La Prairie

Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Lift Cream

2/24/14

I would be remiss not to post about this coveted, luxury eye cream after my review of La Mer's 'The Eye Balm Intense'. Since I've found myself ensconced in La Prairie over the past year, I purchased their Skin Caviar Lifting Luxuries Set, which included a full size jar of this eye cream. The packaging is gorgeous and in keeping with the Skin Caviar line with its blue glass jar, metallic cap and trim with spoon holder for the signature La Prairie embossed spoon. Lovely on any vanity tray. But what does it do?

Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Lift Cream promises to solve all of our eye area woes. True to its name, it promises to help restore firmness and elasticity, deeply moisturize the eye area and reduce the look of dark circles and puffiness. That's a tall order! I find the cream to be quite rich, and have been using it solely at night. It's too rich for eye makeup, and could easily turn mascara into a hot mess. I prefer the benefits and texture of La Mer 'The Eye Balm Intense' for day use, as it's both cooling and lighter in texture. 

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After cleansing and toning, I start with La Prairie Essence of Skin Caviar Eye Complex, which is a fancy name for a highly-effective eye serum. Since most eye creams shouldn't be applied to eyelids, the serum is a necessity for me. A little bit goes a long way with this rich cream, which helps ease the sticker shock. Just less than 1/4 of a spoon is enough for the entire eye area, including between and above the brows and from the sides to the hairline, as well as below the eyes. I always apply eye area treatments before facial serums and creams, or they tend to pill or flake. 

I honestly didn't notice much of a difference until about three weeks after beginning the treatment, and I'm still somewhat on the fence. It's certainly hydrating, and my eye area is still dewy in the morning. Bonus points there, since moisture prevents wrinkles. I don't have puffiness (knock on wood), so I can't comment on that. As far as lifting and firming benefits, I think I'm too young to truly reap the benefits this luxury cream offers. Sure, it's delightfully hydrating and I have seen fine lines vanish. But is it worth it?

My verdict? Although it looks lovely on my vanity and hydrates my eye area through the night, I think those with deeper wrinkles and puffiness would benefit more from this cream. I imagine I'll revisit this cream in about a decade - and I'll be happily using it up - but I'm going to start using my beloved La Mer 'The Eye Balm Intense' both day and night. It's about $125 cheaper and addresses my needs at present. 

La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Lift Cream is $310 for a .68 oz. jar. 

Available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. 

La Mer
The Eye Balm Intense
1/19/14

Every winter I change certain skincare products to combat dry skin. I generally reintroduce Crème de la Mer during the day, as well as The Eye Balm Intense. Although I no longer live in a cold climate, my combination skin is both sensitive and reactive, and my allergies can affect my eye area. I've been using La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Lift Cream at night, but I find it too heavy for day use. Enter The Eye Balm Intense. 

La Mer offers two eye creams, both containing the famed Miracle Broth that made Crème de la Mer famous. I've used both, and this product is by far my favorite. The Eye Balm Intense contains three versions of the Miracle Broth, and promises to reduce puffiness and diminish fine lines and wrinkles, while The Eye Concentrate is billed as targeting dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles. Sounds easy enough to choose, right? Not so much. I don't have any puffiness (knock on wood) and I can get small dark circles with poor sleep and allergies, but I prefer The Eye Balm Intense. The Eye Concentrate is thinner, and my eye area doesn't feel as hydrated as it does when I use The Eye Balm Intense. "Balm" is somewhat of a misnomer, as it's technically a soft cream, and isn't so heavy that you can't wear makeup over it. It's thicker than The Eye Concentrate, but melts into skin. No problems using under-eye concealer with this product, and you'll use far less of it. 

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Both eye creams are applied with the silver-tipped applicator, which cools the skin and improves micro-circulation. I can't say enough good things about the cooling, metal applicator which is even more gentle than applying cream with your ring finger. While I don't have puffiness, I love the improved circulation in the eye area, which also aids in keeping dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles at bay. Those who do have puffiness will appreciate the cool metal in aiding circulation. This cream also provides a lifting effect, making skin more taut and youthful. 

The light cucumber scent is pleasant and soothing. The Eye Balm Intense maintains hydration all day long, without the need for reapplication. That said, it's also not overkill or greasy. I have used this eye cream for years, and apply Crème de la Mer over it to boost effectiveness. Crème de la Mer is one of very few moisturizers you can apply to your entire eye area, gently locking in moisture. 

