Look Better...Feel Better

Right before Mother's Day, my mother was lamenting her looks. She said she had dark circles under her eyes, her skin wasn't looking great, and her hair seemed dull. It was sad to hear my mom get down on the way she looks, and I knew I had to help her out.

My mom is funny. She won't spend money on herself and wouldn't be open to having me take her over to Sephora to throw down a bunch of money on products. So I did it for her. Here's what I got to help make my momma feel better about her looks:

• Clinique All About Eyes ($28.50): I've been using a sample of this product and I really like it. It's lightweight and good for sensitive skin. Plus it helps depuff and reduce the appearance of fine lines. According to one of the Sephora ladies, you can also use it on your lips. Makes sense, since the skin around our eyes is similar to the delicate, thin skin on our lips.
• Mini Advanced Makeup Optional Kit from Philosophy ($50): This kit includes products for day (Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash, When Hope is Not Enough Facial Serum, and Hope in a Jar SPF 20) and for night (Purity Made Simple face wash, When Hope is Not Enough Facial Serum, and Help Me Retinol Night Treatment). I've used Purity Made Simple for ages and love it. I think Philosophy products are nice--they seem good for sensitive skin, plus they're effective and relatively reasonably priced. The early word from my mom is that she's liking the products, especially the serum. There's also a full-sized version of this kit that sells for just under $100.
• Purple shampoo: My mom has a lot of gray in her hair (she loves her gray!) and to shine it up, I suggested that she should use the same purple shampoo I use for my platinum blonde. She didn't seem interested at first, so I just gave her a sample from my stash. She's used it a few times now--we'll see if I can convert her!
  

What anti-aging products do you love? Let me know if there's a product out there I absolutely MUST try.

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Introducing: Cosmetique (Giveaway!)

I am always on the lookout for great places to buy interesting beauty products, and I was recently introduced to Cosmetique.

Cosmetique sells over 20 brands of skin care products ranging from the exclusive skin care line Energie Vitale, to the handmade luxury of organic Faraya Skin Care, to the proven results of Murad. Cosmetique is also filled with makeup, body and fragrance brands to discover, with all the fun of experimenting with the latest beauty trends. They have quality mineral makeup from Pur Minerals, the excitement of Too Faced cosmetics – and so much more.

Over the next two weeks, I am going to introduce you to a few of their products and I'll be giving them away so you can try them yourself. Today I'm starting with skin care products. Next week I'll feature beauty products. Read about the products on my site, then leave a comment to enter.

Here's what I'm featuring this week from Cosmetique:

Cadette Hand and Cuticle Repair Cream: protect and beautify your hands with just a dab of this herbal-scented Hand and Cuticle Repair Cream. Massage gently into your hands and cuticles for quick-penetrating moisture that conditions your cuticles, provides a soothing, protective layer to guard against dryness, and helps make your hands look and feel touchably softPrincess Livia Bee Pollen Nectar Face Cream: formulated with precious Bee Pollen Extract, Princess Livia Bee Pollen Nectar Face Cream is true to the ancient beauty secrets from which it is derived. It can help your skin's natural resiliency, texture and coloring, while it nourishes and moisturizes. Apply this luxurious cream sparingly to face and neck, morning and night. Use gentle upward, curving motions to help keep skin firm and minimize fine lines
Energie Vitale Anti-Aging Eye Serum: a fast-absorbing, hydrating gel that targets fine lines and wrinkles, helps to diminish dark circles, and lessens puffiness around your eyes. Apply a small amount under the lower lashes and across your brow bones morning and night to keep the delicate tissue around the eyes healthy and radiant.
Diandra Emergency Stick: provides your skin a refreshing touch of moisture wherever little telltale stress lines are beginning to form. Lavished with rich emollients - Vitamin E, Aloe Vera and Jojoba Oil - it helps soothe, refine and protect your skin.

Be sure to check out all the products over at Cosmetique. And be sure to leave a comment and enter to win. One winner will get all four of these products (winner announced next Wednesday)! I'll be featuring Cosmetique's makeup next week...and I'll be doing another giveaway, so be sure to check that out!

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Sephora's Winning Lineup!

The Super Bowl may have come and gone, but Sephora still has top beauty brands’ MVP and Rookie must-haves. Proven all-stars show off in the MVP category – but don’t let the rookies fool you. They have some cool new moves that will make you want to change your game plan.

Sephora’s 2010 MVP Roster:

• Dior DiorShow Mascara ($24) – A cult-classic that leaves lashes thick, long and curled, making it Sephora’s MVP – most valuable product, that is!
• Philosophy Hope In A Jar ($38) – No games played here, this long-loved moisturizer provides soft, healthy and glowing results.
• NARS Blush in Orgasm ($25) – A five-year-long Sephora winner, this beauty editors’ favorite is a universally flattering shade of pinky-peach.
  
• Kinerase Intensive Eye Cream ($62) – A “lineman” of wrinkle fighting cream that works to minimize flaws and maximize the tone and texture around your eye area.
  
• Marc Jacobs Daisy Gift Set ($84 Value, $65) – This set has the spirit of a playful innocence with its fresh and feminine kick. Perfect for the tomboy in you.

Sephora’s 2010 Rookie Lineup:

• Dior DiorShow Extase Mascara ($28) – Plump up your lashes, inside and out! With built-in treatment benefits and twisted wand layers for strong, high-impact lashes, it’s hard to believe this mascara is new to the game!
  
