Showing posts with label Chantecaille. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chantecaille. Show all posts

3.02.2018

REVIEW | Best of Chantecaille: Bio Lifting, Rose de Mai, Future Skin and more!



Mother's Day is coming up within a fortnight edit: in two months (got the M months confused, my apologies) so I figured this would be good timing to share my favorites from Chantecaille, a luxury brand adored by daughters and mothers alike for their chic packaging and focus on botanicals and natural ingredients!  I've featured their products sporadically throughout the years but I've explored a lot more of their line up recently so I wanted to share my thoughts.


My first must-have from the brand is the Future Skin Gel Foundation because it is oil-free.  It doesn't cause break outs or irritate my skin or cause congestion like blackheads.  Even though I am using severely drying acne topical treatments like Epiduo, Future Skin doesn't leave my skin looking parched.  I love that it is water-based because it is lightweight yet manages to diminish imperfections like redness with very little product.  Do try stippling instead of rubbing for best results if your complexion is sensitive.

SAND // CREAM // CAMOMILE
I currently mix Chamomile, Cream, and a tiny bit of Sand to balance out the undertones.  Chamomile is yellow-based but a couple shades too fair to wear alone, and Cream is neutral but slightly more pink (the closest match if I had to pick one).  Sand is another yellow-based shade but it's much darker than I expected so I just ordered Shea which is similar but lighter in color!  You can adjust your final complexion color with loose/compact powder and bronzer if purchasing two foundations seems like overkill.  Since Future Skin is my favorite foundation and I wear it at least a few times a week, I enjoy having multiple jars.


Now let's move on to masks!  I have always preferred sheet masks but Chantecaille produces some of the most effective rinse-off formulas.  My friend Dayna bought me the Jasmine and Lily Healing Mask last year while my skin was suffering in cold windy Portland and it is truly calming.  I struggle with stress, redness, and inflammation so this is an indispensable cream mask and it works even better than the Healing Emulsion which I bought first.  I love using this mask overnight every now and then although it performs equally well when I slather it on and let it work its magic for ten minutes before sponging off.  I know when my skin is super dehydrated because my skin absorbs most of it within five!  Since it is the heaviest mask in my collection, I limit my usage to once or twice a week.


Since I had major success with the Jasmine and Lily Healing Mask, I decided to indulge my curiosity and give the Hibiscus Smoothing Mask a try.  They look very similar in terms of packaging, but this one is meant for re-texturizing so I have been using this once a week as well.  The papaya and grapefruit extracts pair well with the glycolic acid leaving my skin feeling smoother and firmer!  I leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes and sponge it off with lukewarm water depending on how recently I exfoliated that week.  If you have sensitive and/or acne-prone skin as I do, give this gentle mask a try! 


The packaging is not travel friendly, so I'll only pack whichever is better suited for the climate I'll be in.  The Hibiscus Smoothing Mask eliminates dead skin cells so I do love it because it allows me to take a much-needed break from all the heavy duty, super intense scrubs and peels in my acne regimen.  If I had to pick one to recommend though, I would start with the Jasmine and Lily Healing Mask.  Both result in recharged glowing skin, but the Healing Mask can be used as an overnight treatment so I think you get more bang for your buck!


My latest Chantecaille obsession, however, is the Bio Lifting Series.  I raved about the Bio Lifting Fluid moisturizer in my last YouTube video on my hormonal acne skin care routines.  I recently began integrating the Bio Lifting Serum and it is a silky serum that is less expensive alternative to my Holy Grail 111SKIN.  In fact I think Chantecaille's helps my skin look firmer while the 111SKIN is more reparative.  This serum noticeably softened the appearance of my expression lines on my forehead after two weeks!  I follow the directions and press three drops' worth with clean fingertips into the skin and pat until it is fully absorbed. It smells divine, no sticky reside, absorbs quickly.  I started using the Fluid alone first but when paired with the Serum, I do find that my skin is smoother overall.  If you have textural issues from scarring, this should help!


Since I discovered it, there is no other moisturizer I would rather use than the Fluid and I only wish I could afford to use this on my body too.  Most oil-free formulas are not hydrating enough, but this gives my skin a healthy glow and hydration that actually lasts throughout the day.  I use about three or four pumps to cover my face and neck but it absorbs within seconds.  I adore the gel consistency, the pump packaging that never falters, and the formula never clogs my pores.  Yes it is expensive but the Bio Lifting Fluid is one of the best moisturizers I've used in years!


