Beauty pro division

Makeup artist Ken Mendelson talks about mineral cosmetics, color trends and Jane Iredale at New York fashion week.

Seen above is Masela Lusha having her eyes adorned with minerals from Jane Iredale. Jane Iredale was one of the sponsors at the Ultimate Green Room. Jane believes "The most beautiful cosmetic you can wear is a healthy skin" Other celebrities who visited: Daphne Zuniga, Nick Gonzalez, Ashley & Courtney Peldon, Kathy Griffin, Kathy Najimy, Bahar Soomekh & Daryl Hanna. Take a walk around with Daryl Hanna and view the video below. The first interview is on Jane Iredale.

Are you like me - a guy on the go who never has time for the sun but longs for the lust look that has been kissed by the UV? If I go three days without the rays I swear I turn blue. I have always admired Hong Kong's beauty obsession with porcelain skin. Do you think that trend will ever hit the USA? I hope so, then my self tanning expenses wouldn't be so high. But will American's put Mercury on their face to inhibit the skin from getting darker? According to a recent study in China SK-II the brand owned by Procter & Gamble says yes. Now that Reuters has released this story on SK-II the prestige line at Saks Fifth Avenue that competes with Cle de Peau, Natura Bisse and will need to do some serious beauty PR damage control in the USA if this leaks.

I am thinking "NO MERCURY" stickers like "NO MSG" when I go for lunch on the side of the bottles, yes? (kidding)

Liza Ng, a public relations executive living in Hong Kong, has no time or inclination to cultivate the sporty, tanned look either. "I love to be pearly white because that is more beautiful," the 38-year-old said. Ng is not alone.

Women across Asia pay exorbitant prices for cosmetics that promise to whiten their skin and give them a fair, frail look which for centuries has been considered a sign of beauty in women in China and across much of the region.

But the demand for skin-whitening cosmetics -- which can cost as much as $385 for a 50-ml bottle -- has more than a monetary cost. Health experts say that mercury -- a potentially deadly substance that helps to keep skin white -- has been found in a number of skin-whitening cosmetics.

"In Hong Kong, there are no strict rules for product labeling and you can buy cream that says it is mercury-free, but when we examine it, it is full of mercury," said Christopher Lam, a professor of chemical pathology at the Chinese University.

Sometimes what you pay for is what you get in beauty. For high end cosmeceuticals and carefully formulated products like Natura Bisse the value proposition for a consumer is ofte quite clear i.e better living through chemistry.

But for many beauty products made with simple formulations one has to wonder how the cost adds up so quickly. Basic beauty ingredients like olive oil, shea butter, and even essential oils are not exceptionally pricey and yet countless beauty products with formulations of shea butter and essential oils for super rich moisturizers run upwards of $30 for even a small tub.

Given that a pound of shea butter bought in bulk costs roughly $7 formulated product costs in this range feel excessive. Even store bought olive oil feels cheap when when compared to pricey oil oil based products. And olive oil is actually a perfect facial moisturizer for those worried about fine lines.

So what is a frugal beauty addict to do if she prefers to save her pennies to buy well formulated products for her delicate face even while she craves shea butter and olive oil products for everyday? Well buy it in bulk of course, and then mix in her favorite essential oils to give it a personal kick. One excellent source for these products is Rebecca's Herbal Apothecary which stocks all of these items and will ship them to you! That way you can have your Natura Bisse and silk soft feet coated in lavender and shea butter. Not a bad trading up/trading down situation at all huh?

Should You Scrub? Paula (my industry idol) responds

Q. I am completely frustrated with all the skin-care products out there for people like me (41 and with minor skin discolorations from past blemish picking, maybe six or eight total on my lower cheek area and a couple by my left and right temple area from plucking eyebrows). I would really like to know which products you would recommend for helping to lighten these areas as well as give my facial skin an overall look and feel of evenness. I have tried several expensive products as well as drugstore brands, but have yet to find a good "combo" of products that would help me achieve this goal. Please give me any advice that would help, as I am totally at my wits end!

