Currently Craving

I can never get enough of eye creams. Loreal has taken the cue from vibrating mascaras and such to bring us Collagen Mirco-Pulse Eye. 

It gets rid of puffiness with the vibration collagen steps in to battle wrinkle/dark circles. My next trip to CVS will include this for sure.

Exuviance

 

Exuviance Brightening Bionic Eye Cream is clinically proven to combat dark circles, bags, and crows feet. What a trifecta! 

It is available at Ulta stores and  online by clicking HERE. I have not tried it yet because I'm in the midst of trying too many other products. If I do get to it soon then you will be the first to know.





A dear acquaintance of mine has been raving about it, and was shocked that I had not sampled this so called "miracle". At least that is what she calls it. So that is why it seemed worthy of a post.

Erno Laszlo Total Skin Revitalizer For Eyes

Punxatony let us down again and dryness is at it's peak. Our Midwestern ground hog is not the only one concerned with shadows. 

What I'm asking is, are you forgetting to take care of your eyes completely? My sources lead me to believe that many GGZF readers neglect to hydrate their eyes as often as they forget their decollete.  Or, many gals are more concerned about the under eye circles that shadow over and sabotage their sexy gaze. So instead they reach for their concealer.

My obsession with eye creams and concealers remains status quo. I don't want dark circles and I sure as hell don't want scaly skin creeping under my lashes either! 

Guess what girls, concealer goes on way more smooth if your skin is hydrated.

Erno Laszlo has once again come out on top with a special concoction, Erno Laszlo Total Skin Revitalizer For Eyes. It keeps the delicate eye area hydrated by absorbing all the moisture you need and delivering it to the deepest cell layers while creating a delightful base layer for concealer application.

I've been using it daily and am quite pleased.

A+ on texture and A+ on results. 

For the deets, Visit the nearest Nordstrom or Erno Laszlo

Mario Badescu

The stupefying loveliness that is Mario Badescu skin care, doesn't really need a huge introduction. But for those of you still living with the Fraggles, here's the 411:

Mario is a Romanian-born genius (in my opinion) that has combined his knowledge of skin care and old world techniques and founded his own salon back in the late 60's. The products essence are natural ingredients and advanced technology at its best. Anyone I know with problem skin, swears by Mario Badescu. It was about time I found out for myself.

Trying so many goodies was overwhelming, the dizzying effect led me to narrow down my twenty five favorites. Here we go:

Eye Make-Up Remover Gel (non oily)- A gem for anyone who wears contacts. The gel texture was great at getting off all my eye shadow and liner without dripping any oil into my eyes. It's kind of hard to find eye makeup remover that doesn't have oil and works. This is now a staple in my cosmetic case.

Glycolic Foaming Cleanser - Another great lathering facial cleanser. It removes dirt and the glycolic acid gently exfoliates dull skin. I of course love that there was no irritation and as my skin felt clean, it didn't leave any residue behind.

Flower & Tonic Mask - Ok, so this mask is awesome. It is a combination of purifying and calming for slightly oil skin. It dries quickly (that's what I liked the best) and drags out impurities. Balsam Peru calms any minor redness that may occur. I used it only on my T-zone and was pleased.

Seaweed Night Cream - This slightly rich non-oily cream was so pleasant that I would have loved it in Body Cream form. It's got Seaweed, Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid to nourish skin with out clogging pores. The scent was delightful, the texture was wondrous and when I woke up in the morning my skin looked relaxed as it should.

Glycolic Eye Cream - Eye cream. Ahhh, my love affair continues. Mario has several different eye creams for everything under the sun. The glycolic cream is great because it's high in vitamin E and has other oils to aid in ridding the signs of wrinkles and sun damage.

I'm definitely digging the Mario Badescu line and am on a hunt to try their BoDy LOtiOns. The line is available at Ulta, Nordstrom, Blue Mercury, and the Beauty Cafe in Burlington MA. For more info on Mario Badescu visit www.mariobadescu.com 

M Lab

When sampling an entire line of products, one can get carried away for a few days. I was that one, and aside from my impulsive need to discuss M Lab's Anti-Aging cleanser last week, I really wanted to make sure this line was making a difference.

After all, sampling products is a full time profession 'round here so in order to be sure beauty treatments don't over lap, there has been some down time between reviews. The lull ends here because I'm fully fascinated with M Lab.M Lab's scientists have created a clinically proven line that some have compared it to Creme de la Mer. That's quite a comparison if I do say so myself. I was certainly impressed.

The Anti-Aging Cleanser is still my favorite with its impeccable texture, and tri-active blend of cleansing agents that clean, hydrate, soothe, and calm the skin. I'm still using it daily and love the way it aids in massaging the skin.

I wish there were a body wash that had a similar texture. If ever one surfaces, you will be informed immediately. But back to the current topic.....

Since the weather has gone down the tubes, my skin has been a little on the dry side and M Lab has improved my issue. Not so much that I'm not begging for warmer weather to come back, but enough so that I can tell you that YOU need to get your manicured hands on M Lab's products.

The other goodies I tried were the following:

Anti-Aging Toner - made up of a complex of plant extracts and mineral co-factors to promote smooth skin.

Anti-Aging Blemish Control Cleanser - Gently exfoliates and controls oil while improving skin texture.

Anti-Aging Blemish Control Treatment - Refines pores and increases skin firmness while combating wrinkles simultaneously. I recommended using it during that awful time of the month.

Anti-Aging Eye Cream - Really? Y'all know my excitement when it comes to eye cream. This one uses peptides and is M Lab-Fab!

Anti-Aging Treatment Cream -  advanced peptides and anti-oxidants provided skin firming and dermal elasticity. Also reduces the appearance of fine lines.

Anti-Aging Treatment Serum - This one restores the dermal hydration. My mom used the serum, she hearts it.

....And as a side note, serums usually work better on mature skin. Not to say that you can't use it in your twenties like moi, but a cream works fine. I like a good serum a couple times a week.

The bottom line is that my skin is firmer and well hydrated. Job well done!

M Lab is available exclusively online at www.mlabonline.com and if your in London, Harrods.

Emma Hardie

A cross over the pond might set you back half a years salary (thank you forces of economic destruction), however there have been quite a few new beauty breakthroughs from London. Thankfully we can leave the dusty passports at home, since they all seem to land at Space NK.

While Bond Street just got the goods on this one, we have to wait until April. The wait will be worth it though, as Emma Hardie debuts her new Amazing Face line of skin care.

Emma is an Oxford-based facialist who's line is to be used with.....get this....facial exercises! She developed a massage technique that includes a series of patting and rolling to increase energy, blood and oxygen to flow freely and re-balance facial muscles. The heat generated from finger tips activates the marine biophoton particles that are just waiting to be released from the moisturizer and eye serum.

Aerobics for your face, think I kinda like it. The work out involves Moringa cleansing balm, Rosehip exfoliating seeds, a dual action buff and polish cleansing cloth, Hydrating and Firming treatment moisturizer, and eye serum.

If you can't wait until the Spring Equinox then visit www.emmahardie.com

Being True

When your on the search for the best products out there, what is one of the characteristics you look for? One of my questions is: " What do the professionals use?". The spa industry loves BeingTRUE® and now I do as well. So listen up ladies because BeingTRUE® has made the flava fav list. BeingTRUE® has a variety of skincare products ranging from cleansers and masks to make up!
There is something for every skin type and any age, and the boyfriends/husbands may not mind using these products either. My sweet mommy and I tried quite a few treats. Everything reacted wonderfully with no irritations. The following are our favorites.

Anti-fatigue eye contour gel - This is for the party girls like moi or just anyone who didn't get any sleep last night. The Anti-fatigue gel is packed with caffeine and helps ward off puffiness and dark circles from the first use. Not sure if I was supposed to, but I've been keeping mine the fridge for an added cooling effect. I think it's making the cucumbers jealous.
Youth revealing complex - This was my mommy's favorite. She saw results within three weeks. It's not-so-secret ingredient is idebenone, which is a bio engineered form of Co-Enzyme Q10....the bodies natural free radical fighter. Fine lines around her mouth, eyes, and forehead have become just a memory. I used it on my forehead and have to say that it has reduced my fine lines as well. Why do we call them fine, when they are the complete opposite? Anyhoo, we loved it.

Radiance revealing complex - Sun worshipers alike will die for this treat. It brings uneven blotchy skin tone to a better light. I began using it as soon as I knew that my beach were approaching the zero mark. My complexion has improved and it kind of looks like there is a slight glow coming from my cheek bones.

Purifying therapeutic mask - We tried this together. Um.... there is a delightful tingly sensation that comes along with this mask. It is only supposed to be used once a week but I wish I could use it everyday. Our skin felt clean BUT NOT DRIED OUT!!! So this is wonderful if you are the type with problem skin, since many treatments end up drying out the skin too much. The brush used to apply the mask is quite intriguing too! It was fun & relaxing painting the mask on our faces.

Energy Work Aroma shower gel - The scent of spearmint is just what my shower needed! A great morning eye opener and there is no soap in this gel so it won't dry out your skin!

Body Spray oil - After my awakening shower, I slathered on moisture + repair sheer oil spray. Multiple oils are included in the ingredients such as tamanu seed oil to add moisture and promote healing.

Eye Shadow - This was all mommy. These shadows are for everyone but cater to mature skin. Interference color-rich shadow includes Dermaxyl®, a powerful ceramide complex that helps to smooth creepy eyelids by restoring the moisture level to depleted skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and protecting the delicate eyelid tissue from oxidative stress. In simple terms....this paraben free eye shadow collection includes what you need to ward off aging while complimenting your eyes...AND...will not settle in the crease that you may have, that sometime make mature eyes look a bit older then they are. It's one of the reasons my mom stopped wearing eye shadow, but she really enjoyed BeingTRUE® 's collection.

For a complete profile on BeingTRUE® click here or visit www.beingtrue.com for more info and purchasing.

Feast your eyes on this

Seaweed makes a yummy oriental snack, however it can be annoying when it grazes your back while swimming in ocean. When it comes to seaweed peptides, on the other hand, it's time to open your eyes and pay attention.

Just one of the nutritious ingredients in the magnificent eye brightening treatment from Befine is seaweed peptides, that naturally help boost collagen levels in order to steer clear of those dark circles. Avocado oil is used to tighten skin and reduce fine lines, while olive oil keeps aging around the eyes at bay.

With just a smidgen of balsamic vinegar, this could have been a great tasty salad! That's why it's so great for your skin. If i love to eat it then my skin will love to munch on it too....right? Well my eye area feasted on this treat for the past few nights and since it has no calories, the food festival will continue with Befine's eye brightening treatment until the all you can eat buffet closes.

Befine products are based out of our very own Newton MA and available at your pharmacy store such as CVS or you can purchase online at www.befine.com

MyChelle

MyChelle Dermaceuticals is a combination of founder Myra Michelle Eby's name (pronounced "My Shell"). What it is not, is a combination of harmful chemicals or parabens. In fact MyChelle products are all 100% natural, eco-friendly, and cruelty-free!

I jumped at the chance to try three NEW products from her line. And all of them are three products you always here me raving about! Serums, Mists, and Eye care, Oh My!

Pumpkin Hydrating Mist - You know I love a good mist when I travel. The Pumpkin Hydrating Mist has a light pumpkin scent that is just enough. No worries. You will not go around smelling like thanksgiving dinner. It can be applied over makeup as well - this is why I like it for traveling on the driest bird in the sky.
With pumpkin juice and poppy extract leading the list of bio-available ingredients, it is no surprise that this mist provided the moisture my skin was needing on the plane, and through out the days since I started using it.

G2 Instant Firming Serum - Collagen boosting. I'm sold. But wait! This serum with a military sounding moniker is so much more. Goji berry fruit aids in instant firming and is combined with Argireline (safe muscle relaxer) and pomegranate to help inflamation. With long term use, this army of ingredients battle fine lines and wrinkles from future invasion.

Magnolia Fresh Eyes - Some of my favorite eye creams have done me wrong. Like getting in my eye and turning it red and itchy. Not Magnolia. Non-toxic Daisy Flower and Green Coffee work together to ward of puffiness and black circles safely!

MyChelle Dermaceuticals can be found at your nearest Whole Foods. For more information visit www.mychelle.com

Pharmacy finds

It's no secret that I'm a sucker for eye creams.Garnier Nutritionist has brought us the first-ever roll-on svelte tool for tired eyes. It hydrates and contains Caffeine and Pro-Vitamin B5. This is so handy to keep in your purse to ward off dark circles and bags any time! The massage from the roll-on encourages drainage around the eye area.
It's been around for a while now, I'm really excited about the roll-on because there is no need to worry about having to use your fingers to apply. Not to mention the cool sensation as it glides under the eye contour area. Check you your local drug store, it runs for about $15.

Master Of my eyes

Rye. Rice. Spirulina. My grocery shopping list? Not so much my friends. Every once in a while I think I have a favorite product. Then it's just like Big Papi himself knocks it out of the park and in enters a new one. "New one" being John Master Organics firming eye gel. The above mentioned ingredients are just a few of the key ingredients that make this product the "it girl" of my medicine cabinet. It hydrates, firms, and protects against environmental damage and is made with certified organic ingredients. It's also not too heavy so you can use through out the day. I was elated to have it with me during my last flight. When I arrived at my destination my eyes were bright with no puff. For more info on John Masters Organics click here.