Saturday, July 11, 2009

Armani Everything - Crema Nera Obsidian Mineral Restoring Serum

Remember the days when we all believed that skin care was a two-product routine? We were advised to thoroughly cleanse our faces and apply moisturizer with an SPF 15 for day and a hydrating moisturizer (after cleansing) at night.

Since then, we have discovered serums - somewhat like face medicines to be used under our moisturizers or sunscreens - which should be part of everyone's daily skin care. Giorgio Armani has, as usual, developed a product that is not only elegant in appearance and feel, but also effective.

Crema Nera Obsidian Mineral Restoring Serum ($250) is enriched with peptides, vitamins, minerals, and humectants to even skin tone, firm, brighten, and moisturize. The vitamins and minerals revitalize and brighten the skin, and the peptides restore collagen.

The company has clinical studies to prove those claims - and lots of "anecdotal" evidence from people like me. After four weeks of testing (they used two pumps day and evening), trial participants had an 87% increase in firmness and a 98% increase in radiance, skin perfection, and softness. Even more amazing, 34% noticed an increase in hydration one hour after application!

My friends at Saks noticed fast results. Loyd Cassler, the fabulous Armani rep at Saks in Chevy Chase, Maryland, saw a decrease in his forehead wrinkles after three weeks of use. Garnet, formerly the Kiehl's rep there, found that the serum eliminated the redness in her skin. Take note, rosacea sufferers.

The Crema Nera line includes regenerating cream, cleansers, eye cream, and a toner - all to be covered in later postings.

You can purchase the serum at Saks, the Armani Web site, or where Giorgio Armani Beauty products are sold. Anyone in the Washington, DC area should take advantage of Loyd's upcoming free mini-facials with obsidian stones on Saturdays. Just call (301) 657-9000 and ask for the Armani Beauty Counter to make an appointment.

My only regret? I just used the last drop of it!

Photo courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I used the serum and loved it. I think it was well worth the price, and it lasted a long time.