Derma MD Skincare, New for 2016

Derma MD Skincare

If you have been following my blog for a couple years, you may remember my experimenting with Derma MD skincare.  The brand sent me a ton of products to review, and I had several Derma MD giveaways throughout 2014.  I am a fan of the brand, and the CoQ 10 moisturizer is still one of my favorites.  So, when the good people at Derma MD approached me to review some of their new skincare products, I jumped at the chance.  You can read all about my previous experience with Derma MD and see my review of six products by following the link.  This time around, I’ll be reviewing the new 10% S.L.A.C. Exfoliating Peel Pads and the new Sensitive Pearl Cleanser.  My experience with these products is a little mixed, so let’s start with the Peel Pads.

10% S.L.A.C. Exfoliating Peel Pads

The new 10% S.L.A.C. Exfoliating Peel Pads are easy to use, concentrated exfoliating pads that are designed to slough off dead skin cells while working some anti-aging magic.  Formulated with both Salicylic Acid & Lactic Acid, with the addition of both Vitamins A and C, it gently exfoliates without irritation, and is supposed to “brighten,  firm, improve texture, increase collagen synthesis, smooth and protect.” Derma MD claims that it is excellent for all skin types.  I am a fan of salicylic acid exfoliators.  They tend to work pretty well for me.  I actually really like what this product does for my skin, but I can’t use it.  Unfortunately, there is a very strong rosy perfume smell that I can not handle.  It is so strong, and it clings to the skin and my clothes.  I tried using the Peel Pads during the day, but I had to wash my face because I couldn’t stand the smell.  I can use the Peel Pads at night before bed, but I can still smell the powdery rose scent on my bedding and night clothes when I wake up in the morning.  Granted, I am extremely sensitive to scent, especially rose.  It’s possible that someone else might be able to handle the scent better than I can, and maybe even like it.  For me though, the smell ruins an otherwise good product.

Sensitive Pearl Cleanser

My experience with the Derma MD Sensitive Pearl Cleanser was completely different from the Peel Pads.  I love the Sensitive Pearl Cleanser.  This moisturizing cleanser has a silky pearly cream base that feels lovely on the skin.  It fights premature aging with multiple antioxidants, stimulates collagen synthesis and has anti-inflammatory properties.  This cleanser is excellent for dry or sensitive skin.  It feels like you are washing your face with lotion, but it still feels completely cleansed when you are done.  It doesn’t dry my skin out in the slightest and it doesn’t give me that tight, squeaky feeling after I use it.  I would recommend this cleanser to anyone.  It’s great.

For more details on these products, or any of the ones that I previously reviewed, check out Derma MD’s website.  I’ve been checking their Facebook page, and have noticed several promotional sale events and special offers ranging from free gifts with purchase, opportunities to win gift cards, and 20%-50% off discounts.  They also offer a discount just for signing up for their mailing list.  You can find some Derma MD products available on sites like Hautelook, Groupon, and Zulily, which are all great ways to save up to almost 75%.

FTC Disclosure: The products reviewed in this post were provided to me for free by Derma MD for consideration.  This does not guarantee a positive review, and my thoughts on these products are 100% honest.  No other compensation was accepted.

e.l.f. Daily Hydration Moisturizer

e.l.f. Daily Hydration Moisturizer

Today I want to talk about the e.l.f. Daily Hydration Moisturizer.  E.l.f. launched a brand new skincare line earlier this year with four products.  The line has now been expanded to six products, and e.l.f. will be adding more in the future.  I’ll admit, I was pretty skeptical at first.  Super cheap skincare makes me wary, and I wasn’t sure if e.l.f. could pull it off.  The e.l.f. skincare line has gotten some good reviews though, so I thought it was time to give it a try.  Because of my dry skin, I figured the best way to test the waters of e.l.f.’s new skincare line would be to try some moisturizer.   I use Micheal Todd True Organics at night, but I am willing to try different things for daytime.  I picked up the e.l.f. Daily Hydration Moisturizer, not really knowing what to expect.

