The Importance of Quality Skin Care Products with Lionesse


This post is brought to you by Lionesse Beauty but all opinions are my own. 

Hey guys! I've been getting several questions about my higher-end luxury skin care and a lot relating in the anti-aging & eyecare department so I thought of creating a post to share with you more on my thoughts on this and, especially now that I'm getting older, why it's so important to be using quality skin care products. Some of the main problems I've had with my skin due to age are dark circles and puffiness under the eye area and yes, a few wrinkles are starting to make their grand appearance. Continue reading to learn more about Lionesse Beauty and some of the products I've been using to fight back and prevent these common imperfections in our skin. But first, let's dive into why I choose quality over quantity every time when it comes to skin care products.  

1. Your skin is only as healthy as the products you apply.

While some popular products may have designer packaging and celebrity endorsements, it doesn’t mean that the ingredients are of any quality. These ingredients play a critical role and can range significantly. I really take the time to consider the ingredients that are in the products I"m applying to my skin. The reason? Because some lower cost options may list that they use some of the same ingredients as higher-end products, but it’s been found that many of the lower cost options dilute the ingredients or don’t use as much of the same ingredient. For example, there are two main types of ingredients found in skin care – Cosmetic Grade and Pharmaceutical Grade.  The latter of these two exceeds US quality standards and is also more highly refined, removing bacteria and impurities from the products. Your skin will benefit, both short and long-term, from using better ingredients. Looking like a million bucks is worth the extra pennies it may cost you. Think of it as a really good investment!

2. The amount of product used

Another factor that plays into using quality skin care products is how much product you actually need to use. When using genuine quality skin care products, you shouldn’t need to use an excess amount of products to get the results you’re looking for. In addition to the amount, you likely shouldn’t need to be using a massive collection of different products in your daily regiment. In which case, less is always more :) Using quality skin care products should allow you to use a minimal amount of product but produce quality results. When the products are created with quality ingredients that are truly beneficial, less product is needed to achieve results. 

3. Protection from damaging environmental agitators

Top quality moisturizers and body products help to seal your skin, both retaining important moisture and sealing out damaging particles and products that may be in the environment, like pollution, dust, even UVA, and UVB rays. Your skin is your defense system against foreign substances that can make you sick or cause irreversible damage to your body. Skin is nourished and strengthened by the products you apply, make sure you are protecting this natural barrier and promoting healthy skin for your long-term health. Don't forget to put on that sunscreen before leaving the house! Be mindful to not just protect the face but also the body as well. 

4. Help fight the looks of Aging

Keeping your skin sufficiently hydrated is key to keeping your skin looking young but more important, healthy.  Starting skin care at a young age helps to defy some of the aging effects on our skin. Don't fret if you haven't because it's always better late than never! Fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, sun damage, discoloration, dryness and problem skin, that can start as early as the late 20’s, can all be cared for with a dedicated skin care regiment. Quality products will help to alleviate some of the concerns about aging while nourishing and restoring your skin’s vitality.

 5. I'm all about confidence, baby!

Who else here agrees that first impressions matter? Within a matter of seconds after meeting someone new, they will make their first judgment about you. Skin care is important to help you give your very best first impression. Your skin’s appearance is a check to your general health. A radiant and healthy complexion mirrors the health of your body on the inside and reflects a healthy lifestyle. Nourishing your skin with quality products is just as important as taking vitamins, drinking water, eating healthy foods, and getting enough rest. The way you feel about yourself also projects onto others- if you are feeling great and looking good, your confidence will shine throughout!

SHOP THE LIONESSE® AMBER COLLECTION 

Speaking of lasting impressions, there's nothing worse when you have that big meeting in the morning and you wake up with the puffiest, darkest circles ever. But no need to fear: Lionesse is here! Roar! As I mentioned at the beginning of my post, these common imperfections are such a buzzkill, but look no further - I got your eyes covered with the Amber Collection by Lionesse Beauty, a beauty brand that brings you a range of skin care, hair care products and tools that are as diverse as your needs and as unique as your beauty. Eyes that sparkle are eyes without puffiness and dark circles. Let's take a deeper look at the three most favorite items within this collection:

1. Amber Eye Serum

This is the first product I apply out of the three. I love to use it thoroughly around the eye area, to get the full usage out the serum. You can instantly feel how much tighter the skin is where you apply the product and my skin around the eye area looked immediately more radiant as well. Definitely reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with this soothing, light-weight serum. Formulated with Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) and Aloe, this serum will leave the skin surrounding your eyes looking younger and tighter. Apply a small amount of serum to the eye area and lightly dab until fully absorbed. For best results, use in combination with Lionesse Amber Eye Cream.

