Category Archives: skincare

Marissa Pick of the Week! – No More Dark Circles!


I love my concealer! It covers those pesky dark circles that my family has so graciously passed down to me. I’ve tried dozens of eye brightening creams that didn’t work, and until this day haven’t found one. Thanks to the geniuses at Lancome, I now have a remedy.

Genefique Youth Activating Eye Concentrate ($59) is a serum that you apply before your eye cream. This amazing little jar holds a magic potion that transforms dark, baggy, tired eyes into radiant, smooth and youthful windows to the world! I know that sounded completely corny, but I really do love this product. After three weeks of using Genefique Eye twice a day, I went to work without wearing concealer for the first time, and I wasn’t self-conscious about it. I actually noticed that my dark circles were getting lighter.
Genefique is a scientific breakthrough different than any other eye serum in the market because it attacks genetic aging. Every other anti-aging formula targets environmental and/or chronological aging. Lancome’s Bio-Lysat cocktail supports the skin’s barrier while Phytosphingosine-SLC promotes rapid cell renewal, and buckwheat extract reduces bags and brightens dark circles. There’s nothing in the world comparable to this product because it works with your genes from the inside out.
Genefique Eye serum is worth the $59 for the results you get. This is by far my favorite eye product Lancome has ever released. It’s a universal serum that is compatible with any skin type, any age, and any skin care regimen. So, if you love your Estee Lauder eye cream, you can still use Genefique Eye serum underneath. Visit your Lancome counter and ask about the “7 Day Challenge” for a free 7 day supple of Genefique Youth Activating Eye Concentrate.

Beauty on a Budget Tip #2 -Vaseline


Vaseline should be in everyone’s medicine cabinet, diaper bag and purse. Here are some uses for this wonder jelly:

Don’t waste money buying those expensive glove treatments for hands and feet. Slather on the Vaseline, slip on some socks and gloves, then wake up to baby soft skin.
Vaseline smoothes rough patches, knees and elbows better than any body butter I’ve ever tried.
Vaseline is also a great lip balm. Mix in some colored mica and sweet almond oil and you’ve got a tinted lip gloss!
If you have dry skin, Vaseline is great for removing makeup. I don’t, however, recommend keeping petroleum jelly on your face over night.
Apply Vaseline around your hair line before coloring your hair. This will prevent the dye from staining your skin.
Mix dark eye shadows with Vaseline and apply to eyes with your finger. This gives that Old Hollywood glamour look.
Got anymore ideas? I’d love to hear them!

Marissa’s Pick of the Week – 18 Uses for $15


It’s gratifying when you find a product that exceeds your expectations at a great price. It’s even better when you find one that works 18 different ways! Peach Nut Oil Liquid Soap 18-1-Uses (C.O. Bigelow, $15) is a must have in every home! I have used this wonder soap on my face, hair, and body, and I’ve given my children a bath in it. It’s great for sensitive skin and smells so good! I’ve also used it to clean my leather couch and car dashboard. The oil makes the leather and vinyl soft and shiny while effectively cleaning.

C.O. Bigelow has been selling this product since 1905 in their little West Village apothecary in New York City. The main ingredient, peach kernel oil, is a fast absorbing moisturizer perfect for sensitive skin. This essential oil soothes itching and irritations such as eczema. Lavender extract is an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic that balances, soothes and heals. This added ingredient can help treat acne and balance oily skin. Since ancient times, Lavender extract has been used as a household cleaning agent. Other ingredients include glycerin to retain moisture and vitamin E for antioxidant protection.
List of uses:
  1. body wash
  2. shampoo
  3. face cleanser
  4. shave soap
  5. hand soak
  6. nail soak
  7. foot soak
  8. dish soap
  9. laundry soap
  10. floor cleaner
  11. car washing
  12. boat washing
  13. surf board wash
  14. pet baths
  15. jewelry cleaner
  16. comb and brush cleaner
  17. household cleaning
  18. carpet shampoo

Marissa’s Pick of the Week! – Modern Friction

Exfoliation and Rice – Origins put 2 of my favorite things together a little piece of Heaven called Modern Friction ($37.50). This natural, oil-free facial scrub is gentle and effective showing a visible difference after the first use. Using Modern Friction 3-4 times a week brightens skin, and evens out texture and discoloration. It also helps to reduce the size of pores and the signs of aging.


Why I love Modern Friction:
The vegan formula is made without parabens, phthalates, propylene, glycol, mineral oil, PABA, petroleum, paraffin, DEA, and fragrance.
The cushy, plush consistency is made with all natural ingredients that each have a little job of its own. The rice starch gently sweeps away dead skin cells, brightens dullness and evens out skin tone. Lemon oil illuminates lack luster skin and has antiseptic benefits. This is great for oily and acne prone skin types. Comforting aloe soothes and calms inflamed skin, preventing post scrub redness. Bergamot was added to stimulate your senses, but it also has the ability to fade scars and marks. Peppermint, a natural stress reliever, brightens dull skin, helps balance oiliness, stimulates blood circulation, and keeps you bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. The icing on the cake…recycled packaging!

Marissa’s Pick of the Week!

Ick! Acne! It never fails to surprise me. There are times when my skin is flawless and smooth as butter. In the summer, it just feels like butter was spread all over my face. My

favorite remedy? Acne Solutions Cleansing Bar for Face and Body (Clinique, $12.50). This is by far the best acne targeted soap I’ve used. It also comes in liquid form, but I’m partial to bars. They last longer, it costs less, and you get more product for your buck. Think of how much water is added to liquid soaps, yet they are more expensive. ??? I don’t get it either.

Acne Solutions Cleansing Bar can be used on most problematic skin types due to it’s mild salicylic acid formula. (If you are pregnant, please consult your doctor. Salicylic acid is known to cause birth defects and complications.) My skin literally squeaks after cleansing with this bar. After one wash I notice an improvement in my skin’s condition. It’s recommended that you either only use this bar once a day (I prefer night so my skin can regenerate at it’s cleanest time.) Or every other day. If your skin is extremely oily (you can go through a pack of blotting sheets in a day) it’s okay to use twice a day every day. No matter how often you use this acne bar, remember to always follow up with toner and most importantly, MOISTURIZER. Remember, oily skin that doesn’t moisturize WILL produce more oil.