Friday, August 30, 2013

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

Monday, August 26, 2013

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

Monday, August 19, 2013

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!


(click photo to enlarge)

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 BeautyMarc Jacobs online, & select Marc Jacobs stores. 

Friday, August 16, 2013

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. 


(click photo to enlarge)

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

Thursday, August 15, 2013

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. 



(click photo to enlarge)

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

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

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. 

(click photo to enlarge)

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!


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.

Friday, August 9, 2013

La Prairie
Cellular Radiance Eye Cream
8/9/13

I'm really angry with myself. I'm mad at myself, Nordstrom, my beauty bestie, and my Chase United MasterCard, who's always getting me into trouble. "Just think how many miles that will be!" My beauty bestie has serious La Prairie lust and constantly raves about certain products, but I hadn't touched the brand in ages until this year's Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. La Prairie had an excellent set this year, and both the Cellular Radiance Cream and Cellular Radiance Eye Cream deluxe samples were included in price-qualifying GWP. 

I'm somewhat obsessed with eye creams, and am always in search of the next best thing. That miracle cream capable of erasing under-eye circles while keeping wrinkles at bay and my eye area well hydrated. After my nightly skincare regimen, I couldn't help but reach for this eye cream, which I kept at the ready. I gently dabbed the cream around my orbital bone and all around my eye area from corner to corner, between my brows, and lightly on my eyelids. I then proceeded to watch a Housewives show or Top Gear (odd combination, I know) and headed to sleep. Now, I've suffered from poor sleep for years and am lucky to get more than 90 minutes of uninterrupted sleep at a time. 


(click photo to enlarge)

I awoke the following morning having forgotten all about which eye cream I'd used, as I'm essentially comatose prior to coffee. On my way to the kitchen, I caught a passing glimpse of myself in the hall mirror. I stopped dead in my tracks, and ran back to have a closer look. Was this possible? I couldn't believe my eyes, no pun intended. My face looked fresh and well-rested, and my eye area was simply luminous, without a hint of an under eye circle or fatigue. "La Prairie!" I rejoiced, as I continued to admire at myself shamelessly. Once I'd gotten my caffeine fix, I hopped online to get more details about this magical cream. I couldn't help but chuckle after reading the description. Generally, luxury creams have lengthy descriptions justifying the expense by detailing unique anti-aging properties and other fancy tidbits. Here's the description for La Prairie Cellular Radiance Eye Cream on Nordstrom's site:
 "A multi-complex formula of time-correcting and restorative therapy. In an instant the eye zone area is immediately redefined, appearing luminous, lifted and hydrated, as wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles appear diminished."
This is brilliant. You'll notice that they make absolutely no claims about your eye area actually being physically improved. The honest description tells how the cream makes the eye zone appear luminous, and wrinkles, puffiness, and dark circles appear diminished. Genius. You can't fault them for truth in advertising, and any flaw absolutely appeared not only diminished, but nonexistent. I had to have it. Sure, it was essentially a cosmetic skincare trick by using a cream with light reflecting particles. The best I've ever seen, at that. I immediately ordered myself an overpriced, full-size jar and eagerly awaited its arrival. Since I can't count on actual skincare benefits from the cream, I layer it on top of La Prairie Essence of Skin Caviar Eye Complex (an eye area serum) and the Cellular Eye Contour Cream, or whatever else I'm using which has been Chantecaille Stress Repair Concentrate as of late. 

My verdict? Sure it's pricey and essentially a luminous aesthetic layer over other, skin-repairing and preventative eye creams. But looking that good rolling out of bed is priceless. Pick up a sample at your nearest La Prairie Counter and see for yourself!

La Prairie Cellular Radiance Eye Cream is $320 for a 0.5 oz. jar. 

Available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, & Bloomingdales

Monday, August 5, 2013

Chantecaille Healing Mask

Chantecaille
Jasmine and Lily Healing Mask
8/5/13

I became a Chantecaille fan after falling in love with their Retinol Intense Cream. I still can't get over how incredibly gentle that cream is, and had high hopes for the rest of their line. I knew any brand who managed to make a gentle and soothing Retinol cream was capable of other skincare magic. I decided to purchase the Chantecaille Anniversary Set from Nordstrom to get a better feel for their full product range, from eye creams to serums and masks. I'd read raves about their Jasmine and Lily Healing Mask, and was thrilled that a deluxe sample was included in the set. 

