Archive for anti-aging

For the Girl on the Go! Dry Shampoo Review

By Melissa · Comments (0)
Tuesday, December 18th, 2012

Have you ever experienced those moments in which your hair was in desperate need of a shampoo job, but you just didn’t have the time to fit into your busy schedule at that time?  Well, I experience those moments all the time, and I’m sure you have as well, especially around the holiday season — between working, finishing up Christmas shopping and organizing/attending holiday parties, there’s simply not enough time. And that’s why dry shampoo has recently become my bff.

Dry shampoo has be around for ages, but has recently has gotten its buzz back by beauty experts.  Ideal for extending a blowout, in between washes or when water isn’t available,  dry shampoo helps absorb oil from you scalp and hair, making it look, feel and smell fresh.  It consist of usually a mixture of aerosol propellants, absorbing agents, solvents, conditioning agents and fragrance.  There are organic shampoos available with natural ingredients. Dry shampoo comes  a powder, liquid  and aerosol spray form. I prefer the spray because it’s less of a mess to deal with.

It’s important to remember, that dry shampoo isn’t meant to take the place of regularly washing your hair with water — it doesn’t get rid of dirt and dandruff, just helps in between washes.

Check out my review on Not Your Mother’s Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo

 

Also, check out these suggestions for dry shampoos:

1. Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo Powder 2.5 oz. 2. Jonathan Product Green Rootine Dry Shampoo  3. Not Your Mother’s Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo  4. Big Sexy Hair Volumizing Dry Shampoo  5. Caviar Anti-Aging Dry Shampoo  6. Skinnyskinny Organic Dry Shampoo Mini

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Last Minute Gift Ideas for Father’s Day

By Melissa · Comments (2)
Friday, June 15th, 2012

Father’s Day is this Sunday, and if you haven’t already purchased a gift for that special guy in your life, here are four great last minute gift ideas:

1. THE JET-SETTER

Anthony’s Grab & Go Travel Kit ($35) – Airline Approved Grooming:Travel size products must be 3oz or less and must fit into a one quart size clear zip top plastic bag.

This Kit Contains:

Glycolic Facial Cleanser (2 fl oz ℮ 60 ml)

+ Facial Scrub (2 fl oz ℮ 60 ml)

+ Shave Cream (2 oz ℮ 56 g)

+ Lip Balm

+ Coconut Shampoo (2 fl oz ℮ 60 ml)

+ Citrus Body Cleansing Gel (2 fl oz ℮ 60 ml)

+ One Quart Size Zip Top Bag

 

2. THE STUD

Jack Black’s Repeat Defender Set ($130) – Defend your skin against the signs of aging with this power-packed daily skin care regimen.

+ Double-Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20, 3.3 oz bottle. Lightweight, fast-absorbing formula protects and smoothes skin with antioxidants and SPF 20 while visibly improving skin tone and calming redness with natural, Blue Algae and Sea Parsley.

+ Line Smoother Face Moisturizer, 3.3 oz bottle. Ultra-lightweight, oil-free anti-aging treatment minimizes the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and skin discoloration.

+ Protein Booster Skin Serum, 2 oz. High-performance formula contains advanced peptides and antioxidants to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while improving skin texture and clarity.

+ Protein Booster Eye Rescue, 0.5 oz. Intensive multi-action eye treatment helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles, firms the skin and helps reduce puffiness.

+ Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 Natural Mint & Shea Butter, 0.25 oz. Conditioning lip balm, with UVA and UVB sunscreens, protects against sunburn and windburn, as it conditions and moisturizes dry, chapped lips. Contains natural mint to help freshen breath.

3. THE ATHLETE

Issey Miyake’s L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme Sport, 3.3 oz ($79)

L’Eau ‘Issey Pour Homme Sport expresses the pure emotions and values that sport conveys: self-achievement, precision, control, speed and freshness.  A new fragrance of crisp freshness and energy, like a deep breath at the top of a mountain peak.  Fresh, tonic and woody with notes of grapefruit, bergamot, Haitian vetiver, Indonesian nutmeg, Virginian cedar wood and ambergris.
4. GREEN DAD

Aveda’s Men Pure-Formance Exfoliating Shampoo ($24)

High-performing formula deep cleanses hair and exfoliates scalp to remove dull, dead skin cells, excess oil, product build-up and other impurities. Creates a noticeably smoother, healthier-looking and feeling scalp.With 100% naturally derived exfoliants—walnut shells and jojoba beadsRich, spicy and refreshing aroma with kunzea, citrus and certified organic essential oils of spearmint, vetiver and lavender.

And if you want do something extra special for dad this year, how about a gift card for products/services at The Grooming Lounge.

