Biologique Recherche's P50 Balancing Exfoilators: Why you need this one product in your skincare routine

Get ready for a lengthy post!

I stand by the title for this post: Any skincare lover, addict, enthusiast, & blogger needs to get their hands on this one product...why? Because it will completely change the way you look at skincare and go about your routines. Of course, incorporating any kind of acids into your routines are strictly up to you, but if I had to recommend one range of product(s) that are just a MUST to try/own, this is at the top of the list. Yes, I have other products that I deem 'holy grails' of my skincare routines, but those products may not work for every one's skin type/concern, thats where P50 is different...

Biologique Recherche's P50 range of Balancing Exfoliators contain a few different formulas, all purposed for different skin types & concerns.

What is P50 supposed to do for the skin though? Exfoliate, hydrate, maintain the empdermis' acid pH, and help regulate sebum production. Over time, the appearance of your skin will become: brighter, smoother, toned, hydrated, balanced, clear, and most of all, happy. Incorporating the P50 step in your routine helps any product you put on top of it, a serum, oil, and/or cream, absorb into the skin more efficiently and effectively, so that you're enjoying the full benefits of your products. 

Listed below are the different versions of P50
(most of the formulas will have links attached to the titles that will direct you to their product pages):

 1. **P50 1970, Original Formula (with phenol): Known to be the most effective, and the very first version of the P50 range; not recommended for very sensitive skin types. This is currently the version I use and love, so I will be a bit more detailed with this one. Not everyone will like this because it tingles and numbs; majority of beauty-obsessives love this part, some don't, so its a to-each-their-own kind of product.

Coming straight off my bottle, the ingredients of this formulation are:

Water
Glycerin

Phenol: antiseptic; also causes the 'numbing' sensation.

Niacinamide: known also as Vitamin B3; assists in reduction of hyperpigmentation and acne; you can read more about this lovely ingredient here

 Vinegar: used more as a preservative.

Ethoxydiglycol: solvent

Magnesium Chloride

Lactic Acid: gentle AHA that exfoliates, hydrates, and can help reduce signs of aging and hyper pigmentation.

 Arctium Lappa Root Extract (Burdock Root): antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, & antiseptic; a little bit more on this can be read here

Salicylic Acid: BHA, most popular acne treatment ingredient; you can read more information for my acne-ridden folks,  here

Sodium Benzoate: preservative.

Sulfur: exfoliates and has anti-bacterial properties; another good ingredient for acne-suffers.


The Other P50 Formulas:

2. P50 1970, New Formula (without phenol): The most recommended version because of its availability. The reason for its vast availability compared to the Original is because Phenol is a banned ingredient throughout the EU.

3. P50 V: A gentle version of the original, contains no phenol, and recommended for dull, devitalized skin.

4. P50 V "1970": Recommended for sensitive skins.

5. P50 W: A gentlier version of the original; no phenol, recommended for extremely sensitive/reactive skin types.

6. P50 W "1970": Recommended for drier, mature skins.

This isn't a cheap product by any means, its a skincare investment: the fullest size costs $95 (8.5 fl oz), the smallest, which is a 'travel friendly' version, is $27, (1.7 oz) and the size that I own, which is a 5.1 oz, is at the $62 mark. The bottles will last you a good amount of time because you only need a little to go a long way, and the packaging doesn't let you waste any of the precious product.

To figure out which P50 Lotion would be best suited for your skin type/concerns, it's best to talk to a skincare specialist that carries the range for better assistance. I personally chatted with and recommend contacting Toska European Spa. I have had an absolutely wonderful, hands-on skincare chat with Toska herself; she takes the time out to listen to all my skin concerns and recommended me products that would best suit its current state. We both reside in different states, yet I still feel that personal, one-on-one, attentive care in my on-going experience with her Spa; her recommendations have been incredibly beneficial to the health and happiness of my skin.

  Below will be listed all of the ways that you can best reach Toska European Spa and/or Toska herself, with your skin inquiries, questions, concerns, etc:

- Send an e-mail to: toska@toskaspa.com 

- Contact them through phone, which their number is listed here 

- Facebook and/or Instagram: which are linked here and here ; you can send a private, Direct Message on either one of those platforms.

