I love a good skin refresh this time of year and I’ve recently added a few new things to my routine from Sulwhasoo. I’m always looking for skincare to help reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Two things I’ve tried and loved include their First Care Activating Serum and their best selling Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream.
First Care Activating Serum
The First Care Activating Serum is their prepping serum they recommend as the first step in skincare after cleansing. It has a blend of 5 herbs to improve hydration, brightness, radiance and helps reduce the look of wrinkles. Sulwhasoo’s serum has what they call their JAUM ActivatorTM which is a mix of Lotus, White Lily, Solomon’s Seal, Peony and Rehmannia. I love the pump packaging and it has a very lightweight fluid texture to help boost the effectiveness of following skincare steps.
I found two pumps enough to cover my entire face. They recommend using this both morning and night. Skin is left glowing and dewy!
Concentrated Ginseng Renewal Cream
The second product I tried is their Concentrated Ginseng Renewal Cream. This is one of the creamiest moisturizers I have tried! It has a super silky smooth texture that melts right into the skin. They’ve combined Korean red ginseng and retinol to help with visible signs of aging which have started to creep in. It makes my skin feel more supple and bouncy. Complexion is noticeably more plump! I like using this as my night time moisturizer.
You can find both products available online at Sulwhasoo. If you’re new to Sulwhasoo products and want to try things out first they have a Bestsellers Trial Kit which looks really good, it has both the serum + cream in it along with a couple other items I’ve been wanting to try (I will probably order this myself). Also available in minis too here and here.
Do you have any Sulwhasoo favorites? I’ve heard so many good things about their face masks and serums! Would love to know what you love from the line!
I’m excited to share some of my skincare favorites from Kiehl’s today! I have used and loved so many things from Kiehl’s over the years. They have a lot of great everyday staples for a wide range of skin types and needs. (Andrew also uses a lot from the men’s line!) I’ve partnered with them to highlight some of my favorites. If you’re looking for some things to refresh your winter skincare routine, I hope you find this roundup helpful!
Ultra Facial Cream
The Ultra Facial Cream has been a go-to staple for a great everyday lightweight moisturizer. It’s one of their best sellers suitable for all skin types. It has a lightweight feel, absorbs nicely into the skin, and has a mix of Squalane and Glycerin to restore and retain moisture to the skin. I love that it’s smooth and balancing. A little goes a long way.
Cleanser
I have quite a few other things from Kiehl’s in my skincare routine. I tend to rotate skincare as the seasons change but I have several staples I use regularly. Their Ultra Facial Cleanser is a favorite of mine for it’s thick texture. It’s great to remove excess oil, dirt, makeup and even sunscreen. I love that it’s effective at cleansing but doesn’t strip the skin.
Toner
Kiehl’s has a lot of great toners too! One I’ve been loving lately is the Milk-Peel Gentle Exfoliating Toner. I like this one because it has salicylic acid and a mixture of other ingredients to gently resurface, soften and brighten skin.
Night Time
For night time treatments I love the Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum. It’s one of the few retinol products my skin can handle. It works well to keep my skin smooth and helps reduce wrinkles over time. The Micro-Dose technology allows for positive anti-aging results without harsh side effects.
Detox Mask
One last favorite I want to highlight is the Rare Earth Deep Pore Minimizing Cleansing Clay Mask. I love this to give the skin a detox cleanse once a week and this is one of my favorite masks to do just that. It helps reduce clogged pores and blackheads. I’ll use it as a spot treatment on trouble areas. Leave it on for around 10 minutes and rinse. Skin feels a lot smoother, tighter and pore size is reduced.
That wraps up my Top 5 Kiehl’s favorites in my routine right now! You can find all the items available online at Kiehl’s.
I’m all about that ultra-clean feeling when it comes my skin and I’m a firm believer in double cleansing to keep the skin clear and healthy. These days so many makeup brands have formulated their products to last longer throughout the day which I love, however it also means you need make a little extra effort to remove it all the end of the day. Cleaning your skin thoroughly is must for me to maintain healthy glowing skin.
