Author: Lindsay

Natura Bisse NB Ceutical Tolerance Enzyme Peel

I frequently recommend glycolic or lactic acid to readers who want an exfolating treatment, but sometimes even gentiler lactic acid can be too much for the most sensitive of skin. So, I’ve been on the hunt for something results-oriented but that still didn’t irritate. Cue NB Tolerance Enzyme Peel. I did not experience even one tingle and my skin was left with zero redness.  Talk about fostering some serious radiance! And all while remaining exceptionally effective gentle.

I almost hate to use the word “peel” when discussing this product because it sounds so extreme. But does precisely that: “a non-aggressive (granule-free) micro-exfoliation of the most damaged layers of the skin”. The formula is hypoallergenic, alcohol and paraben-free. Enzymes remove impurities and dead skin that can lead to dullness. The formula includes:

  • prickly pear (opuntia ficus)
  • papaya (carica papaya)
  • botanical extract of chamomile that soothes, decongests, and maintains the skin’s natural pH balance
  • sugar extract from bio-fermented Zea Mays

The highlight of using this product probably was the process of massaging until texture is “modified”. I didn’t quite know what this meant before using, but as I was massaging the product info my face – probably after a minute or two – there was suddenly a liquified state that had more slip. After the transformation, the gel-like mask was easy to rinse/wipe away.

Natura Bisse is a somewhat new line to me. After the Ceutical Tolerance Enzyme Peel, I am anxious to try more of the natural skin-care line. Founders, Ricardo Fisas and wife, Maria Gloria Vergas, have been dedicated with luxury treatments featuring natural free-form amino acids for over 30 years.

Twilight Manicure

For some reason, this manicure makes me think of twilight or that last moment of darkness before sunrise. I am loving the accent nail trend, and I wanted one last hurrah of a dark, winter polish. Although, I think this blue would work well on toes for the summer.

Orly Bonder Rubberized Base Coat is the best I have found. L’Oreal “Jet Set to Paris” is a bold, cobalt blue. The index finger is CND “Gold Chrome”. Top it all off with Deborah Lipmann “Boom Boom Pow”. The Lipmann glitter polishes are a grown up version of the pre-teen favorites and make a manicure last ages!

PS – my ring is by Armenta and from an all-time favorite store, Etc…, in Birmingham, Alabama.

Kiehl’s Dermatologist Solutions Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution GIVEAWAY!


My loyal readers all know about my persistant war I am waging against brown spots. I use a prescription to some success but was thrilled to give Kiehl’s Dermatologist Solutions Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution a try as an alternative. I have seen a dramatic improvement in just the couple of weeks I have used Clearly Corrective.

The Clearly Corrective is designed to address the appearances of dark spots, discolorations, acne scarring and uneven skin with the ingredient Activated C. Kiehl’s is the first to bring this ingredient to the US market. So how does this newcomer work? Activated C slows down the production and transfer of melanin, and is proven to have an anti-cluster effect on existing spots and imperfections, breaking them apart before they form. So not only does it improve dark spots but prevents more from showing up. So plan on using this everywhere (after cleansing and before moisturizer), not only where the spots currently exist.

Activated C is photo-stable and 100% active on contact (no need for any carrier molecule to help the ingredient work on skin). And it is not made with optical diffusers or pearls to mask discolorations or dark spots (hence clear formula in a clear bottle). The serum is very light weight and absorbs quickly. The very small molecular size allows Activated C penetrates deeper and faster into the skin. Don’t expect a slippery or silicon feel. Because it is a clear, lightweight serum, all skin types can use this year round. This didn’t irritate my sensitive skin in the least.

So, you know it works for me. How about those clinical tests:

  • In as little as 2 weeks, 55% of women clinically demonstrated a significant reduction in dark spot intensity.
  • In 4 weeks, 69% of women clinically demonstrated a continued reduction in dark spots intensity and 73% of women showed a significant reduction in acne scarring. Reduction in other skin discolorations was clinically evident among 69% of women.
  • In 8 weeks, 87% of women clinically demonstrated more uniform skin tone to deliver breakthrough clarity.

