Coquette

VI Derm SPF 50+ Sunscreen: Great Hydrating Protection

I wear facial sunscreen year round to protect my skin and it's something I don't skimp on. I love trying new ones to see how they work on my skin. (You already know I'm not a fan of the La Roche Posay Mineral Facial Sunscreen - too chalky and drying.) Sunscreen is especially important now in the summer when I'm out in the hot sun and on vacation. My current fav is this sunscreen: VI Derm SPF 50+ Cream ($40 at Dermstore). It's really lightweight and isn't greasy at all. Thanks to the aloe vera, it's also super hydrating. It absorbs quickly into my skin and is a perfect base before you put on your makeup. The 2 oz tube is perfect because I keep it in my tote bag if I need to reapply it on myself or my daughter later in the afternoon.

VI Derm sunscreen is dermatologist approved and works for all skin times. There is UVA and UVB sun protection SPF 50 and it contains Zinc Oxide and Octinoxate which creates a powerful UVA/UVB filter on your skin. There's also green tea which is just overall so good for your skin as an antioxidant and helps reverse previous UV damage. I haven't broken out at all using this and my skin doesn't get that white/chalky-cast you can sometimes get from sunscreen. There are so many great ingredients in here that it makes me feel so good that I am protecting my skin with this sunscreen. There's a very faint soft smell to it that I like too. The best part of the VI Term SPF 50+ Cream is that it feels just like any normal moisturizing cream!

Shop for VI Term SPF 50+ Cream at Dermstore.com.

Review product provided by VI Derm

The Ordinary Makes Good and Really Affordable Skincare

I am a huge fan of the skincare by the Canadian brand, The Ordinary which is available in the U.S. on the Beautylish site. This is is one of the most affordable skincare lines out there with serums costing $5.90 to $17.80. It's easy to get overwhelmed with the many different "potions" available but if you take your time and buy serums that target your skin issues, this skincare line really is amazing! The prices are so low because they formulate their products in their in-house labs and factories and don't do any retail markups. As you can see the packaging is really simple.

Some of you may find it annoying that you have to handle more vials than usual for your nighttime or daytime routine. For me, I've gotten used to a multi-step system. With The Ordinary, you actually get more product than if you bought something that was "all in one". This is why I love using their products because you can really target specific things you want for your skin. The only thing that is a little annoying is that all the bottles look pretty much exactly the same and the name of the product is in a smaller type on the left of the bottle. I wish they would make their logo smaller and increase the size of the name of the product. When you order through Beautylish, you get handy stickers to stick on the bottles so you can remember if you are using this morning or night.

Everyone's skin is different so I'll be reviewing some of my favorites that I purchased earlier in June. I recommend getting only 2-3 items first so it's easier to incorporate into your daily routine.

My skin issue is dry skin and hyperpigmentation in areas. So I look for hydrating products with brightening. And let's not forget: anti-aging.

Here are my Top 3 The Ordinary Skincare Products:

Advanced Retinoid 2% ($9.80 at Beautylish)

This is the top product I use each night and my key anti-aging product. Retinol helps reduce wrinkles, dark spots and other signs of aging. It's the first product I use after I wash and dry my face. I just place two drops in the palm of my hand, rub my hands together and press the product into my face. (This is how I apply all the serums.) If you use retinoids, make sure you wear sunscreen in the day as your skin will be more sensitive to UV radiation. My skin is sometimes sensitive and I have had no problems using the 2% retinol. They also make a Retinol 1%.

Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA ($8.90 at Beautylish)

I knew I needed Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate my skin. This serum also contains Alpha Arbutin which helps fade hyper pigmentation. I use it each night (after the retinol) and morning before I put on my face cream.

Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG ($6.70 at Beautylish)
This is an eye serum that really works. My daughter had pneumonia for almost 2 week and I had barely slept in early June. I have been using this both day and night. My dark circles went away. I only use one drop of this on my fingers and rub them together. Then I apply it under my eyes. The caffeine helps firms, tightens and brightens the under eye area and the EGCG is a compound found in green tea leaves that helps give antioxidant support. I don't use this every night (mostly in the day now) as I use my Amore Pacific Intensive Vitalizing Eye Essence around 3-4 times a week at night because the rollerball gives me a nice eye massage.

So above are the 3 main items that I use everyday. I also purchase a few other things are are worth mentioning but I don't use them everyday, only periodically.

100% Plant-Derived Squalane ($7.90 at Beautylish)

I got this to hydrate my skin and it doesn't disappoint. I love that it uses plant-based squalene and works well to hydrate the skin. You can also use this in your hair. I love the Alpha Arbutin better for my skin but I'm glad I got this to try and to keep in my medicine cabinet when I keep all my skin care.

