Coffee Scrubs, Because Cellulite

Whether you're into buying or DIYing, coffee scrubs are always a good idea.  Not only do they help exfoliate dry skin, but they also temporarily minimize the appearance of cellulite. That's right, cellulite.  So if you're toughing out the cold this winter, or are heading out of town and will be putting on a bikini, you need this in your life.  Here are one of my favorite coffee scrubs (worth the money) and of course, a DIY option.

BUY: Juara Invigorating Coffee Scrub, $37

This is one of the most invigorating, delicious and pampering scrubs I've ever come across.  Made with French Roasted Indonesian Coffee, it smells like the strongest cup you've ever had and helps to smooth cellulite by stimulating circulation to the skin.

DIY: Coffee Scrub

Besides coffee, one of the key components to this scrub (or any DIY scrub) is coconut oil.  It's moisturizing properties can't be beat.  With three ingredients, this one's easy to mix up.  Just make sure you melt the coconut oil before beginning your mixture.

1/2 cup ground coffee 1/2 cup coconut palm sugar 1/4 cup coconut oil

So what's the plan?  Are you buying or DIYing?

Two Face Masks You Need Now

Whether you do face masks to pamper every so often or to take serious skincare matters into your own hands and play esthetician (hehe) by giving yourself facials every other day, I have a theory that you can never have too many.  My medicine cabinet is full of them. When I get sent a new mask, it's a product I'll always put to the test.  Two have came across my desk and ended up in my weekly must-do stash that are worth a slot in your Sunday night skincare regimen.

Exfoliation: The Bliss Multi-'Face'-eted All-In-One Anti-Aging Clay Masque is a flexible clay mask that doesn't fully dry and tighten as it sits on your skin.  It contains alpha hydroxy acid along with smoothing quartz, which feel like the tiniest grains of sand, to help exfoliate.  My skin looked brighter and felt softer after one use.  I just left it on for five minutes (directions say five to seven), then took it off with a warm wash cloth.  Using a wash cloth to remove it is essential as it aids in the exfoliation process.

Hydration: The SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Masque, $54, has a potent does of hyaluronic acid and B5 that instantly plumps your skin.  As a fan of the brand's B5 gel, which is a moisture boost that I sometimes use under my nighttime moisturizer, I knew I'd be into this mask before I began using it.  It's great not only for people who need extra moisturization, but also for those who have fine lines and need a boost.  After washing my face at night, I leave it on for 10 minutes and allow it to soak in.  Then, instead of washing it off, I pat what's left on my face into my skin and wear it to bed.

I don't know about you, but in my world, doing both of these face masks in a row is a perfect Sunday night.

Frank Coffee Scrub: Worth It

One of the benefits of having guy friends who stalk models on Instagram is that I'm always informed when one of them posts a pic using a beauty product.  Little do these guys realize, they've all become BeautySweetSpot spies.  Thanks to one of them, I discovered a body scrub made in Australia that has a cult model following called Frank Coffee Scrub. Of course, I ordered it that day.  About two weeks later, he arrived... and yes, I'm calling the product 'he,' here's why.

Frank isn't just another scrub.  He has the personality of a man on social media, which makes following his account and becoming part of the cult fun.  I follow his Instagram not only to appreciate the branding, but also because it's so clever!  With a tagline of "Get Dirty," I feel like I'm following a 29 year old single guy who's blunt, without being creepy.

As for the product, it took about two weeks to arrive since it came directly from Australia and comes in a 7 oz. paper package.  I thought it was strange that a scrub came in paper, since it would likely get wet, but I'm really careful with it!  It's that good.  It's made with coffee, brown sugar and sea salt to help exfoliate, and almond oil, vitamins and minerals to moisturize.  As soon as I opened it my bathroom smelled strongly of rich, flavorful coffee, but the bag warns that even though the product is vegan, you can't eat it.

The best way to use this scrub is to get in the shower and dampen your skin, then turn the water off.  You'll use about one to two hand-fulls of the scrub for your entire body and face. I wasn't sure how I felt about the exfoliant since it's a bit abrasive and I'm used to really gentle scrubs, but I gently scrubbed it onto my face and body in a circular motion and like the directions said, let it sit on my skin for five minutes before rinsing off.

