Facial Moisturizers: 2014 Winter Edition

I've been on a mission to evaluate moisturizers lately - since it's something we should all be wearing every day AND there are thousands of options on the market.  It's taken me a couple of months to try all of these.

So, let's get right to it...

1. Boscia, Self Defense Vital Antioxidant Moisture, with broad spectrum SPF 30 (for combination skin types)

Two words that describe my reaction to this: not moved.  Or, one word: meh.  If you're looking for a basic protective moisturizer with UVA/UVB protection, this isn't bad.  It's lower to mid-priced, at $36. Other than that, there's not a lot that's special about it.  It doesn't feel particularly great, i.e. it feels like any drugstore-brand moisturizer.  The SPF is nice, and Boscia's products are more on the natural side, but I am not driven to buy this again.


2. Dior, Capture Total Multi-Perfection Emulsion

If you're willing to pay bigger bucks for your moisturizer and your skin isn't dry, this is a great one.  It's pricey at $145, but the bottle is enormous.  I've been using it for months and am not even halfway through the bottle.  It's VERY lightweight, almost a liquid, but the moisture quality is lovely.  The best thing about this product is that it's a total anti-aging product as well - helps with wrinkles, firmness, uneven skin tone, pore size, etc.  Even if I didn't work with Dior, I'd use this.  The only drawback is that it doesn't have SPF in it, you need to use another sunscreen.


3. Dior, Capture Totale Multi-Perfection Creme

 

This is the creme version of #2, for all the same benefits, plus some extra plumping and moisture for drier skin. Also, fabulous.  Absorbs and makes your skin silky smooth and very much improved after a couple of weeks of use.  


4. Murad Illuminating Day Moisture, SPF 30

 

I was very pleasantly surprised by this one. I have tried Murad products over the years and never loved any, but this one I actually might purchase during summer when I am in the sun more.  It's an "illuminating" moisturizer, so it's made to brighten the skin while moisturizing and protecting it.  The SPF is UVA and UVB protection.  Sometimes products with sunscreen tend to make me oily, but this one goes on smooth and creamy, and almost has a matte finish. It lasted throughout the day.  No major scent to speak of. Overall, good experience.


5. Chanel Le Lift, Creme Fine

I was pretty excited to try Chanel's new line of skin treatment, the Le Lift cremes.  They are made to be used night and day (no need for two separate products), and they have a version for oily skin, normal skin, and dry skin.  I used it for about a week and have mixed feelings.  It is made to tone and firm the skin, and I think it probably delivers on those.  It smells and feels lovely. It runs $165, which is only $15 more than the Dior equivalent, but the Dior felt better on my face.


6. Josie Maran, Pure Argan Oil Light

Another pleasant surprise. I love Argan oil - it's amazing on the body.  Jose Maran came out with this lighter version of the oil for the face, and it's a great addition to the line.  It's (duh) lighter in texture and has a more matte finish on the face.  It hydrates and makes the skin calmer, more even-toned, and generally better textured.  At $48, it's super affordable, and something I'd consider using in the future.  The only small drawback is that it doesn't contain specific anti-aging ingredients, but it still improves the skin.


7. Algenist Regenerative Anti-Aging Moisturizer, SPF 20

Despite this product looking perfect on paper (moisture, SPF, anti-again, good ratings), I was completely underwhelmed when I tried it.  I didn't love the texture, or the way it wore - my skin did not keep looking nice throughout the day. I can't say it's a bad product, but it wasn't effective for me, especially at the $90 price point.


8. NUDE Skincare, Cellular Renewal Moisturizer

Basically, see the notes on #7 above. I wasn't wowed, which was disappointing, because I love NUDE's Pro-Genius oil! Boooooooo.


9.  Ole Henriksen, Pure Truth Vitamin C Youth-Activating Oil

Bit of a long name on this one, and at first I wasn't sure if it was a moisturizing oil or a treatment oil. After using it, I think it falls into both categories, but definitely takes the place of another moisturizer, so I've included it here. This is made with pure rose hips seed oil, making it a bit more natural than some options. It smells citrusy, is a very thin oil, and when I first put it on, looked a tad orange-tinted.  But as it absorbed into the skin, the color and texture became normal and quite nice.  It's brightening, hydrating, and high in vitamins A and C. Also affordable at $45.  Pretty good product.


10. SK-II Essential Power Moisturizing Cream

I have to be honest - the SK-II is really great, but at $205, I am not likely to buy in the future.  I received a gift of this that lasted me about 3 weeks. It's solid product, but not different enough from the Dior line to convince me to spend $50 more.  Sure, I want to look like Cate Blanchett and Kate Bosworth, but $205...it's not cheap. (Although SK-II's toner is the best and worth every penny. But that's another post.)


