Brand Spotlight 2014 - Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment

I am starting my Brand Spotlight products of this month with the eye cream that I have been lovng for the past few weeks.  I made a large Kiehl's order early last month and I have been testing all new skincare products to review this month.  I really do love trying and reviewing new skincare products and my skin has been improving over the past few weeks with use all of the new Kiehl's items.  I have decided to start with the Creamy Eye Treatment as I started using this product a few days before any others.  I know that opinion is divided as to the overall need for a separate eye cream but I do enjoy using a separate product to help hydrate this delicate undereye skin and to help reduce the appearance of puffiness and dark circles.

"This nourishing under eye cream offers creamy hydration suitable for all skin types.  Gently moisturizes the delicate under-eye area.  Uniquely concentrated formula does not migrate into the eyes.  Infused with efficacious ingredients including Beta-Carotene, Shea Butter, and Avocado Oil.  Ophthalmologist- and dermatologist-tested for safety.  For all skin types, including sensitive.  Our top-rated eye cream beloved by Kiehl's customers.", states the Kiehl's website.

The Kiehl's website provides more details on the three key ingredients contined in the Creamy Eye Treatment.

Avocado Oil - Derived from the beloved Avocado Fruit, Avocado Oil has a rich, emollient texture and contains a balance of lipids including omega essential fatty acids.  Within our formula, Avocado Oil is known to moisturize, nourish, and soften skin.

Beta-Carotene - Beta-Carotene is a naturally-derived antioxidant predominantly found in many orange and red vegetables such as carrots.  It is used in Vitamin A production and can give an orange tint when used in skincare products.

Shea Butter - Shea Butter is the natural fat obtained from the fruit of the African Karate tree and is widely used in lotions and cleansing products.  Within our formulas, Shea Butter is known to help defend dehydration, restore suppleness, and improve the appearance of dry skin.

This product can be used day and night and is designed for the undereye area.  I started by using this at both times during the day but I quickly decided that this cream is too thick to use before undereye concealer.  The texture of the Cream Eye Treatment is a very thick, rich cream and needs to be warmed up before application.  I tried to use this product dotted right onto my undereye area and then pat it in but it wasn't fully absorbing when I tried to use in this manner.  After a few applications, I found that I have to get it onto the pad of my ring finger and then rub both of my ring fingers together until I melt the product down.  Once I melt it down, I can easily apply it to the undereye area and it will absorb in quickly.  I found several reviews on this products and nearly everyone recommends using it in this manner.

I love the hydrating properties of this eye cream and I would recommend it to anyone with a dry under eye area.  I am glad that I tried it in the winter months as I am not sure if this would be too heavy in the summer months.  This is a great night eye cream and a great introduction to the Kiehl's brand.  I love that the ingredients in this product are more natural and I can see how this is one of the best selling products that Kiehl's carries.

I have more work to do with the rest of the products that I ordered from this company but this eye cream was a great introduction to the brand and I am looking forward to working more with the rest of my order.

photo courtesy of Kiehl's

Brand Spotlight February 2014: Kiehl's

I started my Brand Spotlight series with a very popular makeup company last month and this month I will be focusing on a skincare brand.  I first started reading about the Kiehl's brand in Allure several years ago and I have been interested in trying their skincare products ever since.  This is one of the oldest skincare companies that I am aware of and it reminded me of what I used to love about the C.O. Bigelow skincare line.  That company has discontinued tons of their products and I have been looking for another line to fill the void, I fully believe that products from this line will be among my new favorites and I see myself ordering a good amount from this brand.

I had to order all of my products from the Kiehl's website, they are not carried at Sephora or Ulta and the closest store to me is over an hour away.  I made one huge order from them several weeks ago and I would love to visit one of their stores in the coming months.  I ordered a whole range of skincare products and a hydrating lip balm and I decided that winter would be the best time for me to put many of these new products to the test.  I think that is the reason that I didn't want any new skincare in my Most Wanted for this month...

Here is a brief history of this brand...

In 1851, the original Kiehl's apothecary opened at the corner of Thirteenth St and Third Avenue in New York City.  Then in 1894, John Kiehl completed his training as a pharmacist and began operations under the name "Kiehl Pharmacy", growing the business and expanding on the Kiehl's name.  The business grew the most in the early 1920s, the business was taken over by John Kiehl's apprentice and he then turned the apothecary into a full service pharmacy.  In 1921, the first-ever Kiehl's brand product was introduced.  This product is the Original Musk Oil, a product that is now considered the brand's signature fragrance.  This is also the when the brand started to grow it's customer service skills and became known for their great products and one-on-one apothecary customer service.

In 1924, Kiehl's became the first company to list the ingredients of their products right on the label, this practice soon became commonplace and grew the level of transparency needed in the cosmetics industry.  The next period of big growth for this company started in 1962, this is the year that many of the best selling products for this brand were introduced.  I have ordered and used several of these best selling products and I look forward to trying even more of them.

photo courtesy of Google

L'Occitane Shea Cleansing Face Milk

Today we will be looking at my second try with the L'Occitane Shea facial skincare line, many of you will remember the disaster that I had last year with one of the skin creams and may be surprised that I have decided to give this line a second go around.  I had very high hopes for the hydrating face cream that I tried from this line and still have very clear memories of the redness and swelling that it caused my face and neck and I went back to using all Clinique products for a few weeks after this issue.  At this time, I decided that I would never use any other product from this line even though I have loved many of the body products for years beforehand.  Obviously, I have decided to give a product from this line a second try and the results are much better this time around.

I decided several weeks ago that I really wanted to give the Shea face line another try and starting thinking about what product I would like to try this time and how I was going to go about it.  My initial thoughts were to chose a product that I do not leave on my face this time around and I settled on a face cleanser from the line and obtained several samples from the L'Occitane store before I decided to order the full size.  We will look at the product that I chose and then we will get into how I patch-tested it and a full review.

The product that I decided to try out is the Face Cleansing Milk from the Shea line, I had used a cream cleanser from another line produced by this company when I was in college and I loved it.  I think my love of that product and the matching face lotion and cream are the reasons that I bought the L'Occitane face cream and never properly tested it before rubbing it all over my face.  "This cleansing milk, with its creamy texture, gently cleanses and removes makeup.  Enriched with softening shea and soothing licorice extract, it preserves skin's natural hydration and leaves it clean, supple, and comfortable.", states the company's website.  

The manager at my local L'Occitane store was very generous with the samples of this product while I was deciding if I could use this all over my face.  I started with testing it on my forearm; the skin in this area is much less sensitive than my face, neck, or hands.  I tested this face wash in the shower for three days on my forearm area and experienced no irritation.  I then moved on to testing it on my hands, my hands are much more sensitive than my forearm and irritation develops easily on them.  Obviously, I had no irritation after three days worth of testing in this area and then I repeated the test on the back of my neck.  After three days of testing on my neck with no irritation, I decided that I would use my last sample to wash my face and then purchase the full size bottle.

I am very happy that this face wash worked out for me, I have been using it for about three weeks now and I have been very much enjoying it.  I use one and a half pumps of this product to cleanse my entire face, I do not use this product to take my eye makeup off and always go in with a separate remover in this area.  I have tried quite a few milk cleansers over the years and I have found that they often need a separate toner to remove every trace of makeup that I put on my face in the morning, this holds true for this product and I have been purchasing the huge bottles of the Clinique Toner designed for dry to very dry skin to use every other day.

This cleanser does not foam up and rinses cleanly with water.  I like that this product doesn't dry my skin out or leave it with the "tight" feeling that most gel cleansers would at this time of the year.  I would recommend this cleanser to anyone with skin that is dry and I could not see anyone with normal or oily skin liking this product.  The Shea Cleansing Face Milk is a very good choice for my dry winter skin and I will continue to use it throughout the spring months.  I do not yet know if this might be too heavy for my skin once the warm weather hits.

