Tag: Skin Care

Favorite Cleansers

With the new office gig, I have been putting on a full face of makeup everyday. I cannot lie – I enjoy the process of getting ready every morning. Not a shocker coming from this beauty junkie. While my exercise clothes have been a little neglected, I have been diving in some awesome relics and favorite from the beauty stash – more on that later.

With a full face of makeup everyday, cleansing has become even that more crucial. I usually am a fan of drugstore foaming cleanser to get the day off. But these luxury picks have me singing a different tune. Some of my new favorite cleansers lately:

Diptyque Nourishing Cleansing Balm

While I haven’t been huge about these candles, I did love the cleansers from the new Diptyque skin care line. Everything is crafted and packaged beautifully. Nourishing balm transforms when it comes in contact and melts off the thickest of makeup. Using the included spatula, I scoop out a small (talking dime size here) amount and apply to dry skin. I use wet hands to emulsify the balm and smooth over skin. This is gentle enough to remove eye makeup too. I rinse with water and my skin is left soothed and clean. Note: my eyes have been really irritated after makeup removal lately and this is the only thing I’ve found to leave them un-irritated and calmed.

Note: I also adore their SPF – it smells amazing!

Sisley-Paris Phyto-Pate Moussant (Soapless Foaming Cleanser)

Bar soap is having a renaissance (note: this soap has made a very welcome return to my shower). But some versions can strip skin. This one is soap-free and contains sunflower and shea butter. And you still get that satisfying lather from a traditional soap. My sensitive skin doesn’t get angry and I get a deep clean with my skin feeling supple. Also, I like that there isn’t an overwhelming scent.

Bella Schneider Beauty Instant Microexfoliating Cleanser

I’ve tried a handful of these powder-to-foam cleanser and this one balances exfoliation with a milky luxuriousness. When you add water, you get a creamy texture that works to even skin. Lactic and malic acid (much gentler versions of chemical exfoliators) work to renew and turnover cells. My face is left calm and ready for the whole plethora of skin care goodies I am currently testing out.

Don’t forget – it is time for the Beauty Event at Neiman Marcus. Some of my favorite picks to stock up on:

Diptyque and Sisley-Paris and samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program. Bella Schneider was provided as a press sample. But, as always, opinions are my own.

Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Serum

I often get asked from skin care beginners: “How do I get started?”. I usually give my speech on retinol and SPF. But now I have found a serum that will understand the unique needs of the user’s skin. And I am can enthusiastically recommend it to just about anyone.

The Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Serum is about as straightforward as you can get. The custom repair works on visible concerns and even damage you can’t see – anything from skin tone, fine lines, hyper-pigmentation and dullness. It detects what needs work on your own particular complexion and works to correct it.

Double supreme bonus for being able to use it day and night. So simply just add to whatever you are doing, before moisturizer/SPF and after cleansing. Suitable for all skin types, tones and ages.

Two pumps covers my entire face and neck. And the fresh spa-like scent gives a luxe feel. The silky finish works fabulously on my dry skin. But at the same time, it isn’t greasy so it is also well-suited for those with oilier skin.

Looking for a place to start? Or want to simplify your routine? Leave it to the purest, simplest of high-end skin care lines: the one and original Clinique.

Note: the Beauty Event at Neiman Marcus is in full swing now through September 21st. I will be doing a full review on the tote gift with purchase this weekend, but this is the right time to stock up!

Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program, but as always, opinions are my own.

Kate Somerville ‘IllumiKate’ Concealing Eye Cream

Last year, Kate Somerville first dipped her toes into color cosmetics in the best way possible. Her CC Cream married skin care and makeup with outstanding results. And her next product, Kate Somerville ‘IllumiKate’ Concealing Eye Cream, is even better.

I am a huge fan of illuminating “wands”. I have tried so so many variations from the classic to offerings from more indie brands. But this one finally brings in a great eye cream, adding a skin care element in a way that only Kate can.

