So I blogged back in January about all the weight and health benefits of green tea but I wondered how this natural wonder can also help out your skin.  These green tea-based skin products are my personal favorites, and, also happen to be a-mazing for your skin.

Bvlgari Eau Parfumee Green Tea - I'm usually pretty loyal to my perfume favorites (CHANEL Coco Mademoiselle and Narciso Rodriguez Her) but I have to admit how much I love this green tea perfume.  This unisex cologne touts some of the chicest notes including Italian Bergamot, Bulgarian Rose and Smoked Wood.

Boscia Green Tea Blotting Linens - Blotting papers are an absolute must for everyone's makeup arsenal.  So mix up a version that not only reduces shine on your face but also includes leaf fibers from the exotic Abaca Tree plant and green tea infusions and you've got the best of the best.

St. Ives Naturally Clear Green Tea Cleanser - This refreshing facial cleanser is fabulous with 2% salicylic acid and 100% natural green tea...that way you're not only fighting acne but the green tea helps calm the redness associated with acne.

Celestial Seasonings Decaf Green Tea - Truth be told, my body doesn't handle caffeine very well.  I'm not a coffee drinker and the last time I had a cup of green tea from Starbucks, people probably thought I had taken drugs.  My Dad actually revealed that he has the same reaction to caffeine and that he's obsessed with this decaf version.  As always, my Dad was right.

So, I'm sad to admit that over the past two months I've strayed away from my go-to skincare regimen that cleared up my adult acne and gave me clear skin...and now, I think I might be having an adult acne relapse!  Lesson learned- stick to what works!  You may have read my rave review on NadineJolie.com of one of the best skincare lines I've ever used, Biologique Recherche.  I tried out a new bar product, and while it works very well for some people and definitely did help with my rosacea, it didn't help my breakouts at all and actually made the broken out area very dry and irritated.  Yesterday I decided to call it quits with the bar and went back to my own little miracle (in three bottles), and my skin is ALREADY better and getting back to normal.  Stick to what you know works, kids...and also give Biologique Recherche a whirl.

So I'm absolutely a fan of La Prairie but spending $375 on one product is just not anywhere near my budget.  When I heard about Elizabeth Grant's Ultimate Cellular Concentrate and how it's being touted as a new celebrity favorite, I was intrigued to try it out.  The verdict?  Amazing.  This clinically tested formula uses an intensive concentration of plant stem cells to help delay the appearance of aging by protection and repairing epidermal skin cells, as well as slowing the rate at which surface skin cells deteriorate.  I absolutely think that anyone concerned with aging should try this out and, while you're at it, follow them on Twitter too.

So I have absolutely no idea why but I've been seriously breaking out for the last week.  Ok, maybe not seriously breaking out...but two large cystic pimples are now on the right side of my face and I don't like it one bit.  It's been so long since I've even had a real break out that I had to dig into my old arsenal to find my standard go-to, Renee Rouleau Anti Cyst Treatment.  This stuff is the real deal...this non-drying gel is specifically formulated for this particular kind of acne, as you really can't treat cystic acne the same way you'd treat a blackhead or whitehead.  Lactic Acid helps to dissolve the cells that are blocking your pores as well as purifying within the pore...basically it speeds up the healing process since cystic acne can sometimes take WEEKS to heal.  Oy.  But I love this stuff.

So as someone with dry skin, I'm always looking for an amazing moisturizer.  I recently tried out Clinique's Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief Moisturizer after hearing several beauty editors rave about it and I'm absolutely in love. This light, cooling gel plumps skin with hydration for a full 24 hours.  I can see this moisturizer being really addictive since it instantly cools the skin and is also great for a midday boost, tapped on over makeup.  Basically if you're looking for a great, unique moisturizer, you should definitely try this product.

So my good friend Nadine Jolie recently joined forces with Dr. Peyman Solieman and Dr. Jason Litner, Beverly Hills plastic surgeons, to create an amazing product line - JolieMD Metamorphosis.  Obviously, I was given samples of the product to test out and I had no doubt that I would absolutely love this set.  Everything Nadine Jolie does is guaranteed to be 120% amazing, as she's one of the smartest, most hard-working girls that I've ever met!  But I digress, back to the product line.  JolieMD Metamorphosis works to even pigmentation, reduce redness and diminish fine lines and wrinkles, all while helping to prevent new discoloration that car arise as a result of acne, inflammation and sun damage.  This unique, 2-step system uses the following products to maximize results:

Step 1: Metamorphosis Softening Serum - an innovative, slow-release alpha-beta-poly hydroxyl acid formulation that gently exfoliates and brightens skin while softening wrinkles and reducing acne for a radiant, healthy complexion.

