Loreal's Showering us with Spring goodies

Common brands that provide great results are few and far between. Loreal stands alone, always raising the bar by providing luxuriously affordable-products that everyone can afford. This spring there is a delightful array of goodies to keep you looking gorgeous.

Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfection -

The first and most likely to cause an instant grin is this little jar of preparation.

It can be worn alone or under makeup, it's a base that fills lines and minimizes the appearance of pores. Soft light weight powders within the formula provide and instant mattte look.

I've used it both alone and with make up. My forehead was the test, because lately there have been some fine lines appearing that I'm not too please about. It worked wonders and filled in with out caking and lasted all day.

As far as color discrepancies are concerned, Loreal has three moisturizing formulas to keep your face all one hue! One to combat redness, one to illuminate and add warmth to light skin tones, and one that adds glow to mediums skin tone.

Age Perfection Hydra-Nurtition

Remember that forehead I mentioned? I've been slathering this on it.  This cream penetrates deeply to hydrate and moisturize, just a couple things on the list to fight aging. I enjoyed the silkiness of the cream, definitely non-gooey.

Concentrated Lash Boosting Serum and Double Extend Lash Boosting Mascara

Prior to applying mascara, the serum acts as a conditioner to protect lashes. This was my favorite. We underestimate the wear and tear caused by daily application from mascara. But who wants to by-step amazing lashes? I adore the idea of conditioning first, and the mascara went on smoother as well.

Go 360 Clean

OK, so I got a kick out of these! The cleansers feature the first ever Scrublet tool, containing 500 super soft and tiny bristles. It's reusable and there a cute storage spot for it on the cleansing bottle. It's not harsh like those disposable scrub pads and yet does a much better job cleaning out pores with out looking like your cat scratched you. I like popping the Scrublet in and out of its storage place, it's such a neat idea. And it's the perfect product for traveling too!

Colorist Secrets Shine Gloss

Sure you have colored your hair on your own at some point. But have you given yourself a shine enhancement? In ten minutes an amonia-free vibrant flow of tresses can be yours! 
The claim is that it lasts up to four weeks. It's been two weeks and my shine is still pronounced! If you don't try it now, definitely try it mid summer when your hair begins to feel the effects of sun, sand, and dryness.

If you are in the market for affordable beauty enhancing this spring (and I know you are) march down to CVS or Walgreens or Walmart or your local Supermarket or....you get the picture.

Erno Laszlo Firmarine Treatment Bar

What's all the fuss about?

LASZLO BLUE Firmarine Treatment Bar, is what it's about. It is a firming face soap for slightly dry to slightly oily skin.

The oceanesque bar contains Spirulina Maxima and Algae Extract to firm skin by helping cell renewal and improving skin’s texture. Vitamin C and E provide long lasting anti-oxidant protection, while glycerin, Soribtol and Palm Kernel help hydration and retain moisture by binding water to the skin.

I've been using it at night and can feel something happening. Not a tingle and not a tightness. It kind of feels like my skin just got a light work out and a stint in the sauna. The bar has a rather spring scent!

Another plus is that if you have to travel, throw it into a plastic baggy. That's all that is necessary to take it with you and then plop it back into your vanity when you return home.

Nordstrom, Saks, or Erno Laszlo's online shop have this Firmarine Treatment Bar waiting for you.

Keeping skin clean on a budget

 

Ok, so we all know the flava fav Clarisonic is one of my most cherished possessions.

It cleans skin so deeply to prepare it for night time routines or morning makeup. Even though the Clarisonic Mini is a bit less expensive, many have asked if there is comparable drug store find. 

Neutrogena's Wave is the answer. I use it at the gym since its would not be the end of the world if I lost it. 
Less then 20 bucks girls!!! Click here for more deets. It's available everywhere from CVS to Target and does a decent job (although it won't replace my Clarisonic any day!).  I recommend it for the budget bound babe.

Elemis Rose & Lavender Recovery Regime

A true leader in skin care, Elemis kicked it up a notch and launched the Rose & Lavender Recovery Regime last month.

Although the time has passed to snatch up the limited edition set, it's never too late to get devulge your senses and pamper your skin!

Elemis's detoxifying regimen is about an anti-oxidant treatment, a renewing exfoliator and decadent moisturizers. It is about recovering skin to your youthful origin and protecting it from future elements.

I rather enjoyed enhancing my skins vitality this week. What, with the sensual Rose Exfoliator and Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, I had those pesky fine lines put right in their place! Elemis Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules were my favorite, though. They can be used as a spot treatment or all over. For me it's all about the forehead.

The exfoliator wasn't too harsh and using the entire line has brought to light some wonderful results sans any irritation. 

GGZF's bottom line is.....results....and "is there a side effect?". The only side effect here was supple skin texture.

So girlfriends, get your Valentines Day booty down to Nordstrom to try it out.

There is still about two weeks to get that skin back into shape!

Bellaboo in the U.S.

Snezna Kerekovic is one of those moms that wants what's best for her daughter. That's what every mom wants right? She took it one step further after noticing there was a lack of teen products with out harsh chemicals.

Naturally she took matters into her own hands and created Bellaboo: a line of skin care for teens that are not tested on animal, have minimal and recyclable packaging. The Australian based company has been doing well since entering our Rite Aid and Justice stores this month.

The adorable line includes All that clean skin Facial wash, Buff skin facial exfoliator, Gorgeous skin moisture dew, E Z Blitz Blemish Serum, Sweet Sin Chocolate Face Mask, Berry Nice Face Fix Mask, Clear skin smoothie mask and full size starter kits.

What's even more amazing is that the products are featured on the Bellaboo girls: six teens aged 13-17 who entered into be part of the marketing campaign.

 They are taking a piece of Doves real beauty campaign and featuring real girls. I just love the idea! They also have a web site with other related content for teens www.bellaboobabe.com

Active Skin

Chafing. What a terrible word. For athletes, it's in the top of their vocabulary. For many of us, it comes up in the hot summer months when we are innocently trying to walk quickly in our mini. 

Serena Williams launched Mission, her own athlete engineered skin care line this past summer. Being an amazing athlete, she knew a thing or two on what the active woman needs. One of the products in this ensemble is Anti-Friction Cream. I tested it out at the gym on the treadmill. Prior to hopping on, I applied the cream to my inner thighs, put on my jogging shorts and away I went. Chafing was brought to an almost complete halt. Not only will the gem remain in my gym bag, it will follow me through out next summer!

Mission has several other products as well: Foot Cream, After-Sun reviver, Lip Balms etc...

I also have been using the Active Daily Cleanser this week. The Sweet Citrus scent is just enough to wake me up in the morning (OK that's a lie, but it definitely sped up the wake up process before my coffee). The paraben-free cleanser is self foaming and as it hydrates the skin, it also conditions with vitamins & antioxidants. You don't even have to scrub it in with your hands! It foams up all by itself....hence self-foaming.

Mission products are available at select specialty sporting goods retailers, Mission.com, and HSN.com.

Darphin Aromatic Cleansing Balm inspires books and stars

Demi Moore was just one of the stars to take home Darphin's Aromatic Cleansing Balm, at an event on Monday, to celebrate Laura Day's new book "How to rule the world from your couch". Laura Day created a special ritual for the balm.

Day states that, ritual is how we break old patterns which create the same undesired results and create new habits. When you affirm a NeW ReAlITy habitually in your life, you re-set your subconscious and intuition to look for opportunities for change. Wondering what the ritual is?

With Darphin Aromatic Cleansing Balm…

 

Take the cleanser and scoop it into your hand. As you hold it, think of all the feelings, situations, physical problems and limitations in your life that you would like to cleanse. Empower the product to cleanse your life as you cleanse your face. When you are finished cleansing, take a moment to experience yourself in your clean, new, life. The life you now choose, not the one that your experience and subconscious has chosen for you. Allow yourself to associate the scent of the cleanser with the subconscious cue to create this new life and new you, right now. 

For more info on the Parisian products that are available at Space NK and Blue Mercury and to view details on the Aromatic Cleansing Balm visit www.Darphin.com 

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 

Befine Exfoliating Cleanser

It's no secret that I heart Befine products. The Exfoliating Cleanser is my new favorite. I used it last night to slough off my already autumn-y skin. It's made with BroWn SuGAr, swEeT aLmOnDS and OaTS. I didn't get that sand paper feel that happens with some exfoliators. 
Once again, Befine products are super awesome because, not only are they made with natural ingredients revolving around edibles, but they are available at drug stores! No need to drive too far. Visit befine.com for more info.

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.

EVE LOM

EVE LOM - with a moniker reminiscent  of a religious retreat, and  angelic packaging, I had high hopes for this product. 

I actually purchased this product on my own at Space NK! It was that alluring. The cleanser is a blend of Egyptian chamomile, hops, clove and eucalyptus oil, and cocoa butter. It also comes equipped with a muslin cloth to aid the exfoliation.

 

What I like about the EVE LOM cleanser is the powerful scent and the gentle manner that it exfoliates. It's a gem for getting rid of any extra make up in the evening and appropriate for all skin types.

My actual purchase was the starter kit. Housed in a heavenly white tin with gold lettering, it included a clay ReSCuE mask as well. The mask drew out impurities like the best of them. I plan on purchasing the full size cleanser now, I think it will be great around the holidays when all those extra photos are taken - and piles of cosmetics will be begging for removal! EVE LOM is available at Space NK and for more info visit EVE LOM's site

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

M Lab Anti-Aging Cleanser

Normally I review an entire line at a time but couldn't wait to blurb about M Lab's Anti-Aging Cleanser. The techno-jumbo is that the sleek black cylinder contains a tri-active blend of refined cleansing agents. It's formulated with 45% clinically active ingredients. It digs deep into your pores to vacuum out any pollution-ish impurities while hydrating and soothing all at the same time.

I simply loved the fact that it did a great job at removing the rest of my make-up, my skin felt great immediately, but more importantly my skin felt great while I was working up the lather. The texture itself is kind of silky and relaxing - so much, that I wanted to lather up again. To purchase visit Mlabonline or Dermastore. 
Will be reviewing the whole anti-aging line shortly...

Oily Skin

Oily skin can leave you feeling hopeless. When you feel like you've done the best at getting rid of the oil, your skin dries out. Using certain moisturizers to balance this can sometimes increase oil production. What's a girl to do? First you need to understand the science behind oily skin: Oil or Sebum is produced by the sebaceous glands.

Normal skin produces sebum that naturally lubricates skin and takes dead skin with it. How much Sebum your glands produce is hereditary and becomes most annoying during the teen years (wish I knew some of this back then). This excess oil production can lead to clogged pores - which then lead to acne, blemishes, blackheads, and ....you get the picture.

To combat oily skin, the simple solution is finding the right products. The right products usually DO NOT CONTAIN OIL in the ingredients.However there are some exceptions to this rule. Most likely if it's in gel form, then it is made for oily skin types.

Use hot water, but not scorching. Washing in the evening is a MUST. A few products I recommend are Being True's Harmonizing Gel Cleanser or Peter Thomas Roth Blemish Buffing Beads.

Once a week use a mask such as Being True's Harmonizing Oil Control Mask or Dermalogica's Skin Refining Mask.

Oily skin does not exempt you from using lotion, try Kinerase clear skin moisture light or Elemis daily shine control.

Next up....Dry Skin

Gentle Cleanser

In case you haven't noticed, we like Be Fine around here. Partially because they are a Boston based company and mostly because their natural ingredients and pharmacy store pricing sets out skin a tinglin'.

The Gentle Cleanser I just tried uses sweet Sugar Cane to preserve moisture and Rice bran oil containing the highest amount of vitamin E in natural form to soften skin.

If I had to do a comparison it is much like Dermalogica's special cleansing gel or even Cetaphil. Skin gets clean without being striped of moisture!

Once again Be Fine is available at CVS or you local Pharamacy. Visit www.befine.com for more deets.

For the most sensitive

Even my own sensitive skin is not that sensitive. Although I can think of certain times, when I need to give my skin a break from testing out products and still want to keep it clean, it gets tricky.

