Skincare – Page 47 – Forty, Flirty & Fabulous

Kate Somerville KateCeuticals Moisture Milk Cleanser

My skin is becoming more of a problem as I age. I can get dry, so I hydrate it. But if I use a cream that it too heavy, I will breakout and my pores will look huge. A catch 22, huh.

So I have found that if I use a creamy cleanser (with my Clarisonic), and a lighter moisturizer, my face becomes clear and smooth!

I have been trying Kate Somerville KateCeuticals Moisture Milk Cleanser ($58 USD) –This rich, creamy blend of antioxidants and fruit extracts is designed to clean, hydrate, and brighten the look of the complexion. KateCeuticals™ Moisture Milk Cleanser delivers comfort to skin with a soothing blend of powerful Vitamins, Orange Blossom, and Orange Peel Extracts that leave skin feeling moisturized and fresh. This sulfate-free cleanser is so gentle that it can be rinsed or simply tissued off.

It’s main ingredients are:

Soybean Extracts help to enhance the skin’s natural barrier function in order to improve the look of firmness.
Kukui, Macadamia, and Coconut Oils are combined with a cutting-edge Lipid Blend in an effort to moisturize instantly and continue to hydrate throughout the day.
Orange Blossom and Orange Peel Extracts are combined with a special Brightening Complex in an effort to create instant illumination and radiance.

Kate Somerville’s products are so wonderful for the skin. I really love how mild this cleanser is. It doesn’t irritate at all. It is also a fab eye makeup remover. Dab it on a tissue or cotton pad and wipe off. It doesn’t irritate.

Gentle for everyday use, this cleanser has become a staple of my skincare routine.

Available exclusively at www.katesomerville.com, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. Enjoy!

For Earth Day, Take Care Of Yourself And The Environment With Eco-Refills From L’Occitane

Earth Day is in a couple of days and as we are thinking about big and little things that we can do for the environment, L’Occitane has come up with a great idea for your favorite beauty products.

Their Eco-Refills are large sizes of some of L’Occitane’s best-selling products that can be used to refill your original containers. Some of these products are:

Lavender Liquid Soap Eco-Refill ($12 USD) — Reduce, reuse and refill! Both economical and ecological, the Lavender Liquid Soap Eco-Refill keeps hands clean, fresh and lightly scented. With nourishing Shea Butter and soothing aloe-vera extract, this detergent-free cleanser is gentle enough for dry, sensitive or damaged skin. Refill is 13.5 fl. oz. while Liquid Soap is 16.9 fl. oz.

Immortelle Refill Brightening Cleansing Foam ($38 USD) — An economical and ecological Brightening Cleansing Foam refill for the beauty of your skin and the preservation of the environment. Lighten the complexion with this gentle face cleanser, enriched with organic Immortelle floral water and citrus fruit peel.

Almond Shower Oil Eco-Refill ($36 USD) — The economical and ecological Almond Shower Oil Eco-Refill is perfect for both the beauty of your skin and the preservation of the environment. When in contact with water, this shower oil transforms into a delicate foam that gently cleanses the body. Enriched with Almond oil, it respects the hydrolipidic film and leaves a subtle and mouthewatering scent of fresh Almond, for delightful skin!

Aromachologie Soothing Shampoo Eco-Refill ($25 USD) — Formulated with a natural origin vegetable complex of 5 essential oils and wheat proteins, the Aromachologie Soothing Shampoo helps soothe the sensitive or irritated scalp. It also adds a genuine softness to hair, delicately cleanses and purifies the scalp and immediately eases irritations and aggressions. The scalp returns to a healthy and comfortable state, for stronger, beautiful hair. Pair with the Aromachologie Soothing Conditioner.

These can be purchased at usa.loccitane.com. Enjoy!

Clarisonic Acne Clarifying Collection

My aging skin is so erratic. Sometimes I break out, sometimes my skin is very dry. I alway have large pores. Yuck! But I have been lucky to try the new Clarisonic Acne Clarifying Collection ($169 USD).

So whats the claim?

