A New York City Health and Beauty Blog

Review: Clarins Extra-Comfort Cleansing Cream with Plant Extracts

IMG_0911

I have always wanted to try Clarins due to its incredible reputation amongst my like-minded friends. This sample size did come cheap so I thought why not give it a go.  I did my research and dang, retail price, this product is expensive, so I expected big things and big things did it deliver.

IMG_0916

I enjoyed this product immensely. Since I sometimes suffer from unusually dry skin, this saved my face. I treated it as a regular cleanser, wash face, apply and rinse. My face felt delicate after the wash and I did not need toner afterwards. I also felt that I did not need moisturizer but for good measure I applied very little. It left my skin feeling soft and fresh and the product did not feel heavy at all even if its cream based. Just be advised, cream-based cleansers are best only for Normal to Dry skin.

Clarins Extra Comfort Cleansing Cream with Plant Extracts ($33), Amazon.com

Review: Clarins Bright Plus Gentle Renewing Brightening Peel

Clarins Bright Plus Gentle Renewing Brightening Peel,

As someone with oily skin, I know that my skin needs proper yet constant attention. Oily skin when treated too roughly with harsh cleansers and over-exfoliation can make skin produce even more oil. Oily skin can begin to dry out and over-produce even more oil to keep itself moisturized and that’s what we don’t want. Facial cleansers have to have the right balance of oil removing ingredients and yet be gentle enough not to strip away skins’ natural oils. My daily cleansing routine includes washing, toning and moisturizing my skin morning and night. Occasionally (1-2x per week) I’ll add in some exfoliation and a mud mask to smooth my skin and to keep my pores clear of sebum.

Because my skin is so oily, I’m always trying different products to see which work best with my temperamental skin. For the past two days I’ve been trying out Clarins Bright Plus Gentle Renewing Brightening Peel. It’s an exfoliating lotion that helps to remove dead cells, tighten pores and leave skin radiant. It’s applied like a toner (although a bit thicker in consistency) but works like a scrub. This peel removes dead skin cells with glycolic and salicylic acids for a smoother and even complexion.

The first time that I used the peel I just washed my face normally and my skin felt incredibly smooth. Today I used my Clarisonic Mia to cleanse my face and then swapped out my normal toner for Clarins Bright Plus Gentle Renewing Brightening Peel and my skin was as soft as a baby’s bum! Afterwards I moisturized my skin and decided not to apply any makeup, my skin felt too good to cover up!

Active Ingredients:

  • Tamarind fruit extracts exfoliate and brighten
  • White nettle flower extracts have astringent capabilities
  • Mimosa tenuiflora extracts help soothe skin

The recommended use for this peel is 1-2 times per week so I’ll give this treatment another round of tests to see if there my pores look smaller but overall I love this exfoliator! Have you tried this Clarins peel?

 Clarins Bright Plus Gentle Renewing Brightening Peel, $34

Lipstick and Luxury’s beauty picks for Fashion’s Night Out

Fashion's Night Out

September has arrived and with it comes New York Fashion Week and Fashion’s Night Out. The 2010 edition of FNO promises to be an EPIC occasion for fashion and beauty lovers everywhere. FNO is a global initiative to celebrate and support the designers and retailers that we love so much by doing what we love best – shopping. I am happy to say that FNO has not forgotten the beauty industry because after all beauty and fashion do go hand in hand. So here are my top picks for beauty related events happening on September 10, 2010.

Aveda

10 Columbus Circle New York, NY 10019

212-823-9714

http://www.aveda.com

http://www.facebook.com/aveda

http://twitter.com/aveda

Eco-beauty leader Aveda celebrates the second annual Fashion’s Night Out by inviting guests to enjoy a night of indulgence at its NYC locations. Stop into Aveda for complimentary hair styling, makeup touch-ups and hourly product giveaways between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM. While you’re there, register to win the $250 Experience Aveda sweepstakes. Shopping has never smelled so sweet!

Bare Escentuals

Times Square New York, NY 10036

212.220.0414

http://bareescentuals.com

http://www.facebook.com/bareescentuals

http://www.twitter.com/bareescentuals

Join Bare Escentuals for Fashion’s Night Out. Stop by Bare Escentuals and leave gorgeous in our hottest fall look featuring NEW High Shine Eyecolors. Enjoy deluxe samples, sweet treats and extended hours – all in the name of fashion.

Bibhu Nail Salon featuring Zoya Nail Polish

768 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10019

1-800-659-6909

http://www.zoya.com

http://www.facebook.com/zoyanailpolish

http://www.twitter.com/zoya_nailpolish

The Plaza Hotel Shops 58th Street at Fifth Avenue 6 to 8 PM BIBHU NAIL SALON FEATURING ZOYA NAIL POLISH. Do you want beautiful nails for the shows? We can help. As a part of CFDA’s Fashion’s Night Out event at the Plaza Hotel, designer Bibhu Mohaptra and staff will work in conjunction with Zoya Nail Polish to provide walk-in Zoya minicures (polish changes) and fun freebies. Bibhu will be on hand for the event.

Bumble and Bumble Uptown Salon

146 E. 56th Streets New York, NY 10020

212.521.6500

http://www.bumbleandbumble.com

From 6 pm to 10 pm, Bumble and bumble will be hosting an evening of free hairstyling to consumers at the hands of some of our most promising up and coming runway stylists. There will be a magazine editorial inspired shoot in the window of our uptown salon featuring designs from fashion darlings Ohne Titel and aspirational hair looks from the Bumble team. Free champagne will be served. Appointments will be necessary as limited slots are available. Booking lines open at 12 pm on Wednesday, September 8. Call 212.521.6500 to schedule your free appointment.

C.O. Bigelow

414 Sixth Avenue New York, NY 10011

2125332700

http://www.cobigelow.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Columbus-OH/CO-Bigelow-Easton/113749416438

http://twitter.com/ilovebigelow

Vinny Guadagnino of MTV™s hit show The Jersey Shore will be at the store from 7pm to 8pm to meet and greet with C.O. Bigelow consumers. He will also showcase his essential grooming products and favorite beauty products for the ladies in his life that are all sold at C.O. Bigelow. Bring your cameras! Learn how to boost body confidence and feel great in your skin with the experts from Mama Mio Skincare. Mama Mio will be serving complimentary mocktails while sampling its Get Waisted Body Shaper to reduce fat cells, tighten and firm tummy flab. Come on girls! Let’s Get Waisted! In addition to body treats and beverages, C.O. Bigelow will also have a makeup artist from Jane Iredale giving consultations and tips to stay fresh-faced all week long, a manicurist from Barielle for a quick polish changes and a skincare specialist with Rilastil sampling the latest eye cream. Additionally, Soap & Paper will be giving away a free shea butter soap with any purchase in the store!

CHANEL

139 Spring Street New York, NY 10012

212.334.0055

http://chanel.com

Nail the Coolest Shades at the CHANEL Nail Bar. Be the first to get your hands on the newest CHANEL Nail Colour Collection, LES KHAKIS DE CHANEL – created exclusively for Fashion’s Night Out by Peter Philips, Global Creative Director of CHANEL Makeup. These limited-edition shades are sure to become a cult favorite this Fall! Stop by for a complimentary mini manicure featuring these exclusive hues.

CHANEL

737 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10065

212.535.5505

http://chanel.com

Color-Customize our Iconic CHANEL Ballerinas. CHANEL is pleased to offer this rare opportunity to color-customize our iconic Ballerinas in celebration of Vogue Fashion’s Night Out. Choose from a selection of lambskin colors and linings — and be the first to own customized Ballerinas. Nail the Coolest Shades at CHANEL Be the first to get your hands on the newest CHANEL Nail Colour Collection, LES KHAKIS DE CHANEL created exclusively for Fashion’s Night Out by Peter Philips, Global Creative Director of CHANEL Makeup. These limited-edition shades are sure to become a cult favorite!

Clarins

Bergdorf Goodman New York, NY 10019

(212) 753-7300

www.clarinsusa.com

www.facebook.com/clarins

www.twitter.com/ClarinsNews

Clarins invites you to a special Beauty Party to celebrate French glamour as only Clarins can! Each attendee will receive a complimentary complete makeover while enjoying refreshments and sweets at the Clarins Counter. Put your beauty in our hands at Fashion’s Night Out!

Frederic Fekkai

712 Fifth Avenue (at 56th Street) NY, NY 10019

212-753-9500

www.fekkai.com

From 6-9 Frederic Fekkai and Marchesa take you from NYC Chic to Hollywood Glam at Henri Bendel. New York Fashionistas become celebrities by selecting from award-winning Marchesa moments. The Fekkai hair and make-up team will re-create these looks while your personal dresser waits to outfit & accessorize you. Then, strut the red carpet for your chic paparazzi Hollywood moment. Participants receive a print & digital photo sent via email or text for Facebook or Twitter download. A $75 fee for the entire experience with a chance to win an A-List sweepstakes. Proceeds go to the NYC AIDS Fund.

Korres Natural Products

110 Wooster St New York, NY 10012

212-219-0683

www.korresusa.com

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/KorresUSA?ref=ts

The Wooster St. store will feature Detox Bubbles, Cupcakes & More for guests to enjoy. This will include a detox bar serving complimentary antioxidant-infused cocktails based on the Greek skincare brand’s natural ingredients: Wild Rose, Pomegranate, Thyme Honey & Raspberry along with delicious cupcakes also packed with natural ingredients. Attendees can detox on the outside as well with a Korres makeover or advice on how to wear the hottest color looks of the season using green make-up. All guests will receive a gift bag including global bestsellers and Korres favorites.

Laura Mercier

Bloomingdale’s – 59th Street New York, NY 10022

212.70.52000

http://www.lauramercier.com

http://www.facebook.com/lauramerciercosmetics

Have a flawless night out with Laura Mercier. To highlight Laura’s signature flawless face, at the Laura Mercier counter will be offering touchups with a focus on lips. Laura Mercier will be indulging the crowds with a chance to win full size products every hour, on the hour. There will also be a Grand Prize drawing for a Professional Artistry Case, stocked with over $1,500.00 worth of Laura Mercier product. Clients are entered in the drawing with any Laura Mercier purchase. This September, Laura Mercier will be equipping NYC’s chic set with the face to enjoy a fabulous FNO, flawlessly.

Marchesa at Henri Bendel

712 5th Avenue New York, NY 10019

212-247-1100

www.marchesa.com

Marchesa, Frederic Fekkai and Henri Bendel partner in support of the 2nd Annual Fashion’s Night Out. Frederic Fekkai at Henri Bendel will present an interactive red carpet experience in which New York fashionistas will select from 5 Marchesa award-winning moments and receive picture posing tips from The City star Olivia Palermo. Purchase the entire experience for $75.00 and receive a red carpet keepsake and a chance to win the A-list sweepstakes. Sweepstakes prizes include a Fekkai cut and color, two tickets to the Spring 2011 Marchesa fashion show and a Henri Bendel 2010 VIP Client Card.

Maybelline New York

Meatpacking District New York, NY 10014

212-984-4000

http://www.maybelline.com

http://www.facebook.com/maybelline http://twitter.com/MNYInsider

Maybelline will be set up in the Meatpacking District from 6PM-11PM. The first 50 consumers to arrive will receive a limited edition makeup bag created especially for Maybelline by fashion designer Michael Angel. Top Maybelline artists will provide makeovers. Consumers who receive makeovers will be invited to strut their stuff down a mini-catwalk for a chance to win a year’s supply of Maybelline makeup. Spokesmodels Emily DiDonato, Jessica White & Lisalla Montenegro will be on hand to judge this Sensational Strut. Spokesmodel Kemp Muhl & Sean Lennon will perform a DJ set from 8PM-10PM.

NARS Cosmetics

New York, NY 10012

212.343.1945

http://narscosmetics.com

http://facebook.com/narscosmetics

http://twitter.com/NARSissist

To celebrate the use Pure Matte in Vince’s Fall 2010 video, NARS will be gifting customers with Pure Matte Lipstick.

Nigel Barker at Lord & Taylor

424 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10018

212.391.3300

http://www.lordandtaylor.com/fashionsnightout

http://www.facebook.com/lordandtaylor

http://twitter.com/lordandtaylor

Meet Nigel Barker at Lord & Taylor, 8pm-10PM. With any $100 purchase, get photographed by Top Model judge and famed fashion photographer, Nigel Barker. Plus walk away with a copy of his new book, Nigel Barker’s Beauty Equation.”* *See complete details at lordandtaylor.com/fashionsnightout

Oscar Blandi Salon

545 Madison Avenue, 2nd Floor New York, NY 10022

212-421-9800

www.oscarblandi.com

http://www.facebook.com/OscarBlandiProducts?ref=ts

http://twitter.com/OscarBlandi

A flawless blowout is the ultimate Fashion’s Night Out accessory. To ensure you look your best, the Oscar Blandi Salon will offer $25 blowouts (a $65 value) from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. Call the salon and mention Fashion’s Night Out to make an appointment.

Per-fekt Beauty at Henri Bendel

712 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10019

212-904-7960

http://www.perfektbeauty.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/per-fekt-beauty/69381431146

http://twitter.com/perfektbeauty

Join us for a “Picture Per-fekt” event at Fashion’s Night Out! Per-fekt creator and founder, Richard Anderson will be on hand to help launch NEW Cheek Perfection Gel and a special travel mug gift set for FNO. We’ll have our famous Per-fekt cookies and will be offering a FREE one-month supply of Skin Perfection Gel in Rich with any purchase of $100 or more. Meet us at the Per-fekt counter and we’ll make sure you’re “picture per-fekt” for the FNO festivities – we’ll also give you a Polaroid pic to take home with your new ‘Per-fekt’ look!

Phyto Universe

715 Lexington Avenue New York, NY 10155

212-308-0270

http://www.phytouniverse.com

Get your beauty fix at Phyto Universe! From 6-8PM, receive free Phyto hair & scalp analyses and Phyto Rx, and Lierac Paris skin consultations. Also take an olfactory tour and experience Caron Paris’ haute parfumerie, and view New York City’s 3000 sq foot live vertical plant wall! Lierac and Phyto experts will be on hand to answer questions and offer tips. FNO attendees will receive 20% off all Phyto haircare, Lierac Paris skincare and Caron fragrances products, as well as 20% off future hair treatments and spa services booked that night! Cocktails will be served, and a DJ will play.

Sephora 5 Times Square

200 W 42nd Street New York, NY 10036

(212) SEPHORA

http://www.sephora.com

http://www.facebook/sephora

http://www.twitter.com/sephora

TEMPTU presents: runway to reality Pull up your front row seat, and watch TEMPTU’s glamorous live models as they turn our store into their catwalk. Then, flip through their fabulous look book, and have your favorite high-fashion look re-created by a TEMPTU pro. Have your picture taken by a professional photographer which will live in our window and on TEMPTU’s interactive site: lookbookbeauty.com.

TARINA TARANTINO

117 Greene St. New York, NY 10012

212-226-6953

http://www.tarinatarantino.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/3-Tarina-Tarantino-3/182676598429

http://twitter.com/tarinatarinat

Join Tarina Tarantino at her Soho Boutique for Fashion’s Night Out From 6:30pm to 8:30pm get styled by Tarina as you enjoy sparkling refreshments and view her newest collection, Starchild Odyssey. Every purchase of $50 or more qualifies you to win a special Starchild package with TARINA TARANTINO Cosmetics, crystallized headphones, and more!

*The official hours are 6-11 PM on September 10, 2010 – please contact the individual venues for additional details.