Search Results for: face oil

Laura Mercier Oil-Free Supreme Foundation

I’ve definitely covered loads of foundation options for those of you with dry skin like me (look here, here and here). But this one is for all those with oiler skin. Laura Mercier has just come out with new oil-free foundation that gives skin the ultimate coverage, comfort and wear for a flawless complexion.

Here’s what she promised (and delivered):

Oil-free, non-drying, lightweight formula glides on evenly on to skin and does not settle into fine lines.
Visibly minimizes the appearance of pores for smoother skin.
Buildable coverage, from moderate to full, evens skin tone.
Provides a soft matte finish.
Longwearing formula (lasts up to 8 hours) feels lightweight and comfortable on skin.
Silicone-free, fragrance-free, non-greasy.

The formula is excellent – smooth, great staying power and even, matte finish. My only caveat is make sure you actually do have oily skin. This will only play nice with truly oily skin. My guinea pig, Corey, assured me she had oily skin but it was even drying for her. But when I tried it on my early-twenties buddy with the right complexion, the Oil-Free Supreme Foundation really shined. I love this for younger skin with acne problems. The addition of aloe, green tea, and silica sooths, heals and corrects. Vitamin A will also help correct imperfections. And Vitamin E hydrates without a greasy finish.

The oil-free foundation hits counters this month and is available in 12 shades: Porcelain Ivory, Blush Ivory, Warm Ivory, Sunny Beige, Vanilla Beige, Golden Beige, Shell Beige, Tawny Beige, Honey Beige, Suntan Beige, Toffee Bronze, Rich Sienna).

Lina Hanson Global Face Serum

Lina Hansen is a Swedish makeup artist, currently based in Hollywood. She has quite the lineup of celebrity clients who are already fans of her new serum. So naturally, I had to try it. Like some other “oils” out there, the Global Face Serum is a blend designed to be used as a moisturizer or pre-moisturizer treatment. What makes it different is that the blend is organic and sourced specifically to suport female empowerment and fair trade. Many of the ingredients are harvested by women to promote economic growth in their countries.

I’ve been using one pump, morning and night in addition to a creamy moisturizer. I have been pleased with increased radiance and improved hydration. It is quickly absorbed and calms down my skin after exfoliation. I am using a fairly strong retinol right now, so the addition of the serum has provided much needed balancing and healing. And it looks amazing under makeup. I’ve mixed a little with tinted moisturizer for a dewy, fresh look.

Normally, I would summarize the ingredients, but I love how Lina has detailed what each carefully selected ingredient will actually do for you. It is a little primer in natural skin care:

Marula — rich in antioxidants, anti-aging properties and is said to be a more potent source of vitamin c than oranges
Baobab — helps prevent and treat dry skin conditions
Camellia Seed — moisturizes, brightens the skin, lightens age spots and prevents wrinkles
Argan — protects against premature aging, hydrates the skin and neutralizes free radicals
Brazil Nut — maintains smooth, younger looking skin
Pumpkin Seed — decreases redness on the skin caused by rosacea
Mandarin — promotes a finer textured skin and helps remove any congestion as well as acne scars
Neroli — improves elasticity, stimulates new cell growth and softens wrinkles and scars
Frankincense — rejuvenates the skin and prevent the formation of wrinkles
Palmarosa — moisturizes your skin yet balances the hydration levels
Ylang Ylang — cures both dry and oily skin

Oh, and also worth mentioning:

No animal ingredients/no animal testing
Completely free of parabens, artificial fragrance, silicone, petrochemicals, synthetic fragrances or any other chemical ingredient.

Global Face Serum is available at www.linahanson.com.

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.

Josie Maran 100% Organic Argan Oil

I never was very hot on the idea of putting oil on my face. I get that it really is good for almost all types of skin, but it just seemed counter-intutive to me. But recently I received a sample of Josie Maran 100% Organic Argan Oil. Maybe because I have recently hit my 30s, but this product was a breath of fresh air. I didn’t become dry a couple hours later, which I find sometimes can happen with lotions. I did not feel greasy in the least bit. I am definitely going to try it on my cuticles as suggested. I look forward to seeing what it can do for my face, long-term.

New From L’OCCITANE

I’m kind of in a nervous state due to this drought in California. Not only is it a state I call (one of my many) homes, but I have an Alma Mater and many friends and family that actually live there. I’ll be doing a rain dance but in the meantime, I am also worried about my beloved almonds. California is the source of many – maybe most – of the almonds Americans nosh on every day.

Without surprise, my almond obsession spills over to my beauty obsession. And it was many years ago I first fell for L’OCCITANE Almond Hand Soap (which I sadly cannot find anymore). So when I got a chance to try out the new Almond Velvet Youthful Body Serum and Balm, I was elated.

The serum is truly unique – the concentrated formula contains nourishing almond with vitamin C to heal and energize skin. It hydrates but doesn’t feel heavy or greasy. Skin is left velvety smooth. I can’t think of a better moisturizer for summer. The balm is a heavier cream that soothes skin – but it still sinks into skin quickly leaving a powdery finish. I prefer using this at night and might just be the ticket after a day at the pool.

Also new from L’OCCITANE is the Divine Immortelle 28 Day Renewal Program. I was new to the Divine collection and quickly fell for the Divine Youth Oil – gentle and plumping aka everything you could ask for in a face oil. The Renewal Program took a little more time to review and digest. Over four weeks, I used specifically designed seven capsule strips. The process is crafted for renewal and exfoliation. The capsules are generous in size and I was able to cover my face, neck and decolletage. At the end of the month, I found my skin clearer, refreshed, less red and calmed. It definitely made a difference in my no-makeup experiment. Well worth it to infuse skin with ingredients like Rosemary and Carrot. And bonus points for an (accidental) accountability system to make sure skin care is part of your daily routine.

All products available at usa.loccitane.com.

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AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Wednesday On The Web

While my effort at a bare face this week (inspiration above) is going fairly well, I am a bit discouraged by my persistent red nose thanks to this nasty spring cold. I have been relying on Fresh Black Tea goodies to sooth skin while hydrating with Aquaphor and face oils. My routine includes primer, blush, filling-in and brushing eyebrows and a heavy application of mascara (helps looking awake despite clogged sinuses). And clearly there is nothing on my lips but my beloved Carmex despite my proclamations last week.

My nights have been spent recuperating at home and I have some finds from around the web for you:

Social media and how it relates to our “real life” – great perspective on our Instagram profiles.

Need an excuse for a more carefree attitude? Check our Dr. Murad’s book on Conquering Cultural Stress.

I’ve been dreaming about Iceland and Morocco for my next vacation but this ghost town in Texas all of a sudden looks awesome – and much easier to get to. (found via Amber’s Barney’s post here)

Love this European inspired NY apartment.

Sweet sleep – glad to know I am not the only one who swears by these.

Fresh Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program. I consult for Neiman Marcus which is affiliated with the Neiman Marcus Group, but as always, opinions are my own.

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