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, 

SHOP THE LIONESSE® AMBER COLLECTION

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March Beauty Favorites

Happy Friday, everyone! Better late than never, (well, almost...) my March beauty favorites are now live on the blog! I normally will roundup between 8-10 different products of all different beauty regiments, whether skincare, makeup, haircare and more, I like to mix it up to show you what's new, what have been my favorites (old school too) and products that are appropriate according to the season. (that I'm currently in.) But in this month's picks, I've selected several products from the same brand! Some are collections, like the new Urban Decay Hi-Fi Shine Ultra Cushion Lipglosses, which are totally outrageous, and others are suitable together, like the first one which is the latest skincare I've been using. Continue reading to learn more and to also get the direct links to shop these items for yourself! Enjoy the long weekend and Happy Easter! (for those who celebrate, x.)

I was first introduced to Retrouvé while working backstage in NYFW, and since using their skincare products, my skin has never looked or felt better! ✨ I’ve been using the Luminous Cleansing Elixir, the Dynamic Nourishing Face Cream, and the Revitalizing Eye Concentrate 🖤 (all so fantastic & did I mention it’s unisex?!) and Retrouvé integrates a high concentration of deeply nourishing actives (squalane and vitamin E & C), preventative antioxidants (white tea, pomegranate) and powerful restoratives (apple stem cells), all of which work together to bring out a supple, radiant complexion. 🙌🏻 The luxury skin care line is a bit pricey but so worth it! Here's a breakdown of these 3 products:

Luminous Cleansing Elixir

An elegant, water-free cleansing balm rich in beneficial oils that is ideal to massage onto the skin for an ultimate cleansing experience to moisturize the skin while gently removing dirt, debris, and residue from its surface.

Dynamic Nourishing Face Cream

A rich, soothing cream that elegantly delivers powerful antioxidants and nourishing ingredients to the skin, thus imparting softness and hydration. Utilizing a unique natural sugar-based technology, this classic creamy moisturizer helps transport actives deep into the dermis while reducing irritation and inflammation, making it ideal for sensitive skin.

Revitalizing Eye Concentrate

A revitalizing eye treatment that enriches and plumps the delicate skin around the eyes. Designed to hydrate the skin in the same way it would naturally, this rich, water-free concentrate gently moisturizes the sensitive skin surrounding the eye areas via a powerful fusion of Squalane and pharmaceutical-grade Cholesterol Esters.

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Essie nail polish

Treat yourself this season with the ultimate spring trend shades: the limited edition Essie 2018 spring collection. Anchor Down, a denim blue washed with pewter gray undertones; Bon Boy-age, a nautical mint green; Perfect Mate, a pristine pop of coral pink; At the Helm, a fire orange tinged with tomato red; Stripes & Sails, an emerald/teal calmness; and Pass-port to Sail, my favorite whitish/gray toned go-to nail polish. I've been wearing this one for weeks! I think these colors would also be great combinations for more detailed nail art. Which colors would you put together? 

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In ancient Greece, one myth stood out as the most passionate and sensual: the love between Psyche and Eros, the beauty's quest to meet with her lover and the happy outcome of their union which led to the birth of their daughter, Hedone. Only one scent can convey this legend as a fragrance, that of musks. Equally legendary, they have the unique ability to enhance the skin with their arousing carnal accents. They are at the very heart of Fleur de Peau, as cottony and light as they are soft and moist. Highlighted with the elegantly powdery iris and fruity, ambery ambrette seeds, they reveal their full tactile dimension.

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Pixi Beauty makeup

PIXI's Dimensional Eye Creator Kit

PIXI's Dimensional Eye Creator Kit has been curated in collaboration with beauty influencer, Weylie Hoang. Combining an eyeshadow palette with double-ended eyeliner, the kit is a must-have essential for everyday eyes. The eyeshadow palette combines six neutral shades in matte and shimmer finishes to effortlessly define and add dimension to the lids. Highly pigmented and easy to blend. The dual-ended eyeliner features a liquid liner to one end and kohl liner to the other; perfect for creating sleek cat eyes or sultry, smokey and dramatic effects.

PIXI's Palette Chloette in 'Romantic Radiance'

PIXI's Palette Chloette in 'Romantic Radiance' is a must-have face palette that combines a selection of blush and eye shades to add emphasis and luminosity to complexion and lids. Curated in collaboration with beauty influencer, Chloe Morello, the silky pressed powders deliver highly pigmented color that adds subtle or striking definition to the eyes and facial contours. Inspired by love and romance, the emollient colors are perfect for highlighting your best features; they are easy to apply and lay down natural-looking color that can be built upon. The palette also includes a trio of matte eye contour and liner shades that double as brow powders. Expect a glowing, radiant complexion.

