THE ADVICE SISTERS® "What Works" Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion Review Column July/August 2007 (Summer Sun Protection) by Alison Blackman Dunham
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What They're Saying About Alison Blackman Dunham
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HOW TO BE SAVVY & SAFE IN THE SUN, THIS SUMMER:
Cosmetics & Skincare with SPF--Extra Protection, Every Day: There are so many to choose from hair savers (shampoos & conditioners specially formulated to counteract the effects of ultraviolet rays), to lip products that protect and beautify. Most women wear foundations and apply moisturizers and cosmetics, so why not pick those with SPF? There are also a vast array of moisturizers and body lotions that men will enjoy using, as well.
FOUNDATIONS WITH SPF:
The first thing I noticed about the Light Response Liquid Foundation SPF 15 $6.95 by Prestige is the exceptional packaging. A super-slim square of matte silver plastic with "porthole" in the center (so you can see the color) has an equally sleek, shiny silver cap. It's so slim, you can tuck it into tight jeans and not make a bulge. The product inside blends beautifully, with medium to full coverage. The oil-free formula is creamy, but not greasy, and it features light refracting particles that adjust to help your skin look its best no matter where you are. We tried the lightest "LRF-01 Latte" but there are a dozen colors in a wide variety of tones and intensities, so you can pick just the one you need. Although the information we had didn't say the product was waterproof, it wasn't easy to wash off, and we had to use soap and water to remove it. On a hot day, when you may be perspiring, this is good to know. This is a smart product at a sensational price, with SPF to protect your skin on a daily basis. I'll give it a "must-have" rating, for Summer 2007. PürMiinerals Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 $18.50 gives your skin it's dose of (anti-aging) daily moisturizer, with a hint of tint, and SPF 15 sunscreen. The sheer and creamy formula comes in a slim, squeeze tube for clean application that also makes it perfect for purse or travel. Minerals makeup is gentle to skin, and this one not only contains vitamins A and E, chamomile extract and soothing allantoin to help prevent wrinkles and age spots, the color is derived from natural, iron oxides. Glycerin and sweet almond oil also help to moisturize. Tinted moisturizers can sometimes produce breakthrough shine, but this one glides over large pores and is kind to oily skin. It smoothes on evenly and leaves no sticky feel. If you want to enhance your complexion, provide your face with SPF protection, and ad just a hint of color without a "made-up" look, this sheer and natural product is a perfect choice. Mineral makeup color comes just from minerals, in this case, iron oxides. Choose from three colors: light, medium and tan. Normally, we wouldn't think this offered much of a choice, but all are so sheer and blendable, they'll suit nearly every skin tone. In fact, while I usually select the lightest shade, the medium still flattered. We have always liked the quality and excellent performance of Prescriptives foundations. One for Summer that gives you SPF 15 protection and helps your complexion look even more flawless is Prescriptives 'Virtually Fresh' Skin Refining Makeup SPF 15 $32.50. This foundation in a slim tube with squeeze top, features a lightweight formula that slides on evenly with sheer to medium coverage. In summer, when your skin tends to get oily and pores show, this product, with a patent-pending technology and the help of special, light-reflecting pigments, helps to minimize imperfections and the look of large pores. We didn't use it for the 4 weeks suggested to see significant pore reduction and more even skin texture, but the foundation did cover up lots of blotchiness, and skin did look more flawless, right away and without wearing a lot of product. Special ingredients include Saw Palmetto (to reduce excess oil), willow bark (to reduce pore "debris" over time), and Vitamin C and oligopeptide (to help boost natural collagen production). Oil free and good for all skin types, it really feel like you have nothing on your face. I love the fact that it also has the all-important, SPF 15 to keep you safer from the sun's damaging rays and comes in a generous, 18 different shades. You're going to wear a foundation, why not get one that feels good, helps you look good, and is good for your skin? This one is a great choice for Summer, and beyond. Trish McEvoy Beauty Chargers come in various sizes. The Small Beauty Charger $7.50 is a refillable, black, square, mirrored plastic logo compact with space for either two large, square Trish McEvoy pans of powder or color, or a combo of smaller eye or blush pans (the Medium Beauty Charger $15.00 is the perfect companion for travel or weekend tote). We highly recommend that at least one item in your charger(s) for Summer should be the excellent, Trish McEvoy Mineral Powder Foundation SPF 15 Mineral Powder Foundation SPF 15 $32.00. This pressed powder foundation offers natural coverage ("Bare" & "Beige" are good for light to medium skin tones, "Nude & Honey" work for medium to medium-deep skin tones). These do more than just cover and smooth your complexion: they have a non-chemical, natural sunscreen because it's made of crushed minerals combined with the natural sun protectors (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide). Even better, since it's a mineral powder product, it's good for all skin types, even sensitive skin, so you can use this one even with a sunburn to soothe, calm and cover! The sheer, creamy coverage light to medium, depending upon how much you apply. We suggest a sponge, flat puff, or a powder brush. Neutrogena has been a leader in supplying women with affordable foundation products that have seriously good levels of SPF in them. I never leave home without one tucked into my makeup bag! Neutrogena Healthy Skin Glow Sheers SPF 30 $12.49 1.1 oz tube is a lightweight, non-greasy foundation in a tube that gives skin sheer, natural-looking coverage. It also has anti-oxidants and vitamins A, C and E, to help protect you skin against environmental damage. The light-diffusing foundation goes on evenly and easily, skipping over dry spots and small lines and wrinkles. That would make it great, right there, but what makes this product even better isn't just the travel-friendly packaging, or even how it enhances your complexion ---it's the combination of beauty and sun-safety with SPF 30, to provide you with an easy way to protect your skin with some of the highest sun protection in a foundation we've seen. Available in five sheer, skin tone shades (and an all-over face bronzer) in a super-quick-dry formula there's at least one shade that will be flattering to you. If product in a pump is more your style, Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer $11.70 1 fl. oz contains a Retinol treatment rich in vitamins, that helps to smooth fine lines and reduce signs of aging. It is lightweight, with an easily absorbed, quick-dry, oil-free formula that won't clog pores. Your skin will feel moisturized and protected, and your complexion will be enhanced, but this product also helps keep you sun-safe with SPF 20!A choice of six, primarily light-to medium, very sheer shades, natural shades means you'll find at least one (maybe more) shades that work well with your unique complexion. We just reviewed the Laura Mercier Stick Foundation SPF 15 $40.00 in our April 2007 What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column, but I am mentioning it again in this column, because it is an alternative to liquids, powders and creams, and because this superb, solid stick foundation with SPF 15 might be the way to convince you that products with SPF are not only wise because they keep your skin healthy, but they also really make a difference in how you look. Stick foundations are portable, clean and easy. This one is nearly weightless and blends perfectly for light to medium coverage. It comes in eight warm and cool colors from very light ivory ("Cameo," and "Bare,") through medium beiges, to deepest "Tawny" and "Amber." The foundation lasts for hours, and also gives skin a luminous glow. Why wouldn't you use it?
MOISTURIZERS WITH SPF: Tinted moisturizers are great for people who don't really want to wear foundation, but want to benefits of both a moisturizer and some complexion-enhancement. They offer even more benefits if they include SPF protection, making this product a triple-treat to streamline your beauty routine. MD Skincare is the creation of New York dermatologist, Dr. Dennis Gross. He creates innovative products that are effective and simple to use. The All-In-One Tinted Moisturizer $35.00 1.7 fl. oz by MDSkincare comes in a white, pump bottle and the product blends quickly and easily into your skin. From a moisturizing standpoint, this one works especially well for all skin types because it was designed to release moisture just where you need it thanks to contains Sodium Hyaluronate and Dimethicone, thereby keeping your skin looking and feeling great, not greasy. Tinted moisturizers are great choices to add SPF to your daily routine, without applying a separate sun block. This product's SPF 15 has ingredients such as Parasol, Emu Oil, Allantoin, Octyl Methoxycinnimate and Titanium Dioxide--some of the least irritating sunscreen ingredients available. It also contains Vitamin E and Vitamin C, which play an essential role in building collagen. As a beauty product, there are three shades (Light, Medium and Dark) and the consistency is so sheer, one of three will work for virtually every skin tone. It absorbs quickly and doesn't rub off easily...another great reason to moisturize, beautify, and protect your skin! Last month we reviewed the PCA Skin men's line, but there are many PCA Skin products for both men and women that offer multi-tasking skin benefits that are important for your skin's health, all year round. One we really like is the pHaze 7: Protecting Hydrator SPF 25 $28.00 1.7 fl. oz. $25.95 . This sunblock comes in a plastic, screw top jar. It's a serious, UVB/UVA sun block with avobenzone to protect against the longer UVA spectrum, that is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation! In case you're wondering what avobenzone is, many doctors feel that the most effective sunscreens contain avobenzone and titanium dioxide. The lightly scented, lightweight, non-greasy formulation works for all skin types, but it's especially good for those who tend to break out from sun blocks, or who have oily, blemish prone skin. For women and men with dry, mature skin, pHaze 6+ Hydrator Plus SPF 25 $30.00 1.7 fl. oz is a collagen-free moisturizer (also in a jar with screw-top lid) that still offers avobenzone and a good, SPF protection from UVA and UVB rays while replenishing natural oils. Back in "What Works" September, 2006, we reviewed a new, foaming product: Definity Deep Penetrating Foaming Moisturizer by Olay. now there's an even more exciting development: Olay Definity Deep Penetrating Foaming Moisturizer with SPF 15 1.7 oz. Olay reports that both these moisturizers actually penetrate 10 surface layers deep to hydrate from within and help to reverse the appearance of past skin damage, while allowing skin to naturally rebuild collagen. We can't substantiate the claim, but we can tell you that we liked the way our skin looked and felt after using the foaming (and therefore, fun) product. We also like the idea that the SPF 15 version helps to protect our skin against the sun's damaging rays. The Essential Glucosamine Complex also helps to fight the appearance of age spots, blotches, and fine lines. There are additional "luminizing" ingredients that help your skin look better right away, as you're working to actually improve it! As we mentioned, the foam is fun to apply, but it has more function than just the fun factor: the formula also has more than 15 times the volume of an equal weight of ordinary moisturizer. It spreads more easily than a cream and it feels literally, like you're wearing nothing on your face at all (but you will feel and see better, hydrated, softer looking skin). We think the packaging oversized, plastic "capsule" packaging is an attention grabber, although it's not going to win any "green" awards, and we urge men and women alike to try both versions of this product as Summer heats up. You'll be getting cutting-edge skincare at a very reasonable price. Cetaphil is one of those brands you know about, but maybe never tried. It's great for people with sensitive skin, especially the no-soap Gentle Skin Cleanser $4.25 4 oz, $7.63 8 oz, $10.50 16 oz. I didn't know that Cetaphil also had a Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15$10.50 4 oz. The very rich, very lightly-scented lotion is not just good for normal, healthy skin, but can also be used to hydrate and protect skin that otherwise might not be able to tolerate products such as skin conditions of acne, atopic dermatitis, eczema impetigo, psoriasis, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, and even sunburn. The product is not only moisturizing, but has Parsol® 1789 to protect from the sun's harmful UVA rays. It also provides protection against the UVB rays. No-comedogenic, fragrance-free and PABA-free--no wonder dermatologists recommend it. The clean, slim, white pump bottle with simple, green label will make it acceptable and appealing to men and children, too. If you, or anyone in your family has skin challenges, you'll want this product for Summer.
LIP PRODUCTS WITH SPF
Make Up & Go is a concept that works for Summer, and Bobbi Brown Cosmetics has makeup collection of the same name that takes "quick & easy" to a new level. We received a few of Bobbi Brown's Tinted Lip Balm $17.00 that goes on silky-smooth, leaves a dreamy, sheer tint, and moist shine. It's a bit more color and a little less gloss than the same-old-same-old, but the moist look is perfect for Summer, and we love that it also protects your lips from the sun's damaging rays with SPF 15. Of course, Bobbi Brown doesn't call it a "balm" for nothing! The deep moisturizing balm makes even sun-parched lips feel alive again. We like the shiny, black, swivel-up metal case that means your lip balm won't be crushed in that beach bag, and the eight colors that are sheer enough to work for everyone, literally! We tried "Pink Raspberry," a sheer, "bee-stung" pink that adds a bit of life to a no-makeup look. Just as universally pretty is "Brown," a warm brown that looks rosy-brown in the tube, and on your lips. From "Baby Pink" to Deepest "Hazelnut," you'll find one to suit everything in your wardrobe, and all your whims! The silky, pampering balm is a "must-have" for this season. Bathe your lips in luxurious, shimmery, high-shine, super- silky, super-sheer gloss with Lip Shimmer $26.00 by Giorgio Armani Beauty. These are not so-so, ho-hum, "everyday" glosses. They're slim, wanded tubes (with slightly fluted, matte, black caps) holding new, limited edition shades of Lip Shimmer gloss from Armani's Bronze Mania Gold Summer 2007 collection. "Lip Shimmer 34" glimmers like the sun on a koi pond--a super-sheer melon infused with tons of gold sparkle that looks sexy on it's own, even more glam over a lipstick to transform it with sun-sparkled appeal. We also love "Lip Shimmer 35," a juicy orange-red that has just a hint of warmth, and the slightest of subtle shimmers. It's also great alone for a wet-shine look without intense color, or to help make your favorite lipstick, more sun-worthy. Trish McEvoy's SPF 15 Sheer Lip Color $21.00 is a surprise from the moment you open the box, and see the silvery, super-shiny lipstick tube that looks heavy (and luxe) but is actually, very lightweight! The lip color is a happy surprise as well: The colors look very vibrant in the tube, but slide on like a silky balm, conditioning your lips with moist, sheer color and providing SPF 15 protection. We sampled four of the five , sheer, fabulous colors. You'll get enough tint to look like you're wearing a lip color, but not the kind of movie-star intensity you don't want in this more casual, Summer season. "Passion Fruit" is a cool, vibrant pink; slightly warmer and slightly lighter is "Baby Pink;" "Sheer Mandarin" is perfect for redheads and anyone who loves a warm, sun-kissed apricot, and "Sheer Naked" is a simply lovely, simply simple, nude. We didn't get the lowdown on "Sheer Sunpetal," but I'm guessing it's a warm, skin-kissed copper. Trish McEvoy definitely knows how to combine function, with beauty. Tuck one of these glam lip colors into your beach tote or evening bag, and morning, noon, and night, you'll be protected from the sun's damaging rays, while looking beautiful and feeling fabulous. Erno Lazlo is known for high-performance products with cutting edge technology, so we weren't surprised when we read that Erno Lazlo pHORMULA No. 3-9 Lip Balm SPF 15 $32.00 is a tiny, black tube of multi-tasking magic. The lip balm is soothing, hydrating, and healing, but it is also a lip plumper and of course, helps to protect precious lips from the sun's damaging rays with SPF 15. It has so many different ingredients, each with a specific "job" to do, that we can't list them all, but here are a few: shea butter (soothe, moisturize, protect); Marine Filling Spheres (lip plumping properties); Tamanu Oil (anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibiotic and antioxidant); aloe vera extract (heal and soothe); Vitamins A, C & E (antioxidant properties); and more. The product may be a bit pricey, but when you consider all the good that it does for your lips without having to apply multiple products, it's actually a good value and a very effective product! When choosing a lip product, one that provides nourishment and protection wins hands down over one that just provides color. And, if it's got SPF sun protection in it as well, we call it a winner. Pür Minerals Lip Tint $16.50 comes in a slim, matte silver tube, offering a luxe and effective way to enhance your lips. The silky lip tint is a pampering, mineral-rich formula, it's rich hydration coming from olive oil, mango seed extract, and cocoa seed butter. The product has no chemical dyes, and protects your lips with SPF 15, so you know you look good and are doing your skin a good deed, too. But it also does what you expect a lip color to do: beautify your lips with natural color from natural minerals offering three soft shades: pink, berry, and bronze. We tried the pink-ish "Island Pearl," which added just a hint of pearly pink--intense enough to add color but in a too "done" way. We didn't try the other two colors, but since mineral-based cosmetics tend to be subtle, they're sure to all be flattering on everyone. Incredible Sheer Lipcolor SPF 15 by Prescriptives is a triple treat that's great for lips, and pampers even the most parched, in 8 sheer, pink rose, and berried colors. The slim, shiny silver tube and a yummy, citrus scent are definite bonuses. A naturally-derived plant complex helps reflect light, making lips look better even if they're ailing. Vitamins C and E and SPF 15 protect lips from the sun's damaging rays, and even wind and smoke, while Aloe Vera helps to heal and soothe. We tried "Chambord," a blue/red berry, but since Prescriptives offers products in two intensities of warm and cool colors, you can get the right tone for your skin tone. Wear the Sheer Lipcolor alone, or with a top coat of luxe Moonbeam Reflective Gloss $17.50, to feel instantly, sensationally sexy. The wet look, light-reflecting gloss utilizes a new, light-reflecting pigment technology. The resulting gloss offers wet-look shine and shimmer that looks much nicer than natural, is seemingly effortless, and never feels sticky or goopy. The brush-tipped tube makes application clean and easy. There are two new very sheer colors for Summer that not only make your lips look great, but help moisturize, soothe, condition and heal even parched-from-the-sun, lips. There's nothing like a beauty product that is a beauty treatment, too. "Summer Constellation" combines shimmery shades of bronze, rose and golden-glitzed champagne, to flatter sun worshippers and palefaces, alike. "Summer Solstice" combines deep, medium and light shimmered roses to add just the merest tint of rose to your lips, along with tons of pouty-perfect shine. Budget fashionistas, no need to worry, you can get affordable, pampering, sun protection for your lips that in fashionable colors and packaging! Neutrogena Moistureshine LipSheers $8.99 combine a soothing, cooling, and moisturizing lip balm with just a bit sheer lip color and SPF 20 (thanks to Octinoxate 7.5% and Titanium Dioxide 1.1%). In the world of multi-taskers, this value-packed product in a slim, shiny, silvery tube, is a perfect summer pick-me-up for dry, ho-hum lips. There is a bit of a zing when you apply the soft, velvety, balm/tint/gloss, due to some natural, peppermint flavor. Moisturizers and vitamin E soften and hydrate, and the silky, moist, lightweight formula beautifies in ten, medium-sheer, moistly-shiny, natural-looking shades. I particularly liked the warm and clear, "Peach Sorbet" that warms up a pale face or brightens a tan and the cool, clear "Pink Splash." "Plum Kiss" and "Sunny Berry" will be loved by purple fans, and there are a few nudes and shimmers. Something for everyone, at a universally popular price. It's a great product for Summertime, and any time. Cargo is known for it's lip glosses in tins (every fashionista has a few), but a large tin of gloss, however helpful at home, isn't that user-friendly in your purse. Cargo Purse Gloss $16.00 is a chubby little teardrop-shaped squeeze tube/brush tip filled with the same shiny, sheer, shiny, silky lip glosses in the Cargo tins! Although they don't have SPF, these are still infused with nourishing ingredients to make dry and cracked lips look and feel better. The attached brush also allows for sanitary application of lip gloss and has a shut-off valve to avoid messy leaks. I believe there are 9 different colors. We liked "Beijing," a shimmery, wet-shine pink that looked good with pale skin, and still added color to deeper skin, and those with tans. TIP: these glosses are quite liquid. All you need is just one gentle squeeze of the tube to get the color flowing. Squeeze hard, and you may find that the brush tip is over-flowing! The Balm, new to our reviews this column, offers a wanded tube of Lip Gloss with SPF 17 $18.00 . That's an unusual number of sun protection for lips (most are SPF 15). We were delighted, and surprised, to fine these lovely glosses. They're light and silky, making even parched lips feel soft and pampering. They're enriched with beeswax for long wear and shine, and with jojoba to soothe, moisturize, and protect. With a fairly high amount of SPF sun protection, the real surprise is not only that your lips will look great and feel great, but there's a yummy, strawberry-banana scent that reminds us of our younger days, and makes us want to re-apply the product, often. There are five colors and a clear ("American Girl). I personally liked "Girly Girl" a sheer, shimmery coral, and "Dream Girl" a soft nude will be appropriate to wear whether you are in a meeting at work, or meeting friends at a favorite campsite. These are definitely a little splurge worth finding, and trying.
IDEAS FOR SUMMER EYE MAKEUP:
I always feel a change in the season is a good time to throw out the old mascara, and bring in a new one. When the weather heats up and you tend to perspire more, a waterproof mascara is a must-have. Red Earth's newest, is not only waterproof, it has Pro-Vitamin B5 to condition lashes at it coats them! The Red Earth Waterproof 2V Mascara $13.00 the latest version of Red Earth's already popular 2V Mascara, that dramatically volumizes lashes. I like the feel of the chubby mascara wand, and the fact that the product makes lashes chubby, too (2V stands for “Double Volume”). A blend of waxes and polymers volumize every single lash, adding thickness and length, but without clumping. Right now there is just black or brown, but hopefully Red Earth will add more colors to this good mascara line. I don't really advocate wearing eye makeup to the pool or the beach, but if you must, get a waterproof one--Waterproof 2V Mascara is a great choice. Cute packaging, good quality products, and trendy colors are some of the reasons The Advice Sisters have always appreciated CARGO Cosmetics. Their Summer collection features shimmery, earthy, bronzed tones that work with a variety of skin tones. The Cargo Eye Shadow Palette $18.00 for Summer 2007 offers four small rectangles and one square of coordinated matte and shimmered easy-to-wear neutral powder shadows. "Ibiza" features warm earthy tones in beige, browns, and nude, plus a middle square of shimmery copper. The colors look intense and attractive in their clear, square plastic compact, but they're sheer enough to be mixed and matched, layered, and used in a variety of ways. "Paradise Island" features mostly shimmery pinks and browns, a matte rectangle of pink, and a very shimmery square of rose in the middle. The colors blend beautifully...treat yourself to one of these trendy, limited edition palettes before they're gone. The Balm's Shady Lady Eye Shadow $15.00 comes packaged in a cute, black and silver mirrored cardboard compacts with magnetic closures that look like pieces of film strip, with a sexy nude silhouette on the front. This gives you a clue that the fairly intense (but blendable and layerable), shimmery colors were inspired by the Hollywood starlets of the silver screen, pin-up girls and dime-store novel covers. We think these are an easy way to bring out the "femme fatale" in you. Most of the colors are more appropriate for Summer evenings, than casual days but they'll be great when the weather puts a chill back in the air. We tried "Curvy Cami," a rich, very shimmery purple and "Risqué Renee," a shimmered deep plum. Use them as accents or lid liners now, and for a full, smoky, glam eye, in the Fall. There are also a few light neutrals, but it's obvious that these are meant to be high-powered glam products...so go for it! FRESH, NEW, FRAGRANCED, KITS & COSMETICS GIFTS: For the girly-girl in you, or for a cute weekend hostess or wedding shower gift, The Girl Next Door $30.00 by Sula packages two .5 fl. oz spray bottles of fragrance together ("Butterfly Kiss" and "Lily Lotus" to wear separately, or layer together. They arrive in a white and light blue presentation package with cute blonde girl graphic, and a clear, cello window to showcase the silvery-topped, clear square glass bottles adorned with delicate light, blue butterflies (for "Butterfly Kiss" of course), and lotus fronds (for "Lily Lotus). "You're the all American Beauty" is flatteringly proclaimed on the back of the box. You might just feel like you truly are that girl next door when layer these two together to produce a light floral scent. Separately, these fragrances have merit, too: "Butterfly Kiss" has a romantic feel with sweet florals such as freesia, heliotrope, and jasmine. "Lily Lotus," is also light, but it features watery florals of water lily, lotus, freesia and for sass--a faint hint of mint. Together, they make a soft floral that's something like wearing a sheer lip gloss, it gives you some fragrance, but it's still light enough that it's not overpowering. The other fragrances and layering combos in this moderately-priced line from Canadian perfumer, Susanne Lange include: Vanilla Blossom, Stiletto Musk, Sun-Kissed Citrus, and Champagne Sugar. The ultimate travel fragrance has got to be ones from Comptoir Sud Pacifique, in nifty, crush-proof, shatter-proof, lightweight, aluminum containers! The mini-sized Comptoir Sud Pacifique Eau de Toilette Spray $27.00 3/4 oz are wonderful for travel. These are small, but mighty--a little spritz goes a long way. There are also larger sizes $53.00 1.6 oz $53 and 3.3 oz. $85.00. "Wow, this really smells like fruit!" exclaimed one reviewer when she sniffed the Vanille Abricot Eau de Toilette Spray. This is a fresh, citrus with top notes of jackfruit, apricot and papaya, and base notes of vanilla and candy sugar that give it a "caramel-apple" vibe. On a more "oriental" note, Vanille Coco Eau de Toilette has a sexy blend of heliotrope and sexy banana Cream mixed with coco milk and smooth island vanilla. Caramel Sunset "Eau De Voyage" Natural Spray combines two of my favorite scents: coconut and almond, into a scent so deliciously enticing, you can almost taste it. The top notes of caramel, island flowers and fresh coconut mix with a heart of almond cream, hot milk and sugar candy, to create a scent that smells like the inside of am Italian bakery, where sweet macaroons and buttery cookies, combine with caramel and sugar to create a smell that's simply deliciously buttery, warm, and sexy. The aluminum container on this scent features a label that has colorful palm trees in orange, red, white and lime green, violet, and blue, to remind you (before you ever spritz it) that this is a fun-loving, "vacation" worthy scent-ual experience. For those who like, incense-y, exotic-smelling scents, Aloha Tiare, is a woody oriental that features frangipani, Tiara flower, ylang-ylang, and a deeper and more "incense-oriented" base of monoi, benzoin, coconut, vanilla, and musk. You'll feel like you're in an exotic beachfront paradise like Hawaii, even if the closet you get is your local beach! TIP: Whether you're dealing with an "unfriendly" (eg. "smelly") travel environment, or just charming someone with your personal scent, a light mist of fragrance on pulse points or lightly spritzed on your hair, or on hotel sheets, can make life just a bit more "luxe." Stila's newest fragrance, Mandarin Mist $35.00 1.7 fl. oz , is perfect for daytime and will quickly gain fans. Light and refreshing, the light pink square chunk of glass decorated with a delicate silk-screen of flowers and the simple, matte, silver spray top makes a pretty presentation, but it's the tangy citrus notes scent created of mimosa and yuzu fruit notes that will perk up even the most sagging energy and spirits. In case you're not sure what yuzu is, it's a Japanese citrus fruit about the size of a tangerine that has a lemony/citrus scent. Mandarin Mist is more citrus-y bright and crisp, due to the inclusion of mandarin, also of Japanese origin, that gives the scent a slightly sweeter, orange-y tone as well as the more snappy, yuzu. The overall effect is bright and sassy, with enough staying power for a hot day, or a steamy evening. But overall, we categorize this one as a happy, casual fragrance that we think you'll want to use liberally, and often. We liked it so much we used it not just on our body, but also to add a nice scent our hair, our sheets and even our towels and outdoor lounge cushions. When Summer's over, you won't want to put this one away (and why should you? It'll be great, all year round). Bronze Mania--if you don't have it yet, you will, once you check out the super-luxe, super-glam, limited edition Gold Mediterranean Palette $85.00 by Giorgio Armani Beauty. From the Summer 2007 collection called "Bronze Mania Gold" you'll find the super-chic, bi-level, matte, black, mirrored, signature Giorgio Armani compact filled with makeup treasures to give you the golden glow you covet. The top section has four, sheer, luminous, warm-toned powder eye shadows. There's a nude gold beige (*mono eye shadow shade 63) for lids or highlighter that can also be blended with the other shades to lighten them. This one also opens eyes and gives them a more "alive" look when applied at the inner corner of the eyes. There's a bold, orange gold that flatters blue eyes, but gives style to darker eyes, too. There's a glorious copper brown that can be used as a lid color or an accent, and a shimmery, earthy brown with a bit of glitter that is also multi-purpose. On the bottom level there's "Sheer Bronze 9," a medium-deep, warm-toned bronzer with flecks of golden shimmer that is sheer enough to give all but the very palest, a subtle, all-over glow. If you're one of the few who is still bronzer-averse, just dust a bit on cheekbones, bridge of nose, and forehead for a bit of sun-kissed flattery. I'm sure I don't need to tell you that Giorgio Armani makeup goes on silky-smooth, is long-lasting, and will stay put even when the mercury, rises. This makes the ultimate "thank you" gift for a makeup fan, and a little splurge for you (you know you want it)!
o be. There is more than just one thing for everyone in this palette--the colors are universally flattering to warm tones, cool tones, pale complexions, to deep tans. Alas, the Summer Fever Lip Colour Palette is limited edition for Summer, so rush to your favorite department store and "get the Fever," fast...before they're all gone. Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics, new to our column, are naturally-pigmented products that we are told are water resistant, and non-comedogenic. We love mineral makeup, not just for it's sheer and natural finish, but also because mineral makeup lets you skin breathe and it's suitable for people with virtually every type of skin, even for those who have had skin treatments or surgery. Our first introduction to Youngblood is the Artiste on the Go Lip Trio $21.95--a slim palette with a single, remove-able tray that contains three of Youngblood's most popular lip shines. When we say "shine," we really mean it too: these are sheer, "wet-look" shimmery and shiny sexy-as-can-be but with a light, non-gloppy feel. "Devotion" (shimmery, sheer plum), "Reflection" (silver-shimmered clear); and "Fantasy" (super-shiny sheer pink with a bit of shimmer). The lip glosses are really shiny and fun to wear and full of good-for-your-lips emollients. In short, we really liked these. The only thing we'd like even better is if the lip palette had a place for a lip brush (or included one) so we didn't have to "dip" into the pots of gloss. Under the same concept, Youngblood also has a larger Artiste on the Go Palette $74.95 that includes two blushes, three eye shadows, and three lip shines. There's a warm palette (Romanticism) and a set of cool tones (Expressionism). The palettes just launched in April, 2007 and there are plans to make the products even more customize-able in the palettes. Keep reading What Works in the coming months.....if we can get newest and greatest, we'll review them for you!
BEST NEW ITEMS FOR BATH AND BODY: We received Exotic Oil Infusions Body Wash $3.99 15 oz, by Caress last month, but we have saved it for this Summer column because it's the perfect after-sun pick-me-up for mind, body and spirit, and is really the stuff of the fantasies of budget-minded fashionistas (and last month we focused on Father's Day). The spokesperson for the products is none other than sultry Kate Walsh, who plays Dr. Addison Montgomery on ABC's popular show, "Greys Anatomy." A set of classic fairy tales made modern and "womanly," are also hosted by Ms. Wash on the product's web site. The teardrop-shaped plastic bottles are eye-catching, but they have flat bottoms with flip-top closures, so they stand securely on your bathtub. This creamy, moisturizing cleanser makes dry or irritated skin super-silky, and we found absolutely no greasy residue after bathing. That would make us give this a thumbs-up, but it does more-- it has exotic oils that create a sensual aura as the heat of your shower or bath releases them. Neither the "Japanese" blend, with white lotus cream and kukui nut oil, or the "Moroccan" blend, with cassis cream and starflower oil, are super-heavy. The fragrances are a bit spicy and incense-y, but so light you'll hardly notice until you're washing with them. Then, the scent is a bit like a butterfly--alighting for a beautiful moment, and then, it's gone. There is also a solid Body Bar (2-bar $4.99, 6 bar-$4.99 and 8 bar $6.49). They do essentially the same cleansing and silkening bar, while adding sensational scents to your bathing routine. We really liked the way our skin felt after using these and we think you will like them too, a lot! Short skirts and short shorts are the thing for Summer, providing you have the legs to carry these styles off. However, "furry" legs do not enhance the look. Shaving Milk 8 fl. oz $4.99 by Skin Milk has real milk proteins (and essential, good-for-your-skin Vitamins A, D & E) in a creamy base that making shaving more comfortable, and more moisturizing. The formula provides a protective moisture barrier that lets your razor glide over even bumpy areas like knees and ankles. Botanical white lily and comfrey are two other ingredients that help to cushion the skin for a closer, but comfy, shave. The flip-top tube and the light vanilla scent lets you know this is for us girls (the guys can get their own). Our legs felt silky, sexy, and ready for maximum exposure! It's a little thing you can do for yourself that makes a routine chore, more pleasant, and at this price, it is a bargain, too. Olay seems to always come up with new and better ways to keep skin soft, safe, and youthful. Although most of us already know it's a good idea to wear SPF protection on our faces, through moisturizers, cosmetics, and sunblocks, we don't always focus on the rest of our bodies with the same consideration. Under the theory that dry, itchy skin is uncomfortable, and therefore will get your attention for a bit of moisturizing, we particularly like the new Olay Body Age Transform Intensive UV Defense Serum $8.99 6 fl. oz to protect décolletage, arms & hands, and other sun-exposed areas of the body with SPF 15. A regal purple bottle with gold and purple pump cap holds a lightly floral-scented, super-rich cream that helps protect against age spots, and skin that has become discolored, or crepey from too much sun exposure over time. With regular use, this product is supposed to not only deflect the sun's damaging rays, but provides antioxidants and Vitamin C, green tea and sea buckhorn extracts, to help lock in the skin's moisture. The richness of the product really offers immediate relief to dry and stressed-out skin, and the bennies of improving your skin's look and feel and helping it to stay safe and youthful, are equally great reasons to try this product.
BRONZERS & SUNLESS TANNERS:
Cargo's BeachBlush $26.00 is a bronzer and a blush all wrapped up in one of Cargo's signature, silver tins. Inside, Four stripes of powder somehow blend together (or you can use them separately) to create a believable, sheer, glow. There are six sexy, fun to use combos, all cleverly named for famous beaches, providing the right amount of intensity from very light to very dark, for warm and cool complexions. We tried the lightest, "Sunset Beach," featuring a slightly shimmery nude, pink, deep bronze, and light peach. The look was glowing but not too bright or fake. Not only that, you can't help but want to open that cute little tin, and swipe a soft powder brush in the colorful stripes. The tin also keeps the product protected, whether you're traveling, at the beach, or at home.
Last month we reviewed some new bronzers from Physicians Formula, but we didn't have room for as many as we would have liked. There quite a few more that we think you might like to try. One of my favorites for the fun factor, if nothing else, is Jungle Fever Bronzer and Shimmery Face Powder $11.95 in "Tiger" (light bronzer) and "Leopard" (deep bronzer-Photo). These bi-colored bronzers look so cute! They pair a shimmery face glow (in light or medium) with a matte bronzer in tiger stripes (gold/light) or leopard spots (deep). They're so cute to look at and that makes them more fun to use, but they are also a good choice because they're hypoallergenic, oil-free, and fragrance-free. Ditto Les Botaniques Botanical Bronzer $11.95 in "SunnyBuddy" (very deep) and "SunnyBunch." (medium) who could resist a sunflower of iridescent shimmer pressed into a large round compact of deep, matte bronze? An added bonus is that the "sunflower" contains sunflower extract and a biopolymer complex from plant extracts, providing antioxidants to help protect your skin against free radicals and signs of aging. Solar Powder SPF 20 Bronzer $12.95 is not new, but the Solar Powder Translucent Foundation $12.95 and light bronzer have been some of my most-used compacts for two years running. A trio of matte colors is pressed into a picture of a rising run with SPF 20 right on it, to remind you that the light or deep glow you get also gives you UVA/UVB sun protection of SPF 20. This bronzer compact has a built-in mirror and brush in the bottom half, so you can take it anywhere for touch-ups. The soft, easily blended powder offers natural-looking, light to medium coverage, in two tones: Light Bronzer or Bronzer. For sheer ease of use, and for those with sensitive skin, new Mineral Wear Talc-Free Bronzing Veil $11.95 offers the ease of a light, natural glow, in a tube-with-brush formula and good-for-your-skin Vitamins A&E to help condition. Formulated with minerals, this gentle formula is light and sheer--so sheer in fact, you can use it over foundation or other bronzing products to gently absorb shine and offer a softly radiant finish to your face. If most products are too harsh, you'll find this one to be hypoallergenic, fragrance-oil-talc-Free, dermatologist approved and non-comedogenic (won't clog pores). The flow-through all in one jar has a little mirror on the cap. The packaging is a bit too chunky for most handbags, but it sits nicely on your dressing table or desk. Mineral Wear comes in a Talc-Free Loose Face Powder $10.45 in light or deep bronzer with cute brush-in-the-cap packaging, too. Bliss's self-tanning products have such witty names! One, A Tan for all Seasons" $36.00 4.4 oz. comes in a cool blue, white and tan spray bottle (with a 360-degree nozzle to color all those hard-to-reach places) contains an advanced, antioxidant-infused self-tanner formulated with aloe vera; a transfer-resistant (sun set) bronzer (gives instant bronzing with a golden sheen that shows where product has been applied, so you know what you've covered and what you've missed), and even a citrus scent to mask the smell of DHA. Speaking of which, DHA interacts with amino acids in the top layers of skin to create a natural looking tan in just a few hours (without the sun, of course). w while you get a gradual, not orange, tan. Another bonus is pyrus malus fruit extract, an antioxidant which helps fight free radical damage. Although we are recommending a wide variety of products with SPF sun block in them, we still think it's best to stay out of the sun. Lancaster has an awesome collection of bronzers and self-tanners to give virtually every part of your body a "sun-kissed" glow, without baking in the sun. Here are a few of our faves: In the "faux glow" arena, Lancaster Golden Bronze Creamy Gel for Legs $24.00 4.2 fl. oz. is a luxurious, golden tinted, lightly-shimmering, oil-free, self-tanner that may be your leg's best friend this Summer (super-pale legs are not a sexy look). Dermatologically tested, and with free radical protection, your skin will get an instant, shimmery, sun-kissed glow that will deepen after and hour into a golden, streak-free, "faux" tan. The Infinite Bronze Carrousel Compact Powder $38.00 might just turn me into a bronzer fan, after all a large, coppery plastic, mirrored compact holds a dozen, pie-shaped wedges of shimmery bronzing colors, from pink, to copper, to brown, and even a middle of very deep brown. It's so pretty to look at, you might be tempted just to look at it, but don't be afraid to swipe a large, soft brush over all the colors, and dust it lightly on cheeks, forehead, nose, chin--wherever the sun would naturally hit, or swipe is all over, for a shimmery bronze effect. You can also use the colors individually if you are creative, for eyes, highlight, and special effects. Also pretty and shimmery is the Infinite Bronze Eyes-Lips-Cheeks Sunlight Palette $35.00. The lightweight, coppery, mirrored compact has a patchwork of five shimmery shades from champagne to copper, gold, and bronze that may be all you need for a Summer face-in-a-case kit. The powders are so soft and velvety, we didn't even need a brush to apply them (although a soft brush is still best) and al little goes a long way, but you can use a lot more for night-time drama. Use each separately as you wish on eyes, cheeks and lips, or dab your brush on several for your own, unique glow. TIP: These make amazing, matte lip colors, and you can make them sexier with a slick of clear or shimmery gloss. For a more matte bronze, the Matte & Shine Sun Powder SPF 8 $24.00 comes in light, medium and dark tones to flatter virtually every complexion -- I tried "#01-Light Sienna" on my pale, freckled skin, and got