Tag: Sulwhasoo

Sulwhasoo Luminature Essential Finisher

Sulwhasoo Luminature Essential Finisher on Belle Belle Beauty

If you like no-frills skin care, look away, dear friend. But know you are missing out. For those willing to add an extra step, check out this “finisher” from Sulwhasoo.

Much like this favorite makeup spray, the Sulwhasoo Luminature Essential Finisher is like the same for your skin care – think about sealing in all that goodness that you use in your routine. Plus it adds a luminosity and clarity.

I’ve loved this line since crossing paths at Bergdorfs at my first New York Fashion Week. But this unique product might be my favorite from the brand yet. Ginseng and green tea work naturally with skin to create a perfect makeup foundation. And antioxidants work against free radicals and help heal skin.

Plus it feels wonderful against my dry winter skin. That being said, it isn’t overly heavy so those with combo or oily skin will like the formula just as much as those with dry skin do. The heavy glass bottle is a beauty to use and looks amazing on a vanity too – always a welcome luxury with upscale skin care products.

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.

The At-Home Peel

At one time, peels required a doctor’s visit, inspired fear and often disappointed on results. Not to mention the healing time required afterward. Today, peels have transformed into a satisfying step in skin care that you can do at home with next day results! I’ve heard so much banter on the twitter waves lately about these products, that I had to share my favorites.

  1. Glamglow isn’t a peel in the name, but accomplishes many of the same goals. And it is no longer an underground cult favorite – Glamglow was a Neiman Marcus Beauty Award Winner in2012! It is popular in Hollywood, but the mud base hails from Southern France, home to glamorous Cannes, St. Tropez and Monaco. Glamglow was a proprietary technology that allows ‘Super-Squalene’, a moisturizer, and ‘EGCG Super-Antioxidants’ direct into the mud from the pieces of tea leaves. This can be quite granular, so be gentle, but you will not believe your glow afterwards.
  2. Sulwhasoo Skin Clarifying Mask (also technically not a peel, but I had to include it since you peel it off) is a very gentle and very gratifying way to lift out impurities and dead skin cells to detoxify and clarify dull, devitalized, and problem skin. Korean medicinal herbs on in this honey like formula that you allow to dry on your face and then literally peel off. This is better for those who lean to the oilier side of skin.
  3. Dr. Dennis Gross Skinare Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel is a peel designed for daily use because it is so gentle. I love the simple two step proccess: simply wipe the face with a pad from Step 1, wait two minutes, then repeat with Step 2. This stuff can stand up to any problem: fights wrinkles, balances oil, tones skin, increases clarity and radiance, and calms redness.
  4. For those with sensitive skin try Natura Bisse NB Ceutical Tolerance Enzyme Peel reviewed here. Instead of glycolic or lactic acid, this Peel uses enzymes. It has a great texture that is rubbed in until it liquifies. My skin looked brighter and more even immediately after I used it. There was absolutely no tingling at all.
  5. La Prairie Cellular Resurfacing 3-Minute Peel is a little more active. I could feel tingling, but wasn’t left with any redness. They recommend using this once a week, which I would adhear to. La Prairie is serious about the inclusion of “professional level” exfoliants, including AHAs, BHA, Salicylic Acid and Mixed Fruit Acids. The skin is retexturized by the removal of surface debris. My skin was incredibly smooth and evened after using.
  6. Kate Somerville Micro Glycolic Polisher uses both glycolic AND lactic acid work together to promote surface cell turnover, gently and effectively. At the same time, she added anti-aging to leave us with a youthful glow. Can it get any better? Blue Lotus extract delivers anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant benefits to calm skin and fight against free-radical damage. This doesn’t cause my skin to tingle at all and I can see immediate results.And I’m already hooked on Felicia’s, Bergdorf’s Social Media Beauty Editor, trick: “Add one pump of Micro Glycolic Polisher to your regular night time moisturizer for a little overnight mild exfoliation. Wake up glowy.
  7. Kate Somerville also makes Clinic-To-Go™ Resurfacing Peel Pads which are genius for travelling. When I first started using them, I did get a little tingle. No more. I love having these around for the evening after a long airplane ride or the night before an early morning important meeting.

Do you use a peel?

Sulwhasoo Skin Clarifying Mask

Not much is more irresistible than a  peel-off mask. Made by a Korean company, this mask is designed to purify and clarify with traditional herbs and honey.  Even though it is peel off, the honey really hydrates my skin, not to mention gives a very healthy clean feel.  The mask is also designed to remove the skin of dead skin cells – helpful when you are using a retinoid.  I try to use this on Sunday evenings, applying to a cleansed face.  It is usually dry and ready to peel off in 20 minutes. Makes your skin look good and it is really fun! ($39)