Results tagged “Clinique” from Style Flavors

I am not someone who has to shave everyday and I am not hairy except for my legs so I can get away with not touching my razor for a few days but the thing is, when my facial hair grows out, they tend to grow out as if I were still an awkward teenager so just because I can get away with not shaving doesn't mean I should.

Shaving:

Nicks and burns are all part and parcel of shaving. We all wish for a way to somehow avoid them but we know they are inevitable. Like bones on fish. It all happens to the best of us. A proper post-shaving cream helps to soothe and calm the inflamed, damaged skin and promote the growth of new ones while reducing discomfort and irritation.

I like Lab Series Triple Benefit Post-Shave Remedy (1.7oz/50ml) (US$25). This nifty gel works to keep ingrown hair in check, soothe and calm irritated skin and soften and refine facial hair. I did notice that I didn't have to shave that much often and whenever I had a cut, this would soothe it and relieve the discomfort.

I like Anthony Logistics for Men Ingrown Hair Treatment (2.5oz/70g) (US$26.50). Ingrown hairs can be a source of frustration and annoyance. This wonderful gel treatment contains a useful blend of Glycolic, Salicylic and Phytic acids to remove dead skin cells, kill bacteria and free ingrown hair. I like how it gently exfoliates while keeping my skin clear and comfortable after each shave.

I always say 'Fake it till you make it', and that is certainly true when it comes to a tan. Gone are the days where you need good weather in order to attain a glow. Now you can have it all in a bottle, all year round, anytime of the day.

Sensitive skin requires extra care to bring back skin to its prime condition; that means using correct products and avoiding harsh ones. Redness, irritation and inflammation are all symptoms of sensitive skin but they can be kept in check.


Self-Tanners:

The safest tan is a fake one. Prolonged, unprotected sun exposure wrecks havoc on your skin by rapidly increasing melanin production causing age and sun spots, dehydrating your skin causing fine lines and wrinkles and the loss of firmness and elasticity because of collagen depletion.

I love the sun and the fun thing about time spent under the sun is attaining a post-vacation glow. Note the word 'glow' not 'bake'. You want to look as if you were kissed by the sun, not raped. The most convenient way to do that is through a bottle. Gone are the days of orange and streaky tanners. The new generation of self-tanners give you a healthy dose of color without all the mess and the hassle.

Before applying self-tanning products, it always pays to exfoliate first. Exfoliating helps sweep away skin cells and even out skin tone, leading to a more even and complete result. And it also pays to wait a couple of minutes for the lotion to dry on your body before piling on clothes.

I like L'Oreal Sublime Bronze, Gradual Self-Tanning Lotion (6.7oz/200ml) (US$9.99). This affordable tanner gives you a color that you can improve with every application. This doesn't smell neither does it give you a telling orange look. The even and natural color is something I appreciate along with its price tag.

I like Prescriptives Sunsheen All Over Self Tanner (4.2oz/125ml) (US$14.50). This quickly absorbed self tanner gives you a natural boost of color in 3 hours. I use this all over my body and face and I like how natural the color is and how it doesn't streak or smudge. The smell is light and the color stays for days.

I like Clinique Self Sun Face Tinted Lotion (1.7oz/50ml) (US$18.50). This oil free, non-pore clogging tinted lotion gives you color in hours. I like how easy it absorbs into the skin and how natural it all looks. The color lasts for days, after which you simply reapply to attain the fading glow.

I also like Rodial Skincare Brazilian Tan, Dark (5.1oz/150ml) (US$49). This intensive self-tanner has a dual action - one to give you a deep color and the other to replenish and boost skin with its Pomegranate Ellagic Tannin ingredient. I how this smells like the beach and rich color it develops and how my skin feels softer and looks radiant after an application.

Sensitive Skin:

I never thought that I would be one with sensitive skin because I previously had the impression that a person with sensitive skin had to have extremely dry skin. I don't know why or where I got that impression from but it was only after my skin began to start reacting to certain products that I was sure I had very oily, sensitive skin.

I began searching for the best remedies and solutions to soothe my confused, combination skin. I found Avene and from the first time I started using their products, I was a convert. Chock full of Avene's Thermal Water, all Avene products are suitable for all skin type, especially sensitive ones.

I like Avene Clean-Ac (1.35oz/40ml) (US$15). This is a must-have for me and anyone who suffers from breakouts and the subsequent dryness resulting from acne treatments. I love how this soothes my dehydrated, flaky skin by enveloping it with essential moisture. This helps repair the skin's moisture barrier without causing more breakouts.

I like Avene Skin Recovery Cream (39g) (US$31.69). This multi-purpose cream calms and soothes skin damaged and irritated by weather, heat and dermalogical procedures. I take this every with me and use it after every session at the dermatologist. Not only does it help repair the skin's natural barrier, it also replenishes lost moisture. I like how it comforts my skin after every laser treatment at the dermatologist. Great all-year round cream.

I also like Avene Thermal Spring Water (1.58oz/300g) (US$16). I have a bottle of this mist everywhere in the house. In the bedroom, in the bathroom and in every one of my bags. This handy mist really works to reduce irritation and redness from heat, allergies and external aggressions. I remember being in the Chanel store in Paris and my sister was rashing up for some strange reason and a spritz of this reduced the redness and calmed her skin. Just like that.

This is also wonderful for airplane rides to replenish lost moisture from the dehydrating air cabin. I also use this as a toner and a booster before I use a tissue mask. This helps your skin to better absorbs your products and masks.


Keep checking back for the next installment of Style Flavors' Skin Care Guide where I will be focusing on shaving and facial masks.  

Moisturizers work essentially to replenish lost moisture from the cleansing and exfoliation process while repairing the damage done in the past by sun exposure, external aggressions, free radicals and stress while you work and sleep.

In the day, they should offer UV protection and essential antioxidant and vitamins to reverse the signs of aging, acne and lack of sleep. At night, they should hydrate optimally while fostering the growth of new skin cells and aiding in the recovery process happening while you sleep. 


Day Moisturizer:

SPF protection is crucial everyday, no matter the weather. The rays of the sun can be reflected through the windows in your office and your car so protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is important even if you're indoors. With daily use of a sunscreen, you can prevent wrinkles, age spots and premature skin aging. 

Some would say that using a separate sun block on top of your daily moisturizer provides the widest spectrum of protection. I don't disagree with that. However, I find slapping another layer of sunblock just makes my oily skin greasier. So I like using a day moisturizer with SPF - that just means one less product to deal with.

 

Speaking of oily skin from slapping on too many products, I like Dermalogica Solar Defense Oil Free Matte Block SPF20 50ml/1.7oz US$56.50 from Strawberrynet.com. This mattifying moisturizer keeps oil at bay with its Microsponge technology - my skin looked matte for a few hours longer than it normally would while Green Tea extracts helps to soothe skin cause by acne breakouts.

I like Lancome's Bienfait Multi-Vital Glow SPF15 (1.7oz/50ml) (US$46). This oil-free moisturizer is packed with multi-vitamins, minerals and fatty acids to hydrate and protect your skin while 2.5% DHA leaves skin with a hint of color. I use this on days where I feel I could use some glow on my complexion and getting a few compliments on my complexion now and then doesn't hurt either.

I like Clinique Superdefense Age Defense Moisturizer SPF 25 ( Combination Oily to Oily ) 50ml/1.7oz for US$53.50 at Strawberrynet.com. and this Clinique Superdefense Age Defense Moisturizer SPF 25 ( Dry Combination ) 50ml/1.7oz for US$39.50 at Strawberrynet.com. and this Clinique Superdefense Age Defense Moisturizer SPF 25 ( Very Dry To Dry ) 50ml/1.7oz for US$53.50 at Strawberrynet.com.  This award-winning moisturizer works to deal with with the signs of both environmental and emotional effects on skin. With antioxidants and protective sun screen formula, this moisturizers helps combat the signs of aging - fine lines, wrinkles, dullness while building up skin's natural moisture barrier. I use this on days when my skin gets dried up by the sun and acne products and it helps replenish moisture while undoing the signs of stress.

I also like Patricia Wexler's Skin Brightening Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 (1.7oz/50ml) (US$39.50). This moisturizer not only brighten my skin but also treats signs of aging while protecting against future damage in the day. I like the texture and the feel on my skin and also how goes to make my complexion look more refined.
 

Night Moisturizers:

Sleep is the period where your body and cells undergo repair. This applies to your skin too. Hence quality sleep results in better skin. But we all know that having a good night's sleep every night of your life is just not possible. Thus, the importance of night moisturizers. They pack a potent dose of antioxidants, moisture retaining ingredients and they all work to help reverse the signs of aging and promote the growth of healthier skin cells.

Point to remember: Always go to bed with a clean face.

I like Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Plantidote Mega-Mushroom Face Lotion (1.7oz/50ml) (US$61). This soothing moisturizer is chock-full of botanical goodness harvested from mushrooms. The scent is an acquired taste but the benefits far exceed the possibility of having to get used to the natural, woody scent. After regular use, my skin looks fuller, smoother, healthier and younger. Dried out skin became moist and supple again - my sun-raped skin was rescued by this moisturizer on two different occasions and I will always have this in my bathroom.   

I like Patricia Wexler's Intensive Night Reversal & Repair Cream (1.7oz/50ml) (US$42.50). This orange cream goes on to instantly hydrate and with regular use, my skin because brighter, healthier and smoother. Vitamin C works to combact free-radical damage and even skin tone while patented peptides repair past damage and encourage the growth of new cells while you sleep.

I like Shiseido Bio Performance Super Restoring Cream 50ml/1.7oz US$100 from Strawberrynet.com. This super-rich cream works to intensively hydrate and fight against the scars of aging - wrinkles, fine lines, dullness. My skin looked younger, firmer and completely compensated after 2 weeks of usage. This is a great pick-me up for when your skin needs an intensive boost.

I also like Clinique Total Turnaround Cream - Very Dry to Dry Combination 50ml/1.7oz US$53.50 from Strawberrynet.com. This grainy cream works to encourage micro-circulation and exfoliation which leads to the growth of new, fresh skin cells. All while soothing fine lines, softening skin and promoting an even complexion. I take this on beach vacations and it helps prolong the glow from being out in the sun while giving me a radiant complexion that garners compliments.

Keep checking back for the next installment of Style Flavors' Skin Care Guide where I'll be zooming in on targeted skin treatments. 

Part 1 of Style Flavors' Skin Care Guide covered cleansing, exfoliation and toning. Part 2 will cover eye care and serums.

Eyes take the hit of late nights, stress and the lack of sleep. As such, it's always better late than never to start taking care of the skin around your eyes.

Eye-Care:

Your eyes show the first signs of aging and tiredness. The delicate eye area is thin and fragile hence it does help to take extra care of this specific area. Dark eye circles are caused by various factors like heredity, allergies, age and fatigue.

Dark circles are an inherited trait - when blood passes through the veins under the eye area, a dark tint is produced and the transparency of the skin around your eye determines how visible the dark tint appears.

Constant rubbing and scratching your eyes will cause dilation of blood vessels and will lead to more visible dark circles. So refrain from rubbing your eyes just like you would refrain from touching your face or popping your zits.

Although there aren't any permanent solution to reducing and removing dark circles, there are products that will help improve the appearance of dark eye circles.caused by burst blood vessels and thin, worn out skin. Fine lines are caused by various factors like dehydration and sun exposure. Using a eye cream/gel twice a day will help reduce fine lines, puffiness and the appearance of dark circles.

I like Patricia Wexler's Instant De-Puff Eye Gel (0.5oz/ US$19.50). This works best cold so I store this in the fridge for a hit of refreshment. This reduces puffiness visibly while reducing the appearance of fine lines.

