Toners: 
Why Two Can Be Better Than One
11/6/13

Toners are finally in the spotlight, and with good reason. Many women I know skip this step, because the benefits of using a toner have long been unclear and often misunderstood. I consider toner a multipurpose product, from an extension of cleansing and removal of all cleanser, dead skin cells and makeup cleansers can leave behind (especially for ladies who wear foundation), to preparing skin to best accept treatments like serums and moisturizers. Many of today's toners take it a step further, from minimizing pores to fading spots and reducing shine, offering more benefits than ever before. The New York Times took notice of a few standouts, including one I'll be talking about here.  

I've always struggled choosing just the right toner, and settled until a mere month ago. Like most people, I have combination skin. My nose and chin can be oily while the rest of my face is normal/dry, drier during cooler months. My forehead and cheeks crave moisture, while I keep blotting papers around for when my nose and chin get shiny. I've easily used over a dozen different toners since college, and none met all my skin's needs. Many were too drying or harsh (astringent toners) and would even make my cheeks bright red from irritation. Others were too gentle, and didn't clean my pores as much as I like. After years of trial and error it finally occurred to me that I shouldn't force any one toner on my skin if it didn't meet all of my needs. So I selected a toner for my normal/dry areas and another for my normal/oily areas and gave the new regimen a whirl. 

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Since I've been using La Prairie as my primary skincare brand, I selected two toners from their lineup of four. First up was the Cellular Refining Lotion (blue) for my normal/dry areas and my neck. This alcohol-free toner is very gentle and leaves my skin soft and refreshed, ready for serum and moisturizer both morning and night. It's very lightly fragranced, and manages to be both gentle and effective. It has a water-like consistency and is easily applied with a cotton round. I highly recommend Swisspers, which are inexpensive and gentle. From La Prairie:

• Gently tones and refreshes the skin
• Soothes the skin while it helps minimize pores
• Helps retexturize and smooth the skin
• Rinses away final traces of makeup and impurities that may remain after cleansing

Next was the new and popular Cellular Oil Control Tonic (green) for my nose and chin which tend to be on the oily side. This product has earned raves from W to the New York Times, and I was very excited to try this unique "tonic." The consistency took me by surprise, as it's somewhat gel-like yet can be applied with cotton rounds. It took a day or so to get the hang of how much to apply since it's so different from any toner I've ever used. Once I got into the swing of things, I noticed results from the very first day. I no longer reach for blotting papers several times a day, and I actually rid my chin of the pesky pimple that plagues me once a month. This toner is also alcohol-free and incredibly gentle and soothing while eliminating shine. From La Prairie:

Treats major signs of aging and imperfections while controlling excess oil and shine.

Balances oil and moisture content with smart technology.

Refines the skin’s surface, fades imperfections and evens skin tone while increasing overall luminosity.

Diffuses visible light to reduce the appearance of fine lines and imperfections.

After 21 days of continued use, shown to be as effective as 4% glycolic acid.

How cool is that?! While I'm writing about toners I'm currently using, I've learned to treat my skin's specific needs, and not force one toner or product on my entire face. This idea will work with many other brands that offer options for your skin's needs. Regardless of price, using toners that are suited for your skin's varying needs makes a tremendous difference. I plan to use a couple more reasonably-priced toners soon, as these are not only ridiculously expensive, but are packaged in huge glass bottles - not ideal for travel or clumsy people like myself. 

My verdict? I'll never use a single toner again, unless my skin changes with (gasp) age. While I love the options I've listed here, the idea will work with most brands so don't let these specific price tags scare you! Enjoy the benefits you'll reap from this small change in your regimen, and let me know your results!

La Prairie Cellular Refining Lotion is $95 for an 8.4 oz. bottle. 
La Prairie Oil Control Tonic is $135 for an 8.4 oz. bottle. 

Available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Saks.

Foaming Cleansers
11/4/13

The evolution of cleansers isn't surprising, as consumers expect a lot from products in an over saturated market. I use foaming cleansers on a twice-daily basis, with an exfoliant (review soon) three mornings a week after cleansing. I used cleansing milks and lotions for a long time, blindly assuming they were the most gentle. That said, I never felt like they got my face and neck completely clean - and I don't even wear foundation. I relied on toner to thoroughly clean any residue or film after cleansing. Now I use toner mainly to prepare my skin for treatments like serums and moisturizers. I've compared three different foaming cleansers at varying price points to find the best. I used each cleanser for a full month to test their efficacy, and I chose three brands whose products I use, since they've already established quality and trust. 

