A few months ago my good friend Laura came to me for a recommendation on how to fight redness. Having tried a series of disappointing products, I asked her to review Dermalogica’s new Calming Redness Relief SPF 20 form their UltraCalming collection on my behalf. Here’s what she had to say:
Having fair skin and light features, I’m no stranger to having a bit of underlying redness in my skin. Although it doesn’t quite qualify as roseaca, it’s enough to make me self-conscious at times and certainly not the way I want to present myself.
I have tried several products in the past to address this issue, DDF Redness Relief Gel and Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Primer (green) to name a few, but to be honest I wasn’t impressed with any of them. Now in the heart of summer I was really excited to sample something new and give Dermalogica’s Calming Redness Relief SPF 20 a try.
Yah you heard me, umbilical cord serum! I just wanted to get that out of the way so you can digest it before I introduce you to the breakthrough skincare line, Novo Solutions MD. Where…ah…you…guessed it, umbilical cord serum is one of the active ingredients to make your skin look younger and dramatically reduce the signs of aging.
I write a lot of skincare stories and sometimes it’s difficult to deciphers a major point of difference, so not the case when I met with Dr. Mark Endelman on his breakthrough skincare line. Following his venture as an Emergency Medicine physician, Dr. Engelman was asked to serve as a medical business consultant for a number of stem cell therapy companies. His studies made him fascinated with the practical application of stem cells, genomics and immunology and ultimately led him to the development of NOVO Solutions MD.
I have to say the formulation is intriguing –NOVO Solutions MD rebuilds vital cellular skin components with the patent-pending NovoSerum, relaxing the face with the latest neuro-peptides to create a similar result as botox (although with skincare, not an injection) and eliminating environmental skin-aging elements with bioactive antioxidants. And when you think about it, it somewhat makes sense the fountain of youth would come from the fountain of life (cord of life?). The proprietary
The key to a natural looking fake tan is technique and great products. I’ve been playing the “I was at the beach” card for the past few months, although I confess my tan is pretty much always fake. And you know what? I’m proud of it! I took what Dermalogica’s Director of Global Education, Annet King said at her Skincare Boot Camp about the damages of UV rays to heart. Although the fact that the sun causes skincare damage and premature aging is nothing new to most of us. And yet it’s still so easy to neglect wearing sunblock because we love being tan.
Tanning beds aren’t any better for you, and many don’t want the expense or inconvenience of relying on a salon for a spray tan–although if you do, I recommend B.Bronz professional spray tanning services (I got an amazing non-streaky, instant golden tan from them). The best alternative if you want the color are self-tanners. After many, many, many months of trying over 20 different products (no joke this story has been a long time coming –I’ve been very tan recently); here are my must-haves and tips for a healthy, natural looking tan.
Beautisol Face Self-Tanner
1. Use a good well-tested face specific self-tanner – As in avoid body tanners on your face! Beautisol is the first brand to create a skin type specific self tanner. There’s a ‘Normal-Dry-Sensitive’ and ‘Normal-Oily-Problematic’ ($26) version. It’s safe for sensitive skin while addressing and preventing breakouts and uneven skintone. It’s dynamite, as is every product I’ve used from this brand. Not to mention that website is an amazing resource for all things tan and filled with great tips and techniques to make you an application expert.
Fake Bake Flawless Self-tan + Mitt
2. A great all over tan product and professional mitt– I’m all about the Fake Bake Flawless Self-tan Liquid and Professional Mitt set ($24). You spray the product onto the mitt then apply it all over your body for an even, lightweight, golden tan that quickly absorbs and dries onto skin. It’s low maintenance, easy to apply and the mitt is AMAZING. I actually need to contact the brand to try to buy a pack of 20 (I need a lifetime supply). Whenever any of my other tan products are uneven (especially the sprays), I use the mitt to even it out. It works better then any towel I’ve used –and don’t even entertain using your hand to smooth out an uneven application (can we say streakfest?).
