Tag: hydrating

NERD Skincare Masks

There is nothing like a whirlwind weekend of hard travel to make you appreciate a good sheet mask. No wonder sheet masks are having a moment. They are convenient, effective and still a bit of a novelty. While I will always have a soft spot for the classic SK-II Brightening Derm-Revival Mask, this trio from NERD Skincare were pretty darn amazing to use.

First a little about NERD: the products use serious science (no wonder this beauty nerd is drawn to the brand). The masks use biocellulose, a natural product used for centuries in medical treatments. The masks are hypoallergenic and send ingredients deep into skin while binding comfortably with skin – key in these pre-cut and shaped wearable skin care items.

For the fellow nerds out there, biocellulose is actual grown using acetic acid bacteria (AABs), specifically Acetobacter Xylinum – a strain no one else uses. This specific strain builds the smoothest microfibrils that work best on human skin. They make neat patterns that allow more surface area exposure to skin, allowing for maximum ingredient absorption.

Okay, back to the fun. The three masks work against specific concerns: dullness, dryness or damage with serums that focus on brightening, hydrating or repairing.

The Miraculous Brightening Mask uses antioxidants, collagen and elastin building blocks to add back a glow. The serum softens appearance of fine lines and tightens pores. I loved this mask when my skin was looking particularly dull after a late night and a bout of allergies.

Skin Repair Master Mask heals and soothes stressed skin. In my experience, this was the least nourishing mask but had the greatest effect on the appearance of my skin. I’d love to have it in my stash after a day in the sun at the lake. Antioxidants work against free radicals and skin cells are revitalized.

Super Hydrating Mask was my favorite. My dry skin adored the way this mask infused my skin with moisture after a long day of travel. Plus the serum infused a barrier to continue retaining hydration over my long weekend in NYC. My skin was left supple and full.

I left the masks on for 20 minutes. Because there was a generous amount of serum, I was able to work what was left on my face into my skin and decollatage. I also liked the way the substantial texture of the mask was easy to adjust on my face. Plus, they were long so they went to work below my chin and jawline as well.

Available at NERDSkincare.com and Amazon.

image via NERD Skincare

pr samples and affiliate links may be included in the above post

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.

NEW Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick

Feeling a little bit sassy at this year’s NYFW, I chose quite the sassy lip to rock over the weekend: Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in 69. And in the meantime I’ve also fallen hard for F-Bomb. But this lipstick isn’t all about naughty names. It is about a stellar formula that makes wearing these deep shades a cinch even with my dry lips.

69 (top) and F-Bomb (bottom)

Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick is a version of that buttery, creamy lipstick we are seeing on counters. But Urban Decay really does it right with glide-on smoothness and intense color payoff thanks to Urban Decay’s Pigment Dispersion System™. The finish is shiny and opaque with just one layer. It plays so well with my drier lips thanks to jojoba oil, avocado oil, cocoa butter and shea butter. While it is available in 20 shades from nude to deep berry, may I suggest one of these reds above for a fall pop. Check out all the shades here:

Available at Sephora, Macy’s, Ulta and Beauty.com.

Cristophe Professional Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner

I’m throwing everything I can at this dry hair situation. The current regimen that is finally giving me soft and silky hair is Cristophe Professional Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner. The formula has all the nourishing goodies to add moisture back into my strands, healing dry ends. It also contains UV protectors, creatine to provide strength and improve elasticity, and Vitamin C for shine and vibrancy. The scent is that classic old school juicy floral, perfectly nostalgic.

At $8.99, these salon-quality products are worth snatching up. Shop online or find your closest salon here.

Color safe. Paraben free. Cruelty free. Not tested on animals.

Brand Spotlight: Amika: love your hair and GIVEAWAY

Amika’s tag line is “heathy, easy and stylish”. Um, sounds about perfect to me. I’ve been imersed in the world of Amika for the past two weeks and my hair is softer, happier and healthier than ever before. I was able to try out quite a few products so, today I am featuring a little brand spotlight.

