Moroccanoil hair care products have been rocking not only my world but my client’s world since 2008. The Moroccanoil shampoo and conditioner are incredible and so is the oil, I use all 3 every day. The rest of the argan oil infused hair care line is equally fantastic go check it out for yourself.

I should also mention that I am completely enamoured (addicted) to the scent of the Moroccanoil haircare, daydreaming with every shower of a Moroccanoil goodies made for body. Well lovelies, that finally happened Moroccanoil Body is finally available. I purchased Body Soufflé ($52/6.4oz) a couple of weeks ago. Wow.

The entire line of Moroccanoil body and bath collection can be viewed here.

The packaging

in Moroccanoil fashion it’s very luxe! The blue translucent jar with a gold lid looks so pretty on my bathroom counter. I do however wish for something a little more practical and less wasteful. I don’t really care for the fact that I have to stick my finger in the jar. Not hygienique. Then it would be so much better if the container had a pump dispenser. I’m waiting for the day I knock off my open container on the floor. I. Will. Scream.

The formula

“A rich formula of anti-oxidant argan oil and creamy shea butter transforms skin the moment it touches it. Delicately fragranced with the signature scent of Moroccanoil, our soufflé will leave your skin smooth, resilient and drenched with moisture.

Extremely rich argan oil combined with shea butter to hydrate and strengthen. Intense moisture rejuvenates skin for a truly invigorating experience.”

It is all that and some. Body Soufflé is plain fab. The texture is a cross between of a body lotion and  body butter, with a blend of argan oil, shea butter and aloe vera. It sinks in, leaving skin supple hydrated. And that scent…  I’m in awe after each application.

Studio Marie-Pierre rating: A

I am a skin care fanatic! I love creams, lotions, potions, serums, cleansers, and anything with high-grade exfoliant power. Just recently, one of my local clients (thank you Elaine!) gave me a sample of Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment. I’ve seen it all over the Internet, but I’ve never gotten around to trying it.

Now, ExfoliKate is getting a lot of use in my bathroom.  A salicylic-based exfoliant designed to brighten and decongest, I put a small amount  on the tip of my finger and apply in circular motions.  ExfoliKate has scrubbing microbeads and three powerful enzymes – papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin – designed to effectively clean pores. I leave it on my skin for up to two minutes, sometimes longer, and then rinse it off. I also like to use it in the shower because steam helps activate the ingredients.

The smell is earthy and spicy and rather pleasant.

As a side note, I was a little concerned with irritation. Some of the reviews out there had strong warnings about intense stinging and burning sensations. I’m happy to report that I did not experience that whatsoever. However, for those of you with sensitive skin ExfoliKate Gentle Exfoliating Treatment may be a better option.

 

I use it a two to three times a week depending on how my skin looks and feels, and I’m really happy with the results. I think my skin glows brighter and definitely feels smoother after each use.

The price is killer – 2 oz. for $85 – but thankfully a pea size of the product goes a long way.

Studio Marie-Pierre rating: A

What skincare products have you been loving lately?

I wrote about skincare cleansers and exfoliants. Time chat about moisturizers.

I keep my facial moisturizers simple and light.  I don’t buy into the anti aging campaign of  heavy cream, day cream, night cream.  Heck, I don’t even do eye cream.  I have tried dozens of them, I don’t really like the way they feel.  And quite frankly I’ve never noticed any improvements justifying the hefty price tag associated with eye creams.

I want my face to feel hydrated and light.  I assess its needs daily and act accordingly.

I rotate 3 moisturizers

Dermalogica Active Moist

 

 

Even thought I have oily, acne prone skin that’s sensitive, the need for hydration is still crucial even during breakouts.  Active Moist (3.4oz/$54)  has been by my side for years and I love how well it plays with pimples.  I never feel like I have a greasy mask after using it.  On the contrary, my skin absorbs it easily and feels happy.  Lightweight and calming. Contains no artificial fragrance or color  Highly recommend.

 

Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream

 

 

Skin Smoothing (3.4oz/$58) is a medium weight cream that leaves my skin so well hydrated, in a cinch.  I use it mostly during the winter when my skin feels extra thirsty.  It never ever causes me to break out.

Skin Smoothing cream is also restorative with Antioxidant vitamins C, E, and Grape Seed Extract help reduce skin-damaging free radical activity; Aloe moisturizes to help prevent appearance of dehydration lines; Silk amino acids help smooth and improve skin texture. I love it.

 

Murad Essential-C Night Moisture

 

 

Essential-C Moisture ($60) is the heaviest of all the moisturizers I use.  I know it is recommend for night time, but I use it whenever my skin needs which is not often. The shea butter feels like silk and I love the Vitamin C in there.

What are you go to moisturizers?

I’m off decorating Cookies and painting Easter eggs.

Have a wonderful Easter weekend!!!

