The Advice Sisters reviewed the award-winning  by Elizabeth Arden in our May/June 2009 What Works column.  But now, there's Prevage Day Ultra Protection Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30 PA++ ** $125.00 1 fl. oz. These anti-aging weapons come in silvery pump bottles that remind me of bullets--magic ones, because they both have  Idebenone, a powerful antioxidant that helps combat the signs of aging. Idebenone is often compared to other anti-aging powerhouses like alpha lipoic acid, kinetin, vitamin C, vitamin E, and coenzyme Q10. But Idebenone has the highest rating of the six top antioxidants.  Prevage Day Ultra Protection Anti-aging Moisturizer SPF 30 also has Thiotaine, an antioxidant that "compliments" Idebenone in protecting your skin from environmental aggressors. And Prevage Day Ultra Protection Anti-aging Moisturizer SPF 30 doesn't just have amazing moisturization and anti-aging ingredients, it also features a broad spectrum, SPF protection to help you defend against damaging UVA and UVB rays. While Prevage can't return your mature skin to that of a teenager, it is one of the best options men and women have if they don't want to invest in more radical and invasive methods to look younger. These products are well regarded by dermatologists and aestheticians, and there is a 2-month return policy on the product, which shows that Elizabeth Arden believes in, and stands by, it's products.

Last night I had a dream that my legs were itching!  But when I awoke, I realized that it wasn't a dream.  I have sensitive skin and a lotion I applied in the evening apparently irritated my legs while I slept!  Even those with sensitive skin need to give it moisture.  You don't have to spend a fortune on special creams for your delicate skin. I have discovered a product that everyone can afford, and that makes skin silky in seconds without any fear of irritation:   Jergens® Sensitive Skin Relief Fragrance Free Daily Moisturizer $5.99 16.8 fl. oz.  It may not come in a fancy jar, but the plastic pump bottle dispenses a good product that really works well.  What's the point of having a gorgeous cream or lotion if it makes your skin red and itchy? Jergens® Sensitive Skin Relief Fragrance Free Daily Moisturizer offers the moisture and soothing relief your skin needs in a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested formula that (here's good news) can instantly soothe and protect dry, sensitive skin for 36 hours. It's formulated with ultra-hydrating glycerin, and it's a quickly absorbing lotion that doesn't have dye or irritating ingredients. Even better,  the huge,  pump bottle costs less than a sandwich to soothe and pamper your skin for months!

You have to have real confidence in your product, to name it; "Gone in Sixty Seconds," put it into a lipstick-sized tube, and then price it at an awesome $19.99! Wow! But that's just what AminoGenesis has done. Their brand new product is an instant wrinkle filler featuring "InstaFirm Protein," with a cocktail of oxygenating peptides, micro-collagen and firming proteins that tighten, firm and reduce puffiness all day long. The company's advanced patented technology dispenses the product to your skin on a timed release, all day long. The product is applied via a squeeze tube with three little roller balls on the top, to help you distribute and massage the product into your skin. *is this product right for you? Read the entire review on the Advice Sisters Blog.

We have recently been introduced to Vapour Organic Beauty, a new prestige beauty company featuring products with a signature, therapeutic base of certified organic, light, dry plant oils that are non-comedogenic. To the base, Vapour ads specific, organic, botanical infusions that offer deep moisture and anti-oxidant protection.  Vapour has a line of color cosmetics that I didn't try, but I did try two anti-aging treatments:  Vapour Stratus Instant Skin Perfector $44.00 .53 fl. oz. and Lux Lip Conditioner $16.00.  There are several things I really like about the Skin Perfector. For starters, it arrives in a chunky, swivel up stick as a solid, so there's no mess and you can take it with you anywhere.  There's a light, slightly lemony scent, and the anti-aging, light-reflecting, anti-oxidant packed stick helps to reduce the look of fine lines, while smoothing out the skin, and hydrating it. The stick is infused with face-specific, nourishing botanicals including anti-inflammatory Frankincense, anti-oxidant Tulsi and moisturizing lotus flowers.  It just feels so good on bare skin, and you can use it under foundation, too.  The Lux Lip Conditioner also comes in a slim, swivel up stick. It's a silky solid with a light, citrus-y scent and a very hydrating botanical blend of lemon balm, myrrh and green tea, plus anti-microbial Iceland moss. For those who believe this is very important, the product is 100% natural and chemical free with 95% certified organic ingredients. If your lips are parched, cracked, or just dull, this little stick will magically make them look nourished and soft, fast. Guys can use it too. We  hope to review more Vapour in the future. We're impressed?

