I know many of you have seen Rodan + Fields skin care on Facebook these days. Seems like huge handful of my friends are selling these goodies like banshees. I had to reach out and check out the line and the reasons were two-fold. First, it was created by two women who trained at Stanford University (my alma mater). And no shocker that it was my Stanford buddy that piqued my interest.
While admittedly I haven’t used anything long term, I absolute adore the Lip Renewing Serum (how brilliant in its little pods). The Night Renewing Serum also comes in pods (ideal for on-the-go). And the Enhancements Micro-Dermabraison Paste is perfect for a special-occasion holiday glow. Note: I did not receive compensation for sharing my opinion – I really love the products and wanted to share! Christine is fabulous for advice on the product range and I encourage you to reach out to her.
Some of my other favorites from around the web this week:
I’m so inspired by smaller living – I downsized from a three bedroom house to a one-bedroom apartment over the past two years. This is a pretty amazing small space.
Huge cold front just blew through Tulsa yesterday and I am totally craving this throw.
I’ve been battling some serious fine lines around my eye area. They aren’t super pronounced, but I know now is my chance to stave off any major wrinkles. Welcome to your mid-thirties, Belle Belle! So I decided it was time to really dive into the world of eye cream. I’ve selected my favorites for particular concerns whether you have fine lines like me, battle puffiness or get those dreaded dark circles. Let me know if you have any other superstar favorites I missed in the comments below!
I mention the Opal first because I use this tool with all the creams and serums tested below. I adore Clarisonic so no surprise that their tool for the eye area was equally impressive. The micro-massage (which is super-gentle) drives active ingredients into skin. Amplifying infusion with the vibration equals quick results. The Opal runs on a one minute cycle and I have to say it is actually fun to use. The rubbery applicator tip is gentle and keeps the amount of product to a reasonable level – something I found difficult when using just your finger. My only beef? I wish there was a beep when I needed to switch to the other eye. So I just do a full rotation (one minute) on each eye.
I adore this new eye cream from bliss. Part of their active 99.0 line, this treatment is professional-grade without being irritating. It manages to fight all the concerns mentioned above. And nourishes my dry and thin skin. It is a one-stop shop for those who want to address a range of concerns.
Major kudos for releasing something specifically for women (and I guess men!) in their 30s. This workhorse fights free radicals around eyes and lips and soothes sensitive areas where signs of aging first appear. The consistency is very light, making it perfect for those with oilier or combination skin. It is my lazy girl answer for nights you just can’t don’t have the energy.
I fell hard for Cindy Crawford’s skin Meaningful Beauty back here and the price point takes the sting out of a normally very expensive product. She developed her line with a dermatologist and the active ingredients really work to tighten and lift. The small tube is perfect to throw in a travel bag or purse. And it works beautifully to refresh under eyes at the end of a long day before cocktail hour.
SkinCeuticals is always my pick for people who want powerful formulas. Usually the line is a little irritating on me, but this balm from SkinCeuticals was surprisingly gentle and nourishing. I loved the anti-inflammatory nature and soothing chamomile that fought my redness like a champ. I felt refreshed and smooth a full day when using this balm.
I used to think StriVectin was a gimmicky brand, but after trying so many of their products, I am seriously obsessed with their ability to fight a wide variety of skin concerns. I don’t usually have puffiness, but I went though a phase of terrible allergies recently and this was the only eye treatment that got those puffs to calm down. My eyes were immediately “deflated” for lack of a better word. And that’s not all. The formula contains retinol – a workhorse against lines and hyper-pigmentation. And it isn’t irritating.
When I feel like I need to baby my under eye area, this is what I reach for. The silky serum smooths skin and plumps any dehydrated areas. And when I say “silky” I mean literally. The serum contains Persian Silk and is perfect after a sleepless night or one too many cocktails. It just feels sooo good to use.
Murad’s standout focuses on radiance by boosting collagen production. The tangerine butter brightens the eye area and leaves youthful baby-soft skin. And a bonus point – if you like using eye cream on lids like I do – this one is gentle enough to be used over the entire eye area.
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.
I drank the Clarisonic kool-aid years ago and the devices have been a part of my routine ever since. I’ve used the Plus, Mia and Pedi, all with stellar results. But regular readers here know my biggest beef is hyper-pigmentation and a general lack of radiance. So the newest Clarisonic really had me pumped. After releasing earlier this year, I finally got my paws on the newest system and I can say I am a total convert and this is my top choice from the Clarisonic family.
Sonic Radiance comes with a device and brightening formulas just in the nick of time to erase our summer skin sins and achieving a winter glow. The system includes the newest Aria – one I hadn’t tried. While I can’t tell a huge difference, I like the technologically-advanced charger and lighter weight.
The brush head is new as well – a Radiance Brush Head – full of dense but soft filaments that doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin. Note: remember not to push the brush against the skin but allow it to lightly touch skin, loosening debris and preventing redness. The pearl pink is a little less shocking than the traditional pink Plus model and it is feminine without being over the top.
