Give The Gift Of Youthful Skin This Holiday ~ Robin McGraw Revelation

Last month I featured some amazing products from Robin McGraw Revelation (read here) and today I'm back with some more awesome products from Robin's line that would make fabulous stocking stuffers!

"This antioxidant foaming gel cleanser gently and thoroughly removes all traces of makeup, dirt and oil, leaving skin soft, supple, and glowing. The balanced formula contains hydrating and purifying ingredients to cleanse without stripping skin." 

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Foaming Joy! Purifying Facial Cleanser ($22, 120 ml) contains Chamomile Extract for its anti-inflammatory, soothing and astringent properties as well as Green Tea Oil for its anti-aging and antioxidant properties. There's even Apple Fruit Extract, a natural AHA, to exfoliate and encourage cell renewal.

This cleanser is actually a gel, not a foam as its name would suggest. It does foam up though and it cleanses without stripping. I use a dime sized amount after removing my makeup, and It leaves my skin refreshed.

"Achieve a refreshed, relaxed, and younger-looking complexion with this advanced formulation. An innovative blend of four unique peptides relaxes and smooths the appearance of expression lines to help diminish the visible signs of aging." 

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Face It, You Look Amazing! Revitalizing Serum ($38, 15 ml) contains three key ingredients to assist in preventing visible signs of aging by reducing expression lines.

Ginseng Root Extract

Valued as an anti-aging ingredient, due to the many phytonutrients found in the plant, with anti-aging and energy-supporting properties that help to tone and brighten the skin.

Purslane Extract

This cute little plant is also loaded with antioxidants like Beta Carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Omega 3 Fatty Acids. It has long been used to treat skin disorders and wounds.

Gotu Kola Extract

An ancient healing plant, modern science has recognized it’s calming and healing properties. Rich in amino acids and Beta Carotene, it helps stimulate new cell growth and build collagen.

I've only been using this serum for slightly over a week, so I can't comment on its long term effects (yet). I can say that a little goes a long way, and it feels so hydrating on my skin. I've just started to develop some expression lines on my forehead, so fingers crossed I see some results! FYI, this serum is for expression lines (not all over your face). Apply it to your forehead, between the brows and crows feet.

"Wake up to a repaired, refreshed complexion! This unique nightly treatment addresses multiple visible signs of aging while protecting skin from future damage. Increase firmness and elasticity, balance skin tone, and restore skin’s moisture all while you sleep." 

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Hydra Qwench Moisturizing Night Cream ($42, 30 ml) contains a healthy dose of Squalane - an antioxidant that feeds skin cells to promote cell growth, Hyaluronic Acid to promote collagen production and to plump skin, as well as Caprylic Acid.

This night cream is so rich and hydrating! I apply this as the final step in my skincare routine and I'm so impressed. I wake up to skin that looks even, rested and hydrated. Perfect for Canadian winters!

I have yet to try a product from Robin McGraw that I don't like, so yes, I totally recommend them!

To learn more and purchase these products, visit robinmcgrawrevelation.com

Press samples were generously provided to me for editorial consideration. As always, all opinions are my own.

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

Preventing Visible Signs Of Aging With Vichy's New Idéalia Line ~ Review + Swatches

I started using Vichy products in my 20's to treat breakouts (the Normaderm line) and I still reach for their products now that I'm in my 30's (the Idéalia line).

My skins needs have changed a lot since I hit 30 and so has my skincare. Nowadays I'm looking for products to prevent/manage early signs of aging. Vichy has a bunch of new products in the Idéalia line that do just that!

Vichy Idéalia Radiance Booster Serum (30 ml, $49.95) is the first step in my skincare after cleansing. This serum has been reformulated to absorb into skin straightaway and to reduce stickiness. It also guarantees an optimum hydration rate for 24 hours and is suitable for all skin types.

I love how it's lightly scented and gives my skin an instant boost of hydration with a touch of luminosity. It leaves my skin feeling smooth and soft. I use this serum day and night and it works wonders on keeping my combo skin radiant.

