This has been an exciting month for skincare launches. A lot of cult favorites from Kiehl’s L’Occitane, and Kate Somerville have just launched sister products while Algenist is starting off the year with a set of their best-sellers! Here’s what we’re buzzing about:
Aveda
Aveda recently launched their Love Composition Oil as a tribute to Horst Rechelbacher, founder of Aveda, who passed away a few years ago. I had the pleasure of meeting him several times and his commitment to creating the most natural and efficacious products and his holistic approach to life always inspired me. The Love Composition contains certified organic* aromatic composition oil for the whole shebang: body, bath, hair AND scalp. The oil helps restore and seal in moisture to leave skin soft, and supple. And offers a sensual blend of Australian sandalwood, jasmine, vetiver and frankincense.
You can add a few drops to your bath, shower or on damp skin to seal in moisture or massage on to dry skin or hair. I like to put in on my wrists and breathe it in to relax. As a philanthropic bonus, Aveda donates $4 of every purchase to the National Audubon Society for projects that fight climate change.
Kate Somerville
Kate Somerville Exfolikate Intensive Treatment and DermalQuench Liquid Lift are two staples in my bathroom (both are amazing!) that I’m so excited that they have expanded both lines!
Kate Somerville Exfolikate Cleanser – Get ready to glow this new face wash. Based on the best-selling Exfolikate, this foaming cleanser has a smooth, creamy formula (don’t expect any scrubbers like the original) that takes off unwanted oil, makeup and surface impurities. And delivers one-two punch of radiance with the duo of AHA’s – Glycolic and Lacic Acids – as well as a blend of pineapple, pumpkin and papaya enzymes to purify without over-drying skin. It smells amazing, and carries the scent of pumpkin mixed with either the sweet pineapple or papaya (or both).
Kate Somerville DermalQuench Liquid Lift + Retinol – When the original launched and we were able to take home Kate’s most sought-after Clinic treatment home, I was elated. The original adds a boost of oxygen to the skin (and so much more!) and what I call the most unnecessary necessary product. It’s my absolute go to after flights or when my skin needs a boost. I use it so sparingly since I never want it to run out. Now Kate Somerville has upped the ante by launching a DermalQuench with Retinol! The advanced pro-strength formula and advanced resurfacing treatment aggressively combats skin roughness, pore size, discoloration and fine lines while improving firmness and moisturization in skin. Oxygen + Retinol! Color me excited. Don’t forget to shake the bottle before applying.
Kate Somerville has also launched Eradikate Acne in a Snap! Based on their #1 Acne fighting seller Eradikate Acne Treatment, this is the travel version packed with pre-treated swabs containing 10% Sulfer – the highest level allowed to effectively fight acne and Alpha Hydroxy Acids which helps to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and control sebum production. Simply break the swab at the blue line and apply the medicated side directly on blemishes.
Algenist
The Best of Algenist Collection ($120, $175 Value) – In case you missed the holiday gift set buzz, Algenist has you covered with their best sellers set they launched for the new year. The four-piece set offers a comprehensive beauty regimen of Algenist’s best-selling antiaging skincare treatments. First, use the Gentle Rejuvenating Cleanser to remove impurities and makeup, followed by the Firming and Lifting Cream to tighten, lift, and tone the skin with Firming & Lifting Cream. Then use the Advanced Anti-Aging Repairing Oil to leave skin more supple and radiant looking, and smooth on Genius Ultimate Anti-Aging Eye Cream to reduce the appearance of puffiness and deep wrinkles. Complete regimen in a box.
Kiehl’s
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Deep Moisture Balm – The Ultra Facial Deep Moisture Balm can be used in place of a moisturizer, after you cleanse, tone and serum both morning and night. While the rich creamy balm is formulated to leave skin soft and soothed, it’s a little intimidating to put on the face – maybe it’s because it’s a tiny bit greasy and heavy. I’m such a fan of the original Ultra Facial and while they carry a lot of the same ingredients switching to a balm texture as your moisturizer can be challenging. However, if you have super dry skin, plan on taking a hike through the Swiss Alps or love balm textures for your face, get in on this! Personally, I’m loving it for my body, especially around my knees, ankles and elbows.
L’Occitane
L’Occitane Monogram Shea Butter Balm – While L’Occitane’s Shea Organic Shea Butter is nothing new (it’s a much loved favorite of this beauty gal!), what is, for a limited time you can customize and monogram it with one of your initials. Shea Butter is my absolute jam. It does it all! It’s an ultra-nourishing spot treatments that softens even the driest skin. From elbows and feet, to lips, cuticles, and even hair. This pure shea butter is the perfect deep-conditioning treatment for the whole body and in this small (0.35oz) tin size it’s totally makeup/travel bag friendly.
L’Occitane Divine Cream SPF 20 – If you haven’t tried the original L’Occitane Divine Cream (same yellow packaging as the new SPF 20 version), it’s the absolute holy grail. While nothing will ever top the original the new formula with SPF 20 is really nice alternative for the day time. It’s a smooth, light-textured formula that shields the complexion against free radicals and UV rays, fending off signs of aging. It doesn’t leave a white cast and absorbs beautifully. The cream is best used during the day under makeup to prime the skin before foundation, concealer and makeup. Don’t use SPF products at night, we all know that, right?
I’ll admit, I’ve been on such skincare overload that the last two I just received but haven’t fully tested them out passed quick applications to test the texture.
L’Occitane Face Comforting Oil – Dry and sensitive skin is a tough combination to find the perfect products for. The Shea Face comforting Oil could be the solution for those skin types, as it nourishes and comforts skin with shea and marula oils.
L’Occitane Shea Face Soothing Fluid – This light-textured fluid provides sensitive skin with triple protection daily against drying, skin stress and pollution. The fluid helps hydrates, soothe and protect sensitive skin exposed to external aggression’s with Shea butter, rose hip and calendula.
Have you tried any of these products? Or found something new you’re loving? Tweet me @prettyconnected or leave a comment below! I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Skin Inc.
Technically, these Skin Inc products aren’t new, but we just got our hands on them so they are new to us and some must-haves for winter!
Skin Inc. Pure Revival Peel – Fear not! The Skin Inc Pure Revival Peel is a non-abrasive peel that visibly but gently sloughs away dead skin cells without irritation. You literally see these the dead skin pill off to reveal clearer, brighter skin! Formulated without parabens, sulfates, and phthalates and works for all skin types including sensitive.
Skin Inc. Pure Deepsea Hydrating Mask – I love a good overnight mask, and the Skin Inc Pure Deepsea Hydrating Mask deserves the four out of five stars it received on Sephora. From the moment I opened the jar and saw that transparent gel mask, I just wanted to slather it all over. It hydrates, clarifies, and brightens skin, all in a single step without feeling thick and sticky. For anyone that finds night creams too heavy, this is a great alternative. It’s like giving your skin a drink of water before bed.