What I Bought This Weekend

I went to the Limelight Market in Chelsea to pick up the full sizes of the Om Aroma skincare products I've been using since Black Friday. I had plenty left in all but the toning mist, but the mini sizes I've been using will be perfect for travel and you receive a discount for purchasing the whole set of products. My products came in what must be the old packaging--jars instead of pumps. At first I was disappointed since I prefer pumps for hygienic reason, but there is something a little luxe about dipping your fingers into a a small jar of a precious unguent! The founder of the line was working the store and remembered my from last time. I'm really liking these products!

For those who haven't been, Limelight is an old church that was converted to a small, quaint shopping center. They have amazing food, beauty, accessory and jewelry shops. In addition to OM Aroma, there is also Face Stockholm, Sue Devitt, The Avery Perfumes and more.

I also had my Sephora VIB $20 off a $40 purchase gift card burning a hole in my pocket and despite needing no makeup whatsoever, I picked up a Lancome Artliner in Aubergine (which is limited for the holidays according to the Sephora display) and Sephora Collection Retractable Waterproof Lip Liner in Nude (a light pinky beige). The lip liner was $12 which I think is expensive for the Sephora brand. I really wanted Illamasqua Nail Polish in Viridian but unfortunately they were all sold out!

I've Started To Use A New Skincare Line

I've mentioned below that the Short Hills Malls (technically The Mall at Short Hills but I'm just no that fancy) is "my" mall, the mall I grew in so to speak. There was a time where I knew every inch of it, every, store, every parking garage, every line it carried. It's undergone some changes over the last few years, incorporating even more luxury level stores and remodeling some of the older ones. Every time I go back to visit there seems to be something new, and this time was no exception.

In place of what I *think* was the old Samsonite Black Label (which I know used to be the old Temple St. Clair boutique) is a beautiful new venue housing skincare line Om Aroma & Co. The space is pretty large for a skincare boutique and very nicely done.

Om deems itself anti-aging organic luxury skincare and is free of parabens, formaldehyde, sulfates, and other toxic chemical fillers. They've won several awards and all products are manufactured and packaged in the US. The prices are towards the luxury end of the market but the ingredients are high quality and organic.

I picked up a trial package fro Normal skin--my skin is dry in the winter but I've been having some breakouts on my forehead of chin for some reason so I'm leery of using anything overly hydrating--($49) as well as the Pumpkin Seed Night Serum ($58). It's only been a few days but so far so good. I'll report back as I continue to test the products. Here's what I'm using:

• Elixir de Beaute Facial Cleanser ($38)- A gentle foaming cleanser with crushed champagne grape seeds, rosemary and aloe. A tiny bit goes a long way and foams without harsh detergents. Ingredients: Organic Olive (Olea Europaea) Oil*, Organic Jojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis Seed) Oil*, Organic Coconut (Cocos Nucifera) Oil*, Vegetable Glycerin/Gum Extract, Blend of crushed Champagne Grape Seeds and powdered Mother of Pearls, Organic Aloe Vera Gel (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice)*, Essential Oils, Rosemary Extract (Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract)
  
• Aromatonique Toning Mist ($28)- I've never been a fan of toners but the sales associates says that the lavender is anti-bacterial and would help with the few blemishes on my forehead. I like that this is alcohol free. Ingredients: Blend of Chamaemelum nobile (Roman Chamomile) Distillate* and Lavandula hybrida (Lavender) Distillate*. Lonicera japonica (japanese honeysuckle) extract.
  
