Category: skin-care

Drugstore Favorites for the Fall

I’ve been trolling the beauty section of my local drug store and want to report on some of my current favorites. I’m keeping in mind the fall trends and drier air. Not to mention the big holiday parties we have coming up. Not included in the round up was the obligatory candy corn I stocked up on yesterday. Why is that stuff so good?

CoverGirl & Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1 Foundation: I’ve been really impressed with this foundation. It has medium coverage with a matte finish, without requiring a ton of product. I love the addition of skin care, so you are working to improve the appearance of your skin. It plays especially well with my drier skin.

Visine Maximum Redness Relief Eye Drops: At first I was skeptical of this red carpet staple. But I am so glad I picked some up at the store. I used it recently before a big event and my eyes were clear and bright. I needed less eye makeup and I appeared more awake. I probably wouldn’t use this in my daily rotation, but I now consider this a “must have” for big nights out.

Olay Age Defying Instant Hydration Serum: Olay is definitely a forerunner in the skin care game along side so many luxury contenders. This hydrating primer would be a perfect moisturizer for someone with oilier skin. I use it as a primer – it has very similar consistancy to Smashbox Hydrating Primer. And I keep it at my desk to treat dry spots throughout the day.

Bio-Oil Scar Treatment: While marketed as a scar treatment, Bio-Oil also makes for a great body oil. While I do use this on some older scars, hoping to see some improvement, I’ve found it makes for a great moisturizer post shower. It has a baby powder scent with a smooth, non-greasy finish.

Essie Miss Fancy Pants: Essie did it again with their fall collection. While the bolder colors are also fabulous, I love this grey taupe for an understated elegance. If you want something more festive, try Stylenomics.

 
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Kate Somerville Oil Free Serums

Anti-aging products tend to cater more towards dry skin that isn’t prone to breakouts. Somehow, the nourishing, oil-based feel has a corner on wrinkle-fighting serums. But I know plenty of people who desire anti-wrinkle and hydration serum but don’t want the nasty oil. Kate Somerville to the rescue. Two of her newest serums are oil-free, but still satisfy the needed moisture and anti-aging needs of those with acne-prone or oily skin.

Kate Somerville Quench Hydrating Face Serum is one of my all time favorite products. It gives a glow and makes my skin feel rejuvenated. Now it comes in a lightweight, water-based, shine-free formula that’s perfect for oily skin. Kate Somerville Quench Oil Free Hydrating Face Serum locks in hydration using Plumeria Flower Extract and Dynamic Moisture Complex™. Matrixyl 6, a peptide, fight against expression lines and wrinkles. Collagen builds firmness. And you get an immediate tightening effect.

Kate Somerville CytoCell P299 Anti-Wrinkle Serum uses P299™, a scientifically advanced stem technology polypeptide, to diminish the look of wrinkles and help fight the signs of aging by activating the natural renewal process that strengthens skin. This serum also helps with hydration by using hyaluronic acid and marine algae extracts, all while being oil-free.

These both can be used morning and night. I love the way Quench Oil-free looks under makeup. And CytoCell P299 is a powerhouse anti-aging fighter. I’ve been working this into my nighttime routine. Don’t forget to use this on your neck too!

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Well-Kept

So many times when people ask me about a sudden acne outbreak, it is along their jaw line. And more often than not, it is from a dirty phone. Gross. But such an easy problem to fix. By keeping your phone clean, you can lessen those outbreaks without using a single skin care product. And now, with the establishment of Well-Kept, you can do it so stylishly!

Founder, Neeley Kolsch, is a Florida native with a design and business background. Her career kept her chained to technology, and just noticed gross smugdes and those sneaky blemishes. Wanting a stylish solution, Well-Kept was born. The wipes can be used on cell phones and a variety of personal electronics and lenses. The sleek package has a reliable closure so there is no drying out. The adorable packaging will make you want to pull them out to clean your phone (not to mention easy to find in a giant purse).

Available at staywellkept.com.

