Coquette

NEWA Skin-Rejuvenating System

I have been using the NEWA Skin-Rejuvenating System ($449.50) for almost two and a half weeks now. It's is an anti-aging skincare device that is cleared by the FDA. Using professional grade patented 3DEEP medical aesthetic technology, the NEWA device can help rebuild your collagen at home without having to spend thousands of dollars on professional treatments.

Like most Asian women, I work really hard to take care of my skin. I know you may be saying, hey "Natalie, you don't have any wrinkles?" Well exactly. I really try my best to massage my skin and use good products. So when I had the chance to try the NEWA device, I jumped at the chance. Using radio frequency technology, the NEWA device stimulates collagen grown and helps to reduce wrinkles by going 3 layers deep in the skin.

Before you use the device, please make sure you read all of the instructions and the FAQ on the web site. You can also watch the video posted below from NEWA on how to use it. It's really easy, you just have to place two strips of the NEWA LIFT Activator Gel directly on the device making sure that the metal bars are covered in the gel. A lot can squeeze out of the gel so just be careful! You really just need enough gel on your face so you don't really need to gloop it all on. Sometimes I use my fingers to get enough gel over the metal bars. When using NEWA, you'll feel a warm sensation on your face when you apply it to your skin. Make sure to keep moving it around in circulation movements. The first time I used it, I made a mistake of spacing out and stopping and it felt hotter on a small place of my skin. It was red there for a few minutes but then was ok. So rotate your hand if you need to and if you really need to, just take it off your skin to take a break. One con is that you need to have the device plugged in when you use it. (The pro is that it's lighter to hold.) So find a nice, quiet place you can sit down. I like to do it in the bathroom along with my mini iPad on the counter so I can just watch You Tube videos while I'm doing this. There are six areas that you can treat with the NEWA device, the upper (cheek), lower (cheek), and neck (right under the chin). I had read in the paper instructions that it doesn't work on the forehead (the place where I see more fine lines coming up) but upon reading the FAQ on their site, they say that there have been NEWA users who have used it on their neck, forehead and décolleté with great results. So I'm definitely going to start adding my forehead into the mix when I use it next.

The NEWA system comes with these things in the box, along with the instructions:

You get the NEWA device, the plug, Activator Gel and storage pouch. I fit my device and the plug inside my pouch and I keep my Activator Gel in my medicine cabinet. I use alcohol wipes to clean off my

There are 2 levels on the NEWA device. They say to start at level 2 and if it feels too warm for your sensitive skin you can go down to 1. I found that for the first few times I was using it, level 1 was a better level for me to do my whole face as my skin is a bit sensitive. After a few times, I now have been using the device at level 2 with no problem. Also for the first try, go easy on yourself. I think you can just target 2 areas and see how that feels on your skin. It's important to just try it and see how it feels. I really made sure to read the instructions and also I found some user how-to's on You Tube that were helpful (I liked this one and this one.)You will feel some tingling or slight redness in your face for about 5-10 minutes after. Then it all goes away so don't worry! There's also a new NEWA LIFT Activator Gel for Delicate Skin you can purchase for $39 off the trynewa site. I'm going to get that when I'm done with my current gel tube.

For the first four weeks, you need to use NEWA 3-5 times a week. After four weeks, you can go down to just using it twice a week for continued maintenance. After just two weeks, I have more "bounce" in my cheeks and my skin feels softer. I'm looking forward to streamlining my jawline and now, trying this out on my forehead.

What's great about NEWA is that it's penetrating and targeting energy deep into the dermal layers of the skin, not just the outer layer. New collagen and elastin fibers are stimulated and will create a natural production of new fibers. I like this so much better than the NuFACE because I don't feel that prickly stinging you get if you don't have enough gel on your face or go too far up your forehead. The NEWA just feels more calming and relaxing. I like the warming sensation and the device is so much lighter to hold, making it easier to massage around your face. Because it is so light, I think this is why they device needs to be plugged in to use. It makes a difference for your hands since there's no heavy battery inside! If you are interested in the NEWA system, read up on it and give it a try. I have found it to be a wonderful addition to my anti-aging skincare regimen!