I have had one hit and one huge miss from the L'Occitane Shea face line, I am still trying to decide if I will be trying any other products from this line.  I am still hesitant to try other moisturizers from this line and I would be even less comfortable using any product from this line around my eyes.  I would only consider trying other products from this line if I could obtain a few samples and repeat the extensive patch-testing, I am so happy that the manager of my store was willing to help me with all the samples and I would go back to her if I decide to try another products from this skincare line.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream

We are now in the second week of December and I have been changing up the products in my skincare regime to match the cold weather outside, I have been using one new skincare products over the past few weeks that I have become a big fan of and I am really happy that I decided to purchase.  I have never used skincare from the brand Bobbi Brown before and I decided to try a hydrating eye cream from this company.  I tend to use two very different types of formulas for day and night, I only want a very hydrating formula to use at night and I don't need any of de-puffing properties that I require in a eye cream used for daytime.  I started off by using this eye cream for night use but I do think that this is one of the few eye cream formulas that I could actually use for both night and day usage.

There are two hydrating eye cream formulas from Bobbi Brown, I chose the less rich of the two as the richer formula was not available in the store when I bought my jar of this product.  I would consider switching this formula out to a day usage during the coldest days of the winter and then ordering the richer of the two formulas for nighttime use.  As for right now, I will be using this product for my night eye cream and then I will update and review the other formula if I decide that I need more moisture in my eye area as the winter continues.

"A hydrating cream that refreshes the eye area and prepares it for a seamless concealer application.  This luxurious, concentrated cream is absorbed quickly, allowing it to deliver naturally occurring humectants that virtually melt into the skin. Before makeup application, a perfect level of emollients imparts a lightweight texture, allowing concealer to glide on evenly. Use in the evening to boost skin's ability to recharge and rehydrate during the nightly repair process. It plumps fine lines and improves skin's overall tone and texture. Skin looks and feels stronger and healthier. It leaves the eye area soft, smooth, and refreshed for up to 24 hours.", states the Sephora website. 

I have been really loving this eye cream so far and I would recommend it to anyone that has normal to dry skin around their eyes.  A very small amount applied to each eye fully hydrates and soothes the delicate under eye skin and this area looks and feels moist and plump when I wake up each morning.  This product has a light creamy texture and sinks easily right into the skin and doesn't leave an oily residue on this area.  There is a slight perfume smell to the product but it does not bother my eyes at all. 

 My least favorite aspect about this product is that it is contained in a jar, I do not love dipping my finger into the same jar over and over again.  I wish that this product was contained in a tube, the product is a thin enough texture that a tube container would be very workable.  I can see how the very hydrating formula might not work with a tube but I don't see any reason why this one can't be housed in that type of container.

The Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream is a solid formula for anyone with normal to dry skin, I wouldn't recommend it to someone with very oily skin.  I think that I would continue to use it more as a night cream as it doesn't contain any special ingredient for relieving puffy eyes before makeup application. 

photo courtesy of Sephora 

Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion Age Defying Exfoliator

My past few skincare purchases have been from the Josie Maran Argan Oil collection and I have been loving the more natural ingredients in these products.  I still have two more products to review from my purchases but I can already state how much I love this brand and all of the products that I have tried so far from it.  One item that is not available from Josie Maran is any type of facial exfoliator.  During the cooler weather months, I only exfoliate my facial skin one every two weeks and it takes me a long time to use a product up so I prefer to go through the samples that I have been sent in my past few Glossyboxes and try all of these out.

I have used one of the best selling facial products from Dr. Brandt the past two times that I have exfoliated my face and I still have quite a few more uses from this sample that I received in a summer Glossybox.  The Microdermabrasion Age Defying Exfoliator has been around for quite a few years now, I have wanted to try it before and I jumped at the chance to when I received the sample earlier this year.  I am glad that I was able to try this without ordering the full size as this product is not one of the best choices for my skin in the winter, I found it very drying during the cold weather and I will be setting the rest of the sample aside until next spring.

"A skin exfoliating scrub.  Get a youthful glow with this microdermabrasion solution. This formula contains aluminum oxide crystals, lactic acid, and soothing botanicals to polish away dead skin cells, provide a radiant, healthy look, and smooth skin's texture. Watch as the appearance of fine lines, acne marks, and skin discolorations diminish for maximum results in minimal time.", states the Sephora website. 

The product contains the following active ingredients...

- Aluminum Oxide Crystals: Polishes and removes dead skin cells.
- Lactic Acid: Gently sweeps away dead skin cells and softens texture.
- Jojoba, Aloe Vera, and Chamomile: Blend of botanicals that soothe and refresh.

Sephora recommends that this product be used once or twice a week, leaving three days in between applications.  I cannot use this product correctly this time of the year as it dried my face out after one usage.  My face was tight and dry after getting out of the shower and this is not a product that I can use until the warmer warms up and my skin becomes less dry.  I will be putting this product to the side and then trying it again later on next year. 

I am not sure what ingredients in this product dried my face out so much, I have never used an exfoliator with Aluminum Oxide Crystals in it before so I tend to believe that this is the ingredient that affected my skin so much.  I will have more details on it when I try it again in the spring and I will relook at this product then.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Fresh Sugar Face Polish

Today we are returning to what seems to be my never ending obsession with collecting new products from Fresh.  I used their lip products first and then tried a few of their face products, their Black Tea Face Mask got me hooked on this line and I have been picking new items from this company up each time that I visit Sephora.  The latest product that I have been playing around with the Sugar Face Polish, I first used the Sugar Lip Polish and loved it so much that I wanted to try the product designed for my whole face.  The lip scrub exfoliated well and tasted great and I have decided that I love the entire Sugar line from Fresh.  I think I will start checking out the body products in the upcoming months.

The weather is now beginning to cool off after a very hot and humid month of September and my skin is now beginning to need products that will adapt with it.  The past few weeks were interesting in that I had to go back to using summer products much later than normal.  I have a feeling that my skin is going to change really rapidly now and start getting dry.  My skin is typically touchy in fall because of the change of the seasons and I want to use a scrub on a regular basis to try and control the changes.  I haven't used a sugar scrub on my face before but I am very happy with the results of this product and will keep using it all through winter.

The Sephora website states the following for a product description, "An all-in-one refining exfoliator and nourishing mask made with pure brown sugar and real strawberries that creates the appearance of a softer, smoother, more radiant complexion.  This innovative formula is powered by pure brown sugar, a natural humectant that seals in moisture, to gently buff away dry, dull skin. Real wild strawberries packed with vitamin C help brighten and soothe, while hydrating plum seed oil and grapeseed oil leave the skin soft and supple. An invigorating aroma from a natural blend of citrus oils further enhances the experience."

The founders of Fresh always provide more information about why these choose certain ingredients and I love learning even more about what goes into making beauty products.  "Fresh Co-founders Lev Glazman and Alina Roytberg's grandmothers used sugar, a natural antiseptic, to heal their scrapes when they were children. Wanting to pass this ritual on to the world, they bottled their shared tradition, pioneering the use of sugar in the beauty industry."

The texture of this facial scrub is thick and creamy, I need about a nickel-sized amount to cover my whole face.  As with any other sugar-based products, I have to warm the product up by rubbing it in between my hands.  Sugar products work best when they are warmed up a bit and they will apply better and more evenly.  I rub the product all over my wet face and neck and then work it in evenly for about 60 seconds.  Warm water helps to dissolve the sugar easily and this scrub rinses easily and doesn't leave a residue on my skin.  I do like that it smells more like natural fruit than the chemical mix that some scrubs tend to smell like.