The proof was in the pudding.  My shower was a bit of a mess since it's a bit thick and it didn't all go down the drain, but my skin felt smooth and looked vibrant and fresh. Seriously, I've been using it once a week (cleaning out the tub each time), and have an addiction.  It's that worth it.  I will purchase it again.  I just wish it came in bigger bags!

You can get Frank Coffee Scrub for $14.95.

5 Favorites

While many new products hit my desk, only a few really impress.  In this 5 Favorites round up, I'm going to fill you in on exactly why a hand cream is worth $85 (no joke), hands down the best eye makeup remover out there, the nail polish shade I'm considering as my something blue for my wedding day pedicure (it's Zac Posen approved) plus more.

Restorsea Hand Cream, $85 at restorsea.com

As a fan of Restorsea skincare, when I received the email about a new hand cream launch, I immediately requested a sample.  A day later, there it was.  Now, my fiance makes fun of me for carrying around a full sized (3.4 0z) tube in my clutch.  The condition of my hands changed within about a weeks use.  They've been dry, but what has been bothering me most was my cuticles.  Now, my hands feel smooth and look presentable.  It's like a miracle cream, not just a temporary fix.

L'Oreal Boost It High Lift Creation Spray, $4.99 at drugstores

L'Oreal came out with a whole new collection of styling products and their Boost It line was made for women with fine or flat hair like me.  My favorite product so far is the High Lift Creation Spray.  After blowdrying, I spray it into my roots and tease them just a bit to create a bit of volume on top.  The formula is workable, not sticky, so it keeps the height in place without looking too done.

Morgan Taylor Nail Polish in Hide & Sleek, $5.69 at amazon.com

I dumped the new Morgan Taylor polish collection out onto my kitchen table and immediately grabbed this one – Hide & Sleek.  From the new "Purples Collection," and inspired by semi-precious stones, this hue is a potential wedding day something blue.  It's rich and reminds me of royalty.  Zac Posen even chose the shade to compliment his Fall 2014 collection during NY Fashion Week.

Klorane Floral Gel Eye Makeup Remover, $16 at skinstore.com

Dare I say that I've never met an eye makeup remover so gentle and efficient?  This is it.  Enough said.  The gel formula is gentle on the lashes and despite the fact that it has the word floral it's title, no, it won't sting if it gets into your eyes.  It's actually made with soothing cornflower.

Emi-Jay Hair Ties, Ombre 5 Pack, $10.99 at emi-jay.com

I can finally put my hair in a real pony tail!  Therefore, maybe I'm late to the game, but I'm obsessed with Emi-Jay Hair Ties.  Their a true beauty breakthrough as they look fashionable and don't cause tension.  I'm a fan of the ombre packs.

Identity Regret: When Tattoo Removal is Worth It

This may seem a little off, but have you ever thought about what you'd want written on your gravestone?  At 30 years old, and living each day that I possibly can with all of the positive energy I have, I surely haven't.  Which is why, at 30 years old, I'm looking at my tattoos including my tramp stamp and realizing I'm supposed to live and die with them; the symbols I chose to place on myself, permanently, to represent what I stand for.  There's one in particular, that certainly doesn't represent who I am.  And I question, did it ever?  And it goes...

At 18, my first tattoo was a gateway to freedom – college.  It was and still is a symbol that carries passion and determination.  The memories and experiences that it stands for make me feel alive.  Those who know me understand it and I love telling the story behind it to those who don't.  The same passion and determination I had then I still have now, and use it in different ways, which is unique.

I was 19 when I decided a princess crown was a good idea. The ugly master piece, which resembles more of a King's crown thanks to it's size, isn't much more than a tramp stamp.  I'll admit it was spontaneous and carries nothing but an emptiness with it.  Of course, I still laugh every time I think of that night.  Nineteen and naive.

With all of the ways we can express ourselves, why would I do that?  Truth is, I was bored. While some may be able to laugh off a mistake like this, I can't any longer.  As my fiancé says, "It's like putting a bumper sticker on a Ferrari."  Thanks, Joe.  About a month ago I tried my first laser removal treatment - PicoSure with Dr. Jeremy Brauer of the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of NY.

The new laser rids unwanted tattoos faster than any other laser out there and works like others.  As Dr. Brauer explained, "Individual ink particles absorb the wavelength of light emitted by the laser... the particles heat up and shatter into tiny particles that are then eliminated through the body's lymphatic system."  Only unlike other lasers, it takes less treatments.

