Product Review: Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel

Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel 10 day supply rrp: $49.00

have you heard of Dr Dennis Gross Skincare? i hadn't. not until i visited my favourite sales assistant at Mecca Cosmetica in south yarra. on a recent visit to the store (a shamefully common occurrence), the lovely and ever helpful (let's call her) K was working. excellent, i'm in good hands! after doing a quick browse and doing my usual use-my-hand-as-a-lipstick-colour-swatch, i mentioned to K that i was in the market for a new exfoliator (since i was finding my Ella Bache savon creme a little bit rough on my newly sensitised skin), and she struggled to get the words "Dr Dennis Gross" out quick enough! seeing her excitement of introducing me to a new product, i knew it was going to be good!

as we made our way over the to the Dr Dennis Gross Skincare display, the words "new york", "dermatologist" and "alpha hydroxy acids (ahas)" were mentioned along with "amazing", "must have" and "favourite product". on arrival to the bright (predominantly) white and orange product wall display, she picked up two little containers, pictured below:

K continued to explain that these little beauties contain a two-step exfoliation system, with a blend of alpha and beta hydroxy acids, designed to be safe to use on a daily basis. with continued use, the product can improve the appearance of skin tone, texture, firmness and clarity, and  on top of all that, helps to balance and moisturise! "and how do they work?" i ask. so K explains that in a nut shell, the first step ("alpha beta refining") is the exfoliation acid, and the second ("enriched neutralising system") neutralises said acid.

wow! i definitely need these in my life!

i reminded her about my recent sensitivity issues (to briefly fill you in, i've never ever had sensitive skin in my entire life, until the last month or so where i've broken out in an unsightly red and itchy rash over the lower half of my face and upper neck, after using a new product (and the same reaction from the next product i tried following that), which lasted about three days but took over a week to disappear completely...good times), so she said that although she was absolutely sure that i'd love the product as much as she, it would be best for me to try before i buy, so sent me off with three days worth of samples. perfect!

as i'd had the lovely allergic-reaction-rash the week before, the affected area (although the redness and itching had subsided) was quite rough/scratchy and every dry, so basically, in desperate need of help! i started my routine as usual, by thoroughly cleansing (currently using the Avene extremely gentle cleanser for sensitive and irritated skin) and then removing all traces of the product with warm water and a soft cloth (i swear by The Body Shop luxury face chamois, as its super gentle and feels amazing on the skin). next up, its time for the wonder product! drum roll...

as per the instructions on the back of each individual pack (of two), i applied the product soaked towelette from "step 1" to my forehead and swirled it over my face (excluding the delicate eye area), down to (and inclusive of) my neck, in circular motions, until the wipe felt dry. then waited two minutes. K had warned me that at this point, my skin might tingle or feel warm (this is due to the hydroxy acids), however my skin felt fine with no unusual or uncomfortable sensations experienced. once the two minutes was up, i opened up "step 2" (which looks identical to step 1) and repeated the action from the first step.

i was instantly impressed with the results. the previously rough and dry skin was much more smooth, and the overall appearance of my complexion was brighter and clear. another observation that surprised me was that my skin didn't feel tight, which for me is the usual result of exfoliation, pre serum/moisturiser application. one thing to note is that the instructions warn not to use products containing alcohol on your skin straight after, so i applied my Estee Lauder advanced nightwear repair (as i've been told it is alcohol free).

although the Dr Dennis Gross Skincare alpha beta daily face peel can be used daily (as the product's name implies), i don't have oily skin so i generally only exfoliate twice a week, so i continued to use the last two samples K gave me, three days apart. after the three uses (over nine days) i found my skin looking luminous, clear and smoother than ever.

i am actually in love with this product.

so of course, back to K at Mecca Cosmetica i went, to purchase make my purchase. i bought the (travel size) 10 day supply, which i'm hoping will last me a month (as i'm planning on continuing my three day intervals). the size that i bought comes in sachets (like the samples were), neatly housed in a box rather than in the containers (which hold 30 (rrp: $110.00) or 60 (rrp: $179.00) applications).

i'm a very happy little vegemite, who has now used five sachets, and am not looking back!

this product would also we perfect for someone who is travelling, as the two-step system is compact and would neatly fit into any backpack or suitcase. another fun fact is that the Dr Dennis Gross Skincare alpha beta daily face peel is a vegan product, as is free from: cruelty (animal testing), paraben and phthlate.

if you'd like to know more about this product, follow this link http://www.alphabetaskincare.com/home.htm

out of 5: 5

reason in a nut shell: a must have! i was going to take a point off for the price (a bit expensive) but i really feel as though it is money very well spent and is worth every penny!

where to buy: Mecca Cosmetica

number of uses (promised on packaging): 10 applications

product tagline: #1 selling at-home peel

ingredients (for those who care to know): step one: glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, salicylic acid, genistein, chamomilla recutita, green tea extract step two: retinol, green tea extract, phosphilipids, sodium bicarbonate, vitamin a, vitamin c, vitamin e, genistein, yarrow extract, ubiquinone, resvertatrol.

B xoxo

have you tried this product or any others by Dr Dennis Gross Skincare? if so, would love to hear your thoughts!

My Christmas (in July) Wishlist

dear Father Christmas-in-July,

how are you? i can't believe how fast this year has gone! it feels like only yesterday that you last visited in me in decemeber, and that was 7 months ago!! hope yourself and mrs christmas are well, and those cute-as-a-button reindeers of yours!

now...about me! i feel that i have been a very good girl so far, so if you agree and feel that im worthy...

this is my wishlist:

Nars body glow oil 120ml rrp: $95.00

Nars smudgeproof eye shadow base rrp: $39.00

Nars illuminator orgasm rrp: $48.00

Nars pro-prime pore-refining primer rrp: $52.00

Jo Malone vitamin e nourishing hand treatment 100ml rrp:$100.00

Jo Malone orange blossom luxury candle 2.5kg $695.00

Bobbi Brown brightening finishing powder rrp: $90.00

Honore des Pres vamp a` ny eau de parfume 50ml rrp: $170.00

L'Artisan Parfumeur premier figuier 100ml rrp: $170.00

i understand that this list may be a little ambitious...but that's the point of a wishlist...right? anywho, if you're able to make some magic happen, i really would be the happiest little girl!

i hope you and your precious elves are enjoying your july celebrations!

B xoxo

if you could write a wishlist for christmas in july...what would be your top items?

Hollywood's Golden Girls

i am an absolute sucker for hollywood. i love everything about it. the style, the gossip, and of course the scandals (the ones which turn out to be true anyway, anyone else as shocked as i about the very recent K-Stew affair exposure?!). most of all, it is the glamour that i am truly obsessed with. does anyone else drool over the Victoria's Secret runway with their perfectly bronzed limbs, luminous complexion (almost angel like, oh yes, that's right, they are angels) and beautifully bouncing blow waves (rhetorical question)? another favourite of mine is the teen choice awards (which took place a couple of days ago), where the stars tend to rock a slightly more casual/fun look. it's not uncommon to see a blue eyeliner or a bright pink lippy, on a celebrity who normally only steps out in a glamorous red lip and carefully contoured cheek bones, or a sexy smokey paired with nude lippy. of course nothing can beat the poised perfection of hair and makeup which is seen at the big hollywood night of nights, the Oscars.

however, it is worth acknowledging that there are always the tragic few who are trying to be daring or different, but completely and utterly miss the mark (think Lady Gaga, Helena Bonham Carter, Madonna). great, now that's out of the way, back to the lovely ones.

there are a couple of women in hollywood, who very rarely put a foot wrong. when i think of them, the words which come to mind include: style, grace, beauty, glamour, allure, polish and class. no matter what their outfit may be, or the current colour of their pretty locks, these girls are super makeup savvy and always look stunning.

Camilla Belle

Jessica Biel

Blake Lively 

Kim Kardashian

Diane Kruger 

 Minka Kelly

Natasha Poly

Olivia Wilde

Ashley Olsen

Rachel Bilson

 Nicole Richie

while we are on the topic, i think it's only fair to mention our home grown beauties who also are cause for much inspiration!

Miranda Kerr

Jodi Gordon

Lara Bingle

 Jennifer Hawkins

B xoxo

what do you think? are these ladies your go-to for makeup/hair inspiration too? is there someone who you think deserved a mention? do you disagree with any of my top picks?

 

Product Review: Nature's Own Super B Complex

Nature's Own super b complex rrp: $26.95

you may be thinking, how is a vitamin b supplement relevant to a beauty blog? well, let me fill you in! the b group vitamins are integral to your skin's well-being and condition. for example, a deficiency in niacin (vitamin b3) is directly linked to sudden onset of dermatitis. vitamin b is also a highly esteemed ingredient in anti ageing serums/creams and skin lightening/brightening products. when applied to the skin (topically), studies have found skin to appear more smooth, soft and less wrinkled.

so, wouldn't it make sense that taking vitamin b orally would help your skin from the inside out? i think so, lets run with it!

the reason i picked up this particular vitamin is, since winter settled in, i've become very tired/lethargic and lacking energy. as a result my (normally rigorous) exercise regime as tapered off (to almost nil), and it's also made me particularly grumpy (sad but true). in an attempt to recharge body, and mind, i thought that maybe a b group vitamin supplement might help. the Nature's Own super b complex packaging displays their "energy & vitality" symbol on the front, and to the side of the label reads "super b complex facilitates energy production in the body and provides support to the nervous system". sounds good to me!

i've previously been a fan of the Nature's Own balance + glow multivitamin, which i used for (approximately)the last 3 months, and noticed a definite improvement in the strength and condition of my nails and hair. so with these results in mind, i was confident in choosing the Nature's Own b vitamin option, over another brand's variation of the supplement.

i have now been taking the Nature's Own super b complex, since (and inclusive of) saturday (today is day 6), and am already noticing a change in myself. i have been much less agitated and grumpy, and have felt much more awake and prepared for the day ahead. you may call this a coincidence, however the way i had previously been feeling, had been constant for the last 2 months (at least). i'm so impressed by effect of the supplement. i would highly recommend this to anyone who is after a bit of a spring in their step, a sparkle in their eyes and an overall happy persona.

rating out of 5: 5

reason in a nut shell: so far, so good! and at approximately $0.35 a day, it's cheap as chips!

where to buy: supermarkets and most chemists

number of uses (promised on packaging): 75 tablets = 75 day's worth
product tagline: everyday energy

ingredients (for those who care to know): actives: vitamin b1 (thiamine nitrate), vitamin b2 (riboflavine), vitamin b3 (nicotinamide), vitamin b5 (calcium pantothenate), vitamin b6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride), vitamin b12 (cyanocobalamin), vitamin c (absorbic acid), folic acid, biotin, choline bitartrate, inositol inactives: calcium hydrogen phosphate, cellulose - microcrystalline, crospovidone, calcium lactate pentahydrate, silica - colloidal anhydrous, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, macrogol 6000, talc-purified, iron oxide red, iron oxide black, vanillin, ethanol, water-purified, silicon dioxide

B xoxo

Product Review: Garnier Fructis Pure Volume Fortifying Dry Shampoo

Garnier Fructis pure volume fortifying dry shampoo 150ml rrp: $8.95

dry shampoo. we all know what it is. most of us rely on dry shampoo weekly (if not daily) to extend a blow wave, freshen up after gym or simply because one has been to lazy to wash their hair when the slick gloss of oil has started to make its way from the roots in a rapid downward spiral (eww). the claims made by most dry shampoos are that they absorb excess oil, add body and life to flat/limp roots, and leaving you looking fresh as a daisy (even when it is certainly not the case). so when Garnier add a dry shampoo to their enormous range of hair products (ranging from shampoos and conditioners to styling products and at home hair colouring), i'm thinking they must have done their research, and have created a winning product to trump (or at the very least match) the existing products (for the same purpose) on the market. although their packaging is bright and fun (consistent to that of their signature branding), the product inside is...very disappointing.

i really wanted to like this product, i really and truly did. not only am i a sucker for the bright lime and pink bottle, but the product is also very reasonably priced (much cheaper than my two favourite dry shampoos in the same product size which both have rrp: $12.95, Klorane and Batiste coloured in brilliant brunette).

but, i just can't warm to it.

can i say firstly, that it does tick all the boxes in terms of soaking up oil, freshening up, and adding volume/texture. that's all great. the huge down fall is that the smell is positively atrocious! it has such a strong and horrible fragrance, which i would best describe as "chemically". trust me, it is not how you would like your hair to smell. i (and i'm sure you'd agree) would much rather pay an extra $4.00 to have fresh, volumised hair which smells like coconut (Batiste tropical dry shampoo) or creamy oat milk (Klorane gentle dry shampoo).

i'm sorry Garnier, but in my opinion, this isn't a product worthy of your name.

rating out of 5: 2

reason in a nut shell: i gave 1 point for price and another for effectiveness (in the appearance of hair's improvement post product application)

where to buy: supermarkets and most chemists
number of uses (promised on packaging): 32 uses

product tagline: refreshes hair between washes

ingredients (for those who care to know): butane, alcohol denat., isobutane, oryza sativa starch / rice starch, propane, isopropyl myristate, dicocoylethyl hydroxyethylmonium methosulfate, stearalkonium hectorie, limonen, linalool, propylene glycol, propylene cabonate, citrus limonum oil / lemon seed oil, citral, hexyl cinnamal, parfum / fragrance (fil c51215/3)

B xoxo

Thanking You

just realised my page has already had 200+ views!

thank you lovely readers!

thank you very much!

would love to hear feedback on my posts (in the comments section) and your thoughts of anything i can improve on and anything (beauty related of course) you would like me to write about.

me in my trust blue fluffy dressing down, settled in for the night after posting the product reviews

B xoxo