DR. BRANDT’S DISCOVERY KIT ($85.00)
This convenient instant gratification kit contains everything you need to replenish and retexturize your skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and maintain skin’s natural firmness. Includes:
- mini microdermabrasion instantly polishes away dead skin cells leaving skin smooth and radiant – 0.5 oz
- mini r3p- anti-aging formulation of three intense polypeptides, and potent antioxidants to refinish, replenish and retexturize your skin 0.5 oz
- mini laser tight- tighten and tone, leaving skin firm and improving elasticity. 0.5 oz
- deluxe size crease release targeted formula to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles 0.25 oz
What makes it worth it: First, I love skincare kits that give you an opportunity to try before you buy [in full-size], because then you save a bit of money and get a chance to test out products you might not have on its own. I followed the instructions that come with the kit, which means you start with Crease Release. I have to say, even though I don’t suffer too many fine lines yet (thank god, but I know they’re coming, boo!), I did notice that my eyes looked a bit brighter, and my smile lines (sigh) were less apparent. Next to use was Laser Tight, which comes in a pump-bottle (yay!) and is meant to tighten and tone. I think this was one of my favorites out of the kit, because my skin just felt so much healthier and great after using this for a few days. I liked that it was an unscented moisturizer, because sometimes it’s refreshing to have little to no fragrance in a facial product. R3p is an anti-aging ultra thick cream – I wouldn’t quite call it a luxe cream, because it’s a bit different from that in that it has a thick texture, but it is not really heavy cream. It takes a few minutes to absorb, and you really do need to let everything dry before you continue with the steps. Since I know I tend to dry out when I use anti-aging products (just so long as I never go through Retin-A results again, I’ll be OK!), I only used this once a day (PM) and enjoyed the results. For my microdermabrasion treatment, I went with the once-a-week-regimen, because I have fairly normal skin that only reacts oddly around the mouth area. This scrub doesn’t require much product to get total coverage of the face, and it doesn’t feel too rough or harsh against the skin. In fact, I definitely think this would be a good idea for sensitive skinned readers who would like to try a facial scrub. Overall, my skin thanked me for its healthy glow and incredibly soft texture. Even my boyfriend mentioned I had been looking more awake and refreshed!
Why you might pass on it: The price tag is steep, at least to plunk down all at once, but it really is an incredible value. The products should last you a good while before you need to replace them, and of course, you get to test-drive four products in one kit. Although, if you do love these as much as I did, your wallet may cringe at the thought of buying everything full-sized, so best ask friends and family to stuff your holiday bin with Discovery Kits!
Available at www.drbrandtskincare.com.
Find out how to use this great kit with step-by-step instructions straight from the Doctor… Continue reading →
Clinique Superdefense Triple Action Moisturizer with SPF 25 ($39.50)
This is a patent-pending moisturizer that bridges the evolution gap between your skin’s natural defenses and the demands of today’s environment. Helps neutralize the toxic effect of UVA/UVB rays. Helps rebuild skin’s natural defense systems. Scavenges free radicals. Available in Combination Oily to Oily, Dry, and Very Dry formulations.
What makes it worth it: This is a more luxurious, rich facial moisturizer, compared to their Dramatically Different Lotion. I love a rich formula, especially when it sinks into my skin and leaves me feeling velvety soft in little time. Who wants a layer of cream on their face all day, right? I have to admit, the packaging and the technological spiel kind of get my engine revvin’. It comes in a lovely little pot, and even though you always see these containers and go, “That’s all I get?” you have realize that what you do get will last you at least a month, if not more. You can use the product sparingly, because you can stretch out a dab or two quite well. Beyonce moisturizing, Superdefense is meant to address elasticity and firmness problems. I also love that it contains SPF 25–nothing says anti-aging like sunscreen!
Why you might pass on it: You absolutely cannot put this moisturizer on your eyelids! Yes, the instructions indicate this, but unfortunately I had forgotten during an application and merely put it all over my face, and this was not a good mistake to make. So while I get a product that gives me sun protection as well as great moisturizing effects, I cannot use this on my eyes, which means I have to find something that I can. Sure, your eyelids may not need moisture, but what about some SPF? Also, with a product like this, sensitive skin may find it too much to handle, since it’s obviously not conducive to the sensitive skin on eyelids, I’d recommend doing a patch test, first (which the directions may tell you–read those, too!).
Find this product at Clinique counters, boutiques, as well as www.clinique.com and www.nordstrom.com.
John Masters Organics’ Rose & Apricot Antioxidant Day Creme ($24.00)
Enriched with sea algae, aloe vera and other nutrient-rich botanicals, this anti-oxidant day creme is potent yet light and gentle enough for all skin types. Oat beta glucan stimulates procollagen production and promotes cellular turnover. $24
What makes it worth it: All John Masters Organics products must be 75-100% organic with no petroleum or non-carbon based products. They use as much organic ingredients as they can manage in their products, which means this is a line and product that is perfect for those wanting to protect the environment and still get their dosage of beauty. They also do not test on animals, use environmentally-friendly harvested ingredients, and no artificial colors/filters/fragrances can be used in their products. I liked the lightweightedness of the product, because I can’t stand a heavy cream (at least not if it feels heavy) My skin definitely drank this creme up, as well, and it left it feeling soft and velvety.
Why you might pass on it: I’d would prefer a more fragrant scent to accompany this creme. I found that the oat beta glucan in it was a bit overpowering, and I’d have enjoyed a more natural, citrus scent instead. If you’re not into organic beauty, you might find the price point a bit too high for your liking.
Find this product at John Masters Organics boutiques and www.johnmasters.com.
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion ($23.00)
Clinically formulated to give every skin the ‘drink’ it needs. Use after cleansing and exfoliating, wherever skin feels dry. The moisture “drink” developed by Clinique’s dermatologists to maintain optimal moisture balance for very dry skins, or skins dry in the cheeks, comfortable to oily in the T-zone. Softens, smooths, improves. Apply twice a day to face and throat all over, or where needed. For best results use after Facial Soap and Clarifying Lotion.
What makes it worth it: It’s one of the few high-end beauty brands that has put a moisturizer in pump form, which means it’s easier to extract the amount you want (no pouring required), plus you don’t have to dip your fingers in it (less contamination and chance of bacteria setting up shop in your favorite pot o’ cream). It’s a great lightweight moisturizer that feels hydrating on your face and gets absorbed rather quickly. I also liked that a little went a long way–one or two pumps is all you need to cover the entire face.
Why you might pass on it: The only real issue I have with this product is the lack of SPF. It means I have to use a separate product to ensure sun protection for my face, which is time I don’t necessary want to spend. On the other hand, if you happen to be attending an occasion where you’ll be photographed often, having something without SPF is essential.
Find this product at Clinique counters, boutiques, as well as www.clinique.com and www.nordstrom.com.
Napoleon Perdis’ Dream Cream from the Auto Pilot Skin Perfection Collection is a heavenly rich and luxurious face cream that feels amazing against the skin and leaves you so well moisturized throughout the day. I tested this for over a week, using it once morning and once before bed, and my goodness, my skin has felt so soft and silken. It feels a bit heavy initially, but it’s a lightweight cream in the end because it disappears quickly and doesn’t leave you looking or feeling oily. As with any product, I love that a little bit goes a long way. You really only need to squeeze a dab on your finger to fully cover your face.
The only downside to this product is the price ($95.00), which would make it one of the pricier items to put into my normal routine. I think one should be able to get at least a month or two’s worth of face moisturizing out of this tube. Part of the price-tag of this product includes essential age-fighters, hydration-boosters, and properties that somehow allow light to shine better on your face. I know my skin has been loving me for using this cream regularly, though I haven’t used it long enough (nor do I have enough signs of aging) to determine its anti-aging effectiveness.
If you love this product, you may want to check out the rest of the Auto Pilot family (Primer, Re-touch, Pore Minimizer and Mattifier, Eye Spy, and Lip Service). Dream Cream can be found at www.napoleonperdis.com or www.sephora.com.
I recently had the opportunity to check out and try several La Mer products over the past few weeks. Since La Mer focuses on skincare, I wanted to test everything for awhile, so I could really give you a true blue review on them! You’ll find a review on eight different La Mer products: Creme de la Mer moisturizing cream, Moisturizing lotion, Moisturizing gel, Eye Balm, Concentrate, Cleansing Gel, Refining Facial, and Hand Treatment.
Overall, La Mer products are luxurious against the skin — there is no doubt about it — soft, silky, and deliciously moisturized and well-balanced skin results from using their products over a matter of days. I love that they’ve come out with several versions of their most popular item, Creme de la Mer, so they can provide products that can really cater to a customer’s individual skin. They have lightweight versions of it, which I found was great for days when the weather was just too hot for anything remotely thick.
Creme de la Mer — I can see why this product is raved about, because it made my skin soft and supple, and I swear there was a touch of glow to it after using Creme de la Mer for a few weeks. It has a very light scent, which is a definite plus for me, as I prefer my facial products with minimal scents. The cream itself is rich and thick, and you have to make sure you warm it up between your palm or fingers before applying in order to achieve the best results.
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