Category: skin-care

ioma Skincare Launches at Saks

What a great day – after doing a television segment on Red Carpet Beauty Tricks, I headed over to Saks Tulsa to experience their newest addition to the cosmetics department – ioma. The Parisian based skincare line has a technology focus – think personalized treatment according to a crazy cool analysis of your skin.

The counter experience is a real highlight – think clean modern packaging with loads of gadgets. First thing, you have your skin evaluated in a sphere with advanced imaging. Five images evaluate: fine lines & wrinkles, redness, UV damage, bacterial activity and sagging. Second, the IBD, a sort of television with two wands attached, produces a second analysis. All in all, both tests take about five minutes. I was really impressed that both devices had the exact same findings for my skin. In short, dehydrated, dehydrated, dehydrated.

After using the products for a period of time, you can return to your counter and see your progress by performing a follow up analysis. ioma founder and CEO Jean Michel Karam, PhD, asserts that the technology behind the skincare line is vital to demonstrate the effectiveness of their products.

IOMA Skincare Launches at Saks // Belle Belle Beauty Above is my initial evaluation. I scored absolutely zero UV damage – high five! But needed work on bacterial activity with a heavy duty cleanse and my skin was very dry. I headed upstairs to a spa room for a special facial by an ioma expert. The aesthetician used all the recommended products along with a deep cleanse and dry skin treatment. It was relaxing, luxe and without any discomfort. There were no extractions or tingly peels performed. All the products were nourishing and gentle with subtle, pleasant scents.

I returned after my one hour facial for another analysis to judge the results. Wow – compelling. I’m impressed with the story these images tell – the products literally speak for themselves. Below right, before my facial, my pores and fine lines were very visible. After, on the left, my skin was smooth and hydrated

There are seven pro lines and while generally each client is recommended one “family”, you can mix and match. For instance, my skin calls for #1 – Dry Skin and UV Damage, but I was also suggested the Gentle Exfoliating Emulsion (apparently I also need to step up my cleansing game). During my facial, I was treated to a little mini massage with the ioma Body Pro Line – let’s just say I fell hard for the Cocoon Voluptuous Body Cream. I took home samples of the Optimum Moisture Cream Day & Night and Gentle Exfoliating Emulsion and can’t wait to report back on longer term use.

Right now, ioma is only available at Saks in New York, Beverly Hills and Tulsa… that’s right folks. How cool is my awesome little city? Counters will soon open in Houston and San Antonio. You can also find ioma in many stores in Europe.

And attention Tulsa Readers: Saks Fifth Avenue Tulsa will host a reception on Thursday, February 21 from 5 to 7 pm. The event is sponsored by Jackie Cooper Imports and will benefit the Little Light House. The launch will include skin consultations, ioma door prizes, champagne tasting from Red Sky Liquor as well as a display of Volvo, Mercedes and Infinity luxury vehicles. For more information on the ioma launch celebration, please contact the store at 918.744.0200 ext. 203.

Latest and Greatest from Simple Skincare

I’ve been test driving the newest Simple Skincare products for about a month now and I wanted to report back on the most recent items to hit the shelves. Like all my other Simple favorites, the new products play oh so well with my sensitive skin. (They introduced two new versions of the wipes – a huge fan favorite!)

Foaming Cleanser: I’m a huge fan of foaming cleansers. There is something so satisfying about that lather, especially when I’m using my Clarisonic. This version from simple is loaded with Pro-Vitamin B5. So not only is your makeup gonzo, but your skin feels refreshed and not stripped of moisture.

Radiance Cleansing Wipes: Call me crazy, but I really do think my skin looks more radiant when I use these. After a workout or first thing in the AM, I’ve been opting for these as a gentle way to refresh. Mango extract helps leave skin not only clean, but healthier.

Oil Balancing Cleansing Wipes: I’ve been a long time fan of Zinc PCA to heal angry or irritated skin. So no wonder I’m a fan of these wipes. If you are prone to shine, these guys will leave your skin clean, not irritated and balanced. But even on my dry skin, they don’t strip my skin of moisture.

