Showing posts with label serum. Show all posts
Showing posts with label serum. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Fresh Rose Hydrating Face Serum


Fresh is one of my favorite brands of skincare products and I am loving the fact that they are expanding their Rose line of products! The Rose Mask is still one of the best masks I've used and the scent is delicate and true to the scent of a real rose.

I have been looking for a new hydrating serum to use and I might give this one a try.

From their site:
Rose Hydrating Face Serum with golden root extract instantly hydrates and boosts radiance to restore a youthful appearance to all skin types. It is scientifically proven to provide significant moisture and protect the skin from free radical damage. The lightweight blend is enriched with moisturizing and age-delay ingredients that absorb quickly for instant, long-lasting results.

THE PROOF:*
-Proven to significantly moisturize the skin for up to 6 hours
-Proven to provide significant antioxidant protection from free radicals
-94% felt the serum gave their skin a soft sensation
-84% reported a smoother skin texture
-81% noticed hydrated, moisturized skin that was silky and velvety

KEY INGREDIENTS:
•Rosewater helps to soothe and rose flower oil helps to nourish.
•Golden root extract provides antioxidant protection and helps preserve collagen,** boost the metabolism, and energize skin cells.
•Hibiscus flower acids help boost radiance.
•Evening primrose extract is known to boost collagen synthesis.**
•Hydropatches form a protective moisturizing veil to attract and retain moisture.
•Cucumber extract helps to calm and cool the skin.


Fresh Rose Hydrating Face Serum is $55


Thursday, April 18, 2013

Guerlain Orchidee Imperiale White Age Defying and Brightening Serum Review



From their site: 
With complete age-defying and complete brightening action, this serum delivers all its benefits directly to your skin. At the heart of its pure-white, silky soft formula lies the combination of two exclusive high-performance ingredients. 

The Imperial Orchid Molecular Extract holds the secret of the orchid's longevity, with the ability to fight all the signs of skin ageing. A new White Orchid Extract provides powerful action at different stages of the process* involved in skin clarity and luminosity. Within moments, your skin appears radiantly youthful. Absolutely moisturized, it becomes firmer and smoother.

Facial contours are re defined, wrinkles are visibly reduced, the skin's texture is refined. Evenly toned and freed of imperfections, your skin reveals a unique whiteness and translucency. It glows with a pure and visible radiance. For maximum effectiveness, use this serum in conjunction with your Orchidée Impériale cream.

This is what it looks like in person. The bottle could've been flashier, but it is what it is! It's pretty heavy duty though. All glass!

My Take:
I purchased this as a Christmas present for myself last year. I wanted something that can brighten the skin as well as combat signs of aging and this fit the bill. I haven’t had the best results using products that claimed to brighten/whiten and reduce signs of aging, so I was skeptical about spending this much money on a product, however, I’ve had great experience using their AbeilleRoyale products, so I thought I'll give this a try. 

It took me longer than usual to write this review, because I wasn’t sure if it was doing anything to my face at the beginning, but I didn’t want to rush to write a bad review about it either. Am I glad I waited, because I LOVE this product! 

The serum has the perfect consistency, not too thick, not too fluid. It has a pearlescent look to the serum which reflects light when it’s on your face. It is one of the most hydrating “whitening” serums I’ve used. It sinks into the skin within seconds of applying and the smell is divine and airy. It feels soft and delicate on the skin. Face is never greasy or shining after this.  

I have noticed an overall brightening effect to the face. The best way to describe it is a halo effect on your face. Your face looks like it’s lit up from within and everything looks and feels soft and smooth. More importantly, this didn’t irritate my skin like most whitening or strong anti-aging products would. It almost calms and balances my combination/sensitive skin, which is very rare.
I would highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a solid anti-aging serum that also treat dark spots that can give you a glowing complexion! 



Verdict: Buy it!
Orchidee White Age Defying and Brightening Serum  is $460
Read more from their site: http://www.guerlain.com/int/en/base.html#/en/home-soins/soin-catalogue/skincare-orchidee-imperiale-presentoir/orchidee-imperiale-white-age-defying-ser-10.html_call=1

 

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Natura Bisse Diamond Life Infusion Serum Review



From their site: 

A powerful rejuvenating night treatment exclusively designed to treat skin ages 35 and over capable of regulating the SKIN AGE BIOMARKERS that prolongs the life span of skin cells and slows the aging process to preserve the youth of the skin through a natural magnetite.

