Happy August, everyone! Though I love the dog days of summer–I certainly don’t love the havoc they wreak upon my face.  But really, does anyone?!

As those of us with oily skin know all too well, steamy weather conditions are so not favorable to our high-maintenance complexions.  It doesn’t matter if we diligently cleanse our faces or blot with mineral foundation–Jen’s July 10th post is fabulous–ultra-humid days will turn us into Shiny Happy People within a matter of hours (no offense to any R.E.M. fans out there).  Not that I recommend staying inside: now’s the time to attend all the quintessential outdoor events of the season.  It doesn’t last long–not around Upstate NY!

Allow me to introduce DERMAdoctor’s Tease Zone oil-control gel, created as an alternative to the de rigueur treatments which saturate the market.  As I’ve mentioned numerous times, I had spent a pretty penny on a number of these so-called miracle products–only to be left shiner (and certainly not happier) than ever.  So, what’s new and improved about this one? Does it live up to its “sebum sequestering” promise–or is it only a…tease?

I think not!  So far, I love what the DERMAdoc has ordered; beyond the witty and clever branding, Tease Zone actually works.  Believe it or not,  a light layer under my regular make-up leaves my skin shine-free throughout most of the day–regardless of heat or humidity.  Yes, dear readers, I can put away the oil-blotting papers now; I never liked having to use them, anyway.

Still skeptical? According to dermatologist Audrey Kunin, Tease Zone “relies upon polymer technology to absorb and lift away excessive surface skin oils.  Sebum already present upon the skin (or deep within the glands) is soaked up–and continues to be absorbed as it’s formed throughout the day”.  This effectively prevents mid-day shine; however, it’s important to remember that no regulating treatment can reduce the actual amount of oil produced.  That’s determined by genetics–as are both the texture of your skin and the size of your pores.  If you’re not pleased with either, blame your DNA?!

Clearly I’m not the only one who’s impressed with Dr. Kunin and her cruelty-free, eco-friendly brand.  Not only has our fearless editor-in-chief had bestowed a Cruelty-Free Favorite award upon sensitive-skin-friendly Physical Chemistry, Jen also featured this exfoliating scrub in yesterday’s article.  But don’t just take our word for it–visit the DERMAdoctor site and see for yourself–the products and resources are awesome!

Jen#2

Images and product info courtesy of DERMAdoctor.com.

I’ll be the first to admit how much I love lying in the sun and soaking up its delicious rays, but I’m also smart enough to recognize the inherent risks associated with such a sybaritic indulgence. So, what’s a heliolatrous gal to do?  Should I simply hide my ashen legs underneath multiple layers?  Why would I want to do that, when I can have a healthy Jergens Natural Glow, instead.  As an additional bonus, my favorite formula–the firming daily moisturizer–may also help reduce the appearance of cellulite. What beach bunny wouldn’t love that?

For best results, here’s how to apply (courtesy of Jergens.com):

• Always apply to freshly cleansed skin–this will help the moisturizer become fully absorbed.
• Smooth on evenly and thoroughly, just as you would with any daily moisturizer.
• Use sparingly on knuckles, knees, ankles and in between fingers and toes; these areas are dry and will absorb more of the product.
• For a natural look on the back of hands and top of feet, gently feather the product toward fingers and toes.
• For a natural look, apply the product to the tops of your arms and then blend around to the underarms.
• Rinse excess residue from the palms of hands, between fingers and around nails.
• As with any moisturizer, allow drying for several minutes before you dress.
• Avoid getting wet for at least three hours after initial application.

Another thing to remember: exfoliation isn’t just for our faces!  After subjecting the skin on our bods to the harsh, drying effects of winter wind and indoor heating systems, now’s the perfect time to channel your inner snake and shed those icky dead dermal cells.   Not only will your skin feel better, you’ll also haven an easier time distributing Natural Glow (or any other self-tanner) evenly–which means you’re a lot less likely to wind up sporting a pumpkin-hued “tan”.  Check out the FAQs for a pretty extensive list of hints and tips.

I realize this product may not be everyone’s idea of a Summer Must-Have, but regular and careful use of this terrific moisturizer from cruelty-free drugstore favorite Jergens has helped me achieve a healthy glow which looks–and feels–almost as good as an old-fashioned tan.

Jergens Natural Glow Firming Moisturizer

Definition retrieved from Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary .

I’m always on the lookout for products that help to keep the oil under control and my pores clear. The latest treatments I’ve tried are from AZAP, a line of acne care products. I’ve just skimmed the surface of this line with their Balancing Tonic and Shine Shampoo, but I’ve been very pleased with the results.

