Tag: hydration

Le Metier de Beaute CHEM60 Pro-Peel and GLOW10ai Mask Set

Last week, I made a little field trip to Neiman Marcus Northpark to check out the newest skin care offering from Le Metier de Beaute. A friend and I were treated to the new Peel and Mask that will be available in the next couple of weeks at your local counter. This duo is unlike any other department store skin care product I have ever tried. And you get dermotologist effects in a snap – the words uttered were “Instant Cinderella Effect”. Who wouldn’t want that?

For now, these products will be sold together. At first I balked at this approach, but after trying the Peel and Mask back-to-back, I understand. The Peel is a massive exfoliant and the Mask is a super-charged nourishing hydrator. In the end, you have balanced, calm and clean skin. Note: down the road, they might sell these separately.

Okay… first up is the CHEM60 Pro-Peel. This step uses my beloved glycolic acids along with salicylic acids. I don’t use salicylic acids as frequently, so I was concerned about how my skin would react. While there was some tingling, I didn’t get any redness (nor did my friend). I learned that the addition of salicylic acids can allow for greater penetration and removal of dead skin cells. The process takes a short 60 seconds, although we waited a little longer. I was amazed how instantly the skin looked more even and youthful. It did tone and awakened tired looking spots. Here, my friend has a light layer of the Peel on and you can see her skin isn’t the least bit irritated. And bonus that the iridescent, mostly clear mask won’t scare children and small animals. I wouldn’t hesitate using this 3x a week, even on my irritable skin.

The CHEM60 Pro-Peel comes in handy, foundation like tube with a soft brush on one end. This allows for hygienic application to every nook and cranny on your face. Turn the nozzle to the “on” position and gentle squeeze the tube to dispense a small amount into brush applicator. Apply a thin layer over the entire face, avoiding the delicate eye area and hairline. And then turn the nozzle off to prevent leakage and drying out. Remove the peel with warm water or a washcloth.

Next up was the GLOW10ai Mask. This is a like a big hug for your skin. The mask infuses skin with a concentration of antioxidants, vitamins and hydrators to help skin renew and rebuild, while strengthening skin’s overall appearance. After the Peel, our skin was even and smooth, but the Mask actually gave us a glow. The slight bit of tingling I had during the Peel was instantly soothed by the cooling Mask. This step will come in extra handy for anyone recovering from a laser, microdermabrasion or in-office peel.

We tried both a thin layer of the mask on my friend and a ticker layer on me. Because this mask is a peel off, we decided the thicker layer worked slightly better, although we basically got the same amount of hydration so it boils down to preference. You can use a scoop or spatula, but I think a finger works best for application. Make sure you avoid your hair line… those peel off masks are a mess if you get it in those fine little hairs. If you decide on a thicker application, plan on waiting 10-15 minutes to let it dry. Then the fun begins – Peel Away! Suggested use is 2-3 times a week, but I can see myself reaching for this every single day if I had the time.

Bottom line: Our skin was uber-soft and hydrated. It was almost a shame to put makeup on over it but I could help taking advantage of the talented Dre and trying out the newest Kaleidoscope Eye Kit in Nouvel. Check out that black pigment!

Currently, the CHEM60 Pro-Peel & GLOW10ai Mask Set is sold exclusively at Neiman Marcus. Click below to purchase:

Cenoire’s Novo Atomizer Facial Mist Spray

So, I have a weird confession: you know, during facials, when they use mist your face? Yeah, I am kinda obsessed with that. I love the hydrated, plumped look and feel my skin has after a little session with steam. So when a recent product launch crossed my desk, I had to check it out.

Cenoire, manufacturer of portable electronic accessories, just released the Novo Atomizer Facial Mist Spray. It creates the same sort of mist as in a facial, but at your fingertips. I have been taking it for a whirl and might be hooked. When I arrived home from NYC, I was exhausted and dehydrated. I filled up the water vessel on my Cenorie and sat down to a four minute session.

The water is atomized into nano particles (sounds daunting, but really cool) that come out of a little nozzle on the side of the cartridge. These small water droplets are better absorbed by the skin. It feels dewy and moisturized. Just move it around approximately six inches from your face. If you don’t want/need the four full minutes, you can manually shut it off as well.

The steam isn’t hot, so it isn’t exactly like a facial. But it is so lightweight and portable, that is would be a breeze to travel with. It fits right in my palm and  is incredibly lightweight.  And such a treat when I am suffering from the aforementioned airplane dry skin.

Cenoire’s Novo Atomizer Facial Mist Spray is available with an MSRP of $39.99 and can be found at Amazon.com and Cenoire.com.

Kate Somerville Daily Deflector Moisturizer Broad Spectrum Anti-Aging Sunscreen SPF 20

I’m sure I’ve preached enough that you already know you need SPF even if you are working in an office all day. But do you need the full out SPF 50+, creamy supercharged? Probably not. I prefer a light-weight, ultra-sheer SPF that layers well with my latest makeup obsession. Some favorites I have mentioned before are the La Mer ‘The SPF 30 UV Protecting Fluid’ and Kiehl’s Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50+. But I am newly smitten with Kate Somerville’s Daily Deflector.