From the moment I began applying the mask, my skin felt cool and instantly soothed. It has a very light and pleasant scent, with rosewater as the product's base. Directions indicate to apply a generous layer twice a week for 10-20 minutes, or leave the mask on overnight as a nighttime moisturizer. Love that! I'd only left it on for about 20 minutes the first night, but was amazed how soft and bright my skin looked the following morning. I immediately ordered a full-size jar. 

(click photo to enlarge) 


My new mask arrived last week in Chantecaille's very zen and high-end glass jar with a heavy lid that feels like polished stone. Because I wasn't already psyched enough about this product? Wow. You know how much I appreciate good design. Coincidentally, my skin was rather angry the day of the mask's arrival; my cheeks were super flushed and hot to the touch, and I was developing my monthly pimple on my chin. I washed my face, toned with my Clarins toner (alcohol-free), and generously applied the mask to my face of fire. Within minutes, the same cooling and soothing properties took effect. I decided to leave the mask on for a full hour, and as I rinsed it off I noticed that the redness and irritation had vanished, and my skin felt soft and smooth. Even my emerging monthly pimple seemed to be retreating. For those with roseacea, Chantecaille lists this as an incredibly effective treatment for daily use. Also noted for relieving sun and windburned skin, jet-lagged skin, and pretty much any form of irritation. 

Last night I decided to use the mask as my nightly moisturizer since my skin has been so irritated lately. Allergies, medications, and any sort of imbalance can do a number on me and my poor skin. I sleep on a silk pillowcase so I don't get creases on my eye area, and because silk also helps your skin and hair retain moisture. I'm happy to report that I awoke without a sign of irritation and with outstanding hydration. I don't foresee myself being without my healing mask anytime soon. 

My verdict? This dual-purpose healing mask and calming night cream is like nothing I've ever tried in any price range. Applying a generous layer doesn't actually take long and uses much less product than I originally thought, making it last at least a month if used twice a week. Worth every penny, and then some. My skin loves this as both a mask and a calming night cream. Win/win. 

Chantecaille Jasmine and Lily Healing Mask is $79 for a 1.7 oz. jar. 

Available at Neiman Marcus, Barneys, & Bergdorf Goodman

Friday, August 2, 2013

NARS Concealer

NARS
Radiant Creamy Concealer
8/2/13

Just when I thought I'd settled on a favorite under-eye concealer, my NARS guru and skincare bestie insisted I try theirs. Needless to say, it doesn't take much arm twisting for me to try new, high-quality beauty products. I think most women over 30 are more aware of their eye area, particularly the under-eye area. The good old days of staying up all night and simply needing some mascara and lipstick to look refreshed are over. Our eye area is the first to show signs of aging and those telltale late nights, hence my lifelong obsession with eye treatments to keep wrinkles at bay. I've suffered from poor sleep for years, usually getting no more than 90 minutes of consecutive sleep at a time. It's recently had me up my game with both eye creams and concealers, one of which I'm sharing with you today. 


(click photo to enlarge)

I loathe showing my "before" photos (the scary one on the left). My blonde lashes are nearly invisible sans mascara and it's rather embarrassing to reveal my under eye circles, but I felt it necessary to show how well the product works. Clearly I'm quite excited about my new concealer, and you can see why. My goal using under-eye concealer is to hide those dreaded dark circles from lack of sleep, and to even out and brighten up my eye area. I used exactly one dot of this concealer under each eye. That's right - one little dot. The wand is simply an applicator; a means to deliver those small dots of product to your skin. Many concealers have a brush or require a separate concealer brush for application, which takes a fair amount of time and skill. It also seems more sanitary since I'm not sweeping the applicator around my skin, and makes it less abrasive on our thinnest, most delicate skin. I simply used my ring finger to blend the concealer around my entire under-eye area. It spread and blended incredibly easily, and I still can't believe I only needed one small dot per eye. 

As you can see from the "after" photo on the right, my dark circles have vanished, my skin tone is evened out, and my entire eye area is brightened, thanks to the concealer's light-reflecting properties. It actually feels more like an extension of my skincare rather than makeup. I made it through the day without any creases or need for reapplication. Better still? It's Paraben-free, alcohol-free and fragrance-free. 

My verdict? I've found my new under-eye concealer. I still use YSL Touche Éclat to highlight certain facial contours around the nose and mouth, but nothing else I've tried has made my eyes look brighter and more refreshed than this product. Sold!

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer is $28 per tube. 

Available at Nordstrom, Sephora, & Neiman Marcus.

note: The shade I'm wearing is Vanilla, for fair complexions with a tiny cast of pink (i.e. Irish redheads). This is 1 of 10 shades offered by NARS. You'll definitely find a match for your skin tone.