I went for my first, which I was numb for and only took about a minute.  It's been a month, but after two months (that's how long it takes your system to rid the particles) I can go back for my second treatment.  The crown is significantly lighter.  I'm not against tattoos, as I have three.  I'm just saying maybe we should think a little more before we ink.  After all, I'm proud of who I am and am thankful I can clean up my mistakes.

The Best Tinted Moisturizer, Hands Down

Last week after I had my Fraxel treatment my derm handed me a goody bag, or maybe it was a 'trust me, you're going to need this bag.'  Besides moisturizers, SPF's and ointments there was a tinted moisturizer from a brand I've never heard of.  How could I have never heard of it?  Really?  She swore to me that it was her favorite and told me to try it.  Since my derm is my new BFF (come on, my skin is in her hands!), I trusted her and gave it a try.  Well, now it's my favorite new tinted moisturizer too. The product – Revision Intellishade SPF 45 Anti-Aging Tinted Moisturizer, $50.  It comes in original and matte versions and just replaced my Laura Mercier one.  Why?  Because it's lighter, has an SPF of 45 and has anti-aging properties.  The intellishade formula acts like a one size fits all t-shirt and adapts to your skin tone.

I typically don't like wearing makeup on my face (and yes, I count tinted moisturizer as face makeup) unless I'm in front of a camera for a gig and need to, but this doesn't count for me.  It's literally moisturizer that adds a bit of a healthy glow and evens out my skin tone.  The one downside?  You can't get it online or in stores!  It's sold through dermatologists offices and medical spas, but you can locate one near you here.  Trust me, it's worth a trip!

Intern Review: Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Face Wash, Something She'd Splurge On with A College Budget

I was always weary of changing my daily face wash routine. As a teenager, I unfortunately suffered from acne. It is an embarrassing stage of my gawky years I would not like to repeat. Therefore, when my dermatologists put me on a regimen that finally worked junior year of high school, I never drifted away from it.  Now that I'll be a junior in college, I'm experimenting again and when I saw the big Philosophy face wash in a goody bag I received a few weeks ago from a Nordstrom anniversary sale beauty event, I couldn't wait to try it and let me tell you, I'm glad I did! I started to second guess testing it when I saw it was their Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash, afraid I would break out again like I did in my gawky stage, but figured I'd give it a go (after all it was part of my job as an intern!).  I do not regret a thing.

I admit it, I am an impatient person so it is hard for me to fall in love with a face wash when it is not working ASAP, but with this, I immediately felt a difference. After using it in the shower, I could feel how much softer my face was just after patting it dry with a towel. This is because the wash is developed not only to cleanse the skin, but also to gently remove dead skin cells.

Not only did I see results in the feel of my face, but it also cleared up a minor breakout almost over night. (Waking up with a zit on my chin is not the best.) When I washed my face that morning then again that night, the zit was less red and no longer risen the next morning.  Although it provides quick results, that is not to say that it isn't gentle.

I have skin that gets red and irritated very easily (I know, don't you just wish you had my skin). The wash is sulfate-free and formulated with ingredients designed to replenish and protect the skin using topical antioxidants which helps condition the skin and retain its moisture level. Therefore, it is gentle enough to use daily without irritating the skin causing it to appear red and patchy.

You can buy my new favorite face wash at Nordstrom (their anniversary sale is going on now!).  By the way, I am a poor college student, and even I am willing to pay the $58 for a new bottle when mine runs out.

Confessions of A Former Tanning Bed Addict in Honor of Melanoma Monday

Yep, that's me in the pic above.  As a former tanning bed addict, I cannot stress enough how important it is to protect your skin from the sun.  Before my first job at Cosmopolitan I laid in a tanning bed every single day.  Everyday for years.  My job in the beauty department probably saved my life.  Now, I'm still practicing what I preach, because it's no joke – it's a life or death situation.  As a matter of fact, according to the AAD, one person dies of melanoma every hour in the US.  Shocking?  Read on, because as a former addict, if you're still baking, I get it, but it's time to get it through your head.  Better late than never.  Here's my story... Not only is Melanoma the most serious type of skin cancer, but believe it or not, it will account for more than 75,000 cases of skin cancer this year.  Not me.  Not this year, or ever.  Can you say that?  For me it started with junior proms, I along with all of my friends would go tanning the week before prom.  I wouldn't do it again until the senior prom, but it really got bad in college.  I went to school on Staten Island and having a dark tan was part of my look.  I'm not talking about a healthy glow, I'm talking about having skin the shade of burnt toast that constantly smelled baked.  Yes, I thought it was attractive and was never dark enough.  I was addicted.

