Category: skin-care

Brand Spotlight: Tata Harper

I’ll be honest… if there is a brand I have been lusting after, it is Tata Harper. I had a little mini-facial at NYFW way back in September 2011 and never quite got the brand out of my mind. I will never forget hearing that Tata herself manufactures all her products on a 1,200 acre farm in Vermont. How cool is that??

Tata Harper developed the line with the health of women wanting to look beautiful in mind. The products are all 100% natural and non-toxic from ingredients grown on the farm and thoughtfully sourced from around the world. The natural, fragrant nature of these products are soothing just in themselves. Tata oversees all the R&D, marketing, distribution and formulations. The packaging is fresh and luxe – how often to you find “feel good” products that look so stunning on your vanity?

The Tata Harper Refreshing Cleanser is one of those cleansers that is not really designed to remove makeup, but is so gentle and creamy, my sensitive & dry skin eats it up. There are no detergents or alcohol in the milky formula. Fueled by minerals and French clay, the cleanser can get into pores and remove dead skin. White Willow Bark exfoliates while Pomegranate extract acts as an antioxidant. And the Neroli and Bergamont make cleansing a fragrant pleasure.

Tata Harper Repairative Moisturizer is silky and luxurious. This liquid lotion packs as much of a hydration punch as a thicker cream. Long lasting moisture is provided by Jojoba and Vitamin E while Oleosomes from Safflower helps retain moisture and improve the skin barrier. Natural Hyaluronic acid takes hydration to the next level. Fresh Rose and essential oils, including sandalwood, magnolia, and geranium help foster radiant, plump and fresh looking skin. After application, I almost feel a slight tightening as if my skin is protected and reinforced.

The most intriguing products I tried was the Tata Harper Replenishing Nutrient Complex. This serum comes in a vial with a roller ball that you are directed to roll over your face and neck. The ritual of application almost became addicting as the cool metal ball acts as a massager. This goes on over your moisturizer (so I guess it isn’t really a serum). The thin liquid is absorbed into my skin almost immediately, lending to a radiant complexion. Alfalfa extract gives you a dose of vitamins A, B, C, D and E, working to improve hyper-pigmentation. Rosa Rubiginosa seed oil contains a trans-retinoic acid working against fine lines. Carrot Oil and Borage Oil calm and freshen the skin. Lastly, rose otto adds just a very slight fragrance.

Tata also has a collection of aromatherapy treatments. Appropriately so, I’ve been trying out Tata Harper Aromatic Stress Treatment. I can’t believe how addicted I am to this – I reach for it all the time. The roller ball dispenser is designed to be applied to pulse points to calm and promote relaxation to the mind, body and spirit. Sweet, honeyed linden, rose otto, bittersweet neroli and frankincense really do conjure a relaxed state of mind. When things are really tense, I take a moment to apply to my palms, cup them over my face and take five deep breaths. And good news: you can use this as many times as needed throughout the day. I truly believe even the thoughtful act of doing something to calm the mind makes for a healthier spirit.

Shop for the above Tata Harper products here:

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.

I’m a Simple Skincare Ambassador: Let’s Celebrate With a GIVEAWAY!

I know many of you are fellow drugstore beauty aficionados. So, I am thrilled to be partnering up this year with one of my favorite drugstore skincare brands!!! Simple Skincare is all about caring for sensitive skin while using the purest possible ingredients. Even those who don’t suffer from sensitive skin will find the straightforward formulas quenching, soothing and effective.

Simple was born in the UK in 1960, launched with a perfume and dye free cleanser. Today, their focus is on cleansers, wipes, moisturizers and eye care loaded with “skin loving ingredients” and vitamins. Their wipes are a huge staple for me – I love the different variations, all of which are so gentle. And the Vital Vitamin Night Cream is clutch during these dry winter days – hydrates AND calms. Stay tuned as I will be chatting about Simple products throughout the year, bringing you tips on caring for sensitive skin and reviewing products from the line.

And of course we must celebrate, right? I’m thrilled to be giving away TEN gift baskets stocked full of Simple’s new 2013 products, which include:

Foaming Cleanser
Oil Balancing Cleansing Wipes
Radiance Cleansing Wipes
Eye Make Up Remover Pads
Protecting Light Moisturizer with SPF 15

Enter using the widget below (US Only):

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You can find Simple Skincare at CVS, Walgreens, Wal-mart, and other drugstores.

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.

Omorovicza Perfecting Lip Balm

I have no qualms going luxe with lip balms. Sometimes you just need to bring in the heavy hitters. I’ve been scrubbing, conditioning and moisturizing all winter long. And my lips were still flaky and dry. While I love my Dior Lip Glow for during the day (it has a dose of hydration), I wanted a color-free intensive treatment for night time or when I am typing away at my desk.

This rich balm contains Shea butter, eucalyptus and hyaluronic spheres to fill and smooth lips. Other goodies like Omega 6 ceramide and Virgin Ente plum oil restores a supple, hydrated look look. I particularly like the long-lasting soothing feeling Omorovicza Perfecting Lip Balm leaves with a slight minty tingle. With daily use for over a month, I still haven’t put a dent in the pot of goodness.

Kiehl’s Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream

It is a new year. The calendar page has turned. And anti-aging just got real. I’m 33 but have been using quality skin care for years. My skin is on the dry side, so most products I pick are for more mature skin, filled with anti-aging benefits. It has paid off. But as I enter the stage where fine lines are bound to crop up, I am going to step up my game.

