europa skin care

Paraben-free cosmetics

noreply@blogger.com (Eva S) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 04:27:00 +0000

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in their report "Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in the Environment: Agents of Subtle Change?" reported that the chemical preservatives called parabens—methyl, propyl, butyl and ethyl (alkyl-p-hydroxybenzoates)—displayed estrogenic activity in several tests. This means that these chemicals mimic your body´s own hormones and can have endocrine-disrupting action when they are rubbed into your body or washed down the drain into your drinking water.

The following cosmetics are paraben-free:

AnneMarie Borlind Natural Beauty
Aubrey Organics Skin, Body & Hair Care Products
Caribbean Pacifics Suncare Products Dr. Hauschka
Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps and all Terressentials products
Earths Beauty Cosmetics
Honeybee Gardens
Kettle Care herbal Body Products
Living Nature Products
Logona Cosmetics
Martina Gebhardt Naturkosmetiks
Natural Solutions-Holistic Beauty&Health
Organic Essentials Skincare (and Nutritional Product)
Organic Excellence Hair Care Products
Real Purity Cosmetics
Restored Balance Herbal Products
Sante Kosmetics
Suki's Naturals

Forms of parabens:
Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Benzyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid, Methyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid, Ethyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid, Propyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid, Butyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid, Parahydroxybenzoic acid and Parahydroxybenzoate.

Vitamin C : the antioxidant powerhouse that truly benefits skin

noreply@blogger.com (Eva S) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 05:04:00 +0000

Research has shown Vitamin C to be the most important vitamin for stimulating the growth of collagen, the protein that gives structure and strength to our skin. As we move through life there is a natural reduction of collagen, which causes skin to wrinkle.

But by stimulating the production of collagen with Vitamin C, this wrinkling can be ameliorated. What’s more, as an antioxidant, Vitamin C can help prevent the overgrowth of melanin in the skin that causes those dark spots which often increase with aging.

Almost 20 years ago, a Duke University scholar published a ground-breaking paper that showed how a form of vitamin C called L-ascorbic acid reduced UVB damage when applied to the backs of hairless pigs. This evidence suggested that photodamage or “sun spots” could be repaired with topical use of vitamin C—and that was big news for anyone concerned with signs of aging! That original paper preceded an impressive and conclusive body of research that has since proven the benefits, stability issues, and usage requirements for vitamin C. Further research (lots of research) continued to show vitamin C’s positive effect on skin, and a bonafide, legitimate skincare craze was born!

Mass market explosion leads to consumer confusion…

As widely used as vitamin C is in cosmetics now, it can get confusing because there are many forms, each with its own name formulated in varying amounts. Here’s what you need to know:

The forms of vitamin C that are proven most stable and effective are: ascorbic acid, L-ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, retinyl ascorbate, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate.
Regardless of marketing hype – there is no one “best” form of topically-applied vitamin C.
A proven range for vitamin C efficacy is between 0.3% and 10%.
All antioxidants, including vitamin C, are vulnerable to deterioration in the presence of air and light. If a product containing antioxidants does not come in airtight, opaque packaging, don’t buy it!

**So what can vitamin C really do?**

Here’s what a well-formulated, stably-packaged product with vitamin C can do for your skin:

Protect skin cells and skin’s support structure from UV-related damage
Improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin
Strengthen skin’s barrier response
Reduce inflammation
Promote collagen production
Enhance effectiveness of peels and microdermabrasion
Lessen hyperpigmentation (at levels of 5% or greater)
Boost the efficacy of sunscreen actives

Now You C It!

From its humble beginnings atop the backs of hairless pigs to the countless studies and research that followed, vitamin C has definitely been shown to be a powerful antioxidant. In her peer-reviewed article “Topical Vitamin C” Dr. Patricia Farris nicely sums up how conclusive research supports the positive effects of vitamin C, stating, “A significant body of scientific research supports the use of cosmeceuticals containing vitamin C. Cutaneous benefits include promoting collagen synthesis, photoprotection from ultraviolet A and B, lightening hyperpigmentation, and improvement of a variety of inflammatory dermatoses.” With the added bonus of carrying a low risk of sensitization (at levels below 10%), vitamin C is a proven, beneficial addition to your skin care regimen.

Vitamin C Ester
Many skincare products contain antioxidants, however, sometimes they can be irritants such as vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid. What few people know is that there are two forms of vitamin C – water-soluble and fat-soluble – with distinctly different properties.

Water-soluble vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
This is the form of vitamin C found in standard vitamin supplements. Although I recommend taking this form of vitamin C as a nutritional supplement, ascorbic acid has some serious drawbacks when used as topical ingredient. It cannot protect cell membranes, nor can the skin maintain adequate levels when we experience oxidative stress, either from internal sources such as poor diet and stress, or from external sources such as sunlight.

Ascorbic acid can also create a powerful free radical known as a hydroxylradical, via a Fenton reaction with iron in the body. It is also irritating to skin and unstable when used in topical formulations.

Fat-soluble vitamin C ester
Unlike the ascorbic acid form, fat-soluble vitamin C ester realizes this essential nutrient’s full potential as an anti-aging agent. It displays greater antioxidant activity in our cells than ascorbic acid does, and performs this vital work at lower doses. In fact, compared with ascorbic acid, vitamin C ester delivers 8 times higher levels of vitamin C activity.

And because vitamin C ester can reside in our cells' fatty membranes, it continuously regenerates the vitamin E depleted by that fat-soluble antioxidant’s ongoing fight against free radicals.

Vitamin C ester also possesses superior ability to stimulate growth of the cells (fibroblasts) that help produce collagen and elastin, the strands of tissue that give the skin its strength and flexibility.

Last but not least, vitamin C ester is also more stable in topical solutions, maintaining its efficacy while it delivers its incomparable benefits. And it does not produce the negative Fenton reaction that occurs when products containing water-soluble ascorbic acid are applied to skin.

DIY facial with Freeman Clay Mask

noreply@blogger.com (Eva S) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 03:06:00 +0000

For your DIY facial: Start with a cleanser, apply the mask and leave it on for twenty minutes and finish with a hydrating lotion. (Do not attempt extractions—if you squeeze breakouts you can make them worse and even cause scarring.) 

Freeman Clay Mask, $3.99

Toxic : Lead in lipsticks

noreply@blogger.com (Eva S) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 17:21:00 +0000

A number of major cosmetic companies seem to feel that lead is an acceptable ingredient for their lipsticks. In fact, the FDA found that the level of lead in many well-known brands had increased since previous tests, with the worst levels being found in Maybelline, L’Oreal, NARS and Cover Girl.

You surely know that lead is an environmental toxin we should avoid—but exposure is more critical with products we apply directly to our skin. As the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics stated, “Lead builds up in the body over time and lead-containing lipstick applied several times a day, every day, can add up to significant exposure levels.” Such accumulation of harmful metals can affect brain function and cause chronic diseases.

Here is a list of the 10 brands and shades that contain the most lead, according the FDA’s study. A full analysis of all 400 varieties is availablehere.

1. Maybelline’s Color Sensation in Pink Petal. (Lead content: 7.19 ppm)

2. L’Oreal Colour Riche in Volcanic. (Lead content: 7.00 ppm)

3. NARS Semi-Matte in Red Lizard. (Lead content: 4.93 ppm)

4. Cover Girl Queen Collection Vibrant Hues Color in Ruby Remix (Lead content: 4.92 ppm)

5. NARS Semi-Matte in Funny Face. (Lead content: 4.89)

6. L’Oreal Colour Rich in Tickled Pink. (Lead content: 4.45)

7. L’Oreal Intensely Moisturizing Lipcolor in Heroic. (Lead content: 4.41)

8. Cover Girl Continuous Color in Warm Brick. (Lead content: 4.28)

9. Maybelline Color Sensational in Mauve Me. (Lead content: 4.23)

10. Stargazer lipstick in shade “c.” (Lead content: 4.12)

FDA Analyses of Lead in Lipsticks – Expanded Survey

The following results for lead content in 400 lipsticks were obtained by Frontier Global Sciences, Inc., under a contract with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The lipsticks were purchased from retail stores between February and July 2010.