I didn't need to wear as much makeup as my skin looked better, my black eyeliner popped against the whites of my eyes and my smile always looked white too.  On top of that I appeared more toned, skinnier.  The perks of being tan seemed to outweigh any risks that may come later.  After all, I always thought I was invincible.  Until I landed my dream job as the Beauty Assistant for Cosmopolitan magazine.

I was told by the department I couldn't tan any longer if I was going to work there as it's an oxymoron for beauty writers to go tanning.  Cosmo was all about safe sun, SPF 15 or higher and they just launched a campaign against indoor tanning.  I quit cold turkey and it sucked.  I felt ugly and fat.  Immediately!  Of course I had a plethora of self tanners at my finger tips to test out, but it wasn't the same. I missed the bake and burnt color I would get from the beds.  Nothing compared.  However, the more invested and passionate I became about my job, the more I began to face the facts and wanted to practice what I preached.

Today, I'm an avid SPF 30 wearer and preach, preach, preach.  I can't believe tanning beds are still in existence and go to my derm for yearly skin checks to make sure I'm safe.  I'm obsessed with self tanners and can't believe I thought what I was doing looked attractive.  I looked like a raisin!  While I have been lucky so far, I am paying for my sun damage in other ways – hyperpigmentation and crows feet.  My skin looks older than I am so thank God for great products, because the situation I'm dealing with at 29 is not cool.

I'll leave you with the new FDA guidelines for SPF.  Next time you think about spritzing tanning oil all over yourself and baking in the sun, think about the facts.  Like me, you're not invincible.

Do Your Skin A Favor & Give Yourself A Reality Check with DDF at Sephora

In between shows this week I stopped by Sephora in Columbus Circle to check out DDF's new Skin Evaluation System.  It's an iPhone app that only professionally trained sales assistants at Sephora can use to give customers skin diagnosises comprable to ones you'd receive in a derms office.  Skeptical at first (Do I really trust the accuracy of an app when it comes to my skin?), I met with Roy Galifi, a Retail Executive for Procter & Gamble who's worked with DDF for years, and surrendered my face to the dermascope.  Here's what I found out... My skin is older than I am!  Thank you to my college self who thought it was a great idea to bake in tanning beds every single day.  He used an iPhone and went through a series of questions about my skincare concerns addressing aging, sensitivity, pores, oil, dryness, etc. and then proceeded to put a dermascope (microscopic camera that attaches to the iPhone and magnifies your skin 25x) up to different areas of my skin and take photos.

That part was a nightmare! He took close up photos with the device of my crows feet, pores on my nose and cheek and then compared each photo with photos that were rated one through five.  My crows feet scored a three out of five (five being the worst, ladies), pores scored a four out of five (why are my pores humungous!?) and texture scored a three out of five, but I think he was just being nice there as I would have given it a four.

After the survey was completed and photo grading torture was over, he printed out my skin assessment results, which proved that my pores should be my main concern, when I thought it was my fine lines and wrinkles (they ranked second).  To help ease my mind, he recommended a DDF regimen that would help with my true problems and I'm beginning it tonight!

"People come into Sephora with preconceived notions of what they need," Galifi commented.  "DDF isn't diagnosing with this app, but we're getting to root of problems with this evaluating tool."  For example, many people believe they have sensitive skin, but what may really be the issue is that they have a sensitivity to an ingredient in a product they're using.

Interested in having your skin analyzed?  Check out DDF's Facebook page or DDF online to see which Sephora's are holding assessment events.  It surely was a reality check for me!

*This is a sponsored post, but all of my actions and thoughts are honest.

Top 5 Beauty Trends of 2012

What's a better way to start off a new year than to present the predicted top five beauty trends? Get excited because sampling is in!  Free beauty loot?  Sounds like it's going to be a good year already!  Read on as I dissect the top five trends and what you can expect this year will bring for us beauty junkies. 1. Beauty from the Inside 

I've written a whole post about this a few weeks ago, because I've already noticed a ton of new products coming out.  As people continue to become more health conscious, there will be a bigger demand for nutricosmetics, the focus on beauty from within.  To support their normal beauty regimens of anti-aging creams and preventative serums, women will be drinking, swallowing and even eating their skincare to supplement their routines.  Hey, every little bit counts.

