Ya know, if spas were more like Starbucks, there’d be one on every corner, and the services would only cost $3-4.
I’d be able to tell El Hub, “Babe, I’m going on a quick spa run. Be right back!”
Instead, my trips to spas are few and far between, but on the rare occasions I do get to go, I always try to chat with the estheticians, because they’re great sources of skin care information.
Like last week at the beautiful Bliss spa in San Francisco, I cornered a friendly esthetician named Lillian, a 10-year veteran of the biz. Girl’s skin was flawless! FLAW-LESS. So I asked if she could recommend any awesome products.
Immediately, she started singing the praises of a line called SkinCeuticals. You’ve probably heard of it before; you see it in a lot of spas, dermatology offices and online skin care stores like Dermstore that carry niche brands and higher-end products.
I asked Lillian about anti-aging products, and the first thing she said was, “Pick up a bottle of Hydrating B5 Moisture Enhancing Gel and a tube of the Hydrating B5 Masque.”
Neither one is cheap, though. At Dermstore, the gel’s a whopping $70, and the masque costs $52.
But, both are designed to quench thirsty skin with hydration fortified with high doses of hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5.
The gel certainly seems to be working. I’ve been using it twice a day this week, and my cheeks definitely don’t seem as dry or flaky as they were.
The masque now, first things first? It feels so good! Especially right before bed. I slather it on, leave it alone for 15 minutes, and then rinse.
My skin feels about a billion times softer and more supple after.
Here are a few other skin care products Lillian recommended
- Decleor Paris Aroman Night Balm ($73): Lillian said she uses this one herself every night, and that if she ever worked at a spa that didn’t carry it, she’d buy jars out of her paycheck to use it on her clients, because she loves it that much. When I asked her what it does, she said “It works wonders.” It’s powers include healing blemishes, and softening and brightening skin.
- GlamGlow Tingling Exfoliating Mud Mask ($69): Designed for all skin types, this exfoliating mud mask removes impurities in the skin and gets it glowing and camera ready in a flash. Perfect for skin prep before a big event or a night on the town.
- Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel ($78): This anti-aging peel also comes highly recommended. It’s designed to lessen the appearance of wrinkles, calm fussy skin, reduce redness, restore the balance of oils in the skin, and turn up the radiance factor by 10.
I hope one of these products helps you with a skin care issue, and if you have any recommendations, I would love it if you shared.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. TGIF!
Wow! Seems like great products. If they really do work, then I think it’s worth investing in them!
Hi Vonvon,
Yes! I hope they all work!
All of her recommendations are way out of my grad student budget (wahhh), but I’m kind of surprised and happy she didn’t just name all Bliss products!
Hi Erica,
I know. I guess they offer a bunch of different products at the spa.
The Ryan Gosling picture is made of all kinds of awesome! 🙂
Hi Nina,
Hee hee! I kind of wish it was real…
Same here, girlfriend. Same here. 😉
I have ALWAYS wanted to try the Skinceuticals CE Ferulic serum (their all-star, miracle-working serum), but I just can’t seem to justify spending $150 on a 1 oz. bottle of product that I’ll have to replace every month or so…Sigh. One day. One day.
I heard that that serum is the best product from the line, so I’m surprised that the gal from the spa didn’t mention it. I wish it were more affordable too.
Hi Amanda,
I think maybe it’s because were talking about dry skin… I’m curious about it now and might have to give it a try!
Hi Becca,
I know, so pricey! People rave about it though…
Hi Karen,
I’ve been using the the Skinceuticals CE Ferulic serum, and while its not for ‘hydrating’ (its main purpose is antioxidant protection) its def not drying. The texture is odd, at first I thought it was ‘greasy’ and was worried it would break me out, but after a few moments it sinks in without a trace. Does it work? It def keeps my skin looking great, and its more for protection than anything, so its not going to suddenly give you an immediate change. But yes I do think it is worth it 🙂
Skinceuticals is an amazing skincare line! I have worked in spas that carry Skinceuticals and am now working in a plastic surgeon’s office which also carries it. I highly recommend the CE Ferulic (or the Phloretin CF if your skin is on the oilier side. They serve the same function) Either will provide antioxidant protection, and when used with a good sunscreen will completely protect from sun damage. A bottle will last much longer than a month – I’d say I’ve stretched mine more than 4 months, as you are only to use it once a day in the morning. You can actually skip every 4th day, since your skin has a reservoir that fills on the 3rd day, helping to stretch the product even further! That little tip came straight from a Skinceuticals rep that I’ve worked with 😉 Simply put – either of the vitamin C serums are a worthy investment, they have really improved my skin tone and texture.