e.l.f. Daily Hydration Moisturizer

Before we talk formula, let’s talk packaging.  I love the overall look of the skincare line.  The light blue shade reminds me of a spa.  I am used to e.l.f.’s cardboard packaging that, while functional isn’t anything special.  They really stepped it up with the skincare line.  The light blue box is plastic with a touch of translucence.  Though obviously it has nothing to do with the products itself, the new style made the product feel more legit somehow.  Unfortunately, I wasn’t a fan of the actual product design.  While I love that the moisturizer comes in an opaque tube with a pump that is ideal for keeping ingredients stable and avoiding contamination, it’s not designed well.  There is no tube attached to the pump, so you have to keep the moisturizer vertical with the pump upside down or else it will stop pumping after a few uses.  The base isn’t quite wide enough, so it keeps trying to tip over and it’s uncomfortable in the hand trying to pump upside down.  E.l.f. may want to consider a re-design.

 

e.l.f. Daily Hydration Moisturizer

Here is what e.l.f. has to say about the Daily Hydration Moisturizer: “This lightweight, lightly scented moisturizer helps hydrate and nourish for glowing, healthy looking skin. Infused with Purified Water and skin-nourishing Jojoba, Aloe, Vitamin E and Cucumber to help soothe and protect the delicate skin area. Rich in antioxidants such as Shea Butter, Grape and Orange.”  There are two flaws in the formula, right off the bat.  First is that the moisturizer does contain fragrance.  Now, it is a light, clean scent that I actually really like, but fragrance is never desirable in skincare.  The second, more glaring flaw is that this daytime moisturizer does not contain any SPF.  Come on e.l.f., you can do better than that.  Other than those issues, I do like the formula.  I don’t think that it is as lightweight as e.l.f. claims.  The formula is actually pretty thick going on, and it melts into the skin leaving a nice level of hydration.  I think it may be too much for someone with oily skin.  Normal and dry skin will enjoy the feeling. I thought that the hydration lasted most of the day and I had no issues applying makeup over it.

e.l.f. Daily Hydration Moisturizer

Unfortunately, while I liked the e.l.f. Daily Hydration Moisturizer it ended up breaking me out.  While I don’t have overly sensitive skin, I have had reactions to certain products in the past, so others may not have any breakouts with the e.l.f. Daily Hydration Moisturizer.  For me, though, I am going to have to pass it on.  The moisturizer does have some good points, so I don’t want to call it a dud, but I had enough issues with it that I can’t really recommend it either.  The e.l.f. Daily Hydration Moisturizer is $8, regular price.  I think that considering the price, it has a decent formula, but there aren’t any ingredients that will knock your socks off.  It’s not hard to find comparable skincare at the drugstore and you will definitely find better, though at a higher price point.  If you are still curious and your skin is not oily or sensitive, try to catch it on a sale.

Derma MD Skincare Review and Giveaway

Derma MD Skincare

I am very excited about today’s post.  As you know, if you’ve been following along lately, I’ve been experimenting with skincare.  I have already reviewed brands like Michael Todd, Benefit, and First Aid Beauty, which aren’t found in the drugstores and aren’t necessarily budget beauty (just click the “skincare” category on the right to see those reviews).  I wholeheartedly believe that you can find wonderful beauty products at low prices, but if there is one area that I think may be splurge-worthy it’s skincare.  So, when the good people at Derma MD approached me to review some of their skincare products, I jumped at the chance despite the fact that they are pretty pricey.  Derma MD has been extremely generous, not just to me, but also to you.  They have activated a promo code specifically for my readers to save 50%, and sent me some items to give away to one lucky reader.  Details about the discount and the giveaway, and also some additional ways to save on Derma MD products will be at the end of my review, but first let’s talk about the company itself.

