I recently discovered the GlyMed Plus skincare line at the fab Sacramento salon, AJF. The esthetician there, Heather, is spectacular by the way if you're in the Sacramento area. In any case, they use GlyMed products exclusively. I was a little suspicious because I'd never heard of the line, but it turns out that is because it's a professional-grade skincare line retailed primarily through medi-spas, estheticians, and dermatologists. The line is known for high concentrations of active ingredients like glycolic acid, lactic acid, Vitamin C, and many other active ingredients including acne-fighting goodies.
During my facial, I experienced a variety of great products, many of which smelled divine. But one product in particular took the cake (so to speak). If you're having a chocolate craving but trying to watch your calorie-intake, why not treat your skin instead? GlyMed's Chocolate Power Skin Rescue Masque is the ultimate luxurious hydrating repairing mask. It is packed with active naturals like resveratrol, acai berry, jojoba, and cocoa. The ingredients are all designed to boost cell turnover, hydrate, and soften. It's a great mask to use on a weekly or bi-weekly basis (if for no other reason than it smells yummy), but it would be particularly good to use to heal skin after an aggressive procedure like microdermabrasion or a sunburn or when your skin is just dehydrated or peeling.
Needless to say, I'm hooked on the mask and bought it to use at home. I'm going to explore the GlyMed line a bit further, so check back for updates.
Showing posts with label Essentials. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Essentials. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
Imported Beauty: An Introductory BB Cream
Beauty Balms (aka Blemish Balms or BB creams) have be en hot in Asia for years, but the American market has been behind the trend. That is, until now. Dr. Jart+ recently released two BB creams in the U.S., sold exclusively as Sephora. BB creams vary from brand to brand, but the basic idea is skincare, sunscreen, and light makeup coverage in one product. The advantages of BB creams is that most of them (including the Dr. Jart+ products) provide very high SPF, skin-brightening/lightening treatment (great for acne scars and sun spots), and medium to full coverage with a dewy natural ethereal finish, plus other skincare benefits one would typically find in a serum or moisturizer.
Sound too good to be true? Well, it kind of is for people with medium to dark skintones. Unfortunately, most BB creams are only available in one shade, which is supposed to "self-adjust" to match your skin, but there's only so much these types of creams can adjust. I've done some research on other brands sold in South Korea, and most of the BB creams are good for only fair to light-medium skintones. Some of them also have distinctively warm/yellow undertones or distinctively ashy gray undertones. There are a couple of Korean BB creams that offer an extra shade or two in the medium range, but I haven't seen anything in the medium-dark to dark range.
But for those of us on the lighter side, Dr. Jart's new creams are heaven. I chose the Premium Beauty Balm, which features an SPF 45 from minerals (primarily zinc oxide), a very natural and luminous light coverage, bio-peptides and antioxidants, and skin-brightening ingredients to treat those nasty dark spots and uneven skintone. Dr. Jart+ also has a Water Fuse Beauty Balm at Sephora. That BB cream has more hydration but only SPF 25 and no antioxidants or skin-brighteners. It's a few bucks cheaper, but ultimately, I feel like the Premium BB has far more benefits for $7 more.
In short, I love it. The color scared me a little at first since it comes out of the tube looking a bit gray, but it really does self-adjust (at least with my light skin) and looks absolutely wonderful. The coverage is light and natural-looking, but also can be layered as a concealer for under the eyes. I have had many complements on my skin since I've been using it. Sometimes I want more coverage and use my Bare Minerals foundation, but this product is fabulous for everyday. I love that it covers multiple steps of skincare and makeup in one, although I often use an eye cream and treatment serum under it anyway. But that's a personal preference. The moisture and anti-aging treatment in the Beauty Balm really make any additional skincare steps optional. And it makes my skin feel dreamy.
I highly recommend this product, and now that I've done a test drive in the world of BB creams, I plan to get my paws on a few Korean imports, especially one with more coverage. Check back for updates.
Sound too good to be true? Well, it kind of is for people with medium to dark skintones. Unfortunately, most BB creams are only available in one shade, which is supposed to "self-adjust" to match your skin, but there's only so much these types of creams can adjust. I've done some research on other brands sold in South Korea, and most of the BB creams are good for only fair to light-medium skintones. Some of them also have distinctively warm/yellow undertones or distinctively ashy gray undertones. There are a couple of Korean BB creams that offer an extra shade or two in the medium range, but I haven't seen anything in the medium-dark to dark range.
But for those of us on the lighter side, Dr. Jart's new creams are heaven. I chose the Premium Beauty Balm, which features an SPF 45 from minerals (primarily zinc oxide), a very natural and luminous light coverage, bio-peptides and antioxidants, and skin-brightening ingredients to treat those nasty dark spots and uneven skintone. Dr. Jart+ also has a Water Fuse Beauty Balm at Sephora. That BB cream has more hydration but only SPF 25 and no antioxidants or skin-brighteners. It's a few bucks cheaper, but ultimately, I feel like the Premium BB has far more benefits for $7 more.
In short, I love it. The color scared me a little at first since it comes out of the tube looking a bit gray, but it really does self-adjust (at least with my light skin) and looks absolutely wonderful. The coverage is light and natural-looking, but also can be layered as a concealer for under the eyes. I have had many complements on my skin since I've been using it. Sometimes I want more coverage and use my Bare Minerals foundation, but this product is fabulous for everyday. I love that it covers multiple steps of skincare and makeup in one, although I often use an eye cream and treatment serum under it anyway. But that's a personal preference. The moisture and anti-aging treatment in the Beauty Balm really make any additional skincare steps optional. And it makes my skin feel dreamy.
I highly recommend this product, and now that I've done a test drive in the world of BB creams, I plan to get my paws on a few Korean imports, especially one with more coverage. Check back for updates.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Winter Woes: Best Exfoliators
Exfoliation is especially important during the cold weather months, when the skin tends to get dry, build up layers of dead skin cells, and lose its glow. Exfoliating at least twice a week, depending on your skin-type and sensitivity, will not only help deep-clean and smooth your skin, it will also unclog pores and accelerate the skin's natural shedding process. This is key to your skincare routine because it allows your serums and moisturizer to penetrate your skin's layers to work their magic, rather then floating on the surface of dead skin cells.
I've tested a number of exfoliators lately looking for gentle, but effective scrubs for different skin types. Here are my favorites:
St. Ives Apricot Scrub
An oldy, but a goody. This classic affordable scrub is gentle and hydrating enough not to irritate dry skin, but still has enough scrubbing power to get rid of those dead skin cells. Because the exfoliating pieces are larger, this is not the best for cleaning out clogged pores despite the fact that the label indicates that it eliminates blackheads. If blackheads are a concern, I would recommend one of the exfoliators with finer particles. Otherwise, this is a great gentle scrub that most people with oily to dry skin can use at least several times a week without causing irritation. However, I would not recommend this scrub for extremely dry or extremely sensitive skin.
Lush Coalface
One of my all time favorites from my combination-skin days. For oily to normal and combination skin, this bar-form scrub is ideal. It will clean out your pores thoroughly and make your face truly squeaky clean. Seriously, very squeaky, try it. This is not a scrub for the faint of heart, but it is also surprisingly non-irritating for its effectiveness. Perhaps because it is all-natural, I can still use this scrub occasionally even though I have drier skin now, and it does not leave my face red or irritated. This is not, however, a skin-softening exfoliator. This is the best scrub for men too: it will clean out the pores around hair follicles on the face, giving men a cleaner shave and preventing in-grown hairs. My fiance's been diminishing my supply.
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate
This exfoliator is the creme de la creme of exfoliators. It's not cheap and it's not gentle, but it's so effective, all you have to do is apply it like a mask without rubbing it in and leave it on for no more than 30 seconds. The enzymes do the work for me, and my skin feels soft as a baby's when I'm finished. I can only leave it on for about 20 seconds before it starts to irritate, and I certainly can't use it more than twice a week, but it is the very best exfoliator in that my skin feels both clean and soft after use. And I feel like I really get the most out of my serums after using ExfoliKate first.
Cosmedicine Medi-Morphosis
This is a self-adjusting exfoliator with tiny scrubbing crystals that dissolve automatically when your skin's had enough. Well, that's how it's supposed to work anyway. I feel like this is THE BEST exfoliator by a landslide for those with severely clogged pores and stubborn blackheads because the crystals are so fine. That said, I cannot use this exfoliator all over my face. It's simply too irritating for my cheeks and forehead. I occasionally use it around my nose and chin when I get clogged pores, and it is supremely effective. I feel like this would be ideal for anyone with oily to combination skin no more than once or twice a week. Also, I once used this product the morning after using an acne-spot treatment, and my skin peeled. So this is simply too powerful of a scrub to mix with any acne treatments. I suspect that it would probably not interact well with retinol-based products either. This is very effective, but I would just caution to use it with care, and not at all if you have sensitive skin.
