C E Ferulic Serum Review - It's like having Thanksgiving on your face

From their site:

C E Ferulic® is a revolutionary antioxidant combination that delivers advanced protection against photoaging by neutralizing free radicals, boosting collagen synthesis, and providing unmatched antioxidant protection. More protection means more youthful looking skin and better defense against environmental aging.

• Provides advanced environmental protection against UVA, UVB and infrared radiation A
• Stimulates collagen synthesis to improve signs of aging
• Increases firmness and replenishes lipids to reduce wrinkles
• Once absorbed, this serum can’t be washed or rubbed off. It remains effective for a minimum of 72 hours, making it an excellent addition to sunscreen.

Ever wonder what it'll feel like to have a slab of turkey on your face? It might smell and feel like C E Ferulic. I wanted to like this serum after all the rave reviews and people I know in the beauty industry swear by it. I finally gave in, put my La Mer aside, and tried it for a week. I absolutely hate it. I wanted to stay on it longer so I can write a really in-depth review, but my skin started breaking out and my face was greasy all the time, I just couldn't stay on it anymore.

This is one of those products that looks so good on paper, but fails to deliver, at least for me. I know a lot of people that really like it, so maybe it just didn't sit well with my skin. If you have combination/oily skin, you might not want to use this, because it is very oily and my face was shiny the entire time when I was on this. And because it is so oily, my skin started breaking out where I normally wouldn't break out.

I thought it would improve as time goes on, but my skin started looking worse each day to a point that I just had to stop using it. The worse thing about this product is that it smells like turkey! I thought I got a bad bottle, so I went back to check on another bottle and did some research online and apparently, it just smells bad. I felt like I was rubbing a Turkey dinner grease all over my face when I put this on and the smells lingers on your face throughout the entire day. I also have severe allergies so the smell was not helping either.

Honestly, I am sure the product works well with some people, but I just can't get over the smell and the greasiness of it all. I also did not see anything positive other than my pores being enlarged and pimples started appearing.

Verdict: Skip it!
C E Ferulic is $146
http://www.skinceuticals.com/_us/_en/category/c-e-ferulic.htm

 

Lumene quick review

Not going to go into a full in depth of this line. I tried the following

Vitamin C + Age Defying Radiant Beauty Drops: Arctic cloudberry seed oil strengthens and protects the skin from external and internal stress factors. Arctic lingonberry seed oil protects and nourishes skin. Vitamin C together with lingonberry seed oil provides long-lasting protection and brightens

Vitamin C+ Pure Radiance Day Cream: Natural radiance & detox for brighter skin Rich and soft cream gives your skin instant radiance, moisture and energy. Arctic cloudberry seed oil, which is bursting with natural antioxidants, fortifies the skin and protects it from both external and internal stress factors. 

Vitamin C+ Pure Radiance Day Cream SPF 15: Natural radiance & detox for brighter skin! Fresh cream gives your skin radiance while protecting it against the harmful effects of the sun. Optimal UVA protection. 

Sensitive Touch Cleansing Wipes: Gentle formula contains 100% organic soothing arctic linen seed extract to calm the skin. Sensitive formula doesn't leave a greasy residue and doesn't sting on your eyes. Leaves your skin pleasantly fresh.

 

The day cream with no SPF I liked. Not a fan of any cream with SPF because of their consistency and anything SPF 30 and under is useless in my opinion. 

 I did not like the Beauty Drops. It felt very strange on the skin. It has a a dry oil feel to it and my lotion did not go well on top of the drops. It makes my face look kind of weird too, almost has a strange sheen to the skin. Not a fan. 

There you go. If you've tried the products, let me know how you like it in the comment section, or join the conversation on Facebook! www.facebook.com/themetroperspective

 

 

Complete La Mer Serum Rundown Review- Regenerating, Radiant, and Intensifier

The Regenerating Serum: 
Fortified with a high concentration of The Miracle Broth™, The Regenerating Ferment™ and The Marine Peptide Ferment, this active yet comforting skincare powerhouse helps complement skin's natural production of “youth proteins,” collagen and elastin. You will see a difference in a day as skin is rejuvenated on contact. Over time, the appearance of lines, wrinkles and pores is diminished as a firmer, more lifted, beautifully ageless look is revealed.

This is my absolute favorite serum of all time. The difference is overnight. It also cleared my breakouts as well. This is one of the few products where I can see the difference in my face and I've recommended it to everyone and everyone had great results from it. It reduce the lines on your face and clear any imperfection.. It was very hard for me to find a serum that was both anti-aging and soothing to the skin so I don't breakout. After the first week of using this, my face was completely clear and dewy.

