Borlind System Absolute

Being 40 (-ish), I am always looking for skin care that can slow down the aging process. I am fairly lucky with my skin (not many wrinkles), but I do have red areas and larger pores, which help show that my skin is not as young as it used to be!

Annemarie Linder is a German pioneer of natural cosmetics and co-founder of Borlind cosmetics. She devotes her passion to creating natural beauty products like the System Absolute (advanced skin care for mature skin) that I have recently tested. 

Borlind’s System Absolute claims to deliver valuable botanical hydrating ingredients and potent antioxidant vitamins deep into the skin. The products I have tried are:   

System Absolute Cleanser ($53.99, 5.07 oz): A creamy emulsion which gently, yet thoroughly, removes dirt, makeup, and other pollutants. This smells great and is refreshing as it cleans.

System Absolute Beauty Fluid ($92.99, 1.7 oz) : A potent antioxidant gel which hydrates and strengthens skin’s resistance to environmental damage. I love this light gel that instantly absorbs into the skin and gives my skin a nice glow.

System Absolute Day Cream ($109.99, 1.7 oz): A rich cream which provides intensive hydration, care, and protection against environmental damage. This cream is nice, but is a bit heavy for me. I have to wait a while after application to put my makeup on. 

System Absolute Night Cream ($109.99, 1.7 oz): A luxurious cream which works to smooth, restore suppleness, repair environmental damage, support regeneration, and replenish moisture and oil. The cream is too heavy for me that it borders on greasy. My skin does look good in the morning after use, but I have been breaking out.

After a few weeks of trying these products, I have found that I really like them. I do think they are made for skin a little more mature than mine, but I will continue to use the cleanser and beauty fluid as I enjoy the feeling and results I get with these products.

Visit www.borlind.com to learn more and to purchase these products or items from their other skin care collections. Enjoy!  

Erno Laszlo Skin Care

Hungarian dermatologist Erno Laszlo created luxury skin care that’s purpose is to make skin look and feel better.  I have tried a few products from the brand, and I really like the results I have received. 

Antioxidant Complex for Eyes ($50.00 .5 oz) is a refreshing gel that contains botanical extracts to reduce puffiness so you look less tired, plus soothing skin conditioners to firm skin and improve elasticity. It also to “shield against age-vulnerable skin with ingredients that work synergistically to lighten dark circles, strengthen and protect skin.” I like to use this morning and night, but it can be used just once a day. I have noticed that my circles are lighter and the skin looks tighter under my eye.
 
I have also tried Timeless Body’s ($90.00 4 0z), a body serum. The ingredients, including marine and yeast extracts, are touted to “increase elasticity and prevent the breakdown of collagen so that body skin is less vulnerable to premature aging. Vitamins A, E and F, essential fatty acids and kojic acid diminish the appearance of wrinkles and age spots while firming and nourishing the skin.” I haven’t used this frequently, but when I have I’ve noticed that my skin looks smoother. I like to use a moisturizer on top, for maximum benefits. 

My favorite of the three is the Hydra-Therapy Skin Vitality Treatment ($50.00 4 treatments). This is a deep moisturizing mask that soothes and moisturizes skin. It is This is a two step product. You mix a liquid into a powder. I find that it was hard to get totally smooth, but it still worked very well. After I applied it, waited 15 minutes and peeled it off, my skin was so smooth.  What a fab, luxurious treatment.

Visit www.ernolaszlo.com to learn more about and to purchase these incredible products.

Juara — Natural Indonesian Skin Care

Looking for a different type of skin care company? Juara skin care is a fusion active botanicals of Indonesian herbal recipes and Western science to create products that represent the best the east and west. They combine active botanicals such as rice, tamarind, turmeric, candlenut oil, healing teas and red sandalwood with modern technology and innovation to deliver quality treatments.

I recommend the following products from the line:

Rice Facial Cleanser ($25.00) — This gentle cleanser contains rice starch to remove make-up and also condition the skin. Rice starch also contains soothing and softening properties and is rich in amino acids and protein. I enjoy a good cleanser, I believe that it sets the stage for a good skin care regimen. I really love that my skin feels clean but not dry after this cleanser and is ready for my moisturizer!

Sweet Black Tea & Ginger Mattefying Moisturizer (oil-free) ($48.00) — My skin is combination and can get a little oily throughout the day. The website describes that, “this light gel-creme combines the age-defying benefits of fermented sweet black tea with the shine-reducing and purifying properties of ginger for a luminous matte finish. Completely oil-free and specially formulated for oily skin, it immediately reduces shine while at the same time helping delay and reverse signs of aging.” I have used other mattefying moisturizers that dry out my combination skin, but this lotion is so moisturizing — just not greasy! It is also paraben-free, alcohol-free, unfragranced and oil-free. 

Candlenut Lip Balm SPF 20 ($18.00) — It’s lip balm season! At least for me it is — my lips can really feel the cold air and they are already becoming dry.  This protective lip balm arrives in a very lovely mirror compact plus it relieves dry and chapped lips. With a great SPF 20, it will protect your lips from UVA and UVB rays of the sun with effective broad-spectrum sunscreens to help prevent aging and skin cancer. It contains candlenut, jojoba and olive oils and is scented with Indonesian citrus fruits. Very nice!

Visit juaraskincare.com to purchase these wonderful products. Enjoy!

SLEEKskin Anti-Aging Skin Kit

SLEEKskin Anti-Aging Skin Kit
SLEEKskin Anti-Aging Skin Kit

I know that sometimes it is hard finding the perfect combination of products to keep your skins looking smooth and youthful. A good system that is easy to follow is what everyone needs. SLEEKskin Anti-Aging Skin Kit ($215.95) is a daily facial regime for women who want professional skincare that are easy to do at home, and gives a spa quality result. It is “designed to turn back the visual signs of aging and prevent further damage.”

The kit comes with the following products, with descriptions from the website (I have also added prices to buy the products separately). Also, the order that you see them in is the order that you use them day and night:

Glow ($38.95) is an exfoliating cleansing gel formulated to promote skin rejuvenation, even skin tone and to repair and defend against sun damage with an effective cocktail of Vitamin C, Lactic Acid and Green Tea antioxidant nutrients. Since Lactic Acid is less intense and less drying than Glycolic Acid, Glow makes an excellent cleansing choice for those with hyperpigmentation, dry, and combination skin types. Glow is also ideal for use as a daily brightening antiaging cleanser.

Boost ($38.95)  a toner that improves skin tone and conditions skin with anti-oxidant Vitamin C and natural solvents and astringents that dissolve residue and restore pH balance. Vitamin C and Lactic Acid combine to promote cell turnover, repair sun damage, reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and encourage skin lightening.

Enriched with a combination of active peptides and proteins to supplement skin, Renew (98.95) is a serum that supports natural collagen levels to restore skin’s elasticity and promote healthy, youthful skin. This triple action collagen renewal serum restores the body’s own collagen, while stimulating new collagen production. With continuous use, Renew will deliver a more luminous complexion, re-contour epidermal cells and decrease visible lines.

A light-weight cream that relaxes facial muscles, nourishes skin cells and moisturizes, Transform (78.95) helps to achieve the appearance of youthful, healthier skin. Daily application can dramatically reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles thanks to the presence of muscle-relaxing Hibiscus Extract, as well as increase collagen production, improve elastin and skin firmness.

I like this kit, but I caution that these products are professional quality and are quite potent. My skin was a bit red the first few days I tried them. Now, I am used to the products and like the smoothness I am seeing. I especially love the Transform cream that you apply after the Renew. It is moisturizing and soothing. 

You may purchase the kit or the products separately at www.sleekmedspa.com/boutique

La Mer The Hydrating Facial

La Mer The Hydrating Facial
La Mer The Hydrating Facial

The luxury skincare line La Mer has released a new skin treatment called The Hydrating Facial ($250.00 for 6 applications.)  This is a 100% cotton two-zoned mask that is claims to hydrate, nourish, smooth and condition skin and leave it with a healthy glow.   

La Mer’s Hydrating Facial contains a trio of transformative benefits that are touted to make this new product so effective. They are:  
 
Super Hydrators –
The Sea Moist Ferment, a special blend of dark green algae gathered from all over the world in countries such as Japan, Indonesia, Brittany and the US, infuses the skin with intense hydration. 
 
Super Anti-Agers –
Marine plant algae such as Ascophyllum Nodosum and Aparagopsis Armata help to diminish visible signs of aging. Dark spots and discoloration begin to fade in appearance, revealing a clearer, more even complexion. The Hydrating Facial also contains cellular lipids and plant extracts derived from melon and avocado to provide a smoother skin texture.  
 