This recently discovered magnetic active ingredient, BIO-MAGNET NANOSOMES (PATENT PENDING), provides extremely effective rejuvenating action with a "retinoid-like" effect* of cell renewal, improved skin tone, skin texture and luminosity without the common side effects of sun sensitivity, dryness and irritation or inflammation.

DIAMOND LIFE INFUSION is an ampoule-strength renewal serum formulated with 16 potent anti-aging ingredients combined to enhance their synergy with the exclusive cutting-edge DIAMOND DELIVERY SYSTEM which stimulates a greater and more even penetration of ingredients with diamond nanoparticles, providing long-lasting and cumulative rejuvenating results.

My take:  

First I want to point out I'm not over 35, so I'm not exactly the target demo for this product, but I tend use products that are normally made for anti-aging, so I had to give this a try! 

I liked the product, but  I didn't love it. Mainly, because it has a metallic scent to it, almost like rust. I thought there was something wrong with it, but it turned out the entire diamond line has that scent to them. The Diamond Extreme Cream was not too bad and I actually really like that product.

It definitely has  a retinoid-like effect  to the skin. It kind of dried out my skin a little, but I could see some of the fine lines on my forehead diminishing. It does lift your face, but it was almost too extreme for me to a point that I wasn't sure if it was tightening or just drying out my face. If you have dry skin, I would recommend applying a very hydrating moisturizer after this serum. 

It does work and I did see lines fading. It was not the most comfortable serum on the face, but with continued use, I barely notice the fine lines on my forehead anymore. 

The serum itself had a liquid paste texture to it. It's not as fluid as most serums, definitely a tad thicker than most serums. It does have some glitter/luminous particles in the serum. The rep told me it's from diamond dust, so I'll just go with that and it makes everything more glamorous. It's very little and you can barely see it, so don't worry about having a glittered face. 

It's definitely one of the most expensive products I've ever tried, I don't think I need to continue using this due to my age, but it is definitely something I would consider revisiting maybe 10 years from now. 

I did try the Diamond Extreme Cream, and I really liked it and would consider buying that as a regular facial cream. Do you guys want to see a review of that? If so, leave a comment here, or give me a shout out on Facebook

Natura Bisse Diamond Life Infusion Serum is $590
Verdict: Try it! (If you're over 35)
Read more on their site: http://shop.naturabisse.com/_product_39488/DIAMOND_LIFE_INFUSION


     

Monday, January 21, 2013

My $3000 Skincare Routine! La Mer, Givenchy, La Prairie, SkinFood, and Guerlain with reviews!

Yes, I buy and pay for all my products. If anyone wants to send me freebies. I'll be happy to accept ;)

Hey guys!

So the question I get asked the most in person is always "What do you use?” My routine has a few staple products that never change, I do like to play around with new toners or face washes, but as of now, here’s my routine and I've enclosed links that'll take you to my review of the product that I've reviewed.

Clearly, I use a lot more products than most people would need. I do so for a few reasons-- I write a beauty blog and mainly the fact that I work in the luxury industry. Normally you don't need to have a complete day AND night sets of products. So you can probably cut the cost by half.
 

Face Wash: Nude Cleansing Oil ($36) in the morning and La Mer Foam Face Wash ($65) at night
Always try to use a gentle cleanser in the morning. Your face is never too dirty in the morning and you don’t want to strip your skin of its natural oils. I think I might switch to La Mer’s cleansing fluid or another cleanser after I finish the one from Nude. They changed the formula and it’s kind of too rich for me now.

Toner: SkinFood Platinum Grape Cell Toner $60  in the morning and Guerlain abeilleroyale Lotion (which is a toner) $61 at night

You don’t really need to have two different toners. I just like to try different products so I have two. I actually have 4, but these two are my main ones. I think eventually I will go back to SKII’s Facial Treatment Essence, which is holy water for the face!

