August 27th, 2010

Perfective Ceuticals Anti-imperfection Eye Therapy Cream

by Nicolas

I had great results with Perfective Ceuticals’ Divine Age Guardian Serum With Growth Factor and so I was excited to try their anti-imperfection eye therapy cream. My eyes always show how much sleep I’ve got and they don’t lie. So put days of endless consumption of wine and the lack of sleep together and the combination required a serious product.

The wonderful thing about this eye cream is that it is rich so a little goes a long way. A tube will last you months and that is always great in my book. The rich formula makes this perfect for nighttime use – it instantly soothes and hydrates leaving a very subtle silky glow that you will appreciate if this is used in the morning.

I don’t have wrinkles yet so in order to properly review this, I brought in a ‘test subject’ – someone in the late 40s with wrinkles and lines. After about 3 weeks of daily use, my test subject’s wrinkles were lessened and his eye area looked noticeably smoother and firmer with an overall improvement that didn’t go unnoticed.

As for me, this helped hide the signs of late nights and hard drinking. My eyes looked brighter – it helped keep dark circles at bay. There was a firmness that I really appreciate since this meant that my skin’s collagen levels increased. My eyes also felt very moisturized each morning so I could skip my usual application of Vaseline (a superb way to reduce lines and increase hydration as you sleep) around my eyes.

This hard-worker is a keeper and this will be great treat for your eyes when the weather turns cold. Get this Perfective Ceuticals Anti-imperfection Eye Therapy Cream for US$72 at Perfective Ceuticals.

July 9th, 2010

Elizabeth Grant Total Regeneration Eye Fill Concentrate

by Nicolas

Your eyes tell it all – lack of sleep, stress, dehydration. The skin around your eyes are the thinnest and the most delicate so taking care of your eye area should be a priority if you want to look fresher and younger. And with the myriad of products available in the market today, you don’t really have to look very far.

I’ve been using this great regenerative eye fill cream for the past couple of weeks. Like its name suggests, this cream helps to fill in lines and wrinkles while smoothing and hydrating the eye area. After twice daily use of this cream, my eyes looked brighter and smoother.

You can use this on top of your regular eye cream to fill in lines around your eye area but I just used this on its own and it worked great too on its own. Its very hydrating formula means I could go without my usual thin layer of Vaseline around the eyes (quick tip: apply a thin layer of Vaseline around your eyes each night before bed to help moisturize and keep fine lines at bay. It works!). I still woke up with hydrated eyes.

Aside from its brightening and smoothing effects, this also made the area around my eyes plumper – and helped hide tell-tale signs of late nights. The small handy bottle makes this a perfect travel companion.

Get this Elizabeth Grant Total Regeneration Eye Fill Concentrate for US$48 at Elizabeth Grant.

July 4th, 2010

SK-II Advanced Eye Treatment Film

by Nicolas

I’ve used my fair share of eye products and I realized that as much as I dig luxe products; some of them are simply too rich for my skin. So an eye gel always works for me. Firstly because gel formulation works great for combination/oily skin types as they are not as rich (but still as potent) as their cream counterparts.

I’ve been using this eye treatment film for a while now and like its name suggests, it really forms a protective film over your eyes. I was pretty surprised at how ‘film-y’ this was. But it was a pleasant surprise. The gel texture makes this a breeze to apply as it just glides on your skin. The area around my eyes instantly looked and felt hydrated and it lasted for hours.

The morning puffiness I sometimes experience went away with daily use of this. My eye area looked healthier and tighter aka not sleepy. I don’t have wrinkles yet so I can’t attest to the wrinkle-preventive measures of this cream but I can sure tell you that the area around my skin was definitely smoother and brighter.

Get this SK II Advanced Eye Treatment Film 15g/0.5oz for US$80 at Strawberrynet.com.

