New In and Loving from Guerlain, Peach & Lily, Oskia, Omorovicza and Belif

So many new skincare items have landed on my desk recently and I thought I would share with you the ones that have stood out the most or made it in to regular rotation. 

1. Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist - Even though my skin is oily, I love adding a face mist after I cleanse (or cleanse and tone) and then quickly apply my next step (serum, moisturizer or face oil) to try and trap that moisture on my skin. I've recently been spritzing my way through this Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist and have really enjoyed it. While some face mists are good for the moment, the moisture leaves almost immediately after the mist absorbs into the skin. My skin felt hydrated for longer periods of time when using the mist. It has now earned a spot next to my bed because I like waking up with it and giving an additional spritz before I go to sleep.

2. Belif Aqua Bomb - I do have a ton of anti-aging products that bring out the heavy guns in terms of ingredients (retinol, glycolic, etc). However, it has been my motto for years that keeping the skin hydrated is the best anti-aging action of all. This Belif Aqua Bomb felt as good on the skin as the name would imply. It manages to mix the lightness of a gel with the rich, nourishing properties of a heavy cream. I am loving this now as we enter into the colder temps, but I can see this also working wonders in the summer to help replenish any moisture loss from being out in the sun. Year round hydration, please!

3. Caolion Blackhead Bubble Pore Pack - I was intrigued initially by the name of this product, and that intrigue continued when I opened it and saw the texture. I had to immediately put it on my face. Any mask the bubbles up is a friend of mine. But even though the experience using it is pleasurable, it means nothing if it doesn't work, right? Thankfully, this gives a great pore treatment that makes my skin looks cleaner, less congested and pores appear smaller. It has a slight warming/tingling feeling on the skin, so if you have sensitive skin you may want to patch test. But for those that have skin like myself that is not easily irritated, tingle/bubble away!  

3. Dr. Hauschka Quince Hydration Body Milk - Winter time should be nicknamed "itchy skin time". And of course I don't help the issue by taking super hot showers because I'm freezing at night or in the morning when getting ready. But I own my mistakes and try to compensate for it by using intensely nourishing body lotions and creams. I have already had great success with Dr. Hauschka products being soothing, comforting and gentle on the skin so I knew I had to try something for the body. While I typically reach for a rich body butter or cream to fix the itch (lol, that sounded funny), I was surprised when this lightweight lotion immediately soothed my legs and arms. The scent is delicate and pleasant, and absorbs so quickly that before I even get done applying one body part, the other one is dry with no sticky residue.

4. Oskia Super 16 Serum - There are so many fun aspects of beauty blogging, but when you focus a lot on skincare, attention needs to be paid to the efficacy of products and for how long you test them. Some products like masks, cleansers, mists, etc can show their results quickly, but serums need time. This is why I do not review them as frequently as other skincare products. In fact, I regularly turn down press samples of serums because I can't take a product when I know I won't be able to test it until months later. But I was nearing the end of a recent serum test run and felt it was time to give this one from Oskia a go. I already swear by their Renaissance Cleansing Gel and Renaissance Mask, so I had high hopes for this serum. The Super 16 Serum is a powerful anti-aging formula that uses an all natural retinol equivalent called Bakuchiol, which delivers similar results without any irritation. I noticed within the first 2 weeks how my skin looked brighter, less dehydrated, more supple and pore appeared less congested and minimized. It's incredibly lightweight so I can wear it either morning or night, and it wears well under makeup. I am about 2 months in and still loving the result. Oskia stays winning in my book - there is no product yet that has let me down.

5. Guerlain Purete Cleansing Cream - I love a good cleansing balm. I love a good cleansing milk. So when the two come together, magic ensues. I have to confess that I do own a ton of cleansers. They are my skincare weakness, what can I say? But this Guerlain Cleansing Cream is like no other cleansing formula I own. It feels almost like a cold cream style cleanser - giving the skin a comforting yet cooling cleanse. It is not powerful enough to cut through makeup (and frankly too fancy to be wasted on that task), so I use this as a second cleanse. Recently I decided to go one step further and apply a thick layer to damp skin and leave it on for a few minutes as a quick mask treatment. My skin was left so incredibly hydrated and supple that I only needed a light serum after. I don't wish a cold on myself this winter, but I will definitely be reaching for this as a product to help nourish and comfort my skin if I get one.

*pr samples included

I Love a Good Mask

Between cleansers and masks, it's hard to say which one I love more. Patience has very rarely been a good trait of mine, so that's why I am drawn to masks. The results are often immediate and I can see how well it works (or doesn't). And when I am interested in trying a new skincare brand, I often purchase either a mask or cleanser first because I find they are the best way to ease into a brand and decide if it's worth splurging on the more substantial items like a serum, moisturizer or eye cream. I've been testing out a handful of masks over the past few weeks and here are 3 that rose to the top and were deemed worthy of a review.