Derma MD offers an array of skincare products that use the newest techniques and most advanced ingredients to provide finished products with the highest concentration levels in the industry for optimal results that are easily seen and felt. Founder Sheila Malmanis, a licensed aesthetician who has been featured in multiple publications both domestically and internationally, brought together her training, knowledge of natural ingredients, and love of technology to create a line that will keep your skin fresh, clean, and renewed. Derma MD, founded in 2001, has been only professionally available to salons, spas, and physicians offices until recently. They have now entered the retail market and their luxury products are now available for purchase by the individual consumer.  For more information visit dermamdskincare.com.  Now, let’s get into the products.  I have dry skin, and my specific skincare needs are redness and anti-aging.  Most of the products sent to me are good for all skin types, but specifically target my personal needs.  I’ll start with the company’s description of the product and then share my thoughts.  Everything has been tested daily for six weeks.

Derma MD Enzyme Cleanser

Enzyme Cleanser with Pineapple and Papaya: “The mild enzymes of pineapple and papaya combined with chamomile and additional plant extracts, will gently digest dead skin cells leaving it soft, hydrated and feeling fresh. Enzymes are non-abrasive to the skin. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive.”  The Enzyme cleanser is a thick, gel cleanser with no particles, so any exfoliation is on the chemical level.  I’ve used pineapple enzyme cleansers in the past and there is often a tingle sensation that can be too irritating for my skin.  That is not the case with Derma MD Enzyme Cleanser.  It is definitely gentle, and I believe the claim that it can be safely used by all skin types is accurate.  It does not dry the skin out at all, and leaves me feeling clean and fresh.  I also have to mention the heavenly pineapple scent that makes me want to laze on the beach sipping a piña colada or a mai tai.  It smells so good!  The 8oz bottle is regularly priced at $35.75.

Derma MD Organic Illuminating Serum

Organic Illuminating Serum: “100% Organic serum with Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is a new vitamin C that is both water and lipid soluble which lightens and brightens texture of skin and uneven skin tone.  Herbal infusions, multiple vitamin C’s and multiple antioxidants, work synergistically to protect skin from collagen breakdown, thus skin appears firmer, tighter and more vibrant.”  Organic Illuminating Serum is a lightweight, but slightly sticky serum.  I definitely think that it is effective in brightening my complexion and evening my skintone.  I am not as in love with application of this formula as I am with some of the other products, but I do like its effectiveness.  The stickiness is only present at initial application and the serum does disappear into the skin as it dries down.  One pump is sufficient for the entire face, and the bottle is lasting a long time.  There is no noticeable scent, and it is recommended for all skin types.  The 1 oz bottle is regularly priced at $149.95.

Derma MD Pink Silk Face Firming Serum

Pink Silk Face Firming Serum: “An anti-inflammatory formulation of caviar and red algae (astaxanthin). Combination of anti-aging ingredients that work together to slow-down aging process and rejuvenate the skin giving it a more youthful and vibrant appearance, and helps reduce erythema (redness). Excellent for All Skin types including those with Rosacea . Can be used as a primer before application of makeup before sun protection.”  I really love the Pink Silk Serum.  It is appropriately named because it does feel like silk when applied.  There is no noticeable scent.  The large presence of Cyclometicone and Dimethicone in conjunction with the other ingredients make it a silicone primer and anti-aging serum in one.  Pink Silk gives the skin a little of that soft focus look that many people look for in a primer, but one that fights aging and inflammation at the same time.  A little goes a long way, and one pump is plenty for the entire face.  It spreads out and blends in smoothly and evenly.  I can’t say enough good things about the Pink Silk Serum.  The 1 oz bottle is regularly priced at $138.95.

