Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator

Since adolescence, I've suffered with hyperpigmentation. Like many women of color, my blemishes leave dark marks in their wake - which can take weeks, months and even years to fade. For forever, I've used foundations and highlighters to hide these dark spots. But I've recently come to a point in my life where I'm tired of masking the problem. As a busy mom, I don't have the time or the energy it takes to put on a full face of makeup on a regular basis. Most days, I leave the house bare faced - save for some mascara and a couple swipes of gloss. Hyperpigmentation has undermined my self esteem for too long, so I decided it was time to heal, rather than conceal.

So last month, I added Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator to my morning routine. And let me tell you...this additional step (which takes just 1 minute) has been life changing. First of all, the pearlescent serum imparts a radiant glow upon application - so even though the product actually takes about two weeks to start doing its thang, there are immediate perks.

And after just 10 days, I started to notice that my skin looked more even toned, luminous and smoother. The formula is lightweight and smells dreamy, so putting it on is a refreshing A.M. experience. And after a month, I am much more confident showing my bare skin to the world because my dark marks are starting to see the light.

I'm not usually the best at being consistent with skin care because, as you know, I test a lot of products. But this one is so simple and yields such amazing results that I actually look forward to putting it on. Because Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator targets the dark marks (as well as redness, acne marks, sun spots and other discolorations), you don't have to worry about it lightening the other areas of your face. And the oil-free formula is proven gentle and effective for all ethnicities. Just be sure to use an SPF product on your face every day, to prevent the marks from darkening up again.

I can't recommend Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator enough. It's become my holy grail - and if you buy it and try it, you'll understand why. I'm also anxious to try the Idealist Cooling Eye Illuminator.

*A sample was provided by the brand for review.

Can’t Wait To Try: Clinique Even Better Makeup SPF15

Last April, Clinique gave us Even Better Skin Tone Corrector, a lightweight serum that gently erases skin discolorations. This spring, the brand unveils something even better than Even Better.

Wear oil-free, dermatologist-developed Even Better Makeup SPF 15 and something amazing happens: Without any makeup, see improved clarity, a more even skin tone, visibly diminished age spots. For all ethnicities. In just 4 to 6 weeks. For continued benefits—even after you take it off—partner with Even Better Skin Tone Corrector.

Even Better Makeup SPF 15 ( $24.50), available in 15 shades, is sold at department stores, Sephora, and clinique.com.

Words From The Wise: Clinique Offers Help For Hyperpigmentation

Spoiled Pretty reader, Aditi, writes:

"Unfortunately, my teenage years left me with terrible dark, acne scars! I have tried a few things and so far, nothing seems to work. Any thoughts?"

To answer Aditi’s question, I called upon Dr. Tom Mammone, Executive Director of Clinique Research and Development. He writes:

"There are many different dark spots that can appear on the skin. Melanin is responsible for the color that we see on our skin, including pigmentation spots, but different dark spots have different triggers. One of the most common causes of pigmentation spots includes acne scarring. That is the key to acne induced scarring and pigmentation. Our approach in treating this concern is to work with skin's own natural processes to minimize the appearance of dark spots and help prevent them from forming in the first place. Based on this philosophy, exfoliation plays a very important role in our pigmentation approach. In fact, we work on 3 levels when it comes to thwarting pigmentation. First, we inhibit the formation of the dark spots with antioxidants, second we utilize ingredients to break up the appearance of existing dark spots into "dust" and third, we use exfoliation to speed the departure of the cells that have been effected to encourage a more even skin tone.

"I would recommend a product such as Even Better Skin Tone Corrector which works like an eraser-breaking down the appearance of large dark clusters caused by hyperpigmentation into less visible "dust" with ingredients such as our Trametes Versicolor Extract (Advanced Brightening Yeast Blend). Then exfoliating ingredients such as Glucosamine and Salicylic Acid whisk away these clusters. In addition, the formula includes powerful antioxidants such as Curcuma Longa Turmeric Root Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract and Tocopheryl (Vitamin E) Acetate to prevent new dark spots from forming. In addition, scars and hyperpigmentation are due to inflammation and Even Better Skin Tone Corrector has strong anti-inflammatories to help reduce the inflammation. I would also stress the importance of sun protection. Clinique always recommends wearing a daily sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher."

Aditi, thanks for writing in with your question. Clinique has generously offered to send you Even Better Skin Tone Corrector and a daily sunscreen. Many thanks to Clinique and Tom Mammone for the excellent advice!

Baffled by beauty? Overwhelmed by the number of products on the market? Desperately in search of answers to your hair, skincare and makeup dilemmas? Email me your query to spoiledprettyquestions@gmail.com - and if your question is answered on the blog, you will receive expert advice, plus a Spoiled Pretty-approved product that addresses your specific beauty issue! Be sure to include your full name and mailing address in your email.

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