AMOREPACIFIC
Treatment Enzyme Peel

Are you still using one of those harsh exfoliators with scrubbing beads that feel like sandpaper? Well, the word is out: it's all about enzymes. I'd tried countless exfoliating scrubs from Bliss (not a good experience) to La Prairie, and settled with what I thought was the best out there. To think I was subjecting my sensitive, generally pampered skin to such cruelty is criminal. 

Now, we know I love my Chantecaille products, and their masks are among the best I've tried. Their exfoliating solution is the Fruit and Flower Acids Mask has been my go-to exfoliator – until now. Sensitive-skinned friends, we have a winner. 

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Oh my. Why the heck am I just now discovering the wondrous world of AMOREPACIFIC?! My beauty guru had been lovingly nudging me to get my feet wet with this standout Korean brand, and I started with their Treatment Enzyme Peel. Peel sounds harsh, yes? Something you get done periodically at the dermatologist or your facialist, followed by three days at home with scary red face. Fortunately, this enzyme peel dissolves dead skills without any harsh ingredients or face-reddening chemicals, readying skin for serums and moisturizers. Much like Tatcha's Enzyme Powders for cleansing, the AMOREPACIFIC bottle packaging  automatically dispenses the proper amount of product (powder) into the palm of your hand, which turns into a gentle foam when mixed with water. Simply massage on your face, neck and décolletage for a minute and rinse. It's designed to be used as often as you like. No, seriously. It's that gentle. I keep it in my shower and use it 2-3 mornings a week. My skin immediately feels transformed, from the gloriously smooth texture to the lovely glow. It's simply perfection. 

My verdict? Not only am I in love with the Treatment Enzyme Peel, but I've since tried three of their other products and am head over heels. No more scrubby beads! The best new product I've tried in at least a year. 

AMOREPACIFIC Treatment Enzyme Peel is $60 for a 2.7 oz. bottle. 

Available through AMOREPACIFIC, as well as Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. 

Bliss Pore Perfecting Facial Polish

6/14/13

I'm on a mission, my friends. I've recently noticed visible pores on my nose and cheek area just next to my nose. This is totally unacceptable. My quest to banish these unsightly pores is well underway, and I'll be blogging along my journey for a seemingly pore-less face. In a panic after my initial discovery of said pores, I searched Nordstrom online for pore minimizing remedies. I started slowly, and ordered this Pore Perfecting Facial Polish by Bliss. It was also one of the least expensive treatments targeted at pores, so I felt it was a good place to start. I hadn't been too concerned with exfoliation since I use Dr. Perricone's Blue Plasma nightly, but I decided to give this a whirl. 

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Because it's abrasive (literally), I chose to use it once a day, in the morning. Since I use my most intensive treatments at nighttime, this made the most sense. Directions indicate to apply to damp skin and scrub gently, following with toner and moisturizer. I have one word to describe my first experience using this product: OUCH! So I guess when they said "damp" skin they meant soaking wet, because it felt like I was rubbing sandpaper on my face. Not a good time. I added more water to my face to alleviate the excruciatingly painful polish. I began to think by "polish" they meant "skin resurfacing." 

The next morning I cringed stepping into the shower, and took a new approach. I ignored the instructions altogether and used copious amounts of water on my face. I put dots of the scrub all over my face, and very gently scrubbed in a circular motion. Whew. Sweet relief! It was definitely tolerable. My face was slightly red for about a half hour, but that's normal after using an exfoliating scrub like this. I imagine its worth a shot. 

Let's get down to brass tacks. Does it work?? I'm sad to report that after weeks of use and some agony, there was no noticeable difference in pore size. I don't have acne, so I can't comment on whether or not it's effective for that. 

My verdict? I don't foresee this even being relegated to my large bathroom drawer of products I may revisit. This is going in the garbage. On to the next! Stay tuned. These pores WILL be minimized. 

Bliss Pore Perfecting Facial Polish is $30 for 4.2 oz. 

Available at Nordstrom, Sephora, & Neiman Marcus.