WINNER: OSEA Organic Undaria Body Polish

Congratulations, Erica L.

You're our lucky winner of the OSEA Organic Undaria Body Polish Giveaway. Just click the link in the email notification we sent to provide your shipping address and OSEA will send you your fantastic prize.

Enjoy!

OSEA Organic Undaria Body Polish Giveaway

So, can't keep all the spa goodness to myself!  OSEA has generously offered to lavish one For the Love of Beauty reader with a jar of their nutrient rich, seaweed based Organic Undaria Body Polish. Oh my gosh, I can't tell you how happy I already am for the winner. This is a true treat, ladies and gents!

Here's how you enter:

Visit OSEA Malibu website and come back to comment in the contest form below sharing what OSEA product most intrigues you or what part of their site you liked best. oseamalibu.com

Extra Entries Available: (Please be sure to leave one comment in the contest form provided below for EACH of these you complete to garner your extra entries.)

1 Entry: Follow @OSEAmalibu on Twitter (include your twitter name in the comment below)     twitter.com/oseamalibu

1 Entry: Follow For the Love of Beauty @ftlob on Twitter (include your twitter name in the comment below)    twitter.com/ftlob

1 Entry: RT the giveaway notice shown below on Twitter and earn an additional entry in the giveaway

I just entered to win OSEA's Organic Undaria Body Polish from @ftlob and @oseamalibu http://ht.ly/2pHSV Please RT!

5 Entries: Post about this giveaway on your own Facebook Wall and earn an additional 5 entries.

10 Entries: Post a little shout out about this giveaway on your own beauty, fashion or social blog, link back to this posting (you can COPY shortened link if you'd like: http://ht.ly/2pHSV) and earn an additional 10 entries in the giveaway.  Your blog post can be as brief as 1-3 sentences with an image or a full posting if you'd like. (include your blog address in comment below)

NOTE: You must leave 1 comment per entry. Extra entries will only be able to be counted if you leave a comment for each one. xo

This contest is open to US residents only. One winner will be chosen at random to win this prize. Some restrictions may apply. Contest ends Sun., 8/22/10 at 11:55 pm (CT)


For more information about OSEA Organic Undaria Body Polish and other spa treatments from the brand, please view my post below or visit OSEA Malibu.

New! Korres Raspberry Antioxidant Liquid Lipstick

New from Korres, Raspberry Antioxidant Liquid Lipstick has a cooling, water-based formula that contains natural raspberry and pomegranate extracts to protect against free-radical damage and smooth lip lines for softer, more youthful-looking lips. It glides on with the creamy texture of a lip gloss and has the long-lasting, vibrant finish of a lipstick.

Everything I've tried from Korres I've been extremely pleased with.  My favorite lip balm, in fact, is their Lip Butter (have it in Quince, Jasmine and Pomegranate) for its buttery soft texture, soothing properties, rich hydration, and the fact that I can wear it to bed without getting it all over my pillow or have hair sticking to my lips.  It's the best balm I have by a longshot!

This new lip product promises to  be just as satisfying and I'm liking that it contains the fantastic for you ingredient of pomegranate.  Both the raspberry and pomegranate extracts provide antioxidant, line-smoothing benefits. These extracts are rich in antioxidant polyphenols that protect against free-radical damage and aging. The formula is also rich in certified organic acai palm pulp oil, which moisturizes and soothes lips creating a long-lasting, creamy texture. It comes available in five delicious shades. I really can't wait to try this new product.

As an eco-friendly and good-for-you brand, Korres creates the liquid lipstick without parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances and other yucky stuff. Raspberry Antioxidant Liquid Lipstick is exclusive to Sephora as this time and retails for $22. 

Origins Award Winning Starting Over Age-Erasing Moisturizer

So here's one good-for-us skincare product I'm salivating to try.  Origins Starting Over Moisturizer, which contains mimosa, argan leaf and green algae, is said to be fantastically effective at reducing the signs of aging and in particular reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Yep, sign me up please!

I intend to try this soon, and if so promise to provide a proper review, but in the meantime allow me to share some of the goodness behind this product.  The moisturizer helps to rebuild collagen, repair visible lines and improve skin texture and tone. Many of those who have already tried this new moisturizer say their skin looks and feels measurably younger from day one. Origins has reviews up on their website and there are others raving about the results elsewhere on the web as well.

In clinical trials, a whopping 94% of those who used this light cream saw a significant reduction in lines and wrinkles. Many users I've seen reviews from have compared the results to "similar to injection" treatments. That's a very favorable response indeed.  Equally impressive, it's one of Women's Health's Top 10 Beauty All-Stars.  Can't wait to try it myself!

I adore Origins as a beauty brand. I really appreciate their dedication to eco-friendly products and packaging and that they get behind environmentally friendly projects and causes. One of the first mainstream beauty brands to utilize natural and organic botanicals and ingredients in their skincare, they drew me in years ago with their philosophy and lines of gentle, caring skin-loving products.

For more information or to purchase Origins Starting Over Age-Erasing Moisturizer, visit Origins.  There is an oil-free version of this moisturizer for those seeking to use it with oily or combination skin type. The original version is recommended for dry skin or for those with normal-dry combination skin. The cream retails for $45 a 1.7 oz jar and is also available at beauty.com.

REVIEW: Miracle Skin Transformer w/ SPF 20

A product that will hydrate, enhance, protect. That's what Miracle Skin Transformer with SPF 20 promises.  Do they deliver?  Let's check it out.

Miracle Skin Transformer is the brainchild of beauty industry pro Sarah McNamara. She has tapped into more than 15 years of experience in the corporate cosmetic and fragrance industry to bring the world the first product offered by MST Beauty New York. Over the course of her career, she has held senior-level beauty positions at Elizabeth Arden, L'Oreal, Unilever, Valentino and Fendi.  As the working mother of two young boys and an ambitious modern business woman, McNamara knows that busy, fashion-focused individuals need products that deliver instant results, without being complicated or artificial-looking or feeling.

MST Complex is a proprietary combination of natural active antioxidants, plant extracts and vitamins that hydrates, protects and enhances your skin.  This is a one-step application that instantly transforms your skin, leaving you with a smooth, radiant, airbrushed finish. Miracle Skin Transformer claims it's the first-ever, naturally derived silicone formulation with powerful protection and hydration benefits.  The formula includes an antioxidant rich hydrating base, weightless, luminous, buildable coverage and a powerful SPF 20 broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

• Dermatologically tested
• Free of petrochemicals, synthetic fragrances, parabens, dyes, wax, mineral oils, and talcs
• 100% natural active ingredients
• Not tested on animals

Miracle Skin Transformer is specifically designed to improve skin's texture and pore size, evenly smooth out and help minimize the appearance of fine lines and reduce pigmentation imperfections, all with SPF 20 UVA/UVB protection.  The light, oil-free, anti-shine formulation is said to have an instant matifying effect on skin, offering buildable coverage that is ideal for daytime and nighttime high-definition looks.

MST hydrates, enhances and protexts skin with a unique combination of natural active antioxidants and vitamins. 

• Saw Palmetto Extract, derived from Saw Palmetto berries, is an all-natural, lipophilic (fat-dissolving), active ingredient that provides hydrating benefits. Rich in phytosterols, it moisturizes and soothes the skin.
• Passion Fruit is a natural ingredient derived from India. Rich in Omega 6 (fatty acids), it penetrates deeply into skin to deliver incredible nourishment, hydration and moisturization.  
• CO Enzyme Q10 helps increase elasticity and firms the skin while increasing cell renewal.  
• Vitamin K helps diminish vascular conditions such as dark circles, redness from rosacea and broken capillaries (including spider veins).  
• Vitamin A (retinyl palminate) is a skin renewal booster that energizes skin cells, kills off dead cells and produces fresh new ones, improves wrinkles associated with aging, may help promote the production of skin-building compounds, and exfoliates and renews skin. 
• Naturally Derived Silicones and Mica allow light to deflect off your skin, yielding a luminous radiance.  
• Naturally Derived Silicones give a velvety cushion to the skin, fill in fine lines and smoothe out and refine pore texture, leaving skin firmer, brighter and even-toned. Additionally, they protect skin from environmental pollution, cover pores' visibility, even out skin and provide a velvety feel.
• Mica, a mineral pigment in the form of pearls, gives skin uniformity and improves its texture and performance, resulting in a flawless finish.
• Color Minerals (iron oxides minerals) give the product a fine tinted coverage (available in four shades) that adapts to virtually all skin tones.

• Ecophysalis, a natural plant extract found in the Brazilian rainforest, acts as an environmental shield to immediately reduce the redness and inflammation associated with stress, pollution and climate extremes. EcoCert Certified (that's huge by the way!!) and excellent for environmentally sensitized skin, Ecophysalis helps prevent rosacea and repair broken capillaries, protects from photo-aging, decreases melanin synethesis (pigmentation from sun damage), delivers anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits and helps increase skin tone luminosity and provide uniformity.
• Anti-oxidant Vitamin E, encapsulated for slow release using state-of-the-art technology, is vital in protecting skin from ultra-violet light, pollution and free radicals.
• SPF 20/UVA/UVB provides broad spectrum protection in a lightweight, oil-free formulation that has been tested using FDA guidelines and regulations.

  

BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS

(Click photos to enlarge for better detailed viewing)

MY REVIEW:

Ok, first let me say I was extremely skeptical that this product was going to be a one-product/multi-purpose wonder.  I agreed to review the product envisioning that it may, perhaps, act as a nice primer for my medium-full coverage foundation I generally need to wear.  If it also happened to provide some hydration so that I wouldn't have to use a moisturizer or if it included the SPF so I could skip the sunscreen step, those would be extra benefits. I've used these kinds of tinted moisturizer, SPF-included, go 'head skip the primer type products before and they've never given me the finished flawless complexion I've wanted. 

So I am wow'ed! Miracle Skin Transformer not only gives me the priming, the SPF and the hydration, it gives me coverage.  I really need to re-state that, though, as I'm not sure it covers so much as, true-to-its-name, transforms my skin to even, flawless perfection. Yes, it is a miracle! I'm in my early forties, ladies and gents, and using a product, one product, that not only gives me the skincare benefit, but also covers my redness, reduces visibility of pores and fine lines, and produces a smooth, luminous, even-toned complexion is unheard of. MST has a creamy whipped texture and blends so easily. I'm squeeling with joy over this product!  I've literally cut down my morning routine, just in face product application, by probably abount 10 minutes.  That's ten extra golden minutes of sleep, coffee grabbing and kissing my babies goodbye in the morning. I not only enjoy that; I appreciate that!

Shade of TAN: before (left) after (right)

Shade of MEDIUM: before (left) after (right)

When I received the samples and saw the color of the product, how dark the tint was, I immediately thought there was no way it would work on my fair NW20 skin.  It does!  It blends so thoroughly and flawlessly that I can even make the Tan shade work on my skin - some feat.  All I need is a little concealer for the inner corners of my undereye dark circles and the Miracle Skin Transformer (no foundation, no setting powder even), and I'm set to go. This is a product that also gets better as it absorbs and blends into skin, so the benefits you see after initially applying the product get even better after 15 minutes or so go by.  It's truly amazing!

The only drawback I can find with Miracle Skin Transformer is that it is so hydrating and luminous that I do like to apply a matte lotion prior to applying the MST.  This is personal preference.  I just felt my skin was a little too dewey, if that can be construed as a complaint, for my own personal liking. I've been using REN Hydra Calm Day Cream, but you could also use Cosmedicine Medi-Matte, Clarins Hydra Matte or another of your choosing if desired.

COMPARISON PRODUCTS

Some products Miracle Skin Transformer remind me of include:

Philosophy Supernatural Poreless Flawless w/ SPF 15

MST is better in that it gives a finish that is much more natural in finish than the orange-y tint of poreless flawless; it is also smoother in application, blends better into skin and provides better luminosity.

Colorescience Wild to Mild Skin Bronzer/Line Tamer Combo

Again, I like MST better because of how natural this finish is, how well it evens my skin's tone, the blendability of the formula, and the luminosity it gives my skin.

Here's a video review if you'd like to see and hear more about Miracle Skin Transformer. The video was created by YouTube user AMommaoftwo.

MST Beauty New York is offering free sample tubes (5 ml) to those who would like to try it.  For more information on ordering your sample, visit Miracle Skin Transformer online.

Miracle Skin Transformer with SPF 20 is set to launch the first of week of August 2010 and will retail for $48 a full-size tube. I will definitely be ordering the full-size tube as this product has impressed me beyond belief. Enjoy xo

SKINCARE REVIEW: Ren Keep Young and Beautiful SH2C Serum

REN has been one of my favorite skincare lines for years.  Before it was "cool" to have eco-friendly, natural ingredient, bio active skincare, REN had already made a name for itself.  Their products are not only pleasurable to use, they are truly effective, and in some cases non-equalled in the world of skincare, much less in the world of synthetic-free, clean bio active, eco-friendly skincare. This brand truly is a visionary brand, and they keep getting better!


So when I saw REN was launching a new anti-aging serum, I just had to try it.  Keep Young and Beautiful is a serum that promises to give radiant, smoother, younger looking skin. Claims are that instantly skin feels firmer, plumper, lifted and that it reduces the appearance of fine lines and keeps skin looking younger for longer. hey, who wouldn't want to get on board for that?  What can one expect when using Keep Young and Beautiful?

•Radiant, smoother, younger looking skin

•Skin feels firmer, plumper and lifted

•Helps reduce appearance of fine lines

•Regulates skin tone, repairs and brightens complexion

 

HERE'S HOW THE SERUM MANAGES TO GIVE THESE RESULTS

 

•Hexapeptides from yeast stimulate skin renewal and synthesis of skin firming proteins

•Native peptides act as a safe alternative to Botox to smooth expression lines, also encouraging natural collagen filling of fine lines

•Glycosaminoglycans from corn provide lasting hydration

•Hyaluronic acid increases moisture levels to plump up the skin

•Sirtuin increases the longevity of skin cells to promote natural repair of sun damaged skin 

•Vitamin C corrects skin tone, illuminates and brightens the complexion

 
You're going to be reading more about the ingredient Sirtuin in the coming days on For the Love of Beauty.  With a number of other up-and-coming advanced skincare ingredients, Sirtuin is showing lots of promise in the anti-aging range, receiving both scientific and editorial praise for its ability to actually prolong cell life.  We already know the importance of hexapeptides as an active ingredient in stimulating skin renewal and firming properties. They help to boost collagen and elastin. The native peptides used in this serum are sourced from wheat, which assist in reducing wrinkles, and of course hyaluronic acid plumps and hydrates.
 