1. Ling Sparkling Makeover Mask - By far, my favorite facial of all time is the Advanced Facial with Energy Lift at the Ling spa in Union Square. Lucky for me though, I can continue my results after with her skincare line. I love a good fizzy mask, but some disappear too quickly or give very lackluster results. I am a fan of this one from Peter Thomas Roth, but after trying this one from Ling - I found that it removed dirt and impurities from the skin rather than simply hydrating and rejuvenating.  You apply the product onto a damp face and within a minute, it begins to foam up. I leave the mask on for 10-15 minutes, and surprisingly there was still some foam left on my face! This stuff is serious. And the fact that it comes in individual packets means that it will be a travel must.

2. Dr. Hauschka Hydrating Mask - While I do love a gel based hydrating mask for that cooling and soothing effect they often give, it was a nice change to use one that was rich, thick and ultra-moisturizing. Though it's still quite hot and humid out, I have been dealing with some dryness on certain parts of my face. This mask came just at the right time. I was tempted to apply it just to the dry patches but decided to cover my entire face. Because it's so thick, I needed a damp washcloth to remove it but my skin felt like new again afterwards. The dry patches were almost gone and by the next morning were no longer a nuisance when applying makeup. This should come in handy in about 4 months when I'm trapped inside because of the cold winter weather. (I shudder just thinking about it.)

3. Nuance Salma Hayek White Clay Treatment Mask - Typically I am more of a department store gal when it comes to my skincare preferences, but occasionally I find gems in the drugstore that really impress me. I am new to the Nuance line but this White Clay Treatment Mask was the perfect introduction. I love a good clay mask as much as the next oily-skinned gal, but my gripe with them is that many times I have to immediately use a hydrating mask right after because my skin  feels dry and tight. I had high hopes for this one the minute I squeezed it out onto my hand. The texture was creamy, and after 10 minutes of waiting for it to dry down (translation: feel crusty and hard) I was happy to see that it still stayed quite creamy and emollient on the skin. Afterwards my skin felt hydrated, looked naturally matte and my pores appeared less noticeable. I don't think I can ask for much more.

*pr samples included

Shop more of my mask recommendations:

Cleanser Review: Jurlique, Soap & Glory, Sjal, Zelens and Dr. Hauschka

I love testing cleansers. If I could test them all day every day I would. (well I guess I would have to give my face a break one in a while, ugh) Here are 5 that I have put through the paces over the past few weeks and months.

1. Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Cream - I think of this more as a mask/cleanser than a standard cleanser. As you can see from below, it is a thick grainy texture so it is definitely better for a second cleanse or even a treatment. I add a bit of water to it to make a thick paste and then pat it on my skin. I use upward massaging motions to work it onto the skin for a minute or two and then gently rinse it off. My skin is left smooth, plump and hydrated. Truly a unique product.

2. Zelens Z Pure Cleansing Liquid Balm - Boy is this stuff thick! Which initially had me wondering whether it would perform better as a makeup remover/first cleanse or massaging second cleanse. I did feel that it removed makeup nicely, but it's a pricier cleanser so I would prefer to leave it as a second cleanse and really work it well into the skin. Because it is so thick, I like to remove it with a warm cloth and love the final result of how my skin feels and looks. Definitely another win from Zelens.

3. Sjal Deep Pore Cleanser - We all know how judgey I can be when it comes to skincare and makeup and I often make snap decisions about a product from just the name or appearance. I am forever proven wrong, but yet I keep doing it. Here was another example of a judgement gone wrong. I saw "deep pore cleanser" and immediately thought it would be foamy and stripping and designed for oily skin but leave my skin feeling worse. And this was after falling in love with the 2 Sjal masks....I'm a tough audience. Welp, my assessment couldn't be further from reality. This is the most luxurious and decadent creamy balm that glides over the skin like silk. I use this as a second cleanse because I want every bit of the key ingredients to get right on my skin and not be wasted trying to cut through makeup. Add water and this melts beautifully leaving the skin feeling like it's had a day at the spa. After a good 2 weeks of using regularly, my skin look noticeably brighter and my pores appeared cleaner and less noticeable. The cap is a bit troublesome to remove but frankly I could really care less because what's inside is so remarkable. Two thumbs up! 

4. Soap & Glory Deep Cleansing Milk - First things first - this stuff smells unbelievable. It has a sweet and enticing aroma of fresh peaches and I wash just a few seconds longer each time to enjoy the smell. But yummy scent aside, the formula itself is soft, creamy and delivers just the right amount of moisture and hydration to balance my oily skin. I know this may seem like a bold statement from a product I was only recently introduced to, but it secured a spot in my top 3 favorite milk cleansers already. Yup, told you it was bold. But when you know, you know. Ya know?

