Beauty Review: Sisley’s Energizing Foaming Exfoliant

Product Tag Line:
Smoother, more radiant, youthful-looking skin with a refined texture.

Product Profile in short:
(as described on Sisley Website)
• stimulates and tones skin,
• refines skin texture,
• leaves skin feeling smoother and more supple,
• remineralizes
Promise:
Smooth, supple, toned skin.

What’s Inside:
* micro-spheres “which work gently to eliminate surface dead cells and roughness”
* essential oils and plants extracts “to help improve the appearance of the skin”
Plants extracts:
- Gentian
- Horsetail
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Saponin

Close-up on Active Ingredients:
Water
Propylene Glycol- humectant and emulsification agent
Sodium Laureth Sulfate – surfactant characterized by excellent foaming and low skin irritation properties. Some sources claim that it is a potential carcinogen however this has not been confirmed. (see CTFA response to the rumours)
Polyethylene –exfoliating spheres
Potassium Lauryl Sulfate - surfactant
Cocamidopropyl Betaine - derived from the fatty acids of coconut oil, combined with alcohol and betaine, mild cleansing and foaming agent, emulsifier, surfectant
Zea Mays (Corn) Starch is usually added to creams and lotion to give a powdery feel to your skin on drying
Cetearyl Alcohol – used as emulsion stabilizer, emollient, thickening agent and carrying agent for other ingredients
Hydrogenated Castor Oil – polyethylene glycol naturally derived from castor oil and is a solubilizer, foam stabilizer and an emulsifier.
PEG-40 Glyceryl Cocoate conditioning, cleansing agent derived from coconut.
Sodium Chloride
…
Mineral oil – occlusive
Saponaria officinalis Extract has surfactant, lathering, antibacterial properties
Gentiana Lutea Extract has anti-oxidant properties, anti-inflammatory effects and is used to enhance skin’s healing ability
Equisetum Arvense Extract (Horsetail) -
rich in natural conditioning minerals, sulfur, amino acids, cysteine, flavone, saponine and some other good stuff. Stimulates skin’s regeneration, improves circulation, has a softening and smoothing effect.
…
Rosemary Leaf Oil – has antioxidant, anti-bacterial, refreshing and toning effects
Towards the very end of the list we find Lavender Oil – balances skin, stimulates cellular growth
As always the list is finished up with a couple Parabens

It is a bit of a pity that all the essential oils and extracts are so down at the bottom of the ingredient list.

Experience:
Texture: Very nice, has really high foaming ability so you don’t need to use too much of the product Spheres are really very tiny.
Smell: Beautiful naturally herbal. Nice tones of lavender

I loved this exfoliant! It is a wonderful product that lets you combine a shower gel and a scrub. I have never tried a body exfoliant that would make my skin so silky and smooth to the touch. After using it skin feels already moisturized. It’s incredible.

It is also a double pleasure to use it due to an energizing delicious herbal smell.

Price Tag:
Around 70-80 $

Reviews on other Sisley's Skin Care Products:

Reviews on other Sisley's Skin Care Products:

All Day All Year
Sisleya Radiance Anti-Aging Concentrate
Buff and Wash Gel

You can get more information about Sisley products range as well as shop for Sisley's Beauty Products

Best Beauty: Eve Reveals Best Beauty Buys 2008

UK beauty magazine EVE revealed a list of best beauty buys for 2008 in their February issue. The products have been selected by readers as well as a panel of judges which included Eve's experts as well as make-up artist, stylist, beauty experts from Harrods/Selfridges etc.
Curious? Well, I thought I will go through the list of the the best ones. For the 2nd, 3rd and 4th places in each category look up Eve's February Issue!


Eve’s Superhero of the year 2008 was selected to be SK-II Air Touch Foundation: “it leaves your skin looking as if it’s been professionally air-brushed.”

The product described at SK II website sounds really hi-tech. it comes with a build in “ionisation technology” for “a most precise and natural coverage”. - I am almost sold - … “no mess, caking or streaking” and it contains “miraculous ingredient, Pitera, and moisturising agents to provide skin caring benefits and hydrate skin”” – Pitera appears to be a liquid that is extracted during the yeast fermentation process when making sake -… the skin “appears smooth, translucent and radiant - much like a baby’s skin”

Here is a video I found on YoutTube explaining in detail how Air Touch Foundation works magic and how to apply it.

Wow! I’m sold!... only need to come to terms with the price tag… 85GBP = 166.294 USD = 112.570 EUR

Women’s Skin Care Hero: Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrate
This product won a couple awards from beauty magazines already in 2007.
When used for 21 consequtive nights, promises to restore your skin and “boost your skin's natural ability to repair” the everyday damage


Women’s Fragrance Hero: Tom Ford Black Orchid

Hairstyling Hero: Redken Urban Experiment 7 Velvet Gelatine
“.. gives your hair bounce and shine without any stickiness” Zoe Irwin, Headmasters

Men’s Skin Care Hero: Liz Earle Naturally Active Cream and Hot Cloth Kit
“a really gentle shaving cream” Tom Dunmore, Stuff magazine

Men’s Fragrance Hero: Gucci Pour Homme II

Body Hero: Dior Plasticity Body Beautifying Micro-Peel
Combines exfoliating and anti-cellulite effects and promises “refined and smoothed” skin

Self-Tan Hero: Olay Total Effects 7X Touch of Sunshine
Allows gradual build up of color and leaves your skin feeling pleasantly moisturized.

Eye Hero (Make-Up): Guerlain Eye Shadow Duo and Liner
“Great Texture, colours and packaging” Mary Greenwell, make-up artist

Lip Hero (Make-Up): Givenchy Rouge Interdit Satin Lipstick

Face Hero Make-Up: SK-II Air Touch Foundation

Bath and Shower Hero: Olay Body Wash Plus Cream Ribbons
Comes with almond extract and “is so creamy and hydrating, you don’t need to use a body lotion afterwards” Joanne King, Urban Retreat, Harrods

Haircare Hero: Kerastase Ciment Thermique
Gives volume and shine to weakened hair.

Beauty Talk: Winter Skin Care Products - Choosing a Moisturizer for Winter

In the previous Beauty Talk I looked into choosing a cleanser for winter. The most important tip for choosing a cleanser is to go with a mild and gentle option ( read more). Now it is time to look into selecting the right moisturizing product for winter.

As mentioned in the winter skin care post, during the cold season -in those parts of the world where the weather does get cold- our skin changes and skin type can shift. Of course, it is not necessarily that your skin type will change. However if you start to experience one or several of the following symptoms: skin tightness, burning sensation, irritation, itchiness, redness, flaking skin, appearance of dry lines, break outs – it means your skin type must have changed and your skin care products do not satisfy your skin’s needs. Some of the symptoms like irritation, redness and itchiness can also mean your skin has developed sensitivity.

What exactly is happening to the skin and why does skin type shift in winter?

Our skin simply reacts to the changes in its environment. In winter our skin reacts to the following environment conditions:

Low/minus temperatures outdoors

cold/ freezing winds

dry/warm air indoors (due to the heating system)

sudden transitions between cold outdoors and warm/dry indoors

The above listed conditions cause (and are not limited to) the following reactions:

worse blood circulation in the skin

decrease in production of sebum and lipids

widened capillaries

Finally, the following skin symptoms set in:

dull, pale complexion

dehydration

dry lines

skin flaking

irritation, redness and sensitivity

cuperose = broken capillaries

*Worse blood circulation results in less nutrients and oxygen getting to our skin which, in its turn, causes all healthy skin processes to slow down and results in dull, pale, grey complexion.
* Sebum and lipids are both responsible for lubricating the skin, creating and keeping up the protective barrier on top of it. This protective barrier keeps it sheltered from the environmental aggressors and helps skin to keep moisture locked in the top skin layers.
** When skin’s protective barrier is weakened it is more susceptible to free radicals and irritants which results in its sensitivity.
** In addition, skin cannot keep its hydration in balance and starts to lose moisture. It sort of “evaporates” from the skin. This results in its dehydration, burning sensation, dry lines, flaking etc.

To prevent and treat the symptoms, you need to deal with the main reasons.


Skin Care Strategies for Winter

Improve nutrients intake and oxygen flow.
- keep to a healthy vitamin charged diet and take a quality vitamin supplement
- give yourself a face massage and at-home facials regularly (massage: every other day or even every day when applying your daily moisturizer, at-home facial: 1-2 times a week)
- exercise on a regular basis as it effectively stimulates blood circulation
- use skin care products which contain Vitamins and ingredients stimulating blood circulation: Ginseng, Manganese, Magnesium, multivitamins A, C, E etc.

Respond to skin’s needs as soon as possible by:
- improving hydration
- restoring and keeping balanced skin’s protective barrier
For your skin care routine to be effective, these two have to go together!

