Bond No. 9: Remembrances of West Side

Lest we forget our tried and true gems, here's to bringing back the love for Bond No. 9's West Side. I remember when this first came out, and we all went scrambling to discover the new darling from the Bond family. Rave reviews abounded, and rightfully so.

Well, there it was, sitting prettily on my dresser, but receiving no love or attention for nearly a year. It so happened, last night, I needed a quick little spritz and wanted something not worn as of recent. West Side it was!

How could I have forgotten how completely lovely this fragrance is - and all year 'round. We all have favorites we wear only in cold months, others only for warmer months, but West Side truly is outside the realm of seasonal limitation.

Named for one of America's best loved musicals, this scent, like music, is certainly open to one's own interpretation. It leads with a somewhat floral tone of rose, peony and ylang ylang (some sweetness to it too), rides a rhythmic wave of rich sandalwood and amber, and dries to a warm vanilla, musk. Enchanting!

It's nice to rediscover past loves and enjoy their sensuality and joie de vivre all over again ... ; )

photos: imbd, saks

REVIEW: Somme Institute's MDT5 ~ Treat Your Skin with Vitamins

This is NOT just any skincare!

Through cooperation with leading research-and-development laboratories worldwide, the Somme Institute has developed and patented a revolutionary new technology called MDT5 (Molecular Dispersion Technology). It is through this scientifically advanced technology that MDT5 can penetrate into the deepest layers of skin. The result is the most profound visual changes in skin texture, radiance and overall appearance.

Simply put, this technology delivers a non-prescription blend of six vitamins (A, C, E, B3 and B5) deep into the inner skin layers in their active forms at high concentrations. Unlike other vitamin formulations, this unique biochemical complex can penetrate deep within the skin without oxidizing or losing potency when exposed to air or light. The results of the research has been documented and validated by dermatologists and researchers at Harvard, Yale, University of Pennsylvania and New York University.


The Somme regimen is based on the continued, twice-daily use of three central products: Transport, Serum, and A-bomb.

The line is completed by Nourishing Cleanser and Double Defense (SPF 30+). The Nourishing Cleanser prepares your skin for the three-step core treatment, while finishing with Double Defense (am only) hydrates and protects your skin from further sun damage.


The Somme regimen has been clinically proven to:

• treat moderate to severe acne- reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• reverse sun damage and lighten brown age spots
• dramatically improve skin's tone, texture, and clarity

Having used the regimen for a little over a week now, I can tell you it has made a visible difference in my skin. This is a very powerful skincare system. Don't be surprised if you feel "tingling" the first couple of times you use it (and be careful if you have sensitive skin). I'm not one to use only one brand's system. I may use a cleanser from one brand, toner from another, serum from still another and so on. This is the first time in quite some time I've committed to using a whole regimen. I'll caution you that to purchase the whole system is a bit pricey (see below), but the three main products you REALLY want to have are the Transport Pads, Serum and A-Bomb Moisturizer for the wonderful results.



TRANSPORT PADS: infused with MDT5 and a synergistic blend of alpha hydroxy (AHA) and beta hydroxy (BHA) acids to exfoliate dead cells on skin’s surface and unclog blocked pores. Essential vitamins are delivered deep into skin to promote resiliency, hydration, and cell renewal. Vitamin B5 and aloe powder serve as humectants to attract water to the skin, increasing its moisture content and eliminating fine dehydration lines. Chamomile extract soothes blemishes and reduces redness. Green tea extract decreases skin damage from exposure to harmful UV rays.


SERUM: advanced formulation combines a potent, stabilized form of vitamin C along with a high concentration of MDT5 to improve skin elasticity, smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, eliminate unsightly brown spots, and alleviate the redness associated with acne.



A-BOMB: a quick-penetrating, lightweight cream containing high concentrations of advanced forms of vitamins A and E along with other vitamins of the MDT5 complex. Restoring optimal function to skin cells and speeding cell renewal, A-Bomb aggressively repairs sun damage, eliminates fine lines and wrinkles, and targets problem areas on acne-prone skin.

