Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel

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January 2016 Empties

Since we’re smack dab in the middle of winter, it’s no surprise that my most recent batch of empties includes skincare standbys and some soothing hair products. Let’s take a look:

  
Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Original Formula: This easy to use 2-step anti-aging treatment has been a favorite for years now. It smooths without irritating my skin and helps fight winter flakiness. I was thrilled to receive this little three-pack as a freebie with my last Sephora purchase. 

Philosophy Miracle Worker Miraculous Anti-Aging Moisturizer: The only thing better for my winter complexion than the above-mentioned peel is following it up with a generous layer of my favorite moisturizer. This skin-softening, ultra-hydrating moisturizer is my winter favorite. 

Davines LOVE Shampoo & LOVE Conditioner: I didn’t love this smoothing shampoo on its own – it made my locks a little limp – but paired with the conditioner it left my hair soft and bouncy. It also kept my scalp moisturized. I’m really not a fan of its heavy floral scent, so I won’t be purchasing it again. 

Dove Advanced Care Beauty Finish Anti-perspirant Deodorant: I don’t know about the “beauty finish” part, but I loved the clean scent of this deodorant and it left me fresh all day long. A solid pick. 

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April 2015 Empties

Things have been very busy and exciting here at For the Love of Gloss with lots of new products to test – stay tuned for reviews and recommendations in the coming weeks. Unfortunately, lots of new stuff means I didn’t use up much of the old. Here’s what I did finish off this month:
April 2015 Empties
Listerine Healthy White Sodium Fluoride Anti-Cavity Mouthrinse: I was drawn to this mouthwash for two reasons. First, it’s a gentle version of Listerine, which has always worked well but is quite painful to use. Second, it’s a whitening rinse. While I did find it to be a decent mouthwash, leaving my breath fresh and my mouth clean without the traditional burn of Listerine, I can’t say that I noticed much in terms of whitening.

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Original Formula: These peels make regular appearances in my empties posts, because they work well and I use them often. Read more here.

Bath & Body Works Be Enchanted Shower Gel: I’m not sure if they still make this scent; I found this bottle of body wash stuffed in the back of my soaps and shower gels bin, which is nearly empty – hooray! As with all Bath & Body Works shower gels, I found it to be quite perfume-y at first but the scent quickly faded after rinsing. These gels clean well. I don’t find them to be overly drying or all that moisturizing. A pretty average but effective body wash.

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid: I wrote about this a few weeks back and am still loving it. I received this bottle in a past Birchbox and have since purchased a full sized replacement bottle. Now that the weather has let up a bit and my skin is not quite so crazy, I’m finding that using this every 2 or 3 days is enough to keep things in check. One of my top product picks of the year so far!

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Top Picks for #SkincareSunday

I’m a big fan of #SkincareSunday; the notion that beauty fiends the world over devote time each week to taking extra special care of their skin is one I adore. Plus I’ve always loved the idea of starting each week with a clean slate (and face!) – it’s the same reason I tend to fit in extra long workouts, copious amounts of housework and delicious home-cooked meals on Sundays.

I’ve personally practiced special Sunday skincare for years, and though I’m always trying new masks, peels, moisturizers and scrubs, there are a few products that have remained in the regular rotation. Here are my top picks for #SkincareSunday:
Top Picks for #SkincareSunday
1. Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Original Formula: This at-home peel is gentle enough to use on sensitive skin and delivers noticeably softer, smoother, brighter skin. I’ve used the extra strength version and find it slightly too harsh for my skin, but this version is just perfect! Use this when your skin looks dull or feels a little scaly.

2. Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque: This is probably the most-recommended product on my blog. It shrinks pores, absorbs oil and helps clean out black heads. You just simply can’t get a better skincare product for such a ridiculously low price. Basically, anytime your skin just needs to be cleaned up a bit, use this.

3. Boscia Luminizing Black Mask: This peel off mask is basically a pore strip for your entire face, though it’s less painful. It will tug all the grit and grime out of your pores and kind of feels like a science experiment. Use this when your pores are clogged and you want to get them good and clean!

Bonus – Philosophy Miracle Worker Miraculous Anti-Aging Moisturizer: This is hands-down my favorite moisturizer. It makes my skin so soft and bright, and slathering it on after any of the above treatments makes them extra effective!

What are your #SkincareSunday picks?