ZO SKIN HEALTH, ORIGINS PLANTISCRIPTION, YARDLEY
Like leaves on a tree, that sense of re-birth/renewal always descends on our brain and skin cells ---and encourages a test drive of new...and new to us -beauty products to go along with the better weather and the shedding of old...
For the past three weeks-we've been dabbing on ZO® Skin Health's Olluminate® Intense Eye Repair $130.
This product is by the highly respected pioneer of dermatological endeavors-- Dr. Zein Obagi, MD--- who actually has two collections out now-the other one called ZO® Medical. We don't understand the difference between the skincare lines- besides from a marketing/distribution perspective...as both offerings address similar issues (hydration, anti-aging, etc) and don't vary all that much on price---from what we could see.
ANYWAY---the potency of the formulas in both skincare lines= impressive.
With the über thick, white creamy Olluminate® Intense Eye Repair -that targets fine lines/wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness---the main active ingredient is Retinol- the workhorse of skin renewal-that in its stable, potent formulation-multi-tasks for more even skin tones, and increases epidermal thickness-that thins with aging. Also in the mix---- Vitamin E-an anti-oxidant... and mica and titanium dioxide-minerals that diffuse light---meaning the way light reflects off the skin---for a more radiant appearance, overall.
In our experience---a very, very, very little goes a long way...the Olluminate® Intense Eye Repair (OIER) is that moisturizing and lasts... one .5 fl oz blue jar $130-will probably nourish targeted areas for 6 months.
How we used...applied before sunscreen/makeup in the AM, any makeup we applied post-went on just fine, fyi... and- after anti-aging serum at night...a tiny dot of OIER-under each eye---and upper lids too-all absorbed quickly. We even used it where we had tiny dry patches elsewhere on our face...it works snap, crackle, pop for THAT too.
ALSO a big plus, good for sensitive skin---not a tinge of irritation for us, a big deal when dealing with products embedded with Retinol.
Considering the amount of time swim goggles are planted on our skull---leaving the less than lovely circular depressions for an hour or two after a practice, we're relieved with how-with the help of OIER, our eye socket area eventually springs back-so we don't scare the neighbors.
Another skin product we've been testing our...with happy results---is Origins Plantiscription™ Anti-Aging Serum ($55-1.0 oz)-part of more naturally inspired skincare collection...from a company that has manages to stick to its DNA of goodies formulated without parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, mineral oil, PBA, petrolatum, paraffin, DEA, and animal ingredients (except cruelty free honey and beeswax)...despite being part of a publicly traded entity---where unfortunately- other former fab product lines just lose whatever made them fab---as soon as they get taken over by some conglomerate.
After five years of research, Origins has developed-- and tested, its Plantiscription™ Anti-Aging Serum-...so we learned---with significant improvements in the overall appearance of lines and wrinkles (57%), visible skin lifting (64%) and firmness (41%)-reported by volunteers after 20 weeks of use.
ALL claims, btw that recently past serious scrutiny. Impressively so, imo. We wonder how many other anti-aging formulations would do so well.
What we like--- how supple and dewy-- without the grease-- our skin feels after application, as wrinkles aren't an issue with us. The serum is easy to apply and practically soaks in on contact--about 2-2 1/2 pumps is enough for our face/neck---and we calculate with 2x daily usage (under sunscreen in the AM)---a 1.0z size should last about 6-8 weeks. Makeup goes on easy afterwards too.
Although lightly scented---something we usually avoid as even essential oils can be irritating-- there is no irritation or mild burning when applied. The aroma doesn't linger- either.
With the warmer weather--- Plantiscription™ Anti-Aging Serum is suitable for oily and combo skins...the super dry skin types might want to layer a thicker textured moisturizer--- on top.
A cult favorite and often on editorial BEST BEAUTY lists---
INFO: Origins/Plantiscription™ Anti-Aging Serum
Yardley-a bath/body care company actually started its life across the Pond, in London- circa 1770 where it was one of the first milled soaps available for cleansing-back in the days when even a weekly bath was a luxury.
We remember growing up how popular the aromatic soap bars were with our camp counsellors...its exotic lavender scent quite a bit more sophisticated than what what we got shipped off with.
In a way, Yardley's been relaunched here in the colonies...with soap and liquid hand wash options ..and NEW-a Skin Indulgence Bath and Shower Collection---all mass merch priced-in scents such as Mango and Lily, Sea Minerals--- and Lavender and Rosemary-for the shower gels...BIG PLUSES the formulas are biodegradable, paraben free, packaged in recycled plastic (MSRP $5.99...but widely discounted online)
AND ....Mango and Cream ----and Sea Minerals Soap bars-all vegetable soap...and paraben and sodium laurel sulfate FREE.
A big deal too---no animal testing.
What we tried: the Mango and Lily shower gel. Even though fragrance is usually something we avoid...we didn't have any allergic reaction to it...and this gel got the grime off without stripping our skin- in a New York minute- after a long training run. Bonus, the gel did not leave a scent on our skin, either.
Widely available...online and off...
http://yardleylondon.com