2. Amber Dark Circle Eye Cream

Once the eye serum is completely absorbed, I move onto this delight: this shimmery lightweight dark circle eye cream that is everything. I've been trying to find a cream that can really combat with my dark circles and voila! I finally met my match. Formulated with Vitamin A (Retinyl Palmitate), Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate) and Caffeine, this light eye cream instantly reduces the appearance of dark circles and puffiness under the eye area for brighter, well-rested look. Apply to freshly cleansed skin. Gently apply Amber Dark Circle Eye Cream under eye area and massage until fully absorbed. For best results, use in combination with Lionesse Amber Eye Serum.

3. Amber New Age Syringe

I'm going, to be honest... when I first received this final and last product of the three, I was a little intimidated to use it! I think my exact words to my husband were, "Want to play 'Operation'?" Haha! But all kidding aside, the luxuriously wonderful New Age Syringe's properties will help you refine the look of wrinkles while moisturizing your skin. Formulated with Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate), Hyaluronic Acid and Avocado Oil (Persea Gratissima Oil) this rich formula immediately reduces the look of deep wrinkles while moisturizing your skin with this innovative formulation and advanced application method. I've been applying it the edges of my eyes where I've obtained what I call my, "smiley wrinkles" from all the years of laughter! You can definitely see a major improvement and it's shed years off to my face! I literally look and feel like a young teenager again! Just apply to clean skin. Gently press the top of syringe down until product comes out and apply directly to wrinkle. If necessary, remove excess product with a cotton swab. 

Now before you come at me with how expensive these products may be, remember what I talked about in this post. When it comes to skincare, the earlier you start the better, ALWAYS quality over quantity, and yes, less is more when it comes to luxury skincare beauty products! Like I said, think of it as an investment, just like the quality pieces you choose to hang in your closet, it's the same concept with your skin! Let all those delicious, high-quality ingredients hang from your beautiful, radiant face! Which product are you most intrigued to try? Please leave your thoughts in the comment section down below. I can't wait to hear what your guys' thoughts on this skincare post! And as always, you can shop the beauty products featured in each individual blog post at the beginning or at the end of each post! Since this post is a little longer than my usual ones, I've also linked them in the middle of the article - that way you don't have to scroll as much to get to the links. Happy reading and happy skincare ya'll! Follow Lionesse® on Facebook and Instagram!  

LOVE & XX'S, 

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August Beauty Favorites

BEAUTY FAVORITES: KIEHL'S CUCUMBER HERBAL CONDITIONING CLEANER | 
FRUDIA GREEN GRAPE PORE CONTROL SHEET MASK | 
ESTEE LAUDER REVITALIZING SUPREME PLUS GLOBAL ANTI-AGING CELL POWER CREME | 
FRUDIA GREEN GRAPE PORE CONTROL TONER | 
ORIGINS DR. ANDREW WEIL FOR ORIGINS™ MEGA-MUSHROOM SKIN RELIEF FACE MASK | 
URBAN DECAY ALL NIGHTER LIQUID FOUNDATION 7.75 | LANCÔME MATTE SHAKERS | 
YSL BEAUTY SMOKER EYE DUO GREEN | ESTEE LAUDER ADVANCED NIGHT REPAIR | 
KIEHL'S CREAMY EYE TREATMENT W/ AVOCADO | 
ESTEE LAUDER PURE COLOR ENVY SCULPTING LIPSTICK - VENGEFUL RED

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY FRUDIA & KIEHL'S, BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

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Happy Friday! What's everyone doing for the long weekend? I'm ready for some much need R&R for the next few days, as come Tuesday it's the beginning of a long and crazy week, AKA: Fashion Week. Today's post I'm sharing my latest beauty favorites that I've discovered and have been using for the past month. There's a ton of skin care and makeup products I'm excited to share with you, ranging from Lancôme, Estee Lauder, YSL Beauty and even a new K Beauty line called, Frudia. I found some really amazing lipsticks and face masks along with a brand new liquid foundation I've never tried, but am now officially obsessed with. Come take a look at all these goodies and how these can be incorporated into your beauty regimen! 