May 26th, 2010

Murad Essential-C Eye Cream SPF 15

by Nicolas

In the same vein of fighting the signs of environmental and pre-mature aging, I have been using an eye cream fortified with SPF every morning. Your eyes are the first spots on your face to show signs of aging given the thinness and delicate nature of the skin around them. So if you slap on SPF to protect your face, why shouldn’t you do the same for your eyes?

I have been using this great eye cream for the bunch of weeks now. The lightweight texture goes on easily and is quickly absorbed. No gunky or sticky sunscreen feeling. The core Vitamin C ingredient is a skin saver – it stimulates collagen production, minimize lines and wrinkles while providing anti-oxidant protection.

My dark circles look lighter and those hard nights on the town don’t show up on my eyes as much. The hydrating property of this cream is much appreciated – fine lines disappear while morning puffiness is history. This is going to be one of my staples.

Get this Murad Essential-C Eye Cream SPF 15 15ml/0.5oz for US$66.50 at Strawberrynet.com.

May 19th, 2010

Beauty.com Family And Friends: 20% Off

by Nicolas

Beauty.com is having a 20% off anniversary event from today till Friday. If that’s not enticing enough, there’s free shipping on every order (no minimum purchase required) till June 13th! This is a good time to stock up on all your grooming essentials. Here are my picks (all prices before discount):

This 5 minute mask is perfect for a quick facial perk-up when you’re in a hurry. Apply this in place of your cleanser and let the oxygenation happen. Skin is left feeling soft, clean and looking brighter. Get this MALIN+GOETZ Detox Face Mask for US$40 at Beauty.com.

Lightweight and effective, this eye cream works get rid of pesky line and wrinkles while repairing and hydrating at the same time. Look forward to fresher, healthier, smoother looking eyes. Get this REN Lipovector Peptide Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream for US$50 at Beauty.com.

These nifty pads work to loosen blackheads, minimize pores, promoting an even skin tone. Use this in place of a toner after washing your face. I take these everywhere – they are perfect for traveling. Get this Somme Institute Transport Pads for US$58 at Beauty.com.

This soothing yet effective mask works hard to get rid and heal breakouts without over-drying. I leave this on overnight over individual zits and the next day, my skin is clearer and the zits either smaller or gone. My new go-to zit busting mask. Get this Kinerase Core Collection Clear Skin Regulating Mask for US$55 at Beauty.com.

This awesome all-purpose anti-aging moisturizer works quickly to soothe post-procedural skin (lasers, peels etc). It works on fine lines, wrinkles and sun damage spots. I’ve went through numerous tubes of this moisturizer to glowing results. Get this Kinerase Pro + Therapy Cream with Kinetin & Zeatin for US$138 at Beauty.com.

These individual booster work fantastically to hydrate, repair and prevent lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone and dehydration. Use this together with your serum, before your moisturizer. Their small size make them perfect for air travel. Get this Philosophy when hope is not enough hylauronic acid/peptide single dose capsules for US$50 at Beauty.com.

May 8th, 2010

Tobi Weekend Sale: 20% Off

by Nicolas

Tobi is having a 20% off regular priced items this weekend in celebration of Mothers’ Day with the code 20FORME. Here are some items that I think are worth checking out this weekend (prices before discount):

The smooth texture glides on easily and is quickly absorbed into your skin. The instant boost of hydration that lasts the whole day ensured my eyes don’t get dried out by constant air conditioning. That said, this packs a punch without being greasy at all.

Peptides and Vitamin A stimulate the production of collagen while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. I don’t have wrinkles as yet but this took care of my fine lines and effectively revealed a healthier, fresher eye area. Get this Ren Lipovector Peptide Anti Wrinkle Eye Cream for US$50 at Tobi.

The light grey shade is versatile and flattering. It works for all seasons while the clean lines and streamlined detail makes this a piece that stands out from the crowd of ‘lazy clothes’. The asymmetrical front zip adds a depth of detail that most hoodies lack.

I am digging how refined this looks – Wear this with everything: shorts, pants, jeans. All year round. You’ll never miss a beat. Get this B:SCOTT French Terry Zip Mock Hoodie for US$158 at Tobi.

