Category: skin-care

Yves Saint Laurent Eye Brighten Trick

As we enter the swinging holiday season, I am prepping for late nights finishing up work before vacation (okay, and maybe some holiday festivities and cocktails).  Sadly, this leaves me with puffy, tired looking eyes.  So I know my new found trick is going to be put to good use in the next couple of months.

I already had the requisite pen of Touche Eclat on my vanity (every makeup junkie does).  But it is even better mixed with a pea size amount of Yves Saint Laurent Temps Majeur Eye.  Temps Majeur Eye has luminescence, so it does double duty as part of my makeup routine.  On its own, it brightens the eye (while battling dark circles, puffiness and fine lines).   With the highlighting power of Touche Eclat, your get that extra radiance.   I like to also add a swipe of Touche Eclat down my nose and right under my brows.   I have fair to medium skin and use No. 2 Luminous Ivory.   Well rested, festive look all in all!

 

eos Smooth Sphere Lip Balm

I’d heard great things about these little balls of lipbalm goodness, but had never come across one in person.  Didn’t take but two seconds for me to plop a couple in my basket at CVS this past week. I had to see what the fuss was all about.

These have zero color, but are incredibly nourishing – perfect as part of the nighttime ritual.  They pretty much covered all the bases here as far as unwelcome ingredients:

  • Gluten-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Petrolatum-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • 95% organic
  • 100% natural

The sphere actually works really well – no edges and even application.  Unlike a tube, you don’t nick the edge of the balm when replacing the cap.  The packaging is very similar to what you find your NARS products in –  soft, velvety plastic.  And one of the highlights for me: surprisingly easy to find in my massive purse.   Right now, I can’t stop using summer fruit as I am craving a beach vacation.  But sweet mint is a close second.

Kiehl’s Since 1851 Ultimate UV Shield SPF 50

I kinda feel like I found the sunscreen holy grail.  I just stumbled upon it running errands.   And it was just too monumental not to share immediately.  It is powerful, lightweight, effective sunscreen. Bonus points for Kiehl’s always pleasant packaging so it looks great on your vanity.

The formula is oil free, but it is so lightweight, those with drier skin can layer with moisturizer.   The sunscreen doesn’t cake on the skin – the smooth, thin layer of SPF is the perfect canvas for makeup.   And this is broad-based.  That means is blocks more of those suckers that will lead to premature aging, freckles, dark spots and skin cancer.  I hope you are as excited as I am.  You can find it at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.

Amore Pacific

Amore Pacific is the ultimate in luxury skincare (with price and performance to match).  Harnessing the expertise of Korean skin care, Amore Pacific uses Asian botanicals as main ingredients in anti-aging and soothing skin care systems.  Some of the ingredients include green tea and Korean red ginseng. 

I tried various products from the lineup  – and honestly, they were all amazing.  I selected some of my favorites that I think provide the best value.  The On-the-go cleansing tissues are a great entry product to the line.  I love a good towelette, but some can be harsh.  These are incredibly soothing but at the same time can stand up to stubborn mascara and lipstick. Formulated with water-emulsified botanical oils to moisturize; won’t strip skin.  They even have skin care properties and can tone and brighten skin.

Amore Pacific Treatment Cleansing Oil was another highlight.  I am new to the cleansing oil scene, but a big fan already.  You apply it to dry skin, and use damp fingers to dissolve the makeup.  This process also made me do a short self-massage, which is popular in South Korea as part of the skin care ritual. Stimulating blood flow and lymphatic drainage can eliminate puffiness and dull skin.  My skin was always really balanced and not at all oily after cleansing.  It does contain olive and sunflower seed oil – while lightweight and moisturizing, might not be great for oily skin.

For hydration, I liked the Moisture Bound Rejuvenating Collection which is anti-aging, but for all skin types.  After two weeks of using Moisture Bound Rejuvenating Cream, I definitely felt my skin was more radiant.  But the biggest effect was how insanely soft my skin was… my makeup went on better and my complexion was so smooth.  I also tried the Gel formula – I wish all skin care lines provided a refreshing and oil-free formula for those without dry skin.

For my eye cream, I preferred the more intense Time Response line, which attacks aging more aggressively.  The Time Response system uses advanced technology for 24 hours of continuous time-release application of the botanical ingredients.  Stabilized Bamboo Sap is used in lieu of water, increasing product potency.   Amore Pacific Time Response Eye Creme will always have a special place in my heart for making huge strides against my nasty dark circles.  I was able to use it all over my eye for major hydration and it never irritated my skin or eyes.

Overall, this is an outstanding line, with serious ingredients and results to back up the luxury price point.  I was able to meet some of the team at Bergdorfs on FNO, and they couldn’t be nicer.  Always fun to support a company with awesome people.

  1. Moisture Bound Rejuvenating Cream
  2. Time Response Eye Creme
  3. Treatment Cleansing Oil
  4. On-the-go cleansing tissues

Los Angeles Beauty – Part I

California girls have this natural, all-American beauty that is hard not to envy with their minimal and healthy look.  With lots of time at the beach and a more laid back lifestyle, West Coasters can rock a more undone and casual approach to fashion and beauty.  But that doesn’t mean it is easy.  I asked Liz to research what Southern California gals turn to for a healthy glow and shiny hair. 

  1. Arcona – The Solution Pads
  2. Moroccan Oil Hair Treatment
  3. Kiehl’s Double Strength Deep Wrinkle Filler
  4. La Prairie – Extrait of Skin Caviar

I’ve always wanted to try La Prairie products, especially after visiting their spa in the Caymans.  The little bottles just look so regal!  And I took Liz’s advice on the Moroccan Oil Hair Treatment – amazing.  The effect wasn’t oily at all and my hair is smooth and incredibly soft.  Kiehl’s Double Strength Deep Wrinkle Filler promises instant effects and can be used under makeup.  Along with Liz’s positive reviews, this is at the top of my list to try.  Arcona has always been a favorite brand of mine, particularly the Toner Tea Bar, so I can’t wait to try something new from the line.

Tomorrow we will look at the makeup products that are popular out West for a natural, clean look.

For day to day humor and updates on #corporatehell follow Liz on Twitter. And check out her tumblr: Office Chic’s Memo. You won’t regret it!

mark Cheat Sheet Shine-Blotters

I am still a little giddy from meeting the incredibly beautiful and down-to-earth Ashley Green at the Ted Gibson/mark FNO party last week.  Nestled in the Ted Gibson salon and sipping on Moet champagne, I had the chance to bond with the Twilight star over college football and the dry skin hazzards of always being on an airplane.

Almost as exciting was discovering mark Cheat Sheet Shine-Blotters.  I don’t have oily skin, so these sheets were never on my shopping list.  But NYC was a doozy last week, with humidity, rain, heat and sweat. In between events, I would whip out one of these guys in the cab.  They do not remove makeup, but restore a matte finish to the skin.  They provided life to a melting makeup look.  Thanks to their performance, they earned a spot in my purse on a permanent basis.