One thing I’ve noticed since moving to New York 3 years ago, is that my ‘old skin care’ products weren’t cutting it out here (breakouts, dry flaky skin, uneven skin tone, etc…).

For the last couple of years I have, systematically, been trying to find a skin care product that can keep up with the gritty streets on New York.

I was recently given a chance to try Dr. Christine Rodgers, En Pointe Skin Solutions.

Dr. Christine Rodgers, is a plastic surgeon, as well as breast cancer survivor; the women she met in her field, as well in her time of duress, inspired her start the skin care line.

En Pointe is formulated to respond to our skins stressors that contribute to lines, pigmentation, redness & irritation.

The product line looks girly & whimsical, as Dr. Rodgers has a life-long passion for ballet (hence the name), her story made me want to try; the packaging did not.

I tried the Balancé cleanser and toner.

First thing I noticed is that both the cleanser/toner have yummy smells.

(I’ve mentioned before, I LOVE products that smell like I could eat them.)

The Cleanser which contains cinnamon bark extract, cranberry extract, lactic acid and shea butter, got my skin super clean (no makeup/dirt residue) and didn’t dry me out, which was an added bonus.

What I really loved, was that after only 5 days of using the product, I saw a big difference in my skin.

In fact, I actually had a few budding imperfections pre-product usage, and now they are gone.

(This is all without me having to apply zit zapper-type products (you know you have some, we all do).

The toner which also contains the cranberry extract along with ginger root extract and ginseng extract is very soothing, but effective.

This means I didn’t have to hold my breathe well using an alcoholic-smelling toner that causes that wonderful my-skin-is-burning-off-my-face-feeling.

Another big plus is that both products help to remove ‘sebum‘, the oily matter that clogs out pores, and gives us blackheads & acne. Knowing this, the Esthetician in me smiled!

I totally recommend the Balancé line, and should be used if you have a normal to oily skin.

Price?

Retails between $32-$35 and can be found on their site or at Derm Store.

From GlamourCow.com

Ahh, The Holidays…

That special time a year where you find yourself running around party-hopping, last minute shopping, and making sure you are properly primped while take over the world.

And lets face it girls (and guys) nothing ruins a look more than horrid looking nails.

You know what I’m talking about: You spend 20-35 mins gets your nails to the glossy best, only to see them chipped and cracked a few days later.

Well, I was very surprised when that DIDN’T happen to me, using Milani’s Nail Laquer.
(Yes, Milani, as in the cheapee drugstore find.)

Last week, I was getting ready to make the 3 hour treck to Washington D.C. for Thanksgiving & one of the must-do’s was a mani.

Instead of picking a color at the local salon I brought my own, “Ms. Milani“, a very pretty metallic sliver, perfect for the Holiday season.

After successfully making it through the first of the family get-togethers, I noticed that after 4 (almost 5) days later, there was not a chip in site. My Nails still looked pretty damn awesome.

Even better, after DC, I made a pit-stop over in my hometown Billings, M.T. (that’s Montana for all of you born & raised N.Y.ers) While visiting the homestead a few of my cousins and sisters where raving about my nail color & we ended up busting out both the “Ms. Milani” and “Garnet Gems” and doing a little mani session in my Grandparents kitchen!

It’s crazy cheap @ $4.50, which is half the price (and just as good as) Essie.

From GlamourCow.com

There are lots of different skin care brands on the markets. Some are worth the massive amounts of money they charge (Clinique, Dermalogica). However, if your like most people, you don’t want to spend half your paycheck on skin care. Well, I’m here to tell you that despite some claims, you can get decent skin care at your local drug store.

Now, don’t be fooled, there are some craptastic brands out there that you should stay away from (ahem..Clean n Clear), however, St. Ives is NOT one of them.

I recently tried the new Fresh Skin olive oil skin care line from St. Ives, and it was pretty damn good. (Think their signature Apricot scrub, but way, way better.)

Olive Cleanser: It’s a nice gentle cleanser, which is good if you’re like me & have sensitive skin. (Trust me, the last thing you need is a harsh facial cleanser that give you alligator face. <red, dry, and peeling>.) All natural anti-oxidants, 100% natural extracts, Paraben & Phthalate-free & no animal ingredients.

Moisturizing Olive Scrub: The face scrub is also awesome, it uses Jojoba Esters to gently exfoliate dry and dead skin cells without using rough abrasion. This product is also, 100% natural extracts, Paraben & Phthalate-free & no animal ingredients.

Both the cleanser and scrub use Olive Oil PEG-7 Esters to deliver emolliency and enrich by moisturizing your skin, as well as Olive Leaf Extracts that provide a natural source of anti-oxidants, like Vitamins A & E.

The best part?

Both retail for $4.99, yep you read that right, under 5 bucks (!).

Winner winner chicken dinner.