I like SK II Signs Eye Cream 15g/0.5oz US$99 at Strawberrynet.com. This rich cream works to combat the signs of aging - lines, wrinkles and bags. Its rich formula ensures optimal hydration throughout the day; great for winter vacations. The area around my eyes look brighter, softer and healthier. I take this whenever I travel.

I like Nuxe Contour des Yeux Prodigieux Anti-Aging Eye Cream (US$27). This anti-aging eye cream provides optimal moisturization and works to reduce puffiness and signs of aging. I like how this easily absorbs to soothe and protect the delicate eye area. 

 

I also like Lancome Blanc Expert NeuroWhite X3 Anti-Dark Circle Eye Treatment 15ml/0.5oz US$60.50 at Strawberrynet.com. This rich yet lightweight whitening treatment works deep to lighten eye bags and dark circles while promoting hydration and soothing the thin skin around your eyes. The lightening effect can be seen in 2 weeks of usage and a smoother, healthier eye area is your outcome.

I like Kiehls' Abyssine Eye Cream (0.5oz/14ml) (US$32). This marine extract eye cream helps to reduce fine lines and prevent the signs of aging. I like how easy this goes into my skin to hydrate and encourage healthier, fresher looking eyes.  

  


Serums:

Serums pack a higher dose of nutrients, antioxidants and vitamins as compared to day/night moisturizers. Hence, serums are skin-savers that work effectively to regenerate skin cells, promote healthy skin growth, even out skin tone, banish zits and blackheads, intensively hydrate and prevent signs of aging. They go after your toner and before your moisturizer. 

Ingredients such as stabilized Vitamin C work to prevent and combat free radical damage. Salicylic Acid works deep into pores to prevent breakouts and blackheads. Potent exfoliators like Glycolic Acid work to reveal fresh, radiant skin while you sleep.

  I like DERMAdoctor Ain't Misbehavin' Intensive Medicated Blackhead Treatment(1oz/30ml) (US$42). This serum penetrates the pores to remove clogging blackheads, kills bacteria and trapped dirt all while minimizing the appearance of pores. Blackheads appeared less frequently and my skin looked cleared and my pores more refined. I also like how this keeps zits at bay. 

 

I like Clinique Turnaround Concentrate Visible Skin Renewer 30ml/1oz US$54 from Straweberrynet.com. This time-released serum works to gently exfoliate and speeds up the cell renewal process revealing a brighter, fresher complexion with an even glow. I like how radiant my skin looks after this and how it evens out my complexion to remove traces of dullness.

I like Patricia Wexler's MMPi.20™ Skin Regenerating Serum (3.4oz/150ml) (US$150). This pink gel instantly hydrates while soothing fine lines and reversing the signs of aging to give you a healthy, glowing complexion. This also helps tame unruly brows so if you have them, just sweep a little over your brows and this serum will work like hair gel to keep your brows in place.

 

I like Clarins Double Serum Generation 6 Extra-Firming Botanical Intensive Care 2x15ml US$92 from Strawberrynet.com. This plant based serum is chock full of botanical benefits. The unique formula contains an oil and a water based serum that works together to bind essential moisture to hydrate and repair skin. Fine lines, wrinkles and dullness are erased. With regular use, my skin became softer, firmer and looked healthier. I take this to beach vacations where I slater this on twice daily after time spent in the sun. I know it sounds a tad passive-aggressive but this does help.

I also like Lancome High Resolution Collaser-48 Deep Collagen Anti-Wrinkle Serum 30ml/1oz US$45 from Strawberrynet.com. This rich anti-aging serum works to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while plumping up skin to reveal younger, fuller looking skin. By stimulating collagen synthesis, this serum actively repairs and restores firmness and tone. I like how this instantly smoothes and hydrates, giving a healthy sheen. With regular use, my skin is firmer and healthier with reduction in lines.


I like Biotherm Line Peel Crystalescent Bio-Cellular Serum 30ml/1oz US$59 at Strawberrynet.com. This serum works to gently peel off surface layers of skin, promoting renewal and an even, healthier slate without fine lines and wrinkles. I like the glow I get from using this and the overall freshness and radiance this leaves me. 

