Review: Alternative to Micro-Dermabrasion with Dual Action Refinishing Treatment

I've noticed visible improvements since I started using Estee Lauder's Dual Action Refinishing Treatment. It's pretty much a facial scrub you only use once or twice a week, and is jam packed w/stuff that works. They claim to resurface your healthiest skin by scrubbing off dead skin cells so your skin will look instantly brighter, pores will be smaller (after continued usage), and your overall skin texture will be softer and more radiant. I've never done any glycolic peels or micro-dermabrasion because it sounds like a hardcore method =p I'm just a teensy afraid of anything that has "peel" in it when referring to our delicate skin. But to retain your healthiest skin, some sort of exfoliation must take place in your skincare routine to rid away of dead skin. Scrubs are a good way (less hardcore) since they're readily available everywhere. Since I do regular facial scrubs with my Yes to Carrots routine once a week, I decided to swap that for a bit and try the Estee Lauder one since I've heard outstanding reviews.

What it is: A multi tasking facial scrub in the Idealist line used as an alternative to micro-dermabrasion and glycolic peels. Their website also says that it has concentrated levels of salicylic acid glucosamine. Both of which are beneficial for the skin. Salicylic acid keeps pimples away and glucosamine stimulates collagen. 
Texture: It is a pasty grainy/sandy texture. Very concentrated and not watery at all. 

Scent: Has a minty herb smell. Very mild.
Strengths: The scrub activates with water to create a warming sensation on your face. It also opens up your pores to allow deep cleaning. I also love that scrub is very smoothing on your skin and washes off very easily. My face felt instantaneously refreshed and clean. Afterwards, use a good serum on your face so you can absorb all the good things in your night creams. 
Weaknesses: None at the moment, but just for nitpicking, they can make a more pleasant scent instead of the medicinal one it comes in.
Packaging: Simple squeeze tube with a twisty cap top. It's like a large toothpaste. Practical, non pretentious and usable.
Price: $49.50 on Esteelauder.com for 2.5 oz (75ml). 
Overall: Although it's on the pricier side, this really can stretch for months if you use it once or twice a week. I use a pinky nail amount each time and I still have a lot left, more than half. I'm really loving this scrub because I've noticed that my pores have gotten smaller after 4 weeks of usage and my skin texture has improved tremendously.  I used to have rough patches under my lip but it gone now! Blemishes have become lighter and my skin has become softer. Total thumbs up! ^_^


Here's a FOTD from yesterday. I used the Refinishing Treatment the night before.











I didn't even use foundation! :D Yay! Just a light sweeping of blot powder after using sunscreen.


Face products used:
Cancer Council Australia SPF 30 - Wonderful, moisturizing sunscreen! I won this in a giveaway over a year ago and I fell in love with it! If you like Eucerin's SPF 30 lotion, you'll love this too! I'll review it soon!
Mac Blot Powder - Nice, translucent powder that absorbs oil like a pro :) 
NYX Blush in Natural - Love this :)


Eyes:
Stila Little Black Dress Gel Liner - I love this! It lasts all day and doesn't smudge!! I may have over lined. I normally don't line the bottom because it gives me a dramatic look, =p
NYX Romance palette - Daily neutrals. There's nothing like 'em!


Lips:
Mac's Hello Kitty Lip Conditioner in Pink Fish - One of my favorite lip balms these days! Too bad it's LE :/ 

Alright ladies, I hope you all have a fabulous weekend! :) Off to be a couch potato! ^_^ 


Everything was purchased by me! :)