So, when I find something I LOVE, I want to share it with my readers. Here is your chance to win a full sized bottle. And this time around, anyone can enter!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

NARS Diamond Life Nail Polish

This might just be the highlight of NARS Spring collection. And I love this tip by artist, Raquel Grijalva:

“Try this color as a reverse French manicure. Topping a natural nail bed with this metallic violet tip, creates a look on the nails that’s both minimalist and bold.”

What do you think? Is this polish on your list?

Georgina Chapman in Le Métier de Beauté Spring Collection

Mikey Castillo, Lead Makeup Artist for Le Metier de Beaute, worked with Georgina Chapman for her Oscar night look. Georgina was definitely on my best dressed list and a huge part of that was her dramatic eyes and pink pout. The eyes were lined with one of my all time favorites: Precision Eyeliner in Noir. If you are at all intimidated by a pen liner, this is the one to start with. Mikey used the Northern Lights Eye & Lip Kaleidoscopes from the Spring Collection. Don’t be fooled by the bold colors – they finely milled eyeshadows go on very sheer. And the lip kit is designed to be layered.

These kits include some of the most vivid colors we can find in nature. And no wonder since Le Métier de Beauté is inspired by the Aurora Borealis (a.k.a. the Northern Lights). The phenomenon results in a sky full of quickly changing light in a magnetic-like pattern. The inspiration translates into a sheer neutrals, silvery blues, bronzes and violets applied in a layered approach to makeup that Le Métier de Beauté does so well (see more about their “Couches de Couleur” technique here).

The Aurora Kaleidoscope Lip Kit has four options in Le Métier de Beauté’s delicious Lip Crème lip gloss formula. Begin with Illuminate, a shimmering hot pink with a sheer finish. Next, layer on Voltaic, a satin-y nude mauve. For a pop of color try Dynamos, an effervescent coral-tangerine. And finish with Eos, an opaque fuchsia.

The Northern Lights Kaleidoscope Eye Kit contains Ionic, a satin/matte neutral sunset, Sky, a pale shimmering skyline blue, Magnetic, a blazing copper and Equinox, a satin/matte twilight violet. Applied using Le Métier de Beauté’s signature Couche de Couleur layering format, the result is multi-dimensional, turning color on its axis.

These kits are seasonal releases and tend to go quickly. Collectors snap these up the moment they arrive at counters.

Aveda invati Collection for Hair Loss and Scalp Health

While it isn’t the sexiest beauty topic, thinning hair and unhealthy scalp are a reality for many of us. I admit, I am seeing the effects of years of buns and pony tails. The hair around my face is thiner and sparser. I still get compliments on my thick, long hair but it is something I notice and I will do what I can to keep my hair heathy for as long as possible. Another not so lovely reality for me is psoriasis. I have found that lowering stress, sun exposure and injected steriods do help. But also using the right shampoo can minimize the unsavory side effects (aghem… flakes).

Aveda Invati Collection hits the sweet spot for me. It addresses:

  • Thinning
  • Loss of volume
  • Loss of density
  • Tighter or drier scalp

The primary ingredient is densiplex, containing turmeric and ginseng to help rehabiliate and energize the scalp. Tumeric is a traditional ingredient used for aging hair and scalp health and I have found that pill form of the herb improves psoriasis. Essential oils such as lavender, rosemary, ylang ylang, myrtle and ambrette give the collection the classic Aveda scent, but it isn’t too overpowering. My hair smells like it has just visited an authentic Ayurvedic spa in a subtle way.

The shampoo is actually exfoliates using wintergreen-derived salicylic acid to unclog pores. This process removes the build-up of sebum and product residue that can clog pores and affect healthy hair. Millet seed and milk thistle help restore balance to dry scalps.

The conditioner strengthens and fortifies using arginine derived from sugar beets and soy protein. Guar, palm and rapeseed-derived ingredients help thicken while organic kukui nut oil helps add natural shine.