Crème de la Mer
5/31/13

I've never known a skincare product more iconic and coveted than this classic face cream. "Born of the sea," the tale of scientist Max Huber's chemical experiment gone awry and subsequent burning of his face lead him to research and perfect the formula that restored his skin. Twelve years and 6,000 experiments later, the world was introduced to La Mer and its Miracle Broth. A combination of sea kelp and a mixture of "pure and simple ingredients," undergo a "biofermentation process using light and sound to transform the ingredients." Say what? All I recall is needing to get my mitts on this pricey miracle jar, stat!

My first jar was purchased using parental funds during my art school years in Bergdorf's glorious beauty basement. We're talking an entire level dedicated to beauty, my friends. It's how I like to imagine heaven, should I be granted admittance. I had my eye on the prize, and watched gleefully as the beauty consultant wrapped the lovely green box in tissue paper and placed it in a little Bergdorf bag. To my delight, she also included various samples of luxurious goodies from the La Mer line! I was also given special instructions regarding application of the cream, which was certainly a first. 

After fifteen years of purchasing this cream on my own dime, I can't imagine living without it. It's quite rich, so I use it as my night cream. While even the smallest jar is rather expensive, it lasts for about three months with nightly use. It comes with a spoon applicator to keep the jar germ-free. After cleansing, toning and serum, I put a small amount (pea size) on my fingertips using the spoon, and warm the cream between my hands to activate the Miracle Broth. I then gently pat my face and neck with the cream until absorbed. It can also be used on the delicate eye area. How great is that?! I have normal/combination skin and have never broken out or experienced any adverse reactions from this product. No matter what the climate, nightly use allows your skin to soak up the moisture and other benefits without worrying about daytime use. It's so intensive that I think twice daily use would be overkill. When I awake each morning, my skin is dewy and glowing. It's my miracle jar. 

La Mer's line has expanded greatly throughout the years, and this moisturizer is also offered in "soft cream" and lotion formulations. I've used their lotion (not worth it), lip balm (to die for) and The Eye Balm Intense. I won't touch on the eye balm in this post, because it deserves a post all its own. 

My verdict? It's not just hype. This is the real deal, and will always remain a part of my nighttime regimen. 

La Mer The Moisturizing Cream is $150/1 oz., $275/2 oz., & $1900/16.4 oz.


Available at Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman, & Barneys. 

Hand, Nail, & Cuticle Treatments
5/30/13

Since I'm generally wearing nail polish, my poor nails have a tendency to become dry and weak. I've recently started allowing my nails a chance to breathe, and try going about a week a month without my beloved mani/pedis. It was then I realized that my regular hand creams simply weren't enough to nourish and heal my tortured nails and cuticles. I began trying various lotions and creams, and struggled to find a product that was effective. 

I first tried h20+ Spa Hand and Nail Cream. I'd read some positive blog posts about the brand, and was excited to try it for myself. It comes in both large and travel sizes ($16/$6.50). A total steal. I first used it at bedtime, with little success. I reapplied the cream several times throughout the night and didn't notice any benefit or improvement to my nails or cuticles. In fact, my hands were craving more moisture than this cream delivers. Unwilling to toss the two creams I'd purchased (I'd also picked up the travel size version), I've taken to using it throughout the day. The scent is very pleasant since it's from a spa collection. 

My next purchase was Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream, which also comes in both large and travel sizes ($30/$10). I'd already been using their Age Control Hand Lotion with SPF 15 for years, and love it. I immediately found this cream to be far richer than the h20+ treatment, and loved how it leaves my hands feeling moisturized without being greasy. I also noticed an immediate improvement in nail strength and appearance. The scent is light and pleasant. It seems a tad pricey, but a little goes a long way and my first tubes have been going strong for nearly two months. I love the travel size, and always keep one in my handbag. TSA-friendly to boot!

As I mentioned in a recent post, I'm currently getting my feet wet with Aēsop and purchased their Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm ($25/$95). It promises to "effectively soften and hydrate hands, cuticles, and feet." That's a big promise! It definitely has the texture and feel of a lotion and not a cream, and the scent is...earthy. Almost medicinal. The ingredients highlighted include mandarin rind, rosemary leaf, and cedarwood atlas. Unfortunately, my hands felt dry within 15-20 minutes after application. That and the scent make this a no-go for me. Strike two, Aēsop. 

