Denise’s Skin Care Quest continues . . .

New skin care line ALERT!    www.skinscriptrx.com

Many of you will know that I am always on the hunt for the latest and greatest in skin care products.  It seems that my quest for the perfect skin care regimen is never ending.  Well, I’m happy to report that I’ve discovered a new line of products that have left my skin happy, glowing and renewed.  And one of the best things about it is that the line’s creator, Lisa VanBockern, lives right here in Tempe, Arizona – so I can feel good about supporting a budding local woman-owned business too!

Skin Script is a line of professional grade products, which means that they can only be sold under the supervision of a skin care professional (i.e. a licensed aesthetician or a physician).  These products have been designed using cutting edge chemistry and skin care research.  But rest assured, Skin Script products are NOT tested on animals – which is an absolute must in my world.  They are an amazing blend of natural botanicals, antioxidants, and effective active ingredients.  As such, they are extremely effective and definitely results-oriented.  

The Skin Script line has been developed to be “chirally correct”, which is something that I knew nothing about before I came across this line.  Chirally correct basically means that the molecules in the active ingredients have been formulated so that they work with the molecules in your skin, not against them.  They are designed so that they can be used by and integrated into skin cells, so that you reap the maximum benefits.  For a much more cohesive description of this, check out the Skin Script website.  I’ve learned a lot about the chemistry of the dermis (skin) from researching the Skin Script line, and I’m happy to pass along my findings to you! 

I went to a local med spa and asked an aesthetician to design a skin care regimen for my normal to combination skin.  Skin Script has products specifically designed for every skin type.  I came home with the following products, and I’ve been using them for about three months now. 

Cranberry Antioxidant Cleansing Gel ($27.00)

This is a great gentle, foaming cleanser for both morning and evening use.  It’s packed with cranberry and green tea antioxidants which leave my skin radiant and clean, but not over-stripped at all.  I never experience any tightness or drying with this cleanser, which is rare when it comes to foaming-type cleansers.  Check out the Skin Script website for descriptions of all of the active ingredients in these products, such as Yucca Schidigera Leaf/Root/Stem Extract (to improve cell growth) and Litchi Chinesis Pericarp (Litchee) Extract (to aid in cellular regeneration and protection).  I don’t know what half of these things are, but I can tell you that they are very effective — in a gentle, non-chemical way.  This cleanser also smells great and lasts forever, since a dime-sized dollop is all you need for a nice, foamy face wash. 

Pomegranate Antioxidant Creamy Cleanser ($24.50)

When the weather is cooler, I prefer to use a creamy cleanser to keep my skin from becoming too dry and dehydrated.  The Skin Script Pomegranate Cleanser is the perfect soothing and nourishing cleanser.  It leaves my skin soft and smooth, and never feels like it leaves behind any residue, which I have found with other creamy cleansers.  This product is also packed with effective ingredients, my favorites of which are the grape seed and pomegranate extracts.  I feel like my skin just had a refreshing botanical bath every time. 

Retinol 2% Exfoliating Scrub ($43.00)

In the mornings, I use the Retinol Exfoliating Scrub in the shower; just to make sure that all of the little jojoba beads (used for gentle scrubbing) get completely rinsed away afterwards.  This is a powerful cellular turnover scrub containing retinol (vitamin A) and kojic, which is a gentle skin lightener to reduce the signs of sun damage or even reduce the appearance of scars.  I have never experienced any irritation from this mild scrub, and I use it just about every day.  My skin always feels soft and glowing afterwards. 

Cranberry Antioxidant Toner   ($24.00)

Anybody who has read my reviews in the past knows that I am a devoted fan of toners.  I just love the idea of a “clean sweep” if you will, after cleansing and before applying moisturizers and sunscreen.  The Skin Script Cranberry Antioxidant Toner is a gentle yet effective step in my skin care regimen.  At first I was a little freaked out by the color, which has sort of a yellow-orangeish hue to it, but now I’m used to it, and I realize that the color comes from the recipe of botanical ingredients that make up this soothing concoction.  The Cranberry Antioxidant Toner would be great for all skin types.   

