Search results matching tags 'Oily Skin', 'body products', and 'beauty'

Another Awesome Sunscreen for 2010...c/o La Roche Posay!

Karen — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:39:00 GMT

Last week I reported on my favorite sunscreen for the face, so today I thought I’d share with you another one of my top picks for great sun protection products for the face AND body.

La Roche Posay kicks radiation butt with its Anthelios 60 Melt In Sunscreen Milk. Priced in the mid thirty dollars it’s worth its weight in gold. And by the way…you actually get 5 ounces…And I don’t know about you, but I’m sick and tired of getting sunscreens packaged in one and two ounce bottles! At a whopping sun protection factor of 60 (and even protects at the cellular level!) it absorbs quickly and is non-greasy. It’s recommended for all skin types, is water resistant, PABA free, non-comedogenic and leaves the skin feeling brilliantly hydrated!

La Roche Posay products outdid themselves with their Anthelios line which provides the most complete broad spectrum protection because of its use of three UV active ingredients formulated within the line.

Ready for some good beauty news? Try SkinCare-News!

Karen — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 18:16:00 GMT

I sure love SkinCare-News.com. Has anyone read that web magazine lately? I’ve mentioned it and/or linked it a time or two over the last couple of years because it’s been a great resource for research…but I don’t think I’ve ever written specifically about what a great magazine it is.

SkinCare-News is a fun and strong informational beauty magazine and it’s free! It’s accessible 24/7 and it suggests great products to try.

This stellar beauty read offers everything from great articles, reviews, interviews from experts within the industry, scientific research to FAQ’s and easy to navigate online shopping.

Kudos to the great writers and staff at SkinCare-News! I love your magazine and I’m sure my Beauty Research readers will too!

The Beauty Ingredients Snob! Part One!

Karen — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 22:09:00 GMT

One of the main reasons I consider myself an expert in skincare is because I always want to know the “x” factor. I want to know why products work. And simply put the “x” factor is the active ingredient(s) within the product themselves.

Think of back in the day when women simply lathered a thick coating of cold cream on their face. It does indeed make your face feel softer and more hydrated but could it possibly repair or nourish? Not likely. The only way in my opinion to facilitate a physiological action would be to shrink the molecules of the active ingredients or add a delivery system to get those ingredients to the deeper cells in the skin. This is where collagen production takes place. Additionally, the superficial layers must be exfoliated and again ingredients play a key role in that action as well.

I will be doing a whole series on ingredients over the next few days or however long it takes to convey the importance of these complex pieces of the skincare and beauty regimen puzzle.

Today I’d just like you to take a look at the many verbs in the word “ingredients” below. These verbs are potentially what you can reasonably expect when you choose products with the correct ingredients for your specific indications and needs.

Improves and illuminates
Nourishes
Gives a lift and protects
Repairs, refines, relieves, reveals and resurfaces
Exfoliates, enhances and evens out color
Detoxifies and diminishes
Invigorates and increases circulation
Enhances and encourages
Nurses redness, blemishes and other skin conditions
Tightens and tones
Softens, stimulates and strengthens

Next time…we’re going to take a look at my favorite skincare ingredients!

Say Bye-Bye to Body Acne with Murad, MD Formulations and Glytone Body Sprays!

Karen — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:11:00 GMT

Everyone is always writing about acne treatments for the face but rarely does anyone concentrate on specific treatments for the body (including me). But today I thought I’d share with you three great products specifically formulated for the treatment of body acne.

Acne sprays are great because they are quick and easy to use and also reach places that you normally can’t reach when applying topical gels or creams.

The incredible Murad brand offers Murad Clarifying Body Spray within its Murad Acne line. This spray will control body breakouts with antibacterial properties that penetrate pores and clear away blemishes while preventing new ones from forming.

Amazing MD Formulations products have been a forefront in superb skincare treatments. Within the MD Formulations brand you will find MD Formulations Vit-A-Plus Body Clearing Complex Spray. It effectively treats and prevents body breakouts and inflammation resulting from excess sebum mixed with dead skin cells and bacteria. The quick drying spray contains acne attacking beta and alpha hydroxy acids and retinol along with rosemary which offers up soothing and relaxing antibacterial benefits to the skin.

Glytone is one of my favorite glycolic acid brands. It’s extremely effective and very affordable. Within Glytone products line you will find Glytone Back Acne Spray. It’s a 2% salicylic acid blend that both treats and prevents blemishes. It dries quickly, is fragrance and colorant free and will indeed promote your skin’s clarity. No More Back-ne!