I have used this product twice so far and am starting with once a week use.  I might work up to twice a week use after seeing if it dries my skin out as the weather continues to cool down.  This product gets rid of dry areas and helps my skincare products to absorb better.  This scrub has not caused any adverse reaction to my skin and I have not had any issues with excess dryness or redness after use.  My skin always looks clearer and brighter after use of this scrub and I will continue to use this product for the rest of the season.

I can say that I love the Fresh brand more and more every single day and will keep picking up more products from it.  This is fast becoming a favorite skincare brand of mine!

photo courtesy of Sephora

Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Face Mask

I have been wary to try any new skincare products the past few weeks ever since my skin went crazy at the beginning of this month but I need to start opening some of the products that I have bought to get my skin ready for the cooler temperatures.  I wanted to ease into it and decided to start with the a Fresh mask as my skin has never reacted to one of their products and I have been using them for a few years now.  I bought the Black Tea in stead of the Rose but want to try that one very soon too.  The Black Tea Mask is about providing anti-oxidant protection to the skin and added hydration, both of which I need the most in the fall and winter months.  I have used in twice so far and I am quite happy with this mask so I am sure that this will become a winter staple and then I will investigate switching it on and off with the Rose Face Mask.

The Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Face Mask will be a staple in my skincare regime to help my skin retain moisture and appear healthier as the cold air sets in.  I ordered the product from Sephora and I will provide their product description, "A hydrating treatment that immediately reveals softer, firmer, healthier-looking skin.  Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask with advanced antioxidants is a hydrating treatment that immediately reveals softer, firmer, healthier-looking skin. The innovative formula’s velvety whipped texture has an immediate cooling effect to refresh the skin and the senses. Black tea ferment, also known as Kombucha, is an advanced antioxidant that helps to defend against wrinkle-causing free radicals while softening, smoothing, and enhancing luster. The formula is further enriched with lychee seed extract, known to support natural collagen, firming polysaccharides that help to smooth the skin, and jicima root juice, notable for its hydrating and nourishing properties."

Fresh co-founder Lez Glazman adds more information about the development of the mask formula.  'After first trying Kombucha, a drink made with black tea ferment, I noticed an instant boost in my energy levels and began researching the extract at once. Referred to as the ‘Immortal Health Elixir,’ its history traces back to 250 B.C. I found that just as it reenergized my body, black tea works to reenergize the skin’s cells"'

The first reason that I was attracted to this mask is that I love to drink unsweetened black iced tea from Starbucks and I drink it about three times a week all throughout the year.  I find that green tea has more of the soothing effect and the black tea will keep me going all day long.  It's nice to see that this effect was not all in my head after reviewing Glazman's statement and that this mask will help my skin in a similar fashion. 

As stated before, I have used this mask twice in the past ten days and I have liked it very much so far.  The instructions do say to use it for five to twenty minutes at a time twice or three times a week.  I think that I will move into using it twice a week, I wanted to start slow with how many skin issues I had at the beginning of the month.  I use the mask on clean skin for about ten minutes and really like that I can see and feel a difference right after rinsing the product off.  My skin typically feels dry right after I get out of the shower and towel off.  I need to get some type of serum or cream on my face quickly or my cheeks will begin to hurt.  After use of this product, I don't get the dryness right after I get out of the shower and my skin holds the moisture in better.  I could not skip face cream but I use less and my skin looks much smoother and clearer than before I started using it.  The effect lasts for the next two showers after use so I do think that using it as Fresh directs will continue to improve my skin even more.

The mask not only helps to hydrate my skin but it brightens my overall complexion.  The redness in my cheeks is reduced and I need have needed a bit less foundation since I have started use of this product.  The texture is very appealing, it is thick jelly and actually feels cool when applied to the skin.  It is does not "dry" and absorbs mostly into the skin when a thin layer is applied all over the face.  This mask is very easy to use and works very well, I will start using it twice a week and then hope to see even more results in my skin.

photo courtesy of Sephora

L'Occitance Ultra Rich Face Cream

The last heat wave of the late summer is finally over and I am moving my skincare over to many of the items that I had bought for fall.  I had actually started buying fall skin care early last month but had to go back to summer skin care items with the extended heat wave that occurred.  My skin has definitely realized that the heat and humidity are over and has become much drier than it has been in weeks.  I am slowly switching over to my fall skincare arsenal and decided that I needed to change my night cream before anything else.  I opened up my newest face cream from L'Occitance several nights ago.

The Ultra Rich Face Cream is the first skincare product that I have purchased from this company and so far it is working out quite well.  This face cream is only for dry skin and I would never recommend it for anyone that has any other skin type.  I don't even think that I would be able to use this cream during the day and be able to use makeup over it.  This product hydrates very well but doesn't fully absorb and wouldn't be the best to use during the day.

I ordered this face cream from Sephora.  Sephora gives the following product description, "A luxurious face cream that deeply nourishes and intensely protects dry to very dry skin types.  The Ultra Rich Face Cream is the perfect moisturizer for skin in need of intensive hydration. The formula is exceedingly dense and creamy, although rapidly absorbed without leaving an oily film, and is specially formulated to hydrate, nourish, and protect dry and damaged skin. It has been proven to increase skin hydration for up to 24 hours.  In addition to 25 percent shea butter, the formula is made with wheat and chestnut extracts to strengthen the skin. These extracts are rich in vitamins and minerals, which help to replenish the skin's hydrolipidic film and restore balance to the skin's barrier, defending it against harsh environmental conditions."

The texture of this cream is very rich and creamy, it is more of a balm than an actual cream.  I have to run my finger over the top of this product and pick up the smallest amount possible.  I first tried scooping it out like I would my other face creams but so much product came out that it didn't absorb at all.  Less is definitely more with this face cream and only the smallest bit will absorb in the skin.  This product does not fully absorb into the skin and leaves a bit of a film on the skin, the main reason that I would only use this as a night cream. 

The 25 percent shea butter in this formula hydrates very well but does have a bit of a heavy feeling on the skin.  Again this product is only for dry to very dry skin types.  It reduces some of the redness that is in my skin and helps to keep the moisture in even after I shower in the morning.  The hydrating benefits are great and this is a very good product for those with tight and dry skin.  The more natural ingredients did not irritate my skin and I was very happy with this face cream.

The only way that this face cream could be improved would be to have it absorb better into the skin, I would never be able to use this as a day cream and put primer and foundation on top of it.  As a night cream, it hydrates well and helps to reduce redness due to dry skin.  I am looking forward to trying more face products from this company and more from the shea butter line.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Philosophy Take A Deep Breath Oil-Free Energizing Oxygen Gel Cream Moisturizer

With the excess humidity and heat that has come with the end of this summer, I have needed to change my skincare regime around quickly and needed a lighter weight day cream than I have for the past few months.  My Clinique Dramatically Different Moisture Plus has been regulated for night only and I will keep using it in this fashion for the next few weeks.  I needed to add a new face cream formula to my skin care regime and wanted to go after another cream gel formula (similar to Origins Ginzing formula but lighter).  I visited Sephora and left with a pot of Take a Deep Breath from Philosophy.  This must a relatively newer product in this line since I had never seen it when I was shopping their skin care line.  I love the more hydrating creams from this company and wanted to see what other types of formulas this company excels in.

