Skin Care, Skin Care Products

M LAB is a line of products designed by Milbar Laboratories, which challenged their scientists to create skincare products without any limitations–they could use the most efficacious and luxurious ingredients and formulations, and as a result, M LAB products use high levels of clinically active ingredients to fight against signs of aging.  According to the brand, “Professional clinical testing has validated the results and expectations of the M LABâ„¢ product line. Demonstrable effects and positive changes will quickly be seen by you and others. Study results indicate our formulation approach produces skin firming, the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles and the improvement of skin clarity, color and texture.”

Let me tell you what I thought about M LAB’s Travel Kit! 

M LAB Travel Collection ($130.00) contains their anti-aging cleanser (50mL), anti-aging toner (50mL), anti-aging treatment cream (15mL), anti-aging treatment serum (5mL), anti-aging day treatment SPF 15 (15mL), and anti-aging eye cream (3mL) all kept in a travel-friendly bag.  You’ll notice that all of the product sizes are well under the 3 oz. limitation for carry-on bags, which definitely does make it a travel kit.  (Sometimes, brands advertise travel sizes that are still too voluminous for actual carry-on travel!)

What’s interesting about the M LAB line is that while each product has insane percentages of active ingredients (up to 74% in the serum), it doesn’t necessarily mean that there is a lot of any one ingredient.  Each product seems to have a very, very long list of ingredients–with many well-known and popular ingredients to combat aging and skin issues.  So the theory seems to be that these work better together than alone, which is why there aren’t any starring ingredients.

I’d say my favorite product out of the six would be the Anti-Aging Treatment Cream, which has 68% clinically active ingredients.  It feels incredibly luxurious when you apply it, almost like a heavier, richer cream, but it absorbs and dries quickly.  It also feels lightweight, despite its thick and rich texture.  The smell reminds of the scent of Guerlain Pressed Meteorites, but lighter, and that scent actually reminds me of Mr. Bubble.  Not a bad thing, but it took me months to come to that conclusion.  Almost a fruity-floral scent.

I also liked that the toner came out as a spray, rather than having to soak a cotton pad.  I just found it easier to get the right amount of product without oversaturating the cotton pad as seems common with the average toning product.  On the other hand, for a brand dedicated to science and research, it seems totally odd that they still use open jar packaging for two of their products (eye serum, anti-aging treatment cream).  I imagine one issue is how thick these both are, which might limit options in regards to pumps.  Everything else in the kit comes in a pump bottle (or spray bottle).

Using the kit for several weeks gave my skin the appearance of a nice, healthy glow and some evenness.  I don’t suffer from many signs of aging, so I can’t say I saw any differences when it came to that.  While M LAB products are pricey, the good news is a little bit stretches a long way, so it’s not as if you have to pile it on.  I’d also like to remark on their packaging overall, which is simplistic and unisex.  Basic black plastic packaging with white labels.  Really does remind you of something you’d expect to come out of laboratory!

Kate Somerville Oil Free Moisturizer ($65.00) recently became part of the Kate Somerville product line after customer demand for a moisturizer that worked well on combination and oily skin.  This particular moisturizer is aimed towards those with sensitive, combination-to-oily skin; something that doesn’t aggravate existing acne, too.

Benefits

• Moisturizer (duhhh!)
• Enhances skin smoothness and reduces fine surface lines
• Improves skin firmness and elasticity
• Increases cell turnover
• Helps control and absorb sebum to give you oil-free skin

How-to: Use as part of the AM and/or PM routine by applying a thin layer over clean skin (face/neck).  If using a serum, layer on top of the serum.

Key Ingredients: Pepha-Tight (skin tightener, anti-wrinkle, firming, toning, moisturizing properties); Red Marine Algae (APT) (cell turnover, firmness, elasticity, smoothness, reduces fine lines); Sepilift (firmness, stimulation of collagen)

Those are some fancy schmancy ingredients!  Find out what I liked (or what I didn’t!) about this moisturizer…

I’ve always heard great things about Kate Somerville products from those who have had the luxury of visiting her clinic in Los Angeles.  Of course, constant raves always raise my curiosity level in a brand/product, so when I heard this was coming out, I had to try it.  My skin is pretty much “normal,” with a little bit of oiliness towards the very end of the day on my forehead, but it’s not enough that I’d probably even say I’m combination skin.  However, in the warmer months, I do feel oilier than usual, so using a moisturizer that’s designed to control it?  Not a bad idea!

