C.E.O.

I've been a huge fan of Sunday Riley since I first tried her products and with my recent obsession with Vitamin C (I've tried like 6 different Vitamin C serums in the past year) I HAD to get my hands on the C.E.O. range.  I've been using it for over 2 months and have loved the results.

C.E.O. C + E antiOxidant Protect + Repair Moisturizer $65- It's call C.E.O. because it contains Vitamin C 5% (in the very stable, oil soluble form of THD Ascorbate) to brighten dark spots, prevent skin aging, boost collagen, and give anti-oxidant protection.  Exopolysaccharides - Comes from French Polynesian, these protect the skin from micropollution particles. Lastly is has Lime Pearl Extract for its AHA exfoliating benefits and Bisabolol derived from Chamomile to calm and smooth skin.  I love a cream with some texture to it, I started using this when it wasn't quite hot out and it made the perfect day cream, hydrating but not too heavy, as it got to humid and hot summer days I switched to using it at night and something lighter during the day.  Great all skin type cream, but oily skin may prefer it in the winter or evenings.

It's rare that I have a serum last longer than the face cream I start at the same time, but I'm still using C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum $85 and the cream is empty (I do tend to over use products and bring them all the way down to my chest).  The Serum contains the same Vitamin C at the C.E.O. Cream, only they use it at 15% for even more brightening action.  A Phytosterol Complex from soybeans helps reduce redness and skin sensitivity, making this a great Vitamin C for sensitive skin.  Saccharide Isomerate Extract helps with pore size, skin texture, and reinforces skins moisture barrier.  It also contains Glycolic Acid to mildly exfoliate and boost cellular turnover.  I found it interesting the Glycolic Acid also keeps the Ph of the formula balanced to stabilize the high percent of Vitamin C.  One pump goes a long way, which I loved because I normally kill a serum in 2 months or less.

After using these 2 products my skin definitely looks brighter, my pores have been non-existant, I've been in the sun quite a bit (with SPF) so I haven't seen my dark spots fade a lot, but I've been really happy with the results I have seen.  If you're looking for a glow, to even out your skin tone, and prevent future damage, definitely give the C.E.O. line a try. Available exclusively at Sephora and Sephora.com

MultiMasking

I've been putting off​ microneedling and my skin is starting to look meh, so I decided I needed a night of multi masking.

1. ​Milk Makeup Urban Defense Mask to cleanse and take off the makeup I off the makeup I had been playing with.

2. Mixed Sunday Riley Good Genes lactic acid treatment with Apivita Green Clay Mask for some deep cleaning and exfoliation.  ​

3. Removed that with Tatcha's Rice Enzyme cleanser for even more exfoliation​

4. ​ Ended my masking with the Skyn Iceland Firming Face Gel and Firming Eye Gels, obsessed with these, but forgot I ran out of the ones for forehead

5. As the last in my nighttime treatment I used some of the last bit of my Cle de Peau La Crème, I'm gonna miss it... :(

Products available at MilkMakeup.com​, Sephora, Apivita, Tatcha Skyn Iceland, Cle de Peau

Out Of This World

Lately my pores have been total assholes, just getting all kinds of clogged.I have combination skin, even though it's drier over here on the West coast, it still acts like combination skin when it comes to types of products I can use.My philosophy has always been strip off what I don't want with my cleanser and toner and then add in all the stuff I want with the many layers of products I use, but lately the heavier products I've been using have just been clogging my pores so much.I've very picky when it comes to cleansers and toners, I know within a few days if I will like them of not, there has only been 1 cleanser (Erno Laszlo Sea Mud Soap) and 2 toners (Belief Eucalyptus Herbal Extract Toner and Erno Laszlo Light Controlling Lotion) that I've purchased multiple times.

Enter Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip and Martian Mattifying Melting Water-Gel Toner, within 2 weeks my pores shrunk back down without drying my skin at all.  I've used Ceramic Slip twice before and really liked it, despite it not lathering, (which takes a little while to get use to) it leaves your skin feeling so soft and clean. It's active ingredients are:

- French Green Clay removes impurities and tightens pores while infusing minerals into the skin
- Vitamin C also helps to tighten pores, brighten skin, and stimulate collagen production
- Black Pepper stimulates circulation, leaving the skin looking revived

The new Martian Mattifying Melting Water-Gel Toner contains:

- Bentonite Clay which clarifies and tightens pores
- Manuka (a favorite ingredient of mine), which is closely related to the Tea Tree plant, is antibacterial and just kills anything bad
- Mashmallow to soothe and calm, probably why this Toner is so non irritating
- Cucumber, Green Tea, and Witch Hazel to tone and tighten.

