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.

Blotting Paper

Tatcha Original Aburatorigami
Japanese Beauty Paper

I've been a fan of Tatcha's Rice Enzyme Powders for a couple of months, and was recently surprised to see their blotting papers online at places like Sephora. This struck me as interesting, considering they quite literally only sell their skincare products in the U.S. at Barneys and on their own website. I think this was a fantastic choice for the brand to introduce themselves to a larger market. 

I've been using blotting papers for many years, with varied results. Sephora's papers were literally like rubber, made from some sort of blue plastic material in a poorly-constructed black package. Then I tried Shiseido's, but I can't stand blotting papers with powder. I was beginning to feel like I'd have to settle, and I did for many years on Sephora's Blotting Papers. While doing some research for this post, I was shocked to see that Sephora now offers three options, including a Shimmer Sheet Set (doesn't that defeat the purpose?), and two other types of sheets with "treatment" ingredients, such as tea tree oil. I don't know about you, but all I ask for in a blotting sheets is to remove any excess shine from my face. Then I found Tatcha's. 

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The Original Aburatorigami Beauty Papers were included with Tatcha's Sampler Set, which I'd purchased to get the full experience of their line. Like all their other products, the packaging design is beautiful and high quality. Made solely of Abaca leaf and gold, these incredibly thin and nearly translucent papers are a far cry from all the other blotting papers out there. I love a good story, and they deliver. These all-natural papers are powder free, fragrance free, and handmade. 

Why blotting papers? I've yet to meet a woman who enjoys a shiny face. If you wear foundation, primer, powder, or any other makeup on your face, blotting with a regular tissue will steal or mess up your makeup, moisturizer, and can leave fibers behind. Adding more powder to cover the shine creates an uneven look and can potentially clog your pores. These blotting papers remove shine while leaving your makeup intact, and without stealing your moisturizer. I don't wear any makeup aside from on my eyes and lips (and nails, of course), but I prefer my moisturizer remain on my face while removing any shine or oiliness in my t-zone. 

Using these papers is incredibly simple. Simply remove a single sheet from the cool envelope package and gently dab on any shiny areas. You can use both sides of the sheet, and discard with a good conscience since they're biodegradable. Tatcha also makes Evening Aburatorigami Beauty Papers, which are essentially smaller and darker - perfect for a clutch. 

My verdict? I can't imagine returning to the archaic blotting papers I once used, and nothing has worked as well or looked as good as Tatcha. Enjoy a shine-free summer!

- Original Aburatorigami Japanese Beauty Papers are $15 for 30 sheets. 
- Evening Aburatorigami Japanese Beauty Papers are $15 for 40 sheets.
- Aburatorigami Japanese Beauty Papers Duo is $19 for both products! Total steal.

Available at Tatcha online & Sephora. Note: the duo is only available at Sephora. 

Tatcha
Deep Rice Enzyme Powder
6/21/13

Tatcha is one of the most interesting beauty brands I've experienced since La Mer and their 'Miracle Broth.' Don't get me wrong; these brands couldn't be more different. Tatcha's founder Victoria Tsai was born into beauty, with a family who sold traditional Asian herbal skincare treatments in the family's beauty boutique. She spent most of her career consulting for other brands, and ended up founding Tatcha after studying the beauty habits of both modern and traditional geisha. Enter modern science and Victoria's beauty biz savvy, and Tatcha was born. 

I like to peruse Barneys skincare offerings, as they tend to be the most progressive in the industry (I can thank them for introducing me to Sunday Riley, Chantecaille, Koh Gen Do, RéVive and many others). I'd also read a fair amount from trusted sources including fellow beauty addicts, the NY Times, Vogue, Bazaar, Vanity Fair, etc. but didn't know where to start. I don't believe in using a single brand's entire line, and prefer to mix and match. Fortunately, Tatcha offers 'The Tacha Samper Set,' which contains a two week supply of the main line. I also impulsively ordered the eye cream and lip balm, which aren't included in the sample set (review to follow). I was so excited when my package arrived, as I'd never used a line like this. They definitely wooed me with their design aesthetic. The packaging is absolutely gorgeous. As an Art Director, I can tell you that everything from the paper stock to the booklet and loose leaf product info cards are premium. Even the gold foiled logo is embossed on the rich purple patterned envelope. I also received handwritten notes with each shipment. Everything feels special and personal. It's a true brand experience, which I fully enjoy. 

