Recently in Cream Category

I feel like I have strange skin. It's dry on the surface, but oil underneath. So right after I wash my face, it feels so tight it almost hurts, and then later on in the day it is a shine fest. I've tried using heavy creams and it just makes me shine so much sooner, and gel lotions that feel just as dry as when I had nothing. I was looking for a new day moisturizer and my SA told me I should try the new Fresh Soy Face Cream. It's like the perfect moisturizer for my combination skin! It makes me feel fully moisturized without having a greasy feeling, and I have less shine at the end of the day. And of course it has that wonderful, subtle almost rosy smell to it that most Fresh products. This is a great moisturizer for any type of skin this coming winter and is pretty reasonably price for $38 if I may say so myself.  Do you have weird combo skin, too?  Tell me what you use!

We discovered the Cleansing Balm (I just got my second jar-- this stuff is addictive) from Hungarian cult fave skincare Omorovicza last spring at Neiman Marcus and have been obsessed with the entire line ever since. I love standing at cosmetic counters playing with different creams and asking for samples-- it's the best way to test and learn about new products!  What's even better than hanging out at the counters?  Having the samples sent to your door to test :)  Besides the Cleansing Balm (which all three of us love!) there are two products from Omorovicza that I just sampled-- the Gold Rescue Cream ($300) and the Rose Lifting Serum ($180).  There are a lot of products out there that address sagging skin and this one is mighty impressive.   I don't recommend it for our younger snob readers but if you feel like you need a boost, this is worthy of a try.

Rose Lifting serum:  Like its name suggests, the lightweight serum has a subtle scent of roses that I love.  I massaged it upwards from my chest to the top of my forehead-- it is lightweight and goes into the skin smoothly (no peeling and does not have the sticky texture that many lifting products have).  For use under make up during the day.

Gold Rescue Cream- An amazingly rich and hydrating cream with real gold, Omega 6 ceramide and other powerful ingredients that make even the most dehydrated and wrinkled skin youthful.  This is very rich and is best warmed in the palm of your hand before pressing into the  decolletage, neck and face.  It is too heavy for me during the day but at night it will be a nice cream to switch to during seasonal changes or while traveling.  Best for mature skin.

If you're out shopping this week, go to Neiman Marcus and check this line out. Or you can order here if you just want to take my word for it.

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!

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! 

Kumaara means "youth" in Sanskrit. Well, who doesn't like that? But it's not the name but the philosophy behind this line that is so appealing. Kumaara harnesses powerful ingredients from nature to get results, that is youth. All organic ingredients like goji, indian, gooseberry, bearberry and acai are known to be potent anti-oxidants that ward off the evil free radicals. The SPF 15 Antioxidant Protection cream is also a lightweight skin firming moisturizer so it is all you need for day. I have bushels of sunscreens, some with SPF 80+ but none of them are going to do a damn thing if I don't actually use it because the thought of slathering thick gunky cream on my face, even to save me from wrinkles is simply unpleasant. This cream is not only lightweight but goes on completely matte, with absolutely no feeling of residue or oiliness. Which means, and this is the most important part of sunscreen, I am happy and actually look forward to reapplying it throughout the day. It goes on under foundation with no build up and can even go over it (sure, it does mess up my contouring and blush but that's a small price to pay). The tube has a pump on it so is perfectly safe to keep in my bag all day long, which I do - I reapply in the car while waiting for a light. I am getting ready to do pixelated carbon dioxide laser resurfacing (will do a full story on that shortly) so it is of utmost importance that I use sunscreen religiously prior to the treatment. It says a lot that this is my sunscreen of choice for such a consequential occasion! Kumaara Antioxidant Protection, $59.95.

Prevention is at least 100 times more important than reversal. Especially when it comes to wrinkles! I have always loved Caudalie but their new 1st Wrinkle line of moisturizing creams and serums is really making me a happy girl! Girl being the operative word. I am terrified of turning into "mam", I cringe every time someone calls me "mam". Caudalie uses the antioxidant benefits of grape seeds, it is the basis of their entire line, which fits right in with my daily antioxidant regimen of wine and chocolate =) I have been using Darphin to prevent aging but I think I am still a few year away from such heavy creams. Caudalie is perfect for my combination skin while still leaving it manageably matte. The 1st Wrinkle Cream is actually a bit too much for the summer, I tend to get really oily so the Pulpe Vitaminee 1st Wrinkle Fluid is really light and more appropriate for hot days. I go back and forth between the two, depending on how my skin feel but only the cream at night. The best part though has to be the smell, it reminds me of Japanese melon gum. Yum! Caudalie Pulpe Vitaminee 1st Wrinkle Cream at Sephora for $55.