As always, I apply my toner with the Shiseido Cotton Pads, you use so much less product and they are so soft!

I've also been using my Clarisonic Mia2 once a day, I bought their Alpha Fit Men's Brush Head and it's really helped by getting through my scruff to clean my skin that was starting to look a bit rough.

These have helped me to keep my winter routine of heavy creams going, to which I'm very happy, cause the Cle de Peau La Creme is working wonders on my face!

Sephora VIB Discount Time!

Chances are, If you're a Sephora shopper, this is your favorite time of year.  Sephora is offering 20% off for their VIB Rouge and VIBs this weekend and next.  This is the best time to stock up on all your favorites, try out new ones, and get those splurge items you've been holding off on.  Here are my must haves for this Bi Annual event!

Colour
If you haven't tried Milk Makeup yet, I'm gonna need you to jump on the band wagon and try out this easy to use brand (that I just happen to work for).

Sunshine Skin Tint $42 > $33.60 - Click-Roll-Blend. This is the easiest foundation you will ever use. Enriched with nourishing Avocado and Grape Seed Oil, this preservative free foundation gives coverage that looks like skin and wears all day.  Great for Dry to Oily skins who want to look fresh and natural.  I wear it in Honey.

Matte Bronzer $24 > $19.20 - I hate being white and this natural looking bronzer lets me live the lie of being bronzed during these winter months of heavy retinol usage.  Milk Melt Technology melts at the temperature of your skin blending in seconds. 

Concealer $24 > $19.20 - Since I don't like looking like I'm wearing makeup, and rarely sleep more than 5 hours a night, this gem is a life saver, and by gem I mean it has diamond powder in it!  What better way to brighten your eyes??  Arnica helps treat the dark circles, and Milk Melt Technology gets that concealer to blend super easy without creasing

Skin Care
So many great products I've been using lately, sorry I haven't had the time to post about them, I've been hella busy, but these some some products you just need to try.

Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser $40 > $32 - I've been using this every night for about a month.  You massageinto dry skin then add water and massage some more.  It never lathers, but once rinsed, your skin is left exfoliated and smooth.  Great as a daily exfoliator.

Kate Somerville DermalQuench Liquid Lift $95 > $76 - My skin has been so dehydrated from traveling, I'm obsessed with this hyaluronic acid rich spray.  Plumps fine lines and gives the skin so much moisture while still being weightless.  A must have during winter months.

Jurlique Nutri-Define Eye Contour Balm $90 > $72 - I just started using a deluxe sample size of this rich eye balm and I'm so in love.  The texture is so creamy, yet it absorbs into the skin leaving it feeling super plump and hydrated.  Might be my new favorite eye cream cause my tired eyes are looking real good y'all.

Caudalie Premier Cru The Cream $158 > $128.40 - Always a favorite of mine, this moisturizer does it all.  Hydrates, lifts, brightens, fills wrinkles, does taxes, cooks dinner.  I mean, if you haven't tried it, definitely give it a go!

Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil $105 > $84 - Night time retinoid oil hydrates, brightens, smooths, calms, reduces pores, minimizes fine lines, everything you want from a retinal product without any irritation.  If you've been wanting to try a retinal but are scared of the side effects, Luna Oil is the for for you.

Hair Care
I hate washing my hair because day 1 always looks like a cheap cotton ball.  These are the products I've found to get my hair looking perfectly messy.

Rahua Voluminous Shampoo $34 > $27.20 - Rahua Voluminous Conditioner $34 > $27.20 - I had a sample packette of these that I fell in love with, then purchased the mini size to make sure, and yep, its my new favorite shampoo and conditioner.  My hair normally looks so frizzy after washing, this duo gives my hair volume, softness, and texture.  Plus the conditioner doubles as a styling creme!

Milk Sunshine Oil $38 > $30.40 - Since I like my hair to look lived in, I like a little oil in it to give that dirty look.  Sunshine Oil is also great on the face and body.  I mix it with the Reverie Rake $36 > $28.80 to give texture, hold, and an amazing earthy smell.

Milk Natural Dry Shampoo $14 > $11.20 - Since I try and only wash my hair every 4-5 days, this dry shampoo really helps me go the distance.  Cotton Fibers + Rice Starch absorb oil, leaving you feeling clean, no white residue, no texture, and a soft White Tea Scent.  I literally cannot live with out this.

