Wake Up with the NEW Renée Rouleau Luxe Mint Cleansing Gel.

Who doesn't need a little added pick me up in the morning? Anything that can help me "wake up" in the early hours of the day is a plus, and this is one thing Renée Rouleau had in mind when creating her brand new Luxe Mint Cleansing Gel.

 

For more than 20 years, Renée has been helping helping women and celebrities attain healthy, glowing, beautiful skin at her spa and through her line of over 70 products. Knowing how women constantly battle tired, dull-looking skin, Renée set out to create a new formula in the form of a cleanser.  When formulating, Renée knew that studies have shown that when someone smells peppermint, it increases alertness and wakes up the mind. Also, Peppermint has long been known for increasing blood flow to the skin, encouraging a glowing radiance. Thus, Peppermint is one of the main ingredients in the product.

I can certainly attest to the fact that I definitely feel more awake in the morning when using Luxe Mint Cleansing Gel. It contains a unique combination of not only the Peppermint, but Spearmint and Rosemary Oils (along with a few other skin saviors) were added into the mix as well. I use a dime sized amount of the gel and gently rub over my face and neck in the shower. It is a very smooth feeling gel that lathers up gently, while it instantly energizes my skin. Not only does my face feel revived immediately, there is a lasting coolness that lingers on my skin. I love how both my senses are uplifted and my skin looks and feels awake, with just the freshest feeling.

My skin never feels dry or tight when using either. Don't you hate it when you feel like you have to slather moisturizer on immediately after cleansing? That is why Renée made this cleanser (like the rest of the cleansers in her line) soap, sulfate, and paraben free. It does lather up a bit, so you definitely get that squeaky clean feeling, but skin is never stripped of essential hydration as those harsh ingredients are indeed left out.

I am not the only one loving Luxe Mint. Renée has heard from a few of her celebrity clients who are loving it too. Just to name a few, fans include Dancing with the Stars alum and star of the new reality show, When Harry Met Lisa, Lisa Rinna; Oscar-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson; and American Idol's Kara DioGuardi.

The only people who should not use this product are those who suffer from a lot of redness in their skin or from rosacea. Also, be careful when working the cleanser around the eye area, as it is refreshing, but strong.

I hope I have you intrigued! I know you want to try this cleanser out for yourself and experience an awakening of your skin too. I really am loving this Luxe Mint Cleansing Gel, and really want you to try it too, so Renée has so generously offered up a special discount for my readers. All you have to do is shop online at Renee Rouleau's website and use the promo code MAKEUP to receive $5 off the regular cleanser price of $35.50, from May 25-31, 2010. If you do buy it, let me know what you think, though I know you will love it.

*Press sample of the product featured was provided by brand or brand representative for editorial consideration.

A Double Duty Win from Votre Vu.

When looking through handbags, I bet there a few beauty products we all have in common. Lip balm and hand cream come to mind. I bet they are BOTH in yours right now. Seeing this new product, you'll understand why I love this double duty beauty.

This beauty win is from Parisian brand Votre Vu and it's called Duette Luxe Lip Balm & Hand Creme. It is not a double duty product as in how you would expect. You see, there is a tube of hand creme with a separate lip balm packed right in the cap of the hand creme.

The lip balm is made up from a blend of coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax. These ingredients work together to protect, nourish and keep lips soft. With an added UV filter to protect from the sun, it has all you need. It smells and tastes delicious, like yummy coconut.

The hand creme is equally as soothing and nourishing. This is made up of sunflower, grape seed and jojoba oils combined with moisturizing and healing aloe, wheat proteins and natural sun filters, Again, skin is left immediately soft, protected from the sun and smelling sweet. This one smells of almond and coconut mixed, two of my favorites.

Duette Luxe Lip Balm and Hand Creme can be purchased through a Votre Vu consultant or online for $38.00. Votre Vu is a direct selling company, similar to Mary Kay and Arbonne. I will say though, that this is a luxury department store comparable product.

A New Skincare Set from Clarisonic.

It's no secret that the Clarisonic Skin Care Brush is one of my all time favorite and must-have beauty tools. If you haven't read my mentions about the system, take a few to catch up.

• A Travel Must: Clarisonic Mia.
• The Best of 2008: The Clarisonic Skin Care Brush.
• Clarisonic Specials

Imagine my excitement when I heard about this superbly priced skincare set pairing with brush with a great brand. For this set, Clarisonic has teamed up with Arcona, the renowned holistic spa and skincare brand, to launch this set that will be sold exclusively at Beauty.com beginning on May 10th. 

The set uses three products and three steps guaranteed to leave skin smooth, soft and radiantly fresh.

Step 1. Cleanse with Clarisonic Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing System - Lightweight and compact, the Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing System gently and effectively cleanses the face at home or on the go.  Created by the primary inventor of the Sonicare® toothbrush, Mia’s gentle sonic vibrations cleanse deeply, clearing pores; reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; create softer, smoother skin and help reduce oily areas, dry skin patches and blemishes.  Mia is gentle enough for cleansing delicate skin every day. The rechargeable brush is completely waterproof, making it perfect for use in the tub or shower.

Step 2. Treat with Arcona Booster Defense - Help protect skin from the environment and free radicals, while reversing the signs of aging. This antioxidant cocktail regenerates at a deep cellular level, leaving skin firmer, stronger and protected from damaging environmental stressors. Powerful ingredients like vitamin C, resveratrol and grape seed extracts defend against free radical damage and premature aging, and antioxidant green tea and vitamin E help to retain moisture and protect skin. Arcona products do not contain petrochemicals, binders or fillers, chemical stabilizers, parabens sodium lauryl sulphates, perfumes, or dyes.

Step 3. Hydrate with Magic White Ice - This daily hydrating gel deeply moisturizes without clogging pores, protects against environmental damage and leaves skin fresh and dewy. Cranberry extracts, hyaluronic acid and white tea provide hydration and advanced antioxidant protection, while a proprietary mineral complex of beta-carotene, vitamins B-5, C and E neutralizes free radicals. Anti-microbial totara extract and grapefruit complex clarify skin. Arcona products do not contain petrochemicals, binders or fillers, chemical stabilizers, parabens sodium lauryl sulphates, perfumes, or dyes.

This set is such a great value, as separately they would cost $207, but it will sell for just $149, at Beauty.com. Check it out on Monday!