Category: skin-care

MAC Cleanse Off Oil

This was an adventure for me – I am new to MAC skin care and really have never embraced the oil on the face approach.  But at The Makeup Show this year, the MAC counter was aflutter for requests and raving reviews were being thrown around.  So a snatched some oil up for myself.

For $10, you a 1oz bottle (which has lasted me forever!) of industry-strength oil-based makeup remover.  Unlike the regular Almay pads, the oil isn’t greasy or difficult to handle. If anything, it is like kindness to the skin. 

The oil is a blend including olive, evening primrose and jojoba seed – there is ZERO mineral-oil (which I like to hear).  I use this on a tissue, but it would also work on a cotton pad.  But I am working on adopting the artists’ approach: massage onto the skin to loosen and remove any (including waterproof mascara).

One of the reasons it doesn’t become greasy is that it emulsifies into a lotion-type liquid with water.  So, you are actually left with soft and conditioned skin. Don’t worry if you are oily – this is good for all skin types.  But I especially like it for my “dry in the winter” sensitive skin.

Cle de Peau Beaute Refreshing Cleansing Foam

There are few products that I have loved over the span of years.  This is one of em.  Decided it was time to share my precious cleanser with you all.  My dear friend and former makeup artist, Meg, introduced me to this ultra-lux, worth every penny, creamy, foaming goodness. 

This contains a substantial foaming capability, but not so much that you can’t use it with a Clarisonic – I certainly use them together.  There are some “gentle granules” in the foam, but I don’t even notice them.  Not sure if they are super sparse or dissolve. And I never see them clinging around the Clarisonic after a wash.  The cleanser leaves an ultra-clean feel, polished, but not tight.  I adore the coverage the generous foam generates, while not having to worry I will be dried-out.  I can get plenty of cleansing action from a dime sized amount of the cleanser.

Bonus: it contains something they call an “Illuminating Complex” that maintains moisture.  While I still use a dose of my favorite Chantecaille Flower Harmonizing Cream after, the cleanser itself gives some moisture and radiance. If you want to spoil yourself (and your face), you won’t regret this charmer.

Laura Mercier Face Polish

I am generally hesitant to use anything with beads to exfoliate my face, but Laura Mercier has come up with a VERY gentle cleanser/exfoliator that leaves smooth, even skin.  This is one of mom’s favorites and she always finds the gems. Face Polish is a creamy scrub that you can also use as a cleanser (I use mine a couple times a week).  It also removes dead skin cells with microbeads while emollients soften skin.  The smell is very clean and pleasant, and the cleanser is also enough for me to remove my makeup.  I don’t feel dry or agitated afterwards.  This is an especially nice treat when I get off a long airplane trip.  Who knew Laura Mercier was more than just a pretty face, but also had kick-butt skin care too?

Erno Laszlo TranspHuse Night Serum

I have always been intrigued with the romance and tradition of Erno Laszlo and the iconic cleansing bar.  I was so happy to find the Erno Laszlo TranspHuse Night Serum in my most recent Birchbox.  After just a taste, I had to try it on an ongoing basis. Although hyperpigmentation and occasional acne is a bigger concern for me, it can’t hurt to fight some wrinkles too.  The formula is designed to plump fine lines and prevent further wrinkles using Glycosaminoglycan to promote collagen production.  While it is a creamier serum, it wasn’t hydrating (at least enough for me) so I used it with my beloved  Chantecaille Flower Harmonizing Cream.  Wow – what an impressive and, rather immediate, result.  The mornings after use, my skin was smooth, supple and even more even.  This is a serious splurge, but I can see the rewards of its active ingredients.  It makes me want to try that iconic cleansing bar soon.

COVER FX EyePrep Anti-Age Smoothing Primer

Other than through social media, I had not been exposed to the COVER FX line of makeup and skincare.  But I was immediately intrigued as it was rave reviews from dermatologists – surely they know what they are doing?!  I was able to pick up a few products at The Makeup Show, but my favorite is the EyePrep Anti-Age Smoothing Primer. This is like a triple duty wonder tool: anti-aging benefits, lightweight primer to be worn alone or under eye makeup AND improves the look of the undereye.  It is not your typical, silky primer.  You can really detect hydration, and because of this, the skin around my eyes appears smoother and brighter.  I can even get away with a this primer and a little Touche Eclat Radiant Touch.

And, making me love this company even more:

Cover FX Donates to the Skin Cancer Foundation




This month, Cover FX is giving back to help skin cancer research. Every time you buy the SkinTint FX SPF30, BritePrep FX SPF50 or “Like” them on Facebook, they will donate money to The Skin Cancer Foundation.

stila One Step Correct

On the bright side, this product’s triple-swirled helix looks super-cool in its container.  But it doesn’t live up to its promise to color-correct my skin.  There was no noticeable reduction in redness.  While I did look slightly brighter, the serum caused my skin to feel tight.  This serum is part of a one-step collection, promising anti-aging with their Youth Revival ingredients.  However, when I think of stila, great pigments and fabulous glosses come to mind, and I think that is what they should stick with.