Bath & Body:
Dry Skin in Spring?
4/4/14

The flowers are starting to bloom, the trees are getting lush and green and...my allergies are wreaking havoc on my body! Well this is definitely a first for me. Outside of the typical runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes, I'm suddenly suffering from dry skin this Spring. The first area I noticed some dryness was on my arms, particularly my upper arms. My usual lotions and potions weren't cutting it, so I thought I'd share some successful, reasonably-priced products that relieved my dry skin.

First I switched to a natural and soothing body wash. So many shower gels and soaps can strip the skin of natural oils, which is especially problematic if you're already suffering from dry skin. I'd used Jurlique products before and consider it to be a solid natural beauty brand. Less expensive than Dr. Hauschka, they have a wide array of bath and body as well as facial products. I selected their Rose Shower Gel, and have been impressed. In case I haven't touted it enough by now, I'm a huge fan of products containing rose and believe in the healing powers of the rose. It's not just a fad or especially unique ingredient, but it is something I have been seeking out for quite some time. A little bit goes a long way on a bath sponge, and this healing and soothing shower gel leaves my skin hydrated and healthy.

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Kiehl's Crème de Corps body lotion has been my go-to dry skin reliever for years, but it couldn't cut the mustard this time. Their Superbly Restorative Argan Body Lotion contains Argan oil (from Morocco), which is widely used in skin and hair products for its repairative and hydrating properties. This lotion is a happy medium between a body lotion like Crème de Corps and a body oil. For those new to using body or facial oils, it's a great introduction. The rate at which my skin absorbs this lotion is astounding. My skin literally drinks this readily and it doesn't leave a messy residue or take awhile to fully absorb like some lotions can. I was sold after using this product once. My skin was instantly hydrated and healed. I happened to notice that one of the first ingredients listed is Squalane, something often found in facial skincare products.

My verdict? I don't believe in investing tons of money in body care products when there are so many fantastic, moderately-priced products available. Both products are my new go-to dry skin relievers. It's been quite awhile since I've stumbled upon such transformative bath & body products. Save the big bucks for your facial skincare. 

Jurlique Rose Shower Gel is $22 for just over 10 oz. Available at Julique online, Whole Foods and other natural stores. 

Kiehl's Superbly Restorative Argan Body Lotion is $38 for a 6.8 fl. oz. pump & $55 for a 16 fl. oz. Pump. Available in Kiehl's stores or Kiehl's online, and at retailers like Nordstrom & Neiman Marcus. 

Winter Body Care:
Kiehl's Creme de Corps Moisturizer &
Soy Milk & Honey Body Polish
1/24/14

In addition to changing my facial skincare routine for cold weather, I also change my body care products. During summer months, I use a lot of fresh citrus-scented products. Colder weather calls for a thicker, more intensive moisturizer and frequent exfoliation to keep my skin soft and hydrated. Creme de Corps is one of Kiehl's best sellers, with good reason. The rich body moisturizer is enriched with Beta-Carotene, Cocoa Butter, Sesame Oil and Squalane, which helps restore our skin's moisture balance. The cream is unscented and offered in a wide array of sizes, from travel-sized options to the 1 liter pump shown below. 

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The texture is thick, but smooth. While quite rich, it's readily absorbed by the skin and only takes a few minutes to fully absorb. Unlike most body butters, application is a breeze. I find most body butters to be thick and cumbersome, and often sit on top of the skin needing to be massaged in for proper absorption. This is fine for smaller areas like feet, but who wants to waste time and money on body butter everyday? Creme de Corps provides skin the moisture it craves all winter long. For those who like the idea of a body butter, Creme de Corps offers a Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter, which has a slightly sweet scent and isn't nearly as thick as a typical body butter. 

Unlike summer months, I exfoliate my skin in the shower at least 3-4 times a week. What better pairing than Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Body Polish? Honey, Shea Butter and Jojoba Oil are key to this gentle and effective body exfoliant. It leaves skin incredibly soft and primed to receive moisturizer. 

My verdict? This is a winning combination for soft, hydrated skin all winter long. With the wide array of sizes available, it's also travel and budget friendly. Thumbs up!