• Philosophy Miracle Worker Miraculous Anti-Aging Moisturizer ($55) – New to the team, but packing a punch, this age-fighting hydrator will balance, nourish and soften your skin.
  
• NARS Orgasm Illuminator ($29) – Joining the NARS Orgasm family in a must have, an illuminator! Get an instantly refreshed, radiant and glowing look with a new twist of the brand’s most beloved shade.
  
• Kinerase Restructure Firming Eye Cream ($55) – A rookie formula with the results of a seasoned veteran, this revolutionary elastin-strengthening, firming hydrator will lift and smooth!
  
• Marc Jacobs Lola Gift Set ($70, $107 Value!) – Treat yourself to this trophy-worthy trio! With a spray, lotion and gel, your skin will smell sweet and sexy.

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Week of Beauty Products (1): One Essential

What is it? Dior's Capture Totale One Essential Skin Boosting Serum is Dior's "most advanced, scientifically proven skincare to help maximize the results of all age-defying skincare routines. One Essential Skin Boosting Super Serum helps to detoxify skin cells to powerfully correct all visible signs of aging and renew skin's youthful appearance. Applied before any other skincare products, One Essential boosts their effectiveness and extends the benefits over time. The skin regains its vitality, becomes more luminous, smoother and visibly younger-looking." Available where Dior skincare products are found (high-end department stores like Nordstrom's) for $95.

What did you think? Let me first say that I did not pay for this product. I received a sample from the Dior folks and have been using the product for about a month. $95 is a lot of money...I am very much aware of that.

I used this product twice a day--morning and night--before using any of my other products. It goes on lightly and has a pleasant, delicate scent. I only used a small amount of the product each time, and it absorbed well into my skin. I didn't feel like I was over-moisturized or greasy feeling.

My skin seemed smoother and more balanced after this product. I don't have tons of wrinkles yet (emphasis on the yet!) but I did notice that my areas of concern (I have a crease above my nose, and my eyes and mouth area are always a concern!) seemed smoother, tighter.

The final verdict? I think I need to continue to use the product to fully get the benefit. I do like the product, but I really don't like the idea of spending $95 on one skin product. It's effective, it's a pleasure to use, but I do think it's cost prohibitive.

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Beauty Product of the Week: SkinRise Bionic Tonic

What is it? Exuviance SkinRise Bionic Tonic is "an intense moisturizing, antioxidant tonic with PHA anti-aging benefits. This powerful toning, moisturizing, antioxidant and anti-aging product will awaken your skin, spirit and senses. Will result in revealing a healthy, radiant complexion, with enhanced clarity, smoothness and youthful glow. Contains Vitamins A, C and E and green tea extracts to help protect the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals and harmful environmental factors. For stressed skin, use in place of your daily toner. Packaged in convenient single use pads. Follow with moisturizing sunscreen SPF 15. For all skin types. (Made of a) blend of Polyhydroxys including Gluconolactone, Glucoheptonolactone and Lactobionic Acid Marine botanicals (that) help moisturize and condition the skin; eucalyptus and cucumber refine and stimulate; grapefruit and peppermint extracts refresh and purify. Oil-free, Alcohol-free" Available for online for $40.

What did you think? When I first got this product in the mail to try, I tried it in the morning. Big mistake! My skin was way too shiny and felt too tight. But when I used it at night I really liked it.

You just wipe the pad over your clean face and let the product do it's job. I really felt like one pad coated my skin well. It was almost like I had a face mask on! It made my skin not only feel coated, but slightly shimmery and tacky. I felt well hydrated. In the morning, my skin feels soft and well moisturized.

The pads remind me of Oxy pads I used when I was a kid to battle zits. The product has a very fresh though somewhat strong smell. I get the grapefruit but not the peppermint. Either way, when I swipe it over my skin, it makes my face feel a bit tingly--and I like that!

The final verdict? I've been using this product for a few weeks now and, like I said, it does make my skin feel soft. I'm not sure it's doing much else that I can see, but it is pleasant and easy enough to use. Also, I've been using it about every other day since it does feel so hydrating. That means I can stretch the pads out longer, which is a good thing since each pad costs more than $1.00.

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Lumene Puts the Science in Beauty

I've tried several Lumene skin care products in the past and I've really liked them. They made the surface of my face feel smoother and evened out my skin tone. Now, the Scandinavian skin care company is launching two new anti-aging products that claim that 100% of women who tried it saw a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles. 100%? Really? Wow! Let's check out the products:

Lumene ExCELLent Future Deep Repairing Cream with Natural Cell Technology
Containing 85% natural ingredients, this cream helps prevent aging and delay damage to the surface of the skin. It combines modern cell technology with organic ingredients like Arctic white peat Applexcell to help skin repair itself.

Lumene ExCELLent Future Deep Repairing Serum with Natural Cell Technology
Meant to be used underneath the Repairing Cream, this keeps skin looking youthful and reduce the depth of already existing wrinkles.

Both products are available at CVS for $29.99 each.

I've been trying them both out for a few weeks now and they do make my skin feel better--hydrated and evened out. I'm not sure I've used both products long enough to see all the anti-aging benefits, but I'll report back in the new year.

Disclosure: A press sample was received.

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Do You Show Your Age?

Stress, diet, exercise, sun exposure, genetics, and bad habits take their toll on us in many ways. No one wants to look older, but it's not always easy to take care of your skin or to know what effect your current bad habits may have on the overall aging process.

I don't know about you, but I love taking online quizzes. Now, get an idea of how you're aging, Women's Health magazine has put together a quick test that will tell you how old your skin looks. Click here to take the test.

