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. 

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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. 

Facial Sunscreen

Clarins UV PLUS HP SPF 40 Day Screen

7/8/13

Sunscreen. It's one of those health and beauty items we use because we know we have to in order to protect our skin from the sun's harmful rays. Nothing good comes from unprotected skin, from melanoma to premature aging. As a fair-skinned Irish redhead, I'm a firm believer in the benefits of SPF 30 as a bare minimum, which is easy to find when seeking body protection. Heck, they even make an SPF 100 now (overkill, but hey). While there are a bounty of options available for high SPF body care, options are very limited when it comes to facial protection. A lot of brands add sunblock to all types of beauty products, from foundation to moisturizers with added sunscreen. I don't wear foundation, and don't wear much more than serums on hot summer days, leaving me with very few options. I also find that moisturizers with added sunscreen are not only heavy, but leave my skin feeling greasy and prone to breakouts. Enter Clarins. 

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I first bought this product a couple of years ago online. I expected not to like it, since I've struggled with many SPF products on my face. This sunscreen was a fantastic surprise, for several reasons. It's oil-free so you don't have to worry about looking greasy or having it cause a breakout, it provides UVA/UVB protection with 100% mineral filters, AND it's SPF 40! If you wear foundation, BB/CC creams or any other makeup, simply apply this SPF before your makeup. For me, I love the fact that I no longer have to wear moisturizers with SPF instead of moisturizers I actually like. On cooler days or during the winter, I cleanse, tone, use my day serum (followed by another product I'll be revealing shortly), apply my moisturizer of choice, and finish with this SPF before any makeup application. No more suffering through greasy moisturizers to protect my skin! I also apply this to my neck and décolletage, as I do with my serums and moisturizers. 

One of my favorite things about this product is the packaging. There's a ball inside that mixes the SPF when you shake it prior to application. Then there's the small tip that provides control while dispensing the product (you squeeze the bottle) so it doesn't come rushing out at once. Control over your skincare is a good thing. This product allows you to choose which makeup and moisturizer, if any, you want while providing a high level of SPF protection. Gotta love that. 

My verdict? An oil-free SPF 40 designed for the face that's applied after your normal skincare and before your regular makeup? Not needing to change any of the skincare products or makeup you love while simply using this as an invisible shield is fantastic. I've been using this for about two years and can't imagine using any other sunscreen on my face and neck. A definite year-round staple. 

Clarins UV Plus HP SPF 40 Day Screen is $25 for a 1 oz. bottle and $40 for a 1.7 oz. bottle.

Available in both sizes at Nordstrom. 

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. 

Day Eye Treatments:
Shiseido Benefiance Intensive Eye Contour Cream
& Clarins Eye Contour Gel

Ah, eye creams. My first official non-drugstore skincare product was Kiehl's Avocado Eye Cream that I purchased in high school and applied day and night. Sure, it seemed a little odd for a teenager to be dabbing eye cream on in the rear-view mirror or restroom at school. But my mother taught me well, and am I ever glad she did! At 37 years old, I'm happy to report that my skin is nearly wrinkle-free. Clearly this isn't without effort! Over the past 20 years I've tried all kinds of eye creams, gels, and serums. As my skin changes, my products evolve. 

For those laid back days when I'm just hanging out at home, or running errands whilst hiding under massive sunglasses, I love Shiseido. If I'm not wearing eye makeup, I prefer something richer and more hydrating than a gel- unless it's humid. I've been through about ten or so day eye creams over the past year or so, and was blown away by Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Intensive Eye Contour Cream ($55). It's incredibly rich and reduces existing wrinkles while preventing future ones. The jar comes with an applicator spoon, keeping the cream germ-free (just wash the spoon in hot, soapy water). I remember thinking that the spoon was rather small when I first saw it, but realized why after my first application. A little bit of this ultra rich cream goes a long way, saving product and making it truly cost effective. I've been using this cream for over a month, and foresee it lasting 4-6 months easily. Additionally, you could absolutely wear this eye cream at night, given its rich texture and healing and preventative properties. I use a combination of two products at bedtime that I'm hooked on that are night-specific. Again, I wouldn't hesitate recommending this product for nightly use. The cream is also great between the exterior corners of the eyes and hairline, and above and between the brows. It has a very light, barely noticeable scent. For the price, it beats eye creams I've tried at 2-3 times as much.

Choosing an eye treatment for daytime use can be tricky, particularly if you wear eye makeup during the summer and in humid environments. I'm talking to you, NYC. I wear deep black volumizing mascaras and often use eyeliner, so I need something light but effective. Going without any anti-aging eye product? Perish the thought. Fortunately, I found Clarins Eye Contour Gel ($35). It promises to reduce puffiness, diminish dark circles, soften and hydrate. I'm happy to report that it delivers most of its promises and is perfect under makeup, including under-eye concealer and eye shadow. I love that I can use this product all over the eye area, including the eyelids. I keep mine in the fridge which is ultra refreshing during application, particularly on hot and muggy days. It comes in a small tube with a thin tip, so no germ worries. It rids the eyes of any puffiness and feels ultra soothing straight out of the fridge, and dries rather quickly, helping expedite my makeup application. I'm also thrilled that the gel formula doesn't leave me with mascara under my eyes or on my eyelids by day's end, which many cream formulas do. It's unscented, gentle, and effective. Raccoon eyes be gone! 

My verdict? Use the Shiseido cream on days without makeup and at night (if you choose) to avoid the expense of purchasing a separate night eye cream. Use the Clarins gel under makeup to avoid eye makeup smudging, and in warmer, humid weather. Both products are incredibly effective and very reasonably priced for the quality. 

- Clarins Eye Contour Gel is $35 for 0.7 oz.
- Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Intensive Eye Contour Cream is $55 for 0.5 oz.

Both available at Nordstrom, Sephora, & Bloomingdales. 

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.