1. KIEHL'S CUCUMBER HERBAL CONDITIONING CLEANSER

You think drinking cucumber-infused water is refreshing? How about washing your face with it?! This ultra-gentle, foaming gel-lotion cleanser softly melts away dirt, impurities, and makeup while conditioning even dry, sensitive skin for a fresh-feeling clean that lasts all day. Formulated with whole cucumbers, carefully extracted to preserve the quality and nutrients of the fruit, and plant-based glycerin, this non-drying, non-irritating cleanser maintains skin's moisture leaving it soothed, velvety soft, and comfortably cleansed. My skin type is combination/oily, so I will definitely be using this cleanser to the start to the chillier season... it'll be perfect during winter time!

2. FRUDIA GREEN GRAPE PORE CONTROL SHEET MASK

Looking to get rid of that extra sebum on your face without drying it up? Stop worrying about oily skin and dirty pores. This nature-derived, botanical sheet contains 60% green grape extract to help tighten pores and balance the skin. Using a face mask like this quickly delivers active ingredients deeply to the skin to balance moisture and soothe your irritated skin. It can be used on all skin types.

3. ESTEE LAUDER REVITALIZING SUPREME PLUS GLOBAL ANTI-AGING CELL POWER CREME

This creme is the key to younger-looking skin. Unlock your skin's youth potential and see it spring back with new bounce, glow with radiant vitality. With Estee Lauder's exclusive RevitaKey Technology featuring exclusive moringa extract, this silky-soft, deeply nourishing multi-action creme encourages skin's natural power to amplify collagen and elastin. Lines and wrinkles look dramatically reduced. Skin's visible firmness, density, and elasticity are significantly improved. In just 4 weeks, 96% of women said their skin felt firmer. After using this creme every night for a little over a month now, I too can attest to an improvement in my skin's overall 'glow.' It's literally amazing.

4. FRUDIA GREEN GRAPE PORE CONTROL TONER

The only kind of toners I ever use are Korean. This pure, refreshing toner made up of 89% green grape extract controls pores with natural grape tannin and helps remove dead skin cells. Panthenol calms agitated skin, while fruits seed oil complex helps to maintain skin clarity. The tannin works with and vitamin E from the green grapes to not only hydrate the skin but keep it smooth and healthy. Soothe and hydrate your irritated skin with this fresh-feeling green grape toner, it smells fantastic too!

5. ORIGINS DR. ANDREW WEIL FOR ORIGINS™ MEGA-MUSHROOM SKIN RELIEF FACE MASK

A non-irritating, redness-reducing facial mask for those rather, extra rough days. The effects of sun, wind, and dehydration can accumulate, and your skin needs extra help to break the cycle. This rich treatment mask with hypsizygus ulmarius, cordyceps, and reishi mushrooms along with ginger, holy basil, and turmeric rushes relief to challenged skin to rapidly soothe signs of compromise. Chinese black bamboo leaf extract celebrated for centuries as a symbol of eternal youth, quells and calms visible redness and reactivity. And a unique blend of marine algae and moisture-replenishing plant extracts helps revitalize and restore luminosity to stressed skin while rebuilding a protective barrier to help avoid future flare-ups. Great for all skin types, skin is left calm and comforted. I use it once a week on top of sheet masks, and it's a great face mask.

6. URBAN DECAY ALL NIGHT LIQUID FOUNDATION 7.75

A full-coverage, matte-finish, waterproof foundation that lasts all night. All Nighter Liquid Foundation by Urban Decay provides full coverage with a modern matte finish that never looks overdone. Get all-night wear and a blown-out effect you never thought was possible for a flawless-looking complexion that looks incredible and stays that way. Perfect for all-night affairs, this innovative formula is also comfortable enough to wear every day. While Naked Skin complexion products are semi-matte, All Nighter Liquid Foundation is completely matte and oil-free. Urban Decay loaded this formula with a higher amount of pigment (about three times as much as Naked Skin Liquid Makeup), so a little goes a long way. There's no need to build coverage or apply multiple layers. This waterproof formula diffuses light to blur flaws for beautifully perfected skin, while it mattifies and absorbs oil to reduce the appearance of shine. It's a wonderful foundation for fall. 

