Tried & Tested: Dr. Jart+ Renewalist Melting Cream

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I am always on the look-out for new and innovative products. I have a strong obsession (borderline neurosis) with international skincare. From French pharmacies to Asian markets, there is always a treasure to be found.

Dedicated to his lifelong goal of satisfying patients, Dr. Jart combined his medical background with a team of 21 skilled dermatologists to develop his eponymous skincare brand. Based in Korean, the line that consists of targeted cosmeceuticals that not only make the skin look good but also deliver long-term benefits. Free of controversial sulfates, petrochemicals, artificial dyes and fragrances, the Dr. Jart+ brand is continuously reinventing skincare.

I recently tried and tested Dr. Jart+ Renewalist Melting Cream. As the name suggests, this innovative moisturizer melts deep into the skin, renewing it’s natural luster. Formulated with moringa oil, argan oil and jojoba oil, this moisturizer delivers soothing hydration. It contains antioxidants to improve elasticity and platol white-c complex to brighten the skin. A clever addition to this product is the use of sebum-controlling powder. This will help control excess oils in the skin without clogging pores and qualifies this product to work as both a moisturizer and a primer.

The unique texture of this product is what makes it one-of-a-kind. It presents itself as a solid, balm-like consistency. A tiny spatula is provided to scoop-out the needed amount and as the product comes in contact with body heat – it melts seamlessly into the skin. The product absorbs quickly, penetrating deep into the skin’s layers with no greasiness or heavy residuals. It leaves the skin fresh, silky and radiant.

The Dr. Jart+ brand is available in the US at your local Sephora.

10 Minute Fix: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask

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First Aid Beauty (F.A.B) Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask is a 10 minute remedy for dry skin. This deeply hydrating and nourishing mask repairs and revives even the most rough, flaky and dehydrated skin.

Perfect for sensitive skin, F.A.B. Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask contains no parabens, sulfates, or synthetic fragrances and dyes. It is formulated with:

• Colloidal Oatmeal (oats that have been ground to powder) – to soothe irritated skin
• Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract – helps to heal the skin and anti-aging as it combats free radicals
• Shea Butter – moisturizes and nourishes the skin

Oatmeal has been known to heal and treat many skin disorders like; eczema, poison ivy rash, insect bites. It contains anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the skin and is excellent for addressing dry skin symptoms, including itchiness, rashes, scales, peeling, etc. There is hardly anything that can match the curative action of oatmeal for combating dry skin problems.

F.A.B Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask harnesses all of these benefits into a quick 10 minute dry skin cure. The consistency of this mask is very thick, as you would expect from a nourishing mask. While wearing the mask, skin feels very comfortable – it does not tingle or irritate the skin. Easy to remove, this mask leaves skin feeling fresh, plumped and super-soft.

This is a wonderful mask to have on hand when skin feels irritated or needs a boost of moisture. It can be used at any time on a regular basis without having to worry about counteracting with your daily skincare. F.A.B Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask is the 10 minute fix for dry skin and staple in my skincare routine.

Summer Favorites: Blush

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In the summer, bright and vibrant shades of cheek color is a surefire way to look younger and healthy. Use these products to emphasize a tan, create a youthful flush or mimic a lit-from-within complexion.

Start by choosing the right shade for your skintone. To find your go-to blush shade, pinch your cheeks and then pick a color that mimics your natural flush. This trick will ensure that you’re choosing the most flattering color for your skin tone. If you have fair skin, try a cool pink. Medium skin looks great in vibrant apricot/peachy hues, and darker skin tones look radiant in fuchsia.

Cream blush is a great way to instantly look fresh and dewy. Although it’s staying powder is not the best, especially in higher temperatures, cream blush is a nice alternative for dry skin. To ensure staying power on oily skin, first prime the skin and then set with a powder blush or translucent powder. To apply cream blush, smile and lightly focus the blush onto the apples of your cheeks. Then blend softly back and up toward the hairline. If you apply too liberally, tone down heavy application by blotting the excess color with a clean makeup sponge. Or, use a sheer, luminizing powder to diffuse excess color. The blush then looks like it came from within the skin versus sitting on top of it.

FAVORITES:

Dior Rosy Glow Healthy Glow Awakening Blush: I am a sucker for these gimmicky products. However, this one is fantastic. The formula magically adjusts to your skin’s natural chemistry to create a universal shade. It produces an angelic pink glow that makes you look “lit-from-within.”

It Cosmetics Vitality Cheek Flush Powder Blush Stain in Peony: The most long-wearing powder blush I have tried. The waterproof formula mimics the lasting power and glow of a cheek stain with the easy application of a powder. Packed with anti-oxidants and anti aging properties, this blush gives new definition to a “healthy glow.”