This is by far the best serum from La Mer. The texture is very milky and sinks into your skin right away. It's great for both day and night and it kind of creates a soft canvas for your lotion/cream. I've noticed when using this serum during the day, I don't get as shiny as if I were to use another serum. This is one product I will always recommend to anyone that is looking for something anti-aging where you can see the results.

So worth the money!

Verdict: RUN OUT AND BUY IT! 
Regenerating Serum is $260
http://www.cremedelamer.com/templates/products/spp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY23101&PRODUCT_ID=PROD15901

The Radiant Serum:
This ultralight gel serum boosts skin's ability to reflect light.

The Radiant Serum illuminates the complexion immediately on contact, awakening a brilliant new clarity. Targeted skin tone correctors dissolve the look of discoloration. Water borne anti-oxidants help skin remain looking more even and bright into the future.

La Mer's Radiant Waters™ smooth away dull surface cells that obscure light. Pores are purified and refined. Exclusive marine extracts firm and plump skin's appearance, breathing life into the complexion.

I've tried this serum many times. I like it, but I don't love it. The texture is kind of sticky and and it dries on your skin leaving a strange texture for your lotion/cream to go on. The main reason for my ambivalent feeling about this serum is the fact that I didn't notice any results from it. Originally, I thought I would like this more than the Regenerating Serum because this one is supposed to purify the pores and refine the skin and get rid of discoloration, but it didn't do any of that. Actually, the regenerating serum gets rid of breakouts more than this and does a better job at evening out the skin tone.

I really don't see a reason buying this over the Regenerating since they are the same price. I can see people using this for the day and the regenerating at night, otherwise, just use the regenerating.

Verdict: Try it
The Radiant Serum is $260
http://www.cremedelamer.com/templates/products/spp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY23101&PRODUCT_ID=PROD16769

The Lifting Intensifier:
This targeted treatment utilizes a mesh-like matrix containing Blue Algae Lift Ferment™ and other key ingredients to help skin promote its natural collagen and elastin network where support is needed most. It instantly tightens skin's surface and works over time to "train" skin to sustain a smooth, resilient, more lifted appearance.

First off, I want you to know I don't have a lot of visible wrinkles that needs to be fixed other than expression lines, so I can't give you a feedback on if it actually lifts the skin. However, a friend of mine tried it and said she really likes it, but still prefers the Regenerating Serum.

The Lifting Intensifier used to be sold as a duo along with the Lifting Serum, but I guess with all the new serums that are obviously doing better, they got rid of the Lifting Serum and just kept this one. I don't really like the texture of this serum. It is very sticky and it leaves a sticky film on the skin and for some reason, I feel like my skin cannot breath under this serum. I also noticed I am more prone to breakout when I'm on this serum. So this is not exactly my favorite one.

As for lifting, I don't really feel it personally. I am not sure I will come back to this and invest the money when Regenerating Serum is far superior. Also, this is more of a targeted treatment than for the entire face....though I used it for my entire face!

Verdict: Try it...maybe. 
The Lifting Intensifier is $155
http://www.cremedelamer.com/templates/products/spp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY23101&PRODUCT_ID=PROD6842

La Mer also came out with a Brightening Serum, which I've used and will write a review soon (don't buy it, it's not that good).

The La Mer Concentrate is amazing for scars. Way better than ScarsGuard and Merderma. It's great for the face, too, but for $400, i think you should just save that for scars.

Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster Review

From their website-
Like a daily vitamin for your face, this high powered vitamin C complex helps smooth out lines and wrinkles and prevents further damage. Loaded with antioxidants to fight off environmental aggressors and moisture-binding ingredients to keep your skin nourished and protected, this aromatic serum is absorbed instantly and penetrates to the deeper layers of the skin to provide long term results. Sensitive skin prone to irritation will benefit immensely from the calming properties of this oil-free serum.

Ingredient benefits

Grapefruit and orange extract Purifying, astringent, brightening
Green tea extract Protects against damage with antioxidants
Rosehips extract Repairs and strengthens with concentrated vitamin C
Sodium hyaluronate Binds moisture to the skin
Vitamin C Calms, heals and strengthens collagen
Vitamin E Heals, restores and nourishes


Vit C serums are great for people that want to get rid of sun spots or discolorations, and also it is full of antioxidants to combat aging. I liked this serum for a few reasons. It smells amazing, like oranges, and it sinks into the skin very well. It kept my skin hydrated without feeling greasy even with my lotion on top.


For those that are not familiar with Ole Henriksen, he is a celebrity facialist and has a spa on Sunset Blvd behind on the restaurants at the Sunset Plaza. It's kind of hard to find at first, because the entrance is behind the building in the parking lot..... (there's a yummy cupcake store right next door!)


I love his colorful packaging and this Vit C Serum is definitely one of his most popular products. I do think there are stronger anti-aging products and whitening/brightening products on the market, but this is a great start for someone that is looking to start their anti-aging routine!

Verdict: Try it! 

Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster is $72 (there's a smaller size for sale as well, but get the big one)
Read more on their site- http://www.olehenriksen.com/p-68-truth-serum-collagen-booster.aspx

Le Metier de Beaute Revitalizing Anti-Aging Day Creme

From their site- This luxurious, lightweight emulsion dramatically slows the formation of expression lines—from forehead and smile lines to brow furrows—as it refreshes the skin's overall appearance. Broad-spectrum SPF 15, along with a host of proven and highly potent anti-aging ingredients, increase hydration, soften fine lines and wrinkles, minimize the appearance of pore size and improve elasticity. Skin looks, feels and acts more youthful.

Active Ingredients

• Retinol (.05%): an anti-aging powerhouse known to smooth and plump wrinkles, encourage collagen revitalization, and bring elasticity back to skin.
• SNAP 8 (.005%): an anti-aging, power-peptide that reduces the depth of wrinkles on the face caused by expression muscles, specifically in forehead and eye-areas.
• Coenzyme Q10 (.05%): proven anti-aging active reduces depth of age-related wrinkles and protects against photo-aging.
• L-Carnosine (.1%): aids in the loss of keratin degradation, which causes rough, dry skin

This is one of those products that looks flawless on paper, but fails to deliver. I am really not a fan of beauty products adding SPF to their products, because it always make the consistency either greasy or powdery, and don't get me started on that sunscreen smell.

I wanted to love this product and looking at the list of ingredients, I was for sure this was going to be my new favorite cream, but I just didn't love it. It doesn't smell that good, it kind of reminds me of the smell of La Prairie products. I think products with too many active ingredients end up smelling plastic or chemical. 

You can definitely feel the SPF in the product on your skin. It is a little bit hard to blend into the skin and it just feels "thick" sitting on top of the skin. SPF 15 is almost nothing, so you're still going to want to apply a SPF 30 and over on top of this. It was also a bit too dry for my skin, which could just be my skin tightening, but ultimately, I didn't see enough results to continue, especially with this price. 

I got a tester of their toner and it smelled like rubbing alcohol to me. Don't think I will be coming back to this line. 

Verdict: Skip it  
Metier de Beaute Revitalizing Anti-Aging Day Creme is $285
Read more at: http://www.lemetierdebeaute.com/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=42

La Prairie White Caviar Illuminating Serum Review

La Prairie White Caviar Illuminating Serum

The most potent product of the system, combining anti-aging, anti-pigmentation and luminescence with pearlescent pigments and liquid crystals to inhibit melanin production, detoxify and beautify.

Dark spots and uneven coloring can give your skin an aged look beyond its years. This potent anti-pigmentation serum interrupts the cycle that creates age spots, stopping discoloration before it begins. As existing spots fade, the skin takes on a new brightness. 

The Benefits

• Promotes even skin tone by decreasing transfer of dark pigment to the surface of the skin
• Lifts and firms with Golden Caviar Extracts and anti-aging peptides
• Reduces wrinkles caused by repeated facial expressions
• Delays aging signs with powerful antioxidants including Tomato Fruit Extract, Larch Tree Extract, and White Tea Complex

This has become one of my favorite serums! It is a beautiful pearlescent serum that melts into your skin that brightens up your entire complexion while reducing wrinkles caused my repeated facial expression!

I'm at the age where I'm starting to see some expression lines and this serum has helped minimize them from daily use. I use this day and night. I have received some great compliments on my skin while on this and I've noticed my skin tone looks a lot more even and some minor dark spots have faded.

You can hide a lot of flaws when your skin is on the whiter side that's why Asians are obsessed with whitening/brightening their skins. And please note, whitening does not mean bleaching of the skin, it simply means brightening of the skin and the overall texture so it looks like you have a light shining from within.

I love the pearlescent texture of serum. It literally looks like a melted pearl when you put this on your finger tip and it goes on smooth like velvet.

I would definitely recommend this serum. I don't think you need the face cream from this line, because personally, the face cream was a bit too dry for my combination skin. So if you're going to but either or, I would choose this serum over the cream, and the serum has more of the active ingredient anyway.

It is $470 (yikes), but it falls into the category of "You only have one face! So take care of it!" Definitely worth it.

Verdict: Buy it!

La Prairie White Caviar Illuminating Serum is $470

La Prairie's White Caviar Illuminating Cream Review

 White Caviar Illuminating Cream

From their site- This blissfully light and luxurious cream drenches the skin with moisture as it lightens, brightens, and lifts, giving you a more even skin tone, with improved firmness. Pearlescent powders in the cream give immediate illumination while a complex of brightening ingredients works to control age spots and discoloration on the skin's surface.