Eye Make Up Remover Pads: For some reason, I’ve been reviewing loads of gel eyeliner. We love this stuff, right? Stays on so well. But removing it can be irritating to delicate skin around the eyes, especially if the skin is already sensitive. Simple’s Eye Make-Up Remover Pads are loaded with gentle cleansers to get after stubborn makeup with out stinging or drying. They get every little bit of hard to remove makeup with a couple swipes.

Protecting Light Moisturizer with SPF 15: The biggest pet peeve I have with my sensitive skin is how some SPFs can sting and burn after application. While I’ve navigated what UV blockers are the main culprits, I haven’t found a good drugstore SPF with zero sting. Until now. Protecting Light Moisturizer with SPF 15 is oil-free but still nourishing (packed with vitamins and moisturizers). The non-greasy finish works especially well under makeup.

This post was created in connection with my appointment as an Influencer in the Simple® Skincare Program. Visit www.facebook.com/SimpleSkincare to share your story on sensitive skin.

Brand Spotlight: Mario Badescu & 5 Products Everyone Should Own

I’ve been deep in the world of Mario Badescu for the last couple of weeks. Not a bad place to be at all. The products, established by Romanian-born Mario Badescu in 1967 in New York, are based on Eastern European skincare with a focus on being simple, gentle and effective. The price point is compelling, bringing luxe results and reasonable prices. Today, the spa attracts stars and beauty gals in the know (I dream of one day visiting). While I have always had mad respect for the brand, I haven’t really had a chance to dive in and discover some of the crown jewels. Today, I am rounding up five of their products that I think every woman (and actually men too) should have in their bathrooms.

1. Glycolic Foaming Cleanser: My obsession with Glycolic Acid is no secret. There is nothing better to break down debris on the skin to reveal more even, radiant skin. This version is super soothing (the formula is amped up with herbal extracts). They recommend using a couple times weekly, but I just can’t stay away – shhhh. This works like a champ with my Clarisonic.

2. Almond and Honey Face Scrub: I may or may not have just gone into my shower and taken a huge whiff of this stuff. Do you like almond scents as much as me? You won’t be able to resist this yummy concoction This non-abrasive scrub has finely ground Almonds and Cornmeal to gently remove dead skin cells. The honey acts to hydrate and soften skin. YUM.

3. Drying Lotion: Is there a more iconic Mario Badescu product? I think not. I’ve owned this in the past, but feeling high and mighty about having my acne under control, it has been out of the rotation. Well, a short day after getting my paws on a new bottle, I got the deepest, most annoying blemish on my neck. SO RANDOM. Anyway, I used this spot treatment loaded with salicylic acid and calamine and that bugger shrunk right up overnight. Don’t shake this stuff – just dip a cotton swab past the liquid into the pink lotion and dot on the blemish. Don’t rub in. (Note: this will also take the itch out of mosquito bites!)

4. Hyaluronic Eye Cream: I’m dry… dry… dry. And nothing looks less cute than a dry, haggard under eye. This calls for the revival skills of Hyaluronic Acid which looks in moisture without leaving a greasy or heavy feel. After a couple minutes of absorption, this eye cream works like a dream under makeup. I’ve been using it day and night and darkness and dryness are banished! You can also use this on the lips.

5. Oil-free Moisturizer SPF 30: I admit, I turned up my nose at first to an oil-free moisturizer. But in the interest of blogging, I tested it out and was so so impressed. The formula has a balance between being lightweight and hydrating (not an easy task for a sunscreen). Green Tea fights premature aging while Aloe Vera hydrates and softens skin. St. John’s Wort soothes and repairs. This is my new recommendation to those who need sun protection after starting a retinol treatment. Dry skin suffers, don’t shy away. This keeps my skin comfortable all day.

So, Mario Badescu fans, tell me in the comments… which of your favorites did I miss?