 

Keep checking back for the next installment of Style Flavors' Skin Care Guide where we'll dive into moisturizers.  

If you have oily skin, you'll know just how excess sebum can enlarge the look of your pores. This shine control gel will keep your skin matte and regulate sebum production and by doing so; refine the look of pores. It doesn't work for hours on end (though I wish it would) if you're constantly in a humid environment like I am but it did help my skin look less shiny. I went for a couple of hours without looking like I just fried buckets of chicken. I also use this for those party days. Good for those nights on the town when you don't want your T-Zone to outshine your personality. Get this for US$14.50 at Clinique.

Excess oil coupled with humidity and sweat can make pores look larger than they actually are. Although there is no way to actually shrink the size of your pores, there are products that can help make them looker smaller than they actually are. After all, we are all subscribers of illusions and perceptions.

I don't use makeup or anything close to it (unless it's for Halloween). So I had reticence when I was recommended this at the Clinique counter. The nice French lady assured me that this had no color and it isn't makeup even though it might seem like it. Again, perception.

There were 2 different shades to choose from and I picked the Invisible one which blends quickly into your skin and starts working from there. My skin stayed matt longer and I didn't look like I spent the last 8 hours frying shoe-string fries (which unfortunately for me, is a usual occurrence).

I am digging the fact that it resists sweat and humidity which makes it ideal if you live in a tropical climate. And of course, it doesn't last the whole entire day but there is a visible improvement or lack thereof of shine.

Perfect for those days where you wished your pores would stop being such attention whores.

Get this Clinique Pore Minimizer Instant Perfector #01 Invisible Light 15ml/0.5oz for US$26 at Strawberrynet.com.

Acne and sun exposure leave behind dark spots and cause uneven skin tone. These dull the overall appearance of your skin. I got this when I realized how visibly uneven my skin tone was and I was determined to fix that. After years of battling teenage acne and reckless sun bathing, I was left with physical reminders of those times and I am just not a fan of souvenirs of such kind from the past. With daily use, this serum evens out skin tone and breaks down dark spots leaving a clearer, radiant complexion. My spots lightened in about 2 weeks and I continued to see improvements in my skin tone week after week. I started using this once daily but now I have amped it up to twice daily. Faster results! Get this Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Corrector 30ml/1oz for US$45 at Strawberrynet.com.

After my success with Clinique's Total Turnaround Visible Skin Renewer, I was eager to give this night cream a more thorough whirl. I've used this before here and there but never really dived into it until a couple of weeks ago when I picked up a jar at the store.

I was looking for something richer; something that would help reverse the harmful effects of my time spent in the sun and also hydrate the drier parts of my skin continuously.

My skin was instantly hydrated from this rich cream which helped eased the discomfort around the flaky, dried-out area over my chin. This cream is packed with vitamins and antioxidants to help stimulate new cell growth and boost skin's natural repair cycle. My skin looked brighter, became softer and despite those nights when I don't get enough sleep, I still woke up with healthy looking skin.

This would be a good moisturizer for the drier and colder parts of the year and would serve very well those of you who sleep with the A/C on at night; which makes it perfect for year-round travel.

Get this for US$48.50 (1.07oz/30ml) at Sephora.

One of my closest pals asked me to bring a bunch of stuff back home for him (because I had the huge suitcase) while we were vacationing in Bali and this moisturizer was among one of the few items. He told me to feel free to use it and I am very glad I did.

From the first application, I noticed a difference. My skin was brighter, smoother and looked better. I was throughly impressed. This cream is like a mini-exfoliator of sorts, by rushing fresh new cells to the surface and in the process, improving your complexion. My skin looked more refined and even toned after a week of daily usage.

The light, grainy texture goes on smoothly and doesn't dry out or cause breakouts. Use this after your daily moisturizer. It's not just me who noticed a difference. On the second day I used this product, I was told I was glowing twice and both parties demanded to know what I was using.

Now this is a keeper and I don't want to give it back! Get this for US$36 (1.7oz/50ml) at Nordstrom.