Author: Lindsay

Le Metier de Beaute CHEM60 Pro-Peel and GLOW10ai Mask Set

Last week, I made a little field trip to Neiman Marcus Northpark to check out the newest skin care offering from Le Metier de Beaute. A friend and I were treated to the new Peel and Mask that will be available in the next couple of weeks at your local counter. This duo is unlike any other department store skin care product I have ever tried. And you get dermotologist effects in a snap – the words uttered were “Instant Cinderella Effect”. Who wouldn’t want that?

For now, these products will be sold together. At first I balked at this approach, but after trying the Peel and Mask back-to-back, I understand. The Peel is a massive exfoliant and the Mask is a super-charged nourishing hydrator. In the end, you have balanced, calm and clean skin. Note: down the road, they might sell these separately.

Okay… first up is the CHEM60 Pro-Peel. This step uses my beloved glycolic acids along with salicylic acids. I don’t use salicylic acids as frequently, so I was concerned about how my skin would react. While there was some tingling, I didn’t get any redness (nor did my friend). I learned that the addition of salicylic acids can allow for greater penetration and removal of dead skin cells. The process takes a short 60 seconds, although we waited a little longer. I was amazed how instantly the skin looked more even and youthful. It did tone and awakened tired looking spots. Here, my friend has a light layer of the Peel on and you can see her skin isn’t the least bit irritated. And bonus that the iridescent, mostly clear mask won’t scare children and small animals. I wouldn’t hesitate using this 3x a week, even on my irritable skin.

The CHEM60 Pro-Peel comes in handy, foundation like tube with a soft brush on one end. This allows for hygienic application to every nook and cranny on your face. Turn the nozzle to the “on” position and gentle squeeze the tube to dispense a small amount into brush applicator. Apply a thin layer over the entire face, avoiding the delicate eye area and hairline. And then turn the nozzle off to prevent leakage and drying out. Remove the peel with warm water or a washcloth.

Next up was the GLOW10ai Mask. This is a like a big hug for your skin. The mask infuses skin with a concentration of antioxidants, vitamins and hydrators to help skin renew and rebuild, while strengthening skin’s overall appearance. After the Peel, our skin was even and smooth, but the Mask actually gave us a glow. The slight bit of tingling I had during the Peel was instantly soothed by the cooling Mask. This step will come in extra handy for anyone recovering from a laser, microdermabrasion or in-office peel.

We tried both a thin layer of the mask on my friend and a ticker layer on me. Because this mask is a peel off, we decided the thicker layer worked slightly better, although we basically got the same amount of hydration so it boils down to preference. You can use a scoop or spatula, but I think a finger works best for application. Make sure you avoid your hair line… those peel off masks are a mess if you get it in those fine little hairs. If you decide on a thicker application, plan on waiting 10-15 minutes to let it dry. Then the fun begins – Peel Away! Suggested use is 2-3 times a week, but I can see myself reaching for this every single day if I had the time.

Bottom line: Our skin was uber-soft and hydrated. It was almost a shame to put makeup on over it but I could help taking advantage of the talented Dre and trying out the newest Kaleidoscope Eye Kit in Nouvel. Check out that black pigment!

Currently, the CHEM60 Pro-Peel & GLOW10ai Mask Set is sold exclusively at Neiman Marcus. Click below to purchase:

Bliss ‘Firm, Baby, Firm’ Dual-Action Lifting & Volumizing Serum

I am a huge fan of Bliss anything and everything, but I mostly have focused on their body care products. I haven’t had much experience with their skin care offerings other than Bliss That’s Incredi-Peel! – a super charged glycolic acid treatment. Over the past couple weeks, I have been using Bliss Firm, Baby, Firm, a dual action serum that feels so darn good to use.

This facial serum helps boots collagen and elasticity for immediate AND long term effects. The dual action helps voluminize hollow areas, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, while also lifting – usually serums do one or the other making this a unique product. Powerful active ingredients like gardenia stem cells, cell-targeting X50 peptides and phyto-retinoids fuel the serum. These stem cells derived from fruit and plants are strong, but seem to play nicer with my sensitive skin.

The best part for me is the instant gratification of pleasant and nourishing lavender scented formula (from Bulgarian lavender oil). The creamy, aloe base adds moisture and instant smoothness. And a patented irritation-reducing technology gives the anti-aging ingredients I need without red flaky skin.

The CHANEL Eye

I haven’t ever really fallen for CHANEL cosmetics. I understand and respect that some people are devotees, but for some reason, none of their products really jumped into my “must have” category… until NOW. I had a chance to experience one of their national makeup artists and a whole new world opened.

The foundation was a little heavy and the lip was a little clunky… but the eye makeup was some of the best I have ever experienced. I purchased and have been wearing the Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner in Noir Intense, Beauté Des Cils Nourishing Mascara Base and Inimitable Intense Mascara Multi-Dimensionnel Sophistique in Noir (these product names slay me).

The creamy Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner applies smoothly to both the waterline and right on top of the lashes. The waterproof formula dries with a shiny, opaque finish and stays all day long. The Beauté Des Cils Nourishing Mascara Base, at first, seemed like a excessive step. But this white, nourishing formula builds and heals the lashes, prepping to plump fluffy lashes ready for a coat of mascara. You can also use this as a treatment at night. Inimitable Intense Mascara has a classic brush shape with stiff brisles that manages to coat every last lash.

If you are looking for a modern yet simple, long wear eye that can go from casual to black tie, these three products get the Belle Belle seal of approval. Wearing them every day makes the luxury splurge worth it. And dare I say they all might be in the holy grail category? Perhaps, yes. Also, worth mentioninng… I use the CHANEL Eye Lash Curler and love it.

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Susan Posnick Cosmetics COLORDUO Lip Pencil

If anyone knows about makeup, it is the artists that use product every day… all day. So no wonder Susan Posnick, former celebrity makeup artist, has come up with such innovative and high-quality cosmetics. Inspired by a battle against skin cancer, Susan developed a makeup line that focuses on substantial sun protection. It began with COLORFLO mineral foundation and expanded to a full line.

The last couple of weeks, I have been test driving COLORDUO. I wasn’t sure how I would feel – I usually find lip pencils drying on my already dry lips. I feel like I need something more nourishing to heal while giving color. Well… color me suprised. This pencil actual WAS hydrating. I liked now I could nimbly color in my lips with the ultra-creamy formula.

And herein lies the real brillance – the two sided pencil has a pinky brown Nude and matte red Rouge. The packaging is simple and slim, yet provides options. I can see keeping this in your purse, at work or in a gym bag for on the go lip color options.

I found Susan Posnick at APOTHIA at Fred Segal Melrose. You can also find her products now on Coterie. The first 50 orders get a free mascara with the code “FIRST50”.

SK-II Skincare

I recently reported to you about SK-II ‘Facial Treatment’ Essence, the centerpiece of SK-II’s luxurious skin care line. Over the past couple of months, I have had a chance to use more of the line. Talk about true performers. This will always be my go-to routine to fade hyper-pigmentation and soothe and heal angry skin.

Upon my arrival in NYC back in September, I took a moment in my hotel room before venturing out and used the SK-II Facial Treatment Mask. Adored by makeup artists and globe-trotting fashionistas, this mask promised to give a “radiant youthful glow”. You know what? It did just that. The cooling sheet soaks your skin in vitamins, amino acids, minerals and organic acids, replacing dehydrated skin. This cotton wonder will be my staple for travel and big events.

I’ve been hooked on Vitamin C products ever since I tried Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line Reducing Concentrate. Having fallen hard and finishing every last drop of the Kiehl’s version, I was excited to try SK-II Facial Treatment Repair C. I love the replenishing and rich texture of this serum. It could almost work as a moisturizer. It contains Pitera, the anti-aging wonder ingredient found in the Essence, along with powerful Vitamin C. It leaves my skin smooth and not the least bit irritated from the active ingredients. While I have been using prescription hydroquinone for years, the addition of Vitamin C has taken my fight against dark spots to the next level. My skin looks more even than it has in years.

Lastly, the gentle, comforting SK-II Skin Signature Melting Rich Cream is a hydrating master. I love the purist approach to this cream. With strong anti-aging ingredients working in my serum and prescriptions, I was craving a nourishing pure moisturizer. This comes in a jar, but the texture is a lotion/cream hybrid making it easy to apply and absorb. Its focus on hydration leaves my skin radiant and soothed.

Get free shipping and free returns from saks.com with code RTNFREE8.

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Hourglass Primers

I am convinced that Hourglass Primers are a best of breed. While I love Smashbox and Laura Mercier, these Hourglass offerings have something a little extra. They are luxurious and nourishing performers, no matter your skin type.

Hourglass N° 28 Primer Serum is the work horse of the bunch. This primer is also serious skin care. You can use it at night or under makeup. It even works on the ends of your hair for conditioning and shine. This is geared for drier skin (jump to the next version if you are in the oily camp) with an oil-based hydrating formula. The silky consistency creates a natural moisture barrier with a refined surface for makeup. I love the luminous quality – it can modernize and transform a matte foundation. The “28” in the product’s name refers to the formula’s key ingredients, which include 14 essential oils, 10 lipid-rich plant oils, and four vitamins.

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15 is more of a dedicated primer. While it is designed for more combo/oily skin, I still keep it in my rotation. The milky white lotion finishes out to clean, satin canvas. The mineral-based formula absorbs excess oils while the light diffusing properties camouflage imperfections. Bonus that it contains an SPF.

Hourglass Solar Tan Self-Tanning Primer is the most unique primer I have come across. For those who want to maintain a bronzy glow in the winter, this is a great option. The primer develops into a natural glow with each application. You can use it up to five days until you get your desired intensity. I’ve noticed that I feel better if my complexion has a little warmth so I love having this close by.