Hard Earned Appreciation

There are some things in life that you can never fully appreciate until you get a chance to experience life without them.

Living rent free in your parent’s house.

A job that may not necessarily be be your dream gig but it gets the bills paid and you don't fantasize about committing felonies against your coworkers.

The ability to eat a tray of macaroni and cheese, half of an apple pie and jug of red juice (brands don’t matter as long as it’s red) and not have to pray that you can still slip into your jeans and not a diabetic coma.

I just developed a deep appreciation for a good eye cream. My eyes were never a problem area so for years I was using whatever crossed my path. It is said that using an eye cream will delay visible signs of aging. Let’s be real… Most eye creams don’t come cheap. An ounce of prevention may indeed be worth a pound of cure but to me it was worth a few new eye shadows at the very least.

That all changed when I got the chance to try Wei East’s Golden Root All-In-One Eye Serum

I am an impatient lady. I need to see results pretty quickly into the game or else the product will ride the bench. The first time I used Golden Root eye serum I noticed that the foundation around my eyes looked smoother and more creamy. This alone enough for me to keep it in play. I didn’t fully appreciate until I foolishly took another eye cream when I went on vacation because it was in a much smaller package. I missed my beloved Golden Root AIO Eye Serum immediately. My foundation looked creepy and kind of just sat on top of the skin instead of blending in. The skin around my eyes became dryer and tight after a few days. Ugh.

My peepers where so happy to get home! I could almost feel them saying “Ahhhhhh” when I used Golden Root Eye Serum for the first time in weeks. The skin around my eyes became brighter and more supple within 3 days.

The packaging is divine even though I thinks it’s a little large to hold such small amount of product. I have been using it twice a day for 3 months (minus to 2 weeks that I was on vacay) and I should be able to get another 2 months out of it. The serum retails for 37.50 for 0.52 ounces. Yeah… A little on the pricey side. But don’t panic! Good ole’ Home Shopping Network has some fantastic great deals on the Golden Root Renewal line. I will definitely be going the HSN route when it’s time to re-up… Gotta grab a deal where ever you can. Times is hard! Lol!

B.B.

AHA's & BHA 's 101

Grab some tea and get comfy Bellas. Today we're going to talk about Alpha and Beta Hydroxy acids. We always see brands flaunting them as ingredients and hear skin care gurus preaching of the virtues. But do well really know much about them how to use them?

Oh... You do?

Well there is bound to be someone here that doesn't so no spoilers please.

On a molecular level, AHAs and BHAs are very similar. The only thing that separates them is a single carbon atom. But that single carbon atom makes all the defence it the world when it comes to use.

AHA's come from fruit and milk sugars. There are 5 major AHA's but the two most widely used are glycolic and lactic acids. These two penetrate the skin better. Here are the 5 major AHA's and their natural sources:

• glycolic acid - sugar cane
• lactic acid - milk
• malic acid - apples and pears
• citric acid - oranges and lemons
• tartaric acid - grapes

The only BHA used in cosmetics is salicylic acid. Salicylic acid naturally comes the bark of a willow tree. BHA

The biggest difference between AHAs and BHA is their solubility. AHAs dissolve in water, while BHA dissolves in lipids (oils). BHA is better used on acne prone oily skin. AHAs are better used on drier where breakouts aren't an issue.

AHAs and BHA work mainly as chemical exfoliate. They speed up cellular renewal by loosening the outler layer cells, making way for new ones. AHA's and BHA decrease wrinkles, evens the texture and tone of the skin and improve sun damage. AHA'a are also reported to increase collagen and elastin production. BHA's oil solubility makes them an effective treatment against acne.


AHA's and BHA can both cause irritation but BHA to a lesser extent. Salcylic acid retains the anti inflammatory qualities of it's cousin, acetylsalicylic acid, more commonly know as aspirin.

Both AHAs and BHA increase sun sensitivity by a whopping 50%! Sunscreen is a must when using. Be sure that you use a broad spectrum sunscreen for both UVA and UVB protection. I can't emphasize this enough for WOC. Darker skin is more susceptible to scarring and pigment changes when using AHAs and BHA. Now wouldn't that suck... Spend a lot of time and money to get Gabby Union skin just to turn around and jack it all up by not slapping in some sunscreen... Tsk. Tsk.

