Prevention Magazines"Celebrate Your Beauty Awards"

I received an email today from a publicist at Prevention Magazine. It contains the first group of winners from their annual "Celebrate Your Beauty Awards", featuring 6 products for the body under $50.  

I am duly impressed. I receive a lot of award lists, but this one stands out.  It is well vetted and judged.  This is the first of a four part series that will also feature, best, "complexion, makeup and hair", over the next few months. If they are this good, I promise to share them.

Prevention Editor-in-Chief, Diane Salvatore said, “Readers rely on Prevention to sort through the new beauty choices that flood the marketplace every year, and to report authoritatively on which ones really deliver and should be on their list of must-haves,” said . “Prevention’s ‘Celebrate Your Beauty’ Awards are specifically designed to help women choose and enjoy beauty products that are effective and compatible with a healthy lifestyle.” 

Below is the complete list of Prevention’s “Celebrate Your Beauty” Award winners for 2012, in the "Best Body" category:


Best Body Wash:
SheaMoisture Olive & Green Tea Body Wash ($10, Walgreens)
This all-natural cleanser impressed judges because of its lack of skin-irritating fragrances and sulfates, and readers raved about the rich, creamy lather and fresh honeysuckle scent. Green tea extract helps protect skin from damage, and avocado oil is rich in vitamins and minerals that help moisturize and regenerate skin cells. *(This sounds delish and the price is right, though it rings no bells.  I'll store this on my mobile "beauty list". Should I ever spy a Walgreen's, I would take a look to see if it was available)


Best Body-Hair Removal:
Schick Hydro Silk Razor ($10, drugstores)
This slick-looking razor improves the condition of skin thanks to the water-activated moisturizing serum surrounding the razor’s blades. As you shave, the serum delivers proteins, vitamins, and shea butter to rejuvenate skin. Testers also loved the easy-to-grip handle and maneuverable head, which made shaving tricky areas like knees and ankles a breeze.
 * (I use it and it is FAB). 

Best Self-Tanner:
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad for Body with Active Vitamin D ($45, Sephora.com)
In addition to delivering a beautiful bronze glow, this unique self-tanner also speeds cell renewal and kick-starts collagen production.
 *(I have blogged enthusiastically about my love of Dr. Gross' Alpha Beta Peel Pads.  They are the Holy Grail of Glycolic  pads. I will be buy this self tanner stat.  I promise to report back.)


Best Sunscreen:
L’Oréal Paris Sublime Sun Hydra Lotion Spray SPF 50+ ($11, drugstores)
In addition to blocking UVA and UVB rays with a blend of photostabilized sunscreens, this product has vitamin E and white grapeseed extract, which work together to protect against free radicals and keep skin looking healthy
*(A no-brainer, I will definitely purchase this sunscreen.)


Best Body Lotion:
AVEENO® Positively Ageless® Skin Strengthening Body Cream ($10, drugstores)
Extracts of algae, mushroom, and flowering southernwood deliver antioxidants that can help protect skin from damage and dehydration, and before-and-after photographs clearly showed that this lotion delivered improvements to the texture and elasticity of skin. *(As you know, I am always on the hunt for well priced anti-aging products designed for the body. This Aveeno Moisturizer was not on my radar but sounds intriguing.  I will purchase this too.


Best Hand Cream:
philosophy hands of hope hand and cuticle cream ($18, Philosophy.com)
This rich cream wowed both testers and judges by delivering noticeable enhancements in roughness, scaling, and brown spots in just six weeks. Testers also loved that this cream hydrated without making hands slippery or smelly. *(Sounds good to me. I will pick this up tomorrow at Sephora with the Dr. Gross Self Tanner and report back.)


Winners were determined by a panel of judges who reviewed more than 1,700 beauty products launched from April 2011 to June 2012 and chose 130 finalists. Each finalist was tested with criteria appropriate to its category. Body lotions, face creams, and foundations were used by readers for six weeks under the supervision of a dermatologist, who determined winners using tools such as the Visia Complexion Analyzer by Canfield. Products like shampoos and self-tanners were tested by an independent lab and/or readers.


