Clinique Moisturizers — Even Better and Comfort on Call

When I use Clinique’s fabulous skincare — allergy-tested and 100% fragrance free — I always feel like I am doing something good for my skin. I know that not only will it look better, but it will feel better, too!

 I’ve tried a couple new moisturizers from Clinique this past month. One — the Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer — is new, and the other — Comfort on Call Allergy Tested Relief Cream — is perfect for dry, chapped winter skin.

Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer SPF 20 ($42.50 USD)  – This is an intriguing product. It claims to erase past skin damage to create a more even skin tone, while providing high-level UVA/UVB defense with an SPF 20 to help prevent future discoloration. At first I thought this only meant fading of darker skin patches and spots (like the sun spots I have on my hands). But, in my research into this product, I have found that many women claim that it helps fade acne scars.

While using this product, I have noticed that my dark spots on my hands are fading, which is fantastic! I don’t have many, but they do bother me. My face looks clearer and has a pretty glow to it. I enjoy that the cream is light and non-greasy. It soaks right into my skin, allowing me to almost immediately apply makeup after application. It does smell like sunscreen, but that doesn’t bother me. I highly recommend this cream.  

Is your skin dry, red and flaky? Comfort on Call Allergy Tested Relief Cream ($39.50 USD) might be the cream for you. This was tested by a leading dermatologist who specializes in skin allergies on dry, sensitive and reactive skins. It is great for people sensitive skin and even people with eczema (like my teenage daughter) because it protects the skin without irritating it. It can be greasy, since it is so thick. I can’t use it on my face, but I have on the back of my hands and they feel very smooth afterwards. 

Visit www.clinique.com to learn more about these moisturizers and other that might be perfect for you!

Olay Regenerist Anti-Aging Eye Roller and DNA Superstructure UV Cream SPF 25

Olay has changed so much since my mother began using it years ago. I believe her Oil of Olay first came in a jar and had a very distinct scent to it. She, and many other women swore by it (my mom still looks super young and still uses it). At the time, it was one of the only accessible drugstore brands of anti-aging skincare.

Now there are so many brands of skincare, and Olay has kept right up with them. One of their popular lines is the Regenerist line. This collection claims to regenerate the skin’s appearance once cell at a time.

I tried the following new Regenerist products:  

Regenerist DNA Superstructure UV Cream SPF 25 ($24.99 USD) This new anti-aging moisturizer is touted to help rebuild cellular surface structure and restore firmness, regenerating a more youthful appearance. It contains SPF 25 and anti-oxidants to protect the skin. 

This moisturizer is a perfect light day cream, and the SPF is so important.  I don’t know if it is rebuilding my cellular structure, but my skin looks very smooth since I began using it. It also has a nice, light floral scent that is not overpowering.  

The Regenerist Anti-Aging Eye Roller ($22.99 USD) “features precision micro-rollers that gently massage in a concentrated, hydrating anti-aging treatment to not only help reduce eye puffiness, but also regenerate skin’s appearance to diminish fine lines and wrinkles.” This formula is Dermatologically Tested and Non-Comedogenic (Won’t Clog Pores).

This is a fun product to use. You click the button on the bottom to release the serum, and then massage it under (and all around) the eye. It feels cooling on and seems to decrease puffiness. I don’t have many eye wrinkles, but the skin under my eye seems smoother.

I plan on trying more Regenerist products in the future. Learn more at www.olay.com.

Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque

Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque

Need a little help with your skin this Winter? Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque ($43.00 USD) is touted to help environmentally damaged, irritated and hypersensitive skin.

This effects from this mask are described as “Super-concentrated antioxidant vitamins and botanicals dramatically reduce the inflammation and redness associated with stressed, prematurely aging skin. Antioxidant Vitamins A and C help promote collagen and elastin production for increased suppleness.”

I have used this mask 3 times in as many weeks. I smooth it on my skin and leave it on for 15 or 20 minutes then rinse it off. Afterwards, my skin is SO soft, dewy and the redness on my cheeks and around my nose is lessened. Plus, the more I have used it, the better my skin looks.

I highly recommend this anti-aging treatment, it’s quite a help in the cold, dry winter!

