Slimdown by Going NUDE!

Oh, yes, I'm serious!

Now, those of you following ftlob (For the Love of Beauty ... ahem) for some time might recall that I've brought your attention to this product before.  I happen to believe in it and have experienced first-hand the power of its effective results.  NUDE's Smoothing Body Refiner acts like no other skincare product I've tried for smoothing, firming and visibly reducing the appearance of cellulite.  Why?  Here's the skinny (pun fully intended):

It's formulated to promote natural weight loss and reduce the appearance of cellulite by breaking down fat cells beneath the skin and safely metabolizing them.

The gel cream increases and stimulates localized circulation helping to remove fat cells and toxins for visibly smoother, firmer skin.

It accomplishes this through the use of active ingredients:

• Organic Mountain Ash and Bioactive Fig extract: Efficacy tested to show a lipolytic effect, a reduction of adipocyte sizes, and an anti-dimple effect for smooth, firm skin.
• Ginger Extract: Has antioxidant and toning properties while also activating micro-circulation.
• Organic Cupuacu: A butter that has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties.

In a 3-month clinical trial, 100% of participants lost an average of 6.13 pounds with twice daily application.  On average, participants lost an inch from the waist, .9 inches from the hips and .8 inches from each thigh.

Now, as I said, I've actually seen real results using Smoothing Body Refiner; in fact more so than with any other anti-celullite, slimming/firming body product I've ever tried.  One way my body tells me this product is actually "doing something" is that when I use it, I frequent the ladies room considerably more often during the day without having necessarily had more water or liquids to drink. Yes, it's that noticeable to me that I'm actually including that effect in here despite embarassment on speaking of such things (hey, who needs to worry about self dignity when we're talking weight and cellulite loss, right...). My skin is visibly firmer, smoother, softer and generally more appealing - it really is.  I know this is only my experience with this product, but I tell you I have never had a more powerful and visibly pleasing body firming, anti-cellulite result from any product the way I have NUDE Smoothing Body Refiner.  I find it has a grassy-herbal scent characteristic of many bioactive skincare products. It's a fresh, earthy aroma. It truly is worth every penny.

Another aspect of using NUDE skincare that I absolutely adore is this brand is completely dedicated to being eco-friendly.  As the pioneer of pre and probiotics in anti-aging skincare, NUDE is sustainable, ethical, carbon neutral and never tests on animals.  The first premium skincare range to use PCR (post consumer regrind - fully recyclable) and is working to move its entire range to 100% PCR by the end of 2010.

One more reason to give this gorgeous product a try?  How about a two-for-one offer.  NUDE Smoothing Body Refiner retails for $70 a 200 ml bottle.  As an extra special Summer Slimdown offer, NUDE will give you another bottle of their Smoothing Body Refiner FREE when you enter code: SLIMDOWN at checkout.  The offer is good through the summer or until supply run out.  Purchase from NUDE online to get the special offer. 

NUDE skincare products are also available at Sephora and Barney's.

Mia Tyler Touts Celluscience Anti-Cellulite Pill

It is estimated that more than 85% of women in the U.S. have cellulite. No big surprise there, and we know that even very thin people carry cellulite on their bones as well. Despite that recognition, woman continue to flock to quick-fixes or ven subject themselves to painful plastic surgery to rid (minimize really) their bodies of the "unsightly" dimpling.

Well, here's another option for you, promoted by none other than plus-size model Mia Tyler, daughter of famous Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler and sis to actress Liv. What's the scoop? Well, it's being described as a revolutionary new anti-cellulite dietary supplement clinically proven to help target the thighs, hips and gluteal area.

Santica Research Labs, LLC, a subsidiary of Italian multinational Medestea Internazionale, recently launched CelluScience Anti-Cellulite Beauté Intensive, which they report is the most scientifically advanced cellulite capsule now available in the U.S. Until recently, the supplement was only available for sale in Europe, where its formula won numerous awards.

