Beauty411

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.

3LAB WW Eye Cream

3LAB WW Eye Cream is a serious anti-aging treatment product, with a cutting-edge formulation based on 3LAB's proprietary age-reversing Nano-Claire GY complex.  Nano-Claire GY is a bio-engineered human growth hormone that works at the cellular level to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Brought to you from the same developers as "h" serum, WW Eye Cream not only firms under eye skin, it stimulates circulation and evens skin tone.  That is important to note if you have dark circles, like I do.  WW Eye Cream also contains additional key anti-aging ingredients such as Portulaca Extract, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that helps to de-puff under eye bags and puffiness; Matriyxl 3000, which stimulates collagen production and Niacinamide, which suppresses melanin and combats UV damage.  Together, you have a multi-tasking product that effectively helps to firm and restore the appearance of the eye area.

I loved trying this product; it's perhaps the richest, most intensely moisturizing and luxurious eye cream I've used.  If you like high-end skincare, 3LAB WW Eye Cream is available at Barneys and Saks Fifth Avenue.  More information on the complete 3LAB skin care line can be found on the 3LAB website.

Creme de la Mer and The Eye Concentrate

Creme de la Mer is a true legend in the world of cosmetics.  Creme de la Mer was developed by Dr. Max Huber, after suffering a horrific accident which left him with severe chemical burns.  Not finding relief through conventional medicine or science, he set out to develop his own remedy.  Twelve years and six thousand experiments later, Creme de la Mer was born. 

At the heart of the Creme de la Mer is the highly potent Miracle Broth.  This formula contains sea kelp, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, lecithin, antioxiandants Vitamins C, E and B12, plus other natural ingredients, humectants and emollients.  The bio-fermentation process for the Miracle Broth takes 3-4 months to complete and although the company is now owned by Estee Lauder, the meticulous bio-fermentation process has remained the same.  In trying out Creme de la Mer, in order to release and activate the ingredients, I took an amount a little bigger than a pea, and warmed it between my fingertips, then pressed the Creme into my skin.  I was worried that the Creme, being a thick and rich moisturizer, would cause my skin to break out, but it didn't at all.  In fact, my skin seemed to drink in the lightly fragranced Creme de la Mer and I noticed softer, smoother and more radiant skin; a healthy glow.  I love the ritual of applying the Creme; it feels very indulgent and luxurious. Creme de la Mer retails at $125 for 1 oz. 

The Eye Concentrate is a new eye treatment containing three forms of the same Miracle Broth as in Creme de la Mer.  The Eye Concentrate contains is formulated with the Original Miracle Broth, a cold-vacuum processed Concentrated Miracle Broth and a time-release Encapsulated Miracle Broth.  What does this Grand Slam of Miracle Broth do for you?  The first response I noted was the very quick resolution of under-eye puffiness.  In addition, I saw a more smooth appearance under my eyes, lessening of dark circles; an overall improvement in the appearance of the undereye area. I have to say, I consider this an excellent eye cream and have no reservations about recommending The Eye Concentrate.  The Eye Concentrate retails at $160.

Both Creme de la Mer and The Eye Concentrate are available online at the LaMer website.  You can also find the LaMer line at select Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Barneys department stores.

3LAB "h" Serum: H for "highly recommended!"

3LAB products are an ideal blend of cutting-edge technology and natural botanicals.  Founded by a team of two renowned chemists and one famous dermatologist, the attention to both science and skincare results is evident. The 3LAB line itself is not a large one; instead it's a well-edited skincare line to match the precise philosophy of the company, which is the use of the highest grade botanical ingredients and state of the art scientific technologies to contest the forces of nature and time.

So let me tell you about my newest, favorite beauty product, 3LAB's "h" serum.  Through a patented process, 3LAB has been able to bio-engineer the functional-equivalent of human growth hormone.  What does that mean in relation to skincare?  Use of the "h" serum, with it's patented nanotechnology delivery system, in essence, increases the rate of skin-cell regeneration, promotes younger-acting and more luminous skin, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  The "h" serum contains potent anti-oxidants (a necessity in an anti-aging product), as well as humectants and other age-fighters.  Does it work?  Does it ever! My skin has never looked better; it is brighter, more radiant.  I apply a small amount (1 pump) in the morning and evening after cleansing my skin.  The "h" serum is not a sticky serum, either.  It's a luxurious light creme formulation that feels good on your skin.  I follow the "h" serum with moisturizer.

The 3LAB "h" serum retails at $200 and the 3LAB line is available at Barneys and Saks Fifth Avenue, although checking both websites, it appears you may need to call the stores directly to order.  In my book, the "h" stands for "highly recommended!"

