Robin McGraw Revelation

When it comes to skincare, I typically shy away from celebrity endorsed or created brands because I feel like they can get over hyped or sometimes, flat out gimmicky. So why am I writing a post about Robin McGraw Revelation you ask? The answer is as simple as this; I had no idea who she was (FYI she's Dr. Phil's wife).

Robin McGraw skincare came to be in 2014 and has been expanding since then. There are a few different lines available, and today I'm sharing my thoughts on a few products from the Brightening, Dryness and Anti-Aging ranges.

"Turn on your inner light! Reveal your most radiant, youthful complexion with this multi-action polishing scrub. Featuring a proprietary Triple Action Brightening Complex, this formula works to refine pores and fade the appearance of dark spots and discoloration."

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Twinkle, Twinkle, You're A Star! Triple Action Brightening Polish ($28, 50ml) contains pumice (ground volcanic stone) to soften and smooth as well as Bentonite Clay to draw out impurities and remove excess oil. This polish is gentle and effective. I use it twice a week in the evenings and my skin looks so much more radiant after using it.

Serum is an important part of any skincare routine (especially after the age of 30). I've been using two different serums from Robin McGraw and I'm in love with them both!

"Promise your complexion a brighter future. Formulated with a proprietary Triple Action Brightening Complex and highly stabilized 10% Vitamin C, this potent serum fades the appearance of existing spots and discoloration, protects, brightens and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles." 

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Let There Be Bright Triple Action Brightening Serum ($66, 30ml) contains a triple brightening complex consisting of Lumiskin, Brightenyl and Vitamin C to help fade the appearance of dark spots and to brighten the complexion. There's also SulforaWhite (sourced from Swiss Cress Sprouts) to inhibit melanin production and Coconut Fruit for intense hydration.

This serum has the typical Vitamin C scent but it's not overpowering. The texture is along the lines of a moisturizer and 3 pumps is enough to cover my face and neck. It absorbs quickly and it leaves my face with a nice glow. Although it is hydrating, my skin definitely needs moisturizer after.

"Gift yourself a younger-looking complexion. This serum with 0.3% Retinol helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and pores, while Vitamin C helps visibly brighten dull skin. Powered by a unique time-released technology, this potent yet balanced serum gradually delivers Retinol to minimize irritation and maximize visible results."

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Welcome Back Youth Serum ($38, 15ml) contains 0.3% Retinol to target fine lines and wrinkles, AcquaBio & Larch Tree Extract for retaining hydration and Vitamin C for brightening and free radical protection.

I've been using this serum 3x a week in the evening and it's definitely made a difference in my skin! I appear more rested and my face is soft and smooth. It absorbs very quickly and it has a light scent to it that dissipates fairly quickly. A lot of products containing retinol can be quite harsh, but this serum is so gentle. I highly recommend it!

"This non-greasy daily moisturizer infuses thirsty skin with the hydration it needs. Our unique formulation combines Sodium PCA, Apple Fruit, and Green Tea extract to help restore moisture for optimum skin health and a younger-looking complexion." /source/

Hydrated Skin = Youth Plump Perfecting Moisturizer ($42, 45 ml) is a light moisturizer that's perfect for everyday use. It's formulated with Safflower Seed Oil for it's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Bentonite Clay to absorb excess oil and Apple Fruit Extract to create a barrier to aid in water retention.

I've been using this moisturizer consistely (it's basically empty) and although I like it, I'm not in love with it. I found that I needed to use a lot (4 to 5 pumps) for my face to feel quenched. I could make it work for the summer and early fall,  it it definitely won't work for me come winter. I think this moisturizer would be best for those with normal to combination skin.

"Wake up to brighter, smoother, healthier-looking skin every day! This nourishing night treatment contains a proprietary Triple Action Brightening Complex and stabilized Vitamin C to help reduce the appearance of dark spots for a more supple, radiant complexion." /source/ 

Starlight, Face Bright Triple Action Brightening Night Cream ($50, 30ml) contains the same triple brightening complex as the serum as well as a peptide blend to support collagen maintenance and AcquaBio to ensure optimal moisture levels are maintained.

This night cream has quickly become a favourite of mine! It's thick and rich, yet not heavy at all. A little goes a long way and it leaves my face feeling instantly hydrated. When I wake up my skin looks so calm and my skin tone is even. I'm seriously loving this night cream.

Robin McGraw really did a great job with this range of skincare products. The packaging is gorgeous and the products work well. I give this line two thumbs up!

If you would like to purchase Robin McGraw's skincare products, visit robinmcgrawrevelation.com

*Press sample were generously provided for editorial consideration

NeoStrata's New Acne Clear Line ~ Review

If you suffer from breakouts, you should check out NeoStrata's new Acne Clear line. Widely available at most major drugstores, this line will help treat active pimples while helping to prevent future breakouts. There are 2 different treatment options and today I'm sharing my thoughts on the system for severe acne.

The first step in any anti-acne routine is cleansing. NeoStata's Acne Clear Clarifying Gel Cleanser (200ml, $24.50 CAD) deep cleanses to wash away bacteria, oil and impurities. It's formulated with 2% salicylic acid to help dry up any active breakouts and unclog your pores to prevent future breakouts.

I love how clean my face feels after using this cleanser! I use it in the evening after oil cleansing and it leaves my face feeling deeply cleansed. A little goes a long way - which means this bottle will last a long time. Since my skin is prone to drying out, I only use this in the evening. If you have oily skin or have lots of breakouts I'd recommend using it twice daily.

The next step is applying NeoStrata's Acne Clear Clarifying Solution (200 ml, $29.50 CAD). Chemical exfoliation is key to treating and preventing acne. This clarifying solution contains both BHA (2% salicylic acid) as well as AHA (10% glycolic acid). In case you're not sure how BHA's and AHA's work here's a quick breakdown as found on NeoStrata's website .

GLYCOLIC ACID

The alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) of choice. Its small molecular size makes it effective in removing the build-up of dead cells on the surface of the skin. Has an ideal pH for better results.

SALICYLIC ACID 

A beta hydroxyl acid that dries and helps clear up acne pimples while reducing the severity of acne pimples, allowing skin to heal.

If you're new to using chemical exfoliants, its best to start slowly to build skin tolerance. Start by applying it at night, every other night, and gradually increase the frequency of applications. If you have severely problematic skin you can use it twice daily. If you have minimal breakouts or just want to prevent them, you can get away with applying it a few times a week. Alternatively, you can use it as a spot treatment. Always wear sunscreen when using AHA and BHA because they make your skin more susceptible to sun damage.

I personally use it every other night and as a spot treatment because my skin tends to dry out fairly quickly. Even though I don't use it daily, the effects are still noticeable - smaller pores and reduced breakouts.

The final step is to apply NeoStrata's Acne Clear Acne Fluid Treatment (50 ml, $29 CAD). It helps to dry out pimples, absorb excess oil and minimize dilated pores. It also moisturizes leaving a shine-free finish, soothes skin and calms redness.

I don't know why, but I was expecting this to have more of a lotion texture seeing how it's the final step in this anti-acne routine. As the name suggests, it is indeed a fluid. Even though it is quite viscous, it feels very hydrating and that feeling lasts. It absorbs quickly and leaves my face looking calm and shine free. I only apply it once a day because my combo skin is prone to drying out when I use too much salicylic acid.

This anti-acne treatment plan has been helping my skin stay clear amidst the stress of moving so it gets a definite thumbs up from me!

You can find NeoStrata's Acne Clear range at most mass drugstores and online at well.ca

*press samples were provided for editorial consideration. All opinions are my own.