Vichy has just come-out with three new products: Aqualia Thermal Light Fortifying & Soothing 24Hr Hydrating Care ($27), Aqualia Thermal Mat Fortifying & Soothing 24Hr Hydrating Gel with Anti-Shine Effect ($25), and Normaderm Pro Mat Hydrating Care. I love Vichy because they're affordable, effective and trust-worthy (they're tied with La Roche-Posay when it comes to my fave drugstore finds). I've never had a bad reaction to anything from Vichy (I have very sensitive, pale skin and am prone to redness), and all of their products are backed by a ton of research (they're actually the #1 selling skincare brand in European pharmacies). Their Normaderm line is great for summer when skin is especially sensitive and prone to breakouts and for those with very oily skin. Vichy researchers actually found a link between UV rays and oil production in skin, so they managed to find a formula with SPF coverage that inhibits oil production without leaving a white film or clogging pores. Called Ultra Mattifying Oil-Free Lotion ($21), it will be launching in August. It's basically the day-time version of Vichy Normaderm Night ($24), which I've been using on and off for months. The formulation is lightweight, there is an instant matte and tightening effect, and it helps minimize the size of pores. Jump for more!

I am starting an intense regime as I slowly push my way to the "4th" floor of life. I discovered IS skincare a couple of weeks ago and started using its C Eye Advanced Serum, Eye Complex and Super Serum Advance ($130) for pigmentation issues.  All I have to say is OH MY GOD.  Why have I not heard of this before?  After requesting the press package I was shocked to find that it has been featured in almost every magazine available on a list of celebs that reads like Vanity Fair's Oscar party (actually this is the line celebs turn to for last minute firming, brightening and moisturizing before red carpet events!).  Another noteworthy fact is that IS works with Washington Cancer Institute in Washington DC-- they have developed innovative products that address the unique skincare concerns of cancer patients.  Many of these formulas not only help create vibrant and healthy skin, they also address important issues such as acne, chafing, uneven complexion, burns and scar tissue. 

I started the IS skincare line on a night when I had a bit too much fun with the girls.  I got home, used all three products plus a sample packet of the Youth Complex ($135) and woke up with the most amazing skin (my headache was the only reminder of the bottle of wine the night before).  Intrigued, I spent a few minutes massaging each product to see how it performed (since I could not remember how I applied it the night before)-- my skin absorbed all products immediately-- especially the serums, with no residue nor greasiness.  I love the eye serum and cream but the most amazing product was the Youth Complex (on my list to get since my sample lasted 2 days)-- the results were noticeable right away.  My skin looked tighter, smoother and brighter!  Not sure if this is permanent, will report back in a couple of months.  I'm now obsessively going through all the pamphlets to see what else I need to try.  There are two masks that I must try, the Resurfacing and Rejuvenating.  Will review when I get them.

Check out the line here and find out where to buy at a doctor's office or spa near you-- this is pharmaceutical grade stuff, you won't find it at Sephora.  Check a location near you here.

Or Call 818-638-8758 for more information.  You will not believe the results!  It's amazing and for the ultimate Beauty Snob!!!

In honor of La Mer's sea heritage and continued support of Oceana, the world's leading international ocean advocacy organization, La Mer is proud to announce that as part of this partnership La Mer has designed a limited-edition 8 oz/250 ml "World Oceans Day" Crème, with 100% of net proceeds going to Oceana. With 2009 marking the first U.N. officially designated June 8th as World Oceans Day - the World Oceans Day limited edition Crème de la Mer will be sold in May and June at Saks Fifth Avenue and www.lamer.com for $745 (yes expensive but a 1 oz jar is $130 so you're actually saving money by buying in a bulk size). If you're running low on your La Mer-- why not pick up a jar of this limited edition cream-- at least you know all the net proceeds will go towards saving our precious oceans! And did you know pollution is not what's destroying our eco system in the ocean? It's overfishing, specifically a practice of bottom trawling; a fishing technique that uses weighted nets to clear-cut the ocean floor. Coral and other marine life, once destroyed, can take hundreds of years to regenerate. As there is so much that we don't understand about the ocean life, ocean preservation helps safeguard these habitats for future study. Buy Limited Edition La Mer here.