Monday September 8, 2009

Hola muchachas!  Today feels like Monday no?  Hope you had a fun filled Labor Day weekend.
I relaxed quiet a bit and also spent time on building my make-up portfolio page for the website.  It’s looking mighty good and should launch any day.

On a make-up note, here’s some other exciting news…

Long time readers know, I am always on the look out for that special product that will give me a nice glow without being heavy.  Until this morning Laura Mercier was *it*.

Until this morning that is.

Studio Moisture tint SPF15 has become my trusted ally for even complexion.  It goes on smoothly, requires minimal blending, add just the right amount of color and coverage without fearing to look like Ompa Loompa, and for $12.50 less, rock on!

Studio Moisture Tint SPF 15 ($29.50) comes in five shades – Light, Medium, Medium Dark, Dark and Deep Dark – I’m Medium Dark.

MAC Studio Moisture Tint SPF 15

Must try tinted moisturizer for those looking for sheer coverage.

Released with the ‘Baby Bloom’ collection is now part of MAC permanent goodies.

Studio Marie-Pierre Blog Rating: A+

P.S. Today marks the 8th anniversary of the best party **EVER**! I love you baby.

Live gorgeously.

July 2, 2009

I’m sitting pretty in front of my laptop in France.
Traveling across the pond wasn’t an easy task, specially with a 4 and 7 years old AND an 8hr delay in London!
By the time we got to Paris I thought I was going to lose it. :w00t: 10hrs of sleep later and the yuminess of a pain au chocolat (actually a couple) we’re all back on our feet.  Hooray.

I made first European purchase.

I had read about the merits of Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse online and was intrigued.
Apparently, their products are staple in French women’s bathroom and advertised everywhere.  My Mom loves and uses them daily, and if there’s something I trust about my Maman is her know-it-all in regard to beauty products.  At 67 she is one well put together lady.

In France do as the French… I entered a pharmacy and got my hands on l’huile.

Why You’ll Love It…

The formula combines 30% of precious plant oils (borage, St Johnswort, sweet almond, camelia, hazelnut, macadamia) and vitamin E, to repair and nourish body, hair and face.  It also contains small golden mineral particles that will make your skin lightly shimmer, it’s gorgeous.  The oil is suitable for all skin types, penetrates pretty much instantly leaving no greasy residue behind, and the golden flecks won’t rub off on your clothes.  The oil scent is discreet, sweet,  like almond honey.

Why I Didn’t…

Right off, I wasn’t crazy about the smell in the bottle, but since it was so faint I figured it would be OK. Wrong.
I don’t know if it was because of my skin chemistry, but the almond honey scent turned into an annoying floral that made me nauseous every time I got a whiff of it.  Word of warning, I’m weird when it comes to fragrances, so try it out for yourself…. It did make my skin look amazing.

Huile Prodigieuse ($39) can be found in the USA at Beautyexclusive.com Let me know if you like it.

Live gorgeously.

Tuesday December 9, 2008

For those of you in the Northern hemisphere, the snow is falling, the winds are howling and the cold is biting.  Sunscreen may not be on the top of your list right now unless you’re planning a little exotic winter gateway or are coming down to Key West to get married.

For me, living in South Florida sunscreen is a must all year around.  I love the sun, the ocean and being on the boat is my favorite past time but I am deathly afraid of sunburn and the wrinkles that will follow.  I am pretty dark and really don’t want any additional sunspots, or skin cancer, so I apply sunscreen religiously.

I don’t know about you, but most sunscreens leave me with clogged pores and eventually break outs.  Obagi SPF 25 unblock is the only product my skin tolerates, the problem is the ghostly white film it leaves right after application.  It takes a good 20 minutes for the product to be absorbed and allow for a decent make-up application.  Who has time?  In all honestly in a time crunch I have skipped.

Right after my first IPL treatment my doctor gave me a sample of Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 70 and told me to use it everyday.  That sunscreen is phenomenal!!!  Voted best of beauty 2008 by Allure magazine it really lives up to its tittle and my expectations.

Like its name implies it is dry, so applying make-up right after is not an issue, and it doesn’t feel chalky at all.  It protects like a dream, I have not gotten any hint of color wherever I apply it and  it seems to last all day.  If spending an entire day at the beach or boating I would probably, just to be safe, reapply.

Highly recommend.

Neutrogena Ultra sheer dry sunblock

What sunscreen do you lovelies use?

Thursday November 20, 2009

* Spend $36 on Lancome products at Nordstrom and get this fabulous box full of goodies for $49.50 (valued at $339, truly! ). It includes LOTS of mini and full size products including full sizes of Definicil in black, Le Rouge lipstcik, color fever shine, bi-facil eye make-up remover click here.  Completely sold out on Lancome’s website still available at Nordstrom.  Click link above to view full content.

* Rachel Roy’s clutch with built in mirror, loaded with deluxe and full sized products, is yours free when spending $100 on Beauty.com. In the box you will find Stila eye glaze in Kitten,Phyto 7 Hydrating Cream, Frederic Fekkai strengthener. Click here to view full content.