THE
ADVICE SISTERS® "What Works" Beauty, Cosmetics &
Fashion Review Column, JULY/AUGUST 2006 (FOCUS ON SPF DOUBLE
COLUMN) by Alison Blackman Dunham
Who doesn't love sunny days and outdoor fun. Being outdoors is one of the best aspects of Summer, but be careful! Tan skin may look healthy, but there is no such thing as a "safe" tan. Even if you're simply walking outside, you are exposed to the sun's rays (Ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B (UVA and UVB) which will damage your skin including early aging and perhaps, skin cancer and other skin problems. Many of the products you use every day now contain SPF protection. We've combined our July and August "What works" Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion Review columns to focus on the best-of-the-best products for a beautiful and safe Summer. You'll find an amazing array of products that contain SPF, from straight sun screens and blocks, to moisturizers, to color cosmetics and even protection for your hair. Many multi-task to streamline your beauty routine and and are portable, for travel or beach.
Access previous "What Works" Beauty, Cosmetics, and Fashion Review columns in the "What Works Archives". HAPPY SUMMER, from Alison Blackman Dunham (a.k.a. "Advice Sister Alison")
Don't go out into the sun this season without listening to Advice Sister Alison's "sun safety" PODCAST first, on fabulous Fashiontribes.com! Hear some of Alison's other podcasts too!
SKINCARE RIGHT FOR SUMMER (with SPF): For a beautiful, mood-changing scent while you're doing daily beauty rituals, I've just discovered Kimberly Sayer featuring natural ingredients and wonderful, aromatherapy fragrances. Developed by a British esthetician, there's a lot to like about this line! The Ultra-Light Facial Moisturizer SPF 25 $32.00 5 oz comes in a slim, plastic pump bottle and has a luscious, lemon scent, but you'll want it for the nice SPF 25 and titanium oxide and zinc oxide that are powerhouses to protect against the sun's damaging rays. Good for all skin types, we love that it has shea butter to soften skin, and lemon oil helps dry acne, cysts and zits (if you have any). It's formulated for your face, but you can use it on your body as well, and enjoy the protection, the feel, and the refreshing lemon scent. The entire family will like this one, should you choose to share.Kinerase Cream with SPF 15 $135.00 is more than a sunblock, more than a moisturizer. It combines Kinerase Cream moisturizer (with kinetin to improve skintone, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while boosting hydration), with three types of sunscreen to SPF 15, to protect against the sun's UVA/UVB rays. I quickly become addicted to this thick, unscented, white cream that soaks immediately into your skin, leaving nothing but a soft feel and of course, SPF 15 protection. Just smooth it on and if you wish, you can apply foundation, but you'll forget you have it on, bare skin or not. This one is pricey, for sure, but skin cancer is more costly...and in more ways than one, and soft, youthful, healthy skin is priceless. For someone who wants serious skincare but who objects to the look, feel or smell of sunblocks for the face, this extremely effective, superior, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) wonder will be a favorite choice. Erno Lazlo makes all sorts of products targeted to special skin types and challenges. One we think you'll really like is the R.E.M. SPF 30 Intensive Day Therapy for Extremely Dry Skin $78.00 3 fl. oz. I have always loved their simple, square bottle with black labels and white caps that have unisex appeal. Inside, a semi-soft cream with a light scent provides a multi-faceted formula that repairs dry skin with something called "Ultrasomes" (spheres that deliver reparative plant enzymes to your skin); energizes your skin with "Forti-pHirm," to increase cellular oxygen reception (and that's a good thing to help rejuvenate your skin) while botanical extracts moisturize. My skin felt instantly soothed and on the way to healed, even though it was seriously dry and sun-parched. This is good news for dry faces, everywhere! But, even better, four sun screen provide SPF 30 broad spectrum sun screen. You are not only repairing and nurturing your dry skin, you're protecting it against future damage as well. You will find yourself wanting this and needing it--and when you buy it, you will be glad you did! If you would prefer a superior moisturizer with SPF 15 and, perhaps, you have sensitive skin, HYDRApHEL Emulsion SPF 15 $60.00 2.1 fl. oz is for you. Without all the technical jargon, this unscented cream smoothes on your skin and mimics the skin's natural lipid. What that means is that Indian and tropical botanical extracts bind moisture to the skin and strengthen it's cellular structure--intense moisture without irritation and SPF 15 protection. I have to also mention the Erno Lazlo packaging yet again--their low, marbled, plastic squares embossed with Erno Lazlo name, and embossed coat of arms on the top of the black lid, is so elegant, it might actually motivate you to enjoy applying this multi-tasking moisturizer and sun block. In our June 2006 column, we introduced Lumene. This drugstore-based line delivers high performance skincare treatments for a variety of skin types and age groups. If you are over 50, you will be delighted to know about Lumene Premium Beauty, a range of products specifically created for skin age 50+ We are delighted the manufacturers realize that there is a large market for women (and men) age 50 and above, who want to take care of their skin. A combination of Scandinavian Sea Buckthorn and something called a "Tri-peptides" compound, help nourish, rejuvenate, and protect mature skin. We also like the striking, shiny, copper and peach colored boxes and coppery accents on the bottles and jars. We can report that our skin felt soft and more supple, and generally, improved. Over time, we think you'll see smoother, more firm, more youthful skin with diminished fine lines and wrinkles. For Summer, why not get acquainted with Lumene Premium Beauty with their Rejuvenating Day Cream with SPF 15 $27.99 1.7 fl. oz. Your skin will not only get nourishment, moisture, and the benefit of cutting-edge ingredients with this super-emollient cream, it will be protected against the sun's damaging rays. The Rejuvenating Night Cream $27.99 1.7 is super rich. It penetrates deep into your skin to moisturize and soften, and also promotes the formation of collagen and elastane (important for youthful-looking skin). You will also want to try the ultra-emollient Rejuvenating Eye Cream $21.99 9.5 fl. oz which has no fragrance or artificial colors, so it's great for sensitive skin. Tow other products in the line include an Age Spot Treatment $17.99 0.5 fl. oz, a targeted treatment for fading out age (and sun) spots, help prevent new ones from forming, and an Instant Serum $29.99 1.0 fl. oz, a deeply penetrating pump-bottle of cream that helps smooth wrinkles and fine lines, and reduce the size of pores. Dab a bit of this cooling cream around the eye contour area morning and night, and watch those crows feet, fly away. SIMPLY SUPER SUMMER SUNBLOCKS: The attractive, cheerful, sea green and yellow flip-top tubes containing UV Sun Care SPF 50 products for face and body by Clinique really caught my eye and made me want to apply the products inside. When I did, they didn't disappoint! Clinique UV-Response Face SPF 50 Sunscreen $15.50 1.5 fl. oz and Clinique UV-Response Body SPF 50 $18.50 5 fl. oz provide broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection, are oil-free, water resistant, and good for all skin types. I am not sure of the technology involved, but these non-irritating products with antioxidant protection actually trigger a second layer of antioxidant protection after the first layer is depleted, while they help prevent long-term signs of aging. The creams are thick, so they're easy to apply without running or mess, and they are odor-less, so men, women and children will feel comfortable wearing them. I loved the way they absorbed quickly into face and body. I didn't feel like I had applied anything at all, but with a whopping SPF 50, I knew I'd done the right thing for my skin. These are fantastic! DCL Chemfree Superblock SPF 30 $ 27.00 4 fl oz by
