Make Up Beauty Tips

REN has been one of my favorite skincare lines for years.  Before it was "cool" to have eco-friendly, natural ingredient, bio active skincare, REN had already made a name for itself.  Their products are not only pleasurable to use, they are truly effective, and in some cases non-equalled in the world of skincare, much less in the world of synthetic-free, clean bio active, eco-friendly skincare. This brand truly is a visionary brand, and they keep getting better!


So when I saw REN was launching a new anti-aging serum, I just had to try it.  Keep Young and Beautiful is a serum that promises to give radiant, smoother, younger looking skin. Claims are that instantly skin feels firmer, plumper, lifted and that it reduces the appearance of fine lines and keeps skin looking younger for longer. hey, who wouldn't want to get on board for that?  What can one expect when using Keep Young and Beautiful?

 

 
You're going to be reading more about the ingredient Sirtuin in the coming days on For the Love of Beauty.  With a number of other up-and-coming advanced skincare ingredients, Sirtuin is showing lots of promise in the anti-aging range, receiving both scientific and editorial praise for its ability to actually prolong cell life.  We already know the importance of hexapeptides as an active ingredient in stimulating skin renewal and firming properties. They help to boost collagen and elastin. The native peptides used in this serum are sourced from wheat, which assist in reducing wrinkles, and of course hyaluronic acid plumps and hydrates.
 

 
So here's the scoop.  The milky serum is easily absorbed into clean skin and, true to the claims, instantly provides a firming, matte yet hydrated, healthy, renewed finish. You'll notice as you warm the serum in your hands then apply to the face that the serum takes on an almost starchy feel to it (see photo #3 above).  That's ok.  It's still going to blend. With continued use you'll notice wrinkles appear plumped from the inside out, skin becomes soft and brightened, signs of aging appear diminished (spots, ruddiness, dullness), and skin just looks energized and fresh. The scent is so reminiscent of what we've come to expect from REN too, that fabulous subtle damascus rose with a fresh herbal blending - gorgeous!
 
REN Keep Youg and Beautiful SH2C Serum is a winner; one of their best serums yet! Retailing for $75 and packaged in the always appreciated glass pump bottle, there is a little over 1 oz in each bottle.  REN Keep Young and Beautiful SH2C Serum is available exclusively at Space.NK Apothecary.

Don't you just love when you have a day where if you spend two or three hours just playing around in Sephora you don't have to feel guilty about the indulgence?  Such was a day for me yesterday and I enjoyed it to the hilt.

Here, some ramblings about my thoughts and experiences sampling these well known brands and products:

KATE SOMERVILLE EXFOLIKATE
First, Kate Somerville ExfoliKate (2 oz - $85).  Oh my goodness ... I have to say I'm quite surprised by my reaction to this one. I expected to love it with all the hype and rave reviews.  I can't stand it!  Well, that may be a bit strong, but seriously, ladies, the smell of this product left me so turned off I can't imagine applying it to my face. Yes, I know it's enzymatic and that perhaps lends to the smell of this exfoliator, but please!  Now the physical element of its exfoliation is gentle and I'm sure probably effective (as may be the product as a whole), but even after wiping the product from the top of my hand (which is where I sampled all the products I'm writing about) with water and a cotton pad, I could still smell the thing lingering in the air. Bleck!  I couldn't get used to this if you paid me.  I'm sticking by my REN Skincare F10 Enzymatic Smooth Radiance for gentle enzymatic exfoliation and REN's Glycolic Skin Renewal Peel for when I want a more potent treatment. For physical exfoliation, I'm still in love with my Rodan + Fields Microdermabrasion Paste, which I've literally used for years and haven't found anything I like as much.

KATE SOMERVILLE DEEP TISSUE REPAIR
So as I was already at the Kate Somerville shelves, I tried her famous Deep Tissue Repair Cream (1 oz - $150) next. Ok, so it's a nice thick cream in texture, but when I read the ingredients, I see there are lots of different alcohols (which concerns me, as will it be drying on facial skin?), some silicones, but also some rather nice anti-aging ingredients and cannabis seed oil, squalane, jojoba, copper ... by the way the cream boasts a high conentration of  "Peptide K8" ... Kate's clever utilization of her name (again) in her products. Anyway, I'm not blown away by this one, though I've hardly given it a fair shake as longer term use may have left me pleased with results; the skin does become firmer upon absorption of the cream.  I have to say, I'm so disappointed as I was sooooo ready to love this brand!  I can't imagine paying the price for the line, it left me that under-whelmed.

