breakthrough beauty: the big brush-off

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Breakthrough Beauty feature...

as reported by Susan Redstone

Washing my face with my favorite cleanser--and my bare hands--doesn't always give me the deep clean I need. But Garnier has come up with a new and improved way to come clean. Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew The Brusher Gel Cleanser ($6.99) comes with a built-in scrubbing brush that lets you go beyond regular manual cleansing. At first, I have to admit, I was hesitant to try it. I spend enough time each day scrubbing baby bottles with a bottle brush and the thought of using a similar tactic to clean my skin just wasn't that appealing. But in the name of beauty, I indulged. Turns out it's a pretty cool concept. You squeeze the gel into the brush then twist the bottle closed. What looks like rubber bristles are actually soft and flexible and feel soothing on your skin as you scrub away dead skin cells on your face in circular motions. The non-drying formula, which exfoliates skin to deeply eliminate impurities and promote cell renewal, is packed with good-for-you ingredients. It contains Vitamin B5 for moisture, Vitamin E to detox skin, and Green Leaf Extract to sooth and refresh. The result is clean, radiant skin instantly. Look for The Brusher Gel-Cleanser at mass market retailers nationwide or click on www.garnier.com for more info.

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Sometimes I look in the mirror and can't decide which skincare issues to focus on. Try to find a skincare regimen that targets them all and you'll drive yourself nuts! That's why I was excited to try the M2 Skin Technologies system which features Mandelic and Malic Acid. Madelic is antibacterial and lipid-soluble, which means it can cut through oil and really clean and balance skin deep down. Malic Acid is a natural humectant and antioxidant to keep skin hydrated throughout the day while protecting it from free radical damage. The collection consists of an exfoliating cleanser, treatment serum and skin recovery moisturizer that promise to do everything from even skin tone and reduce acne breakouts to tighten pores and erase fine lines and wrinkles. First, I try the Exfoliating Cleanser ($19.50): The gel-based formula has subtle exfoliating properties so it's definitely not harsh on your skin but still feels like it's working. Though it smells slightly like anti-bacterial soap, it feels good when you add water and work it into your skin. Next, I apply Skin Refinish ($44.50), a pearly-looking multi-purpose serum with a high concentration of Mandelic and Malic Acid. As I leave it on for the required 10-15 minutes, I actually feel it tightening my skin and pores--almost like a lightweight, transparent mask. I don't want to wash it off, thinking I can use all the tightening I can get! I finish up with the Skin Recovery Moisturizer ($30.50), with potent anti-inflammatory ingredients. Designed to reduce redness and irritation while keeping skin hydrated, it also contains vitamins A, C, E and D to protect from free radicals. It's a bit strong for my sometimes sensitive skin. Nevertheless, I use it for a few days and find my skin adapts. In the end, Skin Refinish is my favorite and I can't wait to see the results after long-term use. Thanks to renowned laser surgeon Dr. Mark Taylor for figuring it all out for us! To order, go to www.skincarerx.com or visit www.m2skintech.com for more info.