100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil ($6.80 at Beautylish)

Argan Oil in beauty brands can be really pricy so I was really happy with this price point. I mainly bought this to help nourish my hair and I use it around once a week. After I get out of the shower and towel dry my hair. I put a few drops in my palms and run it through my wet hair. Argan is also a great moisturizer for the skin, so you can use it on your face too.

Argireline Solution 10% ($7.90 at Beautylish)

I bought this to really target lines around the forehead. I think makeup artist Wayne Goss calls this "botox in a bottle". I used it a couple of times but not every day. I'm already using my retinol and I feel like that's enough. I don't have predominant wrinkles either. That said, I may start using this once or twice a week for my forehead and eye area.

Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA ($5.80 at Beautylish)

This moisturizer goes on really smooth but it's not as creamy as I wanted. It is really light and feels light on. If you order it, just realize it's as big as one of those travel sizes you can get at Sephora. For me, I'm using the rest of this as a hand cream since its in a portable tube, is not greasy and plumps up skin of the tops of my dry hands.

Overall, I am really loving The Ordinary's skincare and look forward to also trying more products in the near future.
Beautylish has a handy PDF treatment guide to all of The Ordinary products and their benefits. You can also watch a video of Wayne Goss and his top 5 The Ordinary products on the Beautylish site. He also outlines a skincare regimen by skin type. Beautylish also lets you return your items within 90 days if you are not completely satisfied.

Shop The Ordinary Skincare at Beautylish.
on the Beautylish site. He also outlines a skincare regimen by skin type. Beautylish also lets you return your items within 90 days if you are not completely satisfied.

ShopThe Ordinary Skincare at Beautylish.

VI Derm Vitamin C Gel + Clear HQ Free

I have been using two products from VI Derm that I have been really loving. The skin care line rests under the parent company, VI Aesthetics which creates products to address acne, pigmentation and anti-aging.

I'm a huge believer in vitamin C for the skin and I really love using the VI Derm Vitamin C Gel ($80 at Dermstore). I use this only in the morning after I've cleansed my skin. This is my first step in the morning after I apply my facial cleansing water and before I put on my moisturizer. The clear gel is light and fragrance-free. It absorbs quickly into the skin. This gel will also help diminish the appearance of dark spots and give you a brighter, even skin tone. It's also paraben-free and sulfate-free.

To help brighten my skin I chose the serum, VI Derm Clear HQ Free ($60 at Dermstore). This version is free of hydroquinone which is a controversial skin lightening element. I have noticed my skin tone has become more even and it is working it's magic on an acne mark that happened last month. This serum contains Vitamin A to even out pigmentation, licorice root to help brighten and even out skin tone by decreasing melanin production, kojic acid to reduce discoloration and brighten complexion, retinol to fight of signs of aging and exfoliate and arbutus to help inhibit pigment formation.

This is also the first thing I apply to a clean face at night after my facial essence water. It's fragrance-free and feel so light and wonderful on my skin. It's the perfect time to use this now with summer beginning as I want to avoid getting any more sun spots on my face!

Right now at Dermstore, you can get 20% off site wide for Memorial Day weekend. Code is MDSALE20 and works now through 5/3017.

Pick up VI Derm skin care products at Dermstore.com.

Kiehl's Friends and Family Sale: Stock Up on Your Favorite Kiehl's Products

I'm so excited because today the Kiehl's Friends and Family sale starts. This sale only happens once a year and you can get 20% off your purchase starting today through May 22nd. Just click on the image above to print out and take it into your Kiehl's boutique or use the code FRIENDS when you checkout at Kiehls.com.

If you are heading to a Kiehl's boutique, let me suggest getting one of the Kiehl's Apothocary Preparations. You can read my review about it from last November here. It's only at select Kiehl's throughout the country. You work with a Kiehl's skin care specialist to get a personalized serum for your skin. The whole assessment only takes 10-15 minutes and it's so worth it! I'm almost done with my bottle which I have been using every night since I've received it. I have noticed my skin feels smooth and my hyperpigmention (sun spots) on my cheek are less apparent.

Here are more of my Kiehl's picks:

Kiehl's Pure Vitality Skin Renewing Cream ($60 for 1.7 fl oz jar)

Kiehl's Super Fluid UV Mineral Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ ($38)

Kiehl's Activated Sun Protector 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 ($29 for 5.0 fl oz)

Kiehl's Creme de Corps ($18 for 4.2 fl oz)

Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado ($29 for 0.5 fl oz jar)

MDSUN Skin Care Products: Skin Exfoliation Pads + Intensive Eye Gel

MDSUN is a skin care line launched by plastic surgeon Dr. George Sun. Dr. Sun was looking to create products that really worked while being gentle on the skin. I got a chance to try out a couple of his products.