Ole Henriksen Sugar Glow Face Scrub
Alright, for those with dry and/or sensitive skin, this is the one you've been waiting for. It's from my favorite active-natural skincare line, and it's very gentle and leaves the skin feeling soft and hydrated. It just gets rid of those dead skin cells, which even dry skin needs, without irritating. And it smells good enough to eat (like an orange dream bar).
Homemade Oatmeal Scrub
For those with extremely dry or extremely sensitive skin or just a glamazon on a budget, a homemade oatmeal scrub is an easy, inexpensive treat that will still get rid of those pesky dead skin cells without drying or irritating your skin. Simply take 2 generous tablespoons of oatmeal, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and add enough warm water to make a paste. Then simply scrub your face in circular motions (concentrating on the T-Zone) and rinse with warm water. Your skin will feel smooth and softened.
I've tested a number of exfoliators lately looking for gentle, but effective scrubs for different skin types. Here are my favorites:
St. Ives Apricot Scrub
An oldy, but a goody. This classic affordable scrub is gentle and hydrating enough not to irritate dry skin, but still has enough scrubbing power to get rid of those dead skin cells. Because the exfoliating pieces are larger, this is not the best for cleaning out clogged pores despite the fact that the label indicates that it eliminates blackheads. If blackheads are a concern, I would recommend one of the exfoliators with finer particles. Otherwise, this is a great gentle scrub that most people with oily to dry skin can use at least several times a week without causing irritation. However, I would not recommend this scrub for extremely dry or extremely sensitive skin.
Lush Coalface
One of my all time favorites from my combination-skin days. For oily to normal and combination skin, this bar-form scrub is ideal. It will clean out your pores thoroughly and make your face truly squeaky clean. Seriously, very squeaky, try it. This is not a scrub for the faint of heart, but it is also surprisingly non-irritating for its effectiveness. Perhaps because it is all-natural, I can still use this scrub occasionally even though I have drier skin now, and it does not leave my face red or irritated. This is not, however, a skin-softening exfoliator. This is the best scrub for men too: it will clean out the pores around hair follicles on the face, giving men a cleaner shave and preventing in-grown hairs. My fiance's been diminishing my supply.
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate
This exfoliator is the creme de la creme of exfoliators. It's not cheap and it's not gentle, but it's so effective, all you have to do is apply it like a mask without rubbing it in and leave it on for no more than 30 seconds. The enzymes do the work for me, and my skin feels soft as a baby's when I'm finished. I can only leave it on for about 20 seconds before it starts to irritate, and I certainly can't use it more than twice a week, but it is the very best exfoliator in that my skin feels both clean and soft after use. And I feel like I really get the most out of my serums after using ExfoliKate first.
Cosmedicine Medi-Morphosis
This is a self-adjusting exfoliator with tiny scrubbing crystals that dissolve automatically when your skin's had enough. Well, that's how it's supposed to work anyway. I feel like this is THE BEST exfoliator by a landslide for those with severely clogged pores and stubborn blackheads because the crystals are so fine. That said, I cannot use this exfoliator all over my face. It's simply too irritating for my cheeks and forehead. I occasionally use it around my nose and chin when I get clogged pores, and it is supremely effective. I feel like this would be ideal for anyone with oily to combination skin no more than once or twice a week. Also, I once used this product the morning after using an acne-spot treatment, and my skin peeled. So this is simply too powerful of a scrub to mix with any acne treatments. I suspect that it would probably not interact well with retinol-based products either. This is very effective, but I would just caution to use it with care, and not at all if you have sensitive skin.
Ole Henriksen Sugar Glow Face Scrub
Alright, for those with dry and/or sensitive skin, this is the one you've been waiting for. It's from my favorite active-natural skincare line, and it's very gentle and leaves the skin feeling soft and hydrated. It just gets rid of those dead skin cells, which even dry skin needs, without irritating. And it smells good enough to eat (like an orange dream bar).
Homemade Oatmeal Scrub
For those with extremely dry or extremely sensitive skin or just a glamazon on a budget, a homemade oatmeal scrub is an easy, inexpensive treat that will still get rid of those pesky dead skin cells without drying or irritating your skin. Simply take 2 generous tablespoons of oatmeal, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and add enough warm water to make a paste. Then simply scrub your face in circular motions (concentrating on the T-Zone) and rinse with warm water. Your skin will feel smooth and softened.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Winter Woes: Dryness Around the Eyes
Especially during the winter months, when skin is usually at its driest, eye makeup remover is rough and strips the delicate eye area of its moisture even more. All that dryness and rubbing and tugging at the skin around the eyes to get that last bit of mascara off inevitably leads to unwanted lines and dark circles. But a girl's gotta remove her eye makeup. So might I suggest the ever-classic and ever-affordable Aquaphor ointment, which is available in the tube, the giant tub, and the tiny tube, which is wonderful for chapped lips or travel makeup-removal (the uber-serious TSA agent at the New Orleans airport confiscated my giant tub on my return-trip even though the S.F. TSA was cool about it because it only had a few ounces of product left, not that I'm bitter or anything).
Anyway, this ointment (and the generics at chain drugstores) will effectively remove all traces of your eye makeup without stripping the skin. In fact, in leaves the eye area feeling moist without feeling greasy. And unlike some eye makeup removers which are alcohol-based, this stuff won't irritate if it gets in your eyes. It's also much more cost effective. And highly useful for other purposes including its label-designated use: dry, chapped skin. It's great for wintery elbows, knees, and feet (especially overnight with a pair of cotton socks). And it makes a phenomenal lip balm for chapped lips. Not to name names, but you'll never go back to $26 Bi-Facil again.
Anyway, this ointment (and the generics at chain drugstores) will effectively remove all traces of your eye makeup without stripping the skin. In fact, in leaves the eye area feeling moist without feeling greasy. And unlike some eye makeup removers which are alcohol-based, this stuff won't irritate if it gets in your eyes. It's also much more cost effective. And highly useful for other purposes including its label-designated use: dry, chapped skin. It's great for wintery elbows, knees, and feet (especially overnight with a pair of cotton socks). And it makes a phenomenal lip balm for chapped lips. Not to name names, but you'll never go back to $26 Bi-Facil again.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Back to School: A B Vitamin C's of Skincare
After an extended hiatus from blogging (summer vacay, catching up on work before and after vacay, and birthdays), I'm back! And in spirit of the back to school season, I thought it would be fitting to do a little educational post on the skincare benefits of Vitamin C. But first, here's a little guide to some of the skincare products I've been trying and trying to find lately, all of which I'll be blogging about as I try products.
I'm on the lookout for the best of the best products to update my skincare regimen. Here's what I'm trying to find. And if you readers out there have any favorites to suggest that I try, please let me know.
To get the the maximum benefit, you want to use it just once a day during the a.m. only. And you MUST use it with sunscreen of at least SPF 30 if you're just driving and outside for a few minutes here and there, and a higher SPF if you're in the sun for any extended period of time. The SPF is essential because while the Vitamin C helps prevent and treat hyper-pigmentation, it also makes your skin more vulnerable to sun damage if you don't wear an SPF because of the increased cell turnover. With that caveat out of the way, I give you the three Vitamin C serums I've tried to date and my thoughts:
Ole Henriksen Truth Serum
Ole Henriksen is one of the latest and greatest active naturals skincare lines. It combines science with homeopathy for a truly great skincare line, free of harmful ingredients like parabens, phthalates, and sulfates. This particular serum features 10% Vitamin C for the anti-aging benefits together with Vitamin E for hydration and other active naturals like green tea and grapefruit extracts. The result is a serum that smells great, smooths the skin, and gives the complexion a radiant glow. Overall, my skin looked healthier after about a week of consistent use. On the downside, it's a little sticky, which does not work well underneath makeup. I like the results of this serum, but I really want to find a Vitamin C serum that wears well underneath makeup since it's a daytime serum.
Murad Active Radiance Serum
This serum contains Vitamin C, AHA, and Myrtle extract to help improve the skin's texture and radiance, as well as to treat and prevent sun spots. This serum is supposed to boost collagen production and guard the skin against damage from free radicals. My skin definitely felt smoother to the touch and looked more radiant immediately after using the serum. After a few days of consistent daily use (remember, use Vitamin C serums just once a day, a.m. only), my skin's texture and skin tone were noticeably improved. This serum is not as sticky as the Truth Serum, but it's still a bit on the sticky side. Not so much that I would be dissuaded if it was a serum that I could use at night, but since I wear makeup regularly, and the stickiness doesn't disappear even after 15 minutes or so, it's not the best choice for me. I did try it once on a non-makeup day and after I let it dry for a good 20 minutes and then applied moisturizer and let that dry, my skin felt soft and non-sticky to the touch after another hour or so. I did not attempt to apply makeup over it, but I think that if I had, it would have been alright. It's just quite a long wait before my skin is makeup-safe and not getting tacky clumps of makeup on my face (not a good look). Overall, I like this serum and its effects very well. I am just determined that there is another makeup-friendly Vitamin C serum out there.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
This Vitamin C serum came highly recommended from my aestheticism, who offered me a sample. I later learned that it's a three-time Allure Magazine best serum winner. It's easy to see why. This serum combines a very potent formulation of Vitamin C in the form of 15% pure L-ascorbic acid with the hydrating and reparative benefits of Vitamin E. It has all the same antioxidant benefits as the other Vitamin C serums, but in a more aggressive dosage of Vitamin C, and with ferulic acid and Vitamin E for extra antioxidant power. This serum feels like it's quenching the skin's thirst while leaving it soft and bright, not at all greasy and thankfully, not sticky. Makeup goes on smoothly. I suppose it was inevitable that the best Vitamin C serum I've tried to date would be about twice the price of the other two. And yes, you get what you pay for in SkinCeuticals products, their quality is unrivaled. However, as $141, it's still far more expensive than any other skincare product I've ever purchased.