Dermatologic Cosmetic Laboratories, is serious skincare, created to meet the needs of dermatologists and plastic
surgeons who want to provide broad spectrum UVA/UVB sun block to their patients. This is a
very water-resistant sunblock, yet it has a sheer formula comprised of highly refined,
micronized titanium dioxide and transparent zinc oxide (Z-Cote®), to help prevent sunburn
and protect against the visible signs of aging. The light scent dissipates quickly, so
you'll forget you even applied it--but your skin, won't! The product literature also says
that this product continues to provide SPF coverage, even after 80 minutes of activity in
water, or with perspiration. We obviously didn't stay in water that long, but we did feel
the lightly moisturizing effects that help reduce the appearance of fine lines and
wrinkles, and our skin didn't feel so dry after being in the sun. Even better, this sun
block is good for all skin types, and especially for those who have sensitive skin,
including those who have just had exfoliation procedures, including micro-dermabrasion, B. Kamins Chemist is new to our reviews this column. Sunbar UVShield SPF 48 $38.00 4 fl. oz is a high quality, hydrating, UVA/UVB sun block great for anyone with a fair complexion, or who has super-sensitive ski or rosacea, or who is concerned about skin texture or pigmentation changes, or who is taking medications/having treatments that could make skin more sensitive to the sun. It combines the company's trademarked, signature "Bio Maple" compound (made from real maple sap to gently hydrate and protect) with a blend of sunscreens that shield skin by scattering, reflecting and absorbing the sun's harmful rays. What does this mean for you (besides a whopping spf 48)? It is fragrance, oil and paba-free, non greasy, which means men and children can and will want to use it, too. You have only one skin, it's worth the investment to protect it! Having someone rub sun screen on your back can be a bonding experience, but if there's no one around, or if, like me, you just don't like the residue of sunblock on your hands, a spray product is a perfect solution. It's clean, it's fast, and a good spray actually works more effectively to cover your skin, completely with the product. Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunblock SPF 30 & SP 45 $9.49 5 fl. oz is one of my picks for best-of-the-best this season. The lightly scented, non-sticky, fine mist actually cools your skin, making it a treat, not chore to apply it and allowing you to get coverage in places that are hard to reach (eg. your back). More importantly, the high SPF numbers (30 and 45) means you're covered, longer. You don't need to rub this in as it seems to almost instantly absorb into your skin, and it's waterproof and sweat proof, resists running into your eyes, and allows skin to breathe. Even children will enjoy the way this feels, and applying it won't be such a struggle. This is an effective, inexpensive product that I'd give five gold stars...a true winner and a must-have this summer. I also like the Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock $9.49 3.0 oz. This broad-spectrum sunscreen has an amazing, SPF 55 protection, and yet manages to be lightly scented and non-sticky or greasy...you'll almost not believe you applied anything at all! It's waterproof, sweat proof, and won't run into your eyes or feel greasy or shiny. I can't help but love it! Thanks to Neutrogena, NONE of us have ANY EXCUSE to go out in the sun, unprotected, again. The Advice Sisters® Enews (zine) goes to over 2,500 subscribers, bringing beauty, relationship & lifestyle tips, the latest "Advice Sisters" news, articles, book reviews, and more! To get your free copy, fill out the form completely. Looking for a long lasting sunblock with broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and nourishing ingredients? Aveeno has some great ones! Aveeno Active Naturals Continuous Protection Sunblock Spray SPF 30 $8.99 4 fl. oz comes in a plastic pump that sprays at angle angle--even upside down, and has natural soy proteins and vitamins A & E, to help protect your skin against free radical damage. The light fragrance dissipates quickly and the product itself absorbs fast into your skin without being sticky. At SPF 30, it's an effective sunblock that is easy and pleasurable to apply. It's one of my personal favorites, and I give it high marks on all counts. The Continuous Protection Sunblock Lotion SPF 30 for Face 3 oz. $8.99-$10.99 is great for daily use. It's a very thick, very lightly scented, long lasting, broad spectrum sunblock that has a dry-touch formula that is gentle to skin, and won't make it shiny or greasy. For Body, There's a Continuous Protection Sunblock Lotion SPF 45 4 oz. $8.99-$10.99 . This super-thick cream has even higher SPF and it's non greasy, oil free, water resistant, and has soy proteins and vitamins C & E to protect and nourish skin. We like the flip top tube (we wish the SPF 30 Face Sunblock had it, too). Don't forget your lips, too. Essential Moisture Lip Conditioner with SPF 15 $3.49 offers protection against the sun's damaging rays, that will help keep lips soft and kissable, while protecting them. Natural skin conditioners including jojoba oil and shea butter are super-moisturizing, and glide on without a waxy residue. This unscented, clear, non-shiny lip balm will be a favorite with every member of your family. Medicalia was developed by Sylvie Hennessy of Pevonia Botanica, and her scientific team, has an unusual, tinted SPF 30 Sunblock $57.00 5 fl. oz from it's Medi-Protect Sun line offering UVA/UVB protection with a nice SPF 30! The tint is a medium-toned flesh color that reviewers liked as a base for foundation, to even out skintone while it moisturizes and protects against the sun's damaging rays. Due to the tint in this product, it's a great choice if you've recently had any kind of peel or surgery, or scarring. Suitable for all skin types, it absorbs quickly without odor or any greasy feel and is so gentle it is specifically recommended for post-operative use. You can't beat that! We all liked the clean, white, plastic bottle with black lettering that men won't feel weird about using, and the nice, flip-top cap that allows for one-handed application. If you have mature skin, you know that sometimes, makeup settles into deep wrinkles, especially around your eyes, forehead and lips, and nothing you do can make your complexion look smoother. Now there's Skin Effects by Dr. Jeffrey Dover's Wrinkle Effects Instant Deep Wrinkle Erase $19.99 3.7 grams. A silvery click-it pen holds a products containing hyaluronic acid, the same ingredient doctors use in treatments, to fill lines, for home use. Simply brush it into the wrinkle and the smooth, slightly waxy feeling gel-like cream works within 20-30 minutes to fill those lines and wrinkles and make your skin appear younger. And even better? It lasts up to 24 hours!
There's nothing nicer than an easy, multi-tasking cleanser, especially in the Summertime, when heat, sweat and sunscreen make you wish you had a quick pick-me-up for your skin. Often, however, there isn't a sink or facial cleanser nearby to make your desire, a reality. Enter One Step Cleansing Water $28.00 6.7 fl. oz by Guinot. It gently cleanses and tones, and is good for all skin types. Even better, it works without water! Put some on a cotton ball or tissue, wipe your face--you're done! This product does so much more, too. It tones, while flower extracts such as mallow, soothe your skin, extracts of cucumber and flower water soothe and moisturize (along with other good-for-your-skin ingredients) and extract of ginseng, helps to make your skin look more radiant. The clear, flip-top plastic bottle and light, fresh scent make this product even more attractive, and ideal for travel. A little goes a long way, so it's economical, too. Exfoliators are the unsung heroes of skincare, especially in the Summer months, when skin can get dry and flaky. One that is effective and easy to use is the Microfine Refinisher by M.A.C. Cosmetics $24.50 2.5 fl. oz. It is a cream-based exfoliator that uses the microfine crystals --the same type used in professional microdermabrasion, to gently slough away dead, dry skin and turn dull skin into creamy, glowing, soft skin. Reviewers reported this product to be tough enough to do the job, gentle enough not to over strip or overstress skin. TIP: this exfoliator can be used wet or dry, but if your skin is sensitive, it's a bit more gentle used with water. If you're longing for a magic potion to whisk away deeper eye lines and wrinkles, you'll want to know about two new Estee Lauder Products. In just 20 minutes after going "on the patch," you may not quit a smoking habit, but the Perfectionist Power Correcting Patch $100.00/8 pairs, $50.00/3 pairs by Estee Lauder will have your eye area visibly looking smoother and younger. After just one treatment our dull, dry, under eye area looked renewed and refreshed, but after 5 days to one month of regular application, dramatic results could be yours. What I like about this is how easy it is, and inexpensive, actually, when you compare it to the cost of professional treatments (not to mention the time and effort saved in doing this at home). Simply peel off the backing of a pad, and place it under your eye, wait 20 minutes, and remove. There's not enough room here to go into all the details about how this unique product works, but suffice to say that the patch uses eletronic and magnetic fields to create "biological water: that is much like the body's own, so it allows for deeper, more lasting hydration which, in turn, plumps up those lines and wrinkles without needles, lasers, or toxins. If you've got a special event coming up, these will give your complexion an extra boost--and you are so worth it! Reviewers also liked the Perfectionist Peel 2-Step Enzyme Activating Treatment $95.00 that just hit the marketplace! Our sensitive skin reviewers tested this one, and as the product literature predicted, had no redness from this non-abrasive peel. And, even better, after just one treatment they reported smoother, brighter skin and fewer of those pesky little lines, wrinkles, and age spots (imagine how great your skin would look if you used this once a week). Apply Step 1 (perfectionist peel) for 14 minutes, wipe face with 2-3 neutralizer pads, rinse thoroughly with cool water--that's it! Whether your skin is sensitive so you've avoided at-home or professional peels or not, thanks to cutting-edge technology and Estee Lauder, this is a great time to try this one--it's easy, economical and effective. Age or dark spots? You might have to be a bit patient (3 months, perhaps) to get results, but Porcelana is a favorite of budget-conscious women and men who want to fade scars and dark spots. The Fade Dark Spots Daytime Treatment (approx. $6.49) 3 oz is recommended by dermatologists and available at a price anyone can afford. There are other Porcelana creams as well, including a night-time variety, but this daytime formula is a skin lightening cream that uses a unique combo of Hydroquinone (used in it's pure form to decrease the formation of melanin--the pigment in skin that gives it a brown color). antioxidants, and botanical extracts to fade dark spots and other skin discolorations while moisturizing and firming your skin. There is apparently some sunscreen in these products as well, although the amount is not specified. But, if you're going to use a fade cream anyway, it can't hurt to know that there is at least some sunscreen to protect your skin from future darkening. Aveeno, a very popular,popularly-priced skincare brand, has lots to offer men and women on a daily basis. Aveeno Positively Smooth Facial Moisturizer with Natural Soy $13.99 4 fl. oz moisturizes, evens skin tone, and reduces the appearance of fine lines (you'd expect that) but it does something else that is truly remarkable: it helps to reduce the appearance of unwanted facial hair! We didn't use the product for the two weeks required to see facial hair results, or the 4 weeks necessary for an improvement in skin quality/texture, but we can report that this oil free, light moisturizer won't clog pores and made our skin feel soft and pampered. It's worth a try! Clean & Clear by Johnson & Johnson's Daily Pore Cleansing Pads $6.99/26 pads let you thoroughly remove trapped dirt, oil and other "gunk" you don't want on your face, and moisturize, all in one. This product starts life as a dry, flat, round, dual-sided disk. One side has little, blue "beads" that turn into micro-scrubbers (you'll see a bit of foamy cleanser on your face) when wet. Insert your fingers into the finger pocket (gives you good control of the pad), wet the pad, and gently scrub your face. Now, rise the pad with water, flip it over, and use the "finishing" side to clean away any remaining residue and moisturize your skin! These are not only fun to use at home and useful when you're out and you don't want to use that ladies room hand soap to cleanse your face, but they're also fantastic for travel to reduce your need to carry bottles of cleanser and moisturizer. Clean & Clear also has another dynamic duo with warm and cool, to cleanse right down to your pores: Daily Pore Warming Scrub $5.99 4 oz. and Daily Pore Cooling Toner $3.99 8 oz. The Warming Scrub gets a subtle heating action going on contact with water that feels comforting and pleasant, but more importantly, it gently exfoliates to remove pore-clogging residue. The warmth helps the scrub provide a deeper cleansing and makes your skin feel ever-so-smooth (and we liked the light, fresh scent). Follow with an unusual, Cooling Toner that uses alpha-hydroxy acid to help get skin really clean, deep down-to-the-pores. There's also a refreshing, cooling feel and a light, floral scent. TIP: these products are meant for your face, but we used them on the top of our hands as well, to keep them smooth and soft--instant hand treatment! Another nice pad cleanser is PureGlo Daily Cleansing Cushions $7.99/24 cushions by Neutrogena. These little dual-sided cleansing pads have two different formulas in one pad to exfoliate, cleanse, condition and soften, and even massage your skin. One side has very gentle, micro-fine exfoliator, the other, a soft "corduroy" fabric that massages conditioners into your skin. The scent is a ripe pear with a hint of rose. Reviewers loved the clean, refreshed and lightly moisturized feeling their face got after using this product...and it's so simple and good for every day..and you can't beat the price! These are a sure way to treat yourself to an instant, easy, spa-like experience at home, any time. Get either a combo/oil (with 0.5% salicylic acid) or normal/dry(skin conditioners added) formula, to suit your skin type. We like the reusable, round plastic container with a slightly golden, pearly glow, featuring a flip-top lid that snaps down to close. TIP: this is a great product especially when you're planning to apply a self-tanner to your face, to make sure the application is super-smooth and even in tone. Obagi C-Cleansing Gel $29.00 6 fl. oz has, as you might have already guessed from the name, Vitamin C, to help make skin more radiant. Inside a simple, white, flip-top tube that appeals to men as well as women, featuring a flat bottom (so you can stand it up on your bathroom sink) is a pink gel with a very light scent we found hard to define (some say fruity, others, herbal). What we all agree on is that this foamy cleanser quickly and thoroughly cleanses, gently, is good for all skin types, and was a pleasure to use. It is a little luxury to some, a must-have for others! If you've seen Purpose products by Johnson & Johnson on your store shelves for years, but never tried them, this is the perfect time to try them, especially if you have sensitive skin and/or your skin is dried out or irritated by too much