Derma MD Copper Co-Q10 Moisturizer

Copper Co-Q10 Moisturizer: “A multi-task moisturizer will reduce appearance of distended capillaries, calm redness, reduce inflammation, and appearance of lines and wrinkles will be less noticeable. The copper peptide complex works to assists in tissue repair and provide collagen synthesis, combined with antioxidants such as red algae (astaxanthin), co-enzyme Q-10 and Idebenone. Additional ingredients such as ceramides 3;6;1; and panthenol (vitamin B5) will increase moisture retention, leaving skin hydrated, protected and supple.”  The Copper Co-Q10 Moisturizer is another product that I can’t get enough of.  It’s fantastic for me.  It has definitely helped to reduce my redness in a way that other anti-redness products have failed to do.  It is a fabulous moisturizer.  You may remember that I’ve been using the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream because its thick, emollient formula hung on my skin and made me feel just as moisturized when I woke up as when I applied it.  What’s great about the Copper Co-Q10 Moisturizer is that it does the same thing, but with a much lighter formula.  I can totally see all skin types enjoying this moisturizer because it is not greasy or oily in the slightest, is extremely lightweight, has no noticeable scent, and delivers a ton of hydration that stays put for hours and hours.  One pump spreads smoothly across the face and is all I need to tame my dry skin and it does not interfere with my makeup at all.  The Copper Co-Q10 Moisturizer is my favorite of all of the products I was sent.  The 1 oz bottle is regularly priced at $76.95.

Derma MD Peptide Eye Creme

Peptide Eye Creme: “A formulation that provides results! Combined with special anti-aging peptides such as Hyloxyl and Eyeliss that target puffiness and dark circles, in addition with vitamin K, eyes look younger and have a more vibrant appearance. Acetyl hexapeptide-8 is found to relax facial contractions which helps to lessens appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Additional ingredients in this one of a kind formulation will hydrate and leave a more younger smoother contour to eye area.”  The Peptide Eye Creme has a thick cream consistency.  It takes a minute to sink into the skin at initial application, and even longer to dry down enough to put makeup over it.  However, it is worth the wait.  Your undereye concealer will never look so good as when you have this eye cream as the base.  I can sometimes develop dry patches (eczema spots) on my eyelids if my eye cream isn’t up to snuff as was the case with Benefit’s It’s Potent! Eye Cream that I reviewed in April.  Derma MD Peptide Eye Creme keeps my eye area hydrated all day long and I’ve noticed a reduction in my (admittedly light) dark circles.  I know that Hyloxyl and Eyeliss are great for eye creams and I have had good luck with them in the Micheal Todd INTENSIVE Organic Cream Eye Treatment reviewed in September.  Though I can’t tell if my fine lines under my eyes have reduced, I can see that they’ve gotten better at the corners of my eyes.  The only downside is that I am not a fan of the jar packaging.  Not only is jar packaging unstable, but as the level of product goes down, it gets harder and harder to get the cream out without getting some under my finger nail.  The .5 oz jar is regularly priced at $62.95.

Derma MD Daytime Moisturizer Oil Free SPF 50

Daytime Moisturizer Oil Free SPF 50: “A silky daytime moisturizer that will provide 50 times your natural protection from the sun, blocking a very broad spectrum of UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays. Formulated in an oil free moisturizing base. Is non-comedogenic, fragrance-free and formulated for all skin types, including sensitive, oily and post treatment. Excellent for athletes, due to no stinging to eyes with perspiration.”  The Daytime Moisturizer Oil Free SPF 50 is good sun protection, but it is my least favorite of all the products that Derma MD sent me.  On the good side, the creamy formula is oil and fragrance free, so it is not greasy and it doesn’t have the same slip that many sunscreens give the skin.  The inclusion of ingredients like hyaluronic acid is always welcome.  SPF 50 is wonderful protection for a moisturizer, and it does not break me out.  Unfortunately, it also has that jar packaging with the same pitfalls of the Peptide Eye Creme.  And, because it’s fragrance free, it has that tell-tale sunscreen scent that I personally find off-putting.  It also isn’t in the same level of  quality or luxury as the other products.  Don’t get me wrong, it is not a bad product, it just doesn’t hold up to how wonderful the other products were.  At the end of the day, it’s simply a decent moisturizer with sunscreen, nothing more.  The 1.7 oz jar is regularly priced at $44.95.

