Beauty411

L'Oreal Skin Genesis

L'Oreal Skin Genesis is an anti-aging line of products designed to create younger skin "layer by layer".  I was given the opportunity to try a couple of products from the line; the Serum Concentrate and Oil-Free Lotion.  L'Oreal has put advanced technology into this anti-aging line, utilizing Pro-Xylane, an ingredient developed to help strengthen the layers of the skin and Hyaluronic Spheres. 

The Skin Genesis Serum Concentrate is a clear, lightweight formulation.  I applied it daily and after about the third day of use, broke out.  My skin is pretty resiliant, so I waited a few days, re-started, and didn't have further problems.  I haven't used the product to see noticeable results, but based on the ingredients, this should help, over time with increasing moisture retention in the skin and plumping the skin.  That, in turn, would help to minimize fine lines and wrinkes.  I wish the Serum Concentrate was not scented.  Overall, if you're just starting an anti-aging regimen, this might be a product to consider before moving on to more expensive products.

The Skin Genesis Oil-Free Lotion is a product I was anxious to try.  I have combination skin and usually switch out my moisturizer for the summer.  The Oil-Free Lotion uses the same technology and anti-aging ingredients as the Serum Concentrate.  However, my issue with this formula is that there is no sunscreen in it!  To me, there is just no excuse for no sunscreen.  (It should be noted, though that there is a Skin Genesis Lotion with SPF 15--it's just not oil free). I also wish this was non-scented.  The lack of sunscreen and the fragrance were reasons that I wouldn't be using the Skin Genesis Oil-Free Lotion on a regular basis.  There are just too many other products out there that can offer anti-aging benefits and technology, a sunscreen and a reasonable price point.

M LAB Skincare: The Science is Inside

M LAB Skincare comes together in a perfect blend of pedigree, science, ingredients and aesthetics to create a knock-out skin care line that delivers.  So what does that mean?  It means that "M LAB" is the creation of Milbar Laboratories, a cosmeceutical company that creates pharmaceutical grade products for Dermatologists and Plastic Surgeons.  That would be the pedigree part.  The science combines to create a product of clinically active ingredients that target every visual sign of aging.

Each product in the M LAB Skincare line is formulated with a high degree of clinically active ingredients.  That's what I want, as it is an assurance that the product is going to work.  Really work.  Each product insert lists the ingredients, the percent of clinically active ingredients and what effect that has on your skin.  The packaging of the M LAB Skincare products is all black and futuristic looking.  Love that! 

But what you want to know is, what are the M LAB products like and do they work?  I tried the products in the Travel Kit, which is about a 30 day supply.  What I can tell you, is that with daily, consistent use, I did notice positive changes in my skin.  I didn't experience any skin sensitivity to the products. The two best products (and the ones I would purchase from this line) are the anti-aging treatment cream and the anti-aging treatment serum.  The serum is formulated with 74% clinically active ingredients and the anti-aging treatment cream with 68% clinically active ingredients. That's a very high percentage, when the average luxury cosmetics are usually formulated in the 10-20% range. 

M LAB Skincare is available exclusively for purchase at www.mlabonline.com or at Harrods, London.

True Cosmetics Protective Collection

True Cosmetics Protective Collection improves on traditional color cosmetics with the addition of super anti-oxidant Idebenone.  Now your makeup can be more than just coverage; it can offer a defense against the environmental factors that cause premature aging.  The True Cosmetics Protective Collection includes Protective Mineral Foundation (loose and in a compact), Protective Illuminating Concealer, Protective Shadow Primer and Being True Transforming Mineral Mist.

The Protective Mineral Foundation has SPF 17 (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) is different from any other mineral makeup I've previously tried.  It feels different; the texture is silky and glides onto your skin.  I've been using the loose mineral foundation and haven't even been tempted to reach for a liquid.  The coverage is buildable and has been totally non-irritating.  In addition to the sun protection and Idebenone, the Mineral Foundation also contains Green Tea and Vitamin E.  

The Protective Illuminating Concealer comes in a compact with three pans; two colors to blend for a perfect match to your skintone and a neutralizer to mask discoloration and deflect light.  Like the Mineral Foundation, the Protective Illuminating Concealer is formulated with Idebenone, feels great and works equal to my other favorite concealers. In addition to concealing and correcting,  I love the fact that this product is good for my skin.  The Protective Shadow Primer is an excellent shadow base, minimizing creasing and extend shadow wear and durability.  In addition to Idebenone, the Primer also contains Vitamin K, a skin brightener and vitamins A and E. 

For more information on the innovative True Cosmetics Protective Collection or to find a spa/retailer, please check the website.

