Beauty411

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.

Exfoliation: Help or Hype?

We read so much about the importance of exfoliation; does it really help improve your skin or is it just hype?  To clarify, there are basically three types of exfoliation, according to New Beauty Magazine:

• Enzyme:  Enzymes derived from papaya or pineapple can be used to exfoliate the skin.  This type of exfoliant is best suited for sensitive or reactive skin, because it dissolves the dead skin cells with the least amount of irritation.  Astara Green Papaya Nutrient Mask is an example of an enzyme exfoliant.

Physical or Manual:  These scrubs utilize beads, particles or other abrasive agents to manually remove the buildup of dead skin cells.  Those with active breakouts, roseacea or otherwise sensitive skin should avoid this type of exfoliation.  Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion is an example of a manual exfoliant.

Chemical:  This type of exfoliation uses acids to remove debris from the surface of the skin, as well as deep in the pores.  Ideal for acne, beta hydroxy acids (look for salicylic acid in the ingredients) loosen the bonds that hold the dead cells together and help avoid clogged pores.  Alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid, are effective as well, and also have anti-aging properties.  The Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser is an example of a chemical exfoliant.

It's not only your face that can benefit from exfoliation.  There are many salt scrubs available that help to keep skin polished on your body.  When skin is properly exfoliated, your makeup looks better, your skin is smoother, moisturizer and other treatment products absorbs better. The bottom line...whether you're trying to prevent acne breakouts or as part of your overall skin care regimen, you should be incorporating an exfoliant.  Read the label carefully to make sure you're getting the best one for your skin type.

Come back Monday for Clean Slate '08, a weeklong skincare feature. Look for product reviews, a giveaway and a special guest reviewer!