LIGHTEN UP: The Best “Brightening” Products
By Shahada Karim | January 23rd, 2012 | Category: Beauty | Comments Off on LIGHTEN UP: The Best “Brightening” ProductsThe New Year is the chance to start fresh, and it should be no different with your skin care. Slough off that dead skin of yesteryear, and face 2012 with a brighter complexion and a fresh outlook on the future! We sorted through the most popular skin care solutions and found the following truly worthy.
CLEANSER:
Ren Micro Polish Cleanser: $30
www.sephora.com
What it claims: “The potent two-in-one foaming formula cleanses deeply as it kick-starts exfoliation, helping to diminish the appearance of pores and wrinkles. Packed with powerful glycolic and lactic acids, Ren Micro Polish Cleanser works fast to digest dead skin cells . . . buffing away dirt and debris and helping to renew skin’s surface. “
Why we like it: The formula is a cleanser and scrub combined. It lathers like a cleanser, but contains buffing particles to help slough dead skin cells. We were impressed by how soft and smooth it left our skin. A definite winner!
TONER:
Tammy Fender Essential C Tonic: $55
What it claims: “Steeped with antioxidant-rich Green Tea and Citrus extracts of Bergamot, Orange Peel and Lemon Balm, the purifying and invigorating effects of this herbal infusion tone and restore the ph of the skin, as it brightens with a blast of vitamin C.”
Why we like it: The combination of orange and lemon is invigorating and refreshing. We love how soft it leaves the skin as it sweeps away any excess dirt and oil and helps prep the skin for moisture.
MASK:
Rodial Skin Bleach Mask: $98
What it claims: “…a powerful combination of fruit acids and enzymes to correct skin tone and brighten the complexion. Rodial Skin Bleach Mask works to successfully even out hyper-pigmentation, age spots, and sun damage for a lighter and brighter complexion.”
Why we like it: It doesn’t contain any actual bleach or chemical bleaching agents (despite the name), but it still gets the job done. The mask is easy to use and takes almost no time to take effect (10 minutes).
SERUM:
La Roche-Posay Mela D Serum: $60
What it claims: “This serum contains a potent combination of ingredients to dramatically help correct the appearance of dark spots . . . (including) Kojic Acid, micro-exfoliating Lipo-Hydroxy Acid, and Glycolic Acid.”
Why we like it: It’s formulated without the controversial skin bleach hydroquinone. We’re also pleased at the inclusion of Lipo-Hydroxy Acid, which has been hailed as the gentler alternative to harsher Alpha-Hydroxy Acid.
MOISTURIZER:
Korres Wild Rose Moisturizer: $35
What it claims: “This cream is formulated with a range of ingredients that moisturize and brighten the complexion. Wild rose oil, a natural source of vitamin C, helps repair the look of fine lines and skin discolorations. Imperata-cylindrica extract, derived from a desert plant, is known for its ability to provide continuous moisturization by regulating the moisture equilibrium of the skin.”
Why we like it: This formula is chock full of natural ingredients and feels great on the skin. It absorbs quickly and leaves the skin soft, but not greasy. The “brightening” effects of this moisturizer begin to materialize after just a few uses
EYE CREAM:
Zelens Triple Action Eye Cream: $120
What it claims: “Works instantly to soothe and revitalize the eye area . . . eye area looks luminous and more lifted . . . signs of fatigue and ageing around eyes are visibly diminished.”
Why we like it: The texture of this eye cream is light, the smell is refreshing, and it absorbs quickly. The effects are almost immediate; we noticed a brightening effect after one overnight use.