Vitamin C/Green Tea Serum  ($36.00)

I was going to save this one for last, since it’s my favorite product in the line, but I just couldn’t wait.  This serum is amazing, and I say that because of the way my skin feels “the morning after”.   I apply the vitamin C/green tea serum at night, under the Skin Script night moisturizer, so that my skin can drink it in overnight.  When I wake up, my skin is so soft and supple; sometimes I just can’t believe it.  As with all of the Skin Script products, this serum is chock-full of powerful antioxidants and other natural ingredients to encourage skin cell regeneration and repair. It contains Acetyl Octapeptide-3 to smooth and reduce the appearance of wrinkles in the “expression zones” of the face.  Talk about a great alternative to injection therapy!  I’ve noticed a brighter, firmer, and clearer complexion for sure.  This stuff is a lifesaver.

Peptide Eye Serum  ($30.00)

I don’t use eye creams or serums regularly, although I probably should.  Skin Script’s Peptide Eye Serum is designed to reduce the appearance of dark circles and under-eye puffiness with a mixture of peptides and green tea antioxidants.   I have noticed that the skin under my eyes is firmer and less puffy.  As for my dark circles, well – I think they’re a lost cause.  That’s why I love my concealer!

Ageless Skin Moisturizer  ($15.00)

This is an awesome light, non-greasy moisturizer for all skin types.  It contains aloe and Co-Q10 to stimulate collagen growth and tighten the elastin in skin.  I find that I use quite a big of this moisturizer, which is fine by me.  It leaves my skin soft and soothed any time of the day.

Night Moisturizer  ($23.00)

I have talked often in the past about the feeling of “feeding my skin”, and that is exactly how I feel about using Skin Script’s night moisturizer.  I pretty much slather my face in this great smelling cream before I hit the hay, and wake up with soft, nourished skin every day.  It has a  shea butter base, which is well known to be a rich and yet non pore-clogging hydrator for skin, as well as other amazing botanicals such as honey extract for its antibacterial and healing properties, and rose hip fruit oil to strengthen capillaries.  Skin Script recommends this moisturizer for dryer, non-oily skin types. 

Sunscreen Day Moisturizer  ($34.00)

Skin Script also developed a moisturizer with SPF 36, which is a must for daytime use.  The Skin Script replenishing sunblock contains micronized zinc and botanicals, and is perfect for daily use – even around the eyes!  I call it the “pink cream” because of its distinctive pink coloring and rich consistency.  A little bit of this moisturizer goes a long way, so this jar will last me forever.  It goes on smooth and absorbs quickly into my skin, so it wears fine under makeup.  And I can rest assured that I’m protecting my skin from the sun’s dangerous rays. 

There is a list of authorized distributors on the Skin Script website who can help you to design a customized skin care regimen and get you the products that you need.   And if you have other questions, you can always contact Lisa VanBockern or her staff at Skin Script directly.  I have found them to be very helpful and hands-on.  Lisa is a licensed aesthetician herself, and takes great pleasure in helping her clients to find the most beautiful version of themselves.

The Skin Script website has complete contact information, and tons of other interesting facts!

www.skinscriptrx.com

Marissa’s Pick of the Week!

Hi everyone,

  The fall colors are in and I’m just loving the purple and berry shades of the season.  My pick of the week is Giorgio Armani’s new Lip Wax!  I love the little pot with the mirror and the colors can be layered for a deep hue or patted on as a sheer wash.  No lip brush needed, this is a finger painting lippy!  I multi-task with the lip wax too. I like to use a pinch of #4 Raspberry on my cheeks.  Also, #5 Cardinal Red is a beautiful shade that will flatter any skin tone.  Add your favorite lip gloss (Armani #1 or #7 for me) and off you go!  This is a great lippy that will soon become a staple in your makeup bag!

My Stress Cream was stressing me out!

