Tag: serum

Omorovicza Complexion Corrector SPF 20

Anyone else get freckles the second they step into the sun? Yep, that’s me. This weekend, at the beach, I developed a little freckling across my cheeks that I just didn’t want to cover up. Somehow, it seemed very “beachy”. So, I was stuck between a rock and a hard place. I wanted sun protection, a little bit of color correction – but not really any coverage in that classic sense.

Enter Omorovicza Complexion Corrector SPF 20. When I first spotted this product, I thought it was a CC cream similar to those we have seen cropping up like this one and this one. But this is a different animal. Almost acting like a serum, the Complexion Corrector brightens and evens skin. It seriously calms my redness thanks to three forms of zinc. And Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide provide that crucial SPF protection against UVA/B rays.

Problem solved – just apply this stuff under your regular SPF (or even a BB Cream) and you’ve got even, calm skin and those freckles shining through.

Skin Care Mixology: 4 Boosters from Intraceuticals

I’m like a mixologist when it comes to skin care. Other than my tried and true retinol, I’ll change it up on a day to day basis: some days I’ll add a little Vitamin C and others a little Antioxidant. A little of this… a little of that. Intraceuticals had exactly this approach in mind when they developed their Boosters, designed to be mixed with your daily serum or used on their own. They come in handy when you are trying to spot treat certain areas (for instance, Vitamin C on my hyper-pigmentation on my cheeks). Here are the details on the four “flavors” if you will. I think they all come in pretty handy!

VITAMIN C+3 BOOSTER contains three forms of Vitamin C to fight premature aging, irregular tone and sun damage. The Vitamin C acts to fight free radical damage while protecting skin. It also works in collagen synthesis to improve skin texture. I mostly grab for this stuff because it can brighten and correct hyper-pigmentation. This booster should be primarily used in the morning and plays well with the Collagen+ Booster. If you are really going after hyper-pigmentation, use this with the Vitamin A+ Booster at night as well.

COLLAGEN+ BOOSTER is packed with peptides to renew and rejuvinate skin, plumping volume and tightening. It really can target fine lines and wrinkles while hydrating and adding radiance. Because this has such a beautiful immediate effect, I like using it in the morning under makeup. It also works well at night while skin is working hard to regenerate skin. You can add this to the Vitamin C+3 Booster in the morning, and Vitamin A+ Booster in the evening.

ANTIOXIDANT+ BOOSTER targets dull skin by revitalizing and detoxing. Perfect for after late nights or travel, it can improve dark circles and puffiness around the eyes. And the natural antioxidants sourced from the Australian Rainforest can give the complexion a more radiant and even look. Antioxidant+ Booster is designed to be used in the morning.

VITAMIN A+ BOOSTER, my most beloved skin care ingredients, does it all. Vitamin A can treat blemishes, visible pores, sun damage, uneven texture or deep wrinkles. This Booster is formulated with a “release on demand” form of Vitamin A to increase potency while reducing irritation. Vitamin A + Booster is should be used at night. It works particularly well with the Collagen+ Booster. Make sure to use twice a week, then gradually increase frequency to every other night. Vitamin A can cause irritation in those who have never used it.

Confused yet? If so, I found this chart so very helpful – create your cocktail of booster based on what skin issue you are dealing with:

You can find your closest Intraceuticals clinic here.

Kate Somerville D-Scar Diminishing Serum

My scars are nasty. They are elevated, red and very persistant. Fortunately, I don’t have acne scars. But I have loads of scars from having moles removed (melanoma runs in my family) and a nasty sucker on my foot from surgery.

Naturally, when my beloved Kate Somerville came out with a scar treatment, I was on it. I think it is primarily targeted for acne scaring and uneven texture, but I was quickly assured by Kate that it is also for new and old surgical scars.

The packaging on this thing is genius. The serum is in a tube with a locking dispenser and metal rollerball. Twist “ON” (the tip only rotates one direction – picture me trying to spin it the wrong way – fail). Gently squeeze a small amount of serum onto the tip, twist-and-lock “OFF”, and massage with the rollerball into the scar.

The serum contains DS-7, a microencapsulated peptide, which encourages the skin renewal process. A botanical extract helps even out the appearance of skin texture, reducing the pigment in the scar. I was going to give this a whole 8 weeks test run, but after two short weeks, my results were so miraculous, I had to spread the word. Check out my before and after (sorry for the weird foot photos):

Kate Somerville D-Scar Before and After // Belle Belle Beauty

Use it morning and night. If you use it on your face, follow with moisturizer. Don’t forget your sunscreen!

