Which beauty product ones are best for you? We tested and scouted out some of the more affordable products. Take a look at our deals and splurges. Plus, a product giveaway!
By Melissa Henderson
It’s that time of the year again when distressed, dry-looking, skin from the winter temperatures needs to be revitalized and energized with a skin care regimen that will leave you looking like Aphrodite. The search for beauty consists of indulging in the latest cosmetics, facial creams, moisturizers, and hours of spa facials – minus the time consuming and expensive scavenger hunt. What’s hot in the beauty market? We’ve narrowed it down to moisturizers with enzymes as a catalyst to combat dry and combination skin ( try La Priarie’s Cellular Resurfacing Moisterizer or Cle de Peau’s Japanese daytime Lotion), and natural products made from sweet almond oil and organic lavender flowers (try Lush Cosmetics Enzymion Moisterizer or Lumafirm Freeze Dried at- home Intesifier) to restore skin complexion and enhance skin elasticity. What else is hot in the beauty market? Serums! Including, Lily Organics Light Conditioning Serum, or splurge on Napoleon Perdis super light Complex Serum. But which ones are best for you? We tested and scouted out some of the more affordable products. Take a look at our deals and splurges.
SPLURGE
LA PRAIRIE: Dermatologists tested to leave your skin feeling more radiant, La Prairie is known for its top skin care technology designed for all skin types. The Cellular 3-minute Peel ($200) paired with the Cellular Resurfacing Cream ($180) , made from complex glycoproteins, horsetail and gingsing extracts, will restore stress lines and reduce signs of aging while gently cleansing tired skin. The smooth silky face mask, applied with a soft brush, is really a mini spa from your bathroom vanity once a week. Arguably one of the best brands on the market, the products are known to activate skin tissues with their cellular pro line. La Prairie is available at Bloomingdales, Nordstroms and Saks Fifth Avenue
NAPOLEON PERDIS: The Complex Serum ($65) is designed to enhance the smoothness and brightness of skin by offering a gel - like liquefying innovative water technology that hydrates the skin and absorbs quickly into pores, making it a good choice for oily skin. After a couple uses it gives the skin a youthful, iridescent glow. The light gel can be used at night and during the day after cleansing and toning the skin, in addition to a moisturizer. We hear celebrities, like Lindsay Lohan, Jessica Szohr, and Leighton Meester use this like it's going out of style. Auto Pilot Serum retails at $65 at Ultra Stores.
Cle de Peau : This refreshing Daytime Moisturizer ($85) equipped with a SPF 25 formula goes on light while combating against oily skin. Lots of products with SPF feel thick and heavy, but Cle de Peau's light, silky and subtle dewy smell allows your skin to breath and literally shine on its own. This Japanese manufactured and developed line of beauty encourages and truly promotes flawless vibrance. This product is sold at Neiman Marcus, Barneys, BergdorfGoodman.com or Saks Fifth Avenue.
DEAL :
LUSH: Specializing in natural ingredients and environmentally safe packaging, this skincare line for oily and combination skin will leave you feeling and smelling fresh. Try their best- selling Dark Angels Facial Cleanser, ($10) textured like charcoal with an avocado oil base lava rock to gently scrub skin, which reduces the appearances of pores and remove blackheads. It works wonders on oily skin. We recommend using the facial cleanser with the Vanishing Cream ($37), for red sore skin, and lemon - scented Enzymion Moisturizer to help soak up extra oils on the surface of the skin- giving it a matte effect.
LILY ORGANIC: With over 25 years in the organic skin care business and USDA - certified ingredients , caring for your skin has never been this environmentally safe and healthy. We loved the Oil - Free Skin Conditioning Serum ($31), made from a water herbal complex of seaweeds, organic chamomile, calendula and rosemary - just a name a few ingredients. Serum can be used with the balancing and relaxing Facial Lotion ($33). These fresh products are proven to leave your skin energized and freshly cleansed- plus reduce your carbon footprint!
PEVONIA BOTANICA: Lumafirm Freeze-Dried At Home Intensifier ($20) is a DIY facial treatment kit proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, improve uneven complexions and replenish dry, acne prone skin. Using spa-quality benefits and the latest in the skin care technology, this freeze dry kit includes: Sorghum Bicolor ( an extract from a cereal plant) and Diacetyl Boldine ( an extract from a Chilean tree bark) which help to transform dull, uneven skin to a more visibly brighter and smoother complexion in just minutes.
WIN IT!
Two lucky WL beauty mavens will win a Lumafirm Freeze-Dried At- Home Intensifier. Email editorial@vps3.washingtonlife.com with the subject heading Win-It” and the body email with your name and address! Good Luck!
