Results tagged “Lancome” from Style Flavors

In this installment of Style Flavors' Skin Care Guide, I will be diving into targeted treatments from acne to oil control to whitening.

Using a specific product for your specific skin type and problem will help solve the skin issues you face quicker and more effectively.


Anti-Acne:

I used to have problematic skin in high school and all throughout junior and senior year, I was plagued with horrible teenage acne. I still have to deal with regular zits constantly and I have somehow accepted it as just one of the few bumps in my existence. Keeping your skin clean and balanced is all the more important if you're dealing with acne.

I especially like University Medical AcneFree Clear Skin System (US$19.49) - I first came across this at Costco 3 years ago and it just so happened I ran out of products and so I just threw it in the cart and didn't think much of it. After 2 weeks of daily use, I was hooked.

My skin was clearer and looked healthier and breakouts were reduced visibly. I especially love the University Medical AcneFree Sensitive Acne & Blackhead Terminator Medicated Spot Control Gel (1oz/28g) (US$5.99) [a combination of Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide] - it dries up zits and peels the top layer of the inflamed skin off to quickly combat persistent zits. I brought a few kits back with me when I left the US and gave them to my brother and my brother-in-law who both now swear by it.

I also like Avene Cleanance K Oil-Control Lotion (1.35oz/41g) (US$18). This AHA & BHA (Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids) formula works to gently exfoliate skin daily while clearing up blemishes and blackheads. I love how the high concentration of Avene Spring Water as it helps soothe and hydrate my skin as it clears it up. I passed this product on to my sister and a few of my friends who now use this religiously.

 

I like Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Treatment Cream, Vanishing (1oz/28g) (US$9.99). This maximum strength treatment cream works to quickly and effectively reduce spot size. This cream works and with regular use, my pesky zits become a thing of the past. The very affordable price tag makes this a winner.  

I like Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Acne Mark Fading Peel Acne Treatment(1.4oz/40g) (US$13.99). Acne and persistent zits leave behind physical reminders that they were once on our faces by means of dark post-inflammatory spots. This masks works to exfoliate dead skin cells while treating acne; removing signs that they were once there. My marks faded with regular use of this and breakouts appeared less frequent. And at such a great price, it's worth a shot.

 


Oil Control:

Oily skin individuals, like myself, are less prone to wrinkles and fine lines but enlarged pores, shiny skin and regular breakouts are just some of the main issues that we have to deal with. There is no physical way to alter the size of your pores; they are pretty much determined by genetics but you can improve the appearance of your pores by regulating oil production and regular exfoliation.

I like Clinique Pore Minimizer Instant Perfector #01 Invisible Light 15ml/0.5oz US$25 from Strawberrynet.com. This perfector works to deshines and mattify your skin while reducing the look of your pores. My complexion looked smoother with less visible pores, so much so that people actually think I use makeup. And this isn't makeup. What I like is how it helps resist humidity and sweat making this perfect for tropical climates.

I like Shiseido Men Anti Shine Refresher 30ml/1oz US$37 from Strawberrynet.com. This is one of my current skin staples and I have been using this for a long, long time. This cool gel works to refresh your skin while instantly mattifying it. This keeps my skin looking less shiny for hours. My pores looked smaller and my skin smoother and fresh. So much so that my brother's girlfriend demanded to know what I was using and then went to the store the next day to look for this.

I like Dr. Brandt Pores No More (1oz/30ml) (US$45). This oil absorber works to minimize the look of pores while keeping my skin less shiny for hours. Look forward to a matte, refined complexion.

Whitening:

Besides zits, dark spots are the other bane of my skin existence; especially the dark spots left behind by said inconvenient zits. Dark spots or hyperpigmentation are caused by various factors. The dark spots left behind by acne and pimples are known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that result from trauma to the skin - eg. acne.

UV light is a major cause of dark spots. The naturally occuring pigment in your skin is combination of sun damage and a decline in the hormones that regulate the production of melanin. When your skin is exposured to sun, the UV rays can easily break down the collagen and elastin and as a result the skin may become rougher and cause formation of brown, reddish spots due to the excess melanin.

Prolonged sun exposure causes the skin cells to produce more melanin and cause surface pigment changes. Melanin is a pigment that gives color to the skin and hair. It helps protect the skin from the harmful sun's rays but increased amount of melanin pigment often result in formation of dark, brown spots.

I like Shiseido Bio Performance Advanced Super Revitalizer (Cream) Whitening Formula 50ml/1.7oz US$98 from Strawberrynet.com. This rich, luxourious cream reverses the signs of past damage done by the sun. My uneven and dull skin looked brighter and more radiant after only a few days of usage. The extra smooth slate that my skin attainted was a wonderful bonus. Sure, it's a tad costly but it's worth the price tag.

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.  

When I was in my teens, all I really cared about skin-wise was getting rid of my teenage acne and maintaining a deep tan. So I would be as aggressive as my skin allowed when it came to acne treatments and sun bathe every chance I get.

Now that I am older and wiser (thankfully), what I care about has changed too, now I deal with sun spots, new moles and post-inflammatory spots. I don't spend as much time under the sun as I used to and the zits don't occupy my whole entire face anymore.