It was Beauty Week at Neiman Marcus and I wanted some new fall skin care.  I’ve always had success with La Prairie so over to their counter I went.  The sales rep was very nice but not 100% up to speed with everything in the brand.  And, of course, she wanted me to try their new luxury item Cellular Cream Platinum Rare (at $1,000.00 a jar…so not for me in this economy or any economy!)  However, she did recommend the La Prairie Anti-Aging Stress Cream, different from their Swiss Care line, as the core is a herbal complex.  It had a bit of a smell, not offensive, but not really pleasant either.  Since the seasons are changing here in the northeast, I thought this was just the cream I was looking for.  Wrong!  After two days of using the cream, my face broke out and my skin was red.  Normally, I can go without wearing foundation, but I had to do some major covering during the rest of the week.  I don’t know if it was the mushroom complex in the cream or the Valerian Root extract, but it did not like my skin.  Needless to say, it’s going back.  However, I’m not giving up on La Prairie; their Foam Cleanser and Cellular Refining Toner are the best, and they just came out with a new marine biology collection that I might try.  And if that doesn’t do the job…that’s okay, I won’t stress out about it! 

- Marissa

Target launches designer makeup lines

I wouldn’t say that Target is my top destination for the latest in designer beauty, beyond maybe the next mascara from Maybelline, so I was intrigued on my last visit to see a new display with Pixi, JK Jemma Kidd, and NP Set - all lines from top designers who have (either currently or in the past) product lines with major doors like Sephora or Bloomingdales. Why the mass vs. class switch? Looks like the one-stop-shop mentality has hit high-end cosmetics.

I decided to take a look at Pixi first, picking up some basics like foundation, blush and an eye palette. Even though the products appeared to be on sale, just those three things rang up to $83! I will try to stop harping on the sticker shock, but this is Target, right?

There are a few options for foundation in the Pixi line; I opted for Flawless Vitamin Veil ($35), a compact creamy foundation with sheer to medium coverage.  I chose the Medium shade, even though the tester looked a bit dark, but now that I have worn it for a few days, I think it is a decent match for me. Seeing as there are only three shades to choose from (light, medium and tanned), the formula would have to be fairly universal and adaptable or no one could wear it. Flawless Vitamin Veil is not a long-wearing formula, so expect to touch-up if you need the coverage to last into the evening. It is also not the best for fines lines, as it likes to settle a bit rather than float over the skin. The packaging is cute, the drawer for the sponge is a little unnecessary, but the sponge itself is decent. Overall this is a fine foundation if you like light coverage and aren’t concerned about lines and wrinkles. One positive for me: no breakouts. I am not sure that I will buy it again, especially with so many other brands and formulas to try

Pixi has a few choices for cheeks - powder, liquid, and gel. I like a light, sheer flush, so I picked Sheer Cheek Gel ($20). A tiny dab is perfect for a natural looking flush, and this gel is fairly forgiving, so you don’t have to worry about streaks and blotches if you don’t blend it in immediately. I chose Rosy, pictured here; there is also Natural, Sun Kissed and Flushed.

I debated about the rest of the collection - what to try, what shades to pick - until I spotted the Eye Beauty Kit ($28) in Minimum. This is a perfect set of colors for me, a mix of light neutrals and deep browns and charcoals. The shadows themselves are a  bit shiny for my taste, but as long as I use a light touch, blend well, and apply only to the lid, I can pull it off. I also have a love-hate relationship with the enclosed brush. The stiff liner end is okay, but the brush meant for shadows really needs to be softer. The shadows are not finely milled as a higher end brand like Chanel or Dior, so when you rake this rigid shadow brush over the surface, it’s like taking a shovel to it. Do yourself a favor and find a softer brush.

Pixi has much more to be discovered. Drop me a line if you try something and love it!

- Heather

Do you really need a $175 eye cream?

I hate getting lured into the wrinkle-free promise of an expensive cream, and for a few seconds, I often do. I want what it says it will do, I want it to work, yet I know it’s a promise that only delivers an empty wallet.

Think of what you could buy with $175

My most recent weakness - Chanel Sublimage Eye Essential Regenerating Eye Cream, for a whopping $175 for a half ounce jar. I must be crazy! I have a responsibility to discover if it’s really worth that much, so I dutifully apply, morning and night, until the jar is empty.