NEWA is sold online via their trynewa.com web site where you can try it at home for 60 days and get a full refund if you are not satisfied. You can also pay in 5 easy installments too. It is also for sale at Neiman Marcus ($450) and Bergdorf Goodman ($450). I found the lowest price to be on Amazon where you can get the entire set for ($399 with free shipping).

Find out more about the NEWA Skin-Rejuvenating System at trynewa.com.

Review product provided by NEWA

New Clarins Skincare Favorites

It's really no wonder that my favorite skincare brand is Clarins. French beauty is all about good skin and Clarins is the epitome of French skincare. They keep coming out with amazing products! I have been trying some of their new skincare products pictured above for the last couple of months and here are my thoughts on them.

Clarins Super Restorative Instant Lift Serum Mask ($25 for 1, or $100 for 5 masks)

If you think you've seen them all with sheet masks, Clarins takes it one step further! First, let's talk about the fit. It really is fantastic. You can hook it behind your ears so it doesn't fall off and the mask also extends down to your neck. We all know the neck is a prime area that needs constant care so I just love that nourishes the skin on your neck as well. Leave it on for 15 minutes and you feel that your skin is instantly hydrated. My cheeks felt plump absorbing all of the moisture and I can tell it brings back a beautiful energy to my skin. The mask contains a number of plant-based ingredients including organic Harungana extract which plumps the skin and smoothes fine lines and wrinkles. I recommend to get the box of 5 masks so you have enough to do one each week and improve the quality of your skin.

Clarins Super Restorative Treatment Essence ($58)

I was using the Korean brand MISSHA's essence for over a year but realized it wasn't doing much for my skin at all, just kinda watering it. This came just in time when I finished my bottle of MISSHA. I use this Clarins essence in the morning and night and can really feel my skin being hydrated. The texture of it is not like water but more like a watery gel, if that makes sense. It's really perfect for the winter months because it softens my skin. I am using this in essence in conjunction with my Cocokind Rose Water Facial Toner after I wash my face at night. It's made a big difference in how soft my skin is so thank you Clarins.

Clarins Everlasting Cushion Foundation SPF 50 ($44)

This has completely replaced my love for the Amore Pacific compact. For one, it's got full SPF 50 and the coverage is amazing. It feels light on my skin (which is my #1 prerequisite) and also gives excellent coverage. I actually threw away my Amore Pacific and decided not to repurchase it after using Clarins. I have it in the shade 107 Beige which is perfect. The texture is really fine so I don't find it streaking or getting stuck in places around my nose. The puff that comes with it is great to help spread the foundation all around my face. Clarins has a really good formula with their foundation because they are so well-versed in the skincare world and of course with this cushion, you get tons of skincare benefits. City dwellers like me will love their anti-pollution complex that protects your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays. With organic quinoa extract, I don't get any dry patches on my skin when using this because it's a very hydrating formula!

Clarins Mission Perfection Eye Broad Spectrum SPF 15 ($50)

This new eye illuminator, will target dark circles under the eye like no other. I love the texture and that it doesn't sit in your fine lines. It blends into skin really well. With plant-based ingredients, you'll be able to target the brown and blue pigments that create dark circles. Escin (from Horse Chestnut) helps minimize dark blue circles that are typical from lack of sleep and fatigue. Acerola Extract and Vitamin C help minimize brown circles so you have brighter looking eyes! I really loved how it helped conceal my eye circles but also has such great skincare ingredients to help protect it. The brush is great. You can glide it on your eye area where you need it. It's a sheer tinted formula that blends in really well.

These Clarins skincare products are all great gifts or stocking stuffers for the holidays! Enter the code HOLIDAYS and you can also build your own free 5 piece gift with any $100 order. Valid until 12/25/17.

Shop now at clarinsusa.com.

