Coquette

VI Derm Vitamin C Gel + Clear HQ Free

I have been using two products from VI Derm that I have been really loving. The skin care line rests under the parent company, VI Aesthetics which creates products to address acne, pigmentation and anti-aging.

I'm a huge believer in vitamin C for the skin and I really love using the VI Derm Vitamin C Gel ($80 at Dermstore). I use this only in the morning after I've cleansed my skin. This is my first step in the morning after I apply my facial cleansing water and before I put on my moisturizer. The clear gel is light and fragrance-free. It absorbs quickly into the skin. This gel will also help diminish the appearance of dark spots and give you a brighter, even skin tone. It's also paraben-free and sulfate-free.

To help brighten my skin I chose the serum, VI Derm Clear HQ Free ($60 at Dermstore). This version is free of hydroquinone which is a controversial skin lightening element. I have noticed my skin tone has become more even and it is working it's magic on an acne mark that happened last month. This serum contains Vitamin A to even out pigmentation, licorice root to help brighten and even out skin tone by decreasing melanin production, kojic acid to reduce discoloration and brighten complexion, retinol to fight of signs of aging and exfoliate and arbutus to help inhibit pigment formation.

This is also the first thing I apply to a clean face at night after my facial essence water. It's fragrance-free and feel so light and wonderful on my skin. It's the perfect time to use this now with summer beginning as I want to avoid getting any more sun spots on my face!

Right now at Dermstore, you can get 20% off site wide for Memorial Day weekend. Code is MDSALE20 and works now through 5/3017.

Pick up VI Derm skin care products at Dermstore.com.

Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil

Lip oil glosses are now quickly growing in popularity. You get all the shine while also hydrating your lips! I love the Clarins Instant Light Lip Oil Comfort Oil ($26) for their plant-based ingredients such as raspberry and jojoba. There are four new colors this season and they all look really amazing. The Mint color (06) is a perfect clear gloss to wear over lipsticks or just your lips. The cooling oil keeps your lips moisturized and hydrated and I love the tints of color and shine in the new collection.Candy (04) and Tangerine (05) react to the natural pH of your lips and will give you a personalized shade of pink or coral. Finally, Honey Glam (07) gives your lips some sparkly shimmer! I love that it's got great shine without being gloopy like most lip glosses are. It's the perfect way to get a shine on your lips this summer.

Here are some swatches on my arm:

From the top: Honey Glam (07), Candy (04), Tangerine (05) and Mint (06)

I love this large soft applicator. It helps apply the lip oil perfectly to your lips!

Purchase the Clarins Instant Light Lip Oil Comfort Oil at Clarinsusa.com.

Review product provided by Clarins

Kiehl's Friends and Family Sale: Stock Up on Your Favorite Kiehl's Products

I'm so excited because today the Kiehl's Friends and Family sale starts. This sale only happens once a year and you can get 20% off your purchase starting today through May 22nd. Just click on the image above to print out and take it into your Kiehl's boutique or use the code FRIENDS when you checkout at Kiehls.com.

If you are heading to a Kiehl's boutique, let me suggest getting one of the Kiehl's Apothocary Preparations. You can read my review about it from last November here. It's only at select Kiehl's throughout the country. You work with a Kiehl's skin care specialist to get a personalized serum for your skin. The whole assessment only takes 10-15 minutes and it's so worth it! I'm almost done with my bottle which I have been using every night since I've received it. I have noticed my skin feels smooth and my hyperpigmention (sun spots) on my cheek are less apparent.

Here are more of my Kiehl's picks:

Kiehl's Pure Vitality Skin Renewing Cream ($60 for 1.7 fl oz jar)

Kiehl's Super Fluid UV Mineral Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ ($38)

Kiehl's Activated Sun Protector 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 ($29 for 5.0 fl oz)

Kiehl's Creme de Corps ($18 for 4.2 fl oz)

Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado ($29 for 0.5 fl oz jar)

MDSUN Skin Care Products: Skin Exfoliation Pads + Intensive Eye Gel

MDSUN is a skin care line launched by plastic surgeon Dr. George Sun. Dr. Sun was looking to create products that really worked while being gentle on the skin. I got a chance to try out a couple of his products.

First off is the MDSUN Skin Exfoliation Pads ($78). These thin and soft pads remove pore-clogging debris with ingredients such as glycolic acid, polyhydroxy acid, lactobionic acid and essential vitamins. Usually when I have used these kinds of pads, it feels coarse to my skin. These pads are so soft! There's no grainy texture or harsh movement necessary to literally exfoliate. I really like the idea about exfoliating without realizing it. I have been using it twice a week, replacing my exfoliation scrub I usually use. I have sensitive skin and worked perfectly.

To apply, I first clean my entire face. I then take a single exfoliation pad and wipe it all over my face, avoiding my eye area. I leave it on. I don't apply my nighttime routine (toner, cream, etc.) until at least 30 minutes later. I like to let it sit on my skin and work it's magic. I like this system so much better as the whole act of exfoliating is non-invasive -- you aren't rubbing your skin with grains or beads that can harm it.

