WHITE LUCENT LINE REVIEW

Shiseido is Japanese brand that is now everywhere in the world. They use great clean ingredients and are always great for sensitive skin. One thing that many people don't know is that this is a great line for Asian skin. If you are Asian and are looking for a new line of products to try, I would definitely put this on the list.

I've purchased the entire set one time when they packaged them in a basket. I thought all the products were great and they felt great on the skin. The one product I would like to point out is the Intensive Spot Targeting Serum. I don't have any sun spots on my skin ,but this helped even out my overall complexion. Whitening/Brightening and Anti-aging are two things that will make your face look young, hence why all those Asian women are driving around with those crazy visors that cover the entire face while wearing gloves in the Summer.

I do like the night cream, I think it's a great cream to use if you spend a lot of time in the sun during the day. It prohibits melanin from forming dark spots on your skin and heals your skin overnight from the damage it was exposed to during the day. 

There's a saying in Chinese that basically says a whiter complexion hides 3 flaws, and I do believe this to be true. It is easier to hide wrinkle and lines when you have a whiter complexion. Tans and darker skin tend to make your lines and wrinkles more prominent. 

There are many whitening/brightening lines on the market, but they are not so popular in the US, because people here love to be tanned. La Mer even launched a Brightening line few years ago and eventually pulled it because it wasn't selling here. They are launching it again in the States this year.

So the bottom line is if you are looking for a whitening line, this is a decent start. If you are looking for something a little bit more intense, go for SKII. They are known as THE brand for whitening your face among the Asian community.
 

Here are some of the ingredients in the line-

• M-Tranexamic acid and Yomogi extract targets persistent spots where over-active melanocytes produce excess melanin.
• Shiseido-original whitening ingredient 4MSK helps diminish the activity of the enzyme tyrosinase to reduce melanin production.
• Vitamin C reduces from the precursor of melanin, the colourless DHICA.
• Super Hydro-Synergy Complex replenishes moisture and improves skin texture. Skin also captures light more easily.
• Glucosyl Hesperidine helps support better microcirculation.

Verdict: Try it! (Especially the Serum)

Read more on their website- http://www.shiseido.com/white-lucent/skincare-whitelucent,default,sc.html 

Skinfood Gold Caviar Toner

A toner that softens the skin texture with gold particles that can be seen with the naked eye and with the addition of Russian caviar, it provides moisture, nutrition and resilience to the skin.

Not many people in the US have heard of this brand, Skin Food is a popular Korean brand that's been around Asia for awhile. Skin Food has become a well-known cosmetic and skincare brand in many countries outside South Korea such as Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and many others. The appealing factor of Skin Food is the use of natural food and produce in its original form as ingredients in their products. In addition, the use of natural ingredients also plays a significant role in their success today. Their products range from makeup, skin care, body and hair products.

This review is for the Gold Caviar Toner. I haven't tried that many products from this brand, because I was getting them from Taiwan and being that I live in the US, it's not exactly convenient. However, they have opened a few stores in California in areas that have a higher Asian population.

I like the bottle for the toner, but I didn't like how it just had a plastic wrap on top of the lid you peel off like a vitamin bottle. It kind of cheapens the products for me. I wish it had a box, because the toner itself is beautiful to look at. You can actually see particles of gold floating around and they melt into your skin once you put it on.

It's more dense than your regular toner, it's almost like a serum. It's very hydrating to the skin and whenever I feel like my skin needs a deep hydration or whenever my skin feels sensitive, I use this. I think it's one of the better toners I've tired on the market. The only downside was I had to get it overseas. Although they did open a few stores in California, they are all 40 mins or more away from me. I'm not sure if I would make a trip just to buy a toner, but if I happen to pass through those areas, I would definitely stop by to get this. It is comparable to a lot of the high end toners I have tried and the thing I like about it the most is how soothing it feels on the skin. I really like that.

I do have the Gold Caviar Mask and Cream, which I will review in the future. For now, I just want to introduce this specialty brand from Korea that is definitely worth a try!

Verdict: Buy it! (if you can find it)
I don't know how much it cost in the US since I got it in Taiwan. I would say it'll prob be $30-40 range in the US. It's not a high end luxury brand, but a decent brand.  
Check out their website-- http://eng.theskinfood.com/

Update!!! - They have opened stores in the US! Go to their website to find a store closest to you.

ROSE FACE MASK $55

Rose Face Mask hydrates and tones the complexion to restore radiance and suppleness to all skin types. The unique, cooling gel formula is infused with pure rosewater and real rose petals that literally melt into the skin.

Key ingredients:
-Pure rosewater and real rose petals are notable for their soothing and toning properties
-Cucumber extract and aloe vera gel help to reduce inflammation and have an immediate cooling and calming effect
-Porphyridium cruentum, a “smart” algae, delivers optimum moisture
-Antioxidant-rich green tea helps to brighten and protect

Fresh was one of the very first luxury brands that I tried when I got into skin care and it is still one of my favorite brands. They use very clean ingredients that you can feel and see and the results have been good.

Rose Face Mask smells like heaven and you can see the rose petals inside the jar and they melt into your skin once you rub it on your face. It's very hydrating and calming and the rose scent is quite intoxicating. It feels like a luxurious treatment, but I have yet seen any noticeable results. I think as a hydrating mask, it does its job extremely well and I don't think it claims to be anything else. If you're looking for an anti-aging mask, try their Black Tea Skin Perfecting Mask, that one is amazing.

This is one of those products that I would love to get as a gift, but I would be hesitant to spend my own money on it, because it's just a very fancy hydrating mask. But if you have great disposable income and you want to feel fancy, go ahead and buy it!

Verdict: Try it!

Rose Face Mask is $55
Read more on their website- http://www.fresh.com/skincare/mask/rose-face-mask

La Mer Eye Cream Showdown!

 

I reviewed the two eye creams from La Mer this week- Eye Balm Intense and Eye Concentrate 

So which one reigns supreme?  In my opinion, The Eye Concentrate is superior. I think even some of the more experienced La Mer rep would agree with me (and they have). 

A mini breakdown of each from their website-

The Balm Intense- 

The new Marine De-Puff Ferment™, The Lifting Ferment™ and a potent concentration of The Miracle Broth™ - the seaborne elixir known for its healing energies - penetrate deep within the skin's surface for a remarkable change, while the unique balm texture offers the utmost in comfort.

In a short while, the look of puffiness, lines and wrinkles is diminished as clarity is revealed. La Mer's proprietary silver-tipped applicator cools skin on contact to help stimulate mircocirculation

The Concentrate-

This concentrated cream utilizes three unique forms of Miracle Broth™ to deeply condition, smooth and hydrate the delicate eye area. It significantly reduces the appearance of dark circles, lines and wrinkles for a luminous new life.

Fortified with an iron-rich mineral, The Eye Concentrate dramatically dissolves the appearance of dark circles. It works in tandem with a specially-engineered, silver-tipped applicator which helps cool the skin, immediately improving micro-circulation.

  

The Price- Both $165

Hydration- The Balm Intense takes this one

Dark Circles- The Concentrate, the Balm Intense doesn't even treat dark circles.

Lines and Wrinkles- Both are equally good in this department. It's La Mer afterall.

Puffiness- Balm Intense. 

So why do i think The Eye Concentrate is better? Simply because the anti-aging results are more noticeable than when I was on the Balm Intense and I think it absorbs better than the Balm. Sometimes the Balm just sits on top of your skin, and I don't think you should use creams that are too heavy around your eyes. 

They are equally great products, so it's really up to what you're looking for. I think the price is decent for La Mer. They could've charge up to $200 and I think people would still buy it. I think they were $185 at some point? Anyways, the price currently is $165.

La Mer always put out great products and some people don't like the brand, but from my personal experience, they've always delivered.

La Mer The Eye Concentrate $165

This concentrated cream utilizes three unique forms of Miracle Broth™ to deeply condition, smooth and hydrate the delicate eye area. It significantly reduces the appearance of dark circles, lines and wrinkles for a luminous new life.

Fortified with an iron-rich mineral, The Eye Concentrate dramatically dissolves the appearance of dark circles. It works in tandem with a specially-engineered, silver-tipped applicator which helps cool the skin, immediately improving micro-circulation.

I have previously reviewed The Eye Balm Intense , and stated that I like the Eye Concentrate better, because it's more of a completely eye cream for people that want to get rid of their dark circles. I also like the texture of the Eye Concentrate better, because it's more like a light lotion than a cream. It sinks into the skin faster than the creamy Eye Balm Intense. It's not as moisturizing as the Balm, but I think it provides just enough hydration.

There are so many eye creams on the market and like many of you,  I'm still on my hunt for the next best eye cream. This is my regular eye cream, but I feel like although it does treat dark circles, my dark circles are still coming through. I've used this in conjunction with the La Prairie White Caviar Eye Serum , and that actually helped my dark circles better. But it gets way too expensive to buy both products at the same time.

Bottom line, I do like this better than the Balm Intense and I think it's a great eye cream overall. If you have dark circles, give this one a try, if you have puffiness, you might want to go for the Balm instead.

Verdict: Buy it!
La Mer The Eye Concentrate is $165
Read more on their website- http://www.cremedelamer.com/templates/products/spp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY23102&PRODUCT_ID=PROD11863

La Mer The Eye Balm Intense $165.00

The new Marine De-Puff Ferment™, The Lifting Ferment™, and a potent concentration of The Miracle Broth™—the seaborne elixir known for its healing energies—penetrate deep within the skin's surface for a remarkable change, while the unique balm texture offers the utmost in comfort.

In a short while, the look of puffiness, lines, and wrinkles is diminished as clarity is revealed. La Mer's proprietary silver-tipped applicator cools skin on contact to help stimulate microcirculation.

La Mer has two eye creams- The Eye Concentrate and The Eye Balm Intense. The Eye Concentrate is more of a complete treatment to me, because it treats dark circles on top of lines and puffiness. Fans of La Mer would know that The Original La Mer Eye Balm has been around forever, but they took it off the shelf and was sold by request only after The Eye Concentrate was introduced.

I've used both Eye Concentrate and Eye Balm Intense and the main difference to me was that the Eye Balm Intense felt a lot more heavier and moisturizing than the Eye Concentrate. However, I have dark circles and the Eye Balm Intense doesn't really treat dark circles as well as the Eye Concentrate, but I do think the Eye Balm Intense is better for puffiness.

The Eye Balm Intense is great for people with puffiness under their eyes and it provides great moisture. The texture is very creamy and goes on smooth like velvet. It also comes with the silver-tipped applicator that helps to stimulate microcirculation, but honestly, who actually uses the applicator? It's kind of a hassle having to clean it after each use and my biggest problem with the applicator is that there's no easy sanitary way of storing it. I wish it comes with an enclosed case of some sort so it's not just laying around on your bathroom counter.

Overall, it's a solid eye cream. My mom loves it, my friends love it, and I still use it. My review for The Eye Concentrate will be here soon!

Verdict: Buy it!
La Mer The Eye Balm Intense is $165.00
Read more on their website-- http://www.cremedelamer.com/templates/products/spp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY23102&PRODUCT_ID=PROD16361#BVRRWidgetID

Chanel SUBLIMAGE LA CRÈME TEXTURE SUPREME $390

With a single key ingredient, Vanilla Planifolia—a rare botanical found in the farthest reaches of Madagascar—LA CRÈME unlocks the key to beauty and self-confidence. The ultimate skincare indulgence, LA CRÈME creates a glowing, luminous and even-toned complexion. Facial contours become visibly firmer and signs of aging seem to disappear. Enhancing the experience: a delicate, refined fragrance and sumptuously rich feel.

Chanel's Sublimage collection is their most high-end skincare line. I am a big fan of Chanel's skincare products and I love the smell of all their products. I have used Sublimage Eye Cream, which wasn't memorable so I didn't bother trying other products until they launched the La Creme Texture Supreme . La Creme Texture Supreme is the richest and the most concentrated version of their moisturizer in the collection.

When I was on this product, I used it as a night cream and it kept my skin hydrated overnight, which is very rare. The only other cream that kept my skin hydrated overnight is Givenchy's Le Soin Noir.  I was actually surprised by how much I liked this cream. However, I didn't really see any major changes in my skin other than it feeling very hydrated and smooth.

I do think it's a great cream, but the price tag is a little bit too high for the minimal results I experienced. I like it, but I don't love it. With La Mer and Le Soin Noir, or even Natura Bisse, I was able to see a difference in my skin within days, which justified my spending. Chanel La Creme would be something that I would love to receive as a present, but I probably wouldn't spend my own money on it since you can buy something better with the same price.

The packaging is beautiful and fancy as you would expect from Chanel. It makes a great presence, especially if you buy the Sublimage gift set. I do think you're spending more for the brand than the actual result you'll get from the product.

Verdict: Try it

Chanel SUBLIMAGE LA CRÈME  TEXTURE SUPREME is $390
Read more on their website- http://www.chanel.com/en_US/fragrance-beauty/Skincare-Complete-Anti-aging-SUBLIMAGE-LA-CR%C3%88ME-125545

Tom Ford Intensive Infusion Concentrate Extreme $250

The Tom Ford Infusing Complex infuses skin with a potent combination of specially selected nutrients that help skin stimulate its natural repair mechanisms. By helping skin cells replenish their natural energy, it fundamentally rejuvenates the complexion, so it looks and feels brighter, fresher and less tired. High-performing antioxidants help protect the skin, creating a vital-looking face. The skin is left looking renewed, resilient and smoother.

This is by far one of the worst luxury serums at this price tag I've ever used. It is also the only serum I've ever returned to the store. First off, the Tom Ford Beauty salesperson I talked to at Neiman Marcus didn't even know what is in this product. I asked him what exactly is in the "infusion complex" and he just kept repeating "some of the most precious and best oils in the world", and then I asked what oils are in it and he said it's a secret that they are not even told.

Really?? Let me tell you, simply flip the box over and all the ingredients are listed, and it's nothing special. After reading the ingredient, I felt cheated. This is the perfect example of a designer simply selling something expensive for the brand name. I am a huge fan of Tom Ford, that's why I was so disappointed. I think Tom Ford is a genius and branded himself so well in the world of luxury. He couldn't do anything wrong in my eyes, but his skincare just fell short. However, I've heard amazing things about his makeup line. So do give that a try.

The serum itself is pure oil. So if you have oily skin or even the slightest tendency to get some shine on your face, this would not be right for you. It's the equivalent of dipping your face in oil. I used this at night so I didn't have to walk out of my door with a grease face. I didn't notice any difference to my skin at all.

Normally I could find some redeeming quality to any product, but with this price tag, I just couldn't. I think the serum is worth $60 top. Since it's pure oil, I couldn't use this during the day either, so I eventually ended up returning the product.

Verdict- Skip it! 

The Tom Ford Beauty Intensive Infusion is $250
Read more on Neiman Marcus site- http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/Tom-Ford-Beauty-Intensive-Infusion-Concentrate-Extreme-Skin-Care/prod138620123/

La Prairie - WHITE CAVIAR ILLUMINATING EYE SERUM $265

White Caviar Illuminating Eye Serum combines anti-aging, anti-pigmentation and luminescence with pearlescent pigments to inhibit melanin production, detoxify and beautify. The skin surrounding the eye becomes brighter and more even-toned with improved firmness.

This light-infused eye serum is a high-performing antidote to undereye darkness and discoloration. It detoxifies the skin and helps stop dark patches from forming on the skin.

