Tarte Smooth Operator SPF 20
$35

Smooth Operator is an oil-free foundation that gives a light to medium coverage. It has a light feel on your skin, “…”water-in-silicone” formula blends into your skin as easily as a moisturizer…”  It’s formulated without Sulfates, Synthetic Fragrances, Synthetic Dyes, Petro-Chemicals, or Phthalates.  It is made with antioxidant ingredients like Vitamin A, C, or E.

Korres Wild Rose Foundation
$28

This is a brightening foundation, so it’s a good choice for someone whose skin is beginning to show some signs of aging. The coverage is long-lasting and it has an SPF of 20. It’s made with Vitamin C and Wild Rose extract. Wild Rose extract has been proven to brighten skin tone, repair fine lines and wrinkles. It’s moisturizing, but oil-free. It’s made without Parabens, Sulfates, Mineral Oils, Petro-Chemicals, Propylene Glycols, Ethanolomines, or GMOs. This foundation is also helpful for post-acne problems.

NVEY Organic Moisturizing Fluid Foundation
$45

This foundation is both moisturizing and “aromatic.”  It’s been certified organic by OFC Australia and the Australian government.  It’s lightweight and the coverage is sheer. It’s breathable, so it’s a great choice for someone who has oily or acne-prone skin. Some of the ingredients include chamomile, cucumber, calendula, and rose absolute.

Image credit: Sephora

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Best of Korres Natural Wonders
Only $45 for an $88 value

*Provitamin B5 and Rice Bran Mascara in Black
*Cherry Full Color Gloss in Light Purple 23 (mauve pink shimmer)
*Evening Primrose Eyeshadow in White (silvery white shimmer)
*Soft Eyeliner Pencil in Black
*Guava Lipstick in Natural Pink 13 (warm neutral pink)

These are soft, universally flattering shades that go great with Summer-warmed skin. Each product is formulated without Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates. The mascara and eyeliner are free from Synthetic Dyes or Fragrances.

Image credit: Sephora.com

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Here’s a complete list of products:

- 0.338 oz Korres Silicone-Free Vitamin E Face Primer
- 0.0005 oz Tarte EmphasEYES in Black
- 0.1 oz Tarte Lash Hugger
- 0.5 oz Ole Henriksen Truth Serum
- 0.08 oz Bare Escentuals 100% Natural Lip Gloss in Rose
- 100 Sheets Boscia Green Tea Blotting Linens
- 0.17 Skyn Iceland Icelandic Relief Eye Cream
- 0.1 oz Plant Love Blush in Peony
- 0.13 oz Josie Maran 100% Organic Argan Oil

Image credit: Sephora.com

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Korres has a new sunscreen that is only available at Sephora. Watermelon Sunscreen Stick SPF 30 is a stick sunscreen that is made with rich skin-loving antioxidant Vitamin E and natural full spectrum UVA/UVB/IR sun protection from Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. Watermelon Fruit Extract repairs “…UV-stressed skin; prevents photoaging and decreases erythema.”

In addition it has a combination of moisturizing ingredients – Sunflower Seed Wax, Jojoba Oil, Macadamia Seed Oil, and Rice Bran Oil Complex.

This nutrient-infused formula bolsters the skin’s immune system and prevents photoaging. It is dermatologically and opthamologically tested, noncomedogenic, a full spectrum UV protectant, and water and sweat resistant. It is free of PPGs, MEA, DEA, TEAs, and formaldehyde donors.

Image credit: Sephora.com

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The reason behind this?  I think it’s a combination of good role models, good ad campaigns, and good women who steer their men in the right direction. Real men know it’s important to moisturize and wear sunscreen. They know that an aftershave does not have to sting to work. Botanicals and natural ingredients do the job of balancing the skin gently.

Korres products for men incorporate ingredients like Marigold, Aloe, Jojoba, and Vitamin E to mositurize and protect a man’s skin. The line contains no Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Dyes, Petro-Chemicals, Phthalates, GMO, and Triclosan. 

Absinthe Men’s Shave Cream features:

*Absinthe extract: Contains essential oils and flavonoids to smooth skin and protect from irritations with anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and refreshing properties.
*Jojoba oil: Moisturizes and softens.
*Vitamin E: A moisturizing antioxidant.
*Active Aloe®: A moisturizing antioxidant that supports the skin’s immune system.

Marigold & Ginseng Aftershave Balm features:

*Ginseng extract: Enables the delivery of water and nutrients to the skin, thus improving its tonicity and firmness.
*Marigold: Soothes and heals wounds.
*Active Aloe: A moisturizing antioxidant that supports the skin’s immune system.
*Hamamelis: An astringent and anti-inflammatory agent.

Image credit: Sephora.com

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As we theoretically approach springtime, my eye has turned toward soft shimmery makeup. I don’t really wear a lot of makeup, or any these days but I feel inspired by Korres Naturally Nude collection. It’s full of nice sheer pinks, mauves and well obviously nudes that I could actually see myself wearing. The Lip Butter in Pomegranate is mine. I’ve called it. Tap, tap no erasies. I might even wear a skirt. Suddenly I’m feeling quite girly. Imagine me running barefoot through a field of daisies in a pink sundress. There are ribbons too. Maybe even a maypole. Okay I’m done.