First up was Chantecaille, and I had high expectations given how many of their products I use and love. Chantecaille's Rice and Geranium Foaming Cleanser contains rice bran for gentle exfoliation, while geranium acts as an antibacterial. Seaweed regulates sebum production while soybean, green tea and olive leaves are supposed to naturally protect the skin from free radicals. I found that it only took a dime-sized amount to create a nice foaming lather when I rubbed my hands together and applied to a wet face. It does take awhile to fully rinse off, and my skin never felt fully "rinsed." That bugs me. It has the consistency of rice pudding, and it's hard to imagine that is sufficient exfoliation on its own. During that month I also used their Fruit & Flower Acids Mask for proper exfoliation. As far as any scent, there was none to speak of even though they mention a citrus scent. Hm. 

left to right: Chantecaille, La Prairie and NARS

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Next up was La Prairie, aka my holy grail of skincare at present. La Prairie's Foam Cleanser is true to its name. This water-activated foam in their signature light pink hue is mousse-like in texture until combined with water. It can range from near creamy to super foamy depending on how much water you mix it with. Like Chantecaille, I only need about a dime-sized amount to reach a full lather on my wet face. What I really like about this cleanser is that it doesn't take forever to rinse off, and my skin feels clean without feeling stripped of moisture. The fragrance is quite mild and pleasant. This is strictly a foaming cleanser without an exfoliation element, as La Prairie has two different products meant solely for exfoliation post cleansing. I've found this system incredibly effective, as I prefer a deep exfoliation a few times a week rather than a light daily exfoliation. 

Last but not least was NARS Purifying Foam Cleanser. NARSskin launched last year, completely revamping the brand's skincare line. NARSskin products are grounded in simplicity and are paraben-free, gluten-free, oil-free, alcohol-free and synthetic fragrance free. This cleanser gently exfoliates with botanical exfoliating spheres, while rose and peony extracts soothe skin and reduce shine. Like Chantecaille and La Prairie, a dime-sized amount lathers up a lovely foam which has a refreshing, natural orange scent and rinses off fairly easily. Formulated to prepare the face for makeup, this is a fantastic choice for women who wear foundation. 

My verdict? I bought full-sized bottles of both La Prairie and NARS, and passed on the Chantecaille cleanser. La Prairie is my runaway favorite, in conjunction with their Cellular Mineral Face Exfoliator. NARS is fantastic for travel when I want one product that does it all. Chantecaille missed the mark, but I still love many of their other products. 

La Prairie Foam Cleanser is $75 for a 4.2 oz. tube. 
NARS Purifying Foam Cleanser is $29 for a 4.9 oz. tube. 
Chantecaille Rice and Geranium Foaming Cleanser is $60 for a 2.46 oz. tube. 

All available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Saks. 

La Prairie
Cellular Power Infusion
10/13/13


I'm not quite sure where to start with this skincare "science kit," as I've been referring to it. My beauty bestie insisted I use this before re-entering the La Prairie universe. I began to think of it as sort of a reset button for my skin. I commenced the 28-40 day treatment with healthy skepticism. Like most La Prairie products, there's the initial sticker shock immediately followed by the gotta have it allure. I'm weak. 

Like all La Prairie products, Cellular Power Infusion (CPI) comes packaged in style. A white leather box with embossed tonal logo zips open with a metal logo pull, revealing four glass and metal bottles ensconced in a silver holder. This product manages to be both exciting and intimidating. I removed the first bottle and twisted the bottom, releasing a blue fluid suspended in a clear fluid, creating a light blue liquid fluid when shaken. Holy futuristic skincare, Batman! CPI is to be used twice daily after cleansing and toning, and before serum and moisturizer. There's serious science behind this beauty product, highlighted in this cool video. It's a skincare supplement with a lot of promises. From La Prairie:

• Revitalized, glowing skin returns, as skin’s inherent power is renewed.
• Aging signs seem to diminish as skin cells benefit from enhanced protection against external stress factors.
• Youthful, firmed, resiliency meets your touch as skin tissue is restored.
• The look and feel of younger skin is yours again.

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I must admit this is a fun product to use, and I looked forward to using it each day. The bottle has a dropper (concealed by the silver top) that provides the perfect amount for face and neck. I dispensed one dropper-full per palm, and gently smoothed it on my face and neck with my fingertips. I found that it took a couple of days to perfect my routine. The consistency is thin, but thick enough not to run. I began noticing results from the first use. After one day my skin felt like silk and had a natural, healthy glow. By week two my pores had seriously tightened, fine lines vanished, and my skin felt new - as though I'd had a peel, but with zero abrasion. By the end of my thirty days, I was a believer. 

But the program doesn't end after the fourth bottle of this miracle potion. CPI is used every three months, intermittently with Cellular Power Charge Night (an intensive serum with Retinol) the two months in between CPI cycles. An expensive yet addictive addition to your regimen. 

My verdict? I was hooked after day one. I tapped the last bottle to get every drop like it was liquid gold. My skin has never looked younger or healthier, which is really the heart of CPI. My skin cells have been renewed, and it shows. I won't be giving up my healthy glow and foundation-free face anytime soon. 

La Prairie Cellular Power Infusion is $475 for a 28-40 day cycle (a box of four bottles).

Available at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Nordstrom. 

Chantecaille
Retinol Hand Cream
10/11/13

A couple of years ago I saw a woman in her forties who had the hands of an 80 year old. As you can imagine, my youth and skin-obsessed self panicked. Could this happen to me?! How good was I with sunscreen on my hands? Who cares if my face looks great if my hands are all wrinkled? Our hands are constantly at work, whether they're typing away, being outdoors or driving in the sun, or dry from frequent hand washing, they sure take a beating. Sun exposure is one of our hands' worst enemies. Think wrinkles AND age spots. Yikes!

