Tag: serum

NARS Illuminated Skin Care

I am going to attempt to remain calm as I introduce you to the newly relaunched NARS Skin Care. But I apologize if I get a little overly excited. The brand known for beautiful color and elegant packaging has come through with some truly innovative, results-oriented, superb skin care.

Off the bat, I am swooning over the Purifying Foam Cleanser. Most of you know I love a good foaming face wash – check out some other favorites here. The Clé de Peau Beauté Gentle Cleansing Foam has long been a holy grail products for me, and I am thrilled to report this NARS face wash is so utterly similar at less than half the cost. It is highly foaming with small botanical exfoliating spheres (which are not irritating).  Wild Rose and Peony extracts soothe skin. And while this is targeted for normal to oily/combination skin, it isn’t drying and doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight. The theme of all three of my favorite products is their illuminating capabilities – cleanser included. The formula contains the NARS exclusive Light Reflecting Complex™ designed to restore skin’s youthful radiance and reflect light like a prism.

NARS ‘Skin’ Optimal Brightening Concentrate, in its elegant square jar, is unlike any other serum I have tried. The center piece of the NARS collection hydrates, soothes and boots radiance like nothing else. It comes in especially handy for big events or after a late night – the complexion really looks revitalized. Vitamin C works long term to prevent and help repair signs of aging and dark spots. This also makes a lovely primer, especially for those with oily skin. Just skip moisturizer (but not SPF) and use the concentrate under makeup.

Lastly, the Luminous Moisture Cream – certain to be a favorite for those of you with dry skin like me. Like the Concentrate and Cleanser, this cream contains the NARS exclusive Light Reflecting Complex™, so you will continue to get that brightened appearance. The rich cream has seriously intense hydration, which only makes my skin look plumper, glowier and overall more healthy. Beech Bud Extract boosts collagen production and anti-oxidants to combat free radical damage. Bravo, NARS!

Shop my favorites:

Favorite Serums

Serums are such an underrated skin care step. I can see why. With a cleanser, you get instant gratification of washing off the grim. Moisturizer’s hydration feels so good. And applying SPF is like giving yourself a pat on the back. But a recent experience reminded my how important these guys are.

I was testing a skin care system that didn’t incorporate a serum. I followed it to a “T”. After just 10 days, my skin looked dull and my hyperpigmentation was worse. My skin just didn’t feel as soft. So, I bagged the system I was testing and returned to my serum-inclusive routine.

In just three days, I was back to my old self. Definitely reminded me how important a serum can be. So today, I am sharing my three favorites. I rotate these and often use two together. They  go on after cleansing a before moisturizer.

1. La Mer The Concentrate – I don’t know about this “Miracle Broth” and I have been concerned about some of the ingredients La Mer uses, but I just can’t deny that this stuff eliminates redness like a champ. It was initially designed to improve the appearance of scarring resulting from surgery and burns. I have used this after surgery and it works wonders on minimizing scars. But the premise also works on dry, irritated and sensitive skin. The main ingredient accelerates skin’s natural repair process. And it leaves skin insanely soft.

2. Kanebo Sensai Collection Prime Solution – This stuff is new and I’ve been lucky enough to test it out over the past couple of months. Kanebo is known for using Koishimaru Silk which reawakens skin cells. It boosts the efficacy of other treatments I use – so make sure to apply it first before any other treatments or serums. I love the beautiful glass bottle too!

3. Sunday Riley Juno Transformative Lipid Serum – Actually a dry oil, this has cult-level status. Sunday Riley’s skin care is inspired by Native American botanicals and she is best known for her NV-5 Ageless Complex, a proprietary blend of 5 Native American botanicals to detoxify, heal, and recharge the skin. Juno also includes oils extremely high in natural retinol, Vitamin C, Essential Amino Acids, Omega-3, 6, & 9, UV shields, and natural Anti-Inflammatory agents for luminous skin. This stuff leaves skin super glow-y.

Lina Hanson Global Face Serum

Lina Hansen is a Swedish makeup artist, currently based in Hollywood. She has quite the lineup of celebrity clients who are already fans of her new serum. So naturally, I had to try it. Like some other “oils” out there, the Global Face Serum is a blend designed to be used as a moisturizer or pre-moisturizer treatment. What makes it different is that the blend is organic and sourced specifically to suport female empowerment and fair trade. Many of the ingredients are harvested by women to promote economic growth in their countries.