 
So here's the scoop.  The milky serum is easily absorbed into clean skin and, true to the claims, instantly provides a firming, matte yet hydrated, healthy, renewed finish. You'll notice as you warm the serum in your hands then apply to the face that the serum takes on an almost starchy feel to it (see photo #3 above).  That's ok.  It's still going to blend. With continued use you'll notice wrinkles appear plumped from the inside out, skin becomes soft and brightened, signs of aging appear diminished (spots, ruddiness, dullness), and skin just looks energized and fresh. The scent is so reminiscent of what we've come to expect from REN too, that fabulous subtle damascus rose with a fresh herbal blending - gorgeous!
 
REN Keep Youg and Beautiful SH2C Serum is a winner; one of their best serums yet! Retailing for $75 and packaged in the always appreciated glass pump bottle, there is a little over 1 oz in each bottle.  REN Keep Young and Beautiful SH2C Serum is available exclusively at Space.NK Apothecary.

REVIEW: New! Wei East China Herbal Advance Eyes Alive

I discovered Wei East skincare several years ago (well, perhaps a little longer than several, the older I get the quicker time goes by). My first Wei East love was their China Lotus Anti-Aging Masque, which remains the creamiest, most hydrating and soothing facial masque I've tried to this day.  I was intrigued by Wei East's sparkly, energetic, charismatic founder Wei Brian. That's what first drew me to want to try her products. There she was, peddling skincare made from ancient Chinese recipes loaded with herbs and botanicals on HSN (yes, the shopping network) long before botanical, natural ingredients in skincare was, well, cool!

Since those days, HSN has come a long way in provision of the ultimate in beauty must-haves and Wei Brian has continued to expand her much adored skincare line, all the while staying true to her premise that ancient Chinese remedies passed down for generations from mother to child and nature's flora and herbal wonders are what make life worth living, and what make skin beautiful.

I admire Wei for holding true to her heritage, for allowing her love of nature and beauty to drive her purpose and mission; oh yes, it is a mission and Wei represents it well. And is if I needed more reason to admire her, allow me to add yet one more; one that demonstrates her grace and one that deserves respect. Wei makes no secret of the fact that she and her family have struggled to find help for her son diagnosed with autism at the age of six. Through a journey that led them through various Western and Eastern treatment modalities, they have seen some light, where once there was only mysterious darkness, and are hopeful and confident about continued improvements and progress in the treatment of autism. As one who works specifically in the field of mental health for very young children, I know how devastating this disorder can be for families and how important it is to support continued research for its treatment. To help bring "rainbows" to families affected by autism, Wei created a special WE Help Bring Hope collection to support the work of The Autism Treatment Center of America™ and Autism Speaks™ . Collection by collection, box by box, they donate the entire purchase price of the collection ($70) to these organizations. Incredible!

So, I know I've digressed, but if I'm going to feature an article on a Wei East product, I simply cannot do it justice without sharing the depth of beauty of its founder and creator.

Now onto New! China Herbal Advance Eyes Alive: Wei's new China Herbal formulas feature breakthrough technology that allows scientists to extract properties from herbs in ancient Chinese remedies with greater precision and deliver them directly to your skin. Using only the freshest, hand-harvested Green Tea from China's remote Lushan region, they use advanced extraction technology to deliver both immediate and long-term benefits to the thin, vulnerable skin around the eye area.

Combined with Mulberry Leaf and Soy this new formula is said to provide visible results within minutes of application and to diminish the appearance of puffiness, dark circles, fine lines and crepiness over time, and for me it has. The cream has a light, silky texture that absorbs effortlessly making application comfortable and efficient. As a little goes a long way, just a tiny pea size or so is needed each application. Just gently tap onto the undereye area with your ring finger. The scent is very light, subtle and herbal so as not to overpower the sensitive nasal passages close to the eyes. I've found this cream to be very soothing to my undereye area and I've noticed a brightening effect for sure where once only purplish, dark circles appeared at the inner corners closest to my nose. I'm enjoying this product immensely. A bit hard to explain or pinpoint but it just "feels good!"

This is a huge tube of eye cream compared to most eye creams you'll find on the market at a whopping .7 ounce and retails for $35. Compare that to some of these: Murad Lighten & Brighten (.5 oz $67), Relastin Eye Silk (.5 oz $69, which I do still love by the way), SkinCeuticals Eye Blam (.5 oz $78),  Hylexin (.78 oz $95), Bliss The Youth As We Know It Eye Cream (.5 oz $75), Philosophy Hope in a Tube (.5 oz $33).

For more information about Wei and Wei East products, please visit Wei East online or HSN.com.  There, you'll find incredible specials on beauty and skincare kits as well as the inside story behind all her wonderful products individually.

GIVEAWAY: Light, Camera Lashes! Tarte MultiplEYE Lash Enhancing Mascara

Ooooooh la la ... Wow-Factor Lashes!