Take a Deep Breath is a great face cream if you have normal to oily skin and works only for me because of the exceptionally hot weather, I doubt that I will be rebuying this product or needing it again in the future.  "An energizing, oil-free moisturizer for a healthy glow.  Give your skin a breath of fresh air with this lightweight, fresh-feeling moisturizer that revitalizes and protects. Environmental factors like sun, smog, and pollution can cloud the complexion and make it appear dull and lackluster. This cream diffuses energizing oxygen to detoxify skin and support cell respiration, while a blend of antioxidants fight the signs of stress. The oil-free formula absorbs quickly, leaving skin perfectly balanced. From dull to revitalized, your complexion will positively glow.", states the Sephora website.

I really liked this formula and I really wish that Philosophy would offer these product benefits in a more hydrating formula.  This face cream has a very light texture and I consider it to be more of a gel than a gel cream.  The texture is very much like a light jelly and will not be enough for my skin when this current hat wave has ended.  That being said...I do like how nicely this cream absorbs into my skin and doesn't leave an oily residue on the skin. 

My favorite aspect of this product is the "glow" that it creates on my skin.  My complexion is brighter after use and I love the pretty flush that it brings to the apples of my cheek.  It improves my complexion in a way that no other product has before and that is why I wish these benefits could be found in a product that is more hydrating.  I am considering layering this product over a very hydrating face serum and seeing if the combination of these two products will be keep my face hydrated later on in the fall months.  I have been using the product for less than a week and I can see a difference in my complexion already and would love to keep these benefits up later on.

This wasn't my normal type of product and I doubt that I would have purchased it without the 100 degree temperatures that we have been living through the past few weeks.  I love the light hydrating benefits of this product but it isn't going to be enough for my skin much longer.  The "glow" is lovely and the best aspect of this product and I want to see if any other products from Philosophy have these benefits.  I have never seen another skincare product like this before and now I want to find other like it and somehow manage to layer it with other products to adapt it to colder temperatures.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S. Eye Rescue

Eye cream is one of the few products that I only order when I am completely out of and one of the very few products that I do not stockpile.  I have several face creams that I haven't opened yet but only use one eye cream at a time.  I tend to use very small amounts of this type of product and will use the same product night and day for about six months, products would end up spoiling before I ever got to them if I tried to stockpile eye creams.  My newest eye cream is one from one of my favorite skincare companies and a company that I have used eye creams from before.

I have a good amount of concerns about my eye area.  I have under eye circles, puffiness, and am having early concerns about aging.  I am quite picky abut the formula that I will choose to use for the next six months and want to get the best results in all three of the above aspects.  Caudalie is well known for being a brand that focuses on anti-oxidants and would help to prevent some of the early signs of aging and this is one of the reasons that I went right to this brand when I needed to order a new eye cream from the Sephora website.  I chose a newer formula from this brand and one that I was very excited to try.  After a week of use, I firmly recommend this product and will be ordering it again.

The first eye cream that I used from this company was the Eye Contour Cream, I am not sure that this product is still available from the company.  I would have ordered that one again but I saw the newest formula and wanted to this one out.  The Vinosource S.O.S. Eye Rescue is another product in the Vinosource line, the hydrating and protecting line of products from this company.

The Sephora website states the following information for the product description.  "An eye cream to de-puff, soothe, and brighten tired eyes.  This treatment quenches and soothes the eye area upon application, leaving eye contours looking rested, fresh, and naturally glowing. It hydrates, soothes, and de-puffs with antioxidant polyphenols, moisturizing grape water, and calming white tea extract.  This product is ophthalmologist tested on sensitive eyes and fragrance-free. It does not contain animal ingredients and is not tested on animals."

The Sephora website also provides some of the results of the studies performed on the product...

"In a Corneometry® on 12 volunteers:
- 127% increase in hydration

In a clinical trial on 20 volunteers:
- 61% decrease in skin sensitivity"

They are provide more information on the active ingredients contain in the Vinosource S.O.S. Eye Rescue Cream.  "Organic Grape Water: Reduces skin sensitivity and increases hydration.  Patented Grape Polyphenols: Protect skin from premature aging caused by UV rays, pollution, and environmental aggressors by forming a shield against free radicals; reinforce capillaries, boost cutaneous microcirculation, and help maintain an optimal level of hyaluronic acid in the dermis to preserve suppleness and elasticity.  Vinolevure®: Captures and retains water to prevent dehydration and reinforces skin’s immune defenses."

I have a lot to say about this eye cream and it is all very good.  The texture is easy for any skin type to use, it is a cream-gel formula that sinks easily into the skin and doesn't leave any type of residue on the under eye area.  I love this aspect because I need a smooth surface for foundation and concealer.  This primes the skin very well for these two products and allows smooth and easy application.  I have to use less product on my eyes because this eye cream makes the application much easier.

This product hydrates my entire under eye area and I use it at night for this aspect, the area is plumped up and looked much brighter and smoother than before application.  In the morning, I love many of the same aspects plus how nicely it helps to deflate the puffiness in my under eye area.  I have been seeing some nice results over the past week and I expect to see even more as I continue to use the product for the next few months.  The anti-oxidant properties of this eye cream will help to continue to protect my skin for the time that I use this product.

This is another product that I highly recommend from the Caudalie skincare line and it only adds to the list of product that I love from this company.  I love new products from this company and I will continue to buy more from them in the coming years.

photo courtesy of Sephora

MAC Blot Film

I often talk on this blog about how dry my skin is but it is the middle of the summer and I am experiencing some issues with oiliness on my T-Zone area.  My skin is much too dry to use any type of skincare products designed for oily skin and certain mattifying products can make my skin look dull and dry.  I need to find products that are somewhat non-traditional and won't make my skin look more dry than usual.  I have used the Boscia Blotting Linens in the past and have gotten solid results with them and I finally finished up my last package of these (I use them very slowly so a package lasts me a very long time).  I have been interested in what other companies sell this type of product and I was excited to see that I could order them from the MAC website.

I haven't used much from the MAC skincare line and usually spend more time checking out the color lines.  My counter doesn't really represent the skincare lines very well and they receive about 10% of the counter space.  I wasn't even aware that they carried the skincare products at the counters until I was searching for another product and stumbled across them.  I decided to order these from the MAC website and start learning more about their skincare line.

The MAC website states the following for a product description, "This handy carry blot leaves skin oil-free, mega-matte. Won't remove or alter makeup. Ideal for artists, girls-on-the-go, and men who don't like to shine! Super-sized – and the only blot couture fashioned out of special patented material. Stylishly and compactly packaged."

Some blotting products have a powder finish but these do not, I tend to prefer products like this since they don't leave a powder finish on the skin (making mine look drier than usual) and the texture of the product almost feels like a very thin piece of rubber.  One of these films is more than enough to cover any oily area on my face and they quickly absorb any excess oil on my T-Zone and leave my skin with a matte (but not dry finish).  These are a great product to keep in my purse or gym bag in the summer months and provide a quick fix during steamy weather or after a yoga class.  My gym bag is starting to get weighed down with beauty products...

These are a larger sixe than some of the other blotting linens and I can quickly clean up all the areas any only use about half of the sheet.  I found a great tip for use when I was reviewing Makeup Alley to see what other people thought of this product.  One reviewer stated that she easily cut these in half and then doubled her usage from the product and I really want to try this.  I may have to repackage them if I go this route but I will see what I can do.  This is another brand of linens that I will leave very slowly and I can't see that I will need to be repurchasing them on a regular basis.