“This unique supplement, made from carefully selected natural botanical extracts, targets the underlying factors that contribute to the development of cellulite,” says Eddie Catalfamo, Santica Research Labs President & CEO. “It is a common misunderstanding that only overweight women have cellulite, but, in fact, it is a common problem for thin people as well.”

CelluScience’s patented Vascolarys Complex™ proprietary blend includes fish oil, borage oil, grape seed extract, Ginkgo biloba, Gotu Kola Leaf and other natural ingredients. Unlike anti-cellulite creams and lotions applied topically to the skin, CelluScience works from the inside out in three ways:

It helps maintain strong micro-circulation
It helps promote healthy cell metabolism
It delivers potent anti-oxidants

Although at present there is no general agreement on the causes of cellulite, it is widely believed it occurs when blood vessels and connective tissue are weakened, allowing the buoyant fat cells to rise to the surface and become trapped in the skin’s dermal layer. Nice thought, huh folks.

Will you try this brand new to the US product?
Well, if you're interested (I hear LOTS of yes's in your minds out there), CelluScience Anti-Cellulite Beauté Intensive dietary supplement can be purchased at select GNC stores or online at www.gnc.com and www.celluscience.com. The new 15-day starter program of 45 gel capsules for $64.99 will be available at national retailers and drug chains starting in March 2010.

Bliss: Introducing New FatGirlScrub

Bliss introduces their new product in the fatgirlslim lineup! Fatgirlscrub helps scrub away visible blub with its potent skin polisher. With 60% Himalayan Pink Salt to step up circulation and lessen the look of lumpiness, this cooling formula sloughs off dead skin to enhance the performance of dimple-dashing solutions applied afterwards (like Love Handler, FatGirlSlim and/or FatGirlSleep, of course).

•promotes circulation through exfoliation and massage

•helps reduce accumulation of stagnant fluids that contribute to lumps and bumps

•sloughs off dead skin cells that may be blocking the penetration of slimming solutions applied after

I've gotta tell you, I can't wait to try this. I'm a big fan of FatGirlSlim already. It's my go-to product for firming my thighs (believe me, I need all the help I can get in that area). It's the one product I've found that doesn't irritate my skin and actually does what it says it'll do. I love it! The scrub looks fab ... let me know if you tried it and whatcha think in comments.

Visit Bliss online for more information. FatGirlScrub is available in an 8 oz jar and retails for $38. While you're there, checkout what Bliss has on promo for mother's day. They're offering $15 off their gifts to celebrate moms!

Go Nude to Smooth, Firm and Tone Your Body

Yes, that's right. Go Nude ...

I'm so impressed with Nude's Smoothing Body Refiner I simply had to tell you more about it. First, you should know I've tried many, many products marketing themselves as anti-cellulite, toning, firming, whatever the term-du-jour may be. Yes, I know there's a difference, but at the end of the day we all want one thing. We want to see real results. To be fair, I've had some nice results with some of the other products I've tried. I'd even say they are effective and worth buying. But this product is very different. This is the first time I've not only felt like I could actually see the difference in my skin, but I could feel the difference in my skin. There's more.

Let's take a look at what Nude's Smoothing Body Refiner is before I tell you more about my own experience. Nude is an eco-friendly skincare range fairly new to the market, founded by Bryan Meehan, the Irishman who set up Fresh & Wild (organic food store). The collection uses ingredients that the body can actually recognize. Nude works with the body's biology to deliver naturally beautiful results. Created with biocompatible ingredients that can be effectively utilized by the skin and safely metabolized by the body. This, as it turns out, is the key to the products' successful results.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS:

• Organic mountain ash and fig extract: Efficacy tested to show a lipolytic effect, a reduction of adipocyte sizes, and an anti-dimple effect for smooth, firm skin.
• Ginger extract: Has antioxidant and toning properties while also activating micro-circulation.
• Organic Cupuacu: A butter that has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties.

