Review: Dr. Brandt DNA Transforming Pearl Serum

Dr. Brandt DNA Transforming Pearl Serum
$150 (Gulp)

Every now and then, I can't resist buying some insanely priced anti-aging potion, in sheer hope that it will truly be the fountain of youth on tap. The cleverly named DNA Transforming Pearl Serum is and acronym for "Do Not Age"--big props to the marketing gurus who hatched this little ditty.

DNA Transforming Pearl Serum has been on my radar. It is supposedly a daily do for none other than Madonna and it won a More Magazine Award for a favorite of the many products a group of lucky readers got to test drive.

When I saw that Dr. Brandt was running a 40% off Black Friday sale after Thanksgiving + free shipping, I caved.  Here is how the product is described on Sephora's website:

What it is: 
A breakthrough antiaging serum powered by patented duo pearl technology and Juvenescence Complex. 

What it is formulated to do: 
Each application of this revolutionary serum delivers the right dose of fresh ingredients through the duo pearl delivery system. It supports cell respiration and encourages skin metabolism to address the visible signs of aging and minimize the appearance of roughness and wrinkles for younger, more radiant looking skin. 

What it is formulated WITHOUT: 
- Parabens 
- Phthalates 

Research results: 
In a 30 day self assessment study: 
- 88% of volunteers felt their skin was more lifted after 1 day 
- 96% of volunteers reported that their skin looked firmer after 1 week 
- 92% of volunteers reported that the appearance of lines and wrinkles has diminished after 1 month

I have been using Dr. Brandt DNA Transforming Pears Serum for a little over three weeks.  It looks pretty, does not require a lot of product to cover the entire face and has no discernible smell. It should last for many months.

The good news kind of ends there...

I have seen no difference in firmness, glow or diminished wrinkles.  Don't get me wrong, my skinlooks fine.  It just doesn't look finer so to speak.  I see no improvement whatsoever.

Naturally, at this price, I'm sticking with it, until I need to scoop the remains out with a Q-tip.
Of course I will keep you updated if there is a sudden turnaround.

As of this writing I'd say DNA should stand for DNB.

I'll leave it to you to figure out...

xox,
DD

The $24 Lip Job: Bobbi Brown Shimmer Gloss

 

Bobbi Brown Rose Sugar Lip Gloss
$24

 

I adore my friends...and the closer we are, the more we don't hold back. Girlfriend creed is to be able to tell your friends what other people are saying, or at least suspecting. I have a posse that I'm relying on to tell me the second my sleeveless days are over.

I was enjoying a Holiday drink with my hilarious friend Monica the other night in Greenwich.  One sip in, she said, "so, you got your lips done", wasting not a second.

"No, actually I didn't. They are all mine, but I am wearing an old favorite,
Bobbi Brown Shimmer Lip Gloss."

I was surprised to see it offered as a Sephora Insider perk in Greenwich, since they are not a branch that carries Bobbi.  Naturally, I snagged one, particularly since the shade offered, Rose Sugar, was perfectly gorgeous. (The colors on the website look nothing like they do in person, so I strongly suggest seeing them in person).

I picked up a full size gloss at Blue Mercury today and even that was slightly lighter than my Sephora sample, which was perhaps a few years old.

Odd.

The thing that I always loved about Bobbi Brown's Shimmer Lip Glosses, is that they really dress the lip up a bit. They are a little sticky, but aside from that slight nuisance, you get a lot longer wear out of an application, than a traditional gloss.  The shimmer, thankfully has nothing to do with "frost" and it actually does make your lips look fuller and more youthful.

There is good stuff in it too, Vitamin C and E, and Jojoba and Avocado Oils, which are both anti-aging and moisturizing.

I guess it has been awhile since I purchased one, since they are priced 20% more than the last time I bought one. But, on the plus side, it's a lot cheaper than Restalyne and I imagine, whole lot less painful too...

xox,
DD

Beautiful Foundation- How to Choose?

 

DivaDebbi and the one and only Ty Barnes
Sephora, Greenwich Ct.

Well for starters, with the help of an expert.  The best foundations are getting pricey and making a mistake is not the same as blowing it at the drugstore. It takes a bit of leg work...

