Part of my job is to try skin care products from other brands, in order to educate myself about what is on the market, what is trending, what consumers are wanting and using. Most of the time, I try these a couple of times, and then share them with my team. They rarely remain with on my vanity, or become a part of my daily skin care regimen. Except these 6, which I have been “testing” now for a month –about 27 days longer than I usually “test products.” I am guessing that a couple of them will become staples my skin care routine. And yes, I am spending more time in my bathroom these days (don’t forget the numerous Alchimie Forever products I use!) – but as my mother always taught me, every year you grow older you deserve another minute in the bathroom.
Aveda Tulasara Firm Concentrate
This product is part of Aveda’s skin care relaunch, which combines traditional Ayurveda principles and advanced performance actives. There are 3 Tulasara Concentrates, all 3 97% naturally-derived advanced performance treatment products. My favorite one is Firm, which helps firm the skin (obviously!) and stimulate collagen production.
Naturopathica Vitamin C15 Wrinkle Repair Serum
When Karen from Great Jones Spa tells me I need to try a product, I do as she says. She was insistent on me getting to know Naturopathica, a favorite brand at her spa. I immediately fell in love with this serum formulated to firm, brighten and protect the skin while helping reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The ingredients include 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, vitamin E and oat beta glucan to correct skin tone and stimulate collagen production, as well as hyaluronic acid for essential moisture. I could never find a product with Vitamin C I could use, due to the smell – until I listened to Karen that is!
Goldfaden MD Brightening Elixir
I have a girl crush on Lisa Goldfaden, so I wanted to try her products. She kindly sent me a care package with her two favorite. First, the Brightening Elixir, the brand’s newest product. It features 9% vitamin C, 3% ferulic acid, 3% vitamin B, and 2% vitamin E, and has a plethora of anti-aging and antioxidant benefits – in a truly light, water-like texture.
Goldfaden MD Fleuressence Native Botanical Cell Oil
She also sent me Fleuressence, which contains oils from jojoba, apricot, hip seed, baobab, marula, sweet almond, and more. It replenishes moisture and perfectly nourishes my skin during the transition to cooler, dryer weather.
I discovered this brand at the new flagship Sephora store on Magnificent Mile in Chicago. The beauty advisor who I struck up a conversation with, BeAnna, was so knowledgeable and fabulous I left with two products from this brand I had never heard of. While I immediately wanted to learn more, the Sunday Riley website “will be back soon.” So I don’t know much about the brand, but I like this product that contains lactic acid, licorice, and lemongrass to treat hyperpigmentation and spots.
Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil
This dark blue oil of the same brand seemed magical and a bit alchemical (the bottle, the name, the deep blue color that turns clear when massaged into the skin), so I had to try it as well. BeAnna recommended it as a gentle retinoid (I cannot tolerate any retinoids), based on a trans-retinoic acid ester. So far, my skin is not showing any signs of irritation.