Clarisonic brings you closer to clear skin—in just one step! The inventor of the professional-caliber, dermatologist-recommended Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System, has paired its patented sonic cleansing technology, including an innovative new brush head, with a gentle yet powerful salicylic acid-based cleanser to form the Clarisonic Acne Clarifying Collection. In one easy step, that’s safe and gentle enough for use twice daily, you can remove dirt, oil and impurities more thoroughly—and begin to treat acne blemishes.

What I think: Don’t be afraid of this collection, because not only does it clean deep, it is gentle on the skin. And my skin is a little sensitive. This Mia 2 (which is the model of the Clarisonic) has two speeds. I use the lower speed and only used the salicylic cleanser in the morning. I use a gentler cleanser in the evening. With this combination, my skin is looking gorgeous lately. The brush leaves my skin SO soft and smooth and my pores are less noticeable. I also haven’t had a breakout since I have used it. Fab!

Availability: www.sephora.com and www.clarisonic.com. This is worth the investment. Enjoy!

L’Occitane’s Newest Immortelle Brightening Products

Need to even skin tone and brighten your skin? Well, L’Occitane has recently added three products to their Immortelle collection.

What is immortelle you ask? The immortelle flower grows abundantly on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, has an exceptionally long life and retains its form and color when dried. L’Occitane has extracted a precious essential oil from the immortelle, which has anti-free radical and anti-wrinkle properties.

L’Occitane’s Immortelle collection offers a complete anti-aging solution for the face and hands. The three new products added to the Immortelle Brightening collection are enriched with a new extract, Garden Nasturtium, for boosted action to leave skin instantly dewy and youthfully radiant.

The additions include:

Brightening Essence ($56): A concentrated serum that optimizes penetration of active ingredients for dramatically brighter, more radiant skin.

Brightening Moisture Cream ($58): A daily moisturizer with an ultra-fresh gel-cream texture that helps correct wrinkles, even skin tone and brighten the complexion.

Brightening Hand Care SPF 15 ($30): A non-oily, protective hand lotion that smoothes the skin, evens skin tone and reduces the appearance of age spots.

What I think: I have been using this collection day and night for a few weeks and have seen some results. I think my skin is clearer in tone and a bit brighter. I do not have a lot of age spots yet (knock on wood), but my skin can get dull. I find that immediately after each application, my skin does look brighter. I have combination skin, and this does not seem to make me break out, which is great!

As for the products themselves, they are heavily scented with a floral/green fragrance. This is probably natural, but if you are fragrance sensitive, be aware.

The textures are nice. The serum and creams are not greasy at all and seem to quickly absorb.

I would recommend these products to someone who would like to even skin tone and fade dark spots. You can purchase them at usa.loccitane.com.

Enjoy!

Beauty.com And Erin Fetherston Gift With Purchase

Touting celebrity fans including Zooey Deschanel, Rachel Bilson and Jessica Biel,Erin Fetherston is enjoying rave reviews for her latest ERIN by Erin Fetherston collections.

Currently, Beauty.com is thrilled to announce that Erin Fetherston is the newest collaborator in the beauty retailer’s designer bag series. Available atwww.beauty.com/erinfetherston with any Beauty.com purchase of $100 or more, customers will receive a vintage-inspired train case filled with a dozen prestige beauty samples and a $10 Beauty.com gift card –an exclusive gift valued at $130.

“For my exclusive makeup bag for Beauty.com, I was inspired by the nostalgia of travel and vintage luggage,” said Fetherston. “I love the contrast of the structured shape to the whimsical and fun butterfly print lining. It adds a touch of glamour to your everyday routine.”

The covetable case opens to reveal a touch-up mirror, elasticized side pockets and butterfly print lining fresh from theERIN by Erin Fetherston Spring/Summer 2012 collection. An exterior top handle, sturdy corner hardware and magnetic flap closure allow thepetite pink trunk to double as a travel-savvy keepsake.

Kathleen McNeill, President of Beauty.com, said, “After working with Erin for her Spring 2012 presentation, we are thrilled to be able to offer our customers a collectible featuring her fun and feminine aesthetic. It’s a handy piece for keepsakes or to offer as a gift, and the collection of samples allows customers toexperiment with some great new products as they plan to refresh their beauty wardrobes for spring.”