I am printing this tomorrow...what sounds good to you?


xox,
DD

Frownies Eye Gels: Something to smile about

Frownies Eye Gels $29.((

Frownies, a 100+ year family run beauty company, is a familiar name to many.  Long before Botox, Hollywood's elite used Frownies Facial Patches to still the muscles from contracting into furrows while they slept. Today, they are still popular with women looking to reduce wrinkles and fine lines naturally.

The fourth generation is now spear heading the business and have added new products to the Frownies brand. I received the following product from my friends at BeautyStat to test:

Anti-aging Under Eye and Eye Lid Gel Patches:

Anti-wrinkle treatment for puffy bags under the eyes contains powerful anti-oxidants that help protect your skin. With one 30 minute anti-aging treatment 100% of women testing Frownies eye gels saw a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and dark circles.


I thought that to be a pretty hefty claim! When I realized I was going to be able to try them without having to lie still for 30 minutes, like cucumber slices, I was immediately game to see if they worked.

Pretty in Pink...Still

After 4 years of buying, sampling and writing about my skin, hair and makeup trials for DivaDebbi, I  started reviewing my old posts.  I had the feeling there would be plenty of products that are with re-visiting.


After re-reading my blog about Neutrogena's Pink Grapefruit Body Clear Body Wash, I purchased it again on my last CVS run.

I adore the tangy grapefruit scent and the oodles of lather (when used with a bath sponge).  It's refreshing and I will definitely enjoy using it in the steamy months ahead.

In the past, I also found that in addition to exceptionally soft skin, the 2% salicylic acid helped my skin look more even toned, gently faded age spots and was a great exfoliator before using self tanner.

Though I think the good folks at Neutrogena really intended this product for the pimpled masses, I truly think it's a fabulous find as an anti-aging body wash.

xox,
DD

Ultherapy: A Brow Lift GIVEAWAY!!!

WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 2012

DivaDebbi and RHONJ Jacqueline Laurita 

I recently attended an event sponsored by Ultherapy, and hosted by Real Houswife of New Jersey Jacqueline Laurita. (Jacqueline, btw, is tiny, slim, pretty and has gorgeous skin)  It was held at elegant Lady Mendl's Tea Salon on Irving Place in NYC.  I've known about this special spot for ages, but never had occasion to visit...until now.


I've written about Ultherapy before, in my own popular blog "Are you heading south?" http://divadebbi.blogspot.com/2010/12/are-you-heading-south.html).  In this post, I spoke about my own experience with Ultherapy and interviewed both Plastic Surgeon C. Andrew Salzberg and Physician's Assistant Courtney Dunaventabout this non-surgical procedure.  Ultherapy has been featured on Dr. Oz, The Doctors, The Today Show and 20/20 dozens of magazines. 


What's all the excitement about and what motivated new Mom Jacqueline Laurita to visit Dr. William Song to try Ultherapy after losing all her baby weight? Read on:


About Ultherapy:

· The first and only energy-based device for aesthetics cleared by the FDAas a noninvasive face and neck treatment, with specific indication for eyebrow lift.

· A technological breakthrough in cosmetic procedures that lifts and tightens loose skin with ultrasound imaging with focused ultrasound therapy to actually see below the skin and precisely and effectively treat loose skin.

· Noninvasive treatment--no cutting or injections!

· Only takes 30-60 minutes and there is no downtime

The group split into two groups; one speaking informally with Jacquelineabout her experiences and the other watching Dr. Song perform the procedure on 55 year old Tina Nocera, a working Mom and Blogger.

The two most frequently asked questions were, 1) Does it hurt? (yes, to some degree, but it varies from patient to patient) and 2) Does it work? (yes, to some degree, but it varies from patient to patient).

Since Tina was having her entire face done, Dr. Song pre-medicated her with a light pain-killer and something to relax her. Anyone having an in office procedure would need to be accompanied by someone to drive them home, if opting for medication. 

In between "passes" of ultrasound waves, Tina was calmly able to answer our questions.  I asked her on a scale of 1-10 how she would describe her pain level.  I was a little surprised when she cheerfully responded, "6", but she was having her entire face and neck done at once.  Many patients opt to do just one or two areas.

H. William Song, MD

Dr. Song's entire practice is dedicated to non-surgical facial rejuvenation.  His credentials are impressive:

• Dr. Song is an Aesthetic Medicine Specialist. He is board certified in Internal Medicine
• He has been practicing in Bergen County since 1996
• He has received his undergraduate training at Bucknell University
• He received his medical degree at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.
• He did his internship and residency training at St. Lukes/ Roosevelt Hospital in New York City.
• He is currently on staff at Hackensack University Medical Center.

Dr. Song generously offered to provide each of us with a Gift Certificate for a freeBrow Lift with Ultherapy or the option to give it away.  I have opted to do a giveaway contest with mine, approximately, a $1500 value.


Dr. H. William Song is located at 12 Terhune St., Oakland, NJ (201-368-3800), about one hour from NYC.  If you wish to enter, please be aware of his location. California Girls, this ones not for you.  The G.C. expires Sept. 30 2012. DivaDebbibears no responsibility for the outcome of the winner's procedure, (unless you love it)!


How can you enter to win?  Simple. Just leave me a comment about why you would like to try it.  I will pick the winner at random on Wednesday May, 30th at 10 pm.  Don't forget to check back to see if you won!!!


Good luck and try not to fret, in a few weeks, no one would be able to tell if you did.


xox,
DD

Joan Halloway/Christina Hendricks

Christina Hendricks by divadebbi 

For the last five years, I have been a hardcore devotee of Mad Men.  Everything about this brilliantly, complex show intrigues me; the characters, their back stories, the 60's, the clothes, the history and the amazing journey creator Matt Weiner plunges us into each week.  (For those of you who are also MM addicts, do visit Basket of Kisses. You have not a clue how truly rich this mosaic is, until you read the intelligent analysis each week by sisters Deborah and Roberta Lipp and there well chosen commentators).

As we head into the last third of the 5th season, I'm already trying to savor what's left of it, instead of dwelling on the impossibly long hiatus between seasons. 

Sunday nights episode, "Christmas Waltz", featured and incredibly poignant, witty and charming afternoon and tipsy evening spent together by fan favorites "Don" and "Joan".

Portrayed by the magnificent Jon Hamm and the equally gorgeous bombshell Christina Hendricks, it was gorgeous eye candy, but smart and touching. MM at its very best.

I was inspired to create this homage to Joan/Christina.  She enchants me.

xox,

DD

Eyeshadow

Shu uemura mascara

Diptyque fragrance

Creed fragrance

Sophia!!!

I have been entranced by some of the fashion I am seeing at Cannes.  I couldn't help but imagine the stylish entrances the ageless Sophia Loren must have made there 50 years ago.  Today as then, the paparazzi would be wild!

xox,
DD

Glow Getters: 2) St. Ives Scrub-Free Exfoliating Pads

St. Ives Scrub-Free Exfoliating Pads
60 Count  $4.99

I go through quite a bit of body lotion, so when I am on my own dime, I tend not to spend on pricey products.  I am also always on the hunt for cost effective "drug store" body lotions that have some type of anti-aging ingredient.

When St. Ives introduced Naturally Smooth Body Lotion with Natural Fruit AHA Complex, I jumped at the opportunity to try it.  Lightweight, non- greasy, cost effective and pleasant smelling, it fit my needs to a tee.  I have been through at least eight, 21 oz. pump containers.  I pick one up wherever I see it, like an obsessive compulsive hoarder...I'm wiser now, having been burned before.


I like Naturally Smooth so much, it made my DivaDebbi Best of 2011 Skincare round-up (http://divadebbi.blogspot.com/2011/12/divadebbis-best-of-beauty-2011-skincare.html#more).

Jackie Silver is "Aging Backwards!"

Aging Backwards Author and Anti-Aging Expert Jackie Silver

I met my dear friend Jackie Silver in the City this past Monday.  We went to two events together and caught up over a light dinner. She is the full package, brains, beauty, great fun, kind and generous.

This is a re-post of my interview with Jackie this past October. When I interviewed her, she was still a stranger.  It was interesting to re-read this and know how completely honest she was in her responses.  Here goes!

