skin care – Page 3 – Forty, Flirty & Fabulous

Great New Beauty Brand — Nuance Salma Hayek!

Inspired by Salma Hayek’s grandmother, a cosmetologist who developed her own homemade beauty remedies, the line features some of Salma’s favorite ingredients from around the world. Perfect for your Spring beauty regimen, the NEW Nuance Salma Hayek products below are perfect for effortless beauty and year-round overnight repair.

Products pictured from left to right:

· Advanced Hydration Smooth & Firm Perfector Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen ($19.99): This lightweight gel crème’s advanced formula helps immediately fill in fine lines and wrinkles and provides SPF protection, absorbing quickly to seal in hydration and resurface skin.

· Anti-Aging Tinted Eye Brightener ($19.99): Night owls and early risers can both benefit from this quick fix and leave those sunglasses at home! This age-defying, under-eye brightener features Caffeine, Blue Agave and Haloxyl Peptide to conceal dark circles, reduce puffiness, improve elasticity, and minimize the appearance of wrinkles.

· Macadamia Nut Exfoliating Body Cleansing Scrub ($8.99): This creamy, exfoliating, cleansing butter provides superior hydration while removing dirt and oil. Macadamia Nut Oil and micro-beads gently slough off dead skin cells while Shea Butter and Coconut Oil moisturize, leaving skin clean and refreshed.

· Intense Hydration Overnight Rejuvenator ($19.99): Repair skin while you sleep with this intensive treatment, which rejuvenates and nourishes dry, mature and sun-damaged skin! Anti-inflammatory Royal Jelly, Tepezcohuite and Camapu minimize signs of aging while hydrating and firming.

· Overnight Time-Release Retinol Capsules ($21.99): Restore elasticity and radiance with these technologically-advanced capsules, utilizing Retinol (pure Vitamin A) to enhance elasticity, minimize fine lines and even tone and texture. Toss these tiny, potent capsules in your travel bag for an on-the-go fix!

· Lift & Shine Volumizing Mousse ($9.99): Get your “body” noticed with this volumizer! The non-sticky formula of this lightweight mousse features polymers and humectants to add volume and shine, thickening fine, limp hair and fighting frizz.

· Style & Finish Firm Hold Hairspray ($9.99): This strong-hold hairspray is formulated with the latest technology to deliver all-day style and control with flexible hold, keeping hair styled even in heat and humidity.

Right now I am particularly loving the Overnight Time-Release Retinol Capsules and the Anti-Aging Tinted Eye Brightener. The capsules are a gel that when applied, leave skin smooth and soft. They also have a matte finish, which although not so important at night, I really love.

The eye brightener is a quick step after concealer, that brightens eyes and minimizes the look of wrinkles. Also helps with my morning puffiness!

These products are all affordable and easily accessible at your local CVS/pharmacy. Enjoy!

New Launches From St. Ives

I love finding affordable skincare that is readily available at mass market retailers. I have always enjoyed St. Ives Apricot Scrub, so was excited to try two new products — the Scrub-Free Exfoliating Pads and the Naturally Smooth Hand Cream.

NEW St. Ives Scrub-Free Exfoliating Pads

· First mass-market brand exfoliating pads with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)

· Exfoliates to reveal smoother, younger-looking skin in just 7 days

· Formulated with 100 percent natural lactic acid

· Available at select mass retailers, drugstores and supermarkets nationwide for $4.99 (suggested retail price)

This is a gentle way to scrub your face. I think it is perfect for women who are a little older and need exfoliation, but cannot not use a harsher scrub. My skin is smooth after use. It smells great, too! Fresh and citrusy. I suggest to use it a few time a week until your skin gets use to it.

NEW St. Ives Naturally Smooth Hand Cream

· Exfoliates and improves the appearance of rough, uneven skin in just 7 days

· 100 percent natural moisturizers help it absorb quickly into skin

· Formulated with natural alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)

· Available at Target stores nationwide for $2.99 (suggested retail price)

I am really loving this hand cream. It smells fantastically fruity and smooths hands instantly, making them look much younger! And for $2.99 — what a deal! I would suggest purchasing a bunch of these to keep in your purse, at your desk, on your nightstand. Great price and product.

Enjoy these great deals!

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!

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!

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!

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!

New Anti-Aging Powerhouses From L’Oreal, Olay and MyChelle

Looking for a new anti-aging skincare regimen or an addition to the one that you are using now? L’Oreal, Olay and MyChelle have some great option that hopefully will minimize your wrinkles and make your skin look smoother!

Revitalift Clinical Repair Laser Corrector Day Treatment Moisturizer SPF 20 ($24.95 USD) L’Oreal’s Revitalift Clinical Repair Laser Corrector Day Treatment Moisturizer SPF 20 is scientifically-designed skincare that fights the 10 clinical signs of aging. This specialized treatment penetrates deep into skin’s surface to reduce the size and depth of deep wrinkles on forehead, brow and frown while resurfacing skin’s overall texture. Revitalift Clinical Repair 10:

Minimizes fine lines + wrinkles
Firms sagging skin
Tightens facial contours
Restores elasticity
Hydrates dryness
Smoothes skin surface
Softens rough texture
Brightens dullness
Strengthens skin’s density
Fades discolorations

What I think: I have been using this mornings before I apply my makeup. It takes a few minutes for it to sink in, but it is a great day cream. I like the SPF 20 — morning sunscreen is so important. I haven’t been using it long enough to have noticed the 10 benefits, but I do know that my skin is quite moisturized and smooth. To learn more, visit www.lorealparisusa.com.

Olay Regenerist Wrinkle Revolution Complex ($23.99 USD) See results in an instant. Watch as advanced micro-fillers and light-diffusing particles smooth the look of fine lines right before your eyes. This wrinkle treatment’s formula also hydrates to reduce the appearance of deep lines in just 14 days. For best results, use twice a day, every day.

Smooth over cleansed face and neck twice a day, focusing on areas of wrinkles. Avoid contact with eyes. If contact occurs, rinse
thoroughly with water.

What I think: This is a lovely, thick moisturizer, almost like a balm. Perfect for evening. I find that it really smooths my skin and gives a lovely glow — and my fine lines do seem smaller! I don’t have deep wrinkles yet (knock on wood), but my skin looks terrific! Learn more at www.olay.com.

MyChelle Sensitive – Daily Basics ($75.99 USD) — This collection includes: Honeydew Cleanser Unscented, Capillary Calming
Serum and Deep Repair Cream. The collection includes:

Honeydew Cleanser Unscented: Brings refreshing, nutrient-rich moisture and hydration to the skin with each cleansing. Melon Fruit floods the skin with collagen supporting Vitamin C, while Chlorophyll (L) and Blue Green Algae purify pores, remineralize throughout the skin’s layers, and bring balance to hydration. Gentle, scent-free formula leaves skin deeply clean, soft and moisturized.Capillary Calming Serum: Advanced formula blends cutting-edge plant stem cell science with skin calming botanicals to diminish visible redness and irritation. Gotu Kola Stem Cells promote strengthening of connective tissues while inhibiting the inflammatory response. Mineral-rich Montmorillonite Clay and soothing Blue-Green Algae detoxify and calm delicate skin.Deep Repair Cream Unscented: Unscented formula with nourishing Shea Butter and cutting-edge skin nutrients restores moisture while improving skin’s texture and youthfulness. In clinical studies, Kombuchka™ Black Tea Ferment improved skin smoothness by 6.2% in just 29 days. EGF Peptides increase cellular regeneration while Algae-derived Venuceane™, an antioxidant proven more powerful than Vitamin E, protects collagen and prevents moisture loss.

What I think: This is an amazing system for people who are interested in anti-aging skincare but have very sensitive skin. The products are gentle, but so effective. The cleanser is super hydrating, but doesn’t irritate my skin. The serum helps calm red skin and the deep repair cream is a great night cream. I love using products that do not turn my face redder than it is and that actually make my skin softer! Visit www.mychelle.com to learn more.

Burt’s Bees New Sensitive Skin Collection

Introducing the latest in natural skincare from Burt’s Bees® –Natural Skin Solutions: SENSITIVE. Why treat sensitive skin with anything but gentle, natural ingredients? Burt’s Bees’ new Sensitive range of products is clinically proven to gently moisturize and cleanse without causing redness or irritation—the main symptoms associated with sensitive skin. The line is distinctly formulated with Cotton Extract to soften, Rice Extract to moisturize, and Aloe to soothe skin, so your skin is left looking and feeling healthy.

The products are:

Burt’s Bees® Sensitive Facial Cleanser ($9.99 USD) — This soap-free cream cleanser is clinically proven to moisturize sensitive skin while gently cleansing away dirt, oil and make-up without over drying or causing redness. Distinctly formulated with softening Cotton Extract to help skin replenish its outer layer and minimize the effects of potential irritants such as harsh soaps or cleansers, it also moisturizes with Rice Extract and soothes with Aloe. Naturally gentle and skin-friendly for daily use, it’s what every sensitive product should be.

What I think: This unscented face wash is so creamy and gentle that my face feels moisturized and not dry after cleansing. It truly does not irritate my skin. Great for morning and night use.

Burt’s Bees® Sensitive Daily Moisturizing Cream ($14.99 USD) — Clinically proven to moisturize sensitive skin all day without causing redness or irritation, this nourishing day cream is formulated with softening Cotton Extract to help skin replenish its outer layer and minimize the effects of potential irritants such as harsh soaps or cleansers. All while Rice Extract moisturizes and Aloe soothes your skin. Naturally gentle for daily use, it’s what your sensitive skin has been waiting for.

What I think: The texture of this day cream is silky and not at all greasy. It is so moisturizing. I only wish it had an SPF element to it, but that may irritate sensitive skin. Great everyday cream, though!

Burt’s Bees®Sensitive Eye Cream ($14.99 USD) — Clinically proven to moisturize the delicate eye area without causing redness or irritation, this lightweight eye cream helps reduce the appearance of under-eye puffiness. Formulated with softening Cotton Extract, it helps skin replenish its outer layer and minimize the effects of potential irritants such as harsh soaps or cleansers while Rice Extract moisturizes and Aloe soothes. Infused with White Genepi Extract, an ingredient known for its anti-inflammatory properties and Eyebright, which contains tannins that are thought to decrease inflammation. Best of all, it’s naturally gentle and skin-friendly, so you can use it every day. Giving your sensitive skin the daily care it deserves.

What I think: Really lovely eye cream! Super soothing and perfect for day and night. I have extremely sensitive eyes, and this does not irritate at all.

Burt’s Bees®Sensitive Night Cream ($14.99 USD) — This rejuvenating night cream is clinically proven to moisturize sensitive skin overnight without causing redness or irritation. Specifically formulated with softening Cotton Extract to help skin replenish its outer layer and minimize the effects of potential irritants such as harsh soaps or cleansers, it also has Rice Extract to moisturize and Aloe to soothe. Naturally kind and gentle, you can use it daily. What could be more sensitive?

What I think: This is thicker than the day cream, but is not greasy. Very good for sensitive skin and is extremely hydrating.

To learn more, visit www.burtsbees.com. You can purchase these products at mass market retailers. Enjoy!