sun. These products are oil and fragrance free, hypoallergenic, and won't clog your pores. One we really like the the Gentle Cleansing Bar $2.99 3.6 oz that gently effectively and affordably removes dirt and oil from your skin, without any residue. The butterscotch amber colored bar reminds us of another famous and gentle skin cleanser, but this one won't break your budget! There's also a Gentle Cleansing Wash $5.99 6,0 fl. oz in a pump bottle, for those who prefer a liquid to a cake. Both are great. You don't have to have sensitive skin to enjoy a multi-tasking product such as Purpose Redness Reducing Moisturizer SPF 30 $12.99 2.75 fl. oz that actually helps to reduce the redness of irritated skin, while it also softens and protects with a whopping spf 30. This non-greasy cream comes in a nice white-with-cool-blue-lettering slim, plastic bottle featuring a substantial pump top that twists to lock and is great for travel. You're going to moisturize anyway, so why not soothe and smooth and protect your skin in one easy and quick step? There is also a light, Purpose Dual Treatment Moisture Lotion with SPF 15 $9.99, still featuring oil and fragrance free benefits and a hypoallergenic formula that won't clog pores! I was first introduced to Kinerase at Olympus Fashion Week a few seasons back, when there was a Kinerase promotional event featuring Courtney Cox Arquette (who said she swears by the line) and I got a few, small samples of product. The Kinerase Pro-Therapy Skin Smooth Cleanser $39.00 5.1 oz.is an example of these cutting edge, high quality products. This cleanser has a nice, mild formula that gently cleanses and exfoliates in one, so you can streamline your beauty routines. White tea extract and other good-for-your-skin ingredients work to provide antioxidant benefits as well, and of course it's non-comodegenic and hypoallergenic. We didn't use it long enough to show the 52-85% improvement in 4-12 weeks, but we can say that after using it for a few days (switch to a more gentle cleanser for 2 weeks between 6-week cycles) our skin looked and felt smoother and softer. We like the simple, white packaging with light blue accents--great for men as well as women. Used as part of a total skincare regimen, this one rocks! Follow with Kinerase Cream with SPF 15 $135.00 2.8 fl. oz. Yes, it's pricey, but if your skin is sensitive, you have rosacea, dermatitis, eczema or any other type of dry and/or sensitive skin, you need a moisturizing product that will do the job, gently, and well. It's got "kinetin" to help your skin retain moisture and of course, help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and it protects with SPF 15 to protect against UVA/UVB rays. If you've got freckles or other types of skin hyper-pigmentation, this product will help keep your skin even-toned. A dime-sized dollop will work well, so you don't need to slather it on. It's a great product for serious skin care! Skincare products can (and should) do more than just benefit your skin--they should be fun to use, too. Why not enjoy what you're doing? The Kimberly Sayer Gentle Face Cleanser $25.00 5 fl. oz has a strong and soothing scent of lovely lavender-- and it's great for all skin types. This gentle formula removes eye makeup easily, won't dry or irritate your skin, and is chemical free. Organic ingredients include pure plant oils and extracts are good for your skin, without chemicals. Soy removes deeply imbedded oil and impurities, lavender oil balances and restores, sea algae from Hawaii increases moisture retention and provides nutrients. You can use this one with water, or apply it do a damp cotton or cloth and lightly wipe your face and eyes (great if you are traveling). I love the slim, clear, plastic pump bottle, too. Follow with the Organic Lavender Toner $26.00 5 fl. oz that works especially well for people with rosacea or dry, sensitive skin. The lavender scented wonder works to balance P.H. levels and reduce redness and irritation...and guess what? You an even use it on your laundry or sheets or in your iron! How's that for an amazing product?! I hope to review more Kimberly Sayer in future columns, for now, I'd say--it is one you'll want to try.
"SUN-KISSED" SANS SAN--BRONZERS & BODY BLING: Fleurs Sublimatic Multi Action Special Care Oil $41.50 by Artiste de Bonheur is a rare beauty, indeed. You may have to do a bit of digging to unearth this treasure from France, but the search will be worth the reward! This ultra-luxe beauty oil looks like 14K gold in the bottle. This shimmery multi-taskers not coats your face, body, hair, and nails with a pearlescent, golden hue, concentrated camellia oil helps prevent skin from drying out. We love this one after a day at the beach, not only to add a subtle glow to your skin, but because it penetrates instantly, it's so silky to the touch, it's ideal for all skin and hair types, and it has a light, pleasant scent.
Aveda Caribbean Therapy Body Scrub $38.00 15.8 oz smells heavenly, with the same, tranquil, fruity and spicy Caribbean scent as the Caribbean Therapy Candle (see left hand column) featuring a blend of seven essential oils from the Caribbean including amyris, bay leaf, lime and vetiver. The impressively-large tub of non-foaming body scrub uses salt, Caribbean cane sugar, and Caribbean ginger root powder to exfoliate, soften, and condition, while aloe vera, avocado, passionfruit oils, and coca butter (all sourced from the Caribbean) protect and leave a silky, protective layer on your skin to make it soft and comfortable. Want more? Vitamin E from soy is an antioxidant that helps protect skin from free radicals and environmental stress. As expected from Aveda, this is an exceptional product that does what it is expected to, but with good-for-your-skin ingredients and pure pleasure. TIP: If you use a self tanner, proper exfoliation is a must...and this product is a great choice. Clinique True Bronze Pressed Powder Bronzer $23.50 has a natural, mostly matte finish, with a hint of pearl (for a glow, but not a high wattage bling). It's easy to use, with a soft, buildable formula that lets you decide how dark to glow, without looking "faux." The color stays true and doesn't make you turn orange, even in the heat. I wish Clinique had included the short-handled brush applicator inside the nice, clear frosted and copper plastic compact instead of in a separate travel pouch, but the applicator is so nice you'll use it with your other bronzers as well. We all raved about the believable, subtle bronzing effect and the two warm but not orange colors: "Sunkissed" (light to medium) and "Sunswept," (medium to dark) that are subtle and sexy. If you want a more glam, shimmery, the Clinique limited edition Shimmering Tones Powder $28.50 gives you a checkerboard of ivory, copper and bronze shades over a bronzer, or alone. Swipe a brush over the entire thing to highlight brow bone, the bridge of your nose, and the top of your cheekbone. The "Golden Bronze" highlighter/bronzing powder will add special va-va-voom to deeper skin tones, or a deep tan (but make the tan faux with a bronzing product, please) and the "Peach Bronze," works well for paler complexions.. TIP: These make fantastic, shimmery, lip and eye colors as well as for bronzing your face. Select a color in the compact to highlight eyelids, or use one mixed with a clear gloss on lips-you'll adore the look and the multi-tasking compact makes your purse, lighter! Bobbi Brown Bronzer Duo $35.00 will warm the complexions (and hearts) of women, everywhere. There are two shades: a very deep bronzer with a bright apricot blush, and a Natural Bronzer with a pale pink blush. The colors look quite deep and bright, but they're sheer, and believable on the skin. You're getting two high quality products in one large, mirrored compact, so you can grab it and go...and have all you need for a day, or a weekend away. If you like bronzers, you'll love this one!
If you get the idea from the coppery tubes with bronze-caps that Stila Sun Gel Bronzant $24.00 1.7 fl. oz (for face) and Stila Sun Gel Body gel Bronzant $24.00 4.2 fl. oz (new, for your entire body) will give you fabulous, faux glow, you'd be correct. These lightweight (and layerable) gels are non-sticky and lightweight, and they won't ooze or fade on your clothes, but you will get a believable, slightly shimmery, sunkissed glam, in an instant. Reviewers liked the sweet but light, slightly rose-y scent, and the fast drying formula. Bronze is beautiful, but a Stila bronze is better (and safer, too). Instant Vacation $7.00 by Mark is a neat little 3-in-one bronzer in a sea green tube, that gives you a great glow even if you can't spend a week at the shore. This non-greasy cream-to-powder stick slides on easily and smoothly, and blends right into your skin. It comes in three tones of bronze. We tried "Ibiza," a medium-to-deep toned warm brown that looked lovely blended onto cheeks, or used on lids and lips as an impromptu color.
GREAT SUMMER GIFTS TO GIVE...AND GET!
