Face Scrub and Face Exfoliator. From the Sephora Collection Skincare NEW Smart Dual Action Exfoliator & I love it smells so good. It is gentle enough to massage my face with and get that fresh and clean invigorating feeling in the morning while in shower.

Sephora Collection Skincare NEW Smart Dual Action Exfoliator

Sephora Collection Skincare NEW Smart Dual Action Exfoliator how it looks inside.

Expert Skincare Tips: St. Ives Q&A with Dr. Marsha Gordon

As the weather gets warmer, my breakouts and irritation become worse. To keep my skin acne-free all year round, should I be adjusting my regimen as the seasons change?

While many women need to adjust their skin care regimen as the seasons change, this can be especially true for women with acne-prone or oily skin. Your regimen that worked in the winter may leave skin feeling oily and clogged during the warmer months. In the spring, I recommend switching to a light, oil-free moisturizer and using a cleanser and scrub to help remove dead skin cells and keep pores clear. I personally like the new St. Ives Naturally Clear Green Tea Cleanser and Scrub (image above), which contain a safe concentration of Salicylic Acid to effectively fight blemishes and reduce redness, while 100% natural Green Tea soothes skin.

How can I balance protecting my skin with sunscreen and getting enough Vitamin D exposure?

While ultraviolet radiation from the sun has been linked to skin cancer and premature aging, many women think sun exposure is necessary for adequate Vitamin D. In truth, women do not need to rely on the sun for Vitamin D and can easily achieve their recommended daily value with a proper diet and daily supplement. It’s also imperative for women to protect their skin from sun damage by avoiding direct sun exposure and by using a daily SPF of 15 or greater.

Dr. Marsha Gordon

When I exfoliate my face, how much pressure is too much? How about when I exfoliate my body?

Everyone’s skin is different, but gentle is the key word when exfoliating. Gentle pressure should give you a pleasant, invigorating feeling. If you feel discomfort, or if exfoliation results in red, irritated skin, you need to lighten up the pressure. It’s always better to start mild and increase pressure slowly over time once you know what your skin can comfortably handle. If that still does not work for you, try using a gentler exfoliator, like St. Ives Sensitive Skin Gentle Apricot Scrub. This mild scrub is formulated for sensitive skin and can be used every day by most people.

RoC Multi-Correxion Exfoliating Cleanser is my favorite face cleanser these days. It’s a cross between a cleanser and a very gentle face scrub, this is why I use it almost everyday. It cleans my skin thoroughly and it prepares it for the face cream right after my shower. I also love the RoC Multi-Correxion Daily Perfecting Cleanser for the same reason mentioned above. The latter is part of the RoC Multi Correxion Skin Perfecting System.

I’m in love with the latest Clarins Spring 2010 product launches. Clarins was always my favorite skin care brand for years now and I didn’t quite realize how much my skin was missing it LOL.

Clarins Gentle Refiner Exfoliating Cream, $28: Very creamy exfoliator or face scrub . Smells amazing and is very comforting. I use this exfoliator once a week because the micro grains are a bit on the coarse side. My face feels super refreshed and smooth after use.

Clarins Gentle Peeling Smooth Away Cream, $30: If you are not into micro grains or micro beads type of face scrubs then the peeling technique is perfect for you. This one is used on dry skin.

Multi-Active Skin Renewal Serum, $62: The first dual-action serum that offers age-fighting and exfoliating benefits. Love love love this Clarins serum. It feels very soothing to skin. The scent is calming. It absorbs quickly to skin. Never greasy.

New Bright Plus HP Line by Clarins: Contains 3 new products enriched with Clarins latest scientific discovery, Sea Lily Extract. Known for its resiliency, it helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and encourages bright, even-toned and flawless skin.

Marta says: “The NEW Clarins Bright Plus HP Line is like a spa in a jar. If you only looking for one great skin care routine this is a great place to start.”

Clarins Bright Plus On-the-Spot Brightening Corrector, $35

Clarins ‘Bright Plus’ Intensive Brightening Smoothing Serum, $68

Clarins ‘Bright Plus’ Brightening Hydrating Day Lotion SPF 20, $59

Gentle Beauty Soap, $15: A 99% natural, certified organic bar soap for face & body.

Marta says: “This soap by Clarins is gentle enough for face and body. Never drying. It has a very calming scent.”

Delectable Self-Tanning Mousse SPF 15, $42: A luxurious, whipped cream texture that gives skin a beautiful golden tan while protecting it from the sun

Marta says: “Best smelling self tanner. Love the whipped consistency. Easy to apply. The result: Perfectly sun kissed body not the “1 2 3 Mississippi’ (Friends anyone?) tan look.”

Everlasting Foundation SPF 15, $35: A long-lasting foundation that offers 15 hours of absolute perfection!

These are Marta’s latest and favorite Mario Badescu skincare products:

Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser, $15: Mario Badescu’s lathering deep cleanser has the exfoliating power of glycolic acid to break down build-up from skin’s surface, reduce minor discoloration and minimize clogged pores which can cause pimples.

Marta says: This cleanser foams really well and is gentle considering it’s glycolic.

Mario Badescu Kiwi Face Scrub, $15: Naturally exfoliate dull, tired skin with a nourishing kiwi face scrub. Gently buffs away dead skin cells with non-irritating kiwi seeds and soft bits of mineral-rich seaweed to uncover a more radiant, smooth complexion.

Marta says: Smells so good you will want to eat it. BUT DON’T! It’s a face scrub. Also, very gentle.

Mario Badescu Almond & Honey Face Scrub, $15: Gently exfoliate and refine dry, flaky skin and dulling buildup to reveal a smoother, more radiant complexion. Made with finely ground almonds and cornmeal combined with moisture-retaining honey to buff away pore-clogging dead skin cells skin without irritating delicate skin.