I’ve loved Dermalogica for years for their easy-to-use no-fuss skincare staples. I love their philosophy and that all their formulas are fragrance-free, alcohol-free and cruelty-free as well. If you’re looking for some skincare sets there are some great ones from Dermalogica this season. I’ve partnered with them to share a look at their Best Cleanse + Glow Set ($95) which includes full-sizes of the PreCleanse (5.1 oz). Special Cleansing Gel (8.4 oz), and Daily Microfoliant (2.6 oz). The cleansers will remove makeup, oil and dirt without stripping the skin.
I’ve been really loving the Best Cleanse + Glow Set because it offers a simple cleansing routine. Step 1 is their PreCleanse which is a cleansing oil that works to break down and melt away makeup, excess oil, sunscreen and waterproof makeup. Apply on dry skin and massage it over the face, then wet hands and then work the emulsified oil into the face. Finish by rinsing with warm water.
Step 2 is to use the Special Cleansing Gel. I’ve used and repurchased this several times in the past and love that it’s a lightweight but effective cleanser. It’s soap-free with a gel formula that lathers well. It’s gentle and also has Balm Mint to calm the skin and Lavender Extract to soothe.
The final step in their Cleansing Routine is to use the Daily Microfoliant which is a gentle rice-based exfoliating powder. It’s activated with a little bit of water and has papain, salicylic acid and rice enzymes to gently polish the skin. It’s been a while since I’ve used a face scrub as I found most too harsh for my skin. I still know it’s important exfoliate and this is a gentle option that really makes a difference in texture and tone. It also has colloidal oatmeal to calm the skin.
I also love their masks! I’m always on the hunt to try a good detoxifying mask that helps clear out pores and clears skin while still calming it. I tried their Charcoal Rescue Mask ($49) around the areas I have congestion and it works really to refine pores and brighten the skin. I apply it on the nose and T-zone area along with some trouble spots on my cheeks but you can apply it all over as well.
If you’re looking for some other sets check out their Skin Kits and Sets page.
You can find the Best Cleanse + Glow Set available online at Dermalogica. Have you tried the line before? If you have what are some of your favorites? If not, do you double cleanse? What products do you have in your routine right now?
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Many thanks to Dermalogica for partnering to sponsor this post. As always all opinions are my own.
I’ve been testing out a new skincare line called Alastin Skincare for the past few months and have been really impressed with their products! Alastin is a physician-dispensed skincare line with products designed to restore and renew skin and keep it healthy looking. A number of their products have what they call TriHex Technology formulated to support pre and post procedure recovery. Their medical grade skincare contains ingredients to help speed up the renewal and skin rejuvenation process.
I’ve found the line to be great for anti-aging and helping improve elasticity. This is the last year I’ll be in my 30’s and I’ve found my skin no longer has the same bounce it did when I was younger. It’s definitely needed some extra help to improve elasticity and deal with fine lines that have started to creep in. I’ve really liked everything I tried from Alastin Skincare and am thrilled to partner with them to share a closer look at what I’ve tested!
Their Daily Product lineup is straight forward and easy to incorporate into your existing routine. I love that everything absorbs nicely into the skin without feeling heavy or thick. All of their products have a really nice calming component and no added fragrance.
Step 1: Cleanse
Gentle Cleanser is gentle and calming cleanser – one I will definitely repurchase! It has ingredients to soften and calm the skin including Oat Beta Glucan and Oat Kernel Extract. One pump is enough to cleanse the face and it’s gentle enough to use day and night. It has a nice self-foaming action and it’s especially great for days I have skin flare ups and sensitive skin.
Step 2: Renew and Restore
To renew and restore the skin Alastin has three products they recommend for daily use. The Restorative Skin Complex is a serum concentrate designed to support the product of new elastin and collagen. With regular use I noticed fine lines start to soften around the 2 month mark. It’s lightweight and my skin texture has improved with this!
The Restorative Eye Treatment is an excellent lightweight eye cream with a gel texture. It noticeably brightens and smooths the eye area and helps me with puffiness. For my skin type and needs it has the perfect texture that absorbs into the skin well. It’s great for me since I live in humid climate and it’s not too heavy or emollient.