One reason Kate’s is a standout, it is really hydrates the skin. She uses a cutting-edge new delivery system, keeping the sunscreen on the surface of the skin, maximizing efficacy. The SPF doesn’t leave a whitish cast, but actually makes my skin look more radiant. Light-diffusing ingredients create a healthy glow.

The skin care ingredients dive deeper into the skin, fighting wrinkles and tightening. Matrixyl 3000 reduces the depth and volume of wrinkles. I’ve noticed a lot of improvement on those horizontal lines along my forehead. A naturally derived shitake mushroom-based skin tightener has immediate effects on sagging skin and is formulated to gradually strengthen skin’s connective tissue.

There is no excuse when you have a sun screen like this: anti-aging, hydrating and it smells so darn good.

 

Dr. Jart’s Beauty Sleep Masks

I know that most of you will agree with me – we all just look better when we are well-rested. A study published in the British Medical Journal demonstrated that people who had a full night of sleep (8 hours or more) versus sleep-deprived individuals (31 hours of wakefulness after a night of reduced sleep) were rated in blinded evaluations as healthier, more attractive and less tired. We probably didn’t need a study to tell us that – but there it is.

The science behind sleep and beauty is where it gets interesting. According to Dr. Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas, a specialist in dermatology and laser surgery in New York City, growth hormones are released while sleeping, which could help production of skin cells and collagen. Your skin is actually repaired while you sleep. In conjunction, your skin absorbs product to a greater degree while you sleep. So why not supercharge your nighttime routine?

Dr. Jart came up with some specifically formulated masks for bedtime. I love that you can simply apply them and let them work. No waiting, rinsing, timing. I’ve been using both of these masks – one for hydration on my forehead and cheeks and the one for firming on my neck around my mouth and eyes.

Dr. Jart Water Fuse Water-Max Sleeping Mask has a gel-like formula that provides moisture continuously during sleep.  It provides a kind of barrier while Hyaluronic acid sends moisture deep into your skin. Olive leaf and cranberry strengthen the skin barrier to boost elasticity. And essential oils provide a relaxing scent. It makes for a perfect “wind down” routine right before sleep.

Dr. Jart Premium Firming Sleeping Mask revitalizes skin with Niacinamide and kava. Korean medicinal herbs help expel toxins and stimulate cell turnover. The Firming mask also contains Hyaluronic acid to infuse moisture.

I’ve definitely noticed a diference after using these masks. My skin looks more radiant and rested. The consistency is lightweight and comfortable. And using these ingredients over the long term should just continue to improve results. I love my new bedtime ritual.

Willa Natural Skincare

Willa Natural Skincare is designed specifically for pre-teen and teenaged skin, but don’t think about stop reading if you don’t fall into those categories.  Because, Willa makes some products that I find compelling and fabulous for my more mature and drier skin. And I am not alone – beauty editors from Lucky, Refinery 29 and Daily Candy agree.

Willa, a pre-teen herself, and her mother have been working for over three years to develop the line. Willa perceptively asked why she has to use her little sister’s “babyish” soap one evening. After an unsuccessful search for an age-appropriate alternative, Willa Natural Skincare was born. Willa’s mother, Christy Prunier, knew developing an early routine to prevent acne and sun damage was crucial.

The packaging is adorable – feminine and fun without being juvenile. I applaud the various SPF products. The color collection is so age appropriate but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to wear it all myself! Perfect subtle color for hot summer days. Some of my personal favorites from the line (all under $11):

  • be brillant natural body lotion contains aloe and chamomile, healing my skin without being tacky or sticky. It absorbs super fast and has a clean, refreshing scent.
  • start fresh foaming face wash has that voluminous, airy foam that makes my skin feel so very clean. But it is gentle, preventing the tight and dry feel. It contains anti-oxidant green tea leaf extract and hydrating Glycerin.
  • smile shine lip gloss is super moisturizing, packed with vitamins C & E, giving lips a sheer ultra-shine. I love the clever clip… no more searching a huge handbag when in desperate need of lip hydration.

The whole line has a conscious formula: Paraben and sulfate free, DEA and phthalate free and Not tested on animals. Made in the USA.  Willa Natural Skincare is available at Target.

Armani Beauty High Lift Firming Rich Cream

I cannot believe I have already made it through an entire pot of this stuff and neglected to tell you about it. Armani Beauty High Lift Firming Rich Cream has surprisingly been my night cream staple that I just can’t quit. I say “surprising” because it doesn’t sound like a product designed for someone in their early thirties. (Can I still say “early thirties even though I’ll be 33 next week? I think yes.)

While the name conjures up a sense that this will lift sagging skin, the cream actually targets the texture. The formula conditions and softens the skin. So while some might sense diminished wrinkles, I have found this makes my skin more radiant and even. Keep in mind my skin is on the drier side. If you are like me, you will find this has the perfect amount of hydration without being overly creamy. It spreads evenly and absorbs quickly without leaving a heavy or sticky feel. I love the way it looks under makeup so fell free to use it in AM as well (may I suggest the version with SPF – how handy!).