We know how fabulously innovative Tarte Cosmetics is; we know how devoted to green beauty Tarte creator Maureen Kelly is; and we love that with Tarte we can have the best of both worlds.

MultiplEYE lands on the heels of Tarte's Light Camera Lashes, the wildly popular 4-in-1clinically proven natural mascara that lengthens, curls, volumizes and conditions eye lashes.

This is the brand new lash enhancing mascara from Tarte, and now is your opportunity to win one of your very own.

MultiplEYE™ Clinically-Proven Natural Lash Enhancing Mascara

A one-of-a-kind mascara that is clinically proven to immediately increase the appearance of lash volume by 638%, while also increasing the appearance of lash length with regular use.

Fortify lashes by naturally increasing the appearance of lash volume by 638%, while also increasing the appearance of lash length and growth. Using a unique blend of high-performance natural™ botanical nutrients, tarte has engineered a nourishing onyx-black mascara base infused with their proprietary HydroPlant™ peptide (a soy-amino super protein) to help stimulate lashes for a 638% increase in the appearance of lash volume and increased appearance of length, growth, and strength.

To achieve maximum results use as a part of the multiplEYE™ 3-step regimen for naturally enhanced lashes without the prescription or the harmful side effects. Use with multiplEYE™ clinically proven natural lash enhancing primer for an incredible 1102% increase in the appearance of lash volume! The towering spiral brush separates and envelops each lash in the nutrient-rich formula to help promote the appearance of sky-high lashes.

To enter:
We want to know why you'd like to try MultiplEYE Lash Enchancing Mascara or why you simply must have MultiplEYE . Share your comments in the entry form below along with your email (won't be shown online) so we may contact you if you win. One winner will be chosen at random to win this prize. This contest is open to residents in the USA only. Good Luck!

NOTE: Your entry acknowledges permission to provide representatives for Tarte with your contact and mailing information if you win this sweepstakes. One (1) winner will be chosen to receive this prize. Mascara shade is black. Contest open to residents of the USA only. Contest ends Sun., April 11, 2010 at 11:59 pm.

And for a yummy exfoliating treat to soothe and prepare lips for a healthy showing for spring and summer months, be sure to check out Tarte Frxtion, an award winning duel-sided stick that's both a natural sugar exfoliator as well as a lip balm. Use the sugar crystals to exfoliate your lips, then apply the vanilla scented lip balm on the now-smooth surface to condition and protect lips. Sugar craving anyone?

Love Your Korres Kissed Lips

Recreate your favorite fashion and beauty trends with Korres antioxidant-rich, long-wearing formulas for brilliant color and a radiant finish to your complexion.

LOVE YOUR LIPS COLLECTION
The perfect way to achieve healthy, luscious lips with a hint of color! Prepare the lips with Lip Scrub, play your way to the perfect, naked pout with Cherry Oil Lip glosses in universally flattering shades and put the finishing touches on your pout with Jasmine Lip Butter that melts onto the lips, leaving a shiny, tinted finish. The limited edition collection includes:

• NEW! Organic Lemon Lip Treatment Scrub a gentle yet effective lip treatment that prepares the lips for long-lasting lip color.
• Cherry Oil Lip Gloss in New Naked Shades Rose 22 and Beige 30; high-shine, long-wearing glosses in flattering natural shades enriched with Cherry Oil and Vitamins to deeply hydrate and repair the lips.
• Best-selling Jasmine Lip Butter, an intensely hydrating lip treatment with a soft, sheer hint of color.

Retails for $34.50 (a $64 value)

CHERRY OIL LIP GLOSS

Long-lasting, creamy, semi-sheer formulas in wearable and vibrant shades. Go natural with NEW naked shades!

• Cherry Oil moisturizes lips, prolonging the wear and giving a high-shine, non-sticky finish
• The natural active Jojoba Oil smoothes fine lines and deeply hydrates the lips
• Potent antioxidant Vitamin C and E prevent free radical damage and repair the lips
 
Retails for $17
 

SPECIAL BEAUTY OFFER


For more information and to shop the sweet special offer going on now, visit Korres online.

Beauty Trends for 2010: Mood & Language, Baby

Are you ready for these newly predicted beauty trends?

A report by Reuters (London) says those in-the-know think austerity chic will make way for mood-enhancing make-up in 2010 alongside naturally sourced cosmetics and those enhanced by biochemistry and nano-technology advances. The trend for cutting back on the use of cosmetics ruled the beauty industry in 2009. But innovation and consumer resilience have shaped a new landscape for products in the coming year, according to consumer marketing and consulting firm Mintel in its Global Beauty Trends for 2010.

The four predicted trends for beauty products are: Mood Beauty, Nu Natural, Pro-Tech't and Turbo Beauty 4G.

"While 2009 brought its challenges for the industry, beauty brands and suppliers have continued to seek creative new ways to merge science, nature and sustainability for better results and more eco-friendly formulas and packaging," said Mintel's Director of Beauty Innovation Nica Lewis .

