ALGENIST Firming & Lifting Eye Gel

Algenist Firming & Lifting Eye Gel

My Quest for an Upper Lid Gel is Over!!

I have suffered from upper eyelid puffiness for close to 10 years. There are many products on the market for under eye puffiness but not many for upper eyelid puffiness. I chronically suffer from upper lid puffiness, so I have been searching tirelessly. I sought out the advice of dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and opthomologists. They all told me that there was not much I could do. But try to address the underlying cause. The problem being that there were too many underlying causes. Chronic sinusitis, allergies, inflammation, fluid retention, poor sleep habits, etc.

I even went so far as to consider upper eyelid surgery, a few doctors said I would be a candidate for upper eyelid surgery. But I just could not justify doing the surgery yet at my young age. Putting myself at so much risk. But than the upper eyelid puffiness got worse and it started to affect my vision. My upper eyelids would droop so bad at times it would blur my vision. Luckily, as I made some lifestyle changes, my eyelids now only droop severely several times a year. It usually lasts a few days and than goes away.

I had just about given up my search for an upper eyelid cream that actually helped to depuff and tighten the skin (actually do what it claims) when I came across what I like to call a gift from above.  Algenist Firming and Lifting Eye Gel. I was drawn to this product line after receiving samples of their Regenerative Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 20 and Overnight Restorative Cream. I enjoyed both of them. Look for a post about them soon. I used both for a full month.

The Algenist Firming and Lifting eye Gel worked right away and continues to work. It helps to depuff and tighten my upper lid area like no other eye cream or gel ever has. I apply it in the morning and in the evening as part of my skincare regimen. I take one pump of the gel and it is enough to use on both eyes. I pat it gently on the upper eyelid from the brow down to about the crease of the eyelid. The gel also drys fast, which is a plus.

Here's the skinny on it:

It is a lightweight refreshing gel that combines Alguronic Acid & ProPeptide to stimulate synthesis of the skin's key structural proteins, rebuilding the skin's density while firming, tightening, and lifting the delicate skin around the eyes. Eye contours are redefined revealing a recharged and youthful appearance. Alfafla seed extract, lupine protein, caffeine, and chamomile reduce puffiness and soothe skin around the eyes.

The Eye Gel Claims that within 10 days of use:

• The eye area is lifted in 80% of subjects. 
• Skin structure is reinforced in 83% of subjects.

The Eye Gel Claims that within 4 weeks of use:

• Skin elasticity is increase in 90% of subjects.
• The eye area is firmed in 90% of subjects.

These results were obtained using the product twice daily, following a self-assessment of 100 woman.

I could say a few minor things about the gel like it could be more moisturizing. But I won't! I am so thankful for this gel and for the fact that I now have something that actually works, that I would not change a thing about it. I want it for one reason and one reason only. And it works for that reason. Enough said.

Thanks,

Sik Glam

L'Oreal Paris Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stain

L'Oreal Paris Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stain

Could it be??!!  A Lip Stain that actually works as well as the YSL "Glossy  Stains".  

No. 7 Corail Aquatique,17 Encre Rose, 18 Rose Pastelle

I had fallen in love with the YSL Vernis a Levres "Glossy Stains" when they launched last year. I had sought out for years for any lip stain, gloss, stick that would last! The ones that I found that did last somewhat were way too drying for my lips. I had tried all the brands from the Drugstores to the Department Stores and I just gave up! I would laugh and scoff at any advertisement for a long lasting lip color and think to myself "fell for that one too many times".

Than came the hype around the YSL "Glossy Stains" and I just could not stay away for some reason. It has been years since I had even attempted my faint in this area. I took a gamble and purchased one and I was hooked. Not only did it stay on great but it was not drying at all!! I bought two more colors soon after. The colors I purchased are above and swatched below. I will say that I wish No 18 Rose Pastelle was more pigmented and true to color on the lips like the two others. The YSL Glossy Stains come in a range of 20 gorgeous shades.

No. 7 Coral Aquatique,17 Encre Rose, 18 Rose Pastelle

When I was researching Loreal new products for 2013 and I saw they were launching Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stain. I thought maybe they will be like the YSL "Glossy Stains" since L'Oreal owns them. Not only was the packaging a bit similar but so was the applicator. The same odd shaped applicator that makes it oh so fun and precise when applying. I thought this is too good to be true. Could it also work as well? And Yes! Yes it does!

YSL and L'Oreal Applicators
No 18 Rose Pastelle and 182 Pink Perseverance

The Loreal Lip Stain is made up of 30% water (probably why it is not drying) and is combined with light oils to leave a shiny wet look. Just like the YSL.

It works in the same fashion. You can apply up to three coats depending on how much coverage you want. Whether you want it to look like a lipstick, stain or gloss. They come in a range of 12 shade from pale pink to red. I have purchased three now and they are pictured and color swatched below. I will say that like the YSL No 18 Rose Pastelle, I wish the L'Oreal 182 Pink Perseverance was more pigmented and true to color like the other two L'Oreal Stains I bought.

