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. 

Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Milk
6/18/13

I've received several requests for reviews of products for sensitive skin, and I'm thrilled to share my thoughts about my all-time fave facial cleanser. For those of you with sensitive skin and/or conditions like rosacea, acne, Melasma, etc., this cleanser is perfection. While I don't have hypersensitive skin, I am a fair-skinned redhead and certain products can irritate my skin, causing redness, tightness, and blotches. Sexy! I've had no such problems with Dr. Hauschka products.

The Dr. Hauschka brand is certified organic. Not only is it natural and organic, but the brand currently offers 121 products rated gluten-free by the German Celiacs Society, where the brand is based. While the Cleansing Milk I'm writing about isn't gluten-free, their Cleansing Cream is! I've love it, and actually use it when traveling. Ok, back to my beloved Cleansing Milk. The packaging is a simple clear bottle with the signature white and orange brand aesthetic, making a pretty addition to your vanity should you choose to leave it out. The top of the bottle locks by turning it, if you prefer to keep it horizontal in a shallow drawer. 

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The texture is soft and milky, of course. It has an incredibly mild fragrance that's fresh and soft. There's a hint of rose which I find pleasant and soothing. I use this cleanser in the morning, as I like to use my Sunday Riley cleansers at night. There's really no rhyme or reason, and for years I used this twice a day. But you know me. I always like trying new things! This cleanser is so gentle that I use it on my entire face, including my eye area. With a wet face, I use about 2-3 pumps and massage in a gentle, circular motion. It rinses off with little effort, and without the aid of a washcloth. My skin feels insanely smooth and hydrated after use. I follow with toner, serum and moisturizer in the morning. I highly recommend their Rose Day Cream (gluten-free) if your skin craves extra moisture or during colder weather, and the lighter Moisturizing Day Cream (also gluten-free) in humid or warmer weather. 

My verdict? A highly luxurious and gentle cleansing milk without the luxury price tag. This bottle lasts about 2 months with twice daily use. 

Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Milk is $36.95 for a 4.9 fl. oz. bottle.
**20% off all Dr Hauschka Products at Pharmaca!

Available at: Dr. Hauschka, Pharmaca, beauty.com, & in-store at most Whole Foods.