Anti-Aging
Product rave: DDF Discoloration Reversal Moisturizer
If you have issues with hyperpigmentation, the newest from DDF, their Discoloration Reversal Moisturizer, is worth looking into.
New from DDF: Discoloration Reversal Moisturizer
Working with the idea that during the nighttime is the optimal period where skin absorbs products, this product works during the sleep cycle to hydrate and reverse melanin build up (hence, discoloration) for a clearer complexion.
What makes it work? A combination of niacinamide (vitamin b3 that helps against discoloration), n-acetyl glucosamine (helps with scar healing), and undecylenoyl phenylalanine (a whitening agent). The three have years of scientific research to improving skin spots. Plus, it has antioxidants like spirulina platensis extract and beta-carotene. I also love that it isn’t a sticky serum (like a lot of spot-fighting products are). Instead, it’s a light, non-greasy cream that you use just once or twice a day as needed.
Garnier’s new BB cream. Also. What is BB Cream?
How many of you have heard of BB cream? A show of hands? Well, the story goes that BB creams (which stands for “Beauty Balm” in this case, though some say it also stands for “Blemish Blam”) were originally used in Germany by derms to help laser surgery patients protect and sooth highly sensitive skin while providing light coverage. Fast forward, and it’s all the buzz among Korean celebs, who found it as an all-in-one product and their most coveted beauty secret. Not for long though — when the cat was out the bag, it spread like fire to women across Korea. Today, its popularity has spread across Asia, Europe, and Australia. Yes, sadly, we’re kinda the last to know.
Garnier's new Skin Renew BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector
But the good news is, Garnier has brought their own BB cream to the masses here with their new BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector.
The cream promises to even out skin tone, brighten complexion, renew radiance, deliver 24 hour hydration, and protection with its SPF 15. It’s also packed with Vitamin C — a powerful antioxidant and it comes in two shades (light/medium, and medium/dark) to provide a light coverage. It’s similar to a tinted moisturizer but it has more skin-perfecting and brightening benefits. I was sent one in medium/dark to review and have been using it as a quick pick-me-up before I apply my makeup and was impressed that it really added a fresh sheen to my skin without looking cakey (and it smells so good!). But don’t expect it to be as heavy duty as a concealer or foundation — it will minimize the appearance of dark spots but not totally cover them. That’s why it’s a good idea to layer on with a little color if you need it. Hence, it comes in only two shades and not multiple…it’s only meant for light coverage in that sense since it’s more for the skin’s benefit than anything.
A facial at Cecilia Wong: A holistic skin care spa
Cecilia Wong products
You might be surprised to find that as much as I write about about beauty, I’m horrible about getting myself to the spa. When I first moved to NY, I was regular about monthly facials…that is, until my lady moved away and I never made time to find someone to replace her. Enter Cecilia Wong, an NYC-based skin care expert whose focus is holistic and natural treatments. And if there’s anyone who believes about the strong connection between food and beauty, it’s her.
I was invited to get a facial at her spa in Union Square, and after 12 hours on a plane from Argentina back to New York, it couldn’t have been a more perfect time. I was set on trying out her Omega and Vitamin C treatment, a hydrating lymphatic facial designed to brighten and soften skin. When I got there though, I first had a quick consultation with Cecilia and we discussed some of my other issues, including dreaded breakouts.
Inside her spa
Olay Professional Pro-X Clear giveaway!
Weren’t we supposed to leave acne back in highschool with our three-sizes-too-big JNCO jeans (what? Oh…that was just me?). You may be in your 20s, 30s, or beyond and for many of us, breaking out or the occasional zit still manages to pop up. The worst part is, a lot of products are not formulated to treat our type of skin — that is, one that is also deal with anti-aging. That’s why I was BEYOND excited to learn about the new Olay Professional Pro-X Clear Acne Protocol line recently.
Olay Pro-X Clear Acne Protocol line
Olay didn’t just tell us about the adult acne line any old way either — a handful of beauty writers were invited to Exhale Spa on the UES to take part in a Hot Ki Power Vinyasa class with instructor (and creator) Isauro Fernandez. Ki Power Vinyasa is a combination of vinyasa and martial arts. All I know is it was no walk in the park.
My Olay yoga mat 
I'm focused man!
Hot Ki Power yoga at Exhale Spa
After an intense hour-long workout (extra intense for me — I was fasting that day and couldn’t drink any water either!) on our Olay-branded yoga mats, NYC dermatologist Dr. Diane Berson talked to us about the connection between working out and taking care of your skin.
Physicians Formula new skincare line!
The more I use Physicians Formula’s products, the more in love I fall. They’re multi-tasking quality products that keep price point in mind. This past year has found me fawning over their Shimmer Strips bronzer-blush-shadow palette (it’s amazing for sculpting and adding a little depth — their makeup artist Joanna Schlip says she can’t live without it!), their talc-free Mineral Wear pink correcting primer, and Eye Booster 2-in-1 boosting eyeliner + serum. Now, for the first time, the 74-year-old company is diving right into cosmecetical skincare which I’m predicting will be a game-changer in the “affordable skincare” category. Keeping their mantra to non-irritating, derm-tested products close, they’re come out with three mini-collections that address specific concerns: Aging, Moisture Balance, and Sensitivity & Redness.