Super Energizers –
Ultra soft to the touch, the spun-lace cotton mask is embedded with tourmaline and Mariponic Ferments that energize and set molecules into motion. The Hydrating Facial mask drives the formula into the skin, boosting hydration.  

When making The Hydrating Facial, a high energy inversion process is used to blend the formula together creating a liquid crystal structure. This gives the formula the properties of both a solid and a liquid. As a solid, the formula suspends and protects the ingredients while still on the mask. When applied to the skin, the formula has the properties of a liquid as it delivers activity to the skin.  

 

Two use the facial, you place the top mask that goes over the eyes and nose first, then the second half that goes over the bottom half of your face. You leave on for 8 minutes, remove then smooth on the rest of the product.

I enjoyed this a lot. As the weather grows colder, my skin gets flakier and I need extra hydration. This is super hydrating and is a great evening treatment. I was also happy that I didn’t break out after the treatment. I used it a couple of days ago and my skin is still soft. Nice! 

The Hydrating Facial will be available in October 2009 at select Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and www.lamer.com 

NIA24 Niacin-Powered Skin Therapy

NIA24 -- Niacin-Powered Skin Therapy
NIA24 -- Niacin-Powered Skin Therapy
Looking for a different type of skincare skincare “>regiminethat will work from the inside out? NIA24 is a Niacin Powered skincare line that claims to bring a continuous-release form of Niacin to restore skin’s barrier and reverse signs of skin damage.
 
The collection includes Gentle Cleansing Cream ($30.00), Physical Cleansing Scrub ($35.00),  Skin Strengthening Complex ($85.00), Intensive Recovery Complex ($110.00), Eye Repair Complex ($65.00), Sun Damage Prevention 100% Mineral Sunscreen ($45.00), and Sun Damage Repair for Decolletage and Hands ($55.00).
 
I tried samples of these products and liked them. Although the claim is that your skin can get red and patchy the first 7-10 days and then clear up. I used the products for 4-5 days and never saw any redness.
 
One of my favorite products is the  Gentle Cleansing Cream which offers 24-hour prevention, repair, and protection and is physician recommended, fragrance, color & dye free, allergy tested and non-comedogenic. It is very gentle and feels great going on. I feel like I’m cleaning, but not stripping, my skin. 

I also loved the Eye Repair Complex. Along with Pro-Niacin™, this lovely product contains Matrixyl™ to reinforce collagen and elastin to visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles; Vitamin C, licorice and white birch to visibly brighten and illuminate under eye discoloration and Caffeine to reduce the appearance of puffiness.  I could see a difference after a few days with my dark circles. Very nice.

Visit www.nia24.com to learn more and to purchase these products.

The Quality Products of Prescriptives

Prescriptives creates quality skincare and makeup that makes you look great and is good for your skin, too.

I have recently tried a few products from this line. They are:

False Eyelashes Plush Mascara ($19.50) — This fantastic mascara pulls triple duty by creating volume, length, and curl. Oh yes, I said curl. This is the first “curling mascara” that I have tried that has made my eyelash curler obsolete. It’s quick and easy to get great lashes and my pin straight lashes look long and full. The formula includes conditioners to keep lashes smooth and healthy.

Flawless Face Primer ($27.50) — This smoothing primer creates a silky canvas for smoth foundation application. It claims to “helps diminish the appearance of large pores, lines and wrinkles, while simultaneously helping to reduce the appearance of redness and discoloration.” This is a very nice primer, it is creamy without being greasy or oily. A little goes a long way, and once applied only a small amount of foundation is needed for a flawless complexion.

Armed with a Super Antioxidant System (SAS), Super Line Preventor Xtreme ($48.00 1 oz, $76.00 1.7 oz) claims to “defend against the visible aging effects of free radicals triggered by environmental assaults both immediately after exposure and again up to 72 hours later. It helps strengthen skin and boost its natural defenses by helping skin bolster its collagen production to improve visible skin tone, radiance and diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Skin looks stronger, smoother and more radiant…one step ahead of environmental assaults.”
 
I really enjoy this serum. It is light and non-greasy and sinks into the skin quickly, so one can apply moisturizer. My skin has been looking smooth and radiant lately and I think this serum has a lot to d with that.

Visit www.prescriptives.com to learn more about these great products!

