Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...and those of us holding the mascara wand.

After two decades of covering the beauty industry, I've come to learn what makes it so alluring. Finding the perfect shade of makeup to match your skin tone, adding a swipe of eyeliner to give your tired eyes a lift, discovering an innovative new product line, or indulging in a totally luxurious spa treatment. My experiences have been documented in magazines, newspapers and websites worldwide. I've tested newly formulated products in the lab, explored hair removal options, shopped for lipstick, added shine to my hair and succumbed to massage marathons--all in the name of beauty. I've written press releases, hosted makeover events and co-authored a Do-It-Yourself Beauty book (Alloy). On this blog, I write about products and services that I come across every day as well as those that have been provided by publicists or the companies that make them. Either way, I write what I think. I hope to share some of my insights--and bring you the latest, greatest beauty news right here. Join me in the quest to find all things pretty.


Showing posts with label anti-aging. Show all posts
Showing posts with label anti-aging. Show all posts

Sunday, February 12, 2012

get smooth, young, radiant looking skin this vday, with Algenist

When it comes to skincare, we're always hoping for a major discovery that will give us back the skin of our youth. That's why Alegenist products are somewhat of a miracle.


What started as a renewable energy project in San Francisco has turned into an unexpected discovery. Algenist comes from a team of scientists who were studying microalgae-based energy solutions when they uncovered alguronic acid, a powerful compound with never-before-seen potential for younger-looking skin. Algenist focuses on the ability of effective, bioactive ingredients to deliver visible anti-aging results to the skin.


Combining advanced biotechnology expertise, the regenerative power of Alguronic Acid, and targeted skin bioactives in every formula, Algenist anti-aging products correct, enhance, and protect the skin.

Algenist works by increasing cellular regeneration to slow and repair signs of aging. Stimulating skin cell regeneration, eliminating old, damaged cells and promoting the growth of new, vital skin cells, produces noticeable improvements in skin texture and appearance.


Firming & Lifting Cream ($94 for 2 US fl. oz.), an ultra-firming and restructuring cream tightens and lifts while reinforcing the skin structure. The unique combination of Alguronic Acid + ProPeptide3 boosts production of skin's key structural proteins: elastin, collagen, and proteoglycans to rebuild firmness and tone the skin. Facial contours are redefined to create a more toned and sculpted appearance...which means you'll get your cheeks back, lose a couple of chins and see your entire face look smoother and more radiant.


Firming & Lifting Eye Gel ($68 .5 US fl oz), a lightweight, refreshing gel, combines Alguronic Acid + ProPeptide3 to stimulate synthesis of skin’s key structural proteins, rebuilding skin density while firming, tightening and lifting the delicate skin around the eyes. Eye contours are redefined revealing a recharged and youthful appearance...so you can say goodbye to fine lines and not-so-fine ones too. If you're planning on making eyes with someone this Valentine's Day, use this eye gel first.


Firming & Lifting Intensive Mask ($52 2.7 US fl oz.), a unique gel mask, restores skin elasticity, structure and suppleness. Alguronic Acid + ProPeptide3 promotes elastin, collagen and proteoglycan production to help reduce the effects of aging and gravity on the skin. It feels surprisingly lightweight on your skin and seems to tighten without making your face feel like it's about to crack off. Skin appears immediately firm, toned and sculpted so you feel good about your skin after just one use.


Algenist products are available at Sephora and QVC. For more info, go to www.algenist.com.

Friday, February 3, 2012

DNA Renewal: the anti-aging miracle


Who doesn't want to turn back the clock a couple of years when it comes to skin care? Decrease some of those fine (or not-so-fine) lines, smooth your skin's surface and look brighter, firmer and more radiant overall? Now there's help, with DNA Renewal Foaming Cleanser ($28) and DNA Night Renewal ($130), both designed to repair photo damaged aging skin.

I have to admit: I tried them reluctantly as I've tried so many products that promise the same youthful effects. But I tried them each for a few weeks, giving me time to see the fruitful results. My skin not only feels softer and smoother but I definitely see some optimistic retexturizing results. Fine lines seem finer, deep lines seem more subtle. Granted, there's no surefire way to go back to the old days but every little bit of skin renewal helps!

The Foaming Cleanser's gentle, non-irritating formula genlty washes away dirt, oil and makeup, leaving clean, vibrant skin. Its unique ingredient, AHC, a glycolic sugar acid, is combined with amino acid for slow, controlled release, reducing stinging or irritation that's typically associated with standard AHA's. Apply it with a washcloth or soft brush before bed or in the AM then rinse thoroughly with warm water.

The Night Renewal lotion has an advanced liposome delivery system to maximize cell repair while your body sleeps. It works overtime to regenerate cells and counter photo-aging damage to restore skin's vitality. Ideal for dry and stressed skin, smooth it on before bedtime and you'll wake up looking and feeling more youthful.

To order and get these amazing results for yourself, go to www.dnaegfrenewal.com.

Friday, April 16, 2010

breakthrough beauty: turn back time

prettyisprettydoes
gives you
an exclusive preview
of FOX TV's Good Day Dallas
Breakthrough Beauty feature...
as reported by Susan Redstone

An apple a day is supposed to keep the doctor away...but now it also sends wrinkles, fine lines and slacking skin packing. I don't know about you but I can't wait till August to try the newest innovations from emerginC--
Protocell Protective Moisturizer ($90) and Eye Cream ($65) featuring a revolutionary anti-aging apple stem-cell technology. The p
lant stem-cells in the products have been carefully extracted from a rare type of organic Swiss apple that is highly powerful at preserving skin's youthfulness and vitality. But it's not just the pulp of the apple that's used--
Protocell and Protocell Eye are also infused with the seeds, peel, and oil from French cider apples harvested in Normandy and Brittany. Studies prove that extracts taken from these particular apples help promote anti-aging, firmness, environmental protection, and are calming to the skin.
Protocell is also made with Aqua Cacteen, an ultra refined elixir from the prickly pear Opuntia Cactus, a cactus rich known for its vitamins, minerals and antioxidants designed to super-hydrate, protect and soothe.
Argan Oil from South Morocco is another primary ingredient of the products. It helps preserve cell integrity, nourishes dry and damaged skin, regenerates and accelerates the healing of stretch marks, and regulates the production of oily skin. So this summer, turn back the hands of time with these great new finds. Look for both products on www.emergenC.com and at top salons near you.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

holiday gift guide: give nude skincare

Good things come in small packages...especially in this case. The Nude Selection Box ($25) features all your skin care must-haves, at least according to beauty industry experts. These skin care products include a Cleansing Facial Oil, Advanced Smoothing Complex, Advanced Eye Complex, Age Defense Moisturizer, and Miracle Mask. The Age Defense moisturizing lotion is my favorite (anything anti-aging rocks in my book!); my skin has never felt smoother than it does after I use it (not even after a facial). But the collection makes a perfect stocking stuffer or one-night-of-Chanukah gift. Another great gift idea: the Nude Lips kit ($14), complete with organic cupuacu and Tahitian vanilla monoi lip balm that melts at body temperature for the prettiest gloss. All the more reason to stand under the misteltoe. Both available at Sephora, Barneys and www.nudeskincare.com.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

happy earth day: keep it simple


I don't know about you guys but whenever I've had a long day and just need to crash, the last thing I can think about is skincare. I