Combat the signs of age with the most avant-garde active ingredients, they are easy to apply and there are them for all budgets
In 2016, Spaniards spent more than 1,814 million euros on skin care products, 3.9% more than in the previous year, according to data from the National Association of Perfumery and Cosmetics (STANPA). Figures that guarantee that giving a good cosmetic facial care to a woman is consistent with the demand for this type of item.
But to succeed is not worth everything. 83.3% of Spanish women are concerned about the quality of the cream, according to a study prepared by eDarling, one of the leading couples' brokering agencies in Europe, based on a sample of 2,500 women users of the platform who have responded to issues related to their beauty habits and their favorite brands. They are realistic, they do not seek elixirs of eternal youth but treatments that improve their appearance according to their age.
The current offer is huge and not only the products come into play for the day or night. Cosmetics that act on the contour of the eyes also count, those that reinforce the vital functions of the skin and those that help to renew it. To help make the perfect gift, in S Moda we have selected and tested ten medium and high-end creams.
So we have selected and tested the ten cosmetics
In choosing the ten facial care cosmetics that we recommend to give as a gift, we have taken into account its effectiveness, texture, absorption speed, ease of application and whether or not it has fragrance. We have also evaluated the latest innovations in cosmetic technology - night peels, immune reinforcement at the dermatological level, depigmenting, etc - as well as, of course, the quality-price ratio.
During the last months we have tested all the recommended products to determine the effectiveness of a long-term cosmetic. The reason is strictly biological: at the very least, it takes a month for the skin to complete its renewal cycle and observe the scope of the effects. When we talk about immediate action, it is about tensile, hydrating and even optical effects of an instantaneous nature that are diluted with the passing of the hours.
Our 'Dream Team' for the face
Smooth and fill: Revitalift Laser X3 Double Care, by L'Oréal
Illuminate, soften and reaffirm. Three desires that are made especially pressing from the 40 and that this cream with an excellent quality-price ratio satisfies remarkably. Its key ingredients: vitamin CG and Pro Xylane.
The first is vitamin C stabilized with glucose. In this way, the biggest problem of this antioxidant is eliminated, its tendency to oxidize precipitously, guaranteeing its progressive diffusion on the epidermis. From the first applications, an improvement in cutaneous tone is observed.
The other ingredient, a molecule synthesized from the natural sugar of the beech bark and patented by the L'Oréal Research, works in the long term. Its mission: to stimulate epidermal regeneration and accelerate the production of collagen. After four weeks, the minimum time to appreciate the skin renewal, the wrinkles are filled and the tissues acquire greater consistency.
Orange treasure: Or Rouge Crème Fine, by YSL
Five years passed the glycobiologists of the laboratories of L'Oréal Lujo -owner of YSL Beauté- and the Max Planck Institute (Germany) analyzing glycans until they found crocin. This expensive saccharide from the saffron of the High Atlas - it is obtained from its orange strands; One kilogram of this type of powder is around 3,000 euros - it stimulates the skin's regeneration mechanisms. And it is the main active principle of the Or Rouge family.
After a month of use, the wrinkles are attenuated, the tissues recover firmness and the skin, its luminosity. Its fine and flux texture is perfect for summer where the hydrolipidic mantle is not as altered as in the cold winter. Mixed skins or those not in need of extra nutrition can use it morning and night. In the case of the most dry or damaged skin, this light cream may be insufficient; It is best to alternate it with a more unctuous one as a nocturnal ritual.
Against the clock: Diamond Instant Glow, by Natura Bissé
Many mothers complain about the lack of time and that they feel exhausted at the end of the day. An excess of stress that takes its toll on the face: stiff, gray skin, with lack of elasticity and wrinkles, more fruit of dehydration than of age. When a vacation to disconnect is not viable, there is no other option but to put oneself in the hands of cosmetics. With two requirements: to be quick to apply at home and with immediate results.
The Spanish brand Natura Bissé takes on the challenge with this express-facelift in three steps. First, a single-dose ampoule with glycolic acid and other alpha-hydroxy acids (Peel) for a very gentle exfoliation, without irritation. Then another with extracts of carob, niacinamide and aloe vera, which moisturizes and brightens the face (Radiance). A third ampoule with Phyto-lift Complex, high molecular weight collagen and antioxidants provides an instant lifting effect. The test took us only 10 minutes and we noticed a much fresher look.
Maximum defenses: Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate, by Shiseido
Pollution, emotional stress and age reduce the natural immunity of the skin. Its main victims are the Langerhans cells. These star-shaped units inhabit the epidermis and act as immune 'police': they phagocyte foreign particles or "warn" the lymphocytes if the invasion exceeds their strength.
This serum is used before the usual treatment cream and contains Ultimate Complex, an active patented by Shiseido that multiplies the enzymes that protect those starry warriors. In addition, it enhances its defenses with antibacterial assets such as gingko biloba extract or the moon herb. And as efficiency is as important to the user as the sensations on the skin, two other virtues must be highlighted: its silky texture, easy to spread and absorb without stickiness. And a pleasant floral fragrance with tea and lotus roses with aromatherapeutic effects: calm in situations of irritability and load the batteries in moments of psychic slump.
Triumph of Light: Cream Radiance Moisturizer, by Dolce & Gabbana
In recent years, wrinkles have been dignified. The loss of elasticity and the blurred volumes become the new enemy, that which creates chiaroscuros that age and harden traits prematurely. Stress, pollution and adverse external conditions reduce hydration levels to steal smoothness at any age.
Nothing else to apply this cream of juicy texture the skin looks more flexible and recovers softness to the touch. After a month of use, the increase in hydration levels is palpable and the contours are redefined. Two crucial factors to improve the reflection of light on the face, giving it a more youthful and awakened appearance. The secret lies in the Gold Flavo-Silk Tricomplex, a silk sericin compound - a protein - precursor of collagen, vitamin B3 to activate hydration and olive oil extract to soften the complexion.
Make-up without retouching: Prima Glow-On Moisturizing Balm, by Giorgio Armani
The selfies and fashion of natural makeup generate a new problem: the skin must be radiant, both freshly made up and several hours later. The problem is that if it is not in perfect condition at the beginning of the process, the deterioration with the passing of the hours is very fast and the touch-ups every time cover the defects less.
This moisturizing balm treats the skin so that the color is perfect. Applied with a massage based on circular movements is transformed into a fluid emulsion of rapid absorption, an indispensable quality to not delay makeup first thing in the morning when every minute is gold. In just moments, the face becomes a satin canvas. The responsible ones are the hyaluronic acid that guarantees the hydration, glycerin to densify the skin and the complex 'Liquid Mirror' for a smoother focusing effect.
Cure in the dark: Aquasource Everplump Night, by Biotherm
During sleep the mechanisms of cellular repair are activated. The skin works by piece during the night and in this process paradoxically loses 4 times more water than in the rest of the day. The cosmetic challenge is to intensify this regeneration and preserve the water reserves.
A microalga cultivated in the dark is responsible for this and is activated precisely in the absence of light. Hence, this almost black cream should be applied with the lights off, once ready to go to sleep. The first thing you notice is a gel texture that adapts to the face forming a kind of second skin barrier that will hinder the loss of water. To strengthen this mission, it also uses water from the seabed, which is very rich in minerals. The next morning the skin is remarkably hydrated and revitalized, with even more remarkable results after a week.
War of the spots: Luminogie, by Lierac
The disordered hyperpigmentation is the third enemy of beauty for European women, after wrinkles and the deterioration of the eye contour, according to an Ipsos barometer. Sun exposure, but also pollution, stress and even hormonal factors influence its appearance.
To eliminate them, we must block the formation of melanin, prevent the one that is produced from being installed and erase existing stains. Three functions that this product fulfills with double applicator. At night, a gel balm with 7 hydroxy acids - including glycolic, salicylic, lactic and citric - gently exfoliates. During the day, a fluid formula provides niacinamide to inhibit tyrosinase and peroxidase - two enzymes necessary for the synthesis of melanin - extract of sea lilies, which interfere in the transfer of melanin to melanocyte and antioxidant vitamin E, key to strengthen the skin against the sun After two months the stains are cleared by 50%.
Remove dark circles: Mission Perfection Yeux SPF 15, by Clarins
The dark circles usually have a multiple origin. It influences genetic predisposition and is aggravated by lack of sleep, harmful lifestyle habits or stress. The thin skin under the eyes, so much so that it is almost transparent, makes any underlying complication very visible. Dermatologists distinguish between brown frames, caused by an overproduction of melanin, and blues, an accumulation of blood pigments caused by the deceleration of the microcirculation.
This cream anti-dark with color camouflages the dark areas from the first moment, at the same time that its solar filters prevent the aggravation of the problem. The brush applicator facilitates the process and makes re-applying it, if necessary, not a nuisance. And, meanwhile, the extracts of acerola and vitamin C fight the excess of melanin and the esccin of horse chestnut stimulates the microcirculation to dilute the bruised areas.
Night renewal: Visionnaire Crescendo Progressive Night Peel, by Lancôme
One of the great milestones of cosmetics in the last year is the incorporation of night action exfoliants based on enzymes or acids. They overcome the discomfort of mechanical action peelings (those with little balls) by not needing a massage to break cellular bonds. Some, as in this case, are not even clear. A step forward to facilitate facial care when what is needed is time.
To avoid irritation, Lancôme proposes a 28-day regimen in two phases. The first two weeks a superficial peel is done, eliminating dead cells with 5% fruit acids. The next 14 nights the process is accelerated with 10% salicylic and glycolic acid to regenerate the skin in depth. After 4 weeks the face is seen smoother, the tone more homogeneous and the lines of expression are attenuated. It can be applied up to 6 times a year, with a month of pause between treatments.