I've found a very limited selection of hand creams with SPF, which is bizarre. From Clarins to Kiehl's, many of my go-to day hand creams and lotions have been discontinued, including my beloved Clarins Age-Control Hand Lotion With SPF 15. The name said it all. Since then, I've mixed a couple drops of their UV Plus HP SPF 40 Day Screen with whatever hand cream I use if I'm going outdoors. But what else could I do to proactively prevent my hands from aging prematurely? Enter Chantecaille. 

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I've had great success with many Chantecaille products, including their Retinol Intense which is an incredibly gentle yet effective anti-aging night cream. Since Retinol can be drying or irritate sensitive skin, I knew I'd likely enjoy this hand cream. It has their signature Rosewater base with Rose, Vitamin C, Retinol, Japanese Mulberry Root, Lily and Bears Berry Root. They're very serious about this whole natural thing, which I know many of you will love. Edelweiss flower provides natural UVA and UVB protection, while Vitamin C (from fresh oranges, of course) protects the skin from free radicals. How cool is that?! The cream is easily distributed on hands, without the need for reapplication. I've been using this every other day since I don't want the Retinol, while gentle in this form, to dry out my nails. The scent is natural, without added perfumes which mainly leaves the scent of natural Rosewater. Not perfume to smell like rose, but actual Rosewater. It feels really good on and is absorbed fairly quickly, leaving hands soft and protected. 

My verdict? This is a fantastic preventative and restorative cream to keep hands even-toned and wrinkle-free. If you have age spots, this cream will lighten them naturally. If you don't have spots, this will prevent them. Plus natural sun protection? What's not to love?

Chantecaille Retinol Hand Cream is $75 for a 2.55 oz. tube. 

Available at Barneys.

Note: it took me forever to track down this cream, and I've spoken with Chantecaille who informed me that they actually ran out! Not to worry. They are actually in the process of producing more, and it will be available at stores like Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus shortly. That said, Barney's has some stock left. I stocked up. Get on it!

La Prairie
Skin Caviar Luxe Sleep Mask
10/8/13

It's here! After much anticipation and raves from British Vogue to European beauty bloggers, I pre-ordered this highly-coveted mask from my La Prairie guru. At long last, it arrived last week. The packaging is pure luxury of course, and consistent with the rest of the Skin Caviar Line with a cobalt blue glass jar and silver top. The jar comes with a lovely brush, attached where a spoon would normally be for eye creams, along the silver rim at the base of the jar. Everything about the packaging screams luxury. From the silver boxes to the sealed silver paper, opening a La Prairie product is like opening a present- in every sense. 

I've long sung the praises of overnight masks, which is the optimal time for skin to reap the benefits. I have night and day masks for different needs, from added luminosity and exfoliation to a surge of hydration, and I rely on them about 2-3 timed weekly. Here are La Prairie's listed benefits for the Skin Caviar Luxe Sleep Mask:

"During the night, Skin Caviar Luxe Sleep Mask purifies and refines the skin and thoroughly replenishes it with moisture. 

Firmness is enhanced with caviar extracts and lines are plumped. 

It's an overnight sensation giving noticeable results quickly. Your skin will greet the day with fewer visible wrinkles, a firm look, a smoother texture, and the look of a healthy glow."

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The application is just plain fun. Instructions indicate to apply generous dots on forehead, cheeks, and chin. Using the brush, I smoothed the mask evenly over my face using upward strokes on my forehead, outward strokes over my cheeks, and downward strokes over my nose and chin. The creamy pink mask easily smoothed over my face with the delicate brush and instantly started to melt into my skin. I've used the mask three times now, and my skin is absolutely radiant the following morning. Fine lines plump up and appear to have vanished, my cheeks and jawline appear firmed, skin feels incredibly soft and smooth and my face is absolutely glowing. 

The first two applications, I let the mask sink into my skin and headed to sleep. The third application I decided to gently smooth the mask into my skin with my fingertips, which is listed as an option on the instruction card. That's the best bet for side sleepers, and it feels really good. It actually forms a clear film, locking in moisture. An overnight mask you can  wear to sleep without shooing (or scaring) your significant other away! The mask can be used 1-3 times per week, and I foresee myself using it twice a week since I like to use other masks as well. The brush can be cleaned with brush cleansers or with gentle soap and water and air dried. When I rinse the mask off, I'm happily surprised by the amount of time I spend rinsing it completely off my skin before cleansing. Who knew how deeply and how much this invisible mask absorbs? Super cool. 

My verdict? Sure, this seems like a heck of a splurge for a mask. I'd guess I'll get about 20 uses out of one jar. Considering what facials cost, it's actually a considerable savings since I think I'll be getting half as many. This is a facial in a jar, my friends.

La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Sleep Mask is $300 for a 1.7 oz. jar. 

Available at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Nordstrom. 

La Prairie
Essence of Skin Caviar Eye Complex
9/30/13

Few skincare products actually provide immediate, jaw-dropping results. I did expect results over time, since the La Prairie Skin Caviar line has yet to disappoint. I'd read and heard that this product was a must-have, and of course I was happy to give it a whirl. I'm intrigued by eye serums, and noticed there are very few products you can apply to the delicate eyelid area. Until I started using this serum, I used various eye creams on my eye area but only Clarins  Eye Contour Gel on my eyelids since it was a listed usage. So sure, I had that eye gel and the Chantecaille Vital Essence Serum, but was unsure what to expect from an actual eye serum. Oh. My. Goodness. 

