Beauty411

Tinted Moisturizers: Summer Beauty Essential

Tinted Moisturizers are an essential part of my summer beauty routine, especially once the heat and humidity start to increase.  Most beauty companies have incorporated tinted moisturizers into their lines.  It makes sense; as the technology improves, a standalone moisturizer becomes moisturizer plus color plus sunscreen. As our lives become busier and we have less time, a multi-tasking product like a tinted moisturizer becomes a beauty staple.  If you need a bit more spot coverage, use a foundation brush to apply a thin layer of foundation or concealer.

One of my favorites is the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer; I've used it for years.  The Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer has an SPF 20 and is a sheer, easy to apply formula.  I set with powder and it lasts all day.  There is a good selection of shades and also an oil-free version available.   

 LaMer SPF 18 Fluid Tint is a little more pigmented and feels like velvet when you apply it.  As you'd expect from LaMer, the SPF 18 Fluid Tint contains anti-oxidants, light diffusers and seaweed natural humectants to prevent dehydration.  It comes in three shades--light, medium and dark.

Stila has improved on their already excellent tinted moisturizer by doubling the SPF to 30 and making it an oil-free formula. The Stila Sheer Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 Oil Free provides a medium coverage and is a great tinted moisturizer if you need a little more covereage or have combination, acne-prone or oily skin.

Finally, one of the newest tinted moisturizers is from Giorgio Armani.  I haven't tried Face Fabric yet, but if it's anything like the Armani liquid foundation I use (Luminous Silk 5), I'll be impressed.  Giorgio Armani Face Fabric contains SPF 12 and ingredients to allow blending and layering of the product for a perfect finish. 

Is tinted moisturizer a product that you incorporate into your beauty routine in the summer?  What's your favorite? 

L'Oreal Skin Genesis

L'Oreal Skin Genesis is an anti-aging line of products designed to create younger skin "layer by layer".  I was given the opportunity to try a couple of products from the line; the Serum Concentrate and Oil-Free Lotion.  L'Oreal has put advanced technology into this anti-aging line, utilizing Pro-Xylane, an ingredient developed to help strengthen the layers of the skin and Hyaluronic Spheres. 

The Skin Genesis Serum Concentrate is a clear, lightweight formulation.  I applied it daily and after about the third day of use, broke out.  My skin is pretty resiliant, so I waited a few days, re-started, and didn't have further problems.  I haven't used the product to see noticeable results, but based on the ingredients, this should help, over time with increasing moisture retention in the skin and plumping the skin.  That, in turn, would help to minimize fine lines and wrinkes.  I wish the Serum Concentrate was not scented.  Overall, if you're just starting an anti-aging regimen, this might be a product to consider before moving on to more expensive products.

The Skin Genesis Oil-Free Lotion is a product I was anxious to try.  I have combination skin and usually switch out my moisturizer for the summer.  The Oil-Free Lotion uses the same technology and anti-aging ingredients as the Serum Concentrate.  However, my issue with this formula is that there is no sunscreen in it!  To me, there is just no excuse for no sunscreen.  (It should be noted, though that there is a Skin Genesis Lotion with SPF 15--it's just not oil free). I also wish this was non-scented.  The lack of sunscreen and the fragrance were reasons that I wouldn't be using the Skin Genesis Oil-Free Lotion on a regular basis.  There are just too many other products out there that can offer anti-aging benefits and technology, a sunscreen and a reasonable price point.

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.

The Body Shop Bronzers

The Body Shop is the place to go for bronzers this summer, offering some of the best I've seen.  I've been using several products from the bronzing line and can recommend them all.  If you want a gorgeous all-over bronzing powder, you need to check out the Sun Lustre Bronzer.  Not only is the bronzing powder finely milled, it comes in a gorgeous mirrored compact that you'll love pulling out of your purse or keeping on your vanity.  Open the compact up and you see a beautiful embossed floral design in shades of bronze shimmer.  I've been using the Sun Lustre Brush, which is a kabuki-style brush to apply the Sun Lustre Bronzer.  The look is a subtle but pretty golden sheen that gives decolletage and cheekbones a glow. 

I also am a fan of the Body and Leg Shine.  This is a true bronzing stick.  It is lightly fragranced and gives a golden, sexy sheen.  I'd recommend this product for legs--especially if you prefer to not wear hose--and shoulders.  What I like is that applying and removing the Body and Leg Shine is easy.  Body and Leg Shine contains Aloe Vera, so you can use it after shaving. I've also been using the Vitamin E Everyday Summer Face Lotion.  This lotion contains wheat germ oil and vitamin E, along with a self tanning ingredient.  Used daily, you can build up a healthy face tan. The Vitamin E Everyday Summer Face Lotion has a pleasant fragrance and is a good morning moisturizer.

