Cosmetic Connection: December 2006 Archives

« November 2006 | Main | January 2007 »

December 31, 2006

Denise discovers the wonders of pomegranate

More and more these days, I hear and read stories about the powerful antioxidant qualities of pomegranate extract. In fact, I've recently heard about one hard core skin care junkie actually smashing the seeds and using the concoction to exfoliate her skin. OUCH!

Pomegranate extract contains the extraordinarily powerful polyphenol ellagic acic, which is highly effective at neutralizing damaging free radicals on the skin. Ellagic acid has also been studied for its healing benefits and anti-cancer benefits. As an added bonus, pomegranate extract, when either applied topically or taken internally, has the unique ability to improve the SPF power of sunscreen. Although these may be new and facinating facts to many of us, Dr. Murad had it all figured out years ago. Murad blended pomegranate extract with artemia extract, a bioactive marine complex which facilitates the growth of new skin cells, to create his Energizing Pomegranate Complex which is the basis for the Murad Vitalic Skin Care regimen. I am currently using three products from this line, and my skin is bright and happy, even in the dry cold winter weather.

Murad Vitalic Energizing Pomegranate Cleanser ($24)
One of the coolest things about this foaming cleanser is that it is a cleanser and toner in one, therefore eliminating one step from my skin care routine. I was a bit skeptical about skipping the toner, as I thought that my skin would be left dry and taunt feeling from a cleanser alone, but my fears were quickly put to rest. Energizing Pomegranate Cleanser is a gentle foam that lifts away even the most stubborn dirt and makeup without leaving my skin dry or stripped.

Murad Vitalic Energizing Pomegranate Treatment ($35)
This cute little spiraled pump bottle packs quite a punch! The gel treatment delivers a concentrated dose of Dr. Murad's Energizing Pomegranate Complex directly to the skin, leaving it positively glowing. I've been using the treatment gel once a day, in the evenings, and I believe that it truly does boost the benefits of the Vitalic skin care line.

Murad Vitalic Energizing Pomegranate Moisturizer SPF 15 ($28)
This is a great lightweight, oil-free moisturizer with the added benefit of SPF 15. I really like Murad's Energizing Pomegranate moisturizer for daytime; its oil-free formula is immediately absorbed into my skin, leaving a clean matte finish. Perfect for under makeup, or by itself. However, I've found that, especially in the dry chilly winter, my skin needs an extra dose of hydration at night. Therefore, I've been supplementing with a richer moisturizer at night, such as Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer, or even a tiny dab of Creme De La Mer.

Once again, Murad has wowed me with their skin care products. This time around, I also feel like I've learned a little bit of nutritional trivia, as well! Who knew that these pretty little seeds were also so beneficial?

Happy New Year to all, and here's to a fun, safe, and productive 2007!

- Denise
find out about this reviewer and more about the panel...

Posted by heather at 12:14 PM

December 26, 2006

We love our readers!

And so does Talulah Skin Care! Here is what Nicole has to say about all the lovely response to our review of her products:

"Hello Heather,

The New Year is a time of new beginnings and affirmations of self-care. In gratitude for all your help, I'd like to extend a special New Year's offer to your and your readers: Receive $10.00 off any order over $50.00 + free preview samples of our soon to be released products. Valid on web orders placed January 1st - 15th. Just use Promotional Code Season10 when placing your order.

We've received a number of thoughtful e-mails and orders from your readers and want them to know how much we appreciate it. Again, thank you, and we wish you peace, comfort and wellness in the New Year.

All the best,
Nicole"

Don't delay! This is a great offer and a great way to refresh your skin care routine for the new year.

- Heather

Posted by heather at 11:59 AM

December 15, 2006

Dearest Santa... Love, Lisa

Dearest Santa,

Despite the fact that we've already received the best possible Christmas gift (expecting our first child in May!), there were a few special items on my personal wish list that I was hoping you could help me with!

The Fresh Fragrance Quartet has really caught my eye! With one-ounce sizes of Sugar, Sugar Blossom, Lemon Sugar, and Sake Eau De Parfum, I get to change my fragrance as often as I change my mood! At $98, the price is pretty sweet, too.