In order for AHA's or BHA to be effective, it must be present in the proper percent and the product must be the proper pH. Unfortunately, it is not required for manufactures state the concentration amounts so as a general rule of thumb AHAs should appear within the first three ingredients to be effective. BHA can occur towards the middle or even the bottom since it effective at lower concentrations. Manufactures also don't have to list the pH of products. The only way to determine this is a pH strip but this may be a bit much, lol!


So there ya go... All the basics you need know about AHAs and BHA. Did you learn anything? What are you going to buy now that you have the facts?

B.B.

info source

My Latest Weapon In the Battle Against Dark Spots

Most of you know that post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is an ongoing battle of mine. Over the years I have tried several lines that contain AHAs in order to get rid of the marks. The results have been mixed to say the least. Some items made my skin super dry while. A few gave minimal results while others just didn't do anything for the PIH. But they all delivered smoother, more radiant skin. I knew I was onto something with the AHAs. It was just about finding the right one for me.

Well oh happy day! Somebody cue the DJ and let's get the Electric Slide* going!

I have been using Alpha Hydrox Nourishing Cleanser and 12% AHA Souffle and I am pleased as punch with the results! In two weeks there are noticeable results. The older PIH marks have lightened quite a bit. I didn't experience any purging and the few pimples that I have gotten have healed significantly faster.

Nourishing Cleanser 4.5 oz./

Washing away makeup, oil, perspiration & pollutants is the first step in successful skin care and great skin. This hydrating formula goes beyond clean by maintaining skin's moisture and revealing a smoother, more radiant complexion. Pro-vitamin B5 & Vitamin A&E microbeads condition and help protect against damage & aging. Soy & Active Oxygen enhance overall effectiveness. Leaves skin residue-free and at the proper pH level to optimize the effects of all Alpha Hydrox anti-wrinkle treatment products.

source

Ummm... The microbeads seem few and far between so I can't say they really do a whole bunch other than make the cleanser pretty. It's not all that great at removing eye makeup so I still prewash with my oil cleanser. It does a thorough job of cleaning without leaving my skin crypt keeper dry.

12% AHA Souffle

Exfoliation is the key to skin renewal. This lightweight, non-greasy anti-wrinkle souffle with 12% AHA is the ultimate in powerful, natural AHA exfoliation. Reduces the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles, smoothes, softens & restores skin without the use of abrasives. Peptides & Green Tea preserve firmness and prevent free radicals from breaking skin down. Immediately you will notice the velvety softness of your skin and in a matter of days, your skin will begin to look younger & more radiant with improved texture, elasticity & tone.

source

This doesn't say anything about lightening dark marks but it definitely should. It lives up to its promises. My skin is definitely softer and more radiant. I wouldn't call this lightweight though. It actually feels kind of thick when it first goes on but it sinks within a few minutes. If you if you manually exfoliate before using it you will experience some significant tingling when you use the Souffle. This isn't terribly moisturizing either. If you have fairly dry skin I suggest using a serum or adding a second moisturizer. I use Aquafina Hydrating Facial Spray for added moisture during the day if it's necessary.

I purchased the Souffle months ago. I admit I shelved it because I was feeling kinda meh about the results. Adding the Nourishing Cleanser made a world of difference. There is definitely something to that whole "proper pH level to optimize the effects" deal. Be sure to use sunsceen when using AHA's. The increased rate of cellular renewal increases sun sensitivity.

So has anyone used Alpha Hydrox products? What's your weapon against PIH? Share the knowledge! lol!

B.B.


*Don't even front... you know you did the Electric Slide this summer at Aunt CiCi's backyard BBQ/ beef-n-beer birthday party!

Dirt Cheap Never Felt So Good!

I know that I am not the only one.

I know that I am not the only one that has come across Montagne Jeunesse skin treatments, took one look and kept it moving. I am far too broke to be a beauty snob... but you gotta draw the line somewhere. They are packaged in bright and obnoxiously colored individual use packs. The models on the pouches are wearing masks embellished with curiously large vegetation sprouting from the eyes.



You know the ones that I am talking about...

They usually cost around $2 but I have seen them on clearance for as low as 33cents! I always thought "How can something with such frightening packaging and low price possibly be any good?"

Well boy was I wrong! The Ultra Fast Pore Cleansing Tonic Mask with Spearmint and Tea Tree is the truth! I grabbed this little gem after reading the stellar reviews on MUA.

