Jane Iredale Spring 2017 Makeup

Today, Jane Iredale is launching their spring 2017 mineral makeup collection. 

The warm shades in the Peaches & Cream Bronzer Refill ($44) is very pretty and easy to blend. Use each color separately or combine them for a gorgeously natural flush. You can also use this as an eyeshadow for a delicate daytime look. 

I really like the ultra creamy texture of the Candid In Touch Cream Blush ($28). Macadamia esters and beeswax help make it exceptionally moisturizing so it's gentle enough on sensitive skin. The warm rose neutral is also flattering on most skin tones. 

I just love the velvety texture of the PurePressed Eye Shadow Triple ($30). The spring collection includes  Soft Kiss and Pink Quartz. Soft Kiss has a matte mauve, shimmery port wine and shimmery smoky brown. Despite the two shimmery colors I found that after blending them together the final result is more on the matte side.

Pink Quartz

I much prefer the shimmery finish of Pink Quartz, which includes a matte light pink, shimmery soft pink and shimmery cool plum. Both trios are finely milled and pigmented, making it easy to achieve the smoky eye. 

Soft Kiss

The PureMoist Lipstick ($25) is available in Susan, a soft cool pink, and Lisa, a rose beige. Susan is cheerful and flattering; I can see this one selling out temporarily for this season. Lisa was too dark and brown for me, but if you want something more vampy it will do the trick. 

PureMoist Lipstick in SusanPureMoist Lipstick in Lisa.

Available at janeiredale.com.

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.

S4 Skincare Replenished Mask

S4 Skincare just introduced their new Replenished Mask ($84.50), which I think is great for cellular turnover. It features plant stem cell extracts, which co-founder Shelley Costantini sources from organically grown red clover, wheatgrass and broccoli. Super cool, right? I've also known Shelley for a long time and she's always spot on about all things related to skincare and beauty. 

This nutrient-dense mask is suitable for those with dry, reactive skin like mine. I was happily surprised that the lactic acid didn't irritate my face all that much. It only tingled a bit for 3 minutes—a major win for me. Since it contains fresh plant actives you will need to refrigerate it and use it up within a month. For best results you should also use the mask 2-3 times a week. 

As of today there's still a flash sale so it's $10 off the retail size (sample size is $5). There's also a free shipping code (MASK00) if you act quickly. 

Available at www.s4skincare.com. 

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.

SK-II R.N.A. Power Eye Cream

SK-II and Japanese skincare fans will covet the new R.N.A. Power Eye Cream ($135). An upgrade from the Essential Power Eye Cream, this one contains the Radical New Age complex as well as two new ingredients to resist wrinkle formation and enhance skin surface renewal: chlorella extract and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4. 

As with all SK-II products this one features their signature Pitera essence. Lupine-alfalfa extract and palmitoyl dipeptide-7 are also added to firm up eyelids, nourish the under eye area, and smooth fine lines around the corner of the eyes. After six weeks of continual use expect to see a 10% increase in skin firmness.

I love the lightweight texture which makes it easy to wear under makeup. The fragrance is very light so it's good for those sensitive to heavy scents. Overall this is a solid eye cream unless you have really dry skin. 

Available at www.sk-ii.com. 

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.

Jan Marini Hyla3D

There are tons of hyaluronic acid products out there but the new Jan Marini Hyla3D HA Activating Complex ($125) is definitely results-oriented. 

Several types and molecular weights of hyaluronic acid are blended into the formula to bring maximum results. Your skin can get up to 5x longer retention (instead of only using regular HA) and 50x more water binding capacity. Peptides and antioxidants are also added to enhance collagen and elastin levels within the dermis. 

It sinks in quickly so it's easy to layer under regular skincare and makeup. You see immediate results on the superficial level as well as long-term ones. My skin looks more plump and healthy with daily use and I can't wait to see final results when I finish the bottle!

Available at www.janmarini.com. 

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.

Claus Porto Soaps

When I was in Portugal I fell in love with the luxurious handmade soaps from Claus Porto, which has been around since 1887. I adore artwork from the Belle Epoque and Art Deco periods so their hand-drawn labels and in-house vintage graphic designs made me love them all the more. 

The company still makes their soap with traditional, old-world methods so the quality is quite exceptional. They last a long time and the fragrance will still be there until the very end. In other words, it's pretty hard to buy just one bar.

The revamped Musgo Real collection is designed for men but the body soap collection is very approachable with their unisex fragrances. The Orange Amber ($12/€10.00), which has notes of sweet mandarin, bergamot, and amber, is my favorite. Each one contains shea butter and walnut oil to boost moisturizing properties. 