Just in the nick of time, Kiehl’s recently released their Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream. It takes a whole new approach to tackling fine lines and wrinkles, going after elasticity. Elasticity starts its decline in the 20s (yikes) when elastin and collegen fibers start to weaken and decrease. Key ingredients like Copper PCA and Calcium PCA and Apricot Kernal Oil strengthen skin’s fiber network, improving texture moisture and elasticity. Boom… younger looking skin.

In addition to strengthening and forming elastin, Copper is also an antioxidant, improving the barrier function of skin and protecting from oxidative stress. Calcium also helps with skin barrier function. Lastly, the dose of hydration immediately improves skin texture, looking plump and buoyant.

The formula is designed for all ages. While it is adequately hydrating for my drier skin, it isn’t heavy or pore-clogging so no fear if you happen to be more combination. It does have a slight metallic smell which I actually find quite pleasing. The light cream blends easily and works well under makeup. Also, available with Broad Spectrum SPF 30 and as an eye cream.

Brand Spotlight: Amarté Skin Care

I love reviewing skin care systems that embrace regimen approach. When products are designed to work together, I feel my skin gets a re-boot – almost like a cleanse for the face. The system is comprised of four components: cleansing, moisturization, rejuvenation and protection. The Heart & Seoul Collection, the set I tried out, encompasses all these steps in one easy package.

Amarté views cleansing as a fundamental part of skin care, maintaining integrity and skin barrier function. The Daily Wonder Cleansing Foam has that creamy formula which plays so nice with my dry skin. At the same time, I love foaming action to really get my skin clean.

Amarté has a two-step approach to moisture. At first, I was confused how to layer and use these two products: Aqua Veil and HydroLift. But after I was instructed to use Aqua Veil first, followed by HydroLift, I found my dry skin uniquely quenched. The hydration was “sealed in” with the second, richer application. The Aqua Veil is a cucumber-infused moisturizer on the light side. It might be just perfect for the warm summer months. I love the fresh, nourishing feel without any heaviness. The heavier HydroLift works agains fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol works on tone and texture while caviar extract and acacia collagen deeply hydrate to plump the skin.

Restoration comes next with the Eyeconic Eye Cream, coupled with an applicator like I’ve never seen before. The formula contains 3.8% stabilized retinol, while remaining gentle and elegant. I experience zero irritation and am thrilled to find an eye cream turbo charged with retinol.

The Heart & Seoul Collection also included two travel size containers for their Natural Finish BB Cream. My friend, Amber, reviewed a full size of the BB Cream here and I share in her enthusiasm. It is truly a best of breed with great coverage, natural finish and rigorous skin care. The SPF 36 is up to my standards and the consistancy is rich and smooth. The formula contains antioxidants and complexion enhancers

If you feel the New Year is bringing a need for a little re-set, I highly recommend the Heart & Seoul Collection. The portions are generous and it is a great way to expose yourself to the brand. At the very least, check out the BB Cream. The collection can be found at www.amartecosmetics.com.

A little about the brand: The Amarté Skin Care has deep roots in Korea, but was discovered by an American dermatologist, Dr. Kraffert, and introduced to the West. The line is developed at a Bio Regional Innovation Center using leading science, maintaining its roots in luxurious and results-oriented skin care.

Best Masks for an At-Home Facial

One of my New Year’s Resolutions was to do more at home facials. Since weekly spa treatments aren’t really in the budget, I’ve been adopting some at home versions and have been pleasantly surprised by how results-oriented they can be. Here are some of my most favorite masks and treatments I’ve used lately:

Omorovicza Deep Cleansing Mask is the class spa mask loaded with Hungarian thermal mud to nourish while cleansing the skin. For all skin types, this traditional experience leaves my skin feeling uber-clean but also enriched and radiant. The white clay helps draw out oil and toxins, but without leaving my dry skin feeling stripped.

bliss ‘No Zit Sherlock’ Breakout-Busting Rubberizing Mask is what I turn to when I am feeling a little congested (in the skin that is). If I were a black head, I would shutter if I saw me whipping this stuff up. The mix-it-yourself mask transforms into a rubbery, thick texture that sops up oil and clog-causing debris. Seaweed, tea tree and menthol nourish and calm while cleansing.

Sisley-Paris Black Rose Cream Mask is a great mask when my skin is feeling a little sensitive. The rich formula infuses skin with vitamins and plant extracts to rejuvenate and plump. Fine lines are diminished and tone is brightened. If I am slightly red or irritated from dryness or too much retinol, the black rose cream soothes and softens skin.

SK-II Facial Treatment Mask is my dream travel companion. I haven’t been brave enough to wear this alien-looking mask on the actual plane. But every time I happen to have one, I immediate apply for a little pick-me-up once I check into my hotel. The cotton is soaked with vitamins, organic acids and minerals to return skin to normal operating behavior. Radiance and moisture are back in the game.

Somme Institute ‘Boost’ Mask, a warming mask, is particularly pleasant in the winter. The warming action increases blood flow, allowing for nourishing delivery of minerals and enzymes. The spicy, pumpkin scent sounds seasonal, but you’ll be drawn to it all year long.

Shop my favorite masks here: