Posts Tagged ‘skincare’
It’s no surprise to anyone who knows me well that I’m not a morning person. Nope. I linger in bed thinking about what I want to create that day and who I can inspire. While still in my pj’s, I might choose to meditate (yup, in bed), write in my journal and get my body and mind to cooperate with my heart.
Morning is a sacred time of day for me and one that I keep as simple as possible, including my skincare.
For the past several months I’ve maintained a simple, efficient and effective (for me) skincare regime using a combo of products from spa, drugstore and department store.
Here’s a complete look at my a.m. products of choice and part 5 of my Love List:
I’m not one to use an entire brands range because I find most “systems” rarely address the unique daily needs of my sensitive and dry skin.
Cleanser & Toner: I’ll share how I remove makeup and cleanse my skin at night in my next post. In the morning, I use a gentle soap from Sibu that removes any oils and debris from my nights slumber. It’s incredibly gentle, gets my skin clean without feeling dry. The main ingredient is coconut oil making it a soothing choice. I’ll then follow by spritzing Rose Water onto my skin. I find it counteracts the harsh water in my area plus, it smells fantastic!
You can find this glorious, and inexpensive product, at most health food stores. I’ve been using this for years and always repurchase.
Serums: For morning, Dior Capture Totale One Essential and Ole Henriksen Truth serums are my favorite. I rarely use them at the same time – it’s important to listen to your skin and give it what it asks for – but I will occasionally layer both, if needed. What I love about Capture Totale One Essential is how well it smooths my skin and, as Dior claims, seems to jump start my other products. For a shot of vitamin C and a brightening effect I’ve yet to duplicate with another serum, Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster is a must try! No other product instantly makes my skin brighter. And the soft citrus aroma perks me right up in the morning.
Face & Eye Creams: I liked the Ole Henriksen Truth Serum so much I gave the Truth Creme Advanced Hydration a try and found a winner! It has a nearly sheer consistency that absorbs quickly into my skin and feels, decadent. Just a touch and my skin is hydrated, looks smooth and bright and ready for the next step. On days when my skin is extra parched, I’ve been grabbing the Epionce Renewal Facial Cream. My mother turned me on to this product over a year ago and I continue to repurchase. It’s a more dense cream that absorbs beautifully into the skin. Created by a dermatologist, originally for burn patients, it restores the skin gently and leaves a glow to the skin that radiates ever so lightly underneath my makeup. I’m the finickiest eye cream wearer I know but this Tarte C Brightening Eye Cream won me over. It’s light, not greasy, doesn’t interfere (in any way) with my makeup, doesn’t cause my sensitive eyes any irritation and hydrates my eye area. I can’t speak to the brightening effect around my eye but I suspect someone with dark circles might notice.
Sunscreen: It’s called Miracle Blur for a reason…because the effect it leaves on my skin is miraculous! If I could suggest one product for you to consider, this would be the one. Not only does it contain an SPF30 – which I love because I prefer my SPF mid-range and separate from my moisturizers, but it has a blurring effect that makes my skin texture instantly smoother. Yes, instantly! It is lightweight, spreads easily and absorbs well. On my dry skin, it also adds a hint more moisture. What I appreciate most about this product is how well it works as a primer – any foundation I’ve layered over L’Oreal Miracle Blur looks (almost) air brushed perfect.
If you prefer to use Miracle Blur as a primer alone (it’s remarkable as a primer!) and/or if you have an oilier skin condition, an oil-free and spf-free version is due to launch this July!
I’ve got a slightly more involved approach to my p.m. skincare approach which I’ll share with you next week. In the meantime, who’s going to the movies this weekend? The Great Gatsby looks SOOOO good (peeking the makeup alone is worth the price of admission) but I’m also a Trekkie so Star Trek is another weekend option.
Until next time…
❤Liz
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It’s around this time of year that beauty bloggers stand at the ready, armed with checklists and score cards while facing open beauty closets. makeup lined shelves, storage boxes and train cases in search of the best of the best products launched in the year.
With an array of beauty products strewn about (I do test a heap o’ product throughout the year), my work area looked like a cosmetic department exploded in my room!
