any prescription for  hydroquinone I’ve ever tried. And once I learned that hydroquinone is banned in many countries for its possible side effects, I’m even happier to have found M2 Skin Refinish. If you want to view my tips and warnings, please see my previous posts (it’s sticky and requires 30+ SPF daily).

Minor Difference with Stronger Formula
I do peel a bit more often using the 20 percent formula, more so than I did with the 12 percent, however I mostly notice the peeling on the days after I’ve given my skin a rest from the product. While I initially used it every night, I’ve become a little more cautious about using chemical and manual exfoliants on my skin so often and will likely write a post about it soon.

Probably the best thing about this product is that I’ve had great experiences with it whether dealing with mild skin congestion or a dreaded cystic acne breakout. As I mention in other posts, it may be expensive at roughly $50 but it does last 2-3 months and can be purchased without a prescription. As far as skincare goes, considering the strength of the ingredients (Malic and Mandelic Acid), it is certainly reasonable for the market.

So, that is my update. If you have any questions about the product or want to share your own experiences, please leave a comment.

FYI: I have used M2 Skin Refinish products for 5+ years (back when it was still MaMa Lotion) and I buy this product with my own money.

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Fragrance: Fragonard, Dix Parfums, Belle de Nuit

Fragonard Dix parfums

Fragonard, Dix Parfums, Fragrance Collection

My mother introduced me to Fragonard a few years ago when she bought a bottle of their Eau de toilette in Belle de Nuit. I remember stopping her and demanding to know what she was wearing (but nicely!). Because my mother is loyal to her fragrances (allergies will do that to a person), I remember how shocked I was that she had ventured onto something new. And I was so taken with Belle de Nuit myself that she later gave me a bottle of my own, a Belle de Nuit gel douche, as well as a sample fragrance collection, which I am still enamored with to this day.

While Fragonard sells sample collections in a variety of sizes and quantities, my mother got me a set of ten, two ml, samples that are perfect for when I want something different. Now that I’ve had a chance to wear all ten at least a few times, I think I am finally ready to make a full-sized purchase of my own (Etoile!). If anyone has tried Patchouli or Fleur de Vanille, please let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Fragonard Dix Parfums Box Interior

Fragonard, Dix Parfums, Box Interior

Fragonard Belle de Nuit, Eaux de toilette

Fragonard, Belle de Nuit, Eau de toilette

Fragonard Belle de Nuit, Gel Douche

Fragonard, Belle de Nuit, Gel Douche Parfume

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Review: Korres Black Pine Antiwrinkle & Firming Eye Cream

Korres Black Pine Antiwrinkle and Firming Eye Cream

Korres Black Pine Antiwrinkle and Firming Eye Cream

I am someone who desperately needs eye cream in my life. Growing up on the borderline of needing glasses but also not really needing glasses unless I was sitting in the back of the classroom means that I spent a lot of time squinting. I also grew up in a sunny place and didn’t always wear sunglasses– so again, more squinting! And all of that squinting has left me with fine lines around my eyes, so I was very excited to see black pine extract (a natural polypeptide–think collagen booster) as an ingredient in the new Korres skincare line.

I have only been using this eye cream for two weeks. So far, I do like it and find it moisturizing but I would warn people from applying it too close to the eye itself. I know, it’s eye cream, where else does it go? However, if you get this too close to your eye there is likely to be an accompanying burning sensation that I think you’ll want to avoid. The fragrance may also be off putting for some, so I would definitely take a long whiff before purchasing, if possible, to make sure you won’t be sensitive to it.

MARIO BADESCU Hyaluronic Eye Cream BANNER

Two weeks isn’t really long enough to judge the merits of a product utilizing polypeptides but as I am updating my eye-care regime this month, I thought I would put down my first thoughts about this cream and update later to reveal whether I stick with the Korres Black Pine line or go back to my much-loved Shiseido eye cream. Stay tuned to find out! And if you have any suggestions for eye cream, drop me a line in the comments.

Korres Black Pine Antiwrinkle and Firming Eye Cream

Korres Black Pine Antiwrinkle and Firming Eye Cream

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Fall 2014 Accessories: Cameo Every Thing or Everything Cameo

What I need in my life right now– cameo every thing (everything cameo?). I don’t know why. I do recall that there was a girl who had an awesome cameo broach I admired when I was in junior high; and my mother has a pair of cameo earrings that she never lets me borrow (to be fair, it took me a decade or two to learn how not to lose things). Still, I haven’t been able to figure out why I can’t get cameos out of my mind for this fall. So, why fight it? Cameos for everyone.

TAGLIAMONTE Three Graces - 18K Gold Turquoise Mother of Pearl Cameo Ring, $838

TAGLIAMONTE, Three Graces – 18K Gold Turquoise Mother of Pearl Cameo Ring, $838

Anthropologie, Whilom Ring, $48

Anthropologie, Whilom Ring, $48

SPGJewelry Green Owl Cameo Necklace, $16

SPGJewelry Green Owl Cameo Necklace, $16

DEL GATTO, Flowers Cornelian Cameo 18K Gold Earrings, $309

DEL GATTO, Flowers Cornelian Cameo 18K Gold Earrings, $309

ApopNYC, Vintage Style Sterling Silver Marcasite Cameo Brooch Pin with Black Onyx, $35

ApopNYC, Vintage Style Sterling Silver Marcasite Cameo Brooch Pin with Black Onyx, $35

 

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