When I’ve used Oil Free Moisturizer in the AM, I don’t notice that oiliness at the end of the day.  It’s just not there.  My skin doesn’t feel parched or dry, either, it just feels… well, normal!  That’s a huge plus for me.  One of the reasons I often can’t wait to remove my makeup for the day is that slight feeling of oiliness (which makes me feel grimey/dirty), and now you won’t see me rushing to the sink to wipe the day away.

For those who are interested in the packaging, it comes in an airless jar, which means there is a pump mechanism that pushes out a pea-sized amount of product (just enough to moisturize the face).  I find I do two pumps, so I can cover my face and neck.  Also, the product is scentless as far as I can tell.  There’s definitely no perfume-y scent - it just smells like lotion? at the most.  But my hunch is it’s fragrance-free.

Ultimately, it’s a lightweight moisturizer that’s perfect for year-round usage, especially for those with combination or oily skin.  I’m happy I tried it!

NARS Potent EFA Cream ($70.00 for 1.7 fl. oz.) is the third NARSskin product in my daily routine.  While I told you about my two favorite PM products, the Hydrating Moisture Cream and the Aqua-Gel Hydrator, let me tell you about a third.  It is a thicker cream than I typically use, but it sinks into skin incredibly well and doesn’t take all day to do it.  The goal of this cream is to give you smooth skin with moisturization using their “lipid-enchanting” ingredients.

So, is it as good as the first two PM products?

What I like about the product is its goal:  strengthen and repair your skin.  NARS says that this is best used at night, and for ultra moisturization, let it sink in for thirty seconds, then follow with your favorite moisturizer.  Now, what I love about this product is its packaging.  It comes in an airless jar that allows you to press the top and it will pump out a pea-sized dollop.  The amount it dispenses is perfect for covering the entire face; I usually need two pumps for both the face and neck.  The airless technology means that the active ingredients won’t be compromised by oxygen or sunlight–plus no contamination by your fingers dipping into the jar.

Here’s what NARS says about their active ingredient in EFA:

The NARSskin exclusive Omega-3 Lipid Support System™, an essential fatty acid complex that contains Omega-3’s, Ceramides and Super Sterol in a 3:1:1 ratio plus Açai and Hyaluronic Acid, nourishes and repairs the skin cells deep within. The skin’s absorption ratio is optimized as the complex simulates the skin’s lipid content, ultimately allowing the skin to increase its intake of hydration.

I’m a youngin’, so it’s always hard for me to give you guys a good report on how well an anti-aging product worked.  I find that this product gives me good hydration without having to follow-up with a moisturizer, which means that for most, you don’t need two products.  I do think this is a thicker cream, which makes it ideal for drier skin types than oily skin (if you’re oily, think Aqua-Gel Hydrator, STAT!).  Sometimes I cheat and use this product in the AM, because I feel like it gives me a bit of a natural glow.  Not shimmery or highlight-given glow, but just the I’ve-got-super-healthy-skin look.

Have you used this product? Did you see any difference in your aging lines?

Get yours at www.narscosmetics.com!

NARS Aqua Gel Hydrator ($76.00 for 3.6 fl. oz.) is beyond phenomenal.  It is the perfect treatment for everyone, but especially for those with normal-to-oily skin, because it is water-based (hence the “gel” in the name).  It’s actually made of 87% water!  It is designed to be considered a mask, rather than an everyday moisturizer, though I am sorely tempted to make it a daily staple.  It is just that good.

There’s still more to rave about! 

Talk about a lightweight product!  It feels like you’re massaging slightly viscous water into your skin, and because of its water content, it’s incredibly easy to spread evenly on your face and neck.  You don’t even need to use more than a pea-sized amount for your entire face.  It is ideally used during the evening and left overnight for intense hydration “as necessary.”  (What if “necessary” is “everyday”?  Hmm….)  I often use this in place of NARSskin Hydrating Moisture Cream, especially if I feel like my skin could use a pick-me-up.  I love masks and treatments and all those sorts of goodies, but this is such a treat because you massage in and go to sleep–it does all the work while you catch up on your Zs.

I’m more than happy to pay the price for this skincare staple, especially because it will take me months to get through an entire jar.  Considering how good my skin has been acting and looking, it’s well worth it!

Get yours at www.narscosmetics.com!

