Category: skin-care

La Prairie White Caviar Illuminating Eye Cream

When La Prairie launches a new line, they make sure their loyalists will love it. Their new White Caviar Illuminating Système specifically targets age spots, discoloration and hyper-pigmentation, meeting the needs of their current customers and making a new one out of me. My biggest concern is under eye circles and hyper-pigmentation, so I was on La Prairie bandwagon for the first time. I had no qualms about trusting my eyes to La Prairie. They have been around for more than a half of a century as pioneers in cellular, anti-aging therapy.

The White Caviar Illuminating Eye Cream works in three ways against discoloration. It prevents by limiting and minimizing the trigger enzyme, tyrosinase, which starts hyper-pigmentation deep within the skin. While you are using the cream, it actuals is decreasing and controling excess melanin. And, lastly, it also fades existing spots.

Here’s where it gets technical: Oligopeptide-68, a skin-lightening peptide, along with Swiss Garden Cress Sprout Extract, fade existing spots and prevent future excess pigment formation. Vitamin C and Licorice Root Extract help melanin. And  Golden Caviar Extracts boost the anti-oxidant level of defense in the skin while also promoting firming aspects. Lastly, La Prairie’s exclusive Cellular Complex of Glycoproteins, Horsetail, and Ginseng Extracts, help stimulate the skin’s natural renewal process.

Long story short: it works. This stuff is results oriented. My dark circles have improved and even some hyper-pigmentation around my eyes has faded. And a bonus is you can use day and night. The formula is sheer and lightweight so it works well under makeup. And because of its weight, you can apply it all the way up to the brow bone.

 

The At-Home Peel

At one time, peels required a doctor’s visit, inspired fear and often disappointed on results. Not to mention the healing time required afterward. Today, peels have transformed into a satisfying step in skin care that you can do at home with next day results! I’ve heard so much banter on the twitter waves lately about these products, that I had to share my favorites.

  1. Glamglow isn’t a peel in the name, but accomplishes many of the same goals. And it is no longer an underground cult favorite – Glamglow was a Neiman Marcus Beauty Award Winner in2012! It is popular in Hollywood, but the mud base hails from Southern France, home to glamorous Cannes, St. Tropez and Monaco. Glamglow was a proprietary technology that allows ‘Super-Squalene’, a moisturizer, and ‘EGCG Super-Antioxidants’ direct into the mud from the pieces of tea leaves. This can be quite granular, so be gentle, but you will not believe your glow afterwards.
  2. Sulwhasoo Skin Clarifying Mask (also technically not a peel, but I had to include it since you peel it off) is a very gentle and very gratifying way to lift out impurities and dead skin cells to detoxify and clarify dull, devitalized, and problem skin. Korean medicinal herbs on in this honey like formula that you allow to dry on your face and then literally peel off. This is better for those who lean to the oilier side of skin.
  3. Dr. Dennis Gross Skinare Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel is a peel designed for daily use because it is so gentle. I love the simple two step proccess: simply wipe the face with a pad from Step 1, wait two minutes, then repeat with Step 2. This stuff can stand up to any problem: fights wrinkles, balances oil, tones skin, increases clarity and radiance, and calms redness.
  4. For those with sensitive skin try Natura Bisse NB Ceutical Tolerance Enzyme Peel reviewed here. Instead of glycolic or lactic acid, this Peel uses enzymes. It has a great texture that is rubbed in until it liquifies. My skin looked brighter and more even immediately after I used it. There was absolutely no tingling at all.
  5. La Prairie Cellular Resurfacing 3-Minute Peel is a little more active. I could feel tingling, but wasn’t left with any redness. They recommend using this once a week, which I would adhear to. La Prairie is serious about the inclusion of “professional level” exfoliants, including AHAs, BHA, Salicylic Acid and Mixed Fruit Acids. The skin is retexturized by the removal of surface debris. My skin was incredibly smooth and evened after using.
  6. Kate Somerville Micro Glycolic Polisher uses both glycolic AND lactic acid work together to promote surface cell turnover, gently and effectively. At the same time, she added anti-aging to leave us with a youthful glow. Can it get any better? Blue Lotus extract delivers anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant benefits to calm skin and fight against free-radical damage. This doesn’t cause my skin to tingle at all and I can see immediate results.And I’m already hooked on Felicia’s, Bergdorf’s Social Media Beauty Editor, trick: “Add one pump of Micro Glycolic Polisher to your regular night time moisturizer for a little overnight mild exfoliation. Wake up glowy.
  7. Kate Somerville also makes Clinic-To-Go™ Resurfacing Peel Pads which are genius for travelling. When I first started using them, I did get a little tingle. No more. I love having these around for the evening after a long airplane ride or the night before an early morning important meeting.