Sample #	Brand	Parent company	Lipstick line Shade # Shade	Lot #^a	Lead (Pb)^b (ppm)
1	Maybelline	L'Oréal USA	Color Sensational 125 Pink Petal	FF205	7.19
2	L'Oréal	L'Oréal USA	Colour Riche 410 Volcanic	FE259	7.00
3	NARS	Shiseido	Semi-Matte 1005 Red Lizard	0KAW	4.93
4	Cover Girl Queen Collection	Procter & Gamble	Vibrant Hues Color Q580 Ruby Remix	9139	4.92
5	NARS	Shiseido	Semi-Matte 1009 Funny Face	9DLW	4.89
6	L'Oréal	L'Oréal USA	Colour Riche 165 Tickled Pink	FF224	4.45
7	L'Oréal	L'Oréal USA	Intensely Moisturizing Lipcolor 748 Heroic	FD306	4.41
8	Cover Girl	Procter & Gamble	Continuous Color 025 Warm Brick	9098	4.28
9	Maybelline	L'Oréal USA	Color Sensational 475 Mauve Me	FF201	4.23
10	Stargazer	Stargazer	Lipstick 103 c	180808	4.12
11	Stargazer	Stargazer	Lipstick 103 c	180808	4.06
12	Revlon	Revlon	Matte 009 Fabulous Fig	08262	3.32
13	Sonia Kashuk	Target Corporation	Luxury Lip Color 27 Mauvey	090464_0511 X564A	3.12
14	Avon	Avon	Beyond Color 558 Mad For Mauve	AR01	3.08
15	L'Oréal	L'Oréal USA	Endless 530 Mauve Amour	FD339	2.87
16	Revlon	Revlon	ColorStay 375 Ripened Red	09040	2.84
17	Burt's Bees	Clorox Company	Lip Shimmer d Toffee	1130801	2.81
18	Revlon	Revlon	Super Lustrous Pearl 631 Luminous Pink	09097	2.81
19	Sonia Kashuk	Target Corporation	Luxury Lip Color 27 Mauvey	090464_0511 X564A	2.80
20	Revlon	Revlon	Super Lustrous Pearl 643 Satin Plum	08351	2.77
21	Cover Girl	Procter & Gamble	Continuous Color 595 Iced Plum	5353	2.74
22	Stargazer	Stargazer	Lipstick 101 c	180808	2.71
23	Fashion Fair	Johnson Publishing Company	Forever Matte 8207 Forever Gold	H2	2.68
24	Avon	Avon	Beyond Color 541 Uptown Pink Rose	KL9	2.59
25	Cover Girl	Procter & Gamble	Continuous Color 035 Smokey Rose	8261	2.56
26	Cover Girl	Procter & Gamble	Incredifull Lipcolor 924 Ripe Raspberry	8226S1	2.52
27	Revlon	Revlon	Renewist 130 Mauvellous	08043	2.52
28	Revlon	Revlon	ColorStay Soft & Smooth 200 Natural Cashmere	09233	2.44
29	Cover Girl	Procter & Gamble	Continuous Color 435 Cherry Brandy	5258	2.42
30	Revlon	Revlon	Renewist 010 Naturally Revealing	08077	2.40
31	Cover Girl	Procter & Gamble	Continuous Color 701 Rosy Wine	5102	2.28
32	Lancôme	L'Oréal USA	Color Design Metallic d Work It!	18G101	2.28
33	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Frost d Metal Maven	AC9	2.28
34	Cover Girl Queen Collection	Procter & Gamble	Vibrant Hues Color Q582 Cherry Bomb	7290	2.27
35	Stargazer	Stargazer	Fantasy d Crystal Fuschia	010306	2.27
36	Cover Girl	Procter & Gamble	Continuous Color 575 Really Red	5251	2.26
37	Revlon	Revlon	Renewist 160 Plum Luck	07339	2.25
38	Burt's Bees	Clorox Company	Lip Shimmer d Guava	3000901	2.24
39	Revlon	Revlon	ColorStay Soft & Smooth 360 Pink Indulgence	09141	2.24
40	Avon	Avon	Beyond Color 549 Pink Lemonade	KW9	2.23
41	Cover Girl Queen Collection	Procter & Gamble	Vibrant Hues Color Q430 Toast Of The Town	7297	2.22
42	Almay	Revlon	Hydracolor 545 Pink Pearl	9986-20	2.21
43	Fashion Fair	Johnson Publishing Company	Finishings 8907 Berry Bourgeois	8900-70	2.18
44	Revlon	Revlon	Matte 006 Really Red	09259	2.12
45	Mary Kay	Mary Kay	Creme 014337 Sheer Blush	MT10	2.09
46	Jafra	Jafra Cosmetics International	Ultra Creamy 814 Pure Blush	9233	2.08
47	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Amplified Creme d Show Orchid	AC9	2.08
48	Estée Lauder Prescriptives	Estée Lauder	Colorscope Shimmer 24 Apricot Blossom	A97	2.07
49	Cover Girl	Procter & Gamble	Continuous Color 565 Rose Cashmere	9104	2.00
50	Cover Girl	Procter & Gamble	Continuous Color 015 Bronzed Peach	8345	2.00
51	L'Oréal	L'Oréal USA	Endless 830 Naked Ambition	FD274	2.00
52	Rimmel London	Coty	Lasting Finish 058 Drop Of Sherry	9056	1.98
53	Stargazer	Stargazer	Lipstick 130 c	141207	1.98
54	Mary Kay	Mary Kay	Creme 014346 Garnetfrost	RH11	1.96
55	Avon	Avon	Beyond Color 557 Cantaloupe	KD91	1.95
56	Cover Girl	Procter & Gamble	Continuous Color 565 Rose Cashmere	9104	1.94
57	Maybelline	L'Oréal USA	Color Sensational 335 Get Nutty	FF293	1.94
58	Cover Girl Queen Collection	Procter & Gamble	Vibrant Hues Color Q435 Cherrylicious	7297	1.93
59	Cover Girl	Procter & Gamble	Continuous Color 505 Iceblue Pink	9356	1.92
60	Revlon	Revlon	Moon Drops 260 Heather Frost	2Y1	1.91
61	Clarins	Clarins USA	Rouge Appeal 09 Strawberry Smoothie	HC	1.88
62	Revlon	Revlon	ColorStay Soft & Smooth 225 Pecan Pleasure	09296	1.88
63	Rimmel London	Coty	Lasting Finish 058 Drop Of Sherry	9056	1.88
64	BeneFit	LVMH Perfums & Cosmetics	Pearl LP23 Bold & Beautiful	3L1A	1.86
65	Revlon	Revlon	Super Lustrous Pearl 120 Apricot Fantasy	09154	1.85
66	NARS	Shiseido	Shimmer 1021 Venice	9XAD	1.84
67	Revlon	Revlon	Super Lustrous Pearl 450 Gentlemen Prefer Pink	09069	1.84
68	Almay	Revlon	Hydracolor 510 Rosewood	07005	1.82
69	Mary Kay	Mary Kay	Creme 014343 Mocha Freeze	MT13	1.82
70	Revlon	Revlon	Moon Drops Frost 450 Amethyst Smoke	09328	1.81
71	L'Oréal	L'Oréal USA	Colour Riche 760 Silverstone	FF152	1.80
72	Revlon	Revlon	Renewist 060 Perfect Pastel	07087	1.80
73	Estée Lauder	Estée Lauder	Pure Color 116 Candy	AA9	1.78
74	Maybelline	L'Oréal USA	Color Sensational 465 Madison Mauve	FF340	1.78
75	Cover Girl	Procter & Gamble	Continuous Color 560 Fabulous Fuchsia	9264	1.76
76	Elizabeth Arden	Elizabeth Arden	Color Intrigue Effects 19 Cocoa Bronze Pearl	8KAK	1.76
77	Revlon	Revlon	ColorStay Soft & Smooth 315 Juicy Plum	09257	1.75
78	Revlon	Revlon	Super Lustrous Pearl 420 Blushed	09260	1.75
79	Jafra	Jafra Cosmetics International	Ultra Creamy 815 Pure Ruby	9234	1.74
80	Avon	Avon	Beyond Color 555 Raisinette	LN9	1.73
81	L'Oréal	L'Oréal USA	Endless 520 Eternally Mauve	FF016	1.72
82	Maybelline	L'Oréal USA	Moisture Extreme A78 Wine On Ice	WD1361	1.71
83	Revlon	Revlon	Moon Drops Frost 700 Crystal Cut Coral	07080	1.70
84	Almay	Revlon	Hydracolor 615 Plum Pearl	06340	1.69
85	Gabriel	Gabriel Cosmetics	Color d Copper Glaze	9226	1.69
86	Gabriel	Gabriel Cosmetics	Color d Copper Glaze	9226	1.69
87	L'Oréal	L'Oréal USA	Colour Riche 417 Peach Fuzz	FF324	1.69
88	L'Oréal	L'Oréal USA	Endless 400 Captivating Coral	FE012	1.69
89	NARS	Shiseido	Sheer 1081 Beautiful Liar	8WGD	1.69
90	L'Oréal	L'Oréal USA	Colour Riche 620 Mica	FF135	1.63
91	Maybelline	L'Oréal USA	Color Sensational 205 Nearly There	FF319	1.61
92	Revlon	Revlon	Super Lustrous Pearl 205 Champagne On Ice	09309	1.61
93	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Frost d Bronzilla	AB9	1.57
94	Stargazer	Stargazer	Glitter d Green	0708	1.57
95	Dior	LVMH Perfums & Cosmetics	Rouge Dior 365 VIP Pink	9T03	1.56
96	Revlon	Revlon	Super Lustrous Pearl 520 Wine With Everything	10062	1.55
97	Revlon	Revlon	Moon Drops Frost 335 Copperglaze Brown	08206	1.54
98	BeneFit	LVMH Perfums & Cosmetics	Full-Finish LP83 Sassy-frass	8E2A	1.53
99	Stargazer	Stargazer	Lipstick 104 c	010606	1.53
100	Estée Lauder Prescriptives	Estée Lauder	Colorscope Sparkle 51 Bronze Lustre	A79	1.50
101	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Glaze d Frou	A10	1.49
102	Mary Kay	Mary Kay	Creme 014358 Frosted Rose	RR22	1.49
103	Maybelline	L'Oréal USA	Moisture Extreme 12 Sugar Plum Ice	WB1591	1.48
104	Maybelline	L'Oréal USA	Mineral Power 100 Pink Pearl	FE190	1.47
105	Maybelline	L'Oréal USA	Color Sensational 615 Summer Sunset	FF275	1.46
106	Revlon	Revlon	Super Lustrous Pearl 520 Wine With Everything	10062	1.46
107	Avon	Avon	Beyond Color 551 Peach Daiquiri	KP9	1.45
108	L'Oréal	L'Oréal USA	Endless 500 Undeniably Mauve	FF023	1.45
109	L'Oréal	L'Oréal USA	Endless 740 Really Rose	FF243	1.44
110	Maybelline	L'Oréal USA	Moisture Extreme G280 Mocha Ice	WD1421	1.41
111	Almay	Revlon	Hydracolor 600 Dusk	681B	1.40
112	Avon	Avon	Perfect Wear P003 Forever Pink	SBK01	1.39
113	Mary Kay	Mary Kay	Tinted Lip Balm 025748 Blush	TC26	1.39
114	Colorganics	Colorganics	Hemp Organics d Purple Haze	e	1.38
115	L'Oréal	L'Oréal USA	Colour Riche 805 Golden Splendor	FF364	1.38
116	Stargazer	Stargazer	Lipstick 117 c	180808	1.38
117	Estée Lauder	Estée Lauder	All Day ADL 39 Frosted Apricot	AA9	1.37
118	Maybelline	L'Oréal USA	Mineral Power 250 Chestnut	FE158	1.37
119	Colorganics	Colorganics	Hemp Organics d Purple Haze	e	1.36
120	Estée Lauder	Estée Lauder	Pure Color 1E0 Classic Red	AA9	1.35
121	Almay	Revlon	Ideal Lipcolor 240 Plum	086724-16	1.34
122	Lancôme	L'Oréal USA	Color Fever Shine d Natural Glimmer	18F302	1.34
123	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Glaze d Bubbles	AC9	1.34
124	Clinique	Estée Lauder	High Impact 03 Metallic Sand	B78	1.33
125	Estée Lauder	Estée Lauder	Pure Color 125 Melon	A69	1.32
126	Revlon	Revlon	Renewist 170 Full Bodied Wine	08040	1.32
127	Estée Lauder Origins	Estée Lauder	Flower Fusion 21 Calla Lily	A39	1.31
128	Lancôme	L'Oréal USA	Color Fever d Enticing Rose	18E104	1.31
129	Mary Kay	Mary Kay	Creme 014379 Paradise Pink	MK31	1.30
130	Revlon	Revlon	Moon Drops Creme 585 Persian Melon	08156	1.28
131	Elizabeth Arden	Elizabeth Arden	Ceramide Plump Perfect 27 Perfect Amethyst	9CA	1.27
132	Almay	Revlon	Hydracolor 520 Sienna	651X	1.26
133	Mary Kay	Mary Kay	Creme 014349 Golden	MR26	1.26
134	Clinique	Estée Lauder	High Impact 24 Nearly Violet	AB8	1.24
135	Clinique	Estée Lauder	Long Last Soft Matte 82 Berry Berry	A89	1.24