Again, it is highly recommended to talk to a Toska skincare specialist before purchasing your P50. They are readily available to you, for you, and more than happy to assist with helping pick the best P50 lotion for you. You will need to create an online account on their website in order to shop the Biologique Recherche range. It's a special product and an investment, you want to get the absolute best product(s) for your skin; Toska also has a gloriously large range of products from Biologique Recherche thats worth a check out!

** Disclaimer: The product mentioned in this post was kindly gifted to me by the mentioned spa/brand. All opinions & comments about the product & spa are from my own personal use and experience with them. I am not being paid to talk about the product(s) mentioned, unless stated otherwise.

Review: MUN 'No. 1 Aknari Brightening Youth Serum' & 'No. 11 Anarose Rejuvenating Rose Toner'

I've wanted to write this post the day after I first started using MUN's 'No. 1 Aknari Youth Brightening Serum' & 'No. 11 Anarose Rejuvenating Rose Toner'! But, you don't always see immediate results after using skincare products, its got to take its time getting used to your skin and work with it....yet these products gave me that instant satisfaction that seemed too good to be true, but it wasn't!

I want to start off by saying I have dealt my battle with acne for a while, too long to be honest; very rarely have I ever seen inflammation due to blemishes settle down so quickly & efficiently as it has since I started incorporating MUN's products into my nightly routine. I still deal with the occasional blemish, but it rarely ever reaches to head when one does, and it really does, simply, have to do with these two products that have AMAZING ingredients. Side note: You do not have to deal with acne or other troubled skin types such as rosacea to use these products; normal, dry, combo, mature, etc can also benefit greatly!

No. 11 Anarose Rejuvenating Rose Toner

photo: munskin.com; $68.

       Lets start off with the ingredients list first, straight from the MUN official website:

• De-ionized Water, 
  Rose Hydrosol* (Rose Water), 
  Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice*, 
  Maltodextrin, 
  Opuntia Ficus-Indica (Prickly Pear) Stem Extract, 
  Lycium Barbarum Fruit (Goji Berry) Extract, 
  Hyaluronic Acid, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract*, 
  Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, 
  Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower Extract, 
  Bellis Perennis (Daisy) Flower Extract, 
  Xanthan Gum,
  Vegetable Glycerin, 
  Dehydroacetic Acid**, 
  Benzyl Alcohol**. 
  
  
  *Certified ORGANIC 
  **Naturally derived preservative
  
  
  The big hitters of this toner are:
  1. Rose Water: It can help reduce inflammation on the skin, especially those that battle with rosacea. The anti-bacterial properties make it even more wonderful for those that deal with acne; it helps reduce the size of the spot by slowly killing off the acne-creating bacteria before it can even come to a full head. It's also a deeply nourishing and hydrating ingredient that smooths the skin, as well as help banish redness where needed, while balancing out the pH. Already, right at the get-go, this toner is already working its magic touch. 
  NOTE: if you despise any and all Rose fragrances, then you won't like this (though in no way is the scent strong, & its all natural so it shouldn't create any irratations).
  2. Prickly Pear Stem Extract: Great for hydration, anti-aging,  & anti-inflammatory. 
  3. Goji Berry: reduction of free-radical damage.
  4. Willow Bark Extract: A gentle, natural exfoliant.  
  5. Rose, Jasmine, & Daisy: It creates a soft, velvety feel to your skin.  
  Right after you cleanse, you're already improving your skin the moment you tone it with this; my skin is already feeling, soft, smooth, hydrated, and balanced, ready for me to apply my next step, which is the 'No. 1 Aknari Brightening Youth Serum'.
  
  
  No. 1 Aknari Brightening Youth Serum

  

  photo: munskin.com; $95.