My verdict? This eye cream has maintained cult status for good reason. Not only is it incredibly effective at hydrating the eye area and preventing puffiness and wrinkles, but you can also apply your concealer without concern. It's just that good. Comparable eye treatments can cost you nearly $300 or more, yet don't come close to this cult favorite.

La Mer The Eye Balm Intense is $185 for a .5 oz. jar. 

Available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus & Barneys. 

La Prairie
Essence of Skin Caviar Eye Complex
9/30/13

Few skincare products actually provide immediate, jaw-dropping results. I did expect results over time, since the La Prairie Skin Caviar line has yet to disappoint. I'd read and heard that this product was a must-have, and of course I was happy to give it a whirl. I'm intrigued by eye serums, and noticed there are very few products you can apply to the delicate eyelid area. Until I started using this serum, I used various eye creams on my eye area but only Clarins  Eye Contour Gel on my eyelids since it was a listed usage. So sure, I had that eye gel and the Chantecaille Vital Essence Serum, but was unsure what to expect from an actual eye serum. Oh. My. Goodness. 

The tiny bottle is in keeping with the rest of the Skin Caviar line, with blue glass and a silver top. The bottle is small, at 0.5 oz. I immediately noticed the slight transparency which I love, since I can tell when I'm running low. I tried it for the first time at night, applying tiny dots under the eye, between the exterior corner of the eye and the hairline, on the eyelid, and a long drop/line between the brows. I repeated this process on the other eye, and gently began to pat the serum into my skin. It absorbs rather quickly, but I loved the amount of control I had over the amount the dropper dispensed. The consistency is light but thick enough to stay put until I'm ready to smooth over each area. 

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I quite literally couldn't believe my eyes. My eye area was immediately toned and taut, firmed and smoothed. Fortunately I don't suffer from under-eye puffiness, but I can only imagine the miracles this product would work for that. My eyelids were smooth yet firmed, and the tiny fine lines in the outer corners and underneath my eye area were gone. They vanished before my eyes, no pun intended. I finished with the Cellular Eye Contour Cream, and hit the sack. 

Come morning, my eye area still looked like I'd had an eye lift- in a good way. I reapplied the serum after my shower and morning skincare regimen, and experienced the same mind-blowing results. I use a lighter eye cream during the day, and the results lasted well into the night. You can really use any high-quality eye cream you like over this serum. It made my eye makeup application much easier, almost acting like a primer. My eyes reflect the light, but more importantly the serum WORKS. It's not just smoke and mirrors. 

My verdict? I can't believe I didn't know about this miracle serum sooner. Skincare is my thing, and anything that helps keep my skin in tiptop shape without needing to mask it with foundation or powder makes me happy. Botox in a bottle? Well, I certainly won't need that help with fine lines or wrinkles anytime soon. Anything that can make me look younger, more refreshed and alert without medical intervention is a gift. I won't be going without this serum! Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Lift Cream (recommended accompanying eye cream) is next. Results to follow soon!

La Prairie Essence of Skin Caviar Eye Complex is $135 for a 0.5 oz. bottle. 

Available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. 

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. 

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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. 

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. 

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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.

Lash Primers

Diorshow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum

7/10/13

It took me quite some time to buy into the whole "lash primer" thing before I decided to give it a try. I'd received a deluxe sample of Lancôme's Cils Booster XL Super Enhancing Mascara Base, and what better time to try something than when it's free? While my go-to mascara is by Dior, I figured it was worth a shot. I noticed that my mascara actually stayed put with the Lancôme primer! I managed to get through a hot day without mascara anywhere it shouldn't be. You know, like under your eyes or on your eyelids. Not a good look. 

Since I liked the results so much, I ordered Dior's Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum. That's a mouthful. I read the information and it's essentially Dior's primer with "extras," which include a laundry list of promises, including promoting long-term lash growth, strength, vitality, priming, plumping, and lengthening. Those are some pretty lofty promises. Frankly, I really just want a primer that will give something for my mascara to bind to, and provide extra staying power. That said, I wouldn't mind longer, stronger, plumper lashes! Bring it. 

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I never leave home without mascara and under-eye concealer, so I took my new miracle lash primer/serum out of the box and began my routine. First, the under-eye concealer and curling my lashes with my beloved Shu Uemura eyelash curler. I then opened my new primer and pulled out the wand. Like the Lancôme sample I'd tried, the brush and product were both white, but I immediately notified that the Diorshow Maximixer had a pointy tip, unlike their mascaras. The brush tip doesn't have bristles, so it appears to suffer from poor design. 