Somme's MDT5 Skincare System:

Nourishing Cleanser - 8oz - $40

Transport Pads - 3oz (50 pads) - $58

Serum - 1oz - $82

A-Bomb Moisturizer - 2oz - $70

Double Defense Day Moisture (SPF30+) - 3.8oz - $48

NEW! Controlled-Release Eye-Specific MDT5 - 1oz - $72

Here are some BEFORE & AFTERS taken from the Somme Institute website:

For more information: Somme

The MDT5 System is available at: Somme, Ariva, Beauty.com, Skin 1, Apothia

Anastasia's Brow Studio Comes to Nordstrom

Anastasia is bringing her Beverly Hills-style salon to Nordstrom with the luxurious new Anastasia Brow Studio. Here, guests can receive expert brow arching, reshaping, and sculpting, as well as facial waxing.



Receive a free makeup bag and full-size highlighting pencil when you purchase a brow shaping service at the Anastasia Brow Studio located in select Nordstrom stores from
May 20 - 22.


Reserve your appointment today and view participating Nordstrom locations at Allure Access.


*Quantities are limited. One to a customer, please. While supplies last.

source: Allure Access

Hourglass Cosmetics: Free Spring/Summer Makeovers in Beverly Hills

Treat yourself and maybe even bring mom for a complimentary makeover with Hourglass Cosmetics.

WHO: Hourglass Cosmetics, its creator Carisa Janes and lead makeup artist Josh Wolf

WHAT: Complimentary makeovers

WHERE: Barney’s, 9570 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills , CA 90212

WHEN: Saturday, May 10th - 11am to 6pm

To schedule an appointment please call the Hourglass Counter at (310) 276-4400 x5598.

• Those who attend will receive a full-sized eye shadow
• Purchases over $100 receive the Sheen Reflective Lip Gloss in Beach
• Purchases over $250 receive a Leather Cosmetic Bag.

For more information on Hourglass Cosmetics, please visit: www.hourglasscosmetics.com

SNEAK PEEK: MAC Colour Forms

Colour Form Powder (LE) $24.50USD Contains 4 shades
Sun Centered:
Coral w/ gold pearlized pigments
Mid-tone bronze
Soft wheat w/ gold & silver pearlized pigments
Soft peach w/ white pearlized pigments

Play Around Pink:
Intense blue mid-tone pink w/pearlized pigments
Plum
Soft pink w/ pink & white pearlized pigments
Light pink


Fresh on the heels of images from yet-to-be-released MAC summer collections is the exclusive collection by MAC for Nordies. This promises to be a fairly extensive collection with powders, pigments, lipsticks, eye shadow palettes, lip palettes, blushes, brushes and highlighters galore. Expected to launch July 18th.

Eye Palettes $38.00USD
5 Warm Eyes (LE)
Fertile-blackened brown (S) (not the same as strange hybrid/heatherette)
Chillproof - Frosty creamy white (F)
Tancentic - Frosty beige pink (VP)
Rolled Gold - Frosty golden olive (L)
Rustic - Frosted copper red (VP)

213SE Brush - For application of eye shadow to the lid area. This brush has a thick bundle of fibers arranged in a rounded shape.


5 Cool Eyes (LE)
Radial Pink - Frosty white pink (V)
Brown Border - Frosty plum(VP)
Spot Colour-Mid-tone cornflower blue w/ gold pearlized pigments (F)
Slate-Smoke grey (S)

213SE Brush - For application of eye shadow to the lid area. This brush has a thick bundle of fibers arranged in a rounded shape.