The Body Shop bronzing products are available online or in-store.  For the nearest location, check the store locator. 

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.

Bioelements Vitalization Body Creme

Bioelements Vitalization is a body creme that goes beyond your basic after-shower creme, both in terms of technology, ingredients and benefits.  Technology in a body creme?  Seriously.  Most body cremes don't include peptides and antioxidants usually reserved for anti-aging treatments used on your face.  Bioelements Vitalization is a light, perfect-for-summer body creme that restores radiance, firms and smooths away rough skin.  All that, plus the fresh fragrance of pure botanical oils.  I replaced my usual winter body creme with the Vitalization and what I've noticed is that even hours after applying it, my skin still feels hydrated and supple.

Bioelements products can be found in Bioelements spas nationwide or online at SpaLook.com or DermStore.com.

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.  

Johnson's Melt Away Stress Giveaway!

The package of Johnson's Melt Away Stress products couldn't have come at a better time.  I spent the day, like hundreds of other weary travelers, at O'Hare Airport on Friday, enduring delays and cancelled flights.  When I finally got home and saw the Melt Away Stress products, I grabbed them and ran for my shower!

The first product I tried was the Melt Away Stress 24 Hour Moisturizing Wash.  Containing Aromasoothe fragrance with lavendar and chamomile, I immersed myself in the creamy lather.  I followed up with the Dreamy Night Cream, applying and "breathing deeply" the soft, lavendar fragrance.  Both the Dreamy Night Cream and the Body Lotion are very moisturizing.  The line also includes a Massaging Moisturizer, which is a massage oil.  The entire line has been shown to reduce overall body tension, soothe and reduce muscle tightness and tiredness.  I honestly felt calmer and less stressed out when I went to bed. 

The research shows the benefits of Johnson's Melt Away Stress wash and lotion have been clinically studied and shown to reduce tension by 50% and increase quality of sleep by 30%.  In addition, in a consumer test, women who used the 24 Hour Moisturizing Wash in the shower said they felt as relaxed as if they had taken a warm bath.  Based on my own experience, I can definitely agree with that.  You can find the Johnson's Melt Away Stress line at mass, food and drug retailers nationwide and online at Drugstore.com and Amazon.com.

Enter the Johnson's Melt Away Stress giveaway and receive a giftbag with each of the Melt Away Stress products, by sharing your favorite stress busting tip. 

RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30

RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30

offers the latest in anti-aging skincare; a new daily moisturizing product with retinol and SPF 30.  If you've never used a product with retinol in it, the RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30 would be a great product to start with. 

As part of an anti-aging regimen, the use of a retinoid (retinol, tretoinin, Renova, Retin-A) is really the gold standard. The problem is that the retinoid can irritate sensitive skin to the point where a gradual introduction regimen is necessary.  By adding the retinol to a moisturizing base, RoC has decreased that chance for irritation and increased the chances of tolerability.  In addition, because retinoids make the skin more photosensitive, it is a must to use a sunscreen when using a retinoid.  I really like the fact that a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with SPF 30 is in this product.  Well thought out, RoC!

I used the RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30 for about 3 weeks and during that time, I did not experience any skin sensitivity, although I've used retinols in the past.  This product goes on as a thick moisturizer; it applies easily and doesn't leave a chalky appearance that some sunscreens do.  It's certainly an adequate daytime moisturizer, containing Shea Butter, Squalane and Vitamins C & E, and glycolic acid which enhances the benefits of retinol.  In terms of wrinkle reduction, I would say that I noticed slight improvement or softening of lines, particularly on my forehead.  Your results may improve with longer, consistent use.  It goes without saying that daily use of a sunscreen will also help prevent premature aging.  I think this product might be worth considering if you've previously had difficulty tolerating retinol at higher strengths; experienced retinol users that can tolerate higher concentrations would probably do better to stay on their current regimen, unless they like the ideal of one, multi-tasking product.

RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30 is available at drug and discount stores and retails at $19.99 for a 1 oz. tube. 

A few months ago, Nicki at FutureDerm and I collaborated on a joint product review and we're doing that again today.  Make sure to head over to her blog for her review and analysis of RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30.  Are there any other products that you'd like us to review together?  Leave a suggestion in the comments! 

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