• Promotes even skin tone by slowing down production of excess pigment
• Lifts and firms with Golden Caviar Extracts and wrinkle-reducers
• Hydrates intensely with Rare White Honey and a Deep Moisturizing Complex
• Helps prevent future signs of aging with antioxidants, including White Truffles, White Wine Extract, and a White Flower Complex

This was the last product I tried from this line. I thought it would be a lot richer and creamier from the jar, but it's actually a very light cream that absorbs very quickly into the skin and it kept my combination skin shine free in 90+ degree weather. I do feel a slightly reaction to the cream like I've experienced with their other facial creams, but nothing major enough to make me stop using the product. La Prairie's products are usually pretty active (but good!). 

After 2 days of using this Day and Night, I've received many compliments and even strangers asking me how I keep my skin so perfect. Personally, I would like the cream to be a bit richer for night, but clearly it's doing its job and made my face, especially my forehead a flawless canvas. The only downside is the scent. It smells like most of their facial creams, a little bit of a chemical smell, but it's not strong enough to bother anyone.

It's great to keep your skin from getting sunspots. I think it's a great cream to prevent and correct. Definitely would recommend. 

For the price of $470. It is pretty steep. If you have the money and in desperate need of a product to correct discoloration, this is a great line.

La Prairie's White Caviar Illuminating Cream is $470
Verdict: Try it/Buy it!

Givenchy Le Soin Noir

This has been my favorite line of products on the market, but it has been increasingly hard to find them in the States. Sephora used to carry the face cream, but it's been out of stock for awhile now and it doesn't seem like they will be taking on the serum anytime soon.

I am so tempted to order this from the UK and have it shipped to me, because it is that good! I am currently using the left over jars as candle holders on my coffee table (for display only, would not actually burn the candles) and its been a great conversation piece. The jars are beautifully made.

Anyone has any luck tracking down where to buy this line in the States?

The Bloom of Youth Through Lancôme's Absolue L’Extrait

From their website-- 

An exceptional elixir exists. It contains up to 2 million Lancôme Rose native cells.

Experience Lancôme’s revolutionary skincare innovation and our most powerful regenerating ingredient, Lancôme Rose Native Cells.

Extracted from the heart of the rare and resilient Lancôme Rose using an exclusive, state-of-the-art biotechnological process, these native cells are proven to extend their own exceptional properties to enhance skin’s regenerative potential*.

Each jar of Absolue L’Extrait contains up to 2 million of these precious native cells. Absolue L’Extrait helps reveal firmer, more elastic, more radiant skin for fascinating beauty.

Absolue L’Extrait. A master piece of regeneration.

The last time rose made the press rounds as an skincare ingredient was through Skin Deli's Creme de la Rose. Sadly, it never got far. Korres also has a line of rose products, but their line is more focused on brightening of the skin. Lancome with its big marketing budget and expensive research team is sure to make this flower popular again on a different level.

Lancome's Absolue L'Extrait has Rose Stem Cells and Body Deli's Creme de la Rose has Bulgarian Rose Oil. It's like comparing a burger patty to a steak in terms of the research and technology. Lancome takes the cake in the rose battle.

Priced at $350. It's definitely one of the more expensive creams on the market. 

I am going to get this cream after I'm done with my La Mer Cream, so stay tuned!

Freeze 24/7 Ice Cream Double Scoop Intensive Anti-Aging Moisturizer

From their site-

A smoothing, moisturizing complex that provides intense hydration while nourishing, firming and toning skin- provides immediate and long term benefits. This high-tech, super-charged skincare cocktail takes the moisturizing experience to the next level. Luxurious and exceptionally hydrating, IceCream Double Scoop™ is a powerful moisturizing complex of ingredients that hydrates the skin while providing serious anti-aging benefits.

• Diminishes expression line formations while shielding the skin from oxidative stress and UVA/UVB rays

• Skin looks supple, vibrant and healthy - noticeably radiant and smooth

• Reduces the appearance of facial expression lines and other common signs of aging

• Fights free radical damage and oxidative stress with L-Carnosine & Green Tea Extract 

Freeze 24/7 is famous for their anti-wrinkle treatment, where you put it on your skin and you can see the wrinkles diminish in front of your eyes. Wrinkles creams with GABA are now very common. As their website stated, GABA is produced in the body as a natural muscle relaxant, just as melatonin is produced as the body’s natural sleep inducing agent. When used in conjunction with other key ingredients found within our proprietary complex, GABA works to help diminish the appearance of fine lines and winkles on the facial area quickly, safely, and effectively with no side effects – just results.

I believe Freeze 24/7 was the brand that made the miracle wrinkle ingredient wildly popular (at least for me). Dr. Brandt also has a product called Crease Release that uses the same ingredient. This review is not so about their anti-wrinkle treatment, but i just want to point out their brand defining product, which is their Instant Wrinkle Treatment.

The Ice Cream Double Scoop Intensive Anti-Aging Moisturizer is one of my favorite moisturizers I've ever used. It is extremely hydrating and yet it creates a matte look on your face making your face look plump and dewy all day without shine.

The texture is, as expected with the name, creamy and thick like soft serve ice cream. It glides on smooth like silk creating a matte canvas. The only thing I've had problem with while using this cream is whatever I put on top of it flakes off like eraser shedding. I tried using sunblock on top of it, but it sheds everything off,  I would think it'll have the same problem with makeup as well. However, I found that if you put sunscreen on right away after this cream, it'll be fine, it's only when you let the cream set in the skin and you try to put something on top that it sheds. Again, everyone's skin is different, so it might not happen to you.
 
Overall, I really enjoy this cream. It can be used on even the most sensitive skin. I wish it was paraben free, but it's not. Sometimes they have a 50% off Sale on their website and that's when I try to stock up on everything. Definitely sign up for their newsletter if you're interested in their products!

Verdict: Buy it!

The Ice Cream Double Scoop Intensive Anti-Aging Moisturizer is $105
Read more on their website- http://www.freeze247.com/proddetail.cfm?sku=9913900062&prd=

Shiseido BENEFIANCE Pure Retinol Intensive Revitalizing Face Mask Review

A concentrated treatment sheet mask that encourages skin's natural recovery function and provides a rich infusion of moisture to help improve texture. Restores youthful suppleness and radiance with a single application.

• Developed with Shiseido-original Pure Liquid Retinol Delivery System, to penetrate skin rapidly and help combat wrinkles, dryness, and dullness.
• Formulated with aquatic plant extract Chlorella, a skin-vitality enhancer.
• Contains Hydroxyproline, a high-technology amino acid that parallels skin's own natural building blocks of collagen.

Shiseido always make great products, and this one is no exception. The box comes with 4 masks packaged individually. There's the top mask and the bottom mask making it easier to put on and take off than most mask sheets.

I used this after the shower and it gave me a nice "glow". My face looked hydrated and fresh. I think it's always hard to judge a mask, because most of the time you can't really see a difference, especially when it's an anti-aging mask. However, if you're into anti-aging, you know retinol is a good anti-aging ingredient.

I use prescription strength Retin-A (tretinoin) gel everyday and I've always seen retinol as a less effective and weaker version of Retin-A, even though they are distinctly different. Retin-A can only be obtained if your dermatologist write you a perspection and Retinol products can be purchased in stores. Both are used to treat fine lines and wrinkles, but different.

I think this is a decent mask, but I couldn't stand the scent of the mask. Shiseido products usually smell great, but for some reason I felt like I had an old lady's overly perfumed wet blanket on my face the entire time. I almost wanted to take it off immediately, but for the sake of writing an review for it, I stuck it out.

I use Retin-A gel on a nightly basis so I don't feel the need of adding this mask to my regular routine. Also, it is the price of my Retin-A prescription so I'd rather spend the money on that. I do think there are better masks on the market, and because of the dismal scent, I am not going to recommend this. This is solely based on the scent alone and the fact that I already use Rein-A gel on a nightly basis.

If you want to try it, you can. As I mentioned, Shiseido make great products so it's really up to your personal needs.

Also, I want to mention that if you have very sensitive skin, you might want to avoid reintol products. It can irritate some sensitive skin.

Verdict: Skip it/ try it
Shiseido BENEFIANCE Pure Retinol Intensive Revitalizing Face Mask is $62.50
Read more on their website- http://www.shiseido.com/benefiance-pure-retinol-intensive-revitalizing-face-mask/0729238191075,default,pd.html

La Mer Eye Cream Showdown!

 

I reviewed the two eye creams from La Mer this week- Eye Balm Intense and Eye Concentrate 

So which one reigns supreme?  In my opinion, The Eye Concentrate is superior. I think even some of the more experienced La Mer rep would agree with me (and they have). 

A mini breakdown of each from their website-

The Balm Intense- 

The new Marine De-Puff Ferment™, The Lifting Ferment™ and a potent concentration of The Miracle Broth™ - the seaborne elixir known for its healing energies - penetrate deep within the skin's surface for a remarkable change, while the unique balm texture offers the utmost in comfort.

In a short while, the look of puffiness, lines and wrinkles is diminished as clarity is revealed. La Mer's proprietary silver-tipped applicator cools skin on contact to help stimulate mircocirculation

The Concentrate-

This concentrated cream utilizes three unique forms of Miracle Broth™ to deeply condition, smooth and hydrate the delicate eye area. It significantly reduces the appearance of dark circles, lines and wrinkles for a luminous new life.