I'm still milking my deluxe sample for now and using very sparingly. I'm hoping to find another serum that works as well, but if I can't, here is my plan and some tips for you readers who might consider this purchase: you can get SkinCeuticals products on www.spalook.com, which is always on ebates (usually around 5-10% cash back -- check out ebates for Sephora and ULTA cash back as well -- http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=zblRc6RSUiGkpTMojoGM1g%3D%3D). Additionally, Spalook virtually always has coupon codes going to get $25 off of a $100 purchase or $50 off of $200 or 20% off or something like that. Look for them in a general google search, although the codes are often on the main page of Spalook itself. Further, SkinCeuticals does sell this serum in discounted kits with other full-sized serums, saving you some money collectively. Finally, Spalook often has gifts with purchase for SkinCeuticals.
So, yes, I am considering making this obscene purchase given the aforementioned discounts and promos. Vitamin C serums are the holy grail of anti-aging serums right now. And the beauty of them is that they are ideal for women in my age group (20 and 30-somethings) looking to correct some early sun damage and prevent any further damage. And the SkinCeuticals has been praised as the best of the best, so it is probably worth the investment. Being the bargain huntress that I am, I am still going to hunt down samples and trial sizes of other Vitamin C serums and see if I can't find a better deal. But at the end of the day, this is probably the single most important category of skincare product that I can buy for my skin, so I may just have to cut cost-corners elsewhere. I will keep you posted on any other worthwhile Vitamin C serums I find.
I'm on the lookout for the best of the best products to update my skincare regimen. Here's what I'm trying to find. And if you readers out there have any favorites to suggest that I try, please let me know.
- A creamy eye cream for day that combats dark circles and works under my eye makeup and undereye concealer (many eye creams make the undereye concealer run or crepe)
- A Vitamin C serum for day that does not feel sticky and works underneath makeup
- A lightweight day moisturizer with a high SPF (30 or better)
- An eye cream for night that combats fine lines and firms the eye area
- A hydrating serum for night that firms skin and combats lines and hyper-pigmentation
- A hydrating night moisturizer with anti-aging benefits
- A spot treatment for hyper-pigmentation (sun spots)
- A spot treatment for occasional breakouts that works quickly and effectively
- A weekly glycolic peel
- A weekly moisturizing mask
To get the the maximum benefit, you want to use it just once a day during the a.m. only. And you MUST use it with sunscreen of at least SPF 30 if you're just driving and outside for a few minutes here and there, and a higher SPF if you're in the sun for any extended period of time. The SPF is essential because while the Vitamin C helps prevent and treat hyper-pigmentation, it also makes your skin more vulnerable to sun damage if you don't wear an SPF because of the increased cell turnover. With that caveat out of the way, I give you the three Vitamin C serums I've tried to date and my thoughts:
Ole Henriksen Truth Serum
Ole Henriksen is one of the latest and greatest active naturals skincare lines. It combines science with homeopathy for a truly great skincare line, free of harmful ingredients like parabens, phthalates, and sulfates. This particular serum features 10% Vitamin C for the anti-aging benefits together with Vitamin E for hydration and other active naturals like green tea and grapefruit extracts. The result is a serum that smells great, smooths the skin, and gives the complexion a radiant glow. Overall, my skin looked healthier after about a week of consistent use. On the downside, it's a little sticky, which does not work well underneath makeup. I like the results of this serum, but I really want to find a Vitamin C serum that wears well underneath makeup since it's a daytime serum.
Murad Active Radiance Serum
This serum contains Vitamin C, AHA, and Myrtle extract to help improve the skin's texture and radiance, as well as to treat and prevent sun spots. This serum is supposed to boost collagen production and guard the skin against damage from free radicals. My skin definitely felt smoother to the touch and looked more radiant immediately after using the serum. After a few days of consistent daily use (remember, use Vitamin C serums just once a day, a.m. only), my skin's texture and skin tone were noticeably improved. This serum is not as sticky as the Truth Serum, but it's still a bit on the sticky side. Not so much that I would be dissuaded if it was a serum that I could use at night, but since I wear makeup regularly, and the stickiness doesn't disappear even after 15 minutes or so, it's not the best choice for me. I did try it once on a non-makeup day and after I let it dry for a good 20 minutes and then applied moisturizer and let that dry, my skin felt soft and non-sticky to the touch after another hour or so. I did not attempt to apply makeup over it, but I think that if I had, it would have been alright. It's just quite a long wait before my skin is makeup-safe and not getting tacky clumps of makeup on my face (not a good look). Overall, I like this serum and its effects very well. I am just determined that there is another makeup-friendly Vitamin C serum out there.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
This Vitamin C serum came highly recommended from my aestheticism, who offered me a sample. I later learned that it's a three-time Allure Magazine best serum winner. It's easy to see why. This serum combines a very potent formulation of Vitamin C in the form of 15% pure L-ascorbic acid with the hydrating and reparative benefits of Vitamin E. It has all the same antioxidant benefits as the other Vitamin C serums, but in a more aggressive dosage of Vitamin C, and with ferulic acid and Vitamin E for extra antioxidant power. This serum feels like it's quenching the skin's thirst while leaving it soft and bright, not at all greasy and thankfully, not sticky. Makeup goes on smoothly. I suppose it was inevitable that the best Vitamin C serum I've tried to date would be about twice the price of the other two. And yes, you get what you pay for in SkinCeuticals products, their quality is unrivaled. However, as $141, it's still far more expensive than any other skincare product I've ever purchased.
I'm still milking my deluxe sample for now and using very sparingly. I'm hoping to find another serum that works as well, but if I can't, here is my plan and some tips for you readers who might consider this purchase: you can get SkinCeuticals products on www.spalook.com, which is always on ebates (usually around 5-10% cash back -- check out ebates for Sephora and ULTA cash back as well -- http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=zblRc6RSUiGkpTMojoGM1g%3D%3D). Additionally, Spalook virtually always has coupon codes going to get $25 off of a $100 purchase or $50 off of $200 or 20% off or something like that. Look for them in a general google search, although the codes are often on the main page of Spalook itself. Further, SkinCeuticals does sell this serum in discounted kits with other full-sized serums, saving you some money collectively. Finally, Spalook often has gifts with purchase for SkinCeuticals.
So, yes, I am considering making this obscene purchase given the aforementioned discounts and promos. Vitamin C serums are the holy grail of anti-aging serums right now. And the beauty of them is that they are ideal for women in my age group (20 and 30-somethings) looking to correct some early sun damage and prevent any further damage. And the SkinCeuticals has been praised as the best of the best, so it is probably worth the investment. Being the bargain huntress that I am, I am still going to hunt down samples and trial sizes of other Vitamin C serums and see if I can't find a better deal. But at the end of the day, this is probably the single most important category of skincare product that I can buy for my skin, so I may just have to cut cost-corners elsewhere. I will keep you posted on any other worthwhile Vitamin C serums I find.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Quick Fix for Skin Woes
Tendskin is a longtime beauty-insider favorite for both men and women. This liquid miracle quickly and effectively treats a host of skin problems. While it was designed to be used after hair removal to prevent and cure razor bumps, razor burn, and ingrown hairs, many Tendskin-fans in the know also use it to treat acne. Unlike most acne-treatment formulas that dry the skin and cause more irritation, Tendskin is very gentle. If you get occasional spots, you can apply this product twice daily and it will eliminate most breakouts within a few days. The same formula that makes it to effective to treat bumps and ingrown hairs on the face, bikini line, or legs makes it an acne-slayer. The secret ingredient? Liquid aspirin. When used with the salicylic acid and isopropyl alcohol, the aspirin works to magically quell redness, irritation, and inflammation in the skin FAST. Best of all, the liquid dries quickly and smoothly, without leaving a film or stickiness on the skin like most acne spot-treatment products. Simply swipe the product on the skin with clean hands or a cotton-ball in any area where you have or are prone to get acne, razor bumps, or ingrown hairs.