Regardless of your score, the Women's Health editors have put together a book called Age Erasers for Women (available for sale here) that contains tips galore on how to not look (or feel!) your age.

Here are some highlights on how to care for your eyes that we can all benefit from:

Dark Circles

• To Repair: Scientists are targeting raccoon eyes with high-tech toning and tightening ingredients which prevent stray blood cells from leaking out of under-eye vessels. Try SkinMedica TNS Illuminating Eye Cream, with NouriCel-MD.
  
• To Prevent: Retinol, a vitamin A derivative, can mask circles by thickening the thin skin under eyes making it less transparent. For prevention of dark circles, we recommend Jan Marini Factor-A Eyes for Dark Circles.
  

Puffiness

• To Repair: Researchers have found that peptides stimulate collagen production, boosting in skin firmness forces fluids out from under eyes. We recommend Kinerase Under Eye Rescue to repair puffiness.
  
• To Prevent: Skin-care brand Vichy conducted a study of 41 women who used their Vichy Oligo 25 Eyes Anti-Fatigue Cooling Effect Stick and found that it reduced the appearance of under eye bags by 25 percent. Try it!
  

Crow’s Feet

• To Repair: Scientists have found that amino acids can block the nerve signals that cause muscles to contract working similarly to Botox. Try Freeze 24-1 Anti-Aging Eye Serum or Dermadoctor Immobile Lines for your crow’s feet troubles.
  
• To Prevent: A powerful antioxidant called idebenone gobbles up cell-damaging free radicals to keep wrinkles from forming. We recommend BeingTrue Anti-Aging I-Lift Eye Countour Concentrate or Prevage Eye Anti-Aging Moisturizing Treatment

If you take the test and are brave enough to share your results, leave me a comment! I took it and I'm happy to report that my skin apparently only looks 23...awesome considering I'm 33! Nice.

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Beauty Product of the Week: DNA Superstructure UV Cream

What is it? Olay Regenerist DNA Superstructure UV Cream SPF 25, "helps block direct DNA damaging rays to help protect skin and maintain collagen's structural integrity. Hydrates to help rebuild cellular surface structure & restore firmness. This new anti-aging formula hydrates to help rebuild cellular surface structure and restore firmness, regenerating a more youthful appearance.

SPF 25 helps block direct DNA damaging rays to help protect skin and maintain collagen's structural integrity. Powerful anti-oxidants help protect the skin's surface from free radical damage.

Premium skin feel, suitable for daily use. Create the perfect skin care solution for you with the Regenerist line of advanced anti-aging products." Available at drugstores and big box stores for $30 or less (Olay is almost always on sale somewhere!).

What did you think? I have no clue if this cream is really doing what Olay says it will as far as rebuilding collegen goes, but I do know that it leaves my skin feeling very moisturized. Plus it give me the SPF bonus, which I appreciate.

The cream itself is very light and goes on easily. It also smells amazingly good! This cream is in a pump applicator bottle. I've experimented with how much product to use, and for me, it seems as though half a pump is all I need. A full pump leaves my skin a bit greasy, but a half pump of cream absorbs easily and quickly into my skin. If you buy this product, you'll have to take a few times to figure out how much works best for you.

The final verdict? I love Olay products. I've used Olay moisturizers as long as I have been using moisturizers. My mom got me hooked, and I've enjoyed all the upgrades Olay has made to their line in recent years. Since it's an Olay moisturizer, I instantly liked this product. My only word of caution is to use a light hand (or should I say a light pump!) when applying. A little really goes a long way, and too much product will make your face a little too moisturized--at least if your skin is anything like mine!

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Guest Blogger Review: Olay Regenerist 14 Day Skin Intervention

And now for something completely different here on Kiss and Make-up, my first ever Guest Blogger review of a product.

Let's meet our guest blogger, shall we? Her name is Michelle and she's a Kiss and Make-up reader.

Michelle is 32 years old and peacefully lives in Poway, California with her 2 cats (Aoife and Fionn) and her horse Whisper (affectionately known as: Mu). Being a full time student and working full time results in having to come up with amusing and cheap ways to beautify herself. Usually combing through drugstores from Mitzuwa, Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, Sally Beauty and RiteAid. Testing new products on herself and seeing what happens. This has caused varied results between surprisingly chipper to completely unamused. No animals, except Michelle, have been tested on while using these products.

Welcome, Michelle! And now, on to the product review:

What is it? Olay Regenerist 14 Day Skin Intervention. Here is how Olay markets this product: Help reclaim the lifted look of your youth in just 14 days. 14 individual doses for an intensive intervention to your normal skincare routine. Includes 7 tubes of each phase plus 1 mask.

Looking reclaim the lifted look of your youth? Some women resort to drastic procedures like a face lift, but you don't have to go to a doctor to get a significantly lifted look. It's time for an intervention with New Olay Regenerist 14 Day Skin Intervention. While it won't give you the same results as a surgical face lift, you will experience a lifted look in just 14 days.

This concentrated formula with peptide-B3 complex penetrates and hydrates to significantly firm and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. In just 14 days you will experience a stronger skin structure as the intensely hydrating system improves skin's moisture barrier.

Renew your lifted look throughout the year with an intensive intervention every three months.

Phase 1
Days 1-7 of this intervention are specially formulated to ignite the cellular regeneration within skin's surface, infusing your skin with repairing moisture and an Olay peptide - B3 complex.

