Category: skin-care

Kiehl’s Dermatologist Solutions Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate

Kiehl’s on a roll lately and I am loving some of their new products. My latest favorite is their Dermatologist Solutions Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate which has worked wonders on some of my more textured spots on my cheeks. Working overnight, the micro-peel (which is very gentle) works to reveal radiant and refreshed skin.

I apply every night after washing my face and before moisturizing. There is no tingling, tightness or redness. The micro-peel feels more like a soothing serum than a peel so don’t let the name scare you off.

The formula is clinically-proven to accelerate cell turnover. This in turn eradicates roughness and evens tones. I have had some redness on my cheeks and this peel reversed probably 90% of the appearance in two weeks. Keep it up Kiehl’s!

Available at Kiehl’s, Nordstrom and Bergdorf Goodman.

Tata Harper Purifying Mask

Tata Harper keeps surprising me with quality products that are natural while also being super effective. The sticker shock is a factor, but the potency, packaging and that fact they just plain work make the products worth the investment. True to her naturalist roots, Tata Harper emphasizes that aging comes from exposure to toxins. So cellular detoxification ranks right up there in importance.

The Purifying Mask was created to pull those toxins out of skin, empowering collagen and elastin. Fermentation and probiotics deeply clean skin. My skin has been freaking out lately with break outs – something I rarely experience. I blame weather, stress and the constant product rotation for the blog.

This mask has added some balance to my cheek breakouts thankfully. I apply a thick layer with a foundation brush and leave on for the full 20 minutes (recommended is 10-20). There is no artificial fragrance but the mask smells of natural spa goodness. You’ll see the eradication of dullness immediately and we all like a little bit of immediate gratification, right?

Gluten-free. Made in the USA. Available at Nordstrom.

New Natural Masks from Kiehl’s

Kiehl’s new natural masks might be my favorite recent launch from the brand – I’ve been reaching for these almost every other night, alternating the clarifying and energizing formulas.

Turmeric and Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Mask invigorates skin, developing a brightened complexion. The cranberry acts as an antioxidant while the turmeric works as an anti-inflamatory. The texture is grainy, allowing for exfoliation as I wash the mask off.

Cilantro & Orange Extract Pollutant Defending Mask works against pollutants that can cause premature aging. Chestnut purifies skin by removing toxins. The smooth mask has a cooling and soothing effect.

Both masks smell amazing and are comfortable to wear. I apply with a foundation brush and leave on for about 10 minutes. Available at kiehls.com and Nordstrom.

Dr. Brandt Skincare Xtend Your Youth Face Cream

There is something wonderful about a skin care brand backed by a well-known dermatologist. You know there is real science behind the formulations. And more often then not, they work better than the average product. dr. brandt is probably at the top of my list of favorite derm brands. I have been trying out their new Xtend collection and will be sharing my thoughts on the products over the next couple weeks.

First up is this antioxidant cream that nourishes and protects skin. Harvested with an innovative extraction process, the antioxidants are infused into the formula to shield skin from free radicals.

My favorite part is the luminous glow I get after using Xtend Your Youth Face Cream. Murmuru, Shea, And Kokum Butters hydrate skin giving it a plump, youthful look. I use this in the evenings after cleansing.

Available at Sephora.

Kiehl’s Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion

As a teen, I savored the skin care step of Sea Breeze. There was something about that cool, ultra-clean feeling, especially on my younger, oilier skin. I thought I had outgrown that feeling (or my dry skin certainly had) until I tried Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion.

This iconic product has been around since 1964 – that certainly qualifies for “tried and true”. I picked it up to conquer some breakouts on my cheek. My dermatologist said that the clogged pores were some purging related to my new Retin-A kick.

The Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion was the perfect tonic to loosen up those pores and decongest. After a couple weeks use, my skin in clear. And I am hooked on the refreshing clean from a toner. While my skin is dry, I have no tightness or ill-effects from using this. But those with sensitive or ultra-dry skin might tread lightly.

PS – Guys, the word is that men love it as an after-shave treatment.

Available at Kiehl’s and Nordstrom.

Men’s Starter Kit by Kiehl’s

I’m not much for Valentine’s Day being single and all. But I do love sharing ideas for gifting – especially men’s grooming products that will make him feel pampered, but still super masculine. I will be here all week with my favorites, but today’s set is first up because it is a real crowdpleaser.

The slick and sophisticated Men’s Starter Kit by Kiehl’s contains products that all have a masculine feel while still getting rave reviews from my tester (aka Dad). Inside you will find:

Ultimate Man Body Scrub Soap (3.2 oz.): This sloughing soap is one of Dad’s favorite products he’s tried out for me. It leaves skin both clean and exfoliated.
Facial Fuel Energizing Moisture Treatment (2.5 oz.): This sits front and center on Dad’s desk and his go-to to cure dry, winter skin. The oil-free formula wakes up skin and enriches with vitamins.
White Eagle Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream (2.5 oz.): This shave cream contains menthol and camphor to sooth and heal skin.
Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash (1 oz.): I have worked this cleanser into my routine – the minty wash gets my skin clean with just a tiny, sudsy drop without leaving my skin tight (plus it smells super masculine which I love)
Ultimate Strength Hand Salve (2.5 oz.): My outdoorsman Dad needs a lot of moisture for his hands and this formula is heavy-duty and nourishing without much of scent nor a greasy feel.

Available at Keihls.com and Nordstrom. Made in the USA