Fortunately, I made it through my conference though, meaning I might find some time for sleep. I was reviewing some new products and stumbled upon a new product I ordered to combat the stress and fatigue of the last few months, at least as far as my skin is concerned. It's called Skyn Icelandic Detox Kit for Stressed Skin. I ordered this little sample kit that comes with a Glacial Face Wash, Arctic Face Mist, The Antidote Quenching Lotion and Oxygen Infusion Night Cream. It's designed to bring stressed skin back into balance. Well - if my skin is the only thing that gets it, that's a start! I'll keep you posted when it arrives.Meanwhile, I have sampled so many other products, though very few have made it onto the Must Have list. Let's just get started with the beautifying, shall we?
By request, I sampled the new MAC Studio Moisture Tint to see if it could compete with the "Must Have" Stila Tinted Moisturizer. It couldn't. I will say that it was a runner up - I liked it better than Laura Mercier and better than - well - every other one I tried. It was a bit more moisturizing than some that tended to feel like a light foundation. If you just have to stay with MAC, you are getting a good product with this tinted moisturizer. I will also tell you that MAC has some fabulous holiday lip, eye and face packages out right now, so you should sneak a peek.
I also sampled the full-power ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment. It's a very strong exfoliant, but it also gives a softness after use that feels almost like a moisturizer. I prefer a less abrasive exfoliator, such as The Ultimate Scrub or Philosophy's Microexfoliant Daily Wash on a more regular basis than the occasional major scrub. I could live forever with just a few samples of this product from Sephora then without buying the whole kit and kaboodle.
A much better daily or weekly exfoliant was Chanel Precision Maximum Radiance Delicate Exfoliator. I would love to have this product on a regular basis with the whole Chanel Precision line. I think there really are some products which just work better when used with like products. I feel this way about Murad, Chanel, Clinique, Natura Bisse and, to some extent, Ole Henriksen. I am, obviously, a product mixer, but when using the above, I like to finish off with the whole line.
Now, yet another I-must-be-the-only-one-who-hates-Laura-Mercier product: Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Day Creme SPF 15. Yuck. Gross. Why not just use sunscreen? It feels exactly the same. It's way too thick and would be better as a night cream. Sorry ladies, like the counter girl said, I must just not know how to use it. The more realistic assessment, in my opinion, however, is that it is for more maturing skin.
On the other hand, a lovely moisturizer I tried includes Malin + Goetz Vitamin E Face Moisturizer. I love the way these products feel and smell. Very fresh and clean and, no matter what part of your body you are using their products on, you walk away feeling softer and silkier than when you started. Many women may not like the "basic" appearance of the product, but there is something comforting in the black and white of it all. Hey - Chanel is all black and white, right?
I did also discover a Murad product I actually liked. It's a miracle, I know. Murad Intensive Wrinkle Reducer for Eyes: One of the reasons I think this unscented eye cream has been so wonderful this past week is due to how dry it has been. My skin has been aching for something a little thicker, but I still want softness that I can layer with. This product did that for me.
Ooooooh. And speaking of pricey products, I can actually save you a little money. Now you know I am a total believer in the Clarins High Definition Body Lift. I truly believe it made a difference in the look and feel of those cottage cheese thighs. I bought it during the Friends and Family Sephora sale. (P.S. The discount is only good until tomorrow.) I did go get a sample of the more expensive version: Clarins Super Restorative Redefining Body Care. I tried it for two days and found no difference. I actually preferred the tingly, minty feeling of the Hi-Def version. So, now it is permanently on my must have list.I have placed an order (again with the 20% off coupon) for the Clarins Stretch Mark Control. That is also to be continued. I think my new Sephora gift cards will go toward some Clarins products from Santa this year.
While still in search of the perfect concealer for my dark circles (yes, I am still a believer in Smashbox Photo Op, but concealer is for the really bad days without sleep), I was encouraged to try TimeBalm The Balm Concealer. Nope. Nah-ah. Yucky thick and bring out the wrinkles. You are better off with Calvin Klein. However, a little birdie told me about "It" makeup and I have a few very odd and very exciting products coming from them, not the least of which includes their concealer.
Let's talk lips. Since using Tarte FRXtion that I blogged about awhile back, my lips have been much more kissable - super soft and easier to apply lipstick, liner and gloss. I finally received my sample of Smashbox O Gloss. I do like the way the gloss feels ... not too sticky, but definitely on the super smooth soft side. What I discovered I liked better, however, is using a nude stick underneath so it doesn't come out so pink-y. I like my sample, but don't think I'll buy the full size product, unlike my favorite - O Glow for cheeks.
As for moisturizers, I enjoyed Bliss Best of Skintentions Moisturizer, but by the end of the day, it felt I needed more. Perhaps that is because it is drier out now, but I think some of the other products I have used have lasted throughout the day regardless. I think it might be a great product if your tinted moisturizer doesn't give you enough of a moisturizing feel. In other words, you could use both products for an extra bit of moisture and smoothness. I think this product may be for a bit younger skin.
I'm a total fan of Kinerase. Darn it. Super pricey products, but great results and great feel. It reminds me a lot of Natura Bisse, which is even more expensive. The good news about Kinerase is that they have lots of great package kits, which give you a better deal. You know I am a fan of Kinerase Extreme Face Lift. Now I have also tried Kinerase Ultimate Day Moisture. I love it. Totally unscented and very light and soft-feeling.
I have also been using Kinerase Gentle Daily Cleanser. It's a bit lighter than I would like, but it did take off all of the makeup. It's another good one to use in conjunction with other like products. If you have sensitive skin or really can't stand fragrance in products, this is your facial cleanser.
Lastly, I have been using Kinerase C8 Peptide Intensive Treatment. This is one of those anti-aging products where you can't really tell whether it is doing anything for you because it is all about long-term use. However, what I can say is that many such products feel prohibitive of layering because they are thick by themselves. It takes just 30 seconds for this product to dry, which allows you to easily layer. Love it!
Now, as a final tip and a probable must have ... let's talk nails. You all know I have been keeping clear of the artificial nails right now because I am desperately trying to grow mine. Nothing has been working and I have been trying it all. Well, I stumbled across Nail Tek at an odd salon in the hood. It IS the answer. For me, I have soft, peeling nails so I tried Nail Tek II Intensive Therapy, but they have different products for different needs. I have seen a MAJOR difference in just 2 weeks. The product feels totally different than anything else when it goes on. It's like it dries to become a shield for your nail. It's a total must have. I just haven't put it on the list until I give it the full 30 to 60 days it suggests. I immediately went on the website though and purchased a whole bunch of specific products. More to come, I am sure.
No comments:
Post a Comment