 

7. LANCÔME MATTE SHAKERS HIGH PIGMENT LIQUID LIPSTICKS 186, 270 & 272

A highly pigmented matte liquid lipstick that delivers intense color payoff with a lightweight, second-skin feel. Matte Shaker High Pigment Liquid Lipstick wears comfortably on your lips throughout the day without drying. Its pillow-like cushion applicator allows for precise application without streaking or smudging. And it's formulated with a patented Ultra Thin Film technology and vitamin E, so that lips feel double the thinness of a liquid lipstick and provides comfortable non-drying wear. Its unique cushion sponge allows for maximum absorption of the formula to deliver a precise, soft application onto the lips, and buildable color that dries without smudging or transfer. Just shake it to soak the applicator with formula, and apply the cushion directly onto lips to build the saturated color. Then wait for it to dry down to a lightweight, comfort matte finish. I even love mixing the colors together to blend an entirely different hue as well! Really amazing liquid lipsticks. 

8. YSL BEAUTY SMOKER EYE DUO IN GREEN

A dual-ended eye shadow pen that allows you to shade, line, smudge, and highlight to create easy smoky looks. The eye shadow comes with a creamy texture and water resistant formula. One side of the dual-ended pen has a dark shadow and the other side has a light shadow, so you can use it from day to night. Use the darker color as a base on your eye lid and lower eye lid in one stroke. Use the lighter color as a highlighter on the corner of your eye and at the arch of your eye brow. For a lighter version of the look, start with the light shade as the base on both upper and lower eye lids, then add contrast and structure by applying the darker shade to the outer corner of the eyes. There's an assortment of colors but I loved the green one. You can see it on me in this look here.

9. ESTEE LAUDER ADVANCED NIGHT REPAIR SYNCHRONIZED RECOVERY COMPLEX II

Reveal a smoother, more radiant, younger look. Wake up to more beautiful skin every day. Tested and proven: Advanced Night Repair dramatically reduces the look of key signs of aging. It maximizes the power of skin's natural nighttime renewal with our exclusive ChronoluxCB Technology. Lines and wrinkles look significantly reduced. More than 75% of women felt their skin looked more youthful in just 4 weeks. Skin feels smoother, hydrated, stronger. 82% felt their skin was immediately hydrated. Skin looks younger, radiant, more even toned. 83% felt their skin looked healthier, fresher, more rested in just 4 weeks. 25+ Patents and Patents Pending Worldwide. These stats are legit - it's my new favorite serum!

10. KIEHL'S CREAMY EYE TREATMENT W/ AVOCADO

This luxurious eye cream gently moisturizes the eye area without migrating into the eyes. Perfect for use under eye makeup, it contains highly effective natural ingredients that provide essential daily hydration and protection. The eye area is left softer, suppler, and more youthful-looking. This moisturizing eye treatment formulated with avocado oil is a definite must morning and night in my beauty routine. 

11. ESTEE LAUDER PURE COLOR ENVY SCULPTING LIPSTICK - VENGEFUL RED

An Allure Best of Beauty winner, this six-hour wear, highly-pigmented lipstick gives your lip look the ultimate transformation. Make a bold color statement that lasts. Saturate lips with high-intensity color in one stroke, swiping on a statement shade that works with all skin tones. Designed with multi-faceted pigments that add definition, and a time-released moisture complex that seals in hydration, it leaves lips looking beautifully shaped, sculpted, and curvaceous. I have been trying to find the perfect red lipstick for the fall/winter season and this one is a definite keeper! 

LOVE & XX'S,

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Dollup Beauty Makeup Case

WHAT'S INSIDE: DOLLUP BEAUTY SUGARCUBE WHITE MAKEUP CASE | 
LUMIE HIGHLIGHTER SHIMMER | DOLLIPS LIQUID MATTE LIP SPREADS | 
DOLL-EYES ON YOU LIQUID EYELINER | LANCÔME EYE MAKEUP REMOVER | 
LANCÔME NEW VISIONNAIRE EYE CREAM | LANCÔME DRAMA LIQUID-PENCILS | 
LANCÔME DEFINICILS MASCARA | LANCÔME 2 IN 1 SHARPENER 

Recently I received a wonderful makeup organizer case from Dollup Beauty. The Dollup Case by makeup artist Nikki Hynek is the perfect way to store your entire beauty look in one place while keeping you and your makeup stylishly organized at home or on-the-road. The hard case design protects and secures your daily essentials – and also comes in several colors other than white. The portable makeup case has a convenient hinge feature allowing the case to open flat for easy access to all your makeup. A customizable naked magnetic palette, elastic holding bands and an interior drop-down vanity mirror completes this amazing case fit for any woman. Dollup Beauty was also generous to gift several of their beauty products along with their makeup case.