Lip Palettes $22.50USD
Warm Lips (LE)
Fresh and Fun (Lipstick) - Creamy neutral coral (F)
Oh Garnet (Lipstick) - Creamy mid-tone red (A) (Repromote from
Adorn)
Flash of Flesh (Lipgloss) - Sheer peach pink w/ multi-dimensional pearlized pigments (Repromote from D’Bohemia. This is also the exact same colour as the Kei lipglass that was released with MAC for Y and Kei.)
316SE Brush - For controlled lipstick or eye liner application and comes with a metal cover. This brush has small, flat, firm fibers and a tapered tip.

Cool Lips (LE)
Miss Rose Lipstick - Creamy mid-tone blue pink (L)
Cassis Royale Lipstick - Sheer mid-tone plum (L)
Virginity Lipglass - Sheer mid-tone pink w/ pink pearlized pigments
316SE Brush - For controlled lipstick or eye liner application and comes with a metal cover. This brush has small, flat, firm fibers and a tapered tip.

Neutral Lips (LE)
Altered Beige - Creamy yellow beige (L)
Square Root - Mid-tone burnt bronze (F)
Lunar - Sheer creamy yellow beige w/ white pearlized pigments
316SE Brush - For controlled lipstick or eye liner application and comes with a metal cover. This brush has small, flat, firm fibers and a tapered tip.

Brush Sets $49.50USD
5 Advanced Brushes (LE) Black handles & ferrules in a green nylon rectangle bag

187SE - A large full circular brush used for lightweight application and blending of face powder or pigments. Use to create soft layers or add textures. Made from a soft blend of goat and synthetic fibres.
168SE - For expert application of cheek contour. This brush is a large angled contour - the fibers form a buffed edge and are soft and firmly bundled.
212SE - Lines and define the eye with colour. Firmly bristled, flat of shape; applies colour in a stroke to provide instant definition. Use with powder, liquid or cream products. Synthetic.
219SE - For precision shading on lid, in eye crease or along lash line. The soft, smooth fibers of this brush are gathered into a pencil-shaped tip. It is ideal for blending eyeliner into eye shadow to create a smoky looking eye.
275SE - For applying and blending eye shadow. This brush has soft, smooth fibers and a full, angled design.



Lipsticks (LE) $14.00USD

Naked to the Core - Creamy soft neutral pink outer w/ sheer beige pearlized core (L)

Pop Circle - Creamy bright blue pink outer w/ sheer pale pink pearlized core (L)

Inner Hue - Creamy mid-tone coral outter w/ sheer golden peach pearlized core (L)

Rose Go Round - Creamy burgandy outer w/ sheer golden pink pearlized core (L)














Richmetal Highlighter (LE) $16.50
Richmetal Highlighter is a highlighter that can be used to create intense, multi-dimensional, metallic-looking effects on the skin. This product was also released with MACouture, but with different colours.

Female - Frosty pale pink w/ green gold pearlized pigments

Deep Deposit - Frosty deep blackened burgandy

Quick Flash - Frosty warm gold

Rose Bullion - Frosty mid-tone pink w/ gold pearlized pigments

Dark Influence - Frosty purple w/ pink pearlized pigments

Positive Charge - Frosty copper w/ gold pearlized pigments

Pigments (LE) $19.50USD
Royal Flush - Frosty mid-tone red
Gilded Green - Frosty mid-tone green w/ gold pearlized pigments
Tea Time - Bronzed brown w/ multi-dimensional pearlized pigments
Jardin Aires - Tan w/ gold pearlized pigments (Repromote from Strange Hybrid and Heatherette)
Circa Plum - Frosty mid-tone lavender
Steel Blue - Rich deep turquoise greenblue w/ small pearlized pigments (PRO)


Stay tuned for more as information and images surface for this collection.