I first learned about Jackie Silver, author and radio personality, while perusing Amazon for anti-aging books. Jackie wrote Aging Backwards:Secrets to Staying Young,  filled with her secrets, tips and shortcuts for looking and feeling young.

Soon after, I went to the website Jackie founded, AgingBackwards.com, and signed up for her free Ageless Beauty newsletter, which I receive several times a week via email. The newsletter is written in collaboration with Dr. Al Sears, one of the nation’s first board-certified anti-aging physicians and a respected medical writer and researcher.

I had the opportunity to meet Jackie this week, when I was in town for Fashion Week and I can fully attest, that this natural beauty looks years younger than her biological age, without a milliliter of injectibles. Suffice to say, "I'll have what shes having."

I was delighted, but not surprised that Jackie agreed to be interviewed. We bonded immediately! Here goes:


DD: You too look many years younger than 50 anything, much less 50 something. We all love a little instant gratification. Can you tell me three things my readers can do today to look more youthful?

JS: Well, if we're talking instantly, I'd say:

1) Go to Cynthia's Rowland's Web site and try her FREE eye lift exercise
(then order Facial Magic for a more long-term solution, wink).
http://budurl.com/re6h
2) Get a full night of beauty rest! Our bodies tune up when we're sleeping,
so get a free tune-up tonight (and every night).
3) Start on the right kind of exercise program that uses today's scientific
findings, such as Dr. Al Sears' PACE Express program, instead of the same
old routines from the 80s or 90s. You can work out 12 minutes a day and get
a great result - that sure beats the old "hour a day" routine!
http://bit.ly/uKVcYi

DD: I now know you hail from Florida. Were you a sun worshipper when you were younger? What is your philosophy now about the sun? Do you use SPF daily, and if so where?


JS: was definitely a sun worshipper from age one through 25! My mother
used to tell me to stop "frying" myself (we used baby oil mixed with iodine
on our FACES and used a reflector!). I finally realized at age 25 that I was
destroying my skin and I stopped tanning (came to my senses). I pretty much
stay out of the sun, but if I'm going to be outside in direct sun for any
length of time, I will use organic sunscreen on face, ears (yes, earlobes
can show your age!), neck, chest and hands.

DD: Do you think looking younger is genetic, hardwork, a mindset, or a bit of each?

JS:  Definitely a bit of each. We all have some genes we like more than
others - play up your best. I wouldn't necessarily say "hard" work, but
consistent work is more like it. And mindset is majorly important! Tip:
smiling makes you look younger and studies have found that even if you don't
feel happy, you can "become" happier by faking a smile.
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=smile-it-could-make-you-hap
pier

DD:  Oh I soooo agree!  One of my favorite sayings is, "act as if."  It works everytime!

DD: Can you tell us a bit about your lifestyle? What is your skincare routine?


JS: Exercise is the fountain of youth - I have worked out consistently since
age 17. There are plenty of studies that prove it, so don't take my word for
it. Here is one from The New York Times:
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/27/phys-ed-how-exercising-keeps-your-c
ells-young/

What's even more important than my "skincare routine" is that I make sure to
never sleep in my makeup. In my opinion, proper daily cleansing is the most
important part of the skincare routine. After cleansing, I use my own
Replenish (http://agingbackwards.com/), along with Dr. Sears' Revive
(http://www.on2url.com/app/adtrack.asp?MerchantID=132773&AdID=510039). I
also love Dr. Sears' Sierra mud mask.

DD: Are you a proponent of a particular kind of diet and do you believe in supplements?


JS:  I eat whatever I want - in moderation - and I usually want food that is
typically considered "healthful," including fresh organic fruit and
vegetables, protein and the "good" fats. Oh, and dessert is on my "food
pyramid." (In moderation, as previously mentioned).

I do believe in supplements and the ones I take are from very reputable
sources so I know they are providing me with the nutrients they promise to
deliver in an absorbable formula. My reputable sources: Dr. Al Sears,
(http://alsearsmd.com/), Life Extension (http://www.lef.org/), Astavita for
Skin Defense Complex (http://astavita.com/topical.html)

DD: You look like your barely wearing any makeup! Is that the case or do you just have a deft hand? Do you favor any particular brands?


