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.

Foaming Cleansers
11/4/13

The evolution of cleansers isn't surprising, as consumers expect a lot from products in an over saturated market. I use foaming cleansers on a twice-daily basis, with an exfoliant (review soon) three mornings a week after cleansing. I used cleansing milks and lotions for a long time, blindly assuming they were the most gentle. That said, I never felt like they got my face and neck completely clean - and I don't even wear foundation. I relied on toner to thoroughly clean any residue or film after cleansing. Now I use toner mainly to prepare my skin for treatments like serums and moisturizers. I've compared three different foaming cleansers at varying price points to find the best. I used each cleanser for a full month to test their efficacy, and I chose three brands whose products I use, since they've already established quality and trust. 

First up was Chantecaille, and I had high expectations given how many of their products I use and love. Chantecaille's Rice and Geranium Foaming Cleanser contains rice bran for gentle exfoliation, while geranium acts as an antibacterial. Seaweed regulates sebum production while soybean, green tea and olive leaves are supposed to naturally protect the skin from free radicals. I found that it only took a dime-sized amount to create a nice foaming lather when I rubbed my hands together and applied to a wet face. It does take awhile to fully rinse off, and my skin never felt fully "rinsed." That bugs me. It has the consistency of rice pudding, and it's hard to imagine that is sufficient exfoliation on its own. During that month I also used their Fruit & Flower Acids Mask for proper exfoliation. As far as any scent, there was none to speak of even though they mention a citrus scent. Hm. 

left to right: Chantecaille, La Prairie and NARS

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Next up was La Prairie, aka my holy grail of skincare at present. La Prairie's Foam Cleanser is true to its name. This water-activated foam in their signature light pink hue is mousse-like in texture until combined with water. It can range from near creamy to super foamy depending on how much water you mix it with. Like Chantecaille, I only need about a dime-sized amount to reach a full lather on my wet face. What I really like about this cleanser is that it doesn't take forever to rinse off, and my skin feels clean without feeling stripped of moisture. The fragrance is quite mild and pleasant. This is strictly a foaming cleanser without an exfoliation element, as La Prairie has two different products meant solely for exfoliation post cleansing. I've found this system incredibly effective, as I prefer a deep exfoliation a few times a week rather than a light daily exfoliation. 

Last but not least was NARS Purifying Foam Cleanser. NARSskin launched last year, completely revamping the brand's skincare line. NARSskin products are grounded in simplicity and are paraben-free, gluten-free, oil-free, alcohol-free and synthetic fragrance free. This cleanser gently exfoliates with botanical exfoliating spheres, while rose and peony extracts soothe skin and reduce shine. Like Chantecaille and La Prairie, a dime-sized amount lathers up a lovely foam which has a refreshing, natural orange scent and rinses off fairly easily. Formulated to prepare the face for makeup, this is a fantastic choice for women who wear foundation. 

My verdict? I bought full-sized bottles of both La Prairie and NARS, and passed on the Chantecaille cleanser. La Prairie is my runaway favorite, in conjunction with their Cellular Mineral Face Exfoliator. NARS is fantastic for travel when I want one product that does it all. Chantecaille missed the mark, but I still love many of their other products. 

La Prairie Foam Cleanser is $75 for a 4.2 oz. tube. 
NARS Purifying Foam Cleanser is $29 for a 4.9 oz. tube. 
Chantecaille Rice and Geranium Foaming Cleanser is $60 for a 2.46 oz. tube. 

All available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Saks. 

La Prairie
Cellular Power Infusion
10/13/13


I'm not quite sure where to start with this skincare "science kit," as I've been referring to it. My beauty bestie insisted I use this before re-entering the La Prairie universe. I began to think of it as sort of a reset button for my skin. I commenced the 28-40 day treatment with healthy skepticism. Like most La Prairie products, there's the initial sticker shock immediately followed by the gotta have it allure. I'm weak. 

Like all La Prairie products, Cellular Power Infusion (CPI) comes packaged in style. A white leather box with embossed tonal logo zips open with a metal logo pull, revealing four glass and metal bottles ensconced in a silver holder. This product manages to be both exciting and intimidating. I removed the first bottle and twisted the bottom, releasing a blue fluid suspended in a clear fluid, creating a light blue liquid fluid when shaken. Holy futuristic skincare, Batman! CPI is to be used twice daily after cleansing and toning, and before serum and moisturizer. There's serious science behind this beauty product, highlighted in this cool video. It's a skincare supplement with a lot of promises. From La Prairie:

• Revitalized, glowing skin returns, as skin’s inherent power is renewed.
• Aging signs seem to diminish as skin cells benefit from enhanced protection against external stress factors.
• Youthful, firmed, resiliency meets your touch as skin tissue is restored.
• The look and feel of younger skin is yours again.