By now, you all know that I'm completely besotted with  absolutely everything (and I mean, everything) that Lisa Hoffman Beauty has produced. Lisa Hoffman isn't just a lovely woman and wife of a superstar, she's a highly intelligent and successful entrepreneur (and, at least occasionally, she answers her own emails instead of letting the pr folks do it).  Her products are of the highest quality, and they perform like superstars, should. I haven't reviewed everything in her lines, but nearly. For Winter, a good cleanser can help, or harm your skincare routine, so that's what I'm focusing on here. Lisa's cleansers (mostly for normal to dry skin), for example don't just get rid of sweat, dirt and makeup, they make your skin feel like it has a fighting chance in a world of pollution and stress.  The Day Cleanser $17.95 4.25 oz.  comes in a nice, pearly, metal pump that is sealed, so no air or pollutants can get in and taint it.  The cleanser has a very light scent (sadly, less than some of the other Lisa Hoffman products, because I love her fragrances) but it calms an conditions as well as cleanses, giving skin moisture as well as a renewed feeling. There's a Night Cleanser too $19.95 4.25 fl. oz. This creamy, sulfate-free cleanser gets rid of makeup without having to scrub, and without stripping and drying your skin. It's rich in Vitamins E, K, and phenols,  to neutralize free radicals and moisturize. These cleansers work well and are a little something nice you can do for yourself, without going overboard on the price. You'll feel pampered and during the Winter months, your skin really needs that additional "TLC." More pricey, but probably worth it, is the fabulous, Lisa Hoffman Vitamin A & E Serum $95.00 1 fl. oz.  This precious product also arrives in a sleek, sealed pump bottle. Inside, a gel/serum offers a long drink of nourishment for skin, leaving skin looking hydrated and healthy, while it reduces the appearance of fine lines. According to Lisa Hoffman herself, this is the most popular product in all of the lines.  Her Clinical Testing results show that after 30 days, 79.3% of participants reported a lessening of deep lines and wrinkles and 82.76% of participants noticed an improvement in skin texture. he products encourages the production of collagen (the key to more youthful skin) and key ingredients include Grape Fruit Peel Oil (help  to detoxify skin and tone it), and Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (evens skin tone and helps to diminish fine lines and wrinkles).  Now, I know it's not a scientific study, but I've been using a little bit of this serum at least once a day, and people have been commenting (without being prompted) on how great my skin is. I haven't changed anything else, so I'm guessing this serum, is successful in making my skin look better. If you want to have better looking skin this season, give it a try!

The philosophy of Kate Somerville skin care is based on a Skin Health Pyramid, with five fundamental elements for beautiful skin: Protect, Hydrate, Feed Stimulate and Detox. I love HydraKate Line Release Face Serum $150.00 1 fl. oz.  by Kate Somerville. This lightweight serum in a slim, silver pump bottle smells a bit citrus-y and feels feather-light on your skin. But it begins to tingle, and after a few minutes it did look like my "expression lines" were softer. A blend of peptides and collagen builders help to improve skin texture and tone, while "HSC Complex " helps counter the loss of lipids from skin (from washing, stress, environment or excessive UV exposure).  Plumping comes from Hyaluronic Acid  that helps hold water in the skin’s surface , while something called "Leuphasyl®" reduces the depth of expression wrinkles.  The online information says that this product is "a safer alternative to Botulinum Toxin." I have had Botox, and I am always wary to agree that anything works as well as a surgical facelift or injections, but it does soften small lines a bit and it made my skin kitten-soft and lovely.  So, whether you feel like you've had a non-invasive treatment to reduce lines and wrinkles, or not, the product makes a definite improvement. If you've got the coin, go for it!