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Juice it Up! :: Kale Smoothie for Radiant Skin

By Melissa · Comments (8)
Monday, June 11th, 2012

I have been trying to get into the juicing craze for some time now, but the procrastinator in me has kept me on the fence.  Last week, I read a interesting article on Refinery29.com, titled “5 Reasons Why Kale Is The Ultimate Look-Gorgeous, Feel-Amazing Food”, which went over the benefits of eating kale:

No, I’m not trying to lose weight, but who wouldn’t want more energy or radiant skin???  Besides, I am trying to strive for much healthier eating habits and this would be MUCH cheaper than those expensive anti-aging creams.

The article also had a recipe for making a kale smoothie…sound yucky I know.  Ironically, yesterday, a friend on Instagram posted a pic of her new juicer and that finally inspired me to run over to Whole Foods and give it a try.

Ingredients
4 oz. water
4 oz. unsweetened almond milk
1⁄2 frozen banana, cut into chunks
1 cup kale
1 tbs. coconut oil
1 tbs. shredded unsweetened coconut
2 to 4 ice cubes

I added my own twist to the smoothie, inside of the unsweetened coconut, I used frozen mango.  It was delicious and I’m hoping I can keep up with a glass, a day.

What about you?  Have you tried juicing?  What’s your favorite recipe? Still on the fence?

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Categories : Beauty, Beauty Tips, Face, wellness
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Review :: KORRES Pomegranate Regimen Kit

By Melissa · Comments (0)
Monday, May 7th, 2012

About two weeks ago, my skin had gone haywire! If you’ve been following my blog for some time, you’ll know, that’s pretty typical (READ:  Face Going HAM, Connect the Dots, PMS Sugar Cravings & Acne) from time to time.  I’ve tried acne products from Dr. Brandt to Dr. Murad , and as beauty enthusiast, I’m always interested in trying something new.  I came across KORRES Pomegranate Regimen Kit at ULTA .  The $39.50 kit included:

  • Pomegranate Moisturizing Cream-Gel 20ml
  • Pomegranate Cleansing Mask 20ml
  • Pomegranate Cleansing Scrub 20ml
  • White Tea Facial Fluid Gel Cleanser 20ml
  • Evening Primrose Eye Cream 10ml

I’ve used Korres products before (READ: Korres Quercetin & Oak Anti-Aging Primer, I Don’t Love Dem Holes, Holiday Glam Look #1 : The Glow Look) and I’ve been very satisfied with them, so I didn’t hesitate to give their Pomegranate Regimen Kit a try.

Here are the claims:

Power of Pomegranate

The Korres Pomegranate Regimen Kit is essential for anyone with combination or oily skin. This refreshing, perfecting collection will keep oil under control all day. Put your best complexion forward with the power of pomegranate.

  • A skin balancing kit enriched with pomegranate
  • Keeps oil under control all day
  • Ideal for combination and oily skin
  • Kit includes cleanser, eye cream, cream-gel, mask and scrub

Especially Suited For: Combination and oily skin

Free of: Petro-chemicals, silicones, phthalates, synthetic dye

For Best Effect:Use entire regimen daily and weekly as indicated by the product type.

Here’s my outtake:

PROS:

Cleanser – I love it! It doesn’t strip my skin from it’s natural moisture.

Moisturizing Cream-Gel  - Very light

Mask – My skin felt very soft after using it

Scrub – Skin felt soft and hydrated after use

Eye cream – I have to admit, I was consistent with using it, but the cream was light.

 

CONS:

I just wished the kit came in a bigger package, but at $39.50, you can’t beat it.

Overall, my skin has looked and felt amazing, compared to two weeks ago.  I think next time, I’ll buy the full size products.

KORRES Pomegranate Regimen Kit is available at ULTA.

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Aging Gracefully :: Older Women Becoming the “It Girls” of Brands

By Melissa · Comments (2)
Thursday, March 15th, 2012

“I didn’t want to let women down. One of the stereotypes I see breaking is the idea of aging and older women not being beautiful.” - Annie Leibovitz

This morning, I was watching favorite new program, The Today Show and I was intrigued by a story they featured about 50, 60, 70, and even 80 and 90-year-old women, becoming the the cover girls of cosmetic brands and fashion magazines.

In a world where so much emphasis is placed on looking and staying young, I can’t tell you how awesome it feels to have women featured for being themselves, crows feet and all.

As a woman in my late 20′s, I can so relate to the pressures of staying young. Everyday, I notice the changes in skin and I’m constantly bombarded with ads and commercials on how to prevent aging…talk about pressure!  Yet, when I see women celebrated for aging gracefully and the scary images of women in Hollywood, post nip and tuck, I’m reminded that maybe aging isn’t too bad after all.

What are you thoughts?  Do you think we place too much emphasis on staying young?  Would you like to see older women in ads?

