Tag: serum

Brand Spotlight: Tata Harper

I’ll be honest… if there is a brand I have been lusting after, it is Tata Harper. I had a little mini-facial at NYFW way back in September 2011 and never quite got the brand out of my mind. I will never forget hearing that Tata herself manufactures all her products on a 1,200 acre farm in Vermont. How cool is that??

Tata Harper developed the line with the health of women wanting to look beautiful in mind. The products are all 100% natural and non-toxic from ingredients grown on the farm and thoughtfully sourced from around the world. The natural, fragrant nature of these products are soothing just in themselves. Tata oversees all the R&D, marketing, distribution and formulations. The packaging is fresh and luxe – how often to you find “feel good” products that look so stunning on your vanity?

The Tata Harper Refreshing Cleanser is one of those cleansers that is not really designed to remove makeup, but is so gentle and creamy, my sensitive & dry skin eats it up. There are no detergents or alcohol in the milky formula. Fueled by minerals and French clay, the cleanser can get into pores and remove dead skin. White Willow Bark exfoliates while Pomegranate extract acts as an antioxidant. And the Neroli and Bergamont make cleansing a fragrant pleasure.

Tata Harper Repairative Moisturizer is silky and luxurious. This liquid lotion packs as much of a hydration punch as a thicker cream. Long lasting moisture is provided by Jojoba and Vitamin E while Oleosomes from Safflower helps retain moisture and improve the skin barrier. Natural Hyaluronic acid takes hydration to the next level. Fresh Rose and essential oils, including sandalwood, magnolia, and geranium help foster radiant, plump and fresh looking skin. After application, I almost feel a slight tightening as if my skin is protected and reinforced.

The most intriguing products I tried was the Tata Harper Replenishing Nutrient Complex. This serum comes in a vial with a roller ball that you are directed to roll over your face and neck. The ritual of application almost became addicting as the cool metal ball acts as a massager. This goes on over your moisturizer (so I guess it isn’t really a serum). The thin liquid is absorbed into my skin almost immediately, lending to a radiant complexion. Alfalfa extract gives you a dose of vitamins A, B, C, D and E, working to improve hyper-pigmentation. Rosa Rubiginosa seed oil contains a trans-retinoic acid working against fine lines. Carrot Oil and Borage Oil calm and freshen the skin. Lastly, rose otto adds just a very slight fragrance.

Tata also has a collection of aromatherapy treatments. Appropriately so, I’ve been trying out Tata Harper Aromatic Stress Treatment. I can’t believe how addicted I am to this – I reach for it all the time. The roller ball dispenser is designed to be applied to pulse points to calm and promote relaxation to the mind, body and spirit. Sweet, honeyed linden, rose otto, bittersweet neroli and frankincense really do conjure a relaxed state of mind. When things are really tense, I take a moment to apply to my palms, cup them over my face and take five deep breaths. And good news: you can use this as many times as needed throughout the day. I truly believe even the thoughtful act of doing something to calm the mind makes for a healthier spirit.

Shop for the above Tata Harper products here:

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.

Natura Bissé Diamond Life Infusion

Natura Bissé Diamond Life Infusion is probably one of the most luxurous serums I have tried to date. I already swoon over anything Natura Bissé (check out the review of my favorite peel here) and it was a pleasure to try their latest and greatest. Diamond Life Infusion uses their diamond delivery system for deep penetration of 16 anti-aging ingredients.

This serum uses a natural magnetite to extend the life span of skin cells. The Bio-Magnet Nanosomes provide retinoid-like rejuvenation without those nasty side effects. Like other serums, this is a concentrate of the most active ingredients to promise the most potent of results. In vitro test (Gene array analysis of 64 skin-specific genes) revealed that skin looked appeared 3.9 years younger after seven days.

I’ve had this in the rotation for a little over a month, using on the face and decollete area, and I am already hooked on the luminous glow it gives. The creamy, spa-scented consistency is perfect to work in via a little mini-massage. I do think it helped me heal from massive dryness caused by an bump in my retinol prescription. And it is capable of preventing formation of dark spots. This would be a real asset in recovering from surgery or procedures. It has the properties of La Mer The Concentrate with a more nourishing feel.

I recognize this is super pricey for a small 25 mL/ 0.8 fl. oz. pump. However, Natura Bissé is known for producing products with absolute cutting edge technology. The company was started with a skin care line featuring free-form amino acids in 1979, and continues to be known for its innovative products. Diamond Life Infusion is a highly concentrated, super charged serum with loads of active ingredients. And the proven results make it all the more worth it.