Visit www.dermalogica.com/us

Conquer Winter Skin with McBride Beauty

McBride Beauty believes in “beauty from the inside out”. This natural skincare company’s products do not contain sulfates, parabens, harsh chemicals, synthetic colors, synthetic fragrances and they do not test on animals. The founder of McBride Beauty — Bronx-born, Brooklyn-based Wini Burkeman — has a passion for balancing  purity and remedy in skincare products.

I was lucky enough to try some of McBride Beauty’s fabulous products (I do love natural beauty)! These are the items I tested: 

Soy & Coconut Cleansing Bar (2 bars for $12.00 USD) – This mild-smelling, gentle soap lathers nicely and is safe for face and body. I tried it on my face and it even took my mascara off — but still left my skin soft! The natural ingredients are Soybean Protein, Coconut Oil, Palm Oil, Castor Oil, Safflower Oil, and Glycerin.

Face & Body Multi-Purpose Repair Stick ($15.00 USD) – This is formulated for the entire family including sensitive baby-soft skin. It is touted to help heal dry lips, skin abrasions, insect bites, dry patches, windburn and discomfort from harsh elements or smooth ragged cuticles and brittle split ends. I have been using this on my lips and cuticles, but I tried it on my 6-year-old daughter who gets very chapped lips, and her lips were much better in a couple of days. I felt safe putting this product on my little one — which is hard to find in beauty products! The ingredients include Neem Oil, Rosehip Oil, Shea Butter, Meadowfoam Oil and Rosemary Oil.

Face & Body Instant Rescue Balm ($25.00 USD) – This thick but non-greasy balm has the texture of a thick butter. It is “a head-to-heal deep moisturizer designed to repair dry skin on the face, elbows, hands, knees and heels. It’s key actives have also been used therapeutically to help prevent and minimize psoriasis, deep wrinkles and stretch marks. Safe enough to use on little ones with extremely dry skin too.” My teenager with eczema has tried this and likes that it doesn’t irritate her skin. I love the lavender scent and find that it helps my dry hands and feet. I like to smooth it on my feet at night and cover them with socks. In the morning, they are much smoother. Ingredients include  Organic Lavender, Aloe Leaf Juice, Mango Butter, Shea Butter, Neem Oil and Rosehip Oil.

To Learn more and to purchase this fab products, visit www.mcbridebeauty.com. Enjoy!

Skin Nutrition Nutrissentials

Always looking for effective skincare that will help me look younger, I’ve tested a couple of products from the new Skin Nutrition Nutrissentials range. Their websites states, “the Nutrissentials range of products is a unique, highly bioactive range of skin care products that are naturally clean and utilize patent – pending nano-encapsulated nutritional extracts such as super-berries, plankton derived omega 3, fruit & seed oils, and spinach for its high bio-available mineral content. Also included is a super-hybrid lipid soluble vitamin C, which is more than 50 times more effective than ascorbic acid (regular vitamin C), as well as highly bio-available forms of amino acids and other phyto-active botanical extracts.”

What does that mean for the skin? The claim is that these ingredients will work well with the body’s natural biological processes will help reduce cellular inflammation, flush out toxins, and regeneration cells. This process should slow down the premature aging process and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making skin appear younger and healthier.

I tried the:

Complexion Revitalizing Serum ($70.00 USD) — I have been using this on clean skin before moisturizer twice a day for at least a month. This clear, thick serum smells amazing and only takes a couple of minutes to sink into the skin. I think that it instantly smooths my skin and gives me a glow. I have noticed that my skin seems clearer and smoother lately, and I am looking pretty young! 

Moisturizer ($70.00 USD) — I follow the serum with this moisturizer. It comes out of the tube thick, but smooths on easily and you can apply makeup in just a few minutes. I have been using it day and night, and I think it works well for both times of the day. It is thick and rich, but not greasy at all! It leaves the skin soft, with an almost matte finish.

I haven’t broken out while using these products, which is a plus. I think they are a luxury that is worth the price! Visit www.skinnutrition.com to learn more and to purchase these fab skincare products!

