Kiehl's Skin Rescuer moisturizer review + photos

          This summer, Kiehl's Skin Rescuer is coming to the rescue for fatigued, stressed, and dehydrated skin! A sample (thanks to Kiehl's) floated my way just in time; April was a ridiculously busy and stressful month for me, and my sensitive skin has been in need of some serious TLC!

          Kiehl's Skin Rescuer can either be worn alone, or in between your serum and moisturizing steps. I like to use it alone if I just need a light moisturizer to hydrate my skin. If I need more moisture, for example at night or below a matte foundation, I pair it with a regular moisturizer. Kiehl's Skin Rescuer contains ingredients like Rosa Gallica Botanical extract to minimize stress response and Mannose, a barrier protecting sugar. As you can see below, it has a pretty sensitive skin-friendly ingredient list.

         Kiehl's Skin Rescuer ($40 for 2.5 oz.) is sure to buoy the spirits of those with sensitive or tired skin. It's a lightweight moisturizer that's come in handy for me at a time when my skin hasn't been at its best and needs gentle moisturization to keep things under control! Kiehl's Skin Rescuer is available now at Kiehls.com and in fine department stores.

           Thanks for reading! Have you tried Kiehl's Skin Rescuer? What Kiehl's products have you been using lately?

Love, Dovey.
Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Squalane, Propanediol, Undecane, Caprylic/Capric Tryglyceride, Butyrospermum Parkii / Shea Butter, Tridecane, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-20 Stearate, Mannose, Lauroyl Lysine, Cetyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Ammonium Polyacryldimethyltauramide / Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Tocopherol, P-Anisic Acid, Ectoin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Xantham Gum Ceteareth-25, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Rosa Gallica Extract / Rosa Gallica Flower Extract, Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine, Ceramide NP, Behenic Acid, Cholesterol, Ceramide NS, Cahmomilla Recutita Extract / Matricaria Flower Extract, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide EOS, Caprooyl Phytosphingosine, Carooyl Sphingosine, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide Fmla 685607 18 F.I.L. Code D55612/1.
Disclosure: The link in this post is NOT and affiliate link; it's present  for your convenience only. This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own.  

Chantecaille Magnolia, Jasmine, and Lily Healing Emulsion review + photos

          The Chantecaille Magnolia, Jasmine, and Lily Healing Emulsion is an exciting new addition to Chantecaille's skincare lineup this Spring 2013. It's part of Chantecaille's Aromacologie line, which consists of botanically based formulas that calm, heal, and protect. The healing emulsion contains Magnolia Youth Complex to reduce redness, White Lily Bulb to hydrate dry skin while brightening complexion, and Jasmine to condition the skin and stimulate cell renewal. (Sounds amazing, right?)

         I've been delighting in Chantecaille Magnolia, Jasmine, and Lily Healing Emulsion for the past few weeks, thanks to a press sample. The emulsion is a lightweight lotion that can be used alone or layered with your favorite moisturizers. (For heavier moisturization, try Chantecaille Flower Harmonizing Cream!) Not much product is required per use; 1-2 pumps should be sufficient. The Chantecaille Magnolia, Jasmine, and Lily Healing Emulsion smells absolutely divine (Just like its namesake florals!), and calms my sensitive skin.

        The Chantecaille Magnolia, Jasmine, and Lily Healing Emulsion ($120 for 1.7 oz.) is a soothing lotion with a gorgeous floral fragrance that I'm delighted to include in my skincare routine! Chantecaille skincare is available at fine department stores and Chantecaille online. Thanks for reading! Have you tried Chantecaille's Aromacologie skincare line? What other Chantecaille skincare products have you been enjoying or eyeing?

Love, Dovey.
Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration for review. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own. The Chantecaille link in this post is not an affiliate link; it is present for your convenience.