I then began application utilizing the same method I did with the Lancôme sample primer as well as years of mascara application. The goal is to apply evenly, while concentrating on the base of the lashes for added volume. To my dismay, the new primer/serum/eyelash wonder didn't apply evenly or easily. I actually found myself combing the product through my lashes before applying mascara. I generally comb through lashes between mascara coats but never with a primer, albeit my second try. I allowed the primer/serum/mystery product to dry and applied two coats of my usual favorite mascara (Diorshow BlackOut). It didn't go on at all smoothly, and I'm sad to report that mascara did most definitely not stay put. This was incredibly disheartening since I'd had such success with a free sample. 

My verdict? I'm buying a full-size bottle of Lancôme's primer. It glides on and keeps my mascara, well, on my lashes - unlike Diorshow's primer. I'll be sticking with Diorshow Black Out mascara for now, and am sad to have paid for a useless and pricey product. Use those samples! You never know when you'll discover a great product. 

Diorshow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum is $28.50 a bottle. 

Lancôme Cils Booster XL Super-Enhancing Mascara Base is $24 a bottle. 

Diorshow Black Out Mascara is $25 a bottle. 

All are available through Sephora and Nordstrom. 

Concealers

The Good, the Bad & the So-so
7/3/13

Concealers are one of those dreaded makeup necessities every woman I know owns. No one enjoys buying them, and it's often difficult to find the perfect match. And let's face it- no woman wants to admit she needs it. Buying concealer means admitting we have flaws to cover, and who wants to admit that? Flaws aside, I've gone through my fair share of concealers over the years, and my needs have changed with age. In my 20's and early 30's, I used them to hide the occasional blemish. Now that I'm (gasp) 37, I need help covering some under-eye circles. I'm lucky if I can string together two hours of sleep these days, so anything that can hide my lack of sleep is preferred. 

First up are regular (non under-eye) concealers. It's somewhat shocking how much each brand's lightest color varies. I'm always the lightest shade given my pale Irish skin, and the last thing I want is something too beige or with yellow undertones. My very first concealer to hide those unsightly blemishes was Laura Mercier Secret Concealer. Surprisingly, it's still my go-to for covering a blemish. It comes in a pot and requires a little brush (I highly recommend her concealer brush for $26), but it covers effortlessly. It's thicker, and while they claim it can be used on the under-eye area, I cringe at the notion. It's simply too thick for such delicate skin. Definitely worth the money for the concealer and the brush. 

Left to right: Laura Mercier Secret Concealer (#1), Dior 'Diorskin - Nude' Skin Perfecting Hydrating Concealer (#001), Chanel Stylo Éclat Lumière Highlighter Face Pen (#10), & YSL 'Touche Éclat' Radiant Touch (#1)

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Diorskin Nude is another concealer, but can be used to cover blemishes as well as the under-eye area. It's much lighter than Laura Mercier, though it also requires a brush for application. I purchased the Dior 'Backstage' Concealer Brush ($24) and have mixed feelings. I haven't had any blemishes lately to test this on, but I use a tiny amount of concealer on my old nose ring scar. Laura Mercier steals the show here. I religiously wear Clarins Eye Contour Gel prior to applying any eye makeup for both anti-aging purposes as well as ease of application. The last thing you want is concealer looking obvious or highlighting flaws. As far as the under eye application, it's so-so. I think it would definitely benefit from some powder foundation on top to set it. Unfortunately (or, fortunately thanks to many years of skincare), I don't use foundation. If your circles are very faint, this could work for you. The consistency was nice, and it's rather light reflecting for a regular concealer. It's just not enough coverage for my eye area. 

Now onto my most important makeup weapon: under-eye concealer. The one thing that can veil a poor night's sleep AND brighten your whole face. Most "pen" concealers double as highlighter pens. Not only do they conceal any under-eye scariness, they also open up the entire eye area and give the skin a radiant glow. Nothing wrong with that! My first concealer/highlighter pen was Chanel's Éclat Lumière. They've changed the formula throughout the years, and I'm sad to report that their updated version of my shade (#10, the lightest) and it's no longer flattering since it doesn't blend well. The pen dispenses product by twisting the bottom. The color, texture, and new formula just aren't for me. 