The tiny bottle is in keeping with the rest of the Skin Caviar line, with blue glass and a silver top. The bottle is small, at 0.5 oz. I immediately noticed the slight transparency which I love, since I can tell when I'm running low. I tried it for the first time at night, applying tiny dots under the eye, between the exterior corner of the eye and the hairline, on the eyelid, and a long drop/line between the brows. I repeated this process on the other eye, and gently began to pat the serum into my skin. It absorbs rather quickly, but I loved the amount of control I had over the amount the dropper dispensed. The consistency is light but thick enough to stay put until I'm ready to smooth over each area. 

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I quite literally couldn't believe my eyes. My eye area was immediately toned and taut, firmed and smoothed. Fortunately I don't suffer from under-eye puffiness, but I can only imagine the miracles this product would work for that. My eyelids were smooth yet firmed, and the tiny fine lines in the outer corners and underneath my eye area were gone. They vanished before my eyes, no pun intended. I finished with the Cellular Eye Contour Cream, and hit the sack. 

Come morning, my eye area still looked like I'd had an eye lift- in a good way. I reapplied the serum after my shower and morning skincare regimen, and experienced the same mind-blowing results. I use a lighter eye cream during the day, and the results lasted well into the night. You can really use any high-quality eye cream you like over this serum. It made my eye makeup application much easier, almost acting like a primer. My eyes reflect the light, but more importantly the serum WORKS. It's not just smoke and mirrors. 

My verdict? I can't believe I didn't know about this miracle serum sooner. Skincare is my thing, and anything that helps keep my skin in tiptop shape without needing to mask it with foundation or powder makes me happy. Botox in a bottle? Well, I certainly won't need that help with fine lines or wrinkles anytime soon. Anything that can make me look younger, more refreshed and alert without medical intervention is a gift. I won't be going without this serum! Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Lift Cream (recommended accompanying eye cream) is next. Results to follow soon!

La Prairie Essence of Skin Caviar Eye Complex is $135 for a 0.5 oz. bottle. 

Available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. 

La Prairie
Skin Caviar Luxe Cream
9/26/13

A longtime cult favorite, this luxury moisturizer graces the vanities of everyone from celebrities to skincare fanatics, and the Skin Caviar line remains beloved by many, with the Skin Caviar Luxe Cream having recently celebrated 25 years. My first experience with La Prairie was due to my generous and well-heeled sister, who'd come out to Portland for a visit after I'd just moved west and landed my first job as a Jr. Designer at adidas in 1999. I lived on ramen and PB&J back then, so her visits were always a welcome treat. We found ourselves at Saks one afternoon, and I found myself wanting everything on the La Prairie counter. She took direct aim, had the saleswoman gather up her bounty of beauty purchases, including my first La Prairie product. I applied that eye cream as though it were the last jar on earth; sparingly and with great care. I remember how hard it was to go back to anything else after such a luxurious product. Warning: this product has the same effect. 

As my career progressed I started using Crème de la Mer, which was the holy grail of moisturizers to me. I still adore that cream, and use it frequently during cooler weather. That said, I recently fully reacquainted myself with the magic that is La Prairie and can't imagine giving up my Skin Caviar Luxe Cream. From the classic blue jar and silver top to the embossed silver spoon, no expense was spared on packaging. Once inside you'll find one of the richest, most luxurious creams on the market. No, it doesn't smell like caviar or fish. It smells quite pleasant, with a delicate scent that mostly dissipates after application.

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The texture is creamy and thick, with a little going a long way. This isn't for those seeking a matte look, but creates a perfect and natural dewy glow. It screams healthy skin, which I love. The amount shown above on the spoon covers my face, neck and décolleté. Here are key benefits, directly from La Prairie:

• Drenches the skin with intensive moisture and nourishment

• Delivers concentrated firming agents to help stimulate collagen production

• Reinforces the skin’s vitality and enhances its natural anti-fatigue factor

• Smoothes and retexturizes skin’s surface with targeted Alpha Hydroxy Acid exfoliation

Since Caviar Extract is rich in protein, it transforms the texture of skin while providing serious hydration and making skin feel incredibly smooth and silky. I tried samples of this cream for a week prior to making my first purchase, and I couldn't stop touching my face and neck. Nothing had ever radically and instantaneously improved the texture of my skin the way this cream managed to. Have I mentioned the firming and improved skin elasticity? Come morning, my skin was radiant, taut and the softest it had ever been. After a single week of samples, there was no going back. My skin can be a gnarly mix of sensitive, allergy-prone and combination, and I've had nothing but positive experiences with this cream as well as other Skin Caviar products. Hurray! Since the cream is so rich, I've been using it nightly after toner and serum (and Cellular Power Infusion every three months, which deserves an entirely separate post). I clean the metal spoon with toner after use, and air dry. 

My verdict? Yes, this cult luxury cream is a major splurge. But given how little you use each application and the miraculous, immediate positive results...I can't imagine being without it. Pick up a sample at your local La Prairie counter inside upscale department stores. You won't regret it. I promise. 