Their Smoothing Body Refiner is a sort of light gel-cream textured product for all skin types. Stimulating organic mountain ash, phytoactive ginger and ginkgo increase localized circulation and detoxify while green coffee and organic fig extract tone for visibly smoother, firmer skin. Bioactive peptides reduce the signs of aging while nourishing cupuacu butter keeps skin smooth and supple. It has a light, fresh scent - very natural, and absorbs quickly into skin. It comes packaged in a sleek pump dispenser bottle.

The difference: Ok, as I said up top, this product yielded very different results than others have for me. The appearance of my skin is more toned and it also feels firmer to the touch. My skin is definitely smoother and more taut. Nude claims their particular variety of ingredients help the body flush fat cells. Fat cells or otherwise, my body is definitely ridding itself of something! It dawned on me about a week after using the product daily (I'm applying it in the morning) that I was in the ladies' room maybe 3-4x more often without increasing my water or other liquid intake. I didn't know this was a possible, but positive, side effect until I read more about the product online today, so I wasn't looking for it. I've never had a topical product of this kind be so effective as to actually notice this kind of result in body funtion. Recommended use is to apply it twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening. I'm only applying in the morning and I can tell you I am seeing results. These aren't staggering, mind-blowing changes in appearance, but definitely subtle yet noticeable changes for the better.

What else may you be interested to know? Well, founder Bryan Meehan's partner in Nude is Ali Hewson, wife to U2's Bono and huge eco-friend. Ali is dedicated to ethical business and has been instrumental in designing and testing the range and pushing Nude to ensure their packaging and environmental impact are as responsible as possible. They are dedicated to producing products free from chemicals you would rather your body didn't absorb and are organic as much as possible. Christy Turlington and Helena Christensen have also been said to have lended some helping hands in product development.

Nude Smoothing Body Refiner sells for $70 a 6.8 oz bottle and is available at Nude Skincare, Sephora, Barney's and SpaceNK.

Q&A: Seriesse Skincare with Dana Lee + Giveaway

Who would have thought that model Jennifer Flavin's modeling career had been potentially hampered by her recurring acne? To look at her almost flawless complexion now, it's hard to imagine. The development of the Seriesse product line started with finding a solution that worked for Jennifer and then grew into Serious Skin Care, a line of products that has been a top-selling brand on television for over twelve years. Building upon a successful line of products, the initial product assortment focused on re-branding a selection of the best in anti-aging skin care from Jennifer Flavin-Stallone’s collection. The addition of NVesse-24, a scientifically formulated cosmeceutical ingredient that creates a breathable moisture barrier between the environment and your skin, sets the line apart from Jennifer’s other products. New and exclusive product introductions are part of the plan, including a line of Green Tea with Acai berry just released in mid-July.


The line and the vision has grown into what is now Seriesse International, with product lines available through the company's independent consultants. I wanted to learn more about what makes Seriesse's skincare and technology different than other brands and products out there. So, it was with good fortune that I had the opportunity to converse with Dana Lee, an independent consultant for Seriesse International. You'll see through our Q&A that this isn't just a job for Dana, she really believes in these products! Here's what she had to say.


How did you come to represent Seriesse? I used Serious Skin Care (their parent company) for years. I was a "team-member". This just let you receive samples and promotions. They sent me emails and letters about the new Seriesse line -- I wasn't interested. Then another person (who sold it) contacted me. She told me more info, and I decided to jump in while I had the chance.


How is Seriesse skincare different than other brands on the market today? IT WORKS! Whatever your skin type, Seriesse has the right products for you. Seriesse has a patented ingredient called NVesse-24. This is a revolutionary breakthrough in the beauty business. This invisible shield locks in moisture (up to 20x its weight) and defends skin from the environment. It also protects the product. Most products on the market start to lose their "active" ingredients as soon as they are opened. NVesse-24 keeps products from degrading when exposed. It helps the products keep their vitamin benefits to the very last drop, unlike others where vitamin benefits are lost shortly after opening the product. Plus, it provides a FULL 24 HOURS of protection; it stays on for 24 hours or until you wash it off.


