My skin is dry even in the summer, so the change in seasons to winter requires an even more amped up moisture routine. Even with my new supplement routine, I need something fairly rich when the heaters kick in. Granted today it was 90 here in Oklahoma, but I know a chill is just around the corner.
Another plus to added moisture – lipid depletion can add to the look of aging. So adding natural compounds like ceramides and fatty acids can enable skin to repair itself. SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 is an anti aging cream formulated with a maximized concentration of lipids: 2% pure ceramides, 4% natural cholesterol, and 2% fatty acids. These ingredients work to restore skin’s natural barrier and promote self-repair. Not to mention, this recipe can smooth and add radiance. The innovation of this product lies in the specific ratio formulation: 2:4:2 cholesterol-dominant.
I use morning and night – just a small amount between fingers warmed and melted, pressed into skin. I adore the minty scent, especially to awaken skin in the morning. This is ideal for my fellow dry skin suffers or those with sensitivity. Available at SkinCeuticals.com and right now with code OCTOBER, get a complimentary Blemish + Age Defense Sample.
It has been a while since I shared my routine, so I thought I would fill you guys in with the products I use nightly. But first a side note: I’ve started washing my hair and showering at night and it has transformed my routine. No overheating while I rush to blow dry my hair in the morning. My skin soaks in all those lovely body oils and I wake up with hydrated skin. And the warm showers lull me to sleepiness in a hot minute (just as I’d imagine sleeping in this dream bedroom above at Tulum’s Coqui Coqui Spa & Residence Resort.
I finish with two new obsessions the Fresh. The Black Tea collection has been rocking my world – the texture is super luxe but the price tag isn’t quite as painful as other super-luxury lines. The Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Eye Concentrate contains noni juice that firms and illuminates my under eye area. The Black Tea Age Delay Cream soaks into my skin immediately and helps with next-day radiance. My dry, sensitive-prone skin loves this collection.
I know this is a brief summary of loads of products. I plan on doing in depth review of most (if not all) of these in the near future!
pr samples and affiliate links may be included in the above post. Fresh samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program. I consult for Neiman Marcus which is affiliated with the Neiman Marcus Group, but as always, opinions are my own.
I’ve been battling some serious fine lines around my eye area. They aren’t super pronounced, but I know now is my chance to stave off any major wrinkles. Welcome to your mid-thirties, Belle Belle! So I decided it was time to really dive into the world of eye cream. I’ve selected my favorites for particular concerns whether you have fine lines like me, battle puffiness or get those dreaded dark circles. Let me know if you have any other superstar favorites I missed in the comments below!
I mention the Opal first because I use this tool with all the creams and serums tested below. I adore Clarisonic so no surprise that their tool for the eye area was equally impressive. The micro-massage (which is super-gentle) drives active ingredients into skin. Amplifying infusion with the vibration equals quick results. The Opal runs on a one minute cycle and I have to say it is actually fun to use. The rubbery applicator tip is gentle and keeps the amount of product to a reasonable level – something I found difficult when using just your finger. My only beef? I wish there was a beep when I needed to switch to the other eye. So I just do a full rotation (one minute) on each eye.
I adore this new eye cream from bliss. Part of their active 99.0 line, this treatment is professional-grade without being irritating. It manages to fight all the concerns mentioned above. And nourishes my dry and thin skin. It is a one-stop shop for those who want to address a range of concerns.
Major kudos for releasing something specifically for women (and I guess men!) in their 30s. This workhorse fights free radicals around eyes and lips and soothes sensitive areas where signs of aging first appear. The consistency is very light, making it perfect for those with oilier or combination skin. It is my lazy girl answer for nights you just can’t don’t have the energy.
I fell hard for Cindy Crawford’s skin Meaningful Beauty back here and the price point takes the sting out of a normally very expensive product. She developed her line with a dermatologist and the active ingredients really work to tighten and lift. The small tube is perfect to throw in a travel bag or purse. And it works beautifully to refresh under eyes at the end of a long day before cocktail hour.
SkinCeuticals is always my pick for people who want powerful formulas. Usually the line is a little irritating on me, but this balm from SkinCeuticals was surprisingly gentle and nourishing. I loved the anti-inflammatory nature and soothing chamomile that fought my redness like a champ. I felt refreshed and smooth a full day when using this balm.