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.

Favorite Vitamin C Serums

Hyperpigmentation (grrr!) is my skin’s biggest issue. I’ve tried everything. And have made some progress. But every time summer rolls around, SPF be damned, I get those nasty spots again. (This summer, I am taking the hat-approach in addition to super-powdered SPF). The progress I have made, I credit to Vitamin C. This super ingredient can fade dark spots and even skin. It also helps with aging and radiance. So, here is my round up of Vitamin C MVPs:

SK-II Facial Treatment Repair C has been in my rotation for a while. I love the light formula with a silky finish. This serum also contains SK-II’s signature ingredient, Pitera to fight aging.

M-61 Vitablast C is a fabulous oil-free version from the BlueMercury brand. This formula contains gallic acid to naturally brighten. And at the same time, it soothes and nourishes skin with Vitamin E.

Taylor Owen Vitamin C+ 12% manages a decent level of Vitamin C without being irritating. This formula gave us some pretty immediate brightening and we love the way it smooths onto skin. Bonus points that this South Florida based skincare line is 98% natural.

OBAGI Professional-C Serum, 20% packs a punch. Obagi has consistently brought me fast and dramatic results. Expect no less with this highly concentrated serum. Not only will it bring the strongest brightening effects, but it will also give you a does of hydration.

Perricone MD Vitamin C Eye works specifically on this delicate skin and in conjunction with your your daily eye cream. For those with genetic dark circles, this could be the ticket. The formula is also loaded with antioxidant protection from Tocotrienols.

La Prairie Skin Caviar Liquid Lift

I’ve had quite the love affair with La Prairie since I began blogging. The La Prairie White Caviar Illuminating Eye Cream is still my all time favorite eye cream. And don’t get me started on the La Prairie Cellular Radiance Cream Blush. Their 3-minute Peel is a staple on my vanity. The brand consistently turns out some of the most luxurious and supremely effective skincare I’ve had the opportunity to try. In April of 2012, La Prairie launched a product that basically distilled everything wonderful about their Caviar Collection into one gorgeous bottle.

Skin Caviar Liquid Lift uses these infamous golden caviar pearls to deliver an instant lift to skin. It has even been called an “instant facelift”. While I recognize I’m not really a candidate for a facelift yet, I have been absolutely giddy about this product. The smoothing effect is genuinely unique and it has made for a fabulous primer under makeup. Over the past couple of weeks, my skin is smoother and tighter, something I’ve been concerned about as I have been losing a significant amount of weight.

A glucose-based polymer (Xanthan Gum Crosspolymer) tones and tenses skin immediately and long-term. The amino acids, vitamins and minerals in the Caviar Extracts offer nourishment and protection to the skin. A new pentapeptide helps protect and renew skin cells. My dry skin soaks up the Vitamin B5 that acts as a humectant, adding moisture to the skin. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant.

The real excitement of this products comes with the “activation”. When you purchase the bottle, the caviar beads appear in the window. Before use, remove the outer cap and press the activator. The three chambers mix three distinct formulas to combine a balanced blend. So cool!

Skin Caviar Liquid Lift is available at Neiman Marcus here.

Murad Rapid Collagen Infusion

I’m all about a product that promises “instant” benefits. A little skeptical, yes. But I certainly will give it a whirl. Guess what, guys? This actually does work. Instant plumpy radiance!

So, the back story. You probably know collagen keeps our skin looking firm and young. But did you know you start losing collagen at the age of TWENTY? Dr. Murad’s Rapid Collagen Infusion actually boosts collagen, giving instant gratification plumping effect. And longterm use promises to boost that diminishing collagen, warding off fine lines and wrinkles.

The newest technology from Murad, RepleniCell, helps skin to attract and retain water. Rapid Collagen Infusion also delivers a botanical complex that boosts skin’s resilience while Winged Kelp encourages natural collagen and elastin. Apple and Lentil Seed Extracts also help plump fine lines.

The soothing, thick serum is non-irritating and slightly cooling. It has a pretty substaintial texture, but absorbs quickly. I like using the hydrating formula on my face and neck, twice a day. It works beautifully under makeup, almost like a primer. How can you resist a good before and after? No, that isn’t me, but pretty darn incredible.

Murad Rapid Collagen Infusion Before & After // Belle Belle Beauty