One skin care product I always love to try is eye creams. It's important to find one that has a good texture and that really hydrates that delicate eye area. MDSUN's Intensive Eye Gel ($105) is one of the best I have ever tried. No wonder it's one of their most popular products. It takes a few pumps to get a new bottle going but you only need 1 pump a night and in the morning. I usually do a pump and warm it between a couple of my fingers and dab it every so lightly under my eye and along the bone on the tops of my eyes. The formula is this wonderful yellow gel that absorbs quickly into the skin. The formula contains a blend of ingredients for anti-aging, brightening and hydrating -- sodium hyaluronate, coenzyme q10 and vitamin E. Vitamin C and K reduce under-eye puffiness and dark circles which has helped since I have recently been suffering major allergies. I really love how it feels on the skin!

Visit MDSUN to find out more about their skin care products.

Review products provided by PR company

New Hello Kitty Loungewear Collection at Target

Hello Kitty keeps getting a fresh update and now just launched at Target and at Target.com is the new Hello Kitty Loungewear Collection. The collection features pajamas, flip flops, sports bras, socks and more. Pictured above is the Hello Kitty Sports Bra ($12.99) and the Boxer Pajama Set ($17.99).

I love this Hello Kitty Sleep Tank Pajama ($14.99) and the Polka Dot Flip Flop complete with cute red bow ($9.99).

Shop the entire Hello Kitty Loungewear Collection at Target.com.

Get Ready for Summer with Sunscreens from Clinique

With the warm weather hitting the Bay Area these past couple of weeks, I have made sure I've been applying my sunscreen. Clinique has some really great ones -- made without parabens, perfect for sensitive skin and is fragrance free! On a recent day trip to Napa, the CLINIQUE Virtu-oil Body Mist Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($32 at Sephora) was the perfect sunscreen spray for my exposed arms and legs. I loved how easy it was to apply and how lightweight and moisturizing the mist was. It immediately absorbs into your skin and there is no sticky residue. You get high level UVA/UVB protection.

For the face, I am loving the CLINIQUE Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen Face Cream ($23 at Sephora, also in SPF 50). This is the perfect sunscreen / face cream. It contains mineral sunscreen with both Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. It is perfect for easy no-makeup days and it's nice to know that my face is hydrated while being protected from the sun. I live the small size of the tube making it easy to keep in your handbag or tote to reapply. The oil-free cream is lightweight, not-greasy and the added antioxidants protect your skin from environmental pollution. It's also water and sweat resistant on those extra hot days. I've also been using it on my 8 year old's face too since her skin got dried out from La Roche Posay. She has really sensitive skin and it's been working perfectly!

Pick up the CLINIQUE Virtu-oil Body Mist Broad Spectrum SPF 30 and CLINIQUE Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen Face Cream at Sephora or Clinique counters and Clinique.com.

New Clinique Chubby Plump & Shine Liquid Lip Plumping Gloss

Are you a Clinique Chubby Stick lover like me? Out now is the new CLINIQUE Chubby Plump & Shine Liquid Lip Plumping Gloss ($17 at Sephora). I am such a huge Chubby Stick fan. I love the ease of use. For the gloss, it's just as simple. You just turn the end of the Chubby stick to release the gloss. The angled tip lets you apply it easily. The gloss comes in a variety of colors. I have it in 01 'normous nude and 07 goliath grape which I have watched above. I love layering the nude over any color lipstick to give it an awesome shine. These glosses are perfect for an easy, breezy lip shine for summer. Perfect size for your mini bags! Purchase the CLINIQUE Chubby Plump & Shine Liquid Lip Plumping Gloss at Sephora. Review product provided by Clinique

Project Glimmer: Mother's Day Card + Uncorked Event in SF

Over the past year, I have been updating you lovelies on the happenings with Project Glimmer, a San Francisco based non-proflt that gives gifts of jewelry, accessories, new beauty products and gift cards to at-risk teen girls and women nationwide. This Mother's Day, you can give a donation to a mother and have your mom receive a beautiful Mother's Day card in the mail commemorating your donation in her honor.

For every $5 donation, an underserved mother will receive a beautiful Mother's Day gift.

• $25 gives 5 gifts
• $50 gives 10 gifts
• $100 gives 20 gifts
• $500 gives 100 gifts

Make a donation to Project Glimmer

If you are in the San Francisco Bay Area, don't miss Project Glimmer's Uncorked Event. The event is happening this Wednesday, May 3rd from 6:30pm-9pm at the Fort Mason Historic Firehouse (2 Marina Boulevard in San Francisco). It's an evening of wine tasting, hors d'oeuvres and live music benefiting Project Glimmer and the underserved mothers in our communities. Learn all about the art of wine from boutique wineries including MacRostie, Crosby Roman, Meyer Family Vineyards, Bruliam Wines, Long Meadow Ranch and Hale Mary. There will also be a raffle where you can win a host of incredible prizes!

Find out more and buy your tickets to Project Glimmer Uncorked