Fortified with an iron-rich mineral, The Eye Concentrate dramatically dissolves the appearance of dark circles. It works in tandem with a specially-engineered, silver-tipped applicator which helps cool the skin, immediately improving micro-circulation.

  

The Price- Both $165

Hydration- The Balm Intense takes this one

Dark Circles- The Concentrate, the Balm Intense doesn't even treat dark circles.

Lines and Wrinkles- Both are equally good in this department. It's La Mer afterall.

Puffiness- Balm Intense. 

So why do i think The Eye Concentrate is better? Simply because the anti-aging results are more noticeable than when I was on the Balm Intense and I think it absorbs better than the Balm. Sometimes the Balm just sits on top of your skin, and I don't think you should use creams that are too heavy around your eyes. 

They are equally great products, so it's really up to what you're looking for. I think the price is decent for La Mer. They could've charge up to $200 and I think people would still buy it. I think they were $185 at some point? Anyways, the price currently is $165.

La Mer always put out great products and some people don't like the brand, but from my personal experience, they've always delivered.

La Mer The Eye Concentrate $165

This concentrated cream utilizes three unique forms of Miracle Broth™ to deeply condition, smooth and hydrate the delicate eye area. It significantly reduces the appearance of dark circles, lines and wrinkles for a luminous new life.

Fortified with an iron-rich mineral, The Eye Concentrate dramatically dissolves the appearance of dark circles. It works in tandem with a specially-engineered, silver-tipped applicator which helps cool the skin, immediately improving micro-circulation.

I have previously reviewed The Eye Balm Intense , and stated that I like the Eye Concentrate better, because it's more of a completely eye cream for people that want to get rid of their dark circles. I also like the texture of the Eye Concentrate better, because it's more like a light lotion than a cream. It sinks into the skin faster than the creamy Eye Balm Intense. It's not as moisturizing as the Balm, but I think it provides just enough hydration.

There are so many eye creams on the market and like many of you,  I'm still on my hunt for the next best eye cream. This is my regular eye cream, but I feel like although it does treat dark circles, my dark circles are still coming through. I've used this in conjunction with the La Prairie White Caviar Eye Serum , and that actually helped my dark circles better. But it gets way too expensive to buy both products at the same time.

Bottom line, I do like this better than the Balm Intense and I think it's a great eye cream overall. If you have dark circles, give this one a try, if you have puffiness, you might want to go for the Balm instead.

Verdict: Buy it!
La Mer The Eye Concentrate is $165
Read more on their website- http://www.cremedelamer.com/templates/products/spp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY23102&PRODUCT_ID=PROD11863

La Mer The Eye Balm Intense $165.00

The new Marine De-Puff Ferment™, The Lifting Ferment™, and a potent concentration of The Miracle Broth™—the seaborne elixir known for its healing energies—penetrate deep within the skin's surface for a remarkable change, while the unique balm texture offers the utmost in comfort.

In a short while, the look of puffiness, lines, and wrinkles is diminished as clarity is revealed. La Mer's proprietary silver-tipped applicator cools skin on contact to help stimulate microcirculation.

La Mer has two eye creams- The Eye Concentrate and The Eye Balm Intense. The Eye Concentrate is more of a complete treatment to me, because it treats dark circles on top of lines and puffiness. Fans of La Mer would know that The Original La Mer Eye Balm has been around forever, but they took it off the shelf and was sold by request only after The Eye Concentrate was introduced.

I've used both Eye Concentrate and Eye Balm Intense and the main difference to me was that the Eye Balm Intense felt a lot more heavier and moisturizing than the Eye Concentrate. However, I have dark circles and the Eye Balm Intense doesn't really treat dark circles as well as the Eye Concentrate, but I do think the Eye Balm Intense is better for puffiness.

The Eye Balm Intense is great for people with puffiness under their eyes and it provides great moisture. The texture is very creamy and goes on smooth like velvet. It also comes with the silver-tipped applicator that helps to stimulate microcirculation, but honestly, who actually uses the applicator? It's kind of a hassle having to clean it after each use and my biggest problem with the applicator is that there's no easy sanitary way of storing it. I wish it comes with an enclosed case of some sort so it's not just laying around on your bathroom counter.

Overall, it's a solid eye cream. My mom loves it, my friends love it, and I still use it. My review for The Eye Concentrate will be here soon!

Verdict: Buy it!
La Mer The Eye Balm Intense is $165.00
Read more on their website-- http://www.cremedelamer.com/templates/products/spp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY23102&PRODUCT_ID=PROD16361#BVRRWidgetID

Tom Ford Intensive Infusion Concentrate Extreme $250

The Tom Ford Infusing Complex infuses skin with a potent combination of specially selected nutrients that help skin stimulate its natural repair mechanisms. By helping skin cells replenish their natural energy, it fundamentally rejuvenates the complexion, so it looks and feels brighter, fresher and less tired. High-performing antioxidants help protect the skin, creating a vital-looking face. The skin is left looking renewed, resilient and smoother.