2. Men Boost Interest in Anti-Aging

Men care more than most think about their appearance especially when it comes to aging.  I think that a few grey hair and a little bit of crows feet on a man add to their sex appeal, but apparently they too want to look younger, or at least age in the best way possible.  There will be more of a demand for men's anti-aging skin and hair care.

3. Androgyny is In 

When it comes to the idea of beauty androgyny is in.  Men are and will continue to grow out their hair like Chase Crawford and even Johnny Depp and women will be cropping theirs into pixi cuts think Michelle Williams and Emma Watson.  Social ideas of gender roles will be crossed and pushed even further.  Celebrities and runways are beginning to cross lines and commoners are following.  Example: cross gendered models are walking runways, which celebrates who they are.

4. Chemical Free Cosmetics

Because of increased awareness of health concerns, women will continue seek more and more organic and eco friendly makeup.  You are super savvy and know which ingredients to look for in cosmetics just like you do when they shop for food.  Just because a package says, "Paraben free," doesn't mean it's organic and you know that. You're going to start shopping more for pure cosmetics that give you pigment and coverage without the health risks.

5. Free Samples

Sampling is key to purchase in the world of beauty and the free samples will keep coming.  Sounds good to me.  Sites like Birchbox, a membership site which sends you a sampling of beauty products per month for $10 a month will continue to pop up and sampling experiences at stores and online will drive purchase.

Top 10 Beauty Resolutions from BeautySweetSpot Readers & One from Yours Truly

The trick to sticking with a New Year's resolution is to make a realistic one.  This year, I plan on attempting to save some money (laughable), and my beauty resolution is to wash my makeup brushes more often (I rarely ever do).  On Twitter and Facebook I asked you to share your beauty resolutions and here are the top 10 that came through!  Thanks for the suggestions! 1.  Drink plenty of water, take my vitamins, & indulge daily in Lush Fresh Face masks. - @beatnikhippie

2.  I want to put my skin care as my top priority! It looks fab when I do all the steps EVERYDAY. - @jenniferlea27

3. Try a new lip color every week! - @maybelline

4. Incorporate color into my makeup every day.  Color makes life fun! - @macbella2

5. Start trying the trends I've been too timid to try.  Bold lips for 2012! - @beautyunbiased

6. Get facials on a more consistent basis. - @thebeautygirl

7. Moisturize my whole body more often. - @beautezine

8. Read BeautySweetSpot.com more often! - Melanie Corebello on Facebook

9. Make dermatology appointments to get my moles checked. - @inasocial

10. Drink more water! Nothing like spending your mistletoe season with chapped unkissable lips to remind you that while caffeine and vino are great, lots of water each day is even better! - Aly Walansky on Facebook 

And here's one from me to you... If you don't already, make it a resolution to start wearing sunscreen every day.

A Peek Inside My (Our) Medicine Cabinet

As a complete beauty junkie and blogger, I'm sent bags full of new products to test out daily, which means my medicine cabinet (and Joe's) is like a rotating door.  Some products that enter I buy repeatedly, because after being introduced I just can't live without them and others come and go just after a few pumps.  Here's a peek at what Joe and I are loving this minute.

Dissecting the Perfect Skin Care Dose

How often do you squeeze out your face wash or moisturizer and end up using just a bit too much, or way too much?  I normally just judge by what feels right, but truth is there is a formula and overuse can cause irritating side effects where as underuse can make your products seem like they're not effective.  I'm really impressed by a new Clearasil product that embraces technology to give you the perfect dose of face wash and spoke with Dr. Dendy Engelman to find out just how much of our skincare products we should be using. Clearasil's PerfectaWash distributes the perfect dose of salicylic acid face wash for each use so it takes out the guess work. When it comes to treating acne or using a face wash with salicylic acid in it, over use is the biggest problem.  But when you use too much, you dry out your skin causing it to produce more oil and therefore, more breakouts.  That's why dosage control is imperative.  All you do is run your hand under the dispenser and it acts like an automatic sink by distributing the perfect dose of face wash.  Genius!  You can get it now on Amazon and check out their FB page for other offers.  It launches in drugstores in a few months.