Creme de Corps is available in a wide array of sizes, from a 2.5 oz. bottle for $11 to a 1 liter pump (shown above) for $75. 

Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Body Polish is available in a 2.5 fl. oz. tube for $11, or an 6.8 fl. oz. tube (shown above) for $30.

Available at Kiehl's, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. 

Chantecaille Detox Clay Mask
1/5/14

Happy New Year! I haven't posted in quite a while, and I'm really excited about this new discovery. I've been a fan of Chantecaille for quite some time, and I can't believe I waited so long to try their clay mask. I regularly use and love their Jasmine and Lily Healing Mask and Fruit and Flower Acids Mask. 

I'd been using Kiehl's Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Masque, and had tried other clay masks like Aēsop's Primrose Facial Cleansing Masque but was disappointed. Sure, the Kiehl's mask worked well. But like most clay masks, it left my face feeling tight and would sometimes cause some redness if left on for too long. I'd avoided Chantecaille's clay mask purely because of the color - black. I knew my expensive, soft washcloths would be stained. I read review after review in global fashion and beauty publications with raves about this product. Alas, I could resist no longer.

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The small jar and somewhat sizable price tag concerned me at first glance. After cleansing my face, I began to apply the mask. I was pleasantly surprised by how smoothly and easily it was to apply, and how far such a little amount went. It felt cooling and soothing, and didn't dry like most clay masks. It has a pleasant, spa-like scent of rosemary and other natural ingredients. I expected my face to be charcoal or black, but it actually takes on somewhat of a dark, bluish hue. I waited the instructed 10 minutes before washing it off for the first time. If you've used clay masks, you know how difficult a task it can be to remove them. This mask is completely different. Just a soft washcloth and some warm water, and the mask easily and gently washed off my skin.

About the fourth or fifth use, I realized that 30 minutes had passed and I'd forgotten to wash the mask off. Even though I exceeded the instructed time of 10 minutes, my face wasn't tight whatsoever. None of the usual hard, tight clay mask woes. I believe the honey helps keep the mask from becoming too stiff and uncomfortable. Once again, a little warm water and a soft washcloth was all it took to remove the mask. It really tightens my pores and leaves my skin soft, smooth and glowing. Because it is a purifying or detoxifying mask, any tiny underlying pimples or imperfections immediately come to the surface and are magically gone the following morning. I had certainly never experienced this level of success with any other clay mask. Having both combination and reactive/sensitive skin, this is the ideal purifying mask. Gentle and effective. 

My verdict? The best clay/purifying mask on the market. Totally worth staining one of your best washcloths for. Chantecaille did it again!

Chantecaille Detox Clay Mask with Rosemary and Honey is $78 for a 1.7oz. jar. 

Available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Barneys. 

Travel-size Beauty

Travel-size Beauty
7/24/13

Whether it's a summer vacation or business travel, mini toiletries can be a woman's best friend- or a space-consuming, leaky nightmare. After many years of travel for both business and pleasure, I've learned a lot of tricks as well as some lessons the hard way. I've already revealed my quart-size Ziploc carry-on bag, which contains several items I don't need duplicates of, like rollerball perfume, eye cream, and lip balm. But what about all the other items, from the shower to styling your hair? I've had one too many mishaps with generic toiletry containers, so they're dead to me. 

Stores like Sephora make a killing off of travel-size items, with little value. It's taken me years to figure out the beauty of store samples, and which stores and brands offer the types of items I like to use. Kiehl's is incredibly generous with samples, particularly if you make a purchase (even small). I live for their deluxe-size shampoo, conditioner, and body wash samples. Many higher-end beauty brands like La Mer and La Prairie are quick to offer samples, since testing pricey products can eventually lead to a purchase of full-size items. Never order higher-end brands online, or you'll miss out on all the potential samples. They'll even make samples for you if they're out of what you want, and trust me when I tell you that their containers are far better than generic drugstore ones.