Now that I've found the perfect hand cream, I decided to give my cuticles a little extra love. I tried Melt Away Cuticle Eliminator by butter London ($18) and all I can say is, IT ACTUALLY WORKS! The product aims to break down and soften dead skin cells. I chose to ignore the instructions and am glad I did! I simply apply liberally to my cuticles, wait a couple of moments for it to dry, and finish by rubbing in the Clarins Cream. My other secret weapon is one of my favorite lip balms. At bedtime, I apply By Terry Baume de Rose to my lips and cuticles, and finish with a more heavy duty hand cream (post to come). This regimen has left me with soft, youthful hands and healthy cuticles. A less expensive option for added nighttime cuticle care is L'Occitane Certified Organic Pure Shea Butter ($40/$12), followed by a rich hand cream. The small tin is perfect for travel, and the large tin is also excellent for use on feet and elbows at night. Gotta love great, multi-purpose products!

My verdict? Clarins is far and away the best treatment I've found. Combined with butter's Melt Away, your hands, nails and cuticles will be healthy and beautiful. Adding the By Terry or L'Occitane products at bedtime will provide extra TLC while you sleep. 

- Clarins Hand & Nail Treatment is $10 for 1.7 oz. & $30 for 3.5 oz.
- h20+ Spa Hand and Nail Cream is $6.50 for 2 oz. & $16 for 6 oz.
- Aēsop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm is $25 for 2.5 oz. & $95 for 16.67 oz.
- butter London Melt Away Cuticle Eliminator is $18 for 0.5 oz.
- By Terry Baume de Rose is $60 for 0.35 oz.
- L'Occitane Certified Organic Pure Shea Butter is $12 for 0.6 oz. & $40 for 4.9 oz.

Clarins, butter London, & L'Occitane are available at Nordstrom. h20 is available at beauty.com. Aēsop & By Terry are available at Barneys. 

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour
5/29/13

I fondly recall buying my first Chanel polish during my college years in NYC. The Chanel counter at Barneys offered a staggering array of gorgeous colors, and I purchased my very first rather pricey polish: Vamp. It was a must-have at Parsons for budding fashionistas to adorn their nails with the deep, distinctive purple nail lacquer. I'd seen the polish on my roommate and was wildly impressed and in awe of the rich eggplant hue. Let's say it was love at first site. I swiftly got myself a mani/pedi with my new polish, and instantly felt transformed. By a nail polish? Absolument. 

One of the many things I adore about Chanel polish is that what you see in the bottle is what you get. No surprises. Then there are the glorious colors. They offer about 30 shades, plus limited-edition releases each season. It's heartbreaking to fall in love with a color that's destined to vanish at season's end, so I've taken to stocking up on colors I adore. New releases are quickly snatched up by Chanel devotees and global fashion gurus, and can be incredibly difficult to find. The formula actually resists chipping for nearly a week's time, which is practically unheard of. My nails get put through the wringer while traveling (those pesky suitcase zippers are just plain evil), and I always reach for one of these polishes prior to travel. I used their base and top coats for many years, but haven't noticed a difference in quality using various base & top coats in good nail salons. I do receive a fair amount of complaints from manicurists around the globe regarding the brush, which is rather thin and apparently difficult to work with. That said, my nails always look flawless post application. I like to label that as a "not my problem" type of situation. If you're brave enough to paint your own nails, be prepared to spend some extra time. 

The depth of each color is incredible. One of my favorite shades Péridot (shown above) is a prime example of what sets these polishes apart. I call this my chameleon polish, because it constantly changes depending on lighting and angles. At first glance it's gold, but suddenly has a green shimmer with slight movement. I should mention that they still sell Vamp, which remains a staple in my obsessively large collection. What can I say? Sure, they're expensive and you could buy several cheaper brands for less than half the price. But no dupe holds a candle to the real thing. Try one. I promise you won't regret it. But I can't promise you won't become addicted. Welcome to the cult!

My verdict? Gorgeous, rich colors with real depth. Worth every penny.

$27 a bottle

Available at: Chanel, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdales. 

Clay Masks
5/28/13

While I often have a tendency to break the bank with skincare products, some of my favorites are a total steal- often better than their expensive counterparts. I love masks, and have many for different purposes. Deep cleaning, purifying, hydrating, exfoliating, soothing, nourishing, brightening...it's astounding how many options are available. Today I'm focusing on two clay masks: Kiehl's Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Masque and Aēsop Primrose Facial Cleansing Masque. The goal? Deep pore cleansing and, hopefully, pore tightening! As I'm getting...wiser, I've noticed enlarged pores which of course has me searching for products and treatments to correct and halt this nonsense. I mainly struggle with enlarged pores on my nose and on my cheeks just adjacent to my nose. Fortunately the rest of my T-zone hasn't been plagued with enlarged pores (fingers crossed). 

