New Ioma Counter

 Beauty Blogger, Event Coverage, Face, facial cleanser, HoustonFashionBloggers, Ioma, Saks, skin care  No Responses »
Mar 112013
 

I had the opportunity to visit the brand new Ioma counter inside Saks in the Houston Galleria Mall a few days ago. I’d never heard of the brand, however they’re really big overseas. The company started in 2000 and was soley geared towards dermatology. In 2009, they branched out into cosmetics. This counter is actually the 4th to open in the U.S. Ioma is exclusive to Saks.

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20130311-233339.jpgThe name Ioma is A moi backwards or if you looked at it through a mirror which means it’s mine. We should be able to look at our reflection in the mirror and feel proud to say that’s my beautiful skin. :-)

When I got to the counter, I was expecting a rep to show me a couple of products and maybe a quick demo, give me some general info about the company, and that was all. Boy was I wrong. I received a thorough skin assessment, background information on the company, and a wonderful facial! Ioma is unlike any other cosmetic company I know.

2013-03-07 17.23.59Above is the Ioma Beauty Diag machine
BeautyByLeRenda sitting at IOMA

I had the chance to meet with Ioma’s global trainer manager, Audrey, who came from Paris to train the staff here in Saks at the Galleria. She gave me historical info on the brand and explained to me how Ioma identifies 7 different skin concerns that have products assigned to address them.

  1. Dry Skin
  2. Fine Lines
  3. Wrinkles and Lack of Firmness
  4. Diffuse Redness
  5. Bacterial Infections
  6. Oily Skin
  7. Dark Spots

According to Iomaparisusa.com, there are 8748 possible combinations that can be made to the specific skin concerns of their clients. Wow!!!

Kathy, the regional coordinator, described Ioma as “High Technology meets dermatology and cosmetics”. I would absolutely agree with this description.

For my demo, we began with a summary of the company. Then she used the Beauty Diag to accurately determine my skin type. She also asked me about my skin and the concerns I have. Now, if you know me or have followed my blog for a length of time, you already know that my major concern is oiliness. We went through the assessment anyway.

2013-03-07 17.20.17Here is Jessica, Saks Ioma worker, using the Beauty Diag for my “before” assessment.

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Very surprisingly, it turns out that my skin is dehydrated and actually a lot more dry than oily. Under the oily section, the Beauty Diag showed my skin to be normal. Who Knew???

After finding out my skin concerns, I received a list of recommended products to address those concerns. Instead of the workers just giving me the list and sending me home, I got to go to the very posh spa area of Saks and received a facial with Ioma products to help my problem areas.

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While Audrey performed my facial, the ladies working at the counter sat in to observe. Afterwards, we all returned to the counter to see the progress.

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Here we are together. The fact that I’m standing tall and proud without any makeup in the Galleria says a lot!! There was definitely an immediate change in my skin. As a result of the facial, my skin was smoother and a bit brighter due to getting rid of the excess dead skin cells. For the record, I wear makeup everyday and I especially try to look nice when I’m in the Galleria because you never know who you might run into. I was very comfortable in my skin ( I know that’s such a cliche’ but it was true).

Since Audrey and Jessica used the Beauty Diag to assess my skin, I didn’t experience the Iomasphere. It’s really not necessary to do both. The Beauty Diag provides a microscopic view of your skin and is more detailed. The Iomasphere provides a macroscopic view by using a camera. I was still curious how it worked, so the trainer and Jessica showed me how it’s used.

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This is the scanner that is connected to both machines. It prints out your results as well as product recommendations. You can also pick up a product and scan it to find out what it’s used for. Pretty cool. :-) Ioma uses cloud technology to store the database for clients’ info. This is nice because if I go to New York and can’t remember what products were recommended to me, they will have all of my info. :-)
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Okay, so if you read this entire post, you should have gathered by now that I’m very impressed with this company and I’d definitely recommend it. I love the fact that you have so many options to address multiple needs of your skin. Prices range from $60-200 which is very reasonable considering the advanced technology used to individualize your skin concerns to the products.

 

 

Alcone Make-Off Wipes Review

 Alcone, make up remover, makeup wipes, skin care, wipes  No Responses »
Jul 292012
 

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that I’ve been on a never ending search for the perfect make up remover wipes.  So far Pond’s Original wipes have consistently been my favorite. 

I FINALLY got my hands on the Alcone Make-Off Wipes at IMATS LA.  I have heard soooo many great things about them.  I’ve been intrigued for years after 1st learning about them from Erin of Scandalous Beauty.Check out the size of this wipe.  It’s like a face towel.  I LOVE IT!!!

So what are my thoughts? I like them.  The only cons I have are the fragrance (which after using them for a while doesn’t bother me as much), the claim of all makeup being removed with only 1 wipe ( I need 2 which is good…but still needed more than 1) and the accessibility barrier ( I can only get them online or at trade shows).

These are the softest wipes I’ve ever used.  They feel absolutely wonderful on my face. Every single one of these wipes is moist.  Definitely a benefit of them being individually wrapped. My face feels clean without feeling dry.  I recently used them on one of my clients and she was very pleased.  I purchased the 80 pack.  Wish I would’ve bought more.  I didn’t want to get too many though since I had never used them.

Overall I’m pleased with them and I will buy more. Have you tried these wipes?  What are your thoughts?

Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes Review

 Klout, make up remover, skin care, wipes  6 Responses »
Apr 092012
 

I received these wipes as a Klout Perk. As you know from my many cleansing wipes posts, I’m a huge fan of wipes. They’re so convenient.
I also received a moisturizer that I’ll review in another post.

So what are my thoughts about the Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes? I don’t care for them.  I’ll finish the pack because I don’t want them to go to waste, but I’m not pleased with them nor would I purchase them.  One of my biggest issues with wipes is them not being wet enough.  I know that sometimes when you get a new pack of wipes (except for my trusty Ponds wipes) the first few may be a little damp, but not wet but these seemed barely moist. I also didn’t like that it took 5 wipes for me to get my face clean.  Even by the 5th wipe, it still wasn’t wet. It was just damp.  :-(  On a good note, They didn’t burn my face, lips, or eyes.

The texture reminds of me of the Neutrogena wipes. They’re pretty sturdy and soft.  I’m sure they’d feel even better if they were actually wet.

Have you tried these? If so, what were your thoughts.

 

My Updated Skin Care Routine

 African Black Soap, charged essence, clarisonic, cleansing wipes, coastal scents, Dr. Denese, eye creams, facial cleanser, M.A.C., moisturizers, My favorites, Oily Skin woes, primers, product review, Purity made simple, skin care, Uncategorized  No Responses »
Feb 062012
 

You know how some people brag about getting ready in the morning within 15min? Well I’m definitely NOT one of those people.  It takes me about 10min just to do my skin care before I even get to my make up. I did a post last year on My Skin Care Routine and why it takes me so long, I’ve changed a couple of things since then, so I thought I share them with you.

  1. Clarisonic
  2. Philosophy Purity
  3. Dr. Pericone Neuropeptide Face Activator this product is really geared towards anti-aging concerns, but I’ve noticed that it has helped my skin to feel smooth.  I use it as a toner.
  4. M.A.C. Lightful Charged Essence
  5. Dr. Denese SPF 30 Defense Eye Cream
  6. Dr. Denese SPF 30 Defense Day Cream
  7. Isomers High Definition Primer

My current system has been working really well.  I’m having fewer break outs and my skin has never been so smooth, even toned, and clear.  I’ve also noticed a reduction in the appearance of my pores.  I’d imagine that my skin would be close to perfect in complexion if I’d actually go through this routine 2x/day everyday.  Realistically, this isn’t the case.  At night, I’m usually too tired to go through all of this so I’ll just use my Ponds Wet Cleansing Towelettes and call it a night. LOL! :-)

I know that my Clarisonic is the biggest reason that my skin is clearer.  It will enhance any product I use with it.  But I’ve truly seen a difference in combining it with my Purity Cleanser.  Even more so than when I use it with my favorite Coastal Scents African Black Soap.  The only drawback is that Purity doesn’t help my oily problem as much as the African Black Soap did. :-(

What’s your daily skin care routine?  How long does it take you to prep your skin?

Beauty Tip #11 How to Find Out Ingredients of Your Cosmetics

 Enkore, Fix+, How to, MAC, skin care  No Responses »
Jan 022012
 

It’s very important for you to get familiar with cosmetic information.  Knowing  ingredients that are in your products is a major factor in good skin care.   This is especially important if you are prone to allergic reactions.

So where can you find the list of ingredients?  Either on the back of the box or some products may have a separate insert.

This is MAC Oil Control Lotion (It’s my 2nd favorite moisturizer.  It would be my 1st if it had SPF). The top picture is the front of the box and the bottom picture is the back of the box.

This box has a lot of great information about the moisturizer.  It gives directions for use (in different languages), the ingredients, and distribution information. Lastly the symbols show you when the product expires and it lets you know it can be recycled.

Going to a dermatologist to get a better understanding of what causes your allergies and later reading labels to make sure you aren’t using those things, could save you a lot of money and discomfort.

 

Beauty Tip #7 Use Essential Oils

 skin care  2 Responses »
Dec 292011
 

Do you want a more natural alternative to your skin care? Try incorporating Essential Oils.  My favorites are Jojoba Oil, Avocado Oil, and Grapeseed Oil.   I purchase these from the Vitamin Shop, but they are also available at Whole Foods Grocery Store and other natural/holistic stores.

 

Here are my top 3 ways to use these products.

  1. Make Up Remover.  Jojoba Oil is fantastic for removing make up.  Just a tiny bit goes a long way.  It works to get rid of the toughest eye make up without burning my eyes.  This would be similar to using M.A.C. Cleanse Off Oil, which actually contains some Jojoba.
  2. Moisturizer.  All three oils mentioned above work well to moisturize the skin, hair, and scalp.  Avocado Oil & Grapeseed oil are a bit more moisturizing to me so I don’t mix them in moisturizers for my skin.  I do combine all three of these oils with my African Black Soap with a tad of water so that it’s no longer a solid.  My face always feels so nice and soft afterwards.  At night, I mix Jojoba Oil with either my M.A.C. Oil Control Lotion or Dr. Denese Hydroshield Dream Cream.  Surprisingly my face is not oily in the morning.  I consider Jojoba Oil my “miracle oil”. Ha ha! :-)
  3. Addition to Foundation.  If you want to add a bit more moisture to your liquid foundation, you can add a tiny bit of one of these and mix it before applying to your skin.  You will get a hydrated, healthy glowing skin finish.

 

The images of the oils were taken from  www.vitaminshoppe.com

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