Review products provided by Clarins

Clarins Holiday: Advent Calendar + Tonic Scented Candle

Are you feeling the holidays yet? I just received some Clarins holiday products that I'm so in love with! First up is this beautiful Clarins Advent Calendar ($125) that contains 24 days of Clarins goodies from skincare to beauty, including some pretty jewelry and charms too. I bought my daughter a Lego Friends Advent Calendar and now I'll have my own to open up each day next to hers! The box is beautifully designed with it's jeweled flowers and stars. I'm looking forward to opening the first one on December 1st.

Here's all the wonderful goodies inside:

Isn't it a great deal? I love all the products it has inside and there are even some new ones I have never tried before. Perfect gift for a beauty lover or give a well-deserved gift to yourself!

Next up, to keep your rooms feeling cozy and extra special this holiday season, Clarins Tonic Scented Candle ($75) is inspired by their legendary Tonic Body Treatment Oil. The candle's aromatic essences feature pure plant extracts such as Geranium, Orange and Spearmint. It's such a beautiful candle to display on your coffee table or motel and the burn time lasts for approximately 50 hours.

Shop for more Clarins holiday gifts and specials at Clarins USA.

Review product provided by Clarins

Dry Brushing with Saje

I first heard about dry brushing from my good friend Heather who is an amazing wellness expert. She always shares her wellness tips with me and I knew dry brushing was something I needed to try for myself. I received the Saje In the Buff Natural Bristle Dry Brush ($15.95) from one of my new favorite shops in San Francisco, Saje Natural Wellness. Saje is a Canadian brand that has recently made its way into the U.S. with boutiques in the Bay Area (San Francisco, Walnut Creek and Berkeley opening in November). You can see my blog post on my visit to the Saje boutique on Fillmore street from this summer. If you don't have one near you, don't worry the Saje web site sells everything you can buy in one of their boutiques.

Dry brushing is an ancient practice that's found a new surge in popularity from the wellness community. I've been doing this for the last two weeks before I shower in the morning and it's been a really relaxing and rejuvenating routine that I now can't live without. It's really important you dry brush the right way so make sure you read this dry brushing article by Saje.

Benefits of Dry Brushing:

• helps circulation and release toxins in body, (increasing circulation can help reduce the appearance of cellulite)


• stimulates lymph nodes


• rejuvenates nervous system by stimulating nerve endings in the skin


• helps your skin absorb nutrients better by unclogging pores


• helps muscle tone and evens distribution of fat deposits


• removes dead surface skin cells

(See more benefits from mindbodygreen)

How to Dry Brush

Dry brushing can be done daily, preferably in the morning to kickstart your nervous system.

1. Stand in your bath or shower, then gently brush skin in an upward motion towards the heart.
2. Start at the feet and hands, then brush upwards to stimulate the stomach, arms and shoulders.
3. After brushing, bathe as usual, then use an all-natural moisturizer to replenish your skin.

(Via Saje)

You can't just dry brush with any brush. I love using the Saje In the Buff Natural Bristle Dry Brush because it's made from natural sisal fibers that are from a species of agave. The bristles aren't rough and won't puncture your skin. By lightly brushing my skin, I can feel my blood circulating as I move the brush through my body. It's important to start at the feet and hands and the brush upwards to stimulate the stomach, arms and shoulders. Don't brush your more delicate skin on the face, neck or chest area. Also, make sure you aren't scrubbing. It's all about a light pressure that you can gently feel on your skin! Once you have brushed, taking a shower helps to futher remove the dead skin and the impurities.

Don't overwhelm yourself either. If you are nervous to begin, just start with your feet and legs. Do whatever you feel comfortable first and then work your way up and do more when you feel ready. Saje recommends that you start with dry brushing a few times a week for a few minutes and then rogress to once a day once you have allowed your skin to adapt to the sensation. It's important to always move the brush in an upwards motion towards the heart because this is why the lymphatic fluid flows through the body. I don't have a lot of "me" time but I do like taking the few minutes a day to do to my dry brush routine. It's so good for your body and your skin!