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The first step is the Camellia Cleansing Oil. This is for makeup removal or extra hydration. I tried it twice and determined I didn't need it. It was soothing, though, and a necessary first step if you wear foundation, powder, BB creams, etc. The second step is the product I'm talking about today- the Deep Rice Enzyme Powder. The Sampler Set came with Gentle, Classic, and Deep enzyme powders. Instructions indicate to pour about 1/2 a tsp. of the enzyme powder onto wet hands, rub together until a foam forms, and massage onto face in a gentle, circular motion for 30 seconds to one minute. The foam is super gentle, and exfoliates with enzymes rather than a harshly textured exfoliating cleanser. My face literally felt squeaky clean. It's vastly different from any cleansing ritual I've ever tried, of which there are many. There are no synthetic fragrances, and it actually seems unscented. I encourage you to visit Tatcha's site to review their natural, high quality ingredients. There were other products in The Sampler, but this is the only one that truly blew me away. Although I could have ordered the Classic, I went with the Deep Enzyme Powder because its so darn gentle. It's been nearly three weeks including two with The Sampler, and my skin looks amazing. It's incredibly soft and has a new radiance and glow.

The packaging for the product is brilliant in its simplicity. After unscrewing the top, there's a slide-to-lock closure. Once you slide it open, a small opening controls the amount of product that is dispensed, so you're not faced with a handful of powder that would get wasted. Love it. There's also a travel set that comes with fourteen enzyme powder packets. For longer trips, I'd trust the container since it's basically double-sealed with the lid screwed on. 

My verdict? I fell head over heels for the Deep Rice Enzyme Powder. No exfoliating cleanser is as gentle and effective. Look to the skin of the geisha! This time-tested method of skin cleansing has won me over. More to come on other Tatcha products soon. 

- Tatcha Deep Rice Enzyme Powder is $65 for a 2.1 oz. jar. 

- Tatcha Deep Rice Enzyme Powder & Travel Set Duo is $78 for the 2.1 oz. jar & 14 packets

Available at Tatcha and Barneys. 

Note: I no longer use or recommend Mario Badescu products. They have far too many carcinogens, and have been deemed dangerous by the state of California.

Battle of the Toners:
Mario Badescu Cucumber Cleansing Lotion
& Clarins Toning Lotion for Combination Skin

Until fairly recently, I hadn't used toner for several years. Shocking, I know. I suppose I justified it by the fact that I no longer wear foundation or powder so I didn't think toning was necessary. Wrong. I noticed an immediate improvement the moment I started using it again. It tightens pores, removes excess cleanser left behind, and prepares the skin for other treatments. When I wore foundation and powder makeup, I used toner to ensure all makeup was removed and so my pores wouldn't get clogged. It's frightening what some cleansers can leave behind. Regardless what your skin type or whether or not you wear foundation, it's imperative to keep pores clean. So I've reincorporated toner into my regimen, and here's what I've tried. 

I started with Mario Badescu because many of my readers have asked for more reasonably priced skincare. I think this brand has several great products, and others love the Cucumber Cleansing Lotion so I gave it a try. From the first application on cotton rounds (Swisspers Cotton Rounds), I felt the harsh astringent component. While this is a component of pretty much all toners for combination skin, ingredients matter. Alcohol is the second ingredient in this product, and I definitely felt the sting of old school astringents. I think perhaps this would be beneficial during a breakout, but certainly not suitable for daily use by me. It's just too stripping and harsh for my skin on a daily basis. 

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Clarins has recently been making a comeback for me. It's one of those brands that does a few products incredibly well, and one of their best-sellers is their toner. They offer the basics for sensitive, dry/normal, and combination/oily skin as well as one for more mature or damaged skin. I've been using the combination/oily toner, and absolutely love it. Coming from the Mario Badescu toner, I immediately noticed that it's far gentler and soothing. It has a light somewhat floral/botanical scent which I found pleasant. This toner also has astringent properties, but they're in the form of more natural, plant-based ingredients like sage, guava and aloe. I knew instantly that this was my new toner, and banished the Mario Badescu toner to the "maybe I'll try this again sometime" drawer. To be fair, Mario Badescu offers other toners, including an alcohol-free Aloe Vera Toner. 

My verdict? I struck gold with this Clarins Toning Lotion, and really enjoy using it morning and night. I think the Mario Badescu Cucumber Cleansing Lotion would be fantastic for anyone with acne, and/or needing a stronger astringent. 

- Clarins Toning Lotion for Combination/Oily Skin is $22 for 6.8 oz.

- Mario Badescu Cucumber Cleansing Lotion is $15 for 8 oz. 

Available at Nordstrom. 

Bliss Pore Perfecting Facial Polish

6/14/13

I'm on a mission, my friends. I've recently noticed visible pores on my nose and cheek area just next to my nose. This is totally unacceptable. My quest to banish these unsightly pores is well underway, and I'll be blogging along my journey for a seemingly pore-less face. In a panic after my initial discovery of said pores, I searched Nordstrom online for pore minimizing remedies. I started slowly, and ordered this Pore Perfecting Facial Polish by Bliss. It was also one of the least expensive treatments targeted at pores, so I felt it was a good place to start. I hadn't been too concerned with exfoliation since I use Dr. Perricone's Blue Plasma nightly, but I decided to give this a whirl. 