Serum: Guerlain Orchidee Imperial Serum ($465) in the morning and La Mer Regenerating Serum
($275)
I like to treat my face differently day and night so I use two different serums. I always use one that prevents sun spots and hyperpigmentation during the day and I use a rich anti-aging one at night. La Mer Regenerating Serum is one serum I will always have in my array of products. It is by far the best anti-aging serum I’ve used. I love the Guerlain Orchidee Imperial Serum. It has a light shimmer but you can’t see it on your face. I almost like it more than the La Prairie Illuminating Brightening Serum. It’s more hydrating and soothing. It smells great too.

Eye Cream: La Prarie White Caviar Illuminating Eye Serum ($265) and La Mer Eye Concentrate
($180)
I actually use La Prarie Eye Serum more. I just have some La Mer Eye Concentrate left so once I'm done, I'm just going to switch to the eye serum only.

Moisturizer: La Mer Lotion during the day and Givenchy Le Soin Noir ($380) or La Mer Cream at night ($275)

I will always have La Mer Lotion for use during the day and the Givenchy Le Soin Noir Cream. It’s two of the best products I’ve ever used for my skin. Le Soin Noir is pricey, but it’s totally worth the money.

Mask: I use cheap facial masks from My Beauty Diaries and once a week I use La Mer’s Refining Facial Mask.

I use Retin-A Gel at night as well.

You have one face. Invest well.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

La Prairie Skin Caviar Liquid Lift

From the site: Skin Caviar Liquid Lift, an age defying serum joins the iconic Skin Caviar Collection. One drop helps to lift, firms, and provide a long-lasting tensing effect to skin. Reflecting the heritage of our Skin Caviar Beads, the very essence of lifting, this modern day next generation formula contains scientific advancements that create this lifting phenomenon.

Past damage recedes as existing cells are rejuvenated, and new ones are super charged, nourished, and protected. Skin appears lifted and taut. Skin Caviar Liquid Lift epitomizes science and luxury the true nature of the Skin Caviar collection.

The Benefits:
  • Lifts and Firms the skin structure.
  • Protects and Restores epidermal stem cell function.
  • Prevents the appearance and deepening of lines and wrinkles.
  • Hydrates, nourishes, protects 
Ok, so this is the latest product from their line and it is priced at $500. I know they have great products but most of their products are too active for my skin, so I don't think I'll be splurging on this product anytime soon. However, I would love to hear from anyone who's given this a try and I also want to know if this is just a repackaged version of the Skin Caviar that you had to break with a gauze and then apply to the skin.

Read more on their site: http://www.shoplaprairie.com/c-10-the-caviar-collection.aspx

Friday, December 28, 2012

Get your wallets out! It's the Best of 2012 from yours truly!



2012 has been an exciting year for beauty. I got to try many different products I love and some I didn't care much for. This is a collection of some of my favorite products of 2012. I couldn't list everything I liked, so this is a solid list of everything I use and will continue to buy! 

Some honorable mentions that I would love to point out that didn't make the list or I didn't have a category for are: Skinfood's Rice Washoff Mask, Fresh's Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask, Natura Bisse's The Cure Serum, and Kate Somerville's ExfoliKate.  If you do a search on my blog, I've written a review on all the honorable mentions in the past. :) 

Happy and goodbye 2012!

May 2013 be even more exciting for beauty! Thank you all for being here with me. It's been great to share my thoughts with you all! 

Noted: Prices might change. The price listed is reflected at the time of the blog post.  

Favorite Toner
SKII Facial Treatment Essence $195

This not only acts as a hydrating toner, it is also a treatment for the overall face. It will brighten your entire complexion and lighten any spots or acne scars. I call it the holy water for the face!
Favorite Day Cream
La Mer Moisturizing Lotion $230

It’s hydrating even for the most sensitive skin. My skin tends to react to a lot of products and whenever I get a reaction, I always put this on to calm my skin. I actually have this and also the Oil-Absorbing Lotion (also $230) to switch back and forth depending on the weather. The Oil-Absorbing Lotion is the only lotion that has been able to prevent my nose from being oily. The Moisturizing Lotion is great to use all year long. Stop doing your research on La Mer and just buy it!
Favorite Night Cream
Givenchy Le Soin Noir $380