(Photo: Saje)

Shop for the In the Buff Natural Bristle Dry Brush at Saje.

If you are in San Francisco, take a visit the beautiful and tranquil Saje Natural Wellness boutique at 1913 Fillmore St.

Review product provided by Saje

Kiehl's Since 1951 Debuts at Sephora in SF

Two brands I love are coming together! Kiehl's skincare will now be in select Sephora stores (only 4 nationwide) and my Bay Area lovelies -- San Francisco is one of them! Head on over to the Sephora at 33 Powell Street in San Francisco (right where the Cable Car makes it's roundabout turn) and check out all of the skincare goodness from Kiehl's.

To celebrate Kiehl's from Friday, Oct. 6 to Sunday, Oct. 8, Sephora customers can enjoy the following from Kiehl’s, while supplies last:

• Complimentary services-Skin Diagnosis, Calming Eye Treatment, or Pampering Facial
• Personalize your own Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
• Complimentary sample of Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate with a personal consultation
• Complimentary sample of Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate and Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate with your Skin Diagnosis,Calming Eye Treatment, or Pampering Facial
• Complimentary tote and samples of Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate and Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate with purchase of ANY 2 Kiehl’s items.

Doesn't that sound just amazing? Put it in your calendar and make a quick beauty stop by Sephora during your lunch break on Friday. You won't regret it!

Kiehl's is debuting also at Sephora's in New York (Soho and Times Square), Las Vegas (Sephora at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace) and in November will launch at Sephora Santa Monica.

Shop Kiehl's at Sephora

Kiehl's Apothecary Preparations: Available at All Kiehl's Stores!

Last fall, I was able to experience Kiehl's Apothecary Preparations ($95) where you work one-on-one with a Kiehl's skincare specialist to create the right serum for your skin. The whole process only takes 10-15 minutes and in the end you are given a truly custom skincare product that is amazing. After about two weeks using it, I started to get compliments on how great my skin looked. I found that the oil-based serum gave me all the stuff that my skin was really missing. One of my issues were my sun spots so my Kiehl's associate Mark created one that would help brighten my skin. I found that my sun spots indeed got lighter over time with daily use.

The Skin Strengthening Concentrate can be mixed in with up to two Targeted Complexes that you choose: wrinkles, texture, clarity, enlarged pores and redness. Another benefit I found with this service is that I really got to understand my skin better. Ask your Kiehl's skincare expert to do some tests. I always though I had dry skin but my skincare expert did a text and I am actually normal to oily (t-zone). He also tested how hydrated my skin was. He/she may has this special instrument. It made me realize I wasn't drinking enough water! You can see more on my experience in my blog post (link below).

Well now the great news is that this service is now available at all Kiehl's retail stores nationwide starting in October! (Previously it was only available at flagship locations.) If you have been feeling "blah" with your skin, trust me you will love this because it's truly customized to your skin. After you're done, you can walk out the door with a bottle of serum with your name on it!

You can see my full experience with Kiehl's Apothecary Preparations at Kiehl's on Fillmore Street in SF in this blog post from November 2016.

Review product provided by Kiehl's

Dior Capture Totale Dreamskin Perfect Skin Cushion with Broad Spectrum SPF50

Hello lovelies! I haven't been blogging much this summer because of vacation and it was always hectic taking Chloe around the city to meet up with friends or to have a little adventure for ourselves. It's great to have her back in school so I have more of my blogging schedule together. About a month ago, I purchased the Dior Capture Totale Dreamskin Perfect Skin Cushion Broad Spectrum SPF 50 ($82 at Sephora). I wanted something really light and with adequate SPF. I have it in the color 020 light natural. The sunscreen is perfect for summer with SPF 50 and containing Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide and Octinoxate. I really wouldn't call this a foundation or like a regular cushion compact. It's more of a CC cream that gives you really light coverage but it does an amazing job at just evening out my skin tone. I have the Dior Capture Totale Dreamskin Advanced ($150) which pairs amazing with this compact. I usually do 1 pump of the Dreamskin Advanced before using the cushion. The result is that my skin tone looks even and my skin has a fresh, healthy glow.

