Product Appeal

Favorite Lip Balms

 dermalogica AGE smart renewal lip complex

 

dermalogica AGE smart renewal lip complex, (despite some rather unfortunate packaging), is an amazing lip treatment. I specify lip treatment vs lip balm because the levels of poly-peptides, Hyaluronic Acid and vitamin e are so intense that users are advised to only apply twice per day. And twice a day is all you need. For me, it was love at first application. It's pricey, but worth the extra pennies.

 Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm

These days it's hard to find anyone who hasn't used Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm. There's a reason for that - the stuff is amazing and everyone knows it. This is my very favorite, the one lip balm I go back to again and again and again. Puts Chapstick to shame.

 Origins Conditioning Lip Balm

Origins Conditioning Lip Balm is the product I reach for when I'm feeling fancy. Developed with Dr. Andrew Weil (the world-famous, Harvard MD and natural health guru), this product feels good and natural and works like a charm, every time. Soothing and comforting and an instant fix for dry, chapped lips. Like my Burt's Bees, I always make sure I have this lip balm on hand.

2010 Favorite Skincare Roundup

 

 Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral Powder SPF 45

Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral Powder is a sunscreen. But it's a mineral poweder - not a cream. Yes - I'm serious, and yes - it works. I keep a cylinder in my purse for super-easy, on-the-go application. And my son squirms at the thought of a cream, but he coats every inch of bare skin with this stuff. I love it. love love love.

 Comforté

Made from Calatropis Procera (from the primordial forests of Africa; Carapa Procera (used by African tribal women for thousands of years to reduce swelling and bloating);  Menthol (warmth and a carrier for plant extracts; 100% Raw Shea Butter (promotes skin hydration and Soya Bean extract (skin softening), Comforte is an all-natural, topical PMS cream. Comforte was developed by a 13-year-old girl during her first period, and is a great drug-free way for young women to control their pain. But it's a topical pain relief cream for anyone, anywhere on the external body. It relaxes and soothes all aching, sore muscles - it's ultra portable and is a perfect addition to any gym bag. I've even used it to help with headaches!

 

IQ Derma Firmaceuticals Firming Body Gel

There are a million cellulite products on the market, but none of them work. Except for this one. And this one really, really works. I know, I used to work for the company. During a meeting, they showed us before and after photos and one of the designers asked if the after photo had been touched up. It hadn't. The room went silent. Later, we each received our own tube to try. Let me tell you, I no longer work for the company, and I buy my own IQ Derma Firmaceuticals Body Gel now. It's amazing.

Naughty But Nice: NARS Makeup

 

Orgasm Illuminator

With color names like "Orgasm," "Sexual Healing," "Torrid," and "Sin," NARS makeup definitely gets some attention! But NARS cosmetics aren't just flash - consistently placed on best-of lists and a perennial favorite of both makeup artists and "regular people," NARS knows what it's doing. 

For a fabulous complexion that gives you a lovely...glow...there's no better choice than NARS Orgasm Illuminator. Use like a foundation, mix with foundation, or just apply as a highlighter in those areas that need some attention. NARS Orgasm Illuminator is light and sheer and transforms skin without being heavy or greasy. It feels like the next best thing to wearing nothing...

 NARS 'The Multiple' Stick

 

Do you want more, more, more? That's no problem with NARS The Multiple Stick. Use this multi-purpose wand as eye color, cheek color, on your lips and on your body. The amazing formula goes on as a cream for easy blending and then sets as a powder. NARS The Multiple Stick can also be used as a highlighter and as your next favorite, can't-live-without-it cosmetic.

Exotic Makeup: NARS Rajasthan

NARS Rajasthan

Looking for ways to wear hot makeup to all those cool-weather parties? Here's an idea: NARS Rajasthan eyeshadow duo on your eyelids, with a swoop of liquid eyeliner (I think YSL liquid eyeliner is the very best). Apply mascara and a beige lipstick (I've been wearing Clinique Long Last Soft Shine Lipstick in Perfect Beige forever, and it's always everything a beige lipstick should be). Viola! Hotness.

The NARS Rajastan shadows are all you need for dramatic night-time looks. But, used alone, the light shade in this duo makes a fabulous highlighter or base color to be worn year 'round.

Miracle Workers: St. Ives Whipped Silk & Jo Malone Moisturizer

St Ives Whipped Silk Body Moisturizer

 

Many of us are sad to see the summer go, but are looking forward to fall. The leaves changing color, the crisp, cool air. What we aren't excited about is the dry skin that comes with it. That's why I'm stocking up now on some of my favorite moisturizers: St. Ives Whipped Silk and Jo Malone Body Lotion.

 

I've always been a big fan of St. Ives. Their products are a terrific value and work really well. But out of every St. Ives moisturizer I've tried, I have to say that the St. Ives Whipped Silk Body Moisturizer is the very best. It leaves my skin feeling smooth and silky, without that greasy feeling or an overpowering scent (although I love almost every St. Ives moisturizer on the market).

 

But when I'm feeling extra fancy, I reach for a high-end moisturizer, and that go-to is almost always something from the Jo Malone Body collection.

I've spoken about Jo Malone body products on here quite a bit - and for good reason. Jo Malone makes great stuff. I happen to be using Jo Malone body lotion a lot these days - the Jo Malone Body White Jasmine and Mint Body Creme in particular. The scent is helping me hang onto summer for just a little bit longer. But every scent in the Jo Malone Body Cream collection will help you feel like you're escaping for just a little while, no matter the season or where you are.