Source: story - spektra; images - temptalia

Best Beach Totes 2008

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source: splendora

BRAINS & BEAUTY: Ada Polla Tray of Alchimie Forever

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree in the Polla family. Ada Polla Tray, co-creator of the cosmeceutical skincare line Alchimie Forever, launched the antioxidant skincare line in North America in 2004 and is leading its further development stateside and in Europe. Created by Ada's parents, Drs. Luigi and Barbara Polla, in 2000, Alchimie Forever first launched in Geneva, Switzerland. This is a family that has devoted itself to the science and care of skin. Luigi Polla, MD is a world-renowned dermatologist and European leader in the field of cosmetic laser therapy. Barbara Polla, MD is a leader in biomedical research on antioxidants and stress proteins. Both are specialists in cellular aging. Their skincare line is based on a combination of powerful natural antioxidants including green tea, rosemary, basil, turmeric, blueberries, grape seeds and tomatoes.


Known for their love and promotion of art (they have the Analix Forever Art Gallery in Geneva) as well as science, the Polla family is without a doubt making their mark.


You may be thinking, "...sure, Ada just had everything spoon-fed to her". Wrong! This sassy, ambitious woman is forging her own trail here in the USA. Ada followed up her undergrad degree from Harvard (magna cum laude at that) with an MBA from Georgetown and travels extensively to promote the skincare line. Her efforts have landed the company's high-end anti-aging products in the pages of French Vogue, InStyle, Vivre and more.


The products marry anti-aging technology with botanicals. Aside from what's already at top, what other ingredients can you find in the line? Yummy, fabulous, good for the skin ingredients like oats, wild pansies, jojoba and shea butters, watercress, willowbark, papaya, cucumber, grapefruit, vitamin E. In some of their body products (Q-Switch for instance), you can also find infusions of caffeinated mate' leaves, Amazonian guarana, ginger, and marine algae for toning effects.

Controversially, perhaps, what else will you find in some Alchimie Forever products? Parabens.

Ada offers no apology for using parabens. She believes that studies indicting parabens as cancerous are deeply flawed. "We don't know if parabens are implicated in cancer because the researchers did not study this. We need large-scale studies to prove or disprove causation, and there hasn't been a single one." Until there's an antibacterial agent that's equally effective and doesn't irritate the skin, Ada says Alchimie Forver will continue to use parabens (noted: albeit at very low, fractional percentages) and "not using them with our natural ingredients would pose a health risk".

What I can tell you of the products I've tried from Alchimie Forever is I completely adore them! They feel wonderful on the skin, are incredibly effective, their light, fresh aromas are a treat to the senses and a joy to use.

GIVEAWAY

Sooooo . . . to close out our wonderful week of Earth Day explorations, we're giving away a jar of Alchimie Forever's new gentle antioxidant facial scrub: Excimer+.

This isn't just any scrub, this is an ultra-gentle creamy exfoliant with cranberry and jojoba beads that work synergistically to remove dead skin cells and brighten the skin, while papaya enzymes exfoliate. Lychee extract rejuvenates and brightens as rosemary works to calm inflammation and prevent breakouts. Shea butter hydrates, ensuring this scrub is gentle enough for the most sensitive skin types.

TO ENTER:

• 1) Post a comment to this feature letting what your favorite skincare ingredient is;
• 2) Send me an email with GIVEAWAY in the subject line, and include your email address and US mailing address (failure to send this information will prevent my being able to send you the product, thus disqualify entry)

That's all there is to it! Some restrictions may apply. Contest open to US residents only. Winners will be chosen at random from among entrants. This giveaway is limited to one winner. Duplicate entries will not improve your chances of winning. Giveaway sponsored by Alchimie Forever and by For the Love of Beauty. Entries will be accepted through 11:59 pm on Sun., 05/11/08.

PERFUMERY: Strange Invisible is GREEN

Did you know cult favorite parfumeurs, Strange Invisible Perfumes, is eco-friendly?

Botanical perfumer Alexandra Balahoutis' collection of ready-to-wear fragrances is as green as it gets, thanks to fair-trade, sustainably grown, and wildcrafted (i.e., made by hand and in small batches) ingredients blended in an organic, beverage-grade grape alcohol base. What's more, all the eaus, like the chameleonlike floral L'Invisible, are packaged in carbon-neutral cartons containing post-consumer recycled fiber and printed with water-soluble inks.

