Tag: moisturizer

Glossier

I am fairly sure nothing could drag me away from my happy life here in Oklahoma. But if there is one thing I occasionally miss, it is the pleasures of a big city. The latest and greatest, trendy food and fashion inspiration come to mind. So when iconic beauty blogger, Emily Weiss, launched a beauty line up in New York City, I immediately hit purchase and a set of her complexion essentials arrived at my doorstep. A little Manhattan in Tulsa.

While Glossier does offer a la carte, I think their Phase One Set is the best value and really what you need to experience the fun and sophisticated brand. And once you do, you’ll appreciate the simplicity and natural look. Phase One comes with a mist, moisturizer, balm and tint, all for $80 which I think is a remarkable price for four luxe products.

The packaging was solid. Not porcelain or anything (but after breaking my Tata Harper mask in the shower, I’ve come to appreciate plastic). I loved the box it arrived in – so much so that I saved it for a month until I realized I was crazy. I did hold onto the adorable bubble zip bags – those are cherished for travel.

Because I ordered right after Thanksgiving, I received a free tote and extra mist. I use both at work – the tote for my lunch and the mist to refresh my makeup. Beware: keep away from the eye area (even with eyes closed) – it can be irritating. That being said, the rosewater spray is a welcome addition to the moisture factor and I use it to prep skin before the moisturizer.

Rather than stand alone hydration, I think the priming moisturizer plays better as a primer for my dry skin this time of year. In the summer, I expect it to be perfect just on its own but for now I need an extra facial oil or cream. The oil-free formula might be perfect for those with oiler or combo skin. The gel texture absorbs quickly and makes the perfect canvas for makeup.

The BalmDotCom is probably the line’s most iconic product. The beeswax based formula is soothing, healing and locks in moisture like a champ. It is my little winter MVP. I have used it on cuticles, elbows, dry spots and lips. And I actually appreciate that it is basically scent-free – perfect for sleep, work or layered. The thick texture takes a while to come out of the tube’s dispenser, but that keeps me from wasting this precious goodness – as my ex would say, haste makes waste.

The final products is Perfecting Skin Tint which, unlike the moisturizer, packs a punch of delicious hydration thanks to glycerin. And ever since the arrival of these serum-like foundations, I adore the way they add slight coverage, improve skin but still look so natural. Make sure to shake. And I need extra concealer for blemishes and under-eye but overall this might be my favorite out of the bunch. I think it will also be ideal in the summer when I am doing the “undone” look more often than not. I ordered a medium and it is perfect. If you need help, there is a graphic to help you decide on the site. Available in Light, Medium and Dark. Keep in mind that coverage is very sheer so you don’t need to fear a huge mismatch unless you are on the edges of the complexion spectrum.

Available at glossier.com.

Brand Spotlight: Colleen Rothschild

While I have some favorite skin care lines (Kate Somerville, SK-II and Tata Harper come to mind), I always enjoy checking out a newcomer. And Colleen Rothschild is certainly qualified to bring a great one to the table. She is known as a genius behind many products created for dermatologists, estheticians and stores.

Having the fluency in research and chemistry, Colleen developed a line with next generation ingredients and technology. Working in labs and globally sourcing formulas, Colleen addresses what every woman really wants: best results quickly and streamlined, efficient skincare.

Her formulas are uniquely powered by a proprietary delivery system, called Level E3. My favorite product lately has been the Sheer Renewal Cream because it is so light-weight and oil free. Add in the fact that it works to boost cell turnover and you have an easy-to-use workhorse. Bonus that it is beautiful under makeup with a powder finish.

At first blush, I was swooning over Radiant Cleansing Balm (and I still love it – but occasionally crave one of my beloved foaming cleansers). This fabulously smelling balm is massaged into dry skin to clean pores while leaving skin super soft. Love the included muslin cloth (which I proceeded to quickly lose – oops). Note: this was too irritating to use on my eyes so take care before using to remove eye makeup.

I love a great detox mask and the Clarifying Detox Mask ranks right up there at the top. A classic charcoal formula draws out impurities and balances complexion. I love the way it leaves my skin radiant but not tight and dry.

Available at ColleenRothschild.com.

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.

Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture

Exciting news! Murad has picked me to be one of their ambassadors. While I have been a fan for a number of years, I am getting a fabulous opportunity to check out so much of their product range. Let’s just say I am really impressed and I cannot wait to share my favorites with you. But there has been one standout so far, and I had to share given the changing of the seasons.

Until recently, my favorite Murad product was this one (the most effective non-prescription sun damage product I’ve tried). But with my dry winter skin already in full force, the Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture is my new pick.

Not only is my skin left nourished, but my redness clears and I find there is a healthier tone. Just a little goes a long way with this balm that really packs in hydration without being greasy. What I find most unique is the immediate effects, particularly under makeup. I am guessing this is due to the Collagen Support Complex and avocado, sunflower, and olive fruit oils (my skin loves oils).

The balm is also powered by a technology: RepleniCell turns water into a “performance hydrator.” Skin attracts, binds and retains water contributing to an addicting plumpness. And now it is safe to say “I am not scared of you, dry wintery skin!”

Kate Somerville ‘Age Arrest’ Hydrating Firming Mask

If someone forced me to pick one skin care line for the rest of my days, Kate Somerville would definitely be a contender. Having visited her spa, used her products over a period of years and been lucky enough to meet Kate in person, I consider myself a “super-fan”. Things have been a little quiet out there lately, but the last couple of months marked some really exciting launches in the “Age Arrest” collection.

The highlight for me has been the Kate Somerville ‘Age Arrest’ Hydrating Firming Mask. This mask both corrects signs of aging and protects against future damage, making it perfect for a wide range of ages and skin types. If you are a Kate Somerville fan, you’ve probably read about “telomeres”. This product (along with several others in her collection) utilizes Nobel Prize winning Telo-5 Technology to fight against signs of aging. Telo-5 protects the life span of telomeres which help keep our skin looking youthful.

But it isn’t just Telo-5 technology – white water lily and centella asitica extract can help firm sagging skin and improve elasticity. Peptides will boost collagen. And sea whip extract and algae soothe skin.

While this is technically a mask, I have been using it overnight. The formula delivers deep hydration that my dry skin loves. It also works against wrinkles and discoloration. If you prefer a mask treatment, just apply for five minutes and gently remove with a tissue and massage in any extra product. A little facial massage will also help with puffiness. It is recommended 1-3 times a week. I probably could happily use this every other night while those with less dry skin might want to keep it to a weekly treatment.

After using, I can tell my skin is super plump and hydrated in the morning. While I am not yet suffering from sagging skin, I can see more radiance (likely thanks to the hydration). I love taking the preventative step to minimize any potential aging down the road.

Made in the USA. Available at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Sephora, KateSomerville.com and Bergdorf Goodman.

Jet Set Favorites from around the Globe on FOX23’s Tulsa Live

Summer is the time for those dream trips, often abroad. Even if we don’t have one planned, we might be daydreaming about being on a beach in Greece or strolling the Parisian avenues. Without leaving our vanities, we can bring the exotic into our lives via beauty. So many of the international beauty staples have withstood the test of time, making them a must-have. This morning on Tulsa Live (formally Great Day Green Country), I shared some of my favorites to transport me to travel hotspots:

I can’t help but start off with my favorite destination, France. And what is more French than Caudalie, a skin care line built upon the benefits of Grape-seed Polyphenols, the most powerful anti-oxidants in the plant world. Caudalie Polyphenol c15 Overnight Detox Oil is one of the newest from the brand and is also made in France. The team has coupled the anti-oxidants with stabilized Vitamin C to block free-radicals. The dry oil soaks in and regenerates skin while you sleep. Plus, the smell will lull you to snoozeville with Carrot, Lavender, and White Sandalwood ($52).

Another dream location I hope to visit one day is the Dead Sea, a natural phenomenon I have always been fascinated with. No wonder I love AHAVA, a collection that utilizes minerals found in the Dead Sea in every single product. AHAVA Natural Dead Sea Mud transports that special mineral-rich mud right to your shower. The mud is harvested from the banks where clay is packed with an ultra-high concentration of minerals that can foster healthy looking skin. Excess oil, dead skin and toxins are whisked away while the mud stimulates circulation and improves skin tone. And calling all athletes and workaholics: this mud treatment can also help with stress and muscle aches. Just dirty up and spread all over your body, leave on for 15 minutes and rinse ($15).

Asia is still on my bucket list (if you don’t count my couple days in the part of Turkey that lies on the continent). My cousin has a passion for Japan and I think it has rubbed off on me. After all, Japan lays claim one of the great skin care cultures. One reason could be the availability of Wakame, a seaweed that grows along the coast of Japan and is often said to be the reason why Japanese women have youthful skin even into old age. H2O Plus Face Oasis CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA +++ contains a wakame compound that offers tons of anti-aging properties including a natural sunscreen and protection against the loss of Hyaluronic Acid. While CC creams generally have heavier coverage in my experience, this version is sheer to medium coverage and can brighten skin without being heavy. Bonus points for the inclusion of chemical free sunscreen ($35). Note: this line flies under the radar but is fabulous for relatively affordable skin care.

And we couldn’t round up this virtual world tour without a couple of stops in Africa. It seems that African ingredients are having somewhat of a moment in the beauty industry. First up is the super-popular Argan Oil from the Argan Tree of Morocco. I know we all have seen it on shelves, but what exactly is Argan Oil? The Berber people of Morocco discovered the culinary, cosmetics and medicinal benefits of Argan Oil. Unroasted Argan Oil is traditionally used as a treatment for skin diseases. In cosmetics, Argan Oil is advocated as moisturizing oil, working against flaky skin as well as nourishing and fortifying the hair. L’Oreal harnessed Argan’s nourishing benefits to heal dull, dry and damaged hair with Oleo Therapy. The Oleo Therapy collection is sulfate-free and contain six flower oils to provide nutrition and hydration to strands ($6.99 – 12.99).

Lastly, let’s head South to South Africa for another oil that has been part of beauty rituals for centuries. Marula fruit fates back as far as 10,000 BC. No wonder since its miracle oil can protect skin in severe climates. Marula Oil is packed with antioxidants and omega-9 fatty acids which can fight free radicals, prevent water loss and improve elasticity. Erno Laszlo Phormula 3-9 Cream is a nutritional supplement that packs a hydration punch and works as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Expect renewed skin and a more youthful appearance. I love this cream after a ski day or a pool afternoon. It even calms my red flush after a run and can be used on the face and body ($265).

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NEW StriVectin SD Advanced Intensive Concentrate for Wrinkles & Stretch Marks

One of the most recognized skin care brands is StriVectin. But for some reason, I turned up my nose. Their angle seemed like a gimmick to me (I had absolutely no basis for this and have no idea why I felt this way). Well, I am glad I opened my mind to trying their newest product, StriVectin SD Advanced™ Intensive Concentrate for Wrinkles & Stretch Marks.

The original cult-classic product has been beefed up with new technology and now I see what all the fuss is about. I’ve given this little tube a solid month of use and find that my skin feels… well, snatched for lack of a better word. The company promises results in 15 days and I can see why.

First, I love the tube packaging. I get a little weirded out scooping fingers into a tube night after night and I always manage to lose the included spoons. StriVectin’s texture is not liquid but not thick or goopy. And the highlight is the slightly minty scent that awakens my senses.

So what makes this special? First, StriVectin has a proprietary ingredient, NIA-114. This has been in their products for a while, but the new Collagex-CE Wrinkle Repair Complex helps both penetrate the deepest layers. Specifically, they target a kind of collagen called “youth collagen” that is crucial in youthful and regenerated skin. This happens thanks to an energy molecule that delivers amino acids and copper (one of my favorite ingredients) to skin’s deepest layers to produce and encourage collagen.

Some anti-aging products can clog my pores or feel heavy on my skin, especially in the spring and summer. But this manages to soak in and tighten, making it perfect for the warmer months. In addition, it works well in the AM under sunscreen and makeup.

According to the Nordstrom website, a “small group of first-time users may experience a blushing effect upon first application, which should typically last no more than 1-2 hours.” I have fairly sensitive skin and didn’t find this irritating at all. But I suggest trying a patch test on your jaw line if you are prone to irritation.

Available at Nordstrom.