Help me, Mario. I have super dry skin and no matter what I do or how much moisturizer I use, my skin always looks flaky when I wear foundation. What am I doing wrong? If anyone can help me, I know it's you!
Thanks, Kaitlin
Hi Kaitlin,
Flaky skin can be a result of a skin condition such as eczema. If you haven't already done so, please have your skin checked by a dermatologist to determine what the problem is - if any - and the appropriate treatment you may need.
I find that with very dry skin, it's good to use a tinted moisturizer. Stay away from setting powders which will absorb all the skin's moisture and bring attention to flaky, dry areas.
Got a question for Mario? Email your makeup and skin care queries to spoiledprettyquestions@gmail.com, and check back next Monday to read Mario's expert advice!
Now that my I'm pregnant, a beautiful thing happened. My skin decided to act like it's got some sense. Seriously, my skin developed behavioral issues circa 1990 and has been screwing with my self esteem ever since...until recently.
I used to be that girl who wouldn't dare leave the house barefaced for a night out or a special occasion. I just couldn't get away with it. Now, not only has my complexion drastically improved, but I also have that fabled pregnancy glow...and I don't want to cover it up with the full coverage foundation I have in my beauty arsenal.
So last week, I decided to pay my little friend, Sephora, a visit. Mama needed some new makeup.
At $42, Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer is pretty pricey. But is just so happens to be the best tinted moisturizer I have ever used in my entire L-I-F-E. And Laura gets big props for the wide range of shades. Can I get a hallelujah, brown girls?
Though I've been getting more sleep lately, I've started getting dark circles under my eyes - which I never had before. The shadows beneath my eyes were detracting from my glow, so those suckers had to go. I bought Laura Mercier's Undercover Pot because after spending an hour testing almost all of the concealers at Sephora, this one reigned supreme. Undercover Pot is a travel friendly pot with two amazing concealers: Secret Camouflage (oil free and stays in place all day long to cover blemishes, scars, and imperfections) and Secret Concealer (the emollient formula combats dark circles and allows for a smooth application in the sensitive eye area). The pot also includes Translucent Loose Setting Powder, which adds a velvety finish.
The Lancôme Hypnose Drama Mascara was a re-purchase. I just cannot be without this product. It is my mascara soulmate. I'm sure my friends at Lancôme would have replenished my stock; they're aware of how much I adore Hypnose Drama, but I didn't have time to wait. My old one was, well, old and I needed a new tube stat.
In the above pic, I'm wearing another of my new favorite products: Hourglass Cosmetics' new Prodigy Lipgloss. Hourglass sent me a sample a few weeks ago, and it has been a staple in my handbag ever since. I love the sleek packaging and non-tacky texture. If you're one of those girls who loathes a sticky lip, you are going to LUVRE this gloss. It come in six gorgeous shades, but "Legend" shade is my fave...it's like my natural lips, except 100% sexier. It is also available at Sephora.
philosophy miracle worker miraculous anti-aging moisturizer is a new skin care savior that boasts the highest level of antioxidants of any philosophy moisturizer. The satiny formula leaves skin feeling soft, while it helps strengthen skin’s natural rejuvenation potential to guard against signs of aging. All this while it helps protect against free radical attack.
Want to try it? philosophy is providing a free deluxe sample of the new eye hope advanced anti-aging eye cream (2 ml) with any purchase of the philosophy miracle worker miraculous anti-aging moisturizer. The offer will be valid through March 1. Use code ageless to take advantage.
A few weeks ago, my skin just up and decided to stage a mutiny. My upper body broke out in a rash. From my hairline all the way down to my torso, I was covered in itchy, sandpaper-like bumps (I now suspect eczema was the culprit). My lips didn't even escape unscathed; they were bumpy and inflated to almost twice their normal size. And on the worst day, my left eye was so swollen and droopy, I looked like a female Forest Whitaker.
