Une femme recommends…
A couple of years ago, I’d noticed that my skin seemed to be getting duller and the texture a bit rougher. I tried exfoliation scrubs, but no longer had noticeable results. I had a mild glycolic peel from a facialist for the first time a little over a year ago, and was really impressed with the improvement in clarity and texture of my skin. Then in June when I had an appointment with a facialist on our Alaska cruise, she recommended using a product nightly that included some glycolic acid.
I didn’t have an easy time finding one initially. I purchased some products online recommended by readers, but didn’t see the results I’d hoped for. I found this product almost by accident. I had stopped into the Bare Escentuals shop to check out the mineral makeup again during one of my fits of pique with a current foundation, and the sales associate recommended this product. At home reading the ingredients, I realized it had both glycolic and salicylic acids. At first I used twice daily (mornings under 50+ sunscreen) and really saw an improvement within a couple of weeks. I now use this product nightly as a serum before my moisturizer. If you have sensitive skin, I’d suggest trying on a small area first, as there’s a not-quite-a-sting feeling when you first apply.
I’ve spent more on skincare but rarely have found a product that I’m as impressed with as this one.
*Note: the Bare Escentuals website refers to this as a “primer,” but I’ve found that I still need a silicone-based primer on top of my moisturizer and sunscreen for best results.
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Couture Allure – yes, I’m still using the Smashbox primer, which works quite well with mineral foundations too. It seems to help the makeup glide on more smoothly. This product I use more as a moisturizer/serum.
I’ve loved “Bare Vitamins” in the past, but now that I’m back on the East Coast (land of central heating, dry skin, and chapped lips), my rosacea won’t stand for it.
Surprisingly enough, though, I’ve had great luck with a Clarisonic Mia, using the “delicate” brush head, and mild cleanser (also Clarisonic). I saw my esthetician last week for the regular brow taming session, and she told me that my skin looked fabulous — and I wasn’t wearing any foundation!
I bought my Clarisonic from Nordstrom so that I could take it back if it didn’t turn out to be right for me — but now I think you’d have to pry it out of my cold, dead hands.
BTW, if you like Smashbox primer, give “Velvet Skin Coat” from DHC (online) a try — I find that it’s got a much nicer finish, and is much kinder to my uber-sensitive skin.
Thanks for the tip, Miss Pseu.
I haven’t heard of that particular product. I too share the lack of luster and clarity of my skin. I have regular facials but my skin is very sensitive and dry so I need to very careful.
I found great results with microdermabrasion. I have had several at the spa and routinely maintain this glow using Physiodermie Bio Gommage…it is very gentle and easy to use.
What is the foundation that you use? I tried Jane Iredale mineral powder but I didn’t like the look, too cakey.
Thank you for the recommendation Pseu. I’ve been searching for good products to give my skin that clear, even toned look. While I will probably have to resort to Intense Pulsed Light therapy for the worst of my sun spots (thanks to a life time in California) I’ve found that MD Skingcare’s Alpha Beta Daily Facial Peel pads have been working wonders. I use them every third evening, on the other two nights I use ROC’s Skin Renewing serum. The pads have the glycolic acid and the serum has retinol. Between the two my skin has brightened up very well.
Do you still use the Smashbox Primer as well? Or does this product replace that?
I need to write this down!
I’m afraid of primers…I mentioned your blog on my blog, I hope you get lots of Australian visitors! Thankyou for mentioning my blog as one of your Blogs de Excellence x
I shall try this! I have this product, but never found it very useful as a primer. I think my skin will benefit from a gentle nighttime treatment. I use Bare Minerals cosmetics and prefer their Prime Time as an under-foundation primer.
Love your recommendations… is this part of your mineral foundation routine from your recent makeup lesson too? Your skin looked so wonderful in those photos so it must be working!
I just want you to know just how much i LOVE your blog. I spent the better part of last night going through your posts. I turn 52 today and I think one of the biggest challenges about that is the clothing issue. Everything I’ve read here makes so much sense. Thanks for all the info.
~janet
p.s. I’m an esthetician for Aveda. Isn’t it great when you find a product that is a perfect fit for your skin and pocketbook!
Cheers to growing old gracefully.
I love this product, and I agree, it is not a primer at all….this is a skin care product. It works great to reduce blemishes too.
Well, my dear, another year. . .
I wish you the happiest new year ever and that all your hopes and dreams come true.
It was so wonderful meeting you.
(Re. the famous sailor’s t-shirt, it’s those damn horizontal stripes. Love them, but still. . .)
We’ll speak again in the new year.
Warmest regards,
Tishx
Oh, yes, thank you too for the end of the year, beginning of the new year/decade (hope in a bottle!?!?) cadeau. You know I trust you.
I bought the Bare Vitamins serum on the basis of this blog. I don’t use cosmetics (other than moisturizer) so this was kind of a new step for me. Wow. It’s like turning the clock back 10 years for my skin – it feels great! Thank you so much for this recommendation. 2 questions: 1. Do you let the serum dry/absorb completely b4 using moisturizer? If so, it seems like this negates some of the value of moisturizer (to seal in the moisture after washing one’s face), but if not, the two products sort of gunk together and I’m not sure it’s helping either one. 2. Do you use a toner? Any recommendations there?
J’aime votre blog!
Mme K – oh, I’m so glad it’s working for you! I generally apply a small amount (1 pump) over the entire face, let it absorb for maybe 30 seconds, then add the moisturizer on top.
And merci beaucoup!