Tag: serum

Biologique Recherche P50

I finally bit the bullet and ordered the legendary Biologique Recherche P50 last week. I didn’t even know what I was getting myself into, but when skin mavens like Emily Weiss rave, I pay attention. It was Jenna Lyons’ morning routine that put me over the edge.

One thing that had held me back before, was the difficulty in ordering the French brand from here in the States. But Rescue Spa was super easy and I could complete my purchase using Amazon (prime baby!).

There are actually several versions of the P50 (one for dryer skin, one for hyper-pigmentation, etc…). I opted for the original but not the P50 1970 which is banned in Europe. I figure if it isn’t available there, it has no business on my skin. But to each their own.

The serum/toner is described as a facial in a bottle, erasing fine lines, shrinking pores and balancing skin. Exfoliating ingredients like lactic acid and salicylic acid lighten dark spots and control oil production. Some experience a little tingling at first – I sure did. But that has dissipated every time I have used it since. I don’t experience any redness but I have heard some report a sort of healthy flush. I have to say I am already hooked – the intrigue and slightly odd smell have me feeling like I am part of a secret club. I will report back after a couple weeks!

Tata Harper Skincare Rejuvenating Serum

One reason I appreciate organic skin care is simplicity. Sometimes boiling down ingredients to their simplest and most natural makes them work in an elegant way. Out of the many organic and natural skin care brands I have tried, Tata Harper remains my favorite. The products can be a little pricey. But I really believe you get what you pay for. The packaging is exquisite, the efficacy is unmatched and the formulas are thoughtful. My newest favorite product from the lineup is the Tata Harper Skincare Rejuvenating Serum.

This concentrated product is designed to smooth and hydrate skin. It is an easy step to add two pumps into both my AM and PM routine. I’ve had zero irritation with the addition of this product and it even plays nicely with my retinol product. The Hyaluronic Acid, antioxidants, and vitamins have lent to a healthy glow. The consistency is slightly on the creamier side, which makes me feel like it is more nourishing than other serums. Follow with moisturizer and then a spray of Tata Harper’s Hydrating Floral Essence (another new favorite from the line).

Available at Nordstrom and Tata Harper.

Kiehl’s Dermatologist Solutions Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate

Kiehl’s on a roll lately and I am loving some of their new products. My latest favorite is their Dermatologist Solutions Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate which has worked wonders on some of my more textured spots on my cheeks. Working overnight, the micro-peel (which is very gentle) works to reveal radiant and refreshed skin.

I apply every night after washing my face and before moisturizing. There is no tingling, tightness or redness. The micro-peel feels more like a soothing serum than a peel so don’t let the name scare you off.

The formula is clinically-proven to accelerate cell turnover. This in turn eradicates roughness and evens tones. I have had some redness on my cheeks and this peel reversed probably 90% of the appearance in two weeks. Keep it up Kiehl’s!

Available at Kiehl’s, Nordstrom and Bergdorf Goodman.

La Prairie Anti-Aging Rapid Response Booster

In the interest of full disclosure, file this under luxury indulgence. But if I am going to splurge on mega-luxe skin care, you better bet La Prairie is right at the top of the wish list. I have had the pleasure of working with this brand for years, and I am always impressed with the super nourishing and gentle formulas. Their newest, La Prairie Anti-Aging Rapid Response Booster, is right along those lines and perfect for summer.

I am trying out a new retinol formula in the evenings (more on that later) but was looking for a serum step in the AM. This booster works specifically on wrinkles but I also like that there is a major hydration effect. Two pumps and some massage action – one of the things that can wake this night owl up – fights lines in just two weeks. I have used the booster for about a month and I can tell a difference. But since my lines are fairly fine, I notice more of a general radiance.

The secret is an active delivery system that dives deep. That same system also works on enlarged pores (maybe what is improving my glow). When I need to take a break from my Vitamin A routine, I am glad to know this is great in the evenings as well. My dry skin requires a moisturizer after but those with drier skin might be fine with this alone.

pr samples and affiliate links may be included in the above post

Sulwhasoo Luminature Essential Finisher

If you like no-frills skin care, look away, dear friend. But know you are missing out. For those willing to add an extra step, check out this “finisher” from Sulwhasoo.

Much like this favorite makeup spray, the Sulwhasoo Luminature Essential Finisher is like the same for your skin care – think about sealing in all that goodness that you use in your routine. Plus it adds a luminosity and clarity.

I’ve loved this line since crossing paths at Bergdorfs at my first New York Fashion Week. But this unique product might be my favorite from the brand yet. Ginseng and green tea work naturally with skin to create a perfect makeup foundation. And antioxidants work against free radicals and help heal skin.

Plus it feels wonderful against my dry winter skin. That being said, it isn’t overly heavy so those with combo or oily skin will like the formula just as much as those with dry skin do. The heavy glass bottle is a beauty to use and looks amazing on a vanity too – always a welcome luxury with upscale skin care products.

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.

Clarisonic Sonic Radiance Brightening Solution

I drank the Clarisonic kool-aid years ago and the devices have been a part of my routine ever since. I’ve used the Plus, Mia and Pedi, all with stellar results. But regular readers here know my biggest beef is hyper-pigmentation and a general lack of radiance. So the newest Clarisonic really had me pumped. After releasing earlier this year, I finally got my paws on the newest system and I can say I am a total convert and this is my top choice from the Clarisonic family.

Sonic Radiance comes with a device and brightening formulas just in the nick of time to erase our summer skin sins and achieving a winter glow. The system includes the newest Aria – one I hadn’t tried. While I can’t tell a huge difference, I like the technologically-advanced charger and lighter weight.

The brush head is new as well – a Radiance Brush Head – full of dense but soft filaments that doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin. Note: remember not to push the brush against the skin but allow it to lightly touch skin, loosening debris and preventing redness. The pearl pink is a little less shocking than the traditional pink Plus model and it is feminine without being over the top.

I’ve always enjoyed the cleansers that come with the Clarisonic devices but I really love the included products in this version including a morning cleanser, a nighttime peel wash, and a brightening serum (Clarisonic’s first-ever leave-on treatment.) All three products and the device work together to improve acne spots, blotchiness and sun damage. I’ve been using the products and device day and night for two weeks and see imrpovement, particularly with darkness on my cheeks.

The cleansers are foamy and work well against the residue of the day. I do like removing makeup beforehand with a wipe – my favorite these days is this one. That way, makeup doesn’t transfer to the brush head and the products can really work to improve the look of skin.

The Skin Illuminating Cleanser is designed for the AM and gently cleanses and exfoliates skin. The Skin Renewing Peel Wash, my favorite, is creamier and foamier designed for use at night. Then the real gem: the new Brightening Activator Serum can be used morning and night. The combo of treatments allows for potent action and visible results but while still nourishing skin.

Kit includes: Clarisonic Aria, Universal Voltage Charger, Radiance Brush Head, 6 oz Skin Illuminating Cleanser, 6 oz Sin Renewing Peel Wash, Brightening Activator Serum. Products can be purchased individually as well. Or without the device and just the brush head.

Available at Nordstrom and Sephora

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.