If you're still in need of some inspiration for Mother's Day, then check out our top gifts that are perfect for any mom. From relaxing treats to luxurious makeup finds, we have everything you haven't thought of yet. Plus, we even have the perfect replacement for a bouquet of flowers — it will outlast any wilting tulips! Be sure to shop everything from our gift guide below. On Kirbie: BCBG Max Azria blazer, Tibi dress.
Want to help disadvantaged people get the fresh drinking water they need? Luxury skin care brand SK-II (along with its spokeswoman, Cate Blanchett) just launched a major potable water charity initiative, Clear for Life, and Internet denizens can participate.
When you hit "click to donate" on the SK-II web portal, the company will promise a liter of clean water to people in need. It's already promised to donate 30 million gallons, so while clicking isn't strictly necessary, it's a great way to show that you support this kind of charity initiative.
The technology behind its clean water program is pretty amazing; SK-II will be shipping out PUR packets, which can quickly make up to 10 liters of dirty water drinkable. It's a life-changing technology for people in areas with contaminated water, and a cause well worth a couple of mouse clicks.
Ever wonder what, exactly, is in Creme de La Mer, or what justification Creed has for the high price of its fragrances? The world of beauty is full of wild stories about how companies get some of their most exclusive ingredients, and you might be surprised by them. So to find out what makes Chanel No. 5's floral scent unique, and why SK-II has sake in it, just keep reading.
Good skin care doesn't have to be expensive. But sometimes it is. SK-II sent me a sample of its new serum Cellumination Essence ($150). Like the rest of the product line, it's infused with Pitera, an ingredient created through sake production. What's different is its Aura Bright Complex, a blend of antiaging and brightening ingredients that promise a lit-from-within glow. All of this sounds impressive, but is it worth $150?
Um, I think it might be.
To find out why, keep reading.
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I've never seen makeup as expensive as SK-II's Air Touch Foundation ($165), but I just had to try it out. It's an award-winning, battery-powered airbrush foundation that sprays out an extremely fine mist of foundation. I've heard rave reviews, so my friend and I headed to the makeup counter to give it a whirl.
The verdict? My friend loved it and could see why people would splurge on it. As for me, I didn't get the fuss. To find out why, read more
Although SK-II has been around for over 25 years, I hadn't heard about it until recently when I saw a picture of Cate Blanchett as the spokesperson. Since I am a big fan of hers, I decided to research the brand a bit and see what it's all about. Turns out SK-II has quite a following. It was developed by a scientist who visited a Japanese sake-brewing company and noticed that the workers had youthful and soft skin.
After five years of research, the scientist discovered the secret to their youthful skin was a clear liquid derived from sake during its fermentation stage. He found a way to extract the liquid and apply it to skin to help restore moisture loss. The ingredient, Pitera, has become the signature ingredient in all SK-II products.
The star product within the 27-item line is perhaps the Facial Treatment Essence since it contains the highest level of Pitera. I've just gotten a couple of products but haven't tried any of them yet — so be sure and stay tuned in the upcoming weeks for a review.