• Pumpkin Seed Night Serum ($58)- Rosehip Oil based with pumpkin seed and meadowfoam oil. High in Omega Fatty Acids and vitamin for cellular rejuvenation. Ingredients: rosa canina (rosehip) fruit oil*. cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) seed oil*. limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil. helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil*. extracts of lavandula angustifolia (lavender)*, daucus carota sativa (carrot) root*, lonicera japonica (honeysuckle) flower*, symphytum officinale (comfrey) leaf*, foeniculum vulgar (fennel) fruit*. fragrance (100% essential oils). *certified organic.
• Extrait de Caviar Eye Cream ($58)- with Co Q-10 to reduce fine lines and filled with hydrators. Ingredients: organic avena sativa (oats) kernel meal infusion. carrier oils of oenothera biennis (evening primrose) oil*, rubus idaeus (red raspberry) seed oil, cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) seed oil*, rosa canina (rosehip) fruit oil*, prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil*, oryza sativa (rice) bran oil. glycine soja (soybean) oil* (and) helianthus annuus(sunflower) seed oil* (and) extracts of caviar, secale cereale (rye) seed, ginkgo biloba (ginkgo) leaf*, lavandula angustifolia (lavender)*, daucus carota sativa (carrot) root*, prunus armeniaca (apricot) fruit*, lonicera japonica (honeysuckle) flower*,symphytum officinale (comfrey) leaf*, foeniculum vulgar (fennel) fruit*. emulsifying wax nf (veg). theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter*. vegetable glycerin. butyrospermum parkii (shea butter)fruit*. stearic acid (fr.soybean). tocopherol (vit.e). silk amino acids. coenzyme q10. polyaminopropyl biguanide.
• Creme Luxe Truffle ORganic Age-Defying Face Cream ($72)- this comes in 3 formulas depending on skin type: Oily/Light, Normal/Combination or Dry/Mature. I am using the Normal Version. This version has Sweet Almond, Rice Bran and Red Raspberry and Silk Protein. The Oily one features Papaya, Apricot and Oats and the Mature iteration contains Red Raspberry, Meadowfoam and Rosehip. Ingredients for Normal: organic avena sativa (oats) kernel meal infusion. carrier oils of rosa canina (rosehip) fruit oil*, cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) seed oil*, rubus idaeus (red raspberry) seed oil, prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil*, oryza sativa (rice) bran oil. glycine soja (soybean) oil* (and) helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil* (and) extracts oftuber magnatum (white truffle), ginkgo biloba (ginkgo) leaf*, lavandula angustifolia (lavender)*, daucus carota sativa (carrot) root*, prunus armeniaca (apricot) fruit*, lonicera japonica (honeysuckle) flower*, symphytum officinale (comfrey) leaf*, foeniculum vulgar (fennel) fruit*. theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter*. emulsifying wax nf (veg). vegetable glycerin. butyrospermum parkii (shea butter) fruit*. stearic acid (fr. soybean). tocopherol (vit. e). silk amino acids. fragrance (100% essential oil). polyaminopropyl biguanide (1% paraben/formaldehyde-free preservative).

The site has a few specials if certain products are purchased together as well as the sample kits I mentioned above. The sizes in the samples are very generous (.5 oz each for the most part) and will last a long time. Definitely check out the lovely store if you're visiting the mall and the website if you can't make it!

New Skincare!

As soon as we had our first day in the 60s here in New York City, the skin on my face and body began to feel tight and dry. I'm usually a simple cleanser-eye cream-moisturizer girl, but I decided that since I'm not getting any younger and my skin seems to be getting drier, I'd look into a serum to layer under my usual lotions.

I've previously mentioned my penchant for natural and organic skincare, and when a coupon code for an etailer called Beautorium popped up in my inbox, I figured it was a sign I should place an order. Beautorium, who pride themselves on being "a natural and organic beauty emporium" was a new site for me and I'm happy to say I had a great experience. I placed my order around 11:55 PM on Sunday night, used a coupon code for 15% off, and received a UPS shipping notice on Monday afternoon! The products arrived today (Wednesday) from North Carolina in perfect condition, along with a plethora of samples and a free jute woven bag (in the background of the pictures). The site's shipping is definitely on the high side but I'm very pleased with the service and will order again. They also offer a 60 day money back guaranty.

So what did I get? I purchased:

• Trilogy Age Proof Nutrient Plus Facial Serum ($40 for 1.01 fl oz)-Trilogy is a rosehip oil-based 100% natural line from New Zealand free of parabens, petrochemicals, PEGs, pesticides, GMOs, synthetic colors or fragrances or harsh surfactants. I've used their Vital Moisturizing Cream in the past and been pleased with it, but the brand is almost impossible to find in the States. I was so excited to discover it's available online that I snapped up this serum, which is one of the line's newest products. The serum promises to brighten, lighten, restore a radiant complexion and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. I have my fingers crossed! The ingredients can be found here.
• Trilogy Aromatic Body Treatment Oil ($33 for 3.38 fl oz)- This little bottle promises to nourish, sooth and moisturize, while activating microcirculation to help eliminate toxins and excess water. We shall see about that last claim, but after trying it on my hand, I'm pleased with how quickly the oil seemed to sink in and the light herbal scent. The ingredient deck is available here.

I can't wait to try my new products! Here's hoping they make my city-weary skin look 16 again!

My Current Skincare Routine

When it comes to skincare, I'm pretty fickle and pretty picky. If a product doesn't work or upsets my normal to dry, sensitive skin, I toss it rather than try to make it work. The products I use have to be (synthetic) fragrance-free, keep my city-weary skin clear and smooth, not contain parabens, and comprised of mostly natural (preferably organic) ingredients. I know, I know. The FDA has said parabens are safe. And the concentration purportedly used in most sincare products falls far beneath the accepted threshold. And natural is not always better--after all poison ivy is natural. And chemical ingredients can be powerfully effective and gentle on the skin. I can't help it though. For some visceral reason I can't get around this preference and feel like my skin looks its best when I stick with products of this ilk. To that end, here is what I've been using lately and my thoughts.

