As you well know, I’m a sucker for a serum. I’m also always on the quest for a product that makes a visible change to hyper-pigmentation. Last year Estee Lauder rolled out a serum called Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator. 
The Claim:
“This fast-acting serum is proven to dramatically reduce every key sign of uneven skintone: redness, acne marks, dark spots, sun spots and discolorations. Instantly, redness is reduced and skin looks radiant. In a clinical test, 62% of women showed a significant improvement in skintone in just two weeks. Over time, skin looks noticeably clearer and brighter, vibrant and more even-toned. Oil-free formula is proven gentle and effective for all ethnicities. Follow with your SPF moisturizer.”
Most of us have a certain idea of what to expect from Estee Lauder; research packaged in luxury with a trace of granny. Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator follows the same well-worn path of success for the cosmetics giant. 
Obtaining real results on the issue of hyper pigmentation is tricky business. Even with Lauder’s deep research pockets, I’m skeptical that this serum will actually do work on discoloration. 
The texture, scent, and illuminating qualities are all very attractive, but if Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator can’t actually even skintone, then it is just another overpriced serum. 
Let’s not jump to conclusions just yet. I’m reasonably patient, and gradual results are still results.
Anybody else notice Bobbi Brown has been hiking her prices every 6 months for at least the last three years? That greedy gouging is chapping my ass and has me on the hunt for alternatives. Having enjoyed TheBalm’s Bahama Mama bronzer, I took a risk and tried their tinted moisterizer BalmShelter. 
This product has a thicker, more luxurious consistency than most tinted moisterizers. The rich cream provides above average coverage within its category. BalmShelter creates a plump and smooth surface for layering other products and doesn’t encourage migration. With broad spectrum SPF 18 and a $25 price tag for a generous 2.25 oz, it is a competitive alternative to Bobbi Brown’s tinted moisterizers (1.69 oz for $40!). The main drawback? Color selection. BalmShelter needs a variety of inclusive shades to lure more ladies and gents their way.
After a month of faithful use, my affection for the Clarisonic Mia has only grown. It is worth a spot on your Kwanzaa/Chanukah/X-mas list this year, especially if you have been struggling with skin flare-ups this fall.
Different brands offer different brushes. I can’t speak to the efficacy of any other model than the Mia. As far as it is concerned, the device feels substantial and well built. The charging mechanism is space conscious and travel friendly. As for Clarisonic’s claim that regular use of the Mia improves the absorption of skin care products? Without any empirical proof, I concur. 
In this week’s quest for clearer skin, I bring you iS Clinical Active Serum, a product that – GASP and clutch your anus – actually delivers results. 
Made of extracts of sugar cane (glycolic), bilberry (lactic), willow bark (salicylic) , and mushroom (kojic) with a kick of menthol for tingle, not sure exactly what it is about this serum, but I saw dramatic improvements in skin texture after a few uses. It reduces inflammation, fades healing spots, and brightens overall. The cooling effect makes me a little nostalgic for Sea Breeze. 
For the past fourteen days I’ve faithfully used the Clarisonic Mia twice a day. I’ve experimented with different face washes with decent results. I particularly like the way the vibrating brush converts non-foamy cleansers into more effective make-up removers.
The Clarisonic Mia runs through a minute cycle and automatically shuts off. One interval isn’t enough, and I almost always go twice around. 
After struggling with persistent skin issues recently, a trustworthy and glowy-faced friend recommended the Clarisonic face brush. Having owned the “Classic” and “Mia,” she recommended the less expensive and more portable Mia, arguing the expanded features of the Classic cannot justify the added cost.
A week ago, I received my very own Mia. Clarisonic claims the vibrating and rotating brush removes six times more makeup than traditional cleansing. I concur with this claim; my face passes the white towel test after using the Clarisonic. Without question, skin is cleaner and makeup is thoroughly and gently eradicated. The mild humming exfoliation feels like a mini facial massage. The brush works with virtually any cleanser and the waterproof design makes it shower-friendly.
After the first few uses, smoother skin emerges and texture noticeably improves. Makeup glides on skin. Breakouts have improved, but this isn’t a magic machine.
Consider the following drawbacks. The initial investment is around $120. The replacement heads are pricey (2/$40). And who needs another gadget that requires an outlet to charge? It is easy to over do it and cause irritation. Twice a day might be too much for some, even with the sensitive brush.
Ya’ll know about Miracle Skin Transformer, right? This tinted moisterizer glides on like a primer, benefits skin like a serum, and protects and evens skin like a foundation. 
What its got: full spectrum sun protection, enzyme Q10, and vitamins A, K, and E. What it ain’t got: parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals, phthalates, and triclosan.
The formula comes in six shades plus translucent. Why the shape of these color samples resembles an array of ethnically diverse vaginas is inexplicable. 
McNamara aimed to create a multifunctional product that would nourish skin, even imperfections, and provide adequate sun protection. This isn’t a particularly new concept, but one she magnificently executed with this super-blendable, medium coverage mousse-like cream. Do consider the all-in-one nature and the size (1.7 oz) when weighing the $48 price tag.
Awhile back RHNY‘s Alex enjoyed dermaplaning (and a chastising) and it looked really interesting. Basically dermaplaning is an intense glamour shave with a sharp razorblade. The process removes fine hairs, dead skin cells, and excess oil on the skin’s surface.
A local spa I’ve been meaning to try had a special on a dermaplaning facial. Why not, right?
Many of you will love, love, love dermaplaning. It has been around forever. The simple procedure is safe and noninvasive. The visible results are better than anything you’ll find in a bottle.
The dermaplaning removed all kinds of gross stuff that daily exfoliators can’t reach. Less expensive, noisy, and dusty than microdermabrasion, dermaplaning is superior for immediately improving skin texture and appearance.
After the dermaplaning, the esthetician applied a series of treatments including a customized peel. The word “peel” especially when combined with “chemical” sounds dramatic, but there several acids of various intensities such as salicylic, glycolic, and lactic which can be costumized into a buffered cocktail. She finished up with a standard facial routine, steaming, extractions, and the layering of several delicious products to seal in goodness. She also sent me home with some excellent samples from IS Clinical.
Four to five days out, distressed areas are still gently flaking and uncovering renewed skin. Texture continues to improve; discoloration and lines are less evident. Makeup glides on and less is needed overall.
I’m converted. For less than $100, I saw far more dramatic results with this one visit than I ever have using an entire bottle of $100 cream consistently everyday. I’m pro DIY whenever possible, but sometimes a professional’s touch warrants the investment.
If you are interested but intimidated by professional treatments, dermaplaning is a great place to start. The service is relatively affordable, relaxing, and delivers pretty dramatic results with no downtime.
Holding down Ohio, gorgeous DC reader KB wrote requesting advice on how to fake a Miami glow in the Midwest:
Next KB, you gotta decide on liquid or powder formula. Both have advantages and disadvantages, therefore it is worthwhile to have one of each in your arsenal for different occasions and purposes.
Budget: Organic Wear Liquid Bronzer, Bonne Bell Gel Bronzer.
Powders are more a common choice, but also the source of many a makeup mistake. Finding the right color is super challenging. For the most part, avoid red or orange undertones (unless you are a red-head). Look for a brown base. Go too dark for your skin tone and risk looking muddy. Fair-skinned folks look for light brown sandy shades. Often when a brand offers two shades, the lighter one can look orange and the darker one is too dark. Think café au lait.