 

NARS Hydrating Moisture Cream ($72.00 for 3.4 fl. oz.) is my night cream of choice.  I consider this my current staple, and I’ve actually be ignoring a lot of my other favorite night creams in lieu of this fabulous one.  I also credit my lessened acne and breakouts to using this deliciously rich and quickly hydrating cream.  I didn’t change anything in my skincare routine except for using this as my PM cream, and whoa nice skin!  Although, I admit, I’ve been cheating on Hydrating Moisture Cream with an equally amazing NARSskin product–Aqual-Gel Hydrator–but more on that three-way relationship later on this week.

Okay, what else makes this so great? 

I fully advocate having a specific PM cream.  I do believe in having separate AM and PM routines, because your skin needs different ingredients and products at different times.  For instance, at night, I prefer richer, thicker creams because I’m not layering makeup on top of it.  I’m not worrying that it will melt off or give me an oily appearance.  While in the morning, I have to have SPF somewhere in my AM skincare routine–but why bother with SPF at night?

You could definitely use the Hydrating Moisture Cream in the morning, because it does absorb fairly quickly (2-3 minutes tops), but I do prefer it for the evening.  It just feels really luxe to me.  I love pampering myself right before I head for some pillow time, you know?  This cream has antixodiants like chestnut rose fruit, fennel to retexturize the skin, and vitamins A and C.

I’ve actually received several comments in the past few weeks asking what I’m using that’s giving me such glowy skin–perhaps its the NARSskin additions I’ve made in my life.

Get yours at www.narscosmetics.com!  Consider this a Temptalia staple and must-have ;)

Shiny skin got you down?  You should check out Philosophy’s Never Let Them See You Shine line.  The line is a trio of products, consisting of a primer ($20.00), a cleanser ($20.00), and a scrub ($20.00).  

The primer feels smooth, velvety - it sinks into the skin and helps keep your makeup looking fresher all day.  The primer both mattifies and keeps oil away throughout the day, which allows you to reduce the shine and oily appearance on your face.  My skin is pretty normal, but on occasion my forehead might get a touch oily.  I found this never happened when I wore the primer.

Let me tell you about the cleanser and exfoliating scrub! 

The cleanser is very much in line with other cleansers, but this product purports to control oil and shine without drying out your skin.  I can vouch for the fact that it doesn’t dry out your skin (yay!), and it does have a bit of a “cooling sensation” after you’ve used it (but nothing intense, very subtle).   My skin feels soft and hydrated after using this, and I don’t feel like I have to reach for my moisturizer as soon as I’ve used my cleanser.  It also emulsifies nicely, and I’m all about that!

The scrub has jojoba beads and diatomaceous earth to exfoliate the skin, while dissolving dirt and oil.  From what I can tell, you can use the cleanser or scrub, but you don’t need to use both simultaneously.  I’d recommend using the cleanser daily, and then use the scrub in its place every 2-3 days for exfoliation.  The exfoliating agents in the scrub aren’t overly harsh or rough, so it can be used every morning (Philosophy says as much!), though.

Soap & Glory is my new favorite budget bath & body line. In my shower product post, I told you how I adore their Flake Away Body Polish. It’s an awesome salt-based scrub that works wonders on your skin, gently exfoliating and sloughing off all of the dead skin cells. I also tried their Righteous Body Butter Lotion, which has the same scent as their Flake Away scrub. I often will apply this rich body lotion after my shower, because it’s quite moisturizing, and it reinforces the scent and smell of the scrub. I actually got my boyfriend to use this on his rough spots (elbows, mostly), who would have thought? I like the products I’ve tried from the brand, and I hope to try out more in the future. I know many of you expressed an interest in more drugstore reviews/coverage, so consider this in that direction :)

Soap & Glory is available exclusively at Target. In-store may offer more product selection than online, FYI!

Somme Institute Mobile Travel Kit ($85.00) is the best way to try out Somme Institute’s 5-Step System without breaking the bank (plus, it is TSA compliant). The kit includes their Nourishing Cleanser, Transport, Serum, A-Bomb, and Double Defense products.

To get to where they are today, they evaluated and tracked ingredient efficacy in over 3,000 products from drugstore to private label to determine what works and what doesn’t. During their research, they used ultra violet photography to see skin damage not visible to the human eye. Their system uses technology called MDT5 (Molecular Dispersion Technology), which is supposed to allow the products to get into the deepest layers of your skin. MDT5 is a blend of six vitamins (A, C, E, D, B3, and B5).