Own Firming Silk Concentrate

I’ve recently had the chance to try out a new natural skin care line, Own Products. The line focuses on CLA, a derivative of the safflower plant, that has been proven to fight aging as effectively as retinol without the side effects. I immediately fell for the centerpeice of the collection: the Firming Silk Concentrate. The serum delivers the CLA via a no-water formula. It goes on silky with quick absorption, immediately smoothing my skin. The concentrate works beautifully under makeup, not to mention it is working hard to make my skin look better. The oil-based formula contains coconut oil and vitamin E to nourish skin.

Own also launched an exciting iPhone app. It is like having a skin care specialist at home! After taking your photo, the My Own app uses facial recognition and clinical technology to measure your signs of aging in a few minutes. It reports a detailed map of six signs of aging: fine lines, deep wrinkles, crow’s feet, age spot count and visibility. Based on your information, My Own gives you custom product recommendations and you can track your progress with photos every 30 days.

Own’s Firming Silk Concentrate retails for $24.99 and is available at drugstore.com.

NARS Illuminated Skin Care

I am going to attempt to remain calm as I introduce you to the newly relaunched NARS Skin Care. But I apologize if I get a little overly excited. The brand known for beautiful color and elegant packaging has come through with some truly innovative, results-oriented, superb skin care.

Off the bat, I am swooning over the Purifying Foam Cleanser. Most of you know I love a good foaming face wash – check out some other favorites here. The Clé de Peau Beauté Gentle Cleansing Foam has long been a holy grail products for me, and I am thrilled to report this NARS face wash is so utterly similar at less than half the cost. It is highly foaming with small botanical exfoliating spheres (which are not irritating).  Wild Rose and Peony extracts soothe skin. And while this is targeted for normal to oily/combination skin, it isn’t drying and doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight. The theme of all three of my favorite products is their illuminating capabilities – cleanser included. The formula contains the NARS exclusive Light Reflecting Complex™ designed to restore skin’s youthful radiance and reflect light like a prism.

NARS ‘Skin’ Optimal Brightening Concentrate, in its elegant square jar, is unlike any other serum I have tried. The center piece of the NARS collection hydrates, soothes and boots radiance like nothing else. It comes in especially handy for big events or after a late night – the complexion really looks revitalized. Vitamin C works long term to prevent and help repair signs of aging and dark spots. This also makes a lovely primer, especially for those with oily skin. Just skip moisturizer (but not SPF) and use the concentrate under makeup.

Lastly, the Luminous Moisture Cream – certain to be a favorite for those of you with dry skin like me. Like the Concentrate and Cleanser, this cream contains the NARS exclusive Light Reflecting Complex™, so you will continue to get that brightened appearance. The rich cream has seriously intense hydration, which only makes my skin look plumper, glowier and overall more healthy. Beech Bud Extract boosts collagen production and anti-oxidants to combat free radical damage. Bravo, NARS!

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Favorite Cleansing Waters

Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water is my holy grail makeup remover product. And I am not alone. Celebrities go gaga over this stuff. It can remove makeup and nourish sensitive skin without any irritation. It is made with thermal water from Yumura Hot Springs in Izumo, Japan. The formula also contains White Birch Sap – a rare ingreditient that contributes minerals and xylitol. And the best part is no rinsing required – literally no excuse to go to sleep with makeup on. It also comes in towelette form. I saturate a cotton pad, hold over stubborn makeup for a couple seconds and wipe.

Bioderma Créaline Micellar Water is incredibly gentle – makeup artists swear by it for NYFW when models are going through multiple looks a day. It removes even the toughest makeup. The only issue is it is hard to find without paying a tortuous markup. If you are ever in Paris, make sure to pick up a bottle. It is specially formulated for sensitive skin, and the soap-free formula balances skin. The soothing formula clears pores and is super kind to the delicate eye area.

NARS Makeup Removing Water, originally reviewed here, is soap-free, oil-free, and alcohol-free. It tones the skin while removing makeup. It is not the gentlest of the bunch, but it is super lightweight and refreshing. It is ideal for oilier skin. The botanical ingredients that leave my skin glowing and hydrated.

Klorane Soothing Eye Make-Up Remover with Cornflower is also super powerful against stubborn makeup. The formula has pH balance similar to tears so it is especially kind to the eye area. It decongests the skin without any burning. This is a relatively budget friendly buy that works on the most sensitive skin.

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