Last week, Dr. Michelle Copeland Skin Care sent me travel-size products of their line to review for you, dear Chic Critique readers! I received their Daily Cleanser, Daily Normalizing Toner, and Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30, along with their Advanced Acne Solution, Rewind Eye Formula, and Pigment Formula, and a weekly Microdermabrasion Formula.
I can’t comment on the microdermabrasion yet which I’ll test out this weekend, but I can give you my initial thoughts on all the other products, which I’ve been using as directed – twice daily. I also received her book, The Beautiful Skin Workout which I’ve begun reading, and I’ll keep you posted on that too!
I’ve got a lot of products to share initial thoughts on so this is going to be fairly long… here’s the Cliff-notes version for those who can’t keep reading: More intense than my normal routine, doesn’t smell like anything which is wonderful, and I’ll let you know the results after I’ve tested for the full 8 weeks.
Having used the Clinique 3 Step System for a while, I’m familiar with the twice daily cleansing, toning, moisturizing that goes with it. But the Dr. Michelle Copeland Skin Care samples I received also included solutions for hormonal occasional acne, dark circles under my eyes, and general skin discolorations. This system claims to improve your skin condition in 8 weeks. These products are not cheap, so over the next two months I’m going to test that claim out for you!
Thoughts so far? The Daily Cleanser is light, doesn’t feel as though it penetrates my skin, but it seems to do the job – my husband noticed how soft my skin felt this week. The Daily Normalizing Toner does have a slightly stronger effect, and after using it I feel like my skin is clean and tight.
After the toner, I apply the Advanced Acne Solution with a cotton round. This is seriously intense stuff – I’ve learned to keep my mouth sealed tight because if even the tiniest whiff gets in, I feel like I’ve swallowed poison. Okay, I might be exaggerating a bit, but it really does not taste good. The main ingredient is salicylic acid, which amazingly, hasn’t dried out my skin at all. I’ll be honest though – so far this week it hasn’t done much to keep little blemishes away.
Next I apply the Pigment Formula which feels light like the cleanser. After that, I apply the Rewind Eye Formula to my dark circles, and around where I see the beginnings of creases and fine lines forming.
Finally I apply the Daily Moisturizer. I love that this stuff has SPF 30 – it saves me a step which is wonderful given how many extra steps I’ve been taking this week. But it also feels a lot like sunscreen – it’s really thick and I feel like I have to push it into my skin. Still, my skin is soft as can be, and given the amount of salicylic acid I’ve been putting on my face, it’s surprisingly soft and non-flaky.
Overall my skin already feels softer and tighter, but it is a lot of work to put 6 products on my face twice a day. I’ll let you know in 8 weeks if it was all worth it 
Note: I received samples of the Dr. Michelle Copeland Skin Care line at no cost to me. My opinions, however, are my own.
Dear summer,
Like Sarah mentioned yesterday, I’m getting a little tired of you. Is it really necessary to be more than 90 degrees out when tomorrow is September? My maxi dress has seen the light of day too many times. I’m over having to worry about my bikini line. And the bug bites? Don’t even get me started.
I’m ready for less this:
Seriously, not a good look for anyone.
And more this.
Pumpkins! YESSSS!
So I can wear this.
Because, you know, if it's pumpkin time, it's probably (HOPEFULLY) jacket time. And I loves me a good fall jacket.
Is that too much to ask?
Love,
Becky
Despite the fact that the high outside is over 90 degrees today, I’m officially declaring today the day that I’m done with summer. Been there, done that, wore that sundress.
At work yesterday, a co-worker informed me that my pedicure (Sally Hansen’s Resilient Red) was so fall.
I, on the other hand, am not completely convinced that red is the new black. If you know what I mean.
I think that taupey-grays will still be hot this fall, like the Sally Hansen Commander in Chic I loved last year.
I think purples will still see a lot of action this fall, although I for one have had enough Lincoln Park After Dark for my lifetime… but I predict it will be back this fall.
I for one always look forward to deep-reds as we head into winter. To me, they are elegant and classic. My favorite is OPI Edin Burgundy ( which I tried desperately to photograph but it just kept looking bright red. Which it is not.).
So what are your favorite nail polish shades for fall?
And seriously, who’s ready to pack away the skin and cozy up into a sweater already??
Anyone who knows me knows how much I love and adore Joe’s Jeans. So when they popped up in 6pm.com’s weekend deals, I knew I had to let you all in on it! I have these Kickers. I actually am on my 2nd pair. Everyone always asks me where I got them, and I’m kind of embarrassed to say admit what I paid. But I’m telling you, I’ve gotten my money’s worth on these babies.
But if spending $150 on a pair of jeans makes you keel over in a faint, you can now get them at 50% off. At the time of this posting, there are lots of sizes available, but they usually go fast.
Today I’m wrapping up our two-week What’s On My Bathroom Sink series. I’d love to get your feedback. Do you like these theme weeks? If so, what are some other topics you’d like to see the Chic Critique girls tackling this fall?
I’m actually excited to tell you what’s on my bathroom sink right now. I change products a lot, mainly because I haven’t found a system I consider worthy of my loyalty. But a few weeks ago, I wandered into Sephora and asked them to set me up on a new skincare regimen. Since then, I have actually noticed a positive change in my skin. I even have friends telling me how good my skin looks.
First: Caudalie Gentle Cleanser. The associate at Sephora explained that she loves this cleanser because it’s gentle enough to use on your eyes as well as your face. It usually works just fine, but if my eye makeup is being extra stubborn, I use coconut oil (yep! straight from the kitchen!) to get the rest of it off.
Next: Philosophy Miracle Worker(TM) Miraculous Anti-aging Retinoid Pads. Yes, these are pricey. But I really believe they are the key to why my skin looks so great lately. Plus, they were running a special deal the day I was in the store, and I got these as well as the moisturizer and eye cream for a great price.
Finally: Philosophy Miracle Worker(TM) Miraculous Anti-Aging Moisturizer
and Kinerase Restructure Firming Eye Cream. Again, with the pricey, but my skin has never looked better. Also, you use such a small amount of the moisturizer and eye cream that they are lasting forever.
The retinoid pads only come 60 to a container, so clearly they are a two-month supply if used daily. I will be replacing them when they run out, though; they are worth it to me. What can I say, my skin ain’t getting any younger. I’m going to try to preserve what I’ve got for as long as I can.