136	Victoria’s Secret	Limited Brands	Sparkling d Adorned	8345ZA	1.23
137	Almay	Revlon	Hydracolor 520 Sienna	651X	1.22
138	L'Oréal	L'Oréal USA	Endless 300 Crimson Joy	FF203	1.21
139	Chanel	Chanel	Rouge Hydrabase 134 Wild Tulip	0121	1.20
140	Lancôme	L'Oréal USA	Le Rouge Absolu d Beige Cashmere	18F200	1.20
141	Victoria’s Secret	Limited Brands	Heidi Klum Perfect d Exotic Spice	9223ZA	1.19
142	Clinique	Estée Lauder	High Impact 09 Citrus Rose	A89	1.18
143	Lancôme	L'Oréal USA	Color Design Sheen d Vintage Rose	18G203	1.18
144	Revlon	Revlon	Super Lustrous Pearl 300 Coffee Bean	09110	1.18
145	Victoria’s Secret	Limited Brands	Sheer Gloss Stick d Vulnerable	X139	1.18
146	Fashion Fair	Johnson Publishing Company	Lipstick 8091 Crystal Crimson	B3	1.17
147	Iman Cosmetics	Iman Cosmetics	Luxury Moisturizing 004 Paprika	9541	1.17
148	Clinique	Estée Lauder	Different A3 Ice Bloom	B79	1.15
149	Mary Kay	Mary Kay	Creme 014340 Pink Shimmer	RH30	1.15
150	Victoria’s Secret	Limited Brands	Too Faced d Free Love	ABO	1.15
151	Clinique	Estée Lauder	Long Last Soft Shine C2 Heather Moon	A79	1.13
152	Lancôme	L'Oréal USA	Color Fever d Beige Everyday	18DO02	1.13
153	Almay	Revlon	Ideal Lipcolor 210 Coffee	86724-04	1.12
154	Lancôme	L'Oréal USA	Color Design Metallic d Poodle Skirt	18F902	1.11
155	Chanel	Chanel	Aqualumière 74 Como	9601	1.10
156	Stargazer	Stargazer	Fantasy d Crystal Pink	010306	1.10
157	Clarins	Clarins USA	Lip Colour Tint 19 Wild Berry	F5	1.08
158	L'Oréal	L'Oréal USA	Endless 800 In The Buff	FF218	1.08
159	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Frost d Bronze Shimmer	AB9	1.08
160	Avon	Avon	Ultra Color Rich U421 Berry Berry Nice	SKC91	1.07
161	Clinique	Estée Lauder	High Impact 27 After Party	AB9	1.07
162	Lancôme	L'Oréal USA	L‘Absolu Rouge d Champagne	18G101	1.07
163	Revlon	Revlon	Moon Drops Creme 590 Lilac Champagne	08217	1.06
164	Chanel	Chanel	Aqualumière 31 Waikiki	1302	1.05
165	Estée Lauder Prescriptives	Estée Lauder	Colorscope Cream 35 Currant Affair	AC7	1.04
166	L'Oréal	L'Oréal USA	Colour Riche 835 Bronze Coin	FF149	1.04
167	Revlon	Revlon	Beyond Natural 050 Spice	821B	1.04
168	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Frost d Frenzy	A10	1.03
169	Maybelline	L'Oréal USA	Color Sensational 635 Very Cherry	FF341	1.03
170	Stargazer	Stargazer	Glitter d Fuschia	1009	1.03
171	BeneFit	LVMH Perfums & Cosmetics	Silky-Finish LP57 Candy Store	9K1A	1.02
172	Iman Cosmetics	Iman Cosmetics	Luxury Lipstain 203 Rapture	9634	1.02
173	Mary Kay	Mary Kay	Creme 014382 Pink Satin	MV11	1.02
174	Estée Lauder	Estée Lauder	Double Wear DWL 01 Stay Rose	A59	1.01
175	Clinique	Estée Lauder	Butter Shine 441 Adore U	AB9	1.00
176	Lancôme	L'Oréal USA	Le Rouge Absolu d Pink Eclipse	7K016	1.00
177	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Frost d Bombshell	A99	1.00
178	Mary Kay	Mary Kay	Creme 014376 Dusty Rose	MM20	0.97
179	Estée Lauder	Estée Lauder	Double Wear DWL 03 Stay Pinkberry	A79	0.96
180	Lancôme	L'Oréal USA	L‘Absolu Rouge d Amande Sucrée	18G100	0.96
181	Bobbi Brown	Estée Lauder	Metallic Lip Color 1 Baby Peach	AA9	0.95
182	Clinique	Estée Lauder	Different A0 Gingerfrost	A10	0.95
183	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Lustre d London Life	AB9	0.95
184	NARS	Shiseido	Sheer 1078 Manhunt	7FLD	0.95
185	Revlon	Revlon	Super Lustrous Pearl 657 Fuchsia Fusion	09167	0.95
186	Stargazer	Stargazer	Glitter d Pink	0708	0.95
187	Estée Lauder	Estée Lauder	Signature SIG L 10 Radiant Rose	A89	0.94
188	Avon	Avon	Ultra Color Rich U421 Berry Berry Nice	SKC91	0.93
189	Maybelline	L'Oréal USA	Moisture Extreme 310 Plum Sable	WC1871	0.93
190	Rimmel London	Coty	Lasting Finish 170 Alarm	7246	0.93
191	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Baroque Boudoir d Baroque Boudoir	A99	0.92
192	Mary Kay	Mary Kay	Creme 014355 Raisinberry	RF29	0.92
193	Stargazer	Stargazer	Lipstick 111 c	010306	0.92
194	Clinique	Estée Lauder	Long Last Soft Shine 15 All Heart	A89	0.91
195	Lancôme	L'Oréal USA	Color Fever d Rock Icon Fuchsia	7D178	0.91
196	Mary Kay	Mary Kay	Creme 014352 Apricot Glaze	RD19	0.91
197	Maybelline	L'Oréal USA	Color Sensational 325 Cinnamon Stick	FF303	0.91
198	Elizabeth Arden	Elizabeth Arden	Ceramide Plump Perfect 03 Perfect Currant	9AA1	0.90
199	Maybelline	L'Oréal USA	Moisture Extreme 310 Plum Sable	WC1871	0.90
200	Estée Lauder	Estée Lauder	Signature SIG 06 Lush Rose	A88	0.89
201	Maybelline	L'Oréal USA	Moisture Extreme C377 Rose Luster	WD2081	0.89
202	Chanel	Chanel	Aqualumière 37 Ipanema	1501	0.88
203	Estée Lauder	Estée Lauder	All Day ADL 18 Starlit Pink	A10	0.88
204	Clinique	Estée Lauder	Long Last Soft Shine 13 Baby Kiss	A89	0.86
205	Elizabeth Arden	Elizabeth Arden	Color Intrigue Effects 15 Sugarplum Shimmer	K9JA2	0.86
206	L'Oréal	L'Oréal USA	Colour Riche 825 Bronzine	FF236	0.86
207	Mary Kay	Mary Kay	Creme 014334 Berry Kiss	MV04	0.86
208	Clarins	Clarins USA	Joli Rouge 703 Ginger	RU	0.85
209	Chanel	Chanel	Rouge Allure 21 Exotic	2201	0.84
210	Clinique	Estée Lauder	Long Last Soft Shine 15 All Heart	A89	0.84
211	Estée Lauder	Estée Lauder	Signature SIG 31 Spiced Coral	A89	0.84
212	Estée Lauder	Estée Lauder	Double Wear DWL 02 Stay Pink	B49	0.83
213	Mary Kay	Mary Kay	Tinted Lip Balm 025393 Rose	TF23	0.83
214	Clinique	Estée Lauder	Butter Shine 426 Perfect Plum	AB9	0.82
215	Dior	LVMH Perfums & Cosmetics	Addict High Shine 750 Runway Red	9Wo1	0.82
216	L'Oréal	L'Oréal USA	Colour Riche 825 Bronzine	FF236	0.82
217	L'Oréal	L'Oréal USA	Colour Riche 754 Sugar Plum	FF245	0.82
218	Clinique	Estée Lauder	Long Last Soft Shine 63 Pink Spice	AA9	0.81
219	Stargazer	Stargazer	Fantasy d Crystal Cinnamon	010306	0.81
220	Estée Lauder	Estée Lauder	Signature SIG 31 Spiced Coral	A89	0.80
221	Estée Lauder	Estée Lauder	Pure Color Crystal 303 Crystal Pink	AA9	0.80
222	Iman Cosmetics	Iman Cosmetics	Luxury Moisturizing 001 Wild Thing	9BU3	0.80
223	Mary Kay	Mary Kay	Tinted Lip Balm 025395 Apricot	TC30	0.80
224	Lancôme	L'Oréal USA	Color Design Metallic d Copper Desire	18FN11	0.79
225	Bobbi Brown	Estée Lauder	Metallic Lip Color 10 Ruby	AC9	0.78
226	Estée Lauder	Estée Lauder	Signature SIG 07 Rich Berry	A98	0.78
227	Estée Lauder Origins	Estée Lauder	Flower Fusion 04 Marigold	A59	0.78
228	Estée Lauder	Estée Lauder	Signature SIG 63 Divine Red	A68	0.77
229	Burt's Bees	Clorox Company	Lip Shimmer d Champagne	3530901	0.76
230	L'Oréal	L'Oréal USA	Intensely Moisturizing Lipcolor 858 Charming	FD033	0.76
231	Maybelline	L'Oréal USA	Moisture Extreme A55 Orchid Frost	WC3491	0.76
232	Cover Girl Queen Collection	Procter & Gamble	Vibrant Hues Shine Q930 Shiny Parfait	8113U2	0.75
233	Estée Lauder	Estée Lauder	Signature SIG 33 Apricot Sun	A39	0.75
234	Mary Kay	Mary Kay	Creme 014325 Black Cherry	RH24	0.75
235	Clinique	Estée Lauder	Different A4 Angelic	A10	0.74
236	Estée Lauder	Estée Lauder	Signature SIG 15 Woodland Berry	B79	0.74
237	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Slimshine d Rock Out	AB7	0.74
238	Mary Kay	Mary Kay	Creme 014373 Pink Melon	RF27	0.74
239	Lancôme	L'Oréal USA	Color Fever Shine d Simmering	18DD00	0.73
240	L'Oréal	L'Oréal USA	Colour Riche 590 Blushing Berry	FF306	0.73
241	Mary Kay	Mary Kay	Creme 014373 Pink Melon	RF27	0.72
242	Stargazer	Stargazer	Lipstick 115 c	180808	0.72
243	Chanel	Chanel	Aqualumière 98 Grenada	1901	0.70
244	Mary Kay	Mary Kay	Tinted Lip Balm 025396 Poppy	TD01	0.70
245	Rimmel London	Coty	Lasting Finish 180 Jet Set Red	9295	0.70
246	Lancôme	L'Oréal USA	L‘Absolu Rouge d Absolute Rouge	18G200	0.69
247	Lancôme	L'Oréal USA	L‘Absolu Rouge d Absolute Rouge	18G200	0.69
248	L'Oréal	L'Oréal USA	Endless 850 Extreme Spice	FF222	0.69
249	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Satin d Viva Glam II	A20	0.69
250	Elizabeth Arden	Elizabeth Arden	Exceptional 74 Marigold	8PA3	0.68
251	Revlon	Revlon	Super Lustrous Pearl 616 Wink For Pink	09162	0.68
252	Estée Lauder	Estée Lauder	Signature SIG 36 Black Cherry	A99	0.67
253	L'Oréal	L'Oréal USA	Endless 820 Chocolate Obsession	FF216	0.66
254	Victoria’s Secret	Limited Brands	Matte Cream d Siren	76	0.66
255	Rimmel London	Coty	Lasting Finish 038 In Vogue	9279	0.64
256	Mary Kay	Mary Kay	Creme 014361 Toffee	RF19	0.63
257	Revlon	Revlon	Beyond Natural 060 Berry	951	0.63
258	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Glaze d Shitaki	AB9	0.62
259	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Slimshine d Intimidate	A69	0.62
260	Mary Kay	Mary Kay	Creme 014331 Whipped Berries	RH28	0.61
261	Stargazer	Stargazer	Fantasy d Crystal Copper	010306	0.61
262	Estée Lauder	Estée Lauder	Pure Color 1CM Plumberry	A78	0.60
263	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Cremesheen d On Hold	AC9	0.60
264	Mary Kay	Mary Kay	Creme 014367 Tanned	MR08	0.60
265	Mary Kay	Mary Kay	Creme 014385 Hibiscus	MK30	0.60
266	Chanel	Chanel	Rouge Allure 70 Adorable	1801	0.59
267	Chanel	Chanel	Rouge Allure 70 Adorable	1801	0.59
268	Maybelline	L'Oréal USA	Moisture Extreme C410 Plum Wine	FF050A	0.59
269	Avon	Avon	Perfect Wear P203 Enduring Wine	SBB01	0.58
270	Avon	Avon	Perfect Wear P005 Forever Fuschia	SKK91	0.58
271	Chanel	Chanel	Rouge Allure 75 Amusing	1401	0.58