JS: My friend Bruce Grayson, head of the Emmy's and Oscar's makeup
departments, told me that as we age we need less makeup and when someone of
Bruce's skills and credentials tells me something, I listen. I don't wear a
lot of makeup, but when I do I make sure it's natural looking.

My favorite foundation is Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind - looks great and super fast and easy to apply with a built-in sponge applicator. It's very affordable
and available at any store where Maybelline is sold (which is almost
everywhere).

DD: I know you are a proponent of facial exercise? Does it work and how important do you think that is in looking and feeling youthful?

JS: I already mentioned above that my "credo" is, "Exercise is the fountain
of youth" and that includes exercising the muscles of the face and neck.
Cynthia Rowland's Facial Magic facial exercise program is my number one
beauty "secret." Not that it's so secret - she's been featured on The
Doctors, The Rachael Ray Show, The View and many more.
(http://budurl.com/re6h)

DD: I'm looking forward to tuning into your radio show. What topics do you discuss and can listeners call in and ask questions? How do we find you?


JS:  The Ageless Sisters radio show that Cynthia Rowland and I started a
couple of years ago is fun and we always have a great guest from the beauty,
anti-aging or scientific community to enlighten us and our listeners. We
discuss pretty much everything and anything!
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/theagelesssisters

DD: I'm a devotee of the fabulous blog Fab Over Forty. It was a lovely surprise to see you just joined their Fashion Flash Monday group. How will you be contributing?


JS: I'll be linking to all the bloggers as well as to articles I write on my
site, AgingBackwards.com. Here's an example of my recent interview with
Bruce Grayson (mentioned in the makeup question above):
http://www.agingbackwards.com/?p=2597

DD: I know you have a huge Twitter following. Has "social media" helped you get the Aging Backwards message out there?

JS: Having many Twitter followers helps me reach a wide audience, but
besides that I have met so many wonderful people that I would otherwise
never have met.DD:  You mean like me? LOL!  I do believe I cyber stalked you...

DD: I know you are a frequent contributer to The Examiner.com. What do you like to write about?

JS: I have three columns on Examiner.com: National Anti-Aging Beauty
Examiner, NY Beauty Products Examiner and NY Charity Examiner. I love
writing for all three. Studies show that people who volunteer on a regular
basis are the healthiest and live the longest. Since I don't have much free
time to volunteer, I feel that my NY Charity Examiner column helps me give
back in a significant way.


DD:  I couldn't agree more!  I have met some of my dearest friends through my volunteer efforts. A lovely example of good Karma in action!

DD: You don't strike me as the type to rest on your laurels. I have the feeling you must have some great things to follow up on the success of Aging Backwards:Secrets to Staying Young. Any secrets you can share at this time about future projects?

JS: The only secrets I share are my secrets and shortcuts about beauty and
ways to stay young, wink lol. I am always open to business collaborations so
there's usually something in the works at any given moment of my life.
Thanks so much for sharing with my readers! As one hopeless kitty lover to another, meow!

I hope you enjoyed "meeting" Jackie as much as I did....we would all benefit my taking a page or three out of her book.

xox,
DD


P.S. from Jackie: MEOW and thank you SO MUCH! I'd love to connect with your readers on
social media: Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/agingbackwards/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/AgingBackwards
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aging-Backwards-with-Jackie-Silver/1069145045
20

Glow Getters: Murad's Intensive-C Radiance Peel

Murad Intensive-C Radiance Peel $49.50

I am a Girl obsessed with achieving a "radiant glow" and will think nothing of asking virtual strangers to recite their skin care litany for me when I see great skin.  


I received 4 glow getting products recently. They also suggest the promise of evening out skin tone, fading age spots and minimizing fine lines, with continued use.


My attention span for at-home products has a 10 minute max, so I'm glad all of these products did not propose anything longer. Even in repose, I am multi-tasking, so if I can slather something on that doesn't restrict my ability to read or type, I will try just about anything.