Vichy Idéalia Anti-Fatigue Eye Care (15 ml, $39.95) is a dual action eye contour cream that is formulated with caffeine to instantly perk up your eye area. It's suitable for all skin types and will help to reduce the appearance of dark shadows and fine lines.

The biggest issue I have with my eye contour area is sensitivity. I'm prone to eczema there and have an extremely hard time finding eye products that will work without causing irritation. After using this eye cream for a few weeks I can safely say that it is suitable for sensitive eyes!

Vichy Idéalia Anti-Fatigue Eye Care has quickly reached HG status for me. Upon waking I have a few small lines under my eyes and this stuff smooths them right out. It also brightens my eye area with light reflecting particles and wears beautifully under makeup. The one and only thing I don't like about it is the rubber spatula applicator. It tugs on my skin and requires too much finesse to not pull on my eyes. To avoid this, I just squeeze it out and apply it with my fingertip.

Vichy Idéalia Smoothness & Glow Mattifying Sorbet-Cream (50 ml, $39.95) contains a complex of natural actives to boost natural glow, even skin tone, refine pores, smooth the skin and provide all day oil control. It's formulated with fermented black tea extract and micro-beads to take care of excess sebum (oil). This cream is recommended for combination-oily skin types.

As someone with combo skin I know the struggle to find a product that will give a glowy finish without ending up looking oily mid afternoon. This cream is it! I apply it after the Radiance Booster Serum and it gives me a gorgeous glow without being too heavy or looking too shiny. My skin is left matte yet glowing. Vichy Idéalia Smoothness & Glow Mattifying Sorbet-Cream is the real deal. If you have combo skin and want the glow without the shine, you need this in your life!

Vichy Idéalia BB Cream (40 ml, $37) is formulated with mineral pigments that blend into the skin to impart a second skin finish. It's formulated with fermented black tea extract to improve skin quality with continual use. This BB Cream is suitable for all skin types and is available in 2 shades (light and medium).

I usually don't wear BB cream, it's typically either foundation or nothing. Having said that, I have been reaching for this when I don't have the time to perfect my base but still want some coverage. It has a light, pleasant scent and it adds subtle luminosity to my skin. The coverage is fairly light but can be built up. It will last a few hours on me as is, but I can extend the wear by setting it with translucent powder.

Vichy Idéalia Radiance Activating Night Peeling Care (100 ml, $39.95) is a gentle peel that can be used nightly to stimulate skin regeneration, fade dark spots & acne scars and to smooth wrinkles. It's suitable for all skin types - even sensitive!

I love to use chemical peels; they tend to cause less damage to the skin (surface tears) and I've found that they produce much better results. This peel contains glycolic acid which is great for cell regeneration and fighting breakouts (something I still occasionally deal with). Vichy Idéalia Radiance Activating Night Peeling Care has a wonderful scent that I love and it is incredibly gentle. I've noticed that my skin looks much more radiant, even and smooth in the morning after using it.

Vichy Smoothness & Glow Energizing Cream (50 ml, $45) gives a boost of nutrients to the skin that's needed to combat signs of stress and to add glow. There are two versions available; normal - combination and dry skin.

I've been using the normal - combination cream in the evenings. Technically it's a day cream, but I find it to be a bit heavy for day use in the summer. Like all of the products in the Idéalia range, it smells amazing! It comes in a beautiful jar with a mirrored top that looks gorgeous atop my vanity. This cream feels great on my skin and adds a lovely, natural glow. The light reflecting particles give the illusion of blurred pores and rested skin. I feel like this would be the perfect day cream for me come late fall/early winter when my skin leans more dry.

You can find Vichy products in-store at Shoppers Drug Mart or online at vichy.ca

Have you tried Vichy before? What are your skin concerns? Lets keep the conversation going in the comments below 👇

*PR samples were provided for editorial consideration. As always, all opinions are my own!