This is the time of year that I start switching heavier foundations to a tinted moisturizer. When the weather gets warmer, I want a lighter product on my face. It just feels and looks better!
I was happy to test Hope in a Tinted Moisturizer ($38.00 USD) from Philosophy. This product claims to combine advanced moisture, sheer color and SPF 20 to hydrate, revive and protect skin, leaving it fresh, hydrated and radiant.
Now Hope in a Jar, the award-winning, lightweight daily moisturizer, can color your world beautiful with this tinted moisturizer. Its sheer, glowing color helps smooth and enhance the complexion. Broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection and a blend of antioxidants protect your skin against wrinkles and environmental attack. Its unique souffle texture absorbs quickly, yet leaves behind long-wearing coverage with a weightless texture that all skin types will love.
features & benefits
4-in-1, multitasking formula combines sheer color + moisture + antioxidants + spf 20
lightweight texture glorifies all skin types
airless pump dispenses the perfect dose
What I think: This tinted moisturizer goes on smooth like Hope in a Jar, but provides almost full coverage like a foundation, but it does let the skin (including my freckles) shine through. I love the matte finish, which is important because a moisturizer can sometimes appear greasy on the skin right after application, but this doesn’t. The only minus for me is that the shade I have, light, is a little too warm for my skin tone. It’s not quite orangey, but it doesn’t match completely. I either need to tan or buy extra light the next time! But I really love that I get all of the goodness of Hope in a Jar with the added benefit of color.
NeoStrata Skin Active Comprehensive Antiaging Regimen
NeoStrata Skin Active Comprehensive Antiaging Regimen ($79.00 USD)
A comprehensive antiaging system of potent professional products with active benefit ingredients clinically proven to work synergistically to address all of the visible signs of aging.
Stimulate cell turnover to enhance skin texture and clarity while preparing the skin for optimal treatment benefits with an anti-aging facial cleanser with Gluconolactone and Maltobionic Acid
Repair skin’s matrix support structure and reduce the appearance of uneven pigment with a daytime moisturizer that firms, smoothes, and protects the skin with Peptides, NeoGlucosamine™ and Retinol
Target crow’s feet and puffiness with a multi-mechanistic approach that plumps the deep layers of the skin, smoothing lines and wrinkles from the inside out so the eye area appears more lifted
Restore skin’s essential cells, rebuild the deep skin matrix and reduce oxidative damage with a reparative night cream for skin that is firmer, more lifted and vibrant
“Since the effects of intrinsic aging and photodamage on skin are multi-factorial, no single ingredient can address them all”.
The NeoStrata SKIN ACTIVE system is made up of four high-performance products, each formulated to deliver outstanding rejuvenating effects, including significant improvement in the appearance of deep wrinkles, crow’s feet, sagging and uneven pigmentation. When used as a daily regimen, complementary mechanisms of action work synergistically in all skin layers to achieve even greater results. These products are:
1. Exfoliating Wash: Cleanses without irritation; formulated to stimulate cell renewal; lightly exfoliates without over drying to prepare skin for optimal treatment benefits.
2. Matrix Support SPF 20: Formulated to repair the matrix support structure, increase cell turnover and reduce the appearance of uneven pigment for firmer, smoother, more luminous skin. Includes three clinically proven technologies, each with a unique action, for greater skin repair and strengthening, along with a potent antioxidant complex to help protect against further damage to the skin matrix.
3. Cellular Restoration: Designed to synergistically restore skin’s essential cells, rebuild the deep skin matrix and reduce oxidative damage for skin that is firmer, more lifted and vibrant. Employs a multi-mechanistic approach to rejuvenating cellular function and strengthening skin’s underlying structure.
4. Intensive Eye Therapy: Builds and plumps the layers of delicate skin around the eye. The eye area appears more lifted and luminous, and crow’s feet are smoothed from the inside out. Caffeine helps deflate puffiness, while hyaluronic acid acts as a natural moisture magnet.
Developmental studies for NeoStrata SKIN ACTIVE show high efficacy, good tolerability and remarkable results. In Consumer Use Testing, users of the full regimen reported noticeable benefits beginning as early as 1 month and continuing through 3 and 6 months of use.
93% observed smoother skin texture, more even skin tone, and less noticeable lines/wrinkles with regimen use
86% reported smaller pore size and more lifted skin appearance
93% preferred the SKIN ACTIVE regimen to their usual regimen
What I think: This is an interesting concept as a regimen. The steps are different than usual systems. After cleansing, I apply the Matrix Support, which has the texture like a moisturizer with SPF — then I apply the Cellular Restoration which feels like a serum, and is a bit greasy. It’s almost backwards. I have no problem do this at night, but I only use the Matrix Support in the day because I find it difficult to apply my makeup over the Cellular Restoration. I do really love the eye cream as it soaks in instantly and plumps the skin up around my eyes.
I have only been using this for a few weeks, but I do see more even skin tone. To learn more and purchase, visit www.neostrata.com. Enjoy!
Boots is one of the United Kingdoms top cosmetic and skin care companies. I have recently tried their No7 line which is a range of hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested products using trusted ingredients. Women in the UK have been using Boots No7 for over 75 years, so they must know something, right? I LOVE the following products because they all address aging problems and have the ingredients to fight them!
Radiance Revealed Exfoliator ($9.99 USD) — This light and gentle facial exfoliator deeply cleanses, removes dead skin cells and refines pores, leaving skin soft, smooth and glowing with health. With grapefruit and watercress to help purify, plus pro-vitamin B5 to hydrate the skin.
I love how this scrub leaves skin soft and very smooth. It should be used once or twice a week. Gently massage a small amount onto cleansed, damp skin. Wash away thoroughly with warm water.
Protect & Perfect Beauty Serum ($19.99 USD) — Reveal younger looking, beautifully refined skin with this powerful blend of caring and skin restoring ingredients. Light and non-greasy, it glides on instantly softening and smoothing your skin. Then, with regular use, it works to renew your complexion, restoring radiance and helping to reduce the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles in just 4 weeks. With concentrated levels of unique antioxidant complex and skin-firming pro-retinol complex to boost and maintain skin’s elasticity.
This is a very popular anti-aging serum in the UK so I was very excited to use it — and it did not disappoint. It is so light and is absorbs quickly, then makes the skin so soft and silky. Use day and night to supplement a moisturizing regime. Apply a small amount of serum to the palms of the hands and smooth over the face, avoiding the eye area. Finish with moisturizer.
Intensive Line Filler ($17.99 USD) — This is a clever quick-fix that leaves skin looking softer, smoother and more youthful looking. With light-diffusing particles to blur away the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s been created to improve the appearance of deeper wrinkles too, with skin looking plumper and less lined in just 2 weeks. It’s all down to an exciting new development: hyaluronic acid spheres. They absorb water in the upper layers of the skin and inflate to many times their original size, appearing to push wrinkles up and away from within.
I love the instant lift to my skin’s texture that this gives. Plus, it gave my whole face a youthful plumping after just a few weeks uses. Smooth onto the places most vulnerable to expression lines: around your mouth and eyes, between your brows and across your forehead. Follow with No7 Time Resisting or Lifting and Firming moisturizers.
As an over-forty woman who tries a lot of eye cream, I know how indispensible this type of product is to make you look younger! I do not go a day without using eye cream because I will not allow lines and wrinkles around my eyes. Uh-uh. So finding the perfect eye cream is so important. Some really great new ones are:
AmorePacific Rejuvenating Eye Treatment Gel ($85.00 USD) — This lightweight eye treatment infuses the delicate eye area with intense hydration, fortifying the skin against aging. Its exclusive Radiance Eye Complex™ brightens dark circles, reduces puffiness, and protects skin against aging and fatigue. The complex includes:
-Bamboo Sap: Provides moisturization and epidermal cell regeneration.
-Hesperidin: Provides dark-circle care by improving micro-circulation in skin.
-Lotus Extract: Provides enhancement of aquaporin (celluar water-channel) expression.
-Hydrolyzed Green Tea Extract: Provides enhancement of skin protection power by anti-oxidant synthesis.
What I think: I love the light, cooling gel texture of this cream. I have noticed that it immediately plumps up the skin and smoothes away roughness. My skin looks soft and smooth and my eye circles have diminished. Visit www.amorepacific.com and www.sephora.com to learn more and purchase.
Boots No7 Protect and Perfect Eye Cream ($19.99 USD) Chase away dark shadows and puffiness and give skin a brightening boost. Created specifically for the delicate area around the eyes, this unique blend of protecting and renewing ingredients leaves skin soothed, smoothed and revitalized. With our patent pending next generation antioxidant complex, to help shield against free radical damage, plus our skin-firming pro-retinol complex containing lipo-peptides.
What I think: This cream is super-light and quickly soaks into the skin. You can apply it right before your makeup in the morning and still apply concealer if you need it. It does give the skin a little glow that really helps dark circles seem less noticeable. For a really great eye cream, it is also fairly affordable and easy to find since it is available at Target. Visit www.target.com or www.us.boots.com to learn more and purchase.
Kate Somerville CytoCell Dark Circle Corrective Eye Cream ($75.00 USD) — Revive your eyes with this ultimate eye cream that combines years of research and cutting-edge technology. Formulated with Peptide P-199, a revolutionary peptide that stimulates stem cell activity and restores the skin with new energized cells. CytoCell Dark Circle Corrective Eye Cream is clinically proven to treats all signs of aging around the delicate eye area. Claims and features are:
Reduces under eye dark circles by up to 60%*
Reduces puffiness around the eye area by up to 75%*
Diminishes fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area by up to 60%*
Helps to improve radiance, skin tone, and smoothness
Free of fragrance and parabens
Tested by dermatologists & ophthalmologists
*Based upon results from a 4-week clinical study.
What I Think: This is a very luxurious cream that plumps skin and makes your eye area look smooth and so young! I have noticed that after a few weeks of use, my dark circles look so much lighter. It is also non-irritating which my sensitive eyes appreciate. Visit www.katesomerville.com to purchase this great cream!
My tip is to apply it all around the eye bone (including under the eyebrow) because most eye creams lift and firm and this helps the upper lid from drooping!
We all know that California girls have a golden glow, but what is their secret to gorgeous skin? We’ll let you in on a little secret—they use Clarisonic! On March 15-18th, Clarisonic participated backstage at Style Fashion Week Los Angeles, and treated busy models to mini facials with the Clarisonic Sonic Skin Cleansing System and the Opal Sonic Infusion System.
Keep reading for more backstage tidbits from these exciting events as well as trends from each show and tips from the Clarisonic aestheticians!
Time to Get Runway Ready!
Models arrived backstage at the Vibiana, a historic church in downtown Los Angeles, in the late afternoon. They were thrilled to received Clarisonic Sonic Skin Cleansing System treatments, which removed makeup 6X better than manual cleansing. Models were happy to hear that sunscreen and other topicals are absorbed 61% more effectively by the skin after using the Clarisonic. They also learned that self-tanner goes on more evenly after using the Clarisonic PLUS Model on the arms, legs and décolleté—a must in Los Angeles!
(left, backstage at Stop Staring!)
Tighten and Brighten!
With a week full of shows and parties, it’s easy for a model to look tired. Thankfully the Opal Sonic Infusion System came to the rescue! After providing facials with the Clarisonic Sonic Skin Cleansing System, Eva, Dottie and Jennifer used the Opal around the models’ eyes. The Opal combines sonic micro-massage with proprietary anti-aging serum to work immediately on appearance of lines and wrinkles and also helps to depuff.
(right, backstage at Stop Staring!)
Don’t Forget the Men!
Female models weren’t the only ones enjoying Clarisonic treatments. Male models at the Future Heretics and Gypsy 05 shows loved them too! Most male models said that their skin had never felt as clean as it did after using the Clarisonic. One male model came back for a second treatment because it was so relaxing!
Dottie and Jennifer used a Normal Brush Head instead of a Sensitive or Delicate Brush Head on the men’s skin since Normal is better at cleaning men’s skin, which is typically rougher and thicker than women’s skin.
(left, backstage at Future Heretics)
I am going to be reviewing a Clarisonic Mia in a few weeks, but all of the buzz is very good! To purchase, you can visit www.clarisonic.com or www.qvc.com.
DERMAdoctor Litmus Test Glycolic Acid Facial Cleansing Gel
Looking for a great anti-aging cleanser? DERMAdoctor’s Litmus Test Glycolic Acid Cleansing Gel ($25.00 USD) cleanses away impurities, removes environmental debris, dirt, excess skin oils and makeup. Leaves skin refreshed and radiant.
Features:
Buffered Glycolic Acid – Medically recognized as the superior AHA option for removing skin impurities and restoring a glowing complexion.
Benefits:
Restores essential healthy skin chemistry with a unique pH balanced foaming formulation
Exfoliates cellular build-up and clears impurities, make-up, excess skin oil
Can be incorporated into all skincare regimens
Ideal for all skin types
Dermatologist Tested, Non Irritating, Non Drying, Non Comedogenic, pH Balanced, Paraben Free, Soap Free, Oil Free, Fragrance Free, Dye Free, No Animal Testing.
What I think: This is a really nice foaming cleanser that doesn’t irritate the skin. I like that it is fragrance-free and that it foams and rinses clean. I have been using it every other day, because I have extremely sensitive skin and it irritates it a little. But once the redness abates, my skin glows and looks clearer! For non-sensitive skin this can be used every day.
Always on the look out for ways to make my 40 something skin look fabulous, I have been using this one-two punch from Olay at night for a few weeks. The products are the Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System and the Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging Moisturize Night Resurfacing Elixir. They are from two different Olay lines, but they work together to help aging skin look younger and glowy. The products are:
Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System ($29.99 USD) — This includes a battery-powered brush with bristles that rotate to cleanse the skin deeply plus Pro-X Exfoliating Renewal Cleanser. Designed by a team of dermatologists along with Olay, the Advanced Cleansing System claims to be as effective as a system sold by skin professionals for nearly $200.
I have not tried the higher end systems (like the Clarisonic), but I really do like this one. I have used it with the Exfoliating Renewal Cleanser and with other cleansers as well. To use, dampen facial skin and brush head lightly with water. Dispense cleanser in your hand and massage over face. Turn on cleansing brush and gently move around the face for approximately 60 seconds. Avoid the eye area. Rinse face and brush head with water. After cleansing, skin is soft and so clean!
After cleansing, I apply Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging Moisturize Night Resurfacing Elixir. What does it do?
When applied each night, the non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula with glycolic acid works over a normal sleep cycle to give you uninterrupted exfoliation while antioxidants and moisturizers continuously provide soothing hydration to tighten skin’s surface
Light glycolic peel resurfaces skin nightly for tighter, smoother skin
This treatment is a great daily exfoliater and is easy because it does its work while you are sleeping! I have noticed that my skin is tighter and my skin tone is more even. I have very sensitive skin and it makes my skin a little red, but doesn’t irritate. When I wake up in the morning, my skin looks brighter and smoother.
The combo of a good cleansing and nighttime treatment has really started to improve my skin. Olay is always introducing technologically advance products at really affordable prices. So go ahead and try these. Visit www.olay.com to learn more and you can purchase at drugstores and mass market retailers near you. Enjoy!
As we age, our eyes and lips can really give our true age away if we do not take care of them. I make sure that I moisturize my eye and lip areas every morning and night. This keeps the skin soft, plump and minimizes wrinkles and fine lines.
The treatment I am using now is Liz Earle Superskin Eye and Lip Treatment ($50.00 USD). Specially formulated for mature skin, this powerful serum contains naturally active ingredients which work hard to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Naturally active ingredients include organic pear seed extract, West African shea butter, cranberry, rosehip and borage seed oils to leave the delicate eye and lip contours looking and feeling plump, smooth, firm and rejuvenated.
What I think: This product is unscented, which is especially great for the lip area, where you do not want heavy scents. It is so hydrating without being greasy, and is very cooling and soothing on the eye. I have been using it for a few weeks and have noticed that my eye and lip are smoother and that lines and wrinkles hardly show at all!
Visit www.us.lizearle.com to learn more and to purchase this fantastic treatment. Enjoy!
Strangely enough, I find that as my skin ages, it becomes more sensitive. I was excited to try a new sensitive skin cream from StriVectin hoping that it would address some of my anti-aging concerns without making it red and uncomfortable.
The product is called StriVectin-SD® for Sensitive Skin Intensive Concentrate for Stretch Marks & Wrinkles ($79.00 USD). A mouthful, I know, but a really great product. The claim is that it is, “is an anti-aging powerhouse, developed exclusively for sensitive skin. 100% of StriVectin’s collagen-building, wrinkle-reducing, anti-aging power. And none of the oils or fragrances that cause irritation and leave sensitive skin vulnerable to accelerated aging.”
This cream is for the 49% of women 25+ with sensitive skin who are battling the signs of aging. When using conventional products, they are prone to redness, dryness, flare-ups, burning and stinging. It includes the benefits of collagen building, wrinkle-reducing, anti-aging power with no oils or fragrances. Through NIA-114™, it strengthens skin’s protective layer so wrinkles diminish, tone evens and texture smoothes. Sensitive skin feels less sensitive.
StriVectin-SD® for Sensitive Skin is fragrance-free, oil-free, paraben-free, allergen-free, and artificial dye-free. This soothing formula contains Nia-114, active peptides, rose & cucumber extracts, and oat kernel extract to deliver powerful results in a gentle way.
What I think: The very first time I used this product, I noticed immediate smoothing and brightening of my skin. It was very surprising. So many face creams make my skin red at first, before the benefits kick in, so I am not used to such fast results.
I have now been using the cream twice a day for a few weeks and love using it. It hydrates my dry, winter skin leaving it feeling soft and nourished. My skin looks noticeably younger because of the glow and smoothness it imparts.
I highly recommend the StriVectin-SD® for Sensitive Skin Intensive Concentrate for Stretch Marks & Wrinkles for the face. I haven’t tried it on my stretch marks, but I bet it would help. You can purchase this at www.strivectin.com and www.sephora.com
With three kids, a husband, 4 cats and a Great Dane puppy, I don’t get to splurge on much for myself. But if I were going to, I would treat myself to really good skincare.
Luckily I get to sample lots of different skincare, like this duo from In&Out Different Beauty™. The Anti-Age Collection from this brand contains concentrated plant extracts, vegetable DNA, vitamins, peptides and amino acids that replicate a healthy skin’s lipid barrier and encourage surface cell renewal. The unique formulas of the products below, the Phenomenal Anti-Age Night Repair Cream and the Phenomenal Anti-Age Wrinkle Synergy, will leave skin feeling soft while revealing younger looking skin. In combination, the products provide the ultimate anti-aging experience this winter.
Phenomenal Anti-Age Wrinkle Synergy ($125.00 USD) –Revitalize skin while improving elasticity with this anti-aging elixir that includes a concentrated blend of essential oils sourced exclusively from Switzerland. Just one or two drops of this formula are all that is needed to rejuvenate skin.
Ingredients and Benefits:
Grape Seed Oil, Olive Fruit Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, Ylang Ylang Flower Oil, Clary Sage Oil, Soybean Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil , Matricaria Flower Oil, Carrot Seed Oil – This combination of essential oils deeply moisturizes and mimics the skin’s natural tissue composition to help fight against free radicals.
Phenomenal Anti-Age Night Repair Cream ($300.00 USD) — Keep skin balanced and healthy while you sleep. Packed with a bevy of amino acids, this rich nighttime treatment encourages cell turnover while leaving skin looking radiant.
Ingredients and Benefits:
Vitamins A & E – Antioxidants that help to slow the visible signs of aging
Rosemary, Chamomile, Ylang Ylang – Calming botanicals that help improve skin tone
Squalane – Natural moisturizer that easily penetrates the skin
Argan Oil – A Moroccan oil that intensely hydrates the outer and middle layers of the skin
What I think: This is a luxurious and very moisturizing evening skincare treatment, but definitely not for those with oily skin — especially the Anti-Age Wrinkle Synergy as it is an herbal oil. My favorite of these products is the Night Repair Cream. It is light but extremely hydrating. I apply it to my face and neck and I have noticed that my skin seems brighter, clearer and very smooth. I luckily don’t have a lot of wrinkles, but the ones I do have are less noticeable. I realize that this is very expensive, but if you can splurge, I would recommend the night cream. It is wonderful!
The Phenomenal Anti-Age Night Repair Cream and Phenomenal Anti-Age Wrinkle Synergy are available at www.inoutbeauty.com
Forty, Flirty & Fabulous 