As the days wore on, the bumps started to dry out and my skin became dessicated and extremely flaky. It was as if I was a snake, shedding an exoskeleton. The dryness of my face was unbearable. With every facial expression or movement of my mouth, it seemed like my skin would literally tear; it was so painful. Up until this point, I had only been using Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser - as it was all that my traumatized skin could handle. But it begged for more, so I dug through my skin care arsenal looking for a moisturizer substantial enough to quench my skin's thirst, but gentle enough not to send it into another tizzy. I hit the jackpot when I came across a sample of Clinique Comfort On Call Allergy Tested Relief Cream that the brand sent me a few months ago to review.
I can't say enough wonderful things about this cream. My skin is the true testament. After just a few days of using Comfort On Call Allergy Tested Relief Cream, I started to recognize the reflection in the mirror again. And now that the rash (and its remnants) are almost gone, I continue to apply the cream after cleansing in the AM and PM.
According to Clinique, I've got their "exclusive, patent-pending Enviro-Soothe™ Complex" to thank for soothing and saving my face. Clinique also promises that when "used over time, it strengthens skin's lipid barrier to support natural healing."
Comfort On Call Allergy Tested Relief Cream also works wonders on dry, cracked hands. I can't think of a better winter skin care pick than this one; it earns Holy Grail status. If you suffer from reactive, sensitive or dry skin, you'd be a smart gal to add it to your shopping list.
Girl, when the mercury drops, it's time to put away your summer moisturizer and break out something a little richer. Heaters and cold weather can zap the moisture from your skin, so it's important to replenish what you skin is lacking.
I'm in the market for a new winter moisturizer, so I decided to hit up The Beauty Bloggerati for some expert advice.
I've been loving Clarins Multi-Active Day Early Wrinkle Correction Cream. It moisturizes my dry/combo skin without breaking me out. Plus, it never leaves my neck with a gross, sticky feeling. –Karen, Makeup and Beauty Blog
I've been using Dermalogica's Active Moist for a little while now, it is perfect for my oily skin especially in warmer weather because it's so light but now that it's getting colder out, I'm trying a richer moisturizer. Right now I'm giving Elizabeth Arden's Prevage Day Ultra Protection Anti-aging Moisturizer with SPF30. So far I'm loving the results I'm seeing. It's soothing some would-be rosacea spots that seem to be trying to form on my skin and some hormonal acne dryness. It is a tad rich for my skin but I'd rather deal with that then some of the other issues I've been battling. –Carla, Product Girl
I have dry skin and when the weather turns cold I really have to baby it. I have found comfort in Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate Serum. While the scent is actually quite strong and not appealing to me, I've learned to accept it because of the wonderful things it does for my skin! –Tammy, A Mom in Red High Heels
I love Chanel Sublimage for cold winter weather. It's a bit heavy for me for my normal to oily skin in the summer, but it's perfect for the blustery windy days of January through March. –Amber, Beauty Blogging Junkie
I am addicted to Fresh Repair & Restore Face Balm normal - combo. Not only does it smell amazing but the texture is beautiful and it melts into your skin leaving it hydrated and supple. –Lisa, These Lips Are Made For Glossin' I have sensitive dry/combination skin and I absolutely love using Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion with the pump, which I carry in my purse. –Jennifer, Beyond Beauty Basics
I have combination skin: definitely gets oily on my T-zone, and dry in other areas. I also have crazy sensitive skin, so I look like I'm sunburned sometimes (even if it's 10 degrees outside). I have just started using the Lierac Paris Creme Mesolift at night, because it has a ton of antioxidants, and hasn't made me break out. However, a more budget friendly night cream for ladies (that never fails), is just plain ole Vaseline cream (not petroleum). It's affordable, it's simple and it rarely irritates the skin (and it's perfect as an eye cream and lip moisturizer too!) –Bailey, Makeover Momma
In April, I declared Amala my skin savior...and for good reason. This luxurious line tamed my troubled skin and restored my faith in organic and natural beauty products. The Purify collection, created for oily and acnegenic skin types, has become the staple of my daily skin care routine; and after two months of using the products, I continue to marvel at the amazing results the ingredients have had on my complexion.
I am so enamored with Amala that we're partnering for a Spoiled Pretty giveaway! Two lucky winners will receive:
Hydrating Cream Cleanser ($30) Hydrate dry skin while gently removing makeup and impurities with this comforting cleansing cream. The whole botanical ingredients help soothe and restore moisture for clean, soft, radiant skin. Hydrating Toner ($30) Revive and rehydrate skin with this refreshing toner. Soothing floral waters and whole plant extracts help refine pores and restore moisture to soften and comfort skin.
Hydrating Face Cream ($68) Quench dull, dry skin by helping to restore its natural moisture and elasticity with this creamy hydrating treatment. Whole plant ingredients restore elasticity and protect skin from dehydration for lasting smoothness.
To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address. The subject line should read "Amala Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Sunday, June 7th. Two winners will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, June 8th, I'll announce the winners' names. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. and Canadian residents.
It's really difficult to admit this, but I used to be very dismissive of natural and organic beauty products - particularly skin care. I used to believe that I needed to patronize products with harsh chemicals to get my problem skin to act like it had some sense. In fact, I would often joke that I didn't care what damage a product did to my insides, as long as my outsides were looking good.
But I've done a complete 180 since discovering Amala, a luxurious collection of skin care and body care products with 100% natural formulas.
Earlier this month, I began testing Amala's new Purify line - for Earth Day editorial consideration. Purify is a collection of products formulated for oily and acnegenic skin types. The products help control excess oil and shine, clear clogged pores, and prevent and heal blemishes and blackheads with treatments inspired by the healing plants and flowers of Eastern Asia.
So for three weeks, I've been religiously using the Purifying Gel Cleanser, Purifying Face Polish, Purifying Toner, and Purifying Moisturizer. And I have to say that besides feeling like I'm indulging in an extravagant spa treatment every time I use these citrus-scented products, my skin hasn't looked this good in years.
My acne is now very mild, if not practically nonexistent. And my skin is so radiant that many of my friends have remarked about the drastic improvement in my complexion.
While Amala's Purify price tag isn't exactly recessionista-friendly (products range from $30 to $136), these products are, in my expert opinion, an absolute steal for the results you'll see.
I am so enamored with the Purify line that I want to tell every person I meet about this brand. I would gladly be the company's spokesperson and do commercials - because I feel so strongly about how the treatments have transformed my skin. Hell, I'd do it for free...in exchange for a lifetime supply of this stuff.
The other day, while I was flipping through one of my many fashion mags, I spied an ad for Aveeno's new Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30. As someone with the sensitive skin curse, I am very familiar with Aveeno's line of products - and I'm a big fan of their gentle formulations. So when I read about the product's "unique combination of natural mineral-based tints - which seamlessly cover to blend away imperfections - and clinically proven Total Soy Complex to even out skin tone and texture in four weeks," I got very excited. Well, that is until I noticed that it only comes in two shades: Fair to Light and Medium.
Now, I'm not saying that the tinted moisturizer needs to launch in a kaleidoscope of colors. But, dang...would it have hurt to also offer a Deep or Dark option?
I have to say that, as a beauty junkie of color, it is extremely frustrating (not to mention insulting) when certain skin tones are ignored by the beauty industry. If brands can create products to grow stubbly lashes into fabulous fringe, or supersize skinny lips - surely they can create foundation, powder, concealer and tinted moisturizer in more that two hues. Just sayin'.
I was very excited to try DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew SPF 15, considering it was recently named a finalist in the CEW 2009 Beauty Awards. And after testing the moisturizer, I agreed with CEW's assessment, as I found that the product did - indeed - deliver on all of its promises.
The ultra-lightweight formula absorbs quickly and doesn’t clog pores. It protects skin from UVA and UVB rays without that telltale white finish that many SPF-infused products leave behind. Since it’s oil-free and fragrance free, Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew SPF 15 is ideal for those with sensitive skin and acne. It’s man-friendly too. And with warmer weather just around the bend, I’ll definitely be using this product when I move my heavier winter formula to the back of my bathroom cabinet for its summer hibernation.
But despite this ringing endorsement, there is one minor caveat. With a name like Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew SPF 15, you might expect that the moisturizer would give your skin a dewy effect. At least, that’s what I assumed. It doesn’t. This moisturizer is going to quench your skin’s thirst, but the finish is definitely matte...which is great for shiny sistas like me.