You can use it occasionally as needed, especially after shaving, waxing, or electrolysis. For you men out there who have facial-skin sensitivity after shaving, you will LOVE this lightweight non-irritating formula. Despite some of the hardcore astringent ingredients like the alcohol and salicylic acid, the aspirin actually makes this product very soothing. You can also use it every day, which is what I recommend for preventative maintenance if you're prone to ingrown hairs in particular. Annoying ingrown hairs often emerge as the hair follicles are growing back after shaving or waxing, so using it only after hair removal won't work very well to prevent them. But after using this product every day for a full hair-growth cycle, you will see a marked improvement. I have heard that the same is true for those with moderate to severe acne: every day use will help prevent new breakouts. I would caution that even though this product is fairly gentle, it still has a laundry list of astringent ingredients that strip the skin of moisture, so if you to use this product on your skin every day, be sure to use a good moisturizer to restore hydration and prevent aging.
At $20 for a 4 oz bottle and $50 for the jumbo-size 16 oz bottle that will last you a long time, you'll find this a worthwhile investment whether you use it occasionally or everyday. Get it at Sephora, ULTA, and most fine salons that offer waxing and electrolysis.
You can use it occasionally as needed, especially after shaving, waxing, or electrolysis. For you men out there who have facial-skin sensitivity after shaving, you will LOVE this lightweight non-irritating formula. Despite some of the hardcore astringent ingredients like the alcohol and salicylic acid, the aspirin actually makes this product very soothing. You can also use it every day, which is what I recommend for preventative maintenance if you're prone to ingrown hairs in particular. Annoying ingrown hairs often emerge as the hair follicles are growing back after shaving or waxing, so using it only after hair removal won't work very well to prevent them. But after using this product every day for a full hair-growth cycle, you will see a marked improvement. I have heard that the same is true for those with moderate to severe acne: every day use will help prevent new breakouts. I would caution that even though this product is fairly gentle, it still has a laundry list of astringent ingredients that strip the skin of moisture, so if you to use this product on your skin every day, be sure to use a good moisturizer to restore hydration and prevent aging.
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At $20 for a 4 oz bottle and $50 for the jumbo-size 16 oz bottle that will last you a long time, you'll find this a worthwhile investment whether you use it occasionally or everyday. Get it at Sephora, ULTA, and most fine salons that offer waxing and electrolysis.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Squeeze Me, Tweeze Me
No tool is more essential to a makeup bag than a good tweezer. For most makeup artists and cosmeticians, the main qualifier for a "good" tweezer is sharpness. You need the tweezer to be really sharp in order to grab those tiny little annoying stray brow hairs. Tweezerman makes some decent tweezers, but they're not sharp enough for my taste. I bought Anastasia's (the brow expert) tweezer a couple of year ago, which served me well for two years before dulling (all tweezers eventually dull and require replacement). To date, the Anastasia tweezer lasted the longest for me. But I recently replaced it with the Bobbi Brown tweezer, an investment at $30, but a worthy investment. This is the sharpest tweezer I have tried, eye-gaugingly sharp (seriously, this might double as a self-defense weapon in a pinch). This tweezer will scout out stray hairs that you didn't even know you had and grab hairs that have barely cracked the skin's surface. There may be better tweezers out there, but I haven't found them. You can find them at Bobbi Brown's online store, Nordstrom and nordstrom.com, and select Macy's.
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Sunday, July 18, 2010
Double Double Toil and Trouble: Magic Potions
Everyone is still looking for the Fountain of Youth. We've just stopped looking in the jungle and started looking in dermatologist's offices and department stores. I've taken pretty good care of my skin, but I'll admit that sometimes I'm not so faithful about using my skincare products EVERY morning and EVERY night as I should. But as another birthday is looming, I've suddenly noticed some lines and horror of horrors, a sunspot (also horribly known as an age spot) that were not there last year. That sent me into a panic and I went through my medicine cabinet in search of a quick fix.
The sad truth is that with skincare, there really are no quick fixes no matter what the salespeople tell you. It's all about long-term and consistent use, something I've not been very good at as of late but have recently rededicated myself to. Sure, you can find some fillers that work like shellac to instantly diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles. And a nice radiance serum or eye cream will instantly improve your skin's appearance and texture. But if you want to look younger or at least prevent yourself from looking older, you need to get OCD about daily skincare. Make that twice daily skincare. So if I'm going to invest time, energy, and money in a regimen, I want to choose the best products and get the most bang for my buck, including some instant-gratification because, like most Americans, I'm impatient.
This will be a multi-part post on the magic potions that make up a good skincare routine. I will give you my expert advice on what to look for in your skincare products depending on the three big factors: skin-type, skin concerns, and cost. I'm also going to review the products that I'm trying as I build my own skincare routine and give you some helpful reviews and information about products I've worked with in the past. I'm also happy to answer any questions you have about skincare in the comments. I'm beginning with the beginning, cleanser and exfoliation. I'll begin I'll then move on to discuss serums, moisturizers, eye creams, and a wild card category of skin care treatment extras that you won't use everyday but will see noticeable improvement from occasional use.
Before I move on to cleansers, I'd like to tell you what I'm expressly excluding: toners. Allegedly, toners should restore the PH balance of your skin. A lot of people use them to try to catch any excess oil, makeup, or grime that you miss with the cleanser. However, if you have a good cleanser, this is really not necessary. Moreover, most of them have alcohol and are very astringent, which you should never use unless you have sever acne. Even then, I would be cautious about stripping your skin of its natural moisture with astringents. Now there are alcohol-free toners out there now, and if you think you must use a toner, I would recommend these. However, I feel that this is generally an unnecessary extra step. The mild reward simply isn't worth the money and time.
On to cleansers! Unless you have sensitive skin, cleansers basically break down into three skin type categories: normal/combination, dry, and oily. Combination skin is when you have an oily t-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and dryness in the cheeks and eye area. This skin type can sometimes be seasonal, as it is for me. I used to have combination skin all the time, but as I get older, my skin is getting dryer and consequently, I only have combination skin during the summer when the pores tend to release more oil because of the heat. I have normal to dry skin during the rest of the year. Other than skin type, the other big factor in choosing a cleanser should be texture. Some prefer a gel or foam while others prefer a lotion. There are also solid cleansing bars and cleansing wipes for people on the go. Here are a few of my favorites.
Lush
Lush makes several excellent cleansers. For those who aren't familiar with Lush, this is an amazing all-natural skin and body care brand. Many of their products are freshly made in the shoppes, and most of their products are vegan. Most importantly, Lush has a longstanding commitment to making their products without any animal testing. But besides all that, their products are just plan good. They feel good on the skin, they smell good, and they are affordable. You can order directly from Lush at www.lushusa.com or go to one of their many free-standing shoppes. Some Macy's are now carrying the line as well.
Lush's Coalface is one of my all time favorites because it is an exfoliating cleanser in a solid bar that gives you an impeccable squeaky clean. It's perfect for me during the summer when I'm feeling grimy after a long day in the sun. It is made with charcoal, and it is as black as coal. It also contains licorice root, which is a natural antibacterial. Consequently, this cleanser is ideal for those with acne-prone, oily, or combination skin. I would not recommend this for those with dry or sensitive skin, however, since the exfloliants in the bar can be a bit rough. I don't typically use this every day myself. I like to rotate it with a more gentle cleanser. If you're not into the bar-cleanser, you can also get the same stuff in a cream with exfoliating black sugar mixed in, which is called Dark Angels. Each of these are about $11 online, although the price in the shoppes will vary since they're made in the shop and cut into pieces and then weighed for price. Both of these cleansers are vegan.
For those with normal to dry, dry, or sensitive skin, I would recommend Lush's Angels on Bare Skin, a much gentler cleanser. It is sold as a slice of a roll, which is a slightly solid creamy cleanser. It's made with lavender and rose oils, which sooth the skin and provide a very gentle exfoliation. If you tend to have lots of allergies and skin-sensitivities, Lush's Aqua Marina with calamine is another great cleanser. These cleansers also run about $11 and are vegan products.
Aveeno
Aveeno makes some truly great affordable cleansers. Positively Radiant is a fantastic lotion cleanser that is designed to give your skin a radiant glow. It's very gentle and suitable for most skin-types but it's especially great for normal to dry or dry skin. The creamy lotion feels fantastic on the face, and my skin always feels clean and nourished afterward. It's very hydrating for dry skin. You can find this at virtually any drugstore or online at www.drugstore.com or www.ulta.com. It's a bargain at $7, and it's often on sale at the drugstores.
Cetaphil
For those with ultra-sensitive skin or anyone who is looking for the ultimate value in a cleanser, you can't do much better than Cetaphil. They make it in both the bar and a creamy lotion in a pump now. It's great for virtually all skin-types, and it's especially great if you have sensitive skin or acne-prone skin. They make it in several different formulations now too, some of them specifically for sensitive, dry, or oily skin. Although dermatologists and industry-insiders have been using and recommending the original formula for years to all skin-types. It's a fantastic, affordable, reliable product. Personally, I like the bars but the lotion is also great.