I also love the warm, sexy colors contained in LORAC Snake Charmer Face Palette. With four beautiful shades of shadow ranging from ivory to chocolate, and a pretty peach blush, my pale winter complexion will look glowing and pretty. For only $35, this adorable, be-jeweled little palette is such a steal!

Just because every woman deserves a bit of luxury, I am dying to try Fresh Creme Ancienne (1oz for $135, 3.5oz for $250). Considering that my skin is starting to stretch a bit, I'm wondering if this "modern wonder," inspired by 2nd century scientist Galen's first skincare cream, is as good as they say for restoring elasticity and firmness. I also have been eyeing the Too Faced Glamour Eyes palette ($350). It includes every shadow single and duo made by Too Faced, as well as two extra shades made especially for this palette. It looks like every makeup maven's dream come true!

While my first and foremost wish for the holidays is a healthy baby, I certainly wouldn't mind a few of these little beauties, if you have some holiday magic to spare :)

- Lisa
find out about this reviewer and more about the panel...

Posted by heather at 9:22 AM

December 11, 2006

Kristen's Christmas Wish List

It's that time of year again that I get to write a list of goodies I have been eyeing in hopes my husband will actually read it and go get them for me! There's a lot to choose from and my mind goes crazy with all the options. Not only do I need a few things, but I want them, too! Here's my wish list... and hopefully I've been good this year.

La Prairie Retexturizing Booster ($160)
I was introduced to the La Prairie line earlier this year and have been continually impressed with their cosmetics and skin care. Yes, they are on the pricey side but if I find a product that will help my splotchy, large-pored skin, to me it is worth it. I received a few samples of the Retexturizing Booster and within a few days I saw a difference in my skin. This alpha and beta-hydroxy product works wonders on my oil production and gives a smooth, even look to my skin thanks to its non-irritating sloughing abilities. If you don't like traditional scrubs, but want to get rid of dead skin cells and get a smooth finish to your skin, this product is for you. And let me tell you, if the price turns you off, know that it lasts forever. The small sample packets lasted me well over a month because you only need a bit of this serum. Oh, and La Prairie typically has heavily fragranced products, but this one is fragrance-free. You can find this product at Neimanmarcus.com, or laprairie.com.

Laura Mercier Beauty Library ($120 for book set of 3)
What a cute set this is! Laura Mercier is getting back in the portability thing with the Beauty Library. It comes with three "books" with products for eyes, lips and cheeks each in a separate palette. The Eye Book comes with all you need to make beautiful eyes: the Eye Liner in Black Ebony (which is my FAVORITE product), then 8 eyeshadows to pretty much create any look you want. It even comes with a double-ended brush. The Lip Book comes with 8 gorgeous lip shades perfect for all skin tones and a lip brush. The Cheek Book comes with 4 face powders to highlight, bronze and color your face. You can purchase all three books as a set at $120, or you can buy the individual books for $35 for cheeks, $45 for eyes, or $40 for lips. You can find these products at lauramercier.com.

Urban Decay Urban Ammo Eye Palette ($34)
Leave it to Urban Decay to come out with the most chic and cutting edge stuff to just have fun with. This palette was designed to celebrate UD's 10th anniversary, so it houses the ten most popular, best-selling shades in the history of the company (however I don't see Midnight Cowboy... hmmm). This palette is adorned in black matte paper with skulls, animals and flowers, which is still even perfect for me at 30 years of age, or someone that is 20. Who can resist the signature shimmer and glitter that is Urban Decay? There is something for everyone in this palette, whether you are a funky, indie-type or you wear a suit from 8-5 and like to have fun on the weekends.

Dr. Brandt Skincare Laser In A Bottle Laser A-Peel ($100)
I've never tried Dr. Brandt's products, but I am thinking this peel set is where I'd like to start. It's a 3-step at-home peel set that claims to remove dead skin cells and just give you radiance, which is what peels are for. It comes with a prepping solution, peeling solution, and a soothing gel. I've had two peels in a spa that worked wonders for my skin, but you've got to keep doing it to show continued cumulative results, which to me sounds like too much of a commitment. I've heard great things about this line, so I may actually try it. You guys will be the first to know, so keep reading in the future!!