L'Invisible notes: oak moss, a bouquet of resins, ylang ylang, blood orange. Coursing through the heart of this perfume is a redolent fusion of hibiscus and vanilla that coils through dimly lit veils of Moroccan Red Rose and Sicilian Lemon.

Reported earlier yet still newsworthy, you may be fascinated to know they've expanded their offerings from pure parfum to include eau de parfums, body washes and body lotions. On the scent menu for the latter two: Egyptian Rose, Lavender Vetiver, Sicilian Lemon and Wild Orange - all handcrafted from premium botanicals & organic fair-trade ingredients; no synthetic preservatives, genetically modified ingredients, parabens, pretroleum, coal tar or industrial phthalates; no animal testing.

If you have a moment, I'd really encourage you to check out the Strange Invisible Perfume website, and turn on your audio, it's a lovely, imaginative sensory experience.

Revlon Got Gucci

Moving right along, Gucci Westman, former Lancome International Artistic Director has signed on as the new Global Artistic Director for Revlon. Revlon stated that Westman will provide the company “with expertise on new products and shade development and work on-set with Revlon’s leading global Brand Ambassadors.” Those ambassadors include the likes of Halle Berry, Jessica Alba and Elle MacPherson.

Think there will be any Revlon "Pout-a-Porter" lipcolors coming out via fashion houses next season? Hmmmmmm .......

source: WWD

BELLA STELLA: Designer Who CARES

Can you think of a fashion designer cum beauty mogul more committed to Earth-consciousness than Stella McCartney? I dare say, I think we'd be hard pressed to find another in this category so committed to the cause of respecting the environment.


"The natural environment around me is a huge inspiration. I try to design in harmony with that. We take the environment into account and are developing this area on a daily basis throughout the company. Not killing fellow creatures helps."


Yes, Stella has been very vocal about her stance against animal cruelty. She's also hugely pro-organic; this is true of her fragrance and skincare collection as well as fashion. Proudly participating in this year's Earth Pledge FutureFashion, Bette Franke strutted Stella's sustainable-clothing with a fabulous looking white number on the catwalk.

You may also recall she designed an all organic collection for Barney's last year (the store is famous for its eco-initiatives), and soon she will unveil the Eco-Collection in Great Britain.

Elle UK reports the collection will consist of 20-pieces made up of loose tunics, slouchy suits, knits and versatile coats - all exuding Stella's signature, laid-back look, in her favourite colour palette of muted tones, taupe, blush pink, grey and stone.


Keep in mind, Stella was a vegetarian and organic way before it became cool to be so. She's a trailblazer, a woman ahead of her time. She brings environmental awareness to the masses while cultivating her own little fashion/beauty empire in its midst - courageous and admirable. And in so doing, she has forged ahead by creating her own fragrance and skincare collection with the same eco-sensitive spirit.

"Care is an extension of our brand but it is also a responsible product. It’s for a person who wants to take responsibility and enables someone to make a first step in that direction. It’s also a natural product with sexiness to it in its packaging, smell, and texture. It’s also a very modern product in both philosophy and aesthetic."


The Care by Stella McCartney skincare range is officially Eco-Certified and has been subject to strict ethical requirements. To create an organic product as complex as a skincare range, plant extracts used in the composition must come from organic crops, where the soil has been prepared over a three-year period. The methods of cultivation are strictly regulated to ensure that the environment is protected. Even the alcohol, which is essential to protect and preserve the organic ingredients and the formula, is plant derivative.



Are you thinking - blah, boring, ineffective skincare? Think again! Just get a-load of the description for CARE's star product:

CARE'S 5 Benefits Moisturizing Fluid - a refreshingly light lotion containing an optimum concentration of five potent organic extracts to provide ultimate hydration, protection, butrition, radiance and firmness - grapeseed oil, white mallow extract to improve skin's moisture; linseed oil and Musk Rose oil provide nourishing properties; green tea extract and soybean both rich in vitamin E help protect skin from exposure to environment; sweet orange extract, rich in vitamin C, leaves skin firm, fresh and radiant.