This is one of the best products that I have every tried to help mattify without drying or leaving a dry finish to my skin and I recommend this product to quickly help reduce the appearance of oil on the face.

photo courtesy of MAC

Korres Milk Proteins Foaming Cream Cleanser

I was using an oil based face cleanser for the past few weeks and I have decided that this type of formulation will one that I will use more in the late fall and throughout the winter, I like face oils but I don't think that I need one at this time of the year.  I finished up that product and was excited to see that Sephora has restocked the Korres Milk Proteins Foaming Cream Cleanser after several months and I ordered it right away.  You guys may remember me lamenting that this product has been out of stock in both the stores and the website for at least three months and I have wanted to try it ever since I first saw it on Sephora's website.  I have used it for a few days now and I can firmly attest that this face wash was worth the wait...

I used the original formula of the Milk Proteins Face Cleanser earlier this year and that was a good formula for the fall or spring, I would find it to be too heavy for the summer months and am glad that I can use the foaming formula for the rest of the summer and early fall.  I couldn't use this formula in the cold weather but the combination of the two formulas would get me through the whole year in this face care line.

I am not sure if this product is exclusive to Sephora but I have only ever seen this product there and that is where I ordered it from.  "A gentle cleanser that transforms into a rich foam for effective, soap-free cleansing.  This product cleanses in one step, effectively washing away dirt, impurities, and makeup from the face and eyes. Formulated with milk proteins, it provides skin-enhancing lactose and essential amino acids to form a protective hydration shield on the skin. The combination of 100-percent natural emulsifiers and vegetable oils leaves skin supple and hydrated. This pure and mild formula is ideal for all skin types."

The following are key ingredients of the face cleanser.  "Milk Proteins: Nourish and moisturize the skin; provide essential amino acids.  100% Natural Emulsifiers and Vegetable Oils: Leave skin supple and hydrated while ensuring excellent tolerance across the eyes and skin."

I used too much of this wash my first time around and hated the results, I used the amount for this one that I would have used for the regular cream formula (about a nickel size, maybe slightly larger) and I was left with residue all over my face and couldn't stand the feeling that was on my face.  The next time that I used the product, I used the correct amount and got a much better result.  The dime sized drop foamed up completely and created enough foam to completely cover my entire face.  It rinsed cleanly and left very little product residue.  The only way that I knew there was product residue was that I used a Clinique toner after it and there was very little cleanser residue on the cotton ball.  There was a small amount of foundation/concealer/bronzer/primer residue on the cotton ball and this is normal for me.  I usually tend to have this issue with any face cleanser since I use such high quality primers.

This product doesn't dry my face out like some foaming or gel cleansers have and I attribute this to the Milk Proteins and the vegetable oils that don't strip skin and help to build the strengthen the skin's moisture barrier.  I need more products like this in my life, I love the Korres brand of skincare and will continue to eagerly jump on new products from them as they release to Sephora.  I think I might own the whole Milk Proteins line at this point...

photo courtesy of Sephora

Dior Instant Gentle Cleansing Face Oil

I have been using the Korres Milk Cleansing Face Wash for the past few months now and really thought that I had changed my preference to cream face cleansers over any other kind.  Normally, I was a foam and gel face wash person but I have used quite a few quality cream formulas over the years and never really declared my preference until I worked with the Korres formula.  I now might have to turn all of my thoughts on their heads after Sephora sent me a huge sample of the brand new Dior Instant Gentle Cleansing Face Oil and now I have ordered a large sized bottle for when I run out of my Korres formula.

I wasn't shopping for a new face wash when I read my email with the offer from Sephora but since I was going to order soon anyway, I decided to order right away and add the huge free sample into my shopping cart.  I was glad that I acted right away because this was completely out of stock within a few hours of my receiving the email.  I haven't used many oil face washes over the years, just one from Nude which I liked but never repurchased.  For many years, face oils were only available from Asian brands and the most famous was the formula from Shu Uemura but many varied brands have released their versions of the oil formula over the past two years and I think that I will spend some more time trying them out. 

The new product from Dior is their first oil face wash and the first skincare product that I have used from this company.  As of right now, this product is exclusive to Sephora but I am not sure how long that will be the case. 

"A gentle cleansing oil for the face and eye area.  Suitable for all skin types, this cleansing oil preserves the skin’s natural hydration for outstanding cleansing results. Even though it’s an oil, it leaves no greasy residue. Formulated with Pure Lily Extract, which is present in Dior’s Instant Cleansing Water, it helps inhibit skin inflammation, leaving the skin looking soft and supple."

This oil is best used on wet skin, about a quarter-sized drop was needed for me to get a full lather in my hand and have enough to cover my entire face.  Face oils are considered to be the best kind of face washes to remove layers of makeup and I tested this theory.  I used this product and then dried my face off and used the Clinique face toner to see much excess makeup residue was left over.  There was a very small amount of product on the cotton ball, much less than when I use some formula cream cleansers.  This product performs very well in the cleansing and makeup removal aspect, I refuse to not use a separate eye makeup remover so I cannot comment about how it performs to remove any type of eye makeup.

The oil face wash combines through cleansing with hydration of the skin, this cleanser does not leave my skin feeling dry or tight and I love this.  I have had quite a few gel cleansers that I feel like I need to immediately use a hydrator afterwards or my face feels like it will crack open and off.  I have not once had this feeling yet with the use of this product and this makes me very happy.  I think that I will be using this type of formula in the fall and winter and then into the early spring.  This wash from Dior is a present to my dry, sensitive skin!

photo courtesy of Dior

Philosophy Just Release Me Dual-Phase Oil-Free Makeup Remover

Philosophy skin care products have been among my top purchases in skin care since the beginning of the spring months, I can't remember the last time that I bought body products or fragrances from this company but the current and newer skincare products from this company have been top quality.  I just finished up the last drops of my eye makeup remover from MAC and then I decided to try one from this company since I have had such great results from their face washes and creams.  I love their new night cream formula and will be ordering another one as soon the winter comes and my current pot runs out. 

The newest product that I purchased from this company is the Just Release Me Dual-Phase Oil-Free Makeup Remover, many of the cleansers from this company are top rated at Sephora and have won Allure awards for many years running.  I have used both the cream and foam face washes from Philosophy and have gotten great results from both versions of the formula.  I was sure that an eye makeup remover from this company would give me good results while not irritating my skin and I have not been disappointed by this formula.

The Sephora states the following as a product description, "A dual-phase, extremely mild, oil-free eye makeup remover.  Philosophy Just Release Me™ Dual-Phase Oil-Free Makeup Remover gently yet effectively breaks down and removes the toughest eye makeup, even waterproof makeup, without irritating the eyes. Formulated with natural aloe, and chamomile and cucumber extracts, this soothing essential works to calm, clean, cool, and refresh the eye area.  This opthalmologist-tested must-have does not contain propylene glycol or polyethylene glycol. It is safe for contact lens wearers."

The following ingredients are found in this formula...

- Aloe Barbadenis Leaf Extract - Moisturizes soothes and calms the skin.
- Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract - Calms and soothes the skin.
- Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract - Refreshes softens and moisturizes the skin.
- Echinacea Purpurea Extract - Calms and soothes the skin.

This formula is considered oil-free and is a large change from the oil-based formula that I had been using for the past few months. The oil-based formula from MAC worked very well to get all of my eye makeup off (minus a few last traces of mascara some days) but would leave oily traces on my lids that I then had to wash off in the shower.  This formula cleans the eye makeup off completely (of course minus a few traces of mascara here and there - I will never find a formula that will get all of my mascara off) and doesn't leave the oily residue on the skin.  I have not had any problems with irritation on my eye area after using this formula and this is one of my most important reasons to choose any type of eye makeup formula.

My only complaint with this product is the bottle, the neck and mouth of the bottle are much larger than any other formula that I have used.  Typically, the product will have a very small opening in the bottle and only several drops will be allowed out at one time.  I can quickly saturate an entire cotton ball if I am not careful when using this product and I think that I am wasting product and letting too much out at once.  This is the worst aspect of this product and I am experimenting with tipping the bottle in different ways to allow the least amount of product possible to  come out at any given time.

