Category: skin-care

Kiehl’s Rosa Arctica

Being the customer service superstars that they are, Kiehl’s listened to their clientele and recently released a lighter weight version of my beloved Rosa Arctica. Eighteen months after trying the original version, I am sold on the straight forward, nature-proven collection for (now) any skin type. So… onto the details.

Here is the bad news… As we age, we have:

Decreased Cell Energy: slower cell turnover can lead to oxidative stress and skin aging
Decreased Barrier Function and Integrity: the outer layer of skin weakens as we age, compromising functionality of the skin
Increased Dryness: skin barrier doesn’t function as well when we age

And here is the good news: Rosa Arctica formulas feature the rare “Resurrection Flower” – a regenerating flower that can survive up to 31 months of dehydration and return to life when moisture returns. These “resurrection plants” have a protection system that makes it possible for the plant to survive the drying out process still maintaining its cell structure. This translates on your skin by reducing fine lines and wrinkles and adding firmness through a protective and vitality-stimulating effect. In addition to this super plant, Rosa Arctica contains Vitamin E, Glycerin (this isn’t a bad word – it’s great for more supple skin!), Adenosine (helps with lines) and White Birch (retains moisture).

Both versions of Rosa Arctica address all three of the above concerns. The Lightweight version does it without the heaviness. The consistency almost feels like a gel. In addition to those with oilier skin, this new formula is great for those who live in warmer climates or for warmer months. The cream has a slight fragrance – to my nose, it is a pleasant spa-like marine with very little floral. The Rosa Arctica Eye is a balm – love that consistency for the eye area. You warm it with your finger in the pot and gently tap on the orbital bone.

I’ve been using both the Rosa Arctica Eye and Rosa Arctica Lightweight Cream day and night for a couple of weeks. My skin seems plumper and more even. Even with my dry skin, I find plenty of hydration with the lighter formula. Kudos, Kiehl’s!

La Prairie Cellular Resurfacing 3-Minute Peel

I have been lucky enough to try out La Prairie Cellular Resurfacing 3-Minute Peel during some spa treatments, but I never have had the cherished stuff at home for some regular use. Now that is has been on my vanity for a couple weeks, I can official declare it’s even better than I thought. The results after periodic peels is exfoliated, smooth, soft skin.

This once-a-week peel is “professional level” exfoliation that you most certainly feel working. Professional strength AHAs, BHA, Salicylic Acid and Mixed Fruit Acids clean the surface and exfoliate, pushing fresh, younger cells to the surface.

The peel itself has a pleasant fresh floral scent. The large jar comes with a brush (it sits in a small slot at the base of the jar). I like the ritual of using the ultra-soft brush to get an even, complete application. You can get into those nooks and crannies around your nose. Immediately, I feel tingling, almost itchiness, but not to the point of discomfort.

When you rinse it off – literally after three minutes – somehow a silky texture moisturizes and calms the skin. The peel emulsifies into a silky gel that requires a washcloth to remove. My skin is a little red immediately after use, but calms down to be even and soft in 20 minutes. Despite this, probably better for evening use.

Click here for my other favorite at-home peels.

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.

Freeze 24-7 ArcticLift Firming Neck Cream

A neck cream, you say? Yes, I am going to recommend a cream just for your neck. This has been in the back of my mind lately, as I’ve been getting a lot of questions about firming, particularly along the jaw. And with party atire working its way into the rotation, a luminous, youthful décolletage is all the more important. With all this in mind, I have been diving into a jar of Freeze 24-7 ArcticLift Firming Neck Cream. How cute is this packaging, especially this time of year!?

Freeze 24-7 promised immediate results, although I was skeptical. I can confirm you’ll see results after just one use. I couldn’t believe the immediate tightening right after my first application but there it was. The moisturizer evened my skin tone and the delicate skin seems more firm. Overall, my neck and décolletage just look healthier.

Freeze 24-7 uses four ingredients to work its wonders:

Rejuvelle: A proprietary cactus pectin with amazing water-binding properties to immediately hydrate and fill sagging neck skin.
Rye seed extract: Increases tone and tension.
Polylift: A biopolymer of sweet almond protein that firms, smoothes and lifts.
Toniskin: A yeast extract that improves the appearance of deep wrinkles.