272	Clinique	Estée Lauder	Long Last Soft Shine 08 Golden Brandy	A99	0.58
273	Clinique	Estée Lauder	Different 33 Raspberry Glace	A10	0.57
274	Mary Kay	Mary Kay	Creme 014328 Apple Berry	RK21	0.57
275	Avon	Avon	Ultra Color Rich U101 Instant Mocha	SLG91	0.56
276	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Frost d Angel	A10	0.56
277	Avon	Avon	Ultra Color Rich U2 Wink	SJF91	0.55
278	Maybelline	L'Oréal USA	Mineral Power 350 Plum Wine	FE184	0.55
279	Estée Lauder Prescriptives	Estée Lauder	Lipshine 09 Sunkissed	A69	0.54
280	Chanel	Chanel	Rouge Allure 14 Passion	2201	0.53
281	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Glaze d Riveting	AC9	0.53
282	Clarins	Clarins USA	Joli Rouge Perfect 700 Cedar Red	6N	0.52
283	Clinique	Estée Lauder	Butter Shine 414 Fresh Watermelon	AA9	0.52
284	Lancôme	L'Oréal USA	L'Absolu Rouge d Rose Mythique	18G101	0.52
285	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Lustre d Milan Mode	AC8	0.52
286	Maybelline	L'Oréal USA	Moisture Extreme E190 Royal Red	FE354A	0.52
287	Lancôme	L'Oréal USA	L'Absolu Rouge d Rich Cashmere	18G101	0.51
288	Chanel	Chanel	Rouge Allure 10 Attitude	1001	0.50
289	Estée Lauder	Estée Lauder	Pure Color Crystal 91 Elizabeth Pink	A89	0.50
290	Estée Lauder	Estée Lauder	Pure Color Crystal 306 Crystal Rose	A79	0.50
291	Avon	Avon	Perfect Wear P304 Sunkissed Ginger	SBC91	0.49
292	Cover Girl Queen Collection	Procter & Gamble	Vibrant Hues Shine Q920 Shiny Port Wine	8170U2	0.49
293	BeneFit	LVMH Perfums & Cosmetics	Full-Finish LP84 Do Tell	8F1A	0.48
294	Estée Lauder Prescriptives	Estée Lauder	Lipshine 06 Raspberry Ice	A49	0.48
295	Avon	Avon	Ultra Color Rich U206 Wineberry	SJL91	0.47
296	Iman Cosmetics	Iman Cosmetics	Luxury Moisturizing 006 Black Brandy	8AK1	0.47
297	Wet 'n' Wild	Markwins International	Mega Last Lip Color 901B Think Pink	931201	0.47
298	Clinique	Estée Lauder	Different A5 Heartfelt	A10	0.46
299	Estée Lauder	Estée Lauder	Pure Color Crystal 3C8 Crystal Beige	B48	0.45
300	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Lustre d Sophisto	AC9	0.45
301	Revlon	Revlon	Super Lustrous Creme 640 Blackberry	09308	0.44
302	Shiseido	Shiseido	Shimmering SL7 C	FPKD	0.44
303	Burt's Bees	Clorox Company	Lip Shimmer d Raisin	3070901	0.43
304	Clinique	Estée Lauder	Butter Shine 409 Ambrosia	A89	0.43
305	Clinique	Estée Lauder	Long Last Soft Shine 17 Watermelon	A89	0.43
306	Lancôme	L'Oréal USA	L'Absolu Rouge d Pink Sapphire	18EO02	0.43
307	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Lustre d Charismatic	AB9	0.41
308	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Lustre d Laugh A Lot	AB9	0.41
309	Bobbi Brown	Estée Lauder	Creamy Lip Color 33 Retro Pink	AC9	0.40
310	Clinique	Estée Lauder	Butter Shine 427 Crushed Grape	A99	0.40
311	Cover Girl Queen Collection	Procter & Gamble	Vibrant Hues Shine Q940 Shiny Wine	8320U2	0.40
312	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Satin d Empowered	A99	0.40
313	Clinique	Estée Lauder	Butter Shine 433 Apple Brandy	A89	0.39
314	Estée Lauder Origins	Estée Lauder	Rain and Shine 15 Pink Sparkle	A39	0.39
315	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Lustre d Utter Fun	A79	0.39
316	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Amplified Creme d Cosmo	AC9	0.39
317	Maybelline	L'Oréal USA	Moisture Extreme G140 Peach Mocha	WC2261	0.39
318	Shiseido	Shiseido	Shimmering SL16 c	NNGS	0.39
319	Estée Lauder	Estée Lauder	Pure Color 1A3 Maraschino	A89	0.38
320	Avon	Avon	Ultra Color Rich U103 Rosewine	SLI91	0.37
321	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Lustre d Utter Fun	A79	0.37
322	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Lustre d Patisserie	AA9	0.37
323	Clarins	Clarins USA	Sun Sheer 05 Sunset Cinnamon	M1	0.35
324	Victoria’s Secret	Limited Brands	Perfect d Showstopper	9BZ1	0.35
325	Estée Lauder	Estée Lauder	All Day ADL 19 Rich and Rosey	AA9	0.33
326	Shiseido	Shiseido	Shimmering SL10 c	NLEL	0.32
327	Stargazer	Stargazer	Lipstick 119 c	17210	0.32
328	Wet 'n' Wild	Markwins International	Mega Last Lip Color 914C Mocha-licious	931301	0.32
329	Clinique	Estée Lauder	High Impact 19 Extreme Pink	A99	0.31
330	Dior	LVMH Perfums & Cosmetics	Addict Lipcolor 773 Scarlet Siren	9X02	0.31
331	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Amplified Creme d Dubonnet	A20	0.31
332	Avon	Avon	Ultra Color Rich U423 Red 2000	SJL91	0.30
333	L'Oréal	L'Oréal USA	Endless 310 Fired Up	FD268	0.30
334	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Satin d Retro	AB9	0.30
335	Stargazer	Stargazer	Lipstick 108 c	090808	0.30
336	Clinique	Estée Lauder	High Impact 14 Cider Berry	A49	0.29
337	Lancôme	L'Oréal USA	Le Rouge Absolu d Rhum Riche	18F100	0.29
338	L'Oréal	L'Oréal USA	Endless 720 Real Raisin	FF232	0.29
339	Mary Kay	Mary Kay	Creme 014364 Shell	RF31	0.29
340	Cover Girl	Procter & Gamble	Continuous Color 030 It's Your Mauve	9346	0.28
341	Maybelline	L'Oréal USA	Volume Seduction XL 405 Peachy Flush	WE020	0.28
342	Revlon	Revlon	Super Lustrous Creme 135 Chocolate Velvet	09236	0.28
343	Clinique	Estée Lauder	High Impact 05 Go Fig	A59	0.27
344	Lancôme	L'Oréal USA	Color Design d Red Stiletto	18G101	0.27
345	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Cremesheen d Creme In Your Coffee	A89	0.27
346	Lancôme	L'Oréal USA	Color Design Cream d All Done Up	18E218	0.26
347	Clinique	Estée Lauder	Long Last Soft Matte 18 Vintage Wine	A99	0.25
348	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Slimshine d Urgent!	A49	0.25
349	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Lustre d Plumful	AA9	0.24
350	Clinique	Estée Lauder	Different A6 Rose Aglow	A10	0.23
351	Lancôme	L'Oréal USA	Color Fever Shine d Tempt Me	18DN26	0.23
352	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Amplified Creme d Morange	AC9	0.23
353	Maybelline	L'Oréal USA	Volume Seduction XL 605 Seductively Nude	WF197	0.23
354	NARS	Shiseido	Satin 1060 Afghan Red	8UDD	0.23
355	Bobbi Brown	Estée Lauder	Creamy Lip Color 5 Blue Raspberry	AC9	0.22
356	Clinique	Estée Lauder	Butter Shine 432 Cranberry Cream	A89	0.22
357	Wet 'n' Wild	Markwins International	Mega Last Lip Color 916D Ravin' Raisin	933001	0.22
358	Avon	Avon	Ultra Color Rich U250 Cherry Jubilee	SJT91	0.21
359	Clinique	Estée Lauder	Different 04 A Different Grape	AB9	0.20
360	Estée Lauder Origins	Estée Lauder	Rain and Shine 22 Razzleberry	A10	0.20
361	Lancôme	L'Oréal USA	Le Rouge Absolu d Valentine	18ED00	0.20
362	Lancôme	L'Oréal USA	L‘Absolu Rouge d Berry Noir	18FO00	0.20
363	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Satin d Cyber	AC9	0.20
364	Avon	Avon	Ultra Color Rich U420 Poppy Love	SJZ91	0.18
365	Cover Girl	Procter & Gamble	Continuous Color 795 Toasted Almond	9230	0.18
366	Clinique	Estée Lauder	High Impact 02 Nude Beach	A89	0.17
367	Lancôme	L'Oréal USA	Color Design Cream d All Done Up	18E218	0.17
368	Elizabeth Arden	Elizabeth Arden	Exceptional 30 Fiesta	9AA	0.16
369	L'Oréal	L'Oréal USA	Infallible 20 Gardenia	FE093B	0.16
370	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Lustre d Desire	A89	0.15
371	M.A.C Dsquared2	Estée Lauder	Lustre d Blood Red	A69	0.15
372	Stargazer	Stargazer	Lipstick 110 c	121008	0.15
373	L'Oréal	L'Oréal USA	Colour Riche 108 Gilded Pink	FF339	0.14
374	Iman Cosmetics	Iman Cosmetics	Luxury Lipstain 208 Strip Tease	8CS1	0.13
375	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Lustre d Spice It Up!	A10	0.13
376	Wet 'n' Wild	Markwins International	Mega Last Lip Color 910D Red Velvet	932301	0.13
377	Avon	Avon	Ultra Color Rich U516 Tuscan Russet	SL291	0.12
378	Bobbi Brown	Estée Lauder	Lip Color 57 Hot Cocoa	A38	0.12
379	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Lustre d Lady Bug	AC9	0.12
380	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Matte d Viva Glam I	A20	0.11
381	BeneFit	LVMH Perfums & Cosmetics	Full-Finish LP87 La La Land	8F1A	0.08
382	L'Oréal	L'Oréal USA	Colour Riche 231 Raspberries	FD111	0.08
383	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Amplified Creme d Impassioned	A20	0.08
384	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Matte d Chili	A10	0.08
385	Clinique	Estée Lauder	Different 53 Guava Stain	AC9	0.07
386	Clinique	Estée Lauder	Long Last 02 Sugar Bean	A99	0.07
387	Victoria’s Secret	Limited Brands	Pout d Pink Champagne	9217ZA	0.07
388	Bobbi Brown	Estée Lauder	Lip Color 8 Blackberry	AA9	0.06
389	Bobbi Brown	Estée Lauder	Lip Color 8 Blackberry	AA9	0.06
390	Fashion Fair	Johnson Publishing Company	Lipstick 8018 Magenta Mist	H1	0.06
391	Fashion Fair	Johnson Publishing Company	Lipstick 8014 Earth Red	H1	0.05
392	Iman Cosmetics	Iman Cosmetics	Luxury Moisturizing 005 Iman Red	J2	0.05
393	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Matte d Lady Danger	A10	0.05
394	Lori Anne	Mood Magic	Mood d Yellow	e	0.05
395	Estée Lauder	Estée Lauder	Pure Color 161 Pink Parfait	BA9	0.04
396	M.A.C	Estée Lauder	Satin d M.A.C Red	A10	0.03
397	Lori Anne	Mood Magic	Mood d Blue	e	0.03
398	Clinique	Estée Lauder	Almost 06 Black Honey	A79	<0.026
399	L'Oréal	L'Oréal USA	Colour Juice 240 Cherry On Top	FF082	<0.026
400	Wet’n’ Wild	Markwins International	Mega Mixers Lipbalm 281 Bahama Mama	927101	<0.026
				Average	1.11