5. Jurlique Nourishing Cleansing Oil - I typically don't write my blog posts in order of least favorite to most favorite, but in this case I ended with my favorite cleanser of the bunch. I have tried a lot (seriously, a TON) of cleansing oils and this was a stunner from first cleanse. The texture is thick but not too thick, and literally erases any and every trace of makeup from my face. Stubborn eye makeup, thick foundation, 13 layers of bronzers....not a match for this stuff. And while it is easy to emulsify and rinse off, it doesn't completely dissolve immediately. I have to work the water into the oil to really get a good milk which ensures I get a deep clean. My skin is left soft and smooth, and if I absolutely had to skip a second cleanse it wouldn't even matter. This stuff is that effective and my skin loves it. I told my mother to go out and buy this immediately. LOL. We love to chat skincare and text about our routines and I told her that her face needed this cleanser. Stat! I'm bossy when it comes to skincare. Sorry not sorry. Her face will thank me.

*pr samples included

Shop more of my cleanser recommendations: 

A Few Natural Skincare Brands I'm Enjoying

It's no surprise that I am a skincare addict, but I don't tend to actively seek out natural brands to use in my routine. I struggle with wondering how effective they will be, and if I will see the same caliber of results that I do with my other non-natural brands. To be honest, I still rely on certain ingredients (retinol and glycolic acid being the two most important for me) to deliver the strongest results and that's why I still keep them in my routine often in the form of serums and moisturizers. But recently, I've been introduced to more natural brands and have been enjoying adding certain products into my routine.  

I've always been a fan of Tata Harper (this cleanser is a holy grail), and find her products to be some of the best because they straddle the 'effective yet natural' divide quite nicely. Oskia is another brand that I've been fond of for awhile now ever since their cult classic Renaissance Cleansing Gel lured me in. Dr. Hauschka and Jurlique are both new to me, but I discovered a few products from each that I enjoy.

1. Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser - Since cleansing oils are my preferred cleanser for my first cleanse/removing makeup, I naturally gravitated towards this first. The oil is thick but glides on smoothly breaking up makeup easily and even removing stubborn mascara with little to no rubbing. Once I add water, it emulsifies into a comforting milk and my skin is left feeling hydrated, soft, smooth and balanced. No feelings of tightness or discomfort. If there is one thing Tata Harper knows how to do - it's make cleansers!

2. Tata Harper Restorative Eye Cream - I've been a loyal fan of Tata Harper cleansers and swear by this resurfacing mask, but I wasn't sure how I would feel about the eye cream (again, this is me questioning effectiveness). Fast forward nearly a month later and I have been blown away with how much I enjoy using this. It targets multiple anti-aging concerns such as dark circles and fine lines, and it helps keep the skin around my eye area taut and smooth. It's rich enough for the evening, but still works well during the day under makeup. Those looking for a more natural eye cream option for targeting anti-aging, this is a great one to try!

3. Jurlique Clarifying Deep Cleansing Gel - Now that it is summer, I love to add in more gel textures to my skincare routine. This Jurlique deep cleansing gel has small microspheres of jojoba esters that give a gentle but effective exfoliation to the skin. In addition, it contains willow bark that helps to kill any acne-causing bacteria so I've been using it when I feel a breakout coming on. It's refreshing on the skin, but I have found that I like removing it better with a damp cloth to avoid making my skin feel stripped or tight. 

4. Dr. Hauschka Soothing Cleansing Milk - I don't know why it has taken me so long to finally try this product, because it has been on my radar for yearrrrrrs. I worked at Sephora when I first moved to NYC 15 years ago, and so many of our clients would come in and rave about this product. I finally feel a sense of completion now that I can participate in the Dr. Hauschka Soothing Cleansing Milk lovefest. This stuff feels heavenly when on, and literally envelopes the skin in moisture making it feel soothed, calm and nourished. I can use either with water or a damp cloth as my second cleanse, and find that it works even when my skin is at it's most sensitive.

5. Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream - While the Soothing Cleansing Milk was something I've been wanting to try for a long time, the Rose Day Cream did not interest me as much. That is until Jennifer Lopez mentioned it on 'Watch What Happens Live' one night and then my interest was piqued! LOL! I mean, c'mon....her skin is everything! I was hesitant because it is so rich, but found that using just the smallest amount worked well for me. I was surprised to see how it made my skin glow, but not in a greasy or oily way. It's definitely more of a winter product for me to wear all over my face, but I used it recently on a few dry patches I've had from breakouts that are healing and it worked wonders on them! If you suffer from dry and sensitive skin, this would be perfect for you year round. Those with oily skin may find it works better in the colder months, and as a spot treatment in the warmer weather.

6. Oskia Renaissance Mask - After hearing angels sing when using the Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel, I was excited to give the mask a try. It is designed to increase cell turnover, boost radiance and reduce the appearance of fine lines - basically it's a new face in a jar, ha! Just the description alone had me excited, and once I saw the results, it lived up to all my expectations. My skin felt smooth, soft and glowed like I just had the best facial of my life. I swear each product I try from Oskia is better than the last, and can't believe it took me soooo long to discover this fabulous brand! I think I may begin defining the periods of my life as B.O. and A.O., Before Oskia and After Oskia. My skin only prefers to only live in the A.O. era going forward. 

*pr samples included