Why it’s the best? It’s a black facial cream! You will not find another cream like this on the market (actually, it’s kind of hard to find this in the US). It is extremely hydrating and it plumps and firms the skin. Everytime I stay on this for a few days, people start commenting on my skin asking what I use. It’s on the pricey side, so I only use this at night and also although it goes on clear, some people have said it does leave a greyish film on their face. The texture is almost like gelatin or pudding. It’s a great anti-aging product that is worth investing.
Favorite Serum
La Mer Regenerating Serum $260

I’ve noticed a lot of people don’t know what a serum does and often times they skip buying a serum. From my experience, a serum is a very important part of skin care. It is a treatment that targets your skin concerns, such as fine lines, wrinkles, or sun spots. It is not a moisturizer, however, I know some people use a hydrating serum and skip a moisturizer altogether.
A serum goes on before your moisturizer and after your toner.
You can almost see the difference in your skin in one day while on this serum. The overall texture of the face is more even and smooth. It encourages collagen production to fill in wrinkles and lines and gets rid of acne scars and imperfections. I tend to breakout at times and this serum has been great at preventing break outs. This is one product I always ask people to buy and everyone loves it. 
Favorite Eye Treatment
La Prairie Illuminating White Caviar Eye Serum

It is very hard to find an eye cream that works. I've tried many big brands and I am always hesitant to recommend an eye cream to anyone, because everyone's skin is different and often times eye treatments don't always work for everyone. However, I have been dealing with dark circles and this has been the only eye treatment that I saw a noticeable different. I do recommend it for people that have dark circles. It is expensive so get a sample first.   
Most Luxurious
Givenchy Le Soin Noir Lace Mask

Why it’s the most luxurious? Need I say more? Just LOOK AT IT!
Favorite New Product
Yves Saint Laurent Forever Youth Liberator Serum $150 or $200 for the larger size.

I haven’t used this long. I got a sample of it when they launched it and I remember loving how my skin feels and look when I used it. It smells amazing as well. I'm sure they will expand on the line next year! I also really like the unique design of all the bottles. I wasn't sure I like it at first, but they all look very stylish.
Favorite New Line
Guerlain Abeille Royale

The power of royal jelly and honey! I love this new line. It’s a great anti-aging line that is not too harsh or active. I wish they would come out with a body cream that has the scent of this line. My favorite thing from the line is the toner! it's absolutely fantastic
Best Brand Design
Tom Ford Beauty

Tom Ford always goes above and beyond with its branding and marketing. His beauty line is no exception.

Monday, October 1, 2012

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum Review - It's like having Thanksgiving on your face


From their site:
C E Ferulic® is a revolutionary antioxidant combination that delivers advanced protection against photoaging by neutralizing free radicals, boosting collagen synthesis, and providing unmatched antioxidant protection. More protection means more youthful looking skin and better defense against environmental aging.
  • Provides advanced environmental protection against UVA, UVB and infrared radiation A
  • Stimulates collagen synthesis to improve signs of aging
  • Increases firmness and replenishes lipids to reduce wrinkles
  • Once absorbed, this serum can’t be washed or rubbed off. It remains effective for a minimum of 72 hours, making it an excellent addition to sunscreen.

Ever wonder what it'll feel like to have a slab of turkey on your face? It might smell and feel like C E Ferulic. I wanted to like this serum after all the rave reviews and people I know in the beauty industry swear by it. I finally gave in, put my La Mer aside, and tried it for a week. I absolutely hate it. I wanted to stay on it longer so I can write a really in-depth review, but my skin started breaking out and my face was greasy all the time, I just couldn't stay on it anymore.

This is one of those products that looks so good on paper, but fails to deliver, at least for me. I know a lot of people that really like it, so maybe it just didn't sit well with my skin. If you have combination/oily skin, you might not want to use this, because it is very oily and my face was shiny the entire time when I was on this. And because it is so oily, my skin started breaking out where I normally wouldn't break out.

I thought it would improve as time goes on, but my skin started looking worse each day to a point that I just had to stop using it. The worse thing about this product is that it smells like turkey! I thought I got a bad bottle, so I went back to check on another bottle and did some research online and apparently, it just smells bad. I felt like I was rubbing a Turkey dinner grease all over my face when I put this on and the smells lingers on your face throughout the entire day. I also have severe allergies so the smell was not helping either.

Honestly, I am sure the product works well with some people, but I just can't get over the smell and the greasiness of it all. I also did not see anything positive other than my pores being enlarged and pimples started appearing.