I’ve been trying out the Color pHerfection Shampoo, Hydrate Conditioner and Nourishing Hair Mask in the shower. My hair is super fine and been a little dry this winter, so I was angling to improve that situation. While my hair isn’t colored, the Color pHerfection Shampoo is chock full of antioxidants, vitamins, healthy fatty acids, Omega 3, 6 & 9, and the rare Omega 7 (usually only found in fish oil) to heal my drier hair. All these goodies come from Amika’s signature ingredient, the Obliphica Berry (Sea Buckthorn Berry), known for centuries renowned for its healing powers.

Hydrate Conditioner and Nourishing Hair Mask notched up the moisure element in my routine significantly. Both of these rich formulas infuse hair with fatty acids, proteins, anti-oxidants, and other nutrients. Somehow they are both ultra-creamy but leave hair balanced and voluminous. The Nourishing Hair Mask takes it a bit further than the conditioner with extra penetration, nourishment and repair. Both have a vaguely tropical scent. And I am not sure you’ll ever find me without one or the other again.

Amika Obliphica Oil Treatment might be the center piece of the brand. I was slightly concerned about the Obliphica seed oil for my fine hair, but it managed to deliver hydration without weighing my hair down or making it oily (this goes for all Amika products I tried). I was especially impressed I could use the Oil Treatment fairly liberally and I still had volume with loads of shine. It also helped on next day hair for a little boost at the ends. It also provides UV protection from environmental and sun damage. The treatment has that delicious and amazing argan oil while being free of parabens and artificial colors. Like the Oil Treatment, the Leave in Cream also surprised me by not weighing my hair down. I applied the cream and then slept on braided, wet hair. My waves were shiny, bouncy and healthy. I have a sneaking suspicion curly-haired girls would go nuts over this stuff.

Lastly, I’m embarassed to say I never use a heat protectant. Now that I a have mastered the blowout, I use heat tools much more often and I knew I needed to step up my game. Amika’s Obliphica Heat Defense Serum uses their signature ingredient’s omega 7 and vitamin C to protect strands. It revitalizes and forms a protective barrier. This layer also helps fight frizz. All three styling products have that tropical oil smell that I go bananas for, but it is very subtle.

And now for the juicy part… a GIVEAWAY. I am thrilled to be sharing one of Amika’s hottest tools with one of you lucky readers. I’ve been using a similar clip-less rod with four interchangeable barrels for the ultimate in styling flexibility. We are giving away Zebra Triple Barrel Pro Curler Set – it also includes a curling rod with interchangeable barrels and one of their famed ceramic irons. Guys, this set is valued at $300!

Enter using the widget below. Open to US Only and GOOD LUCK!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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.

La Prairie Cellular Radiance Cream Blush

This is splurge-y. Yes, I know. But it is just that darn good. October of last year, it won Allure’s ‘Best of Beauty’ award for Best Top Splurge Blush. I’ve been using the Cellular Radiance Cream Blush in Peach Glow for a couple weeks. I invariably toss this in my purse because I want it with me all the time. Not to mention how beautiful the silver and gold compact is.

The nourishing formula adds needed hydration and soothes my skin. The Peach Glow just adds a touch of pinky peach with just balanced luminance. It isn’t a dramatic look but rather healthy and natural. I just use my fingers to apply right on my cheekbones in a sheer wash, but you can build up the color. This can be worn alone or over any lotion or cream foundation.

There are five shades available:

Rose Glow
Peach Glow
Berry Glow
Mauve Glow
Plum Glow

P.S. I already envy all of you that live out in LA. Or even those of you with an upcoming trip out there. My four days back in April just weren’t near enough. I squeezed in a visit to the new La Prairie spa at the gorgeous Hotel Bel-Air. The property has recently been updated and the new spa is a “can’t miss”. The understated elegancy and luxury is perfectly quiet and tranquil. May I suggest their new Luxe Caviar manicure and pedicure? Or perhaps a signature facial?

by Lindsay Rogers