#yu-be

So you know I like to try different beauty treatments and I decided to try Fraxel to reverse some of my acne scars. I was very pleased with the results, but my face was HOT HOT HOT afterwards.  I was encoraged to use aloe, moisturizer and ice to make the pain a bit better. My secret weapon the next day though was the cult favorite cream, Yu-Be Advanced Formula Pure Hydration Cream with Chamomile…

I'm starting to understand what the Christmas season must feel like for those living in the Southern Hemisphere. Icicle-laden Christmas scenes, thick cozy sweaters and puffy parkas, holiday songs full of snow and roaring fires just don't compute when you're still running around in flip-flops and tank tops below blue skies and palm trees. 

Alas, it really is December, which means it is time for my NOVEMBER FAVORITES! 

On my fingers I've been obsessed (haha :P ) with Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetic's nail polish in Strumpet. Described as an "opaque retro plum-red" this color goes on smoothly and streak free, one coat covers EVERYTHING. The picture above does not do the nail polish justice, skewing it more of a bright pink than a muted fuschia which is how it looks in reality. 

Unlike Strumpet, China Glaze's polish in Salsa is pretty much the color depicted above. A vibrant red that stands out on fingers and toes. 

Similar to Strumpet's plummy, raspberry tones Maybelline's Color Elixir in Raspberry Rhapsody has been a major staple on my lips this month. Read more about the Maybelline Color Elixirs here. 

Have any winter exacerbated dry patches? This glycerin-based salve by Yu-Be will save your skin, I promise. I slather this on my lips, dry elbows, and my random quarter-sized eczema patch near my ankle. Plus, I'm a weirdo sucker for menthol scents so I love this stuff.

I posted about Fame by Lady Gaga last month but I've since switched my to-go rollerball of TokyoMilk's Tainted Love another spicy floral. Obviously, there's a theme for my fall perfumes.

OGX's Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco Penetrating Oil has saved the bleached ends of my "ombred" hair once again. This tiny bottle is only half used and I think I've had it for about 6 months at least. Throw this on the ends of your hair to seal in moisture before you run out the door. **I don't use it daily. Only when my hair is feeling particularly dry**   

Invented by a pharmacist in the 1950’s, this does-it-all cream is a top seller in Japan and has been trusted and used by many people around the world. Its multi purpose formula is excellent for anything from dry cuticles to frost bite! Yu-Be is perfect to provide hydration from head to toe, but it is formulated without the use of fragrances, artificial dye and most importantly, petroleum.  Petroleum creates a seal on the epidermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, this saran wrap like seal doesn’t allow the skin to breathe. This may make the skin feel hydrated but in fact only provides hydration to the surface without penetrating further. Superficial hydration, and not allowing the skin to breathe is going cause problems, so it’s best to use products free of petroleum. Yu-Be products use high concentrations glycerin and sodium hyaluronate rather than petroleum to bring moisture deep into the skin. But have no fear, this will not leave the skin feeling greasy after application. Vitamins B, C, and E give the skin a heavy dose of antioxidants to fight free radicals and boost firmness. Camphor will calm and soothe irritated, dry, environmentally damaged skin. This cream can be used for nearly everything, it is also safe for use on young children. At Jody’s Maison we just adore the Yu-Be creams, and we know you will love them too. We currently carry the moisturizing body lotion, and the original moisturizing skin cream. We have a skincare specialist on hand to help you decide which product is right for you.  Come on in and see what Yu-Be can do for your skin! 

Deva Curl 3-Step System

This trio of products is designed for girls with curly hair. I have... naturally wavy-ish, bare that in mind. I didn't like it. I am under the impression that ladies with super curly, ringlet curls maintain their hair better when a more conditioning shampoo is used. SO FOR THEM this would be grrrreat, because its basically conditioner as shampoo, conditioner conditioner and a weird gel. Side note, the three product's scents were not the same. 

Verdict I was not the audience for this product, but I am on the fringe, so theoretically it should still appeal to me. The products left my hair greasy after wash and the gel left something to be desired. I would not by the full size of this product.

DERMAdoctor Shrinking Beauty

This product claims to smooth, firm and help tone skin. This product is a nice body lotion, but thats all I got out of it. 

Verdict nope.

Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream

This Japanese hand cream is something of a wonder. It's thick, but just thick enough. The smell is slightly medicinal, which is reassuring. 

Everyone knows that I love Japanese skincare products! I'm obsessed with the fact that they're gentle, easy to use and - for the most part - budget friendly. Whether I'm in Tokyo, Los Angeles or San Francisco, I always try to stock up on sheet masks, eye patches, konjac sponges and anything else that I think will keep my skin soft and bright. Sidebar: Why it's so hard for me to find most of my favorite brands in NYC is beyond me...but NYC needs to get on the do-right train on this one! >_<

Earlier this Fall, I attended the Dazed, Crazed but Beauty Unfazed beauty suite where a very well known Japanese skincare brand was on display - much to my excitement! Yu-Be is a staple in the Japanese beauty industry that is very popular Stateside as well. Yu-Be started out as an ultra concentrated skin moisturizing brand that was branded as an over the counter cream to treat even the driest and damaged of skin.

And as someone who always talks about my dry skin, I can tell you that the lightly camphor scented cream really does work to moisturize without leaving you feeling greasy - or like you wriggled in vapor rub! But did you know that Yu-Be also makes a full body exfoliator and cleanser?!

So, shortly before my trip to LA, the team at Yu-Be sent me a few samples from their product line, including their Foaming Skin Polish which is intended for use on your face and body. The gel like body wash is infused with rice bran granules to naturally exfoliate dead skin gently from your skin. Meanwhile the camphor, green tea, ginger and bamboo extracts help to balance out your skin and leave you feeling invigorated. The best aspect to me - beyond the yummy scent and how my skin felt after, is that the exfoliating beads rinse clean away!

Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream truly delivers maximum hydration to your skin. With Vitamin E, Vitamin B, Camphor and a high concentration of Glycerin, the defining ingredient that draws in and retains moisture, this lotion helps smooth skin from head to toe, especially in the places that need it the most: hands, feet, elbows and knees.