Squamo-Reducing Anti-Recurrence Soothing Cream by Ducray
A product that soothes irritations and purifies the skin, an SOS treatment that we cannot live without anymore! This famous soothing cream by French brand Ducray, and from the Kelual DS line, can be found in pharmacies and it is particularly suitable for people suffering from psoriasis, strong facial irritation, scaly skin, and rosacea. But it’s also perfect for those who, for different reasons, may present sudden irritation o red spots. Thanks to its creamy and strong texture, which is absorbed quite quickly by the skin, and its specific ingredients (including glycolic acid, crotamiton, sabal, and keluamide), it guarantees actual results when used in the morning and evening for at least two weeks, but no more than that. Its healing effect and the fact that it leaves the skin smoothed once applied, conquered us. We will always pack it for the next trip, you never know when you might it need it!
INTENSE RESTORE MASK BY ELEQURA
We really like to feel the products while they are working, it's a fact. Another fact is that we love those facials that feel almost professional, but that can be easily done at home: as a result, we could not help but fall in love with this exfoliating mask from the very first moment! The texture is super light, with a gel effect that tends to be watery, and the beautiful reddish color is due to the pomegranate juice (rich in vitamins C and K, a boost of hydration for the skin), and the color almost vanishes once applied. The other great ingredients are the lactic acid (which represents the chemical action of the product) and the papain enzyme (which ensures its biological action): together, they guarantee an optimal exfoliation, leaving the skin luminous and hydrated. Since you feel the mask working, especially at the beginning, we recommend to keep it 5-7 minutes and no more than 10 anyway. We use it once a week and we feel like this is one of the best exfoliating masks E V E R!
ROSE NURTURING BODY CREAM BY DR.HAUSCHKA
Okay, let's talk about the Rose Nurturing Body Cream by Dr.Hauschka. But first, let's talk about this extraordinary brand, with which we fell in love from the very first moment because of its natural essence (raw ingredients are obtained, where possible, from organic-dynamic cultivation or organic farming) and its fair, sustainable and respectful of the rhythm/cycle of nature and skin soul. Not by chance, Dr.Hauschka products do not last long, since they are practically preservatives-free: of course, they do not last long also because you love them and use them all the time! Among the products of this brand, we have tried the Rose Nurturing Body Cream: we do not like rich body creams that skin doesn’t absorb, but this balm was a real revelation. The full-bodied and extremely moisturizing texture easily penetrates the skin, making it a must-have for post-shower/bath (trust us, we have been using it for three months). Let’s talk about its ingredients: thanks to rose wax, rose essential oil, wild rosehip extracts, rose petals, almond and jojoba oil and shea butter, this rebalancing balm deeply nourishes the skin, leaving it soft to the touch even the day after the shower. Another special feature is its intense but not at all artificial fragrance since it has no synthetic ingredients. It took us some time to find it, but we can safely say that this is the body cream of life, and we will never leave it again!
INTRAL DE-PUFFING ANTI-OXIDANT EYE CREAM BY DARPHIN PARIS
On our mag The Italian Rêve, we never forget to talk about this brand: Darphin Paris. It has conquered our hearts over and over again and, in doing so, it has also always found new ways to amaze us. And, among the most loved lines of the brand, we found Intral. Perfect for sensitive skin but, really, perfect for everyone. We didn't only use the Intral serum, we "drank" bottles and bottles of it and, when the eye contour of the Intral line came out, we couldn't but try it. Before giving you a sincere and well-structured opinion, we used it for two months, and now, we are about to finish it. Many eye contour creams are heavy, super-bodied, and, at times, with a texture similar to that of face creams. But who said that the more full-bodied texture wins in hydration over the lighter one? This eye contour cream has an almost transparent white color and a super light gel texture that you tap over the eye contour, as usual. The feeling is fresh and very pleasant. Its primary purpose is to create a protective film against the surrounding environment (pollution, temperature changes and so on) but above all to reduce redness and, over time, to minimize the "under-eye bags" and dark circles, almost as if it had an illuminating action. Its fresh, moisturizing and light texture (perfect even under the concealer) elects it as one of the best eye contour creams that we have tried so far.