Eye Get It: NV Perricone and Olay Regenerist

Perricone MD Eye Lift Synergy Kit

 

There comes a day when every women looks in the mirror and sees...her mother.

 

Usually it's just a bit of foreshadowing: A familiar expression, a well-known sag, wrinkles. It happens to all of us, and none of us like it. That's the moment we realize we should've been taking better care of ourselves and using better skincare. Something like a NV Perricone eye cream, for example.

 

A well-known dermatologist, NV Perricone created a line of medical-grade skincare products that are recognized the world over as being the creme de la creme of creams. NV Perricone eye cream, in particular, is absolutely amazing, and women swear by the results they see from it.

 

But if $95 is a little rich for your blood, you need look no further than your local drugstore for another great option:

 Olay Eye Restoration Complex

 

 

   

Olay has the R&D money to compete with department store brands, and they are delivering in a big way with their Olay Regenerist line. At only $47 per tube, the Olay ProX Eye Restoration Complex is everything you've ever hoped for in one of the expensive brands, but at budget-friendly prices. Even better? The Olay ProX Eye Restoration Complex really works.

 

If you've started seeing your mother staring back at you in the mirror, never fear. There's no time like the present to take better care of your skin. And with NV Perricone and Olay Regenerist eye creams, you should start liking what looks back at you, before you know it.

 

 

Best Moisturizers: Natura Bisse

 

Natura Bisse Diamond Extreme Moisturizer

Want the Cadillac of moisturizers? You might want to give Natura Bisse a test drive. Voted as the 2007 winner of VIVA's best anti-aging skincare award, Natura Bisse Diamond Extreme moisturizer firms, regenerates, repairs, and protects skin, while also softening, protecting and restoring firmness. 

 

The $325 price tag give you sticker shock? No worries.

Natura Bisse Oxygen Cream

 

 

There are many Natura Bisse moisturizer options that cost much less than the Natura Bisse Diamond Extreme moisturizer! For example, Natura Bisse Oxygen Cream is an excellent product, containing Natura Bisse's proprietary "Living Water," to hydrate and nourish skin. And this particular Natura Bisse moisturizer is only $80.

 

Whether you choose one of the high-end Natura Bisse moisturizers (like the Diamond Extreme), or something from their entry-level lines (such as the Oxygen Cream), you're sure to get unsurpassed quality and noticeable results!

About Face: Nars Skin Care and La Mer (On Sale!)

A seasonal change serves as a great reminder to re-evaluate or try a  new skin care routine. Granted, in So-Cal the change in weather patterns from summer to fall isn’t dramatic, but my skin still tends to get more dry in the later half of the year.  I’m looking at NARS skin care line and La Mer sale products to help correct the issue.

Besides their superb make-up selection NARS skin balancing cleanser and face moisturizers help to achieve that dewy au natural glow that I’m all about for my skin.

NARS Balancing Foam Cleanser

NARS skin balancing moisture lotion

 

 

As far as moisturizers are concerned, La Mer Creme de Le Mer is pretty much the gold standard. Celebrities like Jennifer Lopez have sworn by the brand for years. Lucky for us, La Mer is on sale at beso! 

La Mer Moisturizing Cream

 

Memories of Home: The Scents of Jo Malone

Jo Malone Honeysuckle & Jasmine Cologne

This week I'm visiting family in the South. One of the best things about my time here is sitting outside in the evening, as the heavy humid air thins and cools a little, and the smell of honeysuckle hangs delicately in the air.

To capture this feeling when I'm home, I wear Jo Malone honeysuckle fragrance.

Not only is Jo Malone honeysuckle scent the essence of that sweet, earthy smell, the quality of Jo Malone products cannot be beat. Jo Malone has long been a celebrity favorite; I wonder if there are any celebrities that smell like me...

Jo Malone Bath Oil Collection

In addition to luscious fragrances, Jo Malone bath products are also tops. One of the best ways to experience the entire collection of decadent bath oils is in the Jo Malone Bath Oil Collection (shown above). Small samples showcasing all of their scents. Maybe, like me, you will fall in love with Jo Malone Honeysuckle and Jasmine fragrance, or maybe the Lime Basil & Mandarin, or perhaps the Nutmeg & Ginger will be the scent that reminds you of home.

Crazy for Kiehl's Men's Skincare

Kiehl's Men's Skincare - Facial Fuel

Maybe it was some sort of odd off-shoot from the Sex & The City style sensation that swept the nation. Maybe it was Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. Or maybe it was just men waking up to the fact that they look better when they take care of their skin. Whatever it was, men everywhere are starting to discover the magic of Kiehl's face products and Kiehl's men's skincare.

Kiehl's has been making top-quality skincare products since 1851. That's 159 years of bringing Kiehl's face and body products to people all over the world. Practice makes perfect.

Kiehl's Men - skincare products specifically designed to keep men's skin clear, soft and younger-looking - is some of the very best on the market. Made with naturally-derived, top-quality ingredients, Kiehl's skincare is sold all over the world, but stays close to its roots in New York City. Kiehl's men are confident, sophisticated and like to take care of themselves. That's why they choose Kiehl's.