La Mer:
The Concentrate
8/12/14

Although I'd received small samples of this wonder serum over the years, I never really understood how or why I should use The Concentrate. While I've been a devout fan of the original Crème de la Mer and The Eye Balm Intense since my college years (completely my roommate's fault), this product was a complete mystery to me. The problem with La Mer products is that they're like potato chips and Chanel nail polishes – you can't have just one. I went from using the original Crème de la Mer to using The Eye Balm Intense, then The Hand Treatment, The Lip Balm, The Cleansing Foam, The Hydrating Infusion, The Mist, and so on and so forth. I won't continue my embarrassingly long list. You get the idea.

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I'm now knee-deep in The Concentrate, and lemme tell ya – it's true love. Sure, it was created by a scientist to help heal burns and skin wounds and all sorts of scary skin ailments. Now imagine what it does for healthy skin. That's right. We're talking flawless. Heaven for an admitted skincare perfectionist. Any teeny tiny fine lines I had? Gone. A hint of an old scar? Gone. All flaws gone! Aside from banishing any minor imperfections, my skin has never looked better. My pores are minuscule, any redness or unevenness in skintone is immediately corrected, and my skin is glowing. I would bathe in the stuff if I could. I've even taken to applying it around my eye area prior to applying either the Crème de la Mer (safe for use on the eye area, including eyelids) or under my eye cream. I also apply it on my neck and décolletage, of course. 

My verdict? Worth every penny. Whether you have scars and your skin needs TLC or simply want to use The Concentrate as an omg, endless compliment-inducing skin miracle, you can't go wrong. There's no other product like it. Is it overkill for people with great skin? Sure. But there is no shame in my game. My skin may be pretty darn flawless, but this is my secret weapon to keeping it that way– and I do enjoy the compliments. ;)

La Mer 'The Concentrate' is $425 for a 1.7 oz. bottle, & $325 for a 1 oz. bottle. 

Available at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Barneys & La Mer online. 

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. 

Toners: 
Why Two Can Be Better Than One
11/6/13

Toners are finally in the spotlight, and with good reason. Many women I know skip this step, because the benefits of using a toner have long been unclear and often misunderstood. I consider toner a multipurpose product, from an extension of cleansing and removal of all cleanser, dead skin cells and makeup cleansers can leave behind (especially for ladies who wear foundation), to preparing skin to best accept treatments like serums and moisturizers. Many of today's toners take it a step further, from minimizing pores to fading spots and reducing shine, offering more benefits than ever before. The New York Times took notice of a few standouts, including one I'll be talking about here.  

I've always struggled choosing just the right toner, and settled until a mere month ago. Like most people, I have combination skin. My nose and chin can be oily while the rest of my face is normal/dry, drier during cooler months. My forehead and cheeks crave moisture, while I keep blotting papers around for when my nose and chin get shiny. I've easily used over a dozen different toners since college, and none met all my skin's needs. Many were too drying or harsh (astringent toners) and would even make my cheeks bright red from irritation. Others were too gentle, and didn't clean my pores as much as I like. After years of trial and error it finally occurred to me that I shouldn't force any one toner on my skin if it didn't meet all of my needs. So I selected a toner for my normal/dry areas and another for my normal/oily areas and gave the new regimen a whirl. 

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Since I've been using La Prairie as my primary skincare brand, I selected two toners from their lineup of four. First up was the Cellular Refining Lotion (blue) for my normal/dry areas and my neck. This alcohol-free toner is very gentle and leaves my skin soft and refreshed, ready for serum and moisturizer both morning and night. It's very lightly fragranced, and manages to be both gentle and effective. It has a water-like consistency and is easily applied with a cotton round. I highly recommend Swisspers, which are inexpensive and gentle. From La Prairie:

• Gently tones and refreshes the skin
• Soothes the skin while it helps minimize pores
• Helps retexturize and smooth the skin
• Rinses away final traces of makeup and impurities that may remain after cleansing

Next was the new and popular Cellular Oil Control Tonic (green) for my nose and chin which tend to be on the oily side. This product has earned raves from W to the New York Times, and I was very excited to try this unique "tonic." The consistency took me by surprise, as it's somewhat gel-like yet can be applied with cotton rounds. It took a day or so to get the hang of how much to apply since it's so different from any toner I've ever used. Once I got into the swing of things, I noticed results from the very first day. I no longer reach for blotting papers several times a day, and I actually rid my chin of the pesky pimple that plagues me once a month. This toner is also alcohol-free and incredibly gentle and soothing while eliminating shine. From La Prairie:

Treats major signs of aging and imperfections while controlling excess oil and shine.

Balances oil and moisture content with smart technology.

Refines the skin’s surface, fades imperfections and evens skin tone while increasing overall luminosity.

Diffuses visible light to reduce the appearance of fine lines and imperfections.

After 21 days of continued use, shown to be as effective as 4% glycolic acid.

How cool is that?! While I'm writing about toners I'm currently using, I've learned to treat my skin's specific needs, and not force one toner or product on my entire face. This idea will work with many other brands that offer options for your skin's needs. Regardless of price, using toners that are suited for your skin's varying needs makes a tremendous difference. I plan to use a couple more reasonably-priced toners soon, as these are not only ridiculously expensive, but are packaged in huge glass bottles - not ideal for travel or clumsy people like myself. 

My verdict? I'll never use a single toner again, unless my skin changes with (gasp) age. While I love the options I've listed here, the idea will work with most brands so don't let these specific price tags scare you! Enjoy the benefits you'll reap from this small change in your regimen, and let me know your results!

La Prairie Cellular Refining Lotion is $95 for an 8.4 oz. bottle. 
La Prairie Oil Control Tonic is $135 for an 8.4 oz. bottle. 

Available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Saks.

Chantecaille
Vital Essence Serum
8/17/13

Another post about a Chantecaille product?! I've been exploring more of the brand's offerings, and I've had some amazing finds, with one so-so product (post to follow soon). That's a pretty darn good record, I'd say. I can't imagine not using a serum twice a day. From the moment I turned 30, I embraced the power and protection of serums, thus began years of trial and error. Potent, anti-aging protection to erase fine lines and keep new ones from forming while evening the skin tone and protecting us from a plethora of scary things. While I prefer to use day and night-specific serums, this product can be used both day and night...and on the eye area. Yes, the eye area! I mean, hello lover. I reach for Chantecaille when my skin is sensitive, irritated, my allergies are bad or my skin is in need of TLC. My skin has normalized as of late, but I still experience sensitive days. While their facial moisturizers are amazing, their Flower Harmonizing Harmonizing Cream (which I love) doesn't contain any anti-aging benefits. Ack! Enter Vital Essence Serum. 

The packaging is pretty darn cool, particularly for fans of design. The white substance that spirals around seemingly suspended in the serum is actually Bifida Ferment Filtrate, a more stable and effective replacement for Vitamin C, which can be a skin irritant. It funnels up through the pump along with the rest of the serum, packed with other anti-aging ingredients with their beloved, healing Rosewater base. While the magical Bifida Ferment Filtrate helps brighten and heal the skin, seaweed helps regulate the production of sebum (a nice word for oil), an estrogen placebo derived from an array of Chinese flowers generates collagen production (we like that) while reducing fine lines and improving skin tone and elasticity. Soybean extract further restores collagen and also brightens skin.  

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Like all of Chantecaille's products, Vital Essence also contains antioxidants by way of olive leaf extract and grape seed oil, further softening fine lines. Inflammation and redness is soothed by Aloe Vera. That all makes for a fantastic serum. Cooler still? It doubles as a moisturizer for those with oily skin or any skin type during warmer months. Moisture is derived from from biosodium hyaluronate, a plant-based moisturizer a hundred times more hydrating than the typically used animal-derived version. That's two products in one reasonably priced, high-end serum. Another design feature I love is that the transparency not only displays the ingredients, but allows you to see how much product is left in the bottle. If you look at the bottom of the bottle shown above, you can see I'm about halfway done with this bottle. Love that! 

But how does it feel? I use about 2-3 pumps to cover my face, neck and décolletage. The serum is gel-like, with the visible Vitamin C substitute in every pump. It magically dispenses the proper amount every time, and glides over skin with ease. If it's hot outside, I simply apply an oil-free SPF over this serum. Otherwise I use the moisturizer of my choice. This serum is ideal for those in their 30's or with first signs of aging when coupled with a moisturizer that lacks anti-aging components.

My verdict? While my skincare prices range from reasonable to ridiculous, this serum is well-priced, dual-purpose and effective. Another winner from Chantecaille. 

Chantecaille Vital Essence is $108 for a 1.7 oz bottle. 

Available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Barneys. 

La Prairie
Anti-Aging Day Cream SPF 30
8/30/13

Ah, La Prairie. Always the skincare temptress with magical formulations that actually help turn back the clock...and prevent it from jumping forward. While I use several brands, La Prairie is a staple for many reasons. Sure, many of their products are obscenely expensive. But they work! Lately I've switched my eye care exclusively to two La Prairie products (reviews soon), and have been enjoying this cream for day use. I had been using various creams and serums without SPF, and simply applied Clarins SPF 40 over my moisturizer. I reached into my cabinet of skincare goodies and busted this unopened cream out of beauty storage. I've been using La Prairie Cellular Refining Lotion as my toner, and their White Caviar Illuminating Serum, although I'm switching to the Skin Caviar Liquid Lift. I like to use the same line of serum and moisturizer, as the products are designed to work harmoniously. That said, I fell hard for this day cream. 

All La Prairie products smell heavenly, and I found the cream's light scent to be very pleasing. I found that a little cream went a long way, which is helpful since I like to extend the products to my neck and décolletage. My skin felt and appeared dewy, which I love. If you prefer a more matte look, this isn't for you. Since I don't wear foundation, I enjoy the dewy, fresh look. 

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I really enjoy the cream's smooth texture, which is very rich but easily controlled. While I'm using a light hand during summer months, I imagine I'll apply more during colder months, when I'm in colder climates, or if I simply need more moisture. It's also cooling and calming, and just really enjoyable to apply and wear. 

SPF 30 is suggested for full sun exposure, so it's definitely plenty if I'm in and out of cars and buildings. This is perfect for normal, everyday use as well as days in the sun. This cream works hard. Aside from the obvious hydration benefits, it also helps fight inflammation and free radicals, while brightening the complexion. But it doesn't stop there. It also firms, protecting the skin from damage while stimulating collagen production. A specialized protein generates new skin cells, diminishing fine lines and actively fighting off new ones from forming. All while protecting my fair, Irish skin from the sun. Very few creams can make these claims. Promoting collagen and generating new cells is necessary to undo damage, and protect the skin from future damage. 

My verdict? I'm thrilled to have rescued this cream from the bounty of beauty tucked neatly away in my bathroom cabinet. This is an incredibly reasonably priced product from this skincare heavyweight, and a great place to start if you're new to the brand. This is far and away my favorite moisturizer with real SPF protection. My skin is wrinkle free, feels hydrated on the longest of days, and looks younger and fresher than ever. What more could I ask for?

 La Prairie Anti-Aging Day Cream SPF 30 is $215 for a 1.7 oz. jar. 

Available at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, & Saks. 

Sisley
Black Rose Cream Mask
8/26/13

Let's sleep on it- or with it on, in this case. I posed the question, "do you use face masks?" on Facebook a few months ago, and was shocked that so many women aren't reaping the benefits of my favorite skincare ritual. I know that time is a major factor for many people, and I'd like to share the time-saving beauty (no pun intended) of masks you can wear overnight. There are no added steps involved, since these masks are applied after cleansing and toning in lieu of a serum and a moisturizer. Sound more enticing yet?

