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Top Five Anti-Aging Serums (for smooth, glowing skin!)

With the New Year comes new goals. In addition to mental, spiritual and wellness intentions, healthy skin is also on my list.  Luckily, these formulations make attaining and maintaining this resolution one of the easiest to achieve!
Clarins Double Serum $89 for 1 oz.
From the beloved line big on utilizing plant extracts, this updated formula now packs an even bigger punch with the golden anti-aging ingredient, Turmeric. It zeroes in on lines and wrinkles and helps even skin tone.
It’s a no brainer why this little gem has almost 500 glowing, 5-star reviews – it’s all natural (has an Aloe Vera base – the very first ingredient, along with pure herbal extracts), hydrating and ultra skin smoothing.
Most dermatologists tout the benefits of Vitamin C, and this powerhouse delivers – protects skin from environmental damage, firms and helps lessen skin discoloration.
Jennifer Aniston loves this stuff loaded with their signature Blackberry Complex, and for good reason… skin looks healthier and glow-ier after just one week. And, gotta love the price; effective and budget friendly!
Yes, it has a hefty price tag, but this winner by anti-aging guru, Dr. Barbara Strum is designed with both long and short chain hyaluronic molecules for intense moisturizing. Skin is dewy and smooth after just a few drops.

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What I’m Loving: Five Alluring Fragrances

Do you love scents and fragrances? I do, and in a really big way.  Fragrance is definitely a thing for me.  And I never tire of discovering new ones, especially when they’re off the beaten path, a bit more rare, and ultra special. Here are five that always cast a spell (in other words, prepare for endless compliments)…

  1. Milk by K. Hall Designs: An intoxicating mix of cream, vanilla and coconut.  What more can I say!?
  2. Island Vanilla by Pacifica: Who doesn’t appreciate a vanilla fragrance? This one kicks it up a few major notches with nuances of fruits, tea and honey-jasmine – a delightful spin on a classic.
  3. Georges et Moi by Sabe Masson: A mesmerizing floral-woody scent with bergamot, rose and vetiver from a perfumery in France. You’ll fall in love with the portable design… it looks like a lip balm and is made with natural, skin moisturizing ingredients like mango butter.  Easily dab some on; especially ideal when you’re on the go. (The link I included takes you to the French based company website. The U.S. price is around $25).
  4. Relax by Lollia: This soft, magical blend of lavender and honey is irresistible.
  5. One Evening by Bamford: Unisex fragrances are hotter than ever and this one’s a slam dunk with notes of vetiver, cedar and amberwood, from the UK based body, skincare and clothing company. (It’s referred to as a body splash but I can attest… it has great staying power).

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Must Have Skin Glistener

Camellia Beauty Oil by TATCHA

Camelia Beauty Oil by TATCHA

Who doesn’t downright covet a soft, youthful glow? Fresh, alluring skin is always a commodity and that’s why I’m a sucker for Camellia Beauty Oil by Tatcha. This triple-duty wonder moisturizes with luxe, natural ingredients: Camellia Oil, of course which nourishes skin, Licorice Root Extract to calm and 24-karat gold flakes for a touch of glow. I’m crazy for the intoxicating, clean scent and check out that stunning packaging – this beaming blue bottle of goodness looks so rich resting on the countertop. Makes for a memorable gift too. I place a few drops in my hands and press it gently all over my face and neck. It sinks right in, so no need to ever worry about feeling greasy. Then I add a few more drops and rub it into the tops of my hands like a lotion, arms (for moisture and added fragrance) and the ends of my hair. I follow with sunscreen of course. Priced at $95.00, it’s what many would consider an indulgence but know that it lasts a long time, goes a long way and bottom line, it works. Can’t put a price tag on that! You can use Camellia Beauty Oil all over your body too. And, I love that this line was created by a visionary young woman, Victoria Tsai who says, “I created TATCHA as a way to share the treasures and knowledge discovered on my journeys East. Thank you Vicoria. This is the type of Far-Eastern inspired miracle potion you want to reapply all day everyday. It’s just that good!

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Get Gorgeous, Glowing Skin

Annmarie Gianni Natural Skin Care Products
Many friends and WhatImLoving.com devotees have been asking me to share my skin care regime so I’m spilling the beans here and revealing my most trusted products. Ever since my pre-teen years I’ve always been mindful of taking really good care of my skin (I thank my mom for instilling that in me!). Other than what we already know and have heard countless times before: drink lots of water, wear sunscreen everyday, don’t soak up too much sun, and get a lot of sleep, I’ve stuck to a solid beauty routine of products I truly believe in. Here is my Dream Team which comes down to four lines – Annmarie Gianni (this makes up the majority of my routine), SkinCeuticals, Revision, and Erno Laszlo:

Morning:

1) Annmarie Gianni Aloe Herb Cleanser – I can’t tell you how much I love Annmarie Gianni’s skin care products. They’re completely natural, they smell clean and delicious, the prices are fair, and bottom line, they work! The products are also housed in glass containers which is best for safe preservation of these precious fluids. The creamy Aloe Herb Cleanser is for all skin types, it washes off easily and leaves my skin feeling soft and dewy. A few times a week I also use Annmarie Gianni’s other cleanser, Citrus Mint for oily and acne prone skin – I tend to get a little oily around my nose and chin and this stuff does the trick. I never need to use another cleanser again – these two are it for me!

2) SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF – This anti-aging serum has been part of my arsenal for the last five years and I swear by it. I use it religiously every morning right after washing my face. It’s pricy but a little goes a long way and I believe this is a very effective serum. I’m not a scientist or doctor; I just know what works really, really well for my skin. So, go ahead and read about the science behind this stuff here. It melts right in and fine lines seem to disappear.

3) Revision Moisturizing Anti-Aging Sunscreen – I love me a three-in-one beauty product and Intellishade Matte by Revision is the holy grail – an anti-aging tinted moisturizer with sunscreen (SPF 45). I was never into tinted moisturizer until I discovered this stuff. It goes on smooth, sinks right in, never feels tacky, and helps my skin look flawless. It’s a lifesaver when you want to go makeup-less or just don’t have time in the morning for anything more than a slathering.
Revision Intellishade SPF 45 Tinted Anti-Aging Sunscreen

Nighttime:

1) Annmarie Gianni Cleanser – Either Aloe Herb (all types) or Citrus Mint (oily or acne prone).

2) Annmarie Gianni Herbal Oil – Pure oil for your skin? Yup! Greasy? Not at all! I use the Herbal Oil for oily/acne prone skin every night, especially all over my forehead and dab it around my nose and chin. Before using this magic elixir I used to get bumps all over my forehead and they’d never seem to completely go away. After a few days of using it those bumps have never returned. Annmarie makes an Herbal Oil for normal/combination skin too, which I use here and there, especially when my skin feels dry. So to boil it down, I’ll use the Herbal Oil for oily skin on my forehead, chin and nose and the Herbal Oil for Normal and Combination Skin where my skin tends to feel dry (cheeks) and other areas that need a little extra moisture (neck and chest).

3) Annmarie Gianni Anti Aging Oil – I add this oil into the mix since it’s got the extra oomph of anti-aging. Mostly I use it around my eyes, forehead and lips. Love it.

Evening Extras:

1) Annmarie Gianni Dead Sea Scrub – Two to three times a week I use this ultra fine scrub after the cleanser and it works like a charm. You’ll see the results right away – smooth, baby soft skin.

2) Erno Laszlo Transphuse Age-Defying Mask – This one immediately had me at Age-Defying! I spread it all over my face and neck and keep it on for 15-20 minutes. It’s very creamy and feels like a moisturizer. Sometimes I even leave it on overnight and wash it off the next morning. It leaves my skin looking smooth and line-free. Yes, it’s on the pricier side but I think it’s well worth the splurge considering it lasts awhile and I can see visible results after using it.
Erno Laszlo Transphuse Age-Defying Mask
And, there you have it! Everyone’s skin is different of course. I’m simply laying out what really and truly works for me. It’s a pretty quick and simple regime too. Once you dive in, I’d love to hear your feedback. Cheers to gorgeous, glowing, healthy, covet-worthy skin!

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Get Good Skin

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Obtaining a clear, flawless face is high on the most wanted list. Seems we’re always on the quest for that miracle potion. At least I am, and have been for years. On that note, I’ve been asked to share which beauty products I use because (not to boast) I’m often told that I have nice skin. As we know, part of it is staying out of the sun. Another part is wearing a solid sunscreen while under the sun. And of course we can’t forget genes. Aside from all of this, I do believe in that one great product. And, a really effective serum I’ve been loyal to forever and use religiously is… SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF. It’s a combination of Phloretin, Vitamin C and Ferulic Acid that works on “conquering damage at every level of the skin.” They had me at “conquering damage” by the way! This serum is for normal, oily or combination skin and is quite the triple threat – it’s reportedly a very powerful antioxidant, helps prevent sun damage and “correct existing damage from the inside out.” I use it in the morning after washing my face then let it sink in for a minute before loading up on the SPF 30. The company reports skin will look “more youthful, firm and radiant.” Sign me up, right!? After years of using this serum I can honestly say it’s true. And SkinCeuticals offers many other products that address different skin types and conditions including dry, rosacea, acne and sensitive. The C E Ferulic is another winner. Phloretin CF is my miracle potion because it works for me. I hope it (or one of their other serums) works for you too.