Skincare – Page 15 – Forty, Flirty & Fabulous

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

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.

Pevonia Botanica Skincare

Pevonia Botanica is an elite spa-exclusive natural skincare brand. Treatments are given at their spas, but the home products are touted to help people maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin. The website states that, “Pevonia Botanica is passionately committed to providing effective skincare solutions to teens, women, and men of every age and ethnicity.”

I really like that “Pevonia International believes that protecting and preserving the planet is a global responsibility.” They offer natural, cruelty-free formulations in eco-packaging (fully recyclable and biodegradable). I tried a few different types of products from this line:

Youthful Lip Cream ($48.00) The claim is that “this combines the repairing effects of Retinol with regenerating Collagen and Elastin, to smooth lines, hydrate, prevent wrinkles, and even coloring. Your lips are rendered smoothly toned and lusciously rejuvenated.” I have been using this every night and some mornings for a couple of weeks. I apply it around my lip line first, then rub it in and around my lips. It is non-greasy and fragrance free, just like a light lotion. I have noticed that my lips to look smoother and a little plumper, probably because the lines are diminishing. Very nice!

Restore Neck & Bust Cream ($62.00) is touted to “firm and tone your delicate neck, bust and décolleté. A potent blend of Kigelia Africana, Elastin, and Vitamin E reduces visible signs of aging, smoothes overall texture and improves skin elasticity for a visibly, youthfully restored neck and bust/chest.” This is a luxurious product that smells like sweet flowers, (maybe lilacs or gardenia?) and is thick and creamy. I my neck and chest are in pretty good shape, so I haven’t noticed much of a change, but I feel great using the product and it is quite lovely!

Blemish B Gone ($24.00) “Radically effective, this spot treatment heals blemishes through a Micro-Matrix advanced time-release delivery system with Organic Benzoyl Peroxide and Organic Salicylic Acid. It counteracts bacteria, preventing future breakouts and hyperpigmentation.” Even though I’m forty (something), I still break out once in a while. Yuck! I like to apply this extremely gentle cream at night and in the morning my pimple is smaller! After a few day it is completely gone. Yay!

Visit www.pevonia.com to purchase the products and find a spa near you. It might be nice to be pampered by someone else for once!

H2O+ Face Oasis Ultra Hydrator

H2O+ is a company that successfully marries skincare with a spa experience that you can enjoy in your own home.

To commemorate their 20th Anniversary, H2O+ is introducing an ultra-hydrating version of their best-selling Face Oasis. The new Face Oasis Ultra Hydrator ($40.00 1.7 oz) is a lightweight, water-based gel. This can be used morning or night, for refreshing, non-greasy hydration. The formula includes bio-marine extracts that are touted to moisturize, leave skin firmer, plumper and more youthful. It also contains Nutri-spheres, small little white beads that are doses of Polyvitamin Profusion, a synthesis of antioxidants that help diffuse free radical damage.

I have been using this as my moisturizer day and night for a couple of weeks now. What I love about this product is that it goes on silky smooth and gives my skin an instant cooling sensation. Then it soaks in quickly, leaving my skin soft and not at all greasy. It is a wonderful before-makeup hydrator. And it smells great. It has the H2O spa-like scent that is so nice.

I am still trying to decide if I like the Polyvitamin Profusion beads. I love that I get an extra shot of antioxidants, but they are hard to dissolve on the skin, and they need to be rubbed in quite a bit.

Still, my skin is soft and glowy using this product and I highly recommend it.

Visit the webiste at www.h20plus.com to purchase this product or for more details.

Hampton Sun’s Sweet Smelling After Sun Care

Even though it may be sunny after this weekend, Labor Day seems like the unofficial last “soak up the sun” weekend of the summer season. This is the last weekend in my area that the outdoor pools will be open. Last chance for some sun (but of course use sunscreen)!

Hampton Sun’s line include suntan and sunscreen products, plus after sun products, like the ones I am reviewing.

After Sun Moisturizer ($30.00) — This is a very light moisturizer that is great to rub on sun-stressed skin. It contains a blend of natural ingredients — Emblica Fruit extract, Aloe, Almond Oil, Walnut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Cocoa Butter, Tea Tree Oil, Green Tea Oil, and Chamomile. The formulas is touted to help prolong a tan. As I am not really tan now, I love using it as a daily moisturizer.

Serious Shimmer Cooling Spray “Pearl” ($32.00) — This shimmery body mist cools and hydrates the skin with Aloe Vera, Chamomile, natural botanical fruit extract and Vitamins A through E. Once you shake it up, a lovely pearl swirl is activated and it gives the skin a light shimmer. This is nice in the summer, but will also be wonderful for the holiday season. Spray a bit of this on arms and legs before you put your party dress on. Pretty!

Both products are infused with the Privet Bloom fragrance. The website describes the scent as, “A delicate scent that captures the purity and elegance of summer in the Hamptons, with a fresh and unique blend of sea spray, dune grass, blue plum and the captivating privet blossom. This signature fragrance new from Hampton Sun.” The scent is a light, clean floral that is not overpowering. I like to moisturize with the After Sun Moisturizer, then spray the Serious Shimmer Cooling Spray on to layer the scent.

Visit the website at www.hamptonsuncare.com to learn more and to purchase these fantastic 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.

Get Glowing With Skyn Iceland

Want your skin to glow? Skyn Iceland creates products that are free of harsh chemicals and they use pure ingredients like pristine glacial waters, powerful antioxidants, potent anti-inflammatory elements, skin-soothing moisturizers, medicinal herbs and purifying extracts. These ingredients are touted to help stressed skin regain its natural glow.