The report said 2010 will see more consolidation in the beauty industry and the evolution of old trends as well as new ones as consumer confidence returns. Recent product evolution has seen actual ingredients that will enable consumers to enhance their mood through make-up and skincare in 2010, going beyond aromatherapy and use of scent.

Mood Beauty: entails a new concept of beauty that intersects with psychology and wellbeing. Think beauty products with psychological benefits and ingredients that act on neurotransmitters, chemicals in the brain that effect mood.

Nu Natural: is a new vision of natural beauty products evolving from a current trend toward organic ingredients, with an eye on purity and local production. Mintel Beauty Innovation said it expects to see more products claim labels like "free from" and "sustainable" though will simultaneously contain synthetic ingredients. Manufacturers will explore simpler formulas such as infusions and fluids, creating with a new generation of phytochemicals, anthocyanins and fermented actives.

Pro-Tech't: will extend an existing emphasis on protection, one of the basic functions of skincare, hair care and color cosmetics. This is already heavily in the scheme of things - so not a new concept. Beauty products are offering protection against sun damage and other environmental factors, physiological changes as well as man-made factors. Expect marketers to utilize computer technology language (e.g. "fire walls") to engage consumers via product description. Also expect to see a growth in immune-boosting and enhancing skin defenses claims in products.

Turbo Beauty 4G: high tech beauty capitalizing on advances in biochemistry and incorporating the use of next-generation nanotechnology in beauty products is expected to boom. This trend features more quasi-medical results and "mix-it-yourself" solutions: at-home kits, cures and gadgets that offer alternatives to cosmetic surgery and non-invasive procedures. Well, we're seeing a lot of that already and looking forward to more.

And you thought this was going to be an article on mood lipsticks. Pshaw. = )

source: Reuters Life, fashionmag, Mintel Beauty

REVIEW: REN F10 Enzymatic Smooth Radiance Facial Mask

Yes, Louise, you can exfoliate without sugar, salt, particles or harsh granular scrubs.

Got a question via my little Contact Me option from my banner up top. Louise of Charlotte, NC asks, "Can you recommend a gentle product that doesn't have grains in it but still gives the face an excellent exfoliation?"

Your wish, Louise, is my command. Now I suppose I should qualify this by reminding everyone I am not a dermatologist or skincare professional; I'm just a woman who loves skincare, so you should check with a professional if you want more information about what you read here. There are many products on the market that offer chemical versus physical exfoliation. Chemical exfoliation generally consists of applying forms of alpha hydroxy acids and/or beta hydroxy acids. The acids help to dissolve the "glue" around the cells, ultimately shedding several layers of the epidermis. We're not talking about the potency of say battery acid, we're talking about gentle acid found, for instance, in many of the fruits we eat.

One such product I enjoy with excellent results is REN's F10 Enzymatic Smooth Radiance Facial Mask. The mask has the consistency of a sweet honeyed jam of sorts. There are no harsh granules to bother sensitive skins. Fruit enzymes provide a deep yet safe and gentle way to slough away dead cells and debris. There's no burning and no irritation. The mask is formulated to gently exfoliate and detoxify, and boosts cell renewal leaving the complexion smooth, toned and bright. Enzymes from papaya gently remove dead cells while Vitamin C from Barbados Cherry extract and essential oils of orange, mandarin, grapefruit and pineapple neutralize antioxidants and fight free radicals. In addition Arctic Blackcurrant oil rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fatty acids help to repair and soothe skin. 1.7 oz pump bottle retails for $37

Using this mask just once a week helps keep my skin in check and very smooth. I've often noticed little bumps or dry patches that have been present the day before are gone by the next morning after using the mask. The mask has a slight fruity tea-like scent to it, very natural; it's effective for all skin types. Apply generously after cleansing the skin, leave on for about 10 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. Apply a moisturizer to enhance hydration and you're set to go.

For more information or to purchase this gentle, lovely facial mask, visit REN Skincare. Also available at Apothica, Skin Botanica and Sephora.

REVIEW: Tallulah Jane Natural Perfumes

Tallulah, 333 and Gotham


From New York City based indie perfume house Tallulah Jane comes a trio of beautiful fragrances that embrace the centuries-old craft of Bourbon perfumeries but with a bold, modern edge.

Blended with botanical essences, resins and balsams, Tallulah Jane scents are an ever-evolving olfactory experience. Ethically chosen organic and wild crafted oils are mixed together in certified organic grape alcohol or jojoba, then hand poured in small batches. No two vintages are exactly alike, so your Tallulah Jane scent is categorically unique, as if designed by nature - especially for you.

Soooo ... the "scrumptiousness" of these fragrant elixirs is not to be missed. Each evokes its very own emotion and experience, and I've found that the perfumes take on a special individuality for each who wears them. In other words, you'll not find any of the three smell the same on your friend as on you.

I know, you may say, "Well this is the case with many fragrances."

Perhaps, but these blends are especially personal. Each bonds with the wearer creating a symphonic aroma that lingers ethereally in the air. The packaging is quite sweet in its minimalist, linear bottles with decorative elegant stars and scripted writing. The bottles include a rollerball making application very easy and fun. I've been enjoying each of the three, but my favorite way to wear them is to layer Tallulah with Gotham. The blend is what I'd describe in my very amateurish way as spicy-floral. The fragrances are all very organic in scent. What I mean by that, is they each have an earthy quality to them. The essence of each note is clearly depicted on examining the aroma. However, these perfumes are to be enjoyed for their wholeness and uniqueness rather than to be picked apart for characterstics of their individual notes.

Tallulah - the signature scent, creamy jasmine notes flirt with heady tuberose for a scent that is timeless yet nouveau. I've never smelled a jasmine perfume quite as exquisite as this one ... smelling it now ... mmmmmmmmmm, so heavenly!

333 - an exquisite triple threat: three different types of chamomile and lavender are combined with three essences of citrus tree, neroli, petitgrain and bitter orange.

Gotham - a sparkling, earthy oriental, deep and sexy, yet bright and crisp. Equal parts Bloomsbury and Bay of Bengal, this scent is a blend of exotic spices and rose, rounded off with the earthy depth of patchouli. I adore this one!

It's really hard to choose a favorite. Each is so different yet so sublime. All Tallulah Jane fragrances are 100% vegan.

Tallulah Jane Natural Perfumes are available at the equally exquisite Spirit Beauty Lounge. Each 8ml bottle retails for $58.

Now thru 1/5/10, enjoy 20% off Tallulah Jane Perfumes with code: TJ20

Or, try all three fragrances. Receive free mini samples with any SPL purchase thru 1/5/10;

just enter code: TJSAMPLE

Don't forget, Spirit Beauty Lounge will happily send you a custom sample package for a small fee so you can try perfumes (and skincare, cosmetics, haircare, etc. too) before purchasing. It's a fun and lovely way to explore wonderful products that call out to you!

Fun with Crazy Rumors Delicious HibisKiss Lip Balms

Two Words - Naturally Fun!

That’s what Crazy Rumors is all about. A personal care company that combines the best of both worlds. A line of products that offer the exceptional benefits of naturally derived ingredients fused with fun, fresh and unique concepts.

And so it is with Crazy Rumors delicious new colored lip balms - HibisKiss! All natural and vegan, these gourmet balms are available to six gorgeous shades. "Lei" on the moisturizing benefits of this signature lip balm with an added kiss of all natural mineral color. Top it all off with enchantingly fragrant Organic Red Hibiscus flavor and not only do you have a kiss, you have a deliciously sweetened HibisKiss. They sweeten their balms with a touch of natural stevia, so they not only look and smell amazing, they taste delicious too!

HibisKiss lip balms contain 70% organic ingredients. In addition to being high quality balms with a nice color payoff, they are super fun. Enchantingly fragrant, fruity and floral, they're loaded with moisturizing ingredients to keep your lips super hydrated and healthy looking. I've got one in my desk drawer at work, one in my handbag and another on my night stand at home. Shades in this collection include Sunset, Coral, Tropical, Pearl, Breeze and Sunrise. They retail for $6 each or get all six shades for $30 and a bonus lip balm.

Ingredients: Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Shea Butter, Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Candelilla Wax, Soy Wax, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxide, Natural & Organic Flavors,Vitamin E, Organic Carnauba Wax & Natural Stevia & Hibiscus Flower.

Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Brian & Edie Himmel started Crazy Rumors in their bright, sunny yellow kitchen back in 2003. It's where the idea of fusing fun themes & delicious flavoring into high quality, natural personal care products was born. Seeing how so many product lines leaned one way or the other: simple and ordinary with the same basic aromas or wild and over the top but made of purely synthetic ingredients, Crazy Rumors set out to be the best of both worlds.

With the support of family and friends, they put their senses and lips to work. After many months of late night experiments and testing, they decided they had created the world's best lip balm of its kind. Not only were everyone’s lips super soft and hydrated but their kitchen smelled amazing! Much has changed over the years including a new location, new lines and a new look and design for the products. They've also caught the attention of beauty editors having been featured in magazines like Vogue, Elle and Seventeen to name a few. Most importantly, what remains the same are their ingredients, values and beliefs.

Do what you love and love what you do, and of course do it well!

Enjoy these fun, fruity, deliciously moisturizing balms on your own pucker, or buy a bunch to keep on hand as extra little somethings to include with gifts ... and check back with Crazy Rumors regularly as they add more to their product lines. New for the summer is Fresh Squeezed gourmet citrus-inspired juicy flavored balms for the hot months ahead.

REVIEW: Simply Organic Hair Care

In the pursuit of health and beauty, what you put on your hair and skin is as important as what you put in your mouth - this is the philosophy behind Simply Organic Hair Care.