Step 2: Metamorphosis Enlightening Lotion - a unique, soothing blend of antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and melanin-inhibitors that calms the triggers of acne and discoloration to create vibrant, glowing skin.

The Serum and Lotion are sold together, and retail for $96.  The product is available at JolieMD.com and make sure to follow them on Twitter!

So I've never really been a girl that uses face masks...that is, until I wandered into the LUSH store at the 3rd street promenade in Santa Monica.  As most of you know, I'm very familiar with LUSH (and love it) but since there products are so fresh, there are some that I simly haven't been able to try.  I heard about the LUSH Cupcake face mask ($7.95 at LUSH stores nationwide) about a year ago and immediately went to sniff out the situation, no pun intended.  I'm a sucker for anything that smells like food, especially chocolate, and believe me, this SMELLS good enough to eat. Initially I was a little scared to try this mask since it specifically says "for oily and teenage skin," either of which, I am not.  I actually have very dry skin...but I just couldn't resist the chocoate smell and cupcake-like texture.  Whatever...I'll just load up on moisturizer after, right?  Well let me tell you...this mask does what it says- within minutes, the oil was litrerally sucked out of my skin- which is a good thing if you are an oily teenager.  I left the mask on for the minimum time (5 minutes) and it washed off very nicely with warm water...I have to say, even though Cupcake isn't right for my skin type, I'd use it again.  Yum.

So laundry detergent seems like an odd gift, I know, but when paired with Borba Age Defying Aqua-Less Crystalline and Borba Skin Balance Gummi Bear Boosters, it's really the whole package for any eco-friendly mom or Aunt.  You may remember my rave about the Gummi Bear Boosters from a past post and I really can't say enough about the Fabric Fusion 2-in-1 Eco Laundry Wash - a 99% natural detergent that washes clothing with a botanical-based surfactant system, which includes elastin fiber to refine and soften your clothes and skin.  I'm wrapping up these three items for my crazy aunt that is obsessed with being all eco-friendly yet is still impecably chic.

So I've been getting a lot of questions about skincare lately.  My reader, "C", says:

Hi Jamie,

I loooove your blog!  You always feature amazing products!  Lately I've been breaking out a lot but I'm completely broke.  What's a good face wash for my skin if I break out a lot?

Personally, I'm a believer that a classic is a classic for a reason.  Neutrogena's Oil-Free Acne Wash is a long time favorite of beauty editors, bloggers and consumers alike.  The packaging isn't pretty or flashy but this stuff really does the trick with it's pimple-fighting ingredients like 2% salicylic acid.  Even though most acne fighting products are made to destroy oil and will usually dry out the skin, my normally dry skin stayed moisturized and zit-free while using this.  However, the trick to fighting acne is finding a good skincare regimen and STICKING to it.  So C, if you decide you like the Oil-Free Acne Wash, make sure you use it consistently to see results!  Good luck and let me know how it goes. =)

Xo,

Jamie

So even though LA doesn't exactly have a traditional fall season, I still feel the need to surround myself with my usual fall traditions from NYC...little pumpkins from the supermarket, apple cidar and Lamas Beauty Pumpkin Spice Polish.  I've been using this facial cleanser for some time now and I have to say, it's really impressive.  Not only does it smell good enough to eat but it really does a great job of exfoliating and cleansing the skin.  Anyhow, I recently came across this yum recipe that's not only amazing for your skin but also tastes amaze... this is now added to my list of fall traditions...leaves or no leaves in LA.

Want to make your own?  Kayla Fioravanti, ARC Registered & Certified Aromatherapist and the Co-founder and Chief Cosmetic Formulator for Essential Wholesale has an awesome recipe for a Honey Pumpkin Spread that's especially good for dry skin.

Ingredients:

• 5 tablespoons canned organic pumpkin
• 1 teaspoon agave sweetener
• 1 tablespoon softened organic butter