These Boots Were Made for Shopping.

To finally report for the discounted beauty world, I came across tons of Perricone MD skincare products at Nordstrom Rack this week. As I've mentioned, I have teen acne that has unfortunately stuck with me as I continued on into adulthood. Back when I was on my mother's budget, we purchased what we could and that varied from Oxy to prescription grade Retin-A. None of those products worked for long as my skin quickly became immune to them. I also tried the infamous ProActiv brand and my skin allowed it to work for a good stint then decided to overthrow it as well. From there, I've tried Arbonne as well as other designer zit zappers. Then one day, I found the Acne Recovery System at Nordstrom Rack and blogged about it way back in August of 2008.

I LOVED LOVED that system and so did my skin. But, alas, of the 6 sets I bought one bit the dust before I could use it by its expiration date. Of course, we all know that as much as we are tempted to save $$$, we should never gamble with our skin by using expired products. BIG NO NO! Well, I cannot afford the hefty retail price tag of Acne Recovery so when Nordstrom Rack began continually stocking newer Perricone MD products I decided to give their acne system a shot.

At first, I purchased the travel set for $19.99 vs. $50.00 retail and it came with a gel cleanser, toner, treatment, and lotion. The products worked so well, that I went ahead and purchased the full sized products. They ranged from $14.99 to $19.99 each. My favorite aspect about this skin care line is that it is virtually scent free and very light weight. I don't feel like I am suffocating my skin at all when layering all the products. The only con I have is that the acne treatment is pretty hard core. My skin got really red and irritated the first few times I used it and after a couple weeks my skin became extremely dry and flaky. Honestly though, I'd rather deal with that than acne. Hands down.

PerriconeMD

P.S. While there, I did also come across a pair of boots I have been coveting for a while but couldn't settle for paying regular retail price. After I was laid off, I swore off heels until I absolutely had to wear them again. And since it is Fall/Winter, I have been on a boot kick lately. I was eyeballing the motorcycle style "Buck" boot by Steve Madden. And when I found them while at Nordstrom Rack on sale, I couldn't resist.

Steve Madden "Buck"

$66.90 vs. $149.95 Retail

Nordstrom Rack Finds!

Let me start this post by giving you an AWESOME news flash. I am so excited!! You ready?! A drum roll is deserving for this...Nordstrom Rack has implemented a TESTER SYSTEM!!! AGHHH!!! I was so stoked when I saw it, at first I thought; "Great, another jackass opened products, messed with it and just left it there, messy and unpackaged. As I got closer though, I noticed a funny looking sticker. It read TESTER! I couldn't believe my eyes. I actually grinned like an idiot and said "Yesss!!!" like Stephanie Tanner, no arm motion though, I was a bit restrained. ;p This is a start of a new era ladies, you don't even know!

Anyway...The real reason for this post. There is absolutely nothing to report cosmetics wise at NR. It's actually pretty sparse there but there is an abundance of Ahava, Skin Fusion, and a restocked inventory of PerriconeMD. So, since I was in the market for a new face wash, I took a look at what was available...

PerriconeMD - Nutritive Cleanser (Alpha Lipoic Acid)

$14.97 vs. $35.00 Retail

I was trying to decide between this cleanser and the Olive Oil cleanser, but I saw the benefit of reduction of pore size and that's what sold me. That and I questioned whether it would be a great idea to add more oil to my face. This product is recommended for dry and normal skin, which for now is good because as I have said, the Winter season makes my skin especially dry. So I tried it for the first time this morning and so far I really like it alot. I hate that my skin is so oily and this product removes all of it and leaves my skin feeling soft and super clean without being tight and itchy. It even smells clean. Not too perfumey or mediciney at all. This is just a First Impression, so I will update if things change, such as my skin becoming irritated or broken out. I am hoping not because I am already itching on stocking up at this great price. Which, by the way, is not much more expensive than some drugstore brands I've used such as Cetaphil. So if your skin is like mine, an oil slick T Zone, and you like to feel clean skin try this stuff!

Designer Skin Revealed!

N.V. Perricone MD Active Tinted Moisturizer

$65.00 Retail

If you've read my previous blog, you know I recently purchased N.V. Perricone MD products at an unbelievable steal! The first product that I have been test driving is the above pictured Active Tinted Moisturizer. I bought this product in the number 1 - Light and 3 - Dark. Since I am usually lightest 9 months out of the year, I decided to get the two shades to custom make my own shade as my Summer skin continuously fades to my usual pastiness. After going about my normal skin care routine, I applied this product using the MAC 190 Foundation Brush. The product goes on smooth and isn't sticky so it doesn't pull at my skin. It blends very well and before I know it my skin has a nice natural glow to it. I then set it with bareMinerals Tinted Mineral Veil and that's it! My skin looks flawless and healthy. Before this Tinted Moisturizer, I used... 

Benefit's You Rebel 

$28.00 retail

In comparison I already think I like Perricone's brand better.  My skin feels smooth and clean all day. With Benefit, I can feel the presence of the product as it is a tad stickier. You Rebel also has a slight powdery/floral scent, which is not too overwhelming but noticeable still. Perricone had no fragrance I could detect.

  

With the above test swatches I gave them a good rubdown then let them sit as I typed away. I came back to it a few minutes later, sniffed and touched. I found that I could still smell and feel Benefit's You Rebel while Perricone left no tracks indicating it was ever there. Also, you can see that You Rebel is tons darker than Perricone's darkest shade and a bit more orange. Me no likey. Benefit does have one lighter color option...

Benefit's You Rebel Lite 

$30.00 retail

But I think I will continue with Perricone before I test the YRL. Well, this is just my crazy little tinted moisturizer experiment. The only way you know which one is right for you (may not even be these two brands!) is to conduct your own! So get to chopping!