The Advice Sisters feature a lot of sun protection products every season, but for those who require that their products be natural and vegan, and perhaps, even gluten free, the choices are narrower. Thank heavens The Advice Sisters discovered MyChelle Dermaceuticals. They produce potent, nontoxic, 100% vegetarian (most are also vegan ), gluten-free skin care products that are cruelty free and free of harsh chemicals, fragrance and phthlates, phthalates, parabens, propylene glycol, ureas, EDTA, encapsulated nano particles, and artificial colors. The products feature natural, dermaceutical-grade and bioactive ingredients with the cleanest technology for guaranteed visible results. Using plant-based ingredients from around the globe combined with dermatologist recommended ingredients results in products good products that balance, nourish and restore the skin’s natural radiance with natural actives. They also use cutting edge technology to make their products unique and exciting. The products are attractively packaged and such a pleasure to use, even those who don’t care so much about the natural ingredients will love them. Here are some of The Advice Sisters favorite (and new loves) from My Chelle:
I adore MyChelle Replenishing Solar Defense SPF 30. The company actually has three good sunblocks, but the one that seems to work best overall for every member of the family, is the Replenishing Solar Defense SPF 30 sunblock ($29.99 2.3 fl. oz.). This one doesn’t have any titanium dioxide (good news for those who are sensitive to it) and instead has 13.5% Zinc Oxide (ZinClear, so it won’t look chalky on your skin), plus marine bioactives to help reduce photo damage. The marine bioactives include a blend of kukui and macadamia oils with red algae to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles brought on by environmental stress. The tube is slim and portable, and the outer packaging is 100% post consumer paper. All of these sunblocks seem to work well, the only thing you’ll have to do is decide which one suits your skin and senses, the best! TIP: the package instructions say to apply this on clean skin 15-20 minutes before sun exposure, so allow time.
If you have sensitive skin, or your skin is temporarily irritated due to sun, sand, wind or whatever, MyChelle’s new Pure Harmony collection is heaven-sent. The products soothe inflammation and restore hydration with natural ingredients, and they still provide anti-aging benefits, too. You can jump right in and purchase the entire collection of six full sized products for ($139.99), or try just one or two and see how you like them.
This collection includes: Pure Harmony Cleanser, Pure Harmony Mask, Pure Harmony Serum, Pure Harmony Mist, Pure Harmony Cream, Replenishing Solar Def SPF 30 and a MyChelle branded travel jute bag.
One of my favorites in this collection is the Pure Harmony Mist (2.1 fl oz. $16.00) which is an inexpensive and effective way to rejuvenate, anywhere, any time. I wish it had been unscented so men would use it too, but the floral scent is so pretty. Spritz this from the plastic pump bottle when you’re hot (or not) and give your skin a bunch of skin-enhancing nutrients including: Longevicell; a cell regenerator that increases cell longevity) and Blue Lotus (a strong antioxidant).
