Tag: firming

Kate Somerville ‘Age Arrest’ Hydrating Firming Mask

If someone forced me to pick one skin care line for the rest of my days, Kate Somerville would definitely be a contender. Having visited her spa, used her products over a period of years and been lucky enough to meet Kate in person, I consider myself a “super-fan”. Things have been a little quiet out there lately, but the last couple of months marked some really exciting launches in the “Age Arrest” collection.

The highlight for me has been the Kate Somerville ‘Age Arrest’ Hydrating Firming Mask. This mask both corrects signs of aging and protects against future damage, making it perfect for a wide range of ages and skin types. If you are a Kate Somerville fan, you’ve probably read about “telomeres”. This product (along with several others in her collection) utilizes Nobel Prize winning Telo-5 Technology to fight against signs of aging. Telo-5 protects the life span of telomeres which help keep our skin looking youthful.

But it isn’t just Telo-5 technology – white water lily and centella asitica extract can help firm sagging skin and improve elasticity. Peptides will boost collagen. And sea whip extract and algae soothe skin.

While this is technically a mask, I have been using it overnight. The formula delivers deep hydration that my dry skin loves. It also works against wrinkles and discoloration. If you prefer a mask treatment, just apply for five minutes and gently remove with a tissue and massage in any extra product. A little facial massage will also help with puffiness. It is recommended 1-3 times a week. I probably could happily use this every other night while those with less dry skin might want to keep it to a weekly treatment.

After using, I can tell my skin is super plump and hydrated in the morning. While I am not yet suffering from sagging skin, I can see more radiance (likely thanks to the hydration). I love taking the preventative step to minimize any potential aging down the road.

Made in the USA. Available at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Sephora, KateSomerville.com and Bergdorf Goodman.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

La Prairie Skin Caviar Liquid Lift

I’ve had quite the love affair with La Prairie since I began blogging. The La Prairie White Caviar Illuminating Eye Cream is still my all time favorite eye cream. And don’t get me started on the La Prairie Cellular Radiance Cream Blush. Their 3-minute Peel is a staple on my vanity. The brand consistently turns out some of the most luxurious and supremely effective skincare I’ve had the opportunity to try. In April of 2012, La Prairie launched a product that basically distilled everything wonderful about their Caviar Collection into one gorgeous bottle.

Skin Caviar Liquid Lift uses these infamous golden caviar pearls to deliver an instant lift to skin. It has even been called an “instant facelift”. While I recognize I’m not really a candidate for a facelift yet, I have been absolutely giddy about this product. The smoothing effect is genuinely unique and it has made for a fabulous primer under makeup. Over the past couple of weeks, my skin is smoother and tighter, something I’ve been concerned about as I have been losing a significant amount of weight.

A glucose-based polymer (Xanthan Gum Crosspolymer) tones and tenses skin immediately and long-term. The amino acids, vitamins and minerals in the Caviar Extracts offer nourishment and protection to the skin. A new pentapeptide helps protect and renew skin cells. My dry skin soaks up the Vitamin B5 that acts as a humectant, adding moisture to the skin. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant.

The real excitement of this products comes with the “activation”. When you purchase the bottle, the caviar beads appear in the window. Before use, remove the outer cap and press the activator. The three chambers mix three distinct formulas to combine a balanced blend. So cool!

Skin Caviar Liquid Lift is available at Neiman Marcus here.

Caudalie Favorites & Bleeker Street Boutique Opening

I am a devoted Francophile. I’m also a devoted wine drinker. So it is no surprise that I adore Caudalie, a beauty company that built its brand around stabilized grape seed polyphenols (aka wine material). I’ve been dabbling in their skin care and body care products for over a decade and have several of their goodies in the current rotation. Bottom line: I am a fan. So now I have even more reason to envy my New York City friends – tomorrow marks the opening of the first ever Caudalie Boutique!

The brand will offer skincare consultations, mini treatment experiences and “Les Introuvables” (boutique-exclusive products) in their new flagship, located in SoHo at 315 Bleecker Street. The store design in inspired by Les Source de Caudalie Vinothérapie Spa in Bordeaux and Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte. The wine and vinyard motif play throughout – is there anywhere more relaxing than wine country? I think not. Classic decor of white, oak wood and bordeaux make for a stunning spa setting. Much like the brand Lush, the boutique will feature a beauty bar in the shape of a barrel bath – the perfect spot to try products.

There will be two complimentary services:

The “Instant Beauty Pick-Me-Up” This 10 minute instant beauty service will offer clients that certain “je ne sais quoi” that comes with a flawless, healthy glow. The experience utilizes Caudalie’s top radiance boosting products like Mineral Tinted Moisturizers and the Divine Powder with advice from a Caudalie skincare expert. Skin will be radiant and glowing and the senses will be restored – all without booking an appointment.
The “Hand Massage” Experience a moment of relaxation with a massage to relived tired and fatigued hands. Utilizing gentle manipulation and Caudalie’s beloved Hand & Nail Cream, muscles will be relaxed, while skin is nourished and protected thanks to a moisturizing formula of grape oil, Vinolevure and Fair Trade Shea Butter.