As existing darkness fades and the skin appears lighter and brighter, the eyes look more wide-awake and energized. In addition, puffiness is reduced and the skin is lifted, firmed and smoothed with wrinkle-reducers.

Normally, I'm not a big fan of La Prairie. I think most of their products are too active (and too pricey) for my skin and I've had a bad reaction to a few of their products. However, I love the entire White Caviar Line. This is the only Eye Serum I've used that have dramatically lighten my dark circles. I saw a difference over night. The serum itself looks pearlescent when you put it on your finger, you'd think it'll make your eyes look glittery, but don't worry, it disappears onto your skin. I think the pearlescent effect also helps to reflect the light under your eyes to make them look brighter.

When La Prairie first launched this, it was a stand alone product, but since then they have launched the White Caviar Eye Cream to use on top of this serum. Personally, I think the eye serum itself is moisturizing and effective enough on its own. It's hydrating and and I like that because it's a serum, it sinks into the skin around your eyes rather than sitting on top of it.

I have the entire White Caviar Line, but so far this is the only product I've used long enough to provide a review. As time goes on, I will write reviews on the other items in the collection.

The downside to this Eye Serum is the hefty price tag. I love this product, but I find it very hard to justify the price tag. It definitely works, but I just think it's way too pricey.

Verdict: Buy it if you have the money!

The WHITE CAVIAR ILLUMINATING EYE SERUM is $265
You can read more on their website-- http://www.shoplaprairie.com/c-112-the-white-caviar-illuminating-systme.aspx

La Mer "The Essence" Facial at Hotel Bel-Air

This was at the entrance of the room

So I had the luxury of being invited by La Mer to try "The Essence" facial at Hotel Bel-Air yesterday and I absolutely LOVED it.


The Essence by La Mer is one of the world’s most expensive beauty products, priced at $2100. Its extraordinary packaging was designed by La Mer’s team, including Jesse Chertoff, design director, and Shane Butler, package designer.

The Essence contains magnetized tourmaline, which keeps its active ferments suspended. Magnets hidden inside the package keep the tourmaline’s ingredients magnetically charged.

The Essence is a milky texture, very much like the Regenerating Serum, and it feels like a mixture of The Concentrate and Regenerating Serum on the skin. It absorbs very quickly into the skin like most of La Mer Serums.

I literally had a halo glow effect to my face after the facial. The facialist applied the Cream on my face after the facial and normally it would've been too heavy during the day, but for some reason the combination of the Essence and the Cream provided the perfect balance for my skin.

Obviously for $2100, most people would just pay a visit to the dermatologist for injections, but for those that are looking for an alternative, you might want to give this a try.

"The Essence Facial" included-

• Cleansing of the face with The La Mer Cleansing Foam and Tonic
• Exfoliation by La Mer Refining Facial (which is basically a fine scrub, I will review it in the future) 
• Massage with La Mer Cleansing Gel
• La Mer Mist 
• The Mask-- which is basically a heavy thick layer of Creme de La Mer for 10 mins
• The Hydrating Infusion (Will Review in the future)
• The Essence (LOVE!) as the serum 
• Creme de La Mer as the finishing touch!

Then you leave feeling like a million bucks and glowing for the next few days!

Givenchy Le Soin Noir $380

Givenchy Le Soin Noir contains an extremely precious, natural age-defying ingredient that will secure its status in your antiaging routine. Used for the first time in cosmetics, Vital Black Algae Sap Concentrate restores communication between the skin's cells. Givenchy's researchers have developed a method to infuse this potion with a rare black algae extract to help maintain and prolong cellular longevity. Parched skin drinks in the hydration it needs—leaving your complexion firm, glowing, and even-toned.

I call this face lift in a jar. My absolute favorite product on the market. It is very pricey, yes, but it's worth every penny. The cream itself is black, but it becomes translucent once it touches your skin. The texture is more like cream gelatin, not so much of a gel, because I'm allergic to gels and I've had no problem with this.