A wonderful companion to the upcoming warm months. Classic and timeless – this pair will take you places and then some. Get this Sperry American Original Leather Boatshoe 1 for US$85 at Tobi.



PRO-Keds Royal Plus Hi Leather Sneakers for US$100 at Tobi.

Red, in itself, is a strong color; and against black, it’s a even stronger stand-out. This simple cardigan has all the trappings of a piece you throw on on a lazy day and let it do all the expressing for you. The red stripes on both pockets and at the back of the collar showcase an attention to detail that will always be appreciated. It goes without saying – the black just makes this an easy fit for any wardrobe. Get this J. Lindeberg Ethan Cardigan for US$190 at Tobi.

Sometimes when you’re all out of breath and life takes its toll; you just let your clothes do the talking for you. Spell it out or let it flip; either way, a tee can be pretty effective in conveying the message. This tee here is great for days when you want to be mysterious and cryptic.

The scribbles mask the finger flip but the point is there. If someone approaches you and ask dumb questions, then you can smile and let them know that it is indeed a finger. After all, it’s people like that that you want to flip off. See, it’ll work. Get this Public School Finger You T-Shirt for US$72 at Tobi.

A classic, dark wash with minimal branding. This pair has all the trappings of one that will soon be your favorite. I am really digging the back pocket design. Get this Rogan Piston Straight Leg Jeans in Branner for US$180 at Tobi.

This handy mask here is one of my grooming staples. Complex amino acids, Vitamin C and E and soy protein all work together to clarify, balance, soothe and purge your skin to get it ready for the real world again.

It’s useful for those after 4am nights on the town where your pores are clogged with grim and dirt and general smog. You get a clean, fresh feel after washing off and unlike some masks, your skin doesn’t feel tight or dried out. It just feels clean and light. I use this at the start of the week and I’d like to believe it helps set the tone for the week, somehow.

Get this Malin + Goetz Detox Face Mask for US$40 at Tobi.

Commonwealth Utilities The Orson Jersey Blazer for US$350 at Tobi.

Shades Of Greige is one of my favorite brands of the moment. I dig their aesthetic and vision. The clean lines and modern vibe reverberate throughout their past 2 seasons and I have been taking notes and also calling some of their pieces mine.

This scoop neck sweater is one that would be perfect for the warmer months. I am digging its slouchy exterior that feels and looks so comfortable. It’s the kind of piece you throw on and go about your day and then jump into the car and head out to dinner without even needing to change.

Get this Shades of Greige Brie Short Sleeve Scoop Neck Sweater for US$79 at Tobi.

A good day bag is pretty tough to find even on a pretty generous budget. Everything needs to fall into place and align before plonking down hard-earned money. Especially on something you expect to carry everyday. This is even tougher when you’ve got a limited budget.This great bag has my vote. If you’re environmentally-conscious, you’ll also be pleased to know that the lining is made from 24 recycled bottles. What a fantastic way to reuse! The studs on the bottom provide an extra hit of detail that further adds another dimension to this worthy bag.

Get this Matt and Nat Lindstrom Snake Strap Weekender for US$265 at Tobi.

We are done with plastic bags, but we could all use something a little more stylish for toting our groceries. Enter eco-friendly and socially conscious Envirosax. These lightweight polyester bags boast a waterproof backing and hold up to two plastic bags worth of groceries. This makes for a perfect gift/stocking stuffer! Get this Envirosax Greengrocer Bag in Licorice for US$8 at Tobi.

January 11th, 2010

Definitive Touch And Style Flavors: 2009 Wrap-Up – Top 10 Grooming Products

by Nicolas

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I test and go through plenty of grooming products for this site and I feature the good ones; ones that are worth your hard-earned dough. I came up with a list of my top 10 grooming products for last year in conjunction with Definitive Touch’s 2009 Wrap-Up.
Do check out Style Flavors’ feature and I hope you had a great New Year’s!