Let’s look into more details on how you can adjust your skin care products and regimen.

I have already mentioned such ingredients in skin care products as
humectants – attract moisture to the skin (e.g.: Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Hylauronic Acid, Honey Extract)
emollients – soften, lubricate, moisturize skin. Emollients build protective film on top of the skin to prevent dehydration. (e.g.: Cyclomethicone, Glyceryl Stearates, Lanolin, Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter)
occlusives are other important ingredient for winter moisturizers. They create a thicker and stronger film on skin’s surface to help protect it from the environment and to prevent loss of moisture. (Beeswax, Dimethicone, Mineral Oil, Paraffin, Petroleum)

Skin care products based on just humectants are not enough for winter skin care regimen. You need not only moisturize your skin but also help it to restore its protective barrier to keep this moisture. Normal, Mixed and Oily skin types should go with a combination of humectants and light emollients. Dry, Very Dry and Normal-to-Dry should go for products with occlusive ingredients in addition to humectants.

Winter Skin Care: Moisturizers

Quick Tip: When researching for this post I came across several recommendations for a quick winter skincare adjustment: just switch your night skin care product to the day one and vice versa. This recommendation is based on the fact that night products are richer than day ones. It actually can be a way out if you cannot invest into another set of products for the upcoming 3 months. But remember day products often have SPF which you do need in winter during the day as well. In addition, at night skin goes through a regeneration processes which will not benefit from additional unnecessary SPF chemicals on its surface. (good, if they do stay only on the surface!)

I looked up some moisturizing products that help to restore skin’s protective barrier and create a “controlled microclimate” for your skin.

So, here is what you can consider for winter skin care:

Avene “Hydrance Optimale” SPF 25 (Normal to Dry Skin Types) provides long-lasting hydration, sun protection and anti-oxidant protection (Vitamin E). *Recommended for winter season by In Style, Germany, Nov. 07

Repairwear Lift SPF 15 Firming Day Cream (Available for different skin types) has been quite recently launched by Clinique and is said to have a “climate control” feature. It helps skin to keep its moisture level balanced no matter what changes occur in terms of the temperature and humidity level in the environment. The ingredient that helps the skin to adapt is called Extensin. In addition the product contains creatine, olive extract , Vitamin E, wheat protein and some other ingredients to keep skin moisturized, smooth the lines and restore skin’s elasticity. * Recommended for winter by Glamour, Germany, Nov. 07.

Sisley’s All Day All Year (All Skin Types) is formulated so that you can wear it any season and it promises to keep your skin balanced and moisturized in the course of 8 hours guaranteed. This product also has sun protection properties. See a full review on All Day All Year.

Sisley’s Moisturizer with Cucumber (All Skin Types) increases moisture level in the skin by 30% in just half an hour. Builds a light protective film on skin’s surface. Contains Cucumber extract (rich in amino acids), mineral oil (occlusive), wheat protein. It described by Sisley as “Non-greasy”, but I have to say that I tried it out, and it is a bit too heavy for my medium oily T-zone. But I think it will be perfect for normal, dry and very dry skin types.

Nutrisource from Biotherm (Dry Skin) contains apricot kernel and macadamia oils which soften and condition the skin, jojoba oil which is an excellent emollient, ceramides (types of sphingolipids) which contribute to skin’s moisturization and keeping up its protective barrier. * Recommended by Young, Germany, January 2008.

Clarins’ HydraQuench Line: The range includes products for various skin types from Very Dry to Oily. Contains some amazing ingredients: Katafray extract to restore “cohesion of the corneal layer”, Inca Peanut oil to build up the protective hydrolipidic film and the super-humectant Hyaluronic acid to increase hydration etc. This line is also called “ MoistureQuenching” in the UK. But when I looked up ingredients, they seemed different (however, still very good to keep skin hydrated and prevent loss of moisture!). It looks like HydraQuench is a new line that came out first in the US .

Hydra Complete Multi-Level Moisture Cream from Estee Lauder. (available for Dry Skin Type as a cream and for Mixed, Oily Types as a Lotion). This product is developed to create “controlled environment--a virtual biosphere” for the skin. This way it not only hydrates and helps the skin to keep the moisture. The ingredients that help to achieve this effect are derivative of Vitamin B5, Brazilian Muru Muru butter (powerful emollient), Indian Kokum butter (emollient and Helps regenerate skin cells), Cactus Flower (effective antioxidant and emollient) etc.