ROSE FACE MASK BY FRESH BEAUTY
First of all, we are big fans of Fresh Beauty products: so we couldn't but try the Rose Face Mask. The result? We’ve finished it. Or rather, there is only one last application left, just to make you understand how much we liked it. Let's analyze the elements that make it unique: first, it has a very intense scent of roses, which inebriates you simply by opening the package. It is not delicate or fleeting, it is strong, but not tiring at all, also thanks to the fact that among the ingredients we find actual rose petals, along with rose water, cucumber extract and aloe vera gel. Let’s talk now about its gelatinous, fresh texture, which makes the skin soft from the very first application. Last, but not least, its effects: this mask hydrates and tones the skin, with an immediate soothing effect. It is even suitable for sensitive and dry skin; trust us, it will give a new more hydrated and firmer texture to your skin! They recommend using it 2/3 times a week, we instead like to apply it every time we get out of the shower, when the skin is more dehydrated, leaving it on for 10 minutes. Is that the reason why we finished it so fast? The last word is up to you!
SUPER COLLAGEN MASK BY MARIO BADESCU
In the name of this mask, we find the adjective "Super" and, as far as we are concerned after testing it for some time, it seems to be super for real! Mario Badescu offers a solution to the eternal question: how can we deeply purify dry skin without drying it further? This clay mask, in fact, whose texture is very liquid and super creamy, does not "damage" dry skin and the secret is collagen, the essential ingredient for toned skin. That's what makes it different from any clay mask we've ever tried. Although we have used it only 5 times, we can officially declare that we are in love! We recommend to use it 2/3 times a week to see the result: apply a full layer of product and leave it on for 15/20 minutes, then rinse it with warm water. The skin will be silky, visibly luminous, and, above all, deeply cleansed! Not by chance, it is particularly suitable for those who have to embark on long journeys, to cleanse and rebalance the skin after all that time spent on the plane, train or car. At this point, we can't wait to try it on our next trip!
VITAMIN-C CAVIAR BALM BY PIXI
Let's immediately dwell on its unique texture: as you can see, the product looks like a real mousse, one of the light and "fluffy" ones. The texture is perhaps one of the softest ever tried so far, and inside you can find small yellow and orange spheres which, when massaged on the skin, melt, dispersing their power on the skin. Although it is a leave-on mask, so not to be rinsed, and despite this creamy texture, the balm is light, with a delicious citrus scent that you can leave on the skin a whole evening or a full day. So, what are its ingredients? Vitamin C rich in antioxidants, orange blossom water, citrus extract that protects the skin from free radicals, and lactic acids that help to exfoliate the skin delicately (do not expect a peeling mask). It should result in a visibly more toned and radiant skin, given the super hydration that also promotes the creation of collagen. We have been trying it for just a month, and we can say that we've noticed firmer and more luminous skin. We still have some time to test it and give it a final "approval," but for now, we like it (we’ll keep you posted!) It's very simple to use: take a quantity, massage it on your face until the vitamin C capsules have melted and let it absorb. For now, one of our favorite Vitamin C masks, which is one of your favorites with this ingredient?
CICAPAIR TIGER GRASS CREAM BY DR. JART+
A few days ago, we told you about its lighter and gel version. Today we talk about the full-bodied moisturizing cream from Dr. Jart's Cicapair line: a formula with Tiger Grass that, in a few words, soothes dry and very irritated skin. Thanks to a capsule with a double-layer structure, Nolsome, the ingredients penetrate easily, despite its thick texture, almost buttery, which then melts on the skin, penetrating well and leaving a sensation of intense hydration, without being sticky. You will be amazed at how such a dense texture can absorb so well into the skin. The plants present are houttuynia cordata and yarrow, which improve the vitality of the skin. In essence, this buttery cream penetrates the skin to relieve the discomfort of irritation with a layer of hydration, which, in addition to soothing, protects the skin from future irritation. With a blend of four probiotic enzymes - known as "Jartbiome" - it supports and strengthens the defenses to protect against future irritation and damage. We have noticed a more hydrated and uniform complexion! But what made us fall in love is one thing in particular: its texture, try it to believe it.