I’ve been using one pump, morning and night in addition to a creamy moisturizer. I have been pleased with increased radiance and improved hydration. It is quickly absorbed and calms down my skin after exfoliation. I am using a fairly strong retinol right now, so the addition of the serum has provided much needed balancing and healing. And it looks amazing under makeup. I’ve mixed a little with tinted moisturizer for a dewy, fresh look.

Normally, I would summarize the ingredients, but I love how Lina has detailed what each carefully selected ingredient will actually do for you. It is a little primer in natural skin care:

  • Marula — rich in antioxidants, anti-aging properties and is said to be a more potent source of vitamin c than oranges
  • Baobab — helps prevent and treat dry skin conditions
  • Camellia Seed — moisturizes, brightens the skin, lightens age spots and prevents wrinkles
  • Argan — protects against premature aging, hydrates the skin and neutralizes free radicals
  • Brazil Nut — maintains smooth, younger looking skin
  • Pumpkin Seed — decreases redness on the skin caused by rosacea
  • Mandarin — promotes a finer textured skin and helps remove any congestion as well as acne scars
  • Neroli — improves elasticity, stimulates new cell growth and softens wrinkles and scars
  • Frankincense — rejuvenates the skin and prevent the formation of wrinkles
  • Palmarosa — moisturizes your skin yet balances the hydration levels
  • Ylang Ylang — cures both dry and oily skin

Oh, and also worth mentioning:

  • No animal ingredients/no animal testing
  • Completely free of parabens, artificial fragrance, silicone, petrochemicals, synthetic fragrances or any other chemical ingredient.
Global Face Serum is available at www.linahanson.com.

Kate Somerville® ‘Quench’ Hydrating Serum

Okay, fine. I’m now in my thirties and have made that transition from Oily to Combo/Normal to the dreaded DRY skin.  I know… there are upsides and downsides too all types of skin.  For me, the upside to dry skin is getting to use Kate Somerville’s ‘Quench’ Hydrating Serum. For you regular readers, you already know I am huge fan of this skincare line.  And I continue to discover little gems in her collection. 

Over the last couple of years, I have become even more aware of the effect skin condition can have on the way makeup looks (and photographs).  One of the major factors for foundation or tinted moisturizer is a well hydrated face. Quench  has a hydrating complex that seals in water, resulting in a dewy, luminous complexion. 

The texture is a silky serum, but it will not cause shininess.  The effect is more satin.  There also is a vitamin A product in here: RetiStar™. For those of you who worry about irritation from vitamin A products, let me assure you – this is the most mild vitamin A product I have ever tried. It is great way to introduce the product into your regimen.

Love the way my face feels after using this and a little Kate Somerville® Goat Milk Cream.  Swoon!

Erno Laszlo TranspHuse Night Serum

I have always been intrigued with the romance and tradition of Erno Laszlo and the iconic cleansing bar.  I was so happy to find the Erno Laszlo TranspHuse Night Serum in my most recent Birchbox.  After just a taste, I had to try it on an ongoing basis. Although hyperpigmentation and occasional acne is a bigger concern for me, it can’t hurt to fight some wrinkles too.  The formula is designed to plump fine lines and prevent further wrinkles using Glycosaminoglycan to promote collagen production.  While it is a creamier serum, it wasn’t hydrating (at least enough for me) so I used it with my beloved  Chantecaille Flower Harmonizing Cream.  Wow – what an impressive and, rather immediate, result.  The mornings after use, my skin was smooth, supple and even more even.  This is a serious splurge, but I can see the rewards of its active ingredients.  It makes me want to try that iconic cleansing bar soon.

stila One Step Correct

On the bright side, this product’s triple-swirled helix looks super-cool in its container.  But it doesn’t live up to its promise to color-correct my skin.  There was no noticeable reduction in redness.  While I did look slightly brighter, the serum caused my skin to feel tight.  This serum is part of a one-step collection, promising anti-aging with their Youth Revival ingredients.  However, when I think of stila, great pigments and fabulous glosses come to mind, and I think that is what they should stick with.