Phase 2
Days 8 -14 contain a high concentration of an Olay peptide - B3 complex. Wrinkles are filled with polishing micro-powders and hydrating moisture improves skin's structure as you experience a lifted look to your skin.

Price: $ 26.99

What did you think? I felt slimy.It was utterly gross. Like I had this synthetic oily spill on my face 12 hours after I washed it off. I did notice the skin around my eyes appeared to be plumper but there was no other evidence of firmer skin. I was chugging water like mad in 100 degree weather and I did get a shock of plumpness. But I don't think it was result of this product but the result of water weight from obsessive water drinking.

There was also a mask included. Basically after your done, use the mask to wrap everything up. It was white and brawny paper towel like. It had 2 slits for eyes, 1 for nose and mouth. The instructions said to put it on and lay down for 15 minutes and relax. I probably spent that 15 minutes alone try to adhere that thing to my face. I think they only had one type of nose structure in mind because, not that I have schnoz like Barbara Streisand, but I had to 'alter' the mask by separating nose piece in order to get the mask to lay flat on my skin. Once on I looked like Leonardo DiCaprio from 'The man in the iron mask' and I sat patiently for another 15 minutes while watching the TV. The instructions said no need to wash product off, to let the remaining product soak into skin. Skin was not fresh, tight or pink. It was gooped down and oily. When I scrubbed the remaining product off with a facial scrub, I had noticed a softer smoother side to my skin.But you really had to scrub to see what the product was doing underneath. I would recommend that if you really want to try this product and have skin that is under the age of 35 go every other night, not ever night to decrease insane product overload.

The final verdict? Save your money! I was not impressed. I saw little improvement. The skin around my eyes appeared tighter, not so crepe. But I still see some discoloration on my cheeks and jawline and pore size was still obvious. Actually my pores appeared larger which as the result of the product overload. Other than slight blemishes and greasy skin I was concerned by the packaging. You obviously could not over dose on the product by the individual tubes Olay provided but I couldn't help but wonder about the waste that was piling up form using individual tubes of serum. Couldn't they just give you two tubes of product good for 7 days each and tell you how much to pump out? I did not find the packaging very eco friendly.Then they had this large plastic tray to hold the tubes in.I can see how it is a nice display but this huge piece of plastic will most likely end up in a landfill if the user doesn't bother to recycle. I would say that if you are spending $26.99 I would bet half of it was based off of packaging.

Olay Regenerisit 14 day skin recovery grade: D

Note from Lydia:
I tried this product out when it first appeared on the market, and I liked it. It made my skin feel smooth, soft, and "lifted". I did notice that the amount of product seemed generous, but I just made sure to put the excess on my neck and chest. Click here for my 2008 review of the product. The mask must be very new...I've used this several times in the past and there was no mask included.

Another note from Lydia:
If YOU are interested in sending me your thoughts about a beauty product and acting as a Guest Blogger, please send me an email. Or if you follow me on Twitter, DM me!

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Can You Keep A Secret?

In this crappy economy, we can't all get away to exclusive hotels or pricey day spas. But that doesn't mean we can't deny ourselves of a few life's luxuries.

If you're looking for a way to pamper yourself and treat your skin well, check out Malibu Secret and their anti-aging body cream.

Malibu Secret is a body cream that designed to replenish and repair the skin by using good-for-you botanicals, anti-oxidants, natural butters, and plenty of vitamins. The result? Skin that is more supple, that has an improved texture, and that is intensely hydrated and moisturized.

I've been using my sample of Malibu Secret for about a week now and my skin is noticeably softer. The cream is light, absorbs quickly into the skin, and doesn't feel overly greasy like some products can. The scent is subtle, but it reminds me of summers on the beach--fitting since it is Malibu Secret! It's no wonder that Tori Spelling, Heather Locklear, Kevin Sorbo (yes, as in Hercules!) and a host of other celebs are devotees of Malibu Secret.

A tube of this skin-loving product will set you back $25...much less than a salon treatment or night at a five-star salon. Click here for more info about this product or here to order.

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Bustin' Out!

I was flipping through the May issue of Allure and came across one of their little snippets of information about something near and dear to our hearts: cleavage.

According to Allure, a study was done by a university in Wisconsin to see, as their study was titled, "Does Cleavage Work at Work?". And their answer to this question: "essentially--but not entirely--no."

In the study, men and women viewed four videos of a saleswoman pitching a phony allergy medication. The spokeswomen was either showing off cleavage or completely buttoned up, and she was hyping a product that was either "clearly effective or decidedly weak."

According to the findings in the study, showing off cleavage had no effect on her pitch of the product. Men in the study found that "using cleavage is effective when selling a weak product but counterproductive when selling a strong product."

Hmmm....very interesting!

Whether or not showing cleavage gives us more or less credibility, I'm sure we all show off our girls from time to time. And, if you're like most of us, the skin around your cleavage and neckline might need a little help to look it's best.

Because the skin on our decolletage is thin--much like the skin on the backs of our hands--it is more prone to showing the signs of aging and sun damage. So what can you do to keep your cleavage looking great?

• Avoid the sun! If you go out during the day and have any amount of skin showing, be sure to wear a strong sunblock, one that contains antioxidants to get the most out of your protection. Be sure to reapply your sunblock regularly--the longer you're out under the sun, the greater the risk of damage.
• Don't go to a tanning booth. Ever. I know many people who go, thinking they're getting their much needed Vitamin D. And in getting their "healthy" dose of D, they're also destroying their skin. Why pay to age yourself? The best bet is to stay away.
• Try a microdermabrasion. This will remove all the nasty dead skin cells that dull your skin. Do an at-home microderm treatment regularly (a few times a week) to get your decolletage glowing.
• Seek professional help. A dermatologist can analyze how much sun damage has been done to your skin, and may be able to prescribe Retin-A...a strong, proven anti-ager. They may also recommend a treatment like Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) to remove brown spots, or fix blotchy skin.

