Recently in Serum Category

I was sent a sample of SkinMedica Hydrating Complex for review a month ago and am quite impressed with the performance of the product. I used the Hydrating B5 gel from Skinceuticals years ago and this is very similar. The consistency is a bit different though, it felt really sticky and weird on the hands at first but smooth it on the face and it literally disappears into the skin. I use it with my other products during the day and it enhances the benefit of my current moisturizers and I actually use less of it! Loving this product, it replenishes skin's moisture reservoir, stimulates natural production of hyaluronic acid and protects the skin against degradation of hyaluronic acid and elastin. Sounds like a cocktail everyone's skin can benefit from. $80 at SkinMedica.com

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

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! 

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!!!

I saw this roller thing at Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills and without thinking I touched the roller not knowing it was full of really tiny and really sharp pins! It didn't hurt or anything when I got pricked but I was startled. Of course I had to ask what it was for. The Leaf & Rusher line is developed by a plastic surgeon and nurse from a Beverly Hills practice, their clintele is a long list of A-lister celebrities who do the advertising for them because they do not. Their Active Serum
($118) contains Retinol and Vitamin C to improve the surface of the skin but when used with the Derma Roller ($118), it penetrates the skin 4000% more than with just a topical application. Makes sense to me. So you apply the serum first, then lightly roll the Derma Roller over the entire face avoiding the eye area. The 90 surgical grade pins pushes the serum into the skin but because our skin is super thin, the pins are actually very very short so it will not hurt or cause bleeding. I was rolling it all over my hand and although it did not feel good, it also did not hurt and I imagine with regular use it will no longer bother me. Very interesting, right? I am pretty sure I can benefit from this roller with any type of serum or even a glycolic peel, although don't take my word for it, I am no doctor. Just telling you what I plan on doing =)

I have had my share of hard nights-- in my 20's it was from dancing all night, but now in my 30's it was mostly from my son. Teething, fevers, stomach bugs, ear infections, you name it and he's gotten it since starting pre-school at age 3. But I can't blame him for all of my hard nights. There are the few occasions when I'm working in NYC and have to stay up late at events (I know, such torture to have to attend parties, right?). You all should know the effects of hard nights-- dry skin that lacks luster.

Well now there is a serum specifically created to tone, tighten and firm skin that's taken a beating. D'Andra's "Hard Night, Good Morning" is an aloe based formula that contains tighterners, antioxidants and essential oils-- just the answer to leave skin looking flawless and fresh-- especially after a late night with too many cocktails! Just don't expect it to cure your headache in the morning. The Serum is $155 here.

Best known for its highest quality stones and ability to combine gems in creations with extraordinary chromatic effects, Bvlgari is now exploring the beneficial properties of gem stones on the skin. Produced in Switzerland, each product contains Bvlgari Gem Essence; a formula of four extracts of fine and precious stones: sapphire, malachite, tourmaline and citrine. This unique formula provides three main benefits to the skin: radiance, nourishment and protection. There are three skincare programs: Precieuse Line, Lumiere Line and Cleansing Line. I received samples of the Precieuse line and am impressed with the luxurious and innovative line of skincare. The Serum Precieux felt lightweight but delivers a deeply hydrating formula that makes the skin appear younger immediately. It also left a very smooth texture which made it great to use during the day under make up. The night cream (Creme Precieuse Nuit) was equally impressive with a deeply nourishing texture that left my skin ultra soft and moisturized throughout the night. Available at Neiman Marcus North Park, call 214-363-8311 to order!

Bvlgari Serum Precieuse here

Bvlgari Creme Precieuse Nuit here.

For Fashion Week in New York, I got my makeup done by Cheri at the Fashion Suite at Waldorf Astoria, she did a great job but that is not what I was most impressed with. We were chatting and she mentioned that she is 50 years old and I almost fell off my chair! She looks 35, at most 38, I am not kidding. She is fair with delicate skin that usually ages prematurely. She then told me her secret and I immediately bought some. It is the Guerlain Super Aqua Serum for day and night moisturizing. It is made with extracts from a dessert rose and if you think about it, it makes total sense, the flower is able to thrive in dryness so there must be something to its DNA that I can definitely use! I mean, I live in LA and it is dry dry dry all year round. It shields the skin from the harmful environment so the hydration is allowed to stay in. She has been using this for 15 years and I am telling you, she has not aged since she first started using it because like I said, she looks 35! This thing is like a vampire's secret. I must and will stay my age forever =) At Sakes Fifth Avenue for $162.

I told you about Somme Institute Transport pads last year (my pores are clog free thank to them!) and I've been intrigued by the line ever since. If you want to try out its entire line of highly engineered vitamins (A, B3, B5, C and E) attached to proteins that penetrate deep in the skin to treat sun damage, discoloration, uneven skin tone, wrinkles, and dry and oily skin without spending a fortune, they now have a value pack for only $175! ($225 value plus the entire line would cost almost $500).  I just picked this up at Nordstrom and will be traveling to Fashion Week with it this weekend and to the Oscars in LA the following week.  The little color coded jars contain: - Step 1: Nourishing Cleanser (1 oz.): a non-foaming cleansing gel, non-drying, non-irritating. - Step 2: Transport (50 pads): pads saturated with AHA and BHA gently exfoliate. - Step 3: Serum (1 oz.): highly concentrated and stable vitamin C gel hydrates and evens skin tone. - Step 4: A-Bomb (1.5 oz.): lightweight moisturizing cream with high concentration forms of vitamins A and E. - Step 5: Double Defense (0.25 oz.): Moisturizing Sun Block SPF 30+. Somme Institute Value Set at Nordstrom.com