Beauty pro division

Makeup artist Ken Mendelson talks about mineral cosmetics, color trends and Jane Iredale at New York fashion week.

Seen above is Masela Lusha having her eyes adorned with minerals from Jane Iredale. Jane Iredale was one of the sponsors at the Ultimate Green Room. Jane believes "The most beautiful cosmetic you can wear is a healthy skin" Other celebrities who visited: Daphne Zuniga, Nick Gonzalez, Ashley & Courtney Peldon, Kathy Griffin, Kathy Najimy, Bahar Soomekh & Daryl Hanna. Take a walk around with Daryl Hanna and view the video below. The first interview is on Jane Iredale.

Are you like me - a guy on the go who never has time for the sun but longs for the lust look that has been kissed by the UV? If I go three days without the rays I swear I turn blue. I have always admired Hong Kong's beauty obsession with porcelain skin. Do you think that trend will ever hit the USA? I hope so, then my self tanning expenses wouldn't be so high. But will American's put Mercury on their face to inhibit the skin from getting darker? According to a recent study in China SK-II the brand owned by Procter & Gamble says yes. Now that Reuters has released this story on SK-II the prestige line at Saks Fifth Avenue that competes with Cle de Peau, Natura Bisse and will need to do some serious beauty PR damage control in the USA if this leaks.

I am thinking "NO MERCURY" stickers like "NO MSG" when I go for lunch on the side of the bottles, yes? (kidding)

Liza Ng, a public relations executive living in Hong Kong, has no time or inclination to cultivate the sporty, tanned look either. "I love to be pearly white because that is more beautiful," the 38-year-old said. Ng is not alone.

Women across Asia pay exorbitant prices for cosmetics that promise to whiten their skin and give them a fair, frail look which for centuries has been considered a sign of beauty in women in China and across much of the region.

But the demand for skin-whitening cosmetics -- which can cost as much as $385 for a 50-ml bottle -- has more than a monetary cost. Health experts say that mercury -- a potentially deadly substance that helps to keep skin white -- has been found in a number of skin-whitening cosmetics.

"In Hong Kong, there are no strict rules for product labeling and you can buy cream that says it is mercury-free, but when we examine it, it is full of mercury," said Christopher Lam, a professor of chemical pathology at the Chinese University.

Sometimes what you pay for is what you get in beauty. For high end cosmeceuticals and carefully formulated products like Natura Bisse the value proposition for a consumer is ofte quite clear i.e better living through chemistry.

But for many beauty products made with simple formulations one has to wonder how the cost adds up so quickly. Basic beauty ingredients like olive oil, shea butter, and even essential oils are not exceptionally pricey and yet countless beauty products with formulations of shea butter and essential oils for super rich moisturizers run upwards of $30 for even a small tub.

Given that a pound of shea butter bought in bulk costs roughly $7 formulated product costs in this range feel excessive. Even store bought olive oil feels cheap when when compared to pricey oil oil based products. And olive oil is actually a perfect facial moisturizer for those worried about fine lines.

So what is a frugal beauty addict to do if she prefers to save her pennies to buy well formulated products for her delicate face even while she craves shea butter and olive oil products for everyday? Well buy it in bulk of course, and then mix in her favorite essential oils to give it a personal kick. One excellent source for these products is Rebecca's Herbal Apothecary which stocks all of these items and will ship them to you! That way you can have your Natura Bisse and silk soft feet coated in lavender and shea butter. Not a bad trading up/trading down situation at all huh?

Should You Scrub? Paula (my industry idol) responds

Q. I am completely frustrated with all the skin-care products out there for people like me (41 and with minor skin discolorations from past blemish picking, maybe six or eight total on my lower cheek area and a couple by my left and right temple area from plucking eyebrows). I would really like to know which products you would recommend for helping to lighten these areas as well as give my facial skin an overall look and feel of evenness. I have tried several expensive products as well as drugstore brands, but have yet to find a good "combo" of products that would help me achieve this goal. Please give me any advice that would help, as I am totally at my wits end!

If the paper of note (New York Times) says it is a trend then it must be true: buttock facials With the recent fixation on the junk in the trunk, spas are promoting special “facials” for the posterior in Miami, Los Angeles, Minneapolis and Boston, as well as in New York.

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I was grabbing my usual morning cup of java the other day at my favorite local café in LA when a lady and her teenage daughter stopped me in my tracks and demanded to know what I use on my skin. Caught off guard by the beauty inquisition from the mother/daughter duo, a flashback of my bathroom medicine cabinet quickly came to me and I immediately blurted the word, “Skingenic!”

What do you do when you have a big event to go to and you have a zit the size of a meteor? Do you pop it, put toothpaste on it, or pray to the skin gods? Charlotte James, distinguished paramedical aesthetician and president of the Charlotte-James Facial Clinic in Los Angeles, Calif., has the solution to this dilemma as she shares her top 25 skin care tips in celebration of her 25th year in practice.

"Through my years of experience, I have learned many of the 'secrets' of skin care and am happy to share them," said James, a paramedical aesthetician who merges scientific and dermatological procedures with classic aesthetician's treatments. "Most of my tips are derived from what I have learned while treating and observing a multitude of skin conditions from acne and wrinkles to rosacea."

1. If you need to get rid of a pimple quickly, call your dermatologist to inject it with cortisone. If the zit is red and inflamed, try icing it and applying over the counter cortisone cream to decrease the redness.

2. If you have acne-prone skin or you are sensitive to iodides, watch for foods that contain iodine like sushi, which can exacerbate it.

3. To fix an oily T-zone while in a public bathroom, use a piece of the toilet seat cover to dab on skin and blot excess oil.

Procter & Gamble Co. (PG) said Tuesday it will resume selling its SK-II skin care range in mainland China, following the conclusion of a government investigation that found no health risks from trace metals in the products.

Chinese regulators found that trace levels of chromium and neodymium in the cosmetic products don't pose health risk to consumers, said Charles Zhang, external relations manager for P&G Greater China.

P&G said in a statement it will resume sales of SK-II in mainland China in the coming weeks.
In late September, P&G said it was temporarily shutting its SK-II sales counters in China nationwide, due to the government investigation and "security incidents" at some of its sales counters involving angry customers.

The move came after Chinese regulators asked the company to take action after finding trace amounts of chromium and neodymium, which can cause allergies and other illnesses, in the SK-II products, according to local media reports last month.

P&G said trace amounts of chromium and neodymium are naturally occurring and said it doesn't add these elements as ingredients in any of its SK-II products. Zhang said the company is still estimating the potential losses from the suspension of the sales.

There is very little mystery about how a pimple is created. It essentially starts with hormones causing the sebaceous gland to create some amount of excess oil that can't get out of the pore in an even flow, possibly caused by a misshapen pore lining. This backed-up oil, along with a buildup of dead skin cells, form a blockage and eventually clog the pore. A specific type of bacteria (called propionibacterium acnes) existing deep in the pore thrives on the oil and dead skin cells, multiplies, and causes the area to become inflamed. This combination of events results in a pimple (Sources: Drugs, 2003, volume 63, issue 15, pages 1579-1596 and Advances in Dermatology, January 2003, pages 1-10).

Over-the-counter and prescription options abound for fighting blemishes, which makes it a confusing battle to mount, because there isn't one routine or medication (or combination of therapies) that works for everyone. Finding the right combination is the goal, which often requires experimentation, but a good place to start is with the topical disinfectant benzoyl peroxide.

L'Oreal's Maybelline will extend its Garnier brand from hair care into skin care in the U.S., with the launch of a 15-product facial care line, Garnier Nutritioniste, expected to hit store shelves early next year. The products are already available in Europe. This expansion marks the brand's first foray outside of hair care in the U.S., and is also its first major new category entry since Maybelline launched Garnier Fructis shampoos and conditioners in 2003. Prior to that, Garnier sold only hair color in the U.S.

Garnier Nutritioniste will compete with such stalwarts in the mass skin care arena as Procter & Gamble's Olay, Johnson & Johnson's Neutrogena and some lines of parent L'Oreal. L'Oreal has always intended for Maybelline to take Garnier from niche to master brand status, with product offerings eventually in many categories, similar to the way Unilever parlayed Dove from soap to deodorant to hair care.

This looks to be the first major step, especially with a 15-SKU launch--which is considered large for a new skin care entry. The line will be positioned as combining nutrients and dermatology. This is similar to how Garnier's Nutrisse hair color uses TV spots featuring Sarah Jessica Parker talking up the beautiful and healthy results she gets from the avocado and grape seed oil contained in the hair dye.

Although Nutritioniste products will be a first for U.S. customers, Maybelline has already introduced the line overseas in the U.K., Italy, France, and Spain. Maybelline will launch three different Nutritioniste skin sub-segments: cleansing, firming, and cell regeneration. Products will retail for $5.99 to $16.99. Nutritioniste Nutri-Pure is the cleansing line with a Detoxifying Cream cleanser, a Gel Cleanser, a Moisturizing Cream Scrub and Wet Cleansing Towelettes.

Ultra-Lift is the specialty firming line, targeting an over-40 demographic. Those products include a Firming Serum, Firming Eye Cream, Anti-Wrinkle Moisture Cream and others, with ingredients including omega-3, omega-6 and rice proteins.

The most seemingly advanced products come under the Skin Renew sub-segment, with ingredients such as Vitamin C and lycopene (an antioxidant found in tomatoes, which is also included in some multi-vitamin formulas). Skin-renewing SKUs include moisture cream and a regenerating serum, a lotion with SPF 15, and even a home microdermabrasion kit, called Regenerating Micro-Polish Kit.

With the holiday season in full swing, many people are going on diets to look good for Christmas. However, most diet plans do not contain specific nutrients needed for supple and healthy skin and you could trade one problem for another. Using a shielding lotion to keep the body’s natural moisture locked in and harsh chemicals out is the best topical dry skin care treatment, but here are a few nutritional tips that will work on your skin from the inside out while also helping you lose weight.

The biggest nutritional mistake made while dieting is cutting out essential fatty acids (EFAs). EFAs support the cardiovascular, immune, reproductive and nervous systems enable the body to create new cells, repair those that are damaged and get rid of toxins. Studies have shown EFAs to be effective dry skin care even for the most severe conditions. The great news for dieters is that they are also pivotal in weight loss. EFA supplementation alone has enabled people to lose weight after years of unsuccessful dieting.

So, you’re in luck. The one thing dietary change that will help you lose weight is also the best internal dry skin care treatment.

Unfortunately, EFAs cannot be produced by the body, so if you cut them out of your diet you have lost your only source – which is precisely what happens with the traditional weight loss diet. What dietary changes will actually help you lose weight without creating dry skin and other health problems? Avoiding deserts, sugar, fried foods, bread and pasta are definite musts. The problem is caused when we also switch to low or no-fat milk and yogurt or from butter and olive oil to low-fat margarines and no-fat vegetable sprays. Whole milk, yogurt and olive oil are major sources of EFAs.

This holiday season, instead of going on a low-fat diet, try keeping the EFAs in there. However, don’t forget the shielding lotion. Most dry skin conditions start with the household chemicals we come in contact with every day. A good shielding lotion locks in moisture while keeping those harsh chemicals out. The combination of adequate EFAs and a good shielding lotion may be all the dry skin care you really need this holiday season. You can slim down and get healthy, glowing skin in the process.

The advent of long-lasting make-up and the resurgence of heavy creams are stimulating a lot of dirty activity on skin, contributing to under-surface congestion and an overall dull complexion. Add in our skin’s natural sebum (oil) and environmental pollutants that surround us in the air and we have quite the cocktail of debris lingering on skin and working down into our pores.

Now just think back to that cleanse you performed today: does it seem like it was thorough enough to cut through it all? Chances are it was not, because the average person cleanses their skin for only 20 seconds with a water-soluble cleanser that cannot thoroughly break down and remove all that oil-based debris.

You remember the saying oil and water don’t mix, right? The same principle applies to your water-based cleanser and the oil-based debris on your skin. And if they don’t mix, and instead repel each other, how is your water-based cleanser going to ever remove that oil, dirt and grime?

Truth is only oil can cut through and thoroughly remove oil. (Don’t worry oil-phobes! There are oils that rinse clean from skin without leaving a greasy residue or contributing to any additional oily build-up.) And with the right oil-based cleanser, layers of oily debris are adequately removed, leaving behind nothing but ultra-clean skin.

Today I was reading in Women’s Wear Daily that Estee Lauder will be launching a foundation line under its very popular skin care line Resilience Lift Extreme. The foundation will be debuting in 2007 with a marketing campaign that includes Elizabeth Hurley. While ads with Hurley could never persuade me to buy this makeup, because really now, she’s already gorgeous and doesn’t portray the typical person who would need this foundation; the ingredients and science behind the foundation alone might do the trick.

At the age of 32, I’ve definitely noticed my skin losing elasticity and firmness. Since I am not yet ready to take the plunge into plastic surgery and cannot use anything involving chemicals or hormones due to being pregnant, I look to skin care and makeup to give me a temporary fix. The cocktail in this foundation is said to consist of triterpines, tetra and hexapeptides, just as the moisturizer it is named after does. It also includes Polylift, a protein-rich flexible film, that makes skin feel tighter upon application; a lipid complex designed to restore the skin’s natural surface epidermal layer, and seigesbecka, a plant extra that helps the skin maintain its natural elastin and collagen levels. It almost sounds too good to be true and for only $29.50, it surely sounds like it should have a much higher price point.

While Estee Launder will be mainly taking the traditional approach in marketing this foundation, they will also launch an internet campaign early next year. As a makeup Blogger, I am crossing my fingers and toes that this includes marketing to Bloggers for reviews. I will feverishly raise my hand to be one of the lucky ones to try out this foundation that seems like it may be the (temporary) answer to a lot of my aging woes.

What do you think? Too good to be true or truly good?

If you are over the age of 30, chances are that you have noticed your facial skin start to change. Women in peri-menopause and menopause start to notice the loss of elasticity and moisture in their skin, which many times requires them to change the skin care routine they had been implementing previously. I know oftentimes, my mother, grandmother and aunts ask me what products are out there to combat the signs of aging, at least on the surface level without plastic surgery.

Below is a list of the 12 skin symptoms associated with estrogen loss as complied by Dr. Stuart Kaplan, a dermatologist and creator of kaplanMD. As you go through each skin sign, see if you can relate.

1. Accelerated formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
2. Adult acne.
3. Flushing/redness.
4. Loss of firmness.
5. Loss of elasticity.
6. Thinning, colorless or translucent skin.
7. Dull, lackluster skin,
8. Dry, dehydrated skin.
9. Uneven pigmentation.
10. Facial hair growth.
11. Photosensitivity (sensitive to sun exposure).
12. Hypersensitivity (skin is more sensitive to irritation, allergies and bruising).

Looking for longer lasting results to cosmetically combat wrinkles? Then look no further than the newest dermal filler on the block: Radiesse. It was announced just this week that Radiesse has received FDA approval, which means you know that a lot of research and clinical independent studies went into this product and that it can stand by its results.

Dermal fillers are substances that are injected just below the surface of the skin to fill in lines, wrinkles, and scars. Unlike face lifts that stretch the skin, fillers add volume for a more natural youthful appearance. Dermal fillers tend to provide a more natural look than a face lift and can be typically done over your lunch hour.

There are several types of dermal fillers on the market; collagen, hyaluronic based fillers and now Radiesse, which is a calcium hydroxyl apatite filler. Radiesse is made of unique calcium-based microspheres that are suspended in a natural gel that is injected into the skin through a simple, safe and minimally invasive procedure. Using this technology stimulates your skin to produce new collagen.

Of all the dermal fillers out there, Radiesse has been proven to have the longest lasting results. While most last up to a year, Radiesse can last 2 or more years, which means you require less frequent injections.

You can learn more about this new dermal filler by visiting their website www.Radiesse.com or by finding an experienced Radiesse doctor local to you.

AHAVA, known for its wonderful dead sea salt treatments, has now added another addition to their product line: Pure Spa. The Pure Spa line is an anti-ageing line that contains Dunaliella Sauna, a unique algae living in the Dead Sea that contains exceptionally high concentrations of Beta-Carotene, essential vitamins and antioxidants. Beta-Carotene, which is a powerful, natural antioxidant, helps maintain smooth, disease-free skin, neutralizing the effect of free radicals, reversing the signs of aging, improving skin elasticity, moisture content and suppleness. A lack of vitamin A can lead to oxidative stress, and cause the skin to lose elasticity, to become dry and more prone to wrinkling.

With such products as an Energizing Body Mud Mask, Placid Bath Salts and Body Sorbet Caress, you can’t help but automatically feel ready to be relaxed and rejuvenated by this new product line. The scents involved are Mandarin-Cedarwood and Syringa-Green Apple, which will revive your senses and give you an enduring sense of calm. I don’t know about you, but the Uplifting Butter Salt and Energizing Body Mud Mask seem to be calling my name.

While this winter has been a very mild one for most of us, it is still winter nonetheless. That means fluxuating temperatures outside which translates into turning up and down the thermostat. When the weather can’t seem to make up its mind, it means my skin pays the price. When there is no balance in nature, my skin gets dry or overly oily.

Thankfully, I began trying out Skingenic’s new Regenerating Moisturizer in the Fall, prior to the chaos that has been a very strange winter so far. The Regenerating Moisturizer utilizes exotic lychee fruits, which is rich in anti-oxidants, vitamin C, potassium and other age-defying elements. One such anti-oxidant contained in this moisturizer is Idebenone. It is the most powerful anti-oxidant available today, which promises to do wonders for your skin.

Within a week of using Skingenic’s Regenerating Moisturizer, I began to notice a difference. Areas of my face that normally would begin to flake seemed to be soft and supple. By week 3, I began getting compliments that my skin looked great. I’ve also noticed that my previous skin issues have lessened, especially since late fall into the winter are the worst times of year for my skin.

Skingenic also offers a restructuring eye cream, which I have not yet used but would be interested to hear from those who have. You can request free samples on their website at www.skingenic.com.

Nestled away on the beautiful island of Mauritius, a new Destination Spa has opened this month. One that is complete with exclusive spa treatments, luxurious beach-front suites and villas, as well as, leisure and health activities that include a fitness center, yoga and meditation center.

The Shanti Ananda Maurice’s spa treatments focus on Ayurveda to Thalassotherapy using both Contemporary and Traditional methods. Both are rooted in ancient Indian culture and have medicinal and therapeutic values. One example of an Ayurveda technique is called Shirodhara. This involves gently pouring liquids over the forehead. These liquids can be oil, milk, buttermilk, coconut water or even plain water.

Aside from the wonderful spa treatments it provides, the location of this enchanting destination spa alone will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed. The Shanti Ananda Maurice is spread over 36 acres of tropical gardens, taking in views of the hills and Indian Ocean.

The Shanti Ananda offers all-inclusive packages that range from anti-ageing to stress management to weight management, among several others. Each package offers generous treatments and are available at a 20-25% discounted rate until April 30, 2007. The Shanti Ananda Maurice is sure to become a top rated Destination Spa.

Joico K-Pak Smoothing Balm
5 out of 5 Stars
Joico's Smoothing Balm is a hair product that is meant for straightening and protecting your hair, while being humidity-resistant. It is heat activated and comes in a 200ml bottle.
It has a yummy light guava (yet coconut) scent and a creamy texture that looks thick, but as you rub it in your palms, is thin to the touch. I only needed a dime size amount for my just-past-the-shoulder length hair…Read more.

Maybe Baby by Benefit
4 out of 5 Stars
This oh so pretty fragrance has Top notes of apricot and white ginger; Middle notes of water blossoms, lychee, bergamont and Base notes of white musk and warm peach…Read more.

Shea Butter Soap by Hollyrose Aromatherapy
3 out of 5 Stars
The soap was larger than expected and I loved the "Handmade" imprint. Holly's custom Aromatherapy blend is a mix of peppermint, sweet orange, bergamont, lavender and rosemary. I absolutely loved this scent. When using this soap in the shower, the scent was really refreshing and invigorating…Read more.

Brown Sugar Scrub from Bath and Body Bliss
4 out of 5 Stars
When you are pregnant, scents are a love hate affair, especially if they are food-related. Some immediately send you running for the bathroom, while others can create some pretty strong cravings. So was the case when I received some products from Bath and Body Bliss. As soon as I opened their Brown Sugar Scrub, immediate memories of Mulling Spices and wonderful Holiday memories came flooding back…Read more.

Clive Owen, a 41-year-old British actor, has been hired to be the latest celebrity to market products for the L'Oreal owned beauty company, Lancome. Previous celebrities that touted the brand are Uma Therman and Mena Suvari, among others. Lancome's hope is that his charming and rugged look will attract more men to feel comfortable purchasing skincare products.

Owen is reported to be getting $2.5 million pounds (you do the math to convert that to US$) for the advertising campaign. Owen will be appearing in ads for Lancome's new men's grooming line, called Lancome Homme, which includes fragrance and anti-ageing products. The ad campaign and products will launch this Spring in the US. However, you can see the products now on Lancome's international website, which I happen to think has a much better layout than their US website.

The almost ex-Mrs. Sir Paul McCartney has decided to take a stab at working in the beauty and health industry. Heather Mills, a former Model, will be launching her own website later this year called, “I Do Care,” offering fitness, health and beauty tips on how to live a green lifestyle.

Mills will also be launching her own line of beauty products that some see as a direct competition to Stella McCartney’s fragrance and soon to be released organic skin care line. Will the two be going head to head?

With an ongoing nasty divorce that involves a lot of he-said-she-said, most especially with a man many see as a musical icon and beloved legend, it’s hard to say if Mills can come out of it unscathed and launch a successful career in the health and beauty industry. Only time will tell.

What do you think?

I came across an interesting beauty line today by a company called SAMPAR. They are based in Paris and recently launched a new line of products called Winsome. The line is comprised of 5 products, which are meant to cleanse, contour, moisturize, protect and invigorate the body. What intrigued me most about SAMPAR is their investment in research to find natural active ingredients that can have a positive effect on the skin and go as far as looking at how their packaging can be beneficial to the product it holds.

The main component in their products is their Urban Active Complex, which contains Shea Butter, Mint Leaf and Vegetal and Milk Sugar. While I didn’t know the benefits of the last two ingredients prior to reading about them, I am well aware of how wonderful Shea Butter is for your skin. SAMPAR combines their Urban Active Complex with essential oils, biopeptides, natural vitamin C and antioxidants.

The Winsome Body line is one that offers protection from the elements such as lead, iron and chlorine found in tap water. While the Dew It Again Shower Gel, Joyous Body Milk and Lap of Luxury Sea Scrub sound divine; I am skeptical about two of the other products. Go Figure Slimming Gel claims to be able to eliminate and break down fats while preventing the appearance of new fat and the Lift Me Up Bust Cream says it can envelop the breasts with an invisible firming film for immediate enhancement. I honestly have yet to find any non-medical beauty product that can do either.

Have you tried any of the products from SAMPAR; what are your thoughts on them?

As we become busier, so comes our need to find time to relax. Relaxing doesn’t necessarily mean vegging out on the couch. More and more people are taking the time from their schedule to indulge in posh spa treatments as the ultimate relaxation indulgence.

Going to the spa is like taking a step into a different world, it’s peaceful, it’s therapeutic, but it also speaks to luxury. As individuals continue to keep spa treatments in demand, more businesses are beginning to capitalize on this.

Hotels and resorts are beginning to offer spa services for their guests making what would’ve been an average hotel stay into an extraordinary one. One such resort that comes to mind that is local to me is Woodloch Pines Resorts. They recently opened their Lodge at Woodloch this past June (see photo gallery here), which is a Destination Spa that from its beginning stages, demanded high quality professionals for the ultimate in service. Woodloch wanted to stand out among its competitors and become a leader in the industry. They accomplished just that by being listed on the Forbes Top Most Luxurious Spa’s list, as well as being listed among the 100 Best Spa’s in the World by Insider’s Guide. Spa’s like The Lodge at Woodloch are thriving due to the growing demand for pampering in luxury and the overall concept of health and wellness.

Soaps from Bath and Body Bliss
4 out of 5 Stars
I crossed my fingers and hoped that the soap was just as good as the pretty packaging. The Seaweed Soap smelled so nice and you could just feel from the bar that this soap would just glide across your skin. The Seaweed Soap is made of kelp, sage, chamomile and is scented with sage and rosemary essential oils. I loved that this soap was mildly abrasive, exfoliating my skin nicely, while creating a great lather. This soap felt wonderful...Read more.

Bikini Kitty Shave System
3 out of 5 Stars
Bikini Kitty is a Shave Care System to eliminate and prevent razor rash, ingrown hair and provide an irritation free shave. Bikini Kitty's products are vegan and organic. The kit comes in a very handy vinyl bag with handles. It includes a Body Brush, Everyday Magic Spray, Shave Gel, No nick Razor Oil, Razor-burn soother and 2 single blade disposable razors...Read more.

Joico K-Pak Liquid Reconstruct
4 out of 5 Stars
As my hair gets longer, I find that it splits and freys a little more easier, or just seems a little more obvious, and that my hair tangles a lot more causing me to wish (for just one millisecond) for short hair again. This product has been a miracle worker, along with the Joico K-Pak Smoothing Balm...Read more.

Maryam's Soap Nook Exfoliating Body Wash
4 out of 5 Stars
My VIP package came from Maryam's Soap Nook. Today's review will be about her Exfoliating Body Wash with Kukui Nut Oil and Jojoba Beads. This product was sent in an out of this world fragrance---Pomegranate and Wild Berries. This wonderfully pink Body Wash with it's blue-green Jojoba Beads lives up to my expectations of not only smelling wonderful, but also working just as well...Read more.

Kiss My Face was a green beauty company before green became an in thing. Every product they sell is organic without anything artificial at all. Yet going organic certainly doesn’t mean that quality is compromised at any point or that organic means a heavy price point. Most Kiss My Face users will tell you, their products are top notch and won’t break the bank in the process.

It’s not very often that you can go to a company’s website and read the background on how things were started, and if you can find one, you certainly will not find one so personable and down to earth. When you read the story behind how Kiss My Face began and their mission and purpose of their products you can’t help but feel their humor, lightheartedness, and of course their love for our great Earth. Their story is definitely a Squash to Riches story and one I think everyone should read.

Kiss My Face sells a variety of products for your bath, body and more. The products range from hair care to soap to facial moisturizers. Since we all know that organic is not only earth friendly, but also skin friendly, more people who may have a sensitivity to ingredients in other products may find comfort here.

If you use Kiss My Face, what is your favorite product from their line?

Decleor Paris is a luxurious face, body and suncare line for both men and women. Decleor was founded by a team of aromatherapy experts who use their knowledge of active plant extracts to create a comprehensive line of products that are both preventative and on going natural skin care. Decleor is also partnered by Shiseido, known for their wonderful beauty products, and are also the 4th largest beauty group in the industry.

Essential oils have wonderful healing properties with aromatic fragrances that, depending on which oil is used or combined with another, promotes such things as well being, calm, relaxation and so on, therefore promoting balance of both body and mind.

While Decleor’s packaging makes you feel like you just bought a diamond necklace at Tiffany’s, don’t be fooled that the luxury ends there. It’s what is inside the package that is luxurious, making your skin look and feel like you just spent hours at the spa. In fact, Decleor also offers Salon and Spa treatments at select locations. Within the US, it is at Hotel Sofitel in Los Angeles where you can receive their Aroma Mosaic treatments that focuses on care of your face, body and the effects of the sun. Each focused treatment is broken down to be tailor made based on the needs of each individual.

You can find Decleor products in various cities throughout the country or locate one close to you with your zip code through their website: www.decleor-us.com

I’m certainly not a scientist, but I am pretty educated and try to always read both sides to a story. Just like when everyone screamed that mineral oil was bad for you, it eventually was proven that it was not. However, you still find many companies today touting how awful mineral oil is for your skin while offering you their version of something safer. I have yet to find a website stating that mineral oil is harmful while not trying to also sell you something in the process. I had been skeptical myself, but after some researching of my own and contacting my friends at The Beauty Brains blog (who happen to be both cosmetic chemists with 30 years experience), they insisted it was all hype and that mineral oil was indeed the best moisturizing product for your skin. So I have learned to look deeper into an issue than to be frightened by scare tactics.

Unfortunately, scare tactics are the route that Dr. Epstein of the Cancer Prevention Coalition is taking when going after Origins, an Estee Lauder company. They try pointing out that Origins cannot be taking, "A totally integrative approach to skin care ... to help your skin be as healthy as possible, (and) optimize its defenses against age accelerators" claiming that Origins uses parabens (among other ingredients) in their products. They site that parabens are known to cause “endocrine disruptive.” However, there has not yet been one study that has conclusively, 100% proven this.

Somme Institute's MDT5, Molecular Dispersion Technology 5, was brought to life through the collaboration of leading research dermatologists and scientists rigorously testing their product and observing and tracking results using ultra-violet cameras. Ultra-violet cameras are the only way to see beneath the skin's surface and detect damage not visible to the naked eye. The MDT5 complex consists of vitamins A, C, E, D, B3 and B5, which are non-prescription yet highly effective in strength when working together.

The main purpose of their product line is to combat acne without over drying the skin. Over drying the skin makes acne worse by further clogging pores when it sends the sebaceous glands into overdrive trying to compensate for your dry skin. Other effects of the product line are reducing fine lines and wrinkles, reduce sun damage and lighten brown age spots, and improve skin’s tone, texture and clarity. While some can come to see improvement in a few days, true improvement comes over time and with daily use can shown prominent results in 4 weeks.

The 5 products in Somme Institute's line are the Nourishing Cleanser, Transport, Serum, A-Bomb and Double Defense Day Moisture SPF 30. Each product contains the MDT5 complex while also containing additional blends of ingredients unique to each product.

If you have used Somme Institute's products, I’m interested to know what you thought of them.

Sharon Bolton Scents
4 out of 5 Stars
Sharon Bolton Scents gifted me with her Body Wash, Lotion and Perfume Oil in Luv. Luv smelled like heaven. It smelled like luxury in a bottle. Luv is the scent of rare pink gardenias, lush Hawaiian white flowers, with a hint of creamy vanilla and a whisper of white musk. The Body Wash is thick and creamy and makes you feel like you are showering at a 5 Star hotel. This scent absolutely lifted my spirits and made me feel like I was being purely indulgent...Read more.

Darshan Beauty: Luna P.M. Creme & Multani Mud Facial Mask
5 out of 5 Stars
Darshan Beauty products are all natural, and because of this, they are only made in small batches to prevent them from spoiling. This thick night cream is made with aloe leaf oil and extract combined with noncomedogenic sesame oil. I can't say it is fragrance free, because there is some scent to it. However, it appeared to be the natural scent of the ingredients and not any added fragrance...Read more.

Pure & Petal Hair Fragrance
4 out of 5 Stars
When I was approached to test out the products I was intrigued because I have never really heard of fragrance for your hair beyond that in your typical shampoo or styling aid. The fragrances are light, so you don't have to worry about smelling like a perfume factory and they are also alcohol-free, so it won't dry out your hair. My favorite was Linden Blossom which is floral linden blossoms and pink grapefruit...Read more.

Booty Parlor Dust Up Body Shimmer
3 out of 5 Stars
Punch Drunk Pink was my favorite because of my fair skin. It provided a light shimmer, that honestly when you dabb some powder on, instantly makes you feel a little "vixen-ish." Punch Drunk Pink is scented like cotton candy and is not glittery, but actually makes your skin glow...Read More.

I’m always surprised by the amount of people I encounter who soley use sunscreen in the summer months. No matter what time of year, UVA and UVB rays can cause damage to your skin if you are not well protected. Just because it is winter doesn’t mean your skin should brave the elementals, you’ll be sure to pay for it later.

UVA:
Can pass through window glass.
Is not affected by a change in altitude or weather.
Is present all day and every day of the year.
Penetrates deep into skin layers.
Are 5% of the sun's rays.
Is 20 times more abundant than UVB rays.
Affects long-term skin damage.

UVB:
Cannot pass through window glass.
Causes sunburn.
Causes tanning.
Helps the body with normal vitamin D production.
Varies with the season.
It is more intense in the summer than in the winter.
Varies with weather conditions.
Is more intense at midday than in the morning or late afternoon.
Is more intense at high altitudes and near the equator.
Are 0.5% of the sun's rays.
Is protected against by the SPF in sunscreens.
Is related to more than 90% of non-melanoma skin cancer.
Is related to cataracts.

Spa Towells
4 out of 5 Stars
I have to admit, when I was approached to review Spa Towells, I wondered what it would look like and if it would actually work. I received a few packages of the towells, which were pretty good size. In fact, the towells were bigger than I imagined them to be. They are 8x8, which for image purposes imagine opening up a tri-folded papertowel like those in women's restrooms...Read more.

Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment
5 out of 5 Stars
Ojon is the talk of the town these days. If you haven't seen them on QVC, then you've surely heard other beauty bloggers raving about their products. Ojon's Restorative Hair Treatment contains 100% Ojon palm nut oil from the rainforest in Central America...Read more.

Korres Wild Rose Brightening Serum
4 out of 5 Stars
I loved the very light rose scent. Not too florally or overly done. Nothing that would cause you to think it was too fragrant. The serum was tan in color and it only took 3 pumps to cover my entire face and eye area. It only pumps out a small amount at a time, so the 3 pumps really wasn't a lot of product...Read more.

Clinique Perfectly Real Makeup
4 out of 5 Stars
I have an uneven skin tone, and honestly, I don’t know too many people with the perfect complexion. I am always on the hunt for a product that will transform my blotchy skin and make it look flawless. I don’t know about you, but when it comes to liquid Foundation, I have a love hate relationship with it...Read more.

Hungarian Apothecary Mud comes from the Heviz Lake in the Hungarian town of the same name. The mud has long been known to have healing qualities dating back to the Romans. Heviz Lake is heated by geothermal activity, this combined with water flowing from a catchment area of the surrounding hills taking with it metals and minerals along the way, makes Hungarian Apothecary Mud a highly sought after spa treatment.

Hungarian Apothecary Mud (Moor Mud) from this lake contains a complex array of nutrients, natural trace elements, minerals and humic substances easily absorbed through human skin. The benefits to the skin include toning, detoxifying and anti-inflammatory benefits, which help to renew old or damaged skin cells. Due to the thermal activity in which it resides, the mud is a great retainer of heat, but can also be used cold.

Local New Yorker, Greg Cartwright, owner of Downtime Massage and Skin Care and a dually licensed Massage Therapist and Esthetician, primarily uses Hungarian Apothecary Mud prior to and after Body Sugaring. He has a three-step process he follows prior to Body Sugaring that includes a full body application of Hungarian Apothecary Mud. This eases inflammation and any skin sensitivity prior to hair removal. It is a process he recommends a few days prior to having Body Sugaring done. Once Body Sugaring is complete, the application of Hungarian Apothecary Mud following the procedure helps calm the skin, close pores and begins the healing process immediately. The mud is left on the body for a minimum of 20 minutes.

This mud can be used in a variety of ways including as a facial mask, in a body wrap and for a mud bath. It’s been known to cure over 50 ailments. I have long been a fan of mud and have seen for myself the amazing benefits using it lends.

Be sure to watch for my Industry Experts Profile interview with Greg Cartwright next week on our main blog.

Lancome is not one to let a lifestyle trend go by. As more and more companies begin to promote organic skincare lines, Lancome has decided to take it one step further by taking part in a green initiative with Carbonfund.org. The one who initiated the effort? Lancome’s own spokesmodel, Elettra Rossellini Wiedemann.

Carbonfund.org is a nonprofit organization that educates the public about the dangers of climate change and makes it easy and affordable for individuals, businesses and organizations to reduce their climate impact. Their website even has a Carbon Calculator where you can see how much CO2 you are responsible for (mine was 61.01 tons of CO2 per year--yikes). The organization gives you simple tips to reduce how much CO2 you are responsible for such as things you can do for your home, car and when traveling.

According to WWD, Lancome will participate in a climate offset program that involves a paperless press office, where pictures, releases and videos will be accessible via the Internet; retrofitting its four freestanding Lancome boutiques to reduce their carbon footprints, as well as, planting a tree for each of the first 10,000 bottles of the new Primordiale Cell Defense & Skin Perfecting Serum sold in the U.S. when it launches in June.

Tarte Cosmetics--Inside Out nutraceutical lipgloss, Sunburst Beaded Bronzing Lotion

Unilever--Dove Pro-Age (Skin care line)

Calvin Klein--Euphoria Blossom (fragrance)

Vera Wang--Truly Pink (fragrance)

Serge Lutens—Rousse (fragrance)

Smashbox--Limited Edition Tokidoki Collection (cosmetic line)

Rimmel--Underground (cosmetic line)

M-A-C Cosmetics--Raquel Welch Beauty Icon Collection, Barbie loves MAC

Guerlain--Terracotta Spray Bronzing Powder Mist

Balmain--La Mome (fragrance)

Chanel--Les Exclusifs de Chanel (fragrance) *Available at 16 select Chanel boutiques and Bergdorf Goodman.

Do you have a beauty product launching this month? Please be sure to let us know so that it can be added to this February calendar.

I received the Korres Body Butters Trio and it couldn’t have come at a better time. With winter actually beginning to set in, my skin starts to get so dry and I know that Shea Butter is a fantastic deeply moisturizing lotion.

Korres Body Butter is mineral oil, silicone, propylene glycol and ethanolamine free. The butters glide on smooth with no greasy residue. The trio comes in Guava, a tropical sweet scent; Quince, a fruity & spicy scent; and Yoghurt, a baby pure fresh scent. If I had to pick a favorite scent of the three, it would be Yoghurt because it is so fresh out of the shower clean smelling. Besides Shea Butter, all of the butters contain Sunflower, Almond and Avocado oils, which nourish the skin and restore its elasticity and smoothness.

Some of the benefits of Shea Butter are:

* Helps cell regeneration and capillary circulation. This favors the healing of small wounds, skin cracks and crevices, and skin ulcers. In the cosmetic field, this property is an asset against skin aging. It has restructuring effects on the epidermis, also on dry and fragile hair.

* Due to it’s natural high content of fats, fatty acids, vitamins A, E and F) and other active ingredients; it’s no wonder it has been used for centuries for skin care.

* Shea is used to moisturize severely dry skin. It heals and smoothes itchy dry skin, as well. It has an anti-elastase characteristic that makes it an excellent product to prevent and reduce wrinkles. It aids in the healing of stretch marks and helps heal and restore elasticity to the skin of burn victims. Shea Butter helps control eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and skin discoloration; it helps heal bedsores on bedridden individuals.

Bourjois Metallic Eyeliner
5 out of 5 Stars
The color Elke gave me was Effet noir miroir, which is a nice kohl black. Actually I find that it also has pigments of purple in it, which is one reason I really like this eyeliner. It’s the way that it catches in the light that at different points you see black and in others you see a purple hue. I have hazel eyes and quite honestly, my eyes are rockin when I wear this eyeliner. The above color card does not do this color justice...Read more.

e.l.f. Hypershine Gloss
3 out of 5 Stars
Last week when e.l.f. was having their lip product sale, I decided to scoop up their Hypershine Gloss. I purchased mine in Candy Apple and Flirt, but honestly, the color makes no difference as this is a practically sheer gloss. The gloss resembled a mechanical paintbrush-pen of sorts, because the gloss is up in a chamber and you need to twist the pen to bring it down to the area where it trickles the gloss down into the paint brush-like bristle tip. The pen says to twist it several times, twelve I believe, however it took a lot more twisting than that. I had to twist my gloss pen 32 times until the gloss came into the bristles...Read more.

Besame Cosmetics Delightful Rose
4 out of 5 Stars
I opened the bottle to a wonderful and very realistic fragrance of roses. It brought back memories of the very first bouquet of roses I received when I was 17 from my first “real” boyfriend. It is a very lovely and romantic scent. The lotion is very lightweight, which is not surprising, since I feel that all of Besame’s cosmetics are lightweight. This lotion doesn’t feel greasy, either...Read more.

AVON Super Full Mascara
5 out of 5 Stars
Time and again I think the most sought after makeup product is a fantastic mascara. One that does what it claims it does. Am I right? So I see the commercial for AVON’s newest product, their Super Full Mascara. I’m intrigued as it claims to use a new clean-build brush that will deliver up to 5 times fuller lashes. I’m just about out of my current mascara, so I decide I want to give this one a try. I put a call into my AVON representative, the lovely Michele Parzych, and ask if she could bring one over to me. She gladly obliges (thank you Michele) and I quickly take a peak to see exactly what a “clean-build” brush looks like...Read more.

Kate Somerville, a widely respected industry leader in medi-skin care, will promote her products among her beauty industry peers such as Maureen Kelly, CEO & Founder of Tarte and Cristina Carlino, creator of Philosophy on Sunday, February 11th on QVC according to WWD. Kate Somerville’s debut comes at a time when beauty brands are beginning to see the value in promoting their lines on such networks as QVC and HSN.

Kate Somerville’s skin care products have a celebrity following like no other, it’s no wonder she has been touted on such shows as E!, Access Hollywood and Extra. Beyond her skin care products, Kate also has a Clinic on Melrose Place where her staff perform such non-invasive, non-surgical procedures such as Titan, an FDA approved treatment of lax skin of the face, neck and body (the before and after pictures are really amazing).

Bringing a more personalized approach to her products through promotion on QVC will only further Kate Somerville’s success in the skin care industry.

Have you used Kate Somerville’s products? If so, let us know what you thought.

I am one who is afraid of a needle and I also think that my wrinkles are few, although annoying to look at. The daily reminder that I am getting older comes every morning when I am applying my moisturizer and wish I would get rid of the wrinkles that are starting to show under my eyes, and the ones that have forever plaqued me on my forehead and in between my eyebrows.

So I was intrigued the other night when my husband called me to the television and a celebrity news show was talking about Lift Fusion. I watched as the beauty consultant applied Lift Fusion to the forehead and under the eyes of a woman with pronounced wrinkles. Within about 10 minutes, the wrinkles around her eyes appeared to be considerably less and the wrinkles on her forehead also seem to have lessened in appearance. The consultant explained that the difference would only be seen for 24 hours and that Lift Fusion needed to be applied daily. I wasn’t convinced that this may be the miracle I have been looking for, but decided to look around the internet to see if I could find any more information.

I found that Lift Fusion earned the Good Housekeeping’s Seal of Approval and that it’s sister product, Lip Fusion, was a CEW Beauty Award winner in 2006 and Consumer Health Digest listed Lift Fusion as one of the top 25 wrinkle reducing solutions. While I saw what the product did to the woman on television with my own eyes, I have yet to find a review online, by actual consumers, confirming that this product really works. At a price tag of $140, I am cautious to make a purchase without hearing more testimonies on it. I also cannot locate any information regarding if it is safe to use during pregnancy.

If you have used Lift Fusion, I would love to hear what you thought of it—good or bad and why.

Pierce emailed me the other day with a link to this product, he thought it was cute and something I would like. Everyday since then I keep going back to this website and thinking about purchasing it. As much I always have a product on my lips at all times, the winter weather is wreaking havoc and they are dry and flaky. Looking at the Press page, I’m further convinced I should purchase this product, especially when my friend Teri at Beautiful Makeup Search is raving about it.

The Lip Scrub was given life to by Sara Happ, an admitted product junkie. You’ve got to love a success story that boasts of creating a product in your kitchen and then in no time, it is found in boutiques and stores across the globe. The Lip Scrub’s packaging is adorable, looking like a truffle box. The scrub comes in 6 flavors: Almond Creme, Peppermint, Vanilla Bean, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon Sugar and Cocoa. I’m inclined to purchase the Cocoa lip scrub, however I am so picky about the scent and taste of chocolate in my beauty products, so I may go with Almond Creme or Peppermint.

Lip scrubs are something that are not abundant on the shelves at your local beauty store, so Sara’s idea to create one was a definite way to reach out to fellow product junkies with a practical product (with a bit of indulgence) to solve that annoying beauty issue of dry, flaky lips.

If you’ve used The Lip Scrub, I’d love to hear what you thought of it.

Sometimes there are products I get excited about and then there are the products I want to shout from the rooftops about. Some products I got to try out for review from Earth Therapeutics have me wanting to shout from the rooftops without a doubt.

Purifying Salt Scrub Detox Formula: Out of the three products, this is the one that I was most excited to try. I know the benefits of using Salt Scrub, especially those made with Dead Sea Salts. Earth Therapeutics Salt Scrub also contains organic Tea Tree Oil, which enhances cleansing and detoxification, and moisturizing essential oils. While the oils feel slick in the shower, once you get out and dry off, you feel nothing but baby soft skin. Using this once a week has given me fabulously soft skin, which has helped solved my winter-skin dilemma.

Soothing Leg Lotion: The scent of this lotion is heavenly. This lotion has Rosemary, Wild Mint and Aloe Vera. The consistency is almost like a silky shower gel. It spreads easily and absorbs nicely. It made my legs feel wonderfully soft and I loved the scent so much, that I put it on my hands before bed. I found the scent to be so relaxing, that it helped me fall to sleep.

Nail & Cuticle Care: If you are someone whose nails are brittle and whose cuticles crack easily, this is surely the nail conditioner for you. When I rubbed it on my nails and over my cuticles I could almost hear them saying, “ahhh,” in relief. The scent was a nice citrus scent, which I love. It contains Sesame Oil to moisturize, Pure Australian Tea Tree Oil to protect your nails from infection and an Organic Nutrient Matrix to nourish and deep condition your nail bed and cuticles.

Have you used any Earth Therapeutics products? Let me know what you thought in the comments.

French brand L’Artisan Parfumeur is venturing into skin care with an organic line based on the Himalayan nard plant Jatamansi. Jatamansi is wrapped in essences of blue chamomile, saintwood and rose, as well as, jojoba extracts and is said to be an herbal-scented luxurious fragrance to wrap your body in with this skin care line.

The Jatamansi plant is said to have healing and relaxing properties and is used in Ayurveda, an Indian practice that deals with the measures of healthy living, along with therapeutic measures that relate to physical, mental, social and spiritual harmony. L'Artisan Parfumeur’s Jatamansi skin care line has received organic certification by France's Eco Cert. Jatamansi consists of a Body Oil, Shower & Milk Bath and Body Cream.

Jatamansi will be launched in the US next month. It is currently available in France and the United Kingdom. An eau de toilette based on the skin care line will be available in May.

My skin and I have been at odds with each other for the longest time. I don’t necessarily have normal to oily skin, but dry to oily skin. It’s really been a quagmire to find a product that won’t further dry out the dry areas, but won’t also moisturize too much in the oily areas either.

Several weeks ago I began using Epionce’s Lytic Gel Cleanser and Purifying Lytic Toner, both are geared towards problem skin types. Both products are fragrance free and non-comedogenic. I was, of course, skeptical that this would be the product to reduce that shine, yet still keep the dry sections of my face from further damage.

Before I even get into how the product worked, I liked right away how the Lytic Gel Cleanser’s top had an open/close twist to it. This is perfect for when you have to travel and pack it away, so that it is not leaking all over your clothes. Furthermore, as a parent, it means little fingers cannot get a hold of it and pump away my precious product.

Lately I have become a big fan of Korres beauty products. For about a month now I have been using their facial skin care products exclusively and something my mother pointed out to me the other day, was that my skin is looking the best it has in years. It’s not that I didn’t notice this myself, I just had become used to my face being flawless without blemishes. She asked me what I had been doing differently and I had to give kudos to Korres.

What Korres says about the Wild Rose Mask:
An instant brightening and illuminating vitamin C mask. Suitable for all skin types, an instant brightening effect is immediately visible upon application. Korres' active complex targets skin discolorations and promotes cell renewal, adding brightness and radiance to the skin. Wild rose oil is a natural source of vitamin C, which helps significantly repair fine lines and imperfections.

Their Wild Rose Mask is not the type of mask that hardens or has to be peeled off. It is the same consistency of the Korres Pomegranate Balancing Moisturizer I have been using and goes on smooth, leaving you with a white mask on your face. You simply leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse it off. You don’t feel anything while you are wearing it, it isn’t heavy or cakey, in fact it feels like you have nothing on your face. It also has a lovely light floral fragrance.

I’ve been using the mask twice per week and have found that in combination with the other Korres skin care products I have been using, which include the Olive Stone Natural Scrub, Pomegranate Balancing Moisturizer, Lemon Anti-Shine Gel and Wild Rose Brightening Serum, my skin has made such a remarkable turn around. My skin seems to glow and has been blemish free for 4 weeks now, which for my skin, is quite remarkable.

A little product goes a long way and I absolutely would recommend this mask to anyone looking for radiant skin.

I came across this incredible facial mask today from Awake Cosmetics. At first glance, it appears to look like Tylenol tablets in a small box, but upon further inspection you see that it is a paper facial mask tightly compounded into small tablet-like form.

Awake Cosmetics is an innovative Japanese beauty company with a skin care and cosmetic line that incorporates natural botanicals into all of their products. All of their products are made to be worn by those even with the most sensitive of skin. The Pop-Out Mask is just one of many products that will have you saying, “Wow.”

How it works:

Place one paper tablet in the cap of Awake’s Nano Lotion White (minimizes current skin discolorations, prevents freckles and brown spots caused by ultraviolet rays, and helps brighten complexion) or Lotion Refresher (lotion and toner combined that revitalizes and firms the skin as well as increases the skin's ability to retain moisture). Fill the cap to the top with liquid. Wait for the mask to absorb all of the liquid and then gently unfold the paper mask and place over your face for 5 minutes.

The Cucumber Eye Care Kit from Earth Therapeutics offers a soothing oasis in the middle of the stress, pollution, environmental factors or even a late night after the Oscars, which can take their toll on the eyes and the delicate skin surrounding the eyes. To soothe, calm, and condition, try the Recover-E Cucumber Eye Pads. Infused with real Cucumber extract, Vitamin E, and a beneficial blend of nutrients, these pre-moistened treatment pads cool and soothe on contact – offering a convenient, one-step solution for comforting and replenishing delicate skin around the eyes. Over time, these treatment pads help restore the skin.

Tired eyes are pampered. Tired skin is nourished and nurtured. Puffiness and swelling are relieved. Dark circles are visibly diminished. After a relaxing treatment with the Recover-E Eye Pads, try on the Herba-Gel Beauty Mask to put the finishing touches on your eye care regimen. The Herba-Gel Mask can be used either warm or cool to further soothe and invigorate tired, strained eyes. Eyes will feel fresh and rested. Skin around the eyes will look and feel soft, smooth, and radiant. -Enjoy in good health

Formulated by renowned Beverly Hills dermatologist Stuart H. Kaplan, M.D., kaplanMD Skincare is a revolutionary collection of treatments specifically designed to prevent and treat all 3 types of skin aging caused by Time, Hormonal Imbalances and Environmental Damage.

Rich in patented peptides, botanical extracts, and amino acids, every kaplanMD product contains no less than 10 active ingredients. In addition, every kaplanMD product is enriched with an an exclusive Phytogenic Triactive Complex of organic Soy to firm and plump skin, Grapeseed extract to combat free-radicals, and exotic Black Cohosh to keep skin youthful and supple.

The kaplanMD collection is a potent 4-piece skin renewal system that gently cleanses, soothes, hydrates and renews your skin. Each product contains no less than 10 active ingredients specifically formulated to prevent all 3 types of skin aging, which are caused by time, hormonal imbalances, and sun damage. kaplanMD pH-balanced treatments work synergistically to deliver beautiful, more radiant skin in four easy steps.

Only kaplanMD contains 10 active ingredients in each product to combat all 3 types of skin aging in 1 concise and synergistic line! The result is healthy, radiant and glowing skin — for life.

Today while attending a webinar by Global Cosmetic Industry Magazine, Peter Lamas introduced his brand, Lamas Beauty. The topic was Beauty Goes Green and Lamas Beauty definitely fits into that category as they are 100% Vegan. However, it wasn’t only his products that caught my attention, but the fact that he was prompted into action to create them through life events. It is brands like Lamas Beauty that often catch my attention because I love hearing the passion and circumstances that made the brand possible.

Peter Lamas’ passion for organic Vegan products stems from the unfortunate circumstances that resulted in cancer striking his mother, then three close family friends (all sisters), and then his client at the time, Jackie Kennedy Onassis. After learning that certain chemicals they encountered in their lifetime may have been the culprit, Lamas set out to create beauty products that were safe and led the way creating the first line of hair care products free of parabens and sodium lauryl sulphate; several products from this same hair care line is also Certified Organic. Nearly all of his skin and body care products are paraben-free and he is currently working on converting his entire line over using new ingredients that replace parabens.

Some of the products that caught my attention are:

Fresh is the beauty brand that was created by a husband and wife team in 1991. Their lines includes everything you need in beauty products from makeup to skincare to fragrance. I love how Fresh has taken the well-rounded approach to their products. By this I mean, they don't create a product that just sounds nice, it is a product that delivers on its promise, has packaging to match the feeling of the product and creates a multi-sensory experience that is not soon to leave your thoughts.

Here are some of the products that are new to the Fresh line, do post a comment if you have tried any of them and let us know what you thought.

Hesperides Eau de Parfum Top layer sparkles with Italian lemon, orange and grapefruit to give it a bright citrus zest. The middle layer bubbles with effervescent bergamot, lotus flower and transparent jasmine. The bottom layer warms with rhubarb, musk, and peach to enhance the sensuous yet sweet hints of this accord.

Hesperides Bath & Shower Gel and Hesperides Body Lotion Contains grapefruit extract and vitamins C and E revitalizes and gently cleanses the skin. It is enhanced with shea butter and lemon extract while capturing the citrus notes found in the Hesperides Eau de Parfum.

Hesperides Soap Pure vegetable oil base enhanced with nourishing shea butter. The soap is milled twice making it dense, luxurious and long lasting.

Many times it doesn't matter how much lotion you are slapping on your skin, if you are not exfoliating your skin on a regular basis, your skin cannot absorb all the benefits your moisturizer has to offer. This is due to your pores being clogged by the dead skin cells your skin has shed. Clogged pores makes your skin look dry and dehydrated...you know that flaky skin look? That look is never "in."

Besides the normal places to exfoliate like your face, legs and arms; have you remembered to exfoliate your neck? Exfoliating your neck is often ignored. If you exfoliate your neck, it will give you a fresher look. What about your elbows and knees? I remember all too well what it felt like to have cracked, flaky elbows. It hurt to have dry skin in this area. Knees need to look polished too. You could be wearing that killer red dress, but when your dry knees peak out, it completely takes away from how gorgeous you look. What about your feet? Have you looked at your heels lately? This is something that needs to be taken care of daily, as dry cracked heels look pretty on no one. Also, exfoliating your feet before applying sunless tanning lotion helps prevent streaking. What about your lips? You can't have a great pucker if they are scaley and peeling.

Some of the benefits of exfoliating are:

* It's ability to improve texture of your dull skin, making it more vibriant.
* Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
* Sloughs off the dead skin cells your body has shed.
* Unclogs pores.
* Keeps skin healthy, thus helping to prevent break-outs.
* Helps retain your tan when you exfoliate before slapping on the sunscreen.

You will notice a tremendous difference in your skin's softness and moisture retention if you simply follow a routine of exfoliating one to two times per week.

I came across Cosmedicine’s self-adjusting exfoliator Medi-Morphosis on Sephora.com a few days ago. It sounded interesting, as I had never heard of a self-adjusting exfoliator before. I wasn’t sure what to expect, however I am one who firmly believes in exfoliating twice per week, so I figured I would give it a try.

I chose not to read the Cosmedicine website prior to using the product because I whole-heartedly wanted to go into the review without any preconceived notions or thoughts on the product. I simply opened the package and followed the directions. The product itself is slightly thick and pasty. It was quite different than any other exfoliator I have used before, which normally is an exfoliant suspended in a gel or lotion-like substance. Medi-Morphosis has crystals that appear invisible, as they are white in a white substance.

Upon smoothing it over my skin it felt a little abrasive at first, I would even go so far to say it felt a little sand paper-like. The directions say to continue massaging Medi-Morphosis until the crystals dissolve and you no longer feel the exfoliants. After about 1.5 minutes of massaging Medi-Morphosis on my face, I began to worry because I still felt the crystals, but feared I would come out of the shower to find my face red and irritated. I decided to stop massaging the product into my face and rinsed it off. My skin was definitely left with an ultra-clean feeling. I suffer from combination skin and the after effect definitely felt wonderful.

I realize that 95% of you reading this blog most likely cannot relate to this next post, but it is something that many women who are either currently pregnant or dealing with post-pregnancy issues can relate to. This is supposed to be the time when people tell you that you are glowing and look beautiful, but honestly, these 40 weeks are filled with obstacles that range from skincare to physical issues that contribute to an assortment of emotions thrown in for good measure. I’ll be happy when my son is born in 8 weeks, but not yet ready to deal with the uphill battle I’ll have to take on to get back to my pre-pregnancy body (make that the body I had 4 pregnancies ago). However, I am definitely ready to leave many of these other pregnancy-related woes far behind.

Dr. Allison Pontius, a plastic surgeon at Plastic Surgery Associates of New York can understand what mother’s go through having gone through it herself. During her pregnancy she grew more interested in providing skin care solutions to expecting women and new mothers because of the skin care woes she experienced. Some of those woes all pregnant women can relate to are:

* Acne
* Melasma/hyperpigmentation (aka pregnancy mask)
* Odd hair growth
* Rashes
* Stretch marks
* Alopecia (thinning of the hair around the hairline)

Visit our Beauty Pro Blog for all the tips offered by Dr. Pontius to tackle each of these issues and make this special time easier and less stressful.

Tips and Tricks for easy, clear skin and a bounce-back body pregnancy:

* Use all-natural, gentle skin care products during pregnancy. This is not the time to start a medical-grade skin treatment program. Remember, what goes on your skin may go into your baby so read all labels carefully and thoroughly.

* Wear SPF-30 sunblock every day!

* Treat your skin gently-no aggressive scrubs or facials now. Your skin is more sensitive and potentially more prone to damage or spider vein development.

* If you develop acne, don’t pick! You may scar and the scars are more prone to hyperpigmentation during pregnancy.

* Drink plenty of pure water every day.

* Eat a healthy diet. Although your preferences will certainly change during pregnancy try to eat plenty of whole grains, protein, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.

* Exercise! Try to maintain a gentle exercise program throughout pregnancy. Remember you won’t be able to do everything you did pre-pregnancy, but even 2-3 days per week will make a huge difference. Non-weight bearing cardio and light weights are ideal. Pilates and yoga are also excellent ways to stay in shape. This will help with excess weight gain, help prevent stretch marks and make it easier to get back into shape after pregnancy.

Talk to your plastic surgeon or dermatologist about your skin care regimen during and after pregnancy. If you developed skin problems (like hyperpigmentation or spider veins) during pregnancy you can safely start a more aggressive treatment regimen when you finish nursing.

More info about Plastic Surgery Associates of New York:
Doctors Smith, Polynice and Pontius serve as lead plastic surgeons for Plastic Surgery Associates of New York where they strive to understand your goals, provide patients with the highest level of plastic surgery care and natural-looking results. With prime offices on the Upper East Side and in the heart of Westchester, Plastic Surgery Associates of New York serves Greater New York with over thirty years of surgical experience, unparalleled product knowledge, innovative technology and high customer care. For more information, please log onto www.plasticsurgeryassociatesny.com.

We are all quite familiar with Borba, the leader in drinkable skin care with their fabulous aqua-less crystalline and skin balancing waters that focuses on beauty from the inside out. Recently it was leaked that Danone would be launching Essensis their “beauty yogurt” to promote healthier skin in a select few European countries. Then we have Nestle and L’Oreal’s joint venture of Inneov, nutritional supplements or “beauty pills” aimed at skin and hair nutrition. It appears that NutriCosmetics will now become a niche in the beauty industry.

It’s now being rumored that Coca Cola (with the help of L'Oreal) will also be stepping into the beauty ring with a new tea based drinkable skin care line. Snake Oil? They recently have trademarked the name “Lumae” with the intention to produce a product that will allegedly be added to their 2008 product lineup as a way for women to take better care of their skin. Lumae won’t be something you will find on your supermarket shelves, but one that will call itself home in the beauty section of your local department store like Sak’s Fifth Avenue. Considering that the product will only be coming out a year from now, the success or failure this year of the drinkable skin care niche may be a predetermining factor of whether or not their product will be a success.

From Hispanic PR Wire: Almonds have long been lauded for their beauty benefits. From ancient Egypt to the Victorian Age to modern times, they’re a popular ingredient in lotions and potions that cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize and nourish.

Lately the approach to healthy skin is changing fundamentally. Skincare experts emphasize that not only topical applications such as cleansers and lotions, but also dietary choices can affect the skin’s moisture level, youthful appearance and general health. This is good news for the multi-tasking almond which is a common ingredient in some of today’s most popular skin-care products and an ever-increasingly popular snack for women seeking healthy alternatives.

“With new beauty products as well as new research about certain foods, consumers are hearing a lot about treating beauty both inside and out,” says Connie Gutterson, PhD, RD, author of the New York Times best-selling book, The Sonoma Diet (Meredith, 2005). “Research indicates natural antioxidants from foods may help the skin, working from the inside. At the same time, more beauty products are featuring natural, nutritious foods like almonds and berries to apply to the skin.”

Exfoliation Gone Nutty – The granular texture of finely ground almonds or almond flour can be used as a natural, gentle way to exfoliate, rubbing away dead skin cells and freshening the complexion. Try making a homemade exfoliating scrub by combining 1 tablespoon almond flour or meal, 1 tablespoon honey and 1 teaspoon lemon juice, stirring into a paste. Rub gently on the face and rinse. Exfoliation is ideal just one to two times per week; otherwise, it may lead to irritation or flaky skin. Find almond flour in some supermarkets, or make it by processing blanched whole or slivered almonds in small batches in a clean coffee grinder or blender, just until finely ground.

Cracking into Moisture – Victorian women were right to love the oil of almonds. It contains linoleic acid, a fatty acid that helps soften and moisturize the skin. After exfoliating, it’s the perfect time to moisturize. Look for almond oil in many high-end and everyday moisturizing lotions, creams, balms and masks.

My combination skin drives me insane sometimes with the shine being the bain of my existance. I am always on the hunt for a product that actually works, as I have tried many that don't live up to their claims. A friend recently told me about Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Daily Mattifying Lotion that I am thinking of trying. Paula's Choice is of course the brand by Paula Begoun, author of those widely popular beauty books--The Beauty Bible and Don't Go To The Cosmetics Counter Without Me to name a few.

This lotion is said to be good for combination skin and also offers an SPF of 15 and antioxidants for skin care. From the website, Paula describes the benefits of this product:

* Leaves a weightless, shine-free finish and contains absorbent ingredients to help keep oily areas matte and looking fresh for hours

* Contains efficacious, potent antioxidants and cell-communicating ingredients to balance and optimize normal to oily and combination skin

* Perfect to wear under foundation or powder

* Provides excellent daily sun protection

* 100% fragrance- and colorant-free

Instead of my normal routine of applying a moisturizer then laying on a shine control product, I would love to be able to just kill two birds with one stone by using a product that is a moisturizer and a mattifier in one. Most especially with warmer weather on the way, there is only so many different products I want to be putting on my face at once.

Have you used this product? Let me know what you thought of it.

I’ve only recently begun using Kiss My Face products and have been loving the Tinted Moisturizer and 3 Way Color. Among the many other Kiss My Face products I have received lately, the Tighten Up Moisturizer tops my list for one of the best organic body moisturizers out there.

The Tighten Up Moisturizer’s fragrance is a blend of grapefruit, lime and chamomile. I’ve used products scented like grapefruit and chamomile, but never lime and was unsure if I would like a lime-scented product. I was pleasantly surprised, as the scent had me begging Mother Nature for springtime weather. It’s a nice refreshing scent making you wish you could throw on a fabulous Old Navy dress showing off your well-hydrated healthy skin.

Not only do the certified organic herbs and essential oils make your skin so super soft, the Tighten Up Moisturizer also uses natural proteins, wheat extracts and Ayurvedic Botanical "Centella Asiatica" to naturally firm your skin. I also loved that if I skipped a day of using moisturizer for one reason or another, that my skin didn’t just revert back to being dry and itchy. The lotion seemed to keep my skin hydrated for longer than 24 hours, which tells me that the organic ingredients are really working their magic to keep my skin both looking and feeling healthy. At only $10 for an 11oz. bottle, this lotion is worth every penny.

For more information on Kiss My Face products please contact:

Beauty PR Division: Lance at piercemattie dot com

Women’s Wear Daily had an article today that brought attention to one of the newest beauty trends going on that involves pomegranate. Last year we began to see the trend when it came to food products, but now it has made the cross over to skin care and cosmetics as well.

Studies have shown pomegranates to have powerful antioxidant properties. These properties are not only beneficial to our health when we eat the fruit or when it is an ingredient in a food product, but it is also beneficial in topical skin care. Pomegranates are said to promote the regeneration of cells in the two most important layers of healthy skin, the epidermis and dermis. One of my favorite facial moisturizers is Korres Pomegranate Balancing Moisturizer. It’s perfect for my combination skin and also the elasticity as I get older. (The scent is pretty intoxicating as well.)

One of the cosmetic lines that I use is Jane Iredale’s, which is mineral makeup with skin care benefits. Most of Jane Iredale’s products contain pomegranate extract. As Jane notes on her website:

"According to researchers from the University of Wisconsin, it’s also a promising agent against skin cancer. Researchers assessed the effect of skin application of pomegranate extract on induced skin tumors. The skin pretreated with pomegranate extract showed substantially reduced tumor incidence.”

Jane Iredale’s Pom Mist is a facial spritzer that contains pomegranate extract to keep your skin healthy and as a base to set her mineral powders. Some of her other products that contain pomegranate extract are her Matte Loose Finish Powder, Pure Gloss, eye shadows and so on. You can check out her website and type in “pomegranate extract” to pull up the complete listing of products that contain this ingredient.

The pomegranate bandwagon is definitely one trend that is advantageous to get in on. With nothing but health benefits for our skin, it’s one ingredient that I don’t mind seeing so many brands adding to their beauty products.

Elemis Japanese Camilla Oil
4 out of 5 Stars

The Camillia Oil had no real scent to it, which was fine with me as it didn't interfere with the scents of the other lotions I was wearing on the rest of my body. The oil is nice and thick, but doesn't leave a greasy residue on your skin. It did on the palms of my hands, but it was super easy to wash right off...Read more.

iS Clinical Youth Complex
3 out of 5 Stars

I can't say I saw any immediate results. I applied the Youth Complex to the wrinkles under my eyes, to my crow's feet, my forehead and between my eyebrows. Things appeared to look the same within a few hours of checking the mirror as they did when I applied the cream. By day two I did notice that the wrinkles under my eyes were appearing to soften a bit...Read more.

Sunsilk Beyond Brunette Shampoo, Conditioner and Color Boost
4.5 Stars out of 5 Stars

I've been using Sunsilk's Beyond Brunette Shampoo, Conditioner and Color Boost for about 4 weeks now. I was a little skeptical that I would see a difference in my hair since this isn't hair color and also because I recall a fellow beauty blogger (The Beauty Brains) writing a post a while back that there was nothing new or different in Sunsilk's products then there had been previously. However, my hair color was at the end of of its 6 weeks cycle and it was really beginning to dull and fade. I figured this would really put the new Sunsilk products to the test...Read more.

Robert Craig Hair Coloring Kit
5 out of 5 Stars

If you told me that I could color my hair without any mess and that the dye would be completely void of scent, I wouldn't believe you. And I honestly didn't when I was first approached about Robert Craig Hair Color. I had never heard of it and have used other hair dyes in the past that have said it was without scent, but then couldn't live up to the claims...Read more.

Dr. Stuart Kaplan, one of the nation's leading dermatologists and the creative mind behind the skincare line KaplanMD, recently wrote an article to distinguish the difference between Botox, a muscle relaxer, and dermal fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane. If you are not aware of the difference and how each product works, the article below is a good start to understand the difference between the two.

Botox vs. Fillers: How To Choose The Best One For You
By Stuart H. Kaplan, M.D. Beverly Hills Dermatologist

It is important to understand the difference between Botox, a muscle relaxer, and Juvederm, Restylane, Collagen, etc. which are fillers. The easiest way to visualize the difference is to think of a crease as a valley between two mountains. Botox prevents the mountains from being pushed together, and fillers fill in the valley.

Before Botox®Cosmetic

After Botox®Cosmetic

Injectable Wrinkle Fillers: The differences between fillers has to do with thickness and longevity. In general, the thicker the filler, the better it will fill creases, but the greater the chance of possible bumps. Bumps are more likely in thinner skin such as the lower eyelids, and crows feet. Zyderm (a type of Collagen), and Restylane Fine Line are the least thick and can be used around the eyes, but they are also the shortest lasting. Juvederm Ultra Plus is one of the longer lasting hyaluronic acid fillers. It can be used for deeper creases. Juvederm Ultra Plus can last between 3 and 6 months.

Fillers can also be used to improve or enhance facial structures such as:

* Filling in acne scars
* Enhancing cheek bones to make them fuller and more defined
* Enlarging lips for a fuller, softer pout
* Correcting lip deformities or asymmetry
* Non-surgical nose-job to fill in dips and valleys in the nose bridge
* Filling in hollows under the eyes that contribute to dark circles

Before Restylane Injection

After Restylane Injection

Other new trends include:

* Nipple enhancement
* Vaginal rejuvenation
* Injecting into the soles of the feet to make wearing high heeled shoes more comfortable

Self Magazine recently asked readers to test over a thousand new products, in all prices ranges, and rate the best of the best. The products were broken down into categories of Face, Body, Makeup, Hair and Sun. Readers voted for products that ranged from what you would find at your local drugstore to niche brands. I saw many brands that I love on the list, but was most excited to see Earth Therapeutics and Skingenic make the cut as well.

Earth Therapeutics won in the Body category with their Intensive Heel Repair. The Intensive Heel Repair is specially formulated to moisturize, soothe, and protect dry, cracked and callused heels. It contains Alpha-Hydroxy Acid, Aloe Vera, Australian Tea Tree Oil, Peppermint and Cocoa Butter to soothe, protect and heal even the roughest feet. While I haven’t used this product myself, I have used other products by Earth Therapeutics that I absolutely love; you can see their review here.

Skingenic won in the Face category with their Regenerating Moisturizer. I have this moisturizer in my cabinet myself, so I can attest to the fact that it is an amazing moisturizer. It contains Idebenone, the most powerful anti-oxidant available. This ingredient is renowned for combating overexposed and aging skin. When combined with complementary ingredients, such as DMAE, Hyaluronic Acid and Copper Peptides, this creme re-energizes the skin, resulting in a firmer, suppler, and healthier look.

Have you used either of these products? What did you think?

Media Contact: Beauty PR Division
Skingenic: Maryam at piercemattie dot com
Earth Therapeutics: Lauren at piercemattie dot com

Korres Lemon Anti-Shine Gel
4 out of 5 Stars

Always on the hunt for an anti-shine product that will last for hours on end, I received Korres Lemon Anti-Shine Gel to see if it could combat my oily t-zone. I’ve been applying the anti-shine gel as part of a step by step process in my facial routine, which have made my skincare issues turn around 360 degrees. I have been exclusively been using only Korres skin care products on my face and the results have been amazing...Read more.

Kiss My Face Tinted Moisturizer
5 out of 5 Stars

I love when I get to try a product I have never tried before. It really helps to come into a review without having any preconceived notions about how it should work. 1. I’ve never used a tinted moisturizer. 2. I’ve never used Kiss My Face. So it was a double whammy with Kiss My Face’s Tinted Moisturizer in Sisal, which is for light coverage. This moisturizer has an SPF of 8 and its oil and fragrance free. LOVE the oil free part because then it means less shine to contend with for my combination skin...Read more.

Lumiere Mineral Cosmetics
4.5 out of 5 Stars

While I absolutely love every product I received, my most favorite has been the Lavender Pearl eyeshadow. Even my mother remarked on how gorgeous the color was and asked where she could get it. Lavender Pearl is a pinky lavender with an opal-like sheen. The picture on the site does not do it justice. It has an iridescent shimmer to it. This is the product I have been using to make my eyes really pop...Read more.

Kiss My Face 3 Way Color
4.5 out of 5 Stars

After trying Kiss My Face’s Tinted Moisturizer, I was intrigued to try out their 3 Way Color product. I received mine in Heather, which is a light frosted berry looking color. The 3 Way Color can be used on your lips, cheeks and eyes. Kiss My Face’s 3 Way Color has an SPF of 8 and is moisturizing with olive and mango butter. The scent is completely delicious and its a mix of pink grapefruit, pomegranate, rasberry and white grape...Read more.

Angel and Alexandra, Co-Founders of Berwick Beauty, have a very unique story about how their Coming Up Roses line of skin care came to fruition. This revolutionary new skin care line delivers the natural power and benefits of 100% pure and organic Rosa Damascena. It was upon reflecting on their past that they discovered their secret fountain of youth.

Alexandra, who is from The Czech Republic and Slovakia, often remembered her aunt having the most beautiful skin. In fact her aunt would often be asked if she had a driver's license even though she was in her late 30's. Alexandra later found out that her aunt was putting Damask Rose Oil on her skin and using it as a facial toner. As it turns out, Angel's mother, a native of Bulgaria, did the same thing. Bulgaria is home to the Valley of the Roses, which is one of the few areas in the world where Rosa Damascena grows.

During a trip to Bulgaria one of Angel's family members got bit by a mosquito while visiting an ancient church. A local relative had some Damask Rose Oil with her and put some on the mosquito bite. Within five minutes the swelling was gone and the redness had disappeared! It was at this moment that Alexandra and Angel looked at each other and decided they had to get their hands on Rosa Damascena. It was at this point Berwick Beauty came to be.

More than 60,000 organically grown roses are used to produce just a single ounce of the rare essential oil that lies at the core of the Coming Up Roses Collection. The essential oil of Rosa Damascena is considered to be the most beneficial natural ingredient for the skin. It has more natural compounds (over 300) than any other known plant on earth and is considered a natural phenomenon by many scientists.

SkinTensive is an advanced, feather-light serum utilizing some of the most cutting-edge, ingredient technologies in the marketplace today. It employs a powerful, liposome delivery system that extends both the efficacy and potency of its keynote ingredients improving the appearance of skin firmness, smoothness and structure.

• GABA provides a Botox-like effect to the skin by helping relax facial wrinkles.
• Marine Collagen restores elasticity and improves the structure, firmness and smoothness of the skin.
• Matrixyl 3000 instantly decreases the appearance of deep wrinkles by 45%!
• Hyaluronic Acid is a “moisture-magnet” that holds 1,000 times its weight resulting in a smoother, softer appearance to the skin.

You Have - Increased Dryness of Skin; Fine Lines and Wrinkles; Rough Skin Texture; Ashy, Dull-looking skin, Blotchy, Uneven Skin Tone; Loss of Firmness.
You Get - Skin that is left appearing smoothed, firmed and toned.

Find it online at www.iqderma.com

Technology and nature have collided to create the HydroPeptide Collection from Azure Cosmeceutical. Every ingredient in the HydroPeptide Collection has been carefully blended together to perform synergistically, maximize penetration, and create a youthful complexion that stands the test of time.

* Anti-Aging Infusing Cleanser: This gentle face wash thoroughly cleanses and exfoliates. Peptides, glycolic acid and micro-fine renewing beads stimulate cell-turnover for an immediate improvement in tone, texture and hydration.

* Anti-Aging Stimulating Toner: Infused with peptides and natural skin lighteners, this hydrating toner instantly improves skin's texture and increases clarity while reversing skin damage, fading age spots, and reducing fine lines.

* C-P4 Intensive Delivery Anti-Aging Peel System: This wonder product comprised of vitamin C and peptides is a 4-minute face and body lift that is essential to any effective anti-aging regimen.

* Cellular Transformation Growth Serum: Growth factors, peptides, and alpha lipoic acid produce wonders in this age-defying elixir that increases natural collagen and elastin production while relaxing wrinkle-causing contractions.

* Eye Extreme Dark Circle Concentrate: Described as three eye crèmes in one, this life-saving eye cream brightens dark circles, reduces puffiness, and lifts fine lines with light refracting crushed pearls and peptides that increase luminosity.

* Full Body Anti-Aging Moisturizer with Stretch Mark: This ultra luxurious multi-peptide formula activates collagen production, strengthens damaged tissue, and renews damaged skin.

* Instant Corrective Peptide Enzymatic Treatment: This self-heating peptide and enzyme mask gently dissolves dead skin cells and impurities for immediate skin rejuvenation and a youthful glow that lasts for days.

* Face Intensive Concentrate Anti-Aging Corrective Crème: This anti-aging powerhouse reverses and prevents fine line and wrinkles with a powerful blend of six peptides and over ten antioxidants.

Learn more at www.hydropeptide.com (They also have a really great blog!)

There's a certain oil finding its way from Morocco and into the beauty products you are using these days. What has started out as a low hum has now erupted into a full blown chatter--everyone is talking about the amazing properties of Argan Oil. Just as Ojon nuts produce the hair's elixir in the rainforest, oil from the Argan nuts have gained momentum as "Liquid Gold" for the skin.

There are two beauty brands that I am familiar with who use Argan Oil as an ingredient in their products. Kaeline Argatherapie and Solessence. Argan Oil is the heart of Kaeline's products and Solessence uses the potent oil in their skin care set. So far I have only ever used Kaeline's products with amazing results.

Some of the benefits of Argan Oil are:

* Hydrates the skin while neutralizing free radicals.

* Reduces active blemishes and visible scars.

* Revitalizes and improves the skin's elasticity.

* Relives symptoms of eczema and psoriasis

* Reduces redness

Argan oil is also good for use in your hair and on your nails; it's even been said to help soothe rheumatism and arthritis pain. Argan Oil is virtually scentless and is not greasy as one would expect when you think of a typical oil. It's great for all skin types and will help heal acne, not cause it. Believe me, I was skeptical myself, until I tried it and haven't stopped using it since.

Have you used Argan Oil yourself? I'd love to hear how it worked for you.

Based on ancient Eastern traditions of natural remedies for the betterment of the body, mind and soul, Panpuri has set forth to change the way we look at beauty and skincare. Panpuri represents a place where we awaken to the perfect balance and harmony between our inner and outer selves. Made for normal to dry skin, Panpuri's Inner Peace Body Butter provides a sophisticated blend of hydrating skin care and well being.

Key ingredients: Ylang Ylang, Turmeric, Moist 24, Olive

Ylang Ylang - Native to the Philippines and grown all over tropical Asia, ylang ylang is known as one of the best trees for perfumery work. Since ancient times, ylang ylang has been treasured for its anti-depressant and stimulant properties as it soothes nervousness, increases sensuality, improves circulation and relieves skin irritation.

Turmeric - Turmeric essential oil is viewed as a strong relaxant and balancer. It also has historical applications as an antiseptic, and for skin care use against acne and facial hair in women.

Moist 24 – From the Imperata Cylindrica plants in India, which is used in creams for immediate moisture as well as a long –lasting penetration.

Olive – Used for its nutrient rich and highly emollient properties, olives are used to not only combat fine lines, but also promote healing to the skin.

Inner Peace's fragrance is a floral-balsamic and slightly spicy. There are no added perfumes or fragrances; only 100% pure essential oils are used to create Panpuri’s original scents. You can learn more about this product at www.panpuri.com.

It's only a natural progression, along with facial treatments such as Botox and chemical peels, why not have doctor exclusive beauty products? Understanding your skincare needs is best understood by your doctor who then can recommend which products are appropriate for use after treatment. Allergan, best known for Botox Cosmetic and the dermal filler Juvederm, is the one leading the way for this doctor-exclusive skincare trend.

Allergan presently has two skincare systems that you can only find exclusively through your physician: Vivite and Prevage MD. Vivite is a cosmeceutical skincare system that consist of 10-20% glycolic compound while Prevage MD has the highest concentration of Idebenone (1%) of any other cosmeceutical. Along with Prevage MD, the other Prevage series of products is a collaboration of Allergan & Elizabeth Arden.

Now it has just been announced that Allergan will also be working with Estee Lauder brand, Clinique to develop a skincare line that will work with in-office procedures and will be sold exclusively through a physician this Fall. I find this new trend intriguing--skincare so powerful that you can only get it from a doctor. Whether it actually works or not may be mute, but the psychology behind it may just boost visits to the doctor seeking out a skincare miracle.

What do you think of this new trend in skincare?

Like no other skin care products available today, Sircuit Cosmeceuticals offers a complete line of professional, all natural, high performance skin care products using the latest in Chiral Technology and a commonsense "be good to yourself" approach. This is a brand new concept in professional skin treatments that blends the best of both science and beauty! Sircuit Cosmeceuticals goes way beyond regular topical skin care; this is skin care at the molecular level.

All Sircuit formulas are specifically designed to help maintain the skin's all-important moisture balance (the pH balance), resulting in maximum skin protection and a more vibrant, youthful appearance. The concept is to address specific skin conditions more than just skin types. We all understand that the skin changes daily, weekly, monthly, seasonally, hormonally, after a crazy weekend or vacation to the desert. Michael Wolfgeher, founder and creator, figured out that designing a product for a particular skin type doesn't make sense. Sircuit products are formulated to adjust to the body's changes by maintaining its proper moisture levels and pH balance and working with the body, not against it.

Mainstream skin care in today's market is primarily topical and mostly formulated with ingredients that are racemic compounds, such as a pair of chemical molecules known as enantiomers. In virtually all aspects, the two parts are physically and chemically identical, except for one critical area, how they link up and interact. More importantly is how they react with other molecules in the body.