Each train case arrives filled with samples from some of the top brands in prestige beauty:

1. bareMinerals® Pretty Amazing® Lipcolor, Bravado

2. Stila® FULL SIZE Eye Shadow Compact, Cloud

3. Supersmile® Whitening Introductory Kit

4. Murad® Acne Clarifying Mask

5. Smashbox® Photo Finish® Hydrating Foundation Primer

6. Boscia® Oil-Free Nightly Hydration

7. Jane Iredale® Tantasia® Self Tanner

8. Alterna® BAMBOO Boho Waves Tousled Texture Mist

9. Traditions by Nick Chavez® Yucca Root Shampooing Cream

10. Bulgari® Refreshing Towel

11. Too Faced® Tinted Beauty Balm

12. ~H20+™ Face Oasis™ Hydrating Treatment

13. $10 Beauty.com Gift Card

Visit the Beauty.com Video Library for a backstage look at Erin Fetherston’s colorful and mod-inspired Spring/Summer 2012 collection. For more on the latest happenings from Fashion Week and beyond, theBeauty.com trends page offers shoppers an in-depth review of what’s new and exciting in the world of beauty.

About Beauty.com – The World of Beauty Online®:

Beauty.com is a leading online destination for prestige beauty products. The web store provides a highly personalized shopping experience and offers more than 350 brands from widely recognized to niche, hard-to-find products.

Site-wide gifts with purchase are just one of the many perks available to Beauty.com customers.Other Beauty.com benefits include Everyday Free Shipping, 5% back on every purchase with drugstore.com dollars™, 100% color guarantee on eligible products, and a shared online shopping cart with the Beauty.com partner site, drugstore.com. Beauty fans can also get the latest tips, trends, and promotions sent directly to their email by signing up for the free weekly Beauty Bulletin. For social media exclusives, be sure to ‘like’Beauty.com on Facebook™ and follow@beautydotcomon Twitter™.

What I think: Super-cute train case! I love the butterfly lining with the mirror and the cute little inner side pockets. Adorable! I may review some of the samples separately, but I have been using the Stila Cloud shadow for a few days and I love the shimmering neutral color. So pretty!

Enjoy!

AVON ANEW GENICS Eye Treatment

Fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes are one of the most telling signs of aging. Eye cream is one product I apply every day to keep away the wrinkles!

AVON’s new Genics’ line has just release a pretty terrific eye creme called Eye Treatment. The details are:

Genics Eye Treatment ($36 USD) contains Youthgen™ Technology is designed to help skin cells act younger.** Undo up to 10 years from the look of your eyes.* Diminishes the appearance of fine wrinkles and fine crow’s-feet. Eye area feels re-energized and restores the look of youthful brilliance, remarkable smoothness, definition and elasticity.* Use AM and PM in place of your eye cream. .5 oz. net wt. *Based on a consumer-perception study of women 45-59. **Based on testing in skin cells.

What I think: The first time I tried this cream a few weeks ago, I noticed an instant change in the skin under my eyes. It was firm and smooth, which is unusual to see so quickly after starting using a new eye product.

I use it twice a day now, and love it! It is as good as any high-end eye cream I have tried. My skin is firmer and fine lines are much less noticeable. I highly recommend this for the price and quality!

To purchase, visit http://youravon.com/brittbowman. Enjoy!

Algenist Firming and Lifting Cream

Algenist is a fairly new brand of skincare that I was introduced to last year. I really loved the products that I have used (see my review at http://tinyurl.com/72b6eqg) so I was excited to try their new Firming & Lifting Cream ($94 USD)!

This product is an ultra-firming and restructuring cream that tightens and lifts while reinforcing skin structure. The claim is that it leverages the power of alguronic acid and ProPeptide3. Brought together in a never-before-seen antiaging complex, these ingredients boost production of skin’s key structural proteins: elastin, collagen, and proteoglycans. As it strengthens skin’s structure, this advanced formula redefines facial contours, leaving skin smooth, sculpted, and lifted.

Algenist Firming and lifting cream contains This cream also contains avocado oil, phytosterols, and olive fruit oil to moisturize and nourish the skin. It is dermatologist tested, ophthalmologist tested, for all skin types, hypoallergenic, non-irritating, non-comedogenic, and not tested on animals. It does not contain parabens, sulfates, sythetic dyes, petrochemicals, phthalates or triclosan.

What I think: The texture of this cream is very thick, like a butter or a balm. But it is not greasy once applied. I have been using it morning and night for a couple of weeks on my face and neck.

My skin looks good, but I don’t know how much firmer it is. I’m lucky not to have sagging skin (yet), but I do like the moisture this gives my skin and my neck is smooth. I will continue using this every day to prevent sagging skin.

This is available at www.algenist.com and www.sephora.com.

Enjoy!

Acheive A Youthful Glow with Skincare from The Somme Institute

I am lucky to be able try many different cosmetics and skin care that claim that they will make me look younger. Sometimes they work and lots of times they don’t. Luckily this is not a case of the latter with the Somme Institute 5-Step Regimen I tried.

This has been working so well for me. I have been using it for about a month and I see a huge difference in the clarity and texture of my skin. ALL skin types & MOST skin conditions. Sun Damage, Fine Lines & Wrinkles, Acne, Rosacea all while improving skin discoloration, tone, texture and clarity

Somme Institute products contains a patented technology MDT5 (Molecular Dispersion Technology), a revolutionary protein/vitamin delivery system (A, B3, B5, C and E) which transforms the skin, thus improving its tone, texture and clarity while reducing the signs of aging (for all skin types). The products in the regimen are:

The Nourishing Cleanser ($40 USD) is a non-foaming gel that is extremely gentle on the skin. The claim is that it helps improvefine lines and wrinkles, dryness, dehydrated and lackluster skin while preserving the skin’s youthful appearance.

I love that this (and all of the Somme Institute products I have tried) are fragrance free. It is very mild and leaves my skin very soft after use. It also works well with my Clarisonic face-cleansing brush.

I follow up with Transport ($58 USD), soft cotton pads with AHA to gently exfoliate dead cells on the skin’s surface. This is one of my favorite steps. It is recommended that if you have sensitive skin, use it just once a day, which I did at first. But now, I am using it twice a day and love how it leaves my skin glowing after each application.

Step 3 is the Serum ($82 USD). This claims to helps reduce the visible signs of premature aging, smoothes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and evens skin tone.

I smooth a couple of drops on my face and neck twice a day after the Transport pads. It soaks in really quickly and does not leave my skin greasy. The only thing I don’t care for is that my hands are very sticky after using this product. I have to wash my hands after use and before continuing the regimen.

I immediately apply A-Bomb ($70 USD) This powerhouse cream contains additional amounts of Vitamins A and E. A-Bomb helps soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles while targeting other problem areas, such as poor skin texture and dry skin. It calms and soothes the skin while promoting skin’s vitality and firmness.

I have been using this morning and night. I rub it in well — I have found that it is easy to put a little too much on, so it needs to be applied well or it will sit on top of the skin.

The last step is Double Defense ($48 USD), which is a lightweight lotion. It contains a SPF 30+ and Parsol 1789. Double Defense protects skin from premature aging while locking in vital moisture.

Just one pump will do ya with this lotion. I use it every morning as my last step of the system. It is not greasy, which is wonderful.

With all of the steps this system, I was worried that my face would be greasy and it would feel heavy. But happily, that is not true. I even put primer, concealer, sometimes foundation and powder over the system — and my face does not fall to the ground with the product weight! Yay!

And I did mean sometimes foundation. My skin really looks so good that I only need a touch of concealer and a light powder (IT Cosmetices Bye Bye Undereye and Bye Bye Pores). My skin tone is even, my redness has lessened and fine lines are almost gone.

You can purchase these products separately or as a kit for $298 at www.sommeinstitute.com. Enjoy!

Beauty.com’s New Gift With Purchase Featuring Marchesa

Demi Lovato and Lea Michele looked stunning in Marchesa at the People’s Choice Awards this year, and now, thanks to its collaboration withBeauty.com, everyone can own a gorgeous creation from the celebrated Marchesa designers.

Currently, the latest installment in the beauty retailer’s designer bag series will be available at http://www.Beauty.com/marchesa with any Beauty.com purchase of $150 or more –an exclusive gift valued at $185. Elegant and portable, the feather-light lace and satin pouch is perfectly sized to accommodate beauty essentials when stepping out for the evening.

“For February 2012, we wanted to create a makeup bag that was both demure and romantic. The nude and black lace design adds a delicate tone while the soft case makes it easy to pack and store. It’s the perfect go everywhere beauty bag for the season,” said Marchesa co-founders Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig.

Kathleen McNeill, President of Beauty.com, said, “This is our third collaboration with Marchesa, and we always see their gorgeous designs as a fun way for Beauty.com shoppers to kick off red carpet season. Plus, the diverse product assortment allows customers to sample across multiple categories, from fragrance to accessories.”

Each Marchesa gift bag is complete with the 16 prestige beauty samples listed below, as well as a card for $10 toward future purchases at Beauty.com and a voucher for $20 off the purchase of sunglasses from the Sunglass Hut® Store on Beauty.com.

1. bareMinerals® Purely Nourishing Moisturizer: Combination Skin

2. NUXE™ Reve de Miel Ultra Comfortable Face Cream – Day

3. Urban Decay® All Nighter™ Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

4. Boscia® Green Tea Blotting Linens

5. Amika® Obliphica Oil Treatment

6. DDF® Amplifying Elixir

7. dr. brandt® Dark Circles Away

8. Arcona® Night Worker, Repair PM

9. Taylor Swift™ Wonderstruck® Eau de Parfum

10. Jouer® Luminizing Moisture Tint: Pearl, Golden and Bronzed

11. Murad® Acne Clarifying Cleanser

12. Alterna® UV+ Color Protection Fade-Proof Fluide

13. tarte® Amazonian Clay Waterproof Eye Liner: Navy

14. Laura Geller® Spackle Under Makeup Primer: Bronze

15. Braza® Clothing Adhesives

16. bliss® Lemon+Sage Body Butter

This GWP is so much fun! The bag is gorgeous — probably the prettiest makeup bag I’ve seen. It is sturdy, like a makeup bag should be, but the lace over the satin look is sexy and elegant at the same time. The samples are fab, too. Enjoy!

Treat Your Skin, Hair And Smile To New Products This New Year!

It’s time to reverse some of the damages the holidays may have caused — I don’t mean to your body (that’s another blog), but to your beauty regime! The following products can get your skin, hair and smile glowing again — just in time to have a fabulous 2012!

H2O Plus’ NEW Marine Calm Gentle Creamy Cleanser ($18 USD). Give your skin a fresh start and gently wash away impurities, dirt and oil for brighter, healthy skin. This antioxidant rich formulation lusciously lathers on skin for a fresh feel while antioxidant rich spirulina protects skin from adverse environmental exposure. Availability: H2O Plus Stores Nationwide; www.h20plus.com; ULTA stores nationwide.

MyChelle’s Magnolia Fresh Eyes ($38.39 USD) gives you a blend of peptides and plant extracts that shed light on even the darkest under-eye shadows. Green Coffee stimulates and revives while Magnolia Leaf Extract helps strengthen and promote repair for a well-rested look, even when you aren’t! Availability: Whole Foods Nationwide; www.mychelle.com.

Umberto Beverly Hills Repair Treatment Masque ($9.99 USD) With cold, dry weather, your locks will definitely be in need of some T.L.C. This is an intensive therapy formulated for damaged and chemically treated hair. This deep conditioning treatment uses marine derived amino acids to help revive hair’s natural strength for luscious locks in the New Year! Availability: Target Stores Nationwide; www.target.com.

Luster Powerwhite toothpaste ($6.99). The gentle formula relieves tooth sensitivity and whitens teeth for an overall healthy, happy smile. This is perfect for making teeth sparkle after a season of indulgences! Availability: Wal Mart, Target, CVS, Duane Reade, Walgreens and drugstores nationwide.

Enjoy getting your skin, hair and teeth back in to shape for the new year!