^a Lot numbers embossed or printed on lipstick cases or end labels.

^b Results are for total lead content determined by FDA's validated method (Reference 1).

^c No shade name on lipstick.

^d No shade number on lipstick.

^e No lot number on lipstick.

December 27, 2007; updated June 25, 2009, September 2, 2009, November 3, 2009, and December 5, 2011

Recommended : Vichy LiftActiv Retinol HA Night Total Wrinkle Plumping Care

noreply@blogger.com (Eva S) — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 05:19:00 +0000

Vichy LiftActiv Retinol HA Night Total Wrinkle Plumping Care

Inspired by the latest dermatological fillers, LiftActiv Retinol HA Night contains fast acting retinol and a triple dose of hyaluronic acid for visible results starting in just 4 days, not 4 weeks.

This advanced plumping treatment contains triple dose Hyaluronic Acid for a deeper, more stabilized filling action, and new generation Retinol for an accelerated resurfacing effect. Plumping effect visible from the 1st morning after use.

Ingredient Innovation:
Triple Dose Hyaluronic Acid for an intense, stabilized filling action + New Generation Retinol (Retinol+Adenosine Complex) for an accelerated resurfacing effect. Patented double-gelled-phase formulation provides nourishing yet light and smooth texture.

Results:
Plumping effect is visible from the 1st morning after use. Anti-wrinkle effectiveness lasts for up to one month after stopping the product use.
Self-assessment by 52 women aged between 45 and 65 years after 8 weeks of daily use.
*Clinical test conducted on 52 women. Results measured by a dermatologist.

Dermatological Standards:
Allergy-tested. Tested on sensitive skin under Dermatological control. Non-comedogenic.

Wrinkle-fighting duo: Dr. Brandt Glow by Dr. Brandt

noreply@blogger.com (Eva S) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 04:11:00 +0000

All hail dermatologist Fredric Brandt's new retinol potions (sold separately or together in this starter kit).

The day cream has light-reflecting particles to blur fine lines, and the night serum boasts the highest level of retinol available over the counter.

Dr. Brandt Glow by Dr. Brandt Introductory Kit, $65.

Are you using these toxic substances on your skin?

noreply@blogger.com (Eva S) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 15:13:00 +0000

Most skin care products are loaded with toxic ingredients that can cause everything from mild irritation to cancer! Here are the most common ones you could accidentally be slathering on your skin:

FD&C Colors -- Usually made from coal tar. They are often used in skin care products, and some are considered carcinogenic (cancer-causing).

Formaldehyde – toxic substance used in hair straightening products

Fragrance -- Can contain thousands of potentially toxic, ingredients! It is the most common cause of allergies and reactions to skin care products.

Imidazolidinyl urea and diazolidinyl urea. They're used as preservatives to prevent bacterial growth (not fungi), but they're also a relatively common cause of contact dermatitis.

Lead

MEA, TEA -- They're common pH stabilizers, but when they're exposed to air, they form potentially irritating substances called nitrosamines. And they have a tendency to clog pores and create blackheads.

Mineral oil -- A petroleum derivative. Used as a base in some products, it may interfere with perspiration. Because it causes toxins to build up in the skin, it can accelerate the aging process.

Parabens -- Highly toxic preservatives used to extend product shelf life.

Petrolatum(petroleum jelly) -- The most familiar petroleum derivative. Prevents skin from being able to breath, traps toxins inside the skin's layers.

Phthalates -- Used in perfumes, nail polishes and shampoos to preserve scent and color, these disrupt the endocrine system and can even interfere with the development of male fetuses and infants. Choose products labeled "phthalate-free" or "DEHP-free."

Propylene glycol-- The main active ingredient in anti-freeze and brake fluid. It breaks down cell structure and has been linked to kidney damage as well as liver and brain problems.

Sodium laurel (or lauryl or laureth) sulfate -- An industrial detergent that strips skin of its moisture barrier and has been linked to eye damage -- among many other harmful things. It's common in shampoos and cleaners to create suds and is relatively safe, but longer contact time could cause irritation and dryness, because the detergent strips the skin of lipids. It is difficult to completely avoid it, especially if you use soap.

Talc (talcum powder) -- Shown to cause cancer in lab animals. It creates acute respiratory distress if inhaled and has been linked to ovarian cancer.

Toluene -- This chemical solvent the EPA designates as hazardous waste is found in fingernail polish. Toluene can cause headaches, irritated eyes, and memory loss. Nottoopretty.com lists perfumes and cosmetics that contain toxic chemicals like toluene. They're not going to kill you, but if you don't feel well, it's worth experimenting to see if beauty products could be the source of your general blahness.

Best Serums for Face, Neck and Eyes

noreply@blogger.com (Eva S) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:39:00 +0000

A serum is similar to a moisturizer, but not quite the same. The main difference -- aside from their silky, gel-like texture -- is that serums have a higher concentration of active ingredients. This allows them to penetrate more layers of the skin to quickly and efficiently prevent and remove wrinkles, fine lines, age spots and dryness. They do so better than a moisturizer alone does (though they do work well when paired with a moisture, too).

To achieve best results, cleanse your skin, use an alcohol-free toner and then apply serum to the designated area while the skin's slightly damp. Dampness helps serum penetrate even deeper. Follow up with a moisturizer. (FYI: moisturizers prevent moisture from evaporating from the skin and also wards off environmental irritants. Wear a moisturizer daily, even if you're wearing a serum.)

If you haven't gathered from the above, here's a little secret: serums are a woman's best friend. Let man have his dog -- you take the serum.

I've sampled and reviewed -- and spent many a dollar -- on serums in my day. Below are some of my personal favorites in addition to serums that have been well received in the beauty world.

Serums For Your Eyes

Bargain Prices:

- Antho's Lullabies for My Eyes Organic Eye Serum, $16
Antho uses 99% USDA certified organic ingredients in all its products, ensuring a truly healthy experience for your skin. Their Lullabies for My Eyes serum packs anti-aging oxidants to help restore youthful eyes and prevent signs of aging.

- Myrtle Leaf's Firming Eye Serum, $22
A concentrated blend of powerful antioxidants, cell-building proteins and nourishing oils,carefully selected to help reduce dark circles under the eyes. Excess hemoglobin released by the fragile blood vessels under the eyes can be absorbed and eliminated by a special concentrated complex consisting of yeast enzymes (oxido-reductases), soy peptides & rice peptides (hydrolyzed rice bran extract) found in this amazing serum.

Mid-End:
- Clarisonic Opal Anti-Aging Sea Serum, $65
This serum was developed by immunology expert Dr. Robb Akridge to optimize for the dynamics of sonic technology. His multi-layered approach uses marine extracts and botanicals that hydrate, firm, tighten and protect skin from future damage. Designed to help target crow's feet and extra under eye 'baggage', it leaves skin feeling hydrated and refreshed.

- Peter Thomas Roth Laser-Free Resurfacing Eye Serum, $58
Skip the laser, get the results! This eye serum helps skin appear resurfaced, regenerated, renewed, and repaired. It addresses the appearance of noticeable signs of aging, including the effects time, UV exposure, and environmental damage.

High-End:
- Phytomer Youth Performance Wrinkle Radiance Serum, $128
This serum features an exceptional texture which instantly melts on application to create younger looking skin. Its high-tech formulation includes a new, vectorized marine ingredient, Seastem Ciblactiv, which precisely targets the skin's regeneration cells.

- Marie Veronique Eye Serum, $80
MVO's all-natural eye serum decreases eye puffiness with caffeine-packed guarana, relaxes muscles with GABA to diminish squinting (which causes crow's feet) and reduces wrinkles and expression lines. It also lightens dark circles under the eye.

Serums For Your Face

Bargain Prices:
- Antho's Lullaby for Skin Organic Face Serums, $16
Antho's Lullaby for Skin Face Serum comes in two forms: one for oily skin and another for dry skin. Both balance skin tone, soothe skin and reduce/prevent signs of aging. The Dry Skin face serum is best for mature, damaged, dull or very dry skin. Their Oily Skin face serum is ideal those with problem or acne-prone skin.

- Yes To Blueberries Intensive Skin Repair Serum, $20
Looking for a paraben-free product? Here it is! The blend of anti-oxidant rich fruits and special ingredients work to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin firmness and soothe and protect age-damaged skin. The organic cotton thistle further hydrates skin and increases collagen production.

Mid-End:

- NEOCUTIS PREVedem Antioxidant Serum, $45
Here's a powerful anti-oxidant serum that primes and strengthens skin as it provides daily anti-oxidant protection against environmental assault. The product is formulated with a high concentration of a non-distillate, natural, polyphenol rich Hamamelis Virginiana Extract (Witch Hazel) to help condition skin.

- Soap & Glory Make Yourself Youthful Super Rejuvenating Face Serum, $35
Packed with collagen-boosting and circulation stimulating ingredients, this amazing super-regenerating facial serum helps re-energize tired skin, smooth surface imperfections, refine pores, recalibrate uneven skin tone, brighten, tone and tighten, while acting as a light-medium nightly moisturizer.

- Philosophy When Hope is Not Enough Serum, $38
This firming and lifting facial serum is enriched with toning, firming and hydrating properties to revitalize a dull, lifeless complexion. The lightweight, fluid gel absorbs easily into the skin unlike any other face serums on the market.

High-End:
- Joanna Vargas Rejuvenating Serum, $100
This ideal anti-aging moisturizer is the simple solution for those seeking a light, non-greasy residue. It smells incredible and uses all natural ingredients. It's the perfect potion of essential oils and is loaded with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties and nourishing ingredients that promote cellular metabolism, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also be worn on the neck and is especially great for mature, dry skin.

- LaseResults Calm & Restore Serum, $75
A unique hydrating serum designed to instantly calm and hydrate, as well as improve the appearance and feel of your skin. The results: a refreshed, firm, supple and healthy-looking complexion. If you're looking for the perfect anti-aging kit, consider investing in LaseResults whole collection ($383), a well-received line of products that's proven effective.

Serums For Your Neck

Bargain Prices:
- LUSH's Full of Grace Serum Bar, $14
Full of Grace serum bar is made with a concentrated blend of moisturizing murumuru and cupuacu butters to hydrate skin, and rose oil to relieve irritations. The serum is easily absorbed by the skin, creating a soothing treatment for the neck. It also works well on the face.

- Walgreen's Deep Wrinkle Serum, $17
This silky-smooth, light serum reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It glides on easily and is quickly absorbed, for skin that feels velvety-smooth. Smooth the serum over face and neck until completely absorbed. You may experience mild tingling or tightness. This is normal and indicates that the product is working.

Mid-End:
- SIBU Beauty Sea Buckthorn Hydrating Serum, $40
Experience the ultimate in skin hydration. This light, non-oily serum improves skin tone and texture, brightens your complexion and stimulates cell renewal with the help of sea buckthorn. Infused with vitamins and high in antioxidants, this serum fortifies the skin against the aging process and repairs damage at a cellular level.