What is your personal favorite Seriesse product? The Glyco cleanser. It is great for all skin types. It gets all my make-up off. I just love it! In the winter, I sometime switch up with the Vitamin C cleanser as this cleanser also helps to brighten dulled, winter skin.


There is so much in the media today about FIRMING facial skin for a youthful appearance. Does Seriesse have products to address that area, and is firming facial skin important in your opinion? Yes, it is important (if you want that youthful look, and who doesn't). Seriesse has a product called Firmesse. It is great! To me, it is like "liquid botox". You put it on, and you can feel your skin getting tighter. I use mine every morning. You apply it to a clean, dry face/neck. After it is completely dry (your face will feel tight) , you can apply your moisture and any other products. The Firmesse will stay for 24 hours! They also have a full line devoted to firming and lifting. It is called Uplift.


Is Vitamin C really as important to the health of skin as we hear? If so, why? In my opinion, Vitamin C is one of the most important products you can use in your skincare. It doesn't matter what your age--everyone should at least have a Vitamin C serum. It really helps all skin types--protects from environment, reduces lines and repairs skin, restores that "youthful" glow. The Seriesse Vitamin C line is rich in Vitamin C, C-esters, NVesse-24, and a lot of antioxidants and botanicals. This is delivered to your skin via a patented Colloidosome delivery system (helps it get the product into skin faster/better).


Let's talk a little bit about products for the body. What will a product like Seriesse's Celluduction do for consumers that other cellulite products fail to do? Celluduction is a breakthrough topical creme. It has a professional spa concentration of nanofied ingredients (including the NVesse-24). Seriesse's own nanofied delivery system insures the product will *get into* skin faster. Celluduction features a proprietary ingredients complex, which studies show can visibly reduce fat pads and can increase the skin's firmness. This should really help the product work faster and better, as most products just sit on top of skin. [side note: I can attest to how quickly this product absorbs into skin after trying it myself - Roxy]


What other products is Seriesse looking to develop in the near future? A complete make-up line. Seriesse already has one of the best mineral make-ups out there. They introduce new products all the time. A new mascara is "right around the corner".


Dana says the best way to find out how wonderful these products are is to just try them. You may contact her directly for a consultation and product information through her website. I've bombarded her with all kinds of questions in wanting to learn more and she has been completely lovely, patient and very knowledgeable each time - thank you, Dana!


And you, sweet angels, are getting an opportunity to try some of Dana's favorite products from Seriesse's Glyco Essentials line. Well, what can I say, Dana is a living doll!

The Details:

One (1) lucky reader will win a Seriesse Glyco Essentials Deep Pore Cleanser and Triple Action Glycolic Treatment Mask Set

valued at $67.50

MAILING ADDRESS WILL NOT SHOW ON BLOG OR WHEN VIEWING ENTRIES (hidden)

NOTE: In entering this contest you are giving us permission to forward your email, name and mailing address to Dana Lee of Seriesse International for fulfillment and mailing of contest prize. Failure to include the above information will disqualify your entry. Mailing address/email will not otherwise be revealed and will not be shown here in entries (hidden). One (1) winner chosen at random will receive this prize. Duplicate entries will be disqualified. Giveaway sponsored by Dana Lee, Seriesse International. Some restrictions may apply. Entries will be accepted through 11:55 pm on Sun., 07/06/08.

NEWSFLASH: Bliss Has Done It Again - FatGirlSleep

Oh ... I'm so excited about the upcoming release of the newest FatGirl product from Bliss Spa. Seems they've been very busy over there ... hmmmmm (see earlier posts). This one, off the tails of the wildly popular FatGirlSlim, is said to be a more potent version for nighttime use of the lotus and algae extract (plus caffeine, of course) cream. I thought the older version worked so I'm psyched about trying this more potent one!