PHILOSOPHY MIRACLE WORKER
An anti-aging cream I AM loving is Philosophy's new Miracle Worker (2 oz - $55).  This product is the bomb, ladies!  Let me first admit that I've never been a fan of Philosophy's cult favorite Hope in a Jar (even though the divine Ms. O raves about it on her favorite things list as do others).  Again, it's a smell thing for me; I could never get used to the smell of Hope in a Jar, and for that reason alone I just never "acquired the taste" for it. I am a Philosophy Girl, though, don't get me wrong, loving lots and lots of their other skincare, fragrances, 3-in-1's and more. And I've found a new favorite anti-aging cream in their Miracle Worker.  This is a satiny almost gel-cream in texture product, much lighter than some of their other creams.  It glides onto skin, and with such potency that a little goes a long way.  It feels delightful on skin, and it's loaded with vitamin C, resveratrol, and antioxidants.  I loved the way this made my skin feel, very smooth. This one I bought!

BLISS TRIPLE OXYGEN +C ENERGIZING CREAM
Onto Bliss Spa's section to try their new Triple Oxygen +C Energizing Cream (1.7 oz - $54). This is a cream with a light weight kind of custard-y gel-cream texture and the satisfying shade of light orange (though don't look for it to smell subtly of sweet oranges or even vanilla-orange, a facet I wish they'd have provided; it doesn't have much of a scent at all).  The cream feels lovely on skin and is quickly absorbed.  The idea behind this product is the brightening and renewing effects of both oxygen and vitamin C.  I think I could easily love this, just wish it had the extra sensory pleasure of a sweet subtle apricot, citrus, peach, melon any of those scents to pair with the color.



TARINA TARANTINO PEARL GLOW PRIMER
Here's one more that needs mentioning.  Playing around with the Tarina Taratino collection and loving the Pearl Glow Primer (1 oz - $32).  This is an opalescent pinky-pearl primer that applies easily and yields a fresh glow to the face.  it's not too shiny, too highlight-y, just enough that even a 40-something year old can get away with wearing it without it looking too made-up.  I'm liking this.  It's a true surprise for the trip, as didn't expect to take to much from the collection geared mostly to younger beauty addicts.  It's a definite must-see on your next trip to Sephora.

Disclaimer: All products mentioned above were sampled while browsing at Sephora.

Yes, Louise, you can exfoliate without sugar, salt, particles or harsh granular scrubs.

Got a question via my little Contact Me option from my banner up top. Louise of Charlotte, NC asks, "Can you recommend a gentle product that doesn't have grains in it but still gives the face an excellent exfoliation?"

Your wish, Louise, is my command. Now I suppose I should qualify this by reminding everyone I am not a dermatologist or skincare professional; I'm just a woman who loves skincare, so you should check with a professional if you want more information about what you read here. There are many products on the market that offer chemical versus physical exfoliation. Chemical exfoliation generally consists of applying forms of alpha hydroxy acids and/or beta hydroxy acids. The acids help to dissolve the "glue" around the cells, ultimately shedding several layers of the epidermis. We're not talking about the potency of say battery acid, we're talking about gentle acid found, for instance, in many of the fruits we eat.

One such product I enjoy with excellent results is REN's F10 Enzymatic Smooth Radiance Facial Mask. The mask has the consistency of a sweet honeyed jam of sorts. There are no harsh granules to bother sensitive skins. Fruit enzymes provide a deep yet safe and gentle way to slough away dead cells and debris. There's no burning and no irritation. The mask is formulated to gently exfoliate and detoxify, and boosts cell renewal leaving the complexion smooth, toned and bright. Enzymes from papaya gently remove dead cells while Vitamin C from Barbados Cherry extract and essential oils of orange, mandarin, grapefruit and pineapple neutralize antioxidants and fight free radicals. In addition Arctic Blackcurrant oil rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fatty acids help to repair and soothe skin. 1.7 oz pump bottle retails for $37

Using this mask just once a week helps keep my skin in check and very smooth. I've often noticed little bumps or dry patches that have been present the day before are gone by the next morning after using the mask. The mask has a slight fruity tea-like scent to it, very natural; it's effective for all skin types. Apply generously after cleansing the skin, leave on for about 10 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. Apply a moisturizer to enhance hydration and you're set to go.