It was $1.75 at Walmart. It is a one time use cloth mask that is saturated with tonic. I figured out a trick to get a few more uses out of it. I wrung the mask out into an empty jar that I had laying around. I got enough tonic for 2 or 3 more masks! So that makes it even cheaper!

The mask is simple enough to use. You simply place the mask on your face making sure to line up the precut eye and mouth holes and lounge around for a few minutes so the mask can work it's magic. It is has a cool refreshing feeling on the skin that I found to be very relaxing. After 10 minutes or so. I rinsed my may face with cool water and patted dry.

One look in the mirror and all I could say was "Wow!". My pores were smaller, and my skin was glowing! My face was thoroughly cleaned without being dried out. No tight skin. No dry patches. Just radiant and smoother skin. I love an instant HG!

Has anyone tried the M.J. masks? Anymore that I should give a try? Love em? Loathe em? What's your favorite mask?

B.B.

RX For Brown Skin- Just What The Doctor Ordered

Let me start off by giving major kudos and appreciating to DR. Susan Taylor, the creator of the RX For Brown Skin line. The beauty industry has come along way when it comes to products for us Brown Bettys' but Dr. Taylor has significantly raised the bar by developing a line that caters specifically to us. How flippin cool is that? Dr. Taylor is also quite accomplished. Girlfriend is a mover and shaker in the dermatology world. Check out her bio here and you can purchase her book here.

On to the review!

I had the pleasure of trying the Bright and Even line of products. This line targets dry, mature or hyperpigmenting skin. It touts an impressive ingredient list with glycolic acid, pomegranate, soy, hyalouronic acid and a host of plenty of goodies.

Bright and Even Exfoliating Cleanser- $21/ 6 oz.



The cleanser is thin and milky. You have to work up a lather in your hands before putting on your face. I was actually surprised by how well it lathered up because it so thin. A little goes a long was. Two pumps is all it takes to get thoroughly cleaned. And guess what!!!! It removed all of my makeup! Even mascara! Ya'll know I'm lazy so this was just sheer awesomenss to me. It left my skin clean soft and glowy.

Bright and Even Exfoliating Toner - $18/4.2 oz.



I was kind of confused when I discovered the toner had a spray pump. But it's really rather ingenious. I don't know about you but I have wasted many ounces of toner by putting too much on my cotton ball. This is pretty "D'oh" proof. A few pumps and you get the right amount every time. The toner smells like baby wipes to me. Not a bad smell, just not as pleasant as some other toners that I have come across. It's not very strong nor does it linger so the scent is not a deal breaker at all.

Bright and Even Exfoliating Moisturizer - $34/ 1.7 oz.



This light, non-greasy moisturizer feels very great on the skin. It absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky residue. Don't let the small size fool you... A small drop is enough to cover the entire face so the bottle should last you at least 4 months.

Overall

Pros
Quick results
Non- irritating
Great ingredients
Good Pricing considering ingredients and overall results
Quality packaging that is aesthetically pleasing

Cons
Drying

The only issue that I have is that this line is drying. Any product that speeds up cellular renewal (the glycolic acid does this) has a tendency to dry out the skin. The instructions suggest that you ease into use if your skin is not used to glycolic products. I use a glycolic face wash regularly so I began using the RX line 4 nights a week. Apparently this was a bit much and my skin dried out. I live at a pretty high elevation so the air here is dry already. I was already doing everything I could to prevent looking like the crypt keeper. A good aspirin scrub followed by a honey and EVOO mask made the world a better a place though so no biggie. I now use the products 3 nights a week and still put a good night cream on afterwards. I am still seeing improvement even with such limited use.

I am sold! RX for Brown Skin is a solid brand that delivers what it promises without taking a month of Sundays to do so. Within a week I began to see improvement. Dark spots were beginning to lighten and my overall skin tone was more uniform and brighter. This is definitely a keeper. It has earned a space in the Brown shower caddy!

Oh... By the way... There are also starter kits available if you want save a few pennies and try it out before you take the plunge.

Has anyone tried this line? What do you think? Have I created any baby lemmings? Let me know!

B.B.

Autumn Skin Greatness

Today is the first day of Autumn. The leaves are already beginning to change in my neck of the woods. The warm summer air has departed to give way for that crisp fall breeze. Shortly we will all be donning super sexy knee boots and cozy sweaters. Mmmm... Yummy!

You may also have drier skin to sport with your latest BeBe bag...Yeah. Not the hottness.