MOISTURE BALANCE LINE:
*A panel of women saw a 52% increase in skin hydration in 2 weeks
*100% showed increased skin hydration instantly
*81% saw more radiant skin in two weeks
*88% saw younger-looking, firmer, more balanced skin instantly
Physicians Formula Moisture Balancing line
OVERVIEW OF THE PRODUCTS:
Hydrating & Balancing Cleanser – a foaming cleanser that removes oil and pore-clogging impurities
Hydrating & Balancing Moisturizer with SPF 15 – an oil-free moisturizer that replenishes skin hydration and eliminates flakiness and tightness instantly. Lightweight, non-greasy formula helps repair skin’s natural moisture barrier for more balanced skin long-term.
Hydrating Eye Cream: Nutrient rich eye cream provides instant moisture, in a lightweight gel-cream formula. Diminishes the appearance of dark circles, fine lines, and puffiness.
Ultra-Hydrating Day & Night Cream - Replenishes skin’s moisture balance and provides an extra boost of moisture day or night. Soothes even the driest skin to improve tone and texture leaving skin soft, smooth and hydrating.
Just a note, I have been using the Day & Night Cream, and I wake up with my skin feeling like silk. I couldn’t stop feeling my face the next day! I’ve never been a huge fan of foaming washes, just because my skin needs a little more give (like gel or cream based cleansers), but the cream here is probably my favorite of the bunch.
REDNESS RELIEF LINE:
*100% felt their skin was soothed and more comfortable instantly
*100% saw healthier skin instantly
*92% felt less irritation instantly
*92% saw a reduction in inflammation, dryness and flakiness in 2 weeks
Physicians Formula Redness Relief line
OVERVIEW OF THE PRODUCTS:
Redness Relief Cleanser - Ultra-gentle, lightweight cream cleanser melts away impurities without stripped skin of its essential moisture. Provides immediate relief to red and irritated skin, leaving it clean and comforted.
Instant Skin Calming Spray - Lightweight mist provides instant soothing relief to dehydrated skin while reducing irritation on contact.
Redness Relief Moisturizer – Extra-gentle, oil-free lightweight moisturizer instantly helps relieve redness and irritation, while providing all-day hydration. Restorative moisturizer soothes dry, itchy and flakey skin, while helping to strengthen and recondition it.
Redness Correcting Moisturizer – Extra-gentle, oil-free lightweight moisturizer instantly relieve redness and irritation, while providing all day hydration. Correcting green tint delivers a sheer wash of color to instantly neutralize redness.
ANTI-AGING LINE:
*100% felt skin looked firmer, smoother and more radiant instantly and long-term
*89% saw less fine lines instantly
*89% saw an improvement in their skin texture after 2 weeks
*71% saw less deep wrinkles in 4 weeks
Physicians Formula Anti-Aging line
OVERVIEW OF THE PRODUCTS:
Wrinkle Corrector & Firming Cleanser - Rich cream cleanser effectively removes makeup and impurities while smoothing, firming and protecting skin’s moisture barrier. Leaves complexion clean, smooth and moisturized
Wrinkle Correcting & Firming Moisturizer - (with Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Hydrolyzed Pea Peptide Blend, and Lifting Fruit Acid Blend) Potent moisturizer instantly enhances skin’s firmness, hydration and radiance. SPF 15 protects against UVA/UVB rays. Improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for an overall smoothing effect.
Firming & Lifting Booster - Skin firming serum improves the appearance of fine lines and medium to deep wrinkles.
Dark Spot Corrector & Skin Brightener -(with Phytonutrient and Soy Isoflavone Complex to reduce the appearance of dark spots without affecting the surrounding skin) Potent serum targets signs of uneven skin tone and helps address evident sun damage, dark spots, and dark patches and skin stresses. Antioxidant formula can inhibit the appearance of uneven pigment formation, keeping skin looking brighter and more uniform in tone.
Deep Wrinkle Corrector Day & Night Cream - (with Laminaria Algae Complex) Ultra-rich cream enhances skin’s cycle of repair, encouraging healthy cell renewal to reveal younger looking skin. Helps improve moisture barrier, strengthen skin and protect collagen.
Intensive Wrinkle Corrector Eye Cream - Potent cream targets the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the eye area. Moisturizing formula boosts elasticity and firmness to improve the appearance of crow’s feet and puffiness. Illuminating properties improve the appearance of dark circles.
Dr. Ronald Moy at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village
I'm hungry
New York may be the fashion capital of the US, but when it comes to beauty, Los Angeles reigns supreme. Those of you who don’t believe me should watch an episode of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. These ladies have been nipped, tucked, tucked again, lasered, lifted, Botoxed, and Juvedermed–all in the name of beauty.
Poolside at the Four Seasons Westlake Village
The great thing about being a native Angeleno is knowing where the movie stars, trophy wives, and reality queens go to get these procedures done–especially when they want to keep it on the down low. Though Bev Hills may be “Mecca” to L.A. beauty junkies, the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village is the secret hideaway to where the elite flock when they must recuperate from plastic surgery.