If the paper of note (New York Times) says it is a trend then it must be true: buttock facials With the recent fixation on the junk in the trunk, spas are promoting special “facials” for the posterior in Miami, Los Angeles, Minneapolis and Boston, as well as in New York.

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I was grabbing my usual morning cup of java the other day at my favorite local café in LA when a lady and her teenage daughter stopped me in my tracks and demanded to know what I use on my skin. Caught off guard by the beauty inquisition from the mother/daughter duo, a flashback of my bathroom medicine cabinet quickly came to me and I immediately blurted the word, “Skingenic!”

What do you do when you have a big event to go to and you have a zit the size of a meteor? Do you pop it, put toothpaste on it, or pray to the skin gods? Charlotte James, distinguished paramedical aesthetician and president of the Charlotte-James Facial Clinic in Los Angeles, Calif., has the solution to this dilemma as she shares her top 25 skin care tips in celebration of her 25th year in practice.

"Through my years of experience, I have learned many of the 'secrets' of skin care and am happy to share them," said James, a paramedical aesthetician who merges scientific and dermatological procedures with classic aesthetician's treatments. "Most of my tips are derived from what I have learned while treating and observing a multitude of skin conditions from acne and wrinkles to rosacea."

1. If you need to get rid of a pimple quickly, call your dermatologist to inject it with cortisone. If the zit is red and inflamed, try icing it and applying over the counter cortisone cream to decrease the redness.

2. If you have acne-prone skin or you are sensitive to iodides, watch for foods that contain iodine like sushi, which can exacerbate it.

3. To fix an oily T-zone while in a public bathroom, use a piece of the toilet seat cover to dab on skin and blot excess oil.

Procter & Gamble Co. (PG) said Tuesday it will resume selling its SK-II skin care range in mainland China, following the conclusion of a government investigation that found no health risks from trace metals in the products.

Chinese regulators found that trace levels of chromium and neodymium in the cosmetic products don't pose health risk to consumers, said Charles Zhang, external relations manager for P&G Greater China.

P&G said in a statement it will resume sales of SK-II in mainland China in the coming weeks.
In late September, P&G said it was temporarily shutting its SK-II sales counters in China nationwide, due to the government investigation and "security incidents" at some of its sales counters involving angry customers.

The move came after Chinese regulators asked the company to take action after finding trace amounts of chromium and neodymium, which can cause allergies and other illnesses, in the SK-II products, according to local media reports last month.

P&G said trace amounts of chromium and neodymium are naturally occurring and said it doesn't add these elements as ingredients in any of its SK-II products. Zhang said the company is still estimating the potential losses from the suspension of the sales.

There is very little mystery about how a pimple is created. It essentially starts with hormones causing the sebaceous gland to create some amount of excess oil that can't get out of the pore in an even flow, possibly caused by a misshapen pore lining. This backed-up oil, along with a buildup of dead skin cells, form a blockage and eventually clog the pore. A specific type of bacteria (called propionibacterium acnes) existing deep in the pore thrives on the oil and dead skin cells, multiplies, and causes the area to become inflamed. This combination of events results in a pimple (Sources: Drugs, 2003, volume 63, issue 15, pages 1579-1596 and Advances in Dermatology, January 2003, pages 1-10).

Over-the-counter and prescription options abound for fighting blemishes, which makes it a confusing battle to mount, because there isn't one routine or medication (or combination of therapies) that works for everyone. Finding the right combination is the goal, which often requires experimentation, but a good place to start is with the topical disinfectant benzoyl peroxide.

L'Oreal's Maybelline will extend its Garnier brand from hair care into skin care in the U.S., with the launch of a 15-product facial care line, Garnier Nutritioniste, expected to hit store shelves early next year. The products are already available in Europe. This expansion marks the brand's first foray outside of hair care in the U.S., and is also its first major new category entry since Maybelline launched Garnier Fructis shampoos and conditioners in 2003. Prior to that, Garnier sold only hair color in the U.S.

Garnier Nutritioniste will compete with such stalwarts in the mass skin care arena as Procter & Gamble's Olay, Johnson & Johnson's Neutrogena and some lines of parent L'Oreal. L'Oreal has always intended for Maybelline to take Garnier from niche to master brand status, with product offerings eventually in many categories, similar to the way Unilever parlayed Dove from soap to deodorant to hair care.

