Toners went by the wayside for a while and were frequently thought of as an unnecessary step in skin care. But toners, cleansing lotions and even pre-cleansers are appearing on counters and vanities again. Today’s versions are not the alcohol-laden, drying version but can actually provide and prep skin with valuable skin care ingredients. Kate Somerville just released a KateCeuticals Replenishing Toner that is great for dry skin. Anti-aging ingredients moisturize, even skin tone and can help diminish fine lines. The Classic Clinique Clarifying Toner has been around for decades and comes in five formulas, each specific to a skin type, from very dry to oily, and the new packaging comes with a hygienic and easy-to-use pump.
Mario Badescu has both cleansing lotions” and toners galore. The Aloe Vera Toner calms irritated and sensitive skin. The Mario Badescu Keratoplast Cleansing Lotion works against redness caused by broken capillaries; both are price performers. Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner is a spray-on toner that uses lavender to soothe and purify skin, while proteins work to prep skin for even more effective hydration. So no matter your skin type, toners are back and here to stay. They offer a great deal to any skin care regimen, including getting off that last bit of makeup to healing and improving skin.
Pump It Up
The holiday festivities are a great reason to amp up the beauty routine. Today, there are products that can have you looking better in just one short week. For the party season prep, three all-stars can make a difference quickly. First up is Essie Grow Stronger nail base. Used a couple times a week, nails become stronger with no more peeling and chipping. Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum lives up to its claim that it can reduce sun and age spots in as little as a seven days. Clear and even skin is possible in no time flat to atone for all those summer days in the sun. Lastly, Caudalie Divine Legs has become an instant hit for its perfect balanced bronze. The lotion has a slight fragrance and universally flattering tone that perfects skin on legs (and even arms) when wearing that cocktail dress.
Metallic Eye
Gilded lids are seasonless, but there is something about the colder months that makes this look pop. The ease of just a wash of one shade makes achieving the look a breeze. Apply a primer like NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base to ensure the best color impact and longevity. Then, with a shadow brush, layer a shimmery shade like Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow in Space Cowboy. Even easier, lightly apply a cream formula like Maybelline EyeStudio Color Tattoo 24Hr Eyeshadow in Bad to the Bronze with your finger. New from Stila, the Magnificent Metals Foil Finish Eye Shadow offers both light and sheer shimmer or totally opaque foil. It also comes with its own primer for great adhesion.