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Because it's abrasive (literally), I chose to use it once a day, in the morning. Since I use my most intensive treatments at nighttime, this made the most sense. Directions indicate to apply to damp skin and scrub gently, following with toner and moisturizer. I have one word to describe my first experience using this product: OUCH! So I guess when they said "damp" skin they meant soaking wet, because it felt like I was rubbing sandpaper on my face. Not a good time. I added more water to my face to alleviate the excruciatingly painful polish. I began to think by "polish" they meant "skin resurfacing." 

The next morning I cringed stepping into the shower, and took a new approach. I ignored the instructions altogether and used copious amounts of water on my face. I put dots of the scrub all over my face, and very gently scrubbed in a circular motion. Whew. Sweet relief! It was definitely tolerable. My face was slightly red for about a half hour, but that's normal after using an exfoliating scrub like this. I imagine its worth a shot. 

Let's get down to brass tacks. Does it work?? I'm sad to report that after weeks of use and some agony, there was no noticeable difference in pore size. I don't have acne, so I can't comment on whether or not it's effective for that. 

My verdict? I don't foresee this even being relegated to my large bathroom drawer of products I may revisit. This is going in the garbage. On to the next! Stay tuned. These pores WILL be minimized. 

Bliss Pore Perfecting Facial Polish is $30 for 4.2 oz. 

Available at Nordstrom, Sephora, & Neiman Marcus. 

Lip Scrubs
6/12/13

Until about a year ago, I thought I was taking pretty darn good care of my lips. I always make sure that I have SPF on my lips when outdoors, and liberally apply good lip balm at night, well outside my lip line. I've gradually increased the quality of my balms from Dr. Hauschka, to La Mer, to Baume de Rose (which already contains SPF). I began to notice products at stores like Nordstrom specifically designed to exfoliate and "treat" the lips. To be honest, I chalked it up as yet another marketing ploy designed to empty my wallet. But after more thought and product research, it made sense. I spend considerable time exfoliating and treating my face and body, so why not my lips? Lips certainly show signs of aging in various, unflattering ways. Clearly I needed to get on this. 

I checked out products online at every price point, from Macy's to Bergdorfs. Prices ranged from reasonable to ridiculous. If you're like me and in your 30's or early 40's and don't have visible signs of aging, the only products you need bother with are lip scrub and decent lip balm. There aren't a lot of products dedicated to lip exfoliation which made finding the best product rather simple. First there's Bliss, which I immediately passed up because I didn't like the texture. It's creamy and has walnut bits in it which I suppose are meant to exfoliate? Too weird. 

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Then I saw that Fresh makes a Lip Polish and got all excited. I really like the brand, and use several fresh products. Like all of their best-selling exfoliating products, the Lip Polish utilizes brown sugar crystals to buff away dead skin, and a combination of Shea butter and jojoba oil to provide moisture to freshly polished lips. I use this 3-4 nights a week as the first step in my nightly regimen. I put a tiny amount of the dense yet gentle polish on my index finger and gently rub all over my lips and the surrounding area, particularly above my upper lip. Then I simply wipe the polish off with a warm washcloth. After I complete my nightly skincare regimen, I immediately apply my lip balm to take advantage of my freshly exfoliated lips. I really dig this product, and imagine the jar will last about six months. 

I also tried Sara Happ's 'The Lip Scrub,' which is available in an odd number of flavors and colors. The jar itself is twice the size and a mere $1.50 more than the Fresh product. I purchased the Blood Orange "flavor" and tried it out. I instantly disliked it. The texture is super chunky and application is messy. Even the plastic jar and crafty label feels cheap. Chunks of the lip scrub flew on my chin, in the sink, and I seemed to need about 5x as much product to get some actually ON my lips for more than a second. The instructions also indicate using a generous amount. I'd guess this jar would last 3 months at best. Oh, and I understand the flavors now, because it's seemingly impossible to use this product without much of it ending up in your mouth. The instructions also mention wiping away with a tissue. I used a soaked washcloth and splashed water on my face. The container above on the left is after a mere four uses. I've used the Fresh Lip Polish on the bottom right a couple dozen times. Fail. 

There are quite a few other products targeted at women who already have more advanced signs of aging and are past the preventative stage. They can get quite pricey, like ReVive Perioral Renewal Cream Targeted Line Repair for $115. Others went up to $150 (Sisley). These treatments are intended to help women with set-in vertical wrinkles and aging skin around the immediate lip area. May we never reach this point, ladies. Prevention!

My verdict? Fresh Sugar Lip Polish is a winner. It's exfoliating, moisturizing, and prevents those scary mouth and lip wrinkles. It's easy and it works. I should also mention that my lipsticks have never looked better. Smooth lips and no bleeding. Sweet!