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One commonly overlooked travel savior is the Gift With Purchase or GWP. Half the reason I love the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is for the beauty sets, often complete with deluxe size GWPs. Both facial cleansers (Chantecaille and La Prairie), the La Prairie toner, and my La Mer samples (half of them, anyway) shown in the photo above were all GWPs that came with their respective beauty sets. It's a win/win if you already use the brands. Another place to score travel-size or deluxe size toiletries is hotels, of course. Heck yeah I take my daily Kiehl's supply when I stay at the Soho Grand, for instance. High-end hotels have high-end amenities, and you're paying a premium to stay there. Even mid-range hotels are offering nicer toiletries these days like Molton Brown and L'Occitane. If you're paying, it's hardly stealing. I've often had housekeeping leave extras in my room without asking for them. A tip helps!

I always like to bring a facial mask with me to rehydrate my skin after a long flight, and NARS Aqua Gel Luminous Mask is a reasonable size with a trusty closure. For my locks, I rely on my mini bottle of Moroccanoil that I refill from my full-size bottle, and blow dry shampoo to get the most out of my blowouts. Pretty much everything else is in my carry-on Ziploc. Then there's makeup, of course...but that's an entirely different bag. ;)

My verdict? You can never have too many travel-size favorites, no matter what the brand. And never, ever trust those empty plastic bottles they sell at drugstores or pack nail polish in your suitcase. Yes, that happened. 

Safe travels!

Pedi-Ready Summer Feet

7/2/13

While summer is full of sunshine, good times, and lots of mani/pedis, it's also a time when our hands and feet take abuse from the sun and our choice of open footwear. Sure, we feel minor relief for a brief while after a mani/pedi, but our poor hands and feet are craving real moisture shortly thereafter. Since our feet are exposed to the elements now more than any other season, they need extra TLC. A couple of friends have asked for my foot care beauty recommendations, so I thought I'd create a post on the subject. 

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I have two secret weapons that I use year-round to keep my hands and feet moisturized and healthy. Neither are new products, but both are staples in my skin and body care arsenal. First up we have the cult classic L'Occitane Certified Organic Pure Shea Butter, in a classic tin. While I've touted the smaller tin for nail and cuticle care, the larger tin was designed for daily use on larger areas, making it perfect for hands & feet. Some initially find the thick, slightly waxy texture off-putting. The trick is to start with a small amount, warm between your palms and apply to dry feet. It glides on rather easily once warmed, and is incredibly hydrating. I use a generous amount of this product nightly just before I go to sleep, massaging extra onto my toes and heels. 

While the L'Occitane may be enough, I don't stop there. Another one of my all-time favorite products from Kiehl's completes my nightly hand and foot regimen. Kiehl's Intensive Treatment & Moisturizer for Dry or Callused Areas is the perfect top layer to soften rough, parched skin. It also doubles as an amazing nighttime hand cream, and does wonders for the nails. I reserve this product solely for nighttime use, as it's incredibly rich and intensive, as the name implies. 

If your feet are very dry or cracked, I recommend using extra product in both steps above, followed by wearing loose-fitting chenille (or similar) socks over your feet to bed two to three times a week. I simply lie on top of my duvet and read for about 20 minutes until both products are mostly absorbed. Come morning, my feet are soft and ready to show off in summer shoes. Since both products are so intensive, I only recommend using them at night. L'Occitane offers a Shea Butter Foot Cream which is more appropriate for day use, as is Caudalie Foot Beauty Cream.

My verdict? If you need a boost of moisture but don't have overly dry feet, you'll likely be set with Kiehl's intensive moisturizer. If you're wearing open shoes, flip flops and the like, I highly recommend the power duo above. It's a winning combination. And don't forget to exfoliate with a pumice stone if you don't let the pros do your pedis! Like most other skin treatments, your feet will benefit from overnight treatment and healing. 

- L'Occitane Certified Organic Pure Shea Butter is $40 for a 4.9 oz. tin. 

- L'Occitane Shea Butter Foot Cream is $28 for a 5.2 oz. tube. 

- Kiehl's Intensive Treatment & Moisturizer for Dry or Callused Areas is $48 for an 8 oz. jar. 