TATCHA Ageless Collection skincare review + photos

         Happy Friday! Today, I have an exciting post celebrating the new TATCHA Ageless Collection! TATCHA is a luxury skincare brand with a beautiful story. Founder Vicky Tsai found inspiration in a two-hundred year old book detailing the beauty rituals of geisha; she married these East Asian rituals with modern skincare science to formulate an East-meets-West beauty routine. The ritual is centered around TATCHA's trademark Hadesai complex, which consists of red algae extract, rice bran, and green tea extract. I've had the opportunity to experience a number of wonderful products from TATCHA; be sure to read my reviews of TATCHA's Normal Skincare Ritual (here), as well as the Water Collection (seen here). You can imagine my delight at receiving TATCHA's latest collection for review! (Oh, and I also have another set that will go to one lucky Cute and Mundane reader; details to follow!)

          TATCHA's Ageless Collection is the newest addition to the brand's skincare lineup. The Ageless skincare collection builds upon Tatcha's Hadesai complex, using Peony, Yokuinin, and Nindou extracts to increase microcirculation at the skin's surface. The increased circulation is thought to promote the revitalization of skin, and decrease premature aging.

           The Ageless collection consists of TATCHA Ageless Enriching Renewal Cream, TATCHA Ageless Revitalizing Eye Cream, and Akari Crystal Massager (not shown). The packaging is, of course, stunning! Tatcha's line is encased in dark wood printed boxes with handmade paper scrolls within (see here). The original skincare line is a ceramic white, however you can see that the Ageless collection is colored a serene sea blue with dark blue and gold detailing.

          The TATCHA Ageless Enriching Renewal Cream is a pale pink cream housed in a weighty plastic jar. The cream has a rich texture with some gel-like slip. Typically, I pick up a small amount with one finger and strategically dot it over my face before massaging it in. Almost immediately I can feel the slightest warmth in my face, a possible manifestation of the increased micro-circulation. The cream comforts and hydrates skin; it sinks in, but also leaves a protective layer that lasts overnight, much like TATCHA's original cream. (I can feel it when I wash my face the next day). This facial has TATCHA's gorgeous signature scent, which smells to me like sweet rice water and flowers.

          The TATCHA Ageless Revitalizing Eye Cream is also colored a whisper pink; the eye cream is packaged in a broad based glass jar. The texture is quite thick, but retains enough slip to work easily over the skin surrounding eyes. The eye cream leaves an even more protective layer than the facial cream. There is a scent, but it's appropriately fainter than TATCHA's other facial products.

          Overall I really enjoyed my TATCHA Ageless Collection experience. It's nice to see an eye cream added to TATCHA's lineup, and the added benefits of their newest facial cream sound promising. Both products convey luxury with impeccable feminine detailing and a delightful fragrance. The texture is wonderful and my skin seems to be content with the added protection. You could say I'm one happy beauty blogger! TATCHA Ageless Enriching Renewal Cream ($185 for 1.7fl.oz.) and TATCHA Ageless Revitalizing Eye Cream ($135 for 0.5 fl.oz.) are available at Tatcha.com, as well as select Barney's New York locations.

          Thanks for reading! Have you experienced TATCHA? What are your favorite products? Do you prefer the new sea-blue or original ceramic white packaging?

Love, Dovey.

P.S. Check back soon, because I have an amazing TATCHA Ageless Giveaway planned for this weekend!
Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration by PR. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own.

Kiehl's Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream review

          Kiehl's must have taken a leaf out of Lady Liberty's notebook because their latest wrinkle-reducing innovation is all about copper. Kiehl's Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream utilizes copper to stimulate elastin production. Historically, skincare to treat fine lines and wrinkles has focused on collagen production; elastin, another integral component of skin, has largely been overlooked. As its name suggests, elastin plays an important role in maintaining the elasticity of skin. Decreased elastin, and thereby decreased recoil, can lead to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. According to Kiehl's, copper has the ability to stimulate elastin production, thereby promoting a more youthful complexion. In addition to copper PCA, Kiehl's Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream also contains calcium PCA, a humectant, and moisturizing Apricot Kernel Oil.

         As you can see, the copper theme of Kiehl's Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream extends to the translucent tinted tub and metallic cap. Though the lid and jar have the convincing appearance of metal and glass, respectively, both parts are actually made from practical, durable plastic. I really like the texture of Kiehl's creams and that of Kiehl's Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream is no exception. The cream is thick with a bit of slip; only a small amount is required for application. It moisturizes and protects well without being heavy or oily. The ingredients seem to sit well with my sensitive skin, which makes me happy.

         Kiehl's Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream ($52 for 50mL) is now available in stores or www.Kiehls.com, along with a companion eye cream and SPF containing cream. The packaging and texture of the cream are both wonderful (as one would expect of Kiehl's quality). I don't have visible wrinkles or fine lines (yet), so I can't attest to improvement. However, elastin starts to decrease in your 20's so I plan on putting Kiehl's Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream to good use! Thanks for reading! Have you tried any of the products from Kiehl's Wrinkle Reducing line? What are your current Kiehl's favorites?

Love, Dovey.
Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration by PR. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own. The Kiehl's link in this post is not an affiliate link; it is present for your convenience.

Murad BCA Hydrate for Hope Set review

          A pink pouch with polka dots? Yes, please. For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Murad has a cute and practical offering: the Murad Hydrate for Hope Set. The set contains a full size Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture face cream (1.7oz.), a mini size Hydro Dynamic Ultimate Moisture for the Eyes (0.12oz.), and a pink nylon polka dotted pouch. Plus, 10% of the sale will benefit City of Hope's breast and women's cancer research, education, and treatment programs. The Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture Face cream hydrates the skin with sunflower, avocado and olive oils; it also has shea butter and retinyl palmitate. The cream has a silky feel that is protective, but not heavy on the skin. The Murad Hydro Dynamic cream in this set has a cheerful pink lid, which contrasts to the normal grey lid. The mini Hydro Dynamic Moisture Eye cream is nice moisturizing component the set as well. It has osmolytes, a peptide blend, collagen support complex, and hyaluronic acid for moisturization and decreasing fine lines.

          If you're a fan of Murad and looking for a good moisturizer, check out the Hydrate for Hope Set ($49.50). A full size tub of the Ultimate Hydro-Dynamic moisture costs $65 alone, so it's already a good deal. The 10% donation to City of Hope gives an extra reason to feel good about your purchase. Thanks for reading! Have you tried Hydro-Dynamic or other Murad face creams? What do you think of the Hydrate for Hope Set? Do you purchase pink for Breast Cancer Awareness month?

Love, Dovey.

Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration by PR. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own.

TATCHA Normal Skincare Routine review

         
          TATCHA is a luxury skincare line that has drawn inspiration from old East Asian beauty rituals. Founder Victoria Tsai brought together a two hundred year old book detailing the beauty rituals of geisha and modern skincare scientist to formulate an East-meets-West skincare routine. The ritual is based on a trifecta of antioxidant rich red algae extract, rice bran, and green tea extracts that form TATCHA's trademark HADASEI complex. TATCHA has recently featured in Vogue magazine, as well as other printed and online press.

           TATCHA products show an attention to detail that should be expected of a luxury skincare line. The skincare products are housed in off-white thick plastic containers that are reminiscent of porcelain. The Tatcha logo is embedded with a blue and gold enamel-like finish. The new containers are taped closed with a strip of blue and white geometrically patterned tape. Upon opening the bottles, I peeled the stickers off. Even the product boxes (seen above) have a beautiful wooden print. All the products I received were made in Japan. TATCHA also sent a beautiful pamphlet detailing the history and inspirations behind the brand (seen below).