Kiehl's Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Masque promises to "purify, detoxify, and minimize the appearance of large pores." The mask comes in a generous 5oz tub, and has a smooth and creamy texture that feels cool and soothing on the skin. After cleansing, I apply the mask on damp skin, avoiding my eye area. They say to apply a thin layer, but I slather it on until it's opaque which isn't difficult. The mask dries in about 10-15 minutes, after which I rinse off with warm water and a gentle, high-quality washcloth. Unlike a lot of clay masks I've tried, it's surprisingly easy to rinse off. I then finish with my normal nighttime products. I've absolutely noticed a decrease in the appearance of pores on my cheeks and nose, and am shocked by the bang for the buck with this product. I used it consistently twice a week for a month and the jar is just about half empty. 

Aēsop has been all the rage among beauty bloggers and fashion gurus, so I've slowly been getting my feet wet with their line. The Primrose Facial Cleansing Masque promises to "decongest, refresh, and hydrate, similar to the Kiehl's mask. The glass jar is rather small, and I nearly used the entire jar in three weeks. The texture is vastly different than I expected. I found it to be slightly grainy and it's fairly quick to dry, making for hurried, sloppy application. Instructions indicate leaving the mask on for 15 minutes and rinsing off with warm water. I definitely needed and used a washcloth to aid this process, as it wasn't easy. I used this mask for nearly three weeks and really didn't notice an improvement in pore size. I'll likely use it until I finish the jar, but I don't foresee myself purchasing this product again. That said, I will continue trying other Aēsop products.

My verdict? Kiehl's is the runaway winner, and a new staple in my skincare regimen. 

Kiehl's Rare Earth Cleansing Masque is $23 for 5 oz.
Aēsop Primrose Facial Cleansing Masque is $35 for 2.47 oz.

Both available at: Barneys 

Lancôme Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector
5/24/13

Ah, anti-aging products. My friends used to make fun of me for wearing eye cream when I was 16. My obsession with skincare has only grown throughout the years, and then my mid-30s knocked on the door. I came to the realization that I needed the heavy artillery to combat the scary, line-inducing years ahead. Thus began my hunt for the perfect serum/s. 

Visionnaire was incredibly well advertised on both television and in print, and I picked up a bottle with healthy skepticism. While I've taken fine care of my fair Irish skin, I'd begun to notice things like enlarged pores and those dreaded fine lines. I also had some unevenness and sun damage I'd attempted to correct with various spa treatments and moisturizers alone. Visionnaire's LR2412 technology is at the forefront of their promise to correct wrinkles, pores and uneven skin texture. They basically threw their other serum under the bus, calling this their first advanced skin corrector AND their first skin-correcting serum. Glad I never tried Génefique! 

I've been using this product every morning for the past month after cleansing and toning. The texture is soft and soothing with a pearlescent sheen, and a light and pleasant fragrance. Instructions indicate that the serum can also be used on the delicate eye area, which rocks! Easy, pleasant application with zero irritation. I use three pumps, or about the size of a quarter. After smoothing over my entire face (including my eye area), I wait a moment or so for the serum to dry, then follow with a moisturizer. I love their Rénergie daytime moisturizer with this serum. When it's humid, I've simply worn Clarins SPF over the serum. The results? See for yourself! (click photo to enlarge)

My skin has changed drastically since I began using Visionnaire. The first thing I noticed were tightened pores and that my skin tone had remarkably improved. Old acne scars and random spots faded and have virtually disappeared. Note that I don't wear foundation, and both before and after photos were taken with bare skin in natural light. No Photoshop here. I used to spot-cover my old marks with concealer, and barely have the need these days. Even my old nose ring scar (ah, those teen years) has practically vanished. Better still? My under-eye area has lightened and my fine lines are nearly non-existent. Lancôme indicates you can use this serum day and night, but I have a night-specific serum (review soon) so this is my secret weapon in the a.m. I've already ordered my second bottle because I'm not willing to chance running out! I think this is a fabulous product for those of us in our 30's-early 40's. 

My verdict? Can't live without it. Hurray for science & technology!

Price: $69 for .67 oz., $89 for 1 oz., $109 for 1.7 oz., & $150 for 3.4 oz.

Available at: Lancôme, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, & Bloomingdales. 

NARS Lip Pencils
5/23/13

After my recent foray into lipstick land, I began to notice NARS lip pencils popping up in various magazines, posts from beauty bloggers I trust, and my favorite stores. So of course I immediately wanted them and bought two. The pencils (not to be confused with lip liner) come in three formulations. There's the Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil, Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil, and Satin Lip Pencil. I immediately disregarded the Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil, as it contains "hydraulic spheres," aka sparkle/shimmer/frost. I like my lips sans frost, so I quickly moved along to the other formulas. 