Congrats to Wendy Wong, winner of the Belle de Jour giveaway. Wendy has won KENZO's new face cream, which - besides moisturizing -protects skin from free radicals and reduces the stress hormone cortisol. And it has the most wonderful fragrance...you'll never forget to apply it because the fragrance is so addictive.
Thanks to all who participated in this giveaway - and to KENZO for making it possible; Spoiled Pretty appreciates the support!
Don't forget to enter the Love Enamel Bracelet giveaway. There are still a few hours left before the contest closes and I choose a winner. Good luck!
Listen up, ladies. There’s a new moisturizer in town - and I am so enamored, I just cannot keep it on the DL.
KENZO’s new face cream, Belle de Jour enhances the skin’s natural beauty by protecting it from free radicals and the harmful stress hormone – Cortisol. High levels of Cortisol increase blood pressure and can weaken the immune system, making the body prone to illness and fat accumulation.
In clinical studies conducted by LVMH CEC (Cosmetic Evaluation Center), 75% of women using Belle de Jour showed a drop in their Cortisol levels by 25% after a single application. Further tests show a 28% reduction in reactive oxygenated elements (free radicals) on the skin’s surface.
White lotus, long regarded as a sacred flower in Asia, is at the heart of its secret formula. White lotus water, grown and harvested specially for KENZO in East Asia, has proven relaxing and anti-free radical effects. This natural and potent ingredient helps restore skin to its natural balance by stimulating cellular metabolism, leaving it luminous and soft. It is suitable for all skin types and may be used day and night.
Belle de Jour is quite possibly the most luxurious face cream I’ve ever used. In addition to reducing Cortisol levels and protecting against free radicals, this voluptuous moisturizer soothes and increases radiance. While Belle de Jour is one heck of a hydrator, the fragrance is the selling point. Without hesitation, I would say that Belle de Jour is one of the best smelling beauty products I’ve ever met; and as you know, I get around.
When I apply Belle de Jour in the middle of my harried morning routine, it calms me and makes me slow my pace just a little. And I love slathering it on right before bed, so that I can breathe in its delicate perfume as it lulls me to sleep. If KENZO wants to make a gazillion dollars, they’ll create an entire line of skincare, bodycare and fragrance with this exact bouquet. I would buy every single thing. You hear me, KENZO?
One lucky reader is going to hear me loud and clear, because Spoiled Pretty and KENZO are giving away one 1.7 oz jar of Belle de Jour (retail value $105!).
To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address. The subject line should read "Belle de Jour Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Saturday, February 7th. One winner will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Sunday, February 8th, I'll announce the winner’s name. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. and Canadian residents only.
Last night, I attended the PRSA/Philadelphia Pepperpot Awards - a celebration of outstanding performance in public relations by practitioners in agencies, industry, government, and non-profit organizations. The American Cancer Society’s Marketing Department (of which I am a member) was nominated for our efforts to pass Clean Indoor Air (smoke-free) legislation in Pennsylvania.
The Pepperpot Award has grown into one of the most coveted awards in the field of public relations, so I pulled out the big guns and went all out with my makeup. It’s a good thing I did, because my team ended up winning first place in the Public Affairs category! Yay us!
And the icing on the cake? Charm City Cakes, the bakery featured in the Food Network series, Ace of Cakes, created a magnificent confection that looked just like an actual pepperpot!
Here are the products I used to create my award-winning look:
It’s a good thing when a beauty product does one thing really well. When it peforms double duty, even better. And when a product can be used more than twenty different ways, you ask yourself, “Is it my birthday?”
Revolution Organics All-Over Body Balm is an all-in-one, on-the-go beauty essential with over 22 uses from your nose to your toes. Enriched with organic butters, organic plant extracts, vitamin E and nourishing organic oils, this multi-tasking solid moisturizing balm softens, smoothes and protects skin.
All-Over Body Balm reminds me of Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15, on account of the lemony sugar scent. But for $6 more than Fresh’s cult classic, you get 21 additional usages.
Revolution Organics All-Over Body Balm is a Beauty.com exclusive and retails for $28.