A family owned and operated company, Simply Organic cherishes the relationships they build with their customers. As such, they seek to create products that are not only results driven, but environment-friendly. Their plant based hair care, bath & body and spa products are manufactured at a small facility in Spring Park, Minnesota and may be found throughout the world in boutique spas, luxury hotels and fine salons and spas.

I couldn't wait to try some of their haircare products. So far, I've tried the Everyday Hair & Scalp Wash (shampoo) and Conditioner as well as their Anti-Frizz Creme with favorable results. The products are packaged in amber colored plastic bottles reflecting a classic, simple design style. The shampoo and conditioner both exude a fresh, dewy scent and are not overly herbal in fragrance. I almost wish their scent was a bit stronger, but I'm drawn to strong herbal, essential oil, aromtherapy smells in my 'poo and conditioner. The shampoo works in nicely without over lathering, so you feel like it's not stripping all the good oils from your hair. What I liked about the wash is that it DOES lather. I've found with some "natural" shampoo, the lather is completely missing and I like to feel like my hair is getting clean. The conditioner is rich and leaves hair soft, manageable, and without weighing it down.

I applied the Anti Frizz Creme as a styling product and let my hair dry naturally. I was amazed by this product. My hair retained its natural curl for two days without being stiff or weighed down in any way and there was no frizz up - at all! Even in the hot, humid air of New Orleans' Big Easy, my hair was soft, naturally curly with no frizz - success I tell you. My next foray will be to try some of their shine products.

Check out Simply Organic for yourself. There you'll find a plethora of high quality products to pamper your hair and skin.

Dosha: Ayurvedic Approach to Balance

Doshas are the three energies that govern the body: vata, pitta, and kapha.

According to Ayurveda, each of us is made up of some combination of three doshas, or energy archteypes, which determine both our physical and emotional health. Ayurveda combines nutrition, lifestyle, psychology and herbal medicine to cultivate wellness in both mind and body. It is said that at conception we are created with a unique blend of the five great elements (ether, air, fire, water, earth). That unique blend is called our prakruti or individual body constitution. Our prakruti is a combination of the three doshas vata (ether + air), pitta (fire + water), and kapha (water + earth). Since prakruti is made of the three doshas, knowing what your dosha(s) is/are, is key to maintaining your health.

Each of us is composed of varying amounts of the three doshas, and according to Ayurvedic principles, what we eat, how we work, and even whom we love should serve to maintain our doshic balance. Left unchecked, imbalance is believed to cause health issues ranging from headaches and skin rashes to larger issues like cancer and chronic depression.

The first step in regaining balance is to recognize that the environment around you has a profound influence on how you feel. Paying conscious attention to what you hear, touch, see, taste and smell can help create peace, balance and vitality in your mind and body. A harmonized daily routine that engages the five senses with nourishing impressions is one of the most important steps towards achieving health.

There are many online tests you can take to come closer to knowing your own dosha combination. I'll list them at the bottom. I discovered that I'm a pretty good combination of both Pitta and Kapha. In testing a little further for possible body and/or mind imbalances, I was able to discover accumulations in one area or another and sought out tips to brings myself back into better balance.

For instance, accumulated Kapha or out of balance Kapha leads to heaviness, sluggishness and congestion. Stimulation and movement help overcome the resistance of accumulated Kapha. Think activation and invigoration. Here are some tips to maximize balance and well-being:

Body - Accumulated Kapha

• Take a yoga class to connect to your body and invoke your natural energy
• Perform a vigorous daily self massage with invigorating herbalized oil
• Take deep breaths throughout the day
• Favor spicy foods with a predominance of pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes
• Walk 5-15 minutes after eating to aid digestion
• Drink Invigorating Tea
• Put your full attention on your meals when eating

When Vata is out of balance, change and movement agitate the physiology resulting in a sense of instability. Balancing Vata requires introducing more grounding and stabilizing influences. Think routine and consistency. Here are a few tips to encourage balance and well-being:

Mind - Accumulated Vata

• Meditate twice a day to quiet the mind
• Look for opportunities to create rhythm and routine in your life
• Go to bed and awaken at about the same time every day
• Wear relaxing fragrances
• Listen to slow and relaxing music to calm Vata
• Minimize heavy reading, eating, or watching TV right before bed
• Diffuse relaxing fragrances into your environment
• Favor mild pastel shades and earth tones in your environment

Very interesting stuff! I was inspired by Alyssa Giacobbe's article on the subject in Body + Soul magazine, which you can read in its entirety here. Working on balancing my energies and appreciating these concepts immensely. One way I've found that helps me focus on my own wellbeing is by using products and fragrances with organic and natural ingredients. Again I'd remind you of a line perfect for just this approach - Organic Apoteke.

Want to take the dosha test for yourself? Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

• doshaquiz.chopra.com - Deepak Chopra's Dosha Quiz (this one was the most helpful for me!)
• ayurveda.com - Discover Your Constitution
• whatsyourdosha.com
• heymonicab.com - Ayurvedic resource blog by Monica B (great info there)

Namaste ... xo