La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream is $410 for a 1.7 oz jar. 

Available at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Bergdorf Goodman. 

Chantecaille
Vital Essence Serum
8/17/13

Another post about a Chantecaille product?! I've been exploring more of the brand's offerings, and I've had some amazing finds, with one so-so product (post to follow soon). That's a pretty darn good record, I'd say. I can't imagine not using a serum twice a day. From the moment I turned 30, I embraced the power and protection of serums, thus began years of trial and error. Potent, anti-aging protection to erase fine lines and keep new ones from forming while evening the skin tone and protecting us from a plethora of scary things. While I prefer to use day and night-specific serums, this product can be used both day and night...and on the eye area. Yes, the eye area! I mean, hello lover. I reach for Chantecaille when my skin is sensitive, irritated, my allergies are bad or my skin is in need of TLC. My skin has normalized as of late, but I still experience sensitive days. While their facial moisturizers are amazing, their Flower Harmonizing Harmonizing Cream (which I love) doesn't contain any anti-aging benefits. Ack! Enter Vital Essence Serum. 

The packaging is pretty darn cool, particularly for fans of design. The white substance that spirals around seemingly suspended in the serum is actually Bifida Ferment Filtrate, a more stable and effective replacement for Vitamin C, which can be a skin irritant. It funnels up through the pump along with the rest of the serum, packed with other anti-aging ingredients with their beloved, healing Rosewater base. While the magical Bifida Ferment Filtrate helps brighten and heal the skin, seaweed helps regulate the production of sebum (a nice word for oil), an estrogen placebo derived from an array of Chinese flowers generates collagen production (we like that) while reducing fine lines and improving skin tone and elasticity. Soybean extract further restores collagen and also brightens skin.  

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Like all of Chantecaille's products, Vital Essence also contains antioxidants by way of olive leaf extract and grape seed oil, further softening fine lines. Inflammation and redness is soothed by Aloe Vera. That all makes for a fantastic serum. Cooler still? It doubles as a moisturizer for those with oily skin or any skin type during warmer months. Moisture is derived from from biosodium hyaluronate, a plant-based moisturizer a hundred times more hydrating than the typically used animal-derived version. That's two products in one reasonably priced, high-end serum. Another design feature I love is that the transparency not only displays the ingredients, but allows you to see how much product is left in the bottle. If you look at the bottom of the bottle shown above, you can see I'm about halfway done with this bottle. Love that! 

But how does it feel? I use about 2-3 pumps to cover my face, neck and décolletage. The serum is gel-like, with the visible Vitamin C substitute in every pump. It magically dispenses the proper amount every time, and glides over skin with ease. If it's hot outside, I simply apply an oil-free SPF over this serum. Otherwise I use the moisturizer of my choice. This serum is ideal for those in their 30's or with first signs of aging when coupled with a moisturizer that lacks anti-aging components.

My verdict? While my skincare prices range from reasonable to ridiculous, this serum is well-priced, dual-purpose and effective. Another winner from Chantecaille. 

Chantecaille Vital Essence is $108 for a 1.7 oz bottle. 

Available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Barneys. 

La Prairie
Anti-Aging Day Cream SPF 30
8/30/13

Ah, La Prairie. Always the skincare temptress with magical formulations that actually help turn back the clock...and prevent it from jumping forward. While I use several brands, La Prairie is a staple for many reasons. Sure, many of their products are obscenely expensive. But they work! Lately I've switched my eye care exclusively to two La Prairie products (reviews soon), and have been enjoying this cream for day use. I had been using various creams and serums without SPF, and simply applied Clarins SPF 40 over my moisturizer. I reached into my cabinet of skincare goodies and busted this unopened cream out of beauty storage. I've been using La Prairie Cellular Refining Lotion as my toner, and their White Caviar Illuminating Serum, although I'm switching to the Skin Caviar Liquid Lift. I like to use the same line of serum and moisturizer, as the products are designed to work harmoniously. That said, I fell hard for this day cream. 

All La Prairie products smell heavenly, and I found the cream's light scent to be very pleasing. I found that a little cream went a long way, which is helpful since I like to extend the products to my neck and décolletage. My skin felt and appeared dewy, which I love. If you prefer a more matte look, this isn't for you. Since I don't wear foundation, I enjoy the dewy, fresh look. 

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I really enjoy the cream's smooth texture, which is very rich but easily controlled. While I'm using a light hand during summer months, I imagine I'll apply more during colder months, when I'm in colder climates, or if I simply need more moisture. It's also cooling and calming, and just really enjoyable to apply and wear. 

SPF 30 is suggested for full sun exposure, so it's definitely plenty if I'm in and out of cars and buildings. This is perfect for normal, everyday use as well as days in the sun. This cream works hard. Aside from the obvious hydration benefits, it also helps fight inflammation and free radicals, while brightening the complexion. But it doesn't stop there. It also firms, protecting the skin from damage while stimulating collagen production. A specialized protein generates new skin cells, diminishing fine lines and actively fighting off new ones from forming. All while protecting my fair, Irish skin from the sun. Very few creams can make these claims. Promoting collagen and generating new cells is necessary to undo damage, and protect the skin from future damage. 