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I must admit this is a fun product to use, and I looked forward to using it each day. The bottle has a dropper (concealed by the silver top) that provides the perfect amount for face and neck. I dispensed one dropper-full per palm, and gently smoothed it on my face and neck with my fingertips. I found that it took a couple of days to perfect my routine. The consistency is thin, but thick enough not to run. I began noticing results from the first use. After one day my skin felt like silk and had a natural, healthy glow. By week two my pores had seriously tightened, fine lines vanished, and my skin felt new - as though I'd had a peel, but with zero abrasion. By the end of my thirty days, I was a believer. 

But the program doesn't end after the fourth bottle of this miracle potion. CPI is used every three months, intermittently with Cellular Power Charge Night (an intensive serum with Retinol) the two months in between CPI cycles. An expensive yet addictive addition to your regimen. 

My verdict? I was hooked after day one. I tapped the last bottle to get every drop like it was liquid gold. My skin has never looked younger or healthier, which is really the heart of CPI. My skin cells have been renewed, and it shows. I won't be giving up my healthy glow and foundation-free face anytime soon. 

La Prairie Cellular Power Infusion is $475 for a 28-40 day cycle (a box of four bottles).

Available at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Nordstrom. 

Chantecaille
Retinol Hand Cream
10/11/13

A couple of years ago I saw a woman in her forties who had the hands of an 80 year old. As you can imagine, my youth and skin-obsessed self panicked. Could this happen to me?! How good was I with sunscreen on my hands? Who cares if my face looks great if my hands are all wrinkled? Our hands are constantly at work, whether they're typing away, being outdoors or driving in the sun, or dry from frequent hand washing, they sure take a beating. Sun exposure is one of our hands' worst enemies. Think wrinkles AND age spots. Yikes!

I've found a very limited selection of hand creams with SPF, which is bizarre. From Clarins to Kiehl's, many of my go-to day hand creams and lotions have been discontinued, including my beloved Clarins Age-Control Hand Lotion With SPF 15. The name said it all. Since then, I've mixed a couple drops of their UV Plus HP SPF 40 Day Screen with whatever hand cream I use if I'm going outdoors. But what else could I do to proactively prevent my hands from aging prematurely? Enter Chantecaille. 

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I've had great success with many Chantecaille products, including their Retinol Intense which is an incredibly gentle yet effective anti-aging night cream. Since Retinol can be drying or irritate sensitive skin, I knew I'd likely enjoy this hand cream. It has their signature Rosewater base with Rose, Vitamin C, Retinol, Japanese Mulberry Root, Lily and Bears Berry Root. They're very serious about this whole natural thing, which I know many of you will love. Edelweiss flower provides natural UVA and UVB protection, while Vitamin C (from fresh oranges, of course) protects the skin from free radicals. How cool is that?! The cream is easily distributed on hands, without the need for reapplication. I've been using this every other day since I don't want the Retinol, while gentle in this form, to dry out my nails. The scent is natural, without added perfumes which mainly leaves the scent of natural Rosewater. Not perfume to smell like rose, but actual Rosewater. It feels really good on and is absorbed fairly quickly, leaving hands soft and protected. 

My verdict? This is a fantastic preventative and restorative cream to keep hands even-toned and wrinkle-free. If you have age spots, this cream will lighten them naturally. If you don't have spots, this will prevent them. Plus natural sun protection? What's not to love?

Chantecaille Retinol Hand Cream is $75 for a 2.55 oz. tube. 

Available at Barneys.

Note: it took me forever to track down this cream, and I've spoken with Chantecaille who informed me that they actually ran out! Not to worry. They are actually in the process of producing more, and it will be available at stores like Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus shortly. That said, Barney's has some stock left. I stocked up. Get on it!

La Prairie
Skin Caviar Luxe Sleep Mask
10/8/13

It's here! After much anticipation and raves from British Vogue to European beauty bloggers, I pre-ordered this highly-coveted mask from my La Prairie guru. At long last, it arrived last week. The packaging is pure luxury of course, and consistent with the rest of the Skin Caviar Line with a cobalt blue glass jar and silver top. The jar comes with a lovely brush, attached where a spoon would normally be for eye creams, along the silver rim at the base of the jar. Everything about the packaging screams luxury. From the silver boxes to the sealed silver paper, opening a La Prairie product is like opening a present- in every sense. 

I've long sung the praises of overnight masks, which is the optimal time for skin to reap the benefits. I have night and day masks for different needs, from added luminosity and exfoliation to a surge of hydration, and I rely on them about 2-3 timed weekly. Here are La Prairie's listed benefits for the Skin Caviar Luxe Sleep Mask:

"During the night, Skin Caviar Luxe Sleep Mask purifies and refines the skin and thoroughly replenishes it with moisture. 

Firmness is enhanced with caviar extracts and lines are plumped. 

