Most of us have heard about the benefits of probiotics, especially for digestion, but who knew these microorganisms play a role in happy, healthy skin? Unbeknownst to many, there’s an entire ecosystem thriving on the surface of our skin, and when the balance of microbial flora is disrupted, it’s easier for irritation, discomfort and damage to set in. The main aggressors that throw our skin off balance are pollution, changes in temperature, stress, nutritional deficiencies and even the wrong skincare products, so what are we to do? Fortunately Lierac has introduced a new range of cleansers that aim to protect your skin’s ecosystem, and there’s something for every skin type.

Each of these three new cleansers feature Lierac’s own Ecoskin complex, a blend of probiotics and botanical Inca honey that stimulates your skin’s immune defense and supports the balance of good bacteria. The Gentle Cleanser is a white musk and peony scented cleansing water packed with mallow and linseed flower extracts to soothe and soften. The Purifying Cleanser is a foaming formula with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory star anise extract and a fresh scent comprised of jasmine bouquet and green notes. The Velvet Cleansing Oil relies of jojoba and macadamia nut oils to melt away dirt and make-up, leaving skin hydrated and delicately scented with freesia, rose and white musk. And for those of you gals who can’t live without toner, this new range also includes the Radiance Toning Lotion, which is enriched with vitamins, anti-aging poppy extract and radiance-revealing blood orange extract.

Probiotics to protect your skin

April 26, 2012

We’re big believers that skincare is about more than just results… The experience itself should be enjoyable—because we deserve it! And whenever we use La Prairie, in addition to how amazing our skin looks, we just feel so darn fancy. Maybe it’s the substantial cobalt blue packaging (we’re partial to the Caviar line), or maybe it’s the scent that screams luxe. Or maybe we’re just obsessed with beauty products—but wait, you already knew that.

So last week we were invited to Bal Harbour for a breakfast in honor of La Prairie’s latest launch, Skin Caviar Liquid Lift, and let’s just say it didn’t take a lot of arm-twisting to get us down there. And we’re here to tell you that this serum was worth the drive. Out of the box, you’ll see the little skin caviar beads through the window of the bottle, but then the fun begins. You actually have to activate this product because the bottle has inner and outer chambers filled with different serums. After pressing the button on the top and shaking things up a bit, you have a skincare powerhouse that features amino acid-rich caviar extract, a new pentapeptide that smoothes out wrinkles and refines your skin’s surface, and a sugar-based polymer that tightens skin on contact—really! There’s also a botanical-based wrinkle relaxer, hydrating vitamin B5, antioxidant vitamin C and La Prairie’s signature blend that helps your skin function its best. But what do you expect for $500?

We’ve been using the serum morning and night for a week (don’t hate us) and our skin looks and feels divine. It’s firm, glowy, and most importantly, healthy. It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it…

May 2, 2012

A decadent firming treat for your skin

Just as we switch up our makeup colors for spring and summer, your skincare is probably due for some updating as well. Say bye-bye to the heavy creams and hello to lighter, water-based formulas that give your skin more room to breathe. While any type of water is great for your skin, you can get even more benefits from mineral-rich thermal spring waters, or in the case of Lumene’s new Sensitive Touch Arctic Aqua Moisture Booster, Arctic spring water from Finland.

With extra magnesium to boost your skin’s resistance to external irritants along with sodium and potassium to help keep moisture levels balanced, this super-light gel smoothes fine lines that are accentuated by dehydration and even works double duty as a makeup primer. And with hyaluronic acid, you get a hefty dose of moisture without suffocating your skin. Even more, the price can’t be beat, because you don’t always have to spend a lot to get supple, radiant skin.

Lightweight moisture for warmer weather

May 8, 2012

Masks are a wonderful way to take your daily skincare regimen to another level, but rather than having to choose between a clarifying, exfoliating, brightening or anti-aging treatment, wouldn’t it be nice to have all of these in one tube? Fortunately, our beauty prayers have been answered with Somme Institute’s new Boost Gentle Warming Mask.

Gentle enough to use as often as you wish, but potent enough to smooth skin texture, plump up lines and wrinkles, absorb oil and impurities, and improve skin elasticity, this mask does it all. For starters, zeolite delivers a warming sensation on contact, helping to open up the pores so the rest of the ingredients can do their jobs. Packed with natural pumpkin enzymes to eliminate dead skin cells without harsh abrasives; antioxidant B, C and E vitamins; oil- and toxin-absorbing kaolin clay; and a specialized blend of minerals and vitamins, this mask transforms your skin after just 5 minutes. As an added bonus, it’s a cinch to wash off and you don’t have to stress if you leave it on longer than recommended. We loved the look and feel of our skin after our first application, and we’ll definitely be keeping this mask in the rotation in the months to come!

May 16, 2012

Give your skin an

instant boost