Tag: night cream

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

Jet Set Favorites from around the Globe on FOX23's Tulsa Live on Belle Belle Beauty

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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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.

Mario Badescu Peptide Renewal Cream & Serum

Mario Badescu Peptide Renewal Cream & Serum // Belle Belle Beauty

“Simple, gentle and effective.” If any claim makes me sit up and listen, it’s those three magic words. While I am a huge fan of active ingredients and medical grade skin care, this summer I’ve been focused on nourishing and calming my skin. That’s why Mario Badescu has been such a huge part of my routine over the past couple of months.

Peptides have long been known to help fight the good fight against wrinkles and fine lines. This targeted duo also used botanicals to achieve a more toned complexion. Not to mention, the formula contains my beloved hydrating Hyaluronic Acid.

The Mario Badescu Peptide Renewal Cream is rich and nourishing but doesn’t leave my skin greasy. The Mario Badescu Peptide Renewal Serum is hydrating enough for me on its own. And it has similar properties to a face oil. Personally, I slightly prefer the serum as it contains soothing chamomile and yarrow helping the redness in my complexion. The serum also has green tea to protect against free radicals.

If you are aiming to skip retinol this summer or just want anti-aging for more sensitive skin, don’t miss these new treats from Mario Badescu. The Peptide Renewal Serum is definitely in my permanent rotation as a soothing, nourishing tool against fine lines.

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.

Dr. Jart Water Fuse Water-Sure Gel

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Sometimes, I come across a product that just has “it” – something I’ve been wanting so badly but never quite knew it. Dr. Jart Water Fuse Water-Sure Gel landed on my desk on a day I had just returned from a quick trip. Airplane air is not kind. And my skin was dehydrated and itchy.

This bouncy gel is loaded with hyaluronic acid and does one of the best jobs of rehabilitating dry skin of any product I’ve tried. The cool refreshing formula binds to my skin without being sticky. A thin layer quickly absorbs leaving skin supple and plump. And olive leaf and cranberry work to improve the skin barrier to boost elasticity.

At night, I’ve been layering another night cream for an extra rich routine, but it is adequately hydrating on its own. The gel texture also makes this ideal for those with more combo/oily skin. The gel has a slightly floral scent that dissipates quickly. And I am so appreciative of the included spatula (working hard to keep my skincare germ free).

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE WAS 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.

Kate Somerville RetAsphere 2-in-1 Retinol Night Cream

Kate Somerville RetAsphere 2-in-1 Retinol Night Cream // Belle Belle Beauty

I recognize that I sound like a broken record, always always singing the praises of Retinol. But just face the fact: Retinol is one of the few ingredients out there that is proven to prevent premature aging. And for those with acne, Retinol can help with exfoliation, removing pore-clogging dead skin cells. But more than that – it can actually improve the texture of your skin. So even if you don’t have those dreaded fine wrinkles yet or suffer from acne, it can help with hyper-pigmentation and pore size.

The one complaint I hear readers voice about Retinols is they can often irritate sensitive skin. Enter Kate Somerville’s RetAsphere 2-in-1 Retinol Night Cream. Formulated with a patented Carrier System, the Retinol is packaged in a lip shell. The rich cream melts the pure Retinol evenly into the epidermis. Then a bio-derived hyaluronic acid (another ingredient I won’t shut up about) locks in hydration, preventing that annoying Retinol side effect – dried out skin.

After a couple weeks of use, I have no hesitation in recommending this to those who have had irritation with Retinol or haven’t yet added it to their routine. The rich consistency and hydration factor immediately makes my skin look supple and brighter. And on its own, the RetAsphere provides enough moisture for my drier skin. Gone are the days of flaking, red skin when introducing a Retinol product.

Make sure to use this only at night – sun doesn’t play nice with Retinol. And make sure you have a SPF on during the day – Retinol use makes skin more sensitive to the UV rays. I didn’t have any sensitivity, but you can use every other day if you find you have irritation.

Kate Somerville is available at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom, Sephora, and KateSomerville.com.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE WAS 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.

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!).