Honestly. I’m sitting here typing out a post as an ice storm continues to plow down across Ontario. In April. The weather report? Not much better to be honest-rain, rain, rain. Don’t get me wrong, I know the phrase “April Showers bring May flowers” but this has just gone on and on. I’m over it. I want to wear shoes instead of boots, and a lighter coat. I say all this knowing that in May I’ll be saying that it’s too warm.
So you’ve been asking about my morning skincare routine. And asking. It’s time for me to deliver. So here’s what I use on my skin in the MORNING. Now. I can’t lie. The evening is when the real magic happens in terms of products. Or maybe not. I think there are equal parts of pixie dust in both the morning and the evening.
I am constantly on the search for great skin care….and realized that although the majority of my routine contains medical/clinical grade products, that I do also know of some VERY effective drugstore products that I should discuss. Options are everything, right?
One of my major skincare concerns is my hyperpigmentation, a result of my former dedication/obsession with tanning. Since I’m older and wiser (the wiser is questionable), I now know that I have to protect my skin from the sun’s rays.
To address dark spots and uneven skin tone, Vichy has created the ProEVEN line.
Here are the products I’ve been using from the ProEVEN line:
For all skin types, even sensitive.
A gentle yet effective triple-action foaming cleanser. It gently exfoliates, purifies and brightens the skin tone. A perfect way to start a ProEVEN routine.
My thoughts:
I absolutely LOVE this cleanser. I need barely ANY to make this foam up and it gets EVERY trace of dirt and makeup off my face. The texture is light and it has the Vichy ‘fragrance.’ It rinses clean and leaves my face bright.
All skin types, even sensitive
For all women seeking to unify their skin tone, fade their stubborn spots (dark spots, brown spots, sun spots and acne scars), and reveal a flawlessly bright complexion.
My thoughts:
This is a fantastic a.m./p.m. treatment to use to brighten & lighten your sun spots. My hyperpigmentation sits quite a bit deeper in my skin so I really have to be on the attack when treating it (to include consistent chemical peels, IPL, and microdermabrasion). This is my extra 1-2 punch in between treatments. It is light and slightly more liquid than a lotion with the ‘Vichy’ fragrance.
Skin with uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation or dark spots caused by premature aging, sun damage or acne scars. Suitable for sensitive skin.
Vichy’s 1st dark spots overnight concentrate, with skin resurfacing and brightening effect from the 1st morning, and effective reduction on the look of dark spots in 4 weeks.
My thoughts:
Products that work with little to no effort on my part will always get a thumbs up from me! This is an extra KICK for those stubborn dark spots. Proeven night is more gel-like in consistency. In my case, I’ve noticed that my pigmentation is lighter around my eyes.
If you need more information, check out the “Vichy Works For Me” website for testimonials from REAL women and scientific evidence.
Find Vichy:
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*I was sent these products for review-my thoughts are my own! Please be wary when reading blogger reviews-it is NOT a requirement to disclose whether one has received a product for review or not in Canada, but it IS good manners and ethics 🙂 *
I’ve raved about the Idealia serum way back when….and for good reason! It’s amazing! So check out these new products from Vichy (well one is the serum 🙂 ).
Idealia Eyes
-Corrects dark circles
-Smooths fine lines
-Reduces shadows
This product is a ‘hybrid’ product for the eye area. The eye contour idealizer merges both eye care and make up (read: it’s tinted) with technology using ‘Double Correction’-both optical and biological. It is a fast absorbed, light texture that is rich and hydrating with no oily residue.
Idealia BB cream
-Illuminates
-Evens the complexion
-Moisturizes
-Smooths fine lines
-Refines skin texture
-Protects
This BB cream is formulated with pink corrective mineral pigments to instantly extinguish the grey tone. This conceals imperfections, evens and illuminates the complexion, and erases blemishes. This product is enriched with Kombucha, which is an active ingredient that reduces grey tones in the complexion.
Idealia serum
–Paraben-free
-Fragrance free
-Allergy tested
-Formulated for sensitive skin
-Dermatologist tested
Refines skin texture, visibly reduces the appearance of pores, and illuminates complexion for more youthful-looking skin.
Featuring Vichy’s first behavioral molecule association, LR2412 + LHA. Inspired by the skin’s natural rejuvenation process, LR2412 accelerates skin’s repair and boosts its resistance to external aggressors. Micro-exfoliating LHA helps to stimulate renewal and reduce the appearance of surface pigmentation.
I’ve already had great results with the Vichy Idealia Serum, so I envision even better results with the Eye contour and BB cream!
*This review contains a product sent for review*
What does ‘Behavioral Aging’ mean to you? It didn’t mean much to me until I saw Vichy’s newest serum, the Idealia Life Serum. If you need a more formal definition:
‘Behavioral aging is the visible result of everything our skin is subjected to, whether through our lifestyle, behaviors, or the environments in which we live.”
Hey guess what? Your daily activities……they show up. ON YOUR SKIN….and they show up differently on everyone. These ‘enemies’ that accelerate aging can include:
-lack of sleep
-pollution
-stress
-unbalanced diet
-lack of exercise
-hormonal imbalances
-UV rays
-dry weather
Vichy Idealia life serum (LR2412+LHA) claims to give an even and illuminated complexion, refined looking pores, and rested facial features. This serum promotes “good skin behavior.” After applying, skin should look radiant and fresh, better in 8 days, and even better in 4 weeks.
This particular ingredient LR2414 is derived from jasmonic acid (yes, jasmine) and is inspired by the repair process of jasmne in its natural state, which responds to aggressions by secreting a repairing acid. It accelerates epidermal repair and improves the skin’s ability to protect itself. Let’s get it on my face already!
LR2414 + LHA: this is a first time coupling-LHA is a derivate of salicylic acid that stimulates cellular renewal in tired skin. It improves the quality of skin by increasing the reflection of light on the surface of the skin.
So, these 2 active ingredients improve the skin texture by acting on the skin surface!
So of course, I had to get my hands on this…..I haven’t had a full nights sleep in about 5 years! I wish I was kidding. Before I get to my thoughts about the product, a bit more about the product itself:
1. has a light, non-greasy texture that also acts as a barrier to protect the skin from the evils it may come into contact with throughout the day.
2. light, delicate floral hypoallergenic scent-it is light but *please* note-fragrance sensitive people, there IS a fragrance.
3. formula is ideal for sensitive skin
4. 30ml is $59.00 CAD
Thoughts-after using for 2 weeks:
1. Scent is quite pleasant….I actually want to put this on my face partially because of the scent.
2. packaging is pretty, but it’s glass so be careful! Love the pump dispenser…..for serum, that’s ESSENTIAL
I have seen a difference in my skin’s texture after using it for 2 weeks. Immediately after I apply the serum, my skin feels firmer, and it appears brighter. I have noticed that it allows my moisturizer to apply SO much better and penetrate deeper. My skin feels fresh after using. Overall, I am happy with this product. I do realize some may be a bit intimidated by the price….but to be honest, this serum functions like many of it’s higher end competitors for a much lower price point, making it entirely worth it.
If you’re still skeptical, many drugstores have testers….try it out on your hand and walk around for a minute or two. It’s a great product, and one I’ll use until it runs out. I’m anxious to see what my results will be after 8 weeks!
Have you tried Vichy Idealia? What are your thoughts on your own skin behavior? Tell me about it in the comments below…..
Not too many makeup items here-I don’t know about your area, but in Canada, when Clarins releases a new collection, if you’re not there to get it when the store doors open, you will miss out. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried to pick up a lipstick or powder and they are completely SOLD OUT. Frustrating, but it does speak to the brand’s popularity. For now though, let me entertain you with my favorites:
Clarins 3 dot liner has been on my list for awhile now. If you know me even a LITTLE bit, you will know how much I abhor tightlining (a.k.a. lining the upper water line to give the appearance of bigger, lush, lashes and eyes). It feels weird, and my eyeliner runs (and I’ve tried more than 1 type of waterproof eyeliner). This product allows me to press gently in-between my upper lashes in order to achieve the same look sans weirdness! Brilliant!
Beauty flash Balm-which I’m currently out of. I’ll never forget the guy who showed me this product at the Clarins Counter at Eaton Centre (I have got to go back and visit him-he was so great!). This is the perfect little bit of highlight for people who don’t highlight. It’s subtle, but it’s there….it looks fresh and radiant.
Face treatment oil-I love oils for the face. Love love love them. This is one of my *newer* favorites-especially since as of late, my skin has taken a turn for the oily. This product balances my skin, I use it at night only! Since I’ve started to use the product, I don’t have to wash my face in the morning….I just splash water on it, eye cream, serum, moisturize and I’m done.
Body treatment oil-I’ve had cellulite since I was a tween….and I was a tween before the word tween was even invented! *GASP*
Seriously though, I have some dimples here and there (if you need to explore that, go to the posts where I talk about my many many different body sizes over the years right here). I think everyone has some areas that they’d like to firm up and that’s just what can be accomplished with this product. This is another product that I use at night, and it’s actually recommended that you shower after using it (leaving it on for 20 minutes or so). I often use it at night and shower it off the next morning. I love the fragrance as well.
And there you have it, my Clarins favorites. I’m interested in exploring more of this brand so let me know your favorites in the comments section below!
*This post describes product samples sent for review. Opinions are my own and I am not compensated for writing this post*
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again….I won’t lie to you and tell you my skin always behaves because it does NOT. Especially when I choose to indulge in treats or go through the hormonal days of being a woman. There are many many ways to treat skin that ‘acts out’ and I’ve talked about several of them. However, what if you want to treat your skin a little bit more naturally?
I’ve decided to really look ‘within’ …….my stash that is. I’m going to be attempting a new series on my blog with the above title. Hopefully, I’ll be able to post once a week with favorites from a particular brand. That’s certainly the idea anyway. I thought I would kick things off with L’Oréal Paris since I have tried a wide range of their products and skin care.
*I was provided a sample of this product for review. Please scroll down to the bottom of this post and note that I have gone ahead and ordered an additional serum at my cost.*
I pride myself on a thorough and complete skincare routine. I’m not ‘afraid’ of aging but I’ll always try to slow the process AND give my skin the best treatment I can as I grow older.
Ever since discovering Sorbet Verbena this summer, I have a new-found appreciation for L’OCCITANE en Provence. Not only are their products wonderfully scented, they actually WORK!!! Long gone are my days of constantly re-applying lotion and hand cream-I can apply these once and I’m good until the end of the day!
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