MyChelle

I was able to try some products from MyChelle a while back after I got my face scanned. After learning that I basically have the face of a 90 year old, I took home a bunch of their products so I could return for an ‘after’ scan which unfortunately didn’t happen before I had some laser treatments so we wouldn’t have an accurate look at the changes their products alone made. Sigh. But what did happen (even pre-laser) is that I finally found a natural skincare line that actually works! I love MyChelle; from the packaging, to the product variety, to the way it makes my skin look and feel. Here’s a rundown of what I used, what I liked, and what unfortunately missed the mark.

Cleanser: Apple Brightening

I really liked this cleanser, light and slightly foamy but not overly so. The apple scent was a nice and I used it faithfully until it was totally gone which is really saying something. It also left my skin feeling soft and looking bright without stripping or drying. Biggest downside would be the size- 2.1oz for $13 which seems a little skimpy to me.

Apple Brightening Cleanser

Apple Brightening Cleanser

Mist: Apple Brightening

Ever since I can remember I’ve used a toner. From Sea Breeze to Clinique, I’ve used them all in the name of squeaky clean skin. Though I’m still addicted to that (not really important) step after cleansing, it’s good to give my skin a break and to stop stripping away the moisture it needs. In the morning after cleansing when I know there isn’t any makeup left behind on my already clean skin, I’ll spritz a few sprays of this mist instead of my usual toner on a cotton pad routine. It feels refreshing and adds an extra dose of brightening power in a way that’s as light as water.

Apple Brightening Mist

Apple Brightening Mist

Serums:

Apple Brightening

Hydroquinone is not for me. Too harsh and too many risks involved so it isn’t worth it to use even though uneven skintone drives me crazy. I’ve used this serum on and off for years and I’ve found that it does work. It’s so easy on the skin without the use of harsh chemicals to fade dark spots in a natural way. Compared to hydroquinone, it will take more time so be patient and stick with it, you will see a difference.

Apply Brightening Serum

Apply Brightening Serum

Perfect C Serum 17%:

If you’re using a Vitamin C (and everyone should be in my opinion) look for it in the form of L-Ascorbic, the most effective with the best absorption. Anything else might just be orange scented liquid that smells great but does nothing for the skin. This L-Ascorbic serum doesn’t aggravate or leave skin red so sensitive skin can enjoy using it too.

Perfect C Serum 17%

Perfect C Serum 17%

Moisturizers:

Daily Defense Cream SPF 17

I love a zinc-based sunscreen, but this was my least favorite product of the bunch. It was hydrating and the texture was good, but it left a bit of a sticky after feel that I couldn’t get used to. Nothing too terrible, and the feeling did go away eventually but it just wasn’t for me.

Daily Defense Cream SPF 17

Daily Defense Cream SPF 17

Supreme Polypeptide Cream with Matrixyl® Synthe’6

A friend with similar skin to mine raves about this cream, she said not to let the rich feel steer me from trying it. It’s by far the thickest cream I’ve ever used but also one of the best. It dissolves into the skin and leaves it really soft. Long term its benefits are great; wrinkle relaxing, tightening, and clarifying so that skin looks brighter and younger. At $54 it’s pricier than most of their line, but it’s a price I’d happily pay.

Supreme Polypeptide Cream with Matrixyl® Synthe’6

Supreme Polypeptide Cream with Matrixyl® Synthe’6

Because MyChelle isn’t 100% organic, they can balance some more advanced ingredients with natural ones which makes the line more effective in making changes in the skin. Fewer essential oils also mean fewer irritations for sensitive and acne-prone skin so trust in their speciality lines and give them a shot. You can Skype a skin specialist of theirs, or better yet see if they have a Visia scanner at a store near you so you can get a (free!) before and after of your skin and some product recommendations made just for your specific needs.