It’s getting downright chilly in Philly. In a matter of days, my lips started cracking up - like they’d been watching a Chris Rock comedy special. Luckily, I discovered Yu-Be, the #1 selling medicated, vitamin-enriched skin care cream in Japan.
Yu-Be is a Glycerin-based moisturizing cream enriched with Vitamin E, Vitamin B2 and Camphor. The uniquely high Glycerin content, achieved through a special manufacturing process in Japan, makes Yu-Be very effective on severely dry skin.
What sets Yu-Be apart from other lip treatments is the highly absorptive formula. Your thirsty lips will drink it in, and it will hydrate, heal and lock in moisture for hours. Yu-Be leaves behind soft, supple lips – without the greasy, balmy finish. Which means that, when your lips are especially jacked up, you needn’t choose between a cushy restorative treatment and a cute lip color. Just dab Yu-Be on and wait a minute…then swipe on your favorite lipstick or gloss, and you’re good to go.
In addition to curing cracked lips, Yu-Be also heals and prevents split cuticles and smoothes rough skin. Use it to soften calluses and hard, cracked heels. It replenishes lost moisture from frequent hand washing and minimizes scarring from burns. Even world-class mountain climbers from Japan use it to protect their skin from the harsh cold, wind, water and sun on expeditions to the top of Mt. Everest!
Lisa Hoffman Beauty asked me to share the following promotion with all of you. And I'm so excited to give you the deets, I can barely type...
Share Some SPF With Your BFF
Summer may be nearly over, but it doesn't mean you should stop using a moisturizer with SPF! Try Lisa Hoffman's Day Cream SPF 15 for FREE by replying to this offer and referring a friend.
This lightweight moisturizer supplies beneficial compounds to improve dry skin conditions. It incorporates SPF 15 and other critical sunscreen ingredients to protect the skin from harmful UV radiation that leads to skin drying, and premature aging such as lines and wrinkles.
Here's how simple it is to get your own full-sized sample:
* Send an email to info@lisahoffmanbeauty.com * Make sure the subject line reads "Friend" * Include the name, email address and shipping address for each person (including you!) receiving the complimentary Day Cream SPF 15 * For every Day Cream they ship, they will include a note to your friend that says they have been personally requested to receive the complimentary product...this way, they'll know the gift came from you!
The offer is valid while supplies last. And considering how awesome this offer is, it probably won't last long. So go write that email....I'll still be here when you get back.
Last night, I did something I’ve never done before. I called QVC. Not to buy anything…just to tell Kate Somerville that she’s a rock star. The woman is so unpretentious and glowy, what beauty addict wouldn’t wanna chitchat and pick her brain a bit?
So after two rings, a friendly customer service rep answered the phone and asked what item number I’d like to purchase. I explained that I didn’t want to purchase anything - I just wanted to talk to Kate. All the while, I was unconsciously disguising my voice. Why? I have absolutely no idea. It’s just one of those stupid things you do without rhyme or reason…as if the woman on the other end of the line is gonna say, “Daneen…is that you?”
Anyway, the representative told me that – at that time – they weren’t taking testimonials, but kindly thanked me for calling QVC before ending the call.
But who do they patch through to Ms. Somerville? Two crazy ladies who rambled on so long that they forgot what they were talking about. Typical. It’s just like the TV news – the on-the-scene reporter always interviews the eccentric woman with curlers in her hair or the man with the missing teeth who has nothing particularly relevant to say.
Gotta get me some of that moisturizer. I’ll report back when I do.
This unique, lightweight hydrator creates a more flawless complexion. The oil-free formula instantly smoothes skin’s surface and evens tone.
Strength building benefits: * Builds strength deep within skin’s surface * Reinforces skin’s matrix to add fullness, improve elasticity, and renew skin’s eveness from within * Strengthens from between skin’s layers * Helps promote healthy collagen production to fortify skin’s structure and support * Smoothes the surface layer * Boosts cellular renewal to help erase fine lines, and instantly hydrates for more even, light-reflective skin
Spoiled Pretty says…
As part of their 2007 Best of Beauty Awards, Allure Magazine honored L'Oréal Paris Skin Genesis line with the Breakthrough Award. Here’s why…the products are formulated with patented Pro-Xylane, an exclusive L'Oréal molecule seven years in the making that strengthens skin and reignites cell activity layers.