I've had my eye on Sisley's Black Rose Cream Mask after reading an article in a July NYT Fashion & Style article about masks you can leave on overnight. It was photographed beside my beloved NARS Aqua Gel Luminous Mask, and I've been using lots of products with rose water and rose oil to calm inflammation. It basically had my name written all over it. While the Chantecaille Jasmine & Lily Healing Mask has their signature Rosewater base, it's meant to soothe and heal. This new mask by Sisley is their very first to contain anti-aging active ingredients. It brightens the complexion, revitalizes and heals, plumps up fine lines, gives the skin a surge of hydration, and makes my face absolutely radiant. And...you can SLEEP WITH IT ON! No extra time or steps involved, so no excuses! This joins the ranks of some of my all-time favorite overnight masks, shown below. 

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(clockwise from top left): Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask | NARS Aqua Gel Luminous Mask | Chantecaille Jasmine & Lily Healing Mask | Valmont Renewing Pack

I'd received a sample packet of the mask from Nordstrom, and it was enough to cover my face and neck. Given that it's Sisley and priced accordingly, this reassured me that the tube would last for at least two months with twice weekly use. Given that my skin has been inflamed and irritated as of late, I was thrilled that I had no issues which rocks since I never bother doing those patch tests. I applied the mask about an hour before heading to bed and loved the soft, creamy texture. It glided over my face and neck with ease, and was incredibly smooth and cooling. I found the light and lovely scent to be fresh and relaxing. I awoke to perfectly hydrated, luminous skin. My face had a distinct glow, and I knew it was love. Our bodies do miraculous things to heal while we sleep, making nighttime skincare both incredibly important and a good thing to do for yourself. 

The mask can be used two ways; overnight like I enjoy it, or for about 10-15 minutes for a quick boost to revitalize dull or tired skin. Ideal after a long day, before heading out for the evening. Simply apply a generous layer as you would for overnight use, but tissue (not rinse) off any remaining product. Your skin will look radiant and stay hydrated all night. And let's not forget about the anti-aging active ingredients. This is a fantastic substitute for a moisturizer on days or nights when your skin needs a pick-me-up. 

My verdict? This dual-purpose mask can revitalize the complexion and provide a surge of hydration when skin appears tired or dull. Whether you're recovering from a late night out or want to improve your skin's radiance while you sleep, Sisley has formulated their best mask yet. This mask is already a cult favorite, and is often sold out at many stores. The secret is out!

Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask is $158 for a 2.1 oz. tube. 

Available at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, & Saks. 

Sisley
Nutritive Lip Balm
8/16/13

I love my lip balms, and this particular balm had been on my wish list for quite some time. Its hefty price tag, much like all Sisley skincare, kept me from procuring it sooner. I lived on Dr. Hauschka Lip Balm for years, and was quite happy with it. Then I made a typical Wendy move, and ordered up. La Mer was first on my luxury lip balm list, and it was love at first minty shine. Then I moved up to By Terry Baume de Rose, and knew I'd found the one. While I've been more than happy with Baume de Rose, curiosity got the best of me and I upped the ante and snagged the Sisley Nutritive Lip Balm. 

While I love many luxury brands, I don't subscribe to the notion that the most expensive products are the best. I like what works, and what feels and smells good, regardless of price. That said, I'm somewhat obsessive about lip and eye products, because they show signs of aging in frightening ways. Ways that make me test these products for preventative measures. A couple of ill-maintained faces were like my beauty boogeymen, assuring I continue taking excellent care of my skin. 

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As you're aware if you've read my recent posts, I'm in need of extra nourishing, healing, and soothing products for my currently inflamed and irritated skin. This happens to include my lips. Sadly, my beloved Baume de Rose which usually works wonders hasn't been healing enough for my chapped and parched lips. La Mer wasn't cutting it either. Both of those balms are generally incredibly soothing and effective lip treatments. They're just not true "balms" in terms of healing and consistency, which I desperately need. 