The price of the compact is a lot but it also comes with 1 extra refill. Refills are only $42 each too so going forward you only need to buy the replacement cushion. I've also found that you can flip over the sponge in the compact if you start feeling like the liquid is getting low and get more usage out of the compact.

Initially, I bought this as a replacement for my Amore Pacific Age Correction Foundation but the Dior Dreamskin compact doesn't have as good as coverage as the Amore Pacfic. For me, the Amore Pacific one works just as well as foundation and is much more buildable if you need more coverage. The only draw back with Amore Pacific, is that I now have to buy a whole new compact instead of just purchasing a refill. Even thought each compact comes with a refill, it's annoying that I can just keep my compact now, which is still looking in great condition. I'll have to bite the bullet later in a few months to get another one as I find during the winter months I don't need as much sunscreen coverage so the SPF 25 works just fine.

Overall, for day to day wear, the Dior Capture Totale Dreamskin coverage is really just what I need. It keeps my skin looking great and my skin feels light, especially in warm weather. The SPF 50 is just what I need to keep those sun spots at bay too! Kudos to Dior for letting you purchase additional refills not only for the compact but also for the Dreamskin Advanced too. I'm about to be finished with my bottle and am excited that I can just purchase the refill for only $128 (for 1.7oz bottle only).

I really am loving the Dreamskin line from Dior and look forward to trying more of these skincare products. It really let's your skin shine!

Purchase the Dior Capture Totale Dreamskin Perfect Skin Cushion Broad at Sephora.

Eve Lom's New Gel Balm Cleanser

Just launched is the new Eve Lom Gel Balm Cleanser ($60 at Space NK). Eve Lom is a UK skincare brand famous for their cleansing balm and high-quality products. For those of you who love a foaming cleanser like me, Eve Lom has heard our prayers! The new hybrid gel balm formula uses Eve Lom's signature blend of clove, eucalyptus, hops and chamomile oils that lather up when you massage the cleanser on a wet face. In fact, I am really loving all the good ingredients in this cleanser.

Key ingredients are:

• Shea Butter - to help hydrate your skin and seal in moisture.


• Grapeseed Oil - Moisturizes and quickly absorbs


• Plant-derived Lecithin - Contains fatty acids to condition the skin and support the skin's barrier function


• Innovative Enzyme Blend - Lifts makeup and impurities without stripping skin


• Spent Grain Wax, Argan & Olive Oil - Soothes and nourishes complexion for flawless skin

I've been using it for the last few days and I love how it gets my face really clean and takes off all of my makeup – even eye makeup. All you have to do take one pump of the cleanser and massage it onto your wet skin. It starts to lather up immediately and I massage my entire face while washing off the day's dirt and makeup. It doesn't sting my eyes either. It's also super easy to rinse off and your skin doesn't feel stripped at all. In fact, my skin feels very soft and hydrated! You can use this as your cleanser for morning and night. I love using it because I know it's made with all these great ingredients that are so good for your skin.

Now let's talk packaging. I love the design of this cleanser bottle and the white bottle with gold logo and trim looks beautiful on my bathroom counter. I like how easy it is to pump the cleanser out into your hand and that the bottle design is portable when you need to travel or take it to the gym.

If you are in San Francisco, you can pick up the Eve Lom Gel Balm Cleanser at Space NK on Fillmore Street!

Shop the Eve Lom Gel Balm Cleanser at spacenk.com.

If you are a new Space NK shopper, sign up and get 15% off your first order with my special link.

Review product courtesy of Eve Lom & Space NK

New Clarins Double Serum

Just out now is a new and improved Clarins Double Serum ($89 for 1 fl oz, $122 for 1.6 fl oz). I have been using this anti-aging serum for years now and this updated version now includes Tumeric extract in addition to the 20 other organic plant extracts. Tumeric is a powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and helps make skin look younger. I love to drink Tumeric tea for it's skincare properties.

