DivaDebbi's Best of 2012: The Hall of Fame

It's that time of year again...As usual, I have tried a ton of new products this year and whether I purchased them myself or received them to sample, I have done my best to always tell you the good, the bad and the ugly of their benefits and features.

I wanted to start off my Best of 2012 lists with products that I continue to love and use, and that I feel are peerless, having tried many of their competitors. I purchase them over and over for one reason: They work!

In no particular order, I am never without with links to all:
                              DivaDebbi's 2012 Hall of Fame Beauty Picks

1) La Peau Skincare, Day Cream-Gel, Night Cream-Gel and Eye Contour Cream ($235) I am proud to be La Peau's Brand Ambassador. I am steadfastly loyal to this miracle skincare trio from Switzerland.  These potent lightweight gels penetrate the skin, repairing damage while restoring firmness and elasticity.  From the first week that I tried it, back in October of 2011, I was hooked. Despite receiving dozens of offers from premium, organic and mass skincare brands to sample their complete skincare lines, I always turn them down. Nothing I tried before was more effective and I truly believe nothing after could be.

I am sticking...

2) Lumene Premium Beauty Anti-Wrinkle Serum ($32.99) I am crazy about this lightweight, delicious smelling, velvety serum from Finland. I use it twice a day before moisturizer and my face instantly lights up with a dewy glow. I use it with abandon (always repurchasing with my CVS Beauty Bucks.) This is how I imagine J.Lo probably runs through La Mer. I have tried many other serums, some as much as 5 times the cost of Lumene Premium Beauty Serum.

None better...

3) Bobbi Brown's Long Wear Gel Eyeliner ($22, though don't even consider using it without purchasing her eye liner brush made specifically for this product $25)

Simply the best. Yes, it takes a steady hand and a little finesse, but this deeply pigmented, smooth gel liner defines and lasts like no other.  You can dot it on, and blend it, learn to create a ultra thin line, or glam it up with a thick line, winged up at the corners for a more dramatic look.

I have strayed often and always return...

4) Laura Mercier's Lip Glace in Pink Tulle ($24) When it comes to lip gloss and everything else, I'm fairly picky.  I abhor sticky, overly perfumed glosses and I prefer them to be richly pigmented.  Over the years, I may have tried nearly every lip gloss manufactured. Pink Tulle, a natural rosy nude is always available on Laura Mercier's website.  I made the mistake of tracking it down as far as Japan on EBay, before realizing that just because a color is not offered at retail, doesn't mean  it won't be part of a brands larger offerings on their own website.

Lesson learned...

5) MAC's Lip Pencil in Soar ($15) Whether for lining or filling in the lips with a stain of color, MAC's Lip Pencils are in a class by themselves. Well priced, long lasting and available in a wide range of shades, Soar is the color of my natural lips, so used as a liner, it enhances them subtlety, without an obvious line, which can look harsh and dated.

Perfection...

6) Revlon's Colorburst Lip Butter This is the best $10 lipstick on the planet, in fact it's one of my faves at any cost.  Lip Butter is a perfect blend of a glossy balm and lipstick.  It's hydrating, smooth and comfortable.  I have them in several shades and it's the only lipstick I will used down to the nub.

A beauty and a bargain to boot...

7) John Frieda's Frizz Ease 3-Day Straight (9.99) This non-sticky spray, with a water like consistency protects hair from heat, while keeping hair silky and frizz free, even in high humidity for up to three days or until your next washing. Been there, tried that-

A miracle...

8) St. Ives Naturally Smooth Body Lotion with Natural Fruit AHA Complex (5.99) A few years ago, several manufacturers included Alpha Hydroxy Acid in their lotions. That single ingredient is the difference between smoother, younger looking skin and skin that is merely moisturized.  When St. Ives introduced Naturally Smooth, a citrus based product with AHA complex, I rejoiced and hoarded.  This non-greasy lightweight formula is a pleasure to use and keeps my skin silky smooth.

A winner...

So there you have it...Stay tuned for my 2012 Best of Beauty and 2012 Best of Skincare lists.

Thank you for you loyalty and kindness, wishing you a safe and Happy New Year.

xox,
DD

Actively Radiant with Murad's Active Radiance Serum

Murad's Active Radiance Serum
1 fl. oz. $89.00

When I first started blogging back in March of 2008 (!), I recalled my introduction to the world of serums.

I have always been a PBS Girl, and will slog through the fundraising events because I know they need viewer support.

One evening, I became mesmerized, watching the Internationally known Dermatologist, Dr. Denese spouting her shpil.   Dr. Denese is a Hungarian blonde of a certain age. Initially, I wasn't paying any attention to what she was saying because I couldn't take my eyes off her glowing skin...Then I snapped out of my revelry and whipped out a  notepad.