  
  
  This serum literally has just THREE ingredients, seriously, thats all thats complied into this tiny, 20ml bottle of pure gold!
  Ingredients: Prickly Pear Seed Oil, Argan Oil, & Bulgarian Rose Oil (all organic) 
  The Prickly Pear Seed Oil sets the stage all around this product, and since its the first ingredient, it proves to be the most beneficial, without taking out the other amazing properties that the 2 other ingredients give:

  
  

  Prickly Pear Seed Oil: A true antioxidant punch to the skin, its packed with Omega-6 fatty acids & Vitamin E, which can help heal acne scars and dark spots, as its supposed to brighten and hydrate the skin. It can also help brighten up under-eye dark circles! It won't clog pores, so it can be especially appropriate for acne-prone skins.

  
  

  With all its amazingly wonderful antioxidant benefits, it also helps aid in premature wrinkles and anti-aging; smoothing down fine lines and giving the skin this 'ethereal' glow, also thanks in conjunction with the Rose Oil. The Rose packs the bunch of Vitamin C and creates a beautiful tone to the skin. The incorporation of the Argan Oil helps balance out the strong potency of the Prickly Pear, while delivering to the skin intensely, yet natural moisturizing properties.  
  All 3 of these ingredients combined make an absolute stand out product and again, can be great for skins that are: mature, acne-prone, deal with sensitivities, etc...
  Rose, from my constant research on acne-fighting treatments, is probably the most gentlest, yet most effective of acne-treatments that I have ever come to use; my skin LOVES Rose for its nourishment and suppleness as well. 
  I think my only (slight) gripe would be with the Serum, and it has nothing to do with the product itself, but the packaging **. I've dealt with this kind of pump packaging before from another product from a different brand (it was also a serum-oil); the packaging can tend to leak at times, and the pump can be a bit flimsy...to each their own, but maybe a dropper or another sturdy, pump bottle could suffice? Just a little side note, but in no way, shape, or form takes away the effectiveness of the product. All of MUN's products are stored in beautifully dark-colored bottles to help preserve the longevity of the ingredients. 
  Though I still deal with the occasional blemish or two, for the most part, my skin has been more: clear, calm, hydrated, and rejuvenated. I feel like a whole new me! My dark spots have tremendously reduced in appearance, and I have to give a hell of a lot of credit to these two amazing products when used together. I really can't recommend them enough, they are worth EVERY.SINGLE.PENNY. (personally). If you deal or battle with any of the skin concerns I've mentioned above, please give these 2 products a try; they are completely changing the way I go about my skincare now, and I am all the more grateful to MUN for it.
  You can read more about MUN's skincare philosophy and why their products are going to be changing the game on their blog, here. 
  To shop the products mentioned in this post, you can shop them  here.
  Has anyone else tried out MUN? Let me know your reviews and praises in the comments below! :)
  ** EDITED, 2/23/16: I had an e-mail correspondence with Kat from MUN Skin, who cleared up the gripe I was having with the serum packaging:

  
  

  It's quite a shame about the Aknari pump tops being a bit finicky, but the miron bottles we use really are the best containers for storing and preserving organic substances and there is a specific reason that Munemi chose the pump top: because of the high content of Linoleic Acid in Prickly Pear Seed Oil. Lioleic Acid is very unstable and degrades quickly especially when it comes into contact with oxygen, it's basically the worst thing for it; it's also very light sensitive. Therefore, having a dropper or any other kind of top that would require constant opening and closing would unfortunately shorten the shelf life and decrease Aknari's effectiveness. 

  
  

  And there you have it!
  
  *affiliate links are provided in this post

Review: The Jewel In The Jar, Pommade Divine Nature's Remedy Balm

If any of you have ever used Elizabeth Arden's infamous 8-Hour Cream Skin Protectant, than you will probably love this more than the cult-classic. Though Pommade Divine Nature's Remedy Balm would also be considered a cult classic in the UK, where it originated from, in 1800. Not many of us in the States are aware of this jewel in a jar because it's widely unavailable to purchase through U.S retailers because it's not so widely known, like ANYWHERE.