Climate Control by Dermalogica creates controlled “microclimate” for your skin and helps to rebuild its balance. Contains Shea Butter and Silicones (emollient), Oat Extract and Vitamin E (antioxidants), Lavender Extract (balances and has antiseptic properties) etc. Also check out Dermalogica’s Barrier Repair. which has similar properties and sounds like a perfect choice for dehydrated sensitive skin.

Lancome Nutrix Royal (Dry and Very Dry Skin) especially developed to help rebuild the hydro-lipid barrier of dry skin, keep it balanced and moisturized. It contains vitamin CG and hazelnut extracts which promote synthesis of lipids, shea butter (emollient) and beeswax (occlusive).

A minus for most of the products mentioned above is that they do not have SPF protection. I really don’t understand when a day-time moisturizer does not provide sun protection. However, the fact is you will have to either use foundation with SPF or use sun protecting product on top of your day moisturizer. Each brand mentioned above has a choice of sun screens. If you are not spending too much time outside in the snowy weather SPF of 15-25 should be enough.

Coming soon: I will look into additional solutions for Dehydrated, Dry and Very Dry Skin Types and a separate post will be dedicated to skin care product for those suffering from an increased sensitivity… just like me…


Read more on Winter Skin Care
- Cleansing Products for Winter
- Post on general Winter Skin Care Tips
- More detailed “Skin Care in Winter” Article
- More on Skin Care Ingredients
- Click for more information on skin care products for winter.
- Feel like shopping? You can buy skin care products for winter online right away.

Beauty Review: Sisley Buff and Wash Gel with Botanical Extracts

Product Tag Line:

“Every morning, soft, perfectly clean skin, and a fresh, glowing complexion”

Product Profile in short:
(as described on Sisley Website)

“Rich in natural botanical extracts and essential oils, Buff and Wash Facial Gel cleanses skin, removing in a single step the surface dead cells and impurities which dull the complexion”

Promise:

“Wakes-up” the face and helps stimulate skin

with regular use skin appears clearer and more radiant

provides a pleasant sense of comfort and freshness

protects skin's natural pH balance and is ideal for daily use

What’s Inside:
Natural botanical extracts (Poppy)
Essential oils (Verbena and Lavender)

Close-up: How active are the active ingredients?

Water
Glycerin - a humectant, attracts water to epidermis
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP) - vegetable protein that has been broken down into its component amino acids. HVP has conditionaing effect on the skin but is also widely used as flavor enhancer in food products
Silk Amino Acid – Derived from secretion of silkworm, has anti-oxidant and water-binding (moisturizing) properties
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil - polyethylene glycol naturally derived from castor oil. Can be used as a thickening agent as well as an emulsifier and surfactant
Polyethylene – these are the exfoliating particles
Citrus Medica Limonium Fruit Extract - Lemon Fruit Extract is an astringent, reduces irritation and oiliness, has toning, cell stimulating and anti-bacterial properties
Propylene Glycol – humectant and emulsification agent
Papaver Rhoeas Extract – Corn Poppy Extract, emollient and a soothing agent
Carbomer - emulsion stabilizer
Towards the end of the list we find Lavender Oil – balances skin, stimulates cellular growth and regeneration
Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil - has antiseptic and astringent properties
finishing up with a couple Parabens - commonly used preservatives which according to FDA are safe.

So as I can see Buff and Wash Gel contains a number of moisturizing, conditioning and astringent ingredients. A couple of astringents are responsible for the look of tighter pores. It definitely is quite mild and balancing. I could find only one ingredient that was mentioned by some sources to have surfactant properties (ability to “dissolve” oil and remove dirt from surfaces).

Experience:
Texture: very nice gel like with a less concentration of exfoliating particles than normally in scrubs
Smell: extremely light natural herbal smell, you just feel like inhaling it over and over again (which is actually great to improve blood circulation in the skin)

I use very small amount and massage the Buff and Wash Gel gel onto skin with light circular movement without using to much pressure. (while doing it, enjoy the light and fresh smell) Then I remove it with plenty of water. I like the effect very much: Sisley’s Buff and Wash Gel makes the skin look stimulated, energized, bright and more radiant, pores are tighter and less visible. Skin feels clean and comfortable without any feeling of tightness.

I think Sisley’s Buff and Wash Gel is an amazing product because it actually combines the properties of a washing gel, mechanical exfoliator and a toner. In addition to all this, it is suitable for every-day use!
The only remark I would make is that when I would wash it off with water, no mater how much I try I would still often feel some particles on my skin when applying my moisturizer. However I consider it as a very small discomfort.

