Recently in Face Category

Guest Blog by Tatiana Boncompagni.

I'm not a big believer in anti-aging skincare creams. I've tried a lot of them, especially those that purport to mimic the effects of hard-core dermatological treatments (filler, Botox, etc), and for the most part I've been disappointed. But recently I decided to give Orlane's Thermoactive Firming Serum a go because I'm a big big fan of their System Minceur, a super effective body slimmer (and one of my summer must haves).

Orlane is known for using science to harness the power of natural ingredients to improve the skin. For example, some of the key ingredients in their Thermoactive Firming Serum are tourmaline extract (which stimulates new collagen growth), rye extract (which works on fibroblasts to make skin more toned), green tea (for purification and detoxification) and Vitamin C (for restored radiance.)

I've been using the product for a month and have noticed a marked difference in the tone and radiance of my skin. Plus the serum feels light, not greasy, on my skin, which is key for me, especially in the summer heat.  I'd definitely recommend Orlane's Thermoactive Firming Serum to anyone looking for a recontouring and brightening product that really delivers.

 

>$300 at Neiman Marcus.com

What better way to pamper my skin after a long day at the beach than gems for the face!?!? I used the BVLGARI Masque Precieux every couple of days during the two weeks I was in Malibu to keep my skin from drying out from sand and wind. It's an intensive regenerating mask and is as decadent as it sounds! The richly hydrating mask is enriched with an oxygen carrier to detoxify, an antiaging complex Polypeptides III to help increase the production of collagen and elastin and the high performance properties of Bvlgari Gem Essence®, a patent pending formula that nourishes and renews the skin. You really need to use this consistently to see the results, it doesn't promise any miracles but use it often and you'll see a new luminosity to your skin.  $130 at Bergdorf Goodman.   

I also used the BVLGARI  Radiance Toning Lotion ($60) to remove traces of chlorine from my face, neck and chest after swimming in the pool each day (chemicals in the pool almost as bad as the sun!).  Just a few quick swipes and tight dry skin will immediately feel soft and supple. 

Check out BVLGARI Gem Essence products at Bergdorf Goodman here.

Estee Lauder has just released their limited edition Sensuous Gold collection and it has the soft feel of fall written all over it! I'm going gaga over their nail lacquers ($18) which have an awesome pearl-esque shimmer to them and come packaged in a gorgeous two-wall bottle. They've also got these fun lip glosses ($18) that are made up of three layers that blend together for a shiny, light pout. The collection's signature eyeshadow quad ($35) is another stand-out (especially with its hammered design!). It doesn't work on my skin-tone, but my friend Cristina who has a much darker complexion tried it and the colors worked well blended together and really popped when paired with a slate gray liner. 

Nordstrom has also got a pretty good deal going on right now where for every $29.50 or more Estee Lauder purchase you receive a summer-to-fall transformation kit that includes Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lifting Creme (7-day supply), 9-shade Eyeshadow Compact, a full-size Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Wild Ginger, More Than Mascara in Rich Black (10-day supply), and three cosmetics bags ($125 value. Offer ends August 2, 2009, at 11:59 p.m.).

The complete list of products after the jump!

I've written about my devotion to Bach products before -- Ladies and Gents, I swear by this stuff!! I experience mild stress on a daily basis and it's usually over frivolous stuff; a few drops of Bach's Rescue Remedy on my tongue and a deep breath has added years to be life! Needless to say I've tried a bunch of their other products and while none have worked as effectively for me as their Rescue Remedy, I do like their creams so it's worth mentioning that they've just launched Rescue Gel ($12.95, available in Whole Foods). The gel provides relief for stressed muscles, aches, pains, stiffness, and tightness. Even more exciting, for anyone on a budget and suffering from Acne, the makers of Bach have just launched a whole new line called Pure & Clear. Learn more about it after the jump!

The Wonder Bar is a facial cleanser made from a special MOOR clay from Heilmoor of Austria. This clay contains the essence of over 700 herbs and plants from the 3,000 years it took to create it. This MOOR essence is incredibly valuable for its benefits to the skin. There is also an algae formulation called Chlorey'nahre that's in this cleansing bar. All of that is a lot of confusion names and compounds but I have been using this cleanser and to put it plain and simple - it has changed my skin completely. Basically, the cleanser detoxes your skin. If you have clogged pores, it will extract all the gunk out. I get regular facials so I don't have that problem, but my husband does not facial so I had him use this. After the first couple of days, he got all these whiteheads, his clogged pores were purging itself. Now his skin is radiant like mine. OK, I am HUGE on exfoliating. After using the Wonderbar, I have not needed to exfoliate. After a good lather and rinse, my skin is soft and smooth, even though there is nothing abrasive in it. It is super mild. I have creamy soft baby skin. I'm not kidding. And my husband won't need to hear me nag about getting facials anymore, in fact, it has gotten rid of his rosacea. The Wonder Bar is cheaper than most cleansers I use, a 25 gram bar that last 4-6 weeks is $40. You can also get the 5 gram trial size good for 1-2 weeks for $10. It does not take off eye makeup so you will still need an eye make up remover afterwards.