Clinique Take the Day Off Balm ($27)- this solid cleanser in a pretty purple pot emulsifies when you smooth it over your face, breaking down even the toughest eye makeup. I use it all over and then rinse. The directions indicate that a separate cleanser isn't necessary, but I always follow up with one as I am a fan of double cleansing (using one product to simply remove makeup and another to cleanse the skin).
Nude Skincare Cleansing Facial Wash ($34)- Nude uses organic ingredients when possible and the packaging is recyclable. This cleanser smells of bitter orange water and gently foams to cleanse my skin without over drying. I wouldn't call it moisturizing, but because it doesn't strip my skin, in the heat of summer I do not even need a separate moisturizer. I also credit this for keeping my skin breakout free. The price may seem steep but just one little pump is needed and I anticipate it lasting several months.
Kate Somerville Total Vitamin Antioxidant Face Serum ($65)- I've been diligent about sun protection since my early teens so I don't have any age spots or real discoloration to contend with, but I live in NYC where the smog, pollution, exhaust, and general icky grime can really take a toll on skin. Couple this with the amount of time I spend outdoors walking around, and I need a serious preventative antioxidant. This light serum is Vitamin C based, sinks right in, and doesn't irritate my skin or clog my pores. Since I'm using it for prevention it's difficult to tell if it's working, but that is true of all products used for this purpose I suppose.
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Gentle ($65)- As much as I love it, NYC is really tough on skin for the reasons mentioned above. Your pores fill with all of the muck and some serious degunkification is required! I tried the regular ExfoliKate and it was way to harsh for my sensitive skin, but this is perfect. In 2-3 minutes the product has dissolved the dead cells and cleaned out my pores. You get some manual exfoliation from the little granules it contains and are left with clear glowing skin.
Aveeno Pure & Free Baby Sunblock Lotion SPF 60+ ($11)- this contains all physical sun blocks (I won't use chemical sunscreens) and while it's not featherlight, it hasn't clogged my pores either. It is chock full of chemicals so I have Devita on my list to try next.
Jurlique Balancing Day Cream ($40)- This is indicated for combination skin, but I think it would be too heavy for anyone leaning towards the oily side. It's a bit thick but does absorb, and has a distinct floral smell (though the fragrance is of natural origin). I love using this after the Kate Somerville enzyme treatment. I warm a tiny bit between my fingertips and pat in on to my skin, leaving it moisturized and smooth. It's not a miracle--you won't suddenly look 18--but it's a great basic moisturizer with antioxidant plant oils that creates a good base for makeup.
Stem Organics Hydrating Face Fluid ($58)- I use this in the winter when I need something more hydrating than the Jurlique. Despite its more fluid texture, this is a highly moisturizing product with macadamia oil, shea butter, vitamin E and a host of nourishing extracts and oils. This is definitely indicated for dry skin, though the brand makes a version for normal and a version for oily skin and they come packaged in dark glass bottles with air tight pumps to preserve the antioxidants. You never hear about this line but it is absolutely fantastic!
Skyn Iceland Icelandic Relief Eye Pen with Biospheric Complex ($20)- I suffer from the world's worse undereye circles (so bad that I've had makeup artists tell me there's simply nothing they can do for them when I've sought concealer advice) and even though I logically know better, I'll still try any eye cream that claims to help with my shiners. This one not only claims to do that, but says it combats wrinkles and puffiness and contains optical brighteners. Plus it comes in a hygienic, travel friendly pen and the price is right! This eye cream is fine. Just fine. I've been using it consistently for several months now and have noticed no change in the darkness under my eyes and I haven't seen any of the claimed brightness. Concealer does go on smoothly over this but that's about it. I'll finish it up and move on the next eye cream with lofty claims!

Here is my routine:
AM:
Kate Somerville Total Vitamin Antioxidant Face Serum
Aveeno Pure & Free Baby Sunblock Lotion SPF 60+
Skyn Iceland Icelandic Relief Eye Pen with Biospheric Complex

PM:
Remove makeup with Clinique Take the Day Off Balm
Nude Skincare Cleansing Facial Wash
Moisturize if needed either with the Jurlique Balancing Day Cream or Stem Organics Hydrating Facial Fluid
Skyn Iceland Icelandic Relief Eye Pen with Biospheric Complex

Twice a week:
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Gentle

That's it!