Marta says: The honey scent is very relaxing in the shower. I was quickly addicted.

Masks and Exfoliators: I’m the exfoliating girl! I love to exfoliate my face often. I’m not sure how this is good for yourself but I’m just an amateur, remember? I like what I like. My latest love is Erno Laszlo C-Peel Two phase face exfoliator, $75. This exfoliating system smells amazing, the perfect zesty citrus scent. As soon as you apply Peel Phase 1 it feels soft and warm on skin. It didn’t irritate my skin at all (*note you might have different skin type than me! I tend to test on small area on my skin with new products to check how my skin reacts.) Phase 2 is the mask which leaves my skin super smooth. A must-have mask after a long night out or anytime you feel like giving your skin that little extra something.

Erno Laszlo C-Peel the official description on www.ernolaszlo.com: Purify, refine and replenish with Laszlo home spa treatments. Begin by sloughing off dead surface cells from head to toe, then finish off with one of our specialty masks to give your skin instant lift, radiance and glow.

This season, give your loved ones the gift of soft, moisturized skin (Marta is all about it:) with St. Ives.

St. Ives Moisturizing Oatmeal & Shea Body Wash offers superb non-drying cleansing for visibly healthy skin. By incorporating two of nature’s BEST ingredients, this body wash wraps skin in natural Oatmeal and Shea Butter extracts for the ultimate skin nourishment. ($2.99 for 13.5 fl. oz. bottle)

St. Ives Oatmeal & Shea Butter In-Shower Exfoliating Body Polish helps renew, moisturize and smooth skin. Made with the mixture of 100% natural Oatmeal extract, moisturizing Shea Butter and Sugar Crystals, this body polish helps remove dead skin cells creating healthier, brighter, and moisturized skin. ($6.99 for 8 oz. jar)

St. Ives Fresh Skin Warming Scrub is a one-step cleansing scrub to help reduce the appearance of pores. The gentle all-natural exfoliants remove dead, dry skin cells, while the mild cleanser lathers into a creamy foam to whisk away pore-clogging oil and dirt. A truly fulfilling sensory experience, the formula subtly warms when in contact with water to relax pores for a deeper clean. ($4.99 for 4 fl oz. tube)

About 2 years ago I’ve discovered Nude Skincare. I remember reading and interview with the founder Bryan Meehan and was completely fascinated. So much so I requested to interview Bryan myself and learn about his new skincare line. Mr. Meehan was actually the first ever celebrity I’ve ever interviewed over the phone for Talking Makeup, and of course, the one I will never forget.

In my interview with Bryan Meehan he told me that “Helena Christensen is in love with Nude products. She said she loves them so much she is practically eating them.” Marta’s says, I love Nude Skincare SO much that I treat it like gold, LOL. I do not want any of it to go to waste. Nude Skincare, in my opinion, is one of THE best organic and chemical free skincare lines on the market!! The products are very gentle on your skin (no burning feeling, turning red, or initiated skin). The icing on the cake, they smell divine. Nude just got it right.

Here are my favorite Nude Skincare picks.

Nude Smoothing Body Refiner, $70: Bioactive fig stimulates lipolytic activity and gently breaks down the build-up of fat cells. Mountain ash, ginger and ginkgo increase localised circulation to safely metabolise the fat cells and toxins for visibly smoother, firmer skin.

Marta says: Goes on skin smoothly, it has a faint scent of warm chocolate (I’m trying here to describe the scent), and skin is immediately hydrated.

Nude Hydrating Water, $34: Marta says: I love to use Nude Hydrating Water right after shower after Nude Facial Scrub. It feels invigorating to my skin.

Advanced Smoothing Complex, $90: Highly coveted and instantly effective, this anti-ageing serum visibly smooths the appearance of wrinkles. CoQ10 and Vitamins A, C and E protect and stimulate cell renewal. Milk peptides increase collagen production and hyaluronic acid instantly hydrates for plumped, firm and younger looking skin.

Marta says: It feels like silk in my hands. My skin feels immediately soothed, calm, and moisturized.

Nude Facial Scrub, $52: Marta says: I just can’t get enough of this scrub. It is gentle, softens my skin, and smells amazing. Perfect after a long night out when your skin needs that extra TLC.

Hi Guys! Talking Makeup is excited to *give 2 Lucky winners products by RAW Essentials, a skincare line created by Carol Alt. What you will get: RAW-COVERY Facial Revive Wash. RAW Finish Rigorous Face Scrub. RAW-Scue Night Restore Cream. RAW-Suscitate Body Moisturizer.

How To Enter To WIN:
1. Go to Talking Makeup’s YouTube Channel and subscribe HERE!
2. Leave a comment under the video giveaway ON YOUTUBE HERE!

Good luck!!

*Above giveaway is made possible thanks to RAW Essentials.

Carol Alt Interviews With Marta Walsh

Watch Marta’s video blog for today talking about some of her favorite drugstore beauty products!

Products mentioned in Marta’s video blog:

Pantene nature fusion smooth vitality shampoo and conditioner
Pantene Blonde Highlighting Expressions shampoo and conditioner
Itch Defense Skin Balancing Moisture Lotion From Curél
Jergens Sensitive Skin Relief Fragrance Free Daily Moisturizer
Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion For Normal to Dry Skin Fragrance Free
St. Ives Blemish and Blackhead Control Apricot Scrub
Lierac Paris Crème Mesolift Anti-Aging Radiance Cream (Available at CVS)
Lierac Paris Diopticrème Age-Defense Cream eye cream (Available at CVS)