Moisturizing your face can be tricky. There is a fine line between adequate moisture and being a greasy hot mess. Not enough moisture you are left with flaky, dull skin. Here are a few of my favorite moisturizes that walk the line perfectly:

CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion


The last thing I expected was to find an HG on the bottom shelf at Rite Aid. I love this stuff. It uses Multivesicular Emulsion (MVE) technology to moisturize. That basically means that it penetrates the different levels of the skin slowly... like a time-release vitamin or something. CeraVe contains the same ceramides and hyaluronic acid as high end brands for a fraction of the price. $13 for 11 ounces!!!! A bottle will last until the day after forever. All you need is a pea sized drp to do your entire face.

Shiseido The Skincare Day Moisture Protection SPF 15 PA+


This light weight moisturizer absorbs super quick and leaves my face baby soft. The SPF 15 doesn't mean much to me because I prefer a high SPF but it's better than nothing. The Yuzu Seed extract helps balance moisture while boosting hyaluronic acid production. At $38 for 2.54 ounces this stuff puts a hurting on the pocket though. Sephora carries an introductory set that has cleanser, toner and moisturizer for $37.50. Not too bad.

Grape seed Oil

Grape seed oil has mildly astringent qualities. This help tighten and tone the skin. It has a very light and super thin feel to it. A few drops is all that is needed for the face. I use Retin A every other night so the morning after my skin needs some extra TLC. Grape oil leaves my skin super soft with out the greasy residue. The oil is very rich in fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. It also contains proanthocyanidins, which are very potent antioxidants helpful for diminishing the sun's harmful effects and lessening free radical damage. It is also said to have regenerative and restructuring qualities.

Grape seed oil is also wonderful to cook with. It has a higher smoking point than olive oil and is thought to lower cholesterol

What!?!?! Whooda thunk it?!?! I messes with the grape seed oil! Yes... I put oil on my skin. Straight, no chaser! All of this greatness and it's readily available and cheap to boot! I got a 16 ounce bottle from GNC for $9.99.

B.B.

Yu-Be Ashy No More!

A lot has changed since moving to the hills of northwest Connecticut. I have gracefully adapted to crazy high gas prices, fickle weather patterns and my newly acquired size 10 derriere. The one thing that I can't seem to get a handle on is my skin. It is much drier here than back home in the Illadelph and I've got the ashy ankles to prove it. I'm talking ridiculous ash. Like someone beat me with a bag of flour type of ash. It really made no since. When regular old Vaseline Intensive Care was no longer cutting it I knew it was time to bring in reinforcements.

I was immediately curious when I received a sample of Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream because it has a glycerin base as opposed to water or petroleum that is found in most lotions and creams. Glycerin is hygroscopic... That's just a fancy way of saying it attracts or absorbs water from the air. I was already sold on the greatness that is glycerin because I had been using on my natural tresses for some time now.


I used the sample on my hands and ordered a tube from Sephora straight away. No second thoughts. No further testing. I was sold. That's how good this stuff is ya'll. My hands were super soft and no ash to be found. It sank in almost instantly and didn't leave my hands greasy or sticky. I only needed a small amount to do both hands.

Yu-Be does contain camphor (as well as vitamins E and B12) so it has that distinct camphor smell to it. Think Vicks Vapo-Rub but much lighter. It dissipates fairly quickly. It's not a very strong or overpowering scent but if you don't care for a menthol scent than this not the cream for you.

Sephora carries Yu-be on line in three different sizes. The 1.7 oz tube costs $15 and the 2.75 oz jar is $24. But Ebay is the business! I got the 4.25 oz jar for $15.95 from Skinxchange. It can also be purchased directly from the website.

Has anyone tried this? What is your ash defeater? Let a sista know!

B.B.

Thanks Papa Brown!

Among the many traits that Mama Brown passed on to me, adult acne in one of them. Unlike Mama Brown, I have to also deal with post inflammatory hyperpigmentation or PIH. She gets some PIH but it's nothing compared to mine. Mama Brown's is relatively light and fades much quicker than mine. While I have found several effective (and many more not so effective) treatments, I wasn't about to take this lying down. I need to find out why.

Because Papa Brown blessed me with magnificent multitudes of melanin that's why. Loves ya Pop.

My mother is light skinned (think Tina Knowles) and my father is dark skinned (think Djimon Hounsou... in the dark). I ended up smack dab in the middle as a NC 50.

