:: press samples ::
Over dinner not too long ago, Hubzilla uttered “bey, your skin looks glowing and bright”. ‘Must be the new skincare line I’m testing for over a month now, flattered moi responded. Of course I believe the guy who can read my mind, understand when I’m hangry, laugh at my sarcasm, support my lipstick addiction, enjoy zombies like I do, and who gets nervous every time I’d say that I’m going to cut my hair pixie-style. Ha! the same guy who tried to scare me by putting these clowns all over the house last Halloween….
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| First he put ’em on the stairs, then in my home office, then back to stairs again in the morning, etc…. |
Scary clowns aside, let’s get to the bottom of my “reborn” skin. As part of my brand ambassador welcome kit, I received few products from Murad. I was particularly excited to try the Environmental Shield line because it focuses on my skincare needs: aging, dark spots and occasional acne.
A great serum believer, I attribute my “brightened skin” to Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum ($60, 1.0 fl oz). It features 2% Hydroquinone, a popular skincare ingredient which lightens dark spots (hyperpigmentation) caused by hormones, injury to skin, aging, among others. It also has glycolic acid which sloughs off dead skin cells. I use this serum at night, after cleansing and toning, ideally under a moisturizer. If you’re new to hydroquinone, it’s noteworthy to share that some stinging may occur so you may need to tailor-fit your application (I started twice a week for the first week and adjusted it to nightly thereafter). I also find this effective for post-acne dark spots, which at my ripe age (40 here girly!) still makes a cameo appearance from time to time.
Ingredients: Water, Alcohol Denat., Glycolic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Methyl Gluceth-10, Dextran, Hexapeptide-2, Rice Amino Acids, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Urea, Yeast Amino Acids, Trehalose, Inositol, Taurine, Betaine, Zinc Gluconate, Ascorbic Acid, Chitosan, Propyl Gallate, Nonoxynol-10, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Palmitoyl Hydroxypropyltrimonium Amylopectin/Glycerin Crosspolymer, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Chitosan PCA, Allantoin, Polyquaternium-10, Sodium Metabisulfite, Sodium Sulfite, Sodium Hydroxide, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Disodium EDTA, Limonene, Linalool, Fragrance.
After washing my face in the morning, I use Murad Advanced Active Radiance Serum ($89, 1 fl oz). It has Vitamin C which improves skin radiance, support collagen production and protects against harmful free radicals. I love Vitamin C both in skincare and supplements so I’m glad to add this serum to my vampire vault a.k.a anti-aging regimen.
Ingredients: Water, Glycolic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cyclopentasiloxane, Urea, Yeast Amino Acids, Trehalose, Inositol, Taurine, Betaine, Hydrolyzed Opuntia Ficus Indica Flower Extract, Hexapeptide-2, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Jojoba Esters, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Enantia Chlorantha (Bark) Extract, Oleanolic Acid, Ectoin, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Biotin, Mannitol, Zinc Gluconate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Ascorbic Acid, Chitosan, Propyl Gallate, Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide, Ethyl Menthane Carboxamide, Menthyl Lactate, Lauryl Laurate, Hydroxyethyl Behenamidopropyl Dimonium Chloride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Silica, Xanthan Gum, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Limonene, Fragrance, Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Orange 4 (CI 15510).
Of course, don’t forget the most important part of skincare: sunscreen! Apply all the anti-aging products you want but if you ignore sun protection, that’s not going to help. Remember the truck driver‘s unilateral dermatoheliosis which was all over the news two years ago? Based from a report published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the unnamed 69 y/o-then man drove his truck for 28 years with one side of the face constantly exposed to sun’s UV rays. I hope his story was a wakeup call for everyone!
Murad Essential C Day Moisture ($60, 1.7 fl oz) offers protection against UVA/UVB rays and free radicals. In a nutshell, UVA is the culprit to wrinkles, UVB to skin cancer. In addition, this moisturizer has Vitamin C which helps improve skin’s clarity. I use it right after serum and before applying makeup.
Overall, I’m glad to have discovered the Environmental Shield line. Aging is inevitable and wrinkles will crop up no matter what. But for now, I’m going to enjoy my prime with healthy lifestyle (vegetarian here mama), regular exercise (I do treadmill, yoga, hip hop dance, yoga) and great skincare (thanks to beauty blogging). After all, age is just a number. And yes, 40 is either the new 20 or 30. Feel young, look young. Vampires unite!
Haven’t found your holy grail yet? Check out Murad and see if their products suit your needs.
The Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment lightning serum is one of my favs from this brand. It has helped to lighten some of my dark areas on my face dramatically… definitely on my favorite skin care list 😉
Oh and… 40, geez… you look 20. I only wish I am as hot a gal as you in 5 years. 😉
I'm sorry but you need to put a big CAPS LOCK warning before you show scary clowns. I do not do clowns. I will have nightmares now.
lol I agree with Kimmi!
Anyway – I have been hearing amazing things about Murad! Time to bite the bullet and try it!
I could not live in your house. But I could use your skincare.
I'm a recent brand ambassador too. I LOVE the age spot reducing serum. My fave thing about Murad is that their products do what they say they will. Just a great line. And that's awesome you're 40! I'm right behind you, girl!
Which is scarier, wrinkles or clowns? Lol! If I put Murad on the clowns, will they go away, too? I don't mind clowns, but I think I need this line to help with my aging, acne-prone skin issues!
This sounds like an amazing line of products from Murad! I love products of this sort, and I'm all about healthy glowing skin– so on my list this goes! <3
I have heard great things about this brand! I need to look into them.
I've heard good things about Murad. The serum sounds amazing.
The serums sound like something I could use! I'll take a look at Murad once I am done with the accutane because I feel they might have some nice products for my skin.
This line sounds great. I love that the serum contains collagen.
Murad products are great!
The serum sounds fantastic!
Sounds like a major win in terms of all the concerns. I should try Murad 🙂
Murad is always a fall back quality brand for me
This looks really great! I love their line for acne.
I actually used that serum for repairing some sun damage last year and it worked really well. The only reason I stopped is because it has a fair amount of hydroquinone, so I try not to use it unless necessary.
I keep hearing things about this line so why have I not tried it!?
These look fabulous! I'm trying several products from them right now as well!
Those clowns! Ack! I love Murad – a great brand.
I have to try some of these products!
I need to try me some Murad!
I've been hearing great things about Murad and have been wanting to give them a try! Shame on your hubby, sounds like something mine would do so I can relate!!!
I love Murad! They have so many fabulous products.
This sounds so perfect- I am a total sucker for anything that makes my skin look brighter!
I have heard such great things about Murad recently
I'll pass on the clowns & accept the fab skin pleaseeee
Thanks for your information.
really nice post.
I will try some Murad!