182 Pink Perseverance, 189 Pink Rebellion, 193 Eternally Nude

193 Eternally Nude, 189 Pink Rebellion, 182 Pink Perseverance, 

They are amazing! I always love finding a good drugstore makeup that can give its higher priced version a run for its money. Please go out and buy one! For the price you won't be disappointed!

Thanks,

SikGlam

Best Lip Treatments

Lip Balms 

Oh How I Love Thee...

Let me Count the Ways? 6

The winter is here and it is wreaking havoc on our lip! Isn't it bad enough that is freezing outside and I have to worry about what pair of snow boots are going to go with my outfit. That won't even be seen because it will be hidden underneath my enormous snow parka!!! Ahhh I have been wanting to write this blog for a while. And I got an extra boost to do it when I saw lip balm was trending on twitter. I have always loved lip balms from the Bonne Bell Lip Smackers in root beer flavor to the just plain good old cherry ChapStick.

But now that I am a bit older and wiser, I know that your lips will eventually show signs of aging. I have moved on to bigger and better to prevent that. I will list my top five below and I added an extra one because it is tinted. So that makes a total of 6, because who doesn't love a tinted lip balm!!

     1. Maybelline -  Baby Lips  - A Moisturizing Lip Balm with SPF 20. Based on a clinical study after 4 weeks of use:

• 82% Visibly Less Dry
• 94% Less Rough Lips
• 77% More Supple
• 77% Better Looking Lips

This Lip Balm leaves you lips feeling baby soft and oh so moisturized. I like to get it in the number 19 Peppermint. It goes on clear and tastes so good and the peppermint leaves your breath fresh too. I would have to save that the Baby Lips is probably my absolute favorite Lip Balm for its price and it really does do what it claims. It also comes in a variety of other colors and flavors. They even sometimes come out with limited edition ones. Fabs!

     2.  Fresh Sugar -  Lip Treatment with SPF 15 - This Lip Treatment nourishes, protects, and perfects your lips with a blend of skin softening sugar, moisturizing seed oils, and antioxidant rich vitamins.

I love the smell and taste of this lip treatment. It comes in an easy to use wind up stick and it goes on so smooth and instantly moisturizes. It tastes soo good, like sugar to me. It also comes in a tinted rose color too.

     3. Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour - Lip Protectant Stick SPF 15 - This lip Balm Moisturizes, softens, and smooths your lips. It is also available in a range of sheer shades.

I bought this lip balm because I had previously been using the Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant on my lips that comes in a tube and works fabulously on any dry spot you have on your face and or body. It is Amazing! I wanted to get the formula in a more portable and easy to use form for my lips. I still use my Eight hour cream at night before bed on my lips and around the eye area but I keep this one in my handbag.

     4. Clarins Paris - Extra Firming Lip & Contour Balm - This lip balm visibly repairs and redefines with a rich combination of smoothing raspberry oil and a moisturizing Shea. It will emphasize the sensual fullness of younger looking lips. And who doesn't want that??!!

I am on my third pot of this lip balm. I cannot say that for many lip balm in this price range. Actually this may be the only one. It not only makes my lips feel completely moisturized, but it actually does help to make them feel and appear firmer. I apply in the morning and the evening as part of my beauty regimen. I honestly believe this will be a beauty staple for me for the rest of my life.

     5. Lamer - The Lip Balm - A luxurious and intensely reparative balm formulated with a potent concentration of La Mer's Miracle Broth. This Balm smooths on contact, softens roughness, and helps rejuvenate seriously dry lips.

This is my go to lip balm when I have seriously dry lips. I tend to use this balm when my lips are seriously dry and feel really rough. I also use this one when they feel dehydrated. This is also a good one to use when I am giving myself a nice facial and want a treat. It works on contact, tastes nice, and feels so good on the lips. This lip balm is the priciest of the them all, so I think I will only be purchasing this balm in the winter when my lips are the most dry. Not to say that this balm it is not worth every dollar. It also lasts a long time. One pot should last you throughout the winter!

     6. Korres - Lip Butter in the Color Quince - A rich Lip Balm that leaves the lips deeply moisturized, supple, and kissably soft. These Butters are formulated with natural oils and extracts to soothe and condition lips. They also include Shea butter and rice wax to provide hydration and softness.

I like using the Lip Butter when my lips are feeling slightly dry, but I want to look and feel pretty. My lips might feel too dry for a lipstick or a gloss and need something more moisturizing. I can use my lip butter and still get a pop of color with out drying out my lips more. These Butters come in an array of flavors and colors.

Just remember as we age, so do our lips! Our lips like our decollette can be a dead give away for our age. So lets keep them moisturized. We can take a couple of minutes a day to prevent this by applying lip balm. Hopefully one that is aimed at anti-aging like the Clarins or the Lamer.

Thanks

SikGlam