And don't forget my favorite polishes: 
YSL & Chanel

Kiehl's 
Midnight Recovery Concentrate
6/24/13

While this product has been out for awhile, I was a late adopter. I recall a typical in-store visit at the sales counter paying for my things, when I began perusing the impulse counter beauty eye candy and asked my fave Kiehl's rep about the serum. Another customer was waiting to checkout, and insisted that it was amazing and she couldn't live without it. I took a couple of samples and decided to give it a whirl. Then I started seeing it pop up in fashion and beauty press, and I had to have it. I ultimately ended up buying the smaller, 1 oz. bottle to truly experience this "amazing" serum.

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The dropper top bottle is dark but has a translucency when held up to light, which I loved because it's often difficult to distinguish when you're running low on your products. I truly believe in potent, nighttime skincare products, and like that this serum was designed for overnight repair. I like to put a few drops on my fingertips and smooth onto my face, neck, and décolletage. Because it's chock full of natural oils, it has a thin oily consistency. I first found the oily texture off-putting, but I think it's a common misconception and myth with skincare products that oils=breakouts. Well, I've been using this product for over two months and am happy to report that I've been blemish free. The natural oils are also rather soothing before heading to bed. 

Upon application the skin is extremely hydrated. A little goes a long way, and in hot or humid weather some find no need for moisturizer after applying the serum. I wait about 30 minutes after application and use my beloved La Mer or a new night cream I'm trying out. I find that I'm using half as much La Mer, which is certainly cost-saving. Come morning, my skin is hydrated and glowing. I was hooked after my first week, and have since gotten various friends addicted as well. I love when products actually deliver on their promises. 

My verdict? I just bought my second bottle...in the larger size. This serum has become a staple in my nightly regimen, and the softness and glow in the morning is a welcome sight.

***Note: pick up free samples at your local Kiehl's. 

- Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate is $46 for the 1 oz. bottle & $70 for the 1.7 oz. bottle

Available at Kiehl's, Nordstrom, & Barneys.

Kiehl's Creme de Corps

Soy Milk & Honey Body Polish

6/17/13

You thought I was done with scrubs?! Heck no. While we tend to focus on facial skincare, we can't neglect the rest of our skin. As my dermatologist likes to remind me, "it's our body's largest organ!" Being a fair-skinned freckled redhead, I try to protect my pale self as much as possible. While I use body scrub all year, the most critical seasons are summer and winter, when our skin is crying out for extra TLC. 

I've tried at least a dozen body scrubs over the years, and it's amazing how much the products can vary. I used Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish for several years, but didn't like the sloppy application and mess that poor packaging causes. Definitely not travel-friendly, and barely shower-friendly.

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I was introduced to this scrub during a visit to my local Kiehl's. I'm fortunate to have an amazing rep at the Portland store who rarely steers me wrong. I immediately liked the packaging, as it's extremely travel-friendly. The consistency is creamy, with ground Luffa Fruit for exfoliation. It's incredibly gentle even on dry, sensitive, and sunburned skin. The scent is refreshing and relaxing thanks to yummy ingredients like almond oil. I use this scrub on my entire body (except my neck and face), and rinse off without the aid of a washcloth. It rinses off fairly easily, unlike many other body scrubs. I particularly like to exfoliate my legs prior to shaving for extra-soft, silky gams. You'll immediately notice softer skin the moment you step out of the bath or shower. Skin is primed for moisture, and I like to apply Kiehl's Creme de Corps after use for added moisture. 

This product is simple and effective. Use in the bath or shower 2-3 times a week for soft and fresh skin. Ladies, I must reiterate the benefit of using this scrub before shaving your legs. Fewer (if any) nicks and cuts, and your legs will be insanely soft. Also, the scent lingers. :)

My verdict? The best body scrub under $50. I've tried scrubs costing 2-3 times as much that don't work half as well. Unsure? Grab a sample at your local Kiehl's. 

Kiehl's Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Body Polish is $30 for a 6.8 oz. tube, and $11 for a 2.5 oz. tube (smaller size available in-store and online at Nordstrom). 

Available at: Kiehl's, Nordstrom, & Neiman Marcus.