CICAPAIR TIGER GRASS CALMING GEL BY DR. JART +
This gel-based face cream is the perfect light moisturizer for the approaching hottest season. Cicapair Tiger Grass Calming Gel by Dr.Jart has a dense gel texture that immediately refreshes the skin. Its main ingredient is Centella Asiatica, which manages to hydrate, calm, and strengthen the skin, and it’s recommended for those who suffer from dehydrated and irritated skin or for those who have done something that might have burned it, such as sun exposure or harsh depilation. It’s considered one of the favorite products for those with very sensitive skin, mainly thanks to two famous patented technologies by the brand: we are talking about Jartbiome, which is a mixture of four probiotic enzymes, essential for the balance of the skin and Cicabond, which with its mix of minerals, magnesium, and ivy, quickly repairs skin damage. After cleansing the skin, spread a generous layer: the skin will be refreshed, and, in a few days, you will notice that it will be less red and more toned. We have already gone through two tubes, and we couldn’t wait any longer, we needed to talk about it.
CLEAN SCREEN MINERAL SPF 30 BY REN
If there is one essential skincare product all year round, no matter the season we are in, it's sunscreen. Whether it's winter or summer, this is that veil of moisturizer that must not be skipped in your routine and that, often in the past, was willingly left aside because it was formulated with heavy ingredients, or it was going to affect the makeup or had a too shiny finish. Therefore, it didn't give a beautiful effect to the skin. But now these issues are gone: the formulas are modern, and the textures are a perfect balance between protection and lightness. Among the many sunscreens that we have recently tried, this one stands out, the Ren's Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30, from a brand that is not only good for our skin with clean ingredients, but it's good also for the environment. Its texture is quite dense, but when in contact with the skin, it absorbs quickly and leaves a veil of opaque protection: in short, the perfect canvas on top of which we can build a makeup as glowing as we want. This formula is silicone-free, and it's the result of 6 years of research to be as clean as possible for the environment. The ingredients are zinc oxide, a physical shield that blocks UVA / UVB rays and blue light to prevent skin aging and pigmentation; yellow passion fruit seed extract that has an antioxidant action and defends our skin from pollution and damage from free radicals (which we all fear); rice starch which absorbs excess oil from the skin, controls shine and minimizes the appearance of pores, also reducing skin irritations. For those who live in the city, this product could be a perfect solution that doesn't disturb the makeup during the day and also protects against pollution. One more reason to have it among our skincare routine? The tube is made of 50% recycled plastic, while the cap is 100% recycled.
LIP SLEEPING MASK BY LANEIGE
Here we are talking about our favorite lip mask. Period. We discovered this product about eight months ago, and, since that day, it has become part of our routine as much as our favorite serum or the ever-present eye contour. The Lip Sleeping Mask by Laneige (the original one) is of a beautiful pink color, and its texture is very full-bodied, similar to a light wax which, when applied to the lips, becomes like a luminous film that wraps them and colors them in pale pink. When to use it? For us, the answer is simple: always. Even if it’s applied more heavily (many, many layers) in the evening before going to bed, to wake up with “reborn” lips, we also use it in the morning as soon as we wake up and we love to apply it as the first step of our makeup. What do we mean? Before proceeding with your foundation and all the other steps, apply a veil of it to your lips, it will prepare them for the lipstick or pencil you have decided to apply. But, one of the things we like the most to do is to use it instead of the gloss, we apply another thin layer et voilà! The lips will be hydrated, protected, and luminous with a long-lasting gloss (as the latest trend says). But how does it do its magic? In it, we find potent antioxidants that nourish and regenerate dry lips: the formula is based on vitamin C and Berry Mix Complex™: a mixture of strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, and blueberries. And that beautiful feeling of having your lips wrapped in a protective layer is called Exclusive Moisture Wrap™, a technology based on hyaluronic acid and minerals. There is no need to say anything else.
