Tag: Skin Care

Favorite Vitamin C Serums

Hyperpigmentation (grrr!) is my skin’s biggest issue. I’ve tried everything. And have made some progress. But every time summer rolls around, SPF be damned, I get those nasty spots again. (This summer, I am taking the hat-approach in addition to super-powdered SPF). The progress I have made, I credit to Vitamin C. This super ingredient can fade dark spots and even skin. It also helps with aging and radiance. So, here is my round up of Vitamin C MVPs:

SK-II Facial Treatment Repair C has been in my rotation for a while. I love the light formula with a silky finish. This serum also contains SK-II’s signature ingredient, Pitera to fight aging.

M-61 Vitablast C is a fabulous oil-free version from the BlueMercury brand. This formula contains gallic acid to naturally brighten. And at the same time, it soothes and nourishes skin with Vitamin E.

Taylor Owen Vitamin C+ 12% manages a decent level of Vitamin C without being irritating. This formula gave us some pretty immediate brightening and we love the way it smooths onto skin. Bonus points that this South Florida based skincare line is 98% natural.

OBAGI Professional-C Serum, 20% packs a punch. Obagi has consistently brought me fast and dramatic results. Expect no less with this highly concentrated serum. Not only will it bring the strongest brightening effects, but it will also give you a does of hydration.

Perricone MD Vitamin C Eye works specifically on this delicate skin and in conjunction with your your daily eye cream. For those with genetic dark circles, this could be the ticket. The formula is also loaded with antioxidant protection from Tocotrienols.

glow by dr. brandt™ ruby crystal retinol hydracrème

I’m pretty much a goner if I ever see skincare with promises of this elusive “glow” – I’ll snap that puppy up in no time. All I can think about is that youthful, even and radiant skin. Well, recently I discovered a little gem that makes that glow not so elusive anymore.

Dr. Brandt came up with this thick and pearlescent illuminating moisturizer inspired by an in office treatment he performs called a ruby laser procedure. (I don’t know what that is but I want it.) In the meantime, I am striving for similar results at home with the ruby crystal retinol hydracrème. I’ve been using this morning and night for a week and won’t be quitting anytime soon. The formula works great under makeup and gives an immediate luminescence while promising long-term improvement in skin’s texture and evenness.

The Ruby Crystal actually transforms external light into an energy source for skin cells (kinda weird but I like it). The Hydra-Balance balances skin water content and prevents dehydration. I’ve found this alone provides plenty of hydration on my dry skin. Oliveactive counteracts inflammation -perhaps the reason I have zero irritation with this product. And my all time favorite ingredient, retinol, increases cell turnover, smoothing skin. Just make sure you use a supercharged UV protection while using this product.

You can buy the glow by dr. brandt™ ruby crystal retinol hydracrème at Sephora.

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.

Brand Spotlight: Amarté Skin Care

I love reviewing skin care systems that embrace regimen approach. When products are designed to work together, I feel my skin gets a re-boot – almost like a cleanse for the face. The system is comprised of four components: cleansing, moisturization, rejuvenation and protection. The Heart & Seoul Collection, the set I tried out, encompasses all these steps in one easy package.

Amarté views cleansing as a fundamental part of skin care, maintaining integrity and skin barrier function. The Daily Wonder Cleansing Foam has that creamy formula which plays so nice with my dry skin. At the same time, I love foaming action to really get my skin clean.

Amarté has a two-step approach to moisture. At first, I was confused how to layer and use these two products: Aqua Veil and HydroLift. But after I was instructed to use Aqua Veil first, followed by HydroLift, I found my dry skin uniquely quenched. The hydration was “sealed in” with the second, richer application. The Aqua Veil is a cucumber-infused moisturizer on the light side. It might be just perfect for the warm summer months. I love the fresh, nourishing feel without any heaviness. The heavier HydroLift works agains fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol works on tone and texture while caviar extract and acacia collagen deeply hydrate to plump the skin.

Restoration comes next with the Eyeconic Eye Cream, coupled with an applicator like I’ve never seen before. The formula contains 3.8% stabilized retinol, while remaining gentle and elegant. I experience zero irritation and am thrilled to find an eye cream turbo charged with retinol.

The Heart & Seoul Collection also included two travel size containers for their Natural Finish BB Cream. My friend, Amber, reviewed a full size of the BB Cream here and I share in her enthusiasm. It is truly a best of breed with great coverage, natural finish and rigorous skin care. The SPF 36 is up to my standards and the consistancy is rich and smooth. The formula contains antioxidants and complexion enhancers

If you feel the New Year is bringing a need for a little re-set, I highly recommend the Heart & Seoul Collection. The portions are generous and it is a great way to expose yourself to the brand. At the very least, check out the BB Cream. The collection can be found at www.amartecosmetics.com.

A little about the brand: The Amarté Skin Care has deep roots in Korea, but was discovered by an American dermatologist, Dr. Kraffert, and introduced to the West. The line is developed at a Bio Regional Innovation Center using leading science, maintaining its roots in luxurious and results-oriented skin care.

Best Masks for an At-Home Facial

One of my New Year’s Resolutions was to do more at home facials. Since weekly spa treatments aren’t really in the budget, I’ve been adopting some at home versions and have been pleasantly surprised by how results-oriented they can be. Here are some of my most favorite masks and treatments I’ve used lately:

Omorovicza Deep Cleansing Mask is the class spa mask loaded with Hungarian thermal mud to nourish while cleansing the skin. For all skin types, this traditional experience leaves my skin feeling uber-clean but also enriched and radiant. The white clay helps draw out oil and toxins, but without leaving my dry skin feeling stripped.

bliss ‘No Zit Sherlock’ Breakout-Busting Rubberizing Mask is what I turn to when I am feeling a little congested (in the skin that is). If I were a black head, I would shutter if I saw me whipping this stuff up. The mix-it-yourself mask transforms into a rubbery, thick texture that sops up oil and clog-causing debris. Seaweed, tea tree and menthol nourish and calm while cleansing.

Sisley-Paris Black Rose Cream Mask is a great mask when my skin is feeling a little sensitive. The rich formula infuses skin with vitamins and plant extracts to rejuvenate and plump. Fine lines are diminished and tone is brightened. If I am slightly red or irritated from dryness or too much retinol, the black rose cream soothes and softens skin.

SK-II Facial Treatment Mask is my dream travel companion. I haven’t been brave enough to wear this alien-looking mask on the actual plane. But every time I happen to have one, I immediate apply for a little pick-me-up once I check into my hotel. The cotton is soaked with vitamins, organic acids and minerals to return skin to normal operating behavior. Radiance and moisture are back in the game.

Somme Institute ‘Boost’ Mask, a warming mask, is particularly pleasant in the winter. The warming action increases blood flow, allowing for nourishing delivery of minerals and enzymes. The spicy, pumpkin scent sounds seasonal, but you’ll be drawn to it all year long.

Shop my favorite masks here:

Dr. Jart Black Label Detox Pore Penetrator and Renewalist Melting Cream

One of my most popular posts ever was Dr. Jart’s Beauty Sleep Masks. So, I know you guys have love for Dr. Jart. Today, I want to highlight two other products that I’ve fallen for from the famed dermatologist.

The first product… I’m a bit reluctant to admit I need. I’ve always had good pores. Hyper-pigmentation and a couple fine lines – sure. But always clean and small pores. Lately, I’ve had “moments” with myself and a magnetized makeup mirror. And those pores weren’t what they used to be. I’m not sure if it is because I live in busy, construction zone downtown or it is the rich moisturizers my dry skin craves. Either way, Dr. Jart to the rescue.

Black Label Detox Pore Penetrator is a treatment mask that can lossen black heads and debris in one 10 minute process. For those of you who love fun textures – you won’t be disappointed This thick, gel-like mask is applied wherever you are prone to blackheads (for me, on the nose). Botanicals soothe while dead skin cells is removed and Pore Care Solution refines and tightens enlarged pores. My dry and sensitive skin had zero problems with the formula. Massage and then rinse off – squeaky clean skin is revealed. Voila!

Next up, Renewalist Melting Cream – this cream is like a little bit of dessert on your vanity. The “sorbet-like” texture brightens and soothes. Key word here is melting. This cream’s ability to absorb is what makes it special. Using the included spatula, I scoop a small amount and warm it in my hands (required since this is a stiff formula). Applying to the face, you get a infusion of moisture to what feels like an unually deep level. Dr. Jart’s patented platol white-c complex brightens dull skin. Nutrients, oils and antioxidnets improve the look of skin. With just a little leg work using your body heat, you get quickly absorbing, heavy duty moisturizer with a silky, clean finish. There no greasy residue, making this perfect for under makeup.

Both available at Sephora.

A $530 LIFTLAB Giveaway!

Oh boy, oh boy do I have a holiday treat for you. I’ve teamed up with LIFTLAB to giveaway a five-product set valued at $530 – that is some serious luxury skin care. I’ve already fallen hard for the foamy, rich Purify & Clarify Daily Cleanser and Detox Mask. The skincare regimen includes:

Lift & Firm Eye Cream ($95)
Lift & Fix High Potency Solution ($95)
Lift & Moisturize Daily Cream ($130)
Lift & Repair Treatment Serum ($145)
Purify & Clarify Daily Cleanser and Detox Mask ($65)

Particularly handy this time of year, this LIFTLAB collection will revive holiday-weary and dry skin. The line features the patented Cell Protection Proteins® (CPP™). This protein helps Arctic plants and marine life survive their brutal climate. This skin care ingredient helps protect and regenerate skin for a healthy, youthful glow!

Use the widget below to enter. Please provide an address within the United States due to shipping regulations. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway