Beauty411

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.

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.

Elemis Spa and Skincare

Elemis is a UK prestige spa and skincare line that is known for creating indulgent, results-driven treatments.  From anti-aging products to skincare and body treatments, the line has been well thought-out, using nourishing and botanical ingredients to provide performance and pampering.

My favorite Elemis product is the Exotic Frangipani Monoi Moisture Melt.  It's one of the most interesting products I've ever used.  It starts as a balm;  what I do is take the bottle in the shower with me, run it under the hot water for a few seconds so that it "melts" the balm.  I then massage the Frangipani Monoi Moisture Melt, which has turned into an oil, into my skin to moisturize and condition dry spots like elbows, ankles and knees.  Like a spa treatment in your home!  I love the fragrance of tropical plumeria flowers--it makes me think of island vacations; a moment of calm before my hectic day starts.

Another favorite product is the new Elemis Pro-Collagen Hand and Nail Cream.  I'm sad to report that my hands are always a mess.  Stress, dry cuticles, weak nails....really take a toll on my hands.  I'm always on the lookout for a rich hand and nail treatment that works.  Not just your average hand cream, this non-greasy, satiny cream targets skin crepiness, sun damage, redness, discoloration, weakened nails and dryness. I've been using the Pro-Collagen Hand and Nail Cream for several weeks now, in the morning and before bedtime and have really seen a significant improvement in my hands and nails (I even got up the courage to wear polish!).  

If you haven't had the opportunity to visit an Elemis Spa, here's the next best thing.  Throughout the month of June, Elemis will offer two for one SpaPod treatments on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  This special offer would entitle you to TWO 30-minute Power Booster Facials for the price of one--ONLY $55. 

In case you’re not familiar, the Elemis SpaPod offers 30 minute Power Booster Facials to rejuvenate the body and skin without having to undress or even take off your eye makeup. The therapies are performed on an Intelligent Massage Chair that measures the length of the spine, takes your body weight, warms the body and delivers a customized massage program using a variety of techniques on the calves, legs, buttocks, back and neck – basically the ultimate quick indulgence.  This SpaPod promotion is available at Bergdorf Goodman and Nordstrom Chicago at the Michigan Avenue, Woodfield and Oakbrook locations. 

All Elemis products are available at select Nordstrom stores, www.nordstrom.com and www.timetospa.com.  

Bobbi Brown Custom Palettes Up Close and Personal

Bobbi Brown has just introduced new custom palettes to her already incredible cosmetics line.  There are two different palette pans available--a three or four-pan palette.  Each palette pan costs $10.  Once you've picked your pan, then you can fill it with the new sleek squares (love!) of eyeshadow or blush.  The idea of customizable makeup is popular and economical.  Buy what you need; no wasted shades or colors that never get used.

So are you dying to know what is in Beauty411's 4-pan palette?  First let me just say that there are new shades of shadow and blush, including shimmers, to accomodate the palettes.  I actually get weak when I think of new Bobbi Brown shadow colors, so you can imagine the angst and drama that ensued when I was at my local BB counter trying to decide *which* colors would go into the palette.  I went with Flesh, Rock and Heather Mauve eyeshadow, along with a Sandstone blush.  Gorgeous colors, all.  It's fun to be able to mix and match colors, group favorites by look; the possibilities are endless.  The shadow and blush colors are also available in new flip-top compacts should you not want to customize a palette.

The new Bobbi Brown custom palettes are available and on-counter now in department stores including Nordstrom.  You can also order online through the Bobbi Brown website.  What colors are going in your palette?

Elizabeth Grant Caviar Rejuvenating Eye Pads

Elizabeth Grant Caviar Rejuvenating Eye Pads are one of my new current obsessions.  Torricelumn is the main ingredient in Elizabeth Grant skincare products and is a blend of skincare actives, including vitamins, proteins, anti-oxidants and botanicals.  It's designed to penetrate the skin, delivering nutrients and allowing them to work at the cellular level.  The main benefits to Torricelumn are as a hydration booster and anti-aging treatment.

I've been using the Elizabeth Grant Caviar Rejuvenating Eye Pads every Sunday night for the past month.  You apply the pads under your eyes once weekly for 15 minutes.  After 15 minutes, you remove the pads and work any remaining product into the skin.  You will be amazed at not only how rested you look, but that the skin looks firmer, smoother and more refreshed.  And the best part?  The results are still noticeable the next morning. I'm totally hooked!  Tuck a packet in your makeup bag when you travel or tuck a box into a new mom's gift bag--trust me, she'll thank you. 

My advice?  Head to the Elizabeth Grant website and place your order for the Caviar Rejuvenating Eye Pads.  Elizabeth Grant Skincare will also be launching on the ShopNBC network on 4/29, 4/30 and 5/1.

Kate Somerville Skin Care

Kate Somerville skincare is a line of products that I've read about and have been anxious to try.  Kate's products are innovative, her committment to skin care is evident and the results speak for themself.  The philosophy of the line starts with the Skin Health Pyramid, which defines and and prioritizes the five fundamental elements for attaining and maintaining beautiful skin.  This is why we buy the products and do the work, right?  You can consult with a Kate Somerville Skin Health Expert by phone (where you can also order samples) or online.  Through a series of questions, a personalized skin care regimen is developed based on your skin type, so that you can get that famous red carpet glow on at home.

I have been using ExfoliKate, which is a dual-exfoliant, meaning it's a combination of an enzyme mask and a physical scrub.  There are natural ingredients, such as papaya and avocado in ExfoliKate.  At first pump of the innovative delivery system, I was surprised at the green color.  But once I applied the product to my cleansed face, waited a couple of minutes and then rinsed, the results were impressive. I actually like to use ExfoliKate when I shower in the morning, where you also get the benefit of the steam to open your pores, which in turn helps your products absorb deeper into the skin. The benefits of using ExfoliKate are immediate--you see results.  This product is a definite keeper.  I also tried a sampler of Kate Somerville skin products and I can tell you that this is a skincare line that I will continue to purchase after the samples run out.  A few of my favorites are the Quench Hydrating Serum, the Deep Tissue Repair and the Nourish Daily Moisture. 

Kate Somerville skin products are available at her famous Melrose Place clinc in LA, on the Kate Somerville website, QVC, Bliss, SpaLook and at Henri Bendel.

Glacial Facial Purifying Mineral Mud Masque: Pure Mud, Clean Skin!

Last night, I finally had some down time and decided to get in a little pampering by trying out the Glacial Facial Purifying Mineral Mud Masque from Alaska Glacial Mud Co.  Am I glad I did!  This masque contains the most mineral-rich and pure glacial clay in the world, further enriched with certified organic botanical extracts that were chosen for their anti-oxidant, anti-aging and moisturizing properties.  Are you thinking spa treatment in a jar?  Read on....

I used the brush to apply the Glacial mud masque to my face, left it on for about 20 minutes and then rinsed off with a warm wash cloth.  After washing it off, I can tell you that the effects on my skin rivaled any facial I've had at a spa.  My skin was pink, glowing and felt so incredibly soft (One day later, I'm still touching my face!).  Glacial Facial Purifying Mineral Mud Masque is gentle and can be used on all skin types as an exfoliator, detoxifier and skin-softener.  The product retails for $34; I would also recommend purchasing the brush for $6 as it makes application easier and your product go further.  Glacial Facial Purifying Mineral Mud Masque is available online at the Alaska Glacial Mud Co. website (be sure to read Lauren's inspiring story, too!), as well as at Amazon, C.O. Bigelow and at Henri Bendel.  This "mud in your eye" comes highly recommended!

Julie Hewitt Cosmetics: Start 2008 with your glam on!

 






Julie Hewett Los Angeles is a sophisticated, well-edited cosmetics line packed with the versatility you would expect from an extraordinary makeup artist. I was fortunate enough to be able to try an assortment of products from the Julie Hewett Los Angeles cosmetics line.  For those who may not recognize her name, Julie Hewett is a makeup artist of over 20 years experience that has worked with, among others, Kate Beckinsdale, Hilary Swank, Nicole Kidman, Annette Bening....all A-listers. She created her line of products to be multi-tasking.  "In a busy world, makeup application should be simple" is Julie's motto. 

I can attest to that, as I've been playing with the Mandy palette; a collection of 2 cheekies (peachie & natural), 1 shimmy (goldie) and 1 liplush (mimi).  At first glance, the Mandy compact is exquisitely packaged.  Upon opening it, I was skeptical that the colors would work on me, but I amazingly, the colors can be mixed and blended to create your own custom colors. I used this palette in a multitude of ways and wasn't disappointed once.  You could throw this in a handbag and go from day to nighttime easily.   I also tried the Coco Noir lipstick and liner.  Coco Noir is a clear brick red lipstick for the "I can't wear red" types.  My favorite product was the Lip Lush (in Harlow).  Not sticky, but incredibly long lasting, this gloss is perfect.  I threw this on with mascara and minimal makeup and got complements all day! I also was able to sample the Ora Mineral Powder, which is formulated from natural pigments, freeze-dried vitamins and plant extracts and applies and feels wonderful on.  Something that sets this line apart from others is that the base to most of the products is Camellia Oil, known for nourishing, moisturizing and protecting the skin.  I loved the Julie Hewett Los Angeles cosmetics line; there wasn't a product I tried that I wouldn't repurchase.  For the best selection, shop the Julie Hewett website.  MioMia also has a nice selection. So go ahead...try a new cosmetics line and start 2008 with your glam on! 

A Whish to Crave

Whish Body Products will change the way you think about shaving.  For real!  Shaving is the last "task" I do in the shower and I hate it. No matter what shaving cream I've tried, no matter how frequently I change razors and/or blades, I still wind up with nicks, cuts and the inevitable razor burn.  I just started using the Whish body products.  My legs have never been so soft and smooth!  The line consists of Shave Crave, which is a luxurious cream that contains natural oils. I have the Lemongrass, which smells heavenly and also soothes muscles and improves skin tone.  The key, according to the Whish folks, is to use the adorable Body Brush (which looks like one my dad used to use, but this one is pretty and feminine!), which actually helps to exfoliate, while the Shave Crave is conditioning.  When you get out of the shower, apply Shave Savour, an aftershave treat for your legs!  I use the blueberry mint for this, and there are essential oils that not only smell great, but really condition the skin.  This is like a spa treatment in the shower.  An added benefit:  the packaging looks pretty enough to leave out (and no rust rings!).  For additional information on the complete Whish line, including where to buy information, visit the website. 

Rave: Infiniti Nano Silver Straightener by Conair

I have been using the Infiniti Nano Silver Tourmaline Ceramic Straightener by Conair on my hair for the past couple of weeks.  When was the last time you heard someone rave about a hair straightener?  I am here to tell you that I am loving it, and yes, there is a difference!  First, let me give you the details.  The mix of tourmaline and silver micro-particles combine to emit frizz-reducing ions and give you shiny, healthy-looking hair with more manageability and less damage.  The iron heats up in 30 seconds and has a wide range of heat settings, which is nice because I have color-treated hair that I want to be able to protect.  The other thing I like, is that it comes with it's own heat protectant pad with a case for storage, which is very convenient.  Honestly I don't think I could part with this straightener. Available online or at Target.