But alas, after opening one palette after the other, swiping lipsticks. and applying lipgloss, I’ve made my final selections…I even checked my list twice just to be sure I didn’t leave anything out
So without further ado, here are my product picks for the Best of the Best in 2011. Some products are from limited edition collections but they were so memorable, I couldn’t keep them off the list.
SKINCARE:
•Meaningful Beauty – Although I discovered this anti-aging system late in the year, it is one of the better systems I’ve tried.
•Philosophy Purity Made Simple – Hands down, the best makeup remover and cleanser I’ve used.
FOUNDATION:
•Koh Gen Do Moisture – Dewy, smooth, elegant. Truly a beautiful foundation.
•Chanel Perfection Lumiere – Not quite medium coverage but more than sheer, it blends like a dream, and smells heavenly.
•Misa Choboyang BB Cream – My choice for redness neutralizer, and my-skin-but-better coverage.
EYESHADOW:
•Chanel Illusion D’Ombre Long Wear Luminous Eyeshadow – Spongy, easy to apply (fingers is my preferred way of applying them) and decadent. Need I say more?
•Illamasqua Cream Pigments (Toxic Nature and Theatre of the Nameless) – These multi-use cream pigments are a must-have if you’re a makeup maven or pro artist…really!
•bareMinerals READY 2.0 – I don’t want to embarrass myself yet again (I’ve raved about this shadows before) but I’m more than a little obsessed with these powder shadows. bareMinerals hit it out of the park with their READY formulation.
MASCARA:
•Dior Iconic – Curling mascara…yeah, it’s bananas!
•Dior Extase – Hold and gently roll (versus wiggle) at the base of your lashes and you’ll look like you’re wearing falsies…no joshing.
•Tarte Lights Camera Lashes – My get out the door quickly mascara. It never disappoints at giving me length and volume.
BRONZER:
•Sue Devitt Gel Bronzer with SPF40 – The color works on many skintones (despite looking dark in the pan), blends beautifully and looks natural.
•Dior Healthy Glow Powder in Sunset (Electric Tropics Summer 2011) – For a came back from vacation bronze, this coral/tan combo is my pick for powder bronzer of the year.
BLUSH:
•MAC Sur (Mickey Contractor collection, Spring 2011) – I never expected to like this rose-brown blush but I can’t seem to get enough of the sophisticated color. I even have a back up!
•Dior Pink in Love (Fall 2011) – In the pan, the color looks intimidating but on skin it brightens the skin and leaves a pretty rhubarb-pink hue.
LIPS:
•MAC Playing Koi (Quite Cute, Spring 2011) – I have a soft spot for retro lips and this opaque pink-peach awakens the Twiggy in me…yes, she’s in there!
•MAC Emancipation Lipglass (Wonder Woman Spring 2011) – It’s a sticky gloss but this pinky-nude shade makes it worth wearing. I’ve been carrying it in my bag all year and use it often.
•Dior Chic Pink #658 (Spring 2011) – This bright pink brightens the face – without looking garish - like no other.
HIGHLIGHTER:
•MAC MSF in Lightscapade (Fall Colour 2011) – I missed out on this MSF when it launched previously (this is a MAC relaunch) but I’m thrilled to own this highlighter with it’s soft ethereal glow.
•Estee Lauder Illuminating Powder Gelee (Modern Mercury 2011) – Quite possibly the hit of 2011! If there was a single product that was the best of 2011, it would be this one.
NAILS:
•Chanel Peridot (Fall 2011) – You’ll either love this color or leave it. I adore the metallic finish (a big trend in 2011) and Chanel polishes are of excellent quality.
•Chanel Mimosa (Summer 2011) – This unique yellow is especially good on toes…and what a fun color! Chanel gets a round of applause for pushing the nail envelope this year.
•Dior St. Tropez (Launched to celebrate opening of Dior boutique) – A tropical teal that is not only flattering on many skins but the new and improved formulation and brush make this a winner in my beauty black book!
FRAGRANCE:
•Cartier Baiser Vole – The name means, stolen kisses (isn’t that fantastic!) and uses only parts of the lilly (leaves, petals and pistil). A gift from hubby, this is an exquisite floral – womanly, feminine, romantic.