- Myrtle Leaf Nature's Chemistry Organic Nutrients Hydrating Serum, $34
Like a skilled mason, this amazing serum works continuously to help rebuild the cell walls in the skin by delivering vital lipids and nutrients to the innermost dermal layer, where healing begins. The result is a profound improvement in the overall "health" and firmness of the skin, leaving it glowing and radiant!

High-End:
- Joanna Vargas Daily Serum, $85
The serum acts ast to revitalize your skin's appearance, improving your skin tone, minimizing pores, raising moisture levels and giving you remarkably radiant skin. This magical elixer penetrates deeply to make your skin clearer, brighter and healthier. This can also be applied to face and eyes.

- Wei Beauty Jujube Age Control Serum, $78
This lightweight gel serum uses humectants along with a complex of Jujube and eight other herbs to restore moisture and bring a radiant glow to the skin. It hydrates skin and softens without adding excess oil, revitalizes tired skin and improves skin's natural radiance and clarity.

Three Anti-Aging Products That Really Work

noreply@blogger.com (Eva S) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 02:32:00 +0000

Below I've highlighted 3 breakthrough anti-aging products worth your money. To complete my research, I checked out personal reviews on YouTube, read consumer reviews on non-biased forums and review outlets and even tested some of the products myself. Feel free to share your review of the same product in the comments section.

LightStim for Wrinkles
Out of the many, many expensive anti-aging beauty gadgets, LightStim seems to receive the highest remarks.

The product uses LED light therapy to diminish fine lines and wrinkles around the face, tight/tone/smooth skin and restore that youthful flow. It's FDA approved and recommended by estheticians, dermatologists and plastic surgeons.

LightStim for Wrinkles sells for $299 at lightstim.com. The $299 price tag may seem really expensive, but compared to other similar products it's a bargain.

LaseResults
If the bulk of your aging comes from sun damage, make LaseResults your go-to anti-aging product. The line was launched in April of 2011 by Dr. Eric Bernstein and since then has earned its place in the anti-aging world as a worthy investment.

The LaseResults line consists of 6 different products that can be purchased individually or as a package. Buying the entire package, priced at $363, will save you 10 percent off the total price.

The products use a patent-pending CRV-8 Complex, which is a unique blend of ingredients that effectively reduces fine lines and wrinkles, brightens skin, hydrates and exfoliates. You'll find your skin is softer to the touch, more radiant in appearance and overall more consistent in tone and texture.

Buy LaseResults products at LaseResults.com.

Joanna Vargas Skincare Line
Joanna Vargas owns a spa in New York City that's touted by various magazines -- including Allure, Elle and beyond -- as the place to go for the best facial in the city. I haven't personally gone to the salon, but I did have the opportunity to sample the product line. I'm head over heels for every single product and can promise you that the line is certainly worth your money.

As a 26 year old, I have the typical fine lines around my eyes, but I also struggle with dull, lackluster skin and larger pores. After using Joanna Vargas' line exclusively for two weeks, I was absolutely floored at the results.

One day while checking out my reflection in the mirror, I was literally floored at just how "glowy" my skin looked. I also noticed that my skin was less prone to breaking out, the lines around my eyes are less noticeable and my pores have significantly decreased in size.

Joanna Vargas' line consists of four products: Vitamin C Face Wash ($65), Daily Serum ($85), Rejuvenating Serum ($100) and Exfoliating Mask ($75).

Elizabeth Arden Prevage

noreply@blogger.com (Eva S) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

I call the Prevage Eye Ultra Protection Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 15 ($100) my miracle cream, and let me tell you why. After a night of crying my eyes out over the finale of "Lost," I put this eye cream on, and the next morning there was absolutely no evidence of tears being shed! I knew then that this anti-aging product line was for me. Containing the revolutionary antioxidant Idebenone, this daily eye cream prevents signs of aging while providing hydration to sooth that tender area as well as SPF protection to prevent sun damage. Intense moisturization, I put this on every morning and night, and it really works to diminish fine lines and crow's feet.

Another product in my Prevage anti-aging arsenal, the Prevage Face Advanced Anti-Aging Serum ($155) gives my skin more of the amazing Idebenone to reverse signs of aging and protect it from environmental hazards like the sun. It even works to correct skin discoloration from age spots. Picked by the editors of In Style as a Best Beauty Buy, consider this anti-aging serum as an investment as it is rather pricey. However, it is cheaper (and safer) than Botox and works just as well to keep me looking younger than my 40 years.

Every night I look forward to applying the Prevage Anti-Aging Night Cream ($125). This intensive formula combines Idebenone with Mega Complex-A and more antioxidants and moisturizers to repair sun damage and other signs of aging while I sleep. With ingredients that successfully combine with the antioxidants in other Prevage products, I feel that this anti-aging regime cannot be beat. I have seriously noticed my skin looking more radiant and younger since I've been using these anti-aging products, and even though it is an expensive line, these creams and serums are worth every penny.

Anti-Aging Products Under $25

noreply@blogger.com (Eva S) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 23:46:00 +0000

Recently I went to a music industry event and received a L'Oreal swag bag filled with all sorts of great L'Oreal products, including this L'Oreal Youth Code Youth Regenerating Skincare Serum Intense Daily Treatment ($19.99). Since I've been using this anti-aging serum, I have gotten several compliments on my complexion, and I know this serum is why. Using technology derived from gene science, this serum boosts your skin's natural regeneration powers to regain the qualities of youthful skin. Non-greasy and fast-absorbing, this serum has been a powerful boost to my skincare routine.

Face primers like this RoC Brilliance Anti-Aging Face Primer ($19.99) prepare your face for foundation and other makeup by creating smoothness of the skin. Instantly smoothing the appearance of lines and wrinkles, your makeup goes on easily and gives you the look of flawless skin. Using e-pulse, a revolutionary micro-current technology, this formula creates a gentle flow of energy through the surface layers of your skin, giving it a tightened and toned look.

If you need a new anti-aging mask, consider the Eclos Skin Renewal Clay Mask ($12.99). Using Kaolin clay, plant-based extracts, and plant stem cell technology, this mask cleanses, unclogs pores, and absorbs impurities, which all help to restore your skin to its youthful glory days. In clinical results, 100% of subjects experienced a visible decrease in the depth of wrinkles.

One of the best skin care bargains around, the Ulta Retinol Anti-Aging Starter Kit ($16.99) has everything you need to combat the hands of time. Included in this anti-aging kit are a two-ounce tube of cream cleanser, an 0.5-ounce bottle of anti-wrinkle facial serum, and an 0.7-ounce tube of night cream. Promising to smooth, hydrate, and firm your skin, you'll be sure to see results once you've been using this anti-aging skin care regimen for a couple of weeks.

Neutrogena has always been a reputable name in affordable skin care products, and this Neutrogena Anti-Aging Booster Serum ($16.99) uses Ion 2 complex technology to boost your collagen, soften fine lines and wrinkles, reduce puffy eyes and dark circles, and even skin tone. Working alongside your skin care routine to improve its results, Ion 2 complex contains ion-mineral conductors that are activated by your moisturizer to give out a positive micro-current.

If you're looking for anti-aging makeup, check out the L'Oreal Visible Lift Serum Absolute Advanced Age-Reversing Makeup SPF 17 ($14.99). Lightweight, this liquid foundation does not settle into fine lines and wrinkles. L'Oreal promises that in four weeks, this makeup will noticeably improve your skin, making it brighter, firmer, and smoother. Try this anti-aging makeup if you'd like to see more youthful skin.

Now for a lip-gloss that gives you more than just color and shine, turn to Tarte's Vitamin-Infused Lipgloss ($21). The gloss has ingredients that accelerate production of natural elastin to restore the skin's clarity like grape seed extract. The formula in the gloss also includes vitamins A and C, which help prevent premature signs of aging, along with acai extract which stimulates cell regeneration. Some of you may know that the anti-oxidant acai also has anti-inflammatory and skin softening properties. Fans of Tarte's Vitamin-Infused Lipgloss love that it is moisturizing and non-sticky.

Our final pick is Borba's Age Defying Eye Creme Concentrate ($19.99). We couldn't leave out a remedy for dark circles and wrinkles around the eyes. After all, the eyes are one of the first areas to give away your age. This luxurious eye cream contains multiple age defying superfoods: acai berry, camu camu, grape seed, flax seed and argan oil. According to the company, 90% of users reported softer, smoother skin around the eye area and 97% of women felt the cream was deeply moisturizing. Use it every morning and evening on clean skin and you're bound to have people guessing your age.

Luxe lotion: Chanel Chance Eau Fraîche Body Moisture

noreply@blogger.com (Eva S) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 04:10:00 +0000

The lighter — and less expensive — way to wear fragrance: Chanel's newest scented body milk.

Its citrus and jasmine notes smell like a Mediterranean breeze.

Chanel Chance Eau Fraîche Body Moisture, $50.

Pycnogenol

noreply@blogger.com (Eva S) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 20:44:00 +0000

Pycnogenol is the trademarked name of a natural plant extract from the bark of the maritime pine tree which grows exclusively along the coast of southwest France in Les Landes de Gascogne. (The botanical name of this tree is Pinus pinaster.)

This unspoiled and natural forest environment is the unique source of Pycnogenol. Pycnogenol represents a natural combination of genetically programmed constant proportions of procyanidins, bioflavonoids and organic acids.

As a source of flavonoids, Pycnogenol is a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that protects the body from harmful free radicals, helps boost the immune system and strengthens blood vessel walls and capillaries.

Maritime Pine

Pinus pinaster

Pycnogenol has four basic properties

it’s a powerful antioxidant,
acts as a natural anti-inflammatory,
selectively binds to collagen and elastin, and finally,
it aids in the production of endothelial nitric oxide which helps to vasodilate blood vessels.

What can Pycnogenol do for women?
First of all, women are exposed to stress in the same way as men. Therefore, protection of arteries against blood clotting and constriction is also important for women to reduce the risk of heart infarction or stroke. Many women suffer from problems related to bad circulation: Swelling of the lower legs, cold hands and tendency to easy bruising for example. By sealing the capillaries and enhancing the microcirculation Pycnogenol will be a relief. Another point of great interest for women is the protection of the skin against photo-ageing. Intake of Pycnogenol reduces the risks of UV-radiation and oxidative stress for the skin. Finally, Pycnogenol® soothes menstrual disorders like cramps and pain.
It seems that nature has combined the constituents of the pine bark in a way to improve quality of life especially for women.

How does Pycnogenol affect the beauty of my skin?
Pycnogenol® binds and protects collagen, the protein that keeps the skin tight and smooth. Enzymes and free radicals can no longer break down collagen and elastin fibers, the process enabling development of wrinkles. Pycnogenol defies the accelerated ageing of the skin due to exposure to sunlight (photo-ageing). Pycnogenol helps to lighten-up disturbing dark spots of the skin resulting from over-pigmentation. Pycnogenol restores a good blood circulation in tiny capillaries of the skin. With abundance of water and oxygen and removal of waste products the skin is replenished with moisture, looking young and fresh.

How does Pycnogenol® benefit stressed business people?
Stress means your adrenaline is flowing during traffic jam, demanding phone calls and loads of bad news, that you smoke too much, if you are a smoker. Pycnogenol® counteracts the increase in blood pressure caused by stress and it helps to prevent the clotting of blood, which may occur in case of stress and smoking. Business people have to work in a sitting position and have to travel a lot. Pycnogenol® helps against swollen feet and reduced circulation caused by that immobile life style. Intake of Pycnogenol® may increase cognitive function, reduce the risks of stress and will prevent consequences of immobility.

