Category Archives: Product Reviews

Got Grease?

Product Review: Klorane Dry Shampoo with nettle, $18 at Klorane.com

My friends with oily hair can’t imagine that I only wash my hair twice a week. It just doesn’t get greasy (even on day 3 or more) but that’s when it starts to feel dirty so I know it’s time for a shampoo. For those with oily hair who spend an awful lot of time sudsing and styling, dry shampoos can be a game-changer!

Klorane’s new Dry Shampoo with nettle, $18 at Klorane.com instantly gets rid of the grease. You simply spray it on the hair, leave it on for two minutes and then brush through for clean, refreshed hair. It contains corn and rice starch (powerful cleansing agents), silica (an absorbant microsphere) and the standout ingredient nettle extract (a sebum regulator). Nettle’s quick oil-controlling power is clinically proven to normalize sebum production after just 3 months of continuous use! How’s that for game changing!

You’ll want to use Klorane Shampoo with nettle, $18 at Klorane.com regularly and switch to Klorane Dry Shampoo with nettle, $18 at Klorane.com between washings.

If you’re like me and your hair doesn’t get greasy, you’ll still want it for its volume-boosting abilities. Use it on clean or dirty hair. A quick spray at the roots plus a quick brush through equals instant va va va volume!!!!

 

Wake up to Better Skin

Product Review: Korres Greek Yoghurt Advanced Nourishing Sleeping Facial, $45 at www.sephora.com.

I’m a superstitious chick so when a good friend of mine whom I hadn’t seen in a while told me how great my skin looked I knew it was only a matter of time before all hell broke loose. Well, wouldn’t you know it, 48 hours later my complexion did a 180. It went from glowing and radiant to ruddy and stressed.  I know it  couldn’t have had anything to do with the sleepless night, dry heat and the delicious chocolate covered salted caramels I’d been consuming. It had to be her comment!

It was the perfect opportunity for me to test Korres Greek Yoghurt Sleeping Facial, said to repair stressed skin overnight. Before trying, I was a bit of a non-believer since it usually takes more than a few days to see a difference with a skincare product but I was willing to give it go. I applied liberally, crossed my fingers and went to bed early. In the morning I was back to bright, fresh, healthy looking skin. Really!

Maybe it works so fast because of the soothing greek yoghurt concentrate or the combination of ingredients that include Tumeric extract, Sunflower Wax, Jojoba oil and Vitamin E. Whatever the reason, I’m just glad it does!

How to Dramatically Improve Your Complexion

Product Review: Ageless Derma Stem Cell and Peptide Anti-Wrinkle Cream, $65 at agelessderma.com

Since I only report on the products I truly believe in I’m happy to inform you I have another great one to share with you.

Ageless Derma’s Stem Cell and Peptide Anti-Wrinkle Cream combines seven powerful and clinically proven anti-aging ingredients for one of the most effective anti-aging creams available without a prescription. Containing plant stem cells as well as special ingredients that mimic the effects of botox and fillers without any injections it greatly diminishes lines and wrinkles (including crows feet!) and improves skin-tone and elasticity for a firmer, smoother, brighter, younger looking complexion.

Powerhouse ingredients:

  1. Argireline reduces the depth of wrinkles in the face, especially in the forehead and around the eyes, by reducing muscle contraction.
  2. Coenzyme 10 is an antioxidant that helps the skin to retain moisture and prevents damage to collagen and elastin production.
  3. Matrixyl 3000 improves skin tone and elasticity.
  4. PhytoCellTec™ Malus Domestica uses the stem cells of a rare Swiss apple famed for its longevity – the Uttwiler Spätlauber – to improve the longevity of human skin cells, protect the skin from UV damage, and assist genes that repair DNA.
  5. Sodium Hyaluronate draws moisture to the skin and maintains the integrity of the barrier function.
  6. Syn®-Coll mimics the body’s mechanisms to produce collagen.
  7. Vialox Powder significantly lessens muscle contraction as an injection-free altnerative to Botox.

To purchase: Ageless Derma Stem Cell and Peptide Anti-Wrinkle Cream, $65 at agelessderma.com

 

 

 

Pucker Up!