My verdict? I'm thrilled to have rescued this cream from the bounty of beauty tucked neatly away in my bathroom cabinet. This is an incredibly reasonably priced product from this skincare heavyweight, and a great place to start if you're new to the brand. This is far and away my favorite moisturizer with real SPF protection. My skin is wrinkle free, feels hydrated on the longest of days, and looks younger and fresher than ever. What more could I ask for?

 La Prairie Anti-Aging Day Cream SPF 30 is $215 for a 1.7 oz. jar. 

Available at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, & Saks. 

Sisley
Black Rose Cream Mask
8/26/13

Let's sleep on it- or with it on, in this case. I posed the question, "do you use face masks?" on Facebook a few months ago, and was shocked that so many women aren't reaping the benefits of my favorite skincare ritual. I know that time is a major factor for many people, and I'd like to share the time-saving beauty (no pun intended) of masks you can wear overnight. There are no added steps involved, since these masks are applied after cleansing and toning in lieu of a serum and a moisturizer. Sound more enticing yet?

I've had my eye on Sisley's Black Rose Cream Mask after reading an article in a July NYT Fashion & Style article about masks you can leave on overnight. It was photographed beside my beloved NARS Aqua Gel Luminous Mask, and I've been using lots of products with rose water and rose oil to calm inflammation. It basically had my name written all over it. While the Chantecaille Jasmine & Lily Healing Mask has their signature Rosewater base, it's meant to soothe and heal. This new mask by Sisley is their very first to contain anti-aging active ingredients. It brightens the complexion, revitalizes and heals, plumps up fine lines, gives the skin a surge of hydration, and makes my face absolutely radiant. And...you can SLEEP WITH IT ON! No extra time or steps involved, so no excuses! This joins the ranks of some of my all-time favorite overnight masks, shown below. 

(click photo to enlarge) 

(clockwise from top left): Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask | NARS Aqua Gel Luminous Mask | Chantecaille Jasmine & Lily Healing Mask | Valmont Renewing Pack

I'd received a sample packet of the mask from Nordstrom, and it was enough to cover my face and neck. Given that it's Sisley and priced accordingly, this reassured me that the tube would last for at least two months with twice weekly use. Given that my skin has been inflamed and irritated as of late, I was thrilled that I had no issues which rocks since I never bother doing those patch tests. I applied the mask about an hour before heading to bed and loved the soft, creamy texture. It glided over my face and neck with ease, and was incredibly smooth and cooling. I found the light and lovely scent to be fresh and relaxing. I awoke to perfectly hydrated, luminous skin. My face had a distinct glow, and I knew it was love. Our bodies do miraculous things to heal while we sleep, making nighttime skincare both incredibly important and a good thing to do for yourself. 

The mask can be used two ways; overnight like I enjoy it, or for about 10-15 minutes for a quick boost to revitalize dull or tired skin. Ideal after a long day, before heading out for the evening. Simply apply a generous layer as you would for overnight use, but tissue (not rinse) off any remaining product. Your skin will look radiant and stay hydrated all night. And let's not forget about the anti-aging active ingredients. This is a fantastic substitute for a moisturizer on days or nights when your skin needs a pick-me-up. 

My verdict? This dual-purpose mask can revitalize the complexion and provide a surge of hydration when skin appears tired or dull. Whether you're recovering from a late night out or want to improve your skin's radiance while you sleep, Sisley has formulated their best mask yet. This mask is already a cult favorite, and is often sold out at many stores. The secret is out!

Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask is $158 for a 2.1 oz. tube. 

Available at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, & Saks. 

Marc Jacobs Beauty
Lust for Lacquer Lip Vinyl
8/19/13

It's finally arrived! The highly-anticipated Marc Jacobs Beauty line launched exclusively at Sephora and select Marc Jacobs stores on Friday, August 9th. Marc's Instagram account showed him proudly holding his Sephora bag...followed by lots of photos of his brand new Marc Jacobs Beauty store on Bleecker Street (his accessories space). We all saw that coming, as Sephora has a lower-end stigma, and Marc's ego is as big as his bank account. The good news is that the products are very reasonably priced, and just plain fun. I think most beauty bloggers and beauty enthusiasts anticipated a potential letdown of cheap packaging and mediocre product. Well ladies, color me impressed (no pun intended). 

I have to say that I'm wildly impressed with the packaging. It's substantial in both design and weight. The sleek rounded corners, clean silver lines and quality glass would not look and feel out of place at stores like Nordstrom and Saks. Ok. I'll dive deeper into the other goodies in upcoming posts, so onto Lust For Lacquer Lip Vinyl!

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I decided to start with Boom Boom (above left) and Studded Kiss (above right). Boom is a full coverage sexy hot pink, and it's quickly becoming a fashionista favorite. This is one of the six full offerings. It only takes a couple of coats to achieve full coverage, and pow! Foxy lady! Immediately after touching my lips, I could feel the awesome tingle. Lip plumping in effect! The staying power is fair. I mean, we're talking about lip gloss. It will survive a cocktail or a cup of coffee, but you'll need to reapply after a meal. Who cares?! It also layers incredibly well on lipsticks and lip pencils like NARS Schiap. As if that weren't sexy enough, adding this shiny little number is perfection. Boom Boom exudes confidence, so rock it out, girl! I can't wait to scoop up No Regrets and Truth or Dare. 

