November 30, 2012

SK-II 4 Week Skincare Review


SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion 5oz (Toner)
Price: $60

SK-II's Description: This unique product by SK-II completes the cleansing ritual by removing residual impurities and dead skin cells, with a blend of AHA s and BHA s as well as Pitera. This gently exfoliates as it helps to improve the texture and tone of the skin. Use SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion for a refreshed feeling and a healthy glow to your skin. 
Benefits: Texture Refinement, Firmness Power, Wrinkle Resilience 
Sephora's Description: A creamy face lotion that conditions and purifies the skin 
 This clear skin-refining facial lotion acts as a toner, without the use of alcohol, to condition and purify the skin. Infused with hydroxy-acids, soothing moisturizers, and Pitera, it is the final step in perfecting your purifying ritual. 
  (Jennifer's skincare routine)
When my friend slash skincare guru Jennifer visited us, she had just finished her SK-II Clear Lotion. She had only amazing things to say about SK-II products so I knew I had to try them out! J.Yo has the most beautiful skin EVAR. I'll buy what she's buying please. : )

At first, I was like..$60 for a toner?! But now I understand why it's such an outstanding skincare product. I do not use a cotton pad to apply the Clear Lotion. I apply it by pouring a small amount into clean palms and slather it on my face. I don't want to waste the product on a cotton pad. You can use a cotton pad if you want to use the toner to remove anything left over, but for $60..I'll make sure to remove all makeup, dirt, what have you before I apply my toner. I'd rather have my hands enjoy the benefits of this miracle toner. You can feel it working immediately after you apply it on your freshly washed face. For me, I feel a slight tingle and coolness when I apply the toner.  The tingle is the same feeling I get when I would apply a topical eczema solution on my facial eczema dry patches.
   
The SK-II Clear Lotion has become such a must have for me. Mostly because I see results.  I haven't had a problem with any eczema (skin dryness) on my face since I've started using the SK-II products. 
Normally, I would be suffering from dryness on my eyelids and right under my nose this time of the year. I do use the Clear Lotion in the morning when I get out of the shower too. I haven't be apply a moisturizer or any cream during the day time anymore.

I decided to write this post because around that time of the month my skin even gets miserable and breaks out. I didn't get that this time around! I really believe it has to do with my new skincare routine.



SK-II Cellumination Essence EX 1 oz (Serum)
Price: $150

SK-II's Description: SK-II Cellumination Essence (Hydrating Serum) hydrates and refines the surface to boost skin s natural, healthy-looking glow and to help diminish the appearance of discoloration for a more even tone. * It conditions and refines for a skin surface with more even texture and transparency that boosts light transmission within the surface. More light transmission creates a healthy looking natural glow and makes the look of discolorations such as age spots have a less obvious contrast to natural skin color. * It contains concentrated SK-II Pitera that helps lead to improvement in overall skin appearance. * It permeates quickly into the skin and gives a light and smooth feeling when applied.

Sephora's Description: A hydrating serum that restores the skin’s natural, healthy looking glow by evening out the tone. This hydrating serum with New Aura Bright Complex works three ways to diffuse light reflectance within the surface so that your natural colors radiate a soft, translucent glow from within. It also hydrates and refines the surface to boost skin’s natural tone, and to help diminish the appearance of discoloration for a more even complexion. 

I ordered the SK-II Cellumination Essence EX at the same time with the Clear Lotion from Sephora. Sephora online recently started carrying SK-II products and I was give a 10% off coupon from them for my 5 year VIB anniversary. They offered me 5 time rewards points on my purchase too! I also shopped through Ebates and got around 4% cash back at Sephora. I also shipped many of my high ticket packages to my favorite Vannie in Portland to save on tax. We visit Portland, Oregon at least once a month. Oregon does not have sales tax. ;-)

Anyhoo..I'm glad I purchased when I did because these two products were pretty much sold out during the 20% off Sephora Friends & Family sale. Nordstrom online also carries SK-II products for all Nordstrom card shoppers. I love shopping with rewards and plan my purchases around them!