When it comes to the rest of your skin care, here's a break down of how much you should be using:

• Serum - four drops
• Eye cream - an orange seed sized amount between both eyes
• Moisturizer - a grape sized amount depending on how oily your skin is
• Retin A -  a green pea sized amount and dot it all over your face before rubbing it in
• Daily SPF for face - a grape sized amount if it's not included in your moisturizer

The Best Cyber Monday Beauty Deals

I'm all about scoring great deals this holiday season, but trust me I'm the last person you'll find waiting in those horrific lines on Black Friday.  I can't believe people still do that even though Cyber Monday exists.  Cyber Monday is the best thing ever created and here's a list of the best beauty deals that will be going on so log in and have your credit card ready! Tarte:  $10 off purchases of $50, $20 off purchases of $75, $30 off purchases of $100 or more - A free gift with purchase with every order (customers will get to choose 1 of 5 items) - Free shipping on orders of $40 & up - Code: CYBER

Butter London: 30% site wide discount until November 30th - Code: CELEBRATE11

Bliss: 20% off Bliss, Elemis and Laboratoire Remede products

Elizabeth Arden: 25% off - Free shipping on any order - Save up to 65% on skincare, makeup and fragrance gift sets - Code: BF2

Perfumania: 30% off the entire site - Code: CYBER30

Bobbi Brown: Free best seller gift trio with purchase - Free shipping until November 29th

Urban Decay: Their signature eye palette is on sale for $19 (originally $34)

Elizabeth Arden: Free 5 piece gift - Free shipping with any order of $35 - Code: BEAUTY35

Bloom.com: 40% back in the form of Bloom Dollars for future purchases - free gifts with every purchase - free shipping and free returns on orders over $49

Dr. Brandt: Slashed the prices on two of his most coveted items: Lineless Eye Cream from $69 to $29 and Flaws no more R3P Eye from $80 to $39

Ulta: Free shipping on orders of $25 or more - Code: HOLIDAYSHIP25

John Masters Organics: 25% off your order - Code: HOLIDAY11

Borghese: 25% off your order from 12pm to 4pm - Code: 25CYBER11 

Stila: Up to 80% off items until December 2nd

Lab Series: 25% off all products - Free shipping until December 2nd

Somme Institute: 40% off all skincare site wide

VMV Hypoallergenics: The site is offering 50% off select products including Glitz and Velvet Matte Lipsticks, Two True Hues Eyeshadow Duos, the SuperSkin Starts Here Kit, the entire Illuminants+ line and select Skintelligent Beauty Brushes

Lush: Spend $100 and get a free $10 Lush e-card and free ground shipping - Spend $120 and get a free $10 Lush e-gift card and free air shipping

The Product that Transformed My Skin: Dr. Dennis Gross' Extra Strength Alpha Beta Peel

When I rave about a beauty product I really love it.  Everyday I get sent about twelve bags of beauty loot and about 100 emails from beauty PR firms introducing me to new products that are hitting the market so I can test them out and keep them in mind for upcoming blog posts and freelance work.  Well, when I find something that wow's me, I let you know right away. Hence, this blog post on Dr. Dennis Gross Extra Strength Alpha Beta Peel that has changed my skin care regimen for life. Last month I attended an event at Dr. Dennis Gross' office and was introduced to a few new products.  Since then, I've been using his Extra Strength Alpha Beta Peel Pads every day after I cleanse each morning and swear to you that I constantly look like I just got a facial.  Now that's a strong testimonial.

It's a two-step alpha hydroxy acid treatment that works as an at-home facial peel to help exfoliate your skin and improves texture and overall appearance over time.  Now it's been just over a month that I've incorporated the towelettes into my morning skincare routine and I've noticed any winter dullness is gone, smaller pores and overall a brighter, more refreshed complexion.  I did not get any irritation or redness from this daily peel, but if you think you may, I'd recommend using it every other day or trying his original Alpha Beta Peel first.

After cleansing, you simply rub one towelette across your face in a circular motion (for exfoliating purposes) until it's dry.  I normally do it about three times.  Then, wait two minutes and do the same with the second towelette to neutralize the ingredients in the first.  Once finished, apply your serums and moisturizers as you normally do and watch what happens.