Do you use a peel?

Stages of Beauty Skincare

There is an overwhelming amount of skincare lines out there. Within a single skin care line are collections and products to treat different issues. So putting together something that is really catered to your skin can be sometimes challenging. Enter Stages of Beauty. Their products are not tested on animals and made with natural ingredients – one less thing to think about when considering a skin care purchase.

They have four lines that a specifically designed for woman based on their age:

  • The RADIANCE line (for women in their 20s) focuses on preventative care, repairing and protecting skin against environmental damage and free radicals.
  • The HARMONY line (for women in their 30s) focuses on promoting the skin’s natural ability to exfoliate and regenerate new skin cells while supporting collagen and elastin.
  • The ELEGANCE line (for women in their 40s) focuses on regaining the skin’s elasticity, firmness, and tone and calming sensitivity.
  • The GRACE line (for women in their 50s) focuses on hydration, moisture barrier repair, restoring the skin’s surface immunity, and balancing the effect of hormones on the skin

Each product line includes:

  • Cleanser
  • Scrub
  • Serum
  • Toner
  • Treatment Cream
  • Anti-Aging Supplement

I was able to try the cleanser, the scrub and the treatment cream. While I appreciate the effort to leave products fragrance-free, the cleanser and scrub could have used a little help in the smell department. If you aren’t sensitive to a “hospital-like” scent, the cleanser is creamy and does a great job removing makeup. The scrub is great for periodic exfoliation – I would just caution those with sensitive skin to go easy with the granules. The real winner what the treatment cream. I loved that it pumped out of the dispenser like a lotion, but behaved like a cream. My dry skin got plenty of hydration. It stimulates the production of collegan and elastin. Algee, peptides, monk’s berry, prickly pear are all part of the package.

If this piques your interest, click here for a free sample offer at the bottom of the page.

Favorite Serums

Serums are such an underrated skin care step. I can see why. With a cleanser, you get instant gratification of washing off the grim. Moisturizer’s hydration feels so good. And applying SPF is like giving yourself a pat on the back. But a recent experience reminded my how important these guys are.

I was testing a skin care system that didn’t incorporate a serum. I followed it to a “T”. After just 10 days, my skin looked dull and my hyperpigmentation was worse. My skin just didn’t feel as soft. So, I bagged the system I was testing and returned to my serum-inclusive routine.

In just three days, I was back to my old self. Definitely reminded me how important a serum can be. So today, I am sharing my three favorites. I rotate these and often use two together. They  go on after cleansing a before moisturizer.

1. La Mer The Concentrate – I don’t know about this “Miracle Broth” and I have been concerned about some of the ingredients La Mer uses, but I just can’t deny that this stuff eliminates redness like a champ. It was initially designed to improve the appearance of scarring resulting from surgery and burns. I have used this after surgery and it works wonders on minimizing scars. But the premise also works on dry, irritated and sensitive skin. The main ingredient accelerates skin’s natural repair process. And it leaves skin insanely soft.

2. Kanebo Sensai Collection Prime Solution – This stuff is new and I’ve been lucky enough to test it out over the past couple of months. Kanebo is known for using Koishimaru Silk which reawakens skin cells. It boosts the efficacy of other treatments I use – so make sure to apply it first before any other treatments or serums. I love the beautiful glass bottle too!

