MD Skincare vs. Desert Essence

My internal debate started when I stopped by the MD Skincare counter to pay a visit to my friend Tamar ( an excellent airbrush tanner among other things who will make you glow from head to toe in the privacy of your own home). She was on the clock, selling skin miracles to Bergdorf shoppers. She offered me a sample of the Alpha Beta Daily facial peel. I admit, I took it home, sampled it and loved it. My face felt softer, refreshed and I swear had a new glow! Although I do my best to stick to organic and natural skincare products, on occasion Sephora will seduce me and win. Products by MD Skincare also come with a price that I am not willing to pay right now which has forced me to search for something just as good but more affordable. So now I am at Trader Joes and for $3.99 I see Desert Essence Tea Tree oil facial pads. I grab some because I love Desert Essence products and am desperate for a good facial pad I guess. That night, I am shocked to find out that once you get past the very strong smell of the tea tree oil these pads are amazing! And ok, although it could be the outrageous humidity in NYC right now, I believe my face had a new brilliant glow to it! I am hooked.
What I am wondering is, does anyone else have products they just can't give up? Or spend outrageous amounts on brands just because?
For $3.99 I am more than satisfied but I still want to give a shout over to Tamar to hook me up! ;)

a spritz of cool...

It's mid-summer and hot! One of my favorite hot weather tricks is to keep all my toning and scented sprays in the refrigerator so I can pull one out for a refreshing cool-down. Use different scents for a quick pick-me-up or a toning spray with properties to best meet your skin needs. Also, another trick, throw one into your beach cooler for a quick beach cool down.
I've pulled together a few of my favorites for you...


For a hit of antioxidants hydrate with Juice Beauty's Hydrating Mist. To rebalance oiliness and enliven your senses give your face a spritz of Jurlique Citrus Purifying Mist.

For dry skin in need of added moisture use Twinlab Na-PCA spray. This spray also doubles as a hair conditioner and can come infused with Aloe. To help skin resist water evaporation try Scientifica hydro-pure Toner.

beautifuly exotic hibiscus...

Photo by Erika McConnell.
I tend to think tropical in the Summer months so I've rounded up a few fun products containing hints of hibiscus flower.
Indulge in scented coconut oil with Hibiscus Monoi body oil by Nude skincare (one of my personal favorites). This rich body oil is perfect for giving your arms and legs a luscious glow after a long day at the beach.


Alba offers a refreshing hibiscus toner and let John Masters Organics honey and hibiscus reconstructor work wonders on your hair.