I have been using SkinCeuticals products for almost over a year now. Although the price tag is rather hefty, my acneic skin improved a lot and anytime I deviate from using SkinCeuticals, there is a noticeable difference! Love love love the B5 gel, Daily Moisture cream (for normal/oily skin) and also the Ultra Facial Defence SPF 50.
Hi Cherie,
Thanks for the great recs! What else from the line have you tried and liked?
I also have used the Equalizing Toner, Simply Clean cleanser, Retexturing Activator serum and AGE Eye Complex eye cream. These all work incredibly for my troublesome skin. I like to mix 2 drops of the Retexturing Activator with the Daily Moisture cream and apply the mixture before makeup. It leaves the skin feeling smooth and hydrated.
The B5 mask works a TREAT! You can literally feel your skin drinking it up!
As for the more famous serums ie Phloretin CF, C E Ferulic, etc, I just couldn’t get past the oily feel it left on my skin.
Love the concept of the hydration gel! I can imagine why she would recommend the Decleor cream. Essential oils! I’ve been using a cpl. of products with nothing but oils and yes, they are gentle, yet powerful, in what they do for my skin.
Hi Musical!
Yeah, the hydrating gel is good stuff (so far, at least!). I just wish it was a little less pricey, le sigh.
Anywho, got any exciting plans for the weekend?
Yes! Meow time with gal-pals :). Hope you are celebrating your b’day in style and lots of meow time is in order fer ya’!
PS: What’s your morning skin-care routine like, Karen? It was so nice to read your make-up favorites and I am going to try the NARS blush and tinted mositurizer, along with the MAC gloss!
That sounds like fun! Tomorrow I’m doing brunch with the fam in the city. Then, no plans! We’re gonna wing it and let adventure find us.
My morning routine changes often. Lately I do a Kate Somerville Moisture Milk Cleanser, the Skinceuticals B5 Gel, Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing and Caudalie Vinoperfect Day Serum because my skin’s been kinda dry. How about you?
I LOVE Skinceuticals. I use their CE Ferulic serum and their physical sunscreen. I’m so glad they’re offering the sun screen in a larger bottle now.
Hi Jenna,
I used their sunscreen years ago and remember liking it a lot! I might have to pick up a tube soon.
Have you tried anything else from the line?
Hey Karen, I actually use the one in the bottle where you have to shake it up (I think that’s why I like it so much). I am really photosensitive and am prone to melanomas. My dermatologist recommended to me and I’ve been using it religiously since.
I’ve also used their acne/wrinkle serum but I prefer the ce ferulic serum. Although I am eyeing the moisturizing serum and mask since I do have really dry cheeks.
Hi Jenna,
I’ll have to look into that one. It sounds like it absorbs quickly (LOVE THAT).
So, I just used the serum and now my cheeks are going AHHH! 🙂 It’s pricey but I’m loving it so far. I love how it moisturizes without that heavy feeling…
Anywho, got any plans for the weekend?
The GlamGlow Mask is AMAZING. I love it. I’m interested in the Decleor night cream now!
Hi Tracy,
I’m so curious about that mask! How long have you been using it?
I use it every week. It stings like a mofo for the first few minutes, but then you get used to it. It really brightens and tightens and gives you a great glow. You should try it!
good review..but this line is sadly not available in india!!
Thank you!
I am interested in the Decleor Paris Aroman Night Balm now. I have checked that there are several different kinds and (for me at least) the link you have included is not working. I will have to read about it, thanks 🙂
I was just out shopping and got the Hydrating Gel because my skin is really dry at the moment. Hope it will work 🙂
I think you could easily DIY the gel product. Reviva Labs makes a great Hyalauronic Acid Serum (I get mine at Whole Foods). Add a bit of B5 from a capsule into the serum and you’d be there.
Great review! These are definitely two of my favorite products! But just like you and some of the comments mentioned, Skinceuticals at full retail can leave your pockets empty. Check out SkinMedix.com for these same products at a great price! They also offer both of these products in travel size packs. Its a great way to give these amazing products a try without spending your all rent money! They also carry both of these products in Pro size bottles too – just another way to get a great bang for your buck! 🙂 XO
Hi Karen,
I have been using this product by Cellnique called Reversal Diamond EGF Drop (serum) and Vital Cellular Repair Emulsion (moisturizer) for my very dry and dull looking skin and i must say, they are one of the best products that i’ve tried so far. The serum and moisturizer absorbs fairly quick and i dont get the sticky nor oily feeling after application. However their products can only be purchased through their website.
I hope you’ll find this useful. 🙂
http://www.cellnique.com/cellnique/skin-care-product/shop-by-problems/dehydration.html
Hi, I have been using Cellnique products for a little over a year now. Im very pleased with their products. My skin has improved so much! Cellnique is a must try brand! They are one of those brands that doesnt do much advertising, but they are one of the best skincare brands out there. My personal favourite would definitely be their Reversal Platinum Cream.