Splurge
You're getting 20% off, so why not buy yourself something fancy!

Iluminage Skin Rejuvenating Eye Mask $35 > $28 - I just got my 3rd one of these cause I keep leaving them in my hotel rooms!  This eye mask is infused with copper to help minimize fine lines.  Whether that works or not I don't know, but it does comfortably block out all light letting me get the best nights rest.

Clarisonic Smart Profile $299 > $239.20 - The ultimate cleansing system with attachments for face, body, and feet, you'll be cleansed and smoothed from head to toe.  If you've never used a Clarisonic, this is the only one you'll need to buy!

Sephora VIB Sale!

t's every cosmetics junkies favorite time of year, the bi-annual Sephora VIB Discount weekend! With 15% It's the best time to make your big purchases and stock up on your essentials. These are my recommendations for this season, so add them to your cart so you don't forget!

Milk Makeup Sunshine Oil $38 > $32.3 - Gotta plug the new company.  This oil has a beautiful bright citrus scent with essential oils of grapefruit peel, lemon peel, mandarin orange peel, and hydrating oils like avocado and grape seed.  Great lightweight feel in a super portable-glass roller ball.

Clarisonic Smart Profile $265 > $199 > $169.15 - This set is already on sale, and I love me a sale on sale.  The Smart Profile can use any of the Clarisonic brushes, face, body, and feet.  At this price it's definitely a steal.

Foreo Luna2 $199 > $169.15 - For those who don't want to buy replacement heads, the Foreo is a great investment.  Holds a charge for an entire year and uses vibrations and super soft silicone tips to cleanse.  I always bring this one along when I travel.

SK-II Facial Essence $99-$290 > $84.15-$246.50 - One of my all time favorite skincare products, contains the miracle ingredient Pitera, it legit will change your skin.  Hydrates, brightens, and makes your skin GLOW.  Definitely in my Top 5 favorite products.

Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Oil $105 > $89.25 - In my current evening routine, this oil contains exfoliating and revitalizing oils as well as anti-inflammatory oils for a very well balanced treatment.  Totally my jam and a great retinol alternative for sensitive skin and normal skin alike.

Shiseido Facial Cotton $9.50 > $8.07 - I use these with all my toners, they make them stretch so much further, so when VIB times comes around I always stock up with 2 or 3.

Fresh Crème Ancienne Ultimate Nourishing Honey Mask $140 > $119 - Definitely a skincare splurge, this mask smells and feels like happiness and dreams.  As I'm obsessed with anything containing honey, this is one of my all time favorite masks for hydration and soothing skin.  The Crème Ancienne Eye Cream is my current PM eye cream and is amazing for dry skin.

AmorePacific Treatment Enzyme Peel $60 > $51 - My go to exfoliant, uses natural enzymes to break away dead skin, leaving skin feeling super smooth and look bright and radiant.  If you haven't tried it, you are seriously missing out!

Iluminage Sleeping Beauty Deluxe Set $99 > $84.15 - Being one to try anything that claims to be anti-aging, I fell in love with the Iluminage Eye Mask.  I've yet to get the pillow care, but this set is a steal, and I really really think I need it...

Nude Skincare only has a few products online, but in store they have the entire brand and it's currently 30% off!  If you find some pieces you love (ProGenius oil is my jam!) take advantage of getting that additional 15% off!  

What's on your VIB list??

Les Huiles

Ever since working for Clarins 100 years ago, I've been obsessed with facial oils.  Think about it like this, most cosmetic products are water based, which our skin needs, right?  Okay, but what does our skin naturally produce - oils.  When you mix oil with water what happens?  They separate.  So while water based products can be absorbed into the skin, they don't always penetrate the deepest.  Now when you mix oils with oils they blend together.  So if you take a bacteria fighting oil and mix it with your greasy face, its going to cut that bacteria right down and create balance.  On the flip side, if your Sahara like dry ass skin has no oil (but obviously still has sebaceous glands as tiny as they may be) putting omega rich oils on top of it will make it very happy.  What cosmetics companies can't really claim (but like, its kinda common sense-ish) is that oils penetrate deeper than any other topical treatment because they can mix with our natural oils and enter the skin through those sebaceous glands. 

