Tag: anti-aging

Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate

I was just at the dermatologist yesterday, fretting about sun damage. Her suggestion: start on some form of Vitamin C stat. Unfortunately, the lauded C E Ferulic® from SkinCeuticals causes some sort of redness on me. So I am anxious to try one of Kiehl’s best-selling product: Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate.

Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate uses a 10.5% concentration of pure Vitamin C. It can help prevent the formation of fine lines, help hyper-pigmentation and improve the texture of your skin. And they are giving all of us a chance to try it:

On Saturday, May 12, Kiehl’s is hosting a “Kiehl’s Day of Strength,” at all Kiehl’s locations and Kiehls.com. Customers are invited to any Kiehl’s location for some Vitamin C refreshments, and to receive a complimentary 10.5 day sample to experience themselves. I know I’ll be there to snag mine.

Use this after cleansing and before moisturizer. Works on all skin types. Use it AM and PM.

Kate Somerville® ‘Quench’ Hydrating Serum

Okay, fine. I’m now in my thirties and have made that transition from Oily to Combo/Normal to the dreaded DRY skin. I know… there are upsides and downsides too all types of skin. For me, the upside to dry skin is getting to use Kate Somerville’s ‘Quench’ Hydrating Serum. For you regular readers, you already know I am huge fan of this skincare line. And I continue to discover little gems in her collection.

Over the last couple of years, I have become even more aware of the effect skin condition can have on the way makeup looks (and photographs). One of the major factors for foundation or tinted moisturizer is a well hydrated face. Quench has a hydrating complex that seals in water, resulting in a dewy, luminous complexion.

The texture is a silky serum, but it will not cause shininess. The effect is more satin. There also is a vitamin A product in here: RetiStar™. For those of you who worry about irritation from vitamin A products, let me assure you – this is the most mild vitamin A product I have ever tried. It is great way to introduce the product into your regimen.

Love the way my face feels after using this and a little Kate Somerville® Goat Milk Cream. Swoon!

Kate Somerville® ‘Clinic-to-Go™’ Resurfacing Peel Pads

If you are ready to stop messing around and really have your way with your skin, try this. These Resurfacing Peel Pads are a professional-strength peel achieved through 16 individual pads.

My skin can be dry and sensitive, so a couple months ago I turned to these as an alternative to a regular, in-office peel. The worker-bee ingredient is lactic acid (along with myrtle extract and sage leaf extract). It is applied through these really handy pads that slide over your fingers. To apply, buff your face with these slightly exfoliating pads. There can be a little tingle but nothing that stings or irritates.

Kate (we are on a first name basis) instructs you to use twice a week for 4 weeks. But even after the first three or four uses, I found my dark spots were fading and my pores looked smaller. I was only slightly red after use. But was back to normal in an hour. Plus, this wasn’t an issue since I did this in the evenings.

A lot of my benefits have disappeared with being in the sun this summer. But I know exactly what to turn to in the Fall to improve the appearance of my skin without a trip to my doctor’s for a peel.

Le Métier de Beauté Peau Vierge Anti-Aging Complexe Tinted Treatment

We are about the enter the world of luxury cosmetics – hang on tight! Peau Vierge has made its ride from relative unknown to cult status to luxury standout. No wonder this isn’t just a little tinted moisturizer but also a foundation, sun protection, anti-aging and illuminizer.

As far as coverage, I think this falls squarely between a lightweight foundation and tinted moisturizer. I tend to get fairly comprehensive coverage but don’t feel weighed down. Unlike other tinted moisturizers, there is definitely a radiance with Peau Virage – something I enjoy so much, I generally skip powder.

Sounds pretty good, right? Let’s not stop there. Even with light coverage, this formula has SPF 20. The way it blends allows me to cover my face all the way down my decolletage so I know I am protected beyond my face when I use this product.

Because this product contains powerful anti-aging ingredients, I encourage everyone to ask LOTS of questions about Retinol it contains and potential effects on your skin. For this reason, I have used this product for over two months before I felt okay offering a review. My skin looks healthier, although I do not sense a highly active Retinol treatment. For instance, when I use the Retinol my dermatologist prescribes, I have sensitivity, redness and, sometimes, peeling. But my dark spots are dramatically reduced and my pores are clear and small. With Peau Vierge, my skin looks smoother, more radiant and clearer (a more subtle Retinol effect). Le Métier de Beauté uses a distinctive delivery technology that claims to provide Retinol more efficiently and effectively.

While I first tried this product over a year ago, I didn’t purchase it until they released Shade 1 recently. Even though there are only three shades, I think they are comprehensive enough to satisfy most skin shades:

Color:

Shade 1: a light, creamy tone with peach undertones
Shade 2: neutral beige
Shade 3: a deeper tone with golden undertones

Available at Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus

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.