And of course we cannot discuss Chantecaille or their brand heritage and dedication to roses without including the iconic Rose de Mai, a gel-cream.  I love this during hot summer months because it works well under makeup, but I usually put this moisturizer on and then apply the Jasmin and Lily Healing Mask on top before heading to bed.  Chantecaille actually does say Rose de Mai may be used as a moisture boost under regular cream so yes is expensive if you have extra dry skin as I do.  But if you have combination or oily skin, you will love using this alone because the thinner consistency is refreshing yet balancing.  It makes my skin look dewy and feel baby soft.


Now isn't this one of the prettiest skin care boxes you've ever seen? The most recent Chantecaille addition to my skin care arsenal is the fairly new Rose de Mai Eye Lift, and the sleek on-trend rose gold packaging is gorgeous yet practical.  This gel-cream formula is very light and refreshing, so I recommend this more as a preventative first step for those in their twenties.  I still use TATCHA's Luminous Eye Serum in the morning, but I switch off between 111SKIN and this one in the evenings.  They keep my fine lines and baby crow's feet at bay brilliantly.

The pen applicator is long but it's easy to grip — place your pointer finger on top of the  transparent silicone circle then your thumb directly aligned underneath and squeeze to release the product.  Slide the ceramic tip from inner corner to outer corner to melt the gel-cream into the under eyes and gently reduce puffiness.  Don't forget the brow bone!



Ultimately I adore Chantecaille.  The older I get the more I identify with natural, so if you care about ingredients and textures, give some of my top picks a try.  I also started testing the Compact Makeup in Cashew yesterday and it is so smooth, perfect for mattifying my T-Zone.  The ultra-finely milled formula provides sheer coverage while concealing my blemishes, but the sponge applicator stored below the powder can build up coverage so that it appears more like a powder foundation than a pressed powder.


P.S. Take advantage of this quick sale to grab some goodies for 15% off!
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11.22.2014

My Skin Journey + Holy Grail Skin Care Products! Plus Affordable Alternatives and Recommendations by Skin Type & Concern



Skin care is an intimate personal journey. I was raised by a grandmother who used nothing but Shiseido and Lancôme skin care for most of her life, so that is the foundation on which I built my beauty preferences. She started me off with Clinique sunscreen and Shiseido skin care when I was 13. I was blissfully unaware of price at the time, so I used what I was given and that was all I knew. Later on, I learned about skin care layering, and that is when I started experimenting. My skin is sensitive, but it can tolerate a lot of product because I have built up a tolerance over the last six years!

I was genetically blessed with clear skin. I had a couple patches of clogged pores and the occasional hormonal pimple, but my teenage years left me without a single scar. Then came university and plenty of sleepless nights, meaning the introduction of eye cream. I experimented with Shiseido, Lancôme, and random skin care discoveries (like Jurlique and Ole Henrikesen) from Sephora at the time. I was annoyed by a few red patches on my cheeks and broken capillaries around my nose, but if only I knew back then how incredibly lucky I was..

Last year, I endured an unfortunate and very painful bout of severe cystic acne. I had heard from friends and subscribers about how awful acne was, but I never grasped the full impact of the trauma until my own experience. From having nearly flawless skin to pockmarked "pizza face" within six months was mind-boggling and frustrating. As most of you know, I live and breathe beauty, which made me feel even more ashamed about my skin's situation. I did not share my feelings when the acne occurred because ultimately, I had no idea how to open up and talk about it. So, please learn from my mistake: DO NOT WAX YOUR FACIAL PEACH FUZZ. Almost two years, plenty of tears, and thousands of dollars later.. redemption. My skin isn't 100% quite yet, but by July 2015, I truly believe it will be!

If you want to know why I believe SK-II, Cle de Peau, 3LAB, and the rest of these phenomenal skin care products really DO work.. check out my video from July 2013 here, where you can see my acne at its worst. It was even more awful to look at in person and once the healing process started, my face was blue and purple all over. Quite frankly, I couldn't decide whether the active blemishes or the scarring process was more depressing. The bruising was much harder to hide! Either way, it was an unpleasant ordeal and I'm grateful that my acne journey is almost over. I've garnered more skin care knowledge and regained my confidence along the way!