A few weeks ago I was with my dear friend actress Alison Wachtler, who was in NYC for some auditions.  We had a leisurely Birthday lunch at Bloomindales in White Plains and both bee lined for the Space NK Cosmetics Boutique.  

Alison Wachtler Braunstein

Space NK is chock full of delicious high end skincare, and a few choice cosmetic lines with By Terry featured front and center.  I picked up one of their gorgeous hyaluronic based lipsticks in Grand Cru. It drenches the lips with moisture, but imparts a lot of pigment. Truly lovely.

I also sampled Terrybly Densiless, their new serum foundation and took some home to try. It is absolutely luscious.

Densiless is not just a foundation, but skincare as well, designed to target,"wrinkles and density with immediate and long term benefits, on the surface as well as deep down. Evens out skin tone and facial contours are firmer, adding youthful radiance to an ultra natural finish".

I haven't used it long enough to speak to the facial toning, but I can attest to the luminous finish of this smoothing powder foundation. I was beginning to think I couldn't possibly live without Densiless, as my generous sample dwindled.

I stopped in to purchase it and for once, asked the price first.  Jade Creamer, one of the knowledgeable consultants who has helped me before, swallowed hard and 'fessed up, "$110".

Ouch!  Really???  Ugggh!!! 

Nearly twice as much as I had dared imagine...and they can barely keep it in stock. Generously, she offered me a fresh sample and nicely, invited my to meet Eric Baez, By Terry's National Makeup Artist, who will be visiting on December 13th (please call 914-684-6453 for an appointment.) 

We will see if Eric has his way with me...

In the interim, I stopped into Sephora in Greenwich to pick up something for my annual book club Holiday dinner gift swap and saw Ty Barnes, my favorite consultant and makeup artist.  Talk about warmth and skill!  Ty is a total joy, a font of knowledge and a true artist.

I had 10 minutes to spare before a Holiday Party and asked him for a quick touch up.  To my delight, Sephora is now carrying Giorgio Armani Beauty, and I asked Ty to test out their award winning Luminous Silk foundation ($60) and Fluid Sheer Illuminator ($59).

$59

Ty did a gorgeous job of applying both products, which he loves using on his clients and sent me packing with plenty of product samples and instructions, (see above)  If you are lucky enough to live in the Greenwich area or are interested in hiring Ty for event work, please contact him here.

In the meanwhile, I'm taking my time deciding and I'm glad that I have two experts to help coach me along.  

There are many beauty areas where you can cheat, foundation is not one of them.

Is there something wonderful you are using that I should know about?  I'm all ears...

xox,

DD  

Review: Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Powder

Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Powder (L) and Loose Powder (R)
$34

"See the pretty girl in the mirror there...who can that attractive girl be"???...
Maria, West Side Story
DivaDebbi, stunned Nars Reflecting Pressed Powder  user

On Friday, I blogged about Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer, my new 'HG'concealer that covered any hint of darkness under my eyes while whisking 5 years off my face.

While I was at Sephora, I asked for a clean brush to try Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Powder.  I find loose powders to be too messy for my liking, so even though it looked luxuriously finely milled, I opted for the (very) hard pressed powder instead.  Besides, wouldn't it be nice to be able to travel with it in my handbag?
I didn't pay much attention to the look of it in Sephora, but my skin instantly felt refreshed. Many hours later, when I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I couldn't believe how flawless both my skin and makeup looked.

I was excited to use my new concealer this morning, but suspected that I grabbed the wrong shade by mistake..."ginger" just sounded darker than something I would have selected, though the color wasn't obviously deep hued.

I decided to leave it in pristine, unused condition and headed back today to see if I had indeed chosen the wrong shade. (I did. I am apparently a perfect "biscuit".)
While I was there, I had to give Nars Reflecting Pressed Powder another whirl.

It is so hard pressed, there is NO VISIBLE product on the brush.  That doesn't mean, however, that it will not be present on your skin...even if you can't see it there either.

What you will see is visibly blurred imperfections and flawlessly radiant skin.WOWZA!

You do know I love to read reviews, particularly when I am at the extreme end of loving and hating a product.  Makeupalley, an online website strictly devoted to members experiences, gave it a spectacular rave of 4.5 out of 5 Lipsticks.  That, is a rarity, particularly for a prestige brand that some consider very expensive, often a detriment in ratings.