Without getting all scientifical and stuff... Melanin is what gives the skin color. The more melanin that is produced, the darker the skin. Melanin also protects naturally the skin from sun damage*. When the skin is damaged, it reacts by increasing the melanin production. The amount of melanin that occurs naturally in the skin, (in most cases) determines the amount that is produced after trauma... Darker the skin= darker the scar.

It all comes down to the melanin, man.

PIH is temporary scarring because only the top layers of the skin are affected.Over time the scars will fade. The amount of time it takes depends on how dark the mark is and how quickly the superficial layers of the skin shed. Since genetics determine how dark the scar is, there isn't much you can do about that. But treatments like microdermabrasion, chemical peels and topical creams can speed up the shedding and renewal process that occurs naturally.

So snaps to Papa Brown! While giving me a great since of direction and wickedly thick hair, he also gave me a reason to figure out why I scarred so badly. So indirectly, he gave me a reason to educate myself and others (thanks for reading, all both of ya'll. LOL!) just a little bit more today.

B.B.

*This does NOT mean that we don't need any extra protection. WEAR the sunscreen Beauties!

Dr. Brandt Brings the Beauty but Breaks the Budget

On my last trip to Sephora, my dutiful shopping rewarded me with a deluxe sample of Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion. I had been eyeballing the Dr Brandt line for some time. The sleek, clinical style packaging called out to me. It just looked like it would bring the business. More research revealed an even more impressive ingredient list. The only thing holding me back was the price. Cleansers start at $35. Moisturizers are about $50 and several products hover around the very hard to swallow $100 mark. I would look longingly and keep it moving. There was absolutely no inner turmoil to deal with. There are some purchases that I just can't justify... even when using my twisted logic.



I usually stay away from samples that I know I would never purchase the full size. It's like ordering a very fattening mini dessert... Just when it started getting good it's over and you know you don't have any business with the full size one. Lol.

I'll be honest, while I had high expectations, a small part of me hoped that this stuff was crap. Sadly, it's not. It is a solid product. Only a small amount is needed to do the entire face. The instructions say to "slowly and gently" massage for 1-2 minutes. They aren't lying. This scrub is definitely not for those with sensitive skin. It is a serious scrub. It came to kick butt came and take name ya'll. After 1 use, my skin was was brighter. After 3 uses (using it every 3-4 days) I had a more even tone. It smells just like Lemon Pledge. But surprisingly I actually enjoy it.

The $75 price tag has definitely made me put on the breaks though. The price break down makes it easily justifiable though. You use so little each time, I could easily see a full size jar lasting 8 months. That comes to $9.38 a month. I don't know about you all but I have spent more than that on things that didn't work nearly as well. Parting with $75 all at once is hard though. Especially since it that lonely behind jar would be the only thing in the bag that day.

Before I commit to the full size jar I will try Olay's Regenerist Microdermabrasion & Peel System. I have heard good things about it. Plus at about $25 for the set it is much easier on the pockets.
Be bold and Beautifucated,
B.B.

We All Must Wear a Mask

I truly love facial masks. It is the one part of my skincare regimen that is always in constant flux. I am always on the look out that magical one that will cast the clogged demons out, shrink pores, and leave my skin radiant... all for under $20. Lol! A girl can dream can't she?

Lately I have been using Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask. It's claim to fame is the activated charcoal. Activated Charcoal is the same stuff that is used in hospitals to treat poisonings and overdoses. The charcoal binds with toxins so the body cannot absorb them. I figured if it could save a life than it may save my skin as well.



As soon as I laid eyes on the tube I was intrigued. The dark gray color just made me feel like it meant business. It is a medium consistency paste that is easily spreadable. It goes on kind of on the thin side so it dries within 5 minutes. It tightens as it dries, which is typical of clay based masks.

After rinsing, my skin did feel soft and some of my pores were cleared. I liked the fact that this mask didn't dry me out as much as other masks but I wasn't totally floored by the results. I added a bit of aspirin and this definitely took the mask to the next level. But honestly, what mask doesn't aspirin improve?

So over all... Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask wasn't earth shattering... Especially considering the fact that it $20 for 3.4 ounces. For $20 I don't think that I should have to add squat to truly get the results I want. So back to the drawing board. I will always keep tried and true Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque and crushed aspirin handy when those sididdy masks fail me. We all know QHMJ & aspirin is the truth!

Um... Why is there K.Y. in your bag?