Aveda was founded in 1978 by Horst Rechelbacher on the premise of eco-nomics: the belief that companies can profit without expense to people and to the environment. That's not the only reason we love the Aveda Caribbean Therapy Soy Wax Candle $28.00 Refill: $18.50. This lovely, large candle is packaged in 95% post-consumer recycled (PCR) green glass the color of the Caribbean sea. The scent is definitely reminiscent of the topics--at once fruity and spicy-- a blend of seven essential oils from the Caribbean including amyris, bay leaf, lime and vetiver. We like the ivory candle for it's soy and plant waxes, and certified organic soy oil, that help the candle burn cleanly and completely for up to 50 hours. If you can't get to the Caribbean this year, give yourself (or a grateful host or hostess-it's a great gift) a tropical spa experience, instantly!
FABULOUS ACCESSORIES:
For past "What Works" Beauty, Cosmetics, and Fashion Review columns, see the "What Works Archives" Recently, I attended the Accessories Show in New York, and met Joyce Diamond, creator of Dazzlestraps, "bra jewelry." Clear nylon cord holds a string of beads and metal accent pieces with plastic clips on both ends, that slip onto any bra (with removable straps) and instantly turns a fashion "don't (showing your ugly bra straps) into a fashion accessory. Most women really need the support of a bra when wearing a camisole, or tank top, but there is absolutely no way to keep those bra straps hidden. A set of Dazzlestraps that compliment your outfit make it look even better than bare! There are a number of styles and colors--blue, gold, black, pink, amber and pearl, and more. One particular style I really like has AB-style faceted round "crystal" beads and cool, flat, golden metal spirals. These would make a neat way to change the look of a strapless gown. Spaghetti strap dresses are also so popular, especially in the Summer. Enhance the look with Dazzlestraps and stop worrying about bra straps that stray. For special events, a clear strand of seed bead and round cut "crystal" straps is the perfect choice to accessorize a bridesmaid's gown, but have fun--mix and match--a strap change is just seconds away!
Essie, one of our fave brands, is celebrating 25 years in business with an Anniversary Collection featuring half a dozen gorgeous, wearable shades of Nail Polish $8.00 that are bound to be new classics. Even better, with each purchase of a polish, you'll get a special gift at participating stores--a sample of Good To Go $10.00 which Essie claims is the fastest drying top coat ever. I tried it and I genuinely can report that it did dry dizzyingly fast, even when I botched a nail and had a bit of extra polish from the do-over! Essie polish is normally shiny, but the top coat made it even more so. I highly recommend Good to Go--it should be called: "great" to go! Now you'll have one more good reason to indulge in one of these beautiful Anniversary Collection Essie colors. My favorite is "Formal Affair" a sparkling, yellow-based red that lets even redheads with pale skin like mine, indulge in bright red nails that look sophisticated instead of like they were dipped in blood. Essie: please don't ever discontinue this fantastic color! But there's also "Cocktail Hour" a pink coral and "Bachelorette Bash" a bright raspberry. Both of these will look even more amazing, with a tan! For brides and day or evening, "Anniversary Gala" is an iridescent light pink with a subtle green undertone (just gorgeous) and "Real Simple" is a sheer, baby pink perfect for French manicures or a natural look. I also like "Shindig," a shimmery peachy-pink that will dress up fingers & toes, everywhere! If your hands look older than they should, and they feel dry, you'll want to try Skin Effects Wrinkle Effects Rejuvenating Hand Treatment by Dr. Jerry Dover $19.99 3 oz. It's sold at CVS drugstores, but after you've applied some from the tube (with a cap wide enough to allow it to stand-thank you!) your hands will fell like they've just been treated to a smoothing, paraffin wax treatment in a salon! Although we didn't test this long enough, regular use will lighten dark spots and even skin tone, and reduce visible wrinkles.That's a real plus, at this price! The product made my hands feel so instantly silky and smooth and pampered, I'll be encouraged to use it more often than the suggested, twice daily regimen! |
FRESH FRAGRANCES FOR SUMMERTIME:
Fruit fragrances are always popular in warmer weather, and I've just been introduced to one that is very special, and a limited edition: Mandarine Eau de Toilette $125.00 250ml. from L'Artisan Parfumeur. It's an authentic-smelling, tart, crisp, citrus. As an expression of the perfumer's art, the entire mandarin--petal, tree and fruit, are represented in this unique fragrance. A top note of green mandarin with a trace of ginger, is met by a heart of yellow mandarin and frangipani, and a single, bottom note of red mandarin and white wood, to soften the tang just a tad. At first spray, it smells to me just like the invigorating scent you get when you peel a fresh, ripe orange, but the light floral kicks in quickly, and re-vises the scent once again at drydown I think it finally balances between fruit and peel. In the end, it's a zesty, light, feminine, fruit with a hint of floral that is not overpowering. L'Artisan Parfumeur is a luxe line of fragranced products that we hope to explore and provide more reviews of for you in future columns.
HEALTHY, PRETTY, SUMMER HAIR:
Uh Oh! You've just come home, and there's no time to wash your hair before heading out (to work, a party, a date...) No problem! Simply clip your hair into a clip by Goody, and you're "Good to go." While banana clips have gotten a bad rep, the Goody's Claw Clips $3.99 make dealing with bad hair, really good! One we particularly like is a large, flat, "spindle" clip in deep, brown plastic that clips flat to hair, either to secure an updo, or a low ponytail. A "peek-a-bo" hole in the middle lets your hair be the feature, We also like the X Claw Clip $3.99 that clips sideways to add an ornamental "X" accent to your ponytail or updo (ours had a rose-colored "marbleized" look). Since these are plastic, of course you can wear them to the beach, and even into the water. Glam things up a bit with the Antique Metal Ponytailer $4.99 elastic (our was a coppery colored lacy flower with rust-colored enamel accents) that secures your style while instantly dressing it up. These are so affordable...you can't afford to be without a bunch, this Summer. I really like Smart Fixx High Shine Finishing Spray $6.99 6.76 fl. oz by Charles Worthington. First, there's the insanely modest price, but what I really like is the way this multi-tasker keeps your style in place, the frizzies at bay, adds shine without greasy residue, and can be used as a pick-me-up between shampoos (lift sections of your hair and spray this product onto the roots, comb through and style). Sprayed on the ends of your hair it will control fly-aways. Sprayed over your entire head, it'll finish a new style and keep it looking fresh, longer. Any way you use it, you love it. Another way to shine is Charles Worthington Results Shine Shine Shine Glossing Spray $6.99 6.75 fl. oz. This unique glossing spray not only conditions, it adds brilliant, clear, shine and it neutralizes odors (eg. cigarette smoke, pooch that sleeps on your head, etc.) with a fresh, light, clean scent. No matter where you've been,your hair, at least, won't give it away. We like the packaging too-- a cheerful, lemon yellow, plastic ellipse. If you're on a budget, or simply a smart fashionista, you will be impressed..in many ways! We hope to review more Charles Worthington products in future columns. It is easy to be impressed with the high performance and quality of the luxurious Alterna hair care line. Alterna's HEMP Shine & Texturizing Catalyst $18.00 3/4 fl. oz for example, provides incredible softness and shine, without greasy, heavy, or sticky residue. In case you're wondering, hemp seed oil is a rich source of nutrients for strong, healthy hair and it is drug free, not it's distant cousin, marijuana. We love the eye-catching, flat-bottomed, round, green plastic globe bottle, but of course, it's the product inside that is most impressive. The product contains hemp seed oil, which has super lipids to help rebuild the hair's lost protections due to damage, and it also provides moisturizing, conditioning and protection against color fade, free radicals, which can do further damage from environmental enemies such as sun and heat styling.HEMP Shine Sheer Pomade $17.00 3 fl. oz. is another way to get your hair to behave while adding high wattage glimmer. The cheerful, bright orange tube holds a clear, super-thick, clear, gel pomade that has some stick-ability to it to hold your style, while it smoothes and shines. Hemp seed oil and nutrient-activating enzymes prevent dryness and breakage while guarding against color and styling damage. For those with thin, fine, hair Alterna Life Volumizing Shampoo $17.00 12 oz and Conditioner $17.00 12 oz are perfect! You will get gentle cleansers with UVA/UVB protection against the sun's damaging rays, essential right now and every time you go outside. Unique to the Life Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner is fresh water pearl powder with amino acids to promote healthy keratin formation, floral extracts and essential oils to nourish and hydrate, ginseng and ginger to speed up the hair's cellular renewal process and stimulate the growth of healthy hair, and ho-shu-wu, a rare root to soothe the scalp and prevent moisture loss. These are great products at reasonable prices (we ike the tall, pump bottles, too). We will be revewing more Alterna products in our September column. New to our reviews this column is Yuki Sharoni, once a soldier in the Israeli army,he's now a hairstylist with visits from celebrity clients like Demi Moore and Jessica Alba. Two new products from his haircare line are great revitalizers for your Summer hair. Morning After Hardcore Shampoo $24.00 3 fl. oz sounds ultra-seductive, but after you've revived your hair with it, what comes next is up to you! This gentle shampoo is very moisturizing. It's just what the doctor ordered for hair that needs a little bit more love. It is a great choice any day, but especially to revive hair after chemical treatments or when it's been abused a bit by sun, surf, and/or chlorine. Follow with Back to Life Hardcore Conditioner $32.00 3 fl. oz, to further seal in moisture, lock out future damage. Nettle, introduced to Yuki by his grandmother, helps make hair strong and shiny, and reduces split ends. These gentle, lightly-scented products really did make our hair silky, shiny, and less frizzy, and they also seemed to cut our blow-drying time, significantly. We liked the eye-catching packaging that made the products even nicer and more pleasing to use: large, plastic, white "Y" shaped bottles with flip top lids. Another nifty line, debuting in here in "What Works" for the first time, is Pureology. Nanoworks Restorative Hair Treatment $45.00 5.2 oz is pricey, but dramatically effective in turning damaged hair into it's healthy self, again. I can't go into all the science, but nano technology helps to deliver deep, penetrating ingredients--in this case, an anti-aging complex comprised of antioxidants that protect hair from environmental enemies (eg. uva/UVB rays and free radicals). A multitude of good-for-your-skin ingredients also strengthen, seal the hair shaft, help you retain color, and give your hair moisture and shine. Apply to wet hair, wait 3-5 minutes, rinse and style. I tried this one when my hair was feeling particularly dry--the result really was amazing...soft, shiny--the look and feel of healthy hair again, in just minutes. The signature, aromatherapy scent of essences of vanilla, bergamot, jasmine, mandarin, rose, lavender and ylang, make deep conditioning, a true pleasure. For that extra, sexy touch, spritz on a bit of Glossing Mist $15.00 4.2 oz. Lightweight silicones work their magic to instantly give hair --even dry, damaged hair-- a brilliant shine that also helps to revitalize color, seal in moisture, and lock out humidity (the main reason hair turns frizzy). The product is 100% vegan, starring 3 types of anti-oxidant mushrooms and anti-aging veggie proteins and ingredients like green tea, sugar cane, citrus, apple and wine extracts to help make hair strong, youthful, brilliant, and sexy. A great product at a nice price! Another unique product for the busy person who doesn't have time to re-shampoo and/or get a color touch-up is the Bumble and Bumble Hair Powder $34.00 4 oz. This easy aerosol spray is a mattifier for hair, sucking up that greasy oil that weighs hair down, and making hair matte again, at least, temporarily. It comes in five colors: white, blondish, red, brown and black, to cover stray gray hairs or create a fun, fantasy hair color that you don't have to make a permanent commitment with. There's even a cute, mini-size Hair Powder $19.00 1 oz. to tote with you for those last-minute rescues. TIP: the powder also provides a nice anchor for hair pinks and clips--great for updos and those hot, messy ponys and buns. If you've taken care to style your hair, and now you want it to stay put, but you don't want that "helmet head" look and feel, and you want great quality haircare, you'll like the Philip B Jet Set Precision Control Hair Spray $40 8 oz, $20.00, 2.25 oz. I tried this one personally on a very humid day --the type when my hair usually gets "big" and frizzy, and not in a nice way. Although my hair remained soft, my style, stuck! A strong, directed spray and a refreshing, red currant-y scent (which quickly dissipates so it won't even compete with your chosen perfume) are nice touches for a luxe spray. You an use it as a spot-spray at the roots or for added texture, or as I did, to hold that style without frizz or flopping. It is a very nice product that works...well..ok...very well. We are used to thinking about Neutrogena for great skincare products, but last Winter they also introduced a Triple Moisture Smooth Shine Anti-Frizz Cream $6.99 4.0 fl. oz that has UV protection for your hair. Smooth this on your damp or dry hair, and watch it instantly tame dry and/or frizzy tresses without a heavy, greasy residue. The lightly scented cream contains naturally-derived extracts including olive, meadowfoam and sweet almond to moisturize up to 24 hours! As an added bonus, this popularly-priced product has a UV shield to protect your hair against the damaging effects of the sun! Hair can get a bit out of control in the Summer, but you can tame it easily and inexpensively with Suave Naturals Ocean Breeze Extra Control Spray Gel $1.39-$1.79 8.5 fl. oz. A few pumps of this spray gel, lightly scented (ours was clean smelling "Ocean Breeze") keeps hair in place and even adds a bit of shine, but it won't make it feel sticky or hard. Use it to add volume, or deter ocean breezes from blowing out your style. Global Goddess made it's debut in our MAY column. We liked the products and the lovely, mini makeup brush kit. The line also includes haircare. Since Summer hair can be dry and lifeless, we're suggesting Global Goddess Coconut Amla Revitalizing Hair Treatment $45.00 5 0z. Amla extract (used in health tonics and here, to help rejuvenate) and coconut oil (to nourish) are key ingredients, while henna (clear, of course) adds volume and shine, grape seed oil protects, and avocado oil moisturizes sun-parched scalp. The scent is coco-nutty, but not so much it'll blow you over. Women in India have been using coconut oil for for years to get shiny, healthy hair and to stimulate the growth of long, lovely locks. The directions say to leave this on damp, clean hair for 30 minutes before you shampoo and condition. We also think you can use it before you go to the beach, for a wet-look bun or ponytail--leave it in and get super-conditioned hair when you finally shampoo it! TIP: This exotic blend of good-for-your-hair- and- skin ingredients is for shiny and healthy hair, but you can use whatever you've got left on your hands to nourish your body, too SUN-WORTHY LIP LOOKS: Long-lasting
lipsticks are great for women who love color, but don't have time to re-apply it
constantly. In the old days, these tended to dry lips or look uneven if your lips were
not perfectly smooth--but not anymore! One of the longest lasting lip
colors we've been introduced to is the MAXwear Lipcolor & Gloss Duo $9.50 by
Max Factor. It's just a smash hit! One side of a dual-wanded tube holds a
vibrant lip color, the other, a coordinated lip gloss that also moisturizes, while it adds
high shine and light-reflecting shimmer or pearl. There are 26 up-to-the minute shades to
choose from, and as an added plus, you can layer them to make your own, personal combo, or
use more or less of one color, as you wish. I tried these under all sorts of conditions,
including eating (oil food included), drinking, washing, and even rubbing my lips to see
if the color would budge (it didn't). Even better, the lip color smoothed over my
less-than-perfect lips, still leaving them well covered, thanks in part of features such
skin conditioners as petrolatum, mineral oil and vitamin E. The lip glosses are shimmery
and make lips soft--you can use these alone if you don't want more intense color. The
bottom line? These fabulous new lip duos are a top pick this month --a must-have for every
busy woman who loves great products! TIP: for best results
with any lip color, but especially long-lasting ones, do gently exfoliate your lips
first, to provide a smooth canvas for the color. Beauty guru Pat McGrath helped to
design the shades, and all are so great I really have a hard time suggesting just one.
"Coral Cristall" is a warm, deep coral with a coordinating shimmery coral gloss
that I particularly love because it looks great with fair skin but would look fab on
deeper complexions or with a tan, too. Ditto "Citrine Beads," a vibrant peach
with a browned peach shimmer gloss. For true glam, "Midori Glam" is a true
raspberry shimmer with a clear, golden overglaze gloss. There's also plums, reds, pinks,
nudes, earthtones and more to suit your craving for great color and shine that really,
truly lasts. Two words--just fabulous!
Bait your hook and reel in the praise, with a subtle, minimalist makeup look of the M.A.C. Cosmetics, "Bait," collection. We loved the Tinted Lip Conditioner $14.00 when they were reviewed in our summer 2004 column The silky, slightly vanilla-scented balm soothe, softens, protects (with SPF 15) and colors lips with a moist, sheer tint and all-natural gleam. As part of the "Bait" collection, the Tinted Lip Conditioner with SPF 15 $14.00 appears in a lipstick format in stark, white tubes. There are four sun-worthy colors, all accentuated with a hit of golden pearl. My favorite is "After-tan," a sheer, bleached-out coral, that will flatter everyone, tanned or not, while keeping the sun's rays, at bay. You'll also like "Beach Guild," a soft tan, "Pink Resort," a mid-range pink, and for a no-color look, "Sun Under" offers a soft nude beige. These look so great and feel so great...and they'll help you lips stay healthy and protected at the same time...this makes them one of my "must-haves" this Summer. There's so much to like about the Aveda Lip Color Concentrate $14.00. For starters, it is moisture-rich, intense (saturated) color that looks beautiful and is long lasting. But it also has mineral-derived SPF 15 sunscreen, and nurtures your lips with plant-and fruit-derived antioxidants and conditioners. We love the idea that you can pop this one has environmentally progressive packaging-- refillable lipstick tubes created from 88% post-consumer recycled (PCR) resins with aluminum accents and a flax storage case. If that's not enough, there are 21 different colors in 7 categories (pink, peach, rose,earth, plum, spice, and nudes). Our picks for summer include "710/Rambutan," a cool, clear, deep red, "#820/Kola Nut," a rich toffee brown, "#220 Sun," a shimmery peachy-brown, and #810/Kashmir Brown," a soft, pinkish-brown to flatter palefaces and sun worshippers, alike. Color your lips a moist, medium rose with "#330 Mulberry," or the shimmery, "#312 Lychee Splash." The certified organic peppermint aroma is slightly tingly and totally refreshing. You're going to buy new Summer lipsticks anyway, get these to nurture and protect, too. I love Stila lip glosses, but one particular color of Stila Lip Shine $17.00 is the thing for Summer. "Honey Shine" is a glorious, shimmery, sheer honey that glazes lips with a glow that flatters any intensity of tan, and warms up the lips of palefaces with equal beauty. New and improved packaging is a plus, too. The petite tube has a brush top. Simply twist the top to release the gloss into the brush and apply, then twist again to lock the cap. It's so perfect for toting to the beach and travel! The non-sticky, moisture rich, shiny gloss is good and lasting, and can be worn alone or layered over lip color. I love this one! Bobbi Brown Lip Tint SPF 15 $16.00 looks so shiny and shimmery in the tube, you might be tempted to just admire it, but do open the cap and use it. The sheerest sheer color combines with a silky, shiny gloss flavored with just a tingly hint of mint and sun protection. There are 11 shades plus "Crystal," a transparent, patent-leather shine and now, five Shimmer Lip Tints $16.00. Trust Bobbi Brown to come up with something wonderful every season. Our favorite Shimmer Lip Tint is "Brown Sugar Shimmer," a universally flattering golden bronze that delivers just the merest glow to your lips, plus dazzling, shimmery shine to make lips look better than bare, sexier and fuller, and of course, protected from the sun's damaging rays with SPF 15. Wear it alone for a casual look, or layer it with a lip pencil for ore color and definition, or wear it over a favorite lipstick such as the Bobbi Brown SPF 15 Lip Shine $19.00. Sleek, chic, black tubes of lip color have SPF 15 protection, shea butter and beeswax to moisturize lips, and anti-oxidant Vitamins C and E protect against the sun's rays, and pollution that can age and damage your skin. The look is moist and soft, with just a suggestion of shine. Peppermint essence tingles for an energizing lift. There are nine semi-sheer colors that you can layer for more intensity, so it's very versatile. A new color for Summer is "Suntan Pink," a toasted rose that really makes lips look warm and earthy, not toasted! This universally flattering color will enhance a tan, warm up a pale complexion, too. 14.7 Lip Sheer $14.00 in "Summer Fling" by Tarte offers you a blast from the past with the modern addition of good-for-your-lips conditioners and an all-important dose of SPF 15. This moist and haute, peachy-pink lip color gives you pale, "Beach Blanket Bingo" lips that make you want to do the twist with Frankie and Annette! We love the moist feel and blend of vitamin E, mango and Cocoa butter and the hint of mint that makes lips tingle just a tad, and the cool, matte, mauve/pink colored metallic tube. Even if you don't normally wear lip color on casual days, get one of these for it's fun vibe, and the great things it will do for your lips. You don't have to be a genius to know that the dynamic duo of Einstein Lip Theory Cooling Relief $6.00 and Hydrating Cream will help to provide much-need TLC plus beautifiers, to sun-parched (or simply dry or normal) lips. I love the vanilla-mint flavor and silky-soft lip balm that really soothes and smoothes dry, chapped lips. The tingle you get when you apply it is a nice touch, but it's the moisturizing properties and moist, sexy shine it leaves on your lips that makes me reach for it again and again. The little pot of lip balm is like a pot of gold for your lips...get some and feel your lips revive almost instantly! And then there's the Hydrating Cream - a soft, intensive formula infused with Vitamin A and E, and tiny beads of Vitamin C to restore moisture, revive lips and even acts as a base under lip color-- faboo! these little lip products are sure winners. The MoistureShine Lip Soother SPF 20
$6.99 by Neutrogena is one of the products you have just
got to love. Inside a squeeze tube is a superb, multi-tasking lip balm/gloss that
gives your lips a great shine and ultra-sheer color, along with a slightly fruity taste.
But the real reason I love this one is that this silky feeling, hydrating, slightly
cooling lip gloss also protects your lips with a whopping SPF20! Chamomile, aloe,
and cucumber are the stars. Six super-sheer, super-shiny glosses make soft, kissable lips
a day at the beach. We tried "Shine," a watermelon colored clear shine, but we
think you will want to get all six for instant relief from dry lips plus summer
beautifying power. These are inexpensive and a definite "must have" for Summer. SUN-WORTHY FACE PRODUCTS:
Jane Iredale Purepressed Base SPF 18 $48.00 offers natural SPF protection, in a silky, good-for-you-skin powder foundation that is actually four products in one: foundation;powder; concealer; and sunscreen. It's so good that it will spoil you! That would be worth the price, right there. but then there's the compact in it's brown, velvet pouch: matte gold--weighty--classy, important and luxe. Just opening it makes you feel like a lady. It's formulated to control oil (even more important when the weather heats up), stays put without changing color, and has ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide that are anti-inflammatories and sun blocks (SPF 18). If that's not enough, there's also pink bark extract (a strong anti-oxidant) and jojoba esters which help to improve your skin texture and reduce moisture loss. Pomegranate extract prevents free radical damage (that accounts for 80% of aging). But how it looks and feels like on your skin that will help you make your decision. The foundation comes in 18 shades from Ivory to deep mahogany to suit diverse complexions. It smoothes on like a silky dream. The intensity is buildable. Your skin will look flawless and luminous, yet you'll feel like you have absolutely nothing on your skin. Since this is a mineral foundation, you can wear it even if you've had a facial peel or surgery, have sensitive skin, or perhaps, a sunburn (but we hope you don't sit out in the sun unprotected long enough for that to happen!). Once you get this product, you'll feel perfectly pampered. For a loose mineral powder foundation try Amazing Base Loose Mineral Powder SPF 20 $42.00 This loose powder in a shaker jar is also a concealer, foundation, powder and sunscreen (SPF 20). It comes in 10 warm, cool and neutral tones. We tried "Golden Glow," the deepest of the warm shades which would work as a light bronzer for pale skin. Use it wet or dry, with a chisel powder brush for regular coverage, or a sponge for more coverage. You can even mix it into a moisturizer. This product has slightly more SPF than the pressed powder version, but it is also formulated with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for water resistant, broad-spectrum, chemical-free sun protection. TIP: mineral bases like this one are concentrated pigment, so apply it in thin layers until you get the look you want--a little really does go a long way. "Suntan" (neutral) and "Golden Glow"(warm) deepened our skintones for a matte, I've- had-fun-in-the-sun, look, without the "bling. City Base Oil Free Powder Foundation SPF 15 $22.50 is a good example of why women adore Clinique. Their high quality, incredibly popular products address a multitude of skin types and issues. For Summer, you can't beat the green, marbled, rectangular compact containing Clinique City Base SPF 15. We love the oil-free, buildable, coverage that really keeps control of shine--especially in the heat. Even though this is a powder, it glides on easily as a cream, and quickly changes into a long-wearing powder with a soft, matte finish. If you're going to wear a foundation, why not wear one that beautifies and protects against the sun's damaging rays? It just makes sense! I tried "Cloud," a light-to medium tone that, given the layerable formula, worked well even on my light complexion. The nine shades are mostly on the medium to darker side, but there is still enough of a wide range to suit just about everybody. I was really excited to try Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Foundation $12.15 in a flow-through brush applicator, because Neutrogena is a company that realizes skincare/suncare and beauty, go hand-in-hand. Minerals are kind to skin of all types, and these loose powder foundations are free of talc, oil, and fragrance, that could irritate sensitive or damaged skin. I like the sheer coverage that looks natural, not dry and over-powdery and the four shades (plus a one-color-for-all) bronzer .The powder-in-a-brush makes it totally portable and lightweight--this is a real find! TIP: there are colors to suit everyone's complexion, but they're so sheer and natural that even the "Medium to Tan #50 which would normally be way too dark for my fair skin made it look natural and simply sun-kissed- this color was great as an all over bronzer for palefaces, too. Super Stila! We love their products so much and, we have already reviewed their Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 $28.00 and now there's something we like even more--the tote-able, Sheer Color Pressed Powder Compact SPF 15 $23.00 . Dressed up in a chic, round, matte, silver, mirrored compact embossed with Stila, the product name, and a big "15" (to emphasize that this is good protection for your skin), this lovely pressed powder contains 8.10% titanium dioxide to help shield your skin, and it is extremely sheer, so you can wear it on bare skin. But it does a lot more----it helps to keep foundation behaving the way it should, while it also evens out skin tone almost magically, without caking or creating a greasy or orange tone--even over moisturizers and other sun blocks. We tried "Shade 1" which mainly suits light complexions, but obviously, you can choose the one that suits your real skin (or your faux or real tan) the best. All are sheer enough so that they will blend beautifully with a number of skintones. Use yours while you're tanned, and when it's fading, too--so flexible Inner Light Dual Foundation SPF 12 $20.50 by Aveda is a marvelous choice for a foundation that can be used wet or dry, protects with SPF against the damaging rays of the sun. while it evens out skintone, diffuses the light to minimize the look of fine lines, pores and imperfections, and makes your skin look simply radiant, without any effort at all!! This soft, smooth, pressed powder cake is so flexible it's like getting several different foundations in one. It can be either full coverage (dry) or sheer-medium (applied with a damp sponge or powder brush). The matte finish is kind to skin made a bit shiny by heat, but it doesn't cake and never looks dry or mask-like. Even better, 8 shades from light to medium to golden bronze give you options that cover all complexions. If you wish, you can switch colors in and out of the great, refillable, Environmetal Compact $18.00 in seconds and tote it along with your fave Aveda lipstick--but back to the fantastic foundation: this one is talc- free and non acnegenic (good even for oily, acne-prone or sensitive skin). You may take this simple product for granted, but the great things it does for your complexion are worthy of our praise...and yours. Our picks" "Cream" and "Aster" look great on palefaces, "Linen" flatters light to medium complexions without looking at all chalky. "Honey," is a nice choice for a medium complexion. "Carob," the deepest, will flatter a tan or a deeper complexion, beautifully. It's a great product!
FABULOUS BATH & BODY: There's nothing sexier than seeing a man lather up a shaving brush and apply it to his face, but ladies, now it's your time to enjoy the sensual experience of a beautiful shaving brush when you need to de-fuzz. Whish, new to our reviews, has a luxurious shaving product called Shave Crave Shave Cream $32.00 6.7 oz. made just for women. It's a solid cream in a jar, with beautiful scents, essential oils, and other natural, good-for-your-skin ingredients. I loved applying it with the Whish Body Brush $65.00, a white, curvy, shaving brush with Whish logo and a large, soft head of 100% badger bristles. It sits solidly on your counter--a super-luxe version of his. Using a shaving brush also gently exfoliates your skin to help ensure a perfect shave and super-smooth, silky skin). We tried "Almond," (There's also Pomegranate and Lemongrass), subtly scented with sweet almond oil, while a gentle glycerin soap soothes and moisturizes, protecting the surface of your skin from nicks and scrapes. Whish Shave Crave Shave Cream is good for even sensitive skin, nice...especially if your legs are irritated from too much sun. These products give you a spa-like |