I’ve always enjoyed the cleansers that come with the Clarisonic devices but I really love the included products in this version including a morning cleanser, a nighttime peel wash, and a brightening serum (Clarisonic’s first-ever leave-on treatment.) All three products and the device work together to improve acne spots, blotchiness and sun damage. I’ve been using the products and device day and night for two weeks and see imrpovement, particularly with darkness on my cheeks.
The cleansers are foamy and work well against the residue of the day. I do like removing makeup beforehand with a wipe – my favorite these days is this one. That way, makeup doesn’t transfer to the brush head and the products can really work to improve the look of skin.
The Skin Illuminating Cleanser is designed for the AM and gently cleanses and exfoliates skin. The Skin Renewing Peel Wash, my favorite, is creamier and foamier designed for use at night. Then the real gem: the new Brightening Activator Serum can be used morning and night. The combo of treatments allows for potent action and visible results but while still nourishing skin.
Kit includes: Clarisonic Aria, Universal Voltage Charger, Radiance Brush Head, 6 oz Skin Illuminating Cleanser, 6 oz Sin Renewing Peel Wash, Brightening Activator Serum. Products can be purchased individually as well. Or without the device and just the brush head.
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.
I expected to find loads of praise for the Dr. Jart+ Blackhead Master Patch on the Sephora website. But I, at best, found mixed reviews. Which frankly baffled me. I have been a huge fan of pores strips like those from Biore, so I was stoked to try out the Dr. Jart version. And it was like a luxe, improved version.
I found the dual pack of strips easy to use and not only effective but with substantially noticeable immediate effects. Regular visitors know I have combo-to-dry skin, but I have been experiencing congestion lately around my nose. This is likely because of a heavier moisturizer I have introduced into the rotation in anticipation of drier and colder weather.
What surprised me right off the bat was that the pouch contained two strips. The first is designed to be applied to a wet nose – I used a facial spray to prep the skin. After 10 minutes, I removed the strip to find clean pores and a bunch of satisfying residue on the cloth.
Then I applied the moistened patch which soothed and hydrated my skin. After another 10 minutes, I removed the wet strip and massaged the remaining serum into skin. Then I proceeded with nighttime moisturizer. The serum left my skin radiant and tightened.
So why is this treatment better than the drugstore variety? I found the dry strip removed more debris. And the wet treatment was a welcome additional step. Ingredients like coral powder, sage, and tea tree extract work hard to immediately improve the look of skin.
Not to mention the whole process was so incredibly satisfying. Available at Sephora.
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.
Basically when I am over here on Belle Belle, it is my job to get excited about beauty. And I generally am a little bonkers over everything makeup and skin care. But something happened earlier this week and I jumped for joy so high, I hit the roof.
The Omorovicza Blue Diamond Resurfacing Peel was part of my weekly spa routine and I can’t believe I had waited to rotate this blue angel into the lineup until now. Wow – how do I explain? Let’s see here – use your words, Belle Belle.
This peel is like a cleanser hybrid that balances all that good exfoliation with an electric refinement. The blue gel is opalescent, making it decidedly luxurious. The feel is soothing and just a touch cooling. The Lactobionic and lactic acids work very gently with AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids). And probably one of my favorite ingredients, copper, works to control shine and turnover skin cells. I also love that copper controls redness.
Instead of leaving on like a traditional mask, this is applied and worked into skin with a massage over 2-3 minutes. Side note: massage works wonders for your skin and complexion, encouraging blood flow and release of fluid buildup. While I couldn’t detect any irritation, I did give eyes and lips a wide birth.
My skin was left clean, bright and nourished. This treatment was just too perfect for my skin type, enabling results without being too clinical. Just make sure to use a great SPF – these ingredients can make you sensitive to the sun.
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.
I feel like there is a drive towards simplicity in skin care lately. This new serum pops into mind. And this mask is in the same ilk. Bliss’ newest, multi-‘face’-eted anti-aging clay mask is straight-forward, simple-to-use, and oh-so-wonderful. I love products like this not only because they are lovely and work but also because they are just so darn easy to recommend.
My biggest skin care beef lately is dull and discolored skin. I have been having some issues with reaching that “radiant” look. And while I love to exfoliate, so often my sensitive skin gets red and irritated with strong ingredients. Enter this mask – exfoliating, rejuvenating, refreshing but not too irritating.
What makes this fun to share? It is also wonderful for those with larger pores and olier skin. While it doesn’t make my sensitive skin angry, the mask still works to clean out pores with glycolic acid. And those dark spots that are forever the bane of my exisitance? Kojoc acid and lemon work against those. Carbon and pumice gentle turn over skin cells and jojoba nourishes skin.
I apply fairly thickly all over my face. The beauty is it only takes 5-7 minutes. And there is a minty and refreshing scent. After rinsing off with a washcloth, my skin is left radiant, clean and still supple … without one ounce of redness. I don’t know how they manage the slightly gritty texture that still leaves my skin happy, but they do it!
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.
