Dropping Acid: Making Chemical Exfoliation Work for Me

01 Dropping Acid

Acids and I have a long turbulent history together.

Most recently, I flirted with Biologique Recherche’s P50 Lotion (see my beginner’s guide to buying P50), Sunday Riley Good Genes (40% lactic acid), and Pixi Glow Tonic (5% glycolic acid).

Before that, I had regular rendezvous with Neova Reveal Exfoliator gel (20% glycolic acid) and Peter Thomas Roth 10% glycolic acid toner (link to my review).

The appeal of uncovering new baby skin after sloughing off the top layer–with acne marks, sunspots, large pores, forehead lines, and slight textural imperfections–was undeniable.  And when you regularly follow Caroline Hirons–a big proponent of acid toners as a regular part of a routine–it’s hard not to feel as if you’re handicapping your skin’s full potential when you omit acids. It’s like writing blog posts instead of the brief that’s due tomorrow and still expecting to get that promotion.  ::quickly looks away::

Continue reading “Dropping Acid: Making Chemical Exfoliation Work for Me”

Eastern Promises Part 2: Angela’s Skincare Routines–August 2015

Read Part 1–Translating Between the Asian and Western Skincare Routine–here.

Broken down into components of CLEANSE, TONE, TREAT, MOISTURIZE, the routines in this post list what I’m currently using the majority of the time and why (and also link to my reviews if there is one).

I do occasionally use something else in my stash just because I feel like it or am bored. There are two exceptions: (1) When I review skincare provided for free by a company, I test that item continuously so that you can be sure my opinion isn’t compromised by lax testing. (2) I want/need to use Shark Sauce and my PocketDerm prescription (referral link) consistently–2x/day and 1x/day respectively.

05 Shark Sauce Continue reading “Eastern Promises Part 2: Angela’s Skincare Routines–August 2015”

Roth; it ain’t just a Retirement Plan – Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Sunscreen

After being darkened to level “crispy” in Vegas I have been ever so thankful for good face sunscreen. And I can’t just take any face sunscreen, peasants. I have an allergic reaction that develops into measle-like rashes at one droplet of any chemical sunscreens. You can imagine the dilemma of being allergic to sunscreen in the summer. Voila! Mineral/physical barrier sunscreen to the rescue!
Continue reading “Roth; it ain’t just a Retirement Plan – Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Sunscreen”

Everything’s Coming Up Roses: Peter Thomas Roth Rose Stem Cell Bio-Repair Gel Mask Review

As a huge fan of sleeping masks (the convenience! the ease of use! the fact that you can use it a ton of times and still have plenty left in the jar!), I’m thrilled to see that Western brands have picked up on this Korean trend. Just search for “overnight mask” on Sephora and you’ll see lots of offerings.

01 Peter Thomas Roth Rose Stem Cell Bio-Repair Gel Mask ReviewThe Peter Thomas Roth Rose Stem Cell Bio-Repair Gel Mask ($45 for a hefty 5-oz. jar) claims to counteract signs of aging and to brighten, tone, and hydrate. Read on to find out why it’s in the fridge . . .

Continue reading “Everything’s Coming Up Roses: Peter Thomas Roth Rose Stem Cell Bio-Repair Gel Mask Review”

Glycolics Anonymous: Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 10% Toning Complex Clarifying Toner Review

I love the concept of acids. I’ve used a number of face cleansers, peels, moisturizers, and serums featuring acids but never before a toner. Until I came across Peter Thomas Roth’s Glycolic Acid 10% Toning Complex Clarifying Toner ($40 for 8.5 oz.).
01 Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 10% Toning Complex Clarifying Toner ReviewI’m currently using this twice a day, swiping it on with a cotton pad after cleaning my face and before applying brightening serum. Continue reading “Glycolics Anonymous: Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 10% Toning Complex Clarifying Toner Review”