NeoStrata Aqua Youth Filling Anti-Wrinkle Creams ~ First Impressions

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a naturally occuring substance found in our skin. HA has the ability to attract and hold large amounts of moisture, which help to keep our skin hydrated and supple.  At its peak in our youth, it tends to decline as we age. As our HA levels deplete we start to notice slackening of skin, loss of pliability and radiance. Luckily, you can add hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine!

NeoStrata, often on the forefront of drugstore skincare, has recently launched a specific line of products full of hyaluronic acid. Aqua Youth Filling Anti-Wrinkle Creams contain 2x  HA (0.2% to be exact) to fill in wrinkles, crows feet and to provide intense hydration. There are two products in this line; Aqua Youth Filling Anti-Wrinkle Cream and Aqua Youth Filling Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream. Both contain 0.2% HA and claim to provide intense hydration immediately and continuously for up to 48hrs. These creams are suitable for all skin types, but dehydrated types will benefit the most. They're non-comedogenic and non-irritating, so even those with sensitive skin can use them.

Aqua Youth Filling Anti-Wrinkle Cream ($49, 50 ml) is not a new product, rather a reformulated one. I've used the original and liked it, although I didn't find it to be super special. In all fairness, my skin was more combo then, whereas now I'm quite dry and dehydrated. It's probably not going to come as a shock when I say that I can appreciate this cream a lot more today than I did a few years ago. My skin soaks up the HA and feels amazing after. I'm hydrated, I glow and I'm smooth - a win.

I have a love-hate relationship when it comes to eye cream. I've been wearing them since turning 20 and it shows - my eyes look pretty darn good for someone in their 30s! But, my eye area is crazy sensitive and reactive. I have to be careful what I use otherwise I'll end up with eczema. I'm happy to say that NeoStrata's Aqua Youth Filling Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream ($39, 15 ml) passed the sensitivity test!

Usually I'm pretty 'meh' when it comes to fancy applicators on eye creams but I'm digging this one. I like how the cream comes out on one side and on the other there is a metal massaging tool. It actually fits my under eye well and feels really soothing. I don't get nearly as much sleep as I should, and my tired eyes appreciate the cooling sensation. The cream itself is lightweight, fast absorbing and very hydrating. I notice that the few line lines I have plump up and are less noticeable. I would (and likely will) purchase this in the future.

You can find these and other NeoStrata products in-store at Shoppers Drug Mart, online at beautyboutique.ca and well.ca

*press samples were generously provided for editorial consideration. As always, all opinions are my own!

Give The Gift Of Youthful Skin This Holiday ~ Robin McGraw Revelation

Last month I featured some amazing products from Robin McGraw Revelation (read here) and today I'm back with some more awesome products from Robin's line that would make fabulous stocking stuffers!

"This antioxidant foaming gel cleanser gently and thoroughly removes all traces of makeup, dirt and oil, leaving skin soft, supple, and glowing. The balanced formula contains hydrating and purifying ingredients to cleanse without stripping skin." 

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Foaming Joy! Purifying Facial Cleanser ($22, 120 ml) contains Chamomile Extract for its anti-inflammatory, soothing and astringent properties as well as Green Tea Oil for its anti-aging and antioxidant properties. There's even Apple Fruit Extract, a natural AHA, to exfoliate and encourage cell renewal.

This cleanser is actually a gel, not a foam as its name would suggest. It does foam up though and it cleanses without stripping. I use a dime sized amount after removing my makeup, and It leaves my skin refreshed.

"Achieve a refreshed, relaxed, and younger-looking complexion with this advanced formulation. An innovative blend of four unique peptides relaxes and smooths the appearance of expression lines to help diminish the visible signs of aging." 

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Face It, You Look Amazing! Revitalizing Serum ($38, 15 ml) contains three key ingredients to assist in preventing visible signs of aging by reducing expression lines.

Ginseng Root Extract

Valued as an anti-aging ingredient, due to the many phytonutrients found in the plant, with anti-aging and energy-supporting properties that help to tone and brighten the skin.

Purslane Extract

This cute little plant is also loaded with antioxidants like Beta Carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Omega 3 Fatty Acids. It has long been used to treat skin disorders and wounds.

Gotu Kola Extract

An ancient healing plant, modern science has recognized it’s calming and healing properties. Rich in amino acids and Beta Carotene, it helps stimulate new cell growth and build collagen.

I've only been using this serum for slightly over a week, so I can't comment on its long term effects (yet). I can say that a little goes a long way, and it feels so hydrating on my skin. I've just started to develop some expression lines on my forehead, so fingers crossed I see some results! FYI, this serum is for expression lines (not all over your face). Apply it to your forehead, between the brows and crows feet.

"Wake up to a repaired, refreshed complexion! This unique nightly treatment addresses multiple visible signs of aging while protecting skin from future damage. Increase firmness and elasticity, balance skin tone, and restore skin’s moisture all while you sleep." 

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Hydra Qwench Moisturizing Night Cream ($42, 30 ml) contains a healthy dose of Squalane - an antioxidant that feeds skin cells to promote cell growth, Hyaluronic Acid to promote collagen production and to plump skin, as well as Caprylic Acid.