For more information or to purchase this gentle, lovely facial mask, visit REN Skincare. Also available at Apothica, Skin Botanica and Sephora.

Frankincense Vitamin A/C/E Revitalising Body Cream

A revitalizing multi-active body cream that will leave skin hydrated and beautifully fit and healthy. High levels of pro-vitamin A from Beta Carotene and vitamin C from Calabrian Oranges boost collagen formation and improve cell turnover to help restore skin elasticity, improve firmness and correct skin tone. Phytosterols boost hydration and together with Frankincense and Boswellia Serrata Oil soothe and protect the skin against premature aging.

This is so new a product, it's not yet available in the USA. REN Skincare does have a US site and their products are also generally available at Sephora. Until then, you may learn more about the product and make purchases through the home site - REN Skincare in the UK.
200 ml for $49.89

Cheerio, my lovelies! x

REN Clean Bio Active Skincare follows five principles: (click each for a better appreciation of them)

1. Right Ingredients
2. Right Science
3. Right Product Experience
4. Right Environmental Impact
5. Right Attitude

I could literally go on all day giving you what I like about their particular products, but for today's feature we'll concentrate on several of their newer items.













Glycolic Skin Renewal Peel Mask - A potent bio active peel mask designed to renew the complexion, reduce fine lines and dramatcially improve skin tone, firmness and radiance. Formulated with a fruit acid complex (lactic, glycolic, tartaric and citric) and papain inzyme to give a gentle but potent exfoliating peel that will leave skin glowing and healthy; works well on mature skin, post acne scarring, blemishes and blackheads plus sun-damaged skin. This is really fabulous and your skin feels hydrated and renewed after use. 50ml - $50

Ginger, Revivo-Tonic Two Sugar Body Scrub - A sugar body scrub formulated to exfoliate, boost cell turnover and enhance skin renewal. Muscovado and Demerara Cane Sugars combine with extracts of Paraguay Tea, Kola Nut, Ginger and Gingenosides from Ginseng to energise and boost micro-circulation and awake the senses. 330ml - $40

Revivo-Tonic Cool Comfort Leg and Foot Gel - A light and cooling gel that soothes, refreshes and reduces the discomfort of heavy and painful legs and feet. Formulated with a clinically proven venotonic blend of essential oils including extracts of Paraguay Tea and Kola Nut, it encourages fluid drainage, reduces swelling and stimulates the metabolism to improve the orange peel appearance of the skin. Trace elements (Copper, Magnesium, Zinc) help re-energise, revive and tone. 150ml - $40

In addition to these wonderful, you can also sample and trial their best-selling products via REN kits:



photos of kits provided by MustHave


For more information and for purchasing: REN Skincare, Sephora and MustHave

REN Clean Bio Active Skincare

I'm of the philosophy that there's absolutely nothing wrong with being comfortable in one's own skin, no matter the age. I'd just like that skin to be as wrinkle-free as possible ...
I've found the "magical formulas" that keep needles and botox injections at bay with the help of REN's anti-aging line of skincare ... love it! Of all the many serums, goops, creams, gels, and more I've tried, these products actually DO instantly plump wrinkles, minimizing the lines and firming the skin. You can see the lines diminish immediately after application. You can feel it working. You'll wake with skin that is refreshed and radiant. Here's the scoop:


Revivo-Lift H11 Intensive Night Serum
A concentrated bio active night serum
A concentrated bio active night serum formulated to intensively restore the skin’s elasticity, firmness & vitality. Patented hexapeptide liposomes together with native peptides smooth fine lines and wrinkles. Myrrh Resin firms, vitamin C brightens skin tone while hyaluronic acid boosts hydration. Ginsengoside increases the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the skin.



Revivo-Lift Radiant Day Serum
A light bio active day serum to instantly lift, smooth & brighten