This looks to be the first major step, especially with a 15-SKU launch--which is considered large for a new skin care entry. The line will be positioned as combining nutrients and dermatology. This is similar to how Garnier's Nutrisse hair color uses TV spots featuring Sarah Jessica Parker talking up the beautiful and healthy results she gets from the avocado and grape seed oil contained in the hair dye.

Although Nutritioniste products will be a first for U.S. customers, Maybelline has already introduced the line overseas in the U.K., Italy, France, and Spain. Maybelline will launch three different Nutritioniste skin sub-segments: cleansing, firming, and cell regeneration. Products will retail for $5.99 to $16.99. Nutritioniste Nutri-Pure is the cleansing line with a Detoxifying Cream cleanser, a Gel Cleanser, a Moisturizing Cream Scrub and Wet Cleansing Towelettes.

Ultra-Lift is the specialty firming line, targeting an over-40 demographic. Those products include a Firming Serum, Firming Eye Cream, Anti-Wrinkle Moisture Cream and others, with ingredients including omega-3, omega-6 and rice proteins.

The most seemingly advanced products come under the Skin Renew sub-segment, with ingredients such as Vitamin C and lycopene (an antioxidant found in tomatoes, which is also included in some multi-vitamin formulas). Skin-renewing SKUs include moisture cream and a regenerating serum, a lotion with SPF 15, and even a home microdermabrasion kit, called Regenerating Micro-Polish Kit.

With the holiday season in full swing, many people are going on diets to look good for Christmas. However, most diet plans do not contain specific nutrients needed for supple and healthy skin and you could trade one problem for another. Using a shielding lotion to keep the body’s natural moisture locked in and harsh chemicals out is the best topical dry skin care treatment, but here are a few nutritional tips that will work on your skin from the inside out while also helping you lose weight.

The biggest nutritional mistake made while dieting is cutting out essential fatty acids (EFAs). EFAs support the cardiovascular, immune, reproductive and nervous systems enable the body to create new cells, repair those that are damaged and get rid of toxins. Studies have shown EFAs to be effective dry skin care even for the most severe conditions. The great news for dieters is that they are also pivotal in weight loss. EFA supplementation alone has enabled people to lose weight after years of unsuccessful dieting.

So, you’re in luck. The one thing dietary change that will help you lose weight is also the best internal dry skin care treatment.

Unfortunately, EFAs cannot be produced by the body, so if you cut them out of your diet you have lost your only source – which is precisely what happens with the traditional weight loss diet. What dietary changes will actually help you lose weight without creating dry skin and other health problems? Avoiding deserts, sugar, fried foods, bread and pasta are definite musts. The problem is caused when we also switch to low or no-fat milk and yogurt or from butter and olive oil to low-fat margarines and no-fat vegetable sprays. Whole milk, yogurt and olive oil are major sources of EFAs.

This holiday season, instead of going on a low-fat diet, try keeping the EFAs in there. However, don’t forget the shielding lotion. Most dry skin conditions start with the household chemicals we come in contact with every day. A good shielding lotion locks in moisture while keeping those harsh chemicals out. The combination of adequate EFAs and a good shielding lotion may be all the dry skin care you really need this holiday season. You can slim down and get healthy, glowing skin in the process.

The advent of long-lasting make-up and the resurgence of heavy creams are stimulating a lot of dirty activity on skin, contributing to under-surface congestion and an overall dull complexion. Add in our skin’s natural sebum (oil) and environmental pollutants that surround us in the air and we have quite the cocktail of debris lingering on skin and working down into our pores.

Now just think back to that cleanse you performed today: does it seem like it was thorough enough to cut through it all? Chances are it was not, because the average person cleanses their skin for only 20 seconds with a water-soluble cleanser that cannot thoroughly break down and remove all that oil-based debris.

You remember the saying oil and water don’t mix, right? The same principle applies to your water-based cleanser and the oil-based debris on your skin. And if they don’t mix, and instead repel each other, how is your water-based cleanser going to ever remove that oil, dirt and grime?