This is another solid face care product from Philosophy, I really feel that their face care is becoming much better than any of their body products or recent fragrances.  I wish that we would see some great new 3 in 1 fragrances from this company, every season in the mid 2000's saw a release of some great new scents and I had a huge collection of them.  With the exception of Senorita Margarita, I have not been using any products from them lately and I miss buying new scents each season...

photo courtesy of Sephora

Urban Decay B6 Vitamin-Infused Complexion Prep Spray

I have been using a primer from Smashbox for the past few weeks and I have been very happy with the light gel formula and wasn't really looking for new formula when I was shopping at Sephora the other week.  I have been a fan of Urban Decay for many years now and so I stop at their counter in Sephora every single time that I visit, whether or not I am looking to add anything from this line to my shopping bag.  One of the Sales Associates at Sephora recognizes me (actually many of them recognize me) and knows about my love of Urban Decay and wanted to show me a newer product that she had been using on herself.  When she said that is was a lightweight face primer, I was immediately interested because I need a lighter weight product in the warm weather and Urban Decay's Eye Shadow Primer Potion is one of the best eye shadow primers that I have ever used and I am always looking to see what other primers this company brings out.

The product that she used on me is the B6 Vitamin-Infused Complexion Prep Spray, a light spray face primer that contains great ingredients for the skin.  If I am going to wear a primer all day long to keep my makeup in place and if it contains great ingredients to help my skin out then that is an added bonus for me.  I had seen this product on the Urban Decay website but I had been under the impression that this was a treatment product and not a face primer.  Guess that I was proved wrong that day at Sephora...

"A soothing prep spray that features the first stabilized form of vitamin B6, which absorbs oil, minimizes pores, and reduces redness.  Spritz on this soothing spray any time of day to hydrate, prep, and soften your skin with vitamins and antioxidants. Use it in the morning to prep and wake up your skin, during the day to refresh your skin (without messing up your makeup), or at night before your treatment. Versatile enough for people of all ages and skin types, this energizing formula is great for your skin and it feels amazing.  This oil- and paraben-free spray comes in a sleek, soft-touch bottle that emits a calibrated, microfine mist. It goes on so light, you’ll hardly feel it. Vitamin B6 normalizes overactive cell-signaling proteins (called cytokines) to help control sebum production, vitamin E provides antioxidants, and willow bark (rich in natural salicylic acid) aids cell turnover."

The Sephora website provides some of the results that were obtained during the clinical trials...

"In a clinical study, after 8 weeks of use:
-Over 81% of participants had a measurable reduction in oil and surface shine.
-Over 78% had more radiant skin with less redness and fewer blemishes.
-A majority of participants had a measurable improvement in pore size.
-Over 72% had a measurable improvement in their skin’s overall appearance."

I see that this product can be used as a primer or a treatment product as needed.  So far I have been using this as a primer, I prefer the Caudalie Grape Water or Beauty Elixir and I don't plan to switch from either of these products any time soon.  I use two sprays of this product to cover my entire face.  The Sales Associate preferred to spray the product on and then let it dry by itself, I tried that approach but felt that it took too long to dry fully and completely.  I found that I get the best results from spraying it on and then patting it into my skin to make it dry quickly and more evenly.  I don't think that I have to best control over the product when I only spray it and let it dry, some areas of my face soak up too much product and then others don't get enough.

This is one of the lighter primers that I have used but it still keep my makeup in place for a full eight hours.  It doesn't get sticky or tacky when makeup is applied over it even when the weather heats up as it has been so far this week and it keeps my makeup looking fresh throughout the whole day.  I do see a reduction in surface shine, especially in my T Zone area but I see that any time that I use a primer.  My skin is in the dry side so surface oil is not my primary concern and I would be interested to see how ladies with oily skin used and liked this product, it is light enough that I could see it working very well for every single skin type.  The same thoughts apply for the reduction in pore size.  The redness in my cheeks is somewhat reduced, my skin looks better without makeup but this product also helps my makeup go on better and smoother which also helps the appearance of my skin.

This primer could become a new favorite of mine from Urban Decay, it primes my skin very well and then helps to treat it at the same time.  I like the spray container but I have to blend it myself to makeup sure that it absorbs evenly in all areas.  I wasn't in the market for a new primer when I bought this but I have now decided that this Sales Associate knows more about what I need than I do!

photo courtesy of Sephora

Philosophy Here Comes the Bride Gift Set

We are now in the beginning of June and this is the month that contains the highest amount of weddings for the whole year.  There is no wedding or engagement on my horizon right now but the same can be said of many of my close friends and extended family members, I have looked at more Gift Registries over the past few weeks than ever before and am shopping for dresses that I can wear to more than one summer afternoon wedding.  I am the worst person at buying practical gifts for my friends who are tying the knot and almost always throw something fun and just for the bride into the gift.  In previous seasons, I have found little gift sets at Sephora for my friends and I am hoping that this year is exactly the same, I have had so many of my bride friends love the little extra gift that they received and I want to continue this trend for as long as I can.

Philosophy has been a source of bridal gifts in the past and I am happy to see that they will not disappoint me this year.  This company has released a brand new gift set this year just in time for the wedding season, Here Comes The Bride will be going right into my Sephora shopping cart and I am now deciding how many of them I will want to order this wedding season.  In previous years, the gift sets for brides from this company have been so good that I have been tempted to order one for myself.  I loved the one that contained the champagne scented products from a previous year, this was the best set that Philosophy made and I haven't seen one as good yet.

This year the set is named Here Comes The Bride and is a combination of fragrance and skin care products (in sizes that will fit perfectly in a carry on for the honeymoon!) and contains two of their best selling skin care items and small products in the Amazing Grace fragrance. 

"A lovely gift set for the beautiful bride-to-be.  Here Comes The Bride features Philosophy’s bestselling skincare and fragrance, so she can walk down the aisle with a stunning, radiant complexion while feeling amazingly clean and beautifully feminine. The highly-effective one-step facial cleanser rapidly dissolves dirt and makeup while deep cleaning pores, while the cult-favorite moisturizer gently hydrates, exfoliates, and protects the skin. The three-in-one gel and luxurious body lotion are infused with the beloved Amazing Grace fragrance—a uniquely feminine blend of soft, floral blossoms accented by a hint of light musk. Together, this collection will have the bride-to-be fully ready for the celebration of her life.", states the Sephora website.

This set contains: 2 oz Purity Made Simple, 1 oz Hope in a Jar, 2 oz Amazing Grace Shampoo, Bath & Shower Gel, and 2 oz Amazing Grace Firming Body Emulsion

Purity Made Simple - A highly effective one-step facial cleanser.  Philosophy Purity Made Simple is a pH-balanced formula that rapidly dissolves dirt and makeup while deep cleaning pores. The bestselling cleanser contains infusions of sage, chamomile, and carrot.  Purity Made Simple is part of a collection of Philosophy products designed to soothe even the most dry and sensitive skin. It is a "Best of Sephora" Winner 2008.

Hope in a Jar - A cult-favorite moisturizer that gently hydrates, exfoliates, and protects the skin.  Philosophy Hope in a Jar is a 99.9% oil-free, deeply hydrating, lightweight wonder designed to smooth the complexion while reducing the appearance of wrinkles and discoloration. Originally created for the medical market, this expert essential delivers soft, healthy, glowing results.  This beloved formula contains antioxidants that protect skin against environmental damage and provides continuous exfoliation to keep roughness at bay. An infusion of yeast-derived beta glucan supports the skin's natural defense system and improves repair capabilities.