The PIXI Café Con Dulce Palette

The PIXI Café Con Dulce Palette has been created in collaboration with beauty influencer, Dulce Candy. Combining a selection of powder-to-cream blushers, highlighters, and eyeshadows, the shimmering shades can be used on the lids and cheeks to add multi-dimensional radiance. Easy to apply, the complementary face palette will brighten and highlight the complexion. The blush shades have a duo-chromatic effect to add color and luminosity to cheeks. Use the eyeshadows to illuminate and widen the appearance of eyes.

The PIXI Dulce's Lip Candy Palette

The PIXI Dulce's Lip Candy Palette has been created in collaboration with beauty influencer, Dulce Candy. Combining nine universally flattering lip colors, each creamy hue delivers rich, velvety color that applies easily and adheres smoothly to make lips pop. Infused with minerals and antioxidants, the lip colors ensure the pout is left feeling soft, hydrated and comfortable. Wear individually or combine colors to create your perfect, personalized hue. The versatile palette can also be used to add color to cheeks.

PIXI's Lip Icing in 'Cake'

PIXI's Lip Icing in 'Cake' is a luminous lip gloss that has been carefully curated in collaboration with beauty influencer, Chloe Morello. With a shimmering, sparkling finish, the liquid lip color can be applied to bare lips or layered over other lip colors to create a 3D effect. Smooth to apply and comfortable to wear, the long-wearing lip gloss is infused with a cocktail of Rosehip Seed and Marula Oil to smoothen and nourish. Lips appear fuller and silky with a dazzling shine.

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Urban Decay's Hi-Fi Shine Ultra Cushion Lip Gloss is ultra-shiny, glides on cushiony-soft and provides long-lasting wear that's comfortable, not tacky. Laced with vitamin E and peppermint oil, UD's hydrating formula leaves lips feeling nourished, has an immediate plumping effect and comes in a yummy vanilla-mint flavor. And wait until you see the lineup; whatever gloss frequency you're on, Hi-Fi has got you covered. Tune in to everything from blaring brights to soft neutrals in four different effects - metallic, holographic, cream and sheer cream. Finally, a gloss that is sexy and comfy at the same time! Hi-Fi Shine Lip Gloss delivers ultra-shiny color that won't feather or bleed and instantly makes lips look plumper. UD's shade range is stacked with sheer, sparkly and pigment-rich options to amp up your look. UD's wide range of chart-topping shades includes everything from soft to loud. As expansive as this lineup is, the shades look great on every skin tone. Try the holographic shades (like SPL and Snapped), the must-have neutral Naked, or Obsessed, the perfect universal light pink. The sleek, modern component is clear, so you can easily pick your shade out of a handbag. The iridescent, metallized frame makes the gloss look like it's floating inside. Added bonus: Because the tube is flat, it fits perfectly in your pocket. The flexible, flocked-silicone paddle applicator is the newest technology and allows you to swipe on a generous, even layer of gloss. No need to double dip (but please do if you want!).

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bareMinerals BAREPRO(R) 16-Hr Full Coverage Concealer Medium-Warm 07

A full-coverage, crease-proof, and waterproof concealer that provides skin-improving long-wear. This ultra-creamy stick glides on with zero drag to deliver up to 16 hours of full coverage for dark circles and blemishes. The crease-proof, waterproof, and humidity-resistant formula conceals, corrects, and contours with ease. It's formulated with bamboo stem extract to smooth the look of pores and fine lines. Powerful, antioxidant-rich raspberry seed oil, blackcurrant seed oil, and sea lavender nourish, hydrate, and help defend skin against the damaging effects of environmental stressors such as pollution. This highly-pigmented formula is powered by Mineral Lock™ Long Wear Technology to lock into place all day. Available in 15 shades, from fair to deep, this concealer was developed to precisely match with BAREPRO Liquid and Powder Foundations. For my skin tone, I use the medium-warm 07 shade. 

bareMinerals Blooming Blush Brush 

A brush designed with natural fibers for seamless application and blending of blushes, bronzers, and face makeup. This innovative brush features densely-packed fibers that let you effortlessly achieve optimal color payoff. Its 360-design has an angled shape that lets you chisel the cheekbones, the domed tip diffuses and softens edges, and the flared sides sweep over a wider surface area laying down color that appears to be glowing from within. This product is an Allure Best of Beauty award winner.

bareMinerals Gen Nude Powder Blush 'But First Coffee'

Create a natural flush of radiance and color with the bareMinerals Gen Nude Powder Blush, a long-wearing cheek color with naturally derived pigments. Weightless and comfortable, the bareMinerals Gen Nude Powder Blush has a mineral makeup formula that instantly warms and brightens the complexion. Infused with a blurring mineral complex, the kind-to-skin blush creates a soft-focus effect for skin that is smooth and perfected. With every complexion in mind, bareMineral's Gen Nude Powder Blush range offers an array of hues in mauves, pinks, peaches and beiges to match all skin tones. Apply after foundation to the apples of the cheeks.

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LOVE & XX'S, 

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