Normally I can tell if a cream is moisturizing or not by using it at night, and often times I wake up with my skin feeling dry. This is the only cream I've ever used that have managed to keep my skin plumped and hydrated throughout the entire night without feeling dry the next morning. I also sleep with a humidifier next to my bed stand, which I highly recommend (Yes, beauty takes a lot of work).

I call this face lift in a jar, because it lifts and diminishes your lines and wrinkles. I've received many compliments on my skin when I use this. I stopped using it for awhile, because it is so expensive and within a few days, I lost that "glow" to my face.

The only down side to this (besides the hefty price tag) is that it is very hard to find. Sephora seem to be the only place that carries it. You can find it in their store in NY or their online store. However, it is always out of stock on their website.

Also, I suggest only using this at night for two reason- 1. It's expensive. 2. Sometimes I do see a little bit of the gray coloring on my face, but if I'm just lounging around in the house, I don't really care what my face looks like. Also, I don't think sunblock goes on well on top of this cream because the texture is so unique.  So you might have some problem with makeup, not sure, since I don't wear makeup.

It's one of my favorite products on the market and it is worth every penny. I kept all the jars after I've used up the cream and they make great coffee table display or tea-light candle holders. (A very expensive conversation starter!)

I'll write a review on Le Soin Noir Serum and Eye Cream soon!

Verdict: RUN OUT AND BUY IT!

Givenchy Le Soin Noir is $380
Read more on their website- http://www.givenchybeauty.com/item/Le-Soin-Noir

Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cream $55

Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cream calms and rejuvenates sensitive, dry, and combination skin, absorbing quickly with no oily residue left behind. It offers optimum moisture, balance, and overall well-being for a naturally healthy complexion.

For years, Ancient Egyptians used goat milk to heal and nurture skin; their skincare wisdom bears following. This natural wonder continues the great tradition, lavishing skin with infusions of milk proteins, vitamins, and amino acids.

This is a good cream for everyday use. It hydrates and calms your skin without being greasy. Goat Milk is very healing to the skin and is loaded with great vitamins. I think it's good for all skin types. I have sensitive combination skin and I've never had any bad reaction to this cream. I've also recommended it to my younger sister who is prone to breakouts and she liked it as well.

It's a great cream to balance your skin if that is what you're looking for, or if you have very sensitive skin. I used to use this during the day and something more anti-aging at night.

Verdict: Try it! 

Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cream is $55
Read more on their site-  http://www.katesomerville.com/skincare/concerns/sensitive/

BLACK TEA AGE-DELAY CREAM $95

Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Face Cream combines natural ingredients with cutting-edge technology to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It's formulated with collagen-boosting lychee, proven to strengthen the skin's structure and firm the complexion to restore youthful contours and promote cell regeneration, resulting in softer, smoother skin. It also protects the skin against pollution with black tea and provides intense hydration and moisture.

Fresh always put out quality products and this one is no exception. It is a light but moisturizing cream that goes on very smooth. I think it smells like cucumbers and black tea. It's very refreshing. It's a pretty decent antiaging cream. I have noticed some differences with the overall complexion of my face. It gave me a little glow to the face and made my face looked dewy.

The only negative I can think of is how small the jar is. I feel like you can go through the jar pretty quickly and of course when you express that to the store employee they will always tell you "Oh a little bit goes a long way!"  Well, if you're like my mom that likes to put on a lot of cream, you'll prob go through the entire jar in 2 months especially if you're using it day and night.

It's a solid anti-aging moisturizer under $100. You don't see that many good ones under $100, and for my friends that don't want to spend over $100, I always recommend this one.