ReVive Intensite Creme Lustre

ReVive Intensite Creme Lustre is a once a day product for normal to dry skin that counteracts the usual skin aging process by boosting collagen production. To get the benefit of your body's natural restorative state, I would recommend using this as part of your evening skincare regimen.  The ReVive Intensite Creme Lustre is designed to increase collagen production, enzymes gently exfoliate the skin and allow deeper penetration of other ingredients, diminish broken capillaries, rosacea, repair sun damage and sagging skin.  In addition to many active ingredients such as IGF (insulin-like growth factor), enzymes and antioxidants, there are microscopic brighteners that reflect light on the skin's surface to mask wrinkles and imperfections.

This is a rich creme that has almost a mother of pearl glow to it.  While it is for normal to dry skin, if you are on the drier side, you will love this creme.  You will feel its' effects immediately and see results with continued use.  What I noticed in my skin while using a sample size, was a plumping of fine lines, improved firmness and glow.  If you like a high-end skin care line that will enhance your anti-aging regimen, then ReVive Intensite Creme Lustre is a treatment product to try.  There is a sample program on the ReVive website, where after registering, you can request and receive up to 3 complimentary packet samples.  You can find ReVive Intensite Creme Lustre at Barneys, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue. 

REN Grapeseed Jojoba and Shea Butter Body Cream

REN Grapeseed, Jojoba and Shea Butter Body Cream may have a long and unusual name, but bottom line is, it works!  REN means "clean" in Swedish, however this is a UK-based skincare line.  REN does not use skin-irritating ingredients or harsh chemicals, but does use clincally proven bio actives.  Highly nourishing and hydrating, this body cream exceeded my expectations.  Here's how it works:  the shea butter and jojoba oil are rich in triglycerides; this not only improves hydration, but protects the skin against moisture loss.  The polyphenols in grapeseed oil are antioxidants, protecting the skin from free radical damage.  The products are vacuum packed into space-age looking bottles, so the products stay fresh with a minimum of preservatives.  REN is very environmentally and socially conscious.  You can find the REN Grapeseed, Jojoba and Shea Butter Body Cream at Barneys, Sephora or online at the REN website.

Clean Slate Week: Natura Bisse Glyco Extreme Peel

This week I'll be running a special feature on skincare called Clean Slate Week. In this series, we'll be "cleaning the slate" and focusing on exfoliants, because exfoliation is one of the most beneficial treatments to be included as part of an overall skincare regimen.  As a general precaution, if you haven't been exfoliating on a regular basis, before starting with a new treatment, always perform a small patch test before applying.  And because of the fact that through the exfoliation process, new skin cells are exposed, you should make sure you are using a sunscreen daily.

Natura Bisse Glyco Extreme Peel is a chemical exfoliant composed of glycolic acid and other natural AHA's including citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid and tartaric acid.  Delivered in a 25% or 50% concentration, the AHA's in this peel dissolve the glue-like bonds that hold dead skin cells in place on your skin's surface.  This results in smoother, more radiant skin.  This treatment is recommended twice per week (at night) for 6 weeks; then repeated up to 4 times per year.  I applied the Natura Bisse Glyco Extreme Peel to clean skin and left it on for 15 minutes before removing.  You definitely can feel it working and with consistent use, you will see improvement in your skin.  Natura Bisse Glyco Extreme Peel is available at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and Barney's.

Clarins Multi Blush: Fab Find!

Hailed as a "must" for every makeup bag, and I would agree, is this Multi Blush from Clarins.  This blush does it all, providing beautiful color with skin care benefits.  the compact is definitely chic enough that you'll want to pull this out of your handbag for touchups! Clarins Multi Blush formulation contains vitamins A and E, as well as an anti-pollution ingredient, said to protect skin from environmental aggression, dehydration and free radicals.  Whatever.  All I know is I have to have this!  The Clarins Multi Blush is available at Barneys.

Holiday Face: The 411

'Tis the season for last minute, hastily arranged, after work get-togethers.  What do you do?  You're going immediately from the office with no time to spare.  Turn your office face from drab to fab with just a few quick moves.  First, apply Clinique's Up-lighting Liquid Illuminator to your cheekbones and anywhere you need a little extra luminosity.  If you're not comfortable with a liquid, I would recommend the Clinique Fresh Bloom Allover Colour.  Next, touch up your mascara with Cover Girl's Lash Blast, which is getting rave reviews.  Finally, add a red lipstick.  Because red is so dramatic, many women are afraid to try it, which is why I recommend the red Saint (sheer) or Sinner (opaque) line created by Lipstick Queen Poppy King (also available at Barney's), but the brand you choose is up to you.  And there you have it!  Head out feeling fabulous and put-together.  No one will know it took you 3 beauty products and less than 5 minutes!