Give the Gift of Well-Being with Aromatherapy!

Karen — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 03:36:00 GMT

I had such a nice response from our readers about yesterday’s aromatherapy article that I thought I’d write a little more today about it. I thought I’d share with you all what type of reaction is provoked by certain essential and precious oils’ individual scents. Additionally I will list my favorite brands that use aromatherapy for its beneficial therapeutic effects as well.

Keep in mind there are many uses for aromatherapy other than skincare. Also keep in mind that they need to be used correctly in order to be effective and safe. This is just a brief overview of some uses in skin, bath and body care. Additionally, there is a lot more to this science such as blending, using the correct carrier oils, using quality ingredients and much more.

Therapeutic Uses for blends:

These are some of the product descriptions I found in Aromatherapy Associates Miniature Bath and Shower Oil Collection when I read about some of the products in the set individually. This is probably going to be the gift I give most this year. It is the most amazing gift that will put a huge smile on the faces of all those on your gift list and it’s under 50 dollars! It’s like the gift of beauty, pampering and health all in one package. It will make whoever receives it feel very special. And that’s what the season is all about!

One blend of Pink Grapefruit, Rosemary and Juniper Berry helps to revive you from feeling sluggish.

Wild Chamomile, Petitgrain and Frankincense blend helps to clear your mind and focus your thoughts.

Geranium, Frankincense and Rose to helps to create a sense of harmony to the body and mind.

Lavender and Peppermint blend will relieve the feeling of being hot and bothered.

Eucalyptus, Pine and Tea Tree are effective in stimulating your senses, and have long been used to clear the head, nose and chest.

Vetivert, Chamomile and Sandalwood instills peace and tranquility.

Geranium, Patchouli and Ylang Ylang blend is perfect for uplifting and energizing.

Here are a few definitions I found on Dictionary.com and Wikipedia.

aromatherapy a•ro•ma•ther•a•py (ə-rō'mə-thěr'ə-pē)

The use of selected fragrant substances in lotions and inhalants in an effort to affect mood and promote health.

Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses volatile plant materials, known as essential oils, and similar aromatic compounds from plants, for the purpose of improving a person's mood, cognitive function or health.

Aromatherapy Associates gets an A+!

Karen — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 04:55:00 GMT

Lately, you've probably noticed how incredibly into aromatherapy I've been. I keep writing about it because I'm so impressed with it. I remember back when it was kind of poo-poo'd within the industry or at least within the population as a whole. But then I would think; there is indeed absolutely something to correlating scent with memory. For example, some may be turned off by the smell of rubbing alcohol because the smell may make them think of when they got stiches as a child. The smell correlates the pain and the fright response with the scent which then makes them upset or anxious. But then on the other hand a person may correlate the lovely smell of a baked pie or the evergreen of a Christmas tree with a lovely relaxed time with family and from then on when they smell those particular aromas they get relaxed or a feeling of well being and joy.

There is an expert line of products that uses this theory as well as incorporating certain scents, botanicals and floral within essential oils that are known to bring up feelings and physiological reactions that are known for good health and beauty. Aromatherapy Associates is a professional aroma therapeutic line that induces beauty and well being within their professional line of products. Below is some content I copied and pasted from www.SkinStore.com where the line is available to purchase.

Essential Wisdom. Essential Oils.
For over 30 years, Aromatherapy Associates has been creating pure essential oil-based skin care that transforms a daily routine into something luxurious and deeply beneficial.

Since the beginning, Aromatherapy Associates have believed in the most effective and purest way of getting results. They develop skin care products that restore your natural radiance through the rejuvenating properties of essential oils, no matter what your skin type.

A great starter kit for getting aquainted both with Aromatherapy Associates brilliant line of products is the Aromatherapy Associates Travel Essentials set. It comes with four different blends to suit just about all your needs.

Deep Relax Bath and Shower Oil for relaxation.

Revive Morning Bath and Shower Oil for a great pick me up!

Revive Evening Bath and Shower Oil for sensual pampering with uplifting properties.

Support Lavender and Peppermint Bath and Shower Oil for its gentle, soothing and cooling effects.

Kerstin Florian...Healthy way to be Beautiful!

Karen — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 07:04:00 GMT

I recently received a little sample pack of Kerstin Florian Caviar Age Defense Creme and her Caviar Night Creme...and I am so sold! What an extremely professional spa line of superior products. And these two are just the icing on the cake! I love anti-aging products more than just about anything else available in beauty. And I've been hearing about the anti-aging properties of caviar for quite some time so I was thrilled to get this precious little sample kit.

Kerstin Florian line revolves around the philosophy of “outer beauty, inner health,” the point being that those two ideas go hand in hand. This is a holistic, aroma-therapeutic professional spa line that takes all of your well being into consideration. For ultimate beauty only comes from balance and good health. This makes so much darn sense!

The Kerstin Florian products I fell in love with are pricey but so well worth it. I have already ordered and felt so good about my decision to spend money on products that are worth every penny and then some! You must check out Kerstin Florian…you’ll get a head start on your healthy road to being beautiful!

After a lot of thought…Dermalogica is still Numero Uno with me!

Karen — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 22:51:00 GMT

Being a skincare expert for over 25 years I’m often asked what is the best skincare brand I’ve ever used both personally and professionally. The problem with that question is oftentimes there are too many variables to answer with just one brand. What I’ve found is that usually the person asking the question is that they want to know what the best brand is for them…and even more specifically the products within the brand to address their specific skin issues. So as you can see individual needs and indications are what’s important when recommending products; not just an umbrella answer of one brand.

Having said that; I’m asked that question so often that I decided I would consider all of the hundreds of brands I’ve tried and used both personally and professionally and on a variety of skin issues and make a well informed, educated decision on exactly what brand I would answer as my choice for being the best.

After taking into consideration brand reputation, results, variety of products within the brand, ease of use, ingredients, ratings and reviews from users as well as dispensing professionals I have come up with my answer.

Without a doubt, no reservations, I’m going to say hands down, the best skincare brand available today as well as way back when I started has to be Dermalogica.

Dermalogica uses only quality, results-oriented ingredients and will not sell their soul by using artificial colors, fragrances and cheap fillers such as mineral oil. And not only do they not use ‘bad for your skin’ fillers; they spend top dollar using ingredients that are proven to treat and repair your skin so that it’s as healthy as it has the potential to be. Their philosophy being that beautiful skin is indeed healthy skin!

Here’s a list of my top ten all time favorite Dermalogica products. Typically when I do my top ten lists of anything I rarely put them in any specific order. However, I’ve decided to place these in order (albeit reverse) because the last five or in this case the top five are not only my favorite skincare products within this incredible Dermalogica brand but I would be remiss if I didn’t say they were my top five beauty products of all time period (regardless of brand or line)!

10. Dermalogica Essential Cleansing Solution
9. Dermalogica Multi Active Toner
8. Dermalogica ChromaWhite TRx Brightening Regimen
7. Dermalogica AGE Smart Antioxidant Hydramist
6. Dermalogica MediBac Clearing Adult Acne Treatment Kit
5. Dermalogica Precleanse
4. Dermalogica Multivitamin Thermafoliant
3. Dermalogica AGE Smart Multivitamin Power Firm
2. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

And my number one pick for the very best Dermalogica product (and in my opinion...the very best skin care product ever made!) is numero uno!

1.Dermalogica AGE Smart Power Rich

These are my favorite Dermalogica products. However, the whole line is spectacular and you can find all of these superior products at SpaLook.com. Hope you’re as impressed as I am with Dermalogica (after having a relationship with them for over 25 years). Experience really does speak volumes!

Elizabeth Arden…My Royal Regimen! Part 3!

Karen — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 06:06:00 GMT

I told you I would reveal my incredible Elizabeth Arden regimen and here it is...

Cleanser: Elizabeth Arden 2 in 1 Cleanser from the Basic Skincare Line. For those of you who know me…I like to find the best cleanser that doesn’t dry out my already dry skin and I refuse to pay a ridiculous amount of money for a cleanser. I’d rather save my cash for the good stuff…like serums, and anti-aging treatments! I’ve also rarely used toners in my life but I love that this cleanser has one built right in. My skin looks clarified, radiant and my pores minimized. And all for under twenty bucks!!

Eyes: Holy Cow…if you can only get one thing from my regimen…this would be it! I love my Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Gold Ultra Lift and Strengthening Eye Capsules. This product is out of the Ceramide line and has the name gold aptly placed in the title…this is the proverbial treasure in my regimen. These little precious gems erase my lines and wrinkles around my eyes and even lift my sagging eyebrows. In addition my eyes look brighter and less puffy. Love it!!!