Youngblood Crushed Mineral Blush in Rouge: These blushes are incredibly pigmented and easy to work with. They blend beautifully and last all-day. They feel lightweight on the skin and never settle into lines. A small amount goes a very long way, apply with a light hand for a sheer wash of color or add more for vibrant glowing skin.

Kevyn Aucoin The Pure Powder Glow in Myracle: Full Review HERE.

NARS Cream Blush in Cactus Flower: On trend for summer, this bright coral blush is beautiful on both the lips and cheeks. The velvety texture is extremely easy to blend and apply. Subtle gold shimmers hide in the coral to help create perfectly flushed, luminous skin.

BECCA Beach Tint in Guava: This is the perfect color for summertime. It resembles the act of playing in the sun a little too long. The water-resistant formula can be used on both the cheeks and lips. Produces the most natural-looking flush and smells like summer.

Urban Decay Afterglow Glide-On Cheek Tint in Quickie: A lightweight cream blush that does not pull or disrupt a base. It can be used on top of foundation, powder… anything. The formula is sheer but buildable. The staying power is not the best, but I am obsessed with this color. Quickie is a sheer bubble gum, electric, cotton candy pink. The minute it is applied, it creates instant youthfulness.

Queen of Cleansing: Eve Lom Cleanser

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Eve Lom Cleanser

Regarded as the Queen of Cleansing, Eve Lom is one of the most acclaimed and sought-after facialists in the world. Her skincare philosophy is that when it comes to achieving great skin, less is more.

The basis of Eve Lom skincare regime is cleansing. The Eve Lom cleanser is concocted of a powerful blend of Egyptian chamomle, hops, clove, coccoa butter and eucalyptus oil that is suitable for all skin types. This product tones, exfoliates and cleanses all-in-one to achieve perfectly balanced skin.

The cleanser comes with a woven muslin cloth, used to improve skin circulation while cleansing and exfoliates the skin in minutes. It makes your skin feel baby soft and removes absolutely everything.

The Eve Lom Cleanser has been described by Vogue as the “best cleanser in the world” and is also a cult-product used by women all over the world.

EVE LOM CLEANSING TIPS:

Once a day, at night, for normal/dry skin types Twice a day, morning and night, for oily/very oily skin types Massage a small amount onto the face and neck over grime and make-up from the day. At this stage the cleanser will remove all forms of make-up from the skin. Fill a basin with hot water and immerse the muslin cloth. Squeeze off excess water and gently press the cloth onto the face and neck for a few seconds. The heat will soften the skin and open the pores, allowing the aromatic oils to cleanse the skin of impurities. For the optimum cleanse, repeat this stage three times. Fold the hot, rinsed cloth into a square and work it in small, circular movements across the face and neck to remove all traces of Cleanser. The muslin will gently exfoliate the skin surface and encourage blood circulation, leaving the skin feeling exceptionally smooth. When using the Cleanser at night, add this step. Rinse the cloth in cool water and press onto the face and neck. This helps close the pores, giving the skin a more even, toned appearance. It also leaves the skin feeling fresh and ultra clean.

Let Loose! BECCA Fine Loose Finishing Powder

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Becca Fine Loose Finishing Powder

BECCA Fine Loose Finishing Powder is widely regarded as the finest powder in the world. It not only sets makeup but, helps creates flawless, radiant, glowing skin.

The exclusive formula is lightly pigmented and micro-milled for an ultra-sheer, natural-looking finish. It sets makeup all day and keeps skin looking impeccably fresh. The lightweight texture allows the skin’s natural oils to subtly shine-through ensuring a no-makeup-makeup-look.

Apply this loose powder with a big fluffy brush or for those with oily to combination skin, use a powder-puff. The powder will not settle into fine lines or look cakey. It feels weightless and silky on the skin and provides sheer coverage.

BECCA Fine Loose Finishing Powder is very unique because it creates a natural dewy finish to the skin, which is quite unusual when using powder-based products.

Shine-Control: Sephora Bamboo Charcoal Blotting Papers

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Sephora Bamboo Charcoal Blotting Papers

In the hot summer months, humidity in the air causes skin to produce more oil, which results in a shiny complexion.

To keep shine under control try blotting papers. These thin sheets help to banish shine whithout disturbing makeup so skin will look fresh.

The Sephora Brand Bamboo Charcoal Blotting Papers are the best. Not only are they powder-free (most blotting papers are coated with powder, creating a “cakey” complexion) but they are made with Bamboo Charcoal, an ingredient that creates a high degree of absorbency and antibacterial properties.

Simply blot paper on the skin as needed and watch as oil dissipates, leaving skin matte. The bamboo charcoal ingredient make the papers gray in color, but leave no residue or tint on the face. The charcoal properties help to ward-off bacteria and keep pores clean.

The leopard-print packaging makes it easy to throw in your bag for on-the-go application. Don’t leave home without them.