3. Sunday Riley Juno Transformative Lipid Serum – Actually a dry oil, this has cult-level status. Sunday Riley’s skin care is inspired by Native American botanicals and she is best known for her NV-5 Ageless Complex, a proprietary blend of 5 Native American botanicals to detoxify, heal, and recharge the skin. Juno also includes oils extremely high in natural retinol, Vitamin C, Essential Amino Acids, Omega-3, 6, & 9, UV shields, and natural Anti-Inflammatory agents for luminous skin. This stuff leaves skin super glow-y.

Kiehl’s Desert Run for amfAR – Limited Edition Desert Run Travel Essentials Kit

Calling all biker beauty lovers! This is such a cool event, celebrating Kiehl’s unique 161-year-old heritage with motorcycles while building HIV/AIDS awareness. Kiehl’s Desert Run for amfAR will travel from Las Vegas to Los Angeles March 29 through April 2, 2012, to raise funds and awareness for amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research.

Also supporting amfAR (and for those of us who are not bikers), the Limited Edition Desert Run Travel Essentials Kit is an assortment of Kiehl’s best-selling travel size products, with 100% of Kiehl’s net profits from the sale of this product, up to $25,000, to benefit amfAR. The kit retails for $69.00, and features Amino Acid Shampoo & Conditioner, Ultra Facial Cleanser, Ultra Facial Cream, Creme de Corps, Midnight Recovery Concentrate, Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate, Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 15 and Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado.

If you are in the neighborhood, you can swing by one of the Desert Run stops for music and refreshments. Or you can join the Desert Run Community Ride, Sunday, April 1, from Kiehl’s at The Grove to Kiehl’s on Robertson Blvd. Those interested in riding must e-mail [email protected] to RSVP and for additional details.

The stops include:

  • March 29th: Kiehl’s Since 1851 at Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas, NV – 3:00pm – 5:00pm Forum Shops at Caesars
  • March 31st: Kiehl’s Since 1851 at Saks Fifth Avenue– 2:00pm – 4:00pm
  • April 1st: Kiehl’s Since 1851 at South Coast Plaza – 12:00pm
  • April 1st: Kiehl’s Since 1851 at The Grove – 3:00pm **Desert Run Community Ride**
  • April 1st: Kiehl’s Since 1851 on Robertson Blvd. – 4:30 pm

YSL Beauty Youth Liberator

YSL Beauty recently launched a new collection with a catchy little name: YouthLiberator. The star of this collection is a scientific break through called Glycobiology. This stuff is big time – Glycobiology was awarded 7 Noble Prizes. So what does this have to do with skin care? Check out what YSL has to say:

Glycobiology is the study of glycans, molecules which are naturally present in the skin. Glycans are responsible for directing communication between cells, ensuring that they send and receive the messages required for optimal performance. Without glycans, cellular communication breaks down and the body cannot properly function. With age, the quantity of glycans naturally decreases, slowing the skin’s regeneration process and triggering the visible of aging: wrinkles, loss of density and dullness of complexion. Yves Saint Laurent introduces GLYCANACTIFTM, a patented complex which imitates the action of glycans, helping to restore your skin’s youthful beauty.

The line is developed for skin over 30. And I have really enjoyed the products. The Forever Youth Liberator Creme does not plump like some other moisturizers, but it does lend to radiance with its mirror-effect micro-shimmer particles. Makeup is a dream to apply over the Cream and adds a luminous look. And the real highlight, for me, is that includes SPF 15. I usually use two seperate products – moisurizer and then SPF – so this is a time saver. If you are willing to have two different creams – one for evening and one for morning – this is a great option.

I also tried the Yves Saint Laurent Beaute Forever Youth Liberator Eye Cream. The consistency is relatively thick, which I like. I feel like there is more control in the application. Again, there wasn’t a lot of plumping but definitely a illuminating effect. My puffiness and dryness was soothed and the under eye area was refreshed.