St. Ives
St. Ives's classic Apricot Scrub is one of my all time favorite beauty products. It's a wonderful exfoliator with natural exfoliants. And it's very inexpensive. It's a dry scrub, which means it's in a cream base rather than an oil base. It's fantastic as a weekly or biweekly face scrub, but I also love to use it on dry patches like my knees. Unlike the Lush products, this is not a two-in-one cleansing product, so I would still recommend using another gentle cleanser like Cetaphil or Aveeno first. The original formula is really great for all skin types, but like Cetaphil, St. Ives is now making this scrub in several formulas for different skin-types. You can even get a formula of the Apricot Scrub for acne-prone skin that has salicylic acid to help with breakouts. Likewise, they make a gentler creamier formula for dry skin.
Estee Lauder
Estee Lauder makes some fantastic cleansers, but with so many great drugstore options, I tend to think that they are too expensive. I used them often when I was working for the company as a makeup artist and received free product, and they're great. However, now I'm looking for more cost-effective alternatives. I like to invest my money in eye cream and treatments, but I generally feel that the more expensive cleansers are not exponentially better. However, one Lauder product that is worth the investment is a deep exfoliator called Idealist Dual-Action Refinishing Treatment. This product was originally called Micro-D, and it was designed to be a lighter at-home version of micro-dermabrasion, but it was recently reformulated and improved to give you the benefits of both a micro-dermabrasion and a glycloic peel. It warms on your skin with water, which opens up those pores. Then the ultra-fine exfoliating spheres get deep in there and clean out those pores and banish any rough or dry patches. This product is somewhat abrasive definitely not for every day, but it's far less abrasive than micro-dermabrasion or glycolic acid treatments while offering similar results. I also would not recommend it for sensitive skin. But if you're skin is oily, normal.combination, or dry, you can use this once every week or two for instantly smoother and brighter skin. It's more of an investment at $49, but you'll feel like you just had a $100 facial, and the tube tends to last about 6 months if I use it once a week, which is not bad. This is definitely a good one to add to your skincare arsenal.
The sad truth is that with skincare, there really are no quick fixes no matter what the salespeople tell you. It's all about long-term and consistent use, something I've not been very good at as of late but have recently rededicated myself to. Sure, you can find some fillers that work like shellac to instantly diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles. And a nice radiance serum or eye cream will instantly improve your skin's appearance and texture. But if you want to look younger or at least prevent yourself from looking older, you need to get OCD about daily skincare. Make that twice daily skincare. So if I'm going to invest time, energy, and money in a regimen, I want to choose the best products and get the most bang for my buck, including some instant-gratification because, like most Americans, I'm impatient.
This will be a multi-part post on the magic potions that make up a good skincare routine. I will give you my expert advice on what to look for in your skincare products depending on the three big factors: skin-type, skin concerns, and cost. I'm also going to review the products that I'm trying as I build my own skincare routine and give you some helpful reviews and information about products I've worked with in the past. I'm also happy to answer any questions you have about skincare in the comments. I'm beginning with the beginning, cleanser and exfoliation. I'll begin I'll then move on to discuss serums, moisturizers, eye creams, and a wild card category of skin care treatment extras that you won't use everyday but will see noticeable improvement from occasional use.
Before I move on to cleansers, I'd like to tell you what I'm expressly excluding: toners. Allegedly, toners should restore the PH balance of your skin. A lot of people use them to try to catch any excess oil, makeup, or grime that you miss with the cleanser. However, if you have a good cleanser, this is really not necessary. Moreover, most of them have alcohol and are very astringent, which you should never use unless you have sever acne. Even then, I would be cautious about stripping your skin of its natural moisture with astringents. Now there are alcohol-free toners out there now, and if you think you must use a toner, I would recommend these. However, I feel that this is generally an unnecessary extra step. The mild reward simply isn't worth the money and time.
On to cleansers! Unless you have sensitive skin, cleansers basically break down into three skin type categories: normal/combination, dry, and oily. Combination skin is when you have an oily t-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and dryness in the cheeks and eye area. This skin type can sometimes be seasonal, as it is for me. I used to have combination skin all the time, but as I get older, my skin is getting dryer and consequently, I only have combination skin during the summer when the pores tend to release more oil because of the heat. I have normal to dry skin during the rest of the year. Other than skin type, the other big factor in choosing a cleanser should be texture. Some prefer a gel or foam while others prefer a lotion. There are also solid cleansing bars and cleansing wipes for people on the go. Here are a few of my favorites.
Lush
Lush makes several excellent cleansers. For those who aren't familiar with Lush, this is an amazing all-natural skin and body care brand. Many of their products are freshly made in the shoppes, and most of their products are vegan. Most importantly, Lush has a longstanding commitment to making their products without any animal testing. But besides all that, their products are just plan good. They feel good on the skin, they smell good, and they are affordable. You can order directly from Lush at www.lushusa.com or go to one of their many free-standing shoppes. Some Macy's are now carrying the line as well.
Lush's Coalface is one of my all time favorites because it is an exfoliating cleanser in a solid bar that gives you an impeccable squeaky clean. It's perfect for me during the summer when I'm feeling grimy after a long day in the sun. It is made with charcoal, and it is as black as coal. It also contains licorice root, which is a natural antibacterial. Consequently, this cleanser is ideal for those with acne-prone, oily, or combination skin. I would not recommend this for those with dry or sensitive skin, however, since the exfloliants in the bar can be a bit rough. I don't typically use this every day myself. I like to rotate it with a more gentle cleanser. If you're not into the bar-cleanser, you can also get the same stuff in a cream with exfoliating black sugar mixed in, which is called Dark Angels. Each of these are about $11 online, although the price in the shoppes will vary since they're made in the shop and cut into pieces and then weighed for price. Both of these cleansers are vegan.
For those with normal to dry, dry, or sensitive skin, I would recommend Lush's Angels on Bare Skin, a much gentler cleanser. It is sold as a slice of a roll, which is a slightly solid creamy cleanser. It's made with lavender and rose oils, which sooth the skin and provide a very gentle exfoliation. If you tend to have lots of allergies and skin-sensitivities, Lush's Aqua Marina with calamine is another great cleanser. These cleansers also run about $11 and are vegan products.
Aveeno
Aveeno makes some truly great affordable cleansers. Positively Radiant is a fantastic lotion cleanser that is designed to give your skin a radiant glow. It's very gentle and suitable for most skin-types but it's especially great for normal to dry or dry skin. The creamy lotion feels fantastic on the face, and my skin always feels clean and nourished afterward. It's very hydrating for dry skin. You can find this at virtually any drugstore or online at www.drugstore.com or www.ulta.com. It's a bargain at $7, and it's often on sale at the drugstores.
Cetaphil
For those with ultra-sensitive skin or anyone who is looking for the ultimate value in a cleanser, you can't do much better than Cetaphil. They make it in both the bar and a creamy lotion in a pump now. It's great for virtually all skin-types, and it's especially great if you have sensitive skin or acne-prone skin. They make it in several different formulations now too, some of them specifically for sensitive, dry, or oily skin. Although dermatologists and industry-insiders have been using and recommending the original formula for years to all skin-types. It's a fantastic, affordable, reliable product. Personally, I like the bars but the lotion is also great.
St. Ives
St. Ives's classic Apricot Scrub is one of my all time favorite beauty products. It's a wonderful exfoliator with natural exfoliants. And it's very inexpensive. It's a dry scrub, which means it's in a cream base rather than an oil base. It's fantastic as a weekly or biweekly face scrub, but I also love to use it on dry patches like my knees. Unlike the Lush products, this is not a two-in-one cleansing product, so I would still recommend using another gentle cleanser like Cetaphil or Aveeno first. The original formula is really great for all skin types, but like Cetaphil, St. Ives is now making this scrub in several formulas for different skin-types. You can even get a formula of the Apricot Scrub for acne-prone skin that has salicylic acid to help with breakouts. Likewise, they make a gentler creamier formula for dry skin.
Estee Lauder
Estee Lauder makes some fantastic cleansers, but with so many great drugstore options, I tend to think that they are too expensive. I used them often when I was working for the company as a makeup artist and received free product, and they're great. However, now I'm looking for more cost-effective alternatives. I like to invest my money in eye cream and treatments, but I generally feel that the more expensive cleansers are not exponentially better. However, one Lauder product that is worth the investment is a deep exfoliator called Idealist Dual-Action Refinishing Treatment. This product was originally called Micro-D, and it was designed to be a lighter at-home version of micro-dermabrasion, but it was recently reformulated and improved to give you the benefits of both a micro-dermabrasion and a glycloic peel. It warms on your skin with water, which opens up those pores. Then the ultra-fine exfoliating spheres get deep in there and clean out those pores and banish any rough or dry patches. This product is somewhat abrasive definitely not for every day, but it's far less abrasive than micro-dermabrasion or glycolic acid treatments while offering similar results. I also would not recommend it for sensitive skin. But if you're skin is oily, normal.combination, or dry, you can use this once every week or two for instantly smoother and brighter skin. It's more of an investment at $49, but you'll feel like you just had a $100 facial, and the tube tends to last about 6 months if I use it once a week, which is not bad. This is definitely a good one to add to your skincare arsenal.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Calling all Mascara Players
Givenchy has recently rejuvenated its cosmetics lines with some truly interesting products I can't wait to get my paws on (especially the odd-looking Mr. Lash Booster, but that's for another time). First up is a new mascara. Now I've tried a lot of mascaras, and much like shampoos/conditioners, I tend to get bored and start looking for the next great thing after the first few uses. Yes, I'm a serial mascara user, a mascara commitmaphobe if you will. Because mascara is something that really needs to be replaced every 4-6 weeks, it tends to go downhill fast. Each time you use it, air and bacteria get it, which quickly transform your mascara from a smooth lash-defining little black dress of makeup to a cakey clumpy mess. I realize it's not really the mascara's fault, but inevitably I take it out on the product and move on to the next. By now, I'm a bit mascara-jaded and not easily impressed. Curved brushes, plastic non-bristled brushes, combs . . . I've seen and tried them all. And I've rarely bought the same formula more than a couple of times (shout out to CoverGirl Lashblast: you made it 3 replacements before I started seeking a Bigger Better Deal). So I was excited to try this funky looking mascara from Givenchy called Phenomen'Eyes, but I wasn't really looking for a long-term commitment. I was thinking it was going to be more of a one time thing. But as it turns out, this mascara is, well, it's special.
