Beauty411

Clarisonic Skin Care System for great skin!

The Clarisonic Skin Care System has taken the beauty world by storm and after using one for the past 8 weeks, I have to admit that I'm hooked!  The Clarisonic is the first sonic oscillation face brush that deeply cleanses, stimulates and clarifies the skin.  It's been clinically shown to be 2 times more effective at cleansing the skin than manual cleansing with soap and water.

It was that fact that really interested me, along with the fact that because the Clarisonic cleans so well, your skin is better able to absorb products such as serums and moisturizers.  Good skin care is an investment and I want to make sure I am able to optimize the products that I use.

It's recommended that you use Clarisonic Skin Care System twice a day.  In my experience, I initially had some minor sensitivity, but I changed the brush head from a normal one to one for sensitive skin and have been fine ever since.  Using the Clarisonic, my skin is softer, smoother and I have noticed a significant reduction in pore size.  My skin doesn't feel taut or stripped after using it.  I love the fact that I can charge it up and leave it in my shower.  My recommendation?  Get the Clarisonic for great skin!

The Clarisonic Skin Care System retails at $195 and is available at Nordstrom (stores and online), QVC and online at www.blissspa.com, www.sephora.com, www.saksfifthavenue.com, www.beauty.com and www.clarisonic.com.

New Clinique Turnaround Products- Radiance Peel Once-A-Week System

  
Clinique has introduced three new Turnaround products specifically designed to deliver results similar to dermatological procedures, such as glycolic peels and microdermabrasion.

The new products are:

Turnaround Radiance Peel Once-A-Week System, which is a high performance, two-phase exfoliation treatment that offers the benefits of a professional low level (30%) glycolic peel.  The Turnaround Radiance Peel Once-A-Week System is packaged in a case that holds a two-month supply of eight 3ml. one-time use vials of Radiance Peel and a 15 ml. tube of Calming Cream. ($55)

• Phase 1 is the Radiance Peel, which gently exfoliates dead cells to reveal a more luminous complexion.
• Phase 2 is the Calming Cream, which instantly soothes and calms sensitive, post-treatment skin.

I love the Turnaround Radiance Peel Once-A-Week System.  In my first application, what I did was saturate 2 cotton pads with the solution and applied to my clean face.  You can feel it tingling on your skin.  I waited a minute, then applied the Calming Cream.  Stand back and see the glow!  The Turnaround Radiance Peel Once-A-Week System is recommended for Skin Types 3 & 4 and for skins accustomed to regular exfoliation treatment.  I'm unabashedly hooked--definitely my new Sunday night routine.

Turnaround Instant Facial is a 5-minute pampering mask that combines physical and chemical exfoliation.  This gives your skin the benefits of professional microdermabrasion without the post-treatment irritation.  Gentle enough to use 2-3 times weekly by all skin types.  This product has microexfoliation beads in it, similar to a scrub--but with the conditioning of a mask.  If your skin is too sensitive for the Once-A-Week System, the Turnaround Instant Facial would be a great product to try.  ($36.50)

Turnaround Body Smoothing Cream is a daily moisturizer with intense body treatment benefits; it smooths skin while exfoliating the entire body.  Have winter skin that needs de-flaking?  This is the product you need! For best results, smooth on Turnaround Body Smoothing Cream twice a day.  ($28.50)

The New Clinique Turnaround products are available at Clinique counters nationwide and online at www.clinique.com.

Estee Lauder Time Zone Line and Wrinkle Reducing Moisturizer: Review and Giveaway!

Estee Lauder has introduced Time Zone Line and Wrinkle Reducing Moisturizer; an exciting new product that works on changing the behavior of skin cells. 

By conducting a comprehensive five year Age Measurement Study on hundreds of women aged 20-70, researchers were able to evaluate the factors that affect the way skin looks and behaves.  This data helped researchers create a product that would specifically address aging women's aging concerns--lines and wrinkles. In clinical testing, every woman tested showed a reduction in the look of lines and wrinkles.