Truth is only oil can cut through and thoroughly remove oil. (Don’t worry oil-phobes! There are oils that rinse clean from skin without leaving a greasy residue or contributing to any additional oily build-up.) And with the right oil-based cleanser, layers of oily debris are adequately removed, leaving behind nothing but ultra-clean skin.

Today I was reading in Women’s Wear Daily that Estee Lauder will be launching a foundation line under its very popular skin care line Resilience Lift Extreme. The foundation will be debuting in 2007 with a marketing campaign that includes Elizabeth Hurley. While ads with Hurley could never persuade me to buy this makeup, because really now, she’s already gorgeous and doesn’t portray the typical person who would need this foundation; the ingredients and science behind the foundation alone might do the trick.

At the age of 32, I’ve definitely noticed my skin losing elasticity and firmness. Since I am not yet ready to take the plunge into plastic surgery and cannot use anything involving chemicals or hormones due to being pregnant, I look to skin care and makeup to give me a temporary fix. The cocktail in this foundation is said to consist of triterpines, tetra and hexapeptides, just as the moisturizer it is named after does. It also includes Polylift, a protein-rich flexible film, that makes skin feel tighter upon application; a lipid complex designed to restore the skin’s natural surface epidermal layer, and seigesbecka, a plant extra that helps the skin maintain its natural elastin and collagen levels. It almost sounds too good to be true and for only $29.50, it surely sounds like it should have a much higher price point.

While Estee Launder will be mainly taking the traditional approach in marketing this foundation, they will also launch an internet campaign early next year. As a makeup Blogger, I am crossing my fingers and toes that this includes marketing to Bloggers for reviews. I will feverishly raise my hand to be one of the lucky ones to try out this foundation that seems like it may be the (temporary) answer to a lot of my aging woes.

What do you think? Too good to be true or truly good?

If you are over the age of 30, chances are that you have noticed your facial skin start to change. Women in peri-menopause and menopause start to notice the loss of elasticity and moisture in their skin, which many times requires them to change the skin care routine they had been implementing previously. I know oftentimes, my mother, grandmother and aunts ask me what products are out there to combat the signs of aging, at least on the surface level without plastic surgery.

Below is a list of the 12 skin symptoms associated with estrogen loss as complied by Dr. Stuart Kaplan, a dermatologist and creator of kaplanMD. As you go through each skin sign, see if you can relate.

1. Accelerated formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
2. Adult acne.
3. Flushing/redness.
4. Loss of firmness.
5. Loss of elasticity.
6. Thinning, colorless or translucent skin.
7. Dull, lackluster skin,
8. Dry, dehydrated skin.
9. Uneven pigmentation.
10. Facial hair growth.
11. Photosensitivity (sensitive to sun exposure).
12. Hypersensitivity (skin is more sensitive to irritation, allergies and bruising).

Looking for longer lasting results to cosmetically combat wrinkles? Then look no further than the newest dermal filler on the block: Radiesse. It was announced just this week that Radiesse has received FDA approval, which means you know that a lot of research and clinical independent studies went into this product and that it can stand by its results.

Dermal fillers are substances that are injected just below the surface of the skin to fill in lines, wrinkles, and scars. Unlike face lifts that stretch the skin, fillers add volume for a more natural youthful appearance. Dermal fillers tend to provide a more natural look than a face lift and can be typically done over your lunch hour.

There are several types of dermal fillers on the market; collagen, hyaluronic based fillers and now Radiesse, which is a calcium hydroxyl apatite filler. Radiesse is made of unique calcium-based microspheres that are suspended in a natural gel that is injected into the skin through a simple, safe and minimally invasive procedure. Using this technology stimulates your skin to produce new collagen.

Of all the dermal fillers out there, Radiesse has been proven to have the longest lasting results. While most last up to a year, Radiesse can last 2 or more years, which means you require less frequent injections.

You can learn more about this new dermal filler by visiting their website www.Radiesse.com or by finding an experienced Radiesse doctor local to you.