Amazing Grace Shampoo, Bath, and Shower Gel - A 3-in-1 gel infused with the beloved Amazing Grace fragrance.  Philosophy expanded its Amazing Grace line to include this product that's a bath, shampoo, and shower gel all-in-one. This gel is a lovely way to wear Grace, either by itself for a subtle scent or layered for longer wear.  Amazing Grace fragrance for women is a uniquely feminine blend of soft, floral blossoms accented by a hint of light musk.

Amazing Grace Firming Body Emulsion - Amazing Grace Firming Body Emulsion is a toning body moisturizer that helps to purify, moisturize, and revitalize dry, aged, or wrinkled skin with a unique blend of antioxidants and vitamins E and C. Chock full of luscious moisturizing properties including shea butter, macadamia nut, and olive oils.  Indulge yourself - and those you are most thankful for - with good-for-your-body-and-soul treats from Philosophy's Amazing Grace Collection.

I think this might be my new favorite of the wedding gift sets, the combination of products inside is great and the sizes are perfect for a honeymoon adventure.  Both of the skincare products are among the best that I have ever used and I have never met any lady who does not like the Amazing Grace fragrance so I think that this gift set is pretty safe for anyone who is getting married this season!

photo courtesy of Sephora

Korres Milk Proteins 3-in-1 Cleansing, Toning, and Eye Makeup Removing Emulsion

I am firmly in my self tanning routine for the summer and I have noticed that my skin seems drier than normal this year.  It might be because it is on the colder side right now and this Memorial Day weekend will feel more like the very beginning of spring than the very end of spring.  Whatever the case may be, I have changed by skincare routine a slight bit so that I can try and combat some of the dryness before it gets to the point that I can't self tan as much as I like because my face begins to burn when I apply the product.  I am happy with the face lotion that I am currently using and I have no plans to change this product (Clinique Dramatically Different Face Lotion), this classic face lotion is a warm weather staple of mine and I have used it in combination with my favorite Bath and Body Works self tanner for two summers now.  The next option for me is try a new face wash or a new serum.  I am running low on my Clinique face wash so trying a different kind of face wash is my first change.

I have used many Korres face products in the past and I wanted to try a face wash from this line, I have used their moisturizers and treatments before but I have never picked up a face wash from them and am eager to try one.  There are several choices from this line and I looked at all of them and then decided on a product from the Milk Proteins line.  This line is best for dry skin that needs a bit of extra care and is exactly what I need at the moment.  I chose to order the Milk Proteins Cleansing, Toning, and Eye Makeup Removing Emulsion from Sephora in the hopes that a cream cleanser would be more gentle on my skin.

"An ultra-gentle cream emulsion that removes makeup and cleanses the skin of impurities.  Rich in nourishing oils, this product instantly cleanses the skin of impurities. The complexion is left soft, clean, and feeling moisturized. A combination of naturally derived emulsifiers and oils ensures excellent tolerance by the skin. Milk proteins, rich in lactose and essential amino acids, offer nourishing, hydrating, and moisturizing properties.  This product is ideal for very dry skin and for those who wish to avoid cleansing with water.", states the Sephora website.

I wash my face only once a day and use a separate eye makeup remover, I have never seen the wisdom is using one product for multiple purposes and do not believe that one cleanser will correctly perform both tasks.  I have been using this product for about three or four days now and I have drawn several conclusions about it...

My first conclusion is that this is only a product for someone with dry or very dry skin, it has a very creamy and slippery feel to the application and would not work for anyone with normal or any type of oily skin.  This product does not foam at all and would not appeal to those who love foaming cleansers.  This product is for a very targeted audience and my skin fits perfectly into this target.  I squeeze about a nickel-sized drop of this product from the bottle and this is the perfect amount to apply for my entire face and the top of my neck.  I use water to rinse this product though I am sure that it could be tissued off for those users who do not like to use water at all when cleansing their faces.  This product washes off very easily and leaves little to no residue on my face. 

I love this face wash for keeping my dry skin feeling soft and nourished all throughout cleansing, my face doesn't feel tight when I get out of the shower and is less dry than after using many other face washes.  I really prefer the feel of a foaming face wash but my skin often tends to prefer cream formulas and it has been extra dry recently.  I am very happy with this product and will be buying it again in the near future.

I discovered the one drawback of this product last night, I decided to use a toner after cleansing and I wasn't expecting all of the face makeup that clung to the cotton ball.  I do use multiple primers on my face and eyes along with either foundation or Beauty Balm and I am used to any face wash not getting all the excess makeup off.  This formula left more than others have in the past (typical for a cream formula) so I do have to use the Korres wipes on my face after working out and will need to use a toner once of twice a week to get a more through cleansing for my face.  I have come to expect that cream formulas are not going to have the same level of cleansing that foam and gel will and I would rather add that extra step once a week and have my skin feel less tight when getting out of the shower.

I really like this face wash and I do consider this to one of my favorites that I have used, I love the whole Korres line and will keep buying more products from it over the next few months. 

photo courtesy of Sephora

Clinique City Block Sheer Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 25

The weather is beginning to really heat up and I have ordered and started using my first new facial sunscreen of the season, I decided to start off with Clinique this summer and I bet that I will use their sunscreens all throughout the summer months.  I have used Clinique sunscreens for years now and I wanted to try one of the few formulas that I have not yet tried, the City Block Sheer Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 25.  I originally used the body version of the City Block sunscreens many years ago and was very pleased with the results of the products, City Block is a line of sun protectants that are designed for daily use and contain anti-oxidants to ward off some of the free radicals that are prevalent in city life.  I drive about a half an hour to and from work each day so I appreciate that extra dose of protection from both the sun and particles that are in the air.

In previous summers, I have used the body version of this product on both my body and my face and had great results from the products.  This summer, I wanted to see what additional benefits I would get from using a product designed only for facial skin.  At minimum, I would get the exact same results but the best case scenario is that I would get even better results for my face from this version of the product.  I have used this product for the past few days and I can yet again state that the Clinique City Block line of sunscreens are just fabulous products.

"A lightweight daily sunscreen that provides UVA/UVB sun protection.  This daily sunscreen provides the face with broad-spectrum sun protection in a sheer formula. Worn alone or as a primer under makeup, its oil-free formulation helps to absorb excess oil and whisk away perspiration. Formulated without chemical sunscreens, it is appropriate for sensitive skins and the eye area.", states the Sephora website when providing a product description.  I was really excited to see that I could use this as a primer since that would eliminate an extra layer of product on my face during the hottest months of the year. 

I apply this product every morning to clean, dry skin and then use a bit of face lotion on top of it (if needed).  I first used a dime-sized amount of this facial sunscreen and did not find it enough to fully cover my whole face and then the next time that I used it, I used a nickel-sized drop and had enough to cover my whole face and then to work the product down into my neck area.  I was a bit surprised to see that this product has a bit of a flesh-toned tint to it, the body formula was the traditional white shade of sunscreen and I was a bit put off until I emailed Sephora and they confirmed that this is the correct color of the product and all was well.  I believe that it has a bit of tint to be best used as a primer instead of just a sunscreen. 

This line of products works well to keep my skin protected, I have never gotten a sunburn when I have used any product from this line and I will keep using then for these benefits.  The primer part of this product is where I wasn't as impressed as I could be, I found this product to be more of a sunscreen than a makeup product, it doesn't absorb or spread as well as a primer and I would never buy this product only to use as a primer.  I use this product with a separate primer, if I don't then my makeup will not spread correctly and doesn't last as long as it normally does with a separate primer. 