Bliss ‘Firm, Baby, Firm’ Dual-Action Lifting & Volumizing Serum

I am a huge fan of Bliss anything and everything, but I mostly have focused on their body care products. I haven’t had much experience with their skin care offerings other than Bliss That’s Incredi-Peel! – a super charged glycolic acid treatment. Over the past couple weeks, I have been using Bliss Firm, Baby, Firm, a dual action serum that feels so darn good to use.

This facial serum helps boots collagen and elasticity for immediate AND long term effects. The dual action helps voluminize hollow areas, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, while also lifting – usually serums do one or the other making this a unique product. Powerful active ingredients like gardenia stem cells, cell-targeting X50 peptides and phyto-retinoids fuel the serum. These stem cells derived from fruit and plants are strong, but seem to play nicer with my sensitive skin.

The best part for me is the instant gratification of pleasant and nourishing lavender scented formula (from Bulgarian lavender oil). The creamy, aloe base adds moisture and instant smoothness. And a patented irritation-reducing technology gives the anti-aging ingredients I need without red flaky skin.

Hourglass Primers

I am convinced that Hourglass Primers are a best of breed. While I love Smashbox and Laura Mercier, these Hourglass offerings have something a little extra. They are luxurious and nourishing performers, no matter your skin type.

Hourglass N° 28 Primer Serum is the work horse of the bunch. This primer is also serious skin care. You can use it at night or under makeup. It even works on the ends of your hair for conditioning and shine. This is geared for drier skin (jump to the next version if you are in the oily camp) with an oil-based hydrating formula. The silky consistency creates a natural moisture barrier with a refined surface for makeup. I love the luminous quality – it can modernize and transform a matte foundation. The “28” in the product’s name refers to the formula’s key ingredients, which include 14 essential oils, 10 lipid-rich plant oils, and four vitamins.

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15 is more of a dedicated primer. While it is designed for more combo/oily skin, I still keep it in my rotation. The milky white lotion finishes out to clean, satin canvas. The mineral-based formula absorbs excess oils while the light diffusing properties camouflage imperfections. Bonus that it contains an SPF.

Hourglass Solar Tan Self-Tanning Primer is the most unique primer I have come across. For those who want to maintain a bronzy glow in the winter, this is a great option. The primer develops into a natural glow with each application. You can use it up to five days until you get your desired intensity. I’ve noticed that I feel better if my complexion has a little warmth so I love having this close by.

Kate Somerville Oil Free Serums

Anti-aging products tend to cater more towards dry skin that isn’t prone to breakouts. Somehow, the nourishing, oil-based feel has a corner on wrinkle-fighting serums. But I know plenty of people who desire anti-wrinkle and hydration serum but don’t want the nasty oil. Kate Somerville to the rescue. Two of her newest serums are oil-free, but still satisfy the needed moisture and anti-aging needs of those with acne-prone or oily skin.

Kate Somerville Quench Hydrating Face Serum is one of my all time favorite products. It gives a glow and makes my skin feel rejuvenated. Now it comes in a lightweight, water-based, shine-free formula that’s perfect for oily skin. Kate Somerville Quench Oil Free Hydrating Face Serum locks in hydration using Plumeria Flower Extract and Dynamic Moisture Complex™. Matrixyl 6, a peptide, fight against expression lines and wrinkles. Collagen builds firmness. And you get an immediate tightening effect.

Kate Somerville CytoCell P299 Anti-Wrinkle Serum uses P299™, a scientifically advanced stem technology polypeptide, to diminish the look of wrinkles and help fight the signs of aging by activating the natural renewal process that strengthens skin. This serum also helps with hydration by using hyaluronic acid and marine algae extracts, all while being oil-free.

These both can be used morning and night. I love the way Quench Oil-free looks under makeup. And CytoCell P299 is a powerhouse anti-aging fighter. I’ve been working this into my nighttime routine. Don’t forget to use this on your neck too!

Shop my Kate Somerville Favorites:

Own Firming Silk Concentrate

I’ve recently had the chance to try out a new natural skin care line, Own Products. The line focuses on CLA, a derivative of the safflower plant, that has been proven to fight aging as effectively as retinol without the side effects. I immediately fell for the centerpeice of the collection: the Firming Silk Concentrate. The serum delivers the CLA via a no-water formula. It goes on silky with quick absorption, immediately smoothing my skin. The concentrate works beautifully under makeup, not to mention it is working hard to make my skin look better. The oil-based formula contains coconut oil and vitamin E to nourish skin.

Own also launched an exciting iPhone app. It is like having a skin care specialist at home! After taking your photo, the My Own app uses facial recognition and clinical technology to measure your signs of aging in a few minutes. It reports a detailed map of six signs of aging: fine lines, deep wrinkles, crow’s feet, age spot count and visibility. Based on your information, My Own gives you custom product recommendations and you can track your progress with photos every 30 days.

Own’s Firming Silk Concentrate retails for $24.99 and is available at drugstore.com.