SHARE THE FANTASY – LUXURIOUS BEAUTY STEALS

Posted by L.A. 05.17.12

Sometimes a girl just needs to splurge on great beauty products and treatments. But looking great doesn’t always have to cost you an arm and a leg. We’ve rounded up a dozen reasonably priced beauty bargains from prestige brands. To share the high-end fantasy, here are some of our fave products—all around $25.

DIOR AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

With a rainbow hue of vibrant luscious colors, Vernis Nail Lacquer ($23) uses custom micronized ingredients to deliver 10 times the normal light refracting pigments. The result is a spectacular high gloss shine. Its special high-tech brush allows for a time saving one-step application and a flawless finish.

AFFORDABLE M.A.C.

M.A.C. Cleanse Off Oil ($26) protects with vitamin E and is botanically formulated with oils of olive fruit, evening primrose, and jojoba seed. Emulsifying into a lotion-type liquid with water, the oil massages into the skin to loosen all makeup—including waterproof mascara—then rinses off easily, no tissues required and no residue.

CLICK WITH CLINIQUE

Clinique counters are at major department stores and Sephora shops throughout America. Allergy tested and fragrance free, the Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Color Balm ($18) comes in 8 fabulous shades—from Chunky Cherry to Richer Raisin. The balm treats lips to mouthwatering moisture with a hint of soft shine. And it never needs sharpening: simply swivel up to reveal more of the balm.

SHIMMERY & SASSY

Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eyeshadow ($25) gives you that radiant, lustrous finish that looks as though you just applied it minutes ago—and it lasts a remarkable 16 hours without smudging or creasing. Named the winner of Allure magazine’s October 2011 ‘Best of Beauty’ award for Best Eyeshadow, it is available in an array of shades, like Techno Gold and Sunshower.

THE SECRET IS CERAMIDE

Hide flaws and seek perfection with Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Ultra Lift and Concealer ($19.95). This ultra creamy concealer gives lightweight, crease-proof, all day coverage. Light-diffusing, micro fine pigments help cover dark circles, decrease under eye puffiness, and diminish fine lines—giving the eye area a refreshed, bright, youthful appearance. Use it daily for optimum results.

THE EYES HAVE IT

Prevent clumping, flaking, and smudging with Bobbi Brown Lash Glamour Extreme Lengthening Mascara ($24). Generously apply this innovative formula for dramatic, ultra-long lashes. Enriched with olive-derived emollients and Vitamin B, the specially crafted wand delivers this magical lengthening formula for a perfectly separated lash line that will make your eyes pop. And it stays put until you wash it off.

REVEAL YOUR GORGEOUS SELF

Lancôme Exfoliance Confort Comforting Exfoliating Cream ($25) is a dewy blend of honey, almond, and yeast extracts that’s great for giving combination skin a radiant and revitalized look. The gentle scrubbing action polishes skin into buffed perfection and leaves no tacky residue. Use at least twice weekly to reveal the baby soft skin lurking just below the surface.

BRONZE AND BEAUTIFUL

Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess ($22.50) gives you a heavenly, sun-kissed tan that looks more natural than ever. The gentle creamy formula was created especially for the needs of delicate facial skin. This self-tanner creates even, golden color in under an hour and dries quickly for an instant glow. Super-luxurious lotion glides on smoothly and won’t cause breakouts.

EASY RUB A DUB

 

Ole Henriksen Purifying Eye Makeup Remover Wipes ($25 for 75 pads) make removing makeup a snap. The pre-saturated wipes contain soothing extracts and hydrating ingredients, including chamomile and cucumber, to soothe inflammation, reduce fluid retention, and comfort sensitive skin. These easy-to-use, take-anywhere pads remove stubborn makeup without causing irritation, leaving the eye area soft, hydrated, and perfectly cleansed.

KISS ‘N TELL

Tell your friends about Philosophy Kiss Me Tonight Intense Lip Therapy  ($20). Soften away roughness while adding shape and definition to your lips with this intense lip therapy treatment. Use nightly to allow the shea and mango butters to repair and soothe, then wake up with lips that are noticeably fuller and smoother.

A MUST-HAVE FROM MURAD

Murad’s Clarifying Toner ($22) eliminates oil and impurities from blemished skin. This highly rated toner received raves for clearing and tightening pores, controlling surface shine and cutting the oiliness—without stinging or drying out delicate skin.

HYPER HYDRATION

Give your skin an extra boost of hydration while setting your makeup for all day perfection with Jane Iredale D20 Hydrating Spray ($18.50). By formulating with D20—a hydrogen molecule that is 10 percent heavier than water—the satiny spray hyper-nourishes skin for a supple and freshly plumped look. It’s ideal for use in dry climates and for laser patients who need extreme moisture replenishment.

 

KNIFELESS LIQUID FACELIFTS

Posted by Wendy 05.14.12

When going under the knife is not an option, but anti-aging creams are not getting the job done anymore, injectable fillers and wrinkle relaxers can be a lifesaver. A few syringes of this and that to lift, smooth and plump can give you an instant “what did she do?” kind of feeling (in a good way that is). The “wow” factor is unsurpassed.

In the U.S., we now have 12 products* that have the FDA nod to use that suit different situations – and more are always on the way, although the process is a slow one. The term “Liquid Facelift” generally refers to combining several types of soft-tissue fillers. There are some products that get injected deeply, for cheek fullness as an example, and others that get injected more superficially just under the skin, for fine lines around the mouth. Since there is such a wide range of FDA cleared brands available today, it is truly a customized procedure. In the past, fillers and wrinkle relaxers focused on garden variety correction of lines and softening folds, period. Haute injectors have perfected their techniques and the emphasis has shifted toward using several different injectable products in deeper and more superficial levels.

According to New York Plastic Surgeon Z. Paul Lorenc, M.D., “Dermal fillers are injected to target the specific areas of your face in need of enhancement or rejuvenation. Several areas may be treated in a single session with both dermal fillers and neurotoxins for what I call “Facelift by Syringe.” For example, lines around the eyes, mouth and nose, tear troughs or hollows under the eyes, upper cheeks,  forehead, and lips. The whole procedure takes half an hour and depending on what products are used, results can last well. The key is choosing an injector who has a good eye.”

*Injectable products cleared by the FDA as of May 2012:

1. ARTEFILL – Bovine collagen with PMMA particles
2. BELOTERO – Hyaluronic acid
3. BOTOX COSMETIC – Botulinum toxin type A
4. DYSPORT – Botulinum toxin type A
5. JUVEDERM XC – Hyaluronic acid with lidocaine
6. LAVIV – Autologous fibroblasts
7. PERLANE-L – Hyaluronic acid with lidocaine
8. PREVELLE SILK – Hyaluronic acid with lidocaine
9. RADIESSE – Calcium hydroxyapatite
10. RESTYLANE-L – Hyaluronic acid with lidocaine
11. SCULPTRA AESTHETIC – Poly-L lactic acid
12. XEOMIN – Botulinum toxin type A

Treatment: Hyaluronic Acid Gel Fillers

“Lifts lift and fillers fill. Dermal fillers can enhance the results of a surgical facelift nicely, especially in terms of volumization. But these treatments are also viewed as an alternative in many cases, such as younger women who do not have significant sagging and women who are not good candidates for surgery,” said New York Plastic Surgeon Alan Matarasso, M.D.

FDA Approved Brand Names in the USA: Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane, Belotero, Prevelle Silk

How It Is Administered: By syringe, usually more than 1 syringe is needed for full correction of an area, and often 3 or 4. Various size needles may be used, usually ranging from 27g – 32g. Some physicians may also use a blunt cannula to inject deeply or soft needles that are bendable for specific areas of the face.

Where It Is Administered: Facial folds, wrinkles, cheeks, chins, nose, lips, under the eyes, tear trough, scars

How Long Do Results Last: Each product has a slightly different formulation, but they can last from 6-12 months and longer

Best For: Facial contouring, creases, folds, wrinkles, around the eyes, and ideal for lip enhancement

Possible Side Effects: Swelling, Bruising, Tenderness, Redness, Asymmetries

Pros: The FDA approved products are safe, well tested fillers. If you are not happy for whatever reason, an enzyme called Hyaluronidase or Wydase, can be injected to break the product down quickly.

