Beauty411

June Jacobs Cooling and Soothing Masque: Beat the Heat!

June Jacobs Cooling and Soothing Masque is to your skin what a mojito is to your psyche...calming, soothing and darn good hydration on a hot summer day!  This gel masque smells so tropical when you open it; but don't be fooled. The June Jacobs Cooling and Soothing Masque is full of ingredients that are on a mission.  It's a beauty treatment packed with fresh botanicals, age-fighting antioxidants and moisture binding ingredients that nourish the skin and leaving it feel silky smooth and revitalized.  More good news:  it's paraben and preservative free and can be used by all skin types.  Sensitive and irritated skins, that means you, too!

The June Jacobs Cooling and Soothing Masque is a gel texture; you can apply to your face (and under eye area to reduce puffiness) with fingertips or a soft brush.  Leave on for 5 to 10 minutes and then rinse off.  This masque has quickly become one of my favorites; it's got that wonderful pineapple smell, you can feel it working, and when you rinse it off, your skin looks fresh and radiant. 

If you've never tried the June Jacobs line before, you're in for a treat with this product. The June Jacobs Cooling and Soothing Masque is available online at June Jacobs, Skinstore and Beauty Exclusive.  For additional retailers, check the June Jacobs website. 

Zia Natural Skincare

Zia Natural Skincare formulations only utilize ingredients that provide a benefit to the skin and that are not harmful. Zia Skin Basics contains a unique blend of vitamins, antioxidants and nutrients formulated to work together to deliver visible results.   More important than ever is the fact that you won't find harsh chemicals, artificial colors or artificial fragrances in the products. The line is all-natural and paraben-free.

I've been using several of the products in the Zia Skin Basics line, including the Moisturizing Cleanser.  The Moisturizing Cleanser is a gentle, soap-free cleanser that removes dirt and makeup without drying your skin; leaving it soft and supple after use.  The Moisturizing Cleanser would be best for someone with dry skin. I've also used the Bamboo Exfoliant.  It's made with rice bran, works gently (can be used daily) and leaves your skin glowing. The Everyday Moisturizer is a good, basic moisturizer; it's non-greasy and light.  The newest product that I tried is the Ultimate Eye Creme, a luxurious blend of mango butter and monoi oil.  This eye cream combines ten age-fighting ingredients, including antioxidants, grape seed, ginko and more, to fight fine lines, improve texture and firm the eye area. 

What I like about Zia Natural Skincare is it's no-nonsense approach, eco-friendly philosophy and good value.  You can find Zia Natural Skincare at health food stores nationwide and online at www.zianatural.com

 

Intelligent Aesthetics Skincare: Smart Skin Care

Intelligent Aesthetics Truth-Based Skin Care is a results-oriented product line that is simple, straightforward and reasonably priced.  The line is founded on values of knowedge, empowerment and transformation.  It's a personalized approach to skin care, based on each woman's skin profile.  You can customize your skin care and select products using an evaluation tool on the Intelligent Aesthetics website. 

There are six skin profiles to choose from:

• Enlighten--For mature skin or environmentally damaged skin.  This is the line I've been using. Packed with antioxidants and lightening agents, I love the refreshing pink grapefruit scent.
• Clear--For acne-prone or irritated skin.  This kit promotes detoxifying and healing and is scented with a special blend of eucalyptus and peppermint extracts.
• Quench--The Quench kit enriches dry skin, including eczema. This line is scented with apple extracts to help reduce redness and irritation.
• Nourish--Designed for those with normal to dry skin, Nourish products are scented with almond, cinnamn and orange extracts.  Nourish also helps to control mild acne.
• Balance--This grapefuit and lemon scented line absorbs oil and reduces excessive oil production.
• Soothe--This line is for those with sensitive skin.  Soothe reduces redness and irritation and is naturally scented with lavendar.

Complete kits contain four basic products, generally a cleanser and skin primer, along with two additional treatment products appropriate to the skin profile.  Products like the Citrus Skin Polisher, can also be purchased separately.  The Citrus Skin Polisher is the #1 seller in the line and it's an excellent exfoliant.  The key ingredient in all of the products is called Synergy IE-6 and is a blend of anti-oxidants Vitamins A, C, E, pomegranate and Canadian Willowherb extracts. 