I’m no chemist, so I can’t really speak to the science behind Skin Genesis. But as a beauty addict, I can safely say that the Skin Genesis Daily Moisturizer Oil-Free Lotion ranks up there with the best facial moisturizers I’ve ever tried.
First, I love how my skin literally drinks it in. When I apply the lotion after exfoliating, better shield your eyes because my skin is positively luminescent. It also does an excellent job of keeping the greasies at bay - so if your face is on the shinier side, I would absolutely recommend this lotion. And in the few weeks that I’ve been using it, I have noticed an improvement in my skin’s firmness and tone. I’m not the best at using skin treatments consistently – I’m forgetful and easily distracted. But I never leave the house without moisturizer, so I love that this one has multiple benefits.
There’s just one caveat. Skin Genesis Daily Moisturizer Oil-Free Lotion doesn’t contain sunscreen. It just seems a little odd that a product aims to prevent and reverse signs of aging, yet doesn’t offer sun protection.
Using a unique combination of sea salts, beeswax, shea butter and botanical oils, One Step Manicure & Pedicure has a two-in-one formula that gently exfoliates and smoothes even the driest skin and cuticles – in less than 60 seconds.
Ideal for use on hands and feet, it’s available in three yummy scents (Lemon, Vanilla, and Sugar Cookie). I’ve recently discovered a new use for One Step Manicure & Pedicure. Rub it all over legs before shaving. Your stems will be so silky smooth, you almost won’t recognize them…and the product is so hydrating, you may be able to get away without lotion, post-shave.
It’s Monday evening, and you know what that means…time for a giveaway! This week, Spoiled Pretty is partnering with Surgeon’s Skin Secret for a sweet giveaway. Twelve readers will win:
Four-Piece Gift Collection (in lemon): includes 4 oz jar of One-Step Lemon Manicure, .30 oz Beeswax Moisturizer Cuticle Stick, 2.5oz Surgeon's Skin Secret Moisturizing Stick, and 8 oz tube of 25% Beeswax Cream.
To enter, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name. The subject line should read "Mani/Pedi Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Sunday, June 15th. Winners will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, June 16th, I’ll announce the winners’ names. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. & Canadian residents only.
I’ve been holding out on y’all. Not on purpose, though.
Just now, I was searching around the blog – taking inventory, if you will, of what products I’ve tested thus far. When I went looking for my glowing review of Atopalm’s MLE Cream, it was nowhere to be found.
I must have told so many people about this miraculous moisturizer that I tricked myself into thinking I had reviewed it on Spoiled Pretty. But, alas, I did not – so here’s the 411, without further ado.
There’s nothing special or sexy about the packaging, fragrance (it's unscented), or name of this cream. But what I absolutely adore about this moisturizer is that Atopalm obviously put all of its resources into making a stellar product, rather than clever marketing.
Do you have dry skin? Do you suffer from dry flakes, no matter how much you moisturize? Is your skin extremely sensitive? Is rosacea your skin’s arch nemesis? Got a nasty case of eczema? Then you need to get this wonder cream!
Atopalm MLE Cream has plant-derived ingredients to aid in the replenishment of natural skin lipids to form a protective barrier against the elements. It also helps prevent the over evaporation of the skin's own moisture. And it helps in restoring the skin barrier depleted by microdermabrasion, facial peels, and other harsh treatments. It can be used on both the face and the body, is suitable for adults and children, and is side-effect free!
MLE Cream is the only moisturizer that quenched my perpetually parched face this winter. It fully hydrated my skin without turning greasy, even hours later.
My new beloved beauty buy is Prescriptives Good In Bed Skin Restoring Night Moisturizer. All night long, this ingenious treatment nourishes and hydrates skin while subtle tanners work to enhance your natural color – so you wake up with a “morning after” glow!
I’ve been diligently applying this cream every night before I hit the sheets – and it does everything it promises. Plus, the soothing scent helps lull me to sleep.