1. LUMIE HIGHLIGHTER SHIMMER

The Lumie Highlighter Powder Shimmer is the best way to achieve that perfect 'glow from within' makeup look that will have everyone asking why your skin looks so amazing! They've crafted their Lumie Highlighter Powder Shimmer out of all natural premium pressed mica minerals, that are so finely milled, they blur out flaws and refract light away from imperfections.  What you're left with, after dusting your skin, is a totally brightened & beaming complexion wherever you apply. There are two colors, one more gold based and another rose, but I received the gold one called Lavish: It's a buttery colored luminous shimmer powder with pearled finish. And my new favorite strobing highlighter! TOTALLY obsessed. :)

2. DOLLIPS™ LIQUID MATTE LIP SPREADS

I received 'Peace' and 'Laughter'. 'Peace' has a more nude tone where 'Laughter' is a full vibrant red. I've tried both and am so in love with them! Aside from its buttery, smooth spread across your lips, the liquid spreads dry to a matte finish for a smudge-proof ten hour wear! Score! And what's even better is these lipsticks are enriched with antioxidants, Vitamin E & Avocado oil; all to keep your lips hydrated!  

3. DOLL-EYES ON YOU LIQUID EYELINER 

You can achieve the perfect 'Doll Eye' look with this line-perfecting brush tip. It offers effortless precision with every winged line, thin or thick. The perfectly tapered brush tip delivers an ultra deep black or deep brown pigment in one seamless swipe. The quick drying formula offers a smudge free application that lasts all day long – even on the oiliest of eye lids! This is something I've been wanting to find for a while and am so happy to have discovered Dollup Beauty and their crazy good products like this fabulous liner!

4. LANCÔME BI-FACIL EYE MAKEUP REMOVER

I received several Lancôme products from Influenster, a great platform where bloggers can test and review products of all kinds, especially beauty products. This travel sized eye makeup remover is an award-winning phenomenon that magically whisks away the most stubborn eye makeup, even waterproof. Simply shake this bad boy to activate the bi-phase formula that leaves the eye area sparkly clean. The lipid phase lifts off eye makeup, while the water phase contains special emollients to refresh and condition skin without a greasy residue.

5. LANCÔME NEW VISIONNAIRE EYE CREAM

Whether you had no sleep or stayed out late (yes, I sometimes still do!), erase the night away with an instant fix for under eye puffiness, crow's feet, and the look of fatigue. This Visionnaire Eye Cream has the power to change the way your eyes look with instant photo-ready correction. I use it as a primer before applying concealer, thanks to its blurring properties your skin will look fresh and rested. And I love the very light but rich cream, it even smells amazing. As does all Lancôme products! :)

6. LANCÔME DRAMA LIQUID PENCILS

Create a sensual, intense eye look with ease. This smudgy, creamy-smooth eye pencil delivers a dose of decadent color that glides on effortlessly and blends beautifully. In an instant, eyes are perfectly lined, defined and contoured for a smoldering effect that's absolutely irresistible. I received two pencils, one in black and the other in purple, and have been applying the black eyeliner on the top lids and the purple for the bottom. It brings a pop to the eye, and any cooler color, such as purple, blue, even a dark green helps brighten brown eyes naturally. 

7. LANCÔME DEFINICILS MASCARA

This has been one of my most favorite mascara's of all time. Lancôme carries some of the best beauty products in the world – this mascara has been the number 1 mascara for over 16 years! For lavishly long, perfectly defined lashes, this iconic award-winning mascara provides the ultimate in separation. Carefully selected polymers coat each lash from root to tip, to help lengthen and outline each lash for unmatched definition. This best-selling mascara's unique brush applicator has specially grooved bristles that hold the perfect amount of product for gradual, even application every time. Simply the best!

8. LANCÔME 2 IN 1 SHARPENER

Straight to the point, this durable, quality-crafted design is the quickest and easiest way to sharpen Lancôme makeup pencils. I've been using it on my new pencils and not once have they been overly done or under done. Excellence at its finest. 


To see more from each beauty brand, go to Dollup Beauty and Lancôme's website to see more of their products including the ones shared in today's post. Stay tuned for an upcoming outfit post – the theme is around emo/grunge/darker vibes. I can't wait to share it with you! Hopefully I'll have it up by this weekend. Working hard to crank out content for you guys! What would you like to see more of? Beauty? Fashion? Food & Cooking? Travel? I'd love to hear from you down below in the comments! Reading your posts always make me happy and inspired. See everyone soon!

LOVE & XX'S,

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