Remember how I went to an event with Clearasil a few weeks back where I met JoJo? The event was launching the brand-new Clearasil Perfectawash, which is an electronic skincare device that automatically dispenses the perfect amount of anti-acne salicylic acid wash. I’ve been using it and really like it! Here’s my video review, below:

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Naya Rivera is the new Proactiv spokesperson; she shot the above photo the day we met her

Last week, I had the opportunity to do something really cool and hush-hush: attend the official announcement of Proactiv’s newest spokesperson, Naya Rivera from Glee! (NB: When I first wrote this post, it read, “Today, I had the opportunity.” Then it became, “Yesterday, I had the opportunity.” Before I knew it, the holidays had passed and I realized that my laziness was getting way out of control. Anyhoo.)

A few of my favorite LA beauty bloggers and I all gathered at a studio in West LA, signed our life away (okay, not really, but we had to promise to keep the secret until it was announced) and then were ushered onto the set for the official “reveal” of Naya as Proactiv’s latest face.

Naya poses with the beauty bloggers. I have failed to take off my bulky coat, and thus appear to weigh 300 pounds. Good times.

Naya actually approached Proactiv herself, since she’s been using the products for years and is a genuinely obsessive fan. She chatted with us for an hour about her love of Proactiv, her problems with low self-esteem when she was younger, and spilled some secrets about the upcoming season of Glee. By the by, her favorite Proactiv product is the same as mine: the Makeup Removing Wipes, which have a permanent place of honor on my beauty counter.

I wondered when the photos of Lauren Bush’s wedding to David Lauren would be published! Apparently the answer is: in the January issue of Vogue. La-ti-da. Lauren looks straight up gorgeous! (Although I feel like Jesse James and Billy the Kid are about to photo bomb at any second.)

Lauren Bush and David Lauren wedding photo (Vogue/Norman Jean Roy)

Remember how I mentioned earlier this year that I was using cod liver oil pills and apple cider vinegar to treat my then-acne-prone skin? They’ve been working excellently for me, but I also switched to Pevonia/Clarins skincare and had a ViPeel–plus I’m much less stressed, which is hugely important. However, I just received this great email from a reader that not only made my day but also convinced me of cod liver oil’s miracle skin powers. I’m sold!

“I’ve been reading your blog for a very long time and I really enjoy it. I want to thank you for your post last spring about cod liver oil and acne, it has changed my life.

I suffer from a rare form of rosacea that is quite difficult to treat. My dermatologist at UCSF, who specializes in rosacea, said it is the most difficult case he has ever had. I have tried every type of medication over the years, one even made my feet numb, but an anti-maleria medication finally did the trick.This medication has several side effects so I didn’t want to take it long term. Once I stopped taking the medication my rosacea continued to be a problem.

Then I saw your post on cod liver oil for adult acne. Since rosacea is a form of adult acne I thought I would try it. Bingo… I have been taking the cod liver oil since the day after your post with great success. On a side note my skin hasn’t ever looked better.

Thanks for all the great advice.”

I love my Ben Amun earrings from Thomas Laine!

Also, I’ve been LOVING these Ben Amun gold and Swarovski crystal earrings from Thomas Laine, an online jewelry retailer with the cutest jewelry at really awesome prices.  (These Ben Amun earrings–which, disclosure, were sent to me by the Thomas Laine PR–only cost $97.) I’ve been wearing them everywhere. I think it’s time for my friends to stage a jewelry intervention. Here’s another view:

Ben Amun gold and Swarovski crystal earrings at Thomas Laine

Finally, I went today to a brand-new, just-opened boutique on Melrose Place in West Hollywood today called stylehaüs. stylehaüs is the first-ever members-only clothing boutique and styling service hybrid, where for a $1000/year membership you get a personal stylist on call, access to a 24/7 “fashion emergency” line (they’ll bring you clothes if yours tear during a date, get stained right before a big event, etc), a seasonal closet consult at your house, and private appointments at the stylehaüs showroom. It’s helmed by Creative Director Marina Monroe. They’re offering a limited-amount of day passes for $100, so if you want to check it out yourself, get cracking!

stylehaus on Melrose Place (from the Elle blog)

The clothing selection there is AMAZING, and even better, they have clothing at all prices. I like fashion as much as the next girl, but I don’t exactly have a model body (hello, thighs and booty!) and I’m not willing to spend as much money as I was when I was younger and more frivolous. I like my deals! I’m mega-excited about stylehaüs, however, and have been kindly treated to a year-long membership, so I’ll keep you posted on my experiences there. For more information, visit Stylehaus.com.

Verilux ClearWave PhotoSystem Blue Light for Acne

Sigh. It’s been a tough week, my friends. I’m looking forward to it being over!

Whenever I get stressed, my skin breaks out: I’ve been using Pevonia skincare for the past month and my skin has been glowing (disclaimer: I do their social media), so I haven’t had an excuse to use any anti-acne products at all. It’s a great feeling!

But, alas, I just sprouted a zit yesterday, so I’m finally trying out the ClearWave Phototherapy Blue Light for Acne which I’ve been wanting to use for a while and is designed to combat breakouts.

The ClearWave is approved by the FDA to treat mild to moderate inflammatory acne, takes only 3 minutes and is completely painless. (As a matter of fact, it gives the slightest heat sensation, so I find it pleasant and soothing to use.)  It works by emitting a blue light that kills zit-causing bacteria and clearing pores.

I’ll keep you posted on how it goes!

This weekend promises to be a good one: I’m doing a cooking class with my friend J., it’s my best friend D.’s birthday, and my other best from A. is coming into town from D.C. Jazz hands!

Rodan and Fields Unblemish Kit

A few months ago, as you might remember, I reported that my skin was exploding. I knew that it was mostly stress-related, and so once I got my stress under control: voila! My skin cleared up.

I completely changed my skincare regimen during that time, however, and one of the lines I discovered while looking for the miracle anti-acne cure was Rodan and Fields Unblemish, a kit developed by the two doctors (Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields) behind Proactiv. Unblemish is a 4-step system featuring a 3% sulfur cleanser (sulfur helps kill the bacteria that causes acne), a clarifying and spot-lightening toner featuring salicylic acid and hydroquinone, a dual-chamber benzoyl-peroxide treatment, and a broad-spectrum SPF 20.

I used the kit for about 6 weeks, and while it didn’t completely clear up my acne, I did see a significant difference. If I’d stuck with it for another couple of months, I probably would have seen even better results, but you know how it goes: I’m a beauty writer! I’m fickle!

Rodan and Fields Essentials line

Want to try some Rodan and Fields products for yourself? I’m partnering with them to offer a giveaway to one grand-prize US winner, who will get 4 products:

• Essentials Daily Body Moisturizer
• Essentials SPF 30 Body Sunscreen (featured in July Lucky)
• Essentials Lip Shield SPF 25 (two-pack)
• Essentials Foaming Sunless Tan (featured in April Allure)

To enter, comment below telling me why you want to win, and for an extra entry, “like” this post! (I’ve just installed the “like” option on all my posts, and I’m now totally obsessed with it. It’s the little things.) I’ll choose one winner next Monday the 22nd at random. Good luck!