The scents of both are oddly similar, yet PM is much more calming and riddled with nature's finest ingredients; very medicinal/nature-esque, which is right the hell up my alley! If you love the wonderfully intoxicating medicinal scent of skincare products, this one belongs in your wardrobe but I warn you, your nose will be stuck in this jar once you get it and you'll never want to take it out...I know from first-hand experience, I literally had to talk myself out of the jar a few times!! 

 I honestly can't remember exactly how I stumbled upon this little fancy miracle worker, I just knew I  wanted a change from EA for a while, though it had been beneficial to me, I just wanted something more out of a treatment balm, and I happily, by chance, found it in Pommade Divine. 

Ingredients: Lanolin, Olus Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Acacia Decurrens/Jojoba/Sunflower Seed Wax/Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Styrax Benzoin Resin Extract, Liquidambar Orientalis Resin Extract, Myristica Fragrans (Nutmeg) Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Bud Oil, Eugenol, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum (Cinnamon) Leaf Oil, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum (Cinnamon) Bark Oil, Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool, Benzyl Benzoate, Parfum (Fragrance)

This balm is supposed to help assist with:

- healing dry, cracked, and/or & irritated skin

- antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti fungal & antiseptic

- helps heal cuts, insect bites, & bruises

- cleans, brightens, and helps alleviate acne skins

With little scrapes or cuts, I apply the balm on the wound and than apply a bandage to wear overnight, repeat as often as needed, with little to no scaring after a few days, the same has worked for me with pesky bug bites! I've even read that people also use it on babies for diaper rash; or for severely dry skins, use it as a nighttime moisturizer for the face. I have yet to try it on my face, though I am curious to see how it works on some blemishes I've been acquiring as of late...may have to test that one out later this evening. Also, I had some red, inflamed, irritated patch of skin on my neck the other day (sometimes those develop while I'm highly under stress), and I applied this right before bed to help soothe it; all annoyance and redness almost completely subsided, and by the afternoon I couldn't even tell anything was there in the first place, bless this balm! 

The reasoning why I'm fussing so much about this balm is because 1. it works. 2. it's AMAZING. 3. it really IS an all-in-one, gentle miracle balm for life's everyday irritants. It heals, soothes, and comforts the skin gently and effectively; doesn't feel sticky, tacky, or heavy, not messy in the least bit,  uses extremely effective ingredients... It may look and feel more like ointment than a balm, but it's really so much more. 

I haven't even had it for that long, yet I'm already halfway through the tiny, 50ml jar! I'll need to start filling up my cabinets soon with stock of this stuff, ASAP.

If you're curious to find out more about Pommade Divine Nature's Remedy Balm, you can visit their official website here

The jar ranges for $35, which isn't bad at all for something that you'll only need a little of every time, unless you use it like myself, by the scoops...oops. Down below, you'll see all links to where you can purchase exclusively here in the U.S., and where I purchased mine from (a UK beauty shoppe that ships to the U.S.):

Net-A-Porter

Ayla Beauty

Shen Beauty

Bath & Unwind

 

Product Review: Omorovicza's Queen of Hungary Mist

Its a facial mist, a $90 facial mist!!! What on earth...I know, it sounds ludicrous, even as I type this, knowing I spent that much, seems absolutely insane for a spray. The moment I sprayed it on my face though, I felt like I was in an Omorovicza's Hungarian Spa Palace: crisp, white marble everywhere, a huge porcelain bath tub...just have me soak in this stuff and I'll be happy as a clam for all my days...Ok where was I going with this, ah yes, I love this spray, just like the next person that has ever tried it.  The mist is so fine, and spreads so evenly on the skin, so delicately...I sometimes overdue it, than I remember to contain myself, because  $90! *faints* You do get a hefty size in a beautiful frosted glass bottle, at 3.4fl oz/100ml; they also have a special edition size and bottle, thats priced at $50 for 1.7fl oz (which is good if you're slightly in a panic about the full size cost). 

This neroli-rose scented concoction was inspired by the first perfume ever recorded in history by Queen Elisabeth of Hungary, and is now delightfully used today as a little pick-me-up or a toning mist after cleansing morning or night: it purifies, tones, and hydrates the skin, also added in with Omorovicza's famous Hungarian Thermal Water, which is incorporated in every single one of their products. 