The click-pen dispenses a concealer/eye cream hybrid into a brush. For some reason, no matter what the brand, I always use my finger to apply and then use the attached brush to disperse. Lastly, I blend in again with my finger. But, I admit… to each their own. Applying with a brush might be more hygienic. I just perfect the final finish of a manual application.

The formula is lightweight and works to improve the look of wrinkles while brightening dark circles. The coverage isn’t terribly opaque but I like the more natural finish of a lighter-weight and illuminating effect. Bonus points for the two-in-one product – especially important with my rushed mornings that accompany my new job.

Not only will you look better immediately. Kate Somerville’s proven skin care ingredients work to improve collagen production, add firmness and smooth fine wrinkles. And my dry skin drinks up the added hydration. I use shade Medium for light to medium skin tones with a perfect match. Made in the USA.

Available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and 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.

SK-II Essential Power Essence

I am a longtime fan of this brand inspired by an amazing Japanese ingredient. Learn about how I first fell hard for SK-II and the history of the brand here. Ironically, that was almost exactly two years ago. Since, the SK-II ‘Facial Treatment’ Essence has been a consistent part of my skin care routine.

The newest from the brand might just elevate itself to that status as well. Keep in mind, I am constantly testing and changing what I use for skin care. So only a few select favorites make it into the permanent category.

The new Essential Power Essence is a rich serum powered with Artichoke Extract, Siberian Ginseng Extract and Niacinamide. My dehydrated skin with hyper-pigmentation adores this formulation. The silicone-in-water emulsion is a silky, rich and translucent texture that is quickly absorbed.

While the main advantage advertised is an improvement in the appearance of pores, I find this is actually helping with sun damage and keeping my skin radiant and luminous. I have had it in the rotation for approximately a month, but I remember seeing a difference after just a couple days of use.

It is designed to be applied just after the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence. I’ve played around with using it after and before my retinol, alone as a moisturizer and first after washing. I actually prefer it as a first step and use a light moisturizer after letting it absorb for a couple minutes – usually while I brush my teeth. The best part: an amazing scent that gives me just a scootch of a spa experience even in frantic mornings.

It was a little tricky using the dropper at first. Depress the dropper and dip it into the serum and then release. I use a full dropper each application which sounds a little decadent – but trust… you won’t be able to resist. That is if you have dry skin like me. Those with oilier or acne-prone skin might not like the rich and silicone-based formula.

Available at Sephora, NET-A-PORTER and Nordstrom.

Kate Somerville ‘Age Arrest’ Hydrating Firming Mask

If someone forced me to pick one skin care line for the rest of my days, Kate Somerville would definitely be a contender. Having visited her spa, used her products over a period of years and been lucky enough to meet Kate in person, I consider myself a “super-fan”. Things have been a little quiet out there lately, but the last couple of months marked some really exciting launches in the “Age Arrest” collection.

The highlight for me has been the Kate Somerville ‘Age Arrest’ Hydrating Firming Mask. This mask both corrects signs of aging and protects against future damage, making it perfect for a wide range of ages and skin types. If you are a Kate Somerville fan, you’ve probably read about “telomeres”. This product (along with several others in her collection) utilizes Nobel Prize winning Telo-5 Technology to fight against signs of aging. Telo-5 protects the life span of telomeres which help keep our skin looking youthful.

But it isn’t just Telo-5 technology – white water lily and centella asitica extract can help firm sagging skin and improve elasticity. Peptides will boost collagen. And sea whip extract and algae soothe skin.

While this is technically a mask, I have been using it overnight. The formula delivers deep hydration that my dry skin loves. It also works against wrinkles and discoloration. If you prefer a mask treatment, just apply for five minutes and gently remove with a tissue and massage in any extra product. A little facial massage will also help with puffiness. It is recommended 1-3 times a week. I probably could happily use this every other night while those with less dry skin might want to keep it to a weekly treatment.

After using, I can tell my skin is super plump and hydrated in the morning. While I am not yet suffering from sagging skin, I can see more radiance (likely thanks to the hydration). I love taking the preventative step to minimize any potential aging down the road.

