New Skincare to Put on Your Radar

I always find it very difficult to write about light fluffy things following a national event, like what Boston experienced this week. My mind and heart are truly with the victims of the marathon bombing. But I realize that sometimes you need an escape from things that are too heavy so I hope that today’s post — while it is light and fluffy — somehow brings knowledge or happiness or something fulfilling to your day.

Via Twitter I was asked to write a skincare post and I am here to deliver. I hope you enjoy.

Here’s some of the new skincare that I’ve been trying out, the products that I love enough to recommend to the world. Here’s the brands and new products you should put on your radar, and where you should look for them — from the drugstore to the department store, from the spa to…outer space? Read on!

Department Store Skincare

Kiehls is a brand I’m always talking about, because everything I’ve tried from them works to perfection. I also love their aesthetic and what they stand for – Kiehls is always involved in meaningful charitable acts, which means you can score killer skincare while doing something good for the world. Every year for Earth Day they partner with celebrities to create a Limited Edition Label Art Series for an iconic product. This year, their Ultra Facial Cream comes in cool new celebrity design packaging by Alanis Morissette and Zachary Quinto. They explain the whole project in this cool video, check it out!

Kiehls kindly sent me their latest skincare products, and then I went away for the weekend. I totally came back and found the Zachary Quinto Ultra Facial Cream already open by my husband’s side of the sink. Guess I know who’s using that one!

The other new Kiehls skincare product I am excited about is their Skin Rescuer Stress-Minimizing Daily Hydrator. It promises to reduce visible signs of stress (like fatigue and redness) and so far, so awesome. It’s a lightweight cream that feels really really good on my skin. I’m loving it so far, and hey, I can use stress-minimizing whenever I can get it.

If you have mature skin and pretty hard-core skincare needs, I hope you’ve looked at StriVectin – they make amazing, highly effective skincare products and they always have great sales on QVC. If you’re seeking a skincare product to focus on stretch marks, or your eye area, your neck, your hands, or for your skin-tightening or resurfacing needs, you should check them out. The brand is known and respected for dealing with lines, wrinkles, crepey skin and the aspects of age that many seek to avoid. You can find StriVectin products at Bloomingdales, Bonton, Dillard’s, Costco, Macy’s Nordstrom, Sephora, Ulta – the list goes on. Click to find out more.

Origins is a brand that I’ve long admired from afar, but hadn’t become intimately knowledgeable about. I’ve always heard great things about their skin products but had only tried tiny samples here and there. Recently I got a little sample of their Checks and Balances frothy face wash and I was absolutely blown away. It’s so thick and lovely and frothy! This wash feels amazing on my skin and makes for a great travel mini that will last beyond one trip. I’ll have to make an effort to try more Origins products. Very impressed by the quality of this face wash!

Spa Quality Skincare

Of course you expect top of the line skincare at a spa, and lately I’ve been to some AMAZING spas. Look out for a few upcoming spa review posts!

In terms of in-spa treatment and then high quality take home products, it’s hard to top Intraceuticals. It’s been a while since my last Intraceuticals facial but I’m still loving the Intraceuticals line of products – it’s all about hyaluronic acid and vitamin boosters to address specific skin issues. Their rejuvenating line (including the hydration gel and daily serum) includes items I reach for almost everyday. Lately I’m into products that are boosted with vitamins so I really love their vitamin D and vitamin C boost.

The Red Door Spa also makes the fantastic professional quality clarifying vitamin D serum that has been making a noticeable difference to the health and appearance of my skin – I only just started using it so I can’t make any over-the-top claims, but it smells and feels like luxury and my skin is happier for that.

The next time you’re strolling through a spa’s boutiques, keep an eye out for spa brand Pevonia – I have yet to be disappointed by anything I’ve tried from spa skincare line. Their skin creams are decadent and rich, and their saltmousse exfoliators are essential for my skin’s smooth appearance in the upcoming warmer months. They use fruit enzymes and finely milled salt to soften and smooth your skin from head to toe.

Drugstore Skincare

Don’t sleep on the drugstore, their skincare has stepped it up a whole another level! Brands like Neutrogena, Aveeno, L’Oreal and Olay are definitely doing what it takes to get it right, and their research and development teams must be working overtime because I feel like there’s always incredible new products coming out from those brands in particular.

I’m absolutely loving some of Olay’s latest products, and their Total Effects Moisturizer and Serum is a recent favorite. Broad spectrum SPF 15, and it isn’t too heavy for the transitioning weather.

Online and Beyond

One of the most intriguing skincare products I received recently is the cream booster by Talika Paris. I’ve never used a device like this before. Inspired by space research, it claims to “boost your skincare’s potency by driving actives deep into cells and increasing microcirculation,” by using “LED phototherapy, microvibration technology and ionotherapy”. Basically it’s a fancy, high tech vibrating device to help your skincare work better. I’ll keep you posted as to how it goes when I try it out! For now, check out their website here.

That’s some of the latest skincare I’m testing and trying and wanted to share with you. See anything you want to try, or already love? What are your skincare favorites?