Carita

I love this product so much. This is the third Carita facial sunscreen formula I have tried, and like the other two, it is exceptional. My first venture with Carita sunscreen was from the Crystalline line (which is now, very unfortunately, discontinued). It was absolutely perfect - it was a white iridescent lotion that applied weightlessly, and added a subtle but perfect radiance to my skin. It was only SPF 30, but I honestly didn't care, and would have continued buying indefinitely had the continued to make it. When I could no longer find it, I began looking at the other facial sunscreen they had available, which was from the PROGRESSIF line. Even though it was an SPF 50, I was reluctant to try it since it was just so much more expensive - even on discount, it was around $90. However, when I finally broke down and tried it, it too was perfect - it is a light, apricot-colored lotion that still gave my skin a bit of brightness (although without iridescence or shimmer). I would have likely stayed with that formulation even with the price point, but Carita recently released the new L'Essence sunscreen, and I wanted to give it a try as its starting price was quite a bit lower than the PROGRESSIF (however, that's sadly only since the tube is less than half the size than the PROGRESSIF). Even though I would be happy with either formula, after trying the L'Essence, I think this will be the one I continue to use. L'Essence is a thin white lotion with a pink pearl radiance, and a light fresh scent that dissipates quickly upon application. It is critical to shake the tube before opening, however - if you don't, the product seems to separate a bit inside, and you'll get clear liquid instead of pearly lotion. Like the other two formulas, it applies weightlessly, and seems to brighten and perfect my skin upon application. Those who don't have problems with skin redness (like I do) could conceivably just apply this and not worry about base makeup - it really does make skin look that beautiful. It also functions perfectly as a primer though for anyone who needs the extra step. While this could also be said of PROGRESSIF, I really prefer the tube presentation of L'Essence. It means that I can get every little bit out, and cut the tube open when I'm done to get the last of it, which is always more of a challenge in a pump bottle. I'm hoping that since this is a new release, it will be staying around for the long haul - even though Carita has had an excellent track record for me when they reformulate, I hate it when products I love get discontinued, and this definitely in the "love" category for me. Professional literature: L'Essence Anti-UV SPF 50+ offers broad-spectrum UVB/UVA protection. Light and non-greasy, this essence is quickly absorbed for a bare skin feeling. The formula helps protect the skin against damaging UV rays and external aggressors, helping to delay the appearance of premature signs of aging. Shake bottle before use. Over-exposure to the sun is dangerous. Do not stay too long in the sun, even while using a sunscreen product because it does not provide you 100% protection.

I was really conflicted about trying this serum out, since although I love Carita products in general, I have only ever really had success with their creams, facial sunscreen, and essences - only one of their serums had ever worked well for me. However, the serum I'd loved was part of the (sadly discontinued) Crystalline line, and Neomorphose Clarity is the newer version, formulated with 3-0-ethyl ascorbic acid rather than ascorbyl glucoside (which IIRC, was the former Vitamin C derivative they had used). I'm so glad I gave it a shot though, because it has worked really beautifully to make my skin more clear and radiant (just not as quickly as some l-ascorbic acid formulations). Neomorphose Clarity Serum is a creamy white serum with a lotion texture, and comes in a small glass pump bottle. I am still deciding whether I like the delivery system or not - the pump works perfectly and the bottle is beautiful, but I haven't completely finished my first bottle yet so I don't know whether I can pry it apart to get to the last bits of serum at the bottom. The scent is heaven - creamy and cinnamon-like (just about identical to Kerastase Nutri-Thermique leave-in). Although it has a lotion texture that appears as though it would be heavier than most other serums, it applies feather-light, which I really like since I tend to layer products. After a couple weeks of use, I have noticed that my skin does appear to be brighter, and more clear and radiant. I also think it seems to be working to take out some of the redness from my skin, which I am over the moon about, since that is a real problem for me. I am really happy with this formula, and it has earned a place in my permanent rotation. Professional literature: Step 3 of the Carita professional method: Preparation - Initialization - ACTIVATION - Correction. As the skin Activation step, Le Serum Clarte helps target skin imbalances responsible for pigmentation and dark spots. Enriched with active ethyl-Vitamin C, this fresh and ultra-fluid gel formula helps even the appearance of skin tone instantly. Day after day, discoloration appears reduced, skin tone looks more even and radiant. Helps reduce the appearance of dark spots.

I was really excited about trying this cream, as I was hoping it would be similar to the amazing (and sadly, discontinued) Crystalline line. It wasn't, but it is still excellent and it may still find its way into my permanent rotation. This cream has a very dense feel to it, but somehow applies completely weightless and has an invisible skin feel. My skin is quite dry, and alone, this wouldn't be anywhere near enough moisture, but I tend to layer product so this still works well for me for now (would possibly be a HG find for oilier skin textures). It comes in a heavy glass jar (which I quite like, since it means I can get every last bit out), and can be used both day and night. I am in love with the scent - both this and the clarity serum have a light, creamy, cinnamon-like scent that is identical to Kerastase's Nutrithermique leave-in (a real bonus for me, although the scent dissipates quite quickly). I have definitely noticed my skin looking both brighter and more radiant as I have been using this moisturizer, although I am attributing that a bit more to the clarity serum (from the same line) than I am to this. I do really like it though, and I may end up making it a permanent part of my rotation, although I think I may need to look at a more moisturizing day and night cream, especially with winter coming up. Professional literature: Carita has created PROGRESSIF Neomorphose, its top professionally-inspired skin-transforming care. Uniquely created as part of a program which follows your skin's needs, this skincare regime smoothes the appearance of the micro-profile, leaves skin feeling plumper, helps fill the appearance of wrinkles, and enhances the radiance of your complexion. Fundamental Clarity Cream: Carita reveals for the first time that an even, clear, bright complexion can be affected by the actions on excessive melanin, [personal aside: oh well done Carita. We never would have known.] and the skin's natural regeneration. The formula combines white mulberry extracts with a xylose derivative obtained through bioscience. With this technology, the Fundamental Clarity Cream brings new light to the face, offering the skin a brighter, more lively tone.