As many of you are aware, there has been an amazing giveaway going on right here at The Beauty Brat giving you the chance to win your very own home microdermabrasion system that will save you time, money, and great looking skin. I was lucky enough to be able to review this product and I wanted to share my thoughts and opinions on it.
Before I was introduced to my own Personal Microderm System, I used the Philosophy Microdelivery Peel (US $65) which had the same purpose, just used crystals instead. I love that product don’t get me wrong, but if that product is a tall Starbucks iced latte, then the system I’m going to tell you about is a Quad Venti Iced Sugar Free Vanilla Latte. No seriously! Just read and you’ll see!
Purpose: To achieve healthier, younger looking skin by removing old skin cells. This product resurfaces your skin and over time will diminish age spots or other skin imperfections with frequent use.  
Equipment: I noticed right away that there wasn’t a lot to the actual device. If you know anything about power tools then you will probably be reminded of a dremmel or a hand held power sander. The device requires electricity, so you must plug it in. It comes equipped with two large surface “sanders” and three small ones. The green ones are “moderate” with their grit and the blue ones are for sensitive skin. There isn’t as much of the aluminum oxide coating on the sensitive one. It also has two locking lids, one for the small attachments and one for the larger one.
How it Works: The thought process behind this is a rather simplistic one. Sometimes it’s the most simplistic of solutions that are the best ones. I am amazed at how many tools doctors use these days that look like they came straight out of our own tool box! This one included. To have this flawless skin all you have to do is decide which part of the face you are going to work on first. I worked on the cheek area first.   I began by making a V with my fingers and pulling my skin tight. That way the machine can create the suction it needs to work on the dermis. Once the skin is tight, the suction should form when the top comes into contact with your skin. Once that happens, (you will feel it), you just have to move the device like you are sanding a piece of wood or how men shave (speaking of men, this could definitely work for either sex!)
Ouch Factor: I won’t lie to you. There is some discomfort. Is there discomfort for most procedures? Especially those done by a dermatologist? YES! I had light laser treatments to remove acne and acne scarring when I first moved to MD, and it was not pain free. The pain came from the roller of ice they used to numb my face, before using the laser, but it still felt painful. Now I don’t think I have a high tolerance for pain (except during childbirth, tattoo’s, and piercings) – I’m a total  baby when I get a paper cut or stub my toe. On a scale of 1 (no pain) to 10 (mother %^&* that hurt!) I would give this treatment a 3. It’s not that uncomfortable, but you can feel the grit moving across your face. You will also experience some reddening after you complete the home microdermabrasion system and because of that, it’s not recommended you use any type of acidic skincare regiment for a day or two.
Worth It? DEFINITELY! I find this product very valuable. If you are someone that goes to the dermatologist or the spa frequently – you can give your checkbook a rest and get this product instead. It is an investment for certain (retail US $179) to receive the starter kit. Each disc gets about 7 treatments out of it before the aluminum oxide wears away, and once they do you can receive a replacement kit for only $14.99. The frequency of use depends on your skin type. I use it every other week for now. Each time, my skin feels baby smooth and soft and I notice with each treatment, I feel more confident with it’s use and my manipulation of the tool.

• I recorded a demo of me doing this and once it’s edited I will attach it to this blog.

While writing this, I was listening to “That’s How Strong My Love Is” by Alicia Keys

For as long as I can remember, I have been in search of the cure all of tinted moisturizers and I have yet to find the **one** that has been perfect for me. I admit, I have found some along the stretch of my journey that have left me considering their use on a permanent basis – one I even re-purchased, but none have made my skin feel illuminating and moisturized while not feeling heavy like many foundations have a tendency to do.

By chance I stumbled upon the Miracle Skin Transformer, a new tinted moisturizer that hasn’t even launched yet – official launch date is August 1st. On their website you can fill out their form and participate in their try before you buy deal (while supplies last). You will receive a small tube to try out and see what you think of the product for yourself.

Since it’s a sample, you have enough to try the product out maybe one or two times and the color choices are limited right now to just medium and tan. I received the medium color. Being pretty fair-skinned I was a bit reserved when I pushed out some of the product out of the tube – it’s pretty dark – or at least darker than I was expecting.

 When I applied the moisturizer to my face, I used my Sephora brand beauty blender at first. I noticed the product moved smoothly all over my face, but unlike many of the other tinted moisturizers I have used in the past, I didn’t have to build layer upon layer to get the airbrushed and flawless look we all want to achieve. Since I picked the lighter color option (medium) and it was still a tad dark for my skin (not by much though), I applied small dabs of the product and worked to blend it out so a lot of the product went a very long way.

For whatever reason, I put my blender down and touched my face. I was encountered with a feeling I was not expecting. This product made my skin feel like silk. No seriously…I’m not kidding. It contains silicone’s and mica that allow it to feel that way against your skin. If you have ever tried the Smashbox Primer that everyone raves about or the Monistat Chafing Gel, then you know the sensation I am talking about. The difference is all the products I mentioned are in a gel type of form. This moisturizer is not – it’s like every foundation/tinted moisturizer out there – like a lotion. On top of that the moisturizer is loaded with various vitamins and plant extracts to lock in moisture while it works to protect your skin with 20 SPF UVA/UVB protection.

So what are you waiting for? Hurry over to the link above and get your free sample today while supplies last! When the product launches in August, it will retail for $40. I can’t wait for it to launch because I want to get a big bottle of this stuff!

That’s All Folks!
xoxo
Nat