I've used this line for the past 4-6 weeks and have been really impressed.  Every one of the products I used--the Enlighten Resurfacing Bio-Enzyme Cleanser, Age Management Skin Primer (toner), Radiance Complex and Intensive Skin Brightening Treatment, which is a brightening mask, delivered great results.  I love the fact that the products come in very generous 90 day sizes, are a good value and contain high levels of natural ingredients.  Not only that, if, after 30 days you're not satisfied with the results, Intelligent Aesthetics offers a money back guarantee. If you're looking to try an individualized approach to your skin care, I would suggest giving the Intelligent Aesthetics skin care line a try.  You can get more information on the Intelligent Aesthetics website.

Diana B. Bath & Body Collection

Diana B. Bath & Body products were started with a trip to exotic Morocco and a desire to create something new.  On that trip, the Diana B. Sugar Scrub was born and from that product, an extension into body lotions, bath gels and a new line of facial products. 

The Body line consists of three steps:  Cleanse, Exfoliate and Moisturize.

• Diana B. Bath Gel:  Thick, rich and wonderfully fragrant, you only need a dime-sized amount of Peach Frangipani Flower Bath Gel to work up to enough lather to cleanse and cover your body.  This hydrating bath gel formula contains Aloe Vera, seaweed extracts, Spirulina and chamomile to leave your skin soft and supple.  Can be used in the bath or shower.  Heavenly!
• Diana B. Sugar Scrub:  The signature product of the line and not to be missed.  There are a couple of features that set this sugar scrub apart from other exfoliating scrubs.  First, the amount of product you get...at 21 ounces, the jar is ginormous!  Inside, you'll find a blend of all natural, super-fine sugar and salts mixed with cane sugar syrup and antioxidants.  The scrub doesn't contain oil, yet smoothes and exfoliates your skin to glorious perfection.  And the fragrances?  The Maple Sugar Lychee Nut is fabulous, as is the Green Tea Desert Grapefruit.  If you've got sensitive skin, this scrub is for you.  In addition to being oil-free, it's wax and chemical-free.
• Diana B. Body Lotion:  Thick, hydrating, the scent of Black Fig is intoxicating and crisp; I think this could be a unisex moisturizer.  The body lotion formula contains Aloe Vera, sugar cane extract, marine oils, seaweed, Vitamins E and A, Spirulina and chamomile, so that your skin feels completely moisturized.

Overall, I loved the entire Diana B. collection.  I really feel each product gives you a pampering, indulgent experience.  You can purchase the Diana B. collection online at Orange Blossom Spa, Lucky Scent and Kiss and Makeup Ltd., as well as select spas and stores, including the Studio at Fred Segal, the Wynn Resort in Las Vegas and Henry Bendel. More information on the line can be found on the Diana B. website.

Klean Bath + Body Sugar Body Polish

Klean Bath + Body's Blue Hawaii Sugar Body Polish is like a trip to a tropical island minus the mad rush through the airport and the loss of your luggage.  Seriously, I had the opportunity to try the Klean Blue Hawaii Sugar Body Polish and the first thing you notice when you open the bottle is the incredible tropical fragrance.  Notes of creamy coconut and jasmine immediately transport you to another place. 

I scooped out about a quarter-sized amount of the Blue Hawaii Sugar Body Polish and went to work on my elbows.  The sugar that is used in the Sugar Body Polish has a nice texture and I would consider it to be medium coarse.  It does an excellent job of exfoliating the usual dry areas:  elbows, feet, knees.  Not only does it exfoliate; it leaves your skin smooth and feeling wonderfully soft and moisturized.  I can highly recommend this product!

Klean Bath + Body has a full line of spa products including whipped shea body butters, lotions, solid perfume, body washes, milk soaks and more.  There are a variety of gift options available, including the Scrub Club, a once-a-month gift of a Sugar Body Polish (who wouldn't love that? ).  Klean Bath + Body products are available through the Klean Bath + Body website. 

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.

BioElements Sleepwear Cream

BioElements Sleepwear is an innovative night cream that uses natural ingredients to repair your skin. The ingredients in this anti-aging cream are impressive: topical calcium, time-released retinol, cranberry seed oil and protein peptides.  While you're sleeping, this combination works to rebuild collagen, improve moisture retention, strengthen the skins outer layer and replenish antioxidants. You wake up with skin that is moisturized and rejuvenated.   BioElements Sleepwear Cream has a nice texture to it and is a cream that feels good when you apply it after cleansing. When you apply Sleepwear to your skin, you should lightly warm the cream first, to release it's active ingredients. This is one of my "standby" products that I go back to because it works. If you're looking for a no-nonsense mid-priced anti-aging night cream, consider BioElements Sleepwear Cream.  There is also an Oil Control Sleepwear Cream available.

BioElements Sleepwear Cream is available online at Spalook and DermStore.  In addition, the BioElements line is carried at select salons and spas; for availability check here.

Dr. Michelle Copeland Clay Mask

Dr. Michelle Copeland Clay Mask is an excellent product to add to your skincare regimen, especially if you have oily skin, acne or are interested in a skincare product to help tighten pores.  What I liked about this Clay Mask is the addition of Vitamin C and zinc to stimulate cell renewal and Lipoic acid to restore radiance.  I've been using the Clay Mask on Sunday nights--like a weekly skin appointment--and love how my skin feels after using it.  You apply this mask after cleansing.  It doesn't take long for the mask to dry and then you just wash off with warm water and follow it with a moisturizer.  You can immediately see the difference in your skin.  Noticeable results = good! 

Dr. Michelle Copeland is a plastic surgeon in New York City, who also has training as a biochemist.  Her line of skincare products reflects an understanding of the combination of ingredients necessary to work together to produce results.  Dr. Michelle Copeland Clay Mask retails at $45.

Freeze 24•7's IceCrystals Anti-Aging Prep & Polish and IceCream Double Scoop Moisturizer...Ice, Ice, baby!

Freeze 24•7's IceCrystals Anti-Aging Prep & Polish is a creamy exfoliating treatment that will polish your skin and leave it tingling, to boot.   If you have fine lines, blemishes, hyperpigmentation, or as part of an anti-aging skincare regimen, exfoliating is an essential component.  Finding one with the right consistency and texture is key.  IceCrystals Anti-Aging Prep & Polish uses new technology to produce very fine, uniformly shaped polishing crystals (magnesium oxide) that are encapsulated in a silicone emulsion so as not to irritate skin.  There are tiny green jojoba microbeads that massage skin.  And basil oil to cool, tone and add an herbal fragrance to your experience.  It's a very unique sensation; unlike other exfoliants I've used.  With continued use, Freeze 24•7's clinincal studies showed reductions in age spots, improvements in skin texture, reduction in sebum (oil) content and reduction in appearance of scars.  I used the IceCrystals product every other night for several weeks and liked it more every time I used it.  IceCrystals Anti-Aging Prep & Polish retails for $65.

I also tried the IceCream Double Scoop Intensive Anti-Aging Moisturizer, which I applied directly after using the IceCrystals product.  This is another high-tech product, that not only feels incredible on your skin, but it works.  Here's the 411.  You know I like my products to contain ingredients that deliver results. IceCream Double Scoop Moisturizer contains a combination of anti-oxidants (green tea); argirelene, which, over time, has been proved to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; Myoxinol with Hibiscus Protein seeds, which work to relax muscle cell contraction and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkes; L-Carnosine-another antioxidant that has protective properties against cellular damage.  That's a lot of anti-aging fighters in a rich cream that doesn't feel heavy on your skin.  Expect to see firming of the skin and relaxing of expression line formation.  Don't like those "parentheses" forming on either side of your nose and mouth?  or the dreaded "11"s on your forehead? This is a product that, over time, can work to minimize them.  IceCream Double Scoop Intensive Anti-Aging Moisturizer retails at $105.

Bottom line:  these products are technologically advanced and they work.  Freeze 24•7 products are available at Henri Bendel, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales and other retails including select Bath & Body Works stores.

Juice Beauty....An Apple a Day

Juice Beauty provides a scentsational way to perform a once-weekly exfoliating treatment with the Green Apple Peel.  A hydroxy acid peel comprised of certified organic apple, lemon, grape juices, raw cane sugar and white willow bark, count on the power of nature to improve skin's tone and texture.  The benefits of this type of peel are increased cell turnover leading to more radiant skin. 

This peel comes in two versions:  full strength and sensitive.  There are also try-me sizes of both products available, great for travelling.  The smell is an experience in itself--think crisp, green apples.  When incorporating peels into your beauty routine, you should also make sure to be using a sunscreen daily to protect your rejuvenated skin.  Juice Beauty Skincare is up to 95% certified organic; the highest in the industry. Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel is available on their website, Sephora and at Whole Foods Markets.  Make sure you put some of these apples in your cart today!