Verdict: Skip it!
C E Ferulic is $146
http://www.skinceuticals.com/_us/_en/category/c-e-ferulic.htm

 


Monday, September 3, 2012

Complete La Mer Serum Rundown Review- Regenerating, Radiant, and Intensifier



The Regenerating Serum: 
Fortified with a high concentration of The Miracle Broth™, The Regenerating Ferment™ and The Marine Peptide Ferment, this active yet comforting skincare powerhouse helps complement skin's natural production of “youth proteins,” collagen and elastin. You will see a difference in a day as skin is rejuvenated on contact. Over time, the appearance of lines, wrinkles and pores is diminished as a firmer, more lifted, beautifully ageless look is revealed.

This is my absolute favorite serum of all time. The difference is overnight. It also cleared my breakouts as well. This is one of the few products where I can see the difference in my face and I've recommended it to everyone and everyone had great results from it. It reduce the lines on your face and clear any imperfection.. It was very hard for me to find a serum that was both anti-aging and soothing to the skin so I don't breakout. After the first week of using this, my face was completely clear and dewy.

This is by far the best serum from La Mer. The texture is very milky and sinks into your skin right away. It's great for both day and night and it kind of creates a soft canvas for your lotion/cream. I've noticed when using this serum during the day, I don't get as shiny as if I were to use another serum. This is one product I will always recommend to anyone that is looking for something anti-aging where you can see the results.

So worth the money!

Verdict: RUN OUT AND BUY IT! 
Regenerating Serum is $260
http://www.cremedelamer.com/templates/products/spp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY23101&PRODUCT_ID=PROD15901

The Radiant Serum:
This ultralight gel serum boosts skin's ability to reflect light.

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've tried this serum many times. I like it, but I don't love it. The texture is kind of sticky and and it dries on your skin leaving a strange texture for your lotion/cream to go on. The main reason for my ambivalent feeling about this serum is the fact that I didn't notice any results from it. Originally, I thought I would like this more than the Regenerating Serum because this one is supposed to purify the pores and refine the skin and get rid of discoloration, but it didn't do any of that. Actually, the regenerating serum gets rid of breakouts more than this and does a better job at evening out the skin tone.

I really don't see a reason buying this over the Regenerating since they are the same price. I can see people using this for the day and the regenerating at night, otherwise, just use the regenerating.

Verdict: Try it
The Radiant Serum is $260
http://www.cremedelamer.com/templates/products/spp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY23101&PRODUCT_ID=PROD16769

The Lifting Intensifier:
This targeted treatment utilizes a mesh-like matrix containing Blue Algae Lift Ferment™ and other key ingredients to help skin promote its natural collagen and elastin network where support is needed most. It instantly tightens skin's surface and works over time to "train" skin to sustain a smooth, resilient, more lifted appearance.

First off, I want you to know I don't have a lot of visible wrinkles that needs to be fixed other than expression lines, so I can't give you a feedback on if it actually lifts the skin. However, a friend of mine tried it and said she really likes it, but still prefers the Regenerating Serum.

The Lifting Intensifier used to be sold as a duo along with the Lifting Serum, but I guess with all the new serums that are obviously doing better, they got rid of the Lifting Serum and just kept this one. I don't really like the texture of this serum. It is very sticky and it leaves a sticky film on the skin and for some reason, I feel like my skin cannot breath under this serum. I also noticed I am more prone to breakout when I'm on this serum. So this is not exactly my favorite one.

As for lifting, I don't really feel it personally. I am not sure I will come back to this and invest the money when Regenerating Serum is far superior. Also, this is more of a targeted treatment than for the entire face....though I used it for my entire face!

Verdict: Try it...maybe. 
The Lifting Intensifier is $155
http://www.cremedelamer.com/templates/products/spp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY23101&PRODUCT_ID=PROD6842

La Mer also came out with a Brightening Serum, which I've used and will write a review soon (don't buy it, it's not that good).

