Fifty-cent Head

My Holy Grail Foundations (yes, there are two)

How much is flawless skin worth to you? $20 every few months? $40? $65? Less? More? Well, I didn't really have a cap - though I'm hardly made of money. I had already decided my dream foundation was not in the beauty aisle of my local Target. I searched for it at Sephora, but had no luck. When I worked at Nordstrom, I checked there for it but to no avail. I tried a few mineral makeups and they were fantastic (props to Lumiere Mineral Makeup and Everyday Minerals [review pending]!) but not 100% what I was looking for. I worked with FACE Atelier foundations and loved them enough to put them in my kit, but that still wasn't my ideal foundation for everyday personal use. A few months ago, demoralized (but ever-stubborn) I tried yet another product and VOILA!: there was my perfect skin, my Holy Grail foundation.

Want to know what gives me luminous, flawless, glowing skin that looks candlelit and spectacular in any situation? Keep reading, guys and gals, and I'll share my secret...

Oh, and did I mention?: when I wear these foundations, I don't even need my primers!

Have you ever wondered about Prevage?

Ok, I know it's expensive, but so are a lot of things that are good for you, right? You may have wondered if you're a good candidate for Prevage, and the answer is probably. It's great for fending off skin damage from aging, sun exposure, and the elements (smoky bars, anyone?). It will also help reduce some of those problems if it's already a bit too late and you've got some fine lines, pigmentation, dullness, or uneven texture.

The active ingredient in Prevage is called Idebenone, which is widely considered to be the most effective antioxidant currently on the market. Prevage is a collaboration between Elizabeth Arden and Botox makers, Allergan. The product comes in a serum, an eye treatment, and a night cream. The serum is really the major impact for the skin, and it can be smoothed on before moisturizing with the product of your choice (though Elizabeth Arden would urge you to increase the benefits by putting on the coordinating night cream before going to bed!).

If you're interested in trying these products, check out this nice set, below. Still costs a pretty penny, but you get to sample the products and see what - if anything- you want to make a part of your long-term skincare plan.

The set includes:    
* PREVAGE® Anti-aging Treatment 1.7 fl. oz.    
* PREVAGE® Eye anti-aging Moisturizing Treatment, .5 fl. oz.    
* Plus two deluxe travel sizes of PREVAGE® for face and PREVAGE® Eye.

It doesn't include the night cream, though, which is a bummer.

The set shown in this post is $240 and available at ElizabethArden.

A few disclaimers:

• There are folks who aren't necessarily sure that Idebenone is all it's cracked up to be. It may not have the long-term effects that are promised by folks who use it in their products. (Elizabeth Arden and Allergan are quick to discount that by citing high percentages of users who noticed "some improvement" in the skin problems targeted.
• Idebenone can be a bit strong for certain skins, so make sure you try these products only twice a week for awhile, then gradually work your way up to daily usage! If you notice irritation, discontinue the product!

I will say that my favorite estheticians really love this product and use it themselves, so that makes me think it's worth trying. What do you think? Have you tried Prevage? Thoughts?

Review: Crème de La Mer, The Cleansing Foam, & The Eye Concentrate

Ever wonder if La Mer lives up to all of the hype? I sure did. How could anyone consider skincare to be worth so much money? I mean, devotees say it cures skin problems and makes skin ridiculously luminous - but does it? Word on the street is J Lo covers her body with it! (Wonder if the babies get their delicate tushies treated with it to prevent diaper rash? If you hear that rumor anywhere, it started here!)

When I got a chance to try Crème de La Mer, The Cleansing Foam, and The Eye Concentrate, I snapped it up immediately. Um... for you guys. ;)

 

Keep reading for the results of my experiments with these products...