The sky's the limit on the cost of cutting edge skin products these days. Sometimes, however, you get what you pay for and the dividends are wonderful. One new product worthy of your consideration is Erno Laszlo's new firming face cream, Laszlo Blue Firmarine SPF 30 $195.00 1.7 fl. oz.  What's in this precious, new cream? For starters, it comes in a rather stunning, clear aquamarine blue square cute, with a square, shiny silver top that looks like a modernist piece of art. But, inside, is a rich cream that has as it's star ingredient, Spirulina Maxima. This is a sustainable fresh water micro-algae that contains over 70 essential vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants. Spirulina in various forms has been used as a health supplement for all sorts of ailments, and even for weight loss and herpes. For example, Spirulina has the highest concentration of evercetin found in a natural source. Evercetin is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound that can be used to alleviate the symptoms of sinusitis and asthma. Phycocyanin, the protein that gives spirulina its blue color, has also been shown to relieve inflammation associated with arthritis and various allergies. But the point of this cream is to hydrate and firm. It does that, beautifully. You can feel your skin gently tightening up a bit after just a few minutes, and your skin will look soft and healthy.  The cream also has a nice, SPF 30 (thanks to Octinoxate, Octisalate, and Avobenzone), which makes it a suitable substitute for sun screen on a daily basis. The cream was created for people with slightly dry to slightly oily skin, so it's good for a majority of people. Only you can decide if a cream is worth the price, be it $20, or $200.00,but on a personal note, the results on my skin?  Priceless!.  I'm guessing that your favorite Erno Lazlo counter will have samples. Visit soon!

Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer with SPF 20 $42.50 helps to reduce and perhaps, eliminate dark spots. I am always worried when a product claims that it can erase past skin damage. Perhaps it can, depending upon the situation. But I didn’t try enough of the Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer to affirm that dark spots would just disappear by using this peach-tinted cream. That being said, this is a very nice moisturizing product with a high enough SPF to warrant everyday use. It is rich and hydrating, with patent-pending ingredients that really could help to reduce some dark spot damage, and to prevent and protect skin from future discoloration on all types of skin. Advanced, photostable, broad spectrum 3:1 UVA/UVA protection plus moisturization and ingredients known to address dark spots on skin, work together to break down and scatter dark spots and assist in whisking away melanin "dust" with an exfoliating action. Sun blocks Octocrylene, Avobenzone, and Octisalate work together to protect skin from the harmful effects of the sun. There’s a Skin Tone Corrector that you can buy that apparently boosts the effects of both products. Dark spots are not easy to treat on your own, so if this is a problem your skin has, you can either go to a dermatologist, or, give these Clinique products a try, first. Clinique’s 100% fragrance free, oil free, and non-acnegenic products are always a good bet. And, If you’re looking for a new,  multi-tasking moisturizer that can also improve the look and feel of your skin, this one works for almost all skin types and is worthy of your consideration.

Starting over, by Origins,  uses Argan Leaf and Green Algae, working with Mimosa Tree Bark to help rebuild natural collagen and prevent against Glycation.  What's "glycation?"  Excess sugar in skin and environmental concerns fuel the destructive process of Glycation which causes strong collagen to “ball up” and collapse resulting in lines, wrinkles and tone and texture damage.  But, apparently, the bark of the Mimosa Tree is a powerful natural collagen booster. That's not all that that Starting over packs into a little, glass jar (read the rest of the review on the Advice Sisters Blog).  Origins is known for natural, effective skin care products, but in studies performed with real women, age-erasing moisturizers provided both immediate and long term results. In less than 1 day, Origins claims that their unique line-leveling formula will begin to amplify the natural production of collagen. In their studies, after one month, 100% of panelists saw a clinically significant improvement in skin tone. 96% felt the product left skin with a smoother texture; 92% felt the product left skin with a healthier appearance; 87% felt the product left skin brighter, more radiant; and 81% felt the product improved skin’s elasticity. After two months, 94% of the women studies saw what Origins calls a "clinically significant improvement" in the appearance of lines and wrinkles. 

Jojoba beads and a fruit acid complex, plus royal jelly, makes for a natural and luxe product.  Royal Jelly is superbly nourishing, made of nectar, pollen, flower parts, vitamins, minerals, bee hormones and other natural ingredients. You might think you'll be spending a lot of money, but not if it's Radiance by Burts Bees $9.99 6 fl. oz. This light cleanser in a plastic pump bottle makes me feel so pampered, and yet, it is just It has alight clean fresh scent. This light lotion cleanser removes dirt, oil and make-up. You will be amazed at how nice your skin looks and feels. The light fruit acids help keep your skin looking smooth and radiant thanks to a gentle plant-based cleansing complex plus jojoba beads and a fruit acid complex. This is a no-brainer to use, and to love!