I used to think StriVectin was a gimmicky brand, but after trying so many of their products, I am seriously obsessed with their ability to fight a wide variety of skin concerns. I don’t usually have puffiness, but I went though a phase of terrible allergies recently and this was the only eye treatment that got those puffs to calm down. My eyes were immediately “deflated” for lack of a better word. And that’s not all. The formula contains retinol – a workhorse against lines and hyper-pigmentation. And it isn’t irritating.
When I feel like I need to baby my under eye area, this is what I reach for. The silky serum smooths skin and plumps any dehydrated areas. And when I say “silky” I mean literally. The serum contains Persian Silk and is perfect after a sleepless night or one too many cocktails. It just feels sooo good to use.
Murad’s standout focuses on radiance by boosting collagen production. The tangerine butter brightens the eye area and leaves youthful baby-soft skin. And a bonus point – if you like using eye cream on lids like I do – this one is gentle enough to be used over the entire eye area.
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.
One of the most common skin concerns is acne and June happens to be Acne Awareness Month. Just under the wire, I am on FOX23’s Great Day Green Country tomorrow to share my picks for curing the dreaded clogged pores and pimples.
It is hard not to think about acne without bring up the premier acne fighting brand, Proactiv. The newest from the brand is X Out, a one-step Wash-In Treatment that infuses pores with bacteria fighting 8.5% benzoyl peroxide. Smooth beads exfoliate dead skin cells and a complex helps moisturize skin.
You regulars know that I am a huge fan of beauty from the inside out. New to Sephora, Hum Nutrition offers an array of supplements to fight all sorts of skin concerns. Daily Cleansehelps clear skin and the body from toxins. Detoxifying herbs and organic chlorella can help improve your complexion. And it is also gluten-free, contains no GMOs, and is sustainably sourced.
Bioré has long been a blemish fighting favorite brand. The newest trio has been a surprisingly awesome addition to my skin care routine. While I don’t have a ton of acne, these products have helped clear up my clogged pores on my nose that have plagued me since this spring. Bioré Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser is a refreshing and cooling salicylic acid acne treatment that clears skin of dirt and oil. Bioré Blemish Fighting Astringent also contains salicylic acid and tones and clears pores. Are you a scrub fan? Bioré Acne Clearing Scrub really goes after deep dirt and oil for the quickest fix. The minty citrus scrub is gentle enough to use every day and actually can be used to proactively prevent new blemishes.
One of my favorite super-powered skin care lines, SkinCeuticals, offers Blemish + Age Defense designed for those who might not be in the traditional acne prone teen years. By using 2% dioic acid with an alpha- and beta-hydroxy acid, it specifically targets and prevents adult acne. It can help with hyperpigmentation and fine lines as well.
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.
I know I covered my current skin care routine yesterday (see that post here), but I purposefully left out the serum step. Since last September, I have been using three serums regularly that I absolutely love. Granted, they all do very different things so I’ve been adjusting based on what my skin needs. So, take a look at your skin and I encourage you to try out these if you have:
Dry Skin: AHAVA Dead Sea Osmoter Concentrate works with your skin to improve its ability to retain moisture. This added moisture helps skin look more radiant. The secret ingredient is a concentrate of Osmoter, a blend of Dead Sea minerals, that heals skin from the inside out. If you are suffering from some serious winter dehydration, look no further. This serum is super gentle and safe to use morning and night.
Fine lines, hyperpigmentation or dullness: Sunday Riley Good Genes Treatment works as both a serum and a mask. Expect some generous brightening action here. While it can be a little strong for more sensitive skin, it might be worth the temporary redness. My skin looks smoother and more vibrant, particularly working against hyperpigmentation. With my easily irritated skin, I avoid using it as a mask. But if you have resilient or thicker skin, give it a whirl. I especially love the way this serum looks under makeup.
Sun damage, fine lines and a lazy skin care attitude: SkinCeuticalsPhloretin CF Gel is a trio of active ingredients that can provide a complete anti-aging cocktail. If you don’t like a lot of steps (or are a dude) check out this multi-tasker. The three active ingredients are 2% phloretin, 10% vitamin C, and 0.5% ferulic acid. The gel consistency is great for oilier skin. And antioxidants specifically help regeneration and repair leaving a more youthful appearance. Be prepared for a period of irritation or a break out here and there – this gel helps force out anything congesting skin and reveals a new and fresh layer of skin.
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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.
I don’t know about you, international readers, but all of the United States this week is COLD COLD COLD. And with that comes heaters, wind burn, irritation and dry skin galore. For the past couple of weeks, I’ve been fairly loyal to a skin care routine, and I must say my skin has weathered this fairly well. Here are the five all-starts getting me through the deep winter:
