Tag: Skin Care

Kiehl’s Dermatologist Solutions Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate

Kiehl’s on a roll lately and I am loving some of their new products. My latest favorite is their Dermatologist Solutions Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate which has worked wonders on some of my more textured spots on my cheeks. Working overnight, the micro-peel (which is very gentle) works to reveal radiant and refreshed skin.

I apply every night after washing my face and before moisturizing. There is no tingling, tightness or redness. The micro-peel feels more like a soothing serum than a peel so don’t let the name scare you off.

The formula is clinically-proven to accelerate cell turnover. This in turn eradicates roughness and evens tones. I have had some redness on my cheeks and this peel reversed probably 90% of the appearance in two weeks. Keep it up Kiehl’s!

Available at Kiehl’s, Nordstrom and Bergdorf Goodman.

Tata Harper Purifying Mask

Tata Harper keeps surprising me with quality products that are natural while also being super effective. The sticker shock is a factor, but the potency, packaging and that fact they just plain work make the products worth the investment. True to her naturalist roots, Tata Harper emphasizes that aging comes from exposure to toxins. So cellular detoxification ranks right up there in importance.

The Purifying Mask was created to pull those toxins out of skin, empowering collagen and elastin. Fermentation and probiotics deeply clean skin. My skin has been freaking out lately with break outs – something I rarely experience. I blame weather, stress and the constant product rotation for the blog.

This mask has added some balance to my cheek breakouts thankfully. I apply a thick layer with a foundation brush and leave on for the full 20 minutes (recommended is 10-20). There is no artificial fragrance but the mask smells of natural spa goodness. You’ll see the eradication of dullness immediately and we all like a little bit of immediate gratification, right?

Gluten-free. Made in the USA. Available at Nordstrom.

New Natural Masks from Kiehl’s

Kiehl’s new natural masks might be my favorite recent launch from the brand – I’ve been reaching for these almost every other night, alternating the clarifying and energizing formulas.

Turmeric and Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Mask invigorates skin, developing a brightened complexion. The cranberry acts as an antioxidant while the turmeric works as an anti-inflamatory. The texture is grainy, allowing for exfoliation as I wash the mask off.

Cilantro & Orange Extract Pollutant Defending Mask works against pollutants that can cause premature aging. Chestnut purifies skin by removing toxins. The smooth mask has a cooling and soothing effect.

Both masks smell amazing and are comfortable to wear. I apply with a foundation brush and leave on for about 10 minutes. Available at kiehls.com and Nordstrom.

Dr. Brandt Skincare Xtend Your Youth Face Cream

There is something wonderful about a skin care brand backed by a well-known dermatologist. You know there is real science behind the formulations. And more often then not, they work better than the average product. dr. brandt is probably at the top of my list of favorite derm brands. I have been trying out their new Xtend collection and will be sharing my thoughts on the products over the next couple weeks.

First up is this antioxidant cream that nourishes and protects skin. Harvested with an innovative extraction process, the antioxidants are infused into the formula to shield skin from free radicals.

My favorite part is the luminous glow I get after using Xtend Your Youth Face Cream. Murmuru, Shea, And Kokum Butters hydrate skin giving it a plump, youthful look. I use this in the evenings after cleansing.

Available at Sephora.

Kiehl’s Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion

As a teen, I savored the skin care step of Sea Breeze. There was something about that cool, ultra-clean feeling, especially on my younger, oilier skin. I thought I had outgrown that feeling (or my dry skin certainly had) until I tried Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion.

This iconic product has been around since 1964 – that certainly qualifies for “tried and true”. I picked it up to conquer some breakouts on my cheek. My dermatologist said that the clogged pores were some purging related to my new Retin-A kick.

The Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion was the perfect tonic to loosen up those pores and decongest. After a couple weeks use, my skin in clear. And I am hooked on the refreshing clean from a toner. While my skin is dry, I have no tightness or ill-effects from using this. But those with sensitive or ultra-dry skin might tread lightly.

PS – Guys, the word is that men love it as an after-shave treatment.

Available at Kiehl’s and Nordstrom.

bareMinerals Skinsorials – a 3-Part Skincare Ritual

When I got wind of a new skincare line from bareMinerals, I knew almost immediately I would try it. I tinker a lot with what I use on my face, but since I really committed to Retin-A this winter, I knew I might need something steady to deal with the new state of my skin. Side note: Retin-A for me is transformative and I love it (talk to your doctor).

I will only speak to the three bareMinerals Skinsorials products I tried. And that is because the line is designed to cater to your particular skin type by selecting a cleanser and moisturizer. All routines use the same serum. Your skin might be better suited to alternatives, but my skin happened to love OIL OBSESSED Total Cleansing Oil, SKINLONGEVITY Vital Power Infusion and BUTTER DRENCH Restorative Rich Cream.

First up, this is an affordable line. My three products add up to $116 but you can get an introductory collection for $60.

OIL OBSESSED: This is probably one of my most favorite of all the oil cleansers I have tried. It is insanely light and develops into milky goodness to take off the day. My drier skin isn’t red or striped.

SKINLONGEVITY: This serum is not only replenishing but also can improve skin’s appearance. It is gentle enough to use on my angry/Retin-A skin.

BUTTER DRENCH: This minty rich cream absorbs quickly and is slightly lighter than this balm. It is perfect for those days when I am not insanely dry and I think it will be light enough to use through the summer months.

Some of the amazing ingredients bareMinerals included in the formulas:

PEPPERMINT: A refreshing herb known for its astringent properties.
CUCUMBER: The lightweight oil from the cucumber fruit helps nourish and hydrate skin while encouraging resilience.
SUNFLOWER: Significant to Native Americans as a source for nutritional, medicinal and ceremonial practices, the emollient oil contains skin-loving vitamins and Omega 9 to help nourish skin.
BILBERRY: Grown in Europe and handpicked in the wild underbrush, the oil of Bilberry is valued for its skin soothing properties.
MINERAL-RICH SEA SALTS: Cultivated from the waters off the coast of Brittany, these sea salts, rich in Magnesium, Potassium and Calcium, help purify and refine the skin.
SHEA BUTTER: A moisture-rich butter derived from the nut of the Karite tree.
CALIFORNIA POPPY: A bright and brilliant flower native to California known for its resilience and ability to thrive in harsh conditions.

Available at bareescentuals.com and Nordstrom.