Now, here are some of the most valuable skin care lessons I've learned over the years:
1.  WEAR SUNSCREEN (all day, every day).
2.  Thoroughly remove every single trace of makeup every night.
3.  If you have acne, DO NOT pop your pimples. Go to an aesthetician. 
4.  Use a serum and/or moisturizer every night, even if you have oily skin.
5.  Start using eye cream at 18, if not earlier! Nothing ages a person more than eye wrinkles.
6.  Drink at least 6 cups of water daily, and try to clock in at least 7 hours of sleep.
7.  Treat yourself to a treatment facial as often as possible. Try micro-needling!
8.  If you don't have time or money for professional facials, use a SHEET MASK at least once a week.
9.  Exfoliate with a treatment/mask at least two times a week (once if you have very sensitive skin), even if you're using a Clarisonic or Foreo or whatever device is trendiest.
10.  Invest in quality skin care. It's not always about the price, but luxury skin care has never failed me. Pick up plenty of samples and experiment to find the best products for your skin! 


My HOLY GRAIL SKIN CARE:



toner: use with cotton pads
SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion

essence: pour into palms and pat in


Chantecaille Rose de Mai Cream
SK-II Stempower/Essential Power Cream






Affordable Alternatives:
Kate Somerville D-Scar Serum
Cremorlab Bright Floral Mask
Etude House Eye Gel Patch
Olay Regenerist Mirco-Sculpting Cream


And as promised, here are more product recommendations based on skin type and skin concern. I know many of my subscribers have oily/combination skin, are suffering from acne, or have super sensitive skin. Please keep in mind that products that work (and have worked) for me may not work as well for you. Again, skin care is personal and all about preference, so keep an open mind and don't give up!

ACNE + BREAK-OUTS:
I used a lot of Juice Beauty during the worst of my acne, and it did seem to help the purging process. I highly recommend the Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel (Full Strength and Blemish) as well as their Clearing Mask and Blemish Clearing Serum. Do not expect overnight results, as purging takes time! Also try Jurlique (natural/herbal) and Ole Henriksen products to calm the skin.
For those targeting the occasional hormonal blemish/break-out, I recommend the SK-II Skin Refining Treatment as a spot treatment. I dab it on morning and evening, and my pimples shrink, slowly but surely! No dryness or flakiness like that which can occur with those popular pink clay treatments. I also use the Refining Treatment to keep my blackheads in check (applied all over the face 2x a week).
Additionally, find a talented aesthetician for facials and extractions to minimize scarring, and keep your daily skin care regimen on the minimal end. Try cleanser, toner, serum, eye cream, and moisturizer. Don't forget your sunscreen in the morning, and try to reapply, as it will go a long way in reducing acne marks! Most importantly, wash your pillow cases and makeup brushes WEEKLY, at the minimum! 

OILY + COMBO SKIN:
Although not all alcohol-free products perform well, do stop using products that strip your skin completely dry. Your skin will overcompensate by producing more unwanted oil! Wear a hydrating sunscreen like Eve Lom's and skip moisturizer during the day if you must, but that means you absolutely NEED to use a hydrating serum and/or heavier moisturizer at night.
I highly recommend the products in the Ole Henrikensen 3 Little Wonders Bonus Collection, particularly the Truth Serum and Sheer Transformation Moisturizer. I used OH when I had combination skin and loved it! The brand is fairly affordable and offers plenty of awesome travel-sized kits if you are a skin care junkie and/or afraid to commit to full-size products.
Another must-have is the Lancôme Visionnaire Skin Corrector. I used it when I had combination skin, and it tightened the skin to help my pores look invisible. The pearly effect also makes the skin look smoother, clearer and brighter. I introduced this product to my friends with combination and oily skin, and now all them swear by it!

NORMALIZING SKIN:
As a teen, I had oily skin. During my college years, I had combination skin. Now at 25, I have normal to dry skin. That came about as a result of (simply and inevitably) aging, natural hormonal changes, and good skin care habits. I credit the SK-II Facial Treatment toner with making the most noticeable difference in my oily T-Zone. Since then, I have used it interchangeably with other toners to prevent a plateau, but it still remains my favorite. The lightweight yet powerful 3LAB Super H serum also kept my skin nourished and hydrated, further balancing my skin's condition and sealing in the effects of the SK-II toner.

ANTI-AGING:
When I started my YouTube channel in 2010, lot of women used to give me grief when I explained I first started using eye cream at 18. The truth is, it's all about prevention, and starting early is encouraged nowadays due to environmental factors like sun exposure, pollution, and lifestyle stress! FYI: You don't have to start with a heavy or anti-aging eye cream when you're 18. Try something lightweight and more basic, like the SK-II Facial Treatment-Eye or Fresh Lotus Eye Gel.