Targeting deeper wrinkles: Ok actually there are two things you might want to consider if you can only get one…lol! This is another treasure from the Ceramide line and the best part it not only works overtime, but you get immediate results as well! Take a look at my Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Plump Perfect Targeted Line Concentrate. Oh my goodness…great product!

Day Cream: My day cream is a multi-tasker from the Intervene line. Elizabeth Arden Intervene Pause and Effect Moisture Lotion SPF15. My skin looks dewy and luminous. It’s lightweight yet I feel luxuriously hydrated. And I don’t have to add another sun block on top as it’s got a sun protection factor of 15 built right in.

Night Time: This is where I let my treatment products work. I like my uber ingredients to work in the middle of the night when sleep is regenerating all my cells. I use two products from the Basic Skincare line at night. They are awesome! Elizabeth Arden Overnight Success Skin Renewal Serum and Good Nights Sleep Restoring Cream. The words Renewal and Restoring in each name speak volumes. I’ve never awaken with skin this gorgeous in my life!

Elizabeth Arden! Part Two!

Karen — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:30:00 GMT

So today I said I’d chat about the individual lines within the superb Elizabeth Arden brand. I also mentioned I’d share with you my very own Elizabeth Arden products I use in my all inclusive Elizabeth Arden regimen!

First a little about each of the lines:

Basic Skincare: Every regimen needs the basics and beautiful skin starts with a basic regimen. Whether you individualize and/or potentiate your regimen with serums and treatments or not; skin needs to be cleansed, moisturized, and protected twice daily to remain beautiful and get even more gorgeous. And the fact that Elizabeth Arden uses the ultimate in ingredients and offers products for all skin types means that you’ll be even further ahead than most skincare lines. In fact, I’m not so sure basic is the best word for this line… with night creams, serums, and specialized eye treatments. It’s way beyond basic!!!

Ceramide: “The Elizabeth Arden Ceramide line infuses innovative, age-fighting ingredients with luxurious textures and scents for the ultimate in anti-aging skin care.” My thought: Ceramide line kicks all anti-aging lines butts! It’s formulated with cutting edge science and it’s worth its weight in gold!!! One of its ingredients is know as SNAP-8 and it does just that…your skin is so firm and the elasticity is so greatly improved you feel like you can practically see it snap back…bye bye sagging skin!

Eight Hour Cream: This particular Elizabeth Arden line has been around since 1930! That speaks volumes! If you want a moisturizing seal that heals, quench’s, and protects your skin for a full eight hours all you need to do is look at this line. It’s a winter must-have!!!

Green Tea: Indulge in hydration and decadent luxury with Camellia Oliefera Leaf Extract…aka Green tea! And now Elizabeth Arden has formulated a body butter with it along with shea butter, aloe, macadamia nut oil and kukui nut oil…It doesn’t get any better than that for the skin of the body!!

Intervene: The award winning Intervene line is a line of products that repairs and prevents the signs of aging. It is formulated with a specialized technology from a botanical extract from the Narcissus Tazetta Bulb. The Intervene liquid foundation is the ultimate in anti-aging makeup..

Pretty: Oh this line speaks for itself right within its name! Elizabeth Arden Pretty is a line of products that are formulated with the most beautiful floral scents. “Pretty is a spirited floral fragrance of exceptional charm. The floral heart is surrounded by a mélange of fruits, wrapped in a well-rounded background of serene woods. At its core is a premiere ingredient, Petalia.” The bottom line is…you will definitely feel pretty!

Pure Finish: Love mineral makeup? Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish paints a flawless face that stays gorgeous all day long. The lightweight powder goes on so ultra sheer almost as if it’s an airbrushed finish…but yet covers imperfections beautifully. You’re left with corrected skin that looks younger, luminous and oh so radiant.

Red Door: You’ve got to check out the Red Door fragrance line. This gorgeous scent is formulated in an array of products. Here are the notes of the sexy, sophisticated and stylish fragrance...

Top Note: Ylang-Ylang and Vibrant Red Roses
Middle Note: Oriental Orchid, Jasmine, Lily of the Valley, Moroccan Orange Flowers, Forest Lilies, Rich Freesia, Carnation and Wild Violets
Base Note: Oakmoss, Sandalwood, Spicy Vetiver and Honey

I’m thinking my secret regimen is going to have to wait till next week to reveal. This was a whole lot of good Elizabeth Arden info without it! But no worries…I will reveal!