It was at the beginning of this year that I realized just how many new brown spots I've acquired - either from time spent in the sun or left behind by zits. I went out in search of products that would help get rid of those complexion dulling spots.

This spot eraser was one of the products that ended up in my shopping cart. I've been using this for 1 month now and I can say that I am quite pleased with the results. As with most skin products, it takes time to work but within a matter of weeks, I saw a lightening of my spots and a more even tone surrounding those spots. 

After 1 month of daily usage, I saw a gradual fading of those pesky spots and a general correction of my skin tone. The post-acne marks fade quicker than the sun spots but an overall visible improvement is what I got and that is something my wiser, older self is always grateful for.

Get the Lancome NeuroWhite X3 Whitening Spot Eraser 30ml/1oz for US$88.50 at Strawberry.net.  

Dark circles can be caused by a variety of factors; like sun exposure, genetics and age. There isn't a sure fire way to get rid of them save for surgery. That said, there are products on the market that do help with dark circles.

I was tasked to find an eye cream for my BFF to help tackle his prominent dark circles. Partying every weekend, long days at the office and insufficient use of sunscreen have taken a toll on the area around his eyes.

I've used this before and I am a fan of moisturizing texture that helps hydrate the delicate eye area throughout the day while fighting the signs of dark rings. I deal with puffy eyes and eyebags more than I deal with dark circles so I couldn't really review its anti-dark circle effect.

Hence that's when my BFF came in, he bought a bottle and within 2 weeks of twice daily use, his dark circles are considerably lighter. I was actually surprised at how visibly lighter his dark circles were. His eyes looked brighter and healthier with improved texture.

I just love it when products surprised me and this one did at just how pretty effective it is. Needless to say, I got someone hooked on this and the rest is dark-circle history. 

Get the Lancome Blanc Expert NeuroWhite X3 Anti-Dark Circle Eye Treatment 15ml/0.5oz for US$55.  

I have extremely oily skin and as such, I fortunately and unfortunately (because oily skin brings along its own basket of issues - blackheads, enlarged pores, shiny T-zones, outbreaks) will have wrinkles at a later stage of life compared with someone with drier skin.

That said, I still deal with fine lines occasionally and I am always open to new products. So I gave this serum a whirl a couple of weeks ago with the full intention to see how this would work on unwrinkled skin.

After the first few applications, my skin looked smoother and felt softer. This rich serum definitely works to introduce moisture which is great for skin like mine that is constantly exposed to harsh air-conditioning. In 2 weeks, the tiny lines I had were close to disappearing and my skin looked fuller and firmer. This is a good preventative measure that I would be open to incorporating to my skin care routine.

I told my mom about this serum and she wanted to give it a shot so she got one bottle. By stimulating collagen production, this serum works to fill in wrinkles and pave the way for suppleness and better tone. She deals with wrinkles and could see the results that I saw; fuller, healthier skin. After a month or so of daily usage, she saw improvement in her wrinkles and overall skin texture. Fine lines were reduced and her skin looked better than before. So much so that I was tasked to buy another bottle for her.

Get the Lancome High Resolution Collaser-48 Intensive Collagen Anti-Wrinkle Serum 30ml/1oz for US$65 at Strawberry.net.

 

PS: For all US & Canadian readers, do try your hand at Style Flavors' Summer Giveaway - A cool Samsonite 25'' Spinner!

 

 

I have a new obssession - dark spots and uneven skin tone. I get the occasional zits and before they vanish and disappear, they always leave their mark and a parting gift in the form of really obvious brown spots (from melanin that is produced during times of stress and inflammation) The zits come and go in a matter of days but the spots stay on for longer.

I love spending time in the sun and even with protection, my skin bears the brunt of it and it shows via uneven patches. I am actively trying to cut back on my time spent in the sun but I will keep hanging out by the pool for as long as I can.

It was then that I decided to look into whitening products. Now, the term 'whitening' is very much a marketing tool - no product can physically alter your skin shade or turn it white. What whitening products do is increase cell renewal rate, encourage exfoliation and target melanin production at the source - all these help to remove dulling dead skin cells, promote fresh skin growth and fade those dark spots which in turn, result in radiant, even, fairer skin.

My first foray into whitening products resulted in the purchase of this moisturizer from Lancome and a spot treatment cream (stay tuned for that review - coming shortly). The light texture glides on to instantly soften my skin while providing hydration courtesy of Glycerol. Gentle exfoliants from Beeck Buds Extracts work to remove dead skin cells and increase new cell growth.

The targeted whitening system in this moisturizer works to deeply reduce melanin production and reduce current and new dark spots. My spots did become lighter and my skin was well hydrated and more even-toned after a week of daily use. This is a great moisturizer for use throughout the day - I especially like using this before a night of partying. My skin looks radiant and coupled with my tan - my skin looks healthy, bright, with a glow (so I am told).

Just a note, this doesn't contain SPF so you're supposed to use sunblock when you use this during the day. And if you need another incentive, this is currently on sale at 50% off! Get the Lancome Blanc Expert NeuroWhite X3 Ultimate Whitening Hydrating Emulsion ( Moist ) 75ml/2.5oz at Strawberrynet.