Cons: These fillers are temporary and additional treatments will be needed to maintain the results

What Are The Risks? There is always a slight chance of infection and lumps and bumps, but these are rare when administered by an experienced injector

What Should You Ask At Your Consultation? Am I a good candidate, how long will it last, how many syringes are needed, what are the risks and alternatives?

What Should You Be Looking For From Your Practitioner? Treatments should be done ONLY by healthcare practitioners, plastic surgeons, dermatologists, cosmetic doctors, nurse practitioners. These are medical devices.

Treatment: Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Neurotoxins, Neuromodulators)

“The most ‘bang for the buck’ in injectable treatments is Botox. Results are consistent, people love the subtle improvements we can achieve without looking too different and it is a good complement to other treatments including Fraxel, Ultherapy, Sculptra Aesthetic and other lasers and fillers,” said New York Plastic Surgeon Bryan G. Forley, M.D. 

FDA Approved Brand Names: Botox Cosmetic, Xeomin, Dysport

How It Is Administered: By using a fine needle and injecting directly into facial muscles.

Where It Is Administered: Most common areas to be treated are creases between the eyebrows, forehead, crows feet, but these drugs can also be used around the mouth, chin, to lift eyebrows, tip of the nose, lower lid muscle roll.

How Long Do Results Last? Lasts 3-6 months depending on how active your facial muscles are and how much was injected. For some people, the longer they have treatments, the longer the results can last.

Best For: Dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle contractions – such as crow’s feet, forehead lines, creases between the brows, neck bands, droopy corners of the mouth, upper lip lines, lowered brows.

Possible Side Effects: Possible droopy eye, but this is quite rare; asymmetries that are easily corrected; bruising that resolves quickly; needle sticks can sting.

Pros: Treatments are highly effective in most people. This is truly a bespoke treatment; results can be tailored to your specifications so you do not have to look frozen or distorted. Procedure takes 15-30 minutes and is more affordable than many other aesthetics treatments.

Cons: Treatments have to be repeated about every 4-6 months to maintain the effects

What Are The Risks? Uneven effects, too much used to create an unwanted result– but these effects are all very temporary and usually resolve quickly.

What Should You Ask At Your Consultation? Am I a good candidate, what areas should I have treated to get the best results, when will the effects be visible?

What Should You Be Looking For From Your Practitioner? These products are prescription drugs – and therefore should only be administered by licensed healthcare practitioners.

Treatment: Tissue Simulators

“Longer lasting products have found their place in facial rejuvenation. There is a group of people who are seeking treatments that last well so they do not have to keep coming back for touch ups every few months,” said La Jolla Plastic Surgeon Steven Cohen, M.D.

FDA Approved Brand Names: Sculptra Aesthetic, Radiesse, Artefill

How It Is Administered: Sculptra Aesthetic is a powder in a vial that gets reconstituted with saline before it is injected; Artefill and Radiesse are administered by syringe, usually more than 1 syringe is needed for full correction.

Where It Is Administered: Facial folds, wrinkles, cheeks, chins

How Long Do Results Last: Each product is different; Sculptra Aesthetic can last 2-3 years after multiple sessions; ArteFill is a long lasting product and can be permanent; Radiesse can last up to 1 year.

Best For: Best for facial contouring, wrinkles, volumization, creases, folds, acne scarring.

Possible Side Effects: Swelling, bruising, tenderness, areas of firmness, redness, under and over correction

Pros: Sculptra Aesthetic offers a very natural result that occurs over time as new collagen is stimulated; Radiesse offers good value for money and can add substantial volume; ArteFill is the longest lasting FDA approved filler and is considered to be permanent

Cons: Sculptra Aesthetic requires more than one treatment session – often 2, 3 or more – to get the desired effect. Artefill requires a skin test because it is an animal product (bovine or cows). None of these products is recommended for the lips.

What Are The Risks? There is always a slight chance of lumps and bumps, under and over correction.

What Should You Ask At Your Consultation? Which filler is right for me? How many treatments will I need? How long with the treatment results last?

What Should You Be Looking For From Your Practitioner? Treatments should be done ONLY by qualified healthcare practitioners, plastic surgeons, dermatologists, cosmetic doctors, nurse practitioners.

According to Dr. Forley, “Products that are biostimulatory enhance new collagen production to produce longer-lasting volumetric correction. When combined with skin tightening devices, we can achieve dramatic effects that approximate what a facelift can do in some instances.”