Numero Uno:

Review: Anastasia of Beverly Hills Illumin8 Eye Shadow

Anastasia of Anastasia Beverly Hills

Props must be paid to the smart marketers at Sephora. As a VIB Beauty Insider, (believe me, it adds up quickly), there are some nice perks. I never would have considered trying eye shadow's from Anastasia Beverly Hills simply because I associate it her with her well regarded line devoted to brow care and grooming.

She is the Mistress of Brows:Anastasia Soare is widely referred to as The Definitive Brow and Eye Expert and the Beauty Innovator for good reason.. Developing her own unique method of shaping the eyebrows and enhancing the eye area, Anastasia has cultivated an extensive following in her Beverly HIlls and Brentwood salons, including an impressive roster of celebrity clientele that includes: Oprah Winfrey, Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Naomi Campbell, Jada Pinkett Smith, Penelope Cruz, Sharon Stone, and others

.
Included in my 500 point package was a strip of pretty shadows, all in my preferred palette from Anastasia of Beverly Hills. I often toss samples, but I was drawn to that lovely, glowing, cameo shade one the left. I also gravitate towards bronze shades and I thought the pop of sapphire would be pretty in my outer crease. It was.

Anastastia Illumin8 with "Youthful Synergy" $30

I was delighted how smoothly they applied and how large and bright my lid looked. I found the color stayed on, untouched, the entire day. Impressed, I went online and did a little research. Lo and behold, they are not just pretty eye shadows, but shadows that are infused with treatment.

As I stated recently, combining product and treatment intuitively makes sense to me. If we are slathering, why not slather with purpose? Here's what I found out:

ILLUMIN8 Eye Shadow Duos are unique clinically and consumer-tested shadows designed to illuminate, firm, and smooth the appearance of skin while also soothing, softening and hydrating. It’s makeup that works like skincare! Formulated with Anastasia’s exclusive Youthful Synergy™ Complex and Balkan Botanical® Infusion.

CLINICAL RESULTS
Clinical result at 1 HOUR:
29% increase in skin hydration
Clinical results after 4 WEEKS eye area appears:
Firmer, Smoother, Lighter, and Less Puffy
Consumer results after 4 WEEKS on eyelids:
70% appear firmer
83% appear smoother

Results may vary (I will gladly take any improvement over none)
Long-wearing,Hypoallergenic, Ophthalmologist-Tested, Paraben-Free, Fagrance-Free,Can be worn wet or dry, Dermatologist-Tested

Did I go back and purchase my very own kit, despite having a draw full of shadows? Yup.

I'm worth it...and so are you.

xox,
DD

Looking your Prime: Korres Anti-Ageing Primer Review

Korres Anti-Ageing Primer. Exclusively at Sephora . $33

I am so pleased that the concept of combining makeup and good-for-you anti-aging ingredients is starting to become more common place...Doesn't it seem like a no-brainer that if we are slathering stuff on our face to look better, it should be pulling double duty?


It does to me.


Primers have been  very popular for several years now, though most of us are loathe to take on another step.  As a result, there  is a new craze for "Beauty Balms", which combine moisturizer, primer, SPF and tint in one formula.  I'll admit, I too have fallen under their spell.


If you are a frequent shopper at Sephora, it makes good common sense to be a Beauty Insider.  With every purchase, you accumulate points, good toward deluxe samples.  Usually I just waive what ever is being offered, until I have at least 500 points so I can cash in on something that I really want to try.


I had heard and read some really good things about Korres Anti-Ageing Primer.  When I saw it offered as a nearly full sized sample, I pounced .  I was also happy to read that it was silicone free.


I used it today for the first time, skipping my Garnier BB Cream and instead, used Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer with it.  I was immediately pleased with how perfectly poreless and flawless my skin appeared, without any chalky finish.

Mama Mia! Clarisonic Mia is Marvelous

Clarisonic Mia now available in colors to match your newest jeans. $119

Inexplicably, I sometimes can't get myself to splurge on a beauty product.  Even one that has received glowing online reviews and raves from anyone I know who uses it.

Clarisonic's cleansing system seems to be the one to beat.  Using it for just two minutes a day will greatly improve your skin's clarity and texture, help your creams work more effectively and your makeup application smoother.