- Fresh Sugar Lip Polish is $22.50 for a 0.6 oz. jar
- Sara Happ 'The Lip Scrub' is $24 for a 1 oz. jar

Both available at Nordstrom. 

Summer Hair Care: Part II
6/10/13

Okay. So we've covered our summer hair care basics with shampoo, conditioner, and deep conditioning and repairative treatments. But now what? I don't know about you, but I'm not one of those girls who can go without product in my hair. Whether I wear it straight or wavy/curly, I need hair help. I want it sleek and humidity-proof when worn straight, and frizz-free and "natural" when it's wavy. And by natural I mean appearing effortlessly beachy and pretty.

If I'm using any heat-styling products like a hairdryer, flat-iron or hot rollers, I always protect my hair with Kérastase Nectar Thermique. It's my foundation for other styling products, and I swear by this stuff. Since it has a creamy consistency, it's easy to mix together with other products. One bottle lasts about four months, depending on hair length, thickness, and blowout frequency. More about this gem with product descriptions in a moment. 

One of my go-to products for many years has been Moroccan Oil. I need to get specific here, because there are tons of dupes on the market. The original brand is one word- Moroccanoil. As you can see in the photo, I purchased a travel size bottle many moons ago and have since reused it dozens of times. The travel size is a total ripoff, but I wouldn't trust a random container to hold this stuff, and I certainly don't take chances with oil getting all over my toiletries when traveling (a lesson you only have to learn once). Imagine for a moment attempting to clean up an entire toiletry bag that's been covered by a water-repelling oil. Not a good time. The large bottle with a convenient pump lasts at least 6 months on long, thick, naturally curly/wavy hair. If it's humid (hello, Jersey & NYC summers) I use a quarter of Nectar Thermique to protect my hair from the hairdryer, add three pumps of Moroccan Oil, mix together in my hands and run my fingers through my hair from roots to ends. If you like your hair extra straight and sleek, add another drop to your palm, rub between your hands, and apply to your dry hair. Follow by using a flat-iron, et voilà! Sleek, straight, frizz-proof summer hair. A word to the wise: don't overdo it with the oils. It's a fine line between sleek and lacquered. 

Another go-to heat and humidity fighting product is Kérastase Elixir Ultime. My stylist uses this on my hair at the salon along with Kérastase Nectar Thermique, but I always worried it would be too light (i.e. frizz!) for me to use at home. Hey, it's not easy using a round brush on the back of your own head! I always loved how light and sexy my hair looked when I'd get a blowout at the salon, so I decided to give it a whirl at home on my own. I put the Nectar Thermique in the palm of my hand, use about 2-3 pumps of the Elixer Ultime, mix together and run through my hair with my fingers from roots to ends. While the process is pretty much the same as Moroccan Oil, the outcome is quite different. This definitely isn't for the 95+ degree humid NYC summer days, but works perfectly for Portland summers which are hot, but generally not humid. The scent is amazing, and it makes my hair smooth and bouncy. Definitely sexy, movie star hair. 

Now I'm going to talk about those summer days when you're sweating two minutes after walking outside. I'm talking to you, Northeast dwellers. The type of day where you just want to throw your hair up in a ponytail and forget about it. Davines No. 14 Sea Salt Primer is fantastic for taming waves and air drying on those days you just want to give up. I've had great success towel drying my hair, running a few pumps of either Moroccan Oil or Elixer Ultime, then liberally spritzing my locks all over with this Sea Salt Primer. It manages to give me beachy waves without being crunchy or stiff. I definitely advise "guiding" your waves with your fingers as it dries. If you see any (gasp) errant frizz, simply use a single pump of Elixer Ultime once your hair has dried. This will be my summer hair lifesaver this year. The Sea Salt Primer can also be used on dry hair, making it a perfect product post-swim or for touch-ups anytime. 

My verdict? All four products are fantastic, and all four serve different purposes depending on your preferences. They last so long that the prices are reasonable. I recommend mixing and matching and having fun with it. And don't forget cute headbands! They've become my summer hair crutch, and actually look really cute. Much more chic than a sloppy updo. Check out the hair accessories boutique at Henri Bendel for a massive selection with prices from $25. Something for everyone. 

- Moroccanoil is $43 for 3.4 fl. oz. and $16.60 for 0.85 fl. oz. 

- Kérastase Nectar Thermique is $42 for 5 fl. oz.

- Kérastase Elixie Ultime is $54 for 4.2 fl. oz.

- Davines N°14 Sea Salt Primer is available through salons only. I think I paid around $40 for an 8.45 fl. oz. bottle

Available at Moroccanoil, Kérastase, & Davines through salons click link for salon locator).