AMOREPACIFIC
Treatment Enzyme Peel

Are you still using one of those harsh exfoliators with scrubbing beads that feel like sandpaper? Well, the word is out: it's all about enzymes. I'd tried countless exfoliating scrubs from Bliss (not a good experience) to La Prairie, and settled with what I thought was the best out there. To think I was subjecting my sensitive, generally pampered skin to such cruelty is criminal. 

Now, we know I love my Chantecaille products, and their masks are among the best I've tried. Their exfoliating solution is the Fruit and Flower Acids Mask has been my go-to exfoliator – until now. Sensitive-skinned friends, we have a winner. 

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Oh my. Why the heck am I just now discovering the wondrous world of AMOREPACIFIC?! My beauty guru had been lovingly nudging me to get my feet wet with this standout Korean brand, and I started with their Treatment Enzyme Peel. Peel sounds harsh, yes? Something you get done periodically at the dermatologist or your facialist, followed by three days at home with scary red face. Fortunately, this enzyme peel dissolves dead skills without any harsh ingredients or face-reddening chemicals, readying skin for serums and moisturizers. Much like Tatcha's Enzyme Powders for cleansing, the AMOREPACIFIC bottle packaging  automatically dispenses the proper amount of product (powder) into the palm of your hand, which turns into a gentle foam when mixed with water. Simply massage on your face, neck and décolletage for a minute and rinse. It's designed to be used as often as you like. No, seriously. It's that gentle. I keep it in my shower and use it 2-3 mornings a week. My skin immediately feels transformed, from the gloriously smooth texture to the lovely glow. It's simply perfection. 

My verdict? Not only am I in love with the Treatment Enzyme Peel, but I've since tried three of their other products and am head over heels. No more scrubby beads! The best new product I've tried in at least a year. 

AMOREPACIFIC Treatment Enzyme Peel is $60 for a 2.7 oz. bottle. 

Available through AMOREPACIFIC, as well as 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. 

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.

Bliss Pore Perfecting Facial Polish

6/14/13

I'm on a mission, my friends. I've recently noticed visible pores on my nose and cheek area just next to my nose. This is totally unacceptable. My quest to banish these unsightly pores is well underway, and I'll be blogging along my journey for a seemingly pore-less face. In a panic after my initial discovery of said pores, I searched Nordstrom online for pore minimizing remedies. I started slowly, and ordered this Pore Perfecting Facial Polish by Bliss. It was also one of the least expensive treatments targeted at pores, so I felt it was a good place to start. I hadn't been too concerned with exfoliation since I use Dr. Perricone's Blue Plasma nightly, but I decided to give this a whirl. 

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Because it's abrasive (literally), I chose to use it once a day, in the morning. Since I use my most intensive treatments at nighttime, this made the most sense. Directions indicate to apply to damp skin and scrub gently, following with toner and moisturizer. I have one word to describe my first experience using this product: OUCH! So I guess when they said "damp" skin they meant soaking wet, because it felt like I was rubbing sandpaper on my face. Not a good time. I added more water to my face to alleviate the excruciatingly painful polish. I began to think by "polish" they meant "skin resurfacing." 

The next morning I cringed stepping into the shower, and took a new approach. I ignored the instructions altogether and used copious amounts of water on my face. I put dots of the scrub all over my face, and very gently scrubbed in a circular motion. Whew. Sweet relief! It was definitely tolerable. My face was slightly red for about a half hour, but that's normal after using an exfoliating scrub like this. I imagine its worth a shot. 

Let's get down to brass tacks. Does it work?? I'm sad to report that after weeks of use and some agony, there was no noticeable difference in pore size. I don't have acne, so I can't comment on whether or not it's effective for that. 

My verdict? I don't foresee this even being relegated to my large bathroom drawer of products I may revisit. This is going in the garbage. On to the next! Stay tuned. These pores WILL be minimized. 

Bliss Pore Perfecting Facial Polish is $30 for 4.2 oz. 

Available at Nordstrom, Sephora, & Neiman Marcus.