I will continue to use this facial sunscreen for the rest of the summer and I bet that I will buy it again next summer, unless Clinique comes out with another facial sunscreen in this line.  I am happy with the results that I get from the SPF 25 for normal use, but I would be interested in finding this same product in a higher SPF for vacation or a day outside. 

photo courtesy of Clinique

Korres Milk Proteins Cleansing and Makeup Removing Wipes

After this semester is over, I have decided that I must start seriously looking to join and gym and check out every organization that is around me.  With that, I am well aware that I will end up needing new clothing, sneakers, and new beauty products to support this lifestyle change.  I have read so many stories in beauty magazines about increased acne, limp hair, and increased need to shower (therefore drying out my skin even more than it usually is).  I know some women that have issues with visiting the gym just because of these issues and I refuse to avoid the gym and come up with a separate beauty product routine that will combat all the bad that occurs at a sweaty gym.  That means that I have a different kind of skincare product shopping to do...

I started thinking about this about two weeks ago when I was having massive writer's block on my final paper for Leading People in Organizations.  I began by listing all the gyms in my area and then went over to the Sephora website to look at some of the skincare sets listed as "Travel".  One of the first items that I came upon was skincare wipes that are made to clean skin and remove makeup.  A product like this is exactly what I would want for after working out to clean all the sweat and excess makeup off my skin and try to avoid some of the pore clogging issues that will result.  Wipes must be a popular item since a bunch of companies that I already have skincare products from have all kinds of wipes, some companies even have multiple kinds so that they are targeted toward many skin types.  I got really excited to see that Korres (already a favorite skincare brand of mine) has multiple kinds of wipes that are targeted toward different skin types.  Which is great because the last thing that I need right now is for a cleansing product to dry out my skin more and then lead to even more oil production...

Korres has a line for made just for dry skin and I am happy to see that the Milk Protein line continues to grow and grow the more that they release new products, I love combining products from this line and the Wild Rose line to both hydrate and calm my skin.  I ordered the Milk Proteins Cleansing and Makeup Removing Wipes as soon as I saw them and I have used them the past two nights to try them out (before I decide that they earn a spot in my future gym bag!).

"A travel-friendly package of 25 wipes that gently yet effectively remove makeup, dirt, and oil.  These wipes, enriched with softening milk proteins, effortlessly eliminate eye makeup (waterproof included) and cleanse the skin to create soft, supple, refreshed results. Milk proteins, rich in essential amino acids, nourish and moisturize the skin, while aloe soothes the skin from redness and irritations. This convenient solution is perfect for and on-the-go cleansing."

The key word here is "on the go", these are not a substitute for your traditional liquid cleanser and they will not replicate all the benefits of doing the traditional skincare regime every single day.  I read several reviews on Makeup Alley by people who used them every single day and I can see why they didn't love them, this isn't the way to use them and of course they didn't get the best benefits to their skin.  I would only use these wipes once or twice a week when I go to the gym right from work or class and then would do my regular skincare regime each day. 

These function very well to get my face makeup off and take a good amount of my eye makeup off.  These are not made to get a real deep clean and are not a replacement for a traditional cleanser.  This product got my makeup residue and sweat off after I went jogging the other day and they quickly got face makeup, a bit of eye makeup, and sweat off my face without leaving it feeling tight and dry.  This is exactly what I wanted for this type of product and I highly recommend them for a gym bag or even for a late night.  I would not recommend them for everyday use and anyone who uses them like this will not like the product. 

The Milk Proteins wipes are for normal to dry skin but this company also offers the Pomegranate wipes for normal to oily skin.  I have used one Pomegranate product before and I really liked that face cream and I think that I can safely recommend those to people with a different skin type than mine. 

I will be coming out with more posts over the next few months of products that I am using to fill my gym bag and if anyone has any suggestions, please let me know!

photo courtesy of Sephora

Philosophy Hope In a Jar Night Face Cream

Several weeks ago, I wrote a Theme Week featuring all kinds of great skincare ingredients that have helped my skin in the past and that have been proven to work by the industry.  One of the items that I covered was the best selling moisturizer from Philosophy, the Hope In a Jar product.  This face cream is one of the best known products on the Sephora website and is a consistent top seller for any company that carries it.  This moisturizer was covered under the lactic acid ingredient post, an ingredient that helps to increase total cell turnover and helps to boost hydration levels in the skin.  The reason that this moisturizer is such a top seller is because it actually delivers on its promises and is a simple yet very effective formula.  I would have no hesitation to re-purchase this product again in the future and I think that Philosophy overall has a very solid skincare product line.

Earlier this month, a new product joined the Philosophy skin care line up and it was an instant sell out at my closest Sephora store and it was out of stock online went I tried to order it.  I considered trying another face cream and ordering this one later on in the season but I ended up waiting until I got the email from Sephora stating that the product was back in stock and that I could order it any time.  I actually pushed off my entire Sephora order to wait for this product and just left it all in my Shopping Cart until I could add this product and make the order.  I have been using it for about a week now and I can very happily state that this product was well worth the wait and is one of my favorite night creams that I have ever used!

The product description and details come from the Sephora website, "An intensive retexturizing moisturizer that repairs skin overnight for a beautiful, well-rested appearance.  Wake to more radiant, refreshed skin with this night version of Philosophy’s much-loved Hope In A Jar moisturizer. The gentle formula boosts nighttime renewal to retexturize skin, as it plumps the appearance of fine lines and evens skintone. Patented qusomes help deliver potent glycolic acid to the skin, while gradual-release technology minimizes the potential for irritation. With regular use, skin becomes noticeably smoother, lines are visibly softened, and your rosy glow is restored."

The clinical trail results were provided also...

"Based on once-daily use, a clinical and consumer study of 48 participants reported:
- 92% felt softer, comfortably hydrated skin overnight
- 90% showed significant improvement in the appearance of fine lines after 2 weeks of use"

The texture of this product was the first item that I noted when I tried it, this moisturizer has the texture of thick cake frosting.  I applied this all over my face and my dry skin just drank it in.  I had to get the product out of my eye brows but other than that, it absorbed instantly and left my skin feeling very hydrated.  The next morning, my skin still felt fully hydrated and wasn't as dry as usual when I got out of the shower.  I do not use this product during the day, I use a lighter lotion from Clinique and we will get into the "Why" when I talk ingredients in the next paragraph.  After a week of use every single night, my skin retains moisture better and looks brighter and fresher than before.  This is a great hydrating face cream for dry skin, I don't see this working well on normal skin types as it is a very thick formula.  I will use this product throughout the rest o the spring but I don't know if I can use it in the summer or if I will put it away for the fall.  This is an aspect of the product that I will have to report back on in June.

My thoughts on the formula - I wasn't expecting the hit of glycolic acid to be in this product and I will confess that I was so excited to order this product that I really didn't closely read the details of it.  My skin and glycolic acid don't always get along, it has to be in small doses and I have to watch my skin's reactions with the use of it.  This product doesn't not bother my skin at all, very surprising to me but I see that this has an extra ingredient added into it to keep the product gentle for all skin types.  This formula is best for a night cream, this ingredient mix has a major potential to make skin sensitive to the sun and I would not use it in the daytime to avoid the risk of a sunburn. 

Over the past week, my skin has vastly improved in hydration level and looks my clearer than it did before I began using this product.  This is a great skin cream from Philosophy but only if you have drier skin, this is not recommended for normal skin with the hydration level that it provides.  This is my current favorite night cream and might be among the best that I have ever used and I will be purchasing it again as soon as I run out.  I will have to see how it works during the summer months and if I need a lighter formula so I will report back on that aspect of the product but so far, I am very happy with what I am getting right now from this cream!

photo courtesy of Sephora