Phenomen'Eyes is a spherical-shaped wand with well-spaced bristles of various lengths. The result is that you can reach those pesky corner lashes that other mascaras seem to always miss or pile on way too much product. Also, this shape seems to be the ideal for lengthening while avoiding clumping. It really defines all the individual lashes. For the first time, I felt like I had those unobtainable magazine photo lashes. You know the really close-up shots of lashes that always look like they must be purely computer-generated since they are long, perfectly separated lash-by-lash, and impossibly curvy. While a combination is using this product after the Shu Uemura eyelash curler delivered on that seriously defined fanned out look. I think I'm in love. It's too bad that this mascara costs $29. As often as I replace them and given my partiality to $5 drugstore mascaras, that is one expensive mascara. But I honestly think it's worth every penny. I've only used it a few times though, so I'll have to see how it does as it ages. Even though I give Givenchy credit where credit is due, I really do hope that Maybelline or CoverGirl catch on and copy this design.
Now, one problem that I've heard some people have had with this product is related to the formula rather than the design. Some have complained that it smudges too easily. I didn't have this problem myself, but I do have a solution for it if you try this mascara and find that it smudges: use a very light coat of lash primer first. The mascara will bind to the lash primer and prevent it from smudging. You don't want to go to heavy with the primer though and you need to get the mascara on immediately before the primer dries (that means you have to do one complete eye at a time) because otherwise the primer will stiffen the lashes and you'll lose the benefits of the shaping and defining properties of this wand. Hopefully, Givenchy will improve the formula regarding the smudging issue or come out with a waterproof version because the wand design is perfection.
Phenomen'Eyes is a spherical-shaped wand with well-spaced bristles of various lengths. The result is that you can reach those pesky corner lashes that other mascaras seem to always miss or pile on way too much product. Also, this shape seems to be the ideal for lengthening while avoiding clumping. It really defines all the individual lashes. For the first time, I felt like I had those unobtainable magazine photo lashes. You know the really close-up shots of lashes that always look like they must be purely computer-generated since they are long, perfectly separated lash-by-lash, and impossibly curvy. While a combination is using this product after the Shu Uemura eyelash curler delivered on that seriously defined fanned out look. I think I'm in love. It's too bad that this mascara costs $29. As often as I replace them and given my partiality to $5 drugstore mascaras, that is one expensive mascara. But I honestly think it's worth every penny. I've only used it a few times though, so I'll have to see how it does as it ages. Even though I give Givenchy credit where credit is due, I really do hope that Maybelline or CoverGirl catch on and copy this design.
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Now, one problem that I've heard some people have had with this product is related to the formula rather than the design. Some have complained that it smudges too easily. I didn't have this problem myself, but I do have a solution for it if you try this mascara and find that it smudges: use a very light coat of lash primer first. The mascara will bind to the lash primer and prevent it from smudging. You don't want to go to heavy with the primer though and you need to get the mascara on immediately before the primer dries (that means you have to do one complete eye at a time) because otherwise the primer will stiffen the lashes and you'll lose the benefits of the shaping and defining properties of this wand. Hopefully, Givenchy will improve the formula regarding the smudging issue or come out with a waterproof version because the wand design is perfection.
Prime Time Part Deaux: Eye Primers
I find that eye primers are critical to a smooth, lasting, non-creasing eye look. The right primer can also bring out the vibrancy of your eyeshadow. I love face primer, but if I'm in a hurry in the morning, I admit that I sometimes skip it. However, I never skip the eye primer when I'm wearing eye makeup. Here are a few primers I've tried in the past week. And here's how they compare to my all time favorite: MAC's Paint Pot in Painterly.
MAC
MAC is generally tough to beat in the eye makeup department. It's a good quality, highly-pigmented, affordable product. But I'm an especially big fan of MAC's paint pots. Technically, this is a creamy eyeshadow that dries smooth and long-wearing. But I am of the opinion that even though this technically is not a primer, it does the trick very nicely. I use the shade Painterly, a nice light cool to neutral toned nude-beige that matches my skintone. MAC also makes this formula is several other fleshy shades, including one that is a bit warmer, Soft Ochre, and one that is great for medium skintones, Groundwork, and one for darker skintones, Quite Natural. In addition to the smooth staying-power of these paints, I really like that they have several shades that match real skintones. Many eye primers are "one color fits all" and tend to be very yellow tones, which is not flattering for me. And personally, I feel that the yellow-based primers distort my eyeshadows in an unflattering way, making them appear more yellow on my skin. That is why I always choose eye shadow bases/primers that are as close as possible to the skintone, or slightly lighter. And at $16.50 a pop, these paints are nicely priced. Here's how the other primers I tried stacked up to my favorite.
Urban Decay
I tried a sample Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Eden. I was not pleased with this because it was way too yellow, but in fairness to the product, they do make a sheer nude shade that I might have preferred. The overall texture was fine, and it definitely helped my eyeshadow stay all day just as well as the MAC product I like. But I had a strange reaction to this product. My eyelids suddenly became red and irritated as the product dried. The sensation went away after about 15 minutes or so, but my eyelids were very irritated for a while, which caused me to postpone applying my eyeshadow since I didn't want to agitate the area with a brush. I don't typically have cosmetic allergies, but who knows, I may be allergic to something in the product. But I know this is a popular primer with a lot of the makeup artists I know, so it may just be me. However, if you tend to have skin allergies or sensitivities, I would do a patch test first before spreading this all over your eyelids. In any case, between the overly yellow color and the irritation, I doubt I'll be trying this again.
Kat Von D
Yes, the famed sexy tattoo artist started her own makeup line. I guess I should have seen that one coming. This is the first product I've tried from the line, and I must say especially after my Urban Decay experience, I was impressed with the High Voltage Eye Primer. The primer was smooth and lightweight. It spread easily, and I like that it comes in a wand form. However, the ease of the wand is somewhat deceptive since it holds too much product, so it's not useful for blending. You either have to blend with your finger or preferably, a concealer brush. I am used to using a concealer brush to apply my Paint Pot, so that's not a problem. I think that if you wipe the wand thoroughly on the edge of the tube, you may be able to use it to blend the product. But chances are you'll still end up blending the edges with your finger. Even though the shade of this product is not bad, a "universal" nude, it's still a bit on the yellow side for me. But my bigger complaint is that it does not come in shades to match other skintones. There is a deep dark charcoal color, but that is not going to match anyone's skintone. And while there are different thoughts on whether you really need your primer to match your skintone, my question is if you can get a product that does match, why the heck would you want to use something way too dark, too light, too yellow, or too pink? So basically, I think that Ms. Von D has a good product here, but I'd like to see her expand the options to accommodate a wider range of skintones rather than trying to mass off a warm yellowish nude as "universal."
Benefit
Benefit's Stay Don't Stray is a winner. It's interesting because it's not just an eyeshadow primer, it's also designed to primer underneath your eyes to keep your under-eye concealer form creasing. It comes in a pump format, so you can apply and blend it with either your finger or your concealer brush. Beware: I got lazy and decided to use my finger instead of a brush when I tried this, and it did not wash off very easily, even with soap. I had to break out the makeup remover. But I took that as a good sign that it was definitely going to prevent concealer and eyeshadow from running, fading, or creasing. And boy did it! This is a fantastic non-greasy gem with staying power. My under-eye concealer has never looked so good, particularly during the July heat when it tends to run and crease easily. You're definitely gonna need a good eye-makeup remover to get it off. Once again, it is only sold it one color, a "universal" nude. However, I thought that this one really was more universal because it is pretty sheer and neutral-toned (equal parts of cool pink base and warm yellow base). I'd still like to see them make at least one more a few shades darker for women with medium to dark skintones. But overall, I think that this is a great product. It's a few bucks more than the MAC at $24, but I think I would use the MAC for everyday and reserve the Benefit for days when I need a little extra staying power because of the heat or a photo shoot. This one's definitely going in my wedding makeup kit.