I switch it up, but mostly save this for the evening after a long day, when I need the time to take the care to pamper myself properly. If you were going to splurge on a skincare product this year, this would be a good one to start; it also will be incredibly refreshing and lovely once summertime comes around and you need a nice misty action from that blazing fireball in the sky!

If you happen to purchase from Omorovicza's online shoppe, you'll be able to earn rewards points from their very own loyalty program, which overtime, you can save up as much as you like and use those reward points on any of their products, which is an absolute standout idea considering this is a highend skincare brand (you won't get that kind of loyalty from Chanel.. :D). Again, its a splendid product, really it is, so put this on your beauty wishlists if you have one, it's a good one to have in the arsenal.

The 100 ml full size available for purchase on Omorovicza's website here

Top 5 Fave Facial Masks, #1...Diptyque's Multi-Use Exfoliating Clay

If you follow my instagram, you know the love that I have for this mask is real, SOOOO real. Like, this mask is #1 on the list because its literally the #1 best exfoliating mask/scrub/magic I've ever put on my face, period. Thats a lot to say about ONE product, but this is literally my most favorite product from all the skincare I own/use/love. 

In a beautifully designed ceramic 3.4 fl oz white jar, there is this beautiful clay-marble-apricot kernel oil concoction inside that makes my face feel and look like its the first time I've ever cleansed my face before...words are becoming difficult now as I type this, but this love is real guys. Its a thick mask, not as thick as the Freeman Beauty's 'Avocado & Oatmeal' (see previous post) but its just enough to not take more than you need (no wasting!). It applies evenly on the skin to perfection as well, naturally. The smell may not be for everyone, though I personally don't mind it, but a scent is there nonetheless; its more on the 'medicinal'-esque side of the fragrance spectrum.

For removal: I massage it in for a few seconds first to activate the exfoliator, then take a damp washcloth and remove, easy-breezy. After removal, my skin looks CLEAN, pure, and perfect with nothing being stripped of its naturals. Its just this wonderfully pure feeling; my face feels like weight has been taken off of it and almost lifted at the same time. It helps detoxify & rid of dead skin cells, while building it back up with its shot of nutrients compacted into this small, eloquent jar. The clay can also be used as a facial scrub, not just a mask, which I have tried both ways an equal amount. Both are quite fine, but I much prefer getting my money's worth and leaving this on as a mask and soaking in all its beautiful benefits.

I'm on my second jar already, and though the price point for this multi-purpose product is a bit steep at $65, honestly, its worth every damn penny. If you were curious about trying out Diptyque's skin range and can't decide which product to choose first (if you can't have them all...DREAMING BIG OVER HERE), get this exfoliating clay, its a solid 10 out of 10 if I had a ratings system, ha!

Ok, I feel my love letter to this clay is complete. Links below on where you can pick up this mask for yourself, and the rest of Diptyque's skincare range!

Multi-Use Exfoliating Clay, $65

Diptyque's L'Art du Soin for the Face 

Top 5 Fave Facials Masks, #2 Freeman Beauty: Avocado & Oatmeal Facial Clay Mask

These last 2 spots were not hard to fill, just hard choosing the order to place them in since these both have been saviors during a time when I had very problematic skin. During that period, I was trying every mask under the sun, all different price ranges, when I started to slowly give up on there being some hope of a product that was actually right for my skin, and that benefited it tremendously. My #2 spot is Freeman Beauty's 'Avocado & Oatmeal' clay mask. This is as drugstore and inexpensive as I've ever been able to find when it comes to spot on skincare; this brand knows how to do masks and do them well.

This is a very thick, heavy duty clay mask without stripping the skin of any kind of moisture. It beautifully decongests and purifies the pores and the skin just feels soft and clean after removal; no tightness or dryness. With each use, I noticed that my acne was reducing weekly, I was actually seeing a difference...I became a bit obsessed with it because I started to use it almost every night for about 2 months straight until my skin was almost back to normal. Now, I don't recommend this method, I did what ended up working for me, but masks generally should be used about 2-3 times weekly. 