The Satin Lip Pencil was first on my mind due in large part to the newest "must have" shade, Yu. Yu is a highly pigmented, bright pink color that lights up my face. While it's very bright, it's surprisingly wearable and looks great with many skin tones. The formula is glossy and application is a breeze. They're designed to build up color depending on your preference, which is nice. I was nonplussed by most of the other colors, many of which were rather neutral with the exception of a couple. Jardin de Plantes caught my fancy, but it's a NARS exclusive, meaning you'll need to buy it through them directly. Done deal. 

Next I hit the Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil. I'm generally not a fan of matte lipsticks, as they tend to be drying. Matte lips are on trend this season, so in the spirit of branching out I selected Damned, a nice deep red. I applied my beloved By Terry Baume de Rose underneath both formulas, and still found this pencil to be a tad drying. The real draw here (no pun intended) is the staying power of matte formulas. Less applications throughout the day, and it sure makes eating and drinking far easier. That said, it comes in a broader range of colors than the Satin Lip Pencil. I'll certainly use these when I need real staying power. Tasting menu and wine pairing, anyone?

One downside is the need to purchase a NARS sharpener. Trust me on this; other sharpeners don't work. The upside is that it's a mere $6, with the pencils costing $25 each. These are great for travel since they're a lip liner and lipstick in one tiny pencil. 

The verdict? Love the Satin Lip Pencils, & the Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencils are the optimal choice for staying power on the go. Just be sure to moisturize first!

Available at: NARS, Barneys, and Nordstrom.  

Sunday Riley Cleansers

5/22/13

Sunday Riley has been on my beauty radar for the past year or so, as their brand presence has grown seemingly overnight in stores like Barneys and various fashion publications. 

The company is a mere four years old, and has already developed a cult following by models, celebrities, and makeup artists. I should note that this line is incredibly affordable, given the company they keep in high-end stores (La Mer, Sisley, Chantecaille, ReVive, et al). $45 for a cleanser is a steal. Their products are without parabens and other chemicals that make my Portland friends cringe. Sunday's philosophy states that "a combination of botanicals and biotechnology" is the key to great skincare. Thus commenced yet another affair during which I, once again, betrayed my beloved Dr. Hauschka (Cleansing Milk). I have normal skin with an occasionally oily T-zone, and dry skin in the winter or places with hard water.

My first purchase was the Charisma Crème Cleanser ($45), for dry to normal skin. It's described as a non-foaming milk cleanser that removes makeup and softens fine lines, leaving skin smoother and more refreshed. I was immediately put off by both the consistency and (lack of) scent. I've been using milk-based cleansers and generally prefer them. This cleanser is quite thin and immediately begins to run off the fingertips during application, making my nightly ritual rather hurried. The unscented product actually smells...mildly unpleasant. In no way would any facial cleanser completely remove eye makeup, so I disregarded the makeup removing claims. I use a toner to ensure clarity, which would be a necessity for ladies who wear foundation (I don't). My skin did feel soft and supple, as promised. I used this product for a couple of weeks before moving on to 
the next cleanser. 

The Ceramic Slip Cleanser ($45) is the more popular of the two, and scored higher marks from me. Created for normal to combination skin, the promise is natural exfoliation, tightened pores thanks to French clay, while ingredients like Vitamin C, Black Pepper, Frankincense, Sandalwood, and Jasmine promise to purify, reduce irritation and inflammation (i.e. breakouts, rosacea, etc). I immediately preferred the soft, gel-like consistency. It didn't run off my fingers like the Charisma Crème Cleanser does. Better still? The natural, light and pleasant scent was a refreshing change. While I don't suffer from breakouts aside from the occasional blemish, I've found my skin to be brighter and my pores tightened. What a welcome change! 

My verdict? 

Skip the Charisma Crème Cleanser, but The Ceramic Slip Cleanser is a keeper!

Available at: Barneys, Bloomingdales, & Sephora. 

YSL Rouge Volupté Lipstick
5/21/13

Until recently, I hadn't worn lipstick with any regularity since college. I love lip gloss, and Lancôme's Dreamsicle has been my pale pink, go-to shade for many years. Well, I decided to venture back into the world of lipstick and started at the top, of course. Why hello, YSL. While I'm no stranger to the brand, they have several lipstick formulations, not to mention glosses and stains. I went straight for their award-winning, top seller: Rouge Volupté. They offer about 30 glorious colors, and coveted limited editions. Each lipstick has a lovely, light rose scent. The formula allows for easy application and glides on with little effort. 