Spray Tan: DEX, B.Bronz, Sally Hansen
3. Have a good spray tan on hand – I use DEX Body Glow Sunless Tanner ($34) for a dark ‘I’ve been at the beach all day’ tan although you have to really shake this product and apply in a shower tub or over plastic or it can get messy since it’s such a large aerosol bottle! It’s especially amazing on my legs to get that deep bronze I love. I also use B.Bronze Tanning Mist ($24) for a more lightweight, even tan that comes in two shades light/medium and medium/dark. The nozzle is smaller then the Dex one, so it’s easier to apply on the fly if I just want a healthy glow– especially on my arms. And while I’d categorize Sally Hansen’s Airbrush Legs ($14) closer to a leg concealer or foundation, this product is amazing for covering spider veins, beauty marks or any other imperfections we’d prefer to keep hidden when
I recently attended an event for Wacoal, which included a bra fitting and I can’t express my love and gratitude enough for this brand! First off I’ll start by confessing that I’m a 32DD –although if you’ve ever met me you’d probably swear I wasn’t above a B cup (unless you’ve seen me in a bathing suit). And I strive to keep it that way!
I know it’s a tough sell as a complaint and I’m a disgrace to women everywhere who want implants. I’m reminded regularly, but frankly I didn’t ask for this size, or the challenges of finding a button down shirt that doesn’t involve gaping at the chest or a dress that doesn’t require being taken in to accommodate my disproportion. And if that’s not enough of an excuse, two words: Back Pain.
And my least favorite part of it all, bra shopping! Especially with brands that believe in vanity sizing or that include padding their larger cup sizes (I mean seriously?). And don’t even get me started on
Betsey Johnson holding her signature Too Too Fragrance
Betsey Johnson’s newest fragrance, Too Too, pays homage to her dancer roots. The adorable bottle wearing a bustier, tutu, and fishnets holds an interesting concoction. Using fruity and floral notes, including mandarins, ginger, bulgarian rose and patchouli, the scent registers as pleasantly sweet.
Performance by the Bolshoi Ballet Academy
To celebrate the introduction of Too Too the designer hosted a delicious brunch at MILK Studios complete with pink iced cupcakes. The real treat was singing Happy Birthday to the ridiculously fit and stunning Betsey Johnson. She then promptly upstaged performances by Stephen Petronio Company and dancers from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy when she jumped into the air and did the splits. We should all be that flexible on our 69th birthday!
Too Too, launching October 2011, will be sold exclusively at Sephora.
Disclaimer: Pretty Connected was invited to this event by a company representative
Intelligent Nutrients, the certified organic health and beauty brand created by Aveda founder, Horst Rechelbacker is gearing up to launch their first USDA Certified Organic Lip Delivery Antioxidant Gloss! Phew that’s a mouthful! A mouthful of antioxidant-rich fruits, vegetables, oils and butters formulated to battle free radicals, oxidative stress and help fight pre-mature aging while delivering moisture and shine.
Available in two shades Clear Frosting (clear sheen) and Purple Maize (light purple tint), I’ve trying the latter and it smells like chocolate raspberry cake! It’s clean tube packaging, has a brush application at the tip. It’s lightweight and delivers a soft purple sheen.
Intelligent Nutrients Lip Delivery Antioxidant Gloss will be available on August at Barneys New York and ABC Home
Disclaimer: A complimentary advance samples of this product was given to Pretty Connected by a company representative. Pretty Connected was under no obligation to write this review. See my About/Disclosure tab for more information.
Last month, my mom came to visit me and in true Lara form, I loaded her suitcase with products suitable for her hair type and anti-aging products. As the pickiest beauty person I know (and most honest), her guidelines we’re to report back with anything exceptional. I got two very enthusiastic thumbs up for Colbert MD Intensify Facial Discs ($52) and the below review:
I’ve had a few microdermabrasions, with very promising effects to my skin. As with many anti-aging products and procedures, they don’t last and the process needs to be repeated on some kind of regular schedule that works for your skin type. That said, Colbert MD Intensify Facial Discs, are the next best thing, whether you use them on a regular basis or in between appointments.