I feel like there should be so much more to the story, but unfortunately I got just what I expected: I still have wrinkles. My eyes look the same as they did before I started using Sublimage Eye. I still have fine lines. I still have dark circles. I still don’t look 25 anymore. These are all areas the cream promises to address (maybe not the part about not looking 25 anymore).

Not $175!

Do yourself a favor and save your money! A few weeks post-Chanel, I headed over to my local Walgreens drugstore and picked up at $25 tube of RoC Multi-Correxion Eye Treatment, to see if a drugstore brand could tackle the anti-aging job any better. While I think $25 is a little expensive for the drugstore, I already notice more improvement in my skin after just a few weeks using the RoC cream. Nothing dramatic - it’s still just a cream - but it imparts a nice soft glow and makes the rather wrinkly areas a little less noticeable. I look more rested (and trust me, I am not), and my skin looks brighter.

I also appreciate it that it works well with my other skincare (Care by Stella McCartney) and my foundation (Lancome Teint Idole Ultra) without clumping or pilling. It sinks right in with no greasiness or plastic-y residue. Finding this eye cream is a welcome reminder that RoC has some nice products that I may consider in the future.

- Heather

Thanks for your support

Summer has faded, the rainy season is beginning, sweaters and boots are replacing tank tops and sandals - it is a time of change. We have been going through some changes here at Cosmetic Connection, including a new location here in Portland, a new look for the site, and a new system for sending updates. What has not changed is our heartfelt appreciation for your support. We hope you enjoy the new look and new reviews. Thank you for reading!

Ten Products You Need Right Now: The Warm Weather Must-Have List!

What an incredible year this has been thus far! With my daughter turning one in May, it feels like my life is always on fast-forward. Like all of you, I’m incredibly busy, trying to balance my time between my husband, my daughter, and my career, and even try to fit in a hobby or two! Of course, this means my time has become extremely valuable; there are never enough hours in the day to fit in everything I’d like to accomplish. Efficiency is key! As a result, my daily personal care and makeup routine is pretty streamlined. Thank goodness there are some amazing products out there to keep me presentable. If you are looking to update your cosmetic closet with new goodies for summer, here are the ten items I can’t do without!

Lush Ultrabland Facial Cleanser ($14.45 for 1.5 oz, $29.95 for 3.5 oz)
I think this simple, straight-forward item is one of the most brilliant multi-taskers available. Rich with natural ingredients like rosewater, beeswax, and peanut oil, it is one of my favorite facial cleansers (it works a lot like old school cold cream: smooth it over dry skin, remove with a warm washcloth) because it removes every single speck of makeup, but is never drying. But it doesn’t stop there: the product is also an amazing soother for diaper rash (it seriously works better than almost anything out there), a hand cream, and a lip balm! Buy the large size for your bathroom, and keep a small jar in your purse or diaper bag for on-the-go emergencies. I’d also love to hear from other “fans” about other uses you’ve found for this great product!

Benefit Cosmetics You Rebel Lite ($28 for 1.7oz)
Definitely my new favorite tinted moisturizer! The coverage is sheer, but the formula somehow seems to cover imperfections really well. The finish is slightly moist, but never shiny or greasy. The color is also just perfect for my light complexion. My one small complaint: while I adore the product, I would like to see it with SPF protection of 20 or 30. But, you can always layer it over additional sunscreen, so it isn’t that big of a deal.

Verikira Hand and Body Wash in Spicy Citrus or Cucumber ($16 for 6.7 oz, $26 for 12 oz)
Verikira is a name you might not have heard yet - lucky you that you get to be an early adopter! Their line contains a wonderful array of natural and organic products that are almost entirely plant-based, and have no Parabens, Sulphates, or other nasties. The scents are simple, clean, and wonderful. The cucumber scent (of which I have the fantastic body lotion) is completely spot on, and manages to be fresh and pretty, and not at-all salad-like. The spicy citrus hand and body wash (I keep the smaller size next to my bathroom sink) somehow manages to leave my hands skin more smooth and moisturized after washing, which is amazing considering that I wash my hands a lot when I’m home!