•Prada Candy – Fun, flirty and full of playful sex appeal. If you haven’t tried this one do because it takes sweet to a whole new (non-sticky) level.
Whew! That was some round up. Do you have any favorites from this list? Perhaps you’ll share your top 5 picks with me – I’d love it!
As I was going through my product picks for this post, I couldn’t help but notice some of the collection launches themselves (artwork, promotion, etc.) were excellent. I’ll be sharing my favorite launches from 2011 with you next week so stay tuned for more. 
❤Liz
P.S. I’ve reviewed most of the products listed but if there is something you can’t find on this blog let me know and I’d be happy to show you swatches, photos, etc.
©MyBeautyBlackBook.com All rights reserved. No part of this post may be reproduced without my okay…okay?
Cleansers. We need them, of that there is no question. But finding a good cleanser has felt like a life-long pursuit!
Most make my face feel as though it were going to crack while others have left a most unpleasant and unwanted film on my skin…the point is to cleanse the skin, right?
And so I usually pooh pooh most cleansers that promise to remove makeup, and cleanse, and tone and hydrate the skin.
You know that saying if it’s too good to be true… Well, I’m here to tell you that Philosophy Purity Made Simple is good, it’s true!
One of my New Beauty Tube shipments included a deluxe sample of Purity Made Simple. I set it aside for months before I finally caved in and gave it a try. And I’m so glad I did.
I really appreciate the heartfelt inspiration written on each product.
The cleanser doesn’t lather (which may take some getting used to if you like a lathery cleanser) but it removes even the heaviest makeup in one pass.
I’ve been using organic coconut oil for years to melt away my makeup before cleansing and never thought I’d replace this trusted makeup removal method. But Purity Made Simple has me seeing things in a whole new light.
My skin never feels dry or stripped after using it even when I don’t immediately follow up with moisturizer.
It rinses easily.
It has a fantastically rich texture (without being heavy) that feels decadent.
Removes every last trace of makeup.
Leaves no funky film or residue.
Doesn’t irritate my eyes (I use it to remove all of my eye makeup too!).
Doesn’t have any odor that I can detect.
Leaves my skin feeling clean, plump and well hydrated.
The unexpected bonus is that I’ve also used it to clean my brushes – who knew?! It does a terrific job of gently and efficiently melting away makeup without harm.
I was also told you can use it to wash away any product build-up in your hair. I’ve yet to try it this way but have no doubt it will do wonders for locks too.
Philosophy Purity Made Simple has me so impressed I’ve not only bought a full size (it sits where my coconut oil used to) I’ve also given it the highest act of approval…I told my mother about it. You know when I tell mom about something, it’s got to be good.
Availability: Philosophy counters, Sephora
Price: $10-47.50 US, 3-32oz
5/5 Smooches: Purity Made Simple…three-little words, one big impression.
❤Liz
P.S. I spoke to mom about it today and her extremely sensitive skin hasn’t rejected this cleanser. If it’s good enough for mom…
©MyBeautyBlackBook.com All rights reserved. No part of this post (including the photos which I obsess over in a most ridiculous way) may be reproduced without my okay…okay?
I used to watch a show called the Big Idea. Donny Deutsch (the host) would interview entrepreneurs about their business idea and asked them why they embarked on their particular business venture. Each one essentially said the same thing…I knew there had to be a better way.
Beauty writer (and blogger) Elizabeth Dehn took her many years of test driving truckloads of skincare products and decided there had to be a better way of developing products that were free of cheap fillers, chemicals and all the nasty stuff we don’t want (or need) in our skincare.
The 100% natural and non-toxic ingredients are what first got my attention. I prefer skincare that is free of parabens, dyes, fragrance and that are organic and harvested from wild plants.
•The Face Spray $28, 1.7 oz
I’ve tried loads of face sprays promising to help refresh my makeup and they usually end up messing up my makeup 
Elizabeth Dehn’s face spray works beautifully as a makeup reviver but it’s what this product does before I apply my makeup that impresses. Just a few spritz’ on my cleansed face and my sahara-like skin feels plump and hydrated. I will not put on moisturizer (day or night) without spraying this on first.