Sephora had many 5 star reviews, but some complained that zero product is on the brush or the skin...I disagree.  I do agree that that the flimsy, thin, sponge square applicator is nothing to write home about, but I loved Nars sleek packaging, and the smart, fold over final pouch will keep it pristine in my handbag. (Some exchanged their pressed powder for the loose version and were then thrilled with the results.)

For those of you who like the "dets", here they are:

What it is:
A weightless, translucent powder for all skintones that creates a soft matte finish that looks luminous in any light. 

What it does:
This setting powder enhances the look of foundation without a trace of color, extending makeup wear thanks to the NARS exclusive Light Reflecting Complex™, which optimizes light-reflection on the skin. Its silky powder is infused with Photochromic Technology, which diffuses light and adjusts to new sources of light throughout the day. Soft, silky and luxurious to the touch and undetectable on the skin, this weightless formula applies evenly and blends effortlessly. One of the best parts? Fine lines, wrinkles, and pores optically fade as skin is visibly smoothed. Additionally, revolutionary microfine mineral powders are loaded with glycerin and antioxidant vitamin E to help guard against dryness and keep skin comfortable all day. Ideal for touch-ups, it helps regulate shine throughout the day and seamlessly sets foundation. This product is paraben- and fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. 

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens 

What else you need to know:
NARS Light Reflecting Complex utilizes a blend of pure ingredients that work in synergy to transform light like a prism. Light-active micro-prisms are combined with algae extract and Polynesian seawater to optimize light reflection on the skin.

Research results:
In final clinical test results:
- 84% agree that the product was non-drying
- 72% agree that the product blurred enlarged pores
- 72% agree that the product blurred fine lines and wrinkles
- 94% agree the product smoothes out skin’s appearance
- 91% agree that the product absorbs excess oil
- 81% agree that the product sets the foundation
- 75% agree that the product helps the foundation and other makeup to stay put all day

Nars, it seems is on a roll, with me anyway.  Both Radiant Creamy Concealer and Light Reflecting Powder are my new on my Holy Graillist.  What could possible be next???

Dressed to Kill Satin Lipstick. A new formula and a spectacularly pretty, luminous rose. Why not make it a trio?

xox,
DD

Holy Grail Alert: Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer
10 Shades $28

Want to look younger and rested???  Is there anyone among us who silently answered no???  Read on!

Wowza!  A product that not only lives up to it's hype, it surpasses it!  I have been reading excellent reviews and following all the buzz about Nars Cosmetics new Radiant Creamy Concealer, which launched this month.

Let's start with the fact that it bills itself as, "crease proof"...really???  I'll take two. That's one claim I have never heard associated with an under eye concealer.

I tried  Radiant Creamy Concealer at Sephora last week, and was amazed that it instantly covered my under eye circles. Not a hint of darkness and I was looking tired that day.  Unfortunately, they were out of the color I needed. Despite some gentle prodding, I knew that this shade was too light and pink for me and I could not be persuaded to buy it.

I did however, get to see how well it wore that day, also living up to its "long wearing" promise.

Review: Philosophy Resurface Microdelivery Dual-Phase Peel

Philosophy Microdelivery Dual-Phase Peel
$69

My darling friend Nancy and her family were visiting from London this weekend. We are childhood friends and though I don't get to see her nearly enough, when we are together we are in instant lock-step and spend most of it laughing. I adore her.

Nancy came to Greenwich on Friday to see me.  We shopped at Richards and then I took her to Warren Tricomi to meet with my dream team;Christopher for color and Jennifer for brow and eyelash tinting.  SinceMichael spends half of his time at Warren Tricomi and the other half at Vidal Sassoon in London as their Creative Director, I thought he would be the perfect person to cut Nancy's hair.

Nancy and Diva at Warren Tricomi

Since we didn't feel like we had nearly enough time together, we agreed to a part 2 in New York on Saturday.  Nicely, Nancy is a huge fan of my Blog and asked if we could first meet at Sephora, so I could help her select my must-haves. 

Nancy was asking for my recommendations, but I couldn't take my eyes off her flawless, glowing skin.  Forget what I'm using...I wanted to know what she was using--she looks fantastic.

Nancy thinks that Philosophy's Resurface Microdelivery Dual-Phase Peel was a true game changer for her.  Naturally, I wasn't leaving without it and she couldn't wait for me to try it.

The reviews for this product are extraordinary; young, old, sensitive skin, oily skin, dry skin, everyone it seems loves their results.

The first phase is the application of the Vitamin C crystals to exfoliate and resurface the skin.  It is best applied to clean dry skin for 60 seconds, in a gentle circular motion, (avoiding the delicate eye area.)  The next phase is applying the activator, which contains both lactic and salicylic acids. It foams and warms slightly.  Simply leave it on for three one minute and rinse thoroughly.  Truly, I have never used a simpler peel.

The results are stellar. Baby soft, glowing skin. Now I know why the reviews were so exemplary...It works!!!  My makeup today went on flawlessly.

Thank Nanc!

We ended up doing plenty of damage at Sephora sharing both our ,"must haves". Her incredibly patient son Noah was an absolute trooper...He could not have possibly anticipated and hour and 20 minute pit stop.  Lucky for him we didn't have enough time to hit Bergdorf's. Lucky for us too... one of us may be a bad influence...

Review: Guerlain's Terracotta Blush in Sunny Pink

Guerlain's Sun Shimmer Highlighter's $41
Sunny Pink and Orange/Pink Glow

It's only five days into the New Year, and no, I haven't abandoned my Best of 2012 Blush pick, Tarte's Natural Cheek Stain. It is perfect in every way but one; there is nothing portable about it...

I needed something slim, but richly pigmented, that I could carry in my makeup case and use to refresh my blush if I am going day to eve without a pit stop at home.

I tried it twice at Sephora before purchasing it, to both check it in daylight and to see if it lasted.  It adds a beautiful glow to the skin and looks natural and dewy. Fortunately, a little bit is all that is needed because I think it's rather pricey.
Ultimately, I caved. The Guerlain website suggested the Orange/Pink Glow for brunettes, but personally I think it would look ghastly on me. Sunny Pink is perfect and I have already received compliments while wearing it.

If you are prone to Winter blahs, the way I am, this is a nice pick-me up and it's a lot more cost effective than a trip to the Islands...

xox,
DD

Review: Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightnening Serum

Murad  Rapid Age Spot and Lightening Serum
$60

Regular DivaDebbi readers know that I am now in my second year of banning the sun.  I could no longer justify going through all the machinations of maintaining youthful skin, only to undo it each summer.

Recently, I was in South Beach just as Sandy was wreaking havoc on the Northeast.  Four days suddenly became 12 and the weather everyday was a cloudless 78 degrees without a trace of humidity. (I had to laugh... on the one day the mercury dipped  to 70, the local fashionistas were swaddled in cashmere and boots. In my white jeans, sleeveless silk top and nude patent ballet flats, I didn't need to hang a shingle on my back that said, "Visiting New Yorker".  I stuck out like a sore thumb.)

Net-net, I could not resist warming my bones and though I never wore sunscreen with lower than 20 SPF, there was still a price to pay...My forehead did sprout a freckle.  Uggghhh!!!

Untreated freckle Pre-Treatment
front and center

I make no bones about my love for Dr. Howard Murad products.  If you've got an ailment, he's developed a cure for it and best of all???  They work.

When I received and email from my  P.R. friends at Murad about Black Friday Deals and Cyber Monday Deals, ($25 off $100 worth of products and gift sets galore of popular potent treatments,) I asked if Murad had anything to lighten dark spots.  The answer immediately came back, "Yes'!  Would I like to sample Murad  Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightner?

Um...ya!!!

It arrived 3 days ago and I already see a difference!  I am going to post my progress in 10 day intervals.  I love that it is a clear, thin gel, and not a cream that will turn eerily brown, like all other products with hydroquinone have used.

I checked out the Sephora reviews and they are stellar. Here is some more product information:

Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightner

What it is:A concentrated serum that's clinically proven to rapidly lighten spots and even skintone.

What it is formulated to do:
This next-generation formula, developed by Dr. Howard Murad, combines the maximum levels of proprietary skin-lightening ingredients available without a prescription. This powerful complex includes hydroquinone, the gold standard in sun and age spot lightening, and an advanced skin lightening peptide, Hexapeptide-

These ingredients target, treat, and prevent existing dark spots, age spots, and freckles caused by daily environmental exposure.

What else you need to know:
This serum features glycolic acid, which exfoliates to remove dead skin cells and allows other active ingredients to penetrate more quickly to deliver faster results. This dermatologist-developed treatment provides rapid results for clearer, brighter, and more even-toned skin.

Research results:
Clinically proven to restore clarity and even skin tone by:
-Reducing the appearance of sun spots and age spots by 33% in 1 week*
- Helping prevent the development of future damage
- 88% of study participants saw improved skin tone in 2 weeks*
*Individual results will vary.

Don't forget to check back and watch my progress....

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

xox,
DD

Tarte's LipSurgence: Paradise found

TarteLipSurgence
$24

When I was at Sephora the other day an spotted this unique Tarte lip tint, I literallygasped.  I knew before I swiped my wrist, much less my lips, that this was the rosy nude of my dreams.

Called LipSurgence, this ingenious self sharpening crayon is a tribrid of gloss, stain and balm.

I was literally giddy. Could it be that my dream color was available in my dream lip product?

Pretty much...


Hope, my dream shade is one of the LipSurgence Lip Tints that are matte, (but not drying).  LipSurgence is also available with "luster"  which adds a hint of shimmer, but the shimmer and matte shades are slightly different and my hope of Hope with shimmer was dashed, upon closer inspection.

Because Hope is a matte shade, I wear it with a little shimmering gloss and the result is rich, natural and elegant. In a pinch, it can easily be used as a lip liner too.

Infused with Vitamins A&E, peppermint oil, camuba wax and coconut extract,LipSurgence is hydrating, extraordinarily long wearing and has a hint of minty freshness and I am truly mad for it.

Can you fall in love with a lip tint?  Apparently so...

xox,
DD

Review: Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation

YSL's Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation
1 oz. $55

Devotees of Le Touche Eclat Concealer, (and they are legion) have long waited for YSL to create a foundation to complement it.

I too was quite smitten with Touche Eclat concealer. It's housed in a sleek gold pen, and with a simple click, the built in brush deposits just the right amount of product. It does a fine job of covering dark circles, diffusing fine lines and subtly highlighting.  I thought it was a Holy Grail product for me, until I noticed that I frequently looked like I had the dreaded "raccoon" eye in photos.

At that time, "Touche" only came in 3 shades. At $40 a pop, I was not going to invest in mixing two shades, so we parted ways. Today, it's available in 12 shades and I am sure that anyone would be able to find their perfect shade, myself included.

All of this brings me to Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation, which was generously sampled for me by Tyshon at Sephora in Greenwich.  I so appreciate that they are always willing to supply samples so you can try product on clean, make up free skin at home. It takes away all of the guess work and in this case, I realized the lighter shade that Tyshon had recommended was indeed the right one for me.

So, did it live up to all the hype???
Not for me.  It is extremely lightweight and provides minimal to no coverage. I'm sure it could be layered, but that is not what I want from a foundation.  It is also infused with a shimmer that when used all over creates more wattage than what I think most women want.

I did sample a deeper shade, that I am using over my Garnier Beauty Balm cream. When used in the same places you would apply bronzer, forehead, nose, chin and cheeks, it looks luminous and lovely.  Would I purchase it for this purpose?

No.

Might I revisit Touche concealer, with Tyshon's eye?

Yes.

xox,
DD

GLO Brilliant: Personal Teeth Whitening Device: An introduction

Dr. Jonathan Levine and his wife Stacey Levine
Co-founders of GLO Brilliant

Nothing makes me happier than when all my beauty stars align...Dr. Jonathan Levine and his warm and beautiful wife Stacey have been on my radar since my college days. They were then and still are a golden couple.

Dr. Jonathan Levine is a world-renowned NYC aesthetic dentist (with a high profile clientele of actors, models and CEO's) , Professor, inventor and oral care expert and philanthropist.