First off is the MDSUN Skin Exfoliation Pads ($78). These thin and soft pads remove pore-clogging debris with ingredients such as glycolic acid, polyhydroxy acid, lactobionic acid and essential vitamins. Usually when I have used these kinds of pads, it feels coarse to my skin. These pads are so soft! There's no grainy texture or harsh movement necessary to literally exfoliate. I really like the idea about exfoliating without realizing it. I have been using it twice a week, replacing my exfoliation scrub I usually use. I have sensitive skin and worked perfectly.

To apply, I first clean my entire face. I then take a single exfoliation pad and wipe it all over my face, avoiding my eye area. I leave it on. I don't apply my nighttime routine (toner, cream, etc.) until at least 30 minutes later. I like to let it sit on my skin and work it's magic. I like this system so much better as the whole act of exfoliating is non-invasive -- you aren't rubbing your skin with grains or beads that can harm it.

One skin care product I always love to try is eye creams. It's important to find one that has a good texture and that really hydrates that delicate eye area. MDSUN's Intensive Eye Gel ($105) is one of the best I have ever tried. No wonder it's one of their most popular products. It takes a few pumps to get a new bottle going but you only need 1 pump a night and in the morning. I usually do a pump and warm it between a couple of my fingers and dab it every so lightly under my eye and along the bone on the tops of my eyes. The formula is this wonderful yellow gel that absorbs quickly into the skin. The formula contains a blend of ingredients for anti-aging, brightening and hydrating -- sodium hyaluronate, coenzyme q10 and vitamin E. Vitamin C and K reduce under-eye puffiness and dark circles which has helped since I have recently been suffering major allergies. I really love how it feels on the skin!

Visit MDSUN to find out more about their skin care products.

Review products provided by PR company

Get Ready for Summer with Sunscreens from Clinique

With the warm weather hitting the Bay Area these past couple of weeks, I have made sure I've been applying my sunscreen. Clinique has some really great ones -- made without parabens, perfect for sensitive skin and is fragrance free! On a recent day trip to Napa, the CLINIQUE Virtu-oil Body Mist Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($32 at Sephora) was the perfect sunscreen spray for my exposed arms and legs. I loved how easy it was to apply and how lightweight and moisturizing the mist was. It immediately absorbs into your skin and there is no sticky residue. You get high level UVA/UVB protection.

For the face, I am loving the CLINIQUE Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen Face Cream ($23 at Sephora, also in SPF 50). This is the perfect sunscreen / face cream. It contains mineral sunscreen with both Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. It is perfect for easy no-makeup days and it's nice to know that my face is hydrated while being protected from the sun. I live the small size of the tube making it easy to keep in your handbag or tote to reapply. The oil-free cream is lightweight, not-greasy and the added antioxidants protect your skin from environmental pollution. It's also water and sweat resistant on those extra hot days. I've also been using it on my 8 year old's face too since her skin got dried out from La Roche Posay. She has really sensitive skin and it's been working perfectly!

Pick up the CLINIQUE Virtu-oil Body Mist Broad Spectrum SPF 30 and CLINIQUE Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen Face Cream at Sephora or Clinique counters and Clinique.com.

March Favorites: Dior Skincare, Clinique Makeup + Big Little Lies

Hi Lovelies,

I have lot of favorites to share with you this month since I'm merging both my February and March favorites together here. For skincare, I have been absolutely loving using both the Dior One Essential and the Dirt Capture Totale Dream Skin. I have been using them everyday for two months and my skin has been looking radiant.

I'm now looking forward to April as spring is here and the weather has been getting nicer around SF!

Enjoy this month's favorites!

1. Cocokind Organic Rosewater Facial Toner ($16.99 at Cocokind)
This is one of my absolute favorites to use everyday because it's so light and refreshing to the skin. It now comes in a spray glass bottle that you can easily spritz onto your face after you cleanse it.

2. Pony Effect Conceptual Eyes Quad #BeRomantic ($29 at Memebox)
This eye quad from Korean Beauty brand Pony Effect makes me so excite for spring weather. I love the rose gold tones here and I usually mix the top two colors to create a soft wash on my lids. Then I line it with a dark brown liquid liner. The look is that fresh, modern peachy, gold warm look on my lids that I love right now. The colors all blend really well together. This makes me want to get another Pony Effect Eye Quad because the shadows are really finely milled and the price is just right at $29!