Well, that's just one of CARE'S offerings. In addition to lending her philosophy, thoughts, and products, Stella also gives visitors to her skincare website a running tickler of various eco tips - news style.

More on Stella McCartney: click here
For information or to purchase her skincare: Care by Stella, Sephora, Nordstrom

EARTH DAY SPECIAL FEATURE: Q & A with Perianne Skincare's Cora Michael

I can think of no one in the beauty industry I'd rather spend time with on Earth Day than Perianne Skincare Founder and Creator Cora Michael. You guys are in for a treat. I had the distinguished opportunity to interview Cora specifically for our feature story for Earth Day; she exceded all my expectations. Her generous spirit, personable nature and wealth of knowledge about effective skincare - organic, natural and botanical ingredients - is both refreshing and inspired. Oh, and if I've failed to already mention, her products are like nectar from the gods.


1) What inspired you to create Perianne?
I was inspired by the seasons, mainly, and by what I saw as a hole in the beauty market. I wanted to create adaptive, seasonally aware products that would answer the skin's changing needs throughout the year -- something that hadn't really been done yet. I'd always had a hard time finding the right products for my skin as the weather changed from summer to winter, and was incessantly switching around, trying new brands. It was frustrating, and my skin paid the price (irritation, imbalances, etc.). So, I decided to start my own line!


2) Did the way you grew up or your professional history have anything to do with your drive to create your own skincare company?
Yes, and no.
From a personal standpoint, I'd say growing up in West Virginia (where nature is much more accessible, and woven into daily life) made me conscious of the seasons and their effect on the body, mind, and spirit. Also, my mother was always very good about caring for her skin (she looks great for her age!) and that filtered down to me. I have always been "obsessed" with skin care, you could say. From a professional standpoint, my background is in art history -- I have a PhD and I work in the museum world, so I don't have any business training. But you could argue that there is a connection between skin care and art, in that both have to do with BEAUTY, ultimately -- whether it be art or the beauty of healthy, radiant skin.




3) How did you choose the ingredients for your skincare products?
Very carefully! I did tons of research into the properties of different botanicals and essential oils, but really the most important thing was to consciously choose SEASONAL ingredients. It's amazing, but nature really does provide what skin needs at different moments of the year. For instance, in my new Spring/Summer line, ingredients like cucumber, lavender, red raspberry seed oil, and mint -- which are all summer-seasonal -- help skin stay cool, refreshed, cleansed, and protected in the hot, humid months of the year. It's really about trying to achieve harmony and balance for your skin, but also I want to emphasize the importance of paying attention to the seasons, and to how they affect us in all ways.


4) Why is using organic and natural ingredients important to you?
To me, this is a no-brainer. There is no reason to use synthetic, artificial, harmful chemical ingredients when a natural, organic ingredient can do the same thing, and probably better. It's really about health -- for you and for the planet. I've just been reading about Ayurveda -- the ancient Indian system of health and healing -- and one of the things it emphasizes is the use of a whole plant for medicinal purposes, rather than isolating and extracting the active ingredient. The human body is similar -- we are whole -- body, mind, and spirit work together, so to me, using organic, natural products that heal and nurture (rather than harm or compromise) the skin, well, that just makes sense.



5) How is Perianne different from other skincare?
Perianne is really unique -- there is no other brand out there that "thinks" seasonally about skin care. Practically everyone has to switch their skin care routine when the weather changes, so these products answer that need. Also, the thoughtful use of botanical ingredients is unique -- with attention to the seasons and what skin needs at different times of the year in order to stay healthy, supple, and beautiful.



6) In your opinion, what is the most important (or worthwhile) natural, organic or botanical skincare ingredient one may use for healthy skin?
I'm not sure I could pick just one, but right now an ingredient I am really excited about is red raspberry seed oil, which we use in the Spring/Summer Light Face Lotion. Studies have found it to be an excellent antioxidant, but more impressively, it has an SPF of at least 15 or higher -- naturally! I love that it can help heal AND protect against sun damage, and it also looks beautiful (it's a deep, rich red color).


