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Lisa, iced coffee and summer beauty
With the dog days of summer in full swing here in the midwest, it takes a little extra work to stay looking polished. My skin and hair goes through stages of oiliness and dryness, depending on a variety of factors: the humidity levels, how much time I'm spending in the sun - not to mention other factors like stress and hormonal levels. What's a gal to do? Sample lots of new products, of course!
I tried a new line called Alchimie Forever. This collection of Swiss skincare was launched in 2000 as a companion to their Forever Laser Institut in Geneva, a "European medical spa dedicated to the health, beauty, and well-being of the face and body." The products are chock full of natural ingredients like jojoba, grape seeds, rosemary, and green tea. With all those natural goodies, I was really excited to try this line.
I first tried the Kantic Lights Off intense renewal night cream (1.7 oz for $69). This is a mid-weight cream with a silky feel and fresh, slightly fruity scent - thanks to the blueberries and grape seed extract. It felt great going on, and absorbed readily into my skin. Unfortunately, I woke to some mild cosmetic acne on my forehead and chin. I tried it a second night, just to be sure, and the same thing happened. I think this cream just might be a bit too rich for my skin, especially during the summer. I might give it another go-around during the winter when my skin's oil production is at its lowest. However, it does feel lovely, so you might want to give it a try if your skin tends to be drier.
I also tried Diode 1 and Diode 2 Anti-Aging Serums ($85 for the set). Packaged in two separate bottles, these serums are to be used in conjunction with one another morning and night to firm skin, diminish brown spots, and ease fine lines. One formula contains extract of rosemary, and the other, green tea; used together they are meant to deliver a one-two punch of anti-oxidants to combat free radicals and other nasties our skin comes in contact with on a daily basis. Both serums are lightweight liquids that smooth easily over freshly washed skin (and are meant to be used under your regular moisturizer). While they absorb pretty well, they do leave a trace of stickiness. Unfortunately, these broke me out a bit, too. I tried using each one alone, and found that the rosemary formula was the culprit - now, I use the green tea formula on its own and find it gives my skin a nice lift and a healthy glow.
While I appreciated the concept and quality standards of the Alchimie Forever line, it just didn't seem to jive with my skin very well. Everyone's skin is different, so these might be just the thing for someone else with a less irritable dermis. You can find Alchimie Forever at alchimie-forever.com and b-glowing.com.
Now, to switch gears to hair. About 3 weeks ago, I took the plunge and highlighted my medium brown hair - I am now the blondest I have been since my toe-headed childhood! New haircolor is such fun, but it can really dry out those tresses. A great excuse to experiment with some pampering products for my new, golden mane.
I have been wanting to try Kerastase products for quite some time now, and thought that this would be the perfect opportunity. Kerastase, a luxury, sub-line of L'Oreal, has gotten some nice press, so I wondered how they would stack up to my beloved Aveda Shampure shampoo and Terax conditioner...
To cleanse, I tried Bain Satin Nutrition 2 Shampoo for dry/sensitised hair. At $27 for a 8.5oz bottle, I was reticent to take a chance, but I'm really glad I did. This shampoo creates a creamy, moisturizing lather that cleans hair thoroughly, but doesn't strip the cuticle. I used it the first time, without conditioner, just to get a sense of how my hair would take to it and, Boy howdy! I had swingy, shiny, moisturized hair that wasn't limp or lacklustre. I was amazed that this was the result sans conditioner. I love this shampoo, and plan to purchase it whenever my pocketbook allows!
To condition, I tried the Nutritive Lait Vital Proteine Conditioner, and it ended up being the perfect companion to the shampoo. This formula reminds me of Komenuka Bijin's formula. It conditions without leaving a heavy residue, and yields bouncy, silky hair. Again, at $27 for a 7oz tube, this isn't bargain haircare, but it is a fabulous splurge, to be sure!
To style, I decided to exact the final blow on my groaning debit card and try Alterna's Caviar Age-Defying Styling Spray ($25). This lightweight liquid adds just a touch of hold, and protects hair beautifully from heat-styling. I used it before blowdrying and a few passes of the straightening iron, and was amazed at the softness and shine that resulted. Another winner!
And with that, I'm off to enjoy a cup of iced coffee on my deck, because I know, all too well, that sumer is coming to a close, and cold weather is just around the corner. Enjoy the sunshine while you can!
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Posted August 7, 2005
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