The La Mer Concentrate is amazing for scars. Way better than ScarsGuard and Merderma. It's great for the face, too, but for $400, i think you should just save that for scars.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster Review

From their website-
Like a daily vitamin for your face, this high powered vitamin C complex helps smooth out lines and wrinkles and prevents further damage. Loaded with antioxidants to fight off environmental aggressors and moisture-binding ingredients to keep your skin nourished and protected, this aromatic serum is absorbed instantly and penetrates to the deeper layers of the skin to provide long term results. Sensitive skin prone to irritation will benefit immensely from the calming properties of this oil-free serum.

Ingredient benefits
Grapefruit and orange extract Purifying, astringent, brightening
Green tea extract Protects against damage with antioxidants
Rosehips extract Repairs and strengthens with concentrated vitamin C
Sodium hyaluronate Binds moisture to the skin
Vitamin C Calms, heals and strengthens collagen
Vitamin E Heals, restores and nourishes


Vit C serums are great for people that want to get rid of sun spots or discolorations, and also it is full of antioxidants to combat aging. I liked this serum for a few reasons. It smells amazing, like oranges, and it sinks into the skin very well. It kept my skin hydrated without feeling greasy even with my lotion on top.


For those that are not familiar with Ole Henriksen, he is a celebrity facialist and has a spa on Sunset Blvd behind on the restaurants at the Sunset Plaza. It's kind of hard to find at first, because the entrance is behind the building in the parking lot..... (there's a yummy cupcake store right next door!)


I love his colorful packaging and this Vit C Serum is definitely one of his most popular products. I do think there are stronger anti-aging products and whitening/brightening products on the market, but this is a great start for someone that is looking to start their anti-aging routine!

Verdict: Try it! 
Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster is $72 (there's a smaller size for sale as well, but get the big one)
Read more on their site- http://www.olehenriksen.com/p-68-truth-serum-collagen-booster.aspx


Friday, August 17, 2012

La Prairie White Caviar Illuminating Serum Review


La Prairie White Caviar Illuminating Serum

The most potent product of the system, combining anti-aging, anti-pigmentation and luminescence with pearlescent pigments and liquid crystals to inhibit melanin production, detoxify and beautify.

Dark spots and uneven coloring can give your skin an aged look beyond its years. This potent anti-pigmentation serum interrupts the cycle that creates age spots, stopping discoloration before it begins. As existing spots fade, the skin takes on a new brightness. 

The Benefits
  • Promotes even skin tone by decreasing transfer of dark pigment to the surface of the skin
  • Lifts and firms with Golden Caviar Extracts and anti-aging peptides
  • Reduces wrinkles caused by repeated facial expressions
  • Delays aging signs with powerful antioxidants including Tomato Fruit Extract, Larch Tree Extract, and White Tea Complex

This has become one of my favorite serums! It is a beautiful pearlescent serum that melts into your skin that brightens up your entire complexion while reducing wrinkles caused my repeated facial expression!

I'm at the age where I'm starting to see some expression lines and this serum has helped minimize them from daily use. I use this day and night. I have received some great compliments on my skin while on this and I've noticed my skin tone looks a lot more even and some minor dark spots have faded.

You can hide a lot of flaws when your skin is on the whiter side that's why Asians are obsessed with whitening/brightening their skins. And please note, whitening does not mean bleaching of the skin, it simply means brightening of the skin and the overall texture so it looks like you have a light shining from within.

I love the pearlescent texture of serum. It literally looks like a melted pearl when you put this on your finger tip and it goes on smooth like velvet.

I would definitely recommend this serum. I don't think you need the face cream from this line, because personally, the face cream was a bit too dry for my combination skin. So if you're going to but either or, I would choose this serum over the cream, and the serum has more of the active ingredient anyway.

It is $470 (yikes), but it falls into the category of "You only have one face! So take care of it!" Definitely worth it.

Verdict: Buy it!
La Prairie White Caviar Illuminating Serum is $470

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Givenchy Le Soin Noir



This has been my favorite line of products on the market, but it has been increasingly hard to find them in the States. Sephora used to carry the face cream, but it's been out of stock for awhile now and it doesn't seem like they will be taking on the serum anytime soon.

I am so tempted to order this from the UK and have it shipped to me, because it is that good! I am currently using the left over jars as candle holders on my coffee table (for display only, would not actually burn the candles) and its been a great conversation piece. The jars are beautifully made.

Anyone has any luck tracking down where to buy this line in the States?

Friday, May 11, 2012

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/