Category: skin-care

bliss multi-‘face’-eted anti-aging clay mask

I feel like there is a drive towards simplicity in skin care lately. This new serum pops into mind. And this mask is in the same ilk. Bliss’ newest, multi-‘face’-eted anti-aging clay mask is straight-forward, simple-to-use, and oh-so-wonderful. I love products like this not only because they are lovely and work but also because they are just so darn easy to recommend.

My biggest skin care beef lately is dull and discolored skin. I have been having some issues with reaching that “radiant” look. And while I love to exfoliate, so often my sensitive skin gets red and irritated with strong ingredients. Enter this mask – exfoliating, rejuvenating, refreshing but not too irritating.

What makes this fun to share? It is also wonderful for those with larger pores and olier skin. While it doesn’t make my sensitive skin angry, the mask still works to clean out pores with glycolic acid. And those dark spots that are forever the bane of my exisitance? Kojoc acid and lemon work against those. Carbon and pumice gentle turn over skin cells and jojoba nourishes skin.

I apply fairly thickly all over my face. The beauty is it only takes 5-7 minutes. And there is a minty and refreshing scent. After rinsing off with a washcloth, my skin is left radiant, clean and still supple … without one ounce of redness. I don’t know how they manage the slightly gritty texture that still leaves my skin happy, but they do it!

Available this month at bliss and blissworld.com.

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Favorite Cleansers

With the new office gig, I have been putting on a full face of makeup everyday. I cannot lie – I enjoy the process of getting ready every morning. Not a shocker coming from this beauty junkie. While my exercise clothes have been a little neglected, I have been diving in some awesome relics and favorite from the beauty stash – more on that later.

With a full face of makeup everyday, cleansing has become even that more crucial. I usually am a fan of drugstore foaming cleanser to get the day off. But these luxury picks have me singing a different tune. Some of my new favorite cleansers lately:

Diptyque Nourishing Cleansing Balm

While I haven’t been huge about these candles, I did love the cleansers from the new Diptyque skin care line. Everything is crafted and packaged beautifully. Nourishing balm transforms when it comes in contact and melts off the thickest of makeup. Using the included spatula, I scoop out a small (talking dime size here) amount and apply to dry skin. I use wet hands to emulsify the balm and smooth over skin. This is gentle enough to remove eye makeup too. I rinse with water and my skin is left soothed and clean. Note: my eyes have been really irritated after makeup removal lately and this is the only thing I’ve found to leave them un-irritated and calmed.

Note: I also adore their SPF – it smells amazing!

Sisley-Paris Phyto-Pate Moussant (Soapless Foaming Cleanser)

Bar soap is having a renaissance (note: this soap has made a very welcome return to my shower). But some versions can strip skin. This one is soap-free and contains sunflower and shea butter. And you still get that satisfying lather from a traditional soap. My sensitive skin doesn’t get angry and I get a deep clean with my skin feeling supple. Also, I like that there isn’t an overwhelming scent.

Bella Schneider Beauty Instant Microexfoliating Cleanser

I’ve tried a handful of these powder-to-foam cleanser and this one balances exfoliation with a milky luxuriousness. When you add water, you get a creamy texture that works to even skin. Lactic and malic acid (much gentler versions of chemical exfoliators) work to renew and turnover cells. My face is left calm and ready for the whole plethora of skin care goodies I am currently testing out.

Don’t forget – it is time for the Beauty Event at Neiman Marcus. Some of my favorite picks to stock up on:

Diptyque and Sisley-Paris and samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program. Bella Schneider was provided as a press sample. But, as always, opinions are my own.

Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Serum

I often get asked from skin care beginners: “How do I get started?”. I usually give my speech on retinol and SPF. But now I have found a serum that will understand the unique needs of the user’s skin. And I am can enthusiastically recommend it to just about anyone.

The Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Serum is about as straightforward as you can get. The custom repair works on visible concerns and even damage you can’t see – anything from skin tone, fine lines, hyper-pigmentation and dullness. It detects what needs work on your own particular complexion and works to correct it.

Double supreme bonus for being able to use it day and night. So simply just add to whatever you are doing, before moisturizer/SPF and after cleansing. Suitable for all skin types, tones and ages.

Two pumps covers my entire face and neck. And the fresh spa-like scent gives a luxe feel. The silky finish works fabulously on my dry skin. But at the same time, it isn’t greasy so it is also well-suited for those with oilier skin.

Looking for a place to start? Or want to simplify your routine? Leave it to the purest, simplest of high-end skin care lines: the one and original Clinique.

Note: the Beauty Event at Neiman Marcus is in full swing now through September 21st. I will be doing a full review on the tote gift with purchase this weekend, but this is the right time to stock up!

Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program, but as always, opinions are my own.

Kate Somerville ‘IllumiKate’ Concealing Eye Cream

Last year, Kate Somerville first dipped her toes into color cosmetics in the best way possible. Her CC Cream married skin care and makeup with outstanding results. And her next product, Kate Somerville ‘IllumiKate’ Concealing Eye Cream, is even better.

I am a huge fan of illuminating “wands”. I have tried so so many variations from the classic to offerings from more indie brands. But this one finally brings in a great eye cream, adding a skin care element in a way that only Kate can.

The click-pen dispenses a concealer/eye cream hybrid into a brush. For some reason, no matter what the brand, I always use my finger to apply and then use the attached brush to disperse. Lastly, I blend in again with my finger. But, I admit… to each their own. Applying with a brush might be more hygienic. I just perfect the final finish of a manual application.

The formula is lightweight and works to improve the look of wrinkles while brightening dark circles. The coverage isn’t terribly opaque but I like the more natural finish of a lighter-weight and illuminating effect. Bonus points for the two-in-one product – especially important with my rushed mornings that accompany my new job.

Not only will you look better immediately. Kate Somerville’s proven skin care ingredients work to improve collagen production, add firmness and smooth fine wrinkles. And my dry skin drinks up the added hydration. I use shade Medium for light to medium skin tones with a perfect match. Made in the USA.

Available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Sephora.

SK-II Essential Power Essence

I am a longtime fan of this brand inspired by an amazing Japanese ingredient. Learn about how I first fell hard for SK-II and the history of the brand here. Ironically, that was almost exactly two years ago. Since, the SK-II ‘Facial Treatment’ Essence has been a consistent part of my skin care routine.

The newest from the brand might just elevate itself to that status as well. Keep in mind, I am constantly testing and changing what I use for skin care. So only a few select favorites make it into the permanent category.

The new Essential Power Essence is a rich serum powered with Artichoke Extract, Siberian Ginseng Extract and Niacinamide. My dehydrated skin with hyper-pigmentation adores this formulation. The silicone-in-water emulsion is a silky, rich and translucent texture that is quickly absorbed.

While the main advantage advertised is an improvement in the appearance of pores, I find this is actually helping with sun damage and keeping my skin radiant and luminous. I have had it in the rotation for approximately a month, but I remember seeing a difference after just a couple days of use.

It is designed to be applied just after the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence. I’ve played around with using it after and before my retinol, alone as a moisturizer and first after washing. I actually prefer it as a first step and use a light moisturizer after letting it absorb for a couple minutes – usually while I brush my teeth. The best part: an amazing scent that gives me just a scootch of a spa experience even in frantic mornings.

It was a little tricky using the dropper at first. Depress the dropper and dip it into the serum and then release. I use a full dropper each application which sounds a little decadent – but trust… you won’t be able to resist. That is if you have dry skin like me. Those with oilier or acne-prone skin might not like the rich and silicone-based formula.

Available at Sephora, NET-A-PORTER and Nordstrom.

Kate Somerville ‘Age Arrest’ Hydrating Firming Mask

If someone forced me to pick one skin care line for the rest of my days, Kate Somerville would definitely be a contender. Having visited her spa, used her products over a period of years and been lucky enough to meet Kate in person, I consider myself a “super-fan”. Things have been a little quiet out there lately, but the last couple of months marked some really exciting launches in the “Age Arrest” collection.

The highlight for me has been the Kate Somerville ‘Age Arrest’ Hydrating Firming Mask. This mask both corrects signs of aging and protects against future damage, making it perfect for a wide range of ages and skin types. If you are a Kate Somerville fan, you’ve probably read about “telomeres”. This product (along with several others in her collection) utilizes Nobel Prize winning Telo-5 Technology to fight against signs of aging. Telo-5 protects the life span of telomeres which help keep our skin looking youthful.

But it isn’t just Telo-5 technology – white water lily and centella asitica extract can help firm sagging skin and improve elasticity. Peptides will boost collagen. And sea whip extract and algae soothe skin.

While this is technically a mask, I have been using it overnight. The formula delivers deep hydration that my dry skin loves. It also works against wrinkles and discoloration. If you prefer a mask treatment, just apply for five minutes and gently remove with a tissue and massage in any extra product. A little facial massage will also help with puffiness. It is recommended 1-3 times a week. I probably could happily use this every other night while those with less dry skin might want to keep it to a weekly treatment.

After using, I can tell my skin is super plump and hydrated in the morning. While I am not yet suffering from sagging skin, I can see more radiance (likely thanks to the hydration). I love taking the preventative step to minimize any potential aging down the road.

Made in the USA. Available at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Sephora, KateSomerville.com and Bergdorf Goodman.