Next up was Studded Kiss, which is one of the six sheer offerings. Noticing a trend here? Marc took inspiration from his favorite songs for the lip glosses. Love that. I didn't love the sheer as much because it's, well, subtle. It felt great on and had the same lip-plumping tingle and yummy scent, but it just didn't wow me. Another thing I noticed was that it actually began to feather on my lower lip which was a first. I'm obsessive about both lip exfoliation and hydration, and didn't experience any feathering with the full coverage gloss. If you enlarge the photo, you can see the side-by-side comparison and where the sheer gloss began to feather. Feathering aside, they're great for ladies working in a more formal office. 

Both the full and the sheer Lip Vinyls are offered in six luscious shades, ranging from virginal to vixen. Oh, did I mention that the glosses are champagne-grape infused? As if I needed another reason to love them. They're practically calling my name! The packaging for this product is slim yet sophisticated and modern, with an easy to use pillowed applicator that's already patented. 

My verdict? An instant hit. While I think I'll be sticking to the full Lip Vinyls, I can't imagine a better start to Marc's foray into beauty. At this price point and with products this great, I can't wait to see what's next. Stay tuned for more Marc Jacobs Beauty posts. Up next? Enamored Hi-Shine Nail Lacquer! NB: Marc is a fellow Parsons alum. Color me proud- literally. 

Marc Jacobs Lust For Lacquer Lip Vinyls in Full & Sheer are $28 each. 

Available exclusively at Sephora, Marc Jacobs Beauty, Marc Jacobs online, & select Marc Jacobs stores. 

Sisley
Nutritive Lip Balm
8/16/13

I love my lip balms, and this particular balm had been on my wish list for quite some time. Its hefty price tag, much like all Sisley skincare, kept me from procuring it sooner. I lived on Dr. Hauschka Lip Balm for years, and was quite happy with it. Then I made a typical Wendy move, and ordered up. La Mer was first on my luxury lip balm list, and it was love at first minty shine. Then I moved up to By Terry Baume de Rose, and knew I'd found the one. While I've been more than happy with Baume de Rose, curiosity got the best of me and I upped the ante and snagged the Sisley Nutritive Lip Balm. 

While I love many luxury brands, I don't subscribe to the notion that the most expensive products are the best. I like what works, and what feels and smells good, regardless of price. That said, I'm somewhat obsessive about lip and eye products, because they show signs of aging in frightening ways. Ways that make me test these products for preventative measures. A couple of ill-maintained faces were like my beauty boogeymen, assuring I continue taking excellent care of my skin. 

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As you're aware if you've read my recent posts, I'm in need of extra nourishing, healing, and soothing products for my currently inflamed and irritated skin. This happens to include my lips. Sadly, my beloved Baume de Rose which usually works wonders hasn't been healing enough for my chapped and parched lips. La Mer wasn't cutting it either. Both of those balms are generally incredibly soothing and effective lip treatments. They're just not true "balms" in terms of healing and consistency, which I desperately need. 

I decided to breakdown and open the jar of Sisley Nutritive Lip Balm I'd purchased weeks ago and hadn't touched. I was surprised that it was in a plastic jar at this price point, unlike By Terry which is $12 cheaper and in a pretty, frosted glass jar. It does come with a spoon to keep the jar germ-free which I like, but even that isn't high-quality plastic. Poor packaging aside, this is the most "balm-like" in texture. Its color is naturally yellow from its ingredients, giving it a medicinal look. Hydration is provided by hazelnut, plum kernel, and sunflower oils, in addition to shea butter and kokum butter. The consistency is smooth, but takes a minute to melt onto lips. It's not as hard as I expected, but it's also not jar to lip ready. It needs time to soften once it touches the lips. After a couple of minutes, it melts right in. There's no noticeable scent so that helps the sensitivity factor. It's incredibly hydrating if not a little boring, but it gets the job done. 

My verdict? I'm very thankful for this product while I'm tackling highly irritated, inflamed skin. But I'll be going right back to By Terry Baume de Rose and La Mer as soon as my skin is back to normal. This is only worth the money if you truly need healing from things like a really bad sunburn, very chapped and cracked lips, radiation exposure, and surface burns. A total waste of money for regular daily use. 

Sisley Nutritive Lip Balm is $72 for a .03 oz jar. 

Available at Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, and Neiman Marcus. 

Chantecaille
Pure Rosewater
8/15/13

Having recently learned the skincare benefits of rose water, I was thrilled to gets my hands on this product. Rose water and rose oil have been used for centuries medicinally, primarily as an anti-inflammatory. Cleopatra bathed daily in rose water, swearing by the beauty benefits of the precious petals. The Queen of the Nile was known for her beauty rituals, and living in that climate was no easy feat. Rose water is a byproduct of steam distillation, the process that's used to isolate the plant's essential oils. The benefits? It stimulates skin circulation, helps maintain the skin's pH balance, tones, reduces broken capillaries, contains antioxidants, is antibacterial, and calms acne to name but a few. 