The other reason I love plant oils and essential oils is that they are the core essence of a plant, all the nutrients from a flower, nut, roots, or leaf squeezed out into a beautiful texture.  When applied, you’re getting all the beautiful actives from that plant, omega fatty acids, and vitamins, they penetrate so beautifully into the skin.  People always ask why my skin is glowing, it’s usually because I have a bunch of oils on.  My skin feels so naked without them.

I’ve used most all of the facial oils on the market and even make my own (hint hint…).  Here are the 2 I’m currently living for.

Korres is an amazing apothecary brand out of Greece that’s specializes in using natural ingredients to create effective skincare products.  I’m a huge fan of their Wild Rose range (I use the Daily Brightening & Refining Buff Cleanser and Vitamin C Petal Peel), when I heard they were launching a Wild Rose Vitamin C Active Brightening Oil I was like “Put it all over my body”.  This oil contains their signature Wild Rose Oil (one of the brands original ingredients) rich in Vitamin C, omega 3, 6, 9 as well as Vitamin A.  The brand also added a Super C active that increases the skin Vitamin C absorption by 1000%.  All these actives promote collagen synthesis, brighten the skin, offer antioxidant-rich free radical protection (making it my choice for my AM routine), and has anti-inflammatory properties.  I’m obsessed with the earthy floral scent and its fast absorbing texture.  I’ve been using this lightweight oil over my serums every morning for a few weeks now and have noticed my skin glowing more and more; I need so little that I’ve barely put a dent in the bottle.  Korres Wild Rose Vitamin C Active Brightening Oil 5/5 Stars $54

After hearing all the hype, a friend gifted me the Sunday Riley Luna Oil, while I really wasn’t expecting to even like it (I’m always disappointed when people talk about how amazing a product is) I ended up living for this oil.  This deep blue oil contains Trans-Retinol Esters which help to fight fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity.  I’m a huge fan of any type of retinol products, but its pretty rare to find retinols in an oil base. It also has ingredients rich in Azulene, and powerful anti-inflammatory, able to help calm down redness, even redness associated with blemishes; this is also what’s helping calm the skin from any irritation from the retinol.  Luna has other oils that are rich in Vitamins A, B, C, D, and E as well as Omega 3, as well as sebum regulating properties making it ideal or all skin types.  Waking up after an evening of Luna I notice smaller pores, softer skin, less irritation (especially since I’m always doing peels and lasers) and the fine lines on my forehead look a lot softer.  I’ve been using it just under 2 months but it’s a new favorite and I’ll continue to use it!  I apply it over my PM serums before my night cream and retinoid. Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Oil 5/5 Stars $105.

The one that started the obsession 

Let me walk down memory lane to the first facial oil I ever used, Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil.  Clarins started with 3 body oils and later developed 3 facial oils, all 6 oils are still part of the brand today (the Tonic Body Treatment Oil is my JAM and great for pregnant women to help prevent stretch marks).  When I worked for Clarins back in 2003 I was young and very oily.  The Lotus Oil is designed to be used as a rebalancing routine, use it every evening for 3 months to calm down oily skin and make the skin act more “normal”.  Night after night it made my skin softer, pores smaller, skin less oily during the day.  I think my favorite part of the oil is the smell, it’s so herbal its just amazing.  I purchased the oil recently when I was passing through Duty Free and was reminded how much I love it.  I still use it under clay masks to do some extra detox.  For the rebalancing routine apply 2-4 drops to skin still damp from toning and allow it to soak in for a few minutes before going to bed.  To boost your masks, press a few drops onto the skin and apply a clay mask directly over top.  Clarins Lotus Treatment Oil 5/5 Stars $54

Régime De La Nuit

Often I'm asked what products I'm using, so I'll try to keep you up to date with my latest trials and obsessions.  Here's my current routine in the evening.

1. Clarisonic Mia2 w/ Deep Pore Cleansing Brush $119 - My long time friend and esthetician, Jessica, gifted me this for my birthday this year, how I never had one I have no idea, but it's quiet amazing for cleansing the skin.  My only qualm is that it stops after 1 minute, what if it want to over wash my face for 5 minutes? It's my life, let me live it. 4/5 Stars, everyone needs one, just get the appropriate brush for your skin type.

2. Bellatorra Exfoliating Facial Cleanser $95 - I've been using this for about a month, and I'm really enjoying it.  Bellatorra is a new line sold at Barneys, the lines main benefit is its 48hour time release ingredients, mostly in its leave on products (the facial mist feels like happiness).  This cleanser smells like grapefruit (which I love), it gently exfoliates, cleanses, protects, and reveals a smoother complexion.  All skin types 4/5 Stars.