Natural beauty products are hot. One company that produces a wide variety of products for a wide variety of skin types, is G.M. Collin. The company was founded in France in 1957 and employs technology with a nod towards nature. They've taken the natural approach forward, with  Bio Organique. This newest skin care line features 99% Natural & Certified Organic Ingredients, perfect for people who feel their bodies, and their environment, need to be "respected." All natural and/ or organic doesn't mean the products are less effective than other products.! I love the Cleansing Milk $34.00. That may be more than what you'd pay for a drugstore cleanser, but it's not out of the ballpark for "green" products. It arrives in a pristine, tapered white plastic bottle with fresh, green accents, and a pump top. I love that! The cleansing milk (and most of the other products in this review) are best for normal to dry skin. G.M. Collin has plenty of other products for other skin types. The key, active ingredients in this product are Avocado, to nourish and protect your skin with Omega 3, 6 & 9 that also help reduce water loss that can dry out your skin. I also love the lavender, that gently purifies, and reduces skin redness, while the light scent calms and relaxes you. Cleansing milks tend to be very mild and soothing, and this one is no different, but still thoroughly cleanses your skin. It will even remove (most) makeup so you don't have to use another product as well, or rub and scrub to get the really stubborn products, off your face. *there are more G.M. Collin Bio Organique products reviewed on the Advice Sisters Blog, please read!

Tela Body Butter $25.00 5 oz. is a jar of heavy duty skin bliss for parched, dry, itchy, scaly, skin.  The product is so thick, I almost thought it was solid when I originally looked into the jar. But it's a super-dense and creamy, USDA Certified 100 percent organic moisturize creme that uses  intomicro-emulsion technology to help reveal radiant, healthy looking skin. Cupuacu butter moisturizes, while argan oil deeply moisturizes and protects skin with its powerful antioxidant properties. I loved the rich, brightly herbal scent.  Although the cream does not absorb very quickly, if you have seriously dry skin, you need something that will stick around. This one does that job, very well.  And, it's luxurious enough to be sold in Barneys!

 At the Spa Magazine event last Fall, I mentioned how much I was hoping to find a great body moisturizer to deal with the itchy, flaky, scaly issues of Winter-weary skin.  I was immediately presented with Kate Somerville Goat Milk Body Lotion $32.00  5 oz. This product comes in a squat pump bottle with large pump top. Inside, there's a silky lotion full of vitamins, minerals & proteins, and of course, goat milk. Studies have shown that this ingredient is prized for its restorative & healing properties. It contains naturally occurring enzymes that work to (gently) exfoliate skin, leaving it healthier & smoother and hydrated .FYI: lactose exfoliates & helps speed cellular turnover and goat milk has a very close pH to our own skin so it's non irritating, too.  The product takes a moment to absorb fully, but it rids skin of all those Winter woes! The product also includes witch hazel, a natural antiseptic, and organic aloe, that calms & conditions skin.  Reviewers said that the scent smelled like "warm beer" and 'McSorleys" bar top. To me, the scent was, well, a bit like goat milk, but certainly not unpleasant.

Is $27.00 too much to spend for a seriously good Hand & Body moisturizer? We don't think so, especially if it is Philip B Lovin; Hand & Body Creme 6 fl. oz.   I don't think I've ever tried a product from this line of skin and hair care that I didn't like. The simple, clear & black flip top tube holds one of the silkiest, moisturizing, creams I can find, with a nurturing, super-moisturizing blend of fruit and plant extracts that includes: coconut oil, shea butter and Vitamins E and B5. I love the fresh, clean scent that makes you feel like you've done just a little something extra for your hard working hands and body.  The product is really rich, but it won't leave an oil slick on your hands. It absorbs fast, does it's work, and lets you go on with your day. Speaking of which, you can use it once a day, but you might find that you want to squeeze just a little bit more, mid-day, or evening, because it feels so good.  If you really love it a lot (and it is a bit addictive), there's a 32 fl. oz size for $90.00!  

A facial peel is one of the only ways you can remove the surface layer of dead, dull, skin cells, and reveal newer, brighter, smoother skin underneath. Strong peels must be done by a skilled professional, and do-it-yourself peels can be ineffective if you are too gentle, disastrous if you work it too hard or long. Dr Dennis Gross has created a DIY facial peel called the Alpha Beta Daily Peel; $78.00/30 applications; $28.00 10/applicationsl by md Skincare is gentle enough to on a daily basis. It diminishes the appearance of wrinkles and improves the look and texture of your skin. It can also help to reduce complexion problems, manage oil production, tone skin, and increase skin clarity. The two step process has a jar of Alpha Beta® Daily Face Peel Step One and the second jar has the Alpha Beta® Daily Face Peel Step two. The first jar has pads that refine and exfoliate, the second step neutralizes the more than 5 different acids in the first step. Something gentle enough for everyday use gives you gradual results, not the immediate and dramatic results you’d get with a more invasive peel. However you won’t get any serious damage from it either  The pads have a precise blend of alpha and beta hydroxy acids, antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E, soothing green tea extract, and an oil-free moisturizer. No need to scrub or rub, potentially causing damage and infection. I can't speak to the effectiveness as an acne fighter. If you have serious acne or other skin problems, an at-home treatment may not give you the results you need. But this Alpha Beta Daily Peel is a safe way to get gentle skin exfoliation that will make your complexion look better.  For anti-aging and general skin health, however, it's a great find

Depth Hand & Body Lotion $9.99 8.5 fl. oz. is not only new to our reviews, but it employs the nurturing powder of sea botanicals to help moisturize, soothe and nourish even the most distressed, Winter skin. The lotion really isn't a lotion at all, but more, a light, immediately absorbed, clear gel formula. All of the Depth products arrive in attractive, marine blue plastic bottles with sea-green caps, in a variety of shapes and sizes, depending upon the product inside. The bottles are made form 50% post consumer waste and are recyclable. The Depth Hand & Body Lotion is in a teardrop shaped pump bottle.  It's  70% certified organic, and 100% vegan. It is also hypo-allergenic, and free of parabens, phthalates, SLS and Synthetics. plus the product is fragrance-free. That's not to say it doesn't  smell good, because it does!  But instead of chemical scents, the various blends have 100% natural aroma blends that are distilled from a range of botanicals. The Hand & Body Lotion comes in four scents: bay coconut, sea berry, and the two I tried: Ocean Blossom (smells like Hawaiian Plumeria) and Mangrove Citrus. The scent is clean and light, and just a bit lemony, thanks to Italian Bergamot. The product hydrates quickly, and nicely,. Even better, Depth partners with Camp SEA LAB, a non-profit organization that provides authentic marine experiences for children who otherwise might not have the opportunity. I tried the Body Wash $9.99 12 fl. oz. too, in a delicious, bay Coconut that's more like cream of coconut mixed with tropical fruit, than sun tan sweet. I love the smell, and the nicely lathering cleanser that comes in a teardrop-shaped pump bottle and features nurturing, certified organic aloe as it's second ingredient, along with sea whip and sea palm and other marine ingredients. You can't beat the price, and the spa-style bath and body experience that costs just a modest amount.  TIP:  This line has A Refresh Daily Shampoo , and a lightweight Immerse Conditioner $9.99/each 10 fl. oz, and men's products (see Winter Skin Solutions Just For the Guys in the RH column).

Curél® Itch Defense™ Skin Balancing Lotion $7.49 3 fl. oz. is a great, new way to banish dry, scaly, itchy, skin. It is so gentle, even children and those with skin conditions or sensitive skin, can use it. I love the unscented lotion that immediately (and I mean, as soon as you smooth it on) will stop the itching and flakiness, and battle dryness without fuss or bother. Inexpensive doesn't mean ineffective. This is the product I'm reaching for, more and more, this Winter. Even a drugstore favorite can be "high-tech." This product has natural Ceramides that help to regulate the skin's ability to hold moisture by enhancing its protective layer. It rebalances PH to a healthy level and also boosts moisturization to leave skin feeling protected. Finally, it smoothes skin surface to minimize dryness and flaking, and encourages cellular turnover.  Curél® Itch Defense™ Skin Balancing Lotion is the beneficiary of 56,000 total lab hours; 100 studies conducted with 851 women and children; and 50 ingredients screened for safety by Allergists, Dermatologists and Toxicologists. The resulting formula was so safe, it was awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance™. Why itch and suffer with dry flaky skin? Visit your favorite drugstore or mass market retailer and treat yourself. For less than the cost of lunch you can be itch-free, with smooth, sexy skin, all Winter long!