MAC
MAC is generally tough to beat in the eye makeup department. It's a good quality, highly-pigmented, affordable product. But I'm an especially big fan of MAC's paint pots. Technically, this is a creamy eyeshadow that dries smooth and long-wearing. But I am of the opinion that even though this technically is not a primer, it does the trick very nicely. I use the shade Painterly, a nice light cool to neutral toned nude-beige that matches my skintone. MAC also makes this formula is several other fleshy shades, including one that is a bit warmer, Soft Ochre, and one that is great for medium skintones, Groundwork, and one for darker skintones, Quite Natural. In addition to the smooth staying-power of these paints, I really like that they have several shades that match real skintones. Many eye primers are "one color fits all" and tend to be very yellow tones, which is not flattering for me. And personally, I feel that the yellow-based primers distort my eyeshadows in an unflattering way, making them appear more yellow on my skin. That is why I always choose eye shadow bases/primers that are as close as possible to the skintone, or slightly lighter. And at $16.50 a pop, these paints are nicely priced. Here's how the other primers I tried stacked up to my favorite.
Urban Decay
I tried a sample Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Eden. I was not pleased with this because it was way too yellow, but in fairness to the product, they do make a sheer nude shade that I might have preferred. The overall texture was fine, and it definitely helped my eyeshadow stay all day just as well as the MAC product I like. But I had a strange reaction to this product. My eyelids suddenly became red and irritated as the product dried. The sensation went away after about 15 minutes or so, but my eyelids were very irritated for a while, which caused me to postpone applying my eyeshadow since I didn't want to agitate the area with a brush. I don't typically have cosmetic allergies, but who knows, I may be allergic to something in the product. But I know this is a popular primer with a lot of the makeup artists I know, so it may just be me. However, if you tend to have skin allergies or sensitivities, I would do a patch test first before spreading this all over your eyelids. In any case, between the overly yellow color and the irritation, I doubt I'll be trying this again.
Kat Von D
Yes, the famed sexy tattoo artist started her own makeup line. I guess I should have seen that one coming. This is the first product I've tried from the line, and I must say especially after my Urban Decay experience, I was impressed with the High Voltage Eye Primer. The primer was smooth and lightweight. It spread easily, and I like that it comes in a wand form. However, the ease of the wand is somewhat deceptive since it holds too much product, so it's not useful for blending. You either have to blend with your finger or preferably, a concealer brush. I am used to using a concealer brush to apply my Paint Pot, so that's not a problem. I think that if you wipe the wand thoroughly on the edge of the tube, you may be able to use it to blend the product. But chances are you'll still end up blending the edges with your finger. Even though the shade of this product is not bad, a "universal" nude, it's still a bit on the yellow side for me. But my bigger complaint is that it does not come in shades to match other skintones. There is a deep dark charcoal color, but that is not going to match anyone's skintone. And while there are different thoughts on whether you really need your primer to match your skintone, my question is if you can get a product that does match, why the heck would you want to use something way too dark, too light, too yellow, or too pink? So basically, I think that Ms. Von D has a good product here, but I'd like to see her expand the options to accommodate a wider range of skintones rather than trying to mass off a warm yellowish nude as "universal."
Benefit
Benefit's Stay Don't Stray is a winner. It's interesting because it's not just an eyeshadow primer, it's also designed to primer underneath your eyes to keep your under-eye concealer form creasing. It comes in a pump format, so you can apply and blend it with either your finger or your concealer brush. Beware: I got lazy and decided to use my finger instead of a brush when I tried this, and it did not wash off very easily, even with soap. I had to break out the makeup remover. But I took that as a good sign that it was definitely going to prevent concealer and eyeshadow from running, fading, or creasing. And boy did it! This is a fantastic non-greasy gem with staying power. My under-eye concealer has never looked so good, particularly during the July heat when it tends to run and crease easily. You're definitely gonna need a good eye-makeup remover to get it off. Once again, it is only sold it one color, a "universal" nude. However, I thought that this one really was more universal because it is pretty sheer and neutral-toned (equal parts of cool pink base and warm yellow base). I'd still like to see them make at least one more a few shades darker for women with medium to dark skintones. But overall, I think that this is a great product. It's a few bucks more than the MAC at $24, but I think I would use the MAC for everyday and reserve the Benefit for days when I need a little extra staying power because of the heat or a photo shoot. This one's definitely going in my wedding makeup kit.
Monday, July 5, 2010
You Dropped a Balm on Me!
Ah summertime! Nothing beats a day at the beach with a cute swimsuit and cool summer libations. But there is one thing I don't love about the summer is what is does to my skin, particularly my lips. Together with the eyelids, the lips are some of the most sensitive thin skin on the face. And we're typically much harder on our lips than our eyelids. Summer heat and wind, tanning, and chlorine-filled pools in particular damage our lips. Which is exactly why we need to keep them hydrated to ward off dry, sore, chapped lips.
Now I'm a big fan of Burt's Bees chapstick for the texture and flavor and the softening effect, but lately I've been feeling the need for extra care. Enter my new favorite, a pick from my stylish brother (thanks lil bro!), Rosebud Perfume Co. lip balm. You can find it at Sephora and drugstores (including drugstore.com). Sadly, it's not available on Ulta's web page, but I've heard you can find it at some Ulta stores. This is the ultimate lip balm. I purchased it in strawberry, which has a hint of strawberry flavor and scent without being sickly sweet as some flavored lip products are. It's also available in traditional rosebud salve (my brother's pick) and a minted rose, which also smelled good when I tried it in the store. They have just a hint of lip-tone pinkish color, but it is very very light. This is definitely a guy-friendly balm as the color is just enough so that your lips won't look weirdly washed out (which is what happens with some white, clear, and light yellow colored balms). Best of all, this balm will leave your lips moist and soft for hours, defying physical laws of summer lip balm reapplication. I applied it several hours ago, and my lips feel smooth and comfortable, and not a bit sticky. At $7 for nearly an ounce in a tin (i.e., you get to actually use all the product unlike a tube), it's a bargain and a summer must-have.
Now I'm a big fan of Burt's Bees chapstick for the texture and flavor and the softening effect, but lately I've been feeling the need for extra care. Enter my new favorite, a pick from my stylish brother (thanks lil bro!), Rosebud Perfume Co. lip balm. You can find it at Sephora and drugstores (including drugstore.com). Sadly, it's not available on Ulta's web page, but I've heard you can find it at some Ulta stores. This is the ultimate lip balm. I purchased it in strawberry, which has a hint of strawberry flavor and scent without being sickly sweet as some flavored lip products are. It's also available in traditional rosebud salve (my brother's pick) and a minted rose, which also smelled good when I tried it in the store. They have just a hint of lip-tone pinkish color, but it is very very light. This is definitely a guy-friendly balm as the color is just enough so that your lips won't look weirdly washed out (which is what happens with some white, clear, and light yellow colored balms). Best of all, this balm will leave your lips moist and soft for hours, defying physical laws of summer lip balm reapplication. I applied it several hours ago, and my lips feel smooth and comfortable, and not a bit sticky. At $7 for nearly an ounce in a tin (i.e., you get to actually use all the product unlike a tube), it's a bargain and a summer must-have.
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Prime Time
If you've read a beauty magazine lately, you've probably seen some of the recent uproar about primers. Primers have been around for years, but until recently, it was hard to find a formula that felt smooth and light on the skin and didn't turn you a sickly shade of yellow. Also recently, there has been more buzz about the perks of using a separate eye primer formulated just for your lids in addition to a foundation primer.
For those of you not yet sold on the benefits of using a primer before foundation, let me tell you, it's a worthwhile investment. A good primer should (1) perfect your skintone; (2) minimize visible pores and lines; and (3) help your foundation glide on smoothly so you end up using less product. Your skin should feel smooth and silky after you apply it, and it should NEVER feel sticky or like you have layers of goop on your face. It's one of those things that you decide to try one day and then wonder how you ever lived without it.
Smashbox
Now, most beauty insiders go straight to Smashbox Photo Finish, and I can't blame them. It's a solid primer and it's available in several shades from colorless (which is my personal preference) to skintone-correcting shades like green to minimize redness and lavender to minimize yellow tones. My only real gripe with Smashbox primer besides my hankering to try something new is the price: it's $36 for one ounce, and with the economy being what it is, I went in search of a budget foundation primer to substitute for my old standby. And I figured while I was at it, I may as well try to find a good eye primer too.
Arbonne
First up, I tried Arbonne's liquid primer. My soon-to-be sister-in-law is a rep for Arbonne and kindly sent me a sample. Arbonne is an organic vegan Swiss skincare line available online and through reps. The primer was a nice smoothing liquid, and it smelled clean and fresh (always a plus). I liked the texture a bit better than the Photo Finish overall, although I found that the products are actually very similar in that they do all the things a primer should do: smooth the skin, minimize pores, and make the foundation look flawless. My only complaint is that like the Smashbox primer, Arbonne's primer costs $36. But considering it's made with good-for-you organic ingredients, it's a great find. And for those who are looking for a good organic and/or vegan beauty line, Arbonne is a wonderful option.