I had contemplated purchasing Olay's Pro X system which claims to rival Clarisonic's hand held system, for significantly less money,without mentioning names.  I couldn't pull the trigger on that one either.

Happily, last week we had a Lela Rose trunkshow at Richards, and there lovely reps came bearing grab bag gifts...O.K...so I peeked.  Shoot me.

After charging it overnight, it was ready to roll the next morning in the shower with me.  After just one use, my skin was glowing more than usual.

I was not impressed with the cleanser it comes with.  I don't consider that I have a keen sense of smell, but when something smells off to me, I can't continue to use it, no matter what it's pedigree. Clarisonic does say you can use it with any of your favorite cleansers, so I quickly moved on.

Using Mia to remove a face full of makeup left me perplexed...wasn't I really just moving around my primer, tinted moisturizer and concealer?  My friendMichele is a longtime fan.  She recommended essentially cleansing twice, which I did last night.  Good plan.

Here is how Clarisonic describes Mia's attributes:

While cleansing is the first step in any skin care ritual, it is often overlooked.  Typical manual cleansing can leave behind dirt and oil trapped in pores. This build-up can damage the appearance and health of your skin and keep your skin care products from working like they should.

Used and recommended by spas and dermatologists, Clarisonic Sonic Skin Cleansing Systems use a patented sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second to gently, yet thoroughly remove 6X more makeup and 2X more dirt and oil than cleansing with your hands alone. Cleaner skin is the first step toward healthier skin. And healthier skin is smoother, more radiant and more beautiful. 

I couldn't have said it better!  If you don't get the Mother's Day gift you were secretly longing for, treat yourself  to Clarisonic's Mia.


You deserve it Mama.

xox,
DD

Sircuit Skin Cosmeceuticals: Supernatural-A

Sircuit Skincare Supernatural-A 1.3 oz. $80

I don't think there is any debate that Retin-A, a product originally used to treat teen acne, also enjoys a well documented history of successfully minimizing fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. It truly should be in every woman's anti-aging arsenal and used at least one to three times a week, to increase cellular turnover.

Your teen, can probably snag a prescription, with a good plan for about $10.  Fill that same prescription for yourself at your local pharmacy and you may need to ask for smelling salts first.  My bill was a whopping $180...clearly they weren't fooled into thinking I was trying to eradicate pesky pimples.  

The next time a needed a prescription, I thought I would outsmart the system and get my Retin-A from a Canadian Pharmacy.  The product was perfect, but the amount of spam email I received for every kind of chemical compounded from the Periodic Table of Elements, was not.  The breaking point was my account being hacked, and every contact on my list receiving a "Merry Christmas" email, with details on how to purchase Viagra. Oy vey.

All of this brings me to the best non-prescription retinoid I have found, Sircuit Skin Cosmeceuticals Supernatural- A restorative retinoid creme.

I have used products from L.A. based Sircuit before, and I have always found there pure, natural skincare to be nourishing, gentle and potent. 

The reason I think it is so effective is because my skin gently peels, in exactly the same way it does with prescription Retin-A.  I find I only need to use it about once a week. 

 Here are the benefits of Supernatural- A explained:

Benefits:

• Patent pending technology provides optimal retinaldehyde stability and potency.
• Helps to revitalize stressed, aging skin and protect against collagen breakdown.
• Provides barrier function support to maintain skin health.
• Reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes and hyperpigmentation.
• Smooths skin and improves radiance, clarity and tone.
• Minimizes irritation commonly associated with the use of retinol.

Skin Type: Suitable for all skin types, especially for dry, aging and/or problem skin types.
 
How To: Using a spatula (to avoid contamination), scoop out a small amount and apply to face and neck using gentle upward movements. Smooth gently over clean skin, preferably at night. May be used nightly, however sensitive skin may want to begin by using 3-4 x week at first. If irritation or redness occurs, discontinue use until skin is clear and then begin using again.
 
Free of artificial preservatives, colors, or fragrance and always cruelty free. 

Smartly, for those who wish to try it Supernatural-A before investing in the full size product, you can purchase a .4 ml sample for $10.  A little goes a long way...you will know if this is as right for your skin as it is for mine.

I hope so...

xox,

DD