Overall, I have been very impressed with Derma MD Skincare.  The products feel great and are visibly effective in making my skin look fabulous.  Like I said in my intro, these are definitely a splurge.  This is a budget beauty blog, and I do not believe that it is necessary to spend hundreds of dollars on beauty products to have beautiful skin and lovely makeup.  However, if you have the money and want to treat yourself by investing in luxurious, spa-like skincare, Derma MD has some truly wonderful products in their line up.  Derma MD has offered a 50% off promo code for my readers.  Enter code beautybudget at check out to receive the discount.

There are some other ways to save on your Drma MD orders.  I’ve been checking their Facebook page, and have noticed several promotional sale events and special offers ranging from free gifts with purchase, opportunities to win gift cards, and 20%-50% off discounts.  They offer an everyday 10% off discount just for signing up for their mailing list.  Derma MD is also available on sites like Hautelook, Groupon, and Zulily, which are all great ways to save up to almost 75%.  (To get the Daytime Moisturizer Oil Free SPF 50 from Groupon for only $15.99 click here.)  It can be tempting to automatically dismiss high-end brands, thinking that it’s just too much money to spend, but sometimes there are great savings to be had if you are willing to dig a little.  Derma MD has offered to alert me to future sales and to offer special discounts to pass onto you.  Ultimately, they believe in their products and want to reach out to a variety of demographics so that even more women can fall in love with them.  I think that these Derma MD products are fantastic and I am thrilled to have been able to review them.  I am even more thrilled to be able to share the experience with one of you.

Derma MD Skincare Giveaway

My contact at Derma MD sent me these two items to do a giveaway for my readers.  One of you will be lucky enough to win the brand new Organic Illuminating Serum and a long time favorite, the Pink Silk Face Firming Serum.  The value of these two products is $288.90.  I am so excited to be able to give these away because I am confident that you will love them.  I am going to run the giveaway for ten days, ending at 11:59 pm on July 6th.  I will pick a winner as usually by using a random number generator.  This giveaway is open internationally.  Here are the rules for entry:

• You must be a subscriber to this blog (I check).  If you are not yet a subscriber, just enter your email address in the box on the right hand side of the page and hit the “Sign me up!” button.  A confirmation email will be mailed to you to verify that your address is a real one.  Once verified, you will receive email updates (you set the frequency) of any new posts so that you won’t miss a thing here on BiBB.  Or, if you have your own WordPress blog, “follow” me here and sub that way.
• You must provide a valid email address so that when you win I can get your shipping details.
• You must be willing to provide me with your mailing address so that I can ship your prize.  If you are under 18, you must have explicit permission from your parents to give out your address.  I don’t want any angry parents, so be honest kids.
• You must leave a comment on this entry telling me what your favorite skincare products are and why you like them.

That’s it.  I will post the winner on Monday July 7th.  Good luck!

FTC Disclosure: The products reviewed in this post as well as the items for the giveaway were provided to me for free by Derma MD for consideration.  This does not guarantee a positive review, and my thoughts on these products are 100% honest.  No other compensation was accepted.

 

First Aid Beauty Review

First Aid Beauty

Today I have three products from First Aid Beauty to review for you.  I had heard quite a bit about First Aid Beauty, and wanted to check the brand out for myself.  I had a pretty decent discount code a few months back, so I went ahead and placed an order online.  Here is what First Aid Beauty says about itself, taken from the FAB website: “First Aid Beauty aims to provide highly effective yet luxurious products that treat everyday beauty and skincare challenges. FAB products blend serious therapeutic action with luxurious textures, so individuals with tough skin conditions no longer have to sacrifice luxury nor tolerate greasy creams and bland formulas. FAB products are free of harsh chemicals and known allergens, including parabens, phthalates, alcohol, fragrances and artificial dyes. Select products also boast FDA-approved over-the-counter formulations that target specific skin issues such as eczema and acne. The result is true first aid beauty and a collection of products that may be used safely by even the most sensitive skin types.”  Sounds great, right?  So let’s see if the products lived up to their gloss.