Made in the USA. Available at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Sephora, KateSomerville.com and Bergdorf Goodman.

Jet Set Favorites from around the Globe on FOX23’s Tulsa Live

Summer is the time for those dream trips, often abroad. Even if we don’t have one planned, we might be daydreaming about being on a beach in Greece or strolling the Parisian avenues. Without leaving our vanities, we can bring the exotic into our lives via beauty. So many of the international beauty staples have withstood the test of time, making them a must-have. This morning on Tulsa Live (formally Great Day Green Country), I shared some of my favorites to transport me to travel hotspots:

I can’t help but start off with my favorite destination, France. And what is more French than Caudalie, a skin care line built upon the benefits of Grape-seed Polyphenols, the most powerful anti-oxidants in the plant world. Caudalie Polyphenol c15 Overnight Detox Oil is one of the newest from the brand and is also made in France. The team has coupled the anti-oxidants with stabilized Vitamin C to block free-radicals. The dry oil soaks in and regenerates skin while you sleep. Plus, the smell will lull you to snoozeville with Carrot, Lavender, and White Sandalwood ($52).

Another dream location I hope to visit one day is the Dead Sea, a natural phenomenon I have always been fascinated with. No wonder I love AHAVA, a collection that utilizes minerals found in the Dead Sea in every single product. AHAVA Natural Dead Sea Mud transports that special mineral-rich mud right to your shower. The mud is harvested from the banks where clay is packed with an ultra-high concentration of minerals that can foster healthy looking skin. Excess oil, dead skin and toxins are whisked away while the mud stimulates circulation and improves skin tone. And calling all athletes and workaholics: this mud treatment can also help with stress and muscle aches. Just dirty up and spread all over your body, leave on for 15 minutes and rinse ($15).

Asia is still on my bucket list (if you don’t count my couple days in the part of Turkey that lies on the continent). My cousin has a passion for Japan and I think it has rubbed off on me. After all, Japan lays claim one of the great skin care cultures. One reason could be the availability of Wakame, a seaweed that grows along the coast of Japan and is often said to be the reason why Japanese women have youthful skin even into old age. H2O Plus Face Oasis CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA +++ contains a wakame compound that offers tons of anti-aging properties including a natural sunscreen and protection against the loss of Hyaluronic Acid. While CC creams generally have heavier coverage in my experience, this version is sheer to medium coverage and can brighten skin without being heavy. Bonus points for the inclusion of chemical free sunscreen ($35). Note: this line flies under the radar but is fabulous for relatively affordable skin care.

And we couldn’t round up this virtual world tour without a couple of stops in Africa. It seems that African ingredients are having somewhat of a moment in the beauty industry. First up is the super-popular Argan Oil from the Argan Tree of Morocco. I know we all have seen it on shelves, but what exactly is Argan Oil? The Berber people of Morocco discovered the culinary, cosmetics and medicinal benefits of Argan Oil. Unroasted Argan Oil is traditionally used as a treatment for skin diseases. In cosmetics, Argan Oil is advocated as moisturizing oil, working against flaky skin as well as nourishing and fortifying the hair. L’Oreal harnessed Argan’s nourishing benefits to heal dull, dry and damaged hair with Oleo Therapy. The Oleo Therapy collection is sulfate-free and contain six flower oils to provide nutrition and hydration to strands ($6.99 – 12.99).

Lastly, let’s head South to South Africa for another oil that has been part of beauty rituals for centuries. Marula fruit fates back as far as 10,000 BC. No wonder since its miracle oil can protect skin in severe climates. Marula Oil is packed with antioxidants and omega-9 fatty acids which can fight free radicals, prevent water loss and improve elasticity. Erno Laszlo Phormula 3-9 Cream is a nutritional supplement that packs a hydration punch and works as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Expect renewed skin and a more youthful appearance. I love this cream after a ski day or a pool afternoon. It even calms my red flush after a run and can be used on the face and body ($265).

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