Kiehl's offering recycling incentive

I'm so excited that Kiehl's, which you know is one of my faves, is offering a recycling program where you can earn free products just by returning the empty bottles. Yay!

You can learn more about it from my Examiner article.

Good luck and keep looking beautiful!

Exhale Spa in Chicago. Amazing!

There is a Chicago spa I'm quickly falling in love with! It's Exhale Spa in the Gold Coast. The gorgeous, super clean and spacious spa is home to one of my all-time-favorite facials, plus the employees are super friendly and welcoming. You can also enjoy Yoga, acupuncture, and Thai therapy here.

I bought a Gilt City voucher for a Cool Beam facial which is one of the best facials I've ever received (and I've literally had hundreds of them in at least six states). The hour-long bliss starts with a cleansing, mask, steam and extractions. The esthetician then goes the extra mile with a hand and foot massage. When a spa does this, they instantly win my loyalty. She then uses a heating light all over the face--a blue light for any acne and then the red light for fine lines and sun spots. Here's Exhale's description of the Cool Beam facial...

Enjoy an incredibly relaxing facial therapy as you repair years of skin damage pain-free. In each Cool Beam session, a healing light is applied to the face, with particular focus on fine lines, sun spots, breakouts, and irritation. The antibacterial light sparks the production of collagen, softening fine lines as it gently reduces inflammation, diminishes acne, and hydrates. Suitable for any age and every skin type! 

By the end, I was not only super relaxed, my skin glowed and the lines under my eyes were noticeably improved.

Full-price, this facial runs $200, but I paid around $89 with the deal. Definitely keep an eye out for any of Exhale's other deals, and I will too!

Good luck and keep looking beautiful!

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate

Battling dry skin this winter that looks dull and flaky? Help is a serum away! Check out the article on one of my favorite new products here. 



Good luck and keep looking beautiful!

Skin Effects Glycolic Peel Kit

Courtesy: CVS

I've mentioned before that I love the Skin Effects line which you can find at CVS, both in-store and online. I recently tried the Glycolic Peel Kit and I really love it. ($24.99)

It's a two-part system. First, you'll want to wash your face and dry it. Then you rub a glycolic pad (clearly marked "Step 1") over your face and let that sit for about a minute. It will tingle a little bit. Then you rub a soothing pad (marked "Step 2") over your face. I let that sit for about a minute and then apply my eye and face cream.

I noticed results right away and my skin was so smooth afterwards. I also felt like my face was a little tighter. Glycolic products are known for helping dimish fine lines and even out skin tone. They also reduce blotchiness and the appearance of pores.

Good luck and keep looking beautiful!

Receive free box of Latisse with toy donation

We've all heard of toys drives collecting new toys for kiddos, but one Chicago-area dermatologist is adding a fun and unique twist to hers.

On Tuesday, December 6th, Dr. Amy Taub of the Advanced Dermatology and Skinfo Specialty Skincare Boutique is giving a free full-sized box of Latisse to anyone who donates a new toy! (valued at $25) It's called "Lashes Make Wishes Come True." Isn't that fun? Latisse is the only prescription treatment approved for promoting eyelash growth.

The new toys will go to children at Children's Memorial Hospital in the division of dermatology. The kiddos are going through treatments such as laser therapy, surgery or skin biopsies in the clinic.

The toy drive will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. at SkinFo Specialty Skincare Boutique located at 275 Parkway Drive Suite 521 Lincolnshire, Ill. (847) 459-2800. One box per client.

Good luck and keep looking beautiful!

Huge Savings at Kiehl's!

One of my favorite skin care companies is having a huge sale right now! For orders over $65, you get $20 off your order and free shipping. $20! Holla. (Just enter "Holiday" in the promo code section when checking out). If you've been thinking about buying Kiehl's, there's never been a better time.

Some of my Kiehl's favs:

* The Line Reducing Skin Brightening Concentrate (hands down my favorite eye cream)

* The Powerful Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate (face serum/cream)

* Facial Fuel Eye De-Puffer (for those morning bags!)

Good luck and keep looking beautiful!

Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind concealer--a must!

Oh my goodness, so sorry for the lack of posts lately! Grad school is keeping me busier than I thought.

One thing I've noticed about my face lately is the dark circles I always seem to have under my eyes. I haven't worn concealer for several years, because I hate the way it settles into my lines and makes me look older, especially by the end of the day. Well, I've found a solution!

I recently bought Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind concealer, and I really love it. I'll admit it, I was swayed by their ads and the gorgeous Christy Turlington who never seems to age. Their website says it helps with fine lines, dark circles and puffiness. You twist the cap and the concealer soaks through the sponge tip, and you apply it under your eyes. It covers very nicely and doesn't seem to settle into my lines. It's also a nice cover-up for acne or acne scars. I bought the creamy ivory color. It also has an SPF 18 in it which is another plus.

I apply this first, and then apply a powder foundation such as MAC's Studio Fix or Bare Minerals on top.

Good luck and keep looking beautiful!