Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturizer 
6/19/13

If you haven't tried any Perricone MD products, chances are you've heard of a few. I wrote a post about his magical Blue Plasma, and had high hopes for the other products. I'm currently using some other Perricone MD goodies, but today I'm sharing my experience with the Face Finishing Moisturizer or 'FFM' as brand loyalists refer to it. 

The Perricone Philosophy is costly and rigid, as we're not simply talking skincare here. There's an anti-inflammatory diet component, nutritional supplements, and skincare, of course. The diet resembles the Mediterranean diet with minor tweaks. The supplements (which he sells) run about $150 a month. Then there's the Clinical Skincare component. Needless to say, I don't subscribe to the full lifestyle. A girl needs a filet mignon, some wine, and dessert. I just jump right to the skincare component, which is focused on anti-aging products. I do take non-Perricone vitamins C, D, E, a multi-vitamin, and Nordic Naturals Omega 3-6-9. 

(click photo to enlarge)

While much of the line offers products for more mature skin or severe premature aging (deep-set wrinkles, sagging necklines, etc), there are several targeted at women in our 30's and early 40's with first signs of aging. That said, this product falls into that category - much like Blue Plasma and his pore treatments. The anti-aging ingredients include Alpha Lipoic Acid, DMAE, and Vitamin C Ester. 

This moisturizer offers the usual anti-aging promises, from decreased fine lines to increased radiance and hydration, and minimized pores. It's also listed as having a "delicate rose scent." I'd describe the scent as "fishy with a hint of rose." We need to accept that Perricone products are "fishy," and tolerate it in the best products. It actually fades after an hour or so. Unfortunately, this moisturizer doesn't agree with my skin. For whatever reason, the moisturizer begins to ball up and flake off which has only happened to me with 2 other products (non-Perricone eye creams). I have no idea what causes this, but it's really a bummer. It may be interacting with my Lancôme Visionnaire serum which I refuse to give up. I could tolerate the fishy/rose scent if the product would stay on! That said, your skin may take better to this product. I like that it comes with a spoon to keep the jar germ-free, and the price is reasonable in comparison to similar products. I've spoken with Dr. Perricone on several occasions and he's always happy to refund or exchange products. It's a shame, because I loved that it's lightweight, non-greasy, and the texture is cooling and soft. Very pleasant to apply. 

My verdict? Definitely a case of personal misfortune. I recommend picking up samples and giving it a try, as I believe this problem is potentially related to my other products. Perricone rocks it out with other products, so don't let my experience turn you away. I can barely remember life before Blue Plasma, and the other Perricone products I'm trying right now work, without issue. Note: all but two Perricone products are paraben-free, including those mentioned in this post. 

Perricone MD Face Finishing Mosturizer is $69 for a 2 oz. jar. 

Sephora offers a 4 oz. jar for $99.

Available at Perricone MD, Nordstrom, & Sephora. 

Perricone MD Blue Plasma
6/3/13

A non-acidic daily peel that's non-irritating and only targets and removes dead skin cells? Well who the heck wants dead skin cells chillin' on their face? I had to give this relatively new (released in 12/12) daily peel a go. I've had mixed results with another Perricone MD product, but had read raves about this new miracle peel. I've tried various home peel/exfoliating products over the past year or more, so I have a solid basis for comparison. 

One has to accept that Perricone MD products all have a "fishy" smell, particularly during application. This product contains salmon egg enzymes, which gently removes dead skin cells. The good news is that my nighttime serum and moisturizer mostly mask this scent, which seems to dissipate on its own after a little while regardless. That said, I recommend skipping it on date night. Because of this killer exfoliation, the only Retinol or Retinoid products I use are now solely reserved for my eye area. I won't bore you with the rest of the ingredients. I'll sum them up as intensive yet gentle, and optimal for all skin types and those seeking a brighter, smoother, more even complexion. I have normal/combination skin, and always have a slight paranoia that a new product will cause a breakout in the dreaded T-zone. I've had no problems on my fair and somewhat sensitive Irish skin. After experiencing irritation with another facial peel fairly recently, I was pleasantly surprised by the gentle yet effective nature of Blue Plasma.

Inside the box you'll find the coveted blue bottle with a screw cap, as well as a dropper for application. Usage instructions call for application once daily. I've chosen to add this peel to my nightly regimen, as I'm a firm believer in nighttime healing. After cleansing, use the dropper (about the amount shown above on the bottom right), apply directly to the face and smooth on. Allow a few moments for it to dry, and continue with your regular nightly regimen. Do not rinse off. I then apply my night serum, night moisturizer (Crème de la Mer), and eye cream. This is the first peel I've used that doesn't require rinsing, proving the gentle nature of the product. Most peels require being thoroughly rinsed off after about 3-5 minutes. After the first few nights, my skin was noticeably smoother and brighter. It seems to give my other skincare products a boost, which is pretty darn cool. 

Perricone MD also has outstanding, personable customer service. I've exchanged several private Twitter messages with Dr. Perricone and he's always quick to respond with helpful answers to my questions regarding which products are best suited for my skin type, what to use when, etc). Love that he personally manages his own Twitter account. I recently opened a drawer in my bathroom where I keep my current day and night products to find that the bottle's dropper top had leaked the blue, fishy, pricey miracle peel all over the place (photo of old, defective bottle above). Needless to say, I was rather upset between the cleanup and loss of product. I sent an email to customer service on the Perricone MD website explaining the faulty top and frustrating experience, and they immediately shipped me a replacement free of charge. Excellent customer service is so rare these days, and was greatly appreciated. If you intend to keep this in a drawer as I did, I recommend standing it upright or using the screw top. Lesson learned!

My verdict? Gentle, effective, and completely worth the money. I imagine the bottle will last about three months. Far gentler than any other home peel products I've tried, and it delivers on its promises. Gotta love it!

2 oz. bottle is $95. 

Available at Perricone MD, Nordstrom, & Sephora.