Arcona Triad All-In-One Cleansing Pads

If you’re into those all-in-one cleansing cloths you get at the drugstore, Arcona has a luxe version that works just as well but is much better for your skin. Triad Pads are pre-soaked with their best selling Cranberry Toner for ease of use when you want to remove makeup, cleanse, tone, and refresh skin all in one quick swipe. Everything made by Arcona is done is small batches using pure, chemical-free ingredients like the toner – rich with natural AHAs, Vitamin E, Cranberry Extract, and Omegas so it soothes instead of strips. You’ll find that your skin is so hydrated and balanced after you use them that you won’t go back to the chemical-laden cloths again. Great especially for travel or gym bags.

$30 for 45 pads- check em out on Arcona.com, Dermstore.com, or Skinstore.com

Dry Skin Rever-Upper; Kosmea Hydrating Rosewater Mist

Dry, tight skin is so annoying. Sometimes throughout the day, dry skin can start to feel even dryer as your moisturizer fades away and the day sets in. Keeping a little Hydrating Rosewater Mist in your bag is a good idea and it would probably get a lot more use than you’d think. You can spray a little of the rosewater on your face throughout the day to freshen makeup and add some instant, anti-oxidant filled moisture to your skin.

Check out Kosmea’s version – it’s ultra-pure, sinks in right away, and smells like heaven.

Kosmea Hydrating Rosewater Mist

Biologique Recherche P50

If something is out of stock, limited edition, sold out, or labeled as a ‘cult’ anything- I must have it.

After seeing the Biologique Recherche Lotion P-50 grace the glossy pages of every major mag, my affinity for it began long before it touched my face. I can say now, this classic doesn’t disappoint.

Used as a toner would be, but touted as ‘liquid exfoliation’, the benefits in this bottle are vast. Their info sums it up best;

‘The cornerstone product in the Biologique Recherche line, P50 is an amazing vitamin-enriched exfoliating potion that gently purifies, hydrates, tones, controls sebum and balances the skin, visibly improving many common skin conditions including whiteheads, blackheads and symptoms of rosacea. P50 prepares skin to receive Treatment Stage products by exfoliating and toning. P50 also prevents and treats ingrown hairs, making it ideal for pre- and post-shaving care.

There is a P50 formulation for every skin type. Active ingredients include: usnic acid, lactic acid, witch hazel, myrrh extract, onion extract and sage extract. ‘

$50 for 5.1 oz bottle, BeautyHabbit.com, PaulLabrecque.com

The Biologique Recherche P-50

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Sanitas Skincare Glycotoner 10%

I’ve been a long time fan of glycolic acid, the sugar cane derived member of the AHA family. Its uses are vast, assisting with everything from acne, to dry skin and wrinkles, even helping vitamins to penetrate deeper into the skin bringing about greater results.

Sanitas has been standing firm in their skincare beliefs for years now, with a few fundamentals- like making products that are incredibly active using biogenic (naturally found in the body) ingredients to stimulate and nourish the skin. Their complete line of results oriented super skincare has evolved over the years always incorporating the most modern technology, but their Glycotoner has remained a staple.

Most experts agree that a 10% glycolic solution is ideal, although Sanitas carries a 5% and a 15%, 10% is strong enough to see results without being irritating to most skins. Try the 5% if you’re new to glycolic and work your way up- especially if you tend to be sensitive. Just a little on a cotton pad after cleansing and you’ll feel a little tingling, which I’ve come to love (I can just feel it working.) If you’re really looking for a one-two punch, follow the toner up with their Peptiderm Moisturizing Cream containing huge concentrations of peptides to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by relaxing facial muscles, increasing collagen, and improving skin circulation.

Sanitas Skincare

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Thayer’s Witch Hazel

When you’ve been at something since 1847, chances are you’re pretty good. Although witch hazel hasn’t been in production since 1847, Thayer’s has been in the natural remedy business that long and Witch Hazel is probably its most recognizable product in their collection. Witch hazel is actually a shrub whose bark and leaves holds a natural astringent perfect for reducing inflammation and has been recommended for years to erase everything from varicose veins to ulcers. Right now, I’m loving the Lemon one that has camomile, blackberry, nettle and orange peel which leaves my skin super soft and refreshed after cleansing. The products aren’t animal tested, contain no praabens or alcohol and work well with all skin types.

Thayer’s Witch Hazel