Be Fine Skin Care has the solution and I really want to stress that if you have normal to oily skin, this product is really not for you. Be Fine has what's called their "morning sampler" - a series of a gentle cleanser, firming toner, and moisturizer with SPF 15. The cleanser's texture is only a smidgen thicker then water. Definitely created for the most uber sensitive gal. Did it cleanse and did I feel clean? Yes. However, I personally like a little more lather on a regular basis. I chose to use it again when I was on a product testing rampage leaving my skin red and exposed last week. I appreciated the ethereal texture much more! On the other end of the spectrum, the Firming Toner and Moisturizer are great for those with oily skin. Each product contains the lightest ingredients like ginger or rosemary. My suggestion is to have these products handy when your skin is going through a change and your looking to keep it clean and moisturized without any extra bells and whistles.

Be Fine can be found at CVS or your area drug store.

I can see clearly

The award winning skin care line Derm e is sending us back to school and back to the rigmarole of Autumn blemish free, with their new Very Clear® skincare system. The Very Clear® skincare system consists of a cleanser,scrub, moisturizer, and spot blemish treatment.

After using the cleanser and moisturizer, I'm definitely intrigued by the texture of both and how they are able to cater to all skin types...like my face's half oily.... half normal situation.

Very Clear® skincare system Problem Skin Cleanser - This cleanser removes grime and pollution from skin and is safe enough to use twice a day. It doesn't leave any residue behind and is suitable for both oily and dry skin types. I liked how it took off all my make up and didn't sting my eyes!

Very Clear® skincare system Problem Skin Moisturizer - It can be used day or in the evening and helps unclog pores and soothes redness in the skin. This moisturizer is balance for most skin types and helps restore nutrients to the skin. The scent of tea tree, willow bark, rosewood, and lavender are a treat when applying to prevent future breakouts.
It's a struggle getting the right textured product on troublesome skin, but Derm e always seems to hit a home run with their paraben-free loveliness.

Derma e can be purchased at www.dermae.net

Decleor Paris

Sometimes, holding the knowledge that a product is french, is enough to make a girl feel beautiful and years younger just looking at it. Decleor has a few of those products on their roster. One of them being Hydra Floral Moisturizing Masque. It's an Anti-pollution cream mask that forcefully hydrates skin by penetrating deeply, firming, and preventing pollution.

It contains Moringa seed extract, native to Southern India and Northern Africa and has been used in the ancient Egyptian era for skin prep. It is rich in fatty acids and chalk full of vitamins A and C! I'm going to have to assume that Cleopatra had Moringa seed extract on a table near her milk baths at all times.
Moringa seed's magical niche, able to purify water and cease pollution from gluing itself to skin is perfect if you live in the city (any city), you know what I'm talking about! Just apply once or twice a week to face and neck. Wait 15 minutes and rinse off. Voila!

For more information and to order visit www.decleordirect.com

Rice & Geranium Foaming Cleanser

Chantecaille, say it out loud and it rolls right off your tongue. I rolled it right into my cosmetics case and used it last night to cleanse my skin before bedtime. I used quite a bit of makeup yesterday as well. It did a great job at removing all my make up. There was no ghost of smokey eyes left to haunt my pillowcase!

This vegan friendly product is a gentle exfoliant with emphasis on the word gentle. The Rice Bran softens skin while the Geranium heals it.

I enjoyed the foaminess, it provided a platform to massage my face, and although Geranium is included, an unbearable,super-strong fragrance was not.

I think this would be perfect for brides and bridal parties to remove all that make up "after the show". It's available at the normal stomping grounds like Barneys, Bergdorfs, Neimans and CO Bigelow but you can also get it at Eluxury.com

Serena William launches MISSION Skincare

The tennis all-star that we love is up to something good. She is launching her own skincare line on HSN on July 23 and 24 for details click here. As soon as product becomes available, I'll let you know how I feel about. I'm curious to know how the signature product in the line, Oxygen Facial Cleanser, works in comparision to my bliss flava fav. But don't wait for my opinion! Tune in and see for yourself. Also starting today, July 8th and ending July 21st, Serena is hosting a contest to see what you can do in 90 seconds. Enter at www.SerenasMISSION.com for the chance to meet her and win two VIP tickets to one of her upcoming tournaments. Other prizes include an autographed tennis racquet and $1,000 gift basket of Serena’s personal favorites. Follow her on Twitter @serenajwilliams to get contest updates.