It's an overnight sensation giving noticeable results quickly. Your skin will greet the day with fewer visible wrinkles, a firm look, a smoother texture, and the look of a healthy glow."

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The application is just plain fun. Instructions indicate to apply generous dots on forehead, cheeks, and chin. Using the brush, I smoothed the mask evenly over my face using upward strokes on my forehead, outward strokes over my cheeks, and downward strokes over my nose and chin. The creamy pink mask easily smoothed over my face with the delicate brush and instantly started to melt into my skin. I've used the mask three times now, and my skin is absolutely radiant the following morning. Fine lines plump up and appear to have vanished, my cheeks and jawline appear firmed, skin feels incredibly soft and smooth and my face is absolutely glowing. 

The first two applications, I let the mask sink into my skin and headed to sleep. The third application I decided to gently smooth the mask into my skin with my fingertips, which is listed as an option on the instruction card. That's the best bet for side sleepers, and it feels really good. It actually forms a clear film, locking in moisture. An overnight mask you can  wear to sleep without shooing (or scaring) your significant other away! The mask can be used 1-3 times per week, and I foresee myself using it twice a week since I like to use other masks as well. The brush can be cleaned with brush cleansers or with gentle soap and water and air dried. When I rinse the mask off, I'm happily surprised by the amount of time I spend rinsing it completely off my skin before cleansing. Who knew how deeply and how much this invisible mask absorbs? Super cool. 

My verdict? Sure, this seems like a heck of a splurge for a mask. I'd guess I'll get about 20 uses out of one jar. Considering what facials cost, it's actually a considerable savings since I think I'll be getting half as many. This is a facial in a jar, my friends.

La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Sleep Mask is $300 for a 1.7 oz. jar. 

Available at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Nordstrom. 

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
Skin Caviar Luxe Cream
9/26/13

A longtime cult favorite, this luxury moisturizer graces the vanities of everyone from celebrities to skincare fanatics, and the Skin Caviar line remains beloved by many, with the Skin Caviar Luxe Cream having recently celebrated 25 years. My first experience with La Prairie was due to my generous and well-heeled sister, who'd come out to Portland for a visit after I'd just moved west and landed my first job as a Jr. Designer at adidas in 1999. I lived on ramen and PB&J back then, so her visits were always a welcome treat. We found ourselves at Saks one afternoon, and I found myself wanting everything on the La Prairie counter. She took direct aim, had the saleswoman gather up her bounty of beauty purchases, including my first La Prairie product. I applied that eye cream as though it were the last jar on earth; sparingly and with great care. I remember how hard it was to go back to anything else after such a luxurious product. Warning: this product has the same effect. 

As my career progressed I started using Crème de la Mer, which was the holy grail of moisturizers to me. I still adore that cream, and use it frequently during cooler weather. That said, I recently fully reacquainted myself with the magic that is La Prairie and can't imagine giving up my Skin Caviar Luxe Cream. From the classic blue jar and silver top to the embossed silver spoon, no expense was spared on packaging. Once inside you'll find one of the richest, most luxurious creams on the market. No, it doesn't smell like caviar or fish. It smells quite pleasant, with a delicate scent that mostly dissipates after application.

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The texture is creamy and thick, with a little going a long way. This isn't for those seeking a matte look, but creates a perfect and natural dewy glow. It screams healthy skin, which I love. The amount shown above on the spoon covers my face, neck and décolleté. Here are key benefits, directly from La Prairie:

• Drenches the skin with intensive moisture and nourishment

• Delivers concentrated firming agents to help stimulate collagen production

• Reinforces the skin’s vitality and enhances its natural anti-fatigue factor

• Smoothes and retexturizes skin’s surface with targeted Alpha Hydroxy Acid exfoliation

Since Caviar Extract is rich in protein, it transforms the texture of skin while providing serious hydration and making skin feel incredibly smooth and silky. I tried samples of this cream for a week prior to making my first purchase, and I couldn't stop touching my face and neck. Nothing had ever radically and instantaneously improved the texture of my skin the way this cream managed to. Have I mentioned the firming and improved skin elasticity? Come morning, my skin was radiant, taut and the softest it had ever been. After a single week of samples, there was no going back. My skin can be a gnarly mix of sensitive, allergy-prone and combination, and I've had nothing but positive experiences with this cream as well as other Skin Caviar products. Hurray! Since the cream is so rich, I've been using it nightly after toner and serum (and Cellular Power Infusion every three months, which deserves an entirely separate post). I clean the metal spoon with toner after use, and air dry. 

My verdict? Yes, this cult luxury cream is a major splurge. But given how little you use each application and the miraculous, immediate positive results...I can't imagine being without it. Pick up a sample at your local La Prairie counter inside upscale department stores. You won't regret it. I promise. 

La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream is $410 for a 1.7 oz jar. 

Available at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Bergdorf Goodman.