Skyn Iceland’s products do not include parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, petroleum, formaldehyde or paraffin, are allergy and sensitivity tested, and are cruelty-free. Another great plus is that the packaging is 90% recyclable.

This all sounds good, but how do the products work, you ask? Well, I tried two Skyn Iceland products that have been recently released, the Glacial Cleansing Cloths and the Arctic Brightening Serum, and I really like the gentle and soothing way that they treat my skin.

Glacial Cleansing Cloths($15.00 for 30) – These pre-moistened cloths are fantastic for nighttime, when I’m too tired to wash my face (which is often). They are infused with Icelandic glacial waters and natural extracts to remove makeup, dirt, oil and other impurities while refreshing and soothing the skin. The formulas is non drying and soothes the skin. This is also touted to help prevent breakouts, and since my skin does appear clearer, maybe it is helping! They do sting my eyes a bit, so I use a different eye makeup remover on my eyes and this one all over my face.

Arctic Brightening Serum ($65.00 1 oz) — I love this serum! The claim is that it helps, “reverse the progression of stress-related damage to restore luminosity and improve texture. Arctic Brightening Serum helps protect against premature aging” Ingredients in the serum include arctic root, Siberian ginseng, and maral root, which is touted to “delay cell aging by bolstering skin’s cellular defenses and resistance to stress. While your skin is being fortified, kombucha goes to work to brighten skin and bring back the glow you left behind. A gentle retinol derivative helps reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Arctic Brightening Serum helps restore the skin’s immune system to optimum levels so skin looks and more importantly, acts younger than ever.”

I apply this serum every morning and evening before moisturizer. I have been using it for a few weeks and my skin is noticabley brighter and smoother. I swear I look younger! It also feels so good when I apply it, it is cooling and soothing. I really recommend the Arctic Brightening Serum and think it is worth the price!

Visit www.skyniceland.com to learn more and to purchase these great products!

ZO Skin Health

Zo Skin Health was created by Dr. Zien Obagi, a dermatologist who makes products that bring a medical approach to skincare with the goal of reversing the appearance of aging skin.

I have tried a few of these products. The two below are my favorites.

Ommerse Daily Renewal Cream (1.7 oz $95.00) — This day cream is touted to soothe skin irritation, sensitivity and dryness. It contains pure retinol to decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, photosomes to reduce the appearance of discolorations and inflammation and Canadian willowherb and oat extracts to calm and soothe skin irritation.

You can tell that this product is meant to soothe the skin because it feels wonderful when applied. It is a light cream and is definitely non-greasy. I have had a little redness in my skin lately and it helps that as well as smoothing everything out. This is a great morning cream to apply over your serums.

The other product I tried is the Oclipse Sunscreen + Primer SPF 30 (1 oz $175.00 for three, $65.00 for one). This is supposed to fight the #1 cause of wrinkles, age sponts and los of firmness. It contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, Vitamin E, silicone. proprietary lipopeptide and humectants and emollients.

I like this because it is a fantastic primer. It glides on the skin and is tinted, making it easier to apply. I also think it evens the tone in my skin and I need less concealer and foundation when wearing it. Sunscreens are so important to wear everyday and this product makes you want to wear it!

Now is a great time to visit the Zo Skin Health website because they are having a sale in honor of Dr. Obagi’s birthday. From August 1-10, 2009 you will receive 20% off your orders. Check it out at www.zoskinhealth.com.

Anastasia Line Erasing Serum

Anastasia creates some of the best brow products on the market today. She is now creating skincare with the same quality as in her other beauty products.

The Line Erasing Serum ($45.00 USD) contains “a unique blend of natural hydrators, Instalift™ Goji, and an exclusive Balkan Botanical™ Infusion to improve the appearance of skin and help reduce signs of aging. Designed for all skin types, it soothes, softens, and hydrates—leaving skin brighter and smoother. Fine lines and wrinkles don’t stand a chance!

The claim is that daily use of the serum gives the appearance of diminishing fine lines and wrinkles while maximizing moisture retention. This formula absorbs instantly and delivers long-lasting results.

I use this light serum at night before moisturizer. Just a little is needed to instantly hydrates the skin. I have noticed that after a few weeks, my skin does look smoother. I don’t have wrinkles around my eyes, but my mouth lines (nasal-labial folds) seem less deep.

I recommend trying this product. I think the price is reasonable for a high quality serum. It is now for sale at www.sephora.com and should be available soon on the Anastasia website www.anastasia.net.

Sue Devitt Oxygen Infusion Masque

Looking for a different way to cleanse and hydrate your skin? Sue Devitt has recently launched the Oxygen Infused Masque ($40.00), which does just that with a cool little twist.

The masque has self-foaming activation. This means that you massage the bright blue gel to your face and it instantly foams up. I like to leave it on for a couple of minutes before I rinse. It is very fun and the foam tickles a bit.

Through the foaming, oxygen molecules are released into pores then gently cleanse and remove impurities and environmental pollutants. The claim is that the skin appears firmer, softer and healthy-looking after using the masque. The masque contains an infusion of Microquatic™ Complex, which hydrates while Blue Algae, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein and Chamomile Extract to reduce redness and irritation, and to help control sebum production and soothe the skin.

I like how this product leaves my face very soft and smooth. I like to use it in the evening, but you can use it whenever you wish. It is safe to use every day.

Sue Devitt Oxygen Infusion Masque is available at barneys.com, Harvey Nichols and Facelogic Spas. I recommend this neat product!