This serum is contained in a newly-designed double chamber bottle, mixing both water and oil-soluble product. Also, new in this bottle design is a cap that lets you pump out a small or large amount. Use a small drop if you have combination to oily skin, in the summer months or if you live in a warm, humid climate. Use a "power shot" if you have normal, dry or sensitive skin, live in a cold climate or it's the winter months. It's pretty cool to be able to get as much or as little as you need so you aren't wasting product.

I love that this serum is full of wonderful, beneficial plant extracts. In my mind, Clarins does the best job of merging natural ingredients with the science of skincare. My skin feels plump and hasn't felt dry since I started using this new version. I am using it morning and night after I cleanse my skin. My skin is sensitive and I haven't had any breakouts after using this either. I love the light fragrance too.

As with most skincare products, how you use it will help determine it's effectiveness. This video above shows you how to apply the new Double Serum on your face. It's all about pressing it into the skin and help drain lymph nodes.

I really love this serum and it's definitely one of my must have skincare items. Give it a try and I promise you will see and feel a difference in your skin!

Find out more and shop the New Clarins Double Serum on the Clarinsusa.com.

Review product provided by Clarins

Dior Skincare: Diorsnow Foaming Cleanser + HydraLife Oil Cleanser

Last week, I visited the Dior counter at Bloomingdales at the Westfield in San Francisco and had an amazing facial. Some of you may not know that you can get a free Dior facial with any Dior skincare purchase. This is only good at the Dior counter at Bloomingdales at the Westfield or at the Dior Beauty boutique at the Westfield Valley Fair in Santa Clara, CA. While I do prefer the facial at the Dior Beauty boutique because the store is more self-contained and is the only one that uses the special Dior Prestige face sheet mask that they use in France. I did enjoy my facial at Dior in SF and also the fact that I didn't have to drive an hour to get there. Coincidentally, the facialist in SF and in Santa Clara are both named Sarah, although not the same person.

My skin felt amazing after my facial. Sarah used all of the Dior Prestige Skincare products on my skin, including the mask which felt so soft on, the Dior Prestige Le Grande Masque. It really re-invigorated my skin and got it all "plumped".

After my facial, Dorise who is my favorite Dior makeup artist, prepped my skin for some makeup so I'd look nice leaving the store. I ended up picking a few items. Two of which I talk about today. Cleansers are so important to your skin because they remove all the dirt, makeup and impurities of the day. Sarah recommended I use two in combination for night time to really remove everything.

I love oil cleansers and the new Dior Hydra Life Oil To Milk Makeup Removing Cleanser ($42) is amazing. It's got a fresh, floral scent that you'll notice right away but it goes away after you wash your face. I first do one pump for my face and smooth it all over to be a first pass of getting off my makeup. Sometimes I do a bit of a facial massage here. Then I rinse it off with lukewarm water. It does an amazing job of washing my face and my face doesn't feel stripped. It feels hydrated thanks to the oil. I also use this in the morning when I wake up to clean and hydrate my face.

At night, after the Hydra Life Oil Cleanser I use the Diorsnow White Reveal Gentle Purifying Foam ($55). I love that it helps remove all the last bits of makeup and helps my skin feel extra soft and bright. The Diorsnow line is their brightening line and this is enriched with Icelandic Glacial water that helps boost the brightening effect of Dior's exclusive brightening complex TECTM. I like how it lathers up into a nice foam on my face and I make sure to also use a bit my neck to clean off the day's sunscreen. The scent is very light and soft.

Both of these Dior skincare lines are new to me, the Hydra Life is really new and just came out a few months ago. I'm looking forward to trying more of their skincare products. If you are interested in a facial, you can book one with Dorise by calling (415) 856-5436 or have tell the Dior SA answering the phone you'd like her as your Makeup Artist after the facial. Facials are available each week on Thursday, Friday and Saturday only. You must book it in advance.

Purchase the Dior Hydra Life Oil To Milk Makeup Removing Cleanser and the Diorsnow White Reveal Gentle Purifying Foam online at Nordstrom.com.