11.  SHISEIDO IBUKI Refining Moisturizer

This is made to make the skin more even in tone and texture, but it was a bit too sticky for me. It's possible that I just don't need the evening as much as other benefits, but I wasn't sold.  Decent price, but not my favorite.


After all the trials, I am more likely to use the Dior and Murad options going forward...they are, for me, the best mix of benefits and price. 

Stay moisturized, ladies!

 

My Ideal Skincare Routine?

Since I started working with Dior, lady friends have asked a multitude of good questions about skincare routines - what should they use, what's not worth the cost, what will give them the most bang for their buck?

I am not a professionally trained aesthetician, of course.  But I do have quite a lot of experience with products, and if I were to write out my ideal skincare regimen, it would look like this: 

1. Cleanser: a well-formulated cleanser is completely necessary for healthy skin. Soap will typically dry your face. Choose a cleanser that both removes makeup/oil/dirt, and also treats any skin issues you may have - i.e. a cleanser targeted for oily, dry, acne-prone, or sensitive skin. If you go with a higher-end cleanser, you may get more benefits with less irritation.  Cleansers now come in so many options - water-free lotions and oils, foaming, etc.

2. Toner: this is something a lot of people don't use, and while it's not 100% necessary if you have a really good cleanser, I still never go without it if possible.  A good toner will serve a few purposes, most notably cleaning off any impurities your cleanser missed, refining pores (making them smaller), and balancing your skin in terms of moisture/oil.  I notice a marked difference when I don't use toner (not a difference I like). If you cannot afford well-made toner, you can try witch hazel - it's around $4.00 at drugstores. Most toners come in large bottles and last absolute ages.  Worth the money, for sure.

3. Exfoliant: Like toner, you can get away without using an exfoliant, but your skin will be much better while using one. A lot of facial issues are caused by build up of dead skin cells, making your skin appear dull, broken out, etc. BUT - most drugstore brand exfoliants are simple scrubs, meaning they slough off dead skin by scraping it off the skin. Doing this from time to time won't kill you, and it's actually great for your body.  But the face is much more sensitive than skin on the rest of your body, and can be easily scraped and irritated by particle scrubs. The better route?  Enzyme exfoliants - they use enzymes to dissolve away dead skin, and usually have a tiny bit of grit to help move the skin quicker. These won't irritate sensitive skin nearly as much. The trick is doing your research to be sure you know how an exfoliator works - particles or enzyme.

4. Moisturizer: Like cleanser, this one is not optional! Even if you have oily skin! With a world full of pollutants, chemicals, cosmetics, and not-exactly-pure diets, your skin needs a protective moisture barrier to keep it replenished and healthy. Inexpensive moisturizers aren't always worth the few dollars they cost, because they appear to soothe your skin, but use cheaper ingredients that do not penetrate past your top layer of skin, or DO penetrate, but clog your pores. Like a cleanser, find a moisturizer that is made for your skin type.  One with SPF is even better, but that's something you can always add separately (just use a sunscreen formulated for face, not body). A good moisturizer will keep your skin feeling good for 12 hours, in my experience, but your face won't feel greasy.

5. Serum: Similar to toner, you can live without a serum, but I don't recommend it, unless your skin is awesomely perfect. Most of us have one or more things we'd like to correct with our skin (break outs, dullness, dryness, oil, dark spots, sun damage...the list goes on). Serums are one of the best ways to treat your skin. They are typically liquid-y and have more potent ingredients than other products, since their aim is treatment. Many serums are for healthy skin, but do a great job at protecting the skin from aging - and we should all start anti-aging products by age 25! Serums can be worn day and night, after cleansing. I swear by them, personally.

6. Eye Cream: A good eye cream has been necessary for me since I was in college.  I have allergies, plus genetic dark under-eye circles. The eye area is so delicate, and while your skin can be oily or dry, sometimes the skin around your eyes can be totally the opposite and typically requires special care. Eye creams are usually for extra hydration, bags and puffiness, circles, and brightening. I have yet to find a cheap one that works well, so I always invest in good stuff for eyes. 

7. Masks: These are something I love, but you don't have to use them. A serum treats skin issues on a daily basis, but a mask usually packs a good punch for occasional use. Like serums, they come for all sorts of purposes.  I appreciate the very potent ones (with glycolic acid or retinol), or a simple moisturizing/soothing/purifying mask.  I try to do one every weekend. Masks can be cheap and even homemade.

After the use of these products, you make your way into cosmetics, which I may do a separate post about, since that routine is important to a lot of us.  However, my disclaimer is always this: even though they can cost more, please, always invest in the above skin care products before worrying about cosmetics. If you keep your skin healthy, you won't need nearly as much makeup in the first place, and can often even go without any!  We routinely see beautiful women at Dior who have used the skincare line for years and wear almost zero makeup, and they always look much younger than they actually are.

