Regular readers, you already know I am an exfoliation junkie. Particularly with my recent peels, I’ve had a great need to slough off dead skin. And I’ve found that my skin looks more even and radiant with regular exfoliation. While my skin doesn’t love the more aggressive types of at home peels this time of year, I do need some sort of resurfacing. And what could be better than an easy, no-rinse formula?
It is amazing when a good thing gets even better. This time, your vanity will thank you as a classic is being updated with a beautiful vessel from L’Wren Scott. Caudalie’s best selling Beauty Elixir spray is inspired by Queen Isabella of Hungary who charmed the King of Poland thirty-five years her junior. This serum/toner hybrid works to add radiance to any skin type. Ingredients include:
The limited edition bottle is inspired by L’Wren Scott’s 2013 fall/winter collection and Austrian painter Gustav Klimt. The mosaics and female silhouette also incorporate vine shoots in honor of Caudalie’s roots.
Beauty Elixir can be used as a primer under makeup and also throughout the day over makeup. It also makes for a great after-shave for the guys.
Available November 1st at US.Caudalie.com, Caudalie NYC Boutiques (315 Bleecker St. and 1031 Lexington Avenue) and the Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa at The Plaza Hotel.
I know, I know… I can go on and on about my darned hyperpigmentation. But I am really going after it this fall. Now that I got basking in the sun out of my system (I am NOT doing that next summer), I can really go after the dark spots that have cropped up.
Let’s talk about hyperpigmentation. There are lots of different kinds: sun spots, age spots, darker freckles and a larger area of discoloration. And lots of different reasons behind it including:
But no matter their cause or type, all hyperpigmentation is treated basically the same. You can start with kojic acid and vitamin C. There is even a mushroom extract that is said to work well. And many lab developed ingredients that are getting rave reviews. But it is actually a 50 year old ingredient that is still the tried and true (albeit controversial) combatant against hyperpigmentation: Hydroquinone.
Hydroquinone is the star of Murad’s Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum and it promised to make a dent in these dark spots in just one week. I was a bit skeptical since I love my Rx strength 4% Hydroquinone (usually only 2% strength is available over the counter). But, I’ll tell ya, it got this process going in a jiff! I have been using Murad’s Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum morning and night and I can see clear improvement. I am starting to work my Rx version in a little more at night to see if I can speed it up even more.
Also in the formula is Hexapeptide-2, a powerful skin lightening peptide that blocks future damage by helping prohibit pigment formation. And Glycolic Acid also works to exfoliate and enabling the Hydroquinone to work even more effectively. The gel like texture works well under makeup. And even my sensitive skin isn’t irritated by the active ingredients. I am requiring a little more hydration, but that also could be due to a change in season.
Murad’s Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum is available at Sephora, Beauty.com and Murad.
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.
The best kind of makeup in my book is makeup that doesn’t look made up. Effortless and natural are keywords. In honor of the Seventh Generation Skin Serum I’ve been using, I wanted to share some tips on getting the non-made-up effect while still looking polished.
Starting with a healthy canvas is first and foremost. I like to clean my face with a gentle cleanser. And then, thanks to my dry skin, make sure I get nourishing hydration so there is no flaky mess. Seventh Generation Skin Hydrating Boost is the perfect formula to give me long lasting moisture with Jojoba, Acai and Passion flower. Other boost options include Soothing, Firming, Revitalizing, Protecting and Clearing).
Just a couple silky drops and my skin is primed and prepped for the day. The texture isn’t oily or greasy and there is only a very faint scent. Every boost is a plant-based serum free of harsh preservatives parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. They are also hypoallergenic and won’t clog pores. Last skin care step: the ever crucial SPF. I like a lightweight sunscreen lotion that works well under makeup.
Next up, I like to apply a tinted moisturizer or BB Cream with a wet sponge. I find I get the lightest, yet most even application this way. Start in the middle of your face and blend outwards, using as little product as possible. Using the tips of my fingers, I use a little cream blush on the apples of my cheeks. The pinkier rather than rosier looks more natural on me, and I prefer a little bit of radiance to add that outdoor glow. A neutral cream shadow in light taupe goes on my lids, heavier from lashes to crease and then lightly blended up to brows. Some days I am going au natural, I just curl my lashes. For a little extra boost, look for a mascara that focuses on length, not volume to separate and extend lashes. Brush down any wild eye brow hairs and add a swipe of nude lip gloss and done! Project Effortless Beauty accomplished.