I've tried a few other masks from this range, and I've gotten great results with each one. I want to try the entire range of their masks, and they have PLENTY to go around for all different skin types and concerns, its amazing! Ugh, I can't get over this mask, guys! If you're in the market for a new face mask thats affordable AND does what it saids on the bottle, CHECK THIS BRAND OUT ASAP! Links to this mask & Freeman Beauty's website are below.

Avocado & Oatmeal Clay Mask, $4.29 

Freeman Beauty's Gallery of  Amazing Face Masks

Cleansing Oils: Una Brennan

 

Firstly, I apologize for the lack of posts for well, the whole month of February, eek! It's been non-stop busy for me, let's hope that March will slow down a bit so I will be able to get some more posts on here...bare with me. Now, let's get into it!

Una Brennan is at the moment solely a brand only available in the UK, but I managed to be able to find a few of her products in stores in the states, in very minimal quantities. Luckily, I was able to snatch up a few of the top products from the range, the cleansing oils: Rose Hydrate Miracle Makeover Facial Oil & the Vitamin C Brighten Skin Renew Cleansing Oil. Cleansing Oils have been a slow but fortunate addition to my skincare routine, morning and/or night. I love switching off from balms to oils; being able to have choices in your skincare routine is important, especially if it proves benefits to the skin in different ways. 

The Una Brennan range is also quite affordable too for a brand that has such rave reviews. Affordable skincare thats great for your skin is hard to come by nowadays, which is why these are such a lovely, spa-like treat!

I love both of these oils, but not equally. That's not to say that one works better than the other, they both work incredibly well at dissolving impurities & makeup if need be; I just happen to like how my skin looks from one oil compared to the other, but thats all just personal opinion here…so I’ll start off with which one I like best.

Super Facialist by Una Brennan: Rose Hydrate Miracle Makeover Facial Oil

Rose Hydrate Miracle Makeover Facial Oil: I love the scent of roses, but at first this one seems a bit overpowering until it gets worked into the skin. The scent doesn’t linger around afterward for too long, which is a plus (though I wouldn't recommend if you are sensitive to strong scents). It really is a miracle cleansing oil; my skin just looks more radiant & hydrated & feels so soft after I take it off with a washcloth. There is a downside to this, and thats the size of the bottle (at 1 fl oz) & the fact that you have to pump more than usual out of the bottle to be able to evenly massage it onto the face…which will only mean that you will go through this quicker  than expected (thankfully I was able to scoop up two more of these on a recent shopping trip). With my combo/acne-prone/sensitive skin, I’ve had no reactions or breakouts from this beautifully scented oil. I like to use this in the morning, or if I happen to use Brennan’s Rose Hydrate Cleanser (morning or night), which has proved to be a great combination together.

Super Facialist by Una Brennan Vitamin C+ Brighten Skin Renew Cleansing Oil

The Vitamin C Brighten Skin Renew Cleansing Oil: The name speaks for itself; when I use this oil (specifically on those mornings where my skin has that dull & tired appearance), it literally brightens my skin up like a ray of sunshine! It has a bit of a citrusy scent to it, which I love for the morning time. The oil is not as thick in consistency as the Rose oil yet, less is more with this particular one. You also get more product than the other oil, with its generous size at 6.7 fl oz. This works just as well at removing makeup & impurities. I guess the only reason(s) why I prefer the Rose one over this one is that I enjoy using the Rose one in the morning and at night while this one, I just prefer to use in the mornings based on scent & outcome. My skin is brighter & clearer, though I don’t find it as softening to the skin as the first.

Needless to say, depending on what kind of benefits you’re looking for for your skin, these pack the punch & work absolutely wonderfully. Cleansing oils are great for all skin types, even oily skin! So don’t be afraid to switch it up time & again to try something new in your skincare routine. If you are one that is still hesitant to try cleansing oils, I would give these a go (if you can find them)!

For more info on these products & the rest of the Super Facialist range, you can check out their website here .

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