          There are four steps to the TATCHA skincare routine: PURE, POLISHED, RADIANT, and SUPPLE. The first step,'Pure,' refers to the One-Step Camellia Cleansing Oil. It is followed by 'Polished', an exfoliant Rice Enzyme powder. 'Radiant' is the Tatcha Deep Brightening Serum. Finally, skin is moisturized with 'Supple', the Moisture Rich Silk Cream

         The TATCHA One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil contains a blend of camellia oil, rice bran oil, red algae, and green tea. It's a gentle cleanser that is meant to wash away makeup and other impurities. The scent is beautiful; it smells like sweet rice water with some floral hints. The Camellia cleansing oil is meant to be applied directly to a dry face for best effect, which is typical of cleansing oils. I found that it also works well when applied to a slightly damp face. One to two pumps is enough per use. The Cleansing oil has a watery non-oily texture that is easy to work over the face. It dissolves away makeup (except for stubborn waterproof mascara) and washes off easily with warm water. Only a slight oil residue is left on the face. Those with dry skin could stop here, however I like to use a cleanser afterwards since I have combination/clog prone skin.

          The TATCHA Rice Enzyme Powder  is the second step in the routine. This polishing step exfoliates and smooths the skin using a blend of rice and papaya enzymes, plus Tatcha's HADASEI-3 complex. Rice enzyme has long been used in East Asian cultures for beautifying skin. The TATCHA Rice Enzyme powder comes in three different blends (Gentle, Classic, and Deep) to account for different types of skin. I have the Classic version, which contains added pearl for skin conditioning. The TATCHA Rice Enzyme Polishing Powder was unique from other skin treatments I've tried. Half a teaspoon of powder is poured into wet hands. By mixing the powder with water, the treatment is activated and becomes a luxuriously creamy paste that can be massage onto the face. The texture is mostly milky, however I could feel a few larger particles and some micro-particles working on my skin. Again, there was a sweet rice scent. After washing the TATCHA Rice Enzyme Powder off, I did notice my skin was smoother and brighter.

          The TATCHA Deep Brightening Serum contains licorice, scutellaria, jujube, and TATCHA's HADASEI-3  Complex to add luminosity to the skin. Silk and Squalene aid in moisturization. Recently, brightening and lightening serums that have been used by Asian consumers for some time have become more popular in the U.S . The TATCHA Brightening serum has the same beautiful scent as the other TATCHA products. It goes on smoothly and sinks in quickly. A smooth residue is left at the surface. This product has received a lot of love from other beauty bloggers for its ability to even skin tone, however it wasn't a good fit for my sensitive skin. There was no obvious bad reaction. I noticed mild signs that my skin wasn't happy and stopped using this part of the routine. I have plans to test this on Mr. Lovey though; he has a lot of freckles and sun damage that could use erasing. I will update if I see results.

          Finally, the TATCHA Moisture Rich Silk Cream is a cream made with silk protein designed to form a barrier that protects the skin. Rice bran oil, red algae, and green tea works to prevent aging. Wild thyme, ginseng root, and royal jelly promote moisturization and balance. The cream certainly had a luxurious feel. It was silky to the touch and had a plush feeling when worn. It was moisturizing, without feeling oily. While the moisturizer does sink in, you will notice a moisturizing film if you touch your face, even hours later. I does a good job of protecting your face and locking in moisture. The cute fabric knot and golden spoon were delightful details on the packaging too.

          Overall, I enjoyed my Tatcha experience. The packaging was beautiful and the products were of appropriate quality. The light floral and sweet rice fragrance was a plus as well. My favorites were the TATCHA One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil for its light feel and the TATCHA Rice Enzyme Powder which was a unique and effective experience. TATCHA One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil ($48 for 5.1oz.), Classic Rice Enzyme Powder ($65 for 2.1oz.), Deep Brightening Serum ($150 for 1.0 oz.) and Moisture Rich Silk Cream ($150 for 1.7oz.) are available through Barney's or TATCHA's online shop. Thanks for reading! Have you tried the TATCHA products or passed by a counter? What do you think of the packaging? Do you use any Asian inspired skincare routines or product lines?

Love, Dovey.

Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration by PR. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own.