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The adult acne I suffer from is quite different from the acne I suffered from as a teenager. I was able to use products with much harsher topical ingredients back when I was a daisy of a girl. Now if I use something that is too strong or has a bunch of baddies in it, my face feels like it’s on fire. It then in turn makes my problem worse because then my irritated skin breaks out. It’s a vicious circle. It’s also not a constant now. My breakouts seem to wax and wane depending upon my stress level. Funnily enough alcohol and Xanax do nothing to help my breakouts. Kidding. Please no one contact me about my alcohol and prescription drug problem. I mean I do have one, just don’t contact me about it.

I told you before about Boscia’s Willow Bark  treatment stick, but I have a new crush. I’ve moved on to Korres Cinnamon and Thyme gel. We were a better fit; no hard feelings Boscia. It’s not me, it’s you. It’s paraben, silicone and mineral oil free. I’m all about the Korres. My problem is that I have an oily, like ridiculously oily t-zone and then seriously dry patches. So usually if it works for my t-zone, I then get the too dry and snake like, skin-shedding around my nose and cheeks. I must have done something really nasty in my past life. Anyway this gel sorta puts everything in balance. It just works and I don’t know how. I’ve been using it in tandem with my BeeCeuticals facial cleanser. I’m impressed. I will hold out and touch bases with you when I get to the week before my umm…woman time. That’s the real test. I’m a little self-conscious about the fact that it’s from the Korres Young Skincare Line but whatever. Better that than the old, leathery, saggy ass skincare line.

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This set includes Basil Lemon Showergel (a freshly-scented, creamy, foaming shower gel), Vanilla Cinnamon Showergel (a woody/sweet, vanilla-scented, creamy, foaming shower gel), Guava Body Butter (an extremely rich, soothing cream), Wild Rose Moisturizer (an extraordinary 24-hour moisturizer for normal and dry skin), Evening Primrose Eye Cream (a light reflecting, fine line, and dark circle-banishing eye treatment), and Yoghurt Cooling Gel (an ultra cooling, soothing cream for instant hydration). A great deal and a lot to try for just $25.

I so want to get to know Korres Naturals and try it out. I plan to pick it up when I go to Las Vegas in a few weeks. Can you believe that there is a Sephora IN MY HOTEL?

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I’d love to see some info on good, simple, basic skin care (besides the “drink lots of water/use sunscreen” thing, which I already do). I’m in my mid-30’s and my skin has changed drastically in the last few years, as will happen. My tried and true products don’t work the same as they used to … and given that the consultants at the beauty counters have their own products to push, how can I be certain that what they recommend is really the best choice for me? What’s really necessary and what can someone on a budget do without? And of all the “natural” skin care lines out there, which are really worth looking into?

Larissa.

Hi Larissa and thank you so much for stopping by!

I can only tell you what has worked for me, although I don’t know what you are using now and what your skin type is so I will be as thorough as possible here.

First, I use Kiehl’s Supremely Gentle Eye Makeup Remover. This is not good for waterproof makeup and at the same time I will say I am not a fan of waterproof mascara, although I am a huge fan of the MAC and Bobbi waterproof eye liner gels, so I think it would work okay with those. This eye makeup remover keeps the eye area soft and yet the remover is not greasy or oily and does not give little white bumpies.

I really do like the Kiehl’s line of eye creams, particularly the Cryste Marine (promoting firmness and discouraging dark circles) and the Imperial Reperateur Eye Balm which is for a more mature skin (read: a little greasy) but is good for night time.
Other skin care can be a little tricky: it all depends on what your skin is like. I will tell you what brands I love and you can write back and tell me what kind of skin type you have and we can hash it out a little bit more finely:

I have never used a better cleanser than the Astara Gelee Cleanser.

I love this product. It’s gentle yet thorough and it leaves my skin feeling perfect. If you have dry skin, you might want to try the Alba Creamy Cleanser. I keep wanting to love Alba but I find that it makes me break out a little and I think it’s because my skin is super-combo and I think you need to be on the drier side.

Right now I am using the Korres Rose Moisturizer and I really like it. Korres appeals to me because it is homeopathic, has no mineral oils, no parabens and no sodium laureth sulfates yet their products feel normal and not like they are missing anything. Other brands to try are Ole Henrikson, which is affordable and fairly natural and really hot right now and Dr. Haushka, which I absolutely adore. I love their lip balm which is the only thing that will work in winter months.

Sanoflore is also a very organic, natural, vital line with a high percentage of organic ingredients and they use orange water instead of regular water so the products are really activated.

I was going to recommend one particular cream, but thankfully I can’t seem to find it: it had amazing ingredients but the head shot of the doctor whose brand it is was so scary, that I just as soon not encourage people to use his products. Honestly, I don’t understand what passes for good looking these days.

In any case, I hope that gives you something to chew on, please let me know if you have any other questions.

Best,

Kim

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