After using them for a week, my skin was smooth; and there was a visible reduction of fine lines and a radiant glow (much like when I leave my Microdermabrasion appointments)! The Bromelains concentrated pineapple enzymes increasing
The Washington-based mobile accessories line, Maroo, has partnered with Project Runway winner, Seth Aaron to create an exclusive line of fashion iPad 2 covers ($149-$199).
“We’re thrilled to announce that Seth Aaron is designing exclusive iPad 2 covers for us!” said Michael Shaver, Senior Vice President of Maroo and Cyber Acoustics. “These unique, limited-edition covers are custom-designed by Seth Aaron himself. Working with materials and hardware he personally selects, Seth drives the aesthetic from beginning to end. Combining haute couture, rock, and even whimsical influences, he continually brings fashion-forward ideas to the Maroo family. You’ll discover the Seth Aaron line of iPad covers are on a completely different level of luxury and style.”
I love me a stylish accessory, they are so fun! It looks like they came out of a colorful, fashion-oriented comic book!
You’ve all seen the commercials for Proactiv and have probably been on the system at one point or another. My days of teenage hormones and all over breakout are over (knock on wood), but I do get the occasional pimple on my face and back which is not cool. After hearing a lot of positive feedback about the Proactiv Refining Mask, I decided to give it a try. It’s formulated with a 6% concentration of antibacterial sulfur to heal and prevent acne and vitamin-enriched omegas to keep skin balanced and toned.
Since I don’t consistently breakout, I prefer to use it as a spot treatment on existing acne rather than using it regularly as a preventative. I apply the thick, white, mask to damp, cleansed spots; leave it on for 10-15 minutes, and then wash it off. It instantly reduced the redness dramatically and soothed any swelling. I can feel it working but it’s not the least bit uncomfortable on my skin. It’s slightly drying but has never made me peel. It also works well as a t-zone treatment and when applied overnight to clear up acne (but let it fully dry or put a towel on your pillowcase).
Proactiv Refining Mask (3.5 oz/$19.95, 2.5 oz/$14.95), available on www.proactiv.com
Disclaimer: A complimentary samples of this product was given to Pretty Connected by a company representative. Pretty Connected was under no obligation to write this review. See my About/Disclosure tab for more information.
On a miserable day in NYC, I walked into Philip Pelusi’s Tela Design Studio with my unruly, frizzy, rained on hair ready to try their new 85% USDA certified organic keratin smoothing hair treatment ($125). Unlike most keratin treatments on the market, this one is plant based (most are extracted from animals) and free of formaldehydes, sulfates, and parabens.
The semi-permanent hair care lasts 4-6 weeks and contains Pelusi’s patent-pending phyto ceramide complex, which works to rearrange the keratin bonds deep with hair to help renew hair to a silky and lustrous state while smoothing and straightening. Now I’m no stranger to Keratin, I’ve tried different types of treatments as well as styling products that contain it, however this was my first
A few months ago my good friend Laura came to me for a recommendation on how to fight redness. Having tried a series of disappointing products, I asked her to review Dermalogica’s new Calming Redness Relief SPF 20 form their UltraCalming collection on my behalf. Here’s what she had to say:
Yah you heard me, umbilical cord serum! I just wanted to get that out of the way so you can digest it before I introduce you to the breakthrough skincare line, Novo Solutions MD. Where…ah…you…guessed it, umbilical cord serum is one of the active ingredients to make your skin look younger and dramatically reduce the signs of aging.
Last month, my mom came to visit me and in true Lara form, I loaded her suitcase with products suitable for her hair type and anti-aging products. As the pickiest beauty person I know (and most honest), her guidelines we’re to report back with anything exceptional. I got two very enthusiastic thumbs up for Colbert MD Intensify Facial Discs ($52) and the below review:
Additional styles available on 