Verdict: Get it! 
BLACK TEA AGE-DELAY CREAM is $95

You can read more on their website- http://www.fresh.com/skincare/moisturizer-face/black-tea-age-delay-cream

CHANEL HYDRAMAX + ACTIVE SÉRUM $115

An ultra-hydrating serum for dry or very dry skin goes to the source of skin's hydration needs.. At the heart of the formula: CERATONIA PFA* powerfully stimulates hydration; a Hydrabarrier System™ locks it in, resulting in healthy-looking, smooth, supple skin. Enriched with Aquaperfyl™, a complex of moisture-boosting components, this silky serum sinks in on contact for immediate dry-skin relief.

If you have dry skin or flaky skin, you should definitely give this serum a try. I don't think there's any anti-aging properties to it other than intense hydration, so it's not something I would actually use as a regular serum personally. However, I have found myself using this during the winter when my face gets really dry.

I have heard from my friends that makeup goes on very smooth with this serum, but then again, besides hydration, there's no anti-aging properties. I say if you're a young person dealing with dry skin, then give this a try, otherwise I think you can get a better serum within the same price.

Verdict: Skip it if you're looking for anti-aging /Try it if you have dry skin  

CHANEL HYDRAMAX + ACTIVE SÉRUM  is $115

You can read more about it on their website- http://www.chanel.com/en_US/fragrance-beauty/Skincare-Moisturizers-HYDRAMAX-%2B-ACTIVE-S%C3%89RUM-89463

La Mer Radiant Serum $260

The Radiant Serum illuminates the complexion immediately on contact, awakening a brilliant new clarity. Targeted skin tone correctors dissolve the look of discoloration. Water borne anti-oxidants help skin remain looking more even and bright into the future.

La Mer's Radiant Waters™ smooth away dull surface cells that obscure light. Pores are purified and refined. Exclusive marine extracts firm and plump skin's appearance, breathing life into the complexion.

I am a big fan of La Mer. I know a lot of people out there look down on the brand saying they sold out after the company was bought out by Estee lauder and changed all the formulas. I heard they did change the formula at the beginning, but have since received so many complaints from their loyal customers that they had to go back to the way they formulated the products. Some skin care experts refuse to use Creme de La Mer because there's mineral oil in it, which causes breakout.

I use the cream at night and both versions of the lotion depending on the weather of the day and it actually helped clear my breakouts. I'll write more about their moisturizers when I review them.

The Radiant Serum is an ok serum for me. I have friends that love it more than the regenerating serum, which is still my favorite. The Radiant Serum has a watery texture and it sinks into your skin pretty quickly. The one problem I have with the serum is that it makes my face feels kind of dry, and I have combination skin that's more on the oily side. Also, I feel like my lotion doesn't glide that well on top of this serum. I don't wear makeup, so I don't know if people wearing makeup have the same problem. Definitely leave a comment if you have tried it.

I'm not sure if it "reflects" light as it claims, but it does help improve the overall tone of your face. I also feel like the Regenerating Serum refine my pores better than this one. Again, everyone's skin is different so you might have a different experience with this than I did.

If you are someone with a lot of acne scars and sunspots, I don't think this would be strong enough to get rid of them. I would go with their Brightening Intensive Serum instead for dark spots.

Verdict: Try it! 

La Mer Radiant Serum is $260

You can read more on their website- http://www.cremedelamer.com/templates/products/spp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY23101&PRODUCT_ID=PROD16769

Guerlain 'Abeille Royale' Eye Care Cream $120

Born from the exceptional repairing power of bee products, this eye cream helps reduce the visible signs of aging and fatigue around the eye area. It helps smooth out wrinkles and fine lines, firming the eye contour and creating a lifting effect. With anti-puffiness and anti-dark circle properties, it lightens the area of shadow, making the eye contour appear more youthful and uplifted. Apply as a mask for an immediate expert age-defying effect.

A good eye cream is hard to come by. I think ultimately the real fix for crows feet is a visit to the doctor. However, if you don't have that many wrinkles around your eyes right now, you can prevent it from getting worse by using the right products.

Guerlain Abeille Royale Eye Cream is one I would actually purchase again. It is very rich and goes on smooth, and more importantly, it sinks into the skin around your eyes. I have seen a noticeable difference with my dark circles. I don't have any wrinkles around my eyes, so I can't tell you if it diminishes fine lines and wrinkles. I would say it feels a lot richer than most eye creams I've tried and I've noticed a subtle lift under my eyes.

If you're looking for a solid eye cream, I highly recommend giving this one a try. It's not that expensive comparing to most luxury eye creams on the market so I was quite surprised at how effective it was. Again, it reinforces the idea that often times you are just paying for the brand name, not so much for substance. This one however, is full of substance you will be able to see.

Verdict: Get it! 

Guerlain 'Abeille Royale' Eye Care Cream is $120

You can read more on their official site- http://www.guerlain.com/int/en/base.html#/en/home-soins/soin-catalogue/skincare-anti-ageing-care-presentoir/soins-anti-age-successfuture/untitled-507.html

The Essence by La Mer $2100

“The Essence” is the latest and most expensive of the La Mer series and, in a three-week regimen, makes the skin glow like a newborn’s. The three emerald-green phials contain the “Miracle Broth,” a combination of seaweed, minerals, vitamin and wheat germ, marine algae and the essence of daffodil bulbs. All three soothe the skin and boost the energy reserves of skin cells.

Will finally be getting my hands ( or should i say face?) on The Essence of La Mer next week. Will come back to give you guys my thoughts.

THE CURE PURE SERUM $250

THE CURE PURE SERUM is a sophisticated, exclusive and highly rejuvenating concentrate that combines revolutionary cosmetic ingredients to detoxify and repair damaged cells and elevate the levels of skin hydration from within. This exceptional formula contains SIRT-AP, a cutting-edge and advanced peptide complex obtained from Soy and the Oryza Sativa rice that modulates the activity of Sirtuin 1 and Sirtuin 3 which prolong the lifespan of cells, repair the damaged cells and protect them from oxidation. SIRT-AP reduces the levels of aging biomarkers such as the p-16 protein and prolongs the skin's youthful appearance.


I've tried many serums on the market and this is one of the 5 that I would recommend. I really like the smell and as far as anti-aging goes, the results are noticeable. It takes about a week and a half for this serum to detoxify the skin and release impurities. So you might experience some minor breakout at the beginning stage of using the serum, but don't worry, it'll all go away in time and your skin will be glowing! 

I almost gave up on this serum this first week because I broke up a little, but I stuck with it and was I glad I did! After 2 weeks of using this, I noticed my face had a nice glow and was more youthful looking than before. I had a few friends that asked me what I've been doing to my face and I guess that's when I realized it was this serum at work. 

I would definitely recommend this for anyone that is looking for a solid anti-aging serum. $250 seem to be the new norm for luxury serum, so if you have the money, I say go for it. 

Verdict: Buy it!

The Cure Pure Serum is $250
Read more on their website-- http://shop.naturabisse.com/_product_43627/THE_CURE_PURE_SERUM
 

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate® Intensive $85

Clarify and polish skin to reveal a glowing, fresh-from-the-Clinic complexion. Microbeads and Fruit Enzymes are intended to clean pores, while Salicylic Acid is formulated to balance hydration, without over-drying. See dramatically smoother, brighter, healthier-looking skin after just one treatment.

This is by far one of the best facial exfoliants on the market. I have very stubborn blackheads and this treatment seem to clear all my blackheads on my nose and smooth out the top layer of your skin. The current tube packing is better than the pump jar they had few years ago. It was so hard to get the product out that i stopped buying it. I'm glad they changed it to the squeeze tube.

You only need a little for the whole face. Sometimes I just use it on my nose to clear the blackheads. If you have sensitive skin, I suggest you buy the Sensitive version, because it is pretty intense. You can see the difference in your skin with one use. It's a great treatment to do weekly to clear your pores and get rid of all the dead skin cells.

Get it!

Grade: A

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate® Intensive is $85
Read more on their site- http://www.katesomerville.com/exfolikate-intensive-exfoliating-treatment/