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads

First up are the First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads.  According to FAB: “Facial Radiance Pads contain just the right amount of lactic and glycolic acids to make them safe and effective for daily use. Cucumber and Indian gooseberry tone the skin, while lemon peel and licorice root leave the skin bright and glowing. FAB’s facial radiance pads are free of parabens, harsh chemicals and colorants.”  I am a fan of chemical exfoliants, and these pads are designed as an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) exfoliant.  I’m not sure if there isn’t enough glycolic acid, or if my skin simply prefers salicylic acid instead, but the Facial Radiance Pads weren’t as effective for me as I would have liked.  I ended up having to incorporate salicylic acid into my nighttime routine and just use these in the morning or else I would break out.

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads

The Facial Radiance Pads are textured, but not abrasive.  They do tone well, without drying the skin out.  On the contrary, the formula was actually pretty hydrating.  They have a mildly smoky, herbal scent, probably because of the licorice root because there is no added fragrance.  There isn’t necessarily anything wrong with the Facial Radiance Pads, but my skin simply didn’t respond as well to these levels of glycolic acid.  If your skin responds to AHA’s over BHA’s, then you may want to give the Facial Radiance Pads a try.  A tub of 28 pads retail for $14 and 60 pads retail for $30.

First Aid Beauty Anti-Redness Serum

The next product I tried was the First Aid Beauty Anti-Redness Serum.  Redness is a big problem for me, and the main reason I tried this trio of products in the first place was because they were recommended to treat rosacea.  Here is the description from FAB’s website: “FAB Anti-Redness Serum is packed with caffeine, a natural vasoconstrictor that can help with visible skin redness. By shrinking blood vessels, FAB Anti-Redness Serum improves unsightly redness in the dermis. Colloidal sulfur in the formula works to combat the root cause of facial redness. Aloe soothes while ginger works as a natural, powerful anti-inflammatory. Bisabolol is an exceptionally gentle anti-inflammatory that aids penetration of our formula’s actives. FAB Antioxidant Booster completes the picture by defending the skin against free radical damage.”  I had high hopes for the Anti-Redness Serum, but ultimately it was a let down.  I wanted so badly to love this product, but it just did nothing for me.  I used all three FAB products everyday for two months, so I gave them a good chance to work.  The Anti-Redness Serum has a distinctly smoky scent that I found very off-putting.  It felt fine going on, lightweight and non-greasy, but my skin would immediately flame red.  There was no itchiness or irritation other than the color.  The inclusion of sulfur is controversial, and I do not claim to be an expert on skin care ingredients.  All I know, is that my redness has not gone away or lessened from using the Anti-Redness Serum.  I have read many reviews where people rave about this miracle product, but it had no effect on my skin, so it is a fail in my book.  A 1.7 oz bottle of Anti-Redness Serum retails for $36.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

The last First Aid Beauty product that I tried was the Ultra Repair Cream, which I love.  According to the website: “FAB Ultra Repair Cream is a thick, rich, emollient product that hydrates deep down with exceptional penetration. With the help of colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, soothing eucalyptus oil and ceramides, FAB Ultra Repair Cream provides immediate relief and visible improvement for distressed skin. FAB Antioxidant Booster is there to defend skin from free radical damage. Ultra Repair Cream can be used all over the body and on the face.”  I’m not thrilled with the inclusion of eucalyptus oil in the Ultra Repair Cream, and there aren’t any super power ingredients that are supposed to work miracles on my skin, but I absolutely love the formula.  It is possible that the formula would be too emollient for oily or combo skin, but if you have dry skin, the Ultra Repair Cream is amazing.  I can put this on at night and wake up with it still on and moisturizing my face almost as well as when freshly applied.  I am willing to use other serums to fight wrinkles and keep using the Ultra Repair Cream to moisturize because it feels so good.  Personally, I can recommend the Ultra Repair Cream as a winner.  The Ultra Repair Cream retails at $12 for a 2 oz tube, or $28 for a 6 oz jar.