In my use of Time Zone Line and Wrinkle Reducing Moisturizer, my first impression was how velvety and luxurious the cream felt.  It has a light, fresh fragrance.  In the dry and dehydrating winter air, my skin has felt very moisturized with no irritation of dry patches.  I definitely like the rich feel of this cream and appreciate that it contains SPF 15.  Because of the sunscreen, I would advise using Time Zone Line and Wrinkle Reducing Moisturizer in the morning, as the last topical treatment (after serum, etc.).  As far as lines and wrinkles, I definitely have seen improvement.

Resolve to reboot your skincare routine!

It's January...time for New Year's Resolutions that most of us don't keep anyway.  Resolve this month to reboot your skincare routine.  Not only will you look better, but healthy skin gives you more confidence.  And that's really a gift that keeps on giving.

This month, Beauty411 will be featuring skin care products that have been tried and tested to bring you optimum results.  And this will be important, because one of the key trends that I saw at Spring Fashion Week was luminous skin.  Healthy, glowing skin was show on virtually all of the runways. 

Want to jumpstart your skin care?  Start 2009 with a clean slate? Then stay tuned, because Beauty411 is the place to find complexion perfection! 

So you don't miss any of the upcoming skincare features, you may want to think about subscribing (free) to Beauty411 in a reader or sign up to get a daily email update.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser and Toner

Kiehl's has recently introduced two new formulas to their skincare line--Ultra Facial Cleanser and Ultra Facial Toner.  These products are companions to the ultra-popular Ultra Facial Moisturizer. 

The Ultra Facial Cleanser is a creamy, gentle, gel formula that cleanses without leaving your skin feeling dry.  It feels luxurious and soothing.  The Ultra Facial Cleanser is made with a unique, sugar-derived foaming agent that cleanses your skin without stripping it of natural oils.  It can be used by all skin types.  My experience with the Ultra Facial Cleanser was no different. It's thick, creamy consistency was easily able to dissolve makeup and thoroughly cleanse my skin without drying it out.   

Unlike other toners that I've tried, the Ultra Facial Toner has a milky texture and is non-astringent (alcohol-free).  I dabbed it on using a cotton pad and it actually feels like you are moisturizing your skin as you apply it.  Both products are formulated with emollients like squalane, Vitamin E, Apricot Kernal Oil, Avocado Oil and Sweet Almond Oil to insure that your skin is left clean, silky smooth and conditioned.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser ($17.50) and Ultra Facial Toner ($15.00) are good, basic skin care products that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend for any skin type.  You can find the Kiehl's Ultra line at their freestanding stores, Nordstrom, Saks, Neiman Marcus and on the Kiehl's website.

Kiehl’s Since 1851 celebrates Earth Day on April 22, 2008, and on that day, the first 50 patrons to return empty Kiehl’s bottles to one of the free-standing stores for recycling will receive a Kiehl’s reusable canvas tote bag that they may use to help reduce their consumption of disposable shopping bags.  One bag per customer, please!   Please visit Kiehls.com to find the Kiehl’s free-standing store (or stores!) near you.

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment exfoliates and conditions your lips like no other product I've tried, which is why it consistently stays on my Holy Grail (and Sephora reorder) list.  It's full of ingredients like blackcurrant oil and grapeseed oil, antioxidants vitamins A, C and E, to cushion, protect and soothe.  Add in sugar to exfoliate and lemon flavoring and you have a classic treatment product for your lips.  In addition to it's conditioning properties, the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment has great staying power and an SPF 15.  Regular use keeps lips in top shape, allowing lipstick to "hold" better.  Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment also comes in the most ingenious screw-on metal tube; the top doesn't come off in your pocket or purse.  Oh sure, I occasionally gripe about the price, but the few times I've tried to be unfaithful, my lips are so tortured that I have to go back for more. If you're looking for an exfoliating treatment for your lips, or just the best darn lip balm out there, give Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment a try.  It's available at Sephora, Neiman Marcus and in department stores.

Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Peel Pads

If you haven't started to incorporate exfoliation into your anti-aging beauty routine, Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Peel Pads are an easy, convenient and non-intimidating way to start.  The ingredients alone were enough to make me try this product:  alpha, beta, gamma hydroxy acids, amino acids, peptides, Vitamins A, C, D and E...it's all in there!  I use the Un-Wrinkle Peel Pads 2-3 times per week (although you could use daily)as part of my evening skincare routine, applying the product to a clean face and then leaving on for a few minutes before washing (neutralizing) off.  The pads feel very similar to a professional peel...you will definitely feel this tingling on your face.  And because I've used Renova off and on, I felt like I should "work up" to the frequency in using these.  If you tend to have sensitive skin, test first. There is enough solution on the pad to also swab your neck and back of hands or decollete. What kind of results can you expect to see?  Smoother, more refined skin, increased radiance, pores minimized.  This product delivers! The Un-Wrinkle Peel Pads have definitely made it onto my Holy Grail list. The Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Peel Pads come 60 to a jar for $45 and are available at Skinstore, Dermadoctor, QVC and in department stores. 

As a special feature, for a more in-depth analysis of this product's ingredients, follow the link to the fabulously knowledgeable FutureDerm's blog.  We are partnering together to review the Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Peel Pads, hoping to give a dual perspective on this product.  Her analysis will be up later today and won't disappoint.  She will provide the reasons you should feel confident adding this product to your skincare routine. 

dr. brandt Microdermabrasion

What's the difference between a $75 exfoliant and a $4 exfoliant?  Maybe the difference between salvaging your skin and savaging your skin. dr. brandt Microbermabrasion at first looks and smells similar to a luxurious moisturizer.  It's only when you apply it to a slightly damp face do you feel the difference.  dr. brandt Microdermabrasion contains pharmaceutical-grade magnesium oxide crystals to polish away dead skin cells and reveal more radiant skin without damaging sensitive skin.  Because dr. brandt Microdermabrasion contains aloe vera, chamomile and green tea--ingredients that calm, sooth and aren't irritating, if you have acne or other skin sensitivies, you should be able to use this product without irritation (although do a patch test first).  Proving that you can exfoliate without irritating.  Is that worth it?  Only you can decide, but I say absolutely. This is one weekly doctor appointment you shouldn't miss! dr. brandt Microdermabrasion is available online and at Sephora, Beauty.com, Skinstore and at department stores, including Nordstrom and Bloomingdales.

Rodial 3 in 1 Body Scrub Review & Giveaway!

Just as in the summer, when we exfoliate our skin so that our self tanner goes on better, winter exfoliation is as important.  The Rodial 3 in 1 Body Scrub can help to remove dead skin cells, improve circulation, stimulate the skin, reduce water retention and enhance the radiance of the skin.  Using a combination of jojoba beads and pumice to soften the skin, dry elbows and legs are smoother (I even use this on the top of my hands), allowing body cream to absorb into the skin better. It is pleasantly scented and your skin feels so soft after using it.  I use this product 2 - 3 times a week to keep my skin in top shape.  Maximize the time in the shower, and give yourself a beauty treatment! Rodial is a UK-based line that enjoys the buzz of A-list celebrities.  A quick online check showed The Rodial 3 in 1 Body Scrub available at  Beautyhabit, Blissworld, Skinstore and Space.NK. 

Giveaway:  For a chance at winning a full size bottle of Rodial 3 in 1 Body Scrub (retail $49), leave a comment to this post.  Winners will be contacted on Monday, Feb. 4th.  Good luck!

Keep reading tomorrow as we review Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion, as Clean Slate Week at Beauty411 continues.

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.