Product Review: ChapStick mixstix, $2.99 at Walgreens or www.drugstore.com

If you’ve been reading me for a while you know from an earlier post how surprised I was to fall in love with ChapStick! FYI, I was actually feeling a bit anxious that my limited edition balm in Cake Batter (such an amazing flavor!) was almost gone and then ChapStick’s new mixstixs arrived…whew!

ChapStick has taken it a step further with two-sided lip balms (ie. two different yummy flavors!) that can be worn alone or combined for a third flavor. Choose from Lemon Berry Sorbet, Strawberry Banana Smoothie and Green Apple Caramel, each containing 11 moisturizing ingredients for soft, smooth, deliciously kissable lips for 8 hours.

Though I do apply it throughout the day, my favorite time to use it is bedtime. Hmmmm, not  surprisingly, my husband loves it too!

 

 

You Glow Girl!

Product Review: Pixi Perfection Palette in Lit-Up Lovely, $28 at www.pixibeauty.com

I’ve never been a huge fan of makeup palettes. I usually end up loving one or two shades and when “the chosen ones” are gone, I’m done with it. The second I saw Pixi’s Lit-Up Lovely, I knew that was about to change–I knew I’d used each and every shade and often! All the shades are neutral and sheer (even the darkest ones) so they truly complement all skin tones making it easy to create a variety of different looks with this one palette.

Eyes: There are 16 eye shadows ranging from vanilla to gold, peach, pink, bronze, chocolate and everything in between. They have a nice shimmer to them and can be worn alone or layered. Whether you’re going for a simple swipe of color or anything from pale and icy to dark and smoky, this palette can do it.

Cheeks: The 3 cheek powders are luminous so you’ll want to be stingy, a little goes a long way. Depending on your complexion they can double as highlighters.

Face: The face powders (a highlighter and a bronzer) are more matte and very natural looking. I like the highlighter for subtle contouring and the bronzer for a natural sun-kissed glow.

Pixi Perfection Palette in Lit-Up Lovely will give you a luminous, flawless face. Talk about appropriately named!

 

 

OroGold Rush!

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I recently met Denise Richards, accomplished actress and new face of OroGold Cosmetics. We were at the Grand Opening of NYC’s OroGold  store for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and Q&A session.

I have to admit, I’m a gossip junkie so I was more than excited to meet Denise and ask away…but then I found out I wasn’t allowed to ask any personal questions. What I was allowed to ask her about was beauty. And truth be told, this collaboration might help explain why she looks like she hasn’t aged a bit. Though she credits her looks with a clean, healthy lifestyle, eating lots of fruit, vegetables, olive oil and avocados she also uses OroGold’s skincare products containing pure 24K gold and cutting-edge ingredients. She absolutely raved about the Termica Energizing Mask, $598, which she says “you can actually feel working–you put it on and it heats up your skin and goes to work.” The heating action opens the pores allowing the active Vitamins A, C, E and Algae extract to really penetrate.  Another favorite is the 24K Vitamin C Booster Serum, $198, for instant illumination and anti-aging properties.

There’s no doubt about it, in person Denise is even more stunning than she is in photos…and that’s saying something. She has a glowing complexion and that “it” factor that can’t quite be quantified. The Denise I met seems smart, hard-working, down-to earth, relatable and clearly has very good taste in beauty products. For more information or to purchase, go to www.orogoldcosmetics.com.

 

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Spritzes, Sprays & Mists, Oh My!

Need a facial fix? Want to boost your glow, re-hydrate your complexion or set your makeup? Look no further than a facial spray. They’re full of beneficial ingredients known to remedy whatever ails you.

Caudalie Beauty Elixer, $18 at sephora.com has been a favorite of mine since I first tried it almost fifteen years ago–one spritz instantly wakes up tired skin and leaves it tingling, tightened, refreshed, radiant…I can never have enough of this!

Evian Mineral Water Spray, $14 for 2 at beautybodybath.com is the ultimate multi-tasker. Spray this ultra-fine, pure mineral mist after your cleanser to further remove impurities, before you moisturize to better hydrate or after makeup as a setting spray.