What about diabetes and Pycnogenol®?
Diabetes produces oxidative stress and continuously damages blood vessels. The protective action of Pycnogenol® for blood vessels and capillaries helps to keep blood vessels in diabetes well functioning. Of course, a strict normalization of blood glucose is the best way to prevent these damages. Often a retinopathy is observed in diabetics. Without protection diabetics often develop retinopathy: Tiny capillaries nourishing the retina of the eye spill blood onto the retina causing vision loss. Intake of Pycnogenol® has been found to reduce the micro bleedings in the retina and to improve eyesight.

Summary of Pycnogenol's Benefits:

Extremely potent anti-oxidant (50-100 times more powerful than vitamin E) that protects against cell damage
Recycles Vitamin C and E, thereby prolongs their effectiveness
It can lower blood pressure by increasing nitric oxide production
Reduces the risks of blood clots
Protects and strengthens blood vessels and capillaries
Can lower cholesterol and control blood sugar levels
May increase fat breakdown whilst decreasing fat storage
May improve lung function
Reduce inflammatory diseases like psoriasis
May protect skin against sunburn and reduce risk of some cancers
May reduce menstrual cramps
Improves sperm quality and function
May enhance exercise performance
May increase human growth hormone levels
Appears to be safe and non toxic

Selenium important for skin health

noreply@blogger.com (Eva S) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 14:43:00 +0000

Selenium is a trace mineral with significant contribution to antioxidant activity. The primary dietary source of selenium is from plants. However, levels of selenium in plants are dependent on the selenium concentrations in the soil in which they are grown.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. In fact, over one million skin cancers are diagnosed annually and it is estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.

In a new study, investigators analyzed the possible correlation between serum levels of select antioxidant nutrients and the development of skin cancer. In this study, serum levels of carotenoids, alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) and selenium were measured in 485 adults at the beginning of the study. The subjects were monitored for the incidence of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin for 8 years.
The results showed that higher serum selenium concentrations were associated with decreased incidence of both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, and conversely, lower serum selenium concentrations were associated with increased incidence of both types of cancer. Furthermore, the subjects with the highest selenium levels had a decreased risk of basal cell tumors by 57 percent and decreased risk of developing squamous cell tumors by 64 percent, compared to subjects with the lowest levels. The study did not show a correlation between serum levels of carotenoids or alpha-tocopherol concentrations and incidence of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

The researchers stated, “Relatively high serum selenium concentrations are associated with an approximately 60 percent decrease in subsequent tumor incidence of both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, whereas serum concentrations of carotenoids or alpha-tocopherol are not associated with later skin cancer incidence.”

Vitamin C & Papaya Enzyme Peel Facial

noreply@blogger.com (Eva S) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:56:00 +0000

I wanted a really hard working treatment that gave visible and instant results – all natural but high tech.

A combination of natural acids from passion fruit, lemon and other fruits as well as enzymes from papaya and Vitamin C that smooths the skin in minutes, this power packed salon treatment is designed to transform and re-energise the skin and instantly brightens, lightens and tightens!

Targeted to:
Combat congestion, blackheads and blemishes

Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Stimulate collagen and hyaluronic acid production

Smooth the skin in minutes

Brighten and reveal a more radiant complexion

Lighten and reduce existing hyperpigmentation

Reduce acne related discolouration/scarring

Exfoliate the dead layers of the skin for faster cell renewal

Cleanse and exfoliate the pores

Break up melanin on the skin

We’ve had amazing feedback from our pre-launch

“I feel like I’ve peeled away the years…naturally”

“My skin is transformed – it’s brighter, lighter and tighter”

“The most spectacular treatment – from the smell, to the tingling sensation, to the results, my skin and I are utterly revived”

Collagen

noreply@blogger.com (Eva S) — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 13:06:00 +0000

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, forming strong sheets and cables that support the structure of skin, internal organs, cartilage and bones, as well as all the connective tissue in between.

At the molar mass of 102,000 grams per mole, collagen is an extremely large protein, consisting of thousands of atoms. Its three dimensional structure consists of thickly woven fibrils that wrap around into a triple helix conformation. This structural support is what makes skin thick, and plump, and elastic.

Collagen’s role in the aging process is well confirmed. This structural supporting network is what gives skin its appearance. It’s what gives (makes or breaks) the youthful look of firmness, evened tone, elasticity, and a smooth, unwrinkled surface. Protein structures are what make skin look aged and wrinkled or radiant and youthful. When the structural support of these protein fibrils becomes compromised, it becomes less bulky, takes up less space, and brings skin cells out of alignment.

As the effects of aging are due to improper protein production (the breakdown of proteins), this preparation is the first to fight directly with the cause of aging, not just the effects. Since stifling protein breakdown is the only way to prevent aging, reinforcing protein configurations is the most effective means to that end.

Preventing further wrinkles from forming.
Supplementing diminished collagen levels
Stimulating collagen-producing cells into renewed activity.

Vitamins for Younger Looking Skin

noreply@blogger.com (Eva S) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 20:12:00 +0000

You may eat your fruits and veggies. You may even pop a multi every day. Yet your skin care routine is still missing out on the value of vitamins. Research shows that these nutrients are essential for preventing and reversing many signs of aging. A well-balanced diet is important, of course -- eating a variety of healthy foods helps keep skin supple and glowing. But the fact is, "the body delivers only a certain percentage of vitamins to your skin, no matter how much you ingest," says Mary Lupo, MD, clinical professor of dermatology at Tulane University School of Medicine. Plus, there's no way to send them straight to your crow's feet or brown spots. The solution: Applying vitamins topically to deliver maximum anti-aging benefits -- everything from improving texture and tone to fading under-eye circles. Follow this user's guide to the letter, and soon your skin will look better than ever.

Vitamin A: Best Overall Age Fighter

Find it in OTC lotions, night creams (vitamin A derivatives are known as retinoids), and prescription products.

Proven to reduce wrinkles, fade brown spots, and smooth roughness. "There are more than 700 published studies on retinoids -- they're tried-and-true ingredients. Anyone who wants younger-looking skin should use one," says Doris Day, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at New York University Langone Medical Center.

How to use: Apply your retinoid at night -- sunlight inactivates most forms of vitamin A. Prescription retinoids work fastest, within four to eight weeks. The downside: They're irritating, causing redness, scaling, and flaking that last for weeks or longer. OTC products are best for beginners; you'll experience fewer skin care side effects because the retinol they contain is slowly converted to retinoic acid, the active ingredient in Rx creams. To avoid irritation, apply an OTC or prescription retinoid every second or third night, at least for the first 2 weeks, and build up to nightly use. Apply sparingly; a pea-size amount is enough to cover your entire face.

Try Neutrogena Dermatologics Retinol NX Serum ($65; qvc.com) or RoC Multi-Correxion Night Treatment ($25; drugstores). If your skin is sensitive, two new retinoids are particularly gentle. Clinical studies show that retinyl propionate, available in Olay Professional Pro-X Deep Wrinkle Treatment ($42; drugstores), significantly improves skin after 12 weeks without being as drying as the more potent retinol. Ready to trade up to an Rx retinoid? Ask about Atralin (about $150), which contains two potent anti-aging emollients. "Even my most sensitive patients are able to tolerate it," says Day.

Vitamin B3: Boosts Hydration to Reduce Redness

Find it in lotions, creams, and serums. It's often called niacinamide on the label.

Proven to increase production of ceramides and fatty acids, two key components of your skin's outer protective barrier. "As that barrier is strengthened, skin is better able to keep moisture in and irritants out -- making B3 a great ingredient if your complexion is dry or sensitive," says Leslie S. Baumann, MD, director of the University of Miami Cosmetic Medicine and Research Institute. In one study, a moisturizer with niacinamide improved the flushing and blushing of rosacea, a common condition that can worsen with age. Another B3 skin care benefit: It inhibits the transfer of pigment to skin cells, minimizing dark spots.

How to use For maximum results, apply B3 vitamins in the morning and evening. To reduce irritation from your retinoid, use it in conjunction with niacinamide. "Mix them together in the palm of your hand before applying--they won't inactivate each other," says Baumann. Besides decreasing side effects, the combo produces superior anti-aging benefits.

Try La Roche-Posay Rosaliac Anti-Redness Moisturizer ($30; CVS) or Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream ($25; drugstores).

Vitamin C: All-Around Anti-Ager

Find it in moisturizers formulated to keep vitamin C stable (opaque, airtight containers are ideal). Look for C near the middle of the ingredients panel to help ensure the five percent or higher concentration needed to see skin care benefits.

Proven to mop up the free radicals that trigger wrinkling, sagging, and other aging changes. Vitamin C also helps smooth and firm skin and fade brown spots. In one study, women who treated sun-damaged skin with a C cream for six months saw significant improvement in fine lines and discoloration. Though the benefits of retinoids (see vitamin A) and vitamin C sound similar, using both delivers more complexion perfection. "Skin aging occurs in various ways, so you need multiple forms of defense and repair," says Lupo.

How to use Apply vitamin C in the morning before sunscreen to shield your skin from any UV-generated free radicals that get by your sunblock.

Try SkinMedica Vitamin C Complex ($85; skinmedica.com) or Avalon Organics Vitamin C Renewal Facial Cream ($21; avalonorganics.com). These products contain ascorbic acid or magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (the skin-friendliest forms of C) in combination with vitamin E (it's listed as alpha-tocopherol or tocopherol acetate). This duo provides four times more protection against free radicals when applied together.

Vitamin E: Eases Dryness and Bolsters Skin's UV Defense

Find it in sunscreens and after-sun products. The best anti-aging products contain at least 1 percent vitamin E, so it will be listed near the middle of the ingredients panel.

Proven to quell dryness by helping skin retain its natural moisturizers. Also, vitamin E's potent ability to neutralize damaging free radicals has earned it the moniker "the protector." A slew of skin care studies document its superstar status. In one, E significantly reduced the number of these unstable molecules created after exposure to cigarette smoke. Others show that when it's used before UV exposure, skin is less red, swollen, and dry.

How to use Apply before and after serious sun exposure. A single strong blast of UV light can destroy half the skin's natural supply of E, so shore up defenses by slathering on a sunscreen supplemented with E and C before going into the sun -- the C helps ensure effectiveness. An after-sun salve with E helps, too, says Oceanside, CA, dermatologist Jens Thiele, MD, PhD, a vitamin E expert; some studies show that the anti-inflammatory action kicks in to reduce damage even after you've been in the sun.

Try Neutrogena Age Shield Face Sunblock SPF 55 ($9.50; drugstore.com), MD Skincare Powerful Sun Protection SPF 30 Sunscreen Packettes ($42; sephora.com), Clinique After-Sun Rescue Balm with Aloe ($20; clinique.com), or Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Body Butter ($6; drugstores).

Vitamin K: For Younger, Brighter Eyes

Find it in eye creams that also contain retinol.

Proven to possibly help lighten under-eye circles. Fragile capillaries that allow blood to leak into skin are considered one cause of under-eye circles, and vitamin K (aka phytonadione) may put the skids on this seepage by controlling blood clotting. Daily use of a K cream significantly lightened circles after four months in one study, but because the cream also contained retinol, researchers aren't sure which ingredient deserves credit for the improvement -- retinol alone thickens the translucent under-eye skin (making it harder to see the dark blood vessels below) and lightens melanin that makes circles more prominent. Still, it can't hurt to try a cream that contains vitamin K and retinol; according to Baumann, the retinol may enhance K's ability to penetrate skin and knock out darkness.

How to use Apply nightly. First allow skin to become acclimated to the retinol -- use once or twice the first week, and add a night every week after.

