September 28, 2018

La Prairie's latest cream to splurge on, the easiest way to get high-fashion hair with 2 products and minimal effort, collagen-infused clothing and the Odacité products that got me hooked.

A decadent moisturizer that's worth every penny

I’m the first to admit that my job comes along with some pretty good perks. From beautifying procedures and spa treatments to loads of products bestowed on me for review and potential inclusion in stories I write here and for other outlets, I thank my lucky stars that this is what I do for work. Then, once in a blue moon, I get a real treat—as in something I would never, ever think to buy for myself—and this is what happened a few weeks ago when a package with La Prairie’s revamped Skin Caviar Luxe Cream arrived at my door.

You haven’t lived (skincare-wise) until you’ve experienced the luxury that is La Prairie, and the fun begins with unboxing. You won’t find any flimsy cardboard here. Instead you get a carefully and thoughtfully constructed box, tissue paper wrapping sealed with a silver embossed La Prairie sticker that upon opening literally presents the heavy glass jar. You also get a beautiful, rather weighty silver spatula (to prevent contamination caused by dipping your fingers into the jar) that adds to the indulgence.

And then there’s the actual product… The rich, soft as silk cream is in fused with La Prairie’s unmistakable signature scent, and you may find yourself audibly ooh-ing and ahh-ing as you massage it into your face (it feels that good). Your skin is instantly plumper, smoother, firmer and more radiant—and it keeps getting better and better with ongoing use.

So the big question is, why the $485 price tag? For starters, there’s caviar in there, baby. The latest iteration of La Prairie’s caviar extract is Caviar Premier (which comes on the heels of Caviar Water and Caviar Absolute), which uses advanced biotechnology to take the benefits of this marine “gold” to new heights. The result: Visible firming and lifting that you can’t get with any old moisturizer.

Truth be told, I’m almost afraid to use it because I don’t want to run out—ever. Then I hear my mom’s voice in my head saying, “What are you saving it for? Enjoy it!” So I do, although I only use it at night, and very sparingly at that. Fortunately a little goes a long way.

Beyond the amazing results I’ve seen on my skin, just seeing the cobalt blue far on my vanity makes me happy. There’s definitely something to be said for treating yourself—and your skin—with the crème de la crème of beauty.

This fashion-approved hairstyle is oh-so easy

My days of attending New York Fashion Week are long gone, but that doesn’t mean I don’t keep an eye on the latest looks and upcoming trends from the comfort of my own home. Spring/Summer 2019 Fashion Month is in full swing—and one hairstyle that’s been seen walking down too many runways to count is a playful ponytail. Worn up high, down low and accessorized with ribbons and tassels, it doesn’t get much easier than pulling your hair back and getting on with your day (or night).

Cushnie et Ochs

Tadashi Shoji

Self Portrait

Best of all, this look only requires two things: A hair elastic and a hair gel to keep your pony in place. I love R+Co’s Wall Street Strong Hold Gel because it provides shine, hold and versatility. Perfect for slicking hair back while wet or before blowdrying for extra smoothness, don’t attempt this Fashion Month favorite without it!

Skincare you actually wear

Amped-up fabrics with skincare benefits aren’t anything new, and there are copper-infused eye masks, pillowcases, gloves and socks that are said to have wrinkle-reducing effects, as well as silver-laden bedding and clothing that are designed to fight the bacteria that lead to acne. And now there’s another way to blend skincare and fashion thanks to Buki’s Collagen Collection, which delivers hydrating collagen peptides along with UPF 50 sun protection simply by getting dressed.

Ranging from tees (including a long-sleeved turtleneck, scoop-neck, V-neck and hoodie) to a scarf and pillowcase that are available in two shades of black, this capsule collection is at once chic, comfortable and designed with your skin in mind. In addition to skin-softening moisture and sun protection, these wardrobe staples also offer odor control, making them ideal for winter layering (or wearing on their own). Perhaps my favorite feature is the thumbholes that prevent the sleeves from riding up (and leaving skin vulnerable to sun exposure)—and give the tops a sporty, edgy vibe, and these pieces pair perfectly with Buki’s other laid-back basics in sustainably-produced fabrics that help regulate body temperature and wick away moisture. Who knew your wardrobe could be so functional?

This cleanser took me by surprise—in the best way possible

We’ve all tried more cleansers than we can count over the course of our lifetimes, and I think it’s safe to assume that we rarely expect anything earth-shattering when we try one for the first time. Sure, we may be pleasantly surprised by how soft our skin feels afterwards, or how easily a cleanser washes away, but nothing will prepare you for what you’ll experience when you try Odacité’s Black Mint Cleanser.

First surprise: This cleansing gel is black thanks to activated charcoal (and it also contains rhassoul clay for even more detoxification, purification and palpable skin-softening). The gel transforms to a lovely foam once you mix it with water and massage it into your face—and then the real magic happens. You begin to feel a wonderful tingle and cooling sensation thanks to the menthol-laced peppermint, which also works to minimize the appearance of pores.

Since the cleansing agent is derived from apple amino acids (as opposed to harsh surfactants), you get super-clean, fresh-feeling skin without stripping the skin of its natural “good” oils. Ideal for normal, combination and oily/acne-prone skin, this cleanser is truly a treat both for your skin and the senses—and provides a unique experience that I’d never expected from a cleanser (much less a 100% natural, vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free product).

If you’re looking to add a little excitement to your skincare routine, this cleanser is the perfect place to start, and you might want to check out Odacité’s other amazing offerings while you’re at it. I’m also smitten with the Bl+C | Pimples, Po+R | Hydration and Pa+G | Hyperpigmentation Serum Concentrates—and the Aventurine Kiss Lip Serum (and its crystal rollerball applicator that was selected to deliver good luck and prosperity) is beyond divine as well.