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Categories : Beauty, Celebs
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Let Me Know It’s Real :: Should Digitally Manipulated Photos Be Banned?

By Melissa · Comments (1)
Thursday, January 19th, 2012

The webosphere has been up and arms about Beyonce’s new album promotional ad, that apparently has her looking lighter than her usual skin tone .  The new ad is a photo that’s being used to re-promote her “4″ album.  In the photo, Beyonce is wearing a crochet bodysuit, with red lipstick, laying on a leopard print throw and looking pale.

Though studio lightening could be partial blame, this isn’t the first time white-washing has been a scandal for Beyonce.  Back in 2008, the cosmetic company L’Oreal was under fire for digitally lightening Beyonce’s skin on advertisements.

Digitally lightening isn’t the only issue under scrutiny for the cosmetic giant.  Just last year, L’Oreal was forced to pull Lancome ads featuring Julia Roberts and Christy Turlington, because critics claimed the images were overly airbrushed.

With so much emphasis on anti-aging and looking attractive, digital manipulation has become the norm, and only it intensifies the issue of  perfection with women.  Girls want perfect hair like Gwen Stefani and women want flawless skin like Andy MacDowell, just as they see in the ads.

Check out this spoof on photo manipulation

As a consumer and product junkie, I know that ads play a crucial part in the promotion and success of a product.  When I see a mascara ad that promises length and volume,  or my favorite celeb on a skincare ad promoting clear skin, I’ll admit, I’m on the bandwagon.  I’m also willing to admit, I get pissed when the product doesn’t live up to the hype of what is advertised.

Should consumers start to hold advertisers accountable for their misleading ads?

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My New Skincare Regime

By vanityrich · Comments (0)
Friday, September 10th, 2010
A few months ago, May to be exact, I did a post on my skincare regime.  As a beauty addict, I’m always trying new products, seeing what works and what doesn’t, so now I have a slightly different product line up in my routine.

I have oily skin and I occasionally get acne breakouts, so I need products that unclog my pores and are oil-free.

1. MAKEOVER REMOVER
Sometimes after a night out, the last night you want to do is my skincare regime, but if anything, you should ALWAYS remove your make-up before you go to sleep.  For convenience, make-up remover wipes are the BEST!  I’m still using the Korres Pomegrante Cleansing & Make Up Removing Wipes.  Love them!

 2.  CLEANSE

Before I was using Boscia’s Purifying Cleansing Gel.  I didn’t quite feel that it did the trick, so now I’m using Murad’s Clarifying Cleanser.  It effectively treats and prevents acne and skin breakouts by reducing 99.9 percent of irritating surface bacteria in less than one minute. Penetrates deep to keep skin clean and clear.


3. TONE

With oily skin, you should always use an astringent to remove excess oil after cleansing.  Before, I was using Carol’s Daughter Wash Away the Oil Gentle Face Toner, but my beauty spot no longer carries the toner, so I’m currently using Murad’s Clarifying Toner. It contains:

-Witch Hazel: Helps to purify skin, control oil, and tighten pores.
-Algae Extract: Helps control excess sebum production.
Grape Seed Extract and Vitamin E: Protects the skin from free radical damage. 
4. MOISTURIZE
No matter what skin type, you should always moisturize!!!! I don’t think I listed what I was using before, but during the day I either use DDF’s Ultra-lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew
Ultra-lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew™ from Doctor’s Dermatologic Formula is a delicate, fluffy, mild moisturizer free of oil, lanolin, fragrance, and color additives. Pure aloe vera and glycerin help bind moisture to the skin while squalene (a derivative of an emollient found in healthy skin), and dimethicone help delay moisture loss. May be used on oily and acne-prone skin.
or Dr. Brandt’s Pores No More Anti-Aging Mattifying Lotion

At night, I use Boscia’s Recharging Night Moisture, a moisturizing night cream with anti-aging properties.

 I need to do better with keeping up with the eye cream at night…I’m slacking

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Forever Young :: Fight Aging in Your 20s, 30s, 40s+

By vanityrich · Comments (1)
Monday, April 12th, 2010
When most people hear the words “Anti-Aging products”, they usually think of products specifically for women, possibly in their late 30’s and up. To tell you the truth, I use to be one of those persons, until I was schooled that even in your 20’s you can start to take steps to fight the signs of aging by incorporating anti-aging products into your skin care regimen. 

When you think about the skin care routine you already have established, adding anti-aging products may sound a little overwhelming, but think about all the money people spend on cosmetic surgeries, all of which could be saved if early prevention is implemented.

So, by now you’re probably asking yourself, “What can I do now, to fight the signs of aging?”. Found some helpful advice from Dr. Leslie Baumann on suggestions for the years during which skin changes the most:

20’s
If you are in your 20s, you should use anti-aging products with prevention in mind. There are two anti-aging products that you should use as often as possible to treat fine lines and wrinkles early: anti-aging products with sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) and targeted anti-aging facial moisturizers.