My first goal was to procure (surprise) a great, true red. N 17 Red Muse fit the bill perfectly, and I was hooked. Much like their nail lacquers, the Rouge Volupté lipsticks are highly pigmented and what you see in the tube is what you get. Red Muse is a bright, sexy red that manages to not give off a...working girl vibe. Sold. 

After such a bold choice, I veered toward the bounty of pink shades offered. From the nudest of nudes to über bright shades, I gravitated toward a lovely light and flattering shade: N 7 Lingerie Pink. It's the kind of go-with-everything, pretty pink that's modern and classic at once. 

Of course I didn't stop there. Bold Wendy took over again and scooped up a bright magenta pink: N 11 Rose Culte. Wow! This color blew me away. Shockingly beautiful. It's a blue-based red/pink that makes you feel extra girly and happy. You simply can't be sad while wearing Rose Culte. 

Then there's the case. Oh my, the case! Certainly the most luxurious, ornate lipstick case on the market. The signature YSL logo sits in a golden circle atop a band of color, matching the lipstick inside. The cases look gorgeous on a vanity tray, and they honestly make me feel happy during application. This killer gold case helps explain the $34 price tag. 

My verdict? A winner. 

Available at: YSL, Barneys, and Nordstrom. 

YSL La Laque Couture: N 1 Rouge Pop Art
5/20/13

Over the years I've become known for my massive nail polish collection, which consisted solely of Chanel polishes and a lone MAC red (Shirelle). Sure, I had about ten or so variations of Chanel reds, from blue-based reds to warmer orange-reds and everything in-between. Pirate was always a solid choice. Dragon is also a nice red. Sadly, none were 
the perfect red. I began to branch out and started procuring YSL polishes...and fell head over heels. I found the formula to be quite different from any other brand, and the highly-pigmented hues are stunning. Rouge Pop Art was my second YSL La Laque purchase, and quickly became my favorite red - ever. It's most certainly a warm red, and is deliciously bright and rich. 

Rouge Pop Art manages to be bright yet polished (no pun intended), and pretty much works with whatever style you're currently rocking. It's a great color to wear while traveling, as it looks fabulous dressed up or down. I've received more compliments on this red than most any other polish I own. Men love red. That's a given. 

They say redheads shouldn't wear red. Well ladies, I'm over it. My pale Irish skin gives even more pop to Rouge Pop Art, and complements a bright red lip rather nicely. Might I suggest YSL Rouge Volupté N 17 in Red Muse? Just sayin'. 

Manicurists overwhelmingly prefer YSL brushes over my thin Chanel ones, not that the brush is a deciding factor if you have a professional at the wheel. Of course it looks equally gorgeous on the toes, making it ideal for peep-toed shoes and summer sandals. I recently purchased my third bottle, and imagine I'll never tire of it. 

My verdict? A must-have. 

Available at: YSL, Neiman Marcus, Barneys, & Nordstrom. 

By Terry: Baume de Rose

5/19/13

While I've been known to be a Dr. Hauschka Lip Balm devotee, I'm also known for cheating on my products in the endless search for the next best thing. First I cheated with La Mer, and fell in love (post to follow). What could be better? I found myself confronted with the same, pricey lip balm by various beauty bloggers and Barneys, whom I blame for a large number of my beauty splurges. Could this $60 pot of lip balm be all I've heard? I broke down and ponied up. 

The packaging is gorgeous, which explains a portion of the hefty price tag. The beautiful frosted jar with a silver reflective screw top is substantial. Once open, the light pink hue and rose scent is inviting and luxurious. I'm a fan of jarred lip balms, as I generally find the formulas to be more effective. 

The texture of this balm is rich and silky, with a little going a long way. I've been slathering it on with abandon at night to take advantage of its anti-aging properties. I awake with soft, supple lips. For the first time, I haven't found the need to reapply in the middle of the night. I've also started rubbing the balm into my nails and cuticles (as indicated), and I've experienced fewer hangnails while my cuticles are also in great shape. Win/win!

I've taken to applying a thin layer of the balm under lipstick with positive results. No feathering, and my lipsticks glide on with ease. Since my lips are well hydrated, I find that I'm reapplying lipstick less often. It also makes my lips plump and shiny when worn alone. What can I say? Alongside La Mer and Dr. Hauschka, this has become a go-to balm. Is it worth the money? Well that all depends on your preferences. 

My verdict? Definitely a keeper.

Available at Barneys, beauty.com, C.O. Bigelow, & Bloomingdales.