Skincare week continues on The Daily Connoisseur as I try out a new mask today. I love applying a mask once a week as part of a regular skincare routine. In the past I have always used Epicuren's Volcanic Clay mask, but after using this mask for several years, I was looking for something new to try. I knew I wanted to keep it natural so I was excited to try Honey Belle's DIY Detox Mask in charcoal and cardamom.

This is such an innovative mask. You take one tsp of the powder mask mixture and mix it with 1 tsp of liquid. You can use whatever you like: water, apple cider vinegar and even milk.

I apply the mask to great results...

Also, find out what happened while I was waiting for my mask to dry... Yikes! I learned a lesson to only put a mask on at night after everyone has gone to sleep :)

Thank you to Honey Belle for sending me this mask to try. You can learn more about Iris and Honey Belle at HoneyBelleShop.com

I hope you enjoy today's video.

News


My new eCourse, Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living, will inspire you to change your shopping and spending habits and encourage you to live richly beneath your means. Here is what Imdur had to say, "I have listened to all of it! Amazing, Jennifer! It was so useful and helpful and I will start on that budget ASAP, and start including rice and beans regularly:) My family loves rice and beans anyways."

Hi Imdur, I joke often throughout the course about rice and beans, but truly the message is to be frugal-minded in all we do, including what with what we eat. That will be different for everyone. I am so happy you enjoyed the course!

On Instagram
I found this older picture from one of my first book signings. A reader waiting to get her copy of Lessons from Madame Chic signed. Wonderful!

Currently waiting to get my copy of #LessonsFromMadameChic signed with @whathonestwords! #AnthroEvents

A post shared by @ elaineliu on Aug 10, 2013 at 11:50am PDT

Comment of the Week
Regarding my pronunciation of the exotic ingredients in Monday's skincare review, Nadine writes, "Very good first time pronunciation of Maori. Harakeke is New Zealand flax and Pohutakawa is known as the New Zealand Christmas tree, kawakawa is used in traditional medicine."

Hi Nadine, thank you for letting us know what these are. I have always wanted to visit New Zealand. I'm sure the land is full of amazing healing plants. Wonderful!

I hope you enjoyed skincare week on The Daily Connoisseur! Today, I would love to know... do you use a mask as part of your skincare routine? Which one is your favorite?


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FTC: This is not a sponsored post. Honey Belle sent me their mask to review. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

**Update** Please note that Nudu has changed their name to Pellu. Their updated discount code is JENN20, which will give you 20% off any item of your choice.

It's skincare week on The Daily Connoisseur! I have had many requests to review a natural skincare line. I'm excited to share my in-depth review of Pellu Natural Beauty today.



Here are some of the many benefits of the Nudu skincare products.

Premium botanical actives with proven skin benefits.
Antioxidants for powerful anti-aging defense and repair.
Pure, nourishing plant oils to reduce water loss.
Calming ingredients to sooth red and irritated skin.
Skin-friendly compounds for tone, softness and elasticity.
Working together these ingredients help to combat visible signs of aging. They protect against pollution and the cellular damage caused by free radicals.

You'll love the silky textures and subtle natural scents of your Nudu beauty ritual.



Today's video shares my first impression of the skincare and comes back over a month later for an update.

I personally think this is a fantastic skincare line. My skin has become clearer and more radiant since I started using Pellu. I love the toner especially. It always picks up extra dirt and makeup even after using the makeup wipe and cleansing. I can happily recommend this to anyone looking for a high quality natural skincare line. Thank you, Pellu!

News



My new eCourse, Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living, is receiving rave reviews! Thank you to all who have taken the course and commented. Here is a testimonial from Vinusha, who writes, "I am so happy, and I feel so blessed that I was able to take this course. I am more motivated and inspired to save and pay off the student loan. This course also helps me to prepare for the future. Thank you for this beautiful course, and thank you for making our lives brighter!
With Love,
Vinusha from Norway"

Vinusha, I am excited for you! Thank you for sharing your testimonial with us.

On Instagram
Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic in Saudi Arabia...

No one is born a Madame Chic. Dignity, grace, style, and elegance are all learned behaviors 💕amazing new book by #jenniferlscott #bookstagram

A post shared by Ashwaq (@ashwaq.aljohani) on Mar 10, 2018 at 8:47am PST

Comment of the Week
Noel writes, "I saw your TED talk and I thought your concept was incredible. I have always looked for ways to live a very minimalist lifestyle. This is an amazing fix to a real problem. Too much laundry, taking too much time to choose what to wear, hanging on to clothes I don't wear. Thank you."

Thank you, Noel. I'm happy that my TEDx talk sparked interest for you in the ten-item wardrobe. I know you will enjoy the process and the freedom involved with creating your own!

I hope you enjoyed today's skincare review. See you on Thursday as skincare week continues. I will try on a new mask and share a funny story with you! See you then.


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FTC: This post is not sponsored by Nudu. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

I've been really happy with my skin lately. It's more vibrant and healthy-looking than it's been in years. Many people on the blog have noticed as well and have asked for a skincare update. These are some of the new products I've been testing out and I'm excited to share them with you. I have a mix of natural products, drugstore products and high-end skincare so there is a little something for everyone. Let's get right into it!



Here are the items I discuss in today's video:




Korres Pomegranate Balancing Cream- Gel Moisturizer

The unique lightweight cream-gel is formulated with a blend of 15% pomegranate water, pomegranate extract, alpine willow herb, tannins, and polyphenols to help reduce the appearance of pores and rejuvenate the look of skin while providing a matte finish.

I like it because of its refreshing texture and scent. I also love the salicylic acid component. It's great for acne-prone skin! This really reminds me of the Origins GinZing moisturizer I liked so much. As well as finding it at Sephora, you can find a 2-pack on Amazon.



LaVanila Vanilla Blackberry The Healthy Deodorant

Using natural deodorants is important to me, and I have used them for well over a decade. I have used many various brands, but had never tried LaVanila before. This is a luxurious and delightful deodorant. I love the fresh scent! I show you Vanilla Blackberry in today's video. Here is the information on the deodorant from their website:

An award-winning, aluminum-free deodorant that is 100 percent natural, safe, and effective. Get superior odor protection with this 100 percent natural, freshly scented deodorant. Soothing essential oils blend with beta-glucan technology fight odor effectively while soothing, conditioning, and nourishing the delicate underarm area. It goes on clean, with no sticky wetness, and delivers long-lasting, luxurious results. Check out lavanila.com to see all of their healthy deodorant options.



Vitabrid C12 Face Brightening Powder
This face brightening powder is a really powerful product! I can definitely see a positive difference and vibrancy in my skin since using it. Here are some key points to Vitabrid C12:

It is a skin-applied vitamin C which promotes collagen development underneath your skin. It has a 12-hour continuous release of Vitamin C into the skin, smooths fine lines and wrinkles and diminishes the look of age spots. It restores skin tone and firmness.

You can apply it a few different ways, either by mixing the powder with a small amount of water, serum or oil. Then spread on the skin. I demonstrate how in today's video.

Learn more at vitabrid.com



CereVe Skin Renewing Day Cream Spf 30 Developed with dermatologists, this day cream helps replenish the vital ceramides healthy skin needs. It's Formulated with a unique combination of three ceramides. The CereVe products were recommended to me by a Daily Connoisseur reader who is a pharmacist. She said their composition is very good for the skin. This cream appears to be more expensive on Amazon, so I would check at your local drugstore first before purchasing to see if you can get a better price.



CereVe Renewing Night Cream

This is a solid, no frills night cream that helps to repair and restore the protective skin barrier. The major benefit of this cream is its affordable price (around $13). This was another reader recommended drugstore product.



Frankincense Essential Oil

I've been using a drop of Frankincense essential oil with my moisturizer once a day and it's playing a major part in why my skin is doing so well. This oil is pricey, but the quality is superb. I purchase all of my dōTERRA oils from my dear friend, Antoinette. She is so knowledgeable about oils and has helped me learn so much. Antoinette is a wonderful resource. If you would like to purchase dōTERRA oils, or have any questions for her on their use and application, contact her via her website https://www.mydoterra.com/antoinetteborja/#/

If the dōTERRA oil is not in your budget, there are many frankincense oils offered for cheaper prices on Amazon, although I can't vouch for their quality. This one from Living Pure is offered at a significant discount and has good reviews on Amazon.

Frankincense essential oil is a powerful astringent, meaning it helps protect skin cells. It can be used to help reduce acne blemishes, the appearance of large pores, prevent wrinkles, and it even helps lift and tighten skin to naturally slow signs of aging.

Check out what people are saying about dōTERRA Frankincense Essential Oil on Amazon, although if you decide to purchase, I highly recommend doing so from Antoinette directly from dōTERRA to take advantage of the rewards points, etc.

News

Let's see what's happening around Instagram...

Someone is taking notes from Lessons from Madame Chic in Poland...

A post shared by Imperium Kobiecości (@imperium_kobiecosci) on Mar 13, 2017 at 7:29am PDT

I love this elegant red lace dress. What a great shot of the book!

A post shared by ALTANA DANZHALOVA (@altanadanzhalova) on Feb 9, 2017 at 5:59pm PST

Comment of the Week
Gumbo Lily writes:
Jennifer, I live 60 miles from the nearest grocery store and therefore I have a pretty well-stocked kitchen. Living in the country forces me to cook with what I have. Fortunately I have laying hens which provide fresh eggs, a freezer full of beef (we're cattle ranchers) and I also stock some frozen fish and pork. I like to use frozen vegetables and fruits too. We do run out of fresh fruit/veg, but the frozen works great.

I thought all of your meals looked delicious. We are huge fans of the pot pie -- beef or chicken -- so yours looked especially yummy to me. We eat lots of egg dishes for breakfast and hot oatmeal with fruit and pan-toasted walnuts.

Hi Lily, thank you for your comment. I loved hearing about what you eat in the country as cattle ranchers! Your blog looks lovely too. It looks like you have such a fun life on the ranch. Thank you for sharing it with us!

Thank you for joining me for today's skincare video. I would love to know what your skincare favorites are right now. Do you have any good recommendations for us? Let me know if you'd like me to share my skincare routine in another video. See you on Thursday!


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FTC: This is not a sponsored post. Opinions are always my own. Some skincare items were sent to me to review. This post may contain affiliate links.

Before this week's post begins, I would like to thank all of the readers who helped make Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic a New York Times Bestseller! We came in at #4 on the bestseller's list for fashion manners and customs. Thank you readers. I am so grateful for your support.

We are long overdue for a skin care post on The Daily Connoisseur. There are many products I've been using recently that I can highly recommend and I do so in this week's video, along with a demonstration on how to use them. In this post I share some high-end luxury products as well as some drug store finds so there should be something for everyone.

Here are the skin care items I discuss in this week's video. Below, I share a link for them, along with the official description of the product as well as the official direction on how to apply (if applicable).

Be sure to watch my video for my own take on each of the products. If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog or visit my channel (and don't forget to subscribe!) www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur



Le Weekend de Chanel weekly renewing face care: A smooth, silky concentrate enhances skin renewal, with a combination of may rose water and a targeted, high-tolerance glycolic acid complex that is gradually released for ideal exfoliation and lasting hydration. Instantly, skin is softer and more luminous for the week ahead. Apply this to cleansed skin (use this instead of moisturizer) one a week on the weekend! It is recommended that you do not wear makeup the next day after applying it. I usually use this on a Friday or Sunday night.

Kensington Apothecary Rose Oil Cleanser ** If you haven’t tried Oil Cleansing, you’re in for a delicious surprise. If you’re already hooked, this is the pure, nourishing oil blend you’ve been waiting for. Dislodges and encapsulates even the most stubborn oil and grit and sweeps away clean, so your skin's natural lipid layer can go back to doing what it was designed to do. Smooth a pumpful of oil cleanser all over your face, massaging for several minutes or until all dirt is loosened. Soak a clean organic facecloth in warm water and spread over face, gently sweeping away cleanser until all traces of grime and make-up are removed. Repeat as desired.

Simple eye makeup remover and cleansing pads I love these drug store makeup removal wipes. They are handy to travel with and they remove my makeup efficiently. I've been using these for years now.

Dermal- E This ultra-hydrating day crème thoroughly moisturizes and plumps to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

and Dermal-C creme Scientifically advanced vitamin C cream for antioxidant protection, anti-UV photo-aging, and reduced appearance of fine wrinkles. Contains a full 5% USP-grade vitamin C that is stabilized, protected by a molecular membrane, and designed for optimum sustained release. Also contains magnesium, potassium, calcium and sodium ascorbates. Apply twice daily and experience many visible anti-aging benefits! Non-comedogenic and free of mineral oil.

Eminence Calendula Oil Our Calendula Oil, loaded with alpha and beta carotenoids, will enhance your skin’s natural healing systems and infuse it with antioxidants to leave your skin looking radiant and smooth. Apply a thin layer over the entire face, or apply to affected areas 1-3 times per day, or mix 1-3 drops in your hand with your favorite moisturizer and apply.

News
Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic is #4 on the New York Times Bestsellers list for fashion, manners and customs. Thank you readers!

Imperfect Women writes a lovely review of Lessons from Madame Chic here.

Ramsey Recommends writes a great review of Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic and shares a recent encounter that reminded her about the power of poise.

Momzina says Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic is exactly what women need.

A Home for Elegance writes a lovely review of Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic.

Pink Julep highly recommends At Home With Madame Chic.

Celebrate Magazine includes Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic in their list of books they are loving for November/ December.

Comments of the Week
MT writes:
The element that is the biggest challenge for me is composure. I like a sense of control and order, and when that sense of order is upset I tend to lash out. I yell, give backhanded comments, think mean thoughts, slam doors, or other unseemly behavior. I have gotten better with awareness and by creating quiet time in my day to relax and regroup. Requiring myself to model appropriate behavior for my children has also helped.

MT, you are not alone. Many people wrote to me saying composure was the hardest characteristic of poise to cultivate and I have to agree! But it is very satisfying to continue to try. Our children are a great motivator for this.

Gillian writes:

Hi Jennifer!
I have read alll 3 of your books in the last couple of weeks. I think they are SO on target!
You have helped me with my inner dialogue...which can get quite jumbled up and scattered during the day.
Its easy to remember your "bite size" gems of advice to get me on track and breeze through my day with
Poise while looking and acting chic in a variety of situations!

"At Home With Madame Chic" was so helpful! I make my bed EVERYDAY now.

The other books have helped me with my over stuffed wardrobe closets by narrowing the core pieces to 10
It is amazingly more simple to get dresses!

Also thanks to your style secrets I now make an extra effort to smooth the hair and apply a bit of make-up EVERY day even if I am scrambling on a deadline.

Coming hone to that neat kitchen and tidy bedroom makes me SO happy!

When I catch myself in the mirror while trying to make everyone else look good I am not horrified by
Unfinished hair and no make-up and I can continue on with more confidence.
Thank you!
And am so happy.
Gillian

Hi Gillian, I just love hearing from readers on how the Madame Chic books have impacted their lives for the better. I am very happy for you and wish you continued joy as you cultivate a beautiful life.

Question of the Week
Sanddollar53 writes:
I enjoy your books very much and can not wait to read the latest.
I am wondering what your thoughts would be on this.
You invite someone to a Holiday dinner and give a time. They ask you if you can change the time so they can go to someone else's house first. I have had this happen more than once and it just seems wrong to me. Then I think maybe this is the way folks are now. Any feedback will be helpful. Thank you

Thank you for your question. As the hostess, you have the final say on what time your dinner will be served. Of course it is important to accommodate your guests. Many young couples, for example, try to go to both sets of parents' holiday parties. Use your discernment. If this is a family member with a valid and important reason for wanting to move the dinner back a half hour or so, you can use your discernment on whether or not this is something you'd like to do. If this, however, is someone who merely wants to hop from holiday party to holiday party, you can keep your time firm and let them know they are welcome to join you when they arrive.

Artistic Recommendation

S Writes:

Jennifer, It has been fun to watch and follow your blog these years and I am working towards a chic ten item-wardrobe. I am gravitating toward dresses too these days.

I have a suggestion - if you get a chance please watch "The time in between" series on Netflix. Its about a seamstress and the dresses portrayed in the series are divine . You can see the main character wearing the same dresses tailored to fit her over the episodes.All women in the series are portrayed as strong woman, chic and beautifully dressed always.

Thank you for this recommendation. This series sounds lovely!


This week I would love to know... what skin care recommendations do you have for us? Have you tried any of the products I reviewed? Let us know in the comment section below and you could be picked as comment of the week.


**FTC Kensington Apothecary Rose Oil Cleanser is the only item that was sent to me to review. All opinions are my own.


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This week we are talking about skincare updates. My skin has been "acting out" recently due to stress. Whenever this happens, I push the pause button and know that my body is trying to tell me to relax! Can you relate?

This video shares some tips I recently gleaned from my esthetician, Juliana, at Petite Spa. She recommended I use an oil for my skin. To which I replied, "An oil? Are you serious?"

She was, in fact, serious and I'm so glad I listened to her! I show you my calendula oil by Eminence in the video, but you can also use a coconut oil, sweet almond oil or even an olive oil (I hear this is one of Sofia Loren's beauty secrets), all of which can be purchased at your local grocery or health food store.

Many people have also asked me if I remove my makeup before using the Clarisonic. My answer is, I do now! I share how I remove my makeup in the video and show you what I am currently using for eye and face makeup removal.

Finally, many of you have written to me telling me you'd love to try the Clarisonic, but it is not in your budget. I am trying out the Spa Sonic, which retails at around 1/3 of the price of the Clarisonic. I'll do a more comprehensive review of the spa sonic, as well as a giveaway, in a few weeks.

If you are unable to see this week's video, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel, www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

I urge you to become a connoisseur of your own skin... learn to read it and more important, to listen to it. Listen to your skin when it is trying to tell you something. Never give up your curiosity about how to best care for it and don't make assumptions (like me, assuming that oil is detrimental to the skin!) about new ideas. The most expensive products don't always equal what's best for you. Look at the beautiful Sofia Loren... olive oil sure worked for her :)

This week I would love to know... what are your skincare updates?

See you soon! xx

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This week’s video (which I shot before I left for England) is a review of the Brazilian Peel Clear Acne Control System being launched at Sephora. (I will spare you the suspense and tell you flat out that I adore this highly effective product). To see the video, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

And now for this week’s post:

I have a confession to make- my skin has suffered from breakouts my entire teenage and adult life. This now probably explains to you my near obsession with skin care. When I was a teenager I just figured it was normal to have my skin break out- I didn’t have a bad case of acne but the odd blemish every few days or so that would irk me to no end. I used a few things to remedy the problem- mainly products from the drugstore- but nothing I tried actually worked. So as a teenager I decided to wait patiently until I ‘grew up’, turned 20 and would no longer have to deal with those pesky breakouts.

Ah, if only. I had never actually considered that the breakouts might continue into my adult years. Looong into my adult years- which, of course, they did. Sadly, they did not magically go away when I turned the big 2-0 and even still hadn’t gone away when I turned the big 3-0! (In my upcoming book I have a humorous anecdote about what happened in Paris when my skin misbehaved.)

Now again, I never had a severe problem- but even one small blemish can wreak havoc on one’s self confidence so I have made it my skin care mission to banish them once and for all. And it has taken over a decade for me to figure out how to do it but after tweaking my skincare routine ever so slightly- by Jove I think I’ve got it!

Here are the top things that have contributed to my clear skin:

Cleansing: I no longer cleanse my skin in the morning. When I get up I just pat it with warm water and put a moisturizer and then sunscreen on. I made this change because I recently read an article saying that if you cleanse your skin too much it does not get to produce its natural oils and then goes into overdrive producing too much oil- hence the breakouts. Reading that was a majorly illuminating moment for me. It makes perfect sense! And just by doing this one thing- not cleansing in the A.M. I have already seen a major change in the amount of blemishes that come my way.

Clarisonic: I use the Clarisonic every (or every other) evening in conjunction with my cleanser to help remove makeup. I think a main part of my problem- other than hormones was insufficient cleansing of the skin. If you would like to see my Clarisonic video, click here.

Diet: My eating habits are the best they’ve ever been and I can thank pregnancy for that! When I was expecting my baby I added more fruits, vegetables and water into my diet and have continued the good habits- I feel great and the nourishment has had an impact on my skin.

Brazilian Peel Clear Acne Control Kit: One of the great things about doing this blog is I am introduced and allowed to try products I might otherwise never have known about. The people from Brazilian Peel- who have just launched their revolutionary acne control kit at Sephora sent me their Clear Acne Control Kit to try out. I jumped at the opportunity because even with the above three changes to my lifestyle, I would still get breakouts- especially in the chin area. So I tried the one month supply and can honestly declare to you that this is the best acne control system I’ve ever tried (and I have tried so many). The peel successfully thwarted two potential blemishes on my chin area by literally fighting them away. It is not harsh, doesn’t dry out my skin and the peel (in conjunction with the booster pads) actually feels like it nourishes my skin- thanks to the açai berry extract.

The kit sells for $60- which is pricey, I know- but depending on what kind of blemish problem you suffer from it could benefit you. If you have severe acne you could use this kit every month and it could seriously help you. If you are like me and get an occasional breakout every now and then you do not need to purchase the product every month but rather only use it when you feel your skin is getting out of control- which is exactly what I intend to do. If you are interested in seeing the product and learning more, my above video should be really informative. To learn more about the product you can visit Sephora, Brazilian Peel or Advanced Home Actives.

There you have it… I would love to know… do you suffer from breakouts? And if so how do you control them?


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This week’s video and post are on Paula's Choice Resist Anti-Aging Skincare products. To see the video where I show you the products click here, look in the sidebar of this post or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

I’ve recently had the pleasure of sampling Paula’s Choice RESIST Anti-Aging Skincare line for review. Paula Begoun is the author of 18 books on skincare and makeup including the bestselling, Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me. She also started the website www.beautypedia.com which has comprehensive reviews of over 45,000 beauty products.

I was interested to try Paula’s Choice skincare, which I had previously heard a lot of good things about, because I figured that Paula would have a strong criterion for excellence after reviewing so many beauty products. And my assumption was correct- This is a line that has a serious amount of research backing it. It has been created based solely on what published research has said is effective for maximum impact skincare.

I was initially apprehensive to review an entire skincare line as I am prone to breakouts and have sensitive skin. I didn’t know what to expect from an anti-aging line in particular. Would the ingredients be too strong for my skin? Would I break out?

The results after having only used Paula’s Choice products for 30 days have been remarkable. I have not broken out and my skin feels clean, healthy and (dare I say?) younger…

Here is a rundown of what I have been using:

RESIST Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser
I use this cleansing lotion in conjunction with my Clarisonic to fully remove makeup and cleanse my skin. It is mild, gentle, creamy and fragrance free- perfect for everyday use- I use this morning and night.

RESIST Advanced Replenishing Toner Skin Remodeling Complex
This is step two in the skincare routine. This toner has a milky consistency and makes the skin feel smooth and silky. Just a few drops on a cotton square do the trick.

RESIST Daily Smoothing Treatment with 5% Alpha Hydroxy Acid
This could be the product in the whole line that is responsible for the most change in my skin. I had always heard about the power of AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and now I know why. This acts as a gentle exfoliant to my skin and makes my skin feel clear while simultaneously protecting against breakouts. If I had to only buy one product in this line- this would be it!

RESIST Weekly Resurfacing Treatment with 10% Alpha Hydroxy Acid
This is a bit stronger and is meant to be alternated with the Daily Smoothing Treatment. I only use this once a week as it is 10% AHA instead of 5%... Even though this is strong it still does not irritate my very sensitive skin.

RESIST Barrier Repair Moisturizer
This is a lovely, light moisturizer that restores collagen to the skin. I like its fluid, light texture. This is a great moisturizer for evening.

RESIST Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum
This serum reduces inflammation and the visible effects of sun damage. It is also packed with antioxidants and acts as a booster to the moisturizer. I used this only at night because the texture is a bit greasy and would not go well under makeup.

Price
The price range for these products is competitive. The products range from $16.95 to $24.95, which is very affordable for my budget. I have been known to spend a lot more on other skincare lines. For example, the moisturizer sells for around $22, which is a lot more affordable than the $45 I usually spend on face creams. The serum is around $24 which is also a nice price considering serums usually run quite high. Also, you get a lot for your money because a little goes a long way. I could see these products lasting me three months…

I am delighted with these products and what they have done for my skin. Once I run out of my samples I will purchase the entire collection again, if not try other products on her website. I appreciate that the products are fragrance free, backed by published research, environmentally friendly and not tested on animals. The only thing I would change is the packaging. I do like my beauty products to be a little more decorative but I suppose their minimalistic appearance is a contributor of their low price.

For more information on Paula's Choice products, click here or visit: www.paulaschoice.com

I would love to know… what are your current favorite skincare products?

For all of my American readers… Happy 4th of July! Today is not only Independence Day but Gatsby’s Birthday as well… He turns six ☺




The Paula's Choice RESIST line is pictured above.

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Before this week’s post begins be sure to check out my latest video on How I Store my Makeup. In the video I show you my (capsule) makeup collection, give you a tour of our master bathroom and show you how I maximize storage for beauty items in our small space. To view the video, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog or visit: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

And now to this week’s post On Décolleté…


I spend an awful lot of time and attention taking care of the skin on my face and neck. I try out numerous products, slather myself with the best creams and serums, wear sunglasses and sunscreens, do research on the latest technologies, religiously use my Clairisonic and get regular facials. Phew! This is all in the attempt, of course, to be, well, beautiful. I want to have perfect skin and I want it for a long time. I long to age gracefully and to do everything I can to make that happen.

But what about the rest of my body? I give the rest of my body only a fraction of the attention that I pay to my face and neck. I was recently reminded of this by Marguerite, a reader of The Daily Connoisseur, when she reminded me in the comment section of a Le No Makeup Look post about the importance of wearing sunscreen on my hands and arms on a daily basis. (I admitted I only use sunscreen on my face and neck). While I don’t have any age or sunspots now, that might not be the case in a couple of years and prevention is the best course of action… while there is still hope!

Marguerite’s comment got me thinking (thank you Marguerite!) What is the point of spending so much time preventing sun damage and aging of the face if we do not do the same for the rest of the body?

Only giving special attention to your face and neck would be like dressing for the day and not looking at yourself from all angles before stepping out the front door. Perhaps there is a rip in your stockings from the back or a hole in your trousers! I was reminded that it is important to look at the whole picture with regards to your beauty regimen.

Right about the time when this was all happening I was contacted by La Isha, an all natural holistic skincare company wanting to know if I would be interested in reviewing their product Breast SOS (pictured above)- a topical serum derived from essential oils that helps maintain the beauty and health of the décolleté. The offer to review really could not have come at a better time because I started to think about my décolleté which has also been sadly neglected my whole life. I’ve never done any beauty treatment or preventative measure to that area. And while it looks just fine now, what will it look like in 10 or 15 years? I got back to La Isha and agreed to try out Breast SOS. It was time I started to pay equal attention to the rest of my body.

After using Breast SOS for the better part of a month (I apply the serum only at night) I have been very pleased with the results. La Isha purports that it helps tone, firm and rejuvenate chest and breast area, fade age spots, hyperpigmentation, and minimize appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and skin-creases. Now, it is important for me to say that I don’t actually have any of the above maladies yet so I could not report on whether or not the product got rid of age spots or wrinkles in that area. But what it did do for me was help my décolleté feel moisturized, elastic and well, radiant. It has a very potent aroma due to its herbal composition (mainly pomegranate seed oil) and it is for that reason I only wear it at night. Also after applying Breast SOS I would get a pleasing, tingling sensation on my skin in the area applied indicating that something was happening. What that something is- who knows! It’s probably just my skin in that area rejoicing in finally being pampered after so many years of neglect!

Breast SOS is a really innovative product. Incidentally La Isha also has an entire great line of skincare including creams, serums and scrubs to target the aging process naturally. I had agreed to review Breast SOS but out of courtesy they sent me small samples of some of their other skincare products. I particularly like their aromatherapy face wash, coconut orange skin polish and their pomegranate moisture booster. Because I only used the small samples for about a week I am not able to do a comprehensive review on them here (I like to try a product for at least three weeks before recommending it). But what I did notice from sampling the skincare products was that they are of a very nice consistency, are very gentle on the skin and did not make me break out (a huge plus for me!) I do need to mention, however, that most of the products have a very potent scent due to their all natural use of botanical herbs and medical grade essential oils. The scent might be strong for some but it is nice to know that there is nothing artificial about the fragrances attributed to the products.

La Isha is another great company, run by women, environmentally friendly and with all natural products that is worth exploring. Visit their website: www.la-isha.com for more information or click here to go directly to Breast SOS.

Now I realize that taking care of my décolleté has opened the door to an entire world that I have been otherwise blissfully ignoring. The world of neck firming creams, cellulite creams, wrinkle prevention creams, etc. But I do remind myself that finding these special tonics is one of the secrets that French women employ to look great as they age without resorting to surgery. So to that I say, bring it on!

I would love to know… with skincare do you focus mainly on the face and neck? Or do you take care of the whole body with equal attention?

For more information on Breast SOS please visit: www.la-isha.com

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Éminence Organic Eye Makeup Remover


The skin around my eyes is very sensitive. I can’t tell you how many products (eye creams, eye makeup removers, even makeup) have caused irritation to the delicate area around my eyes. So the last time I visited Petite Spa in Santa Monica (where I get my facials) I picked up Éminence Organic Eye Makeup Remover on a whim, hoping it would be suitable for my sensitive eyelids. I liked that it was organic (I am leaning more and more towards only using organic skincare) and thought it might be gentle. I was right. This eye makeup remover is really wonderful. It does take a few more (gentle) swipes of the cotton pad to get everything off but it does not employ any foreign chemicals or emulsions that would cause irritation. And in addition, it is not drying. I also like the way the product pumps from the top- giving it a vintage cosmetics feel. I purchased mine locally at Petite Spa. You can purchase it through Petite Spa (www.petitespa.net) or visit www.eminenceorganics.com to find a list of stockists near you. It costs $23 for 5.07oz, but with the efficient product distribution allowing for no waste, the product will last you a long time. Highly recommended for those with sensitive eyes.

One word of caution, however. I used this on my lips twice to remove my red lipstick and it dried out my lips. I figured if it was gentle enough for the eye area it would also be gentle for the lips but not so! I am probably the only crazy that would think to use eye makeup remover on my lips but I thought I’d caution you against it anyway!


Arbordoun’s Abundantly Herbal Calendula Cream


I was recently contacted by the people from Arbordoun asking if I wanted to try their organic, all natural calendula cream that touted pharmaceutical effects for review on this blog. I did some research into the company and found that they are a small business that has been operating for 25 years on Lopez Island off of Washington State. Run by an all female staff, they are environmentally friendly and only make two high quality products: their Abundantly Herbal Calendula Cream and Silky Day Lotion- both products which are hand poured and consist of entirely natural, organic ingredients. I was intrigued.

They sent over a sample of the Calendula cream and I tried it the next day. I will cut to the chase by telling you that I found their Calendula cream to be one of the nicest body creams I have ever tried. I have very dry, sensitive skin that is prone to eczema (especially on my legs) and just a few applications of the calendula cream soothed and calmed my irritated legs. Not only does it have pharmaceutical effects but it is also quite luxurious and adds a natural glimmer to the skin when applied. Also pleasing was that I could pronounce every ingredient listed on the product and would even feel comfortable using it on my baby (in fact many testimonials on their website said it aided their babies in getting rid of diaper rash). While calendula is the main ingredient, other ingredients include: olive oil, beeswax, grape extract, purified water and lavender oil. The cream has a natural fragrance but not one that is imposing and that would interfere in anyway with the wearing of perfume.

After my sample was finished I went back to using the drug store cream Eucerin that I have been in the habit of using on my skin and it just wasn’t the same. I started to become painfully aware of all of the unnatural ingredients in my drug store cream and longed for more calendula cream again. So I ordered my first 8oz bottle in the recycled Spanish glass jar (pictured above) and received it this week. Joy!

Arbordoun is a small company with a high quality product that deserves recognition. The prices vary from $3.45 to $47.25, depending on what size or what type of container you order the cream in (the 8oz size I purchased above cost $25.76). You can learn more about the Abundantly Herbal Calendula Cream by clicking here or visiting www.arbordoun.com


Epicuren CXc Vitamin C Complex


On the same trip to Petite Spa where I discovered the Éminence Eye Makeup Remover, I also purchased the Epicuren CXc Vitamin C Complex. This purchase was not made on a whim, however, but was my main reason for going into the salon. My esthetician (and founder of Petite Spa), Lisa Lianna Mayer, had been recommending the Vitamin C Complex to me for over a year, but because of its price ($129 for 1.7 fl oz- ouch!) I had avoided getting it. But my skin had been feeling dull and dry lately and was also suffering from topical breakouts. I reminded myself that French women, while generally thrifty in other areas of their lives, are apt to purchase expensive skincare treatments, if they feel they will work. And much like with the Clarisonic (which I waited a year to purchase too) I decided to bite the bullet and try it (although I’m not going to lie, it did hurt to hand over the money).

Thankfully it was money well spent. I’ve been applying the Vitamin C Complex on my skin twice a day now for the past two months after cleansing and before moisturizer and I have to say my skin is looking the best it ever has looked! I haven’t had a break out in two months and there is a color and vitality to my skin. The cream neutralizes free radicals, reduces the effects of aging and boosts radiance. I can’t put my finger on the exact benefits that it has brought to my skin (other than the fact that I’ve had no breakouts since I started using it) but I know that overall my skin is more radiant and is looking the best it has in ages. I will submit an update when I run out to let you know how long mine lasted, but until then, it is worth researching.

Epicuren Vitamin C Complex is available at Petite Spa, www.petitespa.net or visit www.epicuren.com for a stockist near you.



Please note I purchased all of the above reviewed products for myself (although the Calendula Cream was originally sent to me as a sample).

I would love to know… what are your recent skincare loves?

Be sure to check out this week's YouTube video on My Favorite Etiquette Books. You can see the video by clicking here , looking in the sidebar of this post, or by visiting www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur


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I have been a devoted fan of Bare Minerals foundation (and still am) for the past four years. However, there are certain summer days when I feel like just wearing a tinted moisturizer, cream blush, mascara, lip gloss and calling it a day. When researching at my local Sephora for the best tinted moisturizer on the market, I came across two very enthusiastic women who told me I had to try Hourglass Illusion Tinted Moisturizer. And when I say enthusiastic I am being understated. These women were verging on hysteria with their love for this brand. So I secured a five day sample (I love Sephora) and decided to try it for myself.

My complaint with tinted moisturizers in the past have been that they: a) do not perfectly match the color of my skin and therefore look strange, and b) make my face look greasy about an hour after wear. Yuck. So I skeptically tried this moisturizer by Hourglass which boasts instalift- a property that firms and brightens the skin. It also claims to be oil free, spf 15 and a luminzer all rolled in to one. For me it sounded too good to be true.

I was, happily, proved wrong. This tinted moisturizer (I use the shade "beige") goes on like a liquid foundation and matches my skin perfectly. It literally lasts all day, providing coverage until you wash your face at night. It made my pores feel and look smaller and made my skin glow and (!) it doesn't cause breakouts!

In short. I am in love with this new product and share the enthusiasm of those very helpful ladies at Sephora.

Hourglass Illusion Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 is $55 (a little goes a long way and this will supposedly last about 8 months) and can be found at: www.sephora.com

I like to call my skin delicate (which is a nice way of saying problematic). It is sensitive, prone to breakouts (even still in my late 20's!) and slightly dry all rolled into one exciting package. Other than these minor problems I love my skin. I just have to work a little harder at finding the right skincare regimen to keep it looking great.

For years I've used Dermalogica and have had stellar results. I've tried nearly every product in their line... my favorites being the daily microfoliant, the daily resurfacers and the special cleansing gel. They also have wonderful masques- my two favorite being the sebum clearing masque and the multivitamin power recovery masque.

Dermalogica's products have worked wonders for me over the years but lately I have noticed that my skin is starting to look a little dull. So I've decided to jump ship and try out another skin care line. I think it will be good for my skin- which appears to be currently suffering from boredom.

I am a huge Bare Minerals fan and am in love with their make up, so I was really excited to hear about their new line of skin care called Rare Minerals.

I've purchased the Rare Minerals cleanser, which is called Renew & Reveal. This is a soap-free, irritant free mineral cleanser (perfect for my sensitive skin) that has a similar texture to Dermalogica's microfoliant. It comes out like a powder on your hand and when activated with water, turns into a foam. I've only used it twice but I can already tell I love the delicate texture and squeaky clean, non-drying feeling I get when I use it.

The product I am most excited about using, however, is the Rare Minerals Skin Revival Treatment. This is a nighttime mineral treatment that supposedly helps to minimize pores and improve the overall condition of your skin. The powder actually comes in different tints and purportedly has skin renewing properties. I have just tried it for the very first time and must say that I like the tint it gives my skin... hopefully it wont come off on my pillow!

I'll be using these products for the next few months and will keep you updated on the condition of my skin.

The Rare Minerals Cleanser retails for about $32
The Skin Revival Treatment retails for about $60

Both products can be purchased at: www.bareescentuals.com or www.sephora.com