3. Clinique Crayola Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm ($17 at Sephora, limited edition)

I've been addicted to carrying around my adorable Crayola Chubby Stick in Wild Strawberry. The color is just perfect on my lips to give a soft wash of tinted color. Grab these in as many colors as you can or pick up the mini box set of four colors for $25.

4. Clarins Fix' Make-Up ($29 at Clarins USA)
I don't like the idea of using a setting spray filled with chemicals to just keep my makeup fresh. Instead, I am loving what Clarins has come out with. This is a new formula that not only helps to set your makeup, the spray is enriched with grapefruit extract, aloe vera and allantoin. The organic rose water scent is so refreshing. I also love that it has Clarins' anti-pollution complex so it protects your skin from all the pollution in the city. I'll do a full review of this soon but with spring and summer coming up, this is going to be one of my must-haves!

5.Dior Capture Totale One Essential ($125 at Sephora, 1.7 oz)
I remember getting a facial at the Dior Institute in Paris around four years ago and the facialist I had recommended I use this serum. For some reason, I didn't want to give into the hype. Years later, I don't know what I would do without this serum! I have been using it twice a day, everyday for two months now and it's really made my skin great. When I recently had a facial at the Dior boutique in Santa Clara, Sarah my facials told me it prevents blackheads. It's true! I haven't had one since I started using it and the pores around my nose are really clean. I have the 1.7 oz bottle and it definitely lasts. (I use two pumps each time I am using it.)

6. Dior Capture Totale Dreamskin Advanced ($150 at Sephora, 1.7 oz)
This is such a wonderful primer to use before your foundation or for something to wear on your skin when you don't want to wear any foundation. I find it really evens your skin tone and gives your face a smooth, blur-like effect. I honestly wear this everyday when I am not wearing full makeup and it just makes my skin look wonderful. What I love about getting the larger 1.7 oz size is that you can just buy the refill bottle when you are finished for only $128.

7. Clinique Cream Shaper for Eyes in 103 Egyptian ($17 at Clinique)
This is one of my favorite eyeliners. I wrote about it two years ago (review here) but I just wanted to bring it up again for any of you new readers. I read about this in a Refinery 29 post about American beauty products that Korean girls go crazy for. It is true - the eyeliner is just such a flattering color brownish-dark green color with gold flecks that bring out your eyes.

8. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty ($9.93 on Amazon)
If you are loving the HBO TV series staring Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman, you have to pick up this book to read the original story. Pick it up, even if you are not watching the show. I read the book first and they are somewhat different. The TV show takes way more liberties in changing some of the story. The TV show takes place in Monterey, CA while the book takes place in a coastal town near Sydney, Australia. I love that the book gives you insight into all the main characters so you really know why they are feeling *what* they are feeling, plus all the gossip and backstories. This is such a fun book to read I devoured it within a week. If you're a mom, you'll love this book even more! I also really recommend watching the HBO TV series. It's soooo good!

Clarins Spring Breakfast in SF

(Photos: Courtesy of Clarins)

Last week I had a great time at MKT Restaurant at the Four Seasons in San Francisco getting a preview of all the new Clarins Spring and Summer skincare and beauty products.Nassima from Clarins came out from New York and gave us the skinny on all the new products. I've been working with Clarins and using their products for many years now so I'm always amazed when they just seem to top themselves with new and better things. It was great to have my friend Tami from Fete a Fete at the breakfast as I missed seeing her at SF events since she moved to Seattle a few years ago. I also loved the new breakfast format as I got a better chance to get to know my fellow SF beauty bloggers as we ate breakfast and talked beauty!

I'll be trying these products out over the next month and will of course post my reviews for you here on Coquette. I've linked some of the recent reviews to some of the products here that I've already tried.

I love the new Clarins Hydra-Essential skincare line (my review from Feb) and have been using it daily since I received it earlier this year.

What I didn't know that was that there were so many different versions of the cream, including a Hydra-Essentiel Cooling Gel ($48) which will be perfect when the weather gets warmer!

I'm so excited to try the new Clarins Body Fit Anti-Cellulite Contouring Expert ($70). It's a new formula that helps visibly smooth, firm and lift the skin on your body. It's time to get ready for swimsuit season!

Now on to makeup! I love Clarins makeup because they bring their skincare benefits to their makeup products. I received one of their new 4-Colour Eyeshadow Palette ($43) in Smokey to try out. I am currently using the Face Contouring Palette ($42) everyday. There are 3 colors in one compact perfect for contouring your face. The blush color is perfect on me and I love that the highlight isn't sparkly for daytime wear. (review here).

