Photo Credit: moltonbrown.com
TRAVEL THE WORLD WITH FIRST ANTI-AGING LINE FROM MOLTON BROWN
I’ve been a fan of the English brand Molton Brown for years, and have loved their strong scents and signature body washes. Their hand and shower gels are reminiscent of an idyllic tropical island (think Black Pepper Body Wash or the Paradisiac Pink Pepperpod) and the lingering fragrance is a Molton Brown trademark.
The company launched its first anti-aging skincare collection recently, and the brand’s scientists searched the world’s choice ingredients to put in a bottle. The focus of these ingredients? To keep the skin clear, comfortable and protected from the sun’s rays.
In keeping with the Molton Brown travel mantra, the products are all so jet-setter. There are three distinct lines for three distinct skincare types: dry, oily and normal. While the products are not specifically marked (nor does the web site categorize the products under these three categories), the line does take into account these specific skin types, which is a good thing otherwise you’ll be using the inappropriate product for your skin type.
Molton Brown makes it simple too; just follow four steps for better skin: clean, prep (tone), hydrate and shield.
The products are as delicious sounding as they are effective: the Kalahari Melon Cleansing Fluid is basically a cleansing milk for dry skin, made with Kalahari melon seed oil, which is rich in fatty acids. The Malachite Cleansing Gelee uses malachite to remove oily skin impurities as well as Enantia chlorantha bark for pore reduction. Other products include the Pink Toronja Refining Toner, which uses the pink toronja grapefruit extract for exfoliation, and the Creole Grasse Anti-Aging Hydra Creme which uses creole grass to reduce wrinkles. The list of exotic ingredients and their properties are truly remarkable in this line, and the understated and elegant packaging makes this collection stand out. There are also targeted skin care solutions for the lips Pep-rich Lip Booster and eye area (Vita B3 Eye Concentrate).
According to Nathalie Eleni, a skincare expert to the stars helped with the formulation of the line, the most important anti-aging step in this collection is to protect the skin from the sun’s rays (i.e. the “shield” step).
The bottom line: do the products work? In a clinical trial composed of 30 women who used the product for 56 days, over 90% of the women loved the anti-aging hydra cremes and agreed that it would help them manage the aging of their skin. Other products also helped with wrinkles and skin firmness.
Personally, I found the texture of the cleansers and moisturizers elegant, non tacky and very absorbable. For a product price tag ranging from $42-$98, these new anti-aging items may well be worth adding to your regimen. The company is also quite generous with their samples, so try before you buy.
Photo Credit: www.elaydaskin.com
ELIMINATE WRINKLES WITH ELAYDA
Retinol, one of the most effective anti-aging ingredients used in skincare products, can cause redness and irritation if not used properly. Thankfully, Elayda™ removes the guesswork with its progressive program of gradually introducing higher levels of retinol in its products. The Continuous Results by Elayda program progressively steps up the concentration of ingredients over time. Once you sign up for the Elayda program, every 60 days you will receive by mail the next step up of retinol treatment to give you continued improvements.
There are a total of 12 treatment levels, which will take you from .05% to 1.0% retinol. You can also adjust the levels of your shipments anytime. Retinol can be difficult to formulate and keep stable. However, Elayda uses a pure form of retinol in a stable fashion that minimizes irritation.
“The problem is that not all retinol is created equal,” stated New York dermatologist Dr. Doris Day. “Many companies resort to using less effective derivatives or very low levels of retinol that just don’t produce the amazing benefit that higher levels can deliver. Because you are stepping up to higher levels of ingredients with Continuous Results, your improvements won’t quickly level off. You’ll see more youthful, beautiful skin month after month.”
In addition to retinol, the Continuous Results ingredients include peptides, antioxidants and vitamins. Studies show that after just two weeks use of the regimen, women report having a brighter complexion and softened fine lines. After 12 weeks, results include more radiant looking skin, increased softening of fine lines and firmer looking skin.
The Elayda basic Continuous Results kit comprises three key products.
Gentle Hydrating Cleanser cleans away dirt, impurities and makeup while it hydrates, and prepares the skin for the retinol treatment.
Transforming Complex blends retinol with vitamins, antioxidants, peptides and amino acids to promote new cell turnover and collagen production. Results include diminished appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, smoother, softer skin and more even skin tone. This is the product that will progressively include higher levels of retinol.
Nourishing Hydrator SPF 15 is a three-in-one product that treats, hydrates and protects with SPF 15. It works to improve the appearance of skin tone and texture and instantly hydrates.
If you order the starter regimen from Elayda now (approximately $80 for a 60-day supply), you will receive the brand’s Balancing Hydrator, Lift Up Eye Serum and Spot Correcting Complex as bonus gifts, in addition to the three key items mentioned above.
GETTING CHEEKY
Full confession: just recently, I started to notice that my cheeks were looking a smidge sunken in and dragged down—and though I’m still shy of 40, it was taking the rest of my face with it! I was looking more tired and (dare I say it) older. (Okay, my cheekbones weren’t all that bad—but certainly not Angelina Jolie proportions!).
So after a consultation, Dr. Amy Forman Taub of Advanced Dermatology recommended injectable fillers for my cheekbone area to improve their shape and plumpness. By enhancing the volume of and filling in my “lost” cheekbones, it’s essentially like getting a cheek-lift. Actually, the end result is better. It’s practically a lift. As Dr. Taub explains, “restructuring your cheekbones makes everything look like it’s gotten a little lift. Your whole face looks younger.”
Dr. Taub used a combo of Perlane™ and Restylane™, two fillers that rely on hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance found in the body, which adds volume to combat hallow areas.
Before we got started, she applied a topical anesthetic to the area around my cheekbones, where the injectable would be administered. At the end, after feeling no pain, I was sent home with an ice pack for on-and-off icing throughout the day. There was a little swelling and redness—but nothing a little foundation couldn’t hide!
The results were natural—just an enhanced version of me. While my friends and family noticed there was something different, they couldn’t quite figure out what it was. Most thought that it was simply a solid night of sleep. To me, that was the biggest compliment—and the best result I could have ever hoped for. Results last six to 12 months, and then, I’ll be back again.
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