Laura Mercier
Next, I tried Laura Mercier's Mineral Primer. This is supposed to be a liquid-to-powder finish. It felt good going on, but I found that it dried too quickly as I was trying to spread it on. Because of this, it made my makeup look uneven and spotty (quite the opposite of what a primer is supposed to do). At first, I thought maybe this was a user-error and I needed to be faster on the draw in applying it. So I tried it again the next day, and though I had some improvement with speed, it still gave a really uneven look to my foundation. Both times I has to wipe it off and start fresh with a different primer. I think that this one is a big disappointment. I shouldn't have to race against the clock to get my primer on and blended before it dries into a cakey mess. And even though it's a good price at $30 for a 1.7 ounce tube, I would never buy this product.
L'oreal
On to the drug store find: L'oreal's new and much hyped Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base. I got sucked into the commercial and since I was in the market for an affordable primer, I immediately ordered it on drugstore.com. Other beauty-addicts must be on a similar quest for affordable smooth skin because it was on back-order, but it was restocked and shipped to my door within a few days. It comes in a little pot and is a bit thicker than the liquid primers I'm used to. But the formula is still airy and light when you apply it and gives the silky smooth finish I'm looking for. It also has a slightly iridescent pink glow to it that gives the skin a nice healthy look. Overall, I like it. But the problem is that because it's not a liquid or anything close to a liquid, it doesn't spread as easily and I ended up using for product to get full-face coverage. That wouldn't necessarily be a problem except that the jar is only half an ounce at $13, so I'd need two to equal the size of my Photo Finish, and I have a feeling that because the formula requires that I use more product, I would go through 2 and 1/2 to 3 jars in the same time as a bottle of Photo Finish, so it might not be a real money-saver after all. It's a shame because it really is a great over-the-counter product. This just goes to show you that you have to check out the prices per ounce when trying to save at the drug store. Sometimes you can find a great deal, and other times, the price per ounce is really the same or even more than the department store equivalent.
Korres
Next, I tried a Korres silicone-free face primer I got as a sample in my Sephora order. At last, we have an affordable winner! This 99% natural primer loaded with good-for-your-skin antioxidants. It is very much comparable to the Smashbox and Arbonne, only it weighs in at $28 per ounce, saving me a bit of cash. Other than the savings, I also prefer this primer to Photo Finish because it's in a tube rather than a pump, which I find allows me to get every last bit of product easier. I've spent many a day trying to scrape the last of my foundation, primer, or whatever out of the bottle with a q-tip, so a squeezable tube is a welcome alternative package.
Hourglass
Finally, I tried Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer, another Sephora sample. This one has a few additional features to the standard primers: it has SPF 15 and it's designed to absorb excess oils. Now, all the other primers will smooth shine on the skin and make it feel a little less oily. But this is the first primer I've tried that actually seems to suck up all the excess oil on my summer combination skin. I'm impressed! Bonus feature: I also found that my foundation stayed on better than ever with this primer, even after being in the hot July sun all day. The SPF is not a big deal to me since both my moisturizer and my foundation have SPF 15 and SPF is not layerable (so SPF 15 plus SPF 15 does not equal 30; you only get the SPF benefit of the highest level SPF product you have on). But the oil absorption is something to think about. I was sold until I looked at the price. $52 for one ounce? Yikes! I'm tempted because of the staying power and the oil-control, but I think that's just because it's summertime. In the winter, when my skin is dryer and I'm not glistening in the hot sun, those features would not be worth the extra cost to me. I may rationalize this purchase as a summer primer and use the Korres during the other 9 months out of the year. Damn you Sephora sampling program, you've done it again!
(check back soon for Prime Time Part Deux: Eye Primers)
For those of you not yet sold on the benefits of using a primer before foundation, let me tell you, it's a worthwhile investment. A good primer should (1) perfect your skintone; (2) minimize visible pores and lines; and (3) help your foundation glide on smoothly so you end up using less product. Your skin should feel smooth and silky after you apply it, and it should NEVER feel sticky or like you have layers of goop on your face. It's one of those things that you decide to try one day and then wonder how you ever lived without it.
Smashbox
Now, most beauty insiders go straight to Smashbox Photo Finish, and I can't blame them. It's a solid primer and it's available in several shades from colorless (which is my personal preference) to skintone-correcting shades like green to minimize redness and lavender to minimize yellow tones. My only real gripe with Smashbox primer besides my hankering to try something new is the price: it's $36 for one ounce, and with the economy being what it is, I went in search of a budget foundation primer to substitute for my old standby. And I figured while I was at it, I may as well try to find a good eye primer too.
Arbonne
First up, I tried Arbonne's liquid primer. My soon-to-be sister-in-law is a rep for Arbonne and kindly sent me a sample. Arbonne is an organic vegan Swiss skincare line available online and through reps. The primer was a nice smoothing liquid, and it smelled clean and fresh (always a plus). I liked the texture a bit better than the Photo Finish overall, although I found that the products are actually very similar in that they do all the things a primer should do: smooth the skin, minimize pores, and make the foundation look flawless. My only complaint is that like the Smashbox primer, Arbonne's primer costs $36. But considering it's made with good-for-you organic ingredients, it's a great find. And for those who are looking for a good organic and/or vegan beauty line, Arbonne is a wonderful option.
Laura Mercier
Next, I tried Laura Mercier's Mineral Primer. This is supposed to be a liquid-to-powder finish. It felt good going on, but I found that it dried too quickly as I was trying to spread it on. Because of this, it made my makeup look uneven and spotty (quite the opposite of what a primer is supposed to do). At first, I thought maybe this was a user-error and I needed to be faster on the draw in applying it. So I tried it again the next day, and though I had some improvement with speed, it still gave a really uneven look to my foundation. Both times I has to wipe it off and start fresh with a different primer. I think that this one is a big disappointment. I shouldn't have to race against the clock to get my primer on and blended before it dries into a cakey mess. And even though it's a good price at $30 for a 1.7 ounce tube, I would never buy this product.
L'oreal
On to the drug store find: L'oreal's new and much hyped Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base. I got sucked into the commercial and since I was in the market for an affordable primer, I immediately ordered it on drugstore.com. Other beauty-addicts must be on a similar quest for affordable smooth skin because it was on back-order, but it was restocked and shipped to my door within a few days. It comes in a little pot and is a bit thicker than the liquid primers I'm used to. But the formula is still airy and light when you apply it and gives the silky smooth finish I'm looking for. It also has a slightly iridescent pink glow to it that gives the skin a nice healthy look. Overall, I like it. But the problem is that because it's not a liquid or anything close to a liquid, it doesn't spread as easily and I ended up using for product to get full-face coverage. That wouldn't necessarily be a problem except that the jar is only half an ounce at $13, so I'd need two to equal the size of my Photo Finish, and I have a feeling that because the formula requires that I use more product, I would go through 2 and 1/2 to 3 jars in the same time as a bottle of Photo Finish, so it might not be a real money-saver after all. It's a shame because it really is a great over-the-counter product. This just goes to show you that you have to check out the prices per ounce when trying to save at the drug store. Sometimes you can find a great deal, and other times, the price per ounce is really the same or even more than the department store equivalent.
Korres
Next, I tried a Korres silicone-free face primer I got as a sample in my Sephora order. At last, we have an affordable winner! This 99% natural primer loaded with good-for-your-skin antioxidants. It is very much comparable to the Smashbox and Arbonne, only it weighs in at $28 per ounce, saving me a bit of cash. Other than the savings, I also prefer this primer to Photo Finish because it's in a tube rather than a pump, which I find allows me to get every last bit of product easier. I've spent many a day trying to scrape the last of my foundation, primer, or whatever out of the bottle with a q-tip, so a squeezable tube is a welcome alternative package.
Hourglass
Finally, I tried Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer, another Sephora sample. This one has a few additional features to the standard primers: it has SPF 15 and it's designed to absorb excess oils. Now, all the other primers will smooth shine on the skin and make it feel a little less oily. But this is the first primer I've tried that actually seems to suck up all the excess oil on my summer combination skin. I'm impressed! Bonus feature: I also found that my foundation stayed on better than ever with this primer, even after being in the hot July sun all day. The SPF is not a big deal to me since both my moisturizer and my foundation have SPF 15 and SPF is not layerable (so SPF 15 plus SPF 15 does not equal 30; you only get the SPF benefit of the highest level SPF product you have on). But the oil absorption is something to think about. I was sold until I looked at the price. $52 for one ounce? Yikes! I'm tempted because of the staying power and the oil-control, but I think that's just because it's summertime. In the winter, when my skin is dryer and I'm not glistening in the hot sun, those features would not be worth the extra cost to me. I may rationalize this purchase as a summer primer and use the Korres during the other 9 months out of the year. Damn you Sephora sampling program, you've done it again!
(check back soon for Prime Time Part Deux: Eye Primers)
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