I use the Cellumination Essense EX serum after I let my toner absorb into my skin at night time. I wait about one minute. Usually during that time I apply my Maximum Lash eyelash growth serum. 
The SK-II serum makes my face feel incredibly soft and smooth! It's another WOW must have product for me. However, the serum disappears really quickly. I'm 1/3 into my 1 oz bottle. After 4 weeks, I can definitely see results, and FEEL the difference in my skin. I believe I'm supposed to use a moisturizer after the serum, but the SK-II face cream I wanted to purchase was sold out. I initially wanted to try the Cellumination Cream EX 1.6 oz. I tried researching and reading reviews, but they didn't convince me that it's a must have, must try. Currently, I'm not using a moisturizer! Luckily, the serum doesn't make my face feel dry at night.

I do use my Clarisonic everyday or every other day with the Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub. Jennifer reminded me to regularly use my Clarisonic to exfoliate my face so the SK-II skincare products better absorb into the skin.

I'm seeing and feeling amazing results with the Clear Lotion and Cellumination Essense EX. My skin is more clear, even, and a lot smoother than a month ago. I finally feel like I've got my ishh together when it comes with skincare! I do want to add a moisturizer to my routine as we get closer to cold weather, but I'm having a hard time deciding which one to pick up. Any recommendations on moisturizers would be great!

I do want to try the Cle de Peau Beaute La Creme someday, but the 1 oz is $525. 0_o 1.7 oz $775. double 0_o #YOLO?! I do have until December 9th to use my 10 times point shopping day at Nordstrom. o_O

I've read outstanding reviews, and my RL girl friend T's skin just glows gorgeousness because of SK-II and Cle de Peau skincare products!!

Check out the beautiful DM's review on Cle de Peau Beaute La Creme vs La Mer. Her skin & makeup always looks photo perfect!

In summary, the SK-II Clear Lotion is a must try! It's $60 but worth the investment especially if you can save a few dollars with a Sephora coupon and Ebates.

The SK-II Cellumination Essense EX trumps most of the serums I've tried so far in my adult life.

La Mer Regenerating Serum 1oz ($260 + free La Mer samples)  
-Made my pores appear much smaller! The price tag, however not very user friendly.

Lancome Genifique 1oz ($84 + gift with purchase)
I actually started a second bottle right before I started the SK-II serum.
-Genefique doesn't make my skin feel as soft as SK-II, but it did improve my skin's clarity.

Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector 1.7oz ($76 + gift with purchase)
-Like many of you have told me, it works...but it takes a full bottle.Truth!
I won't be repurchasing because it didn't do enough for me as I had hoped.
The packaging was not the best because my bottle broke before I finished it.
I think I've officially given up on Clinique products! Their Chubby Sticks do look pretty cute in the magazine ads though. : )

My latest obsessions have been health and skincare! 
I want to be the best I can be before I get too old. :P

p.s. Target x Neiman Marcus Collection has arrived! 
Shop online HERE.
The Neiman Marcus website has better photos! Check it out HERE.
I think everything looks a little bit over priced...
My favorite is the Marc Jacobs scarf, and little red Jason Wu girl's dress.  
The Rag & Bone men's sweater looks good, but still pricy...
I'll probably pick up the shot glasses. :)
 

4 comments:

  1. ohhhhhhhh i've never tried any of SK-II's products but i keep feeling like i should.. your post is pushing me over the edge!! may have to pick some up when i visit home during the holidays!!

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    1. I'm loving the results I'm getting with SK-II! :D Your skin looks great with your currently skincare you're using, but it's always fun to try new products. :D

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  2. Is this a new layout? It's so cute and it features your fur babies~~ I've been wanting to try SK-II. Thanks for your reveal. Btw I'm having a 2 year anniversary blog giveaway! I'm giving away a Deborah Lippmann nail polish and a golden star necklace. Check it out!

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    1. Thank you! My friend Lisa (www.tralalalisa.com) designed it for me. :) I think you won't be disappointed by SK-II. Give it a try when you get a chance! Congrats on your 2 year blogiversary!

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Thank you for your comments!