Celebrate the New Year with SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

As we close out 2017, it's the perfect time to shift the focus back on you and prepare for the year ahead. What changes will you make to your skincare routine in 2018? One product I will be ringing in the new year with is the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, packaged in the limited edition Change Destiny bottle. 

This product will always be a staple within my skincare regimen, yet I also love the positive messaging within the Change Destiny campaign. The limited-edition bottles have three types of messaging: "DESTINY is a Matter of Choice", "CHANGE is in All of Us", and "Be the Person You DECIDE to be". As I think about my resolutions for next year, all three of these messages are a daily inspiration. Both change and choice is important to evolve and grow. I firmly believe we are in charge of our own future, and it is our decision how we want to act or react. 

As for the Facial Treatment Essence itself, it is always the first step in my AM and PM skincare routine. I haven;t been using a toner, but this would be used after a toner and before applying a serum. The Facial Treatment Essence contains 90% Pitera, and I have noticed a difference from when I use this product and when I don't use it. As I get older, I'm more concerned with making sure I keep any wrinkles or spots to a minimum, so prevention is key! My skin definitely feels more refreshed and looks more radiant when I use it regularly.

I usually just pat it on my skin with my hands, but for an updated skincare change and to make sure I get maximum coverage, I may try using a cotton pad to apply my Facial Treatment Essence and start using a toner before applying it.

I am constantly trying new skincare products but the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence is the one product I am loyal to. Everyone always asks me what my skincare secret is and I really believe that this is a part of it! You can find the SK-II Limited Edition Change Destiny Facial Treatment Essence at sephora.com for $229 for 230 mL.

SK-II and Cate Blanchett Launch the Facial Treatment Essence Change Destiny Limited Edition Series in NYC

On October 12th, SK-II Global Brand Ambassador Cate Blanchett hosted the launch of the Facial Treatment Essence Change Destiny Limited Edition Series at Industria in New York City. The new launch encourages all of us to make a unique statement of our own. The limited-edition all-white bottles feature three unique Change Destiny mantras - "Be the Person You DECIDE to be", "CHANGE is in All of Us" and "DESTINY is a Matter of Choice."

In the spirit of celebrating individual choices, SK-II encourages women to declare their statement with the bottle that best speaks to them, using the hashtag #YourStatementYourBottle on social media. 

Cate Blanchett comments "It was an honor to unveil what I believe is the most dramatic makeover yet, the new SK-II Change Destiny Limited Edition bottles dedicated to women who define their own destinies. The idea that each of us has the power to shape our own path is one that I have embraced personally and professionally."

The new SK-II Facial Treatment Essence - Change Destiny Limited Edition series is now available exclusively at Sephora and Sephora.com for $229. 

 I was so excited to meet with Cate! Cate plays Hela in Thor: Ragnarok, which just opened in theaters on Friday. I definitely recommend going to see it - she plays a great villain! The movie has a lot of laughs and action - everything you would expect from a Marvel blockbuster. 

Photos courtesy of SK-II

- Kim Weling

Launch of SK-II R.N.A. Power Eye Cream

In February, I had attended an SK-II Pitera™ Lab media event, which included an informative session on Pitera™, product demonstrations and a first look at the newly launched SK-II R.N.A. Power Eye Cream.

Pitera™ is the key ingredient throughout SK-II's skincare line. During the event, we learned that Pitera™ infuses the skin with nutrients and moisture and protects skin from environmental stress. Pitera™ is made of five main properties: vitamins, amino acids, minerals organic acids and saccharides. Turns out only three people in the whole world know how to make Pitera™! 

We participated in several product demonstrations, which involved testing for Pitera™ penetration power, water attraction power and anti-oxidant properties. 

The SK-II R.N.A. Power Eye Cream firms skin around the eye area, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and moisturizes the skin. The R.N.A. Power Eye Cream combines the power of Radical New Age Complex and concentrated Pitera™ with the strength of Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 and Chlolleragen. It has a light, creamy texture that absorbs easily into the skin. 

I've been using SK-II products for the past three years, including SK-II Facial Treatment Essence daily, which is 90% Pitera™. I've been using the R.N.A. Power Eye Cream for the past two months, and my eye area feels more firm and hydrated. 

The SK-II R.N.A. Power Eye Cream is available at sk-ii.com in a 14.5 ml size for $135.00.

- Kim Weling

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence Holiday Edition

On November 17th I attended the launch of the SK-II Holiday Collection, featuring the limited-edition Facial Treatment Essence. The launch celebrated and honored inspirational women who have changed their destiny, hosted by Priyanka Chopra and Olivia Palermo. 

The design of the limited-edition Facial Treatment Essence bottles are inspired by Suminagashi, which translates to "floating ink", a Japanese marbling technique in which marbling plain paper with water and ink to transform it into a vibrant and colorful work of art. 

The limited-edition bottles are available in red, blue and green designs symbolize the essence of courage, purity and awakening. 

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence is a daily party of my skincare regimen, and my favorite SK-II product, containing 90% Pitera. With continued use skin texture is more refined, firmness is improved and spots are less visible. It keeps my skin looking and feeling refreshed and radiant.

The SK-II Facial Treatment Essence Holiday Edition retails for $229 for 230 ml (7.7 0z) at sk-ii.com and sephora.com.

- Kim Weling

SK-II Limited Edition Facial Treatment Essence for the Holidays

This holiday season, SK-II has launched a Limited Edition Facial Treatment Essence as the ultimate gift of transformational beauty, giving women beautiful, ageless, skin and the confidence to fly. The Festive 2015 Collection includes three artistic bottle designs: 

BOLDNESS: Red Butterflies

For the woman who embodies boldness, courage and bravery. Fashioned in invigorating red, this captivating design and color express the heartfelt passion and bravery necessary to undertake the journey that leads to transformation,

ENCOURAGEMENT: Pink Butterflies

For the woman who has offered tender support and encouragement. The alternate design of the butterflies in tender pink symbolize affection, love and trust. 

PERSEVERANCE: Blue Hummingbird

For the woman who exudes dedication, endurance and perseverance. The design in enchanting shades of blue represent eternity, and is the perfect gift for someone in relentless pursuit of their dreams, acting as a powerful reminder to never give up on the journey of transformation. 

Each bottle in SK-II's Festive 2015 Collection represents various stages in the journey of personal transformation and the will to #ChangeDestiny. As we celebrate the holidays and self-reflect on both the past year and future, the limited edition designs of Facial Treatment Essence act as a meaningful gift and encouragement to all women who wish to make a positive transformation. 

The best-selling Facial Treatment Essence has become my favorite skincare product, ever since I started using it in April of last year. It contains over 90% Pitera, which is the signature ingredient present in all SK-II products. Pitera is made up of nourishing vitamins, amino acids minerals, and organic acids to promote a healthy, natural skin cell renewal process. The Facial Treatment Essence is always the first step of my daily skincare regimen in the morning and at night. It makes my skin feel hydrated, moisturized, refreshed and youthful. Everyone always asks me what my skincare secret is and I really do believe it is due using skincare products formulated with Pitera. 

The beautiful bottle designs make this a very special gift that you'll be sure to cherish, whether the Facial Treatment Essence is one of your favorites or is completely new to you.

SK-II's Limited Edition Facial Treatment Essence (230 ml $229) is available at SK-II.com and Sephora.com. 

Skin Care Favorite: SK-II Facial Treatment Essence-Eye

During New York Fashion Week, the SK-II Essential Power Eye Cream was my favorite beauty item featured at the Bloomingdale's Vanity Bar. It's great to have the sample size for my upcoming out-of-town travel.

Now I'm a big fan of SK-II's Facial Treatment Essence and Facial Treatment Mask - they are two of my all-time favorite skincare products. I truly believe Pitera is a miracle ingredient, so it's no wonder that I'd also be using the new Facial Treatment Essence-Eye, which combines the power of Pitera with Albus Eye Complex to target dark eye circles and fine lines around the eyes. I often end up getting as little as 3-4 hours sleep a night so I am constantly worried about dark circles under my eyes. The Facial Treatment Essence-Eye helps lighten any circles that may form around my eye area and definitely helps my eyes look brighter when I use it with the Facial Treatment Essence.

- Kim Weling

My SK-II Facial SKan Experience

During SK-II's Pop-Up Studio this past April, I had partnered with SK-II to try out their skincare products for one month. I was given a Beauty Imaging System skin consultation at the beginning and end of my 4-week participation, revealing my skin's "true age" in regards to texture refinement, radiance, wrinkle resilience, spot control and firmness. I had a very positive skincare experience, and am still following the SK-II skincare regimen that was customized for me. To learn more about my experience, check out the feature SK-II posted on my Facial SKan here. If you'd like to know specifically what products I had used as well as my exact skin scan results, you can read my review here. 

- Kim Weling

Q&A Session with SK-II Ambassador Kate Bosworth

Image courtesy of SK-II

On May 1st, I attended a Q&A session with SK-II Ambassador Kate Bosworth, moderated by fashion & beauty expert, Bobbie Thomas. The Q&A session was held at the SK-II Pop Up Studio at 468 Broome Street. 

Here are some clips from the Q&A session, in which Kate Bosworth talks about her SK-II skin regimen, favorite SK-II product as well as hair styling tips. I especially loved the tip Kate gave about putting the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence in a spray bottle and applying it as a mist. That would be great for travel - I definitely have to try that!

It was a pleasure meeting Kate and catching up with Bobbie!

- Kim Weling

SK-II Product Review and Facial SKan Program

In the beginning of April during the launch of the SK-II Pop Up Studios, I received a Beauty Imaging System skin consultation and began my 4-week participation in SK-II's Facial SKan Program. For my new, personalized beauty regimen, I used the following SK-II products day and night: Facial Treatment Gentle Cleanser, Facial Treatment Essence, Essential Power Essence, Essential Power Cream, Facial Treatment Essence - Eye, and Facial Treatment Mask (once a week).

This was the first time I had actually adhered to a specific skincare regimen. I have always used a cleanser, moisturizer and eye cream but must admit that I did not always follow through on a nightly skincare regimen until now. I always thought I wouldn't have time for a 5-step regimen, but it literally takes just an extra 5 minutes in the morning and at night. This skincare ritual became an important step in the beginning and end to my day, leaving my skin feeling refreshed and hydrated. 

My favorite SK-II product is the Facial Treatment Essence, just because it is a unique product and I have never tried anything like it. It contains over 90% pure Pitera, an exclusive extract that comes from a unique strain of yeast produced only in Japan, known for its skin-renewing properties.  Pitera is actually the key ingredient found in all of SK-II products, rich in nourishing vitamins, amino acids, minerals and organic acids. To apply it you just sprinkle a teaspoon into your hands and press gently and evenly onto the face and neck.

Another favorite is the Facial Treatment Mask, which is left on for 10-15 minutes. It is great to refrigerate and apply on cleansed, dry skin. Any excess liquid from the mask and in the packaging can be massaged into the skin or on your hands. The mask immediately hydrates the skin, especially around my nose which becomes very dry do to spring allergies. This mask will immediately have your skin glowing as if you've just gotten a spa facial. 

Now let's take a look at my initial skin scan and my results after 30 days:

Initial Skin Scan:
Overall Skin Score: 78% - 29 years old
Texture Refinement: 86% - 25 years old
Firmness Power: 81% - 31 years old
Wrinkle Resilience: 75% - 31 years old
Spot Control: 69% - 30 years old
Radiance Enhancement: 78% - 30 years old

Skin Scan after 30 Days:
Overall Skin Score: 89% - 25 years old
Texture Refinement: 67% - 32 years old
Firmness Power: 97% - 24 years old
Wrinkle Resilience: 91% - 25 years old
Spot Control: 96% - 22 years old
Radiance Enhancement: 93% - 24 years old

My scores all went up except for Texture Refinement, which could have gone down to to some skin dryness or dehydrated skin. I went from having 29 year old skin to 25 year old skin. I'm incredibly happy with my results and plan on continuing with my SK-II skincare regimen! The SK-II Pop Up Studio closes on May 23rd. I definitely want to stop in again for a final skin scan before they close. You should check it out too! You can learn about SK-II products here.

- Kim Weling

SK-II Pop Up Studios in New York City & San Francisco

This spring, SK-II (P&G Prestige's luxury skincare line) Pop Up Studios will be open to the public in both New York City and San Francisco from April 4th through May 23rd, 2014, featuring its new, state-of-the-art skin analysis tool, the Beauty Imaging System™. 

To celebrate the launch, I was able to preview the SK-II NYC pop up on April 3rd with a 1:1 skin consultation with the Beauty Imaging System™, along with presentations from celebrity makeup artist, Dotti, and celebrity nutritionist, Dr. Oz Garcia. 

I'm also excited to be participating in a 'Facial SKan program', where I'll be using SK-II products recommended during my skin consultation. I'm starting my new SK-II skin regimen tonight, and after 4 weeks I'll revisit the Beauty Imaging System™ at the pop up to see how my skin has improved. I can't wait to share my SK-II experience next month!

If you have a chance to visit the SK-II Pop Up Studios, and get a skin consultation with the Beauty Imaging System™, you'll find that this innovative device will predict the skin's visible age to help determine a SK-II product ritual designed exclusively for your skin concerns. It captures close-up images of the face using a digital camera and then analyzes the images based on the five dimensions of crystal clear, ageless skin: Texture Refinement, Firmness Power, Wrinkle Resilience, Radiance and Tone. 

The SK-II Pop Up Studios also showcases the brand's rich history and 'Secret Key' ingredient, Pitera™, found in all of SK-II products. Pitera™ is an exclusive extract from a unique strain of yeast, produced only in Japan. This singular blend of vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and organic acids allow the skin's natural surface rejuvenation process to function at its prime. The hero of the SK-II skincare collection is Facial Treatment Essence, with 90% pure Pitera™in every bottle. 

SK-II Skin Counselors will be on hand at the studios to provide consumers with:

- Information on the brand and products
- Complimentary Beauty Imaging System™ skin consultations
- Interactive product testing
- Takeaway SK-II product samples

SK-II Pop Up Studio Details:

Locations:
New York City
468 Broome Street
New York, NY 10013
Neighborhood: Soho

San Francisco
117 Post Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
Neighborhood: Union Square

Date: 
April 4 - May 23, 2014
Monday-Saturday 10:00am to 7:00pm
Sunday 11:00am to 6:00pm

For more information on SK-II, visit sk-ii.com and the SK-II blog at BeautyUnearthed.com 

Tweet and Instagram along @SKII_US #SKIIPopUp

Celebrity makeup artist Dotti

Dotti took us through a step by step SK-II skin regimen before applying makeup on her model, starting with the Facial Treatment Essence on clean skin, followed by the Essential Power Essence, Essential Power Cream, and Skin Signature Eye Cream. 

Dr. Oz Garcia explained how glycation, inflammation and oxidation accelerate the aging process on the body. He provided some tips on how to offset the aging process: watch your salt/soy intake, avoid sugary snacks and add antioxidants to your diet - blueberries, nuts, fish oils and kale (blocks production of cancer cells), cut down on coffee and sodas and opt for green tea, which is great for your metabolism. Eggs (yolk included), yogurt and probiotics are great breakfast foods. I also learned that I don't have to worry about eating too much sushi - I can eat it as often as I'd like! Since I'm anemic, Dr. Oz Garcia also recommended taking chewable B-12 vitamins, and eating foods rich in iron such as kale and red meat (the closer it's cooked to rare the better, as it's not really effective overcooked, so medium rare/rare is fine).  

Thank you to the SK-II team, Dotti and Dr. Oz Garcia for a lovely afternoon at the SK-II Pop Up Studios. Look forward to my follow-up visit in a month! 

- Kim Weling