Now, strap on your favorite push-up and show the world what you've got!

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Try It....You'll Like It!

I've been testing out an awesome skin care product for the past week+, and I must say: I am liking the results so far.

So what is it? It's Lumene's Vitamin C+ Energizing Cocktail Intensive Care, a serum that contains products like Arctic Cloudberry and cranberry seed oil. Cloudberry...ah...I love the name of that ingredient! Cloudberry! It sounds like some sort of magical Elvin-Viking fruit. I'd love to eat something called a Cloudberry!

Anyway...according to the product description, Lumene's Vitamin C+ Energizing Cocktail Intensive Care provides optimal care from nature against the first signs of aging. A quick shake and small pump of this serum not only instantly delivers softer and smoother skin, but it keeps skin flexible and prevents the formation of wrinkles. Highly effective and antioxidant cranberry seed oil combats the first signs of aging while cloudberry infuses a power-pack of Vitamin C. Smooth some over skin any time of day to feel energized and ready to glow!

What I like is that this product goes on underneath my normal moisturizer. I've been using it both morning and night, and my skin feels smoother and more velvety because of it. It provides a great deal of radiance without shine, and a better overall texture. Not bad...especially for $21.99 (available at CVS). I wholly recommend adding this to your normal skin care routine!

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The Horror on Faces of Beautiful You

As I mentioned last week, HSN is highlighting two new products in it's latest Faces of Beautiful You webisode. In Episode 6, the girls freak themselves out by watching scary movies, and then tackle scary skin care issues with two featured products:

ICE ELEMENTS 2-MINUTE MIRACLE EXFOLIATING GEL
Available for $19.95, this gel dramatically renews the look and feel of your skin. The non-granular exfoliating gel offers exclusive technology that lets you see a visible difference in just one use. You'll enjoy an intensive, deep cleansing beauty treatment with soothing botanical extracts.

I tried it, and my skin felt softer and more evenly textured. The gel is a funny shade of purple and almost looks like hair gel, which is initially off-putting. But it is easy to use and doesn't include any harsh grains. At first I was skeptical that a gel could properly exfoliate my skin, but I was pleasantly surprised with the results.
M. ASAM PEEL OFF MASK
Also available for $19.95, this mask is imported from Germany and will cleanse your complexion and indulge your senses. Formulated with grape seed oil, this aromatic mask helps leave your skin feeling silky smooth and supple.

Peel off masks are, admittedly, not my favorite skin care product. They always take too forever to dry and they get caught in the hair around my scalp line. However, this product did make my skin feel refreshed once I peeled it off. It has a very fresh scent and it left my face feeling tighter....not bad. It does take some time to dry, but it peels off better than most masks I've used. If you like peel offs, you'll love this one!

Head over to HSN to check these products out. And don't forget: you can save on shipping, but you have to act fast!

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Seek Professional Help!

If you've read my blog for any length of time, you'll know that I am left-leaning politically speaking, and that I do not support our former President's "preemptive" war on terror. However, I am currently waging my very own preemptive war...a war against wrinkles and other signs of aging. And I'm opting for the big guns. I'm using the new line of Olay Professional Pro-X products. These products are available this month, so be on the lookout for them at your favorite store (places like Target, drugstores, and other locations where you usually buy Olay products).

Here are the products I'm using:

Olay Professional Pro-X Age Repair Lotion with SPF 30: a daily full-face UVB and UVA
moisturizer that was designed by the Olay Professional Alliance for Skin Care Innovation, a
group of renowned dermatologists and Olay Scientists, and was subject to rigorous development
and clinical testing. Olay Professional Pro-X Age Repair Lotion with SPF 30 provides
broad spectrum sun protection, moisturization and anti-aging benefits. $42.00 for 2.5 oz.

Olay Professional Pro-X Deep Wrinkle Treatment: a targeted treatment for the deepest
wrinkles, containing the highest concentration of Pro-retinol and niacinamide available
through Olay. It utilizes a multiple-technology approach to penetrate deep into the
skin’s surface, combating the appearance of wrinkles and intensely hydrating to allow the natural production of collagen. $42.00 for 1 oz.

Olay Professional Pro-X Wrinkle Smoothing Cream: a nighttime full-face moisturizer
that is professionally designed to help improve skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines
and wrinkles. It utilizes a multiple-technology approach to smooth uneven texture
and strengthen skin’s stratum corneum with moisture, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. $42.00 for 1.7 oz.

Olay's Professional line also includes a Hydra Firming Cream, a Discoloration Fighting Concentration, and an Eye Restoration Complex.

So far, I am very impressed with this line of products. They make my skin feel very smooth, very hydrated, and very touchable. I like that the lotions have almost no fragrance and don't include any weird dyes. As an added bonus, the daytime age repair lotion includes SPF 30...a must since we all know that the sun is a dreaded source of the signs of premature aging.

I've trusted Olay products for years now, and their Professional line of products are impressive. You don't need to buy super-expensive products or go to an exclusive spa to get great results. All you need to do is check out Olay and use their products regularly. You'll be happy you did! Oh, and be sure to check out their website for valuable savings!

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Wishing You a Beautiful 2009!

This will be my last post in 2008. The next time I write will be in 2009. Ah, a new year. A fresh start. While I am not a fan of making resolutions, there are a few beauty related things I am going to do with the start of the new year. Among these are:

• Starting Olay's 14-Day Skin Intervention on January 1st. I've used the 14-day system in the past and liked the results. Ideally, I should be doing this once a quarter...but time goes by and I forget. The start of a new year seems to be the perfect time for giving my skin a little more attention than usual.
  
  
• Cleaning all my makeup brushes. Again, this is something I should be doing more frequently. But like many of you, I put this task off and the next thing I know, it's been ages since my brushes have been thoroughly cleaned. I'll be following my own advice (here) and take the time this week to clean my brushes and beauty tools so I am ready for a new year.
  
  
• Cleaning out my makeup cases. We all do it and we know better. We keep tons of old makeup products around because we just might use them one day. I'm especially bad. I get so many samples and products to try out that my many makeup cases are filled to the brim. I think now is the time to tidy things up a bit!

In the coming year, I think I'll be paying more attention to the foundations of beauty and will be devoting my time and money to taking care of my skin (and trying to fight off the signs of aging!), keeping my hair in top condition, and making sure my nails look healthy and lovely. If these foundations are sound, I can play with all the fun trends that are sure to come my way.

I'll be back in no time with tons of beauty news. Until then, if you have any big resolutions or plans for 2009, I'd love to hear them, so leave a comment. Here's to a happy and healthy 2009!

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Give Good Face

I usually like to try products out for a while to see how they work over time. I tend to be hard to impress and to not get overly excited the first time I try something.

Well...then I tried a few Aloette products, and I must admit that it was love at first application.

Never heard of Aloette? Well, it's time to get acquainted. Here's some info about the company, according to their website:

Aloette Cosmetics is a company founded on principles of the highest quality. Quality in the level of concentrated aloe ingredients selected to go into its premier skin care and cosmetics line.

Ranked by Forbes Magazine as one of "America's Top 200 Small Companies", retail product sales last year for Aloette exceeded more than $25 million.

Aloette Cosmetics is committed to offering the highest quality products at the best value. This is done with one primary objective in mind - To bring out the inner beauty in every woman through enhancing her outer beauty.

Now, let me tell you about three of their products...and why I fell for them so quickly:

RESTORATIVE ENZYME PEEL, $39.95

The color of this product is shockingly green! But, it goes on easily and contains good-for-you ingredients like aloe and fruit extracts. It's not harsh and it has a pleasant smell. It left my skin feeling very soft and smooth and there were no yucky dry patches. My face was free from dead skin cells in just a matter of minutes.

LUMITONE HP PRO BRIGHTENING SERUM, $69.95

Yes, this is a pricey product! However, if you've noticed that your skin is looking dull and uneven, this is the product for you. I need to give the serum more time to see how it makes my skin look over time (Aloette says results will be visible after 14 days). I've only used it for a few days, but it makes my skin look more even. It's supposed to help my face reflect light, giving it a lovely glow.

FLAWLESS HP RAPID SKIN PERFECTION, $59.95

This is my favorite Aloette product so far! It is bright yellow (like Clinique's moisturizer!) but it instantly evens out my skin and helps to correct any problematic marks and blotchiness. I swear this stuff gives my skin the perfect look. It allows my foundation to do a better job and makes my skin look and feel amazing.

So far, I am loving the Aloette products I've tried. They instantly transformed my skin and made me look great even without makeup. Check out Aloette online. They have plenty of deals and flat rate shipping fees...plus they don't test on animals (yay!). I'm very impressed.

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Stock Up At CVS

I live in Washington state. And while we have access to all sorts of amazing beauty stores, we don't have CVS Pharmacies out here. When I was on vacation in Maine, we made several visits to CVS, thanks to the fact that I acquired a cold on the airplane. Not only did I stock up on Nyquil and Zicam for my cold, I also picked up a few beauty essentials. I also oooh'ed and aaaah'ed over all the bath and beauty products they sell.

Here are a couple of products that caught my eye at CVS. If you're like me and live in a CVS-deficient area, fear not. All these products are available online (thank god for the interwebs!).
Soy Lotion Candle Passion Flower
When it’s time to unwind, lighting the Essence of Beauty 100% Soy Lotion Candle Passion Flower ($9.99) is the best cure around. Not only will the delicious smells waif through the house providing immediate relaxation and serenity, but once the melted lotion forms it can be massaged into skin for a mini at-home massage. Hot wax sounds pretty great!

Radiant C Beauty Drops
If it’s a lift for the face that you are searching for, try Lumene’s Radiant C Beauty Drops ($21.99). Designed to revive dull and lifeless looking skin, this 28 day treatment is just what your skin needs at the end of a long day to help it fill more radiant and firmer.

I also recently heard that CVS is taking their sale of beauty products to the next level. Check this out:

CVS/pharmacy announces the launch of Beauty 360™, an innovative store concept designed to change the way women shop for prestige beauty. The unique concept offers an upscale shopping destination for the multi-faceted, time-starved woman. Beauty 360 uses an experiential model of selling that is heavily focused on service and is conveniently located right in our customer’s neighborhood.

Beauty 360 will feature a wide range of prestige and niche beauty brands from the skincare, cosmetics, men’s grooming and fragrance categories. Differentiating the stores from other beauty retailers, Beauty 360 will be staffed with trained and licensed professionals offering a unique suite of brand-specific signature services including mini-manicures, express facials, hand massages and make-up application. Beauty 360 Beauty Consultants receive extensive training across all categories and brands, ensuring customers a superior shopping experience.

“Beauty 360 is the natural evolution of CVS/pharmacy’s leadership within the beauty category,” said Mike Bloom, senior vice president of merchandising at CVS/pharmacy. “This new concept will redefine the beauty shopping experience by providing customers with access to prestige and niche beauty brands as well as an unparalleled level of service.”

The inaugural Beauty 360 location opens today at 1350 Connecticut Avenue NW (Dupont Circle) in Washington D.C. The next Beauty 360 location will open in early December at 25272 Marguerite Parkway in Mission Viejo, CA. Both locations will be adjacent to CVS/pharmacy stores and can be accessed via a breezeway as well as a separate store front entrance. More locations are being explored across the country for 2009 in markets where beauty performs exceedingly well.

“At CVS/pharmacy, we pride ourselves on listening to our customers and giving them what they want. Beauty 360 is the result of this customer insight combined with our extensive beauty experience,” continued Bloom. “We look forward to hearing from our customers as we embark on rolling out additional Beauty 360 pilot stores in 2009.”

Beauty 360 Brands

The portfolio of brands launching in the first two Beauty 360 locations include:

Dr. Brandt Skincare

Laura Geller

Paula Dorf

Freeze 24.7

Borba

ModelCo

Canyon Ranch

Fusion Beauty

Blinc

Bloom

Clarins Fragrance

Caron Paris

Clean

Coty Fragrance

Elizabeth Arden Fragrance

It Cosmetics

Juicy Couture Fragrance

Japonesque

Lavera

Me Bath

Tini Beauty

Mineral Essence
Payot

Perlier

P&G Fragrance

Sampar

Stendhal

StriVectin

Supersmile

Talika

Zirh

Pop Beauty

Ahava

“We at Laura Geller Cosmetics are so thrilled to be part of this revolutionary concept at Beauty 360. This model will bring prestige beauty to customers in a new format, with a level of convenience that hasn’t existed until now,” said Laura Geller. “Shoppers will be delighted with the upscale environment and the luxury of being able to test and play with products throughout the store.”

Beauty 360 is designed to allow for maximum interaction with product and expert staff. “Innovation Stations” throughout the space highlight product technology while “Play Stations” allow for extensive product testing. Beauty Consultants are dedicated to helping customers find the right products to suit their needs and treating them to an array of signature services.

Beauty 360 Rewards

Beauty 360 customers will also reap the benefits of the CVS/pharmacy ExtraCare program, the largest retail loyalty program in the world, with more than 50 million cardholders. ExtraCare members earn 2% back on all purchases in the form of ‘Extra Bucks,” which can be used at either CVS/pharmacy or Beauty 360. Additionally, Beauty 360 customers will earn “Beautiful You” rewards which can be redeemed for free signature services at Beauty 360 locations. Customers can also take advantage of the ‘Best of Beauty, Guaranteed,’ which offers 100% money back on all returns, ensuring a risk-free shopping experience.

About CVS/pharmacy

CVS/pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Caremark Corporation (NYSE: CVS), is America's leading retail pharmacy with more than 6,800 retail locations. CVS/pharmacy is committed to improving the lives of those we serve by making innovative and high-quality health and pharmacy services safe, affordable and easy to access, both in its stores and online at CVS.com. General information about CVS/pharmacy and CVS Caremark is available at www.cvscaremark.com.

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Save Your Pennies

Times are tough, economically speaking. The Dow Jones seems to hit a new low every week, and the news is filled with scary stories about people losing their homes, their jobs, their entire savings accounts. Because we're tightening up our budgets, many of you may be wondering where you can save on beauty treatments.

Thanks to the editors at Allure, here are a few hints on when to save and when to splurge:

BROWS
Splurge on: Professional brow-shaping. The pros can work magic on shabby brows but you can keep costs down by plucking stray hairs that pop up between visits.
Scrimp on: Brow products. You can use your inexpensive eyeliner to lightly fill in your brows or find a drugstore-brand brow pencil to give your brows a better shape.
Skip: Brow gel. You can use Vaseline to keep crazy brows in place. Or pick up some cheap clear mascara to coat your brows. One word of caution: the mascara may flake a bit, so be prepared!

SKIN
Splurge on: Anti-aging creams if you need the help. Try to get something containing retinoids to help reduce wrinkles and increase firmness. If you really want the most bang for your buck, visit a dermatologist and get a prescription-strength treatment.
Scrimp on: Expensive treatments. Instead of a professional peel at a doctor's office, try an at-home microderm abrasion kit. Just be sure to use the product regularly to achieve the maximum benefit.
Skip: Facials. They don't do much any way. Just be sure to wash your face regularly, use your daily moisturizer, and don't forget the SPF!

HAIR
Splurge on: Highlights. You cannot achieve the same rich, high-definition highlight at home that you get in the salon. If you need to save a few bucks, opt for a partial foil rather than a full color/foil. Just having the highlights around your face will brighten up your look.
Scrimp on: Shampoo. Really cheap shampoos only contain cleaning agents that may strip your hair of moisture and shine. But shampoos in the $5 range are all you really need: they clean and moisturize perfectly. The same goes for hair products. Stay in the middle of the price range and you should be a-okay!
Skip: Salon blowouts. Unless you have a special occasion to go to, you don't need to have a pro do your hair for you. When your in the salon getting your highlights and cut, ask your stylist to show you how to blowout your own hair. Try out a few things like flatirons and large Velcro rollers to add volume to your hair.

For tips on whether to spend or splurge on makeup products, click here for one of my very first posts...it still has some good info!

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How To Get Perfect Skin

Your skin is you most important feature. Great skin makes gives you a youthful, healthy glow. Troubled skin can not only affect your look, but it can make you feel bad as well. Here are some hints on how to get amazing skin.

For an Even Skin Tone:
I get red splotches on my skin at times, thanks to my combination skin and my fair complexion. Other people get brown spots, mostly from sun damage.

If you're like me, here are some hints for knocking out the red:

• Use plenty of sunscreen. No matter what--if the sun is out or not--apply sunscreen every day. Redness often comes from broken blood vessels that come from two things: sun exposure and rosacea. And rosacea itself is thought to be exacerbated by sun.
• Try anti-inflammatories. Redness from sensitive skin and rosacea is best brought down through skin-calming compounds that range from green tea to chamomile and feverfew.
• Go for more extreme measures, if necessary. No cream can treat broken capillaries. But laser treatments can. If you have redness and brown spots try a photofacial, often called Photoderm, which is designed to fix both problems.
• Avoid spicy foods, saunas, alcohol, and caffeine, all of which can aggravate your skin.

To hide brown spots:

• Start with a good defense: sunscreen every day. Increased pigment or melanin is almost always the result of UV exposure.
• Try retinoids. They help fade and prevent spots; they also allow lightening treatments to penetrate deeper.
• Go for a microderm. Light microdermabrasion and peels can also help prepare skin for lightening treatments, but be cautious: The irritation of a peel can trigger more pigment.
• Lightening products—the safest and most effective now are made with albatin and kojic or polyhydroxy acid—take time, but they do work.

To Shrink Pores and Stop Breakouts:
It's not fair. Pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and large pores should only afflict teenagers. We shouldn't have to deal with them when we pass the age of 21. But life's not fair and breakouts are a common annoyance that we all deal with from time to time. When it comes to dealing with these troubles, vigilance is key. Know what ingredients to look out for:

• Salicylic acid works to clear skin by unclogging pores and bringing down irritation. Dermatologists recommend using a combination of a salicylic acid cleanser followed with a retinoid. It's a one-two punch.
  
• Retinoids. You need the strongest your skin can tolerate to make a difference in pores. If you can't tolerate it every day, remember that even just a few applications a week can improve your skin.
• Benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, tea tree oil, and triclosan all kill the bacteria that cause acne and should be used in conjunction with salicylic acids and retinoids.
  
• At-home microdermabrasion or AHA peels once a week can truly step up your regimen. A peel makes your skin more able to absorb all your other treatments.
• A noncomedogenic sunscreen is extremely important. Sun exposure can aggravate breakouts and make pores bigger. I can't say it enough: sunscreen is an everyday must.

To Reduce Wrinkles:
We're all going to get them sooner or later: crow's feet, laugh lines, and other wrinkles. If you don't want to go down the Botox route, there are things you can do at home:

• Look for retinoids. Both prescription and OTC versions are proven to improve wrinkles. They smooth skin by increasing cell turnover and collagen production. The key is to stick with the program: It takes at least six weeks to see the effects on your skin.
• Peptides also smooth skin and spur collagen growth—and they can be used in conjunction with retinol for more powerful results. Use them together at night before going to bed.
• Antioxidants help protect skin from free radicals during the day. Many sunscreens are already packed with them, or you can layer them underneath your sun protection. Antioxidants also repair skin as you sleep, though some—like vitamin C—can be irritating if used at the same time as retinol.
• Sunscreen. The sun is the quickest ager there is. At the bare minimum, you need SPF in the morning under makeup Ideally, you should reapply every two hours—you can use sunscreen or high-SPF foundation.
• Sleep on your back (you're essentially ironing in wrinkles by crushing your face into a pillow), and don't smoke (it induces major wrinkling and deprives your skin of oxygen).

Great skin takes a little bit of effort on your part, but it's so worth it!

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Why So Serious(ly Expensive)?

As a beauty blogger, I try to test out products from all different price levels. One week I'll review a $24 lipstick and the next I'll sing the praises of a $4 mascara. I am not a beauty snob...well...not really any way!

For whatever reason, there are a few products I refuse to try, simply because I think that cost too much. Here's my off limits list:

• Anything from Fusion Beauty. Their lip products are supposed to plump your lips and make them look good. They supposedly blend together the latest, greatest technologies and breakthroughs to make amazing products. But lip gloss for $49 a tube? No thanks! I actually tried a sample of LipFusion and was not overly impressed. I think Maybelline Volume XL Lip Seduction gave me better results, more color options, and left far more money in my wallet.
• GoSMILE Products. I got a sample of GoSMILE's whitening ampules earlier this year and was very impressed with the results I experienced. However, I haven't bought anything from GoSMILE because I just can't find it in my to cough up the $90 for their teeth whitening system. Maybe I'm just being cheap. Who knows!
• StriVectin. Apparently StriVectin products can turn back the hands of time, reducing wrinkles and building up collagen. I will never know what StriVectin can do because I refuse to pay $135 to find out. I think I'll just stick with my Olay products!

Those items are my three "too expensive to review" products. However, my opinion can be changed. If you have tried any of these products, leave me a comment and let me know what your thoughts are. What products are you too cheap to try? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this!

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