Sircuit Skin Cosmeceuticals

Sircuit Skin Cosmeceuticals is a different kind of skin care company.  Sircuit Skin blends the best of science and beauty, using 100% all natural ingredients.  What impresses me about Sircuit Skin Cosmecuticals is their goal of raising the bar on what to expect from a skin care product.  They understand that what most consumers want is an uncomplicated daily system that feels great, is easy to maintain, fun to use and works.  Sircuit provides a straightforward description of what the product will do and lists all the ingredients.  That said, Sircuit products are formulated to NEVER contain parabens, preservatives, fillers, fragrances or artificial ingredients and Sircuit is a cruelty-free company.  That is different!

I've been using the Sircuit Skin Cosmeceutical products, including Dream Weaver, which is a night time skin repair treatment; White Out, a brightening eye treatment, Brilliance, which is a serum to reduce hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone and lip balm.  Each bottle lists ingredients and how to use instructions.  I found each product to be excellent and would have no hesitation ordering additional products.  What I appreciate most about this line is their upfront, give-you-all-the-information approach.  The packaging is bright and high-tech.  Mission accomplished! 

You can find the Sircuit Skin Cosmeceutical line at DermStore or for additional availability information check the Sircuit Skin website.  You can purchase individual samples or a  sample set to get a feel for the products, which is what I would recommend. 

REN Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask

REN Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask is a great way to kickstart your skin if you've only got 10 minutes and want to look like you've just had a 1 hour facial.  The REN Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask is a potent formulation of of fruit acids (lactic, glycolic, tartaric and citric) and papain enzyme that exfoliate your skin, stimulate cell renewal and leave it glowing.  It also contains Omega fatty acids to help skin heal and repair.  This mask is recommended for dull, mature and congested skin prone to blemishes and blackheads.  If you've got sensitive skin, however, skip this product.

It's recommended that you use the REN Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask weekly, which is what I've been doing.  After applying a generous amount on your face (you can use your hands, but I prefer using a brush), you can smell the citrus and feel a slight tingling.  You leave the mask on for 10 minutes and then rinse off with warm water.  The payoff?  Gorgeous, healthy-looking skin!  Because of it's consistency, it makes a great skincare treatment for summer. 

I'm a fan of the REN line; I've loved every product I've tried and the Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask is no exception.  You can find the REN line online at Bluemercury, Bliss, Sephora and Space.NK.apothecary.

AMOREPACIFIC Time Response Skin Renewal Gel Creme

AMOREPACIFIC Time Response Skin Renewal Gel Creme is a luxurious anti-aging skin treatment that, when used twice a day, provides the equivalent anti-oxidant power of drinking 15 cups of green tea.  The anti-aging benefits of antioxidants, and in particular, green tea, are well known.  The Time Response Skin Renewal Gel Creme contains EGCG, the most pure and rare form of green tea, 6 year-old Korean Red Ginseng and a host of other anti-aging ingredients. 

So what does this antioxidant cocktail do for you?  In addition to firming, restoring radiance and repairing environmental damage, I have to tell you, I love the light texture and feel of this creme on my combination skin.  It's formulated to be a 24-hour time released treatment and, when used daily, your skin does look and feel hydrated. You can't ignore the Asian aesthetic in the simple and beautiful packaging. 

AMOREPACIFIC, which means "beauty emanates from within" is available at select Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman stores.  For the most complete details on where to find AMOREPACIFIC product line, check the website.

RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30

RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30

offers the latest in anti-aging skincare; a new daily moisturizing product with retinol and SPF 30.  If you've never used a product with retinol in it, the RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30 would be a great product to start with. 

As part of an anti-aging regimen, the use of a retinoid (retinol, tretoinin, Renova, Retin-A) is really the gold standard. The problem is that the retinoid can irritate sensitive skin to the point where a gradual introduction regimen is necessary.  By adding the retinol to a moisturizing base, RoC has decreased that chance for irritation and increased the chances of tolerability.  In addition, because retinoids make the skin more photosensitive, it is a must to use a sunscreen when using a retinoid.  I really like the fact that a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with SPF 30 is in this product.  Well thought out, RoC!

I used the RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30 for about 3 weeks and during that time, I did not experience any skin sensitivity, although I've used retinols in the past.  This product goes on as a thick moisturizer; it applies easily and doesn't leave a chalky appearance that some sunscreens do.  It's certainly an adequate daytime moisturizer, containing Shea Butter, Squalane and Vitamins C & E, and glycolic acid which enhances the benefits of retinol.  In terms of wrinkle reduction, I would say that I noticed slight improvement or softening of lines, particularly on my forehead.  Your results may improve with longer, consistent use.  It goes without saying that daily use of a sunscreen will also help prevent premature aging.  I think this product might be worth considering if you've previously had difficulty tolerating retinol at higher strengths; experienced retinol users that can tolerate higher concentrations would probably do better to stay on their current regimen, unless they like the ideal of one, multi-tasking product.

RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30 is available at drug and discount stores and retails at $19.99 for a 1 oz. tube. 

A few months ago, Nicki at FutureDerm and I collaborated on a joint product review and we're doing that again today.  Make sure to head over to her blog for her review and analysis of RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30.  Are there any other products that you'd like us to review together?  Leave a suggestion in the comments! 

Peter Thomas Roth: Un-Wrinkle Pressed Powder Gets Smart!

Peter Thomas Roth New Un-Wrinkle Pressed Powder…

is it makeup?  A treatment product containing anti-aging peptide technology?  A prop that plays a part in the new Get Smart movie?  All of the above!

 

Skincare innovator Peter Thomas Roth debuts the newest product in the Un-Wrinkle anti-aging line with a triple-milled translucent powder.  The Un-Wrinkle Pressed Powder improves the overall look of the skin by helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines, deep wrinkles and expression lines.  It’s formulated to be non-drying to the skin, and helps to absorb oil to create a soft, matte finish.  The Pressed Powder includes the six powerful anti-aging peptides found in the Un-Wrinkle product line and in addition, includes vitamins A, C and E and mica.

 

The exclusive Un-Wrinkle Pressed Powder compact will be used by Agent 99, played by Anne Hathaway, in a key scene in the upcoming June 20 release of the movie Get Smart.  The Un-Wrinkle Pressed Powder (retail $35) will be available in a special limited edition Get Smart Try Me kit featured on QVC this weekend.  If you haven't tried the Un-Wrinkle line from Peter Thomas Roth, this kit is a great introduction.  I've used the Un-Wrinkle Serum and the Peel Pads and can highly recommend the Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle anti-aging line. 

Sensational Sensai Loose Powder

Move over, Meteriorites...there's a new face power on my vanity and it is sheer perfection. Sensai Loose Powder, made by Kanebo, the Japanese beauty and skincare company, is an extremely fine, feathery-light translucent face powder.  Sensai Loose Powder is a blend of two exclusive powders:  Airy Powder and Weightless Moist Glow Factor.  This light-reflecting blend allows for a smooth, even coverage over foundation for a natural, flawless finish.  I apply the Loose Powder by pressing the puff that is provided onto my skin and then finish blending the powder with a large powder brush.  The puff is very elegant and is made of polyester fibres, which allows for better pickup of the powder and a more even application.  The fine composition of this powder also prevents settling into and accentuating fine lines and wrinkes.

Kanebo Sensai Loose Powder is a luxurious finishing powder that sets your makeup beautifully. The Kanebo Sensai line includes both cosmetics and skincare products.  Kanebo has integrated a special silk technology into their products, allowing for increased moisturizing properties that help to maintain the softness of the skin.  I love the Kanebo Sensai Loose Powder and can really see the difference in quality over other loose powders.  Kanebo Sensai Loose Powder retails at $55.  For more information or to find a Kanebo location near you, please visit www.Kanebo.com.

Wet n Wild: Beauty Benefits on a Budget

Wet n Wild cosmetics, that perennial discount and drugstore favorite, is the newest player in the mineral makeup market.  The Beauty Benefits line has been formulated with Lotus Marine Mineral complex, which offers powerful anti-aging properties.  I tried several products in the line, including the Beauty Brilliance Illuminating Powder (in Cool), the Triple Fusion eye shadow (in Sandy Beach), the Color CorRx eye brightening concealer (Medium) and the Mint Infusions lippie. 

Overall, I was impressed with this line and give it high marks for value and performance. The Beauty Brilliance Illuminating Powder is a pressed powder containing bronze, orchid and neutral powders with a slight shimmer.  I used it as an overall highlighter to add a bit of radiance to my makeup. It gave a nice, soft finish.  And the lotus-embossed design was a nice touch, usually reserved for much more expensive makeup. The Triple Fusion eye shadow is a pan of three coordinated colors that you can use individually or blend.  Not as highly pigmented as other eyeshadows I have, it still wore nicely, especially with a primer underneath. The Color CorRx eye brightening concealer is a corrector, concealer and brightening powder trio to cover dark circles.  The formula applied easily and didn't settle into lines.  The Mint Infusions lippie is infused with peppermint oil and contains UVB protection SPF 15. It gives a high shine without being tacky sticky. Sun protection for your lips doesn't have to be expensive!

You can find the Wet n Wild Beauty Benefits products in select mass market retailers like Wal-Mart and Meijer; for specific where to buy information check the Wet n Wild Beauty Benefits website.