With the throes of winter deeply upon us, your skincare routine now more than ever needs careful consideration. As someone who’s tried more skincare products than I care to admit, I can tell you that one of my new favorites is Canadian based F. Miller skincare. From their story to their ethos to their products, everything about F. Miller helps it stand out in a very crowded skincare market.

The story of F. Miller Skincare is one of passion, commitment, and a deep respect for nature. Founder and CEO, Fran Miller, was inspired to create a line of all-natural skincare products after struggling to find a brand that aligned with her values. She wanted to create products that were not only effective but also gentle on the skin and the environment.

F. Miller is a brand that is deeply committed to natural, sustainable, and ethical practices. At the core of their ethos is the belief that skincare should be simple, pure, and effective, without compromising the health of the skin or the environment. The brand uses only the highest-quality, natural ingredients, sourced from ethical and sustainable suppliers, and all products are free from harmful chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and preservatives. In addition, F. Miller is committed to reducing waste and minimizing their environmental impact, using eco-friendly packaging and shipping materials wherever possible.

One of the key values of F. Miller is transparency, the brand is open and honest about their ingredients and processes, and they believe that customers have a right to know exactly what they are putting on their skin. To this end, all of their products are fully disclosed, with detailed information about each ingredient and its benefits. This level of transparency helps to build trust with customers and ensures that they can make informed decisions about their skincare routine. Overall, F. Miller is a brand that is dedicated to promoting health, wellness, and sustainability, while providing customers with high-quality skincare products that, put simply, work.

F. Miller uses only the highest quality natural and organic ingredients sourced from ethical and sustainable suppliers

Now, onto the products. I was first introduced to the brand when I purchased The Face Kit, it’s everything you need for an ideal daily routine.  The Face Kit includes the Cleansing Oil, which is a game-changer, it effortlessly removes all traces of makeup and impurities while leaving my skin feeling soft and nourished. The Toning Mist is a refreshing and hydrating pick-me-up that I use throughout the day to give my skin a boost. The Face Oil is a luxurious blend of nourishing oils that leaves my skin glowing and radiant and the Eye Oil, which is a new addition to my skincare routine has become one of my favorites, I am already seeing a difference in the appearance of fine lines and dark circles that I would normally battle in the morning. And finally, the lip balm is a must-have for anyone who struggles with dry, chapped lips, it’s ultra-hydrating and long-lasting.

F. Miller Skincare Face Kit

Here is a more in-depth look at each of the products in the kit.

• Cleansing Oil: The F. Miller Cleansing Oil is a gentle yet effective way to remove makeup, dirt, and impurities from the skin. It is made with a blend of natural oils, including jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, and sweet almond oil, which work together to dissolve and lift away debris without stripping the skin of its natural oils. The formula is also enriched with antioxidant-rich rosehip oil, which helps to soothe and protect the skin. To use, simply massage a small amount of the oil onto dry skin and then rinse off with warm water.
• Toning Mist: The Toning Mist is a refreshing and hydrating mist that can be used throughout the day to give the skin a boost of moisture. It is made with a blend of rose water, aloe vera, and witch hazel, which work together to soothe, hydrate, and tone the skin. The mist is also enriched with chamomile extract, which helps to calm and soothe the skin. To use, simply mist over the face and neck after cleansing.
• Face Oil: The F. Miller Face Oil is a luxurious blend of nourishing oils that help to hydrate, plump, and brighten the skin. The oil is made with a blend of natural oils, including jojoba oil, rosehip oil, and sea buckthorn oil, which are all rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids that help to nourish and protect the skin. The formula also contains vitamin C, which helps to brighten the skin and improve the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. To use, simply massage a small amount of the oil onto the face and neck after cleansing.
• Eye Oil: The Eye Oil is a lightweight, yet nourishing oil that is specifically designed to target the delicate skin around the eyes. It is made with a blend of natural oils, including apricot kernel oil, rosehip oil, and avocado oil, which work together to hydrate, plump, and smooth the skin. The formula is also enriched with caffeine and vitamin C, which help to reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness. To use, gently massage a small amount of the oil around the eye area using your ring finger.
• Lip Balm: The F. Miller Lip Balm is a hydrating and nourishing balm that is perfect for soothing dry, chapped lips. It is made with a blend of natural oils and butters, including shea butter, cocoa butter, and coconut oil, which help to hydrate and protect the lips. The formula is also enriched with vitamin E, which helps to soothe and heal the skin. To use, simply apply the balm to the lips as needed throughout the day.

Overall, I cannot recommend F Miller skincare enough. Their commitment to sustainability and transparency combined with their effective and luxurious products make them a standout brand in the crowded skincare industry.

You can visit the F. Miller website by clicking here.

F. Miller Skincare

Spring may officially be here and the temperatures may be slowly creeping up, but one thing that isn’t changing is the dry, damaged skin winter left me with. I tried nearly a dozen different creams and serums that promised to protect and keep my skin hydrated, but to no avail. Thankfully, a little over a month ago I was introduced to Bioderma and their Hydrabio line, and all that changed. Not only did it help me combat the dryness common to cooler months, but it also gave me a rich youthful glow as an added bonus.

The idea behind the Bioderma Hydrabio line is scientific in nature, as it’s designed to stimulate the skin’s cellular capacities and reactivate the natural hydration process that is disrupted by weather, pollution and stress. I used a total of five products from the Hydrabio line, and after a 4 weeks of adding them to my facial regimen, I honestly wouldn’t give up any one of them.  Here’s a quick look at my routine using the products, to help give anyone looking for healthier, more youthful skin a leg up in the never-ending battle against aging.

To begin, I start by cleansing with Bioderma’s Hydrabio Milk, an extremely gentle yet effective cleanser that despite its prowess as a dirt and makeup remover, still leaves your skin feeling soft and full of moisture.

Hydrabio Milk

After cleansing, my next step is to lock in the moisture with Hydrabio Serum, which instantly soothes and relieves any tightness or dryness you may have. The serum again utilizes Bioderma’s Aquagenium biological patent that retrains the skin to activate its natural moisturizing capacities. I recommend using Hydrabio Serum both day and night right after cleansing. You can use the serum alone as a base under your makeup but I choose to use a secondary moisturizer to further reduce any possibility of dryness.

Hydrabio Serum

Following the serum, I use either the Hydrabio Light or the Hydrabio Rich. The Hydarbio Light is for normal to combination skin and the perfect base for makeup. I generally use the light in the morning for all day protection from the elements. For nighttime use, I use the Hydrabio Rich, designed for dry and very dehydrated sensitive skin. After a full day in cold windy weather, nothing mosturizes like Hydrabio Rich. Unlike so many other mosturizers I’ve tried, after a full day up against the elements or a full night of sleep, both the moisturizers stays put, penetrating deeply but also leaving a protective layer that keeps your skin feeling soft and radiant.

Hydrabio Rich

And while I may be discussing it last, Sensibio H2O is one of the best products you will ever add to your beauty routine (and unlike anything you’ve ever tried). Sensibio H2O micellar water lets you remove even the most stubborn makeups, but unlike other makeup removers, it does so without irritating or drying your skin. Simply soak a cotton pad and gently rub over your face and eyes and re-apply until you cotton ball comes away clean for Sensibio H2O to work its magic. I generally use it in the evening after a full day of makeup wearing as it instantly refreshes my skin.  It can, however, be used in the morning, evening or even in the afternoon if you need a quick refresher.  There is no need to rinse after use either, so it is ideal to take with you wherever you travel to ensure you keep your skin clean and clear.

Sensibio H2O

If you’ve never tried Bioderma or any of their products, I simply can’t recommend them highly enough. Each product line has a specific purpose that’s designed to work with your skin to combat environmental stresses, aging, and other factors that alter the biological makeup of your cells. Each Bioderma product fulfills its purpose perfectly, both in the short-term and long-term, and they fully exceed expectations.  To learn more about Bioderma and their Hydrabio line, head over to the official Bioderma website.

With Christmas approaching ever so quickly, the time to start finding the always elusive “perfect Christmas gift” is once again upon us.  To help offer a bit of guidance, over the next month we’re going to be bringing you some ideas to help guide you in your journey, hopefully making your shopping season a little easier.

Kicking things off, we’ve got a look at one of the ultimate indulgences in home skincare:  La Prairie.  I was first introduced to La Prairie during a spa treatment I had at the Four Seasons, and after being immediately enamored with the brand I knew that it would be the perfect gift for my incredibly gorgeous wife.  Needless to say, it was love at first touch, and since her first experience with La Prairie, it’s become a staple in her skin regimen.  Rather than tell you what she thinks about it from a third person perspective, however, I thought it’d be better to let her tell you firsthand how much she loves it.

So without further ado, my beautiful wife.

La Prairie Skin Caviar Liquid Lift ($500)

When my husband first gave me La Prairie, I was a bit skeptical to say the least.  I’ve tried dozens of creams, lotions, gels, etc., and none of them left me with the results I was looking for.  Many of the more expensive products felt great at first, but as the day went on, they quickly absorbed into my skin, leaving my face as dry as before I put it on.  As for the less expensive ones, they tended to be more watery, sitting on top of my skin and doing absolutely nothing to enrich my skin.  The Skin Caviar Liquid Lift was the first La Prairie product I tried, and halfway through first day all I can say is that I was utterly astonished at the results.  Not only could I see a difference in my skin, I could feel a difference.  The skin around my neck felt noticeably tighter, while overall, my skin just felt rejuvenated.  And while the price tag may seem high, it’s important to note that a little goes a long way, unlike most lifting creams.  A few drops a day is all I use to keep my skin feeling glorious.

Here’s more info from La Prairie:

Skin Caviar Liquid Lift, an age defying serum joins the iconic Skin Caviar Collection.  One drop helps to lift, firm and provide a long-lasting tensing effect to skin.  Reflecting the heritage of our Skin Caviar Beads, the very essence of lifting, this modern day next generation formula contains scientific advancements that create this lifting phenomenon.  Past damage recedes as existing cells are rejuvenated, and new ones are super-charged, nourished and protected.  Skin appears lifted and taut.  Skin Caviar Liquid Lift epitomizes science and luxury the true nature of the Skin Caviar Collection.

• Lifts and Firms the skin structure
• Protects and Restores epidermal stem cell function
• Prevents the appearance and deepening of lines and wrinkles
• Hydrates, Nourishes, Protects

La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream ($410)

After falling in love with my husband’s choice of the Skin Caviar Liquid Lift, the next La Prairie product I purchased was the Skin Caviar Luxe Cream, a rich moisturizer that I use in combination with the Skin Caviar Liquid Lift.  I bought my jar in early spring and I have used it regularly since.  When I first tried the Luxe Cream the weather was relatively cool, and it absorbed perfectly into my skin, leaving a layer of moisture without being greasy.  I was skeptical how it would perform in the summer months in the higher humidity, but to my surprise, it kept my skin moist and glowing without wearing off from sweat.  Now that we’re almost in winter, I still adore my Luxe Cream.  Whereas normally winter means my skin would be dry and unhappy, it’s instead moist and lifted, which makes me ecstatic.  And as with the Liquid Lift, a little Skin Caviar Luxe Cream goes a long way, unlike many other moisturizers I’ve used where I would go through a jar every couple of months.

Here’s more info from La Prairie:

This richly textured cream is not only the ultimate in luxurious pampering; it provides the utmost concentration, utmost hydration and firming action ever achieved in a La Prairie cosmetic moisturizer. It dramatically improves your skin’s elasticity and tone.  Protein-rich Caviar Extract helps nourish and energize your skin, resulting in refined texture and a silken smoothness.   From the moment of application, your complexion will look radiantly alive and feel notably softer and firmer.

• Drenches the skin with intensive moisture and nourishment
• Delivers concentrated firming agents to help stimulate collagen production
• Reinforces the skin’s vitality and enhances its natural anti-fatigue factor
• Smoothes and retexturizes skin’s surface with targeted Alpha Hydroxy Acid exfoliation

La Prairie White Caviar Illuminating Serum ($470)

When I was younger, I spent quite a bit of time soaking up the sun, as like most, I enjoyed the bronzed look that it gave me.  Unfortunately, however, the bronzed look from my youth has resulted  in dark spots now that I’m a little older.  I learned how to cover the spots with makeup and was resigned to the fact that the spots were an unavoidable side effect of my earlier youth.  That’s when I tried La Prairie’s White Caviar Illuminating Serum.  This product, in addition to my other La Prairie skincare products, has decreased my sun spots to the point that they are nearly invisible.  Gone is my daily regime of applying makeup to cover these areas, replaced with the self-confidence in knowing my skin looks great without it..  As I like to tell my friends, it’s not just a serum, it’s a confidence booster.

Here’s more info from La Prairie:

Dark spots and uneven coloring can give your skin an aged look beyond its years.  This potent anti-pigmentation serum interrupts the cycle that creates age spots, stopping discoloration before it begins.  As existing spots fade, the skin takes on a new brightness.  The benefits don’t stop with illumination.  Firmness, hydration and anti-oxidant protection are increased leading to softer, smoother, more even-toned skin.  This lightweight fluid may be added under any moisturizer to help prevent future discoloration and keep your skin looking its flawless best.

• Promotes even skin tone by decreasing transfer of dark pigment
• Lifts and firms with Golden Caviar Extraxcts and anti-aging peptides
• Reduces wrinkles caused by repeated facial expressions
• Delays aging signs with powerful anti-oxidants including Tomato Fruit Extract, Larch Tree Extract and White Tea Complex

La Prairie Cellular Platinum Cream Rare ($1,050, 50ml.)

My latest and greatest indulgence from La Prairie is the Cellular Platinum Cream Rare, or as it should be referred to, heaven for your face.  It’s simply the most amazing cream I’ve ever put on my face.  As part of my daily regime, I’ve started putting the Platinum Cream on every night before bed, and even without a long night’s sleep, I wake up looking refreshed without the need for anything more than a little mascara.  The best part is that my skin looks as good as it feels, to the point that even my family and friends have even noticed.  My skin in impossibly soft and well-hydrated, firm, and never oily.  It’s just perfect.  I used to wonder how celebrities aged so well, and now that I’ve tried La Prairie, I can tell you it all starts with your skincare.  My skin has never looked or felt so good.

If you’re considering that new handbag or pair of shoes, do yourself a favor:  indulge in La Prairie instead.  Your skin is your most important accessory – it’s the one thing that you wear every day – so don’t neglect it.  At the end of the day, there’s no other accessory that will have you feeling better about yourself.

Here’s more info on Cellular Platinum Cream from La Prairie:

Do you appreciate all that is pure and rare? If you are searching for the most luxurious, the most skin-transforming anti-aging treatment product, this splendid cream is for you.  It recharges the skin’s electrical balance, which improves its absorption of beneficial nutrients.  Designed to enhance your skin’s natural beauty, preserve its texture and tone, and restore its radiant glow, this cream represents the most exciting advance in skincare in this decade.  The absolute pinnacle of science and luxury!

• Guards cellular DNA and helps to prevent damage that can result in accelerated skin aging
• Balances the skin to improve hydration, protection and receptivity to nutrients
• Climate-activated moisture release enhances the skin’s suppleness, elasticity, tone and plumps wrinkles
• Transforms the skin, giving it an ageless soft splendor

You can learn more about any of the products I’ve mentioned at the La Prairie website, along with ordering information for each.