The AZAP Harmonize Balancing Tonic is a non-drying toner that removes excess oil, dirt and makeup while fighting inflammation and acne-causing bacteria. When I use it, my skin feels cleaner, but it also feels soft, never tight or dry, which is so much different than the Sea Breeze toner I grew up using. It actually makes my skin feel happy. And yes, when I use it regularly, it helps to keep my acne under control.

Although I like the tonic, it’s the AZAP Shine Shampoo that won me over. An anti-acne shampoo you say? Yes, it is. And I’m not afraid to admit that my acne doesn’t stop with my face. I also have breakouts on my scalp. What causes them? The same culprit that causes breakouts anywhere else–oily skin.

This shampoo uses salicylic acid to clarify the scalp, controlling oil and removing pore-clogging debris. I noticed a dramatic difference.  After one week, I had no acne on my scalp. And my hair looked great. Shiny and healthy. Of course, this makes perfect sense. Healthy hair really does begin with a healthy scalp.

A press sample was provided for the purpose of review.

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Looks like my skin isn’t the only thing that has responded well to the Dermalogical Song — on behalf of my review for My Beauty Bunny, I  also received a personal note of gratitude from Dermalogica. Of course I want to keep spreading the word about this terrific new discovery, and thanks to Dermalogica, 2 lucky winners shall each receive one complimentary Meet Dermalogica skin kit each.

What kind of welcome shall you greet you? Introduce your skin to Dermalogica with this collection of their most popular products, the perfect daily skin care regimen for all skin conditions. Each kit contains 1 travel-sized bottle of  four of their best-selling items:

• daily microfoliant
• multi-vitamin power firm
• special cleansing gel
• skin-smoothing cream

As if this kit wasn’t awesome enough by itself, our 2 winners also are entitled to receive $20 off a $75 dermalogica.com purchase from now until 12-2010. If you decide to take advantage of this deal right away, you’ll also get free shipping through the end of March!

If you want to be entered into our drawing (and who wouldn’t?), here’s what you’ll need to do:

• Leave a comment below, telling us why you think you deserve to win a Meet Dermalogica kit.

For extra chances of winning, help us continue to spread the word about My Beauty Bunny and Dermalogica on Facebook and Twitter:

• Follow @dermalogica and @MyBeautyBunny on Twitter and tweet the following: @dermalogica and @MyBeautyBunny are giving away 2 Free Meet Dermalogica kits!  http://wp.me/pwBpx-1eI

Leave a comment after you’ve tweeted. You can tweet once per day;  please be sure to comment after each time!

• Become a fan of Dermalogica’s Facebook page. (If you’re already a fan, just leave your Facebook name.)

• Become a fan of My Beauty Bunny’s Facebook page. (Again, if you’re already a fan, just leave your Facebook name.)

• Sign up for My Beauty Bunny’s e-mail newsletter and let us know the e-mail address you used to sign up. (If you’re already a subscriber, just post your e-mail address.)

IMPORTANT: You must leave a comment for EACH action in order for it to count.

You must be a U.S. citizen, age 18 or older to win. Contest ends midnight (PST), 3-28-10.

Good luck–and happy speed mapping!
(Editor’s Note from Jen#2): I just received my own welcome kit as a thank you gift–let me tell you, it is fantastic!

Congratulations to our two winners: Jenna and Kathy!

Here’s how it seems to work best: after washing, toning and treating with my favorite Murad treatment, I layer a small amount over my entire face, concentrating on my t-zone (as with everything else I’ve reviewed thus far, a little goes a long way, too much will definitely leave a greasy residue). This takes about a minute to complete; the other four are spent waiting for the primer to be fully absorbed. After that, it’s on to the next step—painting face.

Jen has already given Urban Decay’s Razor Sharp Ultra Definition Finishing Powder a glowing review, so I won’t be redundant and lavish any additional praise—except to say that her opinion is right-on. I use this by itself on most days; if I have a real eye-sore of a blemish in need of extra masking action, I turn to my secret weapon: a bit of bareMinerals concealer in Summer Bisque.

All of these products are available at one of my favorite online destinations: Sephora.com. As I’ve already mentioned,Beauty Insiders are regularly rewarded with special members-only benefits and perks. If you’re like me and have earned way too many points, you’re automatically upgraded to VIB status, and are entitled to even better bonuses. Who doesn’t deserve to feel extra-special?!

(Author’s note: All images linked to and within this post are the exclusive intellectual property of their respective copyright and trademark holders; any image incongruities are entirely coincidental and an unintended effect of Jen#2′s lack-there-of spatial/visual perception.)