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Channel: Skin Cleansers – ommorphia beauty bar

shu uemura 6 heart Princess Anti/Oxi Cleansing Oil, Holiday 2013

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  Using an oil to clean your face might seem somehow counterintuitive, but there’s a reason why the shu uemura Cleansing Oil range has reached cult status: they work. Seriously & amazingly well,… Read More

Laboratoires Filorga Paris

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Filorga opener 2

 

 

Recently I was invited to preview the upcoming North American launch of a skincare brand that while unfamiliar to me, has a strong European following; introducing Laboratories Filorga Paris, founded in 1978 by Dr. Michel Tordjman – the man who ‘developed hyaluronic acid-based injectible products for the medical profession before Botox took off‘, as well as the creator of NCTC, an anti-aging mesotherapy product that subsequently went on to become the brand’s best-selling NCTF® product.

For over 40 years now, Filorga has been a leading provider of skincare products, both for the medical profession and consumer markets, creating cutting-edge non-surgical anti-ageing solutions that include line fillers, polyrevitalizing injections (NCTF®), peeling and photo-stimulation (LED). As skincare has become something of an obsession with me, I was excited to put this brand through its paces; after a brief consultation, PR sent me a curated selection of products to try based on my skin type and needs.

Testing period: 4 complete weeks (both day & night)

 

 

Filorga Skincare 2

Laboratoires Filorga Paris

 

Filorga Foam Cleanser 1

Foam Cleanser (CAN $35.00) | A clear liquid facial cleanser that transforms into a foam as it emerges from the pump nozzle dispenser. Made with no artifical scents, there is a still a distinct fragrance from the white lily in the formula, a clean fresh floral that while initially obvious, seems to dissipate rather quickly.

Key ingredients include:

  • high molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid
  • caprylyl capryl glucoside
  • white lily

Action:

  • hydrating
  • soft surfactant
  • soothing

This 4-in-one product (cleanses, removes makeup, moisturizes, tones) is the first cleanser to include Hyaluronic Acid, which has the benefit of leaving skin feeling both clean as well as moisturized. Totally non-greasy, 2 pumps are all that are needed to cleanse the entire face and neck (in the mornings I use only 1 pump of foam – no need for overkill) with the product rinsing off easily, and no tight-skin feeling left behind – just a fresh, soft & clean sensation. This product has now become one of my favourite cleansers in my skincare rotation, as I am not only happy with how well it removes the day’s makeup, but for how my skin feels after … definitely something I intend to continue using. Suitable for sensitive skin as well.

Filorga Foam Cleanser nozzle

Laboratoires Filorga Paris | Foam Cleanser

 

Filorga Skin Structure serum

Skin Structure Firmness Redefinition Serum (CAN $95.00) | A milky-white facial serum of light/medium density with a quick penetrating texture that melts into the skin with a water-like consistency (leaving no sticky or greasy residue behind), coming with a dropper applicator. The scent seems to be a slightly mellower version than that of the cleanser – a fresh & pleasant white floral that while noticeable, dissipates once the product is absorbed into the skin.

Key ingredients include:

  • Chronospheres of Hyaluronic Acid and NCTF
  • Voluform
  • Collaxyl
  • Dynalift

Action:

  • anti-aging
  • cellular stimulation
  • restores face volume
  • boosts skin density
  • skin-lifting

The next important step after thoroughly cleansing, is application of a serum; I absolute love serums for the way they feel as well as how effective they are in augmenting the beneficial properties of other skincare subsequently applied on top. With Skin Structure, I used 2 drops only (both morning and night) that I rubbed between my palms then pressed onto my face (ears and neck included) and lightly massaged that all in – working quickly, as this texture literally disappears into the skin lightning fast. As I don’t have access to complicated scientific equipment to accurately measure results, I let my eyes & mirror be the judge, and after just 2 weeks of using this serum on a consistent basis, my skin felt softer to the touch and also appeared noticeably more even toned.

 

Filorga Skin Structure serum applicator

Laboratoires Filorga Paris | Skin Structure Firmness Redefinition Serum

Filorga Nutri-Filler

 

Nutri-Filler Nutri-Replenishing Cream (CAN $95.00) | A dense white facial cream moisturizer with a soft & buttery-like texture, bearing the strongest scent level of the same fresh white floral fragrance as the rest of this range (even though naturally derived, it’s still worth noting for those with sensitivities). Extremely hydrating and suitable for all skin types – even the driest – this cream is meant to not only soothe and add suppleness, but help firm and tone facial contours as well (think of it as Botox, without the painful injections).

Key ingredients include:

  • Chromospheres of Hyaluronic Acid and NCTF
  • Shea Butter
  • Argan Oil
  • plant extracts
  • red seaweed

Action:

  • deeply nourishes and replenishes skin
  • redefines facial contours

When I began testing this cream, I initially felt that it would be much too rich for my skin type (which runs normal to combination, with oil issues along the t-zone area) as I’m used to less emollient moisturizers. Interestingly though, I began seeing how the serious hydration found with Nutri-Filler began benefitting my skin — which for some reason seemed to need more moisture than ever before (I’m guessing the previous harsh Winter coupled with the present hardcore hot Summer, might have something to do with my skin’s current situation). Fine lines and pores appeared diminished, and this after only 1 week of use; that being said, I did find that it took longer than I’m used to for the product to become absorbed into my skin (and never fully, for that matter), although it did make applying foundation on top that much easier , as long as I waited a good 1o-15 minutes before adding any makeup.

Filorga Nutri-Filler sealed

Laboratoires Filorga Paris | Nutri-Filler Nutri-Replenishing Cream

Filorga Nutri-Filler macro

Laboratoires Filorga Paris | Nutri-Filler Nutri-Replenishing Cream

Filorga Time-Filler eyes

Time-Filler Eyes Absolute Eye Correction Cream (CAN $75.00) | A milky white eye cream in a silky texture that melts rapidly into skin, and which bears a more subtle version of the same signature scent. Upon application, there is a light initial cooling sensation and once fully absorbed, skin also feels slightly more taut.

Key ingredients include:

  • Chronospheres of Hyaluronic Acid and NCTF
  • Synake
  • sea funnel
  • Hyaluspheres
  • sea extract + plant complex rich in Albizia Julibrissin
  • Matricide with Provitamin B5 (panthenol)

Action:

  • anti-aging
  • cellular stimulation
  • helps smooth contraction wrinkles
  • micro-filling of dehydration wrinkles
  • treats dark circles
  • promotes and strengthens eyelash growth

The skin around the eyes is thinner and more sensitive than that of the rest of the face, so it makes sense to use a separate eye cream designed specifically for that delicate area. Applying Time-Filler Eyes twice daily to both the under-eye area (which includes crow’s feet & laugh lines — all the way to the temples, in fact) as well as my upper lid, I really liked how easily this product spread and how quickly it was subsequently absorbed into my skin. It wasn’t until the second week of use that I actually noticed changes: fine lines appeared somewhat plumper and there was even a new – albeit slight – firmness I could both feel and see around the orbital area. As I’ve never suffered from dark circles, I can’t state how well this cream works in the capacity of eliminating them and while the hollows under my eyes (thank you, diminishing collagen) haven’t filled up, I can still see some improvement in that area as well. Bonus: no irritation or stinging sensation, even when applied twice daily.

Filorga Time-Filler Eyes sealed

Laboratoires Filorga Paris | Time-Filler Eyes Absolute Eye Correction Cream

Filorga Time-Filler Eyes macro

Laboratoires Filorga Paris | Time-Filler Eyes Absolute Eye Correction Cream

 

Filorga Skin-Absolute 1

 

Skin-Absolute Night Ultimate Anti-Aging Care (CAN $195.00) | The ‘star’ ingredient (figuratively AND literally) of this premium night cream is meteorite extract (yes, you read that right) and aims to help your skin regenerate while you sleep. Bearing a sharper but still quite pleasant version of the same signature scent, the first thing you notice is the colour: charcoal, followed by the unique texture which is almost jelly-like in consistency and bears suspended shimmery particles. Slower to fully absorb than the day cream, and may leave behind a slight tackiness.

Key ingredients include:

  • Chromospheres of Hyaluronic Acid and NCTF
  • meteorite extract
  • brown seaweed
  • collagen peptide
  • bran extract
  • Vitamin C

Action:

  • potent anti-aging treatment to target visible signs of aging while you sleep
  • helps fade dark spots
  • boosts skin’s radiance
  • wrinkles appear smoother
  • improves evenness of complexion

I confess to being the most excited about this product, because, well….METEORITE (need I say more?). The charcoal/black colour (which looks light grey at some angles, deep black at others – as seen in the photos below) was another surprise and while it does apply with a grey translucency, no traces of the colour are left behind once the product becomes fully massaged into the skin. The texture is almost like whipped jelly and a little goes a long way; after cleansing then applying the serum and eye cream, I didn’t need much to cover my entire face & neck (thankfully, as this product is on the steeper end of the price spectrum) but I did have to wait a good 15 minutes before I could say it felt more or less absorbed into the skin. After about only a week of consistent use, I woke up to softer, more even toned skin, with a healthy radiance to my face that even my family remarked upon. I did notice an odd slippery feel to my face upon my morning wash, but nothing that lingered.

NOTE: Skin-Absolute is exclusive to Holt Renfrew at both the Bloor St. and Yorkdale locations.

 

Filorga Skin-Absolute sealed

Laboratoires Filorga Paris | Skin-Absolute Night Ultimate Anti-Aging Care

Filorga Skin-Absolute

Laboratoires Filorga Paris | Skin-Absolute Night Ultimate Anti-Aging Care

 

Filorga Skin-Absolute macro

Laboratoires Filorga Paris | Skin-Absolute Night Ultimate Anti-Aging Care (detail)

 

Filorga Skin-Absolute 2

Laboratoires Filorga Paris | Skin-Absolute Night Ultimate Anti-Aging Care

 

I’m so happy to see that skincare is becoming more and more mainstream, and not just something associated with an older demographic – a concept I wish had been popular when I was younger … but I digress. Skin care itself has come a long way, with what seems like daily innovations and newly discovered ingredients, all at a wide range of price points; what makes Filorga extremely interesting, is the decades of science behind the products as well as the good results I personally obtained after 4 weeks of consistent testing – and I stress consistent, because for any benefits to be both seen and felt, you need to apply your chosen skin care regimen religiously. Admittedly, this range veers on the higher end of the price scale, but after 4 weeks of testing, I’ve only managed to finish half of the contents – which means you can break down the cost per item over approximately 8 weeks of use each. After going over the products available through the brand’s website, there are several I have my eye on and I definitely intend to give them a try in the near future.

Filorga products are available in Canada at Murale, select Shopper’s Drug Mart/Pharmaprix store, Holt Renfrew and Nordstrom. Find more information on the brand via www.filorga.com

 

Filorga closer

 

 

Press samples kindly provided for my unbiased consideration

L’Occitane en Provence · Immortelle Divine Collection

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I have to confess that my obsession with skincare is basically in a tie with my love of makeup, and L’Occitane is a brand that definitely sits at the top of my favourites list. That said, every product I’ve tried from the Immortelle Divine range has never disappointed, so I was thrilled to hear that the lineup was not only being reformulated for Fall 2017, but that the Youth Oil has been improved with an even higher concentration of the star ingredient, Immortelle. Sweetening the pot even further, are the two new cleansers which been added to the collection — both of which I’ve been using daily and I’m going to call it now: it’s love 💛

 

 

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Immortelle Divine Cleansing Balm (CAN $49.00/60g) | One of the most thorough ways to clean your skin of foundation and/or heavier makeup, is by using a balm and this Divine version enriched with organic Immortelle Essential Oil and Vitamin E, is hands down the best I’ve tried to date. This ultra hydrating balm-in-oil formula is unique in that it appears waxy but transforms into an oil when warmed up with your fingers and applied to dry skin, working to quickly and effectively dissolve makeup. L’Occitane recommends following it up with the Cleaning Foam for those who prefer to double-cleanse, or to totally remove every last trace of impurities from the skin. The scent of this balm is a pleasing soft herbal and once rinsed off, it almost feels like you’ve applied a treatment — it’s that soothing. Best part: it not only passes the white towel test, but does not make skin feel dry and stretched tight.

 

Immortelle Divine Foaming Cleansing Cream (CAN $44.00/125 ml) | This Cleansing Foam is amazing; bearing a fresh earthy/herbacious fragrance to set the mood, the texture is lightweight cream which morphs into a foam, and is totally non-abrasive along the skin. After squeezing out a nickel-sized amount into my cupped palm, I then apply it to dampened skin and watch it quickly work up to a nice froth, which I then massage lightly in before rinsing everything off. On days where I’m wearing more makeup than usual, I use this as a follow-up to the Balm but on its own for makeup-free/light makeup days.

 

Immortelle Divine Youth Oil (CAN $114.00/30 ml) | This year I have fully embraced face oils and this Divine Youth Oil is standing out as my favourite of all I’ve tried. For starters, it has the same uplifting fragrance as the rest of the collection, and the way it melds into my skin is what has me totally sold. In the evening and after cleansing and my serum, I apply 2 drops that I massage between my fingers first then dab all over my face (including my neck), followed by the Divine Cream. In the morning, 1 drop is all I need. Leaving absolutely no greasy residue behind, my skin immediately feels hydrated but not overly so, and I noticed changes even after the first week of use, mainly a brighter complexion and fewer fine lines (especially crows feet and along the upper lip area).

Immortelle Divine Cream (CAN $119.00/50 ml) | As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to appreciate moisturizers that lean more on the emollient side because while I don’t have dry skin, the seasons seem to be taking a toll on my body’s ability to retain moisture just the same. This cream — which has just been granted its 5th patent and is also boosted with 7 plant-derived active ingredients –is somewhat of a contradiction; with a lightweight & almost whipped texture, you wouldn’t believe how much moisture it actually provides. That said, a little really does go a long way (my preference is to layer it on just a bit thicker at night, lightly dabbed during the day) and on my combination skin it takes a good 15 minutes to become absorbed; once that’s done, what I’m left with is a fully hydrated and plumped complexion that also feels velvety to the touch … a feeling that continues throughout the day, I might add.

 

Navigating the intricate world of skincare can be a scary process — even for someone like me who’s completely immersed in the industry. Which is why I like to explore new products and ranges, but I always come back to tried & tested favourite brands such as L’Occitane. Several years ago when I was first introduced to the Divine range, I found myself impressed with the results I saw on my skin and because of that, I couldn’t wait to try these latest out; happy to say that I continue to be impressed and when asked, totally & absolutely recommend. In other words, ommorphia approved!

Available at L’Occitane en Provence Boutiques and online

 

 

 

Many thanks to L’Occitane for partnering to sponsor this post, all opinions my own

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