This was the question that I posed to Mr. Brown as he was packing for a business trip. He replied "shaving" just as pleasantly as you please.

Ha! I see ya'll are giving him the exact same side-eye and twisted lip that I was.

Before I pulled his "pervert" card and called his mother to ask her where she went wrong, I decided to press for more details. Mr. Brown has terribly sensitive skin when it comes to shaving. I figured that he was just getting desperate in his search for decent shaving products.

BB: "Shaving. Mmm hmm. You nasty".
Mr. BB: "No, really. It works really well. It gives me a close shave without the razor burn. Plus I like feeling slick as an eel"!
BB: "See. I told you... You nasty".
Mr. BB: "Yeah, that may be true but at least I'm nasty with a smooth shave. And don't even front... You know you're gonna try it".

A few minutes later...

BB: "How did you find out that KY worked so well for shaving"?
Mr. BB: "Why you all in my shaving going-ons and what not"?
BB: "You know you a perv, right"?



Well he was right. KY Liquid is great for shaving. I used it on my legs and I must say that it is indeed top notch. The razor just glided across my skin. The shave was hella close but that may also be due in part to my HG razor, the Schick Quattro Titanium. That's a whole 'notha review entirely. I didn't have any nicks or cuts which is unheard of for me. I usually nick an ankle or knee like it stole from me or something. A little went long way also. About a quarter size drop per leg. Apparently, every time I use conventional shaving cream I turn into a 4 year old and get it every where. The KY was super neat. No foam streaks all over the shower wall. It rinsed away clean and easy.

So the next time you're in Walmart, and you see the skeevy, greasy dude that is freakish perversion personified buying KY*... Take heart. He may just be shaving... something. lol!

*It has to be the liquid version though. If it's not, then I would suggest that you not touch anything after him.

Be bold and bueatificated!
BB

Makeup Artist's Choice Brings the Medi-Spa to You

Hyperpigmentation is the bane of my existence. Every time my skin decides to act a fool I am left with the tell-tale scars for what seems like eons. To make matters worse... I often breakout in the exact same spots so scars that were finally fading are injected with a fresh dose of melanin! Yipee! After trying several worthless over the counter products, I went to the derm and received a prescription for Retin-A. This stuff is the truth! I'm talking about beautimous, Gabby Union type skin y'all! Unfortunately, if you don't have insurance you may need Gabby Union type duckets to foot the bill.

Being that my derm's office is also a medi-spa they are always trying to upsell. (I ain't mad at them. Times is hard! Lol).On one particular visit they were trying to talk me into buffered chemical peel set so I could (at my own risk lol) do my peels at home. A wonderful esthetician thoroughly described the different peels and what they were used for. Who knew that there were so many different peels? She explained that while it does sound suspect, peels can be done at home just as safely as they were being done in the office for a fraction of the price. After she carefully planted and watered the seeds of lust she gave me the price... $250 an ounce!!!! Evil woman! What in the over-priced-beauty-product-hell?!?!?!? I have had car payments that didn't cost that much! Since said car has gotten me much farther than my skin has I decided to pass.

I went home and did some searching and found out a few things:

1. At home chemical peels are not for the uneducated. If you don't do your research you can end up doing some serious damage. I don't care how beautificated you are... Excruciating pain and 1st degree burns are not a good look on anyone.

2. There are a lot of companies on the net selling chemical peel solutions. A whole lot... If you decide to purchase, please make sure it is a reputable company. The beauty industry is a multi billion dollar industry. There are far too many people out there trying sell you their new and improved version of high priced crap.

3. My derm needs to be beat with a stick (a very big stick!) for charging $250 for something that is readily available for 1/10th of that!

I ordered a 1/2 ounce sample 40% Lactic acid peel kit for $17.75 from Makeup Artist's Choice (MUAC). $17.75 isn't a bad price at all. I have done 5 peels and still have a little more than half the bottle left. One peel at the derm's usually costs between $80 and $100. To achieve the desired effects (scar fading, reduction in wrinkles, etc) it takes a series of 4-6 depending on one's skin. Yeah ladies... It's a bargain to say the least.

MUAC has 8 different peels in different strengths depending on ones needs. They also offer a complete line of skin care products that are very affordable. The site is very easy to navigate. Complete ingredients and instructions are on the site so you know exactly what you are getting yourself into before you buy.

Keep any eye out for reviews of some the great things that MUAC has to offer. Until then-

Be bold and beautificated!

BB