A couple of other Verikira goodies that bear mentioning are the Pink Grapefruit/Pink Ribbon collection, which donates a portion of proceeds to Breast Cancer research, and the delicious Antioxidant Facial Cream. Now, I know I cheated by mentioning multiple products from this line, but I could have easily taken up 5 slots with Verikira Products!

Soleil Tan De Chanel Moisturizing Bronzing Power ($48)
Chanel products are always such a treat, and this bronzing powder is an especially lovely summer item. Very finely-milled, with just a hint of shimmer, the color is fresh, sheer, and natural-looking. I really like the Sable d’Or (a limited edition shade) because it doesn’t look at all heavy or too dark - perfect for fair-skinned girls who want a pretty summer glow without the sun’s damaging rays. If you are looking for a little luxury splurge, this is the perfect item to bring out your glowing goddess.

Benefit Cosmetics Some Kind-A Gorgeous ($26 for .34 oz)
Another fabulous product from Benefit! It isn’t foundation, but it isn’t really a tinted moisturizer, either. The compact formula houses its own unique sponge, so it is very easy and portable. Some Kind-A Gorgeous actually reminds me somewhat of Dr. Feelgood: it gives a bit of coverage, but has that Dr. Feelgood silky-smooth finish. This product has saved me on many a weekend when I need to fly out the door to the grocery store or other errand, but I need a little something to be presentable! This product contains no SPF, but since it is so lightweight, you can easily use a combo moisturizer and sunscreen underneath.

Maybelline Lash Discovery Waterproof Mascara (about $7)
Honestly, I don’t like to spend over $10 for a tube of mascara because I’m so careful about replacing it frequently. This waterproof formula is perfect for natural, warm-weather makeup. The tiny brush coats each lash, so there’s no clumping, or scary, spider-y spikes. If you want big, fat lashes, this is probably not the formula for you. But, if you want a soft, polished daytime look it is perfect. The waterproof formula removes easily with oil-based eye makeup remover, or the Lush Ultrabland Cleanser mentioned earlier.

Estee Lauder Tender Lip Balm SPF 15 (in Tender Berry, $14)
The perfect lip product for summer! I reach for this sheer rose shade almost every day. It looks so natural, but has enough punch to brighten your whole complexion. It even makes your smile look whiter! The formula is extremely moisturizing, so lips stay primed for a little summer romance. I also love the SPF 15 protection for those days where sun exposure is an issue.

Sweetgrass Farm Farmhouse Triple-Milled Soap ($6 for 7 oz bar)
Sometimes, you just want the simplicity of a nice bar of soap to use with a lovely, worn washcloth - perfect for gentle, all-over exfoliation. Milled in the French tradition, Farmhouse Soaps produce a thick, luxe lather. Each all-vegetable bar contains a healthy dose of my favorite skin soother, shea butter, and provides balanced moisturizing for all skin types. All the fragrances are derived from pure essential and fragrance oils, and deliver just the right amount of gorgeous aroma. Personally, I love the lavender scent, but the Lemon Verbena and Lilac are also very nice. The bar is actually quite big, so it is an amazing value for only $6!

Lush Dream Cream ($23 for 8.4oz)
Truly, the most skin-friendly, mega-soothing concoction I’ve ever “slathered”! Lush says: “We take every natural ingredient aimed at transforming dry, bumpy and unhappy skin and combine them all into an epidermal elixir of excellence.” They aren’t kidding! The cream is not overly rich or heavy, so it calms irritable skin equally well on both adults and children. I’ve used it on Ava for months now, and it keeps her sensitive skin calm and happy. The herbal smell takes a bit of getting used to, but it is totally natural, clean and fresh without being overbearing. Definitely a unisex scent, too - my husband thinks it smells just fine for guys or girls.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Bronze Collection ($35 for 5 mini pencils)
This collection of eyeliner pencils is a perfect set of wearable but unique colors: silver, gold, copper, pearly brown, and black. All are metallic-flecked, but the effect is luminous and pretty, not glitzy. The waterproof formula is also perfect for summer; it wears and wears without smearing or disappearing.

Now that you have been properly prettified, go out and enjoy the day!

- Lisa
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