This is by far one of the worst luxury serums at this price tag I've ever used. It is also the only serum I've ever returned to the store. First off, the Tom Ford Beauty salesperson I talked to at Neiman Marcus didn't even know what is in this product. I asked him what exactly is in the "infusion complex" and he just kept repeating "some of the most precious and best oils in the world", and then I asked what oils are in it and he said it's a secret that they are not even told.

Really?? Let me tell you, simply flip the box over and all the ingredients are listed, and it's nothing special. After reading the ingredient, I felt cheated. This is the perfect example of a designer simply selling something expensive for the brand name. I am a huge fan of Tom Ford, that's why I was so disappointed. I think Tom Ford is a genius and branded himself so well in the world of luxury. He couldn't do anything wrong in my eyes, but his skincare just fell short. However, I've heard amazing things about his makeup line. So do give that a try.

The serum itself is pure oil. So if you have oily skin or even the slightest tendency to get some shine on your face, this would not be right for you. It's the equivalent of dipping your face in oil. I used this at night so I didn't have to walk out of my door with a grease face. I didn't notice any difference to my skin at all.

Normally I could find some redeeming quality to any product, but with this price tag, I just couldn't. I think the serum is worth $60 top. Since it's pure oil, I couldn't use this during the day either, so I eventually ended up returning the product.

Verdict- Skip it! 

The Tom Ford Beauty Intensive Infusion is $250
Read more on Neiman Marcus site- http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/Tom-Ford-Beauty-Intensive-Infusion-Concentrate-Extreme-Skin-Care/prod138620123/

La Mer "The Essence" Facial at Hotel Bel-Air

This was at the entrance of the room

So I had the luxury of being invited by La Mer to try "The Essence" facial at Hotel Bel-Air yesterday and I absolutely LOVED it.


The Essence by La Mer is one of the world’s most expensive beauty products, priced at $2100. Its extraordinary packaging was designed by La Mer’s team, including Jesse Chertoff, design director, and Shane Butler, package designer.

The Essence contains magnetized tourmaline, which keeps its active ferments suspended. Magnets hidden inside the package keep the tourmaline’s ingredients magnetically charged.

The Essence is a milky texture, very much like the Regenerating Serum, and it feels like a mixture of The Concentrate and Regenerating Serum on the skin. It absorbs very quickly into the skin like most of La Mer Serums.

I literally had a halo glow effect to my face after the facial. The facialist applied the Cream on my face after the facial and normally it would've been too heavy during the day, but for some reason the combination of the Essence and the Cream provided the perfect balance for my skin.

Obviously for $2100, most people would just pay a visit to the dermatologist for injections, but for those that are looking for an alternative, you might want to give this a try.

"The Essence Facial" included-

• Cleansing of the face with The La Mer Cleansing Foam and Tonic
• Exfoliation by La Mer Refining Facial (which is basically a fine scrub, I will review it in the future) 
• Massage with La Mer Cleansing Gel
• La Mer Mist 
• The Mask-- which is basically a heavy thick layer of Creme de La Mer for 10 mins
• The Hydrating Infusion (Will Review in the future)
• The Essence (LOVE!) as the serum 
• Creme de La Mer as the finishing touch!

Then you leave feeling like a million bucks and glowing for the next few days!

Givenchy Le Soin Noir $380

Givenchy Le Soin Noir contains an extremely precious, natural age-defying ingredient that will secure its status in your antiaging routine. Used for the first time in cosmetics, Vital Black Algae Sap Concentrate restores communication between the skin's cells. Givenchy's researchers have developed a method to infuse this potion with a rare black algae extract to help maintain and prolong cellular longevity. Parched skin drinks in the hydration it needs—leaving your complexion firm, glowing, and even-toned.

I call this face lift in a jar. My absolute favorite product on the market. It is very pricey, yes, but it's worth every penny. The cream itself is black, but it becomes translucent once it touches your skin. The texture is more like cream gelatin, not so much of a gel, because I'm allergic to gels and I've had no problem with this.

Normally I can tell if a cream is moisturizing or not by using it at night, and often times I wake up with my skin feeling dry. This is the only cream I've ever used that have managed to keep my skin plumped and hydrated throughout the entire night without feeling dry the next morning. I also sleep with a humidifier next to my bed stand, which I highly recommend (Yes, beauty takes a lot of work).

I call this face lift in a jar, because it lifts and diminishes your lines and wrinkles. I've received many compliments on my skin when I use this. I stopped using it for awhile, because it is so expensive and within a few days, I lost that "glow" to my face.

