Regenerist Microdermabrasion & Peel System

I really really wanted to like this. I just... don't.

The derma-crystals in the jar smell like an extra-orangey creamsicle, which is better than smelling as if the perfume counter at Nordstrom's threw up on you. I applied some of this goop on my face and massaged it for up to a minute. Then I applied the activator serum in the bottle to make the orange goop foam and warm up while I massaged my face some more. I rinsed with warm water and patted my skin dry. My face was super-soft and smooth, and I was giddy with love! So far so good, right?

Not.

Two days later, I broke out. I used it twice a week for a month, and each time, pimples appeared. I should have known... every time I come across a skincare product that says to "rinse thoroughly," it usually means it will give me pimples.

I'm sticking to my good ol' honey and aspirin mask/scrub.

Everyday Minerals Makeup

Everyday Minerals was my introduction to mineral makeup. I love that they offer free samples (you have to pay for shipping).
Their foundations are available in the following finishes (from their website)

Original Glo | healthy dewy glow

Semi-Matte | a soft luminous touch

Matte | radiant without shine

Intensive | extra coverage

Blushes can also be found in the following finishes:

Matte | non-sparkle sensations

Shimmer | constellations of color

Sheen | satin iridescence

Lucent | transparent wonders

I ordered their Free Sample Makeup Kit which includes 3 foundations in any color/finish, 1 blush, and 1 concealer. I chose Warm- Medium Beige, Warm- Buttered Tan, and Golden- Winged Butter (all in semi-matte) for my foundations, Soft Touch Lucent blush, and Intensive Concealer in Medium.

I ordered another Free Sample Makeup Kit in the same colors, only this time the Original Glo finish for the foundations, Mint Color Corrector as my concealer, and their Matte Blush in Once and Again.

Whoo boy, Original Glo is a total no-go for me. Between my super-oily skin and the "healthy dewy glow" of Original Glo makeup, I looked like I went dunking for apples in a vat of grease. There was this weird pearly look to my skin that looked completely unnatural. I also didn't care for Everyday Minerals' Once and Again blush; the color was dark and muddy on my medium-toned skin.

On the other hand, the semi-matte formula was much more natural-looking and not scary-shiny. I really like that the Soft Touch blush is sheer, buildable and subtle. The Mint Color Corrector will last me a lifetime- very very little goes a long way, and I discovered that if I mix a tiny dab of it with my DDF moisturizer, it blends nicely and doesn't clump the way it would if I put it on over the moisturizer.

The price point is incredible: $8 for their Big 25 ml jar, and $2.50 for the 5 ml sample size jar.

With all that said, I won't be buying more from Everyday Minerals because while the blush seems to be okay, the foundation makes my nose itch, and I got pimples every time I used it. :(

I know I was MIA for a few months last year, so here's a quick recap:

I was using the pHisoderm moisturizer for a while after I gave up my DDF habit. It's heavier than the DDF Ultra-Lite Moisturizing Dew and it's got SPF 15, and is oil-free. Texture is really important to me, and it was just too heavy for my liking. I find that products with sunscreen in them make them thicker and unfortunately, more prone to causing pimples. So out the window it went.

I got good results from the 10% Alpha Hydroxy Enhance Cream, and I've been using it at night so it has time to do its thing. I'm keeping it in my regimen. I may try out their Souffle- 12% AHA when I finish the Enhance Cream.

Last week, I went back to my beloved DDF Ultra-Lite Moisturizing Dew. There just isn't another product out there that I love or makes my skin feel the same way. The price has gone up from $36 to $38 for a 1.7 oz pump bottle, but even so, it's worth it to me. I truly cannot recommend this product enough.