Category: skin-care

Margarite Cosmetics Zinc Cream

I probably haven’t been this excited or enthusiastic about a product in a long time. And bonus that you can find it for under $10. My facialist recommended using this as spot treatment on my occasional cystic acne on my chin. But it can also be used to treat redness or irritation. It contains zinc and sulfur and has the consistency of a pasty cream. I know it doesn’t sound that appealing but this stuff is magical! I also used this on redness on my nose and a scrape on my knee. Healing was accelerated and my blemish has improved dramatically. The tint also made my complexion look even, albeit a little matte where I used it for spot treatment. Don’t worry about the smell – it is very subtle. This will have a permanent place in my arsenal for great skin.

Weleda Wild Rose Smoothing Facial Lotion

For my first foray into the Weleda line of skin care, the First Lines collection seemed perfect for my early thirties complexion. The lotion is designed to soften fine lines and revitalize the skin. I appreciate the organic ingredients, especially the antioxidants, but was a little worried jojoba seed oil – my skin doesn’t always play nice. I was just very slightly irritated with the strong fragrance and oil, but my real compliant was the “quickly absorbing” quality made my face feel tight. The scent was far from delicate and if you are not crazy about roses, stay away.

Chantecaille Flower Harmonizing Cream

Trying a new tool to treat my stressed skin, prone to redness. While I am not as dry as I was this winter, I have learned I tend to underestimate how hydrated my skin is. And a boost in collagen production can’t hurt either (provided by essential oils, seaweed, vitamins and flowers). Even though edelweiss flower is a natural UVA/UVB protection, I still encourage everyone to use a physical sunblock with zinc and titanium oxide. This is actually more a lotion than a cream in consistency so don’t expect a heavy layer of moisture, but a couple of layers make for soft and supple, hydrated skin. And after a couple evenings of use, I do think the redness in my face has diminished.

Chantecaille Pure Rosewater

Those Evian spray bottles from the 1980’s remind me of my grandmother. And while I am fond of the memories, I never understood what that spray did. But with my 30s came, drier and more sensitive skin and have started paying attention to anything soothing and anti-aging. I have found this line is really well suited to sensitive skin so I was happy to give this rosewater a shot. A bonus: rosewater has been proven to improve skin clarity (nothing worse than an adult pimple). I am not sure how I feel about the pedigree of the roses – wouldn’t regular roses do? The formula uses the purest petals from roses in the hills of Grasse, France during the month of May. I think the pretty packaging adds to the hefty price tag. But this spray really is refreshing. It instantly relieves angry skin and for adult acne, anything is worth a shot. ($56)

Sulwhasoo Skin Clarifying Mask

Not much is more irresistible than a peel-off mask. Made by a Korean company, this mask is designed to purify and clarify with traditional herbs and honey. Even though it is peel off, the honey really hydrates my skin, not to mention gives a very healthy clean feel. The mask is also designed to remove the skin of dead skin cells – helpful when you are using a retinoid. I try to use this on Sunday evenings, applying to a cleansed face. It is usually dry and ready to peel off in 20 minutes. Makes your skin look good and it is really fun! ($39)

Kate Somerville® ‘ExfoliKate®’ Intensive Exfoliating Treatment

I am still on a high from my Kate Somerville® facial I had this weekend at Neiman Marcus. All the wonderful products meritted another product mention. This exfoliating treatment has achieved much acclaim, but I was afraid to try a formula that has beads. I introduced myself to the treatment with the gentle formula, which I loved. And was left with no fears trying the stronger version after I understood Kate Somerville wasn’t about to assault me with harsh granules. The fruit enzymes clarify skin by removing dead cells and eliminating bacteria (and smells fabulous). The treatment is helpful with blackheads, acne and dull skin. I can definitely see what the fuss is about. I will treasure my samples and then promptly go buy a tube. ($85)