Sisley recommends this products for all skin types. I would especially recommend it for those who have dull tired complexion, uneven skin tone due to the slowed down cell turnover, those with oily/ medium oily skin types with visible enlarged pores. Note, those who are cuperose and redness prone should be extremely careful about every-day scrubs. Even though these products are mild, they can potentially worsen cuperose and irritation.

Price Time:
Price can range from 60 to 80$. It is a bit high for a daily use product but the effect can be worth it.

Reviews on other Sisley's Skin Care Products:
All Day All Year
Sisleya Radiance Anti-Aging Concentrate

You can get more information about Sisley product range and Buff and Wash Gel, in particular, as well as shop for Sisley's Beauty Products at Sisley Cosmetics on Squidoo

Beauty Review: Sisley ALL DAY ALL YEAR Essential day care

Product Tag Line:

An anti-aging shield that provides the skin with a global protection and therefore protects its youth

Product Profile in short:
(as described on Sisley Website)

UV protection: 90% of UVA and UVB rays are stopped

Anti Free radical / Anti-Stress Shield: protection of collagen and elastin fibers, protection from all types of environment related stress

Protection of cell cohesion: helps the skin to regain the reflexes of more youthful skin

Can be used for all skin types

It is formulated so that you do not have to change your skin care depending on the season: “offers optimum innocuity, therefore allowing the product to be used all year long - all year”

According to Sisley Website, 60 women tested the product and applied it each morning for 4 weeks*

What Sisley Promises:

Gives immediate look and feel of hydrated, softer, more supple and full of energy skin

Skin regains its smooth (95% of women*) and radiant appearance (85%*)

After approx. 28 days (the time required for natural cell renewal), the skin looks visibly younger (81% of women*) as the cells arrive intact at the skin's surface.

Provides anti-wrinkle effect : reduction of lines up to 34 %

What’s Inside:

Apple skin extract - antioxidant, protects collagen and elastin fibers
White Willow extract - stimulates the production of natural anti-stress proteins
Sesame and rice extracts - improve the intercellular connection

Close-up: How active are the active ingredients?

Water
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate – widely used sunscreen
Squalane – natural organic compound used in cosmetics as a natural moisturizer (mostly comes from shark liver oil)
Isopropil Palmitate - a thickening agent and emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol – used as emulsion stabilizer, emollient, thickening agent and carrying agent for other ingredients
Corylus Americana seed oil –hazel seed oil
Butyrospermum Parkii - shea butter
Sesamum Indicum - sesame extract
Pyrus Malus - apple fruit extract
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane -ingredient used in sunscreen to absorb the full spectrum of UVA
……
and 15th place goes to Salix Alba Leaf Extract– Willow leaf extract
Toward the end of the list we find Salvia Officinalis - Sage oil, Oryza Sativa - Rice bran extract, finishing up with a couple Parabens - commonly used preservatives which according to FDA/CRI are safe

My Experience:

Texture: creamy and thick to the touch - I thought it will break out my mixed skin but it did not!)
Absorption: miraculasly gets absorbed in a matter of seconds.
Fragrance/smell: non-perfumed, very nice, subtle and naturally herbal. I can smell very light wooden notes.
Deatails:
I was trying a deluxe sample of All Day All Year Essential Care that I got as a part of Sisley promotion “Aktion”. I have to say that as any owner of mixed (oily T-zone) skin type I DO NOT believe in skin care products marked “all skin types”. Naturally, I was a bit skeptical at the beginning.

However, I have to admit I am really impressed. I have been using All Day All Year for 15 days up till now. This product does deliver what it promises. In a matter of a couple days I could see the results. My skin started to look fresher and more radiant. Now it looks healthier and smoother than before I started trying out All Day All Year. Even when I don’t get enough sleep my skin looks fresh and has a healthy colour.

All Day All Year definitely has a WOW Effect. By that I mean that you can see the results either immediately or in a couple days and with no side-effects like feeling of tight skin, irritation, pimples etc.

Price Time: about 300$ for 50 ml (I won’t be buying that any time soon! Thank God for the deluxe sample!)

Reviews on other Sisley's Skin Care Products:
Sisley Buff and Wash Gel
Sisleya Radiance Anti-Aging Concentrate

You can get more information about Sisley product range and All Day All Year Essential day care, in particular, as well as shop for Sisley's Beauty Products at Sisley Cosmetics