And there you have it. Yet another skin care product has made its way to my vanity. And I can confirm it is worth the extra step. So often a face will be youthful and wrinkle-free to just have a saggy neck betray all that hard work.

Natura Bissé Diamond Life Infusion

Natura Bissé Diamond Life Infusion is probably one of the most luxurous serums I have tried to date. I already swoon over anything Natura Bissé (check out the review of my favorite peel here) and it was a pleasure to try their latest and greatest. Diamond Life Infusion uses their diamond delivery system for deep penetration of 16 anti-aging ingredients.

This serum uses a natural magnetite to extend the life span of skin cells. The Bio-Magnet Nanosomes provide retinoid-like rejuvenation without those nasty side effects. Like other serums, this is a concentrate of the most active ingredients to promise the most potent of results. In vitro test (Gene array analysis of 64 skin-specific genes) revealed that skin looked appeared 3.9 years younger after seven days.

I’ve had this in the rotation for a little over a month, using on the face and decollete area, and I am already hooked on the luminous glow it gives. The creamy, spa-scented consistency is perfect to work in via a little mini-massage. I do think it helped me heal from massive dryness caused by an bump in my retinol prescription. And it is capable of preventing formation of dark spots. This would be a real asset in recovering from surgery or procedures. It has the properties of La Mer The Concentrate with a more nourishing feel.

I recognize this is super pricey for a small 25 mL/ 0.8 fl. oz. pump. However, Natura Bissé is known for producing products with absolute cutting edge technology. The company was started with a skin care line featuring free-form amino acids in 1979, and continues to be known for its innovative products. Diamond Life Infusion is a highly concentrated, super charged serum with loads of active ingredients. And the proven results make it all the more worth it.

What is On My Nightstand

I’ve been a little obsessive with my nighttime routine and I wanted to share my favorite products during evening hours:

Lucas PawPaw Ointment – This Australian ointment is like Aquaphor but better. It has Papaya to help exfoliate and my lips have never been so healthy. No wonder it has been around for 100 years.
Jason Vitamin E Oil – I’ve had cracking dry skin on my feet and hands. This nourishing (albeit a little messy) oil contains essential oils of Black Currant, Evening Primrose, Macadamia Nut and Borage. It is a truly intensive treatment if you need to heal skin quickly.
Bliss 24-Heaven Healing Balm – I can’t stop talking about this moisturizing cream. It is thick but absorbs quickly and leaves skin hydrated and supple.
Avene Thermal Spring Water – I picked this up on whim in New York City. It is a refreshing spray that adds moisture and can act as a makeup remover in a pinch. A little on a cotton ball and I don’t feel so guilty for not washing my face on those late nights.
Bio-Oil – Can you tell I have dry skin? For those nights I need a little extra dose of moisture, I use this on my arms and legs. I spot treated on a nasty bruise on my arm and really do think it sped healing.
LoLLIA Relax – I reach for this in the AM too. The main note is lavender, but the bee blossom honey and Indian amber add a sweet spiciness. I am a big believer in aromatherapy and this makes it a little easier to unwind.

Shiseido ‘Bio-Performance’ Advanced Super Restoring Cream

Are you into getting the latest and greatest as much as I am? Well, here’s some news… Shiseido ‘Bio-Performance’ Advanced Super Restoring Cream features the brand’s biggest technological advancements to-date and a first in skincare. They are the only cosmetic company using dermal stem cell research (others use epidermal stem cell technology).

This technology fights sagging, loss of resilience and deep wrinkles. The Bio-Renewal Complex is what makes the Cream so effective. Making it easier for dermal stem cells to thrive, fibroblasts are activated and improve skin’s functionality. By targeting cells in the skin’s core layer, skin is lifted and smoothed. Sounds like some pretty impresive science to me!

The Cream is thick and, at first, feels a little greasy. But it quickly absorbs, leaving soft, supple skin. Instantly, my skin looks more even. I am always sold on my beloved hyaluronic acid – it provides a super-charged level of moisture. And Rose Apple Leafe helps protect against UV rays. While the rose scent isn’t my favorite, those of you who do love it, will enjoy the subtle rosy fragrance. I think this Cream would be ideal for those with dry skin and/or recovering from a peel, windburn or aggressive anti-aging ingredients. It is soothing, yet active and packs a hydrating punch.