have you got colour in your cheeks?

we all love a little acid. which acid suits our skin??  this is the best question. whether it be lactic, glycolic, salicylic, hyaluronic, alphahydroxy...  make sure it's the right fit for your face. while hyaluronic is a water binding love machine, that will leave you plump and fresh... salicylic can send your skin into a tizzy. being a flushed and ruddy girl, i cannot jump into the stream of chemical peels that beckon... but i certainly can dabble, and dabble i do. occasionally i let my skin get unruly and angry with me. at that point, i reel it back in, go to my routine and calm it down. i don't necessarily want to neglect my exfoliation all together, so my choice is to lean on an old favorite. this is where a pioneer of skincare comes in. jan marini. i can go on and on about marini products. her transformations serum is probably one of the most effective anti-aging and active serums on the market today- which is why my skin cannot tolerate it. jan marini's glycolic wash is another story though... even my rosacea and sensitive skin can handle it 2-3 times a week. do i get pink? yep. is it worth it? yep. this cleanser is heaven in a bottle. i recommend everyone have it in their shower. slather it on your face, neck, decolletage... and let it chill out while your conditioner does it's job. rinse this well, it's active. and as always- don't ever leave your home without 30+ sunscreen.

xo
mercergirl

dewy winter skin

after trying handfuls of bb and cc creams, none which have wowed me... alas kate somerville to the rescue. normally i don't agree too well with kate's products. although they are very treatment targeted and work wonderfully, my overly sensitive skin goes into a tizzy with application. i recently got a sample of the somerville illumikate cc cream, and shortly after bought the full size. this cc cream is more than average for sun protection and coverage. it floats seamlessly between a tinted moisturizer and a luminous liquid foundation. the staying power is divine. after a full day's wear, just a touch up will suffice for night. totally buildable, spreads beautifully with foundation brush or fingertips alike. i think it could be a little too dewy for summer months, but definitely will be used on the daily during fall and winter... well into spring. the light/medium color is perfectly tinted with yellow undertones to cut any ruddiness. i imagine the tube will last a couple months, as a pea size amount does the job. this cc cream is not to be missed.