7) How are the Perianne products made/manufactured?
Since we are a small company, I work with an organic skin care manufacturing lab on the west coast. We produce in small batches, so the products are always fresh. As far as ingredients go, we try to use organic whenever possible, and really keep synthetics down to a minimum (we do use phenoxyethanol, a paraben alternative, for preserving the products, though we are moving towards an organic preservative system, as in our Light Face Lotion).




8) Why glass packaging?
Again, it relates to health. In this case, the health of the environment most importantly, since most plastics are produced from petroleum by-products. Glass is also 100% recyclable, and since we use a fairly high percentage of essential oils, the glass doesn't interfere with their efficacy, the way that some plastics can. Plus, I think it looks and feels more elegant, more luxurious.

9) What other products do you plan to introduce over the next year?
Moving forward, we will be developing two more ranges for Perianne: the Transitional Treatments, and the Year-Round Treatments. The Transitional products are designed to help skin adjust to abrupt or drastic changes in weather and temperature, and they will include three masks: one for overactive, oily, or blemished skin; one for dry, dehydrated, sensitized skin; and an enzyme mask, to restore skin's luminosity and freshness (by exfoliating dead skin cells). The Year-Round products are intended to be used as part of your regular skin care regimen, so that will include an eye cream, a granular exfoliant, and a vitamin serum. An SPF which you can use daily over your moisturizer will also be part of the Year-Round line.


10) Name one beauty product you can't live without.
My Perianne toners!!! I love both the Fall/Winter version -- with fennel and pink grapefruit -- and the new Spring/Summer toner, with mint and cucumber. They are both delicious, and really make your skin glow.


11) Any tips on how we can best reduce signs of aging?
Sunscreen, because prevention is the best strategy. Unfortunately, Perianne doesn't make one -- YET (we plan to make a daily SPF part of our Year-Round product line). Also, I have to say I am against "anti-aging" as a marketing concept in the beauty industry. It's a fallacy, since you can't stop time, or the natural process of aging. Besides, some of the most beautiful women I know are over 60, and they have wrinkles, but they have an inner glow that comes from being healthy, happy, creative, and loving. That's really what it's about. I think that supple, glowing, healthy skin is what we should be aiming for -- not sandblasted, botoxed, artificially taut skin!



12) What is your best beauty secret?
Regular exercise and facials four times a year.

13) What other passions do you have besides your business? Dancing is the one thing that makes me most happy -- I was trained as a ballet dancer, and it's just in my bones. Doesn't matter what kind -- I love ballet, jazz, modern, or just dancing at parties with friends. I'm like that guy in "Dazed and Confused" -- when asked what he wanted to do with his life, he said, "I just wanna dance, man!"


For purchasing and more information about this wonderful line of skincare, an ingredients reference "library" or to learn more about Cora: Perianne

REN SKINCARE: How I Love Thee

If you've been following For the Love of Beauty for any amount of time, you know I adore REN Skincare. What better time to feature more on the brand, its products and philosophy than during Earth Week.

REN Clean Bio Active Skincare follows five principles: (click each for a better appreciation of them)

1. Right Ingredients
2. Right Science
3. Right Product Experience
4. Right Environmental Impact
5. Right Attitude

I could literally go on all day giving you what I like about their particular products, but for today's feature we'll concentrate on several of their newer items.