MIDNIGHT BLUE CALMING CREAM BY KLAIRS
Today we talk about sensitive skin and about a moisturizer that is not only perfect for those who have to calm their skin after a stressful day but a cream that's made for those who really can't stand the heavier night creams and serums which are too rich in ingredients. First of all, we are talking about a soothing cream that is perfect for the ones with sensitive skin that sometimes struggle to find the right balance between calming ingredients and hydration. If you are among these people, you must try the Midnight Blue Calming Cream by Klairs: a treatment that protects the skin from irritation and stress. We love its formula and its beautiful blue color which, surprisingly, does not derive from artificial colorants, but from one of its ingredients: guaiazulene, a green ingredient extracted from chamomile. Its other primary component is Centella Asiatica, a natural antioxidant that prevents irritation and promotes cell renewal. This cream has an excellent soothing, anti-inflammatory, and regenerating properties, making it perfect for use after cleansing, after sun exposure or shaving. And, although its name may trick you, it can be used without problems even during the day, as the last step of your routine: massage it until it's completely absorbed and layer a more significant quantity on the most sensitive areas of the face. The texture is light and super soft.
ULURU PURIFYING MASK BY DR ROEBUCK’S
Let's talk again about this brand (Dr Roebuck’s). We have had the opportunity to discover and experience it over the last months and we love so many products. So far, we've reviewed their Ningaloo Firming Serum and the Icebergs Hydrating Mask. Two great loves for us. But now we add this mask, that couldn’t be more Australian than this: red clay, typical of the Australian lands which gently exfoliates the skin and, being rich in iron and essential minerals, manages to purify the skin itself while calming it. Then we find the Australian white clay that helps reduce all skin inflammation through a detox. We then end with a mix of three fruits directly from the Australian desert: desert peach, desert lime and Wattle Seed. These three ingredients, when combined, help to calm and nourish the skin. If you feel the need to deeply clear your skin, this is the mask for you. As always, we prefer to talk about products that don't irritate the skin while doing their job and that don't make it too weak, something that purifying masks can often do. Apply a thick layer on the whole face, the texture is very dense, and a very little quantity goes a long way. Leave it on for 10-20 minutes and remove it with warm water, even better if with a warm, damp cloth. To really activate your skin with it and to make this mask work at its best, the tip is to apply it every other day for the first week, for a total of 4 times. To maintain the effect, simply apply it twice a week. This mask is the ideal product for combination and oily skin but, thanks to its soothing and detoxifying effects, it is also suitable for normal or dry skin. It can also be used as a spot treatment, perhaps only on the T zone. In addition, it’s a super clean formula: no parabens, sulphates, phthalates, silicones, harmful chemical ingredients and additives. And of course, it's cruelty-free and vegan.
Pink Blur Hydrogel Eye Patch by G9
The Pink Blur Hydrogel Eye Patch is definitely a new concept of patch: not only for the eye area, it can also be applied on other parts of the face or the rest of the body. Precisely for this reason, a single package presents two different shapes and sizes. So, what are they for? Essentially their main function is to calm and refresh the skin, even in those delicate areas such as the eye area. These glittery pink gel patches are immersed in an essence that contains black elderberry, blackberry and blueberry extract – ingredients that are all rich in vitamins A and C and with antioxidant properties that prevent skin aging. The blackberry is also known in cosmetics for its brightening and anti-spot properties. They adapt and are also perfect for the lip contour, which is one of the ways we like to use them the most. Use the little spoon you find in the package to apply the patches, after your usual skincare routine and leave them on for 20-30 minutes. When you remove them, don't forget to massage the remaining essence, to completely absorb it. If you have a very dry eye area, you won’t need this step :) We've been using them for almost a year now, and we think they are a brilliant, multitasking and a very moisturizing product. Plus, there are really many of them in the package, and they have a texture that makes them perfectly stick to the skin!
Radiance Transforming Mask by EVE LOM
A face mask that is something more: a texture that looks like a balm, a treatment that moisturizes the skin, makes it radiant and that is a real pampering of 30 minutes. But let's take a step back: the EVE LOM Radiance Transforming Mask was a real discovery for us. A mask with a texture similar to a thick balm that transforms into a silky veil: take a little bit of it, warm it slightly in your hands before spreading it all over your face and leave it on for 30 minutes. Its thick and bright texture already makes it clear how much this mask will nourish and (obviously) glow your skin. But what are the "magic" ingredients? Let's start with the AHA acids that lightly exfoliate the skin and the Australian caviar lime which promotes cell renewal for a very tonic skin. We love this mask not only for its full-bodied texture (as we had never experienced before) but because, while exfoliating, it deeply hydrates the skin, up to 6 hours. If used as a night mask it can reach 72-hour hydration, thanks to its mix of botanical oils. After 30 minutes, rinse it massaging your face with warm water, and here it will turn into a light milky texture. Our tip: apply the mask before an event and put on make-up immediately afterward, your skin will have a unique glow and transparency.
PHAT Glow Facial by Ole Henriksen
They call it miraculous and this year it has won more awards than the ones that Joaquin Phoenix will win during the Award Season: it is the PHAT Glow Facial by Ole Henriksen. And we couldn't but try it. It's a facial to do at home, a powerful mask that acts like a real filter, so they say. But not only: it's anti-aging with a powerful PHA (from which it takes the name PHAT) and Nordic birch sap, that exfoliates instantly and brightens the skin.
We tried it for a month and, like all the products we decide to talk to you about, we liked it a lot. Before telling you why, here is the perfect method of application: apply an even layer on clean and dry skin and massage a good amount of it all over the face, until the product turns from pink to white. Leave it for 15 minutes and then remove it with a warm damp cloth. Use it max twice a week! It's not a heavy mask or one that leaves residues on the skin so it's also indicated to be applied before going out, hence before doing your makeup.
What did we notice since the first application? The skin is immediately smoother, more even and more luminous, for real. But not only that: it's also perfect for removing first wrinkles and fine lines, as well as dark spots on the skin and tightens pores. Over time, what we have noticed the most is how the brightness of the skin has improved and how the thin lines have become thinner and thinner.
For us, it's not only promoted with an A but can be the perfect gift for Christmas (and also for the rest of the year), for all those who love glowing and relaxed skin.
Cactus Water Moisturizer by Boscia
If you like gel textures, you're in the right place! The Cactus Water Moisturizer by Boscia has a super gelly consistency and a beautiful green color, just to recall its main ingredient: the cactus Queen of the Night. This pastel green jar contains an ultra-light moisturizing formula that recharges the skin with hydration. For who? For all those who have oily skin and want to moisturize their face without ever making it shiny. In fact, in addition to leaving the skin firmer thanks to its texture, it penetrates quickly and helps to improve the appearance of oily skin throughout the day. For the driest skin, it's the perfect summer solution, or as an after-sun moisturizer. But, for any skin, it's perfect as a makeup base: it dries easily and allows you to control sebum regulation during the day.
Dermabrasion Anti-Âge by Darphin Paris
A natural exfoliant with small pearls that gently exfoliates the skin, minimizing pores but, at the same time, with anti-aging benefits. Why do we like it so much? Because it’s really delicate and you can see the real effect from the first use: the skin is smoother, while in the long run it reduces dark spots and improves radiance. Perfect for those whose skin has a very irregular texture and for those who need a natural exfoliant that does not inflame their skin. We like to apply a thick layer to leave it as a mask for a couple of minutes, before rinsing the face with abundant water doing small circular movements, especially in the areas where you feel the skin is more impure. The main ingredients are Natural Silica, Particles of Pearls and Lava: a must-have also for those who suffer from acne and often want to exfoliate their skin (without hurting it). The texture is really, really soft and it's one of the reasons why we chose it among the many scrubs we tried: soft and full-bodied with small pearls. When you rinse the product, you’ll notice it’s very easy to remove and it turns almost into a lighter, more liquid texture, which changes from a more gray color to a whiter one. Only love for this product.