Available at clausporto.com

SK-II GenOptics Aura Essence & Spot Essence

An update to their popular serums, the new SK-II GenOptics line features the GenOptics Aura Essence and a GenOptics Spot Essence. 

As you might have guessed from their names, the GenOptics Aura Essence ($240, 50ml) is designed to create a healthier, glowing complexion. It contains prunus extract, inositol, Pitera, and De-melano P3C complex to fight visible and invisible age spots. My skin looked fantastic whenever I used this and I didn't have any sensitivity reaction. This product replaces the Cellumination Aura Essence. 

The GenOptics Spot Essence ($225, 50ml) replaces the Power Brightening Specialist. It mainly addresses pigmentation issues, such as dark spots. Lumina kelp extract is added to the formula so it enhances spot reduction power. 

Available at www.sk-ii.com and Sephora.

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.

Worker B Skincare

We've had snowy weather recently so I reached out for my Worker B skincare products. Not only is the letterpress labeling gorgeous, their handcrafted products are made with only raw honey, beeswax, propolis, and organic botanical oils and extracts. They also source products from local beekeepers that are free of chemicals, pesticides and antibiotics.

I keep the All-Purpose Balm ($14) at my desk whenever I sense dry patches from using the office heater. I also use it whenever I have dry hands and cuticles. 

Made with only three ingredients, the Rescue Putty ($23) is pretty thick, so you have to work it in a bit. It's so perfect for those who like to play in the snow, wind or sun. I've been dealing with a long-term skin injury and this makes it feel so much better. You can use it for eczema, cracked skin and bug bites. Plus, the sweet and spicy notes from the beeswax makes it smell heavenly.

The rich Dusk Serum ($39) is packed with organic oils of avocado, pumpkin seed, sea buckthorn, cranberry seed, rosehip seed, and red raspberry seed to repair and regenerate damaged skin. There's a light nutty scent and its efficacy is evident after a few days. I'll be using this well beyond winter season. 

Available at www.worker-b.com

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.

Clarins Tender Moments Makeup

The Clarins Tender Moments makeup collection is a limited edition offering for Valentine's Day. It includes the Skin Illusion Blush and the Daily Energizer Lovely Lip Balm. 

Three shades are available for the Skin Illusion Blush ($21.50): 01 Luminous Pink, 02 Luminous Coral, and 03 Golden Havana. Easily blendable and universally flattering, these blushes make a fabulous treat for your valentine. I love both Luminous Pink and Luminous Coral, but if I use Golden Havana sparingly it's not too dark for my complexion. 

The fun packaging includes a mirror on the lid and a powder puff underneath for on-the-go touch ups. Pink opal powder is added to create a luminous, light deflecting effect. 

The Daily Energizer Lovely Lip Balm ($20) reacts with the pH of your lips, creating a unique sheer pink tint. Cocoa seed butter, shea butter and red currant deliver up to 8 hours of hydration and protection. The cute paperboard tube packaging is sourced from sustainably managed forests. Also, I just love the peach scent of this lip balm!

Available at www.clarinsusa.com and all Clarins counters. 

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.

Aftelier Amber Tapestry

Aftelier's recent unisex perfume launch, Amber Tapestry, serves as a comforting salve during these troubled times. The yellow mandarin and heliotrope perked me up immediately, bringing a little warm ray of happiness when it's cold, grey, and wet outside.

The jasmine is an elegant, feminine presence that's expertly woven around ambreine and labdanum. It evokes such a cozy feeling and has changed my perception of what an Oriental perfume should be. I'm glad that Mandy has introduced this to us!

Available for $180 (1/4 oz perfume, 1 oz EDP) at www.aftelier.com.

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.

Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Skincare

The new Clarins Hydra-Essentiel skincare line is fantastic if you're suffering from chronic dryness. It features the organic leaf of life, a succulent plant (kalanchoe pinnata) that's harvested in Madagascar with fair trade practices. It also includes botanical extracts of organic sanicle, lampsana, furcellaria, and organic African ebony to address environmental pollution. 

There are four formulas to choose from: Silky Cream (normal-dry skin), Silky Cream SPF 15, Rich Cream (very dry skin), and Cooling Gel (normal-combination). All four creams are $48. I like using the Silky Cream SPF 15 so I don't have to worry about another layer of sunscreen. 

My favorite product is the Hydra-Essentiel Bi-Phase Serum ($59). It gives a soothing moisture barrier that keeps you from drying out. I have reactive skin and it didn't cause any irritation. Layer this on before adding the Hydra-Essentiel cream of choice and you're protected from the harsh elements. 

Available at www.clarinsusa.com and all Clarins counters. 

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.