Seventh Generation Boosts are available at Walgreens.com.
#AllNaturalStyleSecrets
I received a free sample of this product from Lucky and Seventh Generation for use in connection with this blog.
I’m baaaack! What an amazing vacation. I have to say… the beaches in the Dominican Republic are some of the most beautiful I have ever seen. My week was filled with fun, laughter (so much) and festivities. While I can’t say I am totally rested, I did come home feeling revived. Not to mention sun kissed.
I’ve also come home a bit contemplative. My summer has been full of great times and friends. But as the calendar page turns and talk of back to school is starting, I feel like turning a new leaf myself. Don’t get me wrong – the good times are not stopping. But I do want to add a little depth and discipline into my life. I’ve come back with a verve and devotion to my Nutrisystem journey – I am about to start my final month on the program. And I want to make sure that the time I spend with family and friends is thoughtful and personal. Feeling good about my skin, body and relationships is when I am most happy and I want to keep it that way!
On that same note, diving into Cindy Crawford’s Meaningful Beauty skincare line is all about empowering women to look and feel their best. The word “Meaningful” hits home and plays well with my new tagline “depth and discipline”. I’d like to think it is great to find meaning in even the smaller parts and moments of our life. To spread the word about this mission, Cindy has launched a new app on her Meaningful Beauty’s Facebook page, Meaningful in the Mirror. Through this app, Cindy’s mission is to allow women to affirm their inner-beauty & self-confidence in just a few simple steps.
Facebook users can simply (1)“like” the Meaningful Beauty Facebook page for access to the app, (2) select a template, (3) type their custom message and (4) share it with friends or on their own page. It only takes a few minutes, but the message is theirs to keep – it can even be used as a cover photo.
I’ve been using Meaningful Beauty over the last couple of months and am completely impressed with the system. The line is all about nutrition for the skin, aiming to protect and renew. Her step by step collection is easy to follow and leads to radiant skin. It is powerful but not irritating, packed with antioxidants and vitamins.
The system is composed of 5 simple steps plus 2 bonuses:
Meaningful Beauty by Cindy Crawford Crème de Serum is probably my favorite item from the system. I haven’t encountered a richer serum and the effect is fresh and dewy skin. It has almost enough hydration to act as a moisturizer too on my dry skin this summer. The packaging and orange swirl keeps active ingredients suspended until used. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) from rare French melon (orange) and anti-aging peptides (white) work with the Hyaluronic Acid (clear) to hydrate and plump the skin.
Meaningful Beauty Glowing Serum by Cindy Crawford is for those, like me, who are all about the glow. I like to use it as a primer to smooth or even to throw on your purse to add a glow/highlight throughout the day. It contains soy protein, marine botanicals and antioxidants including pumpkin extract to encourage cell renewal.
Meaningful Beauty Skin Softening Cleanser by Cindy Crawford is milky and ultra gentle. While it doesn’t quite get all my makeup off, it does contain a unique apple extract to work against aging. My skin doesn’t feel tight or stripped.
Meaningful Beauty Antioxidant Day Crème SPF 20 Broad Spectrum has become a favorite facial SPF for the days I know I’ll be in the office. I get plenty of moisture and still decent protection. I also love that Vitamin C helps brighten and even my discoloration.
Meaningful Beauty by Cindy Crawford Advanced Formula Lifting Eye Crème contains botanicals to lighten and firm that stubborn under eye area. After a late night, I really can tell this helps brighten and lift, plus it works well under makeup.
Meaningful Beauty by Cindy Crawford Skin Brightening Décolleté and Neck Treatment Broad Spectrum SPF 15 is a genius product that has definitely earned its spot in my permanent rotation. I have started to realize this often neglected area of skin is the first to betray age. The formula works against age spots, brightens and revitalizes, not to mention, provides that crucial SPF protection.
Meaningful Beauty by Cindy Crawford Wrinkle Smoothing Capsules are my new favorite on-the-go skin care item. This little capsules are so fun to use and provide a portable does of the Exclusive Microencapsulated Melon Complex and dual action Vitamin C.
I think the 5-piece New Advanced System is the best deal. It is great for those times when you want to commit to a routine to do a kind of “reset” on your skin. Not to mention, it is totally affordable at $39.95 plus s/h for 30-day supply or $119.85 with free shipping for 90-day supply. Available at MeaningfulBeauty.com or by calling 1-877-383-1212
“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.
