I’m so in love! I’ve been using Matrix Total Results Break Fix Leave-In Elixir for a few months now and I can’t say anything bad about it. I like to use it as a detangler. I apply it right after I towel dry my hair and then comb it through. It keeps my hair manageable and strong, so my strands don’t break while I’m detangling my hair. It’s a lightweight gel like liquid that melts right in and smells tropically fresh – like a fruity summertime cocktail! matrix better never ever discontinue this product – I’m hooked!

Matrix Total Results Break Fix Leave-In Elixir 16.5 oz around $16 at salons nationwide

Welcome to the 5th peel of The Skin Regime: Boot Camp for Beautiful Skin! It’s been a few weeks since my 4th peel, but I was brave and decided to use the 50% glycolic acid.

I washed my face and made sure to remove any dirt and makeup from my skin. I then moistened a cotton round with rubbing alcohol and swiped it all over my face. Once my face was dry, I used the medicated spray to numb my skin. I think I finally figured out the most effective way to use it. I sprayed a large amount on my hand first; and then wiped it all over my face. Next I applied the 50% glycolic acid to a cotton round and swiped it all over my face and neck area.

I set the timer for six minutes. While the clock was still ticking, I dipped a cotton swab into the 70% glycolic acid solution and applied it to the top of my cheeks (where I have the most sun spots) and over the freckles on my nose. Once time was up; I rinsed and washed my face, then applied CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM.

Again, I was surprised it did not burn nor sting. So either I grew tough skin (but it feels softer) or the medicated spray really does help.  I didn’t experience much redness or dryness, so I’m curious to see what my face will look like in the morning. I’ll update this post if I notice extra peeling or irritation tomorrow. In the past I’ve noticed that my skin only really starts to shed on the second or third day after the peel, so I have a feeling this might also be the case this time.

For more information on The Skin Regime: Boot Camp to Beautiful Skin and on products I used please visit TheSkinRegime.com – there you can order the book and get product recommendations.

Click here to read the first 30 pages of The Skin Regime for free!

Russell Organics 100% Argan Oil is a natural all-in-one oil that nourishes and moisturizes skin and hair. It’s versatile and loaded with vitamin E, omega-6 fatty acid and squalene – all of which are excellent moisturizers.

If you suffer from dry skin, then argan oil is a great addition to your winter skincare routine. I like to rub some into my dry elbows and knees. It absorbs quickly and keeps my skin soft throughout the winter months. Once the cold weather starts to kick in, my cuticles get dry and peel. Argan oil helps keep them in shape in between manis. I dab some on with a Q-Tip as needed. It also soothes and nourishes hair. After I detangle my hair, I always apply argan oil to the ends of my hair. It keeps my ends looking healthy and helps prevents splitting.

Russell Organics Argan Oil $28

(Photo courtesy of Russell Organics)

Redken Extreme promises to strengthen your hair from the inside and out so you can have strong hair that can withstand anything. It’s been reformulated with Redken’s exclusive Interlock Protein Network – it helps deliver protein to the core of your hair and Fortifying Complex which rebuilds your hair’s outer layer. Cermide has also been included to help repair extensive damage.

Redken Extreme Shampoo – It’s a creamy white shampoo with a gentle lather. It doesn’t leave your hair dry and brittle like some shampoos. If you have oily roots, I would suggest you not use this shampoo. Stick to a clear shampoo to reduce oiliness. This is perfect for those with extremely dry hair or ultra blonde dyed hair.

Redken Extreme Conditioner – This is a nice cream conditioner. It helps restore strength and helps detangle hair. Hair feels softer and more manageable after using it.

Redken Extreme Strength Builder Plus – This deep conditioning mask is loaded with cermide to help repair severely damaged hair. It’s a thick light blue cream that kind of smells like children’s fruity toothpaste (Weird, I know!) All smells aside, my hair felt wonderful after using it.My hair looked healthier and shinier. My ends even look better too. I know that some people are disappointed that Extreme Deep Fuel was replaced by this. I never got a chance to use Extreme Deep Fuel, so I can’t say if this is better or worse – but what I can say is that I like it.

(photo courtesy of Redken)

It’s Spa Week! Yay!

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GLOSS Moderne High-Gloss Masque is a hair mask that replenishes moisture and gives you ample shine. It’s a thick white cream that’s sulfate-free, sodium chloride-free, and paraben-free. It smells like coconut candy, the signature Coco de Soleil fragrance is mix of coconut, almond, and rum. Just massage into shampooed hair and leave it in for at least 5 minutes. Can be used daily or weekly.

I wasn’t too impressed with this hair mask. The product felt good in my hair and smelled wonderful, but I didn’t really notice a difference in my hair. I love products that contain coconut and almond, they are both great natural moisturizers. I’m sure the rum is added for an extra boost of shine; my mom has been making a homemade mask recipe that contains rum for years now and she swears by it. That recipe will soon be added to the Nature’s Best section!

What do you think? I had to do a tight crop because I need a serious haircut!

Bottom line, it’s a good product. It feels and smells luxurious. My hair felt softer after using it, but not much shinier. I guess it takes a lot to wow me nowadays!

GLOSS Moderne High-Gloss Masque 4 oz. $39

Organix is a great brand that offers sulfate and paraben free products made from a range of natural ingredients. Their Moroccan Argan Oil  collection has been a favorite of mine for a while now. I also like their Coconut Milk and Brazilian Keratin collections. Moroccan Argan Oil restores your hair’s shine and softness while strengthening your hair. The shampoo and conditioner features a luscious blend of argan oil, cocoa butter, coconut and avocado oils, and aloe vera.

Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo

I’ve used this shampoo for a couple of months now. Unlike some people, I can use the same shampoo for years and it still continues to work for me. I know that’s not the case for my sister, she has to change shampoos every other month or so. From all the other sulfate free shampoos that I have used over the years, this shampoo creates the most lather. It has a fresh exotic scent that I love.

Moraccan Argan Oil Conditioner

I like the conditioner, it’s good quality and gets the job done.  It leaves my hair feeling silky and soft. It is easier to detangle my hair afterwards and easier to style.

Moraccan Argan Oil Penetrating Oil

For the low price the quality is great. This one works just as well as the more expensive brands. This oil protects against UV damage and styling heat. I like to apply it my towel dried hair. I also use a small amount on my ends now and then.

Organix products are made in the USA and you can find them at your local Walmart, drugstores, or on drugstore.com $7.99 ea

Redken’s Smooth Down Butter Treat works wonders for my hair. I have dry color treated hair. Mostly my ends are dry and my roots get oily rather quickly. I have used this product for over 4 years now and I keep coming back.

It is an ionic smoothing treatment that provides your hair with nourishment and helps you tame wild frizz. This means that it contains ions to help neutralize damaged hair. Damaged hair has an electic charge and these ions help stabilize hair follicles.

The Ionic Smoothing Complex is formulated with:

> Macadamia Oil to help nourish hair
> Candelilla Wax to help smooth hair
> Cationic Refiners to help fight frizz

This rinse out treatment gives your hair deep moisturization in as little as 5 minutes. Redken recommends you apply it to towel-dried hair after shampooing Comb it through hair and leave on for 5 to 15 minutes. Rinse out.

I prefer to use this as a replacement for my conditioner and I leave it in for about 10 mins. On anticipated bad hair days, I like to use it as a leave-in. I apply a small amount to my hair after I detangle it.

It comes in a 8.5 oz. bottle and you can find it at salons or at Ulta.com $14 – $17 depending where you go.