CosMedix Skincare

Looking for anti-aging products that are gentle on the skin? Try CosMedix. These skin care products claim to to be the answer to a healthy complexion without irritation. I have been testing the following products for the last few weeks and I have to say that I like the youthful glow that my skin now has. They products I have tried are: 

Purity Clean Exfoliating Cleanser ($34.00 USD) — This exfoliating cleanser has peppermint essential oil to cool the skin and stimulate circulation. The claims are that it, “penetrates deep, eliminating cellular debris, decongesting pores and hydrating, to keep normal to oily skin healthy and glowing.” This does make my skin tingle, but it irritates my eyes so I keep it away from the eye area. I feel that it cleans without drying my skin out and my acne has been clearing up, which is great! This product can also be left on the face for 1-3 minutes and used as a mask.

Radiance Skin Management Serum ($92.00 USD) — This serum claims to “shield against harmful free radicals and glycation aging (hardening of the skin) while stimulating collagen to rejuvenate damaged, aging skin.” It contains antioxidants like spin trap and blueberry extract. I notice that after I use it my skin glows. Make sure that you do put on a moisturizer with sunscreen while using this product as it makes the skin sensitive to the sun.

Reflect SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen ($44.00 USD) — This is the first titanium, non-chemical, spray-on sunscreen on the market. It offers broad spectrum SPF 30 protection in a non-irritating, oil-free formula. This is a great everyday sunscreen because it goes on dry and is absolutely not greasy. Yay! It is not waterproof, so I wouldn’t use this at the pool. I use it doing everyday activities because you never know when you will be exposed to the sun.

Visit www.cosmedix.com to learn more and to purchase these products. 

Avon Anew

Avon is a trusted brand that has been around for quite awhile. Their ANEW line targets anti-aging and is very highly rated. I have recently tested two Avon ANEW products, the ANEW ALTERNATIVE Intensive Age Treatment SPF 25 Day and the  ANEW Ultimate Night Gold Emulsion.

The Avon ANEW ALTERNATIVE Intensive Age Treatment SPF 25 Day ($32.00) is a combo moisturizer and sunscreen. I like that the SPF is 25 and that the cream absorbs fairly quickly. Unfortunately, unless I use a tiny bit, it leaves my face greasy. I think it will be good in the winter time, when my face is dry and flaky.  The scent is a little strong, but it is easy to get used to.

The Avon ANEW Ultimate Night Gold Emulsion ($34.00) is a sheer gel that is absorbed right into the skin. This product contains Pro-Sirtuin TX Technology to stimulate sirtuin youth proteins for healthier cells, and activate remodeling proteins to help restructure and strengthen skin and Gold Polypeptide Complex to help replenish skin’s moisture reserves and maintain its youthful structure.

Avon claims that this will help you look 5 years younger in 14 days or your money back! I think that’s a good deal. I used this product for approximately 10 days and I saw a big difference, especially that my skin tone was more even and the skin around my eyes was smoother and brighter. My under-eye circles were lighter. I highly recommend this product because it worked for me and because there is no risk, with the money back guarantee.

Visit local Kansas City Avon Representative Heidi Walker’s website at http://www.youravon.com/hwalker to purchase and to  learn more about these products.

Arcona Reozone 40

Reozone 40
Reozone 40

Looking for a quality sunscreen that isn’t greasy and doesn’t leave a white residue on your face? Arcona’s Reozone 40 ($28.00) could be the one for you! This unusual sunscreen is tinted and moisturizes the skin as well as protects it.

Reozone 40 includes Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide — both have powerful UVA/UVB protection. It also includes Sodium Hyluronate to moisturize and Sodium Selenite which offers natural anti-aging benefits. It does not contain petrochemicals, binders or fillers, chemical stabilizers, parabens, sodium lauryl sulphates, perfumes, dyes or any other caustic ingredients.

I apply this over my moisturizer and under my makeup, but it can be worn as moisturizer. The tint is very sheer and could work for most skin tones. It doesn’t cover like foundation but it does seem to even out my skin tone.

You can purchase this product at beauty.com

***Now fun news! I am giving away one of these wonderful sunscreens to a lucky reader! To win it leave a comment on my blog letting me know that you would like the Reozone 40. I will draw a name and notify the winner on Friday August 14, 2009. Good luck! 

 

  

Price- $28.00
Purchase it on beauty.com