Stacey Levine is the co-founder of GLO Science and a well known face in the beauty retail industry. In fact, it was on a sleepless night when I was channel surfacing that I saw "Stacey Face", (as we used to call her), demonstrating GLO Brilliant on HSN...naturally I was thrilled! Stacey has also traveled to Africa, where she has taught mom's and their children the importance of oral health care. She has plans to expand this effort globally.

We all also, live in the same town where we have raised our boys. Stacey has great style and we have chatted warmly when she stops into shop at Richards, where I am the Personal Shopper. Only recently did she realize I am also a Beauty Blogger.

Inspiration struck at the same moment...while I was asking if I could try GLO Brilliant she was suggesting I do exactly the same!

Murad Introduces MuraSol: The smartest suncare ever

I am a fan of Dr. Howard Murad's skincare products. His passion for pioneering cutting edge skincare products,is evidenced in the numerous patents he has received for advancing skincare technology. His clinical skincare lines are sold in 41 countries and is a leading seller at both Sephora and Ulta.

I particularly love his Intensive C Radiance Peel, which I use faithfully once a week. (http://divadebbi.blogspot.com/2012/05/glow-getters1-murads-intensive-c.html). Easy peasy.

I received a sneak-peak of his latest brainchild, MuraSol, a new antioxidant defense technology that will be included in all Murad products with SPF.  I won't be surprised to see this patented as well.

MuraSol, creates a stronger defense against UV rays, by neutralizing free radicals with antioxidants, before they are able to inflict damage to the skin.
Additionally, and smartly, Dr. Murad also included his patented repair system that protects and maintains firmness into MuraSol.


In other words, Dr. Murad is marrying the best of skincare, Pomegranate Extract, Vitamin E, plant lipids and Hyaluronic Acid with the best of suncare.  To me that is a forehead smacking DUH...it's kind of amazing know one has thought of this sooner.
The line will include Murad Oil-Free Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 (1.7 oz. $31) and Murad Water Resistant Suncreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 (4.3 oz. $30).

I received the latter today and I intend to see how it wears under makeup.  It was sweltering but overcast, so I applied it anywhere the sun might shine.  My eyebrows raised when I saw it was white, steeling myself for a lot of rubbing, but it was not to be.  It blended easily and had a pleasant scent.

MuraSol is launching officially this month at Sephora and Ulta as well as the Murad website just in time for summer...

Fall, winter and spring.

xox,
DD

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads: Genius!



Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads
8 large towelettes $45

I recently posted the first of Prevention Magazines 2012 "Celebrate Your Beauty Awards". They will be unveiling the complete list of winners over the next several months. The first segment was dedicated to the "body", and I knew instantly that I would want to try Dr. Dennis Gross's Alpha Beta Glow Pads for the Body.

Not only do they start working within an hour and don't require gloves but they are scentless and good for you. Here is how they are described on Sephora's website:

What it is:
An exfoliating self tanner that firms and smooths skin, while minimizing the need for shaving.

What it is formulated to do:
This multitasking self tanner offers the glow you desire with added, skin-friendly bonuses. Packed with vitamin D, this exfoliating and anti-aging formula repairs and nourishes skin, combating irritation and blemishes. Capislo™ helps reduce shaving frequency by minimizing hair texture, length, and growth, while the microencapsulated DHA and soy proteins deliver color deep into the skin to prevent fading.

How could I resist buying these when Dr. Dennis Gross' Extra Strength 2-Step Alpha Beta Peel is one of the best products I have ever used? I couldn't and didn't.

Brilliant: Anastasia of Beverly HIlls Tinted Brow Gel

Anastasia Brow Tinted Brow Gel $21

When it comes to brows, I was a late comer.  Brow grooming for me entailed a basic clean up at my nail salon three times a year.


The lovely ladies at the Benefit Brow Bar taught me the necessity and art of regular grooming, brow powder and wax...


YES, (big sigh), it's another step in my daily beauty routine, but the difference that a finished brow makes cannot be underestimated.


A few weeks ago, I purchased an Anastasia Beverly Hills eye shadow palette, despite the fact that Anastasia is the Queen of Brows.  Not only are the shadows beautiful, but they also contain anti-aging treatment ingredients.  Good stuff...


I was at Sephora on Saturday and decided to revisit Anastasia's brow products this time. I had never tried a tinted brow gel before and decided to go for a swipe (after dousing the brush in alcohol, naturally).