What I'm Loving Right Now: Immunocologie

As of late I've been getting a lot of compliments on my complexion.  I'll take it!  But I have to give credit where credit's due.  I've been testing out a new skincare line that I was introduced to in the beginning of November called Immunocologie. As soon as I sat down to meet with the doctor behind the brand he told me my skin looked dry and dull.  "Oh thanks, great to meet you too I thought."  Not that I didn't know this, but I hadn't yet switched my moisturizer from a lighter one to a heavy one for wintertime because the weather was still freakishly warm.  At the end of the day, he was right, my skin didn't look dewy and fresh and something needed to change.

Since that meeting I've been using the Immunocologie Treatment Serum, Eye Cream and Treatment Creme.  I think I really owe this new found brightness and moist complexion to the Treatment Creme, $225.  I swear it's like rubbing an emollient on my face.  When I first looked at it I thought of Vaseline and that there was no way  I was going to wear that on my face morning and night.  But sucked it up and gave it a try.  Since it's so thick I have to warm it up by rubbing it in between my palms before applying it onto my face so it smears easily.  Now, I love it.  I feel like it's changing my skin for the better and heavy enough to protect it during the harsh winter months without feeling too greasy.

Holiday Gift Idea & Giveaway: Fresh Sake Ritual Set

I love my sushi and sake, but I like it even more when it comes from Fresh.  Fresh makes my absolute favorite body care lines. They look and more importantly feel like luxury.  That's why I'm including their Sake Ritual Set, a $110 value for $95 in my holiday gift guide. The set includes: a Sake Bath that detoxifies the body and helps to even out the skin tone, a Sake Petite Candle and Cranberry Pinot Noir Oval Soap.  I cannot even begin to stress enough how much I love Fresh soaps! They're wrapped so nicely you don't even want to use them, but after you get over using them as a beautiful bathroom display, you find yourself lathered in the most enriching scents.

Want one?  Happy Holidays to you from BeautySweetSpot!  I'm giving a set away.  Comment below by dishing about your most coveted products.

A winner will be chosen at random on Sunday, December 12th.  Good luck!

Product Review: Yes To Blueberries

When this company first came out I thought it was a little quirky... Yes To Carrots.  But after learning that the line was all natural and focused on carrots main ingredient beta-carotene and other "orange" good-for-your skin ingredients I understood.  After trying the products, I understood the craze. Each year it seemed the brand rolled out with different Yes To lines... and yes, they are exactly what you're thinking.  You could create a garden out of them – Yes To Cucumbers (soothing) and Yes To Tomatoes (clearing).  Out of the three lines I'm a huge fan of everything Yes To Carrots, especially the Hand and Elbow Cream and out of the Yes To Cucumbers line I covet the Soothing Eye Gel.  I haven't used Yes To Tomatoes simply because my skin didn't need the that type of attention (nothing against tomatoes!).

I'm pleased to announce that they recently launched Yes To Blueberries, an anti-aging line, that I can't wait to start trying.  Formulated with of course, blueberries, cotton thistle and paracress flower it's said to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin firmness.  These products will be my new test subject for the next two months.  If you're not familiar with the Yes To collections I highly suggest you check it out.

Hot Ingredient: Silk

When I think of silk the first thing that comes to mind is silky lingerie, but the beauty industry has found that there are different properties in silk that can benefit your skin. Depending on how it's used, silk can help hydrate, firm, act as an anti-inflammatory, reduce pigmentation, add glow and absorb oil.  Here are a few of the newest products that contain this touchable ingredient:

Purple Lab Silk Sheets, $34.50 at PurpleLabNYC.com

This creamy foundation uses silk fibers, almond seeds and juniper to create a dewy, supple complexion.  The silk adds moisturizer and allows the skin to breath under the foundation.

Blow Blow-Out Spray, $19.75 at Folica.com

An instant dry, non stick hair spray that keeps your blow out touchable and in place.

PCA Skin Silkcoat Balm, $36 at Dermstore.com

This super thick nighttime cream is formulated with antioxidants and hydrolyzed silk to replenish moisture back into your skin while you sleep.

Vaseline Sheer Infusion, $7.99, Drugstore.com

This moisturizer not only has silk and other nutrients in it, but it has the technology to seep down into all of the layers of your skin leaving you hydrated all day long.

John Frieda Frizz-Ease Smooth Start Repairing Shampoo, $5.99 at Drugstore.com

Loaded with silk, this shampoo and matching conditioner helps to eliminate frizz by moisturizing and restoring your strands cuticle.