As I age, I’ve started to notice certain areas need more love and care. I’ve tried a number of neck creams but typically find them on the heavy side and rarely stick to using them consistently. The Restorative Neck Complex is lightweight lotion that was formulated to help with tightening, firming and combat skin and age discoloration on the neck. I love the packaging and truly appreciate the lightweight texture. My neck is one area I’ve neglected and I am thrilled to have found a product I actually love.
Step 3: Moisturize
The next step is to moisturize with their Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer which is a nice calming oil-free fragrance-free formula. As with all the products I tried I love that they have a soothing component and there is no added fragrance. This one is a great smoothing moisturizer for everyday and works with my foundations.
Step 4: Protect
The HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF36 is probably my favorite item that I tried from the line! So many of you have asked for a good mineral sunscreen recommendation and this is the first one I feel like I truly love. There’s no white cast, it blends easily, isn’t too thick (although it is creamy) and does not pill on my face. I have extremely sensitive skin that reacts to a number of sunscreen formulas (both physical and chemical) and I was thrilled to find this one works for me!
It’s oil-free, fragrance-free, reef-friendly and water resistant. The product has a sheer tint to it with a beige undertone. It blends into my skin perfectly and for me it will work even once I get my summer tan although I do hope they expand this into a few other shade options. This formula is really great.
Step 5: Transform
The last product I tried is the TransFORM Body Treatment which is a lightweight body smoother. It’s a nice non-fragranced body lotion which I can apply in the morning or night. I am super picky with lotions I wear to sleep and this one is gentle and lightweight enough that it absorbs into the skin nicely without making me sticky. It helps improve texture and smooths the skin.
Overall I’ve been pleasantly surprised by everything I’ve tried in the Alastin Skincare range. I love their streamlined packaging and the fact that everything has a sanitary pump applicator to keep things fresh and clean. You can find their products on their website. More information about their TriHex Technology here and if you’re one who has any work done I recommend checking out their Procedure Enhancement lineup too.
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Many thanks to Alastin Skincare for partnering to sponsor this post. As always all opinions are my own.
One of my go-to brands in skincare is having a Friends and Family sale and I’m excited to share an early access code for you a few days early! Kiehl’s is offering 25% off sitewide this week through 3/24 with code EARLY25 (public sale starts 3/25). I’ve partnered with them to share a closer look at a couple of skincare staples I’ve added to my routine.
Ultra Facial Cream
The Ultra Facial Cream is one of their classic skincare staples. It’s a lightweight cream suitable for all skin types (even my sensitive skin). It absorbs well and never feels heavy. It contains Glacial Glycoprotein to add hydration and prevent water loss from the skin and Squalane to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier. The formula layers well with their serums and sunscreens too. I especially love that there is no fragrance or scent to it. (Full ingredient list on their product page.)
Ultra Facial Cleanser
A new discovery for me is the Ultra Facial Cleanser. Out of all the skincare products out there, I love testing cleansers! This is a really nice foaming cleanser that is gentle, effective but won’t strip the skin. It has Squalane, Apricot Kernels and Avocado Oil. I really like this one because it cleanses the skin well without leaving it super tight. Available in two sizes including a 2.5 oz ($12) and 5.0 oz ($22).
One of the most frequently asked skincare questions I get is how to treat dark spots and post-acne scars. Living in Florida I’m exposed to a lot of sunshine and I’ve experienced hyperpigmentation in patches around my cheeks from the sun. My skin is usually pretty good in terms of having minimal acne and break outs, but some are unavoidable. Even if I’m careful to not pick my face, my skin is often left with post-acne scars and dark marks. The good news is that these spots can indeed be treated! I’m excited to share a look at one of my favorite dark spot correctors from Kiehl’s today. The Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution is a great serum to help brighten the skin and treat hyperpigmentation.
According to their trials, after 1 bottle:
97% of women saw significant reduction in hyperpigmentation
97% of women saw significant reduction in dark spots
87% saw reduction in post acne scars
The Kiehl’s Dark Spot Solution formula has Activated C (stabilized form of Vitamin C) to help with dullness and uneven skin tone. It also contains Buffered Salicylic Acid to break up discoloration.
