I love my concealer! It covers those pesky dark circles that my family has so graciously passed down to me. I’ve tried dozens of eye brightening creams that didn’t work, and until this day haven’t found one. Thanks to the geniuses at Lancome, I now have a remedy.
Genefique Youth Activating Eye Concentrate ($59) is a serum that you apply before your eye cream. This amazing little jar holds a magic potion that transforms dark, baggy, tired eyes into radiant, smooth and youthful windows to the world! I know that sounded completely corny, but I really do love this product. After three weeks of using Genefique Eye twice a day, I went to work without wearing concealer for the first time, and I wasn’t self-conscious about it. I actually noticed that my dark circles were getting lighter.
Genefique is a scientific breakthrough different than any other eye serum in the market because it attacks genetic aging. Every other anti-aging formula targets environmental and/or chronological aging. Lancome’s Bio-Lysat cocktail supports the skin’s barrier while Phytosphingosine-SLC promotes rapid cell renewal, and buckwheat extract reduces bags and brightens dark circles. There’s nothing in the world comparable to this product because it works with your genes from the inside out.
Genefique Eye serum is worth the $59 for the results you get. This is by far my favorite eye product Lancome has ever released. It’s a universal serum that is compatible with any skin type, any age, and any skin care regimen. So, if you love your Estee Lauder eye cream, you can still use Genefique Eye serum underneath. Visit your Lancome counter and ask about the “7 Day Challenge” for a free 7 day supple of Genefique Youth Activating Eye Concentrate.
It’s gratifying when you find a product that exceeds your expectations at a great price. It’s even better when you find one that works 18 different ways! Peach Nut Oil Liquid Soap 18-1-Uses (C.O. Bigelow, $15) is a must have in every home! I have used this wonder soap on my face, hair, and body, and I’ve given my children a bath in it. It’s great for sensitive skin and smells so good! I’ve also used it to clean my leather couch and car dashboard. The oil makes the leather and vinyl soft and shiny while effectively cleaning.
C.O. Bigelow has been selling this product since 1905 in their little West Village apothecary in New York City. The main ingredient, peach kernel oil, is a fast absorbing moisturizer perfect for sensitive skin. This essential oil soothes itching and irritations such as eczema. Lavender extract is an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic that balances, soothes and heals. This added ingredient can help treat acne and balance oily skin. Since ancient times, Lavender extract has been used as a household cleaning agent. Other ingredients include glycerin to retain moisture and vitamin E for antioxidant protection.
Baby wipes are great for removing makeup. The best ones are cotton and fragrance free. My favorite wipes are Parent’s Choice Organic Baby Wipes (Walmart, around $2 for one pack or $8 for a wholesale box of 6 packs). These biodegradable wipes are made with organic cotton. If you want to “splurge” a little, Pamper’s Sensitive Wipes (drugstores, around $3 for a tub of 60 or $13 for a wholesale box of 6 packs). These alcohol free cotton wipes are hypoallergenic and soothes irritated skin with chamomile.
Ick! Acne! It never fails to surprise me. There are times when my skin is flawless and smooth as butter. In the summer, it just feels like butter was spread all over my face. My
favorite remedy?Acne Solutions Cleansing Bar for Face and Body (Clinique, $12.50). This is by far the best acne targeted soap I’ve used. It also comes in liquid form, but I’m partial to bars. They last longer, it costs less, and you get more product for your buck. Think of how much water is added to liquid soaps, yet they are more expensive. ??? I don’t get it either.
Acne Solutions Cleansing Bar can be used on most problematic skin types due to it’s mild salicylic acid formula. (If you are pregnant, please consult your doctor. Salicylic acid is known to cause birth defects and complications.) My skin literally squeaks after cleansing with this bar. After one wash I notice an improvement in my skin’s condition. It’s recommended that you either only use this bar once a day (I prefer night so my skin can regenerate at it’s cleanest time.) Or every other day. If your skin is extremely oily (you can go through a pack of blotting sheets in a day) it’s okay to use twice a day every day. No matter how often you use this acne bar, remember to always follow up with toner and most importantly, MOISTURIZER. Remember, oily skin that doesn’t moisturize WILL produce more oil.
La Base Pro by Lancome (www.lancome-usa.com, $42) is a must have for anyone who wears foundation. I have La Base Pro at home and in my freelance box. This silicone based makeup primer is oil free and has a satiny smooth texture.
Using a makeup base is important to keep your skin healthy. The benefits of adding this extra step to your makeup routine are worth the end result. Not only does this oil free formula help to reduce shine, but the silicone sets a canvas on top of your skin to preventyour foundation from absorbing into your pores. Think of La Base Pro as a shield filling in pores and fine lines so nothing can slip through the cracks. Your makeup color stays truer longer, while your skin stays protected.
ApplyingLa Base Pro is very easy, but there are some tricks that will help you love this product even more. One pump is enough for your entire face. It may not seem like it, but its silky consistency spreads well.
Pump the product onto one hand.
Dip a finger from the opposite hand into the base only acquiring a small amount, then blot on your forehead.
Repeat this again dotting your cheeks and chin.
Using your index and middle finger gently blend the base with a light touch until you getthe coverage you desire. Try to be as quick as possible without rubbing too hard.
Wait 60 seconds before applying the foundation of your choice.
If you see rolling ( the product collecting and rolling off your skin), there may be one of a few things wrong.
you are rubbing it in too hard
you are taking too long to apply the product and it’s starting to dry while you are still blending
you didn’t wait long enough before applying foundation
you didn’t cleanse tone and moisturize your face before applying La Base Pro
you need to exfoliate using a face scrub or pad
La Base Pro is safe for all skin types and great for all foundations (including mineral makeup). I use it on myself and all my clients. I personally would rather not wear foundation than wear foundation without a makeup primer.