The other products also protect, soothe and provide anti-aging bennies:
Pure Harmony Cream replenishes skin’s vital nutrients, protects against irritation and deeply hydrates. Skin appears smoother with a more balanced tone and texture thanks to this protective formula boosted with Renovage (increases skin hydration, firmness and tone, decreases pigmentation and reduces pore size), Gardenia Plant Stem Cells (improves skin tone, elasticity and minimizes wrinkles) and Asiatioside, which protects against skin degradation. 1.2 oz. $26.00)
Pure Harmony Cleanser: Gently wash away impurities that can lead to irritation. This nourishing gel/cream hybrid cleanser is designed to soothe sensitive skin with nutritious, moisturizing ingredients including powerful Sea Buckthorn (a powerful remedy used in Asia for over 1000 years in treating a variety of skin problems), AquaCacteen (hydrates and soothes skin, protects against environmental stress) and Green Tea to reduce redness. (2.1 fl oz $12.00)
Pure Harmony Mask: Comfort and calm sensitive skin with this restorative mask. The advanced formula—fortified with Arnica (an anti-inflammatory that improves cellular circulation, provides pain relief and repairs damage associated with skin irritation), Magnolia (an antioxidant and UV protectant) and Bisabolo (an essential oil of the Chamomile flower) —soothes irritation caused by environmental stress. (1.2 fl oz $30.00)
The Pure Harmony Serum: Serums are intense ways to treat skin, and this one helps to reduce puffiness and swelling and give skin a fresher, more youthful glow. The product is a bit disconcertingly rose-tinted, but it feels really tingly and refreshing on your skin. It is blended with Niacinamide (the water-soluble form of vitamin B3 that stimulates collagen and reduces hyperpigmentation), Kinetin (hydrates and fights against sun damage) and Licorice (boasts anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial properties), this skin-saving serum will restore, cool, calm and brighten without irritation. If you want to feel like you’re really doing something special for your skin, it’s a must-have (1 fl oz $42.00)
Now that travel season is also in full swing, MyChelle saves your skin, naturally, with 7 new mini-sized (but mighty good) sampling kits called the Hello Beautiful Collections ( 3 .25 fl oz / 7.5 mL tubes and 2 .17 fl oz / 5 mL pump /$20.00 per set). Each set includes a 6-step product regimen for 7 different skin types:
All/Combination: Fruit Enzyme Cleanser, Fruit Enzyme Scrub, Perfect C Serum, Fruit Enzyme Mist, Pumpkin Renew Cream, Sun Shield SPF 28 Unscented
Dry: Creamy Pumpkin Cleanser, Tropical Skin Smoother, Ultra Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum, Fruit Enzyme Mist, Deep Repair Cream, Sun Shield SPF 28 Unscented
Age Defense: Creamy Pumpkin Cleanser, Fruit Fiesta Peel, G2 Instant Firming Serum, Fruit Enzyme Mist, Revitalizing Night Cream, Sun Shield SPF 28 Unscented’
Age Spot/UV Recovery: Apple Brightening Cleanser, Apple Brightening Peel, Apple Brightening Serum, Apple Brightening Mist, Deep Repair Cream, Sun Shield SPF 28 Unscented
Sensitive: Pure Harmony Cleanser, Pure Harmony Mask, Pure Harmony Serum, Pure Harmony Mist, Pure Harmony Cream, Sun Shield SPF 28 Unscented
Oily/Blemish Control: White Cranberry Cleanser, Incredible Pumpkin Peel, Clear Skin Serum, Fruit Enzyme Mist, Oil Free Grapefruit Cream, Sun Shield SPF 28 Unscented
Youth Blemish Control: Clear Skin Cleanser, Incredible Pumpkin Peel, Clear Skin Spot Treatment, Fruit Enzyme Mist, Clear Skin Balancing Cream, Sun Shield SPF 28 Unscented
I tried the All/Combination set, which is a good for all skin types and a good place to sample a new line. The MyChelle All/Combination products promote healthy skin, balance skin lipids, retain moisture and keep your skin’s barrier strong. Keep out toxins, debris and dirt and keep the good stuff in your skin (like nutrients and moisture). The .25 oz, tubes are nestled into a hard-sided, very cute, keepsake box with flip lid that you can use for hairpins or other little treasures, but the samples will make it easily through a long weekend and take up no more room in your TSA-approved quart bag, than one normal sized product. There is even a tube of MyChelle’s excellent (and unscented) Solar Shield SPF sun block included to tuck into your pocket or purse. Another personal favorite from this set is the Fruit Enzyme Cleanser–a foamy, citrus-cented gel that whisks away dirt, sweat and makeup, leaving skin fresh and soft (follow with the floral Fruit Enzyme Mist for a quick pick-me-up). One of these would be a smash hit in your guest bathroom, or give one to your weekend host/hostess as a thank-you.
You can get a list of all the ingredients for all the products, how to use them properly and of course, you can buy them, on the MyChelle WebSite: http://www.mychelle.com or just get to your closest Whole Foods Store, and stock up!