Glycolic Skin Renewal Peel Mask - A potent bio active peel mask designed to renew the complexion, reduce fine lines and dramatcially improve skin tone, firmness and radiance. Formulated with a fruit acid complex (lactic, glycolic, tartaric and citric) and papain inzyme to give a gentle but potent exfoliating peel that will leave skin glowing and healthy; works well on mature skin, post acne scarring, blemishes and blackheads plus sun-damaged skin. This is really fabulous and your skin feels hydrated and renewed after use. 50ml - $50

Ginger, Revivo-Tonic Two Sugar Body Scrub - A sugar body scrub formulated to exfoliate, boost cell turnover and enhance skin renewal. Muscovado and Demerara Cane Sugars combine with extracts of Paraguay Tea, Kola Nut, Ginger and Gingenosides from Ginseng to energise and boost micro-circulation and awake the senses. 330ml - $40

Revivo-Tonic Cool Comfort Leg and Foot Gel - A light and cooling gel that soothes, refreshes and reduces the discomfort of heavy and painful legs and feet. Formulated with a clinically proven venotonic blend of essential oils including extracts of Paraguay Tea and Kola Nut, it encourages fluid drainage, reduces swelling and stimulates the metabolism to improve the orange peel appearance of the skin. Trace elements (Copper, Magnesium, Zinc) help re-energise, revive and tone. 150ml - $40

In addition to these wonderful, you can also sample and trial their best-selling products via REN kits:



photos of kits provided by MustHave


For more information and for purchasing: REN Skincare, Sephora and MustHave

TARTE Giveaway WINNERS

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS

Chosen randomly through mathgoodies.com

Acerola Rush goes to Shel

&

Pomegranate Punch goes to Martina

Ladies, thanks for playing! Your packages are being mailed this afternoon to the address(es) you provided me.

Look for more great giveaways coming soon ...

REVIEW: INGREDIENTS - Scruba, Scruba, Scruba

Melissa Carey, creator of Carey & Co., has combined her twenty plus years of experience as a professional, commercial make-up artist-turned-corporate cosmetic/skin care marketing executive, to develop what she says is a one-of-a-kind, natural, highly exfoliating, ultra-moisturizing, additive-free scrub formulation. It is mmm mmmm good! Not only are the scents to die for, but they do yield a surprising amount of hydration to the skin. Is this really a scrub? Yes, it is!

In fact, these scrubs are so moisturizing, they are 3-in-1 products - you do NOT need a separate cleanser or a moisturizer. We're always looking to save a step, aren't we ... you not only feel the hydration in your skin, you see it. There's a visible glow that remains after using the scrub, rinsing with water and lightly patting your face dry.

Per Carey & Co., INGREDIENTS Ultra-Moisturizing Scrubs are loaded with100% natural, safe, effective elements such as essential oils, fine spices and herbs with coarse salts, which instantly remove old skin layers while providing a protective moisture sheen that can last for days. As we've been told by beauty gurus in-the-know (click here), it's the healthy glow of skin that gives us a young looking face. Available in Citrus Spice, Lavender-Mint and Patchouli-Pine, they retail for $40 (19 oz jar - that's huge by the way), and $6 (2.5 oz travel size).

These scrubs are absolutely scrumptious. I tried the Citrus Spice. It loads the olfactory sense with the smell of cookies freshly baking in your grandmother's oven, not at all citrusy. You can see the little specks of clove, spices and herbs in the salt mixture. The scrubs may be used for face and body and they are very gentle on the skin. I will caution those who don't like the feel of oil in their skincare products, this does leave a bit of a residue behind. However, the feel is really fresh and hydrated and not oily. If you have dry skin, this is an answer to prayers.

You can learn more about Melissa Carey and Ingredients Ultra-Moisturizing Scrubs be visitng her website. Ordering is available online and at limited high-end retailers (Henri Bendel, Melange Spa, C.O. Bigelow & Co.).

UPDATE: (June 2008) I've had a number of emails questioning the use of the term "natural" for these scrubs due to the petrochemical nature of some of its elements. I appreciate these comments and this feedback immensely and feel it's important that we continue to discuss exactly these kinds of concerns. After receiving your questions and concerns, I posed the question to Melissa Carey and her response is noted in the comments section to the post. Please don't hesitate to keep providing feedback and comments to all the content featured on For the Love of Beauty. It is important to me - each one! xo