AHAVA, known for its wonderful dead sea salt treatments, has now added another addition to their product line: Pure Spa. The Pure Spa line is an anti-ageing line that contains Dunaliella Sauna, a unique algae living in the Dead Sea that contains exceptionally high concentrations of Beta-Carotene, essential vitamins and antioxidants. Beta-Carotene, which is a powerful, natural antioxidant, helps maintain smooth, disease-free skin, neutralizing the effect of free radicals, reversing the signs of aging, improving skin elasticity, moisture content and suppleness. A lack of vitamin A can lead to oxidative stress, and cause the skin to lose elasticity, to become dry and more prone to wrinkling.

With such products as an Energizing Body Mud Mask, Placid Bath Salts and Body Sorbet Caress, you can’t help but automatically feel ready to be relaxed and rejuvenated by this new product line. The scents involved are Mandarin-Cedarwood and Syringa-Green Apple, which will revive your senses and give you an enduring sense of calm. I don’t know about you, but the Uplifting Butter Salt and Energizing Body Mud Mask seem to be calling my name.

While this winter has been a very mild one for most of us, it is still winter nonetheless. That means fluxuating temperatures outside which translates into turning up and down the thermostat. When the weather can’t seem to make up its mind, it means my skin pays the price. When there is no balance in nature, my skin gets dry or overly oily.

Thankfully, I began trying out Skingenic’s new Regenerating Moisturizer in the Fall, prior to the chaos that has been a very strange winter so far. The Regenerating Moisturizer utilizes exotic lychee fruits, which is rich in anti-oxidants, vitamin C, potassium and other age-defying elements. One such anti-oxidant contained in this moisturizer is Idebenone. It is the most powerful anti-oxidant available today, which promises to do wonders for your skin.

Within a week of using Skingenic’s Regenerating Moisturizer, I began to notice a difference. Areas of my face that normally would begin to flake seemed to be soft and supple. By week 3, I began getting compliments that my skin looked great. I’ve also noticed that my previous skin issues have lessened, especially since late fall into the winter are the worst times of year for my skin.

Skingenic also offers a restructuring eye cream, which I have not yet used but would be interested to hear from those who have. You can request free samples on their website at www.skingenic.com.

Nestled away on the beautiful island of Mauritius, a new Destination Spa has opened this month. One that is complete with exclusive spa treatments, luxurious beach-front suites and villas, as well as, leisure and health activities that include a fitness center, yoga and meditation center.

The Shanti Ananda Maurice’s spa treatments focus on Ayurveda to Thalassotherapy using both Contemporary and Traditional methods. Both are rooted in ancient Indian culture and have medicinal and therapeutic values. One example of an Ayurveda technique is called Shirodhara. This involves gently pouring liquids over the forehead. These liquids can be oil, milk, buttermilk, coconut water or even plain water.

Aside from the wonderful spa treatments it provides, the location of this enchanting destination spa alone will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed. The Shanti Ananda Maurice is spread over 36 acres of tropical gardens, taking in views of the hills and Indian Ocean.

The Shanti Ananda offers all-inclusive packages that range from anti-ageing to stress management to weight management, among several others. Each package offers generous treatments and are available at a 20-25% discounted rate until April 30, 2007. The Shanti Ananda Maurice is sure to become a top rated Destination Spa.

Joico K-Pak Smoothing Balm
5 out of 5 Stars
Joico's Smoothing Balm is a hair product that is meant for straightening and protecting your hair, while being humidity-resistant. It is heat activated and comes in a 200ml bottle.
It has a yummy light guava (yet coconut) scent and a creamy texture that looks thick, but as you rub it in your palms, is thin to the touch. I only needed a dime size amount for my just-past-the-shoulder length hair…Read more.

Maybe Baby by Benefit
4 out of 5 Stars
This oh so pretty fragrance has Top notes of apricot and white ginger; Middle notes of water blossoms, lychee, bergamont and Base notes of white musk and warm peach…Read more.

Shea Butter Soap by Hollyrose Aromatherapy
3 out of 5 Stars
The soap was larger than expected and I loved the "Handmade" imprint. Holly's custom Aromatherapy blend is a mix of peppermint, sweet orange, bergamont, lavender and rosemary. I absolutely loved this scent. When using this soap in the shower, the scent was really refreshing and invigorating…Read more.

Brown Sugar Scrub from Bath and Body Bliss
4 out of 5 Stars
When you are pregnant, scents are a love hate affair, especially if they are food-related. Some immediately send you running for the bathroom, while others can create some pretty strong cravings. So was the case when I received some products from Bath and Body Bliss. As soon as I opened their Brown Sugar Scrub, immediate memories of Mulling Spices and wonderful Holiday memories came flooding back…Read more.

Clive Owen, a 41-year-old British actor, has been hired to be the latest celebrity to market products for the L'Oreal owned beauty company, Lancome. Previous celebrities that touted the brand are Uma Therman and Mena Suvari, among others. Lancome's hope is that his charming and rugged look will attract more men to feel comfortable purchasing skincare products.

Owen is reported to be getting $2.5 million pounds (you do the math to convert that to US$) for the advertising campaign. Owen will be appearing in ads for Lancome's new men's grooming line, called Lancome Homme, which includes fragrance and anti-ageing products. The ad campaign and products will launch this Spring in the US. However, you can see the products now on Lancome's international website, which I happen to think has a much better layout than their US website.

The almost ex-Mrs. Sir Paul McCartney has decided to take a stab at working in the beauty and health industry. Heather Mills, a former Model, will be launching her own website later this year called, “I Do Care,” offering fitness, health and beauty tips on how to live a green lifestyle.

Mills will also be launching her own line of beauty products that some see as a direct competition to Stella McCartney’s fragrance and soon to be released organic skin care line. Will the two be going head to head?

With an ongoing nasty divorce that involves a lot of he-said-she-said, most especially with a man many see as a musical icon and beloved legend, it’s hard to say if Mills can come out of it unscathed and launch a successful career in the health and beauty industry. Only time will tell.

What do you think?

I came across an interesting beauty line today by a company called SAMPAR. They are based in Paris and recently launched a new line of products called Winsome. The line is comprised of 5 products, which are meant to cleanse, contour, moisturize, protect and invigorate the body. What intrigued me most about SAMPAR is their investment in research to find natural active ingredients that can have a positive effect on the skin and go as far as looking at how their packaging can be beneficial to the product it holds.

The main component in their products is their Urban Active Complex, which contains Shea Butter, Mint Leaf and Vegetal and Milk Sugar. While I didn’t know the benefits of the last two ingredients prior to reading about them, I am well aware of how wonderful Shea Butter is for your skin. SAMPAR combines their Urban Active Complex with essential oils, biopeptides, natural vitamin C and antioxidants.

The Winsome Body line is one that offers protection from the elements such as lead, iron and chlorine found in tap water. While the Dew It Again Shower Gel, Joyous Body Milk and Lap of Luxury Sea Scrub sound divine; I am skeptical about two of the other products. Go Figure Slimming Gel claims to be able to eliminate and break down fats while preventing the appearance of new fat and the Lift Me Up Bust Cream says it can envelop the breasts with an invisible firming film for immediate enhancement. I honestly have yet to find any non-medical beauty product that can do either.

Have you tried any of the products from SAMPAR; what are your thoughts on them?

Soaps from Bath and Body Bliss
4 out of 5 Stars
I crossed my fingers and hoped that the soap was just as good as the pretty packaging. The Seaweed Soap smelled so nice and you could just feel from the bar that this soap would just glide across your skin. The Seaweed Soap is made of kelp, sage, chamomile and is scented with sage and rosemary essential oils. I loved that this soap was mildly abrasive, exfoliating my skin nicely, while creating a great lather. This soap felt wonderful...Read more.

Bikini Kitty Shave System
3 out of 5 Stars
Bikini Kitty is a Shave Care System to eliminate and prevent razor rash, ingrown hair and provide an irritation free shave. Bikini Kitty's products are vegan and organic. The kit comes in a very handy vinyl bag with handles. It includes a Body Brush, Everyday Magic Spray, Shave Gel, No nick Razor Oil, Razor-burn soother and 2 single blade disposable razors...Read more.

