Lightening Up My Skincare Routine with Peter Thomas Roth Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizer

Hot and humid weather means perspiration...perspiration means oily skin and clogged pores...clogged pores mean acne, a combination I am actively trying to avoid this summer.  Blazing temperatures call for putting away thick, creamy moisturizers in favor of lightweight, gel moisturizers, especially us ladies with normal to oily skin.

My current favorite lightweight moisturizer is Peter Thomas Roth Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizer.  This moisturizer has seriously changed my summer skincare routine.  I am not big on a lot of products on my face in the summer.  I want something full of skin goodies, but lightweight enough to not have me looking a greasy mess by lunch.  This moisturizer is it!

It's for all skin types, but is specially formulated for normal to oily and acne prone skin.  In fact, it is perfect for those of you on an acne treatment program as it provides relief for the dryness that accompanies most acne products.

The Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizer is filled with hyaluronic acid to boost hydration and moisture to the skin, azulene and Aloe Vera to soothe skin and antioxidants Vitamins A and E to feed skin essential nutrients.

I've been using it for several weeks and I am loving how it virtually sinks into the skin, absorbing fast and disappearing quickly.  No oily residue or shine, just perfectly dewy skin.

The only con is the smell.  It's not the best.  I liken it to Blue Magic hair grease or something, but it is bearable.  Once it dries down the scent disappears.

Peter Thomas Roth Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizer ($42 for 1.7 oz.) is available at www.sephora.com.

Kiki

Scrub-A-Dub-Dub: Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy Sugar Scrub

Summer months provide the perfect opportunity to shed the heavy layers of clothing we wore all winter long and reveal the bare skin beneath.  After all those months hidden beneath sweaters, winter coats and boots, the skin we bare can be quite dry, scaly, bumpy and all together lackluster.

To prepare my skin for short shorts and strappy sundresses weather, I step up my body exfoliation regimen to twice or even three times a week, quickly whisking away rough, dull skin leftover from harsh winter weather and constricting winter clothing.

I usually whip up a quick body scrub in my kitchen using brown and white sugar, Sweet Almond or Grapeseed oil and several essential oils.  When I don’t have the time or the ingredients handy, my second favorite scrub is the Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy Sugar Scrub. 

Currently in the rotation are:

Vanilla Verbena (Stress Relief) – a lightly soothing scent that aids in relaxation, great after a long day

Lemon Zest (Energy) – ginseng and lemon essential oils combine for a quick pick me up in a jar

Jasmine Vanilla (Sensual) – By far my favorite because it’s so sexy…headily fragranced with the sensual jasmine flower and calming vanilla

 

 

 

 

 

I first started using the Bath and Body Works scrubs several years ago and I haven’t found a scrub that comes close to how incredibly soft my skin feels after just one use of the Aromatherapy scrubs. 

I don’t even get body exfoliation treatments at the spa anymore because I can achieve the same affect at home, in the privacy of my bathroom, for a fraction of the cost.

To use, I step into the shower (with the water off), scoop out a handful of the scrub, and using circular motions, I rub it in from neck to toes and everywhere in between  – concentrating on the typical rough spots (elbows, knees, heels, etc.).  I also spend a little extra time on my décolleté, booty and the backs of my thighs and arms.

Once everything is covered in sugar and essential oils and buffed to a shine, I turn on the shower and rinse off the excess granules of sugar.  The skin softening essential oils cling to the skin even after washing, leaving behind a subtle sheen that I enhance by smoothing on a light body oil to seal in the moisture.

Your entire body will super soft and delectably smooth after just one use.  Every scrub is infused with exfoliating sugar and a special moisturizing blend of Sunflower, Safflower, Sweet Almond and Jojoba Oils and fragranced with essential oils and other natural fragrances. 

Right now, select scrubs are half off in stores during the Bath and Body Works Semi-Annual Sale, otherwise they retail for $16 each for 13 oz.  Available at Bath and Body Works stores and at www.bathandbodyworks.com.

Guest Post: I Found You Miss Juice Beauty!

Hi gals! My name is Dara and I’m Kiki’s baby sister.  Kiki has been my guide to all things beauty since I decided to ditch my VERY short lived tomboy days circa 1998 and join the ranks of the girly and fabulous!  Since she is not only an incredibly awesome sister but also a fantastic mother and wife I told her I would help her out with the blog by writing a few posts every now and then…so here I am! Hope you all enjoy!

This May I received my coveted membership to Birchbox! Seriously between this and my Curlbox membership (which I will be back to do a full review on once I receive my June Curlbox) I feel like I’m part of the Beauty Illuminati! 

My first Birchbox was full of great goodies and I’ve had the opportunity to try them all out and am now patiently waiting on my June box to come in the mail.  But let me tell you that I am STUCK on one product from the May box that absolutely blew my mind…the Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel!

 

I admit when I saw the sample in my box my first reaction was “Oh great, another peel to burn and irritate my already burned and irritated sensitive skin.”  Boy was I wrong about this one! First of all this peel comes in a full strength and sensitive version.  I was lucky enough to receive the sensitive version. 

After cleansing my face with Cetaphil face wash and my Clarisonic Mia 2, I slathered on the peel and flipped through my May copy of InStyle magazine for about 10 minutes while it worked its magic. And MAGIC it did work! After rinsing the peel off with cool water my skin was softer to the touch, smooth and noticeably brighter with no redness or irritation to speak of. 

The real kicker?  The next morning the two pimples sitting on my jaw line waiting to wreak havoc on my life were GONE! This peel is definitely a keeper.  I’ve used it about twice a week since I got the sample and my skin still loves it and it works just as good as the first time.

The Green Apple Peel is made with all natural ingredients and is designed to “reduce breakouts, discoloration and fine lines.”  You can get a full size jar of Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel in both the full strength ($45) and sensitive ($39) version at Juice Beauty and Ulta.

Special Delivery: Philosophy the Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash

As the temperatures heat up, my makeup routine usually gets much lighter – some under-eye concealer, a little spot cover up, highlighter or bronzer, 2 coats of mascara and a swipe of lip gloss.  Most days I tend to go bare faced with a little lip balm.

With a bare bones routine like this, clear skin is a must.  To aid in my clear skin quest, I step up my exfoliation game a few notches.

Currently, I am loving Philosophy’s The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash.  This facial cleanser offers a quick, mild microdermabrasion session in 30 seconds.  I like to use it in the shower so the heat can open up my pores and allow this wash to whisk away dirt, oil and impurities.

This exfoliating wash resurfaces and polishes skin, leaving behind a clean, glowing complexion and it is gentle enough for everyday use. 

It has improved my skin tone and lightened stubborn discolorations, buffed out rough, dry spots and brightened dullness. 

This is seriously one of my favorite cleansers.  It’s sulfate-free, antioxidant rich and safe for all skin types.

The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash (from $8 - $60) is available at Philosophy and Sephora.