instant, believable results that looked like I had a real tan that I could never get in real life, as I burn quickly. It was perfect--not too tan, not too bronze, not too orange, just a bit "sun-kissed." An outer circle of matte bronzer is matched with a shimmery middle. Swipe your brush from the outside edge of the compact to the middle, to get a more natural glow. Use the middle again to highlight, if you wish. We like the striking, coppery mirrored compact, and the fact that there is SPF sun protection so you are protected, at least a little, from the real sun, even though you'll look like you've been tanning. "Sunless" tanners have come a long, long way in a very short time. The new, Touch of Sun Daily UV Facial Moisturizer $6.99 2.5 fl. oz by Olay is first and foremost a moisturizer, but it's one that has a touch of self-tanner to give you the look of tan without the sun's damaging rays. This product also has SPF 15 to actually protect your skin when you do go outside. The product literature tells us that the products works with your own "skin-print," so the amount of moisturization and color you get is personalized. I really haven't liked many self-tanners and bronzers, especially since I have fair, freckled skin, but courageous guinea pig that I am, I used Olay Touch of Sun Daily UV Facial Moisturizer for a few days to see how the color developed. Much to my surprise, the moisturizer wasn't heavy or greasy (although my skin felt hydrated) and the "tan" I got was very similar to what I might expect if I'd (carefully) spent a day in the sun. The tanning was not only very gradual, but very natural. It didn't hide my real skin tone, so it didn't look painted on. I'm not a chemist, of course, but the product works by providing a lot of moisturization that triggers a gentle reaction with skin's amino acids to create a gradual increase in the melanoidins that help create that health-looking "glow" you want with a self-tanner. If you add a second application, you get more "radiance," and you can layer more color depending upon how often you apply this product (those with oily skin might want to use it less often). Of course, the more often you use it, the more moisturized your skin will be as well. We didn't use Touch of Sun for the 2 weeks necessary to experience the 24-hour hydration it promised, but our skin did feel comfortable and soft. Self-tanners and bronzers do not provide SPF protection nor do they always provide good hydration to skin. This one does all three! We were also impressed with the original Olay Regenerist products, but now, there's Olay Regenerist Touch Of Sun $18.99 2.5 fl. oz. It works like the regular Touch of Sun we just described above (including the SPF 15 sun protection) providing gradual color and good moisturization, but it also has the same, anti-aging benefits as the original Regenerist. This is truly modern technology--one lotion for all skin tones gives you a glowing, more youthful looking skin without the fear of turning "orange." The product is lightweight and non-comedogenic (won't clog pores). A real tan might make you initially appear younger and healthier, but after all, the sun's rays will damage and age your skin. Touch of Sun products help you have a safe, sun-kissed look easily, safely, and at affordable prices. Sun-kissed and sexy, that's what Stila's Summer products will do for your skin, from face to feet. Stila Sun Bronzing Powder SPF 15 $28.00 has always been popular for the way it gives your face a "no sun" burnishing, but now it is even better with SPF 15 to actually help protect your skin from the sun's damaging rays while it helps you look like you've been sunbathing. There are two colors that come in a lightweight, coppery, mirrored compact. We tried "Shade 1," a light, sheer, sheer golden matte bronze that gives a light, "San Tropez" kiss of the sun, to even the palest complexions. "Shade 02" is sheer golden matte bronze that is good for medium complexions. Just dust a bit over your cheeks and forehead, or all over...and glow! The rest of your body doesn't have to be left out in the cold, however. Stila Sun Shimmer Dry Oil $26.00 3.4 fl. oz. is a marvelous multi-tasker that not only gives your skin a natural and glistening tint that looks trés sexy, it also has macadamia nut and kukui nut oils, and sandalwood and barley extracts, to keep sun-parched (or simply dry) skin, looking and feeling soft and hydrated. The spray pump makes it fun, clean and easy to apply. We use ours after being outdoors, and treat ourselves to a spritz of shine and "sun" to keep our legs and arms looking awesome, anytime. This is definitely a "must-have" for anyone who shows a bit of skin!
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SUN BLOCKS/SUN SCREENS FOR FACE & BODY: You already know to apply sun protection when you go outside, but if you like to hike, bike, or lounge in your backyard, the bugs are sharing the great outdoors with you. Luckily, devotees of Avon's Skin-So-Soft moisturizing products realized that the original Skin-So-Soft moisturizing lotion also repelled certain types of insects. Avon took the original one step better, creating a line of Skin-So-Soft suncare products that are not only good for your skin, but also have SPF protection and repel insects such as mosquitoes, deer ticks and other annoying, flying, crawling, and biting insects. My weekend retreat is a true, "wild kingdom" when it comes to bugs, so I really appreciate this line of Avon products! My personal favorite is the Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Insect Repellent Unscented SPF 15 Sunscreen Spray $10.00 4 oz. A light, CFC-free aerosol mist covers evenly, thoroughly and without messing up your hands, and the DEET-free formula won't need to be washed off when coming in from the outdoors. It isn't greasy or smelly, and it keeps me from being eaten alive while I'm relaxing, outdoors. For the most SPF protection, Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion $10.00 4 oz. also has a very water resistant formula that is good for your skin with moisturizing aloe and Vitamin E. A slim, blue tube with orange flip cap dispenses a high SPF with a light scent. For families, it's good to know that this one is pediatrician and dermatologist-tested. DEET-Free and PABA-Free, too. If you're going camping or into an area where the bug population, reigns supreme, Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus IR3535® Expedition™ Gentle Breeze™SPF 15 Pump Spray $12.00 4 fl. oz provides liquid coverage in a pump spray. The ingredient IR3535® provides for longer-lasting repellency against mosquitoes and deer ticks, which may transmit West Nile Virus and Lyme Disease, but it still doesn't have to be washed off (a good thing to know, if you're camping and not near a shower source). These are high quality, effective products that do double (and triple) duty. They're now a family "must-have' for Summertime! To view previous "What Works" Beauty, Cosmetics, and Fashion Review columns, visit the What Works Archives Clarins is known for, high quality sunscreens. They make "Progressive Tanners" (with high SPF) and "Rapid Tanners" (less SPF protection). In fact, Clarins offers an impressive range of sunscreens and tanners with different SPF's and textures for every skin type. We tried just a few of the collection. For fast results on darker or already tanned skin and a very modest amount of broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection of SPF 8, SunScreen Cooling Gel Rapid Tanning $28.00 6.8 fl. oz also has Vitamin E and extracts of senna, plane tree, and aloe vera help hydrate skin. There's also a Sunscreen Smoothing Cream-Gel Rapid Tanning SPF 10 $34.00 7 oz. that provides just a bit more UVA/UVB protection in a water-resistant, allergy-tested formula. For those who don't want to tan, or who have very pale skin that is prone to sunburn, we liked the Clarins Sunscreen Soothing Cream Progressive Tanning SPF 20 $34.00 7 oz that provides a lightweight, non-oily, water-resistant cream products with SPF 20 sunscreen that protects, hydrates and nurtures your skin with aloe and vitamin E, while it helps you to create a long-lasting, "faux" tan. A "Phyto-Sunactyl 2 plant-based complex based on the olive tree, senna and baobab helps skin look healthy and fights premature aging. If you're going to either sunbathe, you might as well use a product that treats your skin like the precious commodity it is. Reviewers gave this two thumbs up. We also liked the Sunscreen Spray Oil-Free Lotion Progressive Tanning for Outdoor Sports SPF 15 $28.50 5.1 oz. Using a spray makes it so much easier to apply the product evenly and thoroughly to the backs of legs and arms, and other hard-to-reach places. The plastic pump bottle makes this a good choice outdoors activities such as fishing and boating. The SPF 15 liquid look like an oil, but it's not--it's a lightweight, hydrating, and easily absorbed liquid that leaves no residue. Our male reviewers particularly like it. If you have sensitive skin but you want high SPF and a water-resistant formula, try Sunscreen Cream SPF 30 for Sun Sensitive Skin $28.00 4.4 oz. This one has SPF 30 for all skin types but it's particularly good for those with sensitive skin. We didn't get the complete lowdown on the ingredients, but there are also four types of sunscreen in this one: "Titanium Dioxide" (3.24%); "Octocrylene" (9%), "Octinoxate"(7.5%) and "ensulizole" (3%). Reviewers gave high marks to this lightweight cream, citing the fact that it absorbs fast and provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. In actual sunbathing conditions reviewers reported that they felt well protected, the water-resistant properties worked well, and their skin felt hydrated and soft after their sunbathing session. We appreciate the variety and quality of these Clarins products. They're pleasant to use, so you're likely to actually apply them. In the end, that's key.
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Soleil Plaisir Protective Face Cream SPF 30 $50.00 2.6 oz. by Darphin, comes in a simple, white tube with screw cap, but don't be fooled: there's an awesome product inside. It is new (just launched in June) and it is pricey, but as I always say: while you don't always get what you pay for, you always pay for what you get. This silky, sensuous, floral-scented cream not only has SPF 30 to protect against UVA/UVB rays, it features something new, exciting, extra: "Venuceane," a heat-activated, powerful anti-oxidant created from a marine micro-organism, actually increases it's own protection level when exposed to heat. Now, that's a reason to actually be in the sun! It also contains Vitamin E, moisturizing Sodium hyaluronate, and soothing aloe, to provide skin bennies you'd expect from a luxury line like Darphin. You can't help but love the silky texture, and the fact that it is good for all skin types, but it is also waterproof. The barely-there formula means you can wear it alone, or under makeup. We felt better about our skin using this unique product--it's a splurge that actually does such good things for our skin. Treat yourself: your skin needs it, you deserve it!
It's good to know that titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are some of the most effective sun blocks of harmful UVA/UVB rays. It's even better to know that they're in a very nice, very effective, organic sun block, like Kimberly Sayer's Organic Family Sunblock SPF 25 $19.95 4 oz. I liked the light, fresh, slightly herbal scent, and the easily absorbed, gentle, chemical free formula that makes it great for everyone in your family, from the very young, to the very old. This sun block is pleasant to use, containing organic ingredients such as pure plant oils and extracts, plus a nice SPF 25 with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. The easily absorbed, white cream also has good-for-your-skin ingredients to nourish, soothe and hydrate, such as chamomile, cocoa butter, and buckthorn (rich in Vitamins A,B,C & E, and carotene), and antioxidant green tea and grapeseed extracts (to protect against free radicals). The slim, white tube is perfect for tote and travel. It's an all around good sun block, and a perfect choice for anyone with sensitive skin, and for the varying needs of all your family members.
When you're thinking about sunscreens, it's great to know that the product that will be helping you, is helping others as well. That's why we think you'll feel so good about the limited edition Daily Sun Defense SPF 20 $30.00 3 fl. oz by SkinCeuticals. This provides serious sun protection, and SkinCeuticals also will donate a portion of the sale of the sunscreen to the Skin Cancer Foundation to help educate people about skin cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. We tried the SPF 20, which has 5% transparent zinc oxide (Z-Cote) of the most effective UVA and UVB sun blockers, to help protect against UVA/UVB rays. Even though this this lotion packs a wallop against skin damage with SPF 20 (*there's an SPF 30, too), it is lightweight and unscented, paba and oil free, and can be used under makeup and by all skin types. We found that the lotion smoothed on easily and absorbed quickly, helping us to completely forget we even had a sunscreen, on! The packaging for these charity-driven products is a light tangerine, with a few "Melanoma Facts" (Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and the incidence of it is on the rise) on the side of the package, as well as information about the Skin Cancer Foundation. Ray of Hope $36.00 8.5 oz. by Bliss is the latest hope-in-a-bottle for those who wish they were tan, toned and trim as well as sunsafe in their swimsuits. This water-resistant, broad spectrum SPF 20 sunscreen has a little something extra: exclusive solar-activated "slender spheres" that release fat-attacking molecules when you expose your skin to the sun. Trigered by the sun, encapsulated caffeine and centalla asiatica help to break up fat deposits, while aloe vera soothes and hydrates sun-parched skin, and antioxidant Vitamins A and E protect against free radicals. We didn't get slim in a second, but the rich, unscented sun screen in the attractive, light blue, yellow and white pump bottle, plus SPF 20, made us feel like we were doing a good thing for ourselves. At best, regular use of this product might trim the flab, but at the very least, you'll be sunsafe. Two other nice, new sunscreens from Bliss have high SPF, too. The Big Screen SPF 30 $25.00 8.5 oz. is a nicely citrus-scented, water-resistant sunscreen in a light blue pump bottle. It's also kind to your skin, with lots of moisture binding rice bran oil and wheat protein that act as super-hydrators. Aloe soothes, Vitamins A and E help stop the wrinkles. Applied 30 minutes before sun exposure, your skin will feel hydrated (but not greasy) and you'll stay safe in the sun. Sunban Face $17.00 1.7 fl. oz provides oil-free, sunscreen protection from the sun with SPF 30+ (we weren't able to figure out what the "+" was, but SPF 30 is more than adequate protection for an everyday foray outside). It features "Smartsun," Bliss's exclusive ingredient that simultaneously protects against UV rays and releases and activates antioxidant Vitamins c and E when exposed to UV rays. We love, love love, that even thought this is a tube, it has a pump applicator. It makes application easier, and motivates us to continue applying it often. Thanks, Bliss!
We like the idea of all natural products, and 2007 CEW Beauty Award Nominee, Burt's Bees delivers them for Summer, in handy, flip-top tubes. Chemical-free sunblocks are not the easiest thing to find, but for those who want all natural products, Burt's Bees Chemical-Free Sunscreen, SPF 15 with Hemp Seed Oil $15.00 3.46 oz. offers UVA/UVB protection in a thick, freshly-scented cream dispensed from a slim, flip-top tube. The product keeps skin hydrated without using sunscreen chemicals. There is the active ingredient titanium dioxide 6.38% in this cream. Inactive Ingredients include: water, hemp seed oil, vegetable glycerin, stearic acid, wheatgrass extract, ricegrass extract, stoneroot extract, glucose, sucrose distearate, sucrose stearate, calendula extract, golden seal extract, witch hazel extract, comfrey extract, xanthan gum, sodium borate, lecithin, silica, acacia gum, alginic acid, orange oil, amyris oil, copaiba balsam oil, patchouli oil, sandalwood oil, guaiacwood oil, aluminum hydroxide, fragrance, glucose oxidase & lactoperoxidase. After sun, we liked the non-greasy, quickly-abosrbing formula of Burt's Bees Aloe & Linden Flower After Sun Smoother $10.00 6.6 fl. oz. This lovely lotion has lots of good-for-your-skin, natural ingredients, including: Aloe, Linden Extract and Coconut Oil, that work hard to keep your skin soothed, moisturized. and soft, after sunning. We also liked the light, fresh, lemony scent, the non-greasy, quickly-absorbing formula, and the handy, flip-top tube that makes us want to tuck it into our tote bag! When you really need to be protected as long as possible, you'll want to use the highest SPF you can get. And, the highest we've seen is a commercial sunblock is the Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 70 $9.99 3 oz by Neutrogena. What I find remarkable about this product is that although it has a huge amount of UVA/UVB SPF protection, it's so lightweight you'll forget you have it on (thanks to a "dry touch" technology that utilizes micronized silica powder to instantly absorb excess sunscreen oils and provide a sheer, matte finish to your skin). Some SPF products break down under the heat of UVA or UVB rays, but this product has "helioplex" to keep it stable and effective. Bennies also include PABA-free, light sent, waterproof and sweat-proof, and moisturizing. Is it necessary to go up to SPF 70? It is certainly one way to offer your skin the higher level of SPF protection, and for those who burn rapidly, who already have sun damage, and/or who cannot count on re-applying an adequate amount of sunblock easily or regularly, this is a must-have choice. Neutrogena has a number of other sun blocks in varying formulas that are high SPF and feature helioplex as well. My favorites are the spray-type body mists: Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunblock SPF 30 or 45 $9.49 5 fl. oz for example, provides a fine mist that really covers your body thoroughly, without any need to rub the sunblock in. The refreshing, cooling sensation also makes you want to apply it, especially in hot, sticky weather. I also like the UltraSheer Body Mist Sunblock SPF 30 $9.99 5 oz. Lightweight, non-greasy, PABA free and waterproof, the continuous spray nozzle lets you cover all your body parts with broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. These are super sun-safe products at amazingly reasonable prices. Finally, for more pleasure with protection, the Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Sunblock Gel SPF 30 $9.99 4 oz. offers broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and a cooling sensation that dry, overworked, and sun-parched skin is going to love. Of course it's sweatproof and waterproof and resists rub-off, but we think that welcome, refreshing cool will keep you coming back for more (which is a good thing).
GIFT IDEAS FOR WEEKEND HOSTS & HOSTESSES:
When I was very young, my sister and I were given small bottles of essence of orange blossoms. Of course, this flower is the quintessential wedding flower, but to this day, I can't smell orange blossoms without thinking of brides, and love. A modern version that is perfect to add a romantic atmosphere to your room, or just cover up that "cat box" smell, is the Ginseng and Orange Blossom Room Spray $19.95 5.07 fl. oz by Linden Leaves. A non-aerosol, matte, metallic, silver "bottle" with spray top holds an unusual, exotic-smelling, room scent. It's floral, it's even a hint fruity, but with the chic addition of ginseng, the overall effect is almost intoxicating-- more spicy than girly, with more punch than merely sweet orange blossom. It's a bit pricey, but the scent is quite significant. A pump, maybe two, will infuse your entire room with this gorgeous, romantic fragrance. It's amazing! This would be a nice hostess gift, and a little treat for yourself. Linden Leaves has just recently come to America from New Zealand, where the company is already known for it's modern approach to aromatherapy products. This romantic room spray could make your Summer romance, last!
TREATS FOR FACE & SKIN:
Elemis is a luxury spa and skincare brand from Britain, providing high quality, cutting-edge skin and bodycare products to spas around the world, and also for home use. The Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing products aren't specifically sun-care products, but we didn't want to wait until our September column to tell you about them. With time, your skins' ability to rejuvenate it's own skin cells slows down, but this trio of silvery-boxed products feature three "revolutionary" micro-encapsulated enzymes that provides safe and effective resurfacing, stimulate biological cell renewal to help decrease the appearance of fine lines, uneven skin tone and even, acne. The first product in the trio is the Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash $47.00 6.8 fl. oz. This plastic pump-bottle of cleanser gentle features white truffle, galactoarabinan (a sugar polymer from the Western larch tree that works with alpha hydroxy acids) , babassu oil and moringa (from a tree with healing properties), to exfoliate dead skin cells, stimulate the skin's natural cell renewal cycle, while actively smoothing and refining. The very lightly scented, lightly foaming cleanser prepares skin for the Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Serum $176.00 1 fl. oz, an impressively lightweight liquid (in a slim, elegant, white and silver pump bottle) that combines smoothing and exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids, with essential Vitamins A and C, while luxe, white truffle and amino acids offer anti-oxidant protection. At night, use the Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Serum and the Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Night Cream $148.00 1.7 fl. oz to soothe and super-hydrate your skin. The super-light gel in a white and silver-topped jar, has a lipid complex that combines with anti-oxidants to help to protect against daily environmental damage and pollution. As with many things, you don't always get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get. This trio of products is pricey, but cutting-edge, pleasant and easy to apply products, consistently used as directed, could not only make a huge difference in your complexion, they could potentially save you thousands in more invasive (and less pleasant) anti-aging treatments. A bonus is the tiny sample of another skincare product that Elemis includes in each box. TIP: "resurfacing" or exfoliating products are beneficial when used as directed, but depending upon the strength, they can be challenging if your skin is sensitive, or especially if it is sunburned. In addition, when you remove dead skin cells, exposing new and healthy skin, you must take extra care to protect it from the sun's damaging rays, and other environmental stresses. If you exfoliate your skin, it is essential to use a strong sunblock! These days, with airline restrictions and busy lives, travel-sized sets are a must-have, and they also make great gifts. One we think is perfect for weekends is the FACE Weekend Set $24.00 by Sephora. A re-useable, clear plastic zippered bag trimmed in trendy, white and sea green patent, holds three 1.69 fl. oz travel-sized essentials for combo to oily skin: a FACE exfoliating cleanser (sea-green gel with little scrubbies left our pores clean and clear, but our skin didn't feel stripped and dry); a FACE purifying makeup remover (with oil-reducing ingredients and Pro-Vitamin B5 and cornflower water to firm, tone and refresh skin); and a tube of FACE Hydrating Balancing Cream (with zinc and white clay to absorb excess sebum and prevent breakouts, antioxidant Vitamin E, glycerin to prevent dryness and Pro-Vitamin B5 (to nourish, soften and provide anti-inflammatory properties). If you're going to be a guest, bring your weekend hostess one of these. If you're the hostess, leaving a set in the guest bathroom is a nice touch your guests will appreciate, and it is still economical. Of course, it's also a good way to sample Sephora FACE products before you spring full full-sized ones. It's hot, very hot...so hot you feel your skin in melting off...but your skin will feel better as soon as you pick up the clear, plastic spray bottle and spritz with the limited edition, Essential Water $30.00 4 fl.oz by Laura Mercier. Hydrating sprays have been around for a while, but Laura Mercier, an undisputed queen of cosmetics, used a state-of-the-art technology to create aqueous (water-based) solutions from essential oils that refresh skin, and hydrate, energize and revive it as well while leaving no oily residue. There are four scents that provide different aromatherapy benefits: "Lavender" (calms and relaxes); " Rose" (sensitive/tired skin); "Orange Flower" (toning and uplifting) and the one we tried "Geranium" is a floral scent that reminds us also of roses, and refreshed when the air was really hot and humid. One spritz made us feel like we had entered a cool room (and the cooling sensation lasted for some time), even though we were actually in a hot, sticky office without air conditioning. It will be fantastic if you're playing tourist this Summer. It's a lovely product no matter where you are or what you are doing--well worth the price. The lightweight plastic bottle makes this easy to tote, so take one with you and spray it on hands, feet, face--anywhere you need to beat the heat and give a bit of TLC to your skin.
TREATS FOR HANDS & NAILS: Gotu Kola sounds like it could be a soft drink, but actually, it is a rejuvenating herb used in Ayurvedic medicine (an alternative, East Indian system of health care that goes back 5,000 years). The Gotu Kola plant contains ingredients that help stimulate healthy nail growth, so it's only natural (pun intended) that 2Be Nail Treatments and Be Nail Lacquers, new to our column, contain Gotu Kola. There are several different products that work on various nail issues, such as weak nails, brittle nails, or nails damaged by tips and chemicals. We tried 2Be Repaired! $10.95 0.5 fl. oz, for thin, weak peeling nails. The products come in voluptuously tapered clear glass bottles with matte, black caps that are easy to grip. We found that 2Be Repaired! was easy to apply, and dried quite fast. We then added two coats of one of literally 69 colors of Nail Lacquer $8.00 in Frost, Crème, Shimmer and Sheer. We tried "Aces High," a super-intensely pigmented, highly shimmered orange red that gleamed metallic-like in the sun, and made a sexy statement on pale to sun-kissed, skin. The polish was smooth and easy to apply, thanks to "DuraFlow" formulas that are high-gloss, have a self-leveling finish. The polish dried to a shiny finish in a flash and five days later, it was still brilliant and chip free. That might also be due to the shiny top coat of Be! Express Accelerated Top Coat $10.95 we added because we hate waiting for polish to dry. This quick-dry accelerator leaves a rock-hard, super-slick finish that "set" within just a minute (no exaggeration). There are plenty of other treatments and nail colors to suit every need, but from what we've seen Be Nail Lacquers and 2Be Treatments are impressive in their quality and performance--and still easily affordable. We hope to review more in future columns. Have you ever looked at a gorgeous woman, or a sexy man, only to look at their hands and discover they're not all that young? Aged hands are an easy giveaway--even if surgery, diet and exercise have kept the rest of the body, fit. Erno Lazlo Intensive Hand Cream with SPF 25 $44.00 3.75 oz. will not only help you have soft, smooth skin, it may keep your hands from giving away your age. This multi-tasking product not only moisturizes, it lightens age spots (another sign of aging) and provides firming protection against photo-aging (that means, the effects of the sun). The very lightly-scented, lightweight cream in a white tube with black flip-top, has a high concentration of shea butter (known for it's moisturizing properties), but it absorbs quickly into your hands, which was our first, happy surprise. We were also happy to learn that this product has a botanical lightening complex (featuring grape, mulberry and saxifraga extracts )that help lighten age spots and smooth out your the "complexion" of your hands' skin. A whopping SPF 25 will help keep the sun's from doing more damage. Finally, something called "forti-pHirm Complex" helps to tone your skin, so it isn't saggy or "creapy." The soothing cream has only the merest scent and isn't the least bit heavy or greasy. We didn't use it long enough to see serious results, but we are confident that with regular use, your hands will look (as the ever-young, Cher sings) like they've "turned back time." Creative Nail Design has all sorts of luxury, pampering products for hands, feet and nails, but they also have body products we think you'll like. Creative Scentsations Hand & Body Washes and Lotions $9.95 8.3 oz, $2.00 2 oz are gentle soaps and soothing lotions packaged in translucent, plastic pump bottles with colorful graphics and they're available in 15 different scents. These cleansers lather nicely and clean without drying out your skin (and even more important consideration in the Summertime). The pampering lotion have Vitamins A and A, plus aloe vera to help heal and moisturize dried-out skin. We tried the "Birch & Mint" scent, a palest-pale green with a "clean" scent that is less minty, and more reminiscent of mountain air (and birches, I suppose). At this price you can go hog-wild, and purchase a basket with travel-sizes or all the available scents (and maybe a full-sized set as well) for a lucky host or hostess to try, offer them to your own weekend guests as a little luxury, or simply find your favorites, and get the full-sized pumps for your own use.
NEW FASHION, FUN & FITNESS ACCESSORIES:
If you wear eyeglasses but don't have lenses that automatically darken, you're constantly switching back and forth between your "indoor" and your "outdoor" lenses. Fussing around in a purse or pocket for that second eyeglass case is a pain! LaLoop has a number of sporty to luxe eyewear accessories to keep your second pair of glasses at-the-ready. One we think is perfect for Summer, is the sporty, inexpensive SportLoop $19.00. This rubberized eyeglass holder features a stretchy, rubberized cord with a circle in the middle where you can loop one earpiece of your glasses. Pop it over your head, and you'll quickly see that what makes this particularly useful is the patented, rotating swivel in the middle, that help your glasses always stay level and in place. The SportLoop comes in a variety of colors--even stripes and checks. It is appropriate for men, women and children. Since it is rubberized, you can take it into the water. This makes it perfect for outdoor sportspeople, and sunbathers, alike. Of course, if you don't wear corrective lenses, lets you keep those classy sunglasses up front and center, where you can pop them on as you wish, while stylishly hanging them around your neck when they're not on your face. SportLoop can also be used to carry virtually anything that has a clip on it, from your MP3 player to our keys. It's so simple...and so cool!
When it's hot outside and you're thirsty for something cool and refreshing, calories count. Bloom Energy Drink $1.99 10.5 fl. oz by Del Monte is a new type of pick-me-up that has only 100 calories, 0 calories from fat, and a bunch of good-for-your-body vitamins (including 100% daily value of Vitamin C and 5 B Vitamins), plus calcium and Vitamin D (for bone strength). It's got something more, too: it's naturally caffeinated with antioxidant rich white tea extract and guarana, providing 74 mg of caffeine per 10.5 oz can, which the press literature says is similar to the boost you get from an average cup of coffee). I tried this when I had been on my feet at a trade show for hours, and while I definitely wasn't bouncing off the walls or having "caffeine shakes," I did feel more focused, and more energized. I really liked this product, not just because it was refreshing when I was hot and tired, but because all three of the lightly carbonated, flavored drinks are really tasty: "Cran- Raspberry, "Mango Passionfruit," and "Wild Berry." The fruit tastes are "authentic," not reminiscent of those overly-sugary "kid stuff" drinks. That's because the ingredients contain real fruit and real fruit juice. There are "body-bennies" too. With 1/2 cup of fruit in each 8 oz serving of Bloom Energy, even women who don't get enough fruit in their diet, can do something good for their bodies, while they perk up their energy level. "
ESSENTIAL BEAUTY AND GROOMING HELPERS:
Summer weather makes hearts melt, but if you're simply hot, chances are you're getting up-close-and-personal with potential body odor, too. It doesn't matter how great your hair or makeup looks, or how chic the outfit, if you, uh...don't smell so hot! Perspiring is a natural activity, but you can't cover all odor up with fragrance. In order to feel fresh and stay dry, the one fashion accessory that is a "must-have" is an antiperspirant/ deodorant. Ban Intensely Fresh Invisible Solid $2.69 2.6 oz is an inexpensive, but highly effective choice. The solid stick has a unique, botanical ingredient called: Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, which helps to reduce odor. In case you're curious how, it inhibits bacteria from releasing components of apocrine sweat from carrier protein. For those who just want to know if it works, yes, it does, and as a bonus, the "invisible" solid won't leave white streaks on your dark clothing. Our reviewers tried these under stress and heat conditions, and stayed dry and fresh no matter what the circumstances--actually, for up to 24 hours. Reviewers liked the cheerful, lime-green packaging with color-coded labels: Lime Green (unscented); Hot Pink (Floral Fusion™ fresh scent with hint of pineapple); Orange (Sweet Surrender-young and fruity); Turquoise (Satin Breeze-fresh citrus with hint of woods *good for men too); and Purple (Shower Fresh™ - light, clean scent *good for men, too). This is such an inexpensive and ordinary item, you might not think the brand matters, but Ban won't let you down...try one and you're likely to be a convert! Oily, shiny skin is not a chic look. Cosmedicine, new to our reviews this column, has just-launched two products that can help deal with adult oily skin problems. Healthy Cleanse for Oily Skin $35.00 5 fl. oz is a clarifying cleanser & toner in one--and you can even use it to remove waterproof mascara. The large pump top dispenses a lightly-foaming facial wash with a slight scent, that easily and thoroughly gets rid of excess oil, dirt, dead skin cells, bacteria, makeup, and other things that can clog skin and cause breakouts. We liked the way our skin felt clean and refreshed, but not tight or dry. Since we didn't have to tone after cleansing, we saved time, and space on our bathroom shelf! You'll be happy to know that this contains salicylic acid to exfoliate pores, and tea tree oil to remove bacteria. There are ingredients to help minimize excess sebum, too. In case you don't know what sebum is, it's the oily substance created by the sebaceous glands and it's main role is to waterproof your skin and hair. Alas, excess sebum is associated with oily skin and acne and on your body, with odor. If you suffer from an excess of sebum, and oily skin, mattifying lotions can help, but they also can sometimes clog pores, or make skin look blotchy. One that we think does a great job is the new, Medi-Matte Oil Control Spray $35.00 2.0 fl. oz . It's a light, clear liquid that you may forget you used, until you check your face in the mirror during the day and realize your face has little or no oily shine on it! The purse-sized spray bottle comes with a locking cap, so you can't discharge it on your bag, and just a few pumps over your face, even if you're already wearing foundation, will refresh your face in the heat and humidity. This little helper also helps to minimize the appearance of pores. It's a bit pricey, but you only need 3-4 pumps at a time of this nice, multi-tasker. Site Unseen Brightening Concealer by Prescriptives is packaged in a chunky, matte silver click-it pen with a brush tip that is wider than the usual. We appreciate this since the teeny-tiny tips of some concealers force us to swipe the brush over and over and over again to cover big flaws on our face. But this concealer doesn't just deal with dark circles and complexion flaws-that would be too ordinary. The creamy, water-resistant concealer has SPF 15 to help protect your skin! It blends easily without fading, shifting or settling into creases but still lets your natural complexion through, so you don't look like you're wearing "putty" instead of looking pretty. Although we didn't use it for the 8 weeks necessary to verify if this product "visibly firms skin and minimizes the appearance of lines and wrinkles," we are already sold on the fact that this portable, easy-to-use, product will do a great job at fixing flaws, while helping to save our skin. Short shorts, baby doll dresses...you don't need excess hair where you don't want it. Waxing is effective but it's expensive and can be painful. Shaving is cheap, but it's a challenge to be smooth and hair-free without nicks or cuts. Chemical hair removers are an option, but they used to be messy and foul-smelling. The 3-5 minutes the cream had to stay on your legs seemed like an eternity. I'm happy to report that Hair Remover Totally Smooth Leg Crème $5.60 5.1 oz by Carefree has made me a happy convert. This product comes in a squeeze tube with a wide, sponge top so you never have to touch the product. The thick cream stays where you put it, and smells slightly floral. When it's time to remove hair, you "shave" it off with a pink, plastic, blade-less squeegee. It's so easy! he product removes hair below the surface, so it is more effective than shaving. I used it for just under three minutes, and had great results (you can leave it on a few minutes longer if your hair is stubborn). My skin felt soft and smooth--and hair-free. What a treat! To help discourage hair growth, there is also Totally Smooth Daily Moisturizer $5.60 which not only makes your legs look and feel wonderful, it helps your hair to feel finer and be less noticeable (with daily use. The pampering, moisturizing cream has aloe, Vitamin E, and other emollients to help keep your skin moisturized for up to 24 hours. If you're a woman, two other places on your body that may require hair removal are your Face and Bikini Line. Carefree Face & Bikini Total Wax Strip Kit $5.60 is an inexpensive way to wax at home. You get 16 double-sided wax strips (* for face, 8 for bikini), a pre-wax lotion to help wax adhere to skin and to soothe with any irritation with lidocaine, and 3 moisture towelettes that remove any wax residue. Simply warm a set of strips in your hand for a few seconds, apply to hair, pull strip off. Reviewers reported good results, although a few admitted they felt a bit of a sting when they pulled off the strips. Whether it's a smooth bikini line you're after, or removal of other hair that everyone sees, waxing helps hair grow in softer and less noticeable over time. A little "sting" is worth all the effort! Sometimes we come across products where the packaging is just as important as the product. Three from Harry D. Koenig & Company, Inc., offer single-serve packages of beauty helpers that are especially nice for travel and tote bag. You'll wonder how you ever did without Smudgees $5.99/20. These individually wrapped, single-use, cotton tipped swabs are pre-moistened with oil, alcohol and fragrance-free eye makeup remover that let you literally swab away smudges from mascara and other eye makeup that has gone a bit, awry. The thin, completely sealed package makes it perfect for a makeup bag, and a must-have no that airline regulations are so stringent. These are affordable, easy to use, and brilliantly effective. If time, tears, or perspiration loosen your eye makeup to the point that you need a touch-up, now you'll always be prepared. And, speaking of prepared, there's nothing worse than realizing you're covered in Fluffy's hair, or there are specks of something on your little black dress or other classy clothes--and you don't even have sticky tape to remove it! Fuzz Off $1.50/15 sheets is an affordable, amazingly easy way to save your style! Inside a slim, 3" square are 15 sheets of lint remover sheets that work just like the "sticky rollers" you probably have at home, but these pull off the cover like "Post-It" notes, one at a time. They are thicker than sticky roller sheets, so you have more control over lint and hair removal, but they are seriously strong. My two cats can sleep anywhere they want, and they love my duvet. They are serious shedders, but just a few sheets of Fuzz Off cleaned got rid of the fur, easily and quickly, with minimum effort. If you have pets, and/or just want to make sure you're always lint and pet-fur-free, a packet of Fuzz Off in your pocket or purse is a must-have at all times. The third little helper we think you'll like for now and especially for travel, is Aroma Wipe $2.00/sachet. Individually wrapped towelettes in cheerful packets of green, red, orange, blue, pink, and lavender are infused with essential oil aromatherapy fragrances, made in Ireland. Whether you're simply hot and tired and need a pick-me-up, or you're sitting next to the smelly passenger from your nightmares, or perhaps in an environment where the atmosphere is less than pristine, you will appreciate the ability to open a packet, remove a scented wipe, rub it over hands, feet, neck, or pulse points, and breathe easier. "Sexy" (rose, ylang ylang); "Tranquil" (lavender and lemongrass); "Breath Easy" (Eucalyptus and tea tree-relieves congestion); "Soothe" (lavender and tea tree-great for achy feet) ; "Harmony" (geranium and bergamot); and "Happy" (mandarin and lime boost your energy level). Blotting papers have been a useful little helper for many, many, years, but there's always room for a "better mousetrap." Clean & Clear Morning Burst Oil Absorbing Sheets $4.99/50 sheets look like many other blotting papers. They arrive in a little, cardboard envelope. Pull one out and press it to your face to blot oil, without messing up your foundation, or leaving a powdery residue. But what makes these a bit different is that th4ey have a citrus scent that acts as a pick-me-up as well as an oil blotter. As you continue to blot, you will be amazed at how much oil actually comes off on the blotting paper. Your face will be a lot less shiny, and since the scent is pleasing and novel, you'll probably be tempted to use them more often, guaranteeing a more matte finish to your face! Get a grip on shine and oily skin with Clean & Clear Morning Burst Shine Control Facial Cleanser $5.99 8 fl. oz bottle and Facial Scrub $5.99 5 oz tube. These oil-free products are directed towards young adults (18-29) who not only want shine control, but a pick-me-up in the morning, but anyone will find these pleasing. You get a cool gel into which tiny gold and green "bursting beads" are suspended. These burst as you lather or exfoliate, gently removing , to gently remove dirt and impurities, while giving you an invigorating, bright, citrus scent. For shine control, lemongrass and fruit extracts also offer astringent properties. If your skin is prone to oiliness, no matter what your age, you'll want to check these, out!
HANDY SUMMER HELPERS FOR HAIR:
We love kits, sets and travel-sized collections not just for their portability, but also because sets like you try an item before you commit to a larger and more pricey purchase of the full sized product, and you also get access to products you might not have otherwise considered. For a Summer host or hostess, or for your guest bathroom, we like the curiously-named Seven Wonders of the Hair World $45.50 by celebrity hair stylist, Mario Russo. This set of 7 of Mr. Russo's hair care products, are beautifully packaged in a lime-green cardboard presentation box with frosted cello cover. The products are nicely nestled into a bed of faux, green "grass" and are all based on the healthful benefits of olive oil. These 2-oz. sample sizes are available in full sized products as well (they are 8 oz bottles, $24.50+). In this sampler set you get: Sky High Shampoo (gives volume without the weight); Gentle Shampoo; Hydrating Conditioner, Once-a-Day Spray (detangler/moisturizer); Miracle Styling Créme (continuous conditioner); Double Strength Gel (shine and long hold); and Finishing Lotion (sealer/de-frizzer), so you'll want to it's not only a fantastic gift, but a good way to sample the products (and be hooked) before you buy the entire line. There are spa and body/bath products as well...we hope to bring you some of those in future columns. In the past, if you changed your mind about your hair color, you had to either wait for it to grow out, or add another color on top of it, possibly making the mistake, even more evident. Then we heard about Color Oops by DeveloPlus. This product washes bad color out of your hair in just 20 minutes only if the color you used was darker than your real color (the product cannot restore pigment that has been chemically removed or bleached out). Anyone who reads this column regularly knows that I (or selected reviewers) try every product personally, in these What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review columns. Having just invested in a superb hair color at the Warren Tricomi Salon that is slightly lighter than my own, I wasn't going to remove it, but I wanted to offer some information about Color Oops in case you are dyed your blonde hair dark, perhaps from a drunken and impulsive desire to emulate Angelina Jolie in her "Goth" stage. Now you're wondering whether bald would look better! I wasn't able to get a lot of information about this new product, but essentially, it chemically lightens your hair again, so after you use Color Oops, if you want to change the shade to your own color, you will still need to re-color your hair. You can re-color the same day if you wish, but we suggest very aggressive conditioning--these are all chemical processes that can dry out your hair. Howver, since these are ammonia and bleach free, if you just can't wait to fix a mistake by letting it grow out, this is an inexpensive way to fix the problem. Color Oops comes in Extra Conditioning (with soy protein and aloe vera) $12.99/1 application and Extra Strength $12.99/1 application. Shine on your face is a fashion don't, but shiny hair is a definite do. Coral Therapy by Rusk is their latest and greatest approach to soft, shiny, tangle-free hair. These products are complimentary to Rusk's Deepshine Line (which we haven't yet reviewed). I love the color of coral (so Summertime perfect) so I instantly gave the packaging a thumbs-up. Graceful, teardrop-shaped plastic bottles with clear pump tops lend glamour to your bathroom and are pretty to look at, as they beautiful your hair. The generously-sized (and nicely priced) Detangling Marine Shampoo, and Detangling Marine Conditioner $16.95/each 16 oz have a combo of natural proteins to strengthen the cortex of the hair, while marine extracts and silicones smooth the outer cuticle. A unique, triple-action system detangles (great for after sports and the beach) and also helps to condition hair and actually improve it with continued use. We also like the fact that these help penetrate and seal hair with UVA/UVB protectors, to keep hair shiny and healthy looking. The coral-tinted liquid smells fresh and lightly fruity. You can actually feel the silicones and conditioners if you touch some to your hands. For more TLC and hair that has been exposed to sun and damage, Marine Nutrient Treatment $14.95 6 oz is a lifejacket in a jar for hair. A bio marine nutrient rich active formula penetrates into hair, Restructuring and strengthening it, no matter what shape your hair is in. Apply this product for only 2-3 minutes, and wash your dry, frizzy, over-processed, damaged, over-parched hair return to soft, silky, and smooth--amazing! My favorite product in this quartet, however, is the Marine Nutrient Shine spray $14.95 5.1 oz. Good for all hair types, this spritz pump spray bottle of highly concentrated silicone is the awesome, instant, beautifier. It adds amazing, super-super-high wattage shine to even the driest and dullest hair, in seconds! It also de-frizzes and silkens, but doesn't weigh hair down. It's the equivalent of a super-shimmery lip gloss on dry lips, and the glamorizer of this column. We don't know how we did without it and now that we know about it, we won't be caught without, again!
Dandruff is a year-round challenge, but when the seasons change, it can act up. Head & Shoulders Shampoo $4.99 14.2 oz has a "Hydrazine" formula with pyrithione zinc that wages war on your dandruff in just one use. It will not only effectively eliminate the flakes everyone sees, but also helps relieve the itch, redness and dryness that makes you uncomfortable (so scratch, and produce even more flakes)! What I really like about the new formula is not only the generous size at a beer-budget price, but the different formulas (there are 8 different ones from extra conditioning to sensitive care, to smooth & silky). We tried Citrus Breeze, a very lightly scented-with-citrus, creamy lotion shampoo that reviewers said left hair soft pleasant smelling, with absolutely no tell-tale chemical scent usually associated with dandruff shampoos (so no will guess you're using one). It also contains six times the moisturizers of non-conditioning shampoos, so the days of dried-out-from-dandruff treatments, are a thing of the past. It may not be the most glam product on the planet, but when you need it, thank heaven's it's available. Herbal Essences Break's Over Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner $2.99/each 12 oz are rich, pearly, lavender-colored, vanilla-y scented products that are pretty to look at, and pleasant to use. The Strengthening Shampoo cleanses thoroughly, and helps to protect hair against future breakage. The Strengthening Conditioner moisturizes and conditions for silky shine. The secret, we can share, is a blend of coco, mango and pearls.....and there's a Leave-in Conditioner $2.99 as well. Whether you hair is damaged (from sun, chlorine, and salt water or chemicals) this Summer or not, these products make you feel pampered...so you'll find them fun to use...and doing so may keep your hair from breaking in the future, so that's a good thing, as well.
About The Works Beauty Reviews: Products reviews are conducted by Alison Blackman Dunham (aka. Advice Sister Alison). In some instances, the review reflects additional opinions of qualified, anonymous reviewers and the term "we" instead of "I" is used in the commentary. Nobody gets financial compensation for reviewing products, and they are not affiliated with the companies mentioned. If you have comments about the column, or if you would like to be considered as a reviewer and can pick up products from the New York area, Email us at: advicesisters@advicesisters.net Special thanks this column to Ariel, Nancy, Bob, and Jess.
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The Advice Sisters are
credited with bringing the advice/information genre, online, in
Marriage and Family Experience: Relationships Changing Society 8th
Edition by Bryan Strong, Christine DeVault, Theodore F. Cohen
(Thompson-Wadsworth,2004).
Get the
right product: There
is a difference between sunblock and sunscreen. A
sunBLOCK creates an
actual barrier that blocks UV radiation. A sunSCREEN absorbs &
deflects the sun's rays. Despite
the look of a golden tan, self-tanners and bronzers do not provide
any protection against the sun's rays, unless an SPF is
specifically mentioned on the bottle. You must apply a
sunblock or sunscreen whether you look tan, or not. There
are sweat and water-resistant types of products as well, but these
still must be re-applied at regularly intervals. Choose what is
right for you, depending upon the environment and activity you're
going to be doing. *Not all sunsafe products are appropriate for
every skin type or condition. The Advice Sisters are providing specific
ingredient information for some products in this column. Many of
these are common ingredients found in most sun products, but we encourage you to read the labels carefully, learn about the
ingredients, and and consult with your doctor if you are unsure
whether a product is right for you.
Read
the label and Use as Directed:
Check the expiration dates, as sun protection products can lose their
efficiency, with age. It is best to toss anything more than six
months old. If any product has changed in consistency or smell, toss
it immediately. A higher SPF will protect your skin longer, but
you will need to apply enough of it, and in all the right places, and
re-apply it as directed. An actual, protective dose of product
is about one full ounce. Some sun-protection
ingredients may take as long as a half and hour to bind with your skin
and properly protect you. Keep in mind that the sun hits
everywhere you are exposed, so don't just apply product on legs, lips,
arms, neck, back, chest & front of body but also where your bathing
suit or pants line is (if you're reaching or bending over), and on
your ears, inside of knees and arms, front and back of feet, and your
hairline (and the exposed areas of your head, if you are bald or
balding).
SunSafe Tips For Men:
Even if you're not really
into skincare, wearing sun protection is essential to avoid skin
cancer and premature aging. Daily shaving opens up your new skin to
sun damage unless you wear a sunscreen or sunblock. Buy a fresh
product (not the one that's been sitting in your drawer since your
last beach vacation 2 years ago) and apply it properly
(enough product to protect yourself). Balding men leave the top
of their heads constantly exposed to the sun, which also causes
flaking, irritation, and redness. SPF sprays give your head a thorough
(but light) coating. Otherwise, wear a hat if
you're going to be outdoors for any length of time.
Other
SunSafe Tips: Sunscreen will protect your skin, but
it won't save you from sunstroke. Don't dehydrate! Drink lots of
water, especially when you're
out in the sun. Wear good sunglasses with protective filters to
help avoid damages to your eyes, headaches, and squinting, which
contributes to wrinkles and crows feet. Check your skin
regularly for unusual moles or
skin changes, and see a dermatologist immediately if you find any. A quick check
could save your life.
Shine on your lips is sexy, but shine on
your face, or breaking through your foundation, is not. Erno
Lazlo Antioxidant Mattifying Complex SPF 15 $64.00 3 fl. oz is
a colorless, oil-free, moisturizing product that works to quench the
shine on normal to very oily skin and it helps protect your skin
from the sun's damaging rays with SPF 15. We love the way this light
lotion in a plastic bottle with black cap (so it's travel-friendly)
conditions oily skin with botanical healers and detoxifiers. while aloe,
cucumber and lemongrass heal, calm and refresh. All that is simply
great, but what you'll really adore is the this products
mattifying effect-- time-released oil control that lasts up to 12 hours.
If you tend to be oily in the T-zone or all over, especially in the
warmer months, this effective product is a definite "must-have" first
step after cleansing and toning. Follow up an SPF foundation such
as Erno Lazlo's Absolute Finish SPF 15 $47.00 (photo), a
classy-looking
marbleized plastic jar of mousse foundation in 8 different shades from
light to dark, that is water-free and air-whipped to the consistency of
a "liquid powder." This formula slides over skin, even skin that's
dry, damaged or irritated, and gives you a medium-coverage, flawless,
matte finish that looks like you had it professionally applied.
Like all Erno Lazlo products, this foundation has some exotic
ingredients that multi-task: Emollient Emu Oil moisturizes without
clogging pores. Advanced fatty acids that mimic those found in skin
offer skin conditioning bennies, but without excess oiliness *A complex
network of powerful antioxidant Vitamins A,C,and E, help protect against
the signs of aging. Of course, the SPF 15 protection means your skin is
getting extra help in looking, feeling, and staying, healthy and safe.
For those who prefer a sheer tint, Erno Lazio Tinted Treatment SPF 15
$38.00 provides sheer color with a sunscreen. The product comes in a
small tube, in "Light, Medium, Tan and Dark". The product is so sheer,
that it will adjust to suit just about every complexion from very light,
to quite dark. Unlike some tinted moisturizing products that can get
oily over time, this silicone-based formula has a "self-regulating"
matrix that releases emollients only where needed. That means your skin
gets the hydration it requires, but without overdosing the spots that
are less dry. An anti-aging, marine collagen Extract also helps
to firm and minimize fine lips, while optical diffusers make
imperfections seem less significant. If you're seeking skin care, sun
protection and a bit of foundation flattering product for your face
without the "made up" look, this is a perfect choice.
The Summer Fever Lip Colour Palette $21.50 by
Clarins is so fabulously pretty to look at, you might be tempted
just to admire it, but once you dip the included, mini lip brush into one or more of
the six, high-shine summer shades, you'll realize your lips look
fabulous, too! Wear each alone, or layer them to suit
your own, unique style. The slim, deep coppery mirrored palette contains two large circles with bi-colored swirls
of peach and apricot, plum and pink that leave lips super shiny and
beautifully tinted. There are also two medium-sized rounds of shimmery
golden peach and shimmery, gold-flecked champagne glosses, and two small circles
of berry and bright pink lip stain. All are silky, luxurious, shiny,
hydrating--everything you want a Summer lip color or gloss t
There's something really exciting about finding a product that provides
a happy surprise. That's how I feel about Bronze Mania Summer
Foundation by Giorgio Armani Beauty. The bronze tube of
cream-to-powder liquid foundation is so creamy and silky, it simply
slides on skin perfectly, providing sheer, smooth coverage that even a
novice can manage. The secret is a special "Micro-fil" formula that
combines lightweight oils and velvety powders for the smoothest
application and finish you'll ever experience. The foundation has
absolutely no scent or residue, dries nearly instantly, stays put, and
remains true to color. You won't think about the fact that you're
wearing foundation again, until you wash it off! The colors are
"sun-kissed" but still subtle: "N0
1" gives palefaces light, golden glow. "N0
2" provides a warmer, deeper glow for deeper complexions or
already-tanned skin.
I
am reminded of that 70's cult drink, the Tequila
Sunrise, when I look at the gradated squares of soft color in the limited
edition, Daylight Cravings Cheek Color $16.00 by Prescriptives.
Beautiful to look at and even nicer to wear, you can't really tell from
the photo that the elegant,
square, shiny silver mirrored compacts hold soft tones of pink and
peach, that offer a little or a lot of translucent color, depending upon
how much you layer on. The super-light, micro-powders seem to
blend effortlessly, even into less than perfect skin, giving it color
and allure. Use the lighter
part for highlight, the deeper for definition or contour, or simply
fluff your soft brush over the entire square, for a pretty, natural
glow.
Dermalogica, founded in 1986 by Jane Wurwand, a
British skin care therapist, thinks good skin care should focus on
results and utility, not ornate packaging and hype. Still, it's the
packaging of the of Solar Defense Wipes with SPF 15 $22.00 15/wipes
that has really excited us. The bright orange, soft-sided,
take-it-anywhere packaging is similar to the types facial cleansers
are now embracing. A re-sealable, sticky pull-tab keeps the
large-sized wipes (the size of a large washcloth) from drying out or
becoming soiled. The soft, disposable wipes contain a generous helping
of 
Trish McEvoy Luxe Moisture Balm SPF 15 $28.00
is not the newest product on the market, but it's one of the
all-purpose best when it comes to easy, portable protection and
a great-for-your-skin formula. SPF 15 helps to protect skin from the
sun's damaging rays, and we know the entire family will like the very
lightly scented, light and comfortable to wear balm that not only
moisturizes and soothes skin, but can be used on lips, face,
elbows--anywhere extra moisture and protection is needed. The
solid balm in it's small, slim, swivel-up packaging is also wide
enough to make it easy to apply to larger areas with one stroke, as
well as small ones. For spot protection, on-the-spot, this is
the perfect choice to pop into a pocket or purse. I use mine
every evening as well before bedtime for smoother, softer lips in the
A.M. 
MD Skincare's Powerful Sun Protection SPF 30 Sunscreen
Lotion $42.00 5 oz. comes in an impressive looking,
coppery plastic bottle with white pump top, but the cutting-edge
product inside is even more impressive. Apparently UVA/UVB rays can do
even more damage than we might have been aware of. It's a bit
complicated, but the basic idea is that heavy metals (particularly
iron and copper) that are found in tap water, sweat, and on your skin
are free radicals themselves, but the presence of sunlight can
energize them further to cause DNA mutation (implicated in skin
cancer, wrinkling, and skin aging). Powerful Sun Protection SPF 30
Lotion contains a metal-encapsulating chelator that provides
more sun protection to skin when it is exposed to the sun’s rays.
Chelators bind with the iron particles and separate them from the skin
to help reduce DNA mutations and collagen breakdown. This product also
contains Lycopenes to diminish damage from the sun’s free radicals,
green tea extract to help reverse sun damage and antioxidants such as
Vitamins A, C and E to provide broad-spectrum sun protection. The
lotion itself is rich and creamy, unscented, and easily absorbed with
leaving a greasy feel. Men and children will find it pleasant to use,
too. You can also get this product in individual packets! Powerful
Sun Protection SPF 30 Sunscreen Packettes $42.00/60 packettes
(photo) make
it ridiculously easy to apply sunscreen anywhere, any time.
These thin, small, square, foil-wrapped packettes are so easy to carry
they'll fit into the tightest jeans or handbag. You no longer
have any excuse to stay unprotected in the sun now that you don't even
have to lug a bottle of sunscreen around with you. We love
these, not just for the cutting-edge technology, but for their
effectiveness. True, individual packettes of sunscreen can be a bit
pricey, but with pre-measured products like this one, we think you'll
be motivated to tuck a bunch into your tote or pocket for the beach,
boating, car travel, etc. If you like the product and you have it
handy, you'll use it In the end, that's the most important
thing. TIP: To get the most out of this product, apply
it daily and at least 30 minutes prior to direct sun exposure. 
In April, we introduced you to
Kim Gellman is a true "mom-preneur." the creator of Artistic
Sensations created her family business in 1996, when she realized
that the types of products she wanted for her own kid's room, weren't
easily accessible. Wisely, she realized that busy moms and dads don't
have a lot of time for shopping, so she set up an easy to access, web
site where shoppers can select and order hundreds of unique specialty
items from dozens of top designers around the country. All of our
products offered are tested for safety and durability. While Artistic
Sensations is really a place to find youth-oriented linens and
furniture, but the whimsical and cheerful designs will appeal to the kid
in you no matter what your age. The 100% cotton, custom made, Taffy
Flip Flops bedding collection (photo), for example, would bring a smile to
anyone's face. it features a quintessential symbol of summer: flip-flops
(with hot pink, yellow, orange and white highlights mixed in). The
Throw Pillow $ $37.00 14" square; $58.00 30" square
with hot pink ruffled border, would be a unique and lighthearted accent
on a guest-room bed, or on outdoor chairs to add color and comfort. Of
course, if you have kids, they'll insist on having their own, too.
As a beauty
and fashion writer, I delighted in Free Gift with Purchase: My
Improbable Career in Magazines and Makeup by Jean
Godfrey-June, Three Rivers Press (paperback reprint) May 2007.
The former Beauty Editor of Elle Magazine, and currently Beauty
Editor of Lucky Magazine, has my dream job. Hers is a world where
every day is a "day of beauty" with hundreds of products to try without
every having to buy. But the author doesn't opine about the glamour of the Paris
collections, plastic surgery, models, or the nifty gifts she stockpiles, but
about
tense office politics and the sort of tediousness that goes along with
the life of a beauty writer/editor. Although she regales readers with glam events, free beauty services, and
(at Elle) a closet of designer duds she could borrow at will, as
in The Devil Wears Prada, she makes it obvious that being a beauty editor is still a job.
Editors attending daytime events must stay late to make up the work, and a backstabbing boss
who doesn't like your style can still fire you "just because." My
own career as a beauty writer isn't quite as sparkling as Ms.
Godfrey-June's (I've never been invited to the Fragrance Foundation's
FiFi Awards and offered a designer gown by my host for the event), but there are moments of real authenticity
about the beauty business that I immediately recognized. My rapt
attention wavered only for a moment, during the chapters droning
on about the author's supposedly unglamorous life in the suburbs, which
seem somewhat irrelevant to a book on beauty. Overall, the book
offers a balanced, amusing view of the life of an Editor, and the beauty
business. This is a fast-paced, fun, Summer read, and a delightful book
to gift your beauty-obsessed hostess with (packaged with a great lipstick,
of course).
The Smart Jewelry Case by Storus is also sold by Butler
Bag as a Butler Bangle $25.00 Whatever you call them,
these plastic, clamshell-type jewelry organizers are a safe and easy way
to stow your rings and things on the road, or just add a neat bit of
order to your home life. The case comes in six colors (silver,
tortoise, blue, teal, purple, and black) and it looks like a chic clutch
purse, but it has a double-sided design. One side is an organizer, with
compartments a bit like the famous
Back in May, I attended (and
Check out our new|
Aveeno: mass market drugstores and retailers nationwide Avon: www.avon.com or call 800-FOR-AVON Ban intensely Fresh: mass market retailers and drug stores nationwide, and drugstore.com Be Nail Products: http://www.beproducts.com/ Biotherm: www.biotherm-usa.com Bloom Energy Drink: (launching initially in Phoenix, Dallas, Houston and Chicago--more markets to follow) Grocery stores and convenience stores Bobbi Brown: http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com and Bobbi Brown makeup counters, and www.sephora.com Bourjois: Bourjois at Sephora.com Burt's Bees: www.burtsbees.com at natural food retailers, and drugstore.com Butler Bangle: http://www.butlerbag.com/bangles.html Carefree: www.Beauty.com mass market drugstores and retailers nationwide Caress Exotic Oil Infusions: food and drug stores, mass market retailers Cargo: www.sephora.com Clarins: www.clarins.com and fine department stores Clean & Clear: www.CleanandClear.com, drugstores and mass market retailers nationwide Clinique: http://www.clinique.com Color Oops: www.developlus.com drug stores, mass market retailers
Comptoir Sud Pacifique: at
www.Beauty.com Cosmedicine: www.cosmedicine.com and www.sephora.com Cover Girl: www.covergirl.com and mass market retailers Creative Nail Designs: www.creativenail.com Dermalogica: www.dermalogica.com DDF (Doctor's Dermatologic Formula): www.ddf.com Sephora, Canyon Ranch, The Delano and Dr. Howard Sobel’s Skin & Spa Cosmetic Surgery Center DIOR Beauty: at Dior beauty counters nationwide (Dior Confidential is exclusive to Bloomingdale's, Saks, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Sephora www.sephora.com Elemis: www.timetospa.com and select Nordstrom stores and www.nordstrombeauty.com Erno Lazlo: www.ernolazlo.com and fine department stores including Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, and Holt Renfrew Frenz...eee (handbag): www.frenzeee.com boutiques, department stores, casino shops, and specialty stores in over 30 states Giorgio Armani Beauty: http://www.giorgioarmanibeauty.com at Giorgio Armani Boutiques, and fine department and specialty stores, Harry D. Koenig & Company (Smudgees, Aroma Wipe, Fuzz Off): www.harrydkoenigh.com for information call 516-599-1776 or 800-645-6503 (outside of NY State), also in select gift, bath and fragrance shopsHead and Shoulders: food, drug and mass market retailers Herbal Essences: food, drug and mass market retailers Kimberly Sayer: www.kimberlysayer.com or call 212-414-7701 Kinerase: www.kinerase.com La Loop: www.laloop.com Lancaster: select specialty stores, Bath and Bodyworks stores, and www.bathandbodyworks.com |
Laura Mercier: http://www.lauramercier,com and fine department stores. Call 888-MERCIER for store locations Linden Leaves: www.lindenleavesusa.com Mangiacotti Florals: www.mangiacottiflorals.com MD Skincare: http://www,mdskincare.com Medicalia: http://www.medicalia.com/ US/Canada Toll Free: 866-314-1975 Neutrogena: mass market retailers and drug stores nationwide, and drugstore.com Olay: www.olay.com www.olay.com and at mass market retailers and drugstore.com Pat Wexler M.D.: www.patwexlermd.com www.bathandbodyworks.com PCA Men: www.pcaskin.com Physicians Formula: drugstore.com and drugstores and mass market retailers nationwide Prescriptives: www.prescriptives.com and major department stores Pür Minerals: www.purminerals.com Rusk: www.RUSK1.com or call 800-USE-RUSK to find a salon or professional beauty distributor Skin Milk: www.skinmilk.com Wal-mart, and drugstore.com Secret Deodorant & Antiperspirant: drugstores and mass market retailers nationwide Sephora Products: Sephora retail stores and www.sephora.com SkinCeuticals: www.skinceuticals.com Suls (fragrance: Selected Saks Fifth Avenue Stores, Ulta stores The Balm: www.sephora.com and www.thebalm.com Trish McEvoy: www.trishmcevoy.com, eLUXURY.com and upscale department stores Youngblood: at medi-spas nationwide
PURCHASING INFORMATION: The Advice Sisters offer this Buying Guide as a service to readers. For information about purchasing or about specific products, please contact the companies directly through the links in this guide. Buying beauty-related products is a personal decision. The products reviewed here should work well for the majority of people but not every product will perform equally well for everyone. For safety's sake, we urge you to be a wise consumer. Get information and use products only as directed, using common sense and basic safety precautions.
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THE ADVICE SISTERS' "What
Works" SHOPPING GUIDE:
