Tag: toner

SK-II ‘Facial Treatment’ Essence

The true center piece of the luxury skin care line, SK-II, is the SK-II ‘Facial Treatment’ Essence. Much more than just a product, this is actually a ritual. I’ve been dying to try this line for years. And I am thrilled to report, this lives up to the hype. After a couple weeks of use, my redness was moderated and my skin looks more even. The immediate effects are a refreshing and soothing and it amplifies hydration.

The formula helps stimulate the natural renewal process of the skin’s outer layer through a specific application process. Put a few drops in the palms of your hands. Press your hands together and then press it into your face. (in Asia they do it 100 times, I generally make it to about 20). Don’t miss your neck and décolleté. I take what is left and use it on the back of my hands.

The key to the essence’s efficacy is that it contains over 90% pure Pitera. Pitera was discovered in the 1970’s when a group of sake brewers in Japan were discovered to have ageless hands. The yeast they worked with had tremendous anti-aging properties. The scientists isolated the unique yeast strain to derive this source of vitamins, amino acids and minerals. There is a reason SK-II ‘Facial Treatment’ Essence has been a cult product for decades – a scientifically rooted formula with proven results. And there is something calming about a little “ritual” in my skin care routine.

Some other SK-II favorites:

Happy Birthday, Shiseido! And a giveaway to celebrate!

I’m always fascinated by the evolution of skin care and makeup over the years. Especially interesting are products that consistently remain part of women’s routines. And today is a good day for a little nostalgia. It is a Monday after all and I’m t-minus four days till my birthday. Speaking of birthdays, one of my favorite companies is celebrating a whopper. Shiseido is celebrating its 140th anniversary this year! And they are throwing quite a party.

First, on facebook, Shiseido has launched a virtual Wishing Tree. You can make a “wish for the world” and for every 140 wishes made, Shiseido will plant a Cherry Blossom tree in collaboration with the New York Restoration Project (NYRP). Click here to participate. Secondly, Shiseido is honoring its first-ever cosmetic product – Eudermine – with a re-launch in its original packaging from over 100 years ago.

Having a bottle of Eudermine in its original 1897 packaging on your vanity is like having a historical piece of artwork in your home. Not to mention, I love using it every evening. It is termed an essence or softening lotion, designed to be used kind of like a toner. It is nimble, adjusting your skin for changes in temperature and humidity, keeping skin balanced. It very gently smooths and primes skin for hydration. It is great first step after cleansing to prep the skin for treatment and remove the last bit of grime. As per instructions, I swipe it on with a cotton pad.

And the party doesn’t stop there. If you purchase Eudermine on shiseido.com, you’ll receive special Limited Edition Blotting Papers. The outer carton of this exclusive Shiseido.com gift showcases an illustration by Ayao Yamana, a legendary Shiseido designer from the 60s and 70s. Or, if you are feeling lucky, enter to win a bottle of Eudermine using the widget below. (US only, please)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dr. Hauschka Clarifying Toner

Some beauty rules and made to be broken. So I learned when I picked up the Dr. Hauschka Clarifying Toner (for oily or blemished skin) rather than the Facial Toner (for my drier, more sensitive skin). I realized my mistake after a couple of uses, but frankly, I had already falling in love with this toner. I am not someone who insists on this cleansing step, but I love that it balances the skin and gets off all the makeup remnants.

The Clarifying Toner balances and soothes with anthyllis, calendula, nasturtium, echinacea, witch hazel and daisy extracts. It minimizes the appearance of pores and reduces redness without any irritation at all. It also makes a great aftershave for your man. Bonus: my blackheads around my nose have cleared up significantly. So, I guess my hasty grab at Whole Foods ended happily!