The aroma is heavenly and always gives me a just stepped out of a spa experience. Ingredients include skin soothing essential oils of Sweet Orange (uplifting), Melissa (anti-inflammatory) and Bergamot (effective in treating eczema, psoriasis).
Note: The essential oil notations are based upon my personal research.
•The Serum $48 .85 oz
Imagine if skincare pixies were tending a garden and were asked to gather ingredients that would hydrate, soothe, feed and protect the skin gently but in a powerful way. And, those same skincare pixies were asked to ensure that the texture of this magical elixir have a smooth feel, absorb easily into the skin with no greasy slip and carry a whisper light rose aroma.
Well, Elizabeth Dehn is that pixie because that’s exactly what her serum is like!
I recently underwent skin laser treatments which left my skin feeling sensitive to the touch and inflamed. To help my skin heal, I used this serum day and night. It soothed my skin which felt extremely sun burned. The serum didn’t sting or burn, absorbed quickly and caused me to exhale with relief…ahhhh.
And after my skin healed I continued to use this serum. My skin feels well nourished thanks to the plant oils and fatty acids in this product. The anti-aging vitamin C and E are an added boost – the frosting on the cake for me. Seriously, it is made up of good for your skin ingredients:
Unrefined Shea Oil, Jojoba Oil, Calendula Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil, Borage Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Almond Oil, St. John’s Wort Oil, Apricot Oil, Vitamin E, Organic Rose Absolute.
Visit the ingredients page on Elizabeth’s site for a detailed explanation of each ingredients benefits.
There is a third item in the Elizabeth Dehn collection, Shea Cream. I have yet to try this product but if it’s anything like the Face Spray and the Serum I’m sure it won’t disappoint.
Do you prefer organic, 100% natural skincare? Let me know if you’d like to have me blog about what to look for when you go au naturale.
❤Liz
Items mentioned can be purchased directly from Elizabeth Dehn.
Drink the cool aid and savor every sip!
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Don’t you just hate being taken for granted?
Like when a colleague expects you to carry a heavier load on a joint project or when someone close to you forgets to treat you with the same courtesies they would someone they’re trying to impress?
Yeah, it stinks but it’s up to you to set proper boundaries and speak up (gracefully) when you are treated in a way that doesn’t honor the great individual you are.
Have I been guilty of taking others for granted?
While I’d like to smile like a Cheshire cat and tell you I have not and would not the fact is that without intending to I have But, I always go back and do my best to right my wrongs.
Like today for instance…
In the short time I’ve been beauty blogging I’ve shared some great new finds but have not let you in on some of my tried and true beauty black book staples (the shame)!
So today I will not take for granted one of my most coveted beauty items…the Clarins Santal Facial Treatment Oil (formulated for dry/sensitive skin).
Can I say big time, get tingly all over love.
I’ve been using this product for years and can always rely on it to bring my skin back to life when it feels irritated (as in severe rosacea flare ups), dry and in need of repair.
This is a highly aromatic product so if you don’t like the smell of essential plant oils like sandalwood, lavender and cardamom (which combined, help to decongest and soothe the skin) then you won’t appreciate this one. And in case you’re wondering, hazelnut oil is the ingredient in this product that supports your skins ability to retain moisture with some anti-aging support (like plumping the skin) to boot.
If on the other hand you enjoy the waft of spa-like ingredients you will love the Clarins Santal Facial Treatment Oil.
Here’s how I apply this dreamy night time potion…
1. Pour about a pea sized amount onto the palm of your hand (a little goes a long way – a bottle lasts me for about 6 months)
2. After gently rubbing your hands together to warm up the oil, press the oil onto damp skin (I spray rose water onto my skin before applying the oil but you can use your favorite toner or water) avoiding the eye area
3. If you feel you have applied too much, take a soft tissue and gently blot any excess treatment oil from your skin
4. Give the treatment oil several minutes to settle into your skin then follow-up with your night time moisturizer (if you feel you need more hydration only but you may not need to as this oil delivers a super dose of moisture to the skin)
The combination of soothing aromas and plant oils will make you feel wrapped in warmth and comfort as you sleep peacefully and awaken with smooth, glowing skin.
Is there an item you simply can’t do without that you’ve neglected to share? I’m all ears!
❤Liz
Definitely an “on a deserted island” must-have!
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