Joico K-Pak Liquid Reconstruct
4 out of 5 Stars
As my hair gets longer, I find that it splits and freys a little more easier, or just seems a little more obvious, and that my hair tangles a lot more causing me to wish (for just one millisecond) for short hair again. This product has been a miracle worker, along with the Joico K-Pak Smoothing Balm...Read more.

Maryam's Soap Nook Exfoliating Body Wash
4 out of 5 Stars
My VIP package came from Maryam's Soap Nook. Today's review will be about her Exfoliating Body Wash with Kukui Nut Oil and Jojoba Beads. This product was sent in an out of this world fragrance---Pomegranate and Wild Berries. This wonderfully pink Body Wash with it's blue-green Jojoba Beads lives up to my expectations of not only smelling wonderful, but also working just as well...Read more.

Kiss My Face was a green beauty company before green became an in thing. Every product they sell is organic without anything artificial at all. Yet going organic certainly doesn’t mean that quality is compromised at any point or that organic means a heavy price point. Most Kiss My Face users will tell you, their products are top notch and won’t break the bank in the process.

It’s not very often that you can go to a company’s website and read the background on how things were started, and if you can find one, you certainly will not find one so personable and down to earth. When you read the story behind how Kiss My Face began and their mission and purpose of their products you can’t help but feel their humor, lightheartedness, and of course their love for our great Earth. Their story is definitely a Squash to Riches story and one I think everyone should read.

Kiss My Face sells a variety of products for your bath, body and more. The products range from hair care to soap to facial moisturizers. Since we all know that organic is not only earth friendly, but also skin friendly, more people who may have a sensitivity to ingredients in other products may find comfort here.

If you use Kiss My Face, what is your favorite product from their line?

Decleor Paris is a luxurious face, body and suncare line for both men and women. Decleor was founded by a team of aromatherapy experts who use their knowledge of active plant extracts to create a comprehensive line of products that are both preventative and on going natural skin care. Decleor is also partnered by Shiseido, known for their wonderful beauty products, and are also the 4th largest beauty group in the industry.

Essential oils have wonderful healing properties with aromatic fragrances that, depending on which oil is used or combined with another, promotes such things as well being, calm, relaxation and so on, therefore promoting balance of both body and mind.

While Decleor’s packaging makes you feel like you just bought a diamond necklace at Tiffany’s, don’t be fooled that the luxury ends there. It’s what is inside the package that is luxurious, making your skin look and feel like you just spent hours at the spa. In fact, Decleor also offers Salon and Spa treatments at select locations. Within the US, it is at Hotel Sofitel in Los Angeles where you can receive their Aroma Mosaic treatments that focuses on care of your face, body and the effects of the sun. Each focused treatment is broken down to be tailor made based on the needs of each individual.

You can find Decleor products in various cities throughout the country or locate one close to you with your zip code through their website: www.decleor-us.com

I’m certainly not a scientist, but I am pretty educated and try to always read both sides to a story. Just like when everyone screamed that mineral oil was bad for you, it eventually was proven that it was not. However, you still find many companies today touting how awful mineral oil is for your skin while offering you their version of something safer. I have yet to find a website stating that mineral oil is harmful while not trying to also sell you something in the process. I had been skeptical myself, but after some researching of my own and contacting my friends at The Beauty Brains blog (who happen to be both cosmetic chemists with 30 years experience), they insisted it was all hype and that mineral oil was indeed the best moisturizing product for your skin. So I have learned to look deeper into an issue than to be frightened by scare tactics.

Unfortunately, scare tactics are the route that Dr. Epstein of the Cancer Prevention Coalition is taking when going after Origins, an Estee Lauder company. They try pointing out that Origins cannot be taking, "A totally integrative approach to skin care ... to help your skin be as healthy as possible, (and) optimize its defenses against age accelerators" claiming that Origins uses parabens (among other ingredients) in their products. They site that parabens are known to cause “endocrine disruptive.” However, there has not yet been one study that has conclusively, 100% proven this.