Then we have YSL Touche Éclat, which is also in pen form and doubles as a concealer and highlighter. I literally can't live without this product. I keep extras all over the place, from my TSA-approved travel Ziploc, to my handbag, and even my car. The consistency is light yet blends easily and offers great coverage. Under-eye circles? Not with this trusty miracle pen. Not only does it blend, conceal and highlight like no other, it's designed to apply on the go. The product is easily dispensed by clicking the black bottom until you've reached the desired amount. I dot the product from my inner-eye area, dot an inverted triangle under my immediate eye area, and finish with a dot or two on the exterior corners of my eyes. The triangle method eases the blending process, and adding dots to the corners of your eyes completely opens them up so you look refreshed and well rested. It's truly that good. 

My verdict? For a small blemish or two, you cant go wrong with Laura Mercier. For genuinely amazing under-eye coverage and brightening, you simply can't do better than YSL's Touche Éclat. Trust the girl who can't sleep well. It'll be our little secret. 

- Laura Mercier Secret Concealer is $22 a pot.
- Dior 'Diorskin - Nude' Skin Perfecting Hydrating Concealer is $30 a tube. 
- Chanel Stylo Éclat Lumière Highlighter Face Pen is $40.
- YSL Touche Éclat Radiant Touch is $40. 

All are available at Nordstrom. 

Shu Uemura Faves
6/11/13

For many years, Shu Uemura was a somewhat obscure beauty brand with a single must-have product that was splashed in magazines from Vogue to US Weekly: the eyelash curler. Pretty much every fashion editor and starlet raved about the curler, which has since gained global cult status. 

Shu Uemura was raised in Japan and began his journey into the world of beauty through Japanese film and TV. After leaving Japan for the U.S., he contributed his talent and passion in films such as Geisha, starring Shirley MacLaine. Stars and filmmakers took notice, and he started his brand with a single product (cleansing oil) in the 60's. I imagine Hollywood stars loved and trusted Mr. Uemura to create a product that thoroughly removed heavy-duty film makeup, and left the skin moisturized. After researching him and the company's history for this post, I'm drawn to his philosophy, which was classic and timeless: "Beautiful makeup starts with beautiful skin." 

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After purchasing my first Shu Uemura eyelash curler, I immediately knew it wasn't just hype. My puny, seemingly nonexistent blonde lashes (curse of the redheads) were instantly transformed and primed for mascara application. Where the heck did these lashes comes from?! And the perfect curl?? I was hooked. A limited-edition gold version was all the rage, and of course I had to have it. Sadly, eyelash curlers should be replaced about every six months. They naturally get bent, and no longer provide the same perfect results. Fortunately, the curlers are $20. We're talking $3 + change a month for gorgeous lashes. Each box contains a shiny new curler and a replacement silicone pad, as they wear out faster than the curlers (replace the pad after three months). 

I once popped into Barneys while living in Manhattan to purchase a replacement curler. The sales associate remarked on my unique eye color <blush> and how the Eye Lights pencil would really "open them up." The pencil is double-sided, with matte and pearl whites. She began in the corner of my eyes with the white side, and gradually smoothed the pencil up to the innermost corner of my eyelid. She then flipped the pencil around and used the pearl side on the lower corner underneath my eyes, just to the beginning of my lashes. I looked in the mirror and was blown away. This doesn't happen often. It literally changed how I do my eye makeup to this very day. My face lit up (no pun intended), and I get compliments about this liner/eye highlighter frequently. It takes just a few moment to make your eyes look gorgeous with the curler, the Eye Lights highlighter and some mascara. See bottom right photo (above) in which I used both the curler and pencil with Diorshow Black Out mascara. 

Intrigued yet? Well there's good news and bad news for those of us in the U.S. The good news is the products rock and you can order them...online. The bad news is L'Oréal (the evil empire who repeatedly acquires brands I love and makes poor decisions), pulled the brand out of all but seventeen countries- leaving U.S. residents without tangible products to check out in person. While the ability to purchase online is a relief to brand devotees, they've handicapped themselves to new consumers who don't have access to samples or the retail experience. What girly girl doesn't love a makeup counter?! Oh well. You can purchase my favorites on their website. And check out the rest of the brand. I'm placing the cleansing oil and some lip gloss into my online cart as we speak! Both are supposed to rock hard. They're also known for their false lashes, but I've yet to venture down that beauty path. For those of you who know me well, imagine for a moment me working with glue around my eyes. Yeah, no. 

My verdict? I've tried pretty much every dept. store brand's eyelash curlers from MAC to Chanel, and nothing even comes close. If you buy one product, this should be it. If you like the effect of the Eye Lights Pencil, I highly recommend it as well, and it lasts me nearly a full year with daily use. 

- Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler is $20 and includes an extra silicone pad
- Shu Uemura Eye Light Pencil (White) is $19

Both available through Shu Uemura.