The only down side to this (besides the hefty price tag) is that it is very hard to find. Sephora seem to be the only place that carries it. You can find it in their store in NY or their online store. However, it is always out of stock on their website.

Also, I suggest only using this at night for two reason- 1. It's expensive. 2. Sometimes I do see a little bit of the gray coloring on my face, but if I'm just lounging around in the house, I don't really care what my face looks like. Also, I don't think sunblock goes on well on top of this cream because the texture is so unique.  So you might have some problem with makeup, not sure, since I don't wear makeup.

It's one of my favorite products on the market and it is worth every penny. I kept all the jars after I've used up the cream and they make great coffee table display or tea-light candle holders. (A very expensive conversation starter!)

I'll write a review on Le Soin Noir Serum and Eye Cream soon!

Verdict: RUN OUT AND BUY IT!

Givenchy Le Soin Noir is $380
Read more on their website- http://www.givenchybeauty.com/item/Le-Soin-Noir

BLACK TEA AGE-DELAY CREAM $95

Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Face Cream combines natural ingredients with cutting-edge technology to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It's formulated with collagen-boosting lychee, proven to strengthen the skin's structure and firm the complexion to restore youthful contours and promote cell regeneration, resulting in softer, smoother skin. It also protects the skin against pollution with black tea and provides intense hydration and moisture.

Fresh always put out quality products and this one is no exception. It is a light but moisturizing cream that goes on very smooth. I think it smells like cucumbers and black tea. It's very refreshing. It's a pretty decent antiaging cream. I have noticed some differences with the overall complexion of my face. It gave me a little glow to the face and made my face looked dewy.

The only negative I can think of is how small the jar is. I feel like you can go through the jar pretty quickly and of course when you express that to the store employee they will always tell you "Oh a little bit goes a long way!"  Well, if you're like my mom that likes to put on a lot of cream, you'll prob go through the entire jar in 2 months especially if you're using it day and night.

It's a solid anti-aging moisturizer under $100. You don't see that many good ones under $100, and for my friends that don't want to spend over $100, I always recommend this one.

Verdict: Get it! 
BLACK TEA AGE-DELAY CREAM is $95

You can read more on their website- http://www.fresh.com/skincare/moisturizer-face/black-tea-age-delay-cream

La Mer Radiant Serum $260

The Radiant Serum illuminates the complexion immediately on contact, awakening a brilliant new clarity. Targeted skin tone correctors dissolve the look of discoloration. Water borne anti-oxidants help skin remain looking more even and bright into the future.

La Mer's Radiant Waters™ smooth away dull surface cells that obscure light. Pores are purified and refined. Exclusive marine extracts firm and plump skin's appearance, breathing life into the complexion.

I am a big fan of La Mer. I know a lot of people out there look down on the brand saying they sold out after the company was bought out by Estee lauder and changed all the formulas. I heard they did change the formula at the beginning, but have since received so many complaints from their loyal customers that they had to go back to the way they formulated the products. Some skin care experts refuse to use Creme de La Mer because there's mineral oil in it, which causes breakout.

I use the cream at night and both versions of the lotion depending on the weather of the day and it actually helped clear my breakouts. I'll write more about their moisturizers when I review them.

The Radiant Serum is an ok serum for me. I have friends that love it more than the regenerating serum, which is still my favorite. The Radiant Serum has a watery texture and it sinks into your skin pretty quickly. The one problem I have with the serum is that it makes my face feels kind of dry, and I have combination skin that's more on the oily side. Also, I feel like my lotion doesn't glide that well on top of this serum. I don't wear makeup, so I don't know if people wearing makeup have the same problem. Definitely leave a comment if you have tried it.

I'm not sure if it "reflects" light as it claims, but it does help improve the overall tone of your face. I also feel like the Regenerating Serum refine my pores better than this one. Again, everyone's skin is different so you might have a different experience with this than I did.

If you are someone with a lot of acne scars and sunspots, I don't think this would be strong enough to get rid of them. I would go with their Brightening Intensive Serum instead for dark spots.

Verdict: Try it! 

La Mer Radiant Serum is $260

You can read more on their website- http://www.cremedelamer.com/templates/products/spp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY23101&PRODUCT_ID=PROD16769

The Essence by La Mer $2100

“The Essence” is the latest and most expensive of the La Mer series and, in a three-week regimen, makes the skin glow like a newborn’s. The three emerald-green phials contain the “Miracle Broth,” a combination of seaweed, minerals, vitamin and wheat germ, marine algae and the essence of daffodil bulbs. All three soothe the skin and boost the energy reserves of skin cells.

Will finally be getting my hands ( or should i say face?) on The Essence of La Mer next week. Will come back to give you guys my thoughts.