Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic Acid + Retinol Brightening Solution Review

One of the worst things that comes with acne is acne scarring.  If you have sensitive skin like me, any spot can embed a scar that lasts forever.  I am wary of products claiming miracle erasing results, so I chose the Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic Acid + Retinol Brightening Solution with a grain of salt.  I used it 3 times a week, mainly because I have other skin products that I rotate around.   A few weeks after using it I kind of forgot about it, but then a month later as I was applying my makeup I noticed I didn't have that many spots to conceal.  I was in awe for a while trying to rack my brain as to what caused this miracle, and then it hit me.... it was the Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic Acid + Retinol Brightening Solution!  The stubborn dark spots on my cheeks that I was learning to accept as a part of my face are gone now, and I couldn't be happier.  Sayonara suckers!

This product has the consistency of a serum, so if you have oily skin I would advice using it at night because it can make you look shiny.  I put it on after my toner and I don't find the need to use a moisturizer after. Though it does take time to see results, the immediate results are the brightening effects.  My skin always looks brighter and plumper the morning after using it.

If you have hyperpigmentation from blemishes I would definitely give this a try.  I also recommend the Clinique's Dark Spot Corrector, which worked wonders on my skin a few years ago. The reason I like the Dr. Dennis Gross solution better is because it doesn't just erase dark spots, it does a number of things, such as plump fine lines, combat blackheads and whiteheads, and brighten your skin.  Erasing scars takes time, so be patient, but if you're diligent with application you should see results after a month.  I hope these recommendations help at least one person out there because I know how disheartening acne scars can be.

Price: $86
Ingredients: Licorice Root Extract, Mulberry Extract, Glycolic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Willow Bark Extract, Hyaluronic Acid. 

How to Whiten Stained Nails and The Dior Nail Glow

Lately I've been really into wearing my nails with a clear polish.  Mostly because it gives a classic look to any outfit, and was something I didn't have to fuss over when getting ready for job interviews.  Unfortunately if your nails are stained a clear polish can accentuate the yellow stains,  but do not fret because I am sharing what I used to get  brighter and whiter nails.

Bubble White Powder-  You can pick up this nail whitening powder at Sally's Beauty Supply.  Follow the directions, and in five minutes you will see a difference.  I noticed it completely whitened the tips of my nails.

Buffing Block- I use the Seacret buffing block that someone gave me years ago. Seacret does not sell the buffing block on it's own, but I did find this one on amazon that looks similar to the one I use.  These blocks allow you to buff and polish your nails, which significantly help at removing all surface stains. 

If you paint your nails often stains can occur frequently, so I suggest using bubble white and buffing your nails once a month. 

After I successfully whitened my nails I treated myself to the luxe clear polish that is the Dior Nail Glow. 




This nail polish claims to create an instant  french manicure effect, and also helps whiten nails.  I bought it because I've never seen a pink clear polish like this on the market, and the pink shines beautifully in the daylight.  Though the polish is thin, it has a gel-like feeling when it dries, and is shiny like a topcoat for days. Very luxe indeed!

New Maybelline Color Elixirs

The Color Elixirs are the newest lip products to come out from Maybelline. They are supposed to have the pigmentation of a lipstick with the feeling of a lipgloss. There are twenty shades that range from nudes to purples. I controlled myself and purchased only three colors, Breathtaking Apricot, Celestial Coral, Fuchsia Flourish. Although we're in the fall, I picked up the brightest colors I could find. I just couldn't help myself. I think pinks and corals suit my skin color the best no matter the season.



The elixir itself is really easy to apply, and feels glossy on the lips. I noticed that it did feel a little heavy at first, but I got used to it. (I might have gone a bit heavy handed the first time, so keep in mind a little goes a long way). The color goes on beautifully and vivid and the wear ability of the Color Elixir is quite substantial, lasting over 4 hours. The gloss is the first to go, but when it does it leaves a pretty stain on the lips. Though the color is opaque, I wish drugstores would let shoppers swatch colors because I don't think all of the colors are true matches with the way they look on the bottle, such as the case with Breathtaking Apricot. It looks like an orange coral blend on the bottle, but looks appears like a baby pink on the lips. Thankfully I liked the color, but this is the reason I am showing you ladies photos of how they look on me.

Fuchsia Flourish

This is definitely the brightest color of the three I purchased, but it is still a wearable fuchsia and looks great with a bit of bronzer.

Celestial Coral

I don't really know why this one has coral in the name because it is more of a plum color. It turns out this is the perfect fall shade, so I won't look crazy wearing these bright elixirs.

Breathtaking Apricot

This is the most everyday color of all three. It's definitely a light pink, so don't be fooled by the bottle.

I think these elixirs are worth trying because they are affordable and can be a great way to rock a bright lip without the drying effects of some lipsticks.  And drugstores usually have buy one get one free promotions, so what's there to lose?