3. Belif Eucalyptus Herbal Extract Toner $28 - I'm very picky about toners, and I'm on my second bottle of this one.  I like to feel very cleansed without being stripped.  This toner removes any leftover cleanser and sebum, leaving my skin feeling balanced and super fresh.  4.5/5 Stars.

4. SK-II Facial Essence $99-$205 - Thank God I got a sample of this cause I've been out for awhile.  This is THE BEST facial essence you'll ever use.  To sum it up, I first purchased this 10 years ago because my friend Nathan called me up and said "I showed up to work with no sleep after a 3 day bender with only this on my skin and my coworkers asked if I had just gotten off vacation" enough said 5/5 Stars.

5. Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Serum $78-$175 - You can read a little further down (a previous post) my thoughts on this lovely hydrating serum.

6. Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Serum $58.50-$154 - I just started using this a few days ago, I love the texture, very light, absorbs easily, and blends well with my 10 Step skincare routine.  I'll report back on results.

7. Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil $105 - Just started this one a few days ago as well, but I'm kind of obsessed already.  I LOVE facial oils, especially in the cold dry weather.  I'll report back after a few more weeks of use.

8. Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Eye Lifting Balm $62 - You can see my review on this one in a previous post, mostly just finishing this one up so I can try a new one.

9. Amore Pacific Future Response Age Defense Dual Eye Creme $150 - I received these deluxe size samples quiet awhile back and started using it about 2 months ago, there's a cream for the am (with SPF25) and one for pm.  These small samples are never ending, like every other Amore Pacific product I've ever used, it's like they regenerate themselves, making them totally worth their higher price.  These creams have kept my eyes smooth and hydrated.  4/5 Stars, I highly recommend the duo for anyone late 20s+ who are needing some extra loving around the eyes.

10. Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Night Infusion Cream $76 - You can see my review in a previous post, I've been using this since the beginning of October and I'm liking how it's lightweight texture hydrates and layers well with my other steps.

11. A313 Pommade $33.76 - Everyone needs a retinol/vitamin A cream, it's proven, it works, you'll love it.  I use it 5-6 nights a week as the last step in my nightime routine. Check out my previous post for full details

12. Hourglass No28 Lip Treatment Oil $42 - When I first started working for Hourglass, I moved from the humid East Coast to dry ass LA.  Never had my lips felt so dry, ever.  As a lifetime chapstick/lip balm junkie, this is the answer.  It's repaired my dry lips to the point that when I don't have anything on my lips still feel hydrated and smooth.  Apply in the am and before bed at night, it will change your life.  The 24karat gold plated applicator is also quiet the conversation piece to pull out of your pocket, my friends always ask if I have "the gold one" on me as I always have a lip balm in tow.  5/5 Stars, you need this, I can't live without it (and not just cause I work for them, I would buy this if I had to).  Its also available in a very wearable sheer red for the holidays.

13. Iluminage Skin Rejuvenating Eye Mask $35 - This copper infused eye mask claims it can reduce wrinkles in as little as 4 weeks. I'd be lying if I said I noticed a big difference in my skin from it, but I will say that I bought a second one after leaving my first one on a flight to Paris. Why? Because it's so soft and comfortable, it blocks out all light, and I get some of the best sleep I've ever had with it on.  I feel it's satiny smooth fabric prevents sleep lines on my eyes from sleeping on my sides.  As for its wrinkle reducing properties? Every little bit helps and I want the matching pillow case.  4/5 Stars.

14. Dr Jart Water-Max Sleeping Mask $48 - On the 1-2 nights a week I'm not using the A313 I like to use a sleeping mask for a boost in hydration.  I've only used this one a handful of times so far, but I like its lightweight and easily absorbed texture.  It gives some nice hydration, but I'll give my full report after I've used it a bit longer.

15. Elemental Herbology Facial Soufflé Overnight Cream $84 - The lovely girls at Mecca in Sydney Australia bought this for me as a going away gift after I told them how obsessed I was with the texture and smell.  It's one of the thickest creams I've ever felt and has this amazing herbal aroma from all the essential oils.  I use this maybe once or twice a week as my night cream, when my skin is feeling especially dry, like day 2-3 after a chemical peel or during this random super dry LA nights. 4.5/5 Stars

I'd love to hear your thoughts on any other these, have you tried them? Love or hate them? Have any other questions? I'm all ears.