I’m sorry about the lapse since I began to critique Ole Henriksen’s “Seven Skincare Sensations.” I’m sure you’ve been anxiously awaiting the rest. Perhaps you’ve found yourself thinking about the next part of the review during social situations and noted embarrassing dribbles of saliva down the front of your clothing. Maybe you had to switch antiperspirants because of the anticipation. Or perhaps you’ve overheard your colleagues whispering about you at the water cooler, discussing your new nervous “tic,” due to your anxiety about what the remainder of the products are like. Relax. I’m here to explain. And I’m also a tad deranged, if you haven’t already noticed. My parents would blame it on too much shampoo, conditioner, hair spray, gels, mousses, soaps, facial cleansers, lotions, cosmetics and odiferous nail polishes, penetrating my skull and brain, beginning at a very young age.
Recap of the Ole Henriksen Philosophy
You may love one of the products from this set in particular, but they are best used in tandem. I am deviating from the instructions on the box to tell you what works best for me. Adjust as needed, please. We left off with cleansing. Follow with a toner, day and night, and then apply the “Truth Serum™ Collagen Booster” over face and throat. You sexy thing, you–you’re looking better already!
Your Day Routine and Sheer Transformation™
Henriksen suggests applying “Truth Revealed™ Super Crème SPF 15” as the next daytime step. It is a rich cream. I reach instead for “Sheer Transformation™.” This is an ultra-light cream with a soufflé-like texture which is absorbed instantly, but don’t let that deceive you. It can handle skin as arid as the Sahara without ever clogging pores or causing breakouts. This is a moisturizer for every woman, even those of you still in your teens to those with grandchildren. You see, it’s always better to prevent damage than to try to reverse it later. Use generously over face and neck (note to the very young–your neck won’t always be the long, lineless, seductive body part it is now; preventative care here is also necessary). “Sheer Transformation™” has botanicals and fruit acids to retexturize, balance, and purify. Vitamin C, licorice, and an Actiwhite™ complex work on discoloration and even skin’s tone. Any type of foundation slips on seamlessly over this, even powder foundation.
Your daytime routine–“Sheer Transformation™” Moisturizer applied over “Truth Serum™ Collagen Booster“
Your Night Routine
Cleanse skin thoroughly with the “African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser™.” Use the toner which bests suits you. Now prepare to experience one of the most robust, powerful skin-changing products available over the counter, according to several beauty sources. Apply “Invigorating Night Gel™” to face and neck, avoiding the eye area. This completely oil-free, light green gel is replete with fruit extracts which hydrate the deepest layers of the skin while refining and visibly transforming the top layers. Dead skin patches are removed, pores are minimized, and blemishes are healed and actually prevented. Fine lines and creases begin to disappear with early use. You may experience a slight stinging sensation, but this should disappear within a minute or two. Some women complain of a mild tacky feel, but allow this to penetrate thoroughly before using the night cream. My skin has a refinement and clarity from this product which is unrivaled by any product from another collection. It is potent enought that I find I need to take a “break” from it every three nights (just for twenty-four hours) and then return. Now that’s a product which lives up to its claims . . .
Ultimate Lift Eye Gel
I love eye shadow (recall here that I am a “palettoholic” who was recently released from a cosmetic rehab center and drove directly to Sephora, Ulta, and then Walgreens). Recently I’ve been noticing the slightest furrows on my lids when applying color and a few under my eyes (okay, so nobody else probably sees them because I’m using a five-times magnifying mirror). These lines are enough to make me crazed. What stops them immediately? Henriksen’s “Ultimate Lift Eye Gel.” This light blue powerhouse cools and comforts on contact. Instantly skin around the eyes feels more taut. Most women don’t realize that many eye creams are not meant to be used both on lids and under eyes, but this works for the entire eye area, from below lashes to the brow bone. Apply gently but liberally. While your eye are softened, peptides, copper, and many other ingredients work hard to depuff, decongest, and give the fragile tissue here a new elasticity. There is a somewhat sticky feel to this gel. I have to say that the results justify the slight annoyance a hundred times over. My eyes are now flawless.
Truth Revealed™ Super Crème SPF 15
I’m laughing aloud as I type this. This is my husband’s favorite Henriksen product, along with the cleanser (please understand that he used to claim that he needed nothing for his skin and that nothing could change it; now we wrestle on the bathroom floor over who uses the products first). Allow me to lure you–it smells exactly like a creamy orange Dreamsicle Pop. While it is just a bit creamier and heavier than “Sheer Transformation™,” your skin will drink it in eagerly. Work it into face and throat lavishly (I never waste the excess of these products but treat my hands as well). The ingredients read like a botanist’s Christmas list, but sodium hyaluronate and other emollients work to make your skin hard to distinguish from velvet. Other components eliminate lines and wrinkles and boost collagen synethsis.
Your nighttime routine–“Invigorating Night Gel™” under “Truth Revealed™ Super Crème SPF 15;” “Ultimate Lift Eye Gel” over entire eye area
Walnut Complexion Scrub
Exfoliation is more important than you probably realize (please read my article here called “Skincare 101”). It not only rids your complexion of dead, dulling skin and blackheads but makes it more receptive to the products you use to treat it. Henriksen has created a wonderful exfoliant to be used twice weekly after cleansing–“Walnut Complexion Scrub.” Because ground nuts can have uneven, sharp edges which may cause micro-tears in delicate tissue, use just a little and do not overscrub your skin. Less is more, both in terms of product and pressure used. Cells will be renewed, pores deep-cleaned, and dry skin, blemishes, and lines actually buffed away with time. Yes, I realize the scent is a delectable mixture of nuts and fruit–but please don’t eat it, use it!
Twice weekly–“Walnut Complexion Scrub“
The “New” You
Okay, lovely, follow this routine religiously for at least two weeks and then look at yourself in the mirror. FEEL your skin. And then smile! You were always beautiful. You simply didn’t realize just HOW BEAUTIFUL you were!
Where To Buy
Sephora | Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation | $45 | Sephora |
Sephora | Ole Henriksen Truth Serum® Vitamin C Collagen Booster | $48 | Sephora |
Sephora | Ole Henriksen Truth Revealed™ Vitamin C Super Crème SPF 15 | $55 | Sephora |
Sephora | Ole Henriksen Ultimate Lift Eye Gel PM | $38 | Sephora |
Sephora | Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Gel | $45 | Sephora |
Sephora | Ole Henriksen Walnut Complexion Scrub | $24 | Sephora |
Comments
Holly ONeil
Excellent Review Gigi Sommers DePascale! I have looked at this set so many times and said DO I? DON'T I? I am definitely going to […] Read MoreExcellent Review Gigi Sommers DePascale! I have looked at this set so many times and said DO I? DON'T I? I am definitely going to try this. I love how you describe this line. Read Less
Carole Dennis Cornell
Oh Gigi, my sides hurt from laughing! You manage to make a skin care review like having fun with the girl friends. But […] Read MoreOh Gigi, my sides hurt from laughing! You manage to make a skin care review like having fun with the girl friends. But in all seriousness, I am lemming after Ole's remedies. I am 65, going on 100, and today was one of the "later" years. I must get my hands on these treatments, or I will be guilty of more drooling than is thought possible. I know you say that they should be used in tandem, but the price makes that a tiny bit difficult. Where do you recommend that I start? If I can only buy 2 right now, which should they be? Thanks for another fabulous review! Read Less
Mary Ferro
Everything that you could imagine as far as skin care is concerned, wrapped up in these products! Just love them and so brilliantly described! They […] Read MoreEverything that you could imagine as far as skin care is concerned, wrapped up in these products! Just love them and so brilliantly described! They look great! Read Less
Vicci Brant
Ok Gigi, I knew that must have been a 2 way mirror in the rest room,, you were on the other side of it? you […] Read MoreOk Gigi, I knew that must have been a 2 way mirror in the rest room,, you were on the other side of it? you knew, after my james bond style drive to Sephora, I was salivating? did you see me jack that bib from the baby? that didn't work, so, I ran to the restroom, the saliva wouldn't come out of my shirt, darn! Being the crafty chick I am, I bought a starbucks and spilled a little on myself then made a big deal out of it. whew, close call. No ones going to know about my lil salivation issues, wait, this get posted on facebook? darn! sigh. Oh Well, off to change my shirt. See you same time, same place, next product. On another note, I have the truth serum and I love it! Its the small bottle that comes from 100 point perk from the Mecca I mean Sephora, if the other products are as good as the truth serum, count me in! Read Less
Marie-Ora de Villiers
Finally an explanation for my state of mind - Cosmetic Induced Derangement. Gigi - you have to stop with these reviews - Pavlov may as […] Read MoreFinally an explanation for my state of mind - Cosmetic Induced Derangement. Gigi - you have to stop with these reviews - Pavlov may as well be ringing the bell, because as I read, the drooling and pitiful reaching into the screen begins. The more I hear from you about this line, the more overwhelmed I become. Must. Have.It. There is not a single product I can live without. I don't think I will be able to get out of bed until I have them all. What would be the point? Read Less
Pamela Irene Preston James
You sure do have a way about you Mrs. Gigi! I laughed and read the whole enchilada! I too, love this line as well and […] Read MoreYou sure do have a way about you Mrs. Gigi! I laughed and read the whole enchilada! I too, love this line as well and need to get my hands on some of these products.. I hope to try the “Ultimate Lift Eye Gel” since I notice my eye lids could use a boost! Good Ole' Henriksen has got my number! Another great and thorough review.. What else could we expect? :) I see where you get your sense of humor.. your parents! Read Less
Penny Lazarus
I've bookmarked your page Gigi for a future purchase! You really got me with the orange creamsicle smell of the Truth Revealed super creme!
Maria J. Cardoza
I'm Very Into Skincare and I would love to try this kit out because I've heard nothing but good things about the truth serum and […] Read MoreI'm Very Into Skincare and I would love to try this kit out because I've heard nothing but good things about the truth serum and that is the main thing I'd love to try. Read Less
Connie Connor
gosh, once again you have me thinking of when I'm going to be at sephora again and how much am I going to spend! […] Read Moregosh, once again you have me thinking of when I'm going to be at sephora again and how much am I going to spend! I keep wanting to try this line (and keep passing it by) but you are making it irresistible to me! I have melasma and am always on a quest to find the "perfect" product! I am aging every moment but for some reason my body doesn't know to stop producing pimples.....this sounds like it could be the perfect balance and I love the fact that they try to be very natural! thank you for piqueing my interest.....AGAIN. Read Less
Amy Resnick
This Skincare line really intrigues me Gigi But I will start out small its a little pricey! I usually go for toners and the serum sounds so Nice. Thank […] Read MoreThis Skincare line really intrigues me Gigi But I will start out small its a little pricey! I usually go for toners and the serum sounds so Nice. Thank u again Read Less