- Kristen
find out about this reviewer and more about the panel...

Posted by heather at 4:09 PM

December 7, 2006

Dear Santa... Love, Marissa

Dear Santa,

I'm not too sure how you can manage this, but I would like Botox this Christmas! Is that something you can put under the tree?

If not, there are a few holiday beauty splurges that I would love to receive. These are not in any order, so feel free to bring me one or bring me all! :)

Bobbi Brown's new Shimmer Lip and Brick Kit is a must for me. It holds four brand spanking new lipsticks and her bronze shimmer brick all in one compact. I will be the envy of all my friends if I pull this one out of my purse!

I'm really into Colorescience's mineral makeup, so anything from this line will be a hit. Okay, if I have to specify one thing, how about the Corrector Kit? Five different mineral powders in one compact to correct, conceal, contour, bronze. The possibilities are endless!

How about a few more lipsticks from Jane Iredale? These lipsticks feel so good on your lips that you forget you are wearing them, plus they have an SPF 20. Don't bring me Kate, that's the one I wear daily. Please drop in my stocking Kelly, Catherine and Ashley.

My skin is looking pretty good, thanks to my Sisley skincare. However, if I can't get my Botox, I think the Tensor Immediate Lift might help do the trick. I'm all for anything that is going to make my makeup go on smoother and give me some radiance!

And, finally, I would love Tom Ford's newest fragrance, Black Orchid. Not all the Estee Lauder counters have this fragrance, Santa, so shop for this one at Neiman Marcus. I like the limited edition bottle (just an FYI).

Well, Santa, that's all for now. I wish you a safe journey on Christmas Eve. Oh, and try not to drop my product(s) down the chimney - wouldn't want to clean up that mess!

- Marissa

Posted by heather at 3:42 PM

December 4, 2006

Expanding a great skin care routine

Taking care of my skin, rather than just covering it up, seems to be where my interest lies lately. In addition to the MyChelle products I've been loving, I recently added some new goodies that are worthy of your attention.

Talulah Natural Skin Care is a Portland-based, handmade line of natural skin care that really is as natural as it says: no parabens, phthalates, synthetics or petroleum. The botanicals are organic, the scents comes from pure essential oils, and everything is gentle to the skin. I have tried several products, and here is what I am crazy about.

Vanilla Bean Cleanser ($23 for 7oz jar)
This is meant to be a daily cleanser for any skin type, particularly dry, flaky types or skin needing extra exfoliation; personally, I use it about once a week because my face only allows a minimal amount of scrubbing without getting angry :) This is a fairly gentle scrub with organic sugar and jasmine rice that break down as you massage, and the olive oil soap base is also lightly bubbly.

Green Tea Leaf Toner ($21 for 8oz)
I spritz this cool, refreshing toner on after my MyChelle serums, then apply my new favorite serum, Oma Face Serum 2 $22 for one ounce). Deisgned for dry, sensitive or mature skin, this lightweight serum moisturizes with grapeseed oil, evening primrose oil, olive oil, borage, calendula, fair-trade green tea, milky oat, rose hips, rose petals, pacific seaweed, wheat germ oil, vitamin E and pure essential oils. My final layer is Nature Girl Botanical Face Moisturizer for Normal Skin ($42 for 5oz). The combination of all the serums, toner, and this lotion really soaks into my skin and keeps it supple all day, even when the wind whips up and the temp outside starts to drop. Nature Girl products are also made with organic plants and extracts.

To give my face a special treat, I've been using Talulah Skin Care's Raw Honey Mask ($26 for 2oz jar) about twice a week. This mask is different from other masks I've tried in part because it's meant to be applied in the shower or bath, not after. Oregon wildflower honey, brown sugar, calendula, Oregon grape root, rosehips, rose petal, fair-trade green tea and pure essential oils made it a deliciously-scented goo with light scrubbing power and a healthy dose of healing power. Try it on an irritated face and you'll see what I mean.

Cosmetic Connection

Be who you are, and look good doing it.