ReVersital MicrodermaStick

Reversital

Is your skin getting dry in the cold air? In the winter it is so important to exfoliate skin. It keeps it from getting scaly and uncomfortable.  There are many great exfoliation products on the market, but which ones to use? Some irritate skin. That’s why I tried ReVersital’s 3-in-1 MicrodermaStick. It’s touted to exfoliate, moisturize and stimulate collagen production.  

I like that this product is not a messy cream and that it come in a convenient stick. You just twist it up and rub on your dry spots. The website states “Resurfacing crystals  are suspended in a solid anti-oxidant hydrating matrix (activated with a water rinse) producing a protective long-acting moisturizing shield on the skin and stimulating collagen production. Our invention takes advantage of the stick form to apply substantive and occlusive moisturizers to the skin during the Microdermabrasion process combined with beneficial herbal and anti-oxidant ingredients to provide a long-term (8-12) hour moisturizing and anti-inflammatory activity, non-irritants and skin firming agents. ” The product does leave a bit of a moisture film on the skin, but when it dries it is unnoticeable except for the fact that your skin is very soft!    

I have the MicrodermaStick for body, elbows and feet ($80.00 USD and $90.00 USD for the MicrodermaStick for face, throat and decollete).  To use, I wet the stick to activate it and use is on my hands, feet and any place that is dry. I have also used it lightly on my face to get rid of scaly patches. Don’t use it on your face if you have sensitive skin, though! 

The MicrodermaStick has a wonderful fresh scent and is a nice luxury skin care product if you need good exfoliation! Visit the website at www.reversital.net to learn more.

Skincare by Anastasia Beverly Hills

I love Anastasia Soare’s eyebrow product. The stencils, tweezers, powders and gels make it easy to have professional looking brows by doing them yourself. After making brows a priority (they do frame the face), Anastasia is launching a skincare line on December 26, 2009.   

Anastasia returned to her native Romanian roots to discover healthy products that naturally improve the texture, tone and appearance of skin.  She developed Balkan Botanical™ Infusion, a blend of rare plant and herb extracts found only in the rich soils of Romania.  A few of these ingredients are Marshmallow Leaf, Lemon Balm Leaf, Bilberry, and Green Tea, which combine to soothe and restore the skin’s natural radiance.  The result is a long-lasting and more youthful appearance! 

The three “hero” products from the new skincare line are:

Line Erasing Serum ($45.00 USD) – This is a product I have reviewed a couple of months ago. This refreshing serum claims to help crows feet and lift the eyes.   This lightweight serum contains a unique blend of natural hydrators, Instalift Goji, and Anastasia’s exclusive Balkan Botanical™ Infusion.  Check out my full review at https://fortyflirtyfabulous.wordpress.com/2009/07/27/anastasia-line-erasing-serum/.

Sheer Moisture Crème SPF 30 ($40.00) – I love this very light SPF 30 day cream. It is fragrance-free and designed to soften the skin while providing protection against broad-spectrum UVA/UVB rays and free radicals that can cause signs of aging. The cream contains hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and natural oils. I used it morning and night and it smooths and soaks into the skin; it is never greasy, which is a plus in the morning before makeup application. I have noticed that my skin is very smooth and radiant while using these products. 

Hydrating Oil ($40.00) — is an unusual product; an aromatic and hydrating oil that soothes the skin and the senses! This product is specifically designed for absorption and hydration. It claims to soften and brighten the skin.   The silicone and oils are infused together so there is no separation, allowing the oil to completely absorb into the skin.  I love the herbal scent, but it is a bit too oily for my combination skin. For someone with dry, winter skin, this is a perfect treatment to keep skin hydrated.

Remember this fab line is launching December 26, 2009. Visit www.anastasia.net to find out more when the time comes.

La Mer Holiday 2009 Gifts of Beauty plus Gift with Purchase

Want to spoil yourself or know someone who could use a little spoiling? La Mer has introduced some fab luxury sets just in time for Holiday shopping. Some of my favorites are:

The Connoisseur Collection ($395.00 USD) — This beautiful set includes Creme de la Mer (2 oz),  The Lifting Face Serum (9 ml) and The Eye Concentrate (6 oz) in a festive keepsake box. This is gift that not only will make someone feel pampered, but is transformative for the skin!

The Signature Collection ($240.00 USD) — This travel-ready set includes Creme de la Mer (1 oz),  The Lifting Face Serum (16 ml) and The Eye Concentrate (6 ml) in a traditional Creme de La Mer box. This is a great idea for those ladies who like to take a bit of luxury with them while traveling.

Legendary Luxury ($1390.00 USD) — Here is the ultimate gift for ladies who love Creme de la Mer! 16.5 ounces of Creme de la Mer will keep you or someone you love looking beautiful for a long, long time!

Looking for a little extra with your purchase? visit www.lamer.com online, and when you spend $300.00, you will receive the Small Miracles Collection. A perfect stocking  stuffer, this kit includes Creme de la Mer (.24 oz),  The Lifting Face Serum ( .17 oz) The Eye Concentrate (.1 oz) and The Hydrating Infusion (.5 ox). Enjoy!

Mama Mio Boob Tube

Boob Tube

Mama Mio is a skin care brand that began specializing in helping pregnant women with their skin care needs.  Now, besides pregnancy skin care, Mama Mio creates safe products that give strong, elastic, healthy, well-toned, and fit skin.

I tried the Boob Tube (funny!) Bust & Neck Firmer ($45.00 USD). As the website so sadly states, “Girls, let’s face the facts, our boobs are on a slippery slope heading south. People say the first place you can tell a woman’s age is her hands. Forget about it – it’s your décolletage.” This is because the chest and neck are exposed a lot of the time, (of course not the whole chest). The skin is exposed to the sun and gravity. Use Boob Tube claims to “fight sag and droop by improving skin’s strength and elasticity. It gives you a more beautifully textured, well toned neck and bustline. Boob Tube has become our best-selling sensation which means there will be a lot of gorgeous cleavage out there, thanks to Boob Tube.”

I really like this product. I have been using it on my next and chest every morning and evening. I don’t know if my skin has become firmer, but it looks smooth, especially my neck and upper chest area. It has a pleasant citrusy scent that reminds me of lemon-lime soda. It contains CoQ10, Avocado Oil, Fenugreek, Shea Butter and Milk Thistle. It does not contain Parabens which is great.

Visit www.mamamio.com to learn more about this product and more.  

Kairos Acne Care Solutions

Kairos Clear Collection

Do you know that your hair care products may be contributing to your acne? I had no clue. But this is the purpose of Kairos Acne Care Solutions. The website describes the brand as, “a new approach to acne management, the first ever hair care created to combat the causes and aggravators of acne related to hair and hair care products.” I break out on my forehead and cheeks and was intrigued to try this brand!

Acne Shampoo ($24.00 USD) — Some of the claimed benefits of this Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment are that it helps to prevent acne, clears & controls breakouts, enhances shine, and eliminates product residue. To use: Massage into wet hair, lather, rinse well. May also be used directly on active acne areas on scalp, face, and body.

My 14-year-old daughter loves this shampoo because of the scent and how it makes her hair so soft. When she began using it, she didn’t even know it is supposed to clear breakouts — she just thought it was a great shampoo! She doesn’t usually break out, but I do (I know, unfair). I have noticed that I have been breaking out less since I have used this whole system.  

I also love the Balancing Breakout-Controlling Conditioner ($28.00 USD) — The benefits to the conditioner are that it softens, detangles, smoothes and moisturizes while preventing acne and controlling breakouts. This is a nice, light conditioner that you can use every day. This also smells great and makes hair soft and smooth.  

The Oil-Reducing Pore-Perfecting Treatment ($28.00 USD) can be used twice a week to eliminate greasy hair, keeps hair cleaner longer and helps with acne and breakouts. This is a great product that exfoliates my scalp and skin and helps control the oil. This is a special treatment that is used after shampoo and left on fir 3-5 minutes.

I have noticed that my skin looks clearer after trying this system. Please visit the website at kairosclear.com to learn more about these products and the styling products in the line (my daughter also LOVES the hairspray). Enjoy your soft hair and clear skin!