While you are there, check out some of my favorite Caudalie products:

Divine Oil – I’ve been using this mix of four oils on my arms, legs, face, hair… you name it. Moroccan rose, Bulgarian rose, grapefruit, pink pepper, cedar, vanilla and white musk combine to make an irresistible scent – no kidding… this might be my favorite find of the season.
‘Thé des Vignes’ Eau de Toilette – Ginger and neroli make for a delicious, light scent that feels fresh and fruity. Notes of florals like orange blossom and jasmine round out a clean spray – perfect for those who don’t like a heavy fragrance.
‘Fleur de Vigne’ Shower Gel – I’ve been using this shower gel for years. It has the perfect suds, leaves the perfect scent and will always remind me of summer. The scent is white rose and pink peppercorn.
Hand & Nail Cream – A great hand cream only gets better with sweet orange and almond fragrance – but it doesn’t have an overpowering scent and leaves no greasy residue.
Crushed Cabernet Scrub – I am all for firming these days and… what’s the harm? Especially if it is 100% natural. This scrub is pretty aggressive and designed as part of the Slimming Regimen. The formula contains the six draining and cellulite-fighting organic essential oils of the Contouring Concentrate.
Firming Concentrate – After using the Cabernet Scrub, I slather on the concentrate. I use this on my arms and stomach where it promises to help improve elasticity and firmness and prevent stretch marks. Doesn’t hurt that the fragrance is awesome – a peppery, citrus flavor.
Lip Conditioner – This balm is a best seller in the Alps. While it is massively conditioning, it isn’t too thick. So it works great as a base coat for lipstick to prevent the look of flakey color.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE WAS PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Bliss ‘Firm, Baby, Firm’ Dual-Action Lifting & Volumizing Serum

I am a huge fan of Bliss anything and everything, but I mostly have focused on their body care products. I haven’t had much experience with their skin care offerings other than Bliss That’s Incredi-Peel! – a super charged glycolic acid treatment. Over the past couple weeks, I have been using Bliss Firm, Baby, Firm, a dual action serum that feels so darn good to use.

This facial serum helps boots collagen and elasticity for immediate AND long term effects. The dual action helps voluminize hollow areas, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, while also lifting – usually serums do one or the other making this a unique product. Powerful active ingredients like gardenia stem cells, cell-targeting X50 peptides and phyto-retinoids fuel the serum. These stem cells derived from fruit and plants are strong, but seem to play nicer with my sensitive skin.

The best part for me is the instant gratification of pleasant and nourishing lavender scented formula (from Bulgarian lavender oil). The creamy, aloe base adds moisture and instant smoothness. And a patented irritation-reducing technology gives the anti-aging ingredients I need without red flaky skin.

Dr. Jart’s Beauty Sleep Masks

I know that most of you will agree with me – we all just look better when we are well-rested. A study published in the British Medical Journal demonstrated that people who had a full night of sleep (8 hours or more) versus sleep-deprived individuals (31 hours of wakefulness after a night of reduced sleep) were rated in blinded evaluations as healthier, more attractive and less tired. We probably didn’t need a study to tell us that – but there it is.

The science behind sleep and beauty is where it gets interesting. According to Dr. Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas, a specialist in dermatology and laser surgery in New York City, growth hormones are released while sleeping, which could help production of skin cells and collagen. Your skin is actually repaired while you sleep. In conjunction, your skin absorbs product to a greater degree while you sleep. So why not supercharge your nighttime routine?

Dr. Jart came up with some specifically formulated masks for bedtime. I love that you can simply apply them and let them work. No waiting, rinsing, timing. I’ve been using both of these masks – one for hydration on my forehead and cheeks and the one for firming on my neck around my mouth and eyes.

Dr. Jart Water Fuse Water-Max Sleeping Mask has a gel-like formula that provides moisture continuously during sleep. It provides a kind of barrier while Hyaluronic acid sends moisture deep into your skin. Olive leaf and cranberry strengthen the skin barrier to boost elasticity. And essential oils provide a relaxing scent. It makes for a perfect “wind down” routine right before sleep.

Dr. Jart Premium Firming Sleeping Mask revitalizes skin with Niacinamide and kava. Korean medicinal herbs help expel toxins and stimulate cell turnover. The Firming mask also contains Hyaluronic acid to infuse moisture.

I’ve definitely noticed a diference after using these masks. My skin looks more radiant and rested. The consistency is lightweight and comfortable. And using these ingredients over the long term should just continue to improve results. I love my new bedtime ritual.

Sisley-Paris Sisleya Firming Body Care

Sisley-Paris has recently added to their exceptional skin care line to include body care. Perfect timing – summer times makes most of us (I think) more aware of aging and flaws below the neckline. The formula uses 19 plant-based active ingredients to combat slackening, cellulite, fine lines and dehydration. The effect is a cool tightening but not uncomfortable. The finish is silky but not matte and definitely hydrated. And while Sisley-Paris Sisleya Firming Body Care is a treatment, it certainly works as a moisturizer as well. I’m keeping it by my bed to use every night on my décolleté, stomach and upper legs. But I also like it right before a night out.

I feel I should delve into some of the technology behind this concentrate. It is a serious powerhouse product with scientific goods to back it up.

Skin slackening is caused by action on three major players of firmness: Elastin, Collagen and Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Dill seed extract boots elastin function. Extracts of Alkekengi Calyx and Soya boost the production of collagen fibers. Extract of Padina pavonica stimulates the synthesis of Glycosaminoglycans. These actions help long-term appearance of the skin.

The formula’s major active ingredient is extract of Spirulina, a blue microalgae rich in trace elements and minerals – calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc – vitamins and amino acids, which helps revitalize skin. Caffeine helps slenderize. And Vegetable Glycerine, Plum and Andiroba Oils along with Shea Butter help in hydration.

Oat extract forms the natural feeling elastic mesh on the skin’s surface, hence the instant smoothing and contouring action. Rhattany also helps tighten with astringent properties.

The scent is subtle and clean. Essential oils of Lavender and Marjoram provide calming and balancing properties, although I can’t strongly detect either. I enjoy that the overall effect won’t interfere with any fragrance, and still works great before bed. If you’re like me, I’m not up for any strong scents right before sleep.

Overall, this product really impresses me with efficacy and quality ingredients. While it is an investment, I think you can expect to see results and it is a pleasure to use. Not to mention, the packaging is beautiful.