ASIA EXCLUSIVES:
Two of my favorite moisturizers, the SK-II Cellumination Day Surge SPF 30 and SK-II Facial Treatment Lotion SPF 15, are only available abroad. If you have a friend that travels often, request these! The CDS is best for dry to combination skin, and the FTL is ideal for normal to oily skin. The Lancôme UV Expert XL-Shield SPF 50 is also a fabulous sunscreen for normal/dry to combination skin.

ULTRA SENSITIVE SKIN:
My beauty blogger buds with incredibly sensitive skin use the SK-II Facial Treatment Repair C serum, in case any of you are looking for a very gentle anti-aging treatment! SK-II skin care is potent, so start with the Repair C just to be safe. 
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5.28.2014

THE TEN: My Summer Beauty Essentials [Travel, Beach, Vacation]






1) HAIR: For perfectly tousled beach hair, try the Oribe Après Beach Wave and Shine Spray! I like to spritz this into the lengths of my hair and tease the roots for an effortlessly sultry look. Since the spray adds so much texture and body, you can also throw your hair into a big bun or French Twist if you want it off your shoulders!

2) BODY: To protect your body from sunburns, try the Clarins Sunscreen Care Oil Spray SPF 30! It can also be sprayed onto your hair to protect your color and your scalp from dryness. I love that it dries down quickly while adding a gorgeous glow to the limbs. 

3) SELF-TANNER: For the most even and long-lasting tan possible, try the St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse! Despite dabbling with other brands, I still think St. Tropez is the best. There is also a Self Tan Dark version for those who like to look extra tan!

4) SUNSCREEN: To protect yourself from wrinkles as well as unsightly dark spots, always use sunscreen! I highly recommend the Sulwhasoo Age Veil UV Protection Cream SPF 30 for every day use or the Sulwhasoo Snowise Brightening Serum BB with SPF 50 for those who prefer a tinted product that can also be used as a primer/base. I absolutely love both of them, and sometimes, I'll even use the Age Veil under the Serum BB!

5) POWDER: To prevent overly shiny T-Zones this summer, use powders with sunscreen protection to set your base makeup and touch up your skin throughout the day! I recommend the Shisiedo UV Protection Powder SPF 36 for those who like a little extra coverage (ideal for oily to combination skin) and the Chantecaille Protection Naturale SPF 46 for those who prefer sheer, undetectable loose powders (ideal for dry to combination skin).

6) NEON NAIL POLISH: Bright nails are always an easy way to brighten up your summer! Try the new Dior Vernis Gel Shine formula since it is so glossy and long-wearing. I have been wearing Wonderland, a deep pink, for a couple weeks. For a true neon shade, however, I recommend Essie's Funky Limelight with a white base to help the color pop. OCC's Radiate is another good neon pick!

7) BRONZER: To balance out self-tanner on the body and also give the face some color, try the Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Powder! Use it to set your sunscreen and/or base makeup, and dust an extra layer on your jawline, cheekbones, and hair line for a truly sun-kissed look!

8) MASCARA: A little mascara will go a long way in opening up your eyes and adding a bit of polish to your casual beach attire! Use a waterproof formula, like Guerlain's Maxi Lash WP to give your lashes the perfect, most enviable fringe. It holds curl, separates, and adds volume!

9) LIP BALM: The heat of the summer sun can cause lips to peel. Try By Terry's Baume de Rose for hydrated, plump lips with a hint of pretty pale pink color! It also has SPF 15 for added protection whether your are poolside or at the beach.

10) DEODORANT: This one is a no-brainer, but deodorant is especially important in the summer! My favorite is the Kiehl's Superbly Efficient Anti-Perspirant and Deodorant Cream. It does not interfere with your perfume, and it has a formula that softens underarm hair, which results in a smoother shave!

Watch the video below for more details!

Makeup Worn:
Cle de Peau Concealer in Beige
Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204 and Holder
Urban Decay NAKED Flushed Palette in Native [Bronzer/Highlight only]
Giorgio Armani Flash Lacquer in 107
Velour Lashes in T Dot Ohhh
*Use promo code RAEVELOUR to receive 15% OFF

Sweater:

Nails:
Dior Gel in Wonderland

Earrings:
Forever 21 [old]
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