Shop my favorites here:

Mario Badescu products can also be found at Nordstrom.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE WAS PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Kate Somerville RetAsphere 2-in-1 Retinol Night Cream

I recognize that I sound like a broken record, always always singing the praises of Retinol. But just face the fact: Retinol is one of the few ingredients out there that is proven to prevent premature aging. And for those with acne, Retinol can help with exfoliation, removing pore-clogging dead skin cells. But more than that – it can actually improve the texture of your skin. So even if you don’t have those dreaded fine wrinkles yet or suffer from acne, it can help with hyper-pigmentation and pore size.

The one complaint I hear readers voice about Retinols is they can often irritate sensitive skin. Enter Kate Somerville’s RetAsphere 2-in-1 Retinol Night Cream. Formulated with a patented Carrier System, the Retinol is packaged in a lip shell. The rich cream melts the pure Retinol evenly into the epidermis. Then a bio-derived hyaluronic acid (another ingredient I won’t shut up about) locks in hydration, preventing that annoying Retinol side effect – dried out skin.

After a couple weeks of use, I have no hesitation in recommending this to those who have had irritation with Retinol or haven’t yet added it to their routine. The rich consistency and hydration factor immediately makes my skin look supple and brighter. And on its own, the RetAsphere provides enough moisture for my drier skin. Gone are the days of flaking, red skin when introducing a Retinol product.

Make sure to use this only at night – sun doesn’t play nice with Retinol. And make sure you have a SPF on during the day – Retinol use makes skin more sensitive to the UV rays. I didn’t have any sensitivity, but you can use every other day if you find you have irritation.

Kate Somerville is available at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom, Sephora, and KateSomerville.com.

Kate Somerville D-Scar Diminishing Serum

My scars are nasty. They are elevated, red and very persistant. Fortunately, I don’t have acne scars. But I have loads of scars from having moles removed (melanoma runs in my family) and a nasty sucker on my foot from surgery.

Naturally, when my beloved Kate Somerville came out with a scar treatment, I was on it. I think it is primarily targeted for acne scaring and uneven texture, but I was quickly assured by Kate that it is also for new and old surgical scars.

The packaging on this thing is genius. The serum is in a tube with a locking dispenser and metal rollerball. Twist “ON” (the tip only rotates one direction – picture me trying to spin it the wrong way – fail). Gently squeeze a small amount of serum onto the tip, twist-and-lock “OFF”, and massage with the rollerball into the scar.

The serum contains DS-7, a microencapsulated peptide, which encourages the skin renewal process. A botanical extract helps even out the appearance of skin texture, reducing the pigment in the scar. I was going to give this a whole 8 weeks test run, but after two short weeks, my results were so miraculous, I had to spread the word. Check out my before and after (sorry for the weird foot photos):

Kate Somerville D-Scar Before and After // Belle Belle Beauty

Use it morning and night. If you use it on your face, follow with moisturizer. Don’t forget your sunscreen!

Le Metier de Beaute Ultra Hydration Eye Mask Duo

I had an unfortunate run in with some tears last night. It’s okay – we all need a good cry sometimes, right? But day after puffiness is NOT cute. Le Métier de Beauté to the rescue.

Well, we know Le Métier de Beauté does a mask right (see here). Their most recent skin care release is a mask dedicated just for the eyes. Where have you been all my life?? This sweet little package is perfect for post-emotional puffiness. It also fights the signs of aging and gives the skin an immediate “more awake” look.

The translucent (read: you can use it anywhere) mask delivers hydration while also instantly cooling and calming. The hydration plumps out those wrinkles, while the chilly gel-like pads soothe out redness and eliminate any puffiness. I also saw dramatic improvement in my dark circles.

These masks are loaded with active moisturizers so carefully open the package on a flat surface. Pre-cool in the fridge if you want a greater chilling effect. The applications stick right on the skin without tugging – feeling quite delightful. You can use these daily if you want – wouldn’t that be wonderful? Follow up after use with your regular eye cream. I think these would be ideal post a long plane flight.

If you are interested in the Ultra Hydration Eye Mask Duo, you can find it at Neiman Marcus Northpark. There is a prize for the blogger who refers the most customers and if I win, there is something in it for you! I’ll do my own giveaway of one of my Le Métier de Beauté favorites from my personal collection. Call Patrice, the At-counter Product Specialist at 214-363-8311 or swing by the counter.