I started a new regimen last month and can not believe I have not discovered iS clinical products until recently.  The rep told me not to use anything else during my test period and believe me, it was difficult to give up my usual 12 step routine with thick creams.  But I'm on a less is more mission to simplify my life and this could not have come at a better time.  I've always had good skin but my skin is now unbelievable, even the pesky little white heads on my forehead are gone!  I will describe each product below in detail and highly suggest you go to an iS clinical skin professional near you for a consultation.  It is only 7 products total for day and night and the best system I have ever used.   In fact, I believe in this regime so much I am going to give away this entire set in August!! 
AM (Must use in this order)
1) Cleansing Complex- I start each morning with a drop of cleanser to clean my T-zone area.  It removes left over residue from grease collected while sleeping and any make up that was not removed.
2) C Eye Advance + Gel- Lightweight but ultra potent, it does not sting on the eyes and can correct past sun damage if used consistently.
3) Super Serum Advance +  - This has replaced my Skinceuticals C+E, it's also lightened my pigmentation so I actually save money. 
4) Eye Complex- Chatecaille and La Prarie got nothing on this amazing eye cream.  Goes on under make up smoothly without greasiness or peeling.
5) Youth Complex- The fountain of youth~ if you get nothing else from my day routine you must get this (and the Active serium for night).  I apply a few drops on face, neck and chest.  Amazing!!  My make up goes on smoother and most days I no longer need foundation.  Just a dap of concealer and I'm good to go.
6) SPF Treatment Sunscreen-  I hesitated at first, 25SPF only?  But the organic and powerful ingredients in this is more than enough.  It is one of the best sunscreens I have ever used. 

PM (Must use in this order)
1) Cleansing Complex- This cleanser has a gel texture and cleans all my make up off, even the water proof mascara from Serge Luten that Kelly convinced me to buy. 
2) Active Serum- The HOLY GRAIL of the line.  You MUST get this.  Forget about emailing me with complaints about your wrinkles, spots and acne ever again if you don't get the Active Serum.  I can't help you if you don't help yourself.
3) Eye Complex- This is the same eye cream above.  I use it day and night.  Don't even think about getting botox or laser treatments for the lines around your eyes without trying this first! 

Pomegranates are the new Acai berries, its antioxidant properties are being touted in everything from juices to facial products but does it live up to its name? I recently tested out a product that is made of Pomegranate-- Murad Pomegranate Exfoliating Mask-- it comes in travel friendly packs that you can keep in your make up bag to use at any time. Each mess free pack is the size of department store samples for single applications. You simply tear open the pack and apply to your face directly. The gel textured mask is made of pomegranate and ginkgo biloba extracts that fight free radicals and inflammation (really great if you have rosacea). The natural fruit enzymes and AHAs also dissolve old and tired cells while freeing the skin's surface of trapped impurities. I used this over the weekend and didn't think it did much at first. It took a second try a few days later to notice that my skin looked a tad brighter. If anything, I'd get this just for the convenience to travel with! You can carry the little .25 oz packs with you on flight and give yourself a quick facial before you land. The hot towels flight attendants give you is enough to wipe your skin clean of this mask. Each box comes with 6 individual packs and will last you about a month. Get Murad Pomegranate Exfoliating Mask 6 Treatments $22.50 here.

I don't usually opt to try anything created by a dermatologist because honestly most of those lotions and potions with all their "high-grade" ingredients that do god knows what scare me (as do the usually nearly three figure price tags). Dr. Brandt is nothing like that. For starters the products in his new collection, called Blemishes No More, retail for between $25 and $35 (cheap? Maybe not, but significantly less than comparable products at Sephora). They're easy to use, easy to understand, don't have goosebumps-inducing possible side effects and unlike so many other creams that target blemishes the products in this line, at least the ones I've tried, don't cause redness. My top pick are the Dr. Brandt Skincare blemishes no more cleansing pads ($25). They come with 60 pads to remove dirt, dead skin, and reduce sebum production. They also absorb and regulate oil production without leaving your skin so dry that you have to apply tons of moisturizer afterward (they've been ideal for me for a quick cleanse post-working out). Best of all they help protect skin against breakouts (which I'm especially prone to in the summer), and have a light smell. My other fave find from the collection is Dr. Brandt Skincare blemishes no more redness relief  ($35) which is meant to treat red and irritated skin. Very useful for me because my cheeks can get VERY red. I actually was convinced I had rosacea when I was younger (even though my dermatologist insisted I didn't)! Redness Relief is non-steridol, anti-inflammatory, and it pretty much instantly helps reduce excess redness on the face. What's your biggest beauty concern come summer?

All images from people.com or instyle.com


Sephora Brand Midnight Blue $5 -- Sephora brand products are grossly under-rated. They have about a million eye liners to choose from and while they may not be quite as soft as ones from YSL or Estee Lauder, for $5 there is no better eye liner deal to be had. If you're not into a frugal find however, Yves Saint Laurent Easy Liner for Eyes Automatic Eyeliner 3 Easy Blue($32) won't disappoint.

Want more blue? Jump for some fabulous finds!

I was zapping my favorite make up sponges from Laura Mercier ($15 for pack of 4) in the microwave the other day and thought it'd be fun to find out how often you guys clean or replace your sponges. I'll go first. I change my sponges every two weeks but wash it with anti bacterial soap every other day. When it's still soaking wet, I put it in the microwave in a bowl for a minute to zap any left over bacteria. This has really worked for me and of course I can not be absolutely sure that it's bacteria free but at least it feels clean on the skin and I rarely break out. What about you? How often do you clean or replace your make up sponges?