Skin as an Accessory at Fashion Week.

You cannot begin to model without beautiful skin, right? This season at Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week, skin was in (isn't it always?), and designers who wanted the ultimate in beautiful looking skin turned to Clarisonic.

Both the Clarisonic Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing System and the Clarisonic Opal Sonic Infusion System were used on the models by celebrity aesthetician Eileen Harcourt to prep their skin for the VPL showing on September 12th  and at Chris Benz on September 13th.

 

A thorough cleansing is the first step in any skincare routine, and Eileen says she wouldn’t even recommend applying moisturizer to the face unless it had a sonic cleansing first. Models that were “in the know” came early to both the VPL and Chris Benz shows to experience a rare chance to relax.

Eileen used the Clarisonic Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing System to remove any makeup the models had on prior to the show (it cleans makeup 6x better than manual cleansing) as well as to fully cleanse the facial palette. Applying makeup is easier and looks better after using the Clarisonic Mia because the foundation is much cleaner than normal.  Models were able to achieve each show’s signature look with fresh skin before makeup application.

She then used the Opal around the eyes to provide a quick “wake up call,” since it tightens the skin with the same sonic technology as in the Mia. It was also used around the lips to tighten and brighten as well.   The Opal Sonic Infusion System is ideal because it’s compact and offers a “clean application” of serum.

You know I am a believer in the Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System, which sells for $149, and I highly recommend it to everyone. It will make such a difference (for the better) in your skin and will last for years. I have not had the chance to try the Opal Sonic Infusion System yet, but just knowing that it comes from Clarisonic makes me not think too hard about dropping that much money (it sells for $245) on another "beauty tool". 

Both of these Clarisonic beauties are available at Sephora and sephora.com or at clarisonic.com.

Bobbi Brown Hydrating Skincare.

Bobbi Brown has made a life out of making women look beautiful. She knows that the first step in making us look beautiful with makeup is with proper skincare. Skin needs hydration and hydration that lasts. Yes, even skin that is oily, otherwise you wind up with more lines and discolorations. Bobbi knows the importance of making hydration last and has tested formula upon formula in developing this new skincare line. It is appropriately called Bobbi Brown Hydrating Skincare.

“This Enriched Mineral Water-infused line gives your skin exactly what it needs to stay healthy: moisture. The creams have a lightweight texture so they melt right in, keep your skin soft and glowing all day, and make sure that foundation and concealer go on smooth and evenly. And with their clean botanical scent, the products smell as fresh as they feel.” - Bobbi Brown

Hydating Skincare works in three ways:

1. Hydrates - The ingredients in the Hydrating line are designed to replenish dehydrated skin. Super moisturizing Sodium Hyaluronate and Glycerin, a natural humectant, as well as skin barrier-protecting ingredients are replenished to provide instant, 24 hour and long-term hydration.
2. Balances - A natural humectant helps maintain water levels deeper in the skin for a healthy, glowing complexion.
3. Revives - Each product in the line also contains its own unique star ingredients as well as collagen to restore the natural plumpness and youthful feel and condition of skin.

The collection includes five new skincare products. To see them all, view them over in the Bobbi Brown Hydrating Skincare Collection Photo Gallery.

Hydrating Face Tonic - $26.00
Applied immediately after cleansing, this skin-conditioning tonic begins to restore and balance skin, leaving it soft, soothed and perfectly prepared for the treatment products to follow. Cucumber, Chamomile, Licorice, Aloe Leaf and Lavender soothe and soften skin. Vitamin B5 softens and conditions so skin is prepared for the next treatment step.

Hydrating Gel Cream - $50.00
This refreshing water-based emulsion is perfect for oilier and combination skin or days when you only need light hydration. Delivering a burst of moisture, it leaves skin refreshed, healthy and rejuvenated—and perfectly prepared for a seamless makeup application. Tropical Grass Extract hydrates instantly and increases the skin’s natural ability to hold on to moisture. Vitamin E provides anti-oxidant protection against environmental damage.

Hydrating Face Cream - $50.00
This rich formula instantly hydrates and steadily releases moisture, skin conditioners and nutrients throughout the day. Skin is smooth and plumped; makeup stays fresh and glowing. Ideal for normal to dry skin. Algae Extract moisturizes and conditions skin. Caffeine soothes skin.

Hydrating Eye Cream - $45.00
This quick-absorbing eye cream delivers naturally-occurring humectants that melt into the skin, leaving the eye area soft, smooth and refreshed for up to 24 hours. A perfect level of emollients imparts a lightweight texture, allowing concealer to glide on evenly. Aloe Vera and Witch Hazel Extract soothe and comfort. Jojoba Seed, Avocado Oil and Squalane condition and revive continuously.

Hydrating Intense Night Cream - $58.00
A luxurious, concentrated night cream that boosts skin’s ability to recharge and rehydrate during its nightly repair process, plumping fine lines and improving tone and texture. Skin looks and feels stronger and healthier. White Birch Extract maintains elastin and promotes the natural repair of environmental damage. Shea Butter, Jojoba, Olive and Sweet Almond and Apricot Oils soften and comfort skin while you sleep. A Protein Activator helps promote natural collagen production. Rice Bran Extract and Apple Extract work to even skin tone. Green Tea and Vitamin E provide antioxidant protection.

The entire Hydrating Skincare line is available right now at Bobbi Brown counters and online at bobbibrowncosmetics.com.

Origins Brighter by Nature.

I am all about undoing the damage I have done to my skin in the past. I am hoping that this new trifecta of products from Origins helps me with a one, two, three punch and helps to knock out my sun spots for good.

The new line is called Brighter by Nature and it includes three products designed to work together. What will you get when using? Origins says improved clarity, smoothness and radiance.

The trio of products:

Brighter By Nature High-potency Brightening Peel with Fruit Acids - $37.50
Origins now offers an at-home alternative that is powered by nature and proven by science.  This brightening peel with fruit acids rivals the restoring benefits of a professional 30% glycolic peel and instantly exfoliates dead surface cells to restore clarity without the redness, lengthy recovery time, high cost or visit to the dermatologist’s office.  Over time, Brighter by Nature High potency brightening peel with fruit acids improves evenness of skin tone as skin becomes naturally smoother and more radiant. 

Brighter by Nature Skin Tone Correcting Serum - $39.50
While many are hesitant to turn to surgical procedures, such as laser resurfacing to correct skin tone, Origins offers a solution from nature.  By breaking the cycle of darkness and discoloration with plant ingredients, this new serum returns skin to a clear, bright, even complexion without the possible risks or side effects such as skin crusting, swelling, burning, or scarring that laser resurfacing can cause.  Brighter by Nature Skin Tone Correcting Serum can provide immediate improvement in clarity of skin without the recovery period associated with skin resurfacing.

Brighter By NatureSPF 35 Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer - $42.50
This Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer is a lightweight, oil-free facial cream formulated with a clinically-proven blend of highly-efficacious natural ingredients that help break the cycle of discoloration, allowing a uniform complexion to return. Past damage is erased with the help of Palmaria palmata along with cluster-busting Turkey Tail Mushroom and Ascorbyl Glucoside, naturally-derived Vitamin C, which target and help disperse the appearance of existing dark spots. Scutellaria Root, Apple Extract and Cucumber Extract help even skin tone, while Japanese Basil Leaf, Peony Extract and Burnet Extract provide soothing, anti-irritant benefits. Additionally, the combination of Grapeseed Phosphate, a potent antioxidant, and a blend of sunscreens provide broad-spectrum UV protection.

The Brighter by Nature products are all available now at Origins Retail Stores, select Department Stores, and online at ORIGINS.com.