This night cream is so rich and hydrating! I apply this as the final step in my skincare routine and I'm so impressed. I wake up to skin that looks even, rested and hydrated. Perfect for Canadian winters!

I have yet to try a product from Robin McGraw that I don't like, so yes, I totally recommend them!

To learn more and purchase these products, visit robinmcgrawrevelation.com

Press samples were generously provided to me for editorial consideration. As always, all opinions are my own.

Preventing Visible Signs Of Aging With Vichy's New Idéalia Line ~ Review + Swatches

I started using Vichy products in my 20's to treat breakouts (the Normaderm line) and I still reach for their products now that I'm in my 30's (the Idéalia line).

My skins needs have changed a lot since I hit 30 and so has my skincare. Nowadays I'm looking for products to prevent/manage early signs of aging. Vichy has a bunch of new products in the Idéalia line that do just that!

Vichy Idéalia Radiance Booster Serum (30 ml, $49.95) is the first step in my skincare after cleansing. This serum has been reformulated to absorb into skin straightaway and to reduce stickiness. It also guarantees an optimum hydration rate for 24 hours and is suitable for all skin types.

I love how it's lightly scented and gives my skin an instant boost of hydration with a touch of luminosity. It leaves my skin feeling smooth and soft. I use this serum day and night and it works wonders on keeping my combo skin radiant.

Vichy Idéalia Anti-Fatigue Eye Care (15 ml, $39.95) is a dual action eye contour cream that is formulated with caffeine to instantly perk up your eye area. It's suitable for all skin types and will help to reduce the appearance of dark shadows and fine lines.

The biggest issue I have with my eye contour area is sensitivity. I'm prone to eczema there and have an extremely hard time finding eye products that will work without causing irritation. After using this eye cream for a few weeks I can safely say that it is suitable for sensitive eyes!

Vichy Idéalia Anti-Fatigue Eye Care has quickly reached HG status for me. Upon waking I have a few small lines under my eyes and this stuff smooths them right out. It also brightens my eye area with light reflecting particles and wears beautifully under makeup. The one and only thing I don't like about it is the rubber spatula applicator. It tugs on my skin and requires too much finesse to not pull on my eyes. To avoid this, I just squeeze it out and apply it with my fingertip.

Vichy Idéalia Smoothness & Glow Mattifying Sorbet-Cream (50 ml, $39.95) contains a complex of natural actives to boost natural glow, even skin tone, refine pores, smooth the skin and provide all day oil control. It's formulated with fermented black tea extract and micro-beads to take care of excess sebum (oil). This cream is recommended for combination-oily skin types.

As someone with combo skin I know the struggle to find a product that will give a glowy finish without ending up looking oily mid afternoon. This cream is it! I apply it after the Radiance Booster Serum and it gives me a gorgeous glow without being too heavy or looking too shiny. My skin is left matte yet glowing. Vichy Idéalia Smoothness & Glow Mattifying Sorbet-Cream is the real deal. If you have combo skin and want the glow without the shine, you need this in your life!

Vichy Idéalia BB Cream (40 ml, $37) is formulated with mineral pigments that blend into the skin to impart a second skin finish. It's formulated with fermented black tea extract to improve skin quality with continual use. This BB Cream is suitable for all skin types and is available in 2 shades (light and medium).

I usually don't wear BB cream, it's typically either foundation or nothing. Having said that, I have been reaching for this when I don't have the time to perfect my base but still want some coverage. It has a light, pleasant scent and it adds subtle luminosity to my skin. The coverage is fairly light but can be built up. It will last a few hours on me as is, but I can extend the wear by setting it with translucent powder.

Vichy Idéalia Radiance Activating Night Peeling Care (100 ml, $39.95) is a gentle peel that can be used nightly to stimulate skin regeneration, fade dark spots & acne scars and to smooth wrinkles. It's suitable for all skin types - even sensitive!

I love to use chemical peels; they tend to cause less damage to the skin (surface tears) and I've found that they produce much better results. This peel contains glycolic acid which is great for cell regeneration and fighting breakouts (something I still occasionally deal with). Vichy Idéalia Radiance Activating Night Peeling Care has a wonderful scent that I love and it is incredibly gentle. I've noticed that my skin looks much more radiant, even and smooth in the morning after using it.

Vichy Smoothness & Glow Energizing Cream (50 ml, $45) gives a boost of nutrients to the skin that's needed to combat signs of stress and to add glow. There are two versions available; normal - combination and dry skin.

I've been using the normal - combination cream in the evenings. Technically it's a day cream, but I find it to be a bit heavy for day use in the summer. Like all of the products in the Idéalia range, it smells amazing! It comes in a beautiful jar with a mirrored top that looks gorgeous atop my vanity. This cream feels great on my skin and adds a lovely, natural glow. The light reflecting particles give the illusion of blurred pores and rested skin. I feel like this would be the perfect day cream for me come late fall/early winter when my skin leans more dry.

You can find Vichy products in-store at Shoppers Drug Mart or online at vichy.ca

Have you tried Vichy before? What are your skin concerns? Lets keep the conversation going in the comments below 👇

*PR samples were provided for editorial consideration. As always, all opinions are my own!