• If you smoke, stop – and definitely don’t start. Learn to incorporate skin-friendly foods into your diet, like berries and green tea for antioxidants, salmon and flax seed for omega-3 fatty acids.
• Start using products that contain niacinamide. That will help prevent damage to your skin’s DNA caused by whatever sun exposure you do get, and can “stop the clock” on several signs of skin aging.
• You may want to begin using retinoids.

30’s
Once you are in your 30s, it’s time to expand your anti-aging skin care routine. In addition to continuing to use anti-aging products like facial moisturizer and sunscreen, it’s important to add an anti-aging firming lotion.

• You may notice your skin becoming drier in your 30s, making proper hydration crucial! Well-hydrated skin repairs itself better and shows fewer signs of aging. If you have dry skin, avoid harsh foaming cleansers, skip the toner, and look for moisturizers with cholesterol, fatty acids (commonly listed on labels as “stearic acid”), and ceramides.
• Antioxidants are a good addition to your skin care regimen at any age – but if you’re not using them by your 30s, it’s crucial that you start! They are the best way to fight the skin damage that leads to lines and wrinkles. Add plenty of oral antioxidants to your diet.
• Try using glucosamine supplement at 35 – there is strong evidence that glucosamine can help your skin generate hyaluronic acid, which is one of the dermal building blocks we lose with age. (Hyaluronic acid is also the main component of dermal fillers like Restylane and Juvederm.)
• By your 30s, you may also start to get the most benefits from Botox. By decreasing muscle movement, Botox can slow the formation of wrinkles, especially around the eyes. (Remember, it’s always easier to prevent wrinkles than to treat ‘em one they’ve formed!)
• It is also during this decade that patients generally start to benefit from IPL (intense pulsed light) treatments to minimize the appearance of sun spots or broken blood vessels.

40’s and Beyond
Finally, once you reach your 40s and beyond, it’s important to add a specialized anti-aging cream that targets specific problem areas, such as wrinkles on skin or fine lines around the eyes.
• Try Imedeen Time Perfection. These oral supplements are pricey, but they’re also highly effective in minimizing fine lines and hydrating skin, which becomes drier with age, from the inside out.
• In the 40s, skin’s texture also tends to become more of a concern. Chemical peels can be a great way to smooth skin and treat sun spots and fine wrinkles. In your regular at-home regimen, be sure to use retinoids and products with glycolic acid to improve the evenness of your complexion and maintain the benefits of professional peels.
• Dermal fillers start to have a particularly noticeable impact in the 40s. As far as fillers go, I love Restylane (for mild to moderate wrinkles) and Perlane (for deeper wrinkles) – research shows that they may also stimulate your skin to produce more collagen, meaning you get both short- and long-term benefits!

50s
• If you’re not already, consider taking a coenzyme Q10 supplement (100-200mg) every morning by age 50. Studies have shown that coenzyme Q10 helps prevent skin cancer, which commonly appears in this decade. Furthermore, cholesterol-lowering statin drugs decrease natural levels of coenzyme Q10; if you’re taking such drugs, a supplement can be particularly beneficial.
• Fraxel laser treatments are among my favorite professional procedures for patients in their 50s – it many cases, they’re even an effective alternative to the surgical procedures my patients ask about. For example, I love the Fraxel for treating crepey eyelids and wrinkles around the eyes. It also successfully minimizes lines and age spots.
• Menopausal and post-menopausal women who have elected not to do hormone replacement therapy should discuss topical estrogen creams with their dermatologists. As estrogen levels drop, skin tends to become drier and thinner, but topical treatments can improve skin’s strength and texture.
• With less estrogen to keep male hormones in check, post-menopausal women may also start to experience acne. Prescription retinoids like Retin-A, Differin, and Tazorac are a great option for treating acne (and fighting wrinkles too!), and tend to be easier for post-menopausal skin to tolerate than drying benzoyl peroxide products. One of the newer prescription retinoids, Ziana, also contains an acne-fighting antibiotic, making it a great option for anyone particularly bothered by blemishes.

A few things I would like to add…One thing that wasn’t mentioned under the 20’s and 30’s was eye cream. Eyes are one of the first places to show aging, so you should use eye cream daily. The skin around the eyes is extra thin so you’ll want to protect it from the sun with eye cream. I’m currently using Kate Somerville’s Line Release Under Eye Repair Cream.
You should exfoliate at least once a week. Choose a formulation that’s best for your skin type. Chemical exfoliators (glycolic or salicylic acid) are best for oily or combo skin, while scrubs found in microdermabrasives work best for sensitive skin. Try Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion in a Jar or or Lancome Resurface C Microdermabrasion.
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