Skin Script Acai Berry Moisturizer   ($30)                 

As most of you know from reading my prior reviews, I’ve been using the Skin Script line of skin care products lately, and have been very happy with them.  My skin looks and feels awesome, even now as the drying winter weather is setting in.   The tight, dry skin on my hands is a different story . . . but I digress.  

Just when I think that my skin care regimen can’t get any better, Skin Script has developed an amazing new moisturizer packed full of the antioxidant “superfood”, the acai berry.   Acai berries are grown in the Amazon rainforest, and are popping up these days in everything from concentrated juice to dietary supplements.  They are a tremendous source of antioxidants, which have been clinically proven to combat the signs of premature aging and to protect the skin against the environmental damage that we all encounter every day.   Skin Script’s Acai Berry Moisturizer also contains vitamins B, C & E, as well as aloe for added hydration and Co-Q10 to minimize fine lines and wrinkles.  All I know is that this moisturizer feels like silk on my skin.  It is rich and nourishing, without feeling heavy or greasy.   The Skin Script website says that this moisturizer is perfect for normal, combination, and sensitive skin.  I think that it would be great for anybody, especially during the winter months that can wreak such havoc on our skin. 

You can check out the brand-new Acai Berry Moisturizer and the rest of the Skin Script line at www.skinscriptrx.com

NP Set Pre-Foundation Primer Makeup

Napoleon Perdis is one of the new designer brands to hit Target stores, under the name NP Set. Previously only available in fine department stores, Napoleon Perdis is offering a wide range of items, from this primer to foundation and color cosmetics for eyes, lips and cheeks. My first introduction to the line is the Pre-Foundation Primer ($29), a creamy, pearly-pink lotion designed to add moisture and create a smooth surface for the rest of your makeup. As someone with light colored skin that has pinkish undertones, I find the light pink tone of this primer to work really well for me, but I wonder how it would look on darker skin, or more yellow or olive skin tones. Because of the moisture component, I would not recommend this primer for skin with any tendency toward oiliness; you will most likely end up with an oil slick. I also take issue with the price point - frankly, I think $29 for any makeup at Target is ridiculous. Knock it down to $12 and I would consider buying it again. I will enjoy my tube but move on.

Arbonne Virtual Illusion Makeup Primer

My friend Linda Cohen turned me on to Arbonne a few years ago, and I have tried several things and have never been disappointed. While placing my most recent order, she recommended this new product, Virtual Illusion Makeup Primer ($32.50). This lightweight, silky-smooth gel would be a perfect fit for any skin tone or type. It creates a smooth surface for makeup, or you can wear it alone after your regular skin care for a more polished bare face. It’s neither matte nor particularly moisturizing, making it an easy fit for any skin type. The one ounce bottle doesn’t seem large, but you need just one pump for your whole face (and it’s not a skimpy amount). This is my favorite primer of the ones I’ve tried.

Exuberance Miracle Bound Pre-Makeup Skin Firming Gel

Here is an example of a primer that crosses the line between makeup and skincare. With skincare ingredients like DMAE (short for dimethylaminoethanol, a naturally occurring substance that may make skin appear firmer) and aloe vera, you could easily use this in the morning as part your anti-aging skincare with or without makeup. Exuberance Skin Firming Gel ($45) is clear and leaves a slightly matte finish on the skin, so if you are dry, be sure to generously apply your regular moisturizer and let it soak in before you apply Miracle Bound. I have found that the matte finish makes my foundation go on more smoothly and allows me to use less product, especially with my current makeup, Lancome Teint Idole.

If you have a favorite at a budget-friendly price point, let me know!

This is one item that all make-up junkies need to have in their hands this holiday season.  Right now, it’s exclusive to Neiman Marcus, but my sources say it will soon be available wherever Bobbi Brown is sold.

JK Jemma Kidd for Target

I was delighted to find that in the past few months, Jemma Kidd has made her her products available in a new line of cosmetics for Target which she calls JK Jemma Kidd. My findings, for the products I have tried thus far, did not disappoint.

I don’t usually wear any kind of primer under my foundation…just  a lot of moisturizer, but I decided to try JK Jemma Kidd Mannequin Skin Complexion Enhancer ($24). The product, infused with Vitamin E, has a faintly luminescent finish, but after rubbing it into your skin, it isn’t too noticeable. It does, however, make a beautiful finish for your foundation. In this case, I was using JK Jemma Kidd Pro Finish Moisture Tint ($28) in 02-Mid.  While   you could use this as a tinted moisturizer, it is layerable, so you can control how much coverage you want. Just like Jemma Kidd’s foundation in her high-end line, the foundation has a very yellowish tone, but blends beautifully into the skin and doesn’t look yellow at all once you have applied it. Only three shades are available. I used 02-Mid. I had thought I would have to go lighter for cold weather, but the foundation readily adapts to enhance your won skin tone. Compared to Jemma’s Light-as-Air Liquid Foundation from her original line, I like the new version better, as it is much more moisturizing.

Jemma Kidd’s blush products in her original line were my favorite items.  I still use them! IMO, her new blushes  are just as good as the old ones! My current faves are Chic Cheeks Powder Blush in 01-London,($21), a light mauvey pink and Stain/Flush/Blush Concentrate in 03-Flirt ($17), a sheer cream blush in a light peachy pink. Both give very sheer and natural color to your face.

JK Jemma Kidd’s products at Target hold their own against her  upscale department store Jemma Kidd Beauty School products. There is not much of a price difference between her two ranges of products, as her original line was very fairly priced for the stores that were carrying them. Having them available at Target certainly will widen her audience!  I heartily recommend giving them a try!

Happy Shopping!
-Judith

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!

  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!

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

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

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