 Dr. Denese's skin care philosophy is backed up with a whole lotta science and boils down to 5 simple steps: 


1) Cleanse 
2) Tone
3) Exfoliate with glycolic acid 
4) Apply a "serum" with a watery consistency to 
5) Bind with an application of a "fatty" night creme.


It all resonated well with me, and I still follow this regimen every day and every night for the last 6 years. In addition to my beloved La Peau Skincare (the best day, night and eye cream ever), I have added a miracle booster, a 2 part system from 3 Sisters Restorasis before my serum. This one, two easy system clinically reverses damage. I have promised and will be providing you with in depth information about this amazing find. I am proud to be the the Brand Ambassador for both products.

In the beginning, it was nearly impossible to find a "serum with a watery consistency".  They barely  existed as a skin care category.  The market is now proliferated with them,  so hunting for an effective serum, that delivers the glow I pursue like a truffle hound is always something I am open to sample.


I  am quite enamored with Dr. Howard Murad's Skincare products.  One of the easiest, most effective glow getters I have added to my skin care regimen is  a simple application of  Murad's Intensive-C Radiance Peel, for 10 minutes, once a week.  ($49.50 and a little goes a long way).


When I had the opportunity to sample the well reviewed Murad Active Radiance Serum, I pounced.  Here's the promise:


What it is:
A clinically proven treatment for environmentally aging skin that brightens and renews the complexion by improving natural radiance and clarity. 

What it is formulated to do:
This radiance-enhancing serum protects and repairs skin to provide superior all-day defense against environmental aggressors with Resilient-C Complex, a remarkable new vitamin C technology that delivers 50-times the free radical neutralizing power of prior generations. This unique formula restores tone and smoothes texture while improving skin firmness. 

Of all the serums I have tried, I would say it's in my top 5. I have not noticed additional firming, but it definitely does brighten and leave the skin finished with a radiant glow.  At this price point, I think it will best serve those with  mature or damaged skin.


Murad makes an extensive line of skincare products targeted to different needs from acne and rosacea to hyperpigmentation and fine lines and wrinkles.  Whatever ails you, he has used the best science possible to create a treatment to improve it.


I still feel lucky to have learned how essential a serum is to a good skincare regiment from Dr. Denese and whole heartily recommend you use one too.


I always keep a notepad and pen in my night table (in the past to write down whatever I think I can't live without that is being hawked on QVC at 3:00 am.  Amazing the clarity the light of day brings...)  If Dr. Murad ever gets a gig onPBS, I'll be ready for him too...


xox,
DD

La Peau Skincare: Still Good to the Last Drop

I am so proud to be La Peau Skincare's Brand Ambassador.  I couldn't possibly start a blog dedicated to my anti-aging faves and not start with La Peau.  Since starting my regimen in October, I have said fini to all other offers.  If that doesn't say it all, I don't know what else could. 

 Here is a reprint of my original DivaDebbi blog:


La Peau Skincare Trio ( Eye $60, Day $85, Night $90)

 When I test out a new skincare line, I generally like to give it at least a 3 or 4 week trial. In that time, I can usually determine if there is any improvement in tone, firmness and fading of imperfections. However, if the texture and smell are not pleasing, I will shut it down long before then.

The time around the Holidays is bit of blur between work, holiday parties and entertaining. As I am beginning to savour the last of my La Peau trial, I hadn't realized I have been enjoying it for nearly 2 months now...why end a good thing???

I had noticed early on, that something special was happening, (http://divadebbi.blogspot.com/2011/11/la-peau-la-creme-de-la-creme.html). Though I have several high end skincare lines in my goodie closet ready to be tried, I can't help fantasizing how liberating it would be to sweep clean my vanity, and continue the New Year(s)! enjoying the amazing results just 3   La Peau products produced.

Imagine, simplifying your routine to a Day, Night and Eye cream loaded with anti-oxidents, vitamins, minerals and amino acids, clinically proven to purify, nourish cells, increase hydration and renew skin's elasticity!

I no longer have to imagine...I am living proof of the efficacy of the labor of love created by skincare experts and sisters Carla-Maria and Irma Khanjian who own Swiss based La Peau Skincare . Not a day goes by that someone doesn't comment on how lovely my skin looks. How nice is that??? One of my darling co-workers, Lilly, 15 years my junior (!), tells me everyday she wished her skin looks as good as mine.

Well Lilly and all my other lovelies, I won't deny that I have inherited the family good skin genes which my mother, sister, aunt's and cousin's also enjoy:

My Grandmother Constance, 80, dancing at my wedding

But there is no doubt that special products can and do yield spectacular results that prior generations, like my Grandmother's could only dream of, (though I have fond memories of her liberally dousing the original pink Oil of Olay fluid on, morning and night. Look how far we have come)!

Are you ready to get started? Simply click on this link, to safely purchase directly from La Peau Skincare. As for me, I can sum up my experience in one word: ENCORE!!!

xox,
DD