I also love the Clarins 4-Colour All-in-One Pen ($30). This has been a bestseller for Clarins and looks like they will continue to have this special 4 liner in one ongoing with new colors to come out in different seasons. It's perfect for your makeup bag and when you're traveling to have your essential eyeliner and lipliner in one! (review here)

The new Clarins Pore Perfecting Matifying Kit with Blotting Papers ($48) is going to be my new spring/summer essential! The compact is too cute and I love how under the sponge there's a secret compartment for the blotting papers.

There is also a new Pore Perfecting Matifying Foundation ($38) that comes in 5 shades. It feels so light on the skin and it's matte, so it's really shine free!

The Ombre Iridescente eyeshadows ($25) are my favorite. You don't need a primer with them and you can also easily apply them with finger tips. I have two shades I wear all the time (Silver Pink and Silver Plum) so I am excited to try the new colors: Silver White, Silver Rose, Silver Grey.

There are some new shades of the Joli Rouge Brilliant Lipsticks ($29). I have it in 31 Tender Nude.

Here I am with Danielle on my way out armed with lots of new Clarins products to try. Thank you to Clarins for the wonderful breakfast!

Review products received from Clarins

New Clinique Fresh Pressed Vitamin C - Take the 7 Day #FreshPressed Challenge!

Just launched is the new Clinique Fresh Pressed 7-day System with Pure Vitamin C ($27 at Sephora). The system includes two formulations that help with anti-aging -- a powder cleanser and a serum booster that works with your moisturizer.

I received the Clinique Fresh Pressed 7-day System to try out and am currently on day #3. My skin has been feeling really great and I feel like it's already looking brighter. I really recommend going with this to start out because you'll get everything you need for the week and you can try out the system to see how it will work with your skin.

There are 7 packets of the Renewing Powder Cleanser which I use in the mornings. It's a single serving packet so it's so easy to just rip open the package and know exactly how much to use. I first wet my hand and pour the powder in. Then I add a tiny bit of water from the faucet and lather up the powder/water combination in my hand. I massage this all into my face and leave it on for 1 minute so the Vitamin C can work it's magic. (This is the time when I clean my retainers I have to wear at night.) After a minute, just rinse it all off your face. My face feels fresh and clean. (You can also purchase the cleanser packets in a set of 10 packets separately for $29.50.)

The Clinique Fresh Pressed Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C 10% is included in the 7-day system. (You can purchase a bottle of the Fresh Pressed Daily Booster separately for $19.50 or for $76.50 for a pack of 4 bottles.) It's all about freshness so with the bottle, you'll first need to peel open the foil on the bottle making sure to leave the cap on. Then press the inner orange rubbery bulb so that the Vitamin C powder is released. Shake the bottle for 15 seconds and also before each use. To use, remove the cap and press the orange bulb to squeeze 2 drops morning and night with your moisturizer.

I recommend checking out to the Clinique Fresh Pressed page on their site for the directions on how to use the cleansing packets and the booster. 

Vitamin C is so good for your skin so it's great that Clinique has a new system so you can get it at it's most powerful -- when it's fresh! I'm really loving the results on my skin. It's a great way to give your skin a beauty boost before the start of spring!

Purchase the Clinique Fresh Pressed 7-day System with Pure Vitamin C at Clinique counters, Clinique.com or Sephora.com.

 

Review product provided by Clinique

Clarins Pore Minimizing Serum

I have been taking care of my skin for years but one of the bad things I do is squeeze out all the "gunk" from the pores around my nose. The pores around my nose are larger and I have some broken capillaries around my nose. Not good! So I made a new year's resolution to stop doing this starting in 2017 and to find a way to shrink my darn pores! When I usually find myself with a skincare dilemma, the brand I turn to for help is usually Clarins. And I swear like a miracle, Clarins products always work!

I have been using the Clarins Pore Minimizing Serum ($54 at Clarins USA) for about a month now. I started using it each night and I use it in the day only if I am wearing makeup. I think it took about a week for me to notice that my pores around my nose were less noticeable. The Pore Minimizing Serum uses Alpine Willow Herb to help instantly tighten and minimize enlarged pores. It helps to keep the skin area matte too, giving you shine control.

I only use the serum on my nose area and mid-area of my cheeks. I put about one or two pumps of the light green serum in my hand and gently rub it into my skin. It is very light and absorbs quickly. It has a very light fragrance to it that dissipates once you put it on.

It's been paying off not squeezing my pores around my nose these past two months. Instead I am really focusing on cleansing my nose area using the Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser with Orange Extract a couple of times a week.

Purchase the Clarins Pore Minimizing Serum at Clarinsusa.com

Review product provided by Clarins