I decided to breakdown and open the jar of Sisley Nutritive Lip Balm I'd purchased weeks ago and hadn't touched. I was surprised that it was in a plastic jar at this price point, unlike By Terry which is $12 cheaper and in a pretty, frosted glass jar. It does come with a spoon to keep the jar germ-free which I like, but even that isn't high-quality plastic. Poor packaging aside, this is the most "balm-like" in texture. Its color is naturally yellow from its ingredients, giving it a medicinal look. Hydration is provided by hazelnut, plum kernel, and sunflower oils, in addition to shea butter and kokum butter. The consistency is smooth, but takes a minute to melt onto lips. It's not as hard as I expected, but it's also not jar to lip ready. It needs time to soften once it touches the lips. After a couple of minutes, it melts right in. There's no noticeable scent so that helps the sensitivity factor. It's incredibly hydrating if not a little boring, but it gets the job done. 

My verdict? I'm very thankful for this product while I'm tackling highly irritated, inflamed skin. But I'll be going right back to By Terry Baume de Rose and La Mer as soon as my skin is back to normal. This is only worth the money if you truly need healing from things like a really bad sunburn, very chapped and cracked lips, radiation exposure, and surface burns. A total waste of money for regular daily use. 

Sisley Nutritive Lip Balm is $72 for a .03 oz jar. 

Available at Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, and Neiman Marcus. 

Chantecaille
Pure Rosewater
8/15/13

Having recently learned the skincare benefits of rose water, I was thrilled to gets my hands on this product. Rose water and rose oil have been used for centuries medicinally, primarily as an anti-inflammatory. Cleopatra bathed daily in rose water, swearing by the beauty benefits of the precious petals. The Queen of the Nile was known for her beauty rituals, and living in that climate was no easy feat. Rose water is a byproduct of steam distillation, the process that's used to isolate the plant's essential oils. The benefits? It stimulates skin circulation, helps maintain the skin's pH balance, tones, reduces broken capillaries, contains antioxidants, is antibacterial, and calms acne to name but a few. 

Chantecaille takes their Rosewater a step further by using the purest petals harvested by hand in Grasse, France during the month of May. The petals are then distilled during the early morning hours in artesian well water. The result? A 99.9% botanical formula. Their Rosewater is the base for all their products, and I've dabbled in the line enough to vouch for its efficacy. I had been using Evian Brumitaseurs for years, but mineral water doesn't exactly offer the benefits rose water does. 

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The bottle itself is quite lovely and delicate looking, much like the rest of Chantecaille's packaging. It's tall and slim with frosted glass on the bottom half. Modern and clean. I love that it's a pump as opposed to an aerosol, since the stream is more easily controlled and less product is wasted.

After using this product for a day, I was hooked. As I mentioned in my last post, I'm suffering from red, inflamed skin as of late. I've been seeking and using products that not only soothe my skin, but offer anti-aging benefits. I took a cue from Cleopatra who braved the Egyptian sun and have used this pure Rosewater to not only soothe and cool my inflamed skin, but have also found the product to be healing both physically and mentally. The very faint, pleasant scent is a pleasure for the senses. Upon contact, my skin and mind are relaxed and comforted. Rosewater also has antibacterial and antioxidant properties, making it a perfect toner after cleansing, and before applying my face cream. I spritz my skin throughout the day, and the instant relief has been a welcome change to often unbearable discomfort. 

My verdict? This is no ordinary bottle of water. In one week's time, Chantecaille's Rosewater has helped calm, cool, soothe, balance, cleanse and helped heal my irritated skin. It's not only getting my major thumbs up, but has quickly become a permanent part of my skincare arsenal.

Chantecaille Pure Rosewater is $62 for a 3.4 oz. bottle. 

Available at Chantecaille, Nordstrom, and Saks. 

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.