Try NeoStrata Bionic Eye Cream ($50; baumannstore.com), or Jan Marini Factor-A Eyes for Dark Circles ($78; myjanmarini.com).

Recommended : L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream

noreply@blogger.com (Eva S) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 14:21:00 +0000

Shea Butter Hand Cream

Enriched with 20% shea butter, this super-creamy balm penetrates quickly to protect, nourish, and moisturize the skin. Honey, almond, and coconut oil are blended with shea butter to create this unique and extremely effective moisturizer.

Enriched with 20% shea butter honey, almond and coconut oil
Creamy balm penetrates quickly to protect, nourish, and moisturize the skin
Unique and extremely effective moisturizer, nourishes and softens your hands
Made in France

amazon.com : $24 for a 5.2 oz tube

Recommended : Source Naturals Skin Eternal DMAE Cream

noreply@blogger.com (Eva S) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 23:47:00 +0000

Source Naturals Skin Eternal DMAE Cream contains a high potency of DMAE, shown in research to increase skin firmness.

Increases skin firmness
Contains lipoic acid, ascorbyl palmitate (C-Ester), CoQ10 and MSM
Helps your skin feel more supple and replenished
Has a fresh light scent

It also contains lipoic acid, ascorbyl palmitate (C-Ester), CoQ10, MSM and other skin supporting nutrients and plant extracts in a rich and luxurious base. DMAE cream helps your skin feel more supple and replenished without a lingering oily feeling. It may be used by itself or in conjunction with Skin Eternal Serum. It has a fresh light scent.

available on amazon.com

Ingredients:
A Proprietary Blend
Deionized Water, DMAE Bitartrate, Glyceryl Stearate and PEG-100 Stearate (emulsifier), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (emollient), Vitamin C (C-Ester [Ascorbyl Palmitate] & Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate), Esteryl Alcohol (emulsifier), Cetyl Alcohol (emollient), Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Dimethicone (conditioner), Beeswax, Myristyl Alcohol-Adipic Acid Compound (emollient), Triethanolamine (pH adjuster), Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), alpha-Lipoic Acid, Aloe Leaf Vera Gel, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Imperata Cylindrica Extract, Benzyl Alcohol (preservative), Phenoxyethanol (preservative), Melon Fragrance, PEG-100, Cocoa Butter, Panthenol (vitamin B-5), Jojoba Seed Oil, Lecithin Phospholipid, Squalane, Coenzyme Q10, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Benzoate (preservative), D-alpha Tocopherol, Sodium Metabisulfite (antioxidant), Tocotrienols, Marigold Flower Extract, Sage Leaf Extract, Ginkgo Leaf Extract, Chamomile Flower Extract, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Asian Ginseng Root Extract, Grape Seed Extract, Grapefruit Seed Extract, and Citric Acid.

Anti-Aging Beverages : The Wrinkle-Fighting Nescafe 3in1 Collagen Coffee

noreply@blogger.com (Eva S) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 18:22:00 +0000

The ‘Body Partner’ range from Nescafe now offers Nescafe 3in1 collagen coffee. The anti-aging drink includes 200 mg of collagen. This drink is part of the health and wellness instant coffee products available only in Asia (Malaysia and Singapore, to be exact).

Wine may protect skin from sunburns, study suggests

noreply@blogger.com (Eva S) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 00:53:00 +0000

A better protection against harmful sunburns might be a healthy dose of SPF sauvignon blanc, suggests a new Spanish study.

A compound found in grapes or grape derivatives may protect skin cells from skin-damaging ultraviolet radiation, report researchers from the University of Barcelona and the Spanish National Research Council. The flavonoids found in grapes work to halt the chemical reaction that kills skin cells and causes sun damage. Here's what happens: When UV rays hit your skin, they activate "reactive oxygen species," or ROS, which then oxidize big molecules like lipids and DNA. This activates particular enzymes that kill skin cells.

But grapes' flavonoids work to decrease the formation of the ROS's in skin cells that were exposed to UVA and UVB rays. The researchers, led by Marta Cascante, a biochemist at the University of Barcelona and director of the research project, note that this finding may lead to better sun-shielding drugs and cosmetics.

The study was published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

Previously, vino has also been found to fight Alzheimer's, ward off prostate cancer and even prevent cavities.

DIY : Lecithin Moisturizer

noreply@blogger.com (Eva S) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 15:27:00 +0000

DIY : Lecithin Moisturizer

Lecithin is a type of fat derived from soybeans, vegetable oils, nuts, seeds and egg yolks. The human liver and brain also produce lecithin, and lecithin supplements can help lower cholesterol. Used in health and beauty products, it is a type of emulsifier called a binder, which helps oil and water mix together. This creates a creamy lotion that sinks into your skin to help moisturize away fine lines, wrinkles and dry patches.

Ingredients

1 tbsp. liquid lecithin
1 tbsp. coconut oil
2 tbsp. seed or nut oil
1 tsp. rice bran oil
1/8 tsp. borax
1/2 cup distilled water
4 drops essential fragrance oil
2 glass mixing bowls
Plastic spoon
Microwave
Jar with tight lid

Preparation

Measure 1/2 cup of distilled water into a glass mixing bowl. Add 1/8 tsp. of powdered borax. Stir the mixture for 20 seconds with a plastic spoon. Rinse the spoon and set the bowl aside.
Measure 2 tbsp. of seed or nut oil, 1 tbsp. of coconut oil and 1 tsp. of rice bran oil into a separate glass mixing bowl. Stir them for 10 seconds with the plastic spoon to mix.
Add 1 tbsp of liquid lecithin to the oils and stir for 10 more seconds or until fully mixed.
Microwave each bowl for 45 seconds on high. If your coconut oil is solid, stir it after 45 seconds and microwave for another five seconds at a time until the coconut oil is fully melted.
Pour the borax water into the oil mixture and stir it for one minute at a time until the mixture is creamy. Add four drops of your favorite essential oil if you want fragranced or aromatherapeutic moisturizer.
Spoon the moisturizer into a jar with a lid that screws on tight. Store the moisturizer in a cool, dark place to help keep it fresh.

Jason Natural Cosmetics Pure Beauty Oil, 5,000 IU Vitamin E Oil

noreply@blogger.com (Eva S) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 14:45:00 +0000

Jason Natural Cosmetics Pure Beauty Oil, 5,000 IU Vitamin E Oil

With 5 Exotic Oils
Moisturizes and Nourishes
Increases Smoothness

drugstore.com $8.45

Nourishes, moisturizes and helps regenerate the skin. This natural anti-oxidant mix of Almond, Apricot, Avocado and Wheat Germ Oils help protect against fine lines and wrinkles leaving skin silky smooth.

This vitamin oil's ability to deeply penetrate the skin has made it one of the most widely used natural oils today. Topical application of natural Vitamin E can help prevent the damage from the environmental elements. Applying Vitamin E after sun or wind exposure can help ease sunburn and soothe skin.

Topical use of natural Vitamin E helps decrease the appearance and roughness of wrinkles. This vitamin oil helps improve elasticity and helps promote healing of damaged skin.

Naturally, since 1959
Made in the USA

Ingredients:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed OiI, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Prunus, Apricot (Prunus Armeniaca) Kernel Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat Germ) Oil, Lecithin, Essential Oil Blend

Boots No7 Advanced Renewal Anti-Ageing Glycolic Peel Kit

noreply@blogger.com (Eva S) — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 04:31:00 +0000

Boots No7 Advanced Renewal Anti-Ageing Glycolic Peel Kit is a 2010 Good Housekeeping Anti-Aging Award Winner

drugstore.com : $24.99

Take your skin back in time and reveal an instantly younger-looking, radiant you, as this gentle glycolic peel renews and recharges your complexion.
After the very first use, 86% of women found their skin felt smoother and 73% said their skin felt more toned. After just 4 applications, 76% said their skin looked clearer and brighter, just like younger looking skin.

Contains:

No7 Gentle Glycolic Peel (1 fl oz)
No7 Soft Neutralising Pads
Mixing dish
Brush

Ingredients:
No7 Gentle Glycolic Peel: Aqua (Water), Alcohol denat, Glycolic acid, Glycerin, Sodium hydroxide, Hydroxyethlcellulose, Phenoxyethanol, Tetrasodium EDTA.

No7 Soft Neutralising Pads: Aqua (Water), Butylene glycol, Polysorbate 20, Glycerin, Panthenol, Methylparaben, Polyaminopropyl biguanide, Propylene glycol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) root extract, Sorbitol, Cetraria islandica extract, Phenoxyethanol, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Propylparaben.

Astaxanthin

noreply@blogger.com (Eva S) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 23:20:00 +0000

Algae is the source of astaxanthin, one of the most powerful antioxidants.

Astaxanthin delivers powerful benefits, such as

Combats aging, reduces fine lines and wrinkles and protects the skin from sun damage

Aids in fat metabolism and encourages weight loss by helping the body burn more fat during exercise

Improves cardiovascular, eye and brain health

Delivers powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection that can dramatically improve overall health
works as an internal nutritional sunscreen and actually boosts your skin's tolerance to ultraviolet radiation.

Scientific research has shown that astaxanthin is a true anti-aging wonder because it protects against collagen degradation, cell damage and wrinkles due to the rays of the sun.

In studies from Carotenoid Science and others, topical application of astaxanthin was shown to increase the skin’s moisture level as well as reduce wrinkles after four weeks of application . In another study, women with dry skin saw significant improvements in spots, acne and dark rings around their eyes . Still another showed that astaxanthin improved fine lines and skin elasticity.

Astaxanthin is found in microalgae, yeast, salmon, trout, krill, shrimp, crayfish, crustaceans, and the feathers of some birds. It provides the red color of salmon meat and cooked shellfish. This red-orange pigment, closely related to other well-known carotenoids like beta-carotene and lutein, has stronger antioxidant activity than either of them (ten times higher than beta-carotene, in fact).

MegaRed Omega-3 Krill Oil is a good source of astaxanthin; it's an oil from pure Antarctic krill, tiny crustaceans that thrive in the frigid water of the Antarctic.

MegaRed Omega-3 Krill Oil

Q: Is red krill oil really all that much better for you than regular fish oil?

A: Red krill oil has about the same amount of omega-3 content as regular fish oil pills, but the way that the omega-3 molecules are conjugated in krill oil, it may be better absorbed and utilized by the body.

Red krill oil's capacity to reduce LDL or bad cholesterol and raise the HDL or good cholesterol seems to be better than fish oil alone and its anti-inflammatory properties appear to be better as well. There are some reports stating that after 2 weeks of taking red krill oil supplements that the anti-inflammatory potential is similar to ibuprofen.

A northern krill (Meganyctiphanes norvegica)

To recap here are four great reasons why Krill Oil beats the pants off fish oil:

More Omega 3s. Krill Oil contains the richest supply of DHA and EPA attached in phospholipid form. Phospholipids are much more absorbable by the body which means... more DHA and EPA at each serving.

Phospholipids. Krill Oil is rich in brain-essential "good fats" found in phospholipid form – the same as the human body which means there are no conversions or extra work the body needs to do. This makes absorption faster, easier and more effective. You won't get fish burps, upset stomach or unpleasant side effects from Krill Oil.

Antioxidant power. Krill Oil contains astaxanthin, the carotenoid that gives shrimp, krill, lobster and other foods their pink color. Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant. Krill oil has a very high ORAC value -- tens od times more antioxidant power than fish oil.

Purity. Krill are at the bottom of the food chain. They are virtually free of toxins, metals and other contaminants. Even better, Krill oil is harvested and collected in its natural environment – the pristine waters of Antarctica!