Of the five products, I recently tried the Double Defense Day Moisture SPF30 alongisde with their Eye cream. The Somme Institute has caught me at a good skin week (well, month), so my results can never be shown to be dramatic. However, I have noticed a bit of wrinkling beneath my eyes though (which I have to say a big SAY WHAT? to), so I started using the Eye cream twice daily (AM and PM) on my under eye area. With consistent use, the line started to minimize and not appear as deep as it originally was. Though, stopping the routine has seen not a total reversion, but some.

I also used the Double Defense Day Moisture SPF30 each morning, and I liked it for its lightweight texture and the fact that is waterproof. It has both UVA and UVB broad-spectrum protection, which is a total must for me. You also know that I prefer my moisturizer to have SPF in it, thereby eliminating an additional product. I love me a good multi-tasking product!

I haven’t been able to use the actual 3-step core system nor the complete 5-step system, so my results don’t speak very loudly about the line either way. At the moment, I’m not too tempted to try a whole new system (because my skin has been behaving), but if it starts acting up again, I think I might go this route.

To read more for yourself, check out www.sommeinstitute.com.

Last week, when I shared with you what I kept in my shower, I briefly told you of the merits of MAC’s Volcanic Ash Exfoliator ($19.00). It’s such a great product that it deserves its own, official review. Volcanic Ash is both a foaming and exfoliating scrub, which makes it different from the typical exfoliator (most do not have any foaming action). The exfoliants the product use are the volcanic ash and sugar crystals. The volcanic ash is from the island of Vanuatu, and it contains minerals and sulfur from “deep within the earth.”

While all that fancy-speak may or may not be marketing (or some combination of marketing and truth), one usage and the results speak for themselves. The exfoliators dissolve as you gently massage it into your skin, and when you add a little more water, the cleanser will foam up. I personally like that they dissolve, because it helps you time your cleansing; plus, you don’t get little grains or beads stuck on your face post-use. The only downside of the product is that it is a messy/dirty product in the sense that it is black ash that you put on your skin, so it’ll turn your face a dirty gray/black. This in turn makes it difficult to wash over the sink sometimes. I tend to use mine in the shower, because then I don’t have to worry about dirtying up my sink area. It’s really a minor point, because after a few usages, you get pretty good at rinsing and not making a mess.

I love this product so much, I wish I could use it everyday, but alas, you are only supposed to use it one to three times per week. You can use this product on your face or body, which makes it a multi-tasker. To be honest, I love it too much (and it’s sold out everywhere near me), I save it for my face. It’s a good-size tub of product (4.5 oz), but if I started using it for my body, I’d go through it much too fast. I really hope MAC brings this back and makes it permanent–it could be such a cult product, I know it.

Bottom line, this stuff makes your face feel soft as buttery silk. Get it if you can get your hands on it! (C’mon, $19? It’s a total steal!)

The first time I wrote about Olivella, I had tried their Moisturizer Oil. This time I want to tell you about their Cleansing Tissues ($7.50/pack of 30), which are make-up removing towelettes. I know a few of you using the Oil Cleansing Method, so this might be an option for those who need a quick and easy method from time to time. I always advocate getting a package of makeup removing wipes to anyone who has lazy days–days where you don’t want to spend the time to properly remove your makeup. Wipes make it easy, and they make it ridiculously quick. You can do it while you’re promptly passing out on your bed at 1AM. Not only that, but they’re portable, so you can take them with you whenever you’re heading to your girlfriend’s place for the night.

Olivella’s Cleansing Tissues feel remarkably gentle on skin. A lot of times I want to use a wipe, because I get lazy, but then I don’t like how some of them feel on my skin. This is not the case with Olivella. They feel soft while you use them, and they leave your skin feeling refreshed and clean. There’s not much of a scent, either, which most wipes do have. The wipes contain 100% virgin olive oil (part of the philosophy of Olivella), which has proven to be incredibly beneficial to skin. Plus, I know there are quite a few international readers–Olivella is based in Italy, so they have a much larger distribution than some other brands I have reviewed.

So, not only are these better than the cheap drugstore ones I have laying around, they aren’t expensive. You get thirty in a package, and the price is $7.50–that’s 25 cents a wipe. I can afford that! By the way, makeup removing wipes are also fabulous for quickly cleaning brushes in-between applications; they’re so multi-functional, so they definitely have a place in my limited bathroom space!