Review: Dr. Dennis Gross' Alpha Beta Glow Pads

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads for Face and Body 8 Pads $45

I recently posted the first of Prevention Magazines 2012 "Celebrate Your Beauty Awards". They will be unveiling the complete list of winners over the next several months. The first segment was dedicated to the "body", and I knew instantly that I would want to try Dr. Dennis Gross's Alpha Beta Glow Pads for the Body.

Not only do they start working within an hour and don't require gloves but they are scentless and good for you. Here is how they are described on Sephora's website:

What it is:
An exfoliating self tanner that firms and smooths skin, while minimizing the need for shaving.

What it is formulated to do:
This multitasking self tanner offers the glow you desire with added, skin-friendly bonuses. Packed with vitamin D, this exfoliating and anti-aging formula repairs and nourishes skin, combating irritation and blemishes. Capislo™ helps reduce shaving frequency by minimizing hair texture, length, and growth, while the microencapsulated DHA and soy proteins deliver color deep into the skin to prevent fading.

How could I resist buying these when Dr. Dennis Gross' Extra Strength 2-Step Alpha Beta Peel is one of the best products I have ever used? I couldn't and didn't.

I generally read reviewers experiences on Sephora's website and I wished I had read them first. The Body Glow Pads are actually a set of 8 individually packaged large towelettes. They are infused with a lot of product upon removing them from the package, and whatever area gets the first application, may end up considerably darker than other areas of the body. Since it dries quickly and you will need to work fast.

I applied it before going out to dinner on Saturday night and skipped my face, since I wasn't starting my makeup from scratch. I loved how quickly it dried, did not smell and the fact that I could get dressed within the 15 minutes I had to spare. I could see the color evolving subtlety through out the night and I was glad to see there was no color transference to my white skinny jeans.


I woke up with a streak free, natural looking "tan", until I spied my feet, which received the first dousing out of the package...Ruh Roh.


They were two or three shades darker than the rest of my body and patches that I missed, like a heel and between my toes, created a "Vitiligo" like effect, (def: Vitiligo is a condition that causes depigmentation of sections of skin). Not pretty. I also never knew I had sun spots on my feet! These hidden beauties now appeared like cappucino measels.


To resolve it, I tried using nail polish remover on a cotton ball with a Playtex gloved hand, (so much for no gloves). It didn't do much, so I took the opposite tact and opened a new towelette, carefully cutting off a small section and resealing it, so as not to waste $6.25 another one. I first applied it to my face in a circular motion and then went for the white spots on my feet.


I woke up this morning with a spectacular looking natural "tan" on my face and much improved looking feet. My colleagues have not stopped raving. Now that I know the ropes, I am postive that Dr.Dennis Gross' Alpha Beta Glow Pads for the Body will become a staple in my beauty arsenal.


Finally, a beautiful tan that is good for you too.

xox,
DD

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

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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.

Amazing Concealer Is!

Amazing Concealer 0.5 oz $42

(I posted this Blog on DivaDebbi  as well.  This is perfect hybrid for both.  A fabulous cosmetic find that made me look fresh faced and younger)

I popped into Sephora yesterday, hoping once more, to find something equally great, more long lasting and a little less expensive than Benefit's They're Real Mascara. I have been down this path before without success.

The lovely Mariyah took me over to there mascara bar and I decided to purchase Bare Escentual's Buxom Lash. (Unfortunately, I found it to be an anemic under performer and I will be exchanging it for you know what.)

While I was browsing, a noticed a half shelf devoted to Amazing Cosmetics, an unfamiliar brand.  

I fully confess to being a bit of a concealer junkie and when I saw Amazing Concealer in 10 shades, I stopped in my tracks.

The only time I know I look completely well rested is when I am on vacation. Usually on about the third day, any dark shadows under my eyes disappear and I have to consider if I need concealer.  It's a beautiful thing and I look and feel 5 years younger.

Lo and behold, I dotted on Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer and any hint of shadow was gone.  Not only did my shadows disappear, but so did Amazing Concealer. It seamlessly fused into my skin.  I looked in the mirror and thought, "it's my vacation look". Amazing Concealer is a vacation in a tube.  Is there any doubt on the planet I was purchasing this????