Chantecaille takes their Rosewater a step further by using the purest petals harvested by hand in Grasse, France during the month of May. The petals are then distilled during the early morning hours in artesian well water. The result? A 99.9% botanical formula. Their Rosewater is the base for all their products, and I've dabbled in the line enough to vouch for its efficacy. I had been using Evian Brumitaseurs for years, but mineral water doesn't exactly offer the benefits rose water does. 

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The bottle itself is quite lovely and delicate looking, much like the rest of Chantecaille's packaging. It's tall and slim with frosted glass on the bottom half. Modern and clean. I love that it's a pump as opposed to an aerosol, since the stream is more easily controlled and less product is wasted.

After using this product for a day, I was hooked. As I mentioned in my last post, I'm suffering from red, inflamed skin as of late. I've been seeking and using products that not only soothe my skin, but offer anti-aging benefits. I took a cue from Cleopatra who braved the Egyptian sun and have used this pure Rosewater to not only soothe and cool my inflamed skin, but have also found the product to be healing both physically and mentally. The very faint, pleasant scent is a pleasure for the senses. Upon contact, my skin and mind are relaxed and comforted. Rosewater also has antibacterial and antioxidant properties, making it a perfect toner after cleansing, and before applying my face cream. I spritz my skin throughout the day, and the instant relief has been a welcome change to often unbearable discomfort. 

My verdict? This is no ordinary bottle of water. In one week's time, Chantecaille's Rosewater has helped calm, cool, soothe, balance, cleanse and helped heal my irritated skin. It's not only getting my major thumbs up, but has quickly become a permanent part of my skincare arsenal.

Chantecaille Pure Rosewater is $62 for a 3.4 oz. bottle. 

Available at Chantecaille, Nordstrom, and Saks. 

Valmont Priority Cream
8/14/13

One of my favorite things is discovering a skincare brand I've never seen or heard of before. Barneys has been letting me down lately with "hype" brands that really only have one or two good products. I stumbled upon Valmont during a broad search for soothing and healing creams and masks on Nordstrom online (not available in-store) and through my dermatologist. I'd recently discovered some gems from Chantecaille, and was excited when I began perusing Valmont's offerings. A Swiss brand with a heritage rooted in spa-like skincare and healing, this family-owned business seamlessly blends Switzerland's natural resources with research and technology. From the company's website:

"A constant innovator, the company draws inspiration from latest cosmetic cellular findings to offer utmost anti-aging products with visible and long lasting efficacy. Patented Triple DNA, liposomed RNA and DNA, Glacial Spring Water and pure plant extracts are the key ingredients used for their unequalled hydration, regeneration and cellular reactivation properties."

What attracted me most were the hydration, regeneration and cellular reactivation properties, and that the brand seeks to constantly innovate. This is important, because cell regeneration isn't exactly an easy thing to accomplish. I want healing properties in my skincare without sacrificing anti-aging benefits. Sure, La Mer is in the game and I use and love them, but Valmont is a welcome addition. 

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I've needed highly healing and calming skincare as of late. The Chantecaille Jasmine Lily Healing Mask falls into this category, as will upcoming posts. My dermatologist highly recommends Valmont, which upped the trust factor. Since Valmont is literally only sold at a handful of spas in the U.S., through dermatologists and Nordstrom online, I was able to procure a bunch of samples from my dermatologist, as well as the lead aesthetician at the flagship Nordstrom Spa in Seattle. This helped greatly, as some of the price points (like La Mer) are quite high. 

I'd received samples of the Priority Cream on a day my face and other areas of my skin felt and looked like they was on fire, and I was in extreme discomfort. We're talking walking lobster and incredibly hot to touch. I cleansed with the White Falls Cleansing Emulsion, followed by the Vital Falls Toner, and finished by applying the Priority Cream to my face and other red and irritated skin. A little bit went a long way, as each tiny sample lasted three days. My face and body cooled immediately, and felt instantly soothed and hydrated. The consistency is lovely, managing to be light yet very hydrating. It has a very light scent, thats not at all "perfumy." The booklet I received with the samples explained that the cream immediately goes to work on microcirculation, which helps regulate (not hide) redness and inflammation. It was the first time my skin felt comfortable in over a week, aside from when I used the Chantecaille mask. But I can't wear a mask all the time, and this cream was a godsend. I immediately hopped onto nordstrom.com, and ordered several items I'd fallen in love with. If I had to choose one item, this would have been it. That's saying a lot, as everything I tried was amazing. 

My verdict? While I normally have combination skin, I've fallen into the sensitive skin category where I'll remain for awhile. For those of you with sensitive skin, rosacea, redness, radiation exposure, allergies, or sunburned skin, this is a fantastic cream. I simply can't say enough good things about it. Expect more Valmont posts soon!

Valmont Priority Cream is $195 for a 1.6 oz. jar. 

Available at Nordstrom (online only), through your dermatologist and Nordstrom spas throughout the U.S. Other spas may carry Valmont, but I'd only trust an authorized Nordstrom or Valmont Spas around the world. 

Note: there is an amazing Valmont Spa at the Plaza Athénée Hotel for those in the NYC area.