What do you think, ladies?  Did I miss anything you can't live without?

Nude Skincare - ProGenius Treatment Oil

I can not believe I haven't posted since September - shameful!  Especially because I've tried so many wonderful products!

One of my recent adventures into the skincare world was trying NUDE Skincare's ProGenius Treatment Oil.  Here's what the product claims to do: "This 100 percent pure and active treatment oil provides a precisely balanced diet of vital nutrients for luminous and healthy looking skin. The all-absorbing formula delivers deep and long lasting skin cell nourishment, revealing skin that appears lit from within."

I had a sample size packet, but since you only need 2-3 drops of this oil (and it is definitely an oil), it has lasted several days.  I've been putting it on my skin at night, after cleansing/toning as usual.  The pros to it are definitely strong - it's suitable for vegans, gluten-free, allergen-free, a simply natural product.  When I initially put the drops into my hand, I thought my face was about to feel greasy.  When you first rub it into your skin, you have a tiny sheen, yes.  But very shortly after, it's simply like you used a good non-greasy moisturizer.  It soaks into the skin quickly and very well.  The next morning, my skin still felt supple and moisturized, but clean.  


Overall, it's definitely a good product.  It's probably best for normal to dry skin. Reviewers of the product recommend blending just a drop with foundation for a great flawless finish.  Others say it has definitely made their skin brighter.

While the full-sized product is not exactly cheap ($78.00), the bottle must last for absolute ages!  The sample size (which is tiny) has gone several days for me and still isn't empty at all.  I'd imagine this full-size product could last over a year.  For someone needing some extra moisture or suppleness/brightening, that's a solid investment for a year!

This is the first time I've tried an oil on my face, but it was quite nice.  Have any of you used one you recommend?

Product Link: http://www.sephora.com/progenius-trade-treatment-oil-P374111?om_mmc=GoogleKWL-ws

Moisturizers with SPF - Avon, Dermalogica, Aveeno

It's a given that everyone should be using facial moisturizers with SPF in them - and luckily, there are great options at any price point.  Jen wrote last week about Avon's Anew Rejuvenate Day Cream with SPF 25 - a great option at a mid-price point of $30.  

According to a recent article from Glamour, you need to...

"Make SPF Your BFF. Ward off future skin damage (think wrinkles and sun spots) by rubbing on a broad-spectrum formula that contains Helioplex, Mexoryl or Active Photobarrier Complex—they offer the longest-acting protection—has an SPF of at least 30 (the new everyday standard) and contains antioxidants."

They suggested one I've used often before - Aveeno's Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer.  This comes in SPF 15 or 30, and the 30 is certainly recommended.  This is a great product - besides providing sun protection, it also evens skin tone and texture, doesn't cause breakouts and isn't greasy.  Price point is low, between $10 and $15 depending on where you shop.

 

Another great option would be Dermalogica's AgeSmart Dynamic Skin Recovery w/SPF 30.  I am currently using this as my daily moisturizer and have been pleased with it.  This is a higher-price option at around $60 per bottle, but provides a lot more age prevention and correction.

 

With so many solid options to protect your skin and improve it at the same time, there's really no excuse to NOT use one of them and keep your skin beautiful for years to come!

Anew Rejuvenate Revitalizing Day Cream

One of my best friends in the whole world is one of those embarrassingly over-the-top gift givers. One Christmas, I got him a sweater and he got me some perfume and a jar of facial moisturizer from Chanel. I told him off for spending so much money, but fell in LOVE with the moisturizer. It was SPF 25, and it made my face feel so soft in those brutally dry winters. It didn’t absorb quite as well into my then-oily skin during warm weather, but still, I loved it. Eventually, of course, I ran out and when I went to repurchase it, I realized my best friend is totally cracked more generous than I'd known. There was no way I was forking out $100 for moisturizer. Seven years later, I still hadn’t found anything coming close to that quality for under $40.

Fast forward to Christmas, when my mother-in-law visited. She has recently started selling Avon, and to support her I ordered a few things. I’ve been using a tinted moisturizer that I like, but I wanted a regular moisturizer to go under the powder foundation I sometimes use. On my mother-in-law’s suggestion, I ordered the Anew Rejuvenate Day Cream, SPF 25. I love it. I love it at least as much as I loved my Chanel moisturizer! It has a really pleasant scent, and a lovely, creamy texture that absorbs quickly into my skin. Within a few minutes, my skin feels soft and I can’t tell I’m wearing a product at all – no greasy residue or feeling of heaviness that I get from most moisturizers. I have normal skin now -- thank you, Accutane! -- and my morning application lasts all day. At $30 for a 1.7oz jar, it’s certainly not drugstore cheap, but it’s a steal for the quality of the product.

Check it out here!