You can use this serum a number of ways, either as a spot treatment or as an all over face serum morning and night. Kiehl’s recommends using the serum to treat discoloration on hands, neck or chest which I am going to try soon!
My favorite way to use this is as a spot treatment on areas that I have noticeable darker patches or sun spots. For acne scars and discoloration I feel it’s important to treat those as soon as possible to prevent longer-term scarring.
Seeing results will take time and consistent use. Time to see results will depend on the level of hyperpigmentation or discoloration you have. For my cheek bone sun spots I saw a noticeable difference within a couple of weeks. For my acne scars, I usually see dark spots form immediately after the acne has healed. The dark spots stay around for weeks and don’t fade until the skin has fully regenerated and everything has resurfaced. I applied the Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution as a spot treatment on my chin area where I had break outs and the scars started to fade immediately. It significantly sped up the healing process for my post-acne scars. I can’t emphasize how important it is to treat acne scars as soon as you can to prevent discoloration from developing and settling in. It’s also important to combine brightening treatments with SPF and moisturizer to protect and nourish the skin.
Bottom line is I think it’s definitely worth checking out. My husband Andrew also struggles with hyperpigmentation on his cheekbones and is super diligent about wearing sunscreen and trying dark spot treatments. He’s started to use this and I’m excited to see what he thinks!
You can find the Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution available at Kiehl’s. Use the code CLEARLY15 for 15% off any purchase (this excludes sets and cannot be combined with other promos). Do you have any favorites from their line?
Christmas is quickly approaching and if you’re looking for some last-minute gift ideas I have some cute ones to share from The Body Shop! They have tons of great gift sets and bundles at multiple price points. There is something for everyone whether you’re shopping for a loved one, friend or looking for something to treat yourself.
The Body Shop Holiday Gift Guide: Little Gift Box
One of my favorite sets is the Warm Vanilla Little Gift Box ($25). They’ve packaged up some great body products in a Shower Gel, Body Yogurt, Hand Cream and mini Body Scrub. The shower gel is really amazing, and I love that this vanilla is warm and well-balanced. The Body Yogurt is a lightweight moisturizer and absorbs beautifully into the skin. They carry this set in a other scents too like the Nourishing Shea, Soothing Almond Milk & Honey, Hand-Cracked Coconut and a few others too.
Mask Duo
For the skincare lover the Day and Night Mask Duo ($45) has a Nicaraguan Coffee Intense Awakening Face Mask for day and the Hemp Overnight Nourishing Rescue Mask. The coffee mask is a gentle warming exfoliating mask you leave on for 5-10 minutes. It has sesame seed oil, cocoa and shea butter to soften the skin – I was so impressed with this one! It’s gentle on the exfoliating properties and after rinsing off my skin felt so incredibly smooth, soft and refreshed. The overnight mask is made with Hemp Seed oil and aloe vera to help soothe dry skin. It has a soothing earthy scent to it and very hydrating.
Hair Care Set
For the hair care lover they have some cute hair sets! I tried the Puree Bliss Banana Hair Care Duo ($20) which comes with the Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner along with a fun banana print hair wrap. Both have a fresh fruity banana scent that lathers up nicely in the shower or bath. They rinse out to leave a subtle scent so it’s not too fruity. My hair really likes both for a good clean feel.
Sharable Hand Cream Set
The cutest gift set is the Squeeze and Share Hand Cream Cracker Set ($28). It comes with six individually boxed hand creams. They’re perfect to split up for stocking stuffers or to give as gifts to coworkers! The Almond Milk and Honey is my favorite – it has a really nice scent with a light almost gel-like texture. It absorbs into the hands well leaving them soft, hydrated and not sticky.
I hope you enjoyed this holiday roundup! If you’re doing last minute shopping I suggest you order soon! Also don’t forget to check out their Special Offers/Sale Page to see what GWPs and sales they have going on!
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Many thanks to The Body Shop for partnering to sponsor this post.
