Tag: Skin Care

Self Care Step One: Evening Skin Care Routine

Seems like skin care just moves more to the forefront every day. Not just for beauty buffs and bloggers, but for my gal pals and family too. I love that great skin is now valued as much as a great foundation! So I thought I would start out this little weekend series (aka Happy Valentine’s Day to Me) with my evening skin care routine. I don’t dive into formulas too much here – just discussing why I love the products.

1. Drunk Elephant Pekee Bar – I just started reviewing this line, but I am already obsessed with their bar soaps. Don’t let the bar form scare you – this formula is still toxin and soap-free. My skin is left balanced, moisturized, calmed and clean.

2. Foreo Luna – I use the Drunk Elephant to create a foam and then use this strange looking device to amp up the cleansing action. I use the Ultra Sensitive version and am still really pleased with the improvement in my cleansing action. While I will never relinquish my Clarisonic, I prefer this in the evenings. The low-frequency pulsation smooths skin, the device is waterproof and you never have to buy replacement brushes – bonus!

3. Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask – I don’t use this every night, but it is part of my routine a couple times a week. The black tea works against free radicals (which causes wrinkles – yuckie). The whipped texture is just too fun to use. And my revealed skin is clearer and softer. Plus, you guys… this stuff smells so darn good – like a warm, beach-front spa.

4. blisslabs active 99.0 anti-aging series multi-action eye cream – I know I have mentioned this eye cream before but it is just so darn good. I am also obsessed with a Kate Somerville version, but more on that later this weekend. I slather this on when my under-eye is looking rather crape-y and tired. And I’ll be darned – I look perked up instantly.

5. Tammy Fender Intensive Repair Balm – This last one is also a repeat, but I literally missed this moisturizer while I was out of town. The gel-like texture dives deep to nourish skin and I wake up with the glow that I usually only find in the summer months.

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Foreo and Fresh 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. Other products may have been provided by the company. As always, all opinions are my own. See Disclosure Page for more information regarding our use of editorial samples.

January Favorites and The End of My Favorite TV Show

Anyone else celebrating (crying) with me tonight as the TV show Parenthood ends? I honestly think it is the smartest show on television – lovely actors, usually amazing story lines and “that hit home” moments. I will always love the Bravermans.

In honor of that milestone, I thought I would share my skin care routine along with my January favorites today. I am leaving town for a long stretch in a short bit and am a bit distraught about being away from my skin care goodies. I thought maybe sharing my current favorites would help me narrow down the lineup for the trip.

I have no idea how 10 years ago (in my twenties) I could muster a carry on for six weeks in Europe in seven different climates. These days, 7 days in two American cities just undoes me.

And my January favorites:

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Favorite New Cleansers From Tata Harper and Fresh

Are many of you (like me) trying to be more aware of ingredients in your skin care and makeup? A favorite friend of mine is really making strides making over her routine, and I am inspired to do the same. My brand of choice when it comes to natural ingredients in Tata Harper. Sure, it is a splurge. But I always know what I am getting is the best of the best.

Her new facial cleanser landed on my desk and I am totally appreciating the oil formula in the dry winter weather. Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser removes makeup and dissolves impurities while keeping the skin’s moisture barrier intact.

After washing, my face is ultra-soft and a little more radiant but not the least bit greasy. The formula contains Sacha Inchi Oil which happens to be the most concentrated source of Omega-3 in the world. While I need one of my beloved foaming cleansers (see below) when I am wearing a full face of makeup, the Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser is my pick for weekends and mornings. I apply to dry skin and rinse with lukewarm water. Or soak a cotton pad with the oil and apply to the face.

Fresh is one of those brands that I have limited exposure to. I adore the Fresh Seaberry Restorative Body Cream and the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments but I haven’t tried much else. Might as well start with one of their fabulous cleansers, right?

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser is a gel formula and while not wildly foaming, it does get a little sudsy. This one also removes impurities while leaving most of the moisture intact. The real selling point is how well it plays with my sensitive skin.

So many of Fresh products are centered around soy. A new fun fact for me was that this ingredient promotes moisture retention, elasticity, and firmness. Rosewater balances and tones skin. And the scent can’t be beat with notes of cucumber – my shower becomes a spa.

Between these two stars, I’d say my cleansing game is really stepping up. I use the Fresh with my Clarisonic, but the Tata Harper really inspires me to get after massaging with my fingers – so great for circulation.

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.

Brand Spotlight: Colleen Rothschild

While I have some favorite skin care lines (Kate Somerville, SK-II and Tata Harper come to mind), I always enjoy checking out a newcomer. And Colleen Rothschild is certainly qualified to bring a great one to the table. She is known as a genius behind many products created for dermatologists, estheticians and stores.

Having the fluency in research and chemistry, Colleen developed a line with next generation ingredients and technology. Working in labs and globally sourcing formulas, Colleen addresses what every woman really wants: best results quickly and streamlined, efficient skincare.

Her formulas are uniquely powered by a proprietary delivery system, called Level E3. My favorite product lately has been the Sheer Renewal Cream because it is so light-weight and oil free. Add in the fact that it works to boost cell turnover and you have an easy-to-use workhorse. Bonus that it is beautiful under makeup with a powder finish.

At first blush, I was swooning over Radiant Cleansing Balm (and I still love it – but occasionally crave one of my beloved foaming cleansers). This fabulously smelling balm is massaged into dry skin to clean pores while leaving skin super soft. Love the included muslin cloth (which I proceeded to quickly lose – oops). Note: this was too irritating to use on my eyes so take care before using to remove eye makeup.

I love a great detox mask and the Clarifying Detox Mask ranks right up there at the top. A classic charcoal formula draws out impurities and balances complexion. I love the way it leaves my skin radiant but not tight and dry.

Available at ColleenRothschild.com.

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.

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.

PMD Personal Microderm Personal Microderm System

I fell in love with a version of microderm thanks to the amazing talents of a Mr. Gabriel Horn here in Tulsa. There was something about that manual exfoliation that just set skin aglow. But with the new work gig, it is hard to sneak away for facials. And just my luck, a similar tool is now available for at-home use. While I know it isn’t a professional level facial, I love it when I know I need a mid-week refresh.

PMD Personal Microderm Personal Microderm System combines an exfoliating disk with a unique vacuum that can literally suck up dead, dull skin and increase blood flow. This in turn helps stimulate collagen and elastin. Right now, radiant and glowing skin is all the rage (in fact, when is it not aside from the matte phase every now and then?) And this little tool really delivers.

Their patented spinning skin is covered with aluminum oxide crystals. Thanks to these gems, we can avoid all the issues with manual exfoliation. The vacuum suction pulls blood flow to the surface of skin to increase circulation – crucial for anti-aging efforts. This causes a healing process, boosting collagen and elastin.

I was a little concerned that a “professional-grade” tool would cause my skin to become red. But the system comes with three different types of disks, including a training white version so you can make sure you’re using the tool without side effects. Also included with the tool is a facial cap (designed to be used on the face) and cap that adapts the disk to a more active body-appropriate microderm. Last, there is a filter.

If you are like me and need an occasional at-home boost, consider adding this to your tool arsenal. They have done a great job with professional-like efficacy and safe at-home use. Not to mention glowing and exfoliated skin.