First Aid Beauty Anti-Redness Serum (L) and Ultra Repair Cream (R)

I don’t know if it helps because they just look like lotion, but here is a picture of both the First Aid Beauty Anti-Redness Serum (on the left) and Ultra Repair Cream (on the right).  This is one pump of Anti-Redness Serum.  The Ultra Repair Cream comes in a jar, so this is a swipe of it.  I’m not sure if you can tell from this picture, but the Anti-Redness Serum has a slightly thinner consistency than the Ultra Repair Cream.  It also sits on top of the skin more so than the Ultra Repair Cream, which immediately digs in and starts to sink and absorb.

All in all, I have mixed feelings about First Aid Beauty.  My love for the Ultra Repair Cream almost makes up for the disappointment of the other two products.  Almost.  I may be willing to try another First Aid Beauty product if it’s on sale, but I won’t go out of my way to buy anything new at this point.  The Ultra Repair Cream is the exception to that, and I have already purchased a replacement jar for when this one runs out.  You can find First Aid Beauty online at firstaidbeauty.com, or at Sephora.  I don’t think I’ve seen it anywhere else.  Have you tried any First Aid Beauty products?  What was your experience?  Let me know in the comments below.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Cleansing Pads

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Cleansing Pads

I’ve been using Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Cleansing Pads for about a month or two now, and I really like them a lot. According to Aveeno’s website: “These dual-textured cleansing pads, moistened with foaming skin-conditioning cleansers and natural Soy, help even out skin tone and texture for brighter, naturally radiant skin. The pad is smooth on one side to lift away dirt, oil and makeup and textured on the other side to gently exfoliate and smooth away dry patches. Oil-free, soap-free, noncomedogenic and hypoallergenic, these pads are gentle enough for everyday use, even on sensitive skin.” I used to use a strong facial scrub to exfoliate, but have gotten away from that since realizing how harmful abrasive scrubs can be for skin. I have dry skin with mild Rosacea, and the scrubs made my Rosacea way worse. Dry skin, however, likes to cling to dead skin cells like they are clutching a life preserver, so I couldn’t go without exfoliating. I’ve been experimenting with chemical exfoliants, but I still like to use something extra to make sure that I’m really getting rid of dead skin and impurities. Enter Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Cleansing Pads. The textured side is perfect to mildly exfoliate without causing the micro-tears on my skin that harsh abrasive scrubs cause. My skin feels fresh and clean, without stinging or turning red.

I personally like to remove my makeup before using Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Cleansing Pads, though you can use the pads alone. I like the extra step because I can still be super gentle with my skin while making absolutely sure that it’s getting super clean. They are very easy to use, just wet your face and gently scrub in a circular motion to help the pad lather up. I find that there is plenty of product on the pads to foam up really nicely and cover my entire face. I find that regular cleansers can sometimes be messy, but it can’t get any more simple than these self-foaming pads. The smooth side is gentle and I have no issue running it over my delicate eye area. The textured side, as I said, is perfect for mild exfoliation. I doesn’t look like it would do the trick because the bumps are really small, but you can feel it working on your face. It does have a strong fragrance that smells herbal, but I do not find it overpowering. It just smells natural and clean. It has a horrible taste if you accidentally get it in your mouth, so watch out for that because it’s truly terrible.

Although Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Cleansing Pads can be used daily, I only use them two or three times a week. My skin can’t handle daily manual exfoliation, but that’s because of my sensitivity issues. I agree with Aveeno’s claim that the pads are gentle enough for sensitive skin. I’ve had no issues with bad reactions to this product and I don’t feel that tight feeling on my skin like it’s been stripped bare like some cleansers cause. Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Cleansing Pads leave my skin feeling clean and healthy. You can find this product wherever Aveeno products are sold (Target, Walmart, Walgreens, etc.). It retails for around $7-$8. I definitely think that Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Cleansing Pads are worth a try.

Speed Read: Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Cleansing Pads are self-foaming, dual-sided pads that cleanse and gently exfoliate for clean, healthy skin.

Best For: Those who like an alternative to traditional cleansers, and those looking for gentle exfoliation who don’t mind frangrance.

Keep Walking: If you dislike manual exfoliation and prefer traditional cleansers, or if you are extremely sensitive to fragrance.