TO FIND A QUALIFIED PRACTITIONER NEAR YOU, VISIT

• asds.net
• surgery.org
• plasticsurgery.org
• aafprs.org
• asoprs.org

 

A GOOD TAN IS HARD TO FIND

Posted by Wendy 05.12.12

Sunless tanners give you the healthy, radiant color you crave – but without the dangers of UV rays and risk of skin cancer. Deep wrinkles, crow’s feet, brown spots covering arms, decollete creases, leathery legs – these are all signs of sun damage that can be avoided.

Not all sunless tanners include adequate sunscreen protection, so you should use a separate SPF product especially when you plan to be outside for long periods. “Most people apply about a third less sunscreen than they really need to get enough protection. Use a high SPF 30+ to make sure you’re covered. Reapply every two hours or right after swimming or sweating and use extra protection for your lips, tops of your ears, back of the neck and scalp,” said New York City Dermatologist Judith Hellman, M.D. “A wide brimmed hat or visor, long sleeve lightweight tops, and UV protectant sunglasses also offer extra protection.”

The magic bullet behind sunless tanners is dihydroxyacetone (DHA) that reacts with the outer layer of the skin to temporarily make it darker. The color will fade out as dead skin cells slough away in a few days. Avoid sitting on upholstered furniture or touching delicate fabrics right after you apply tanner to avoid staining.

Start by gently exfoliating with a soft washcloth in the shower or bath. Microparticle scrubs are perfect for this purpose, such as ZO Skin Health Offects® Exfoliating Polish ($60) They get rid of surface dead cells that can interfere with your bronzing protocol. Wait a few hours after shaving before applying tanner to prevent stinging or burning. It’s a good idea to wear the same tight fitting dark colored panties or bikini bottoms every time you apply tanner to create a fake tan line. If you are doing this on your own with no help in sight, reach your back with a sponge with a handle. Wear rubber gloves, use wipes or wash your hands frequently to avoid darkening your palms, fingers, and nails.

Lotion and cream formulas are ideal for the face and body, especially for dry skin. The Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess group offers a bevy of options. We like Sun Indulgence Lotion for Face SPF 30 ($22) because of the included sun protection factor. And for the body, try Clarins Delicious Self Tanning Cream ($42). It actually smells like cocoa and has a tined caramel color, which delivers a natural looking golden glow in just a few hours.

Gels are good for the body. They tend to dry quickly, get absorbed well and are non-greasy. Use gels on hairy areas like arms, the back of the neck, scalp and a guy’s chest, shoulders and back. The brand new Self Tan Gel($35) from St. Tropez is lightweight and minimizes the tell tale odor of self tanners by 70%. The Cure Sheer Touch from ($105) Natura Bisse, the ultra luxe line from Barcelona, is a gel formulation that will give you a natural sun-kissed look gradually. Perfect for year round natural coverage.

Sprays are great when you’re on the go, at the beach and the park. They are easier to apply than lotion, less messy and take less time. Great for kids too. Fake Bake Airbush Self-Tanning Spray ($31.95) boasts a 360° spray angle that can be used to tan those hard to reach areas. Clinique Sun Body Airbrush Spray ($21) develops a tan in one hour, which continues to deepen for the next 24.

Pads are good for travel – the portability factor is a major plus. They also eliminate a lot of muss and fuss. Tan Towel Classic Towelettes (5 pack, $24) is a 3-in-1 self tanner for face and body that exfoliates, tans and moisturizes all in one simple pad. Kate Somerville Somerville360 Body Self Tanning Towelettes ($48) is a quick drying formulation that even features cucumber to soothe and refresh the skin. Nearly goof proof!

What to do if you mess up? You can lighten dark spots on your hands by using a Q-Tip dipped in hydrogen peroxide. Use lotion to blend and to lighten areas that tend to darken too much, such as knees, elbows, belly buttons, between your fingers and toes. Exfoliate with a loofah or pumice stone to lift staining too.

Sunless tanning is an ongoing process, but it can look natural if applied correctly and carefully. Keep your skin moisturized and reapply tanner at regular intervals for maintenance. If it is just too much work for you, check out the airbrush tanning salons and spas in your area. Mystic Tan offers customized solutions that can take you from Glow to Dark.