Somme Institute's MDT5, Molecular Dispersion Technology 5, was brought to life through the collaboration of leading research dermatologists and scientists rigorously testing their product and observing and tracking results using ultra-violet cameras. Ultra-violet cameras are the only way to see beneath the skin's surface and detect damage not visible to the naked eye. The MDT5 complex consists of vitamins A, C, E, D, B3 and B5, which are non-prescription yet highly effective in strength when working together.

The main purpose of their product line is to combat acne without over drying the skin. Over drying the skin makes acne worse by further clogging pores when it sends the sebaceous glands into overdrive trying to compensate for your dry skin. Other effects of the product line are reducing fine lines and wrinkles, reduce sun damage and lighten brown age spots, and improve skin’s tone, texture and clarity. While some can come to see improvement in a few days, true improvement comes over time and with daily use can shown prominent results in 4 weeks.

The 5 products in Somme Institute's line are the Nourishing Cleanser, Transport, Serum, A-Bomb and Double Defense Day Moisture SPF 30. Each product contains the MDT5 complex while also containing additional blends of ingredients unique to each product.

If you have used Somme Institute's products, I’m interested to know what you thought of them.

Sharon Bolton Scents
4 out of 5 Stars
Sharon Bolton Scents gifted me with her Body Wash, Lotion and Perfume Oil in Luv. Luv smelled like heaven. It smelled like luxury in a bottle. Luv is the scent of rare pink gardenias, lush Hawaiian white flowers, with a hint of creamy vanilla and a whisper of white musk. The Body Wash is thick and creamy and makes you feel like you are showering at a 5 Star hotel. This scent absolutely lifted my spirits and made me feel like I was being purely indulgent...Read more.

Darshan Beauty: Luna P.M. Creme & Multani Mud Facial Mask
5 out of 5 Stars
Darshan Beauty products are all natural, and because of this, they are only made in small batches to prevent them from spoiling. This thick night cream is made with aloe leaf oil and extract combined with noncomedogenic sesame oil. I can't say it is fragrance free, because there is some scent to it. However, it appeared to be the natural scent of the ingredients and not any added fragrance...Read more.

Pure & Petal Hair Fragrance
4 out of 5 Stars
When I was approached to test out the products I was intrigued because I have never really heard of fragrance for your hair beyond that in your typical shampoo or styling aid. The fragrances are light, so you don't have to worry about smelling like a perfume factory and they are also alcohol-free, so it won't dry out your hair. My favorite was Linden Blossom which is floral linden blossoms and pink grapefruit...Read more.

Booty Parlor Dust Up Body Shimmer
3 out of 5 Stars
Punch Drunk Pink was my favorite because of my fair skin. It provided a light shimmer, that honestly when you dabb some powder on, instantly makes you feel a little "vixen-ish." Punch Drunk Pink is scented like cotton candy and is not glittery, but actually makes your skin glow...Read More.

I’m always surprised by the amount of people I encounter who soley use sunscreen in the summer months. No matter what time of year, UVA and UVB rays can cause damage to your skin if you are not well protected. Just because it is winter doesn’t mean your skin should brave the elementals, you’ll be sure to pay for it later.

UVA:
Can pass through window glass.
Is not affected by a change in altitude or weather.
Is present all day and every day of the year.
Penetrates deep into skin layers.
Are 5% of the sun's rays.
Is 20 times more abundant than UVB rays.
Affects long-term skin damage.

UVB:
Cannot pass through window glass.
Causes sunburn.
Causes tanning.
Helps the body with normal vitamin D production.
Varies with the season.
It is more intense in the summer than in the winter.
Varies with weather conditions.
Is more intense at midday than in the morning or late afternoon.
Is more intense at high altitudes and near the equator.
Are 0.5% of the sun's rays.
Is protected against by the SPF in sunscreens.
Is related to more than 90% of non-melanoma skin cancer.
Is related to cataracts.

Spa Towells
4 out of 5 Stars
I have to admit, when I was approached to review Spa Towells, I wondered what it would look like and if it would actually work. I received a few packages of the