Avene Thermal Spring Water, $18 at dermstore.com is the perfect facial spray for reactive skin. It contains silica and trace elements that soothe, soften and calm irritated, allergic, sensitive and even hyper-sensitive skin. Ideal for facial redness, post-procedure, dry/irritated skin and razor burn.

 

 

Better Skin…Starting Now!

New Product Review: Cane + Austin Miracle Pad, $78 for 60 pads.

If you’ve ever had a peel at an aesthetician or doctor’s office you know what an effective rejuvenating and brightening treatment it is, but the costly series of recommended sessions and flaking experienced for days afterwards might have you thinking twice about doing it again. Thanks to this breakthrough product that rivals in-office procedures you won’t have to.

Last week I attended a beauty event at Space NK, where NY-based renowned dermatologist and dermatopathologist Dr. Craig Austin introduced his Cane + Austin Miracle Pad, a medical grade product for the masses. This pre-treated perfecting pad contains the highest level of buffered Glycolic Acid that you can buy over the counter (20%), antioxidants A, C, E in a phospholipid based liposome, Coenzyme Q10 and Witch Hazel. In layman’s terms this means deeper penetration, maximum exfoliation without irritation, tighter, glowier skin and anti-aging protection from further damage. Simply swipe it over your complexion and within days it will diminish fine lines, lighten pigmentation, decrease pore size, rebuild collagen and increase radiance. Recommended use is morning and night but I highly suggest you build up to that to avoid irritation.

I started using it once every other day and the first few times I noticed a stinging sensation (completely normal). After a few days I switched to once a day and was surprised to see my complexion was already more taut and had found its inner glow again! That was fast…next week I’ll swipe it on twice a day, morning and night.

I know you’ll love Cane + Austin Miracle Pad, available in October, 2013, but if you can’t wait until then to get started try Cane + Austin Retexturizing Treatment Pad, $60 for 60. With a similar formula and 10% Glycolic Acid it’s still very, very effective.

 

Out Damn Spot!!!

Product Review: Osmia Organics Spot Treatment, $20 at osmiaorganics.com

A few weeks ago I received a box of Osmia Organics products and have been waiting for the perfect opportunity to start testing them. Unfortunately for me I had a huge reason to review the Spot Treatment. Fortunately for me Spot Treatment does the trick!

This tiny bottle with the rollerball applicator is chock full of antibacterial essential oils. Lavender, cajeput, lemon, parsley, thyme, cypress and rosemary CO2 immediately go to work and get the healing started. I wish I’d started it a day or two earlier because in one night my pimple was greatly diminished and it didn’t dry out my skin. The next time a spot rears its ugly head, I know what I’ll be reaching for.

(photo courtesy of Osmia Organics)

In Good Hands!

If you knew you could have a gorgeous manicure that would look as great on day 20 as it looked on day 1 wouldn’t you jump at the chance? Sounds like what we all did with gel manicures, that is until we discovered the potential consequences of lengthy exposure to the dangerous UV light that these required. I’m not willing to risk my health for a manicure and there’s no reason you should either.

Lucky for us then that SPANAIL just opened their first overseas shop of Japan’s prestigious salon Nail Quick where their safe Parfait Gel Manicure starts at $50. The process is similar to the usual gel manicure, a base coat followed by two color gel coats, optional sparkles, gems or other art and a topcoat, but each coat of gel is followed by up to only 5 seconds under the touch activated safe LED light instead of way more time under a UV light. I’m ecstatic with my Swarovski crystal studded, super-super-shiny, extra-durable, safe and chip-free-for-close-to-a-month results! Feel free to choose neutral tones (like I did) or get “notice me” nails in bright, fun, extra-creative colors and designs. Make an appointment at SPANAIL, 120 Sullivan Street, NYC. 646-476-3271, www.spanail.net.

If you’re not in the NYC area or are more the do-it-yourself type who’s just looking for beautiful colors with incredible shine I highly recommend SinfulColors’ SinfulShine with Gel Tech. It’s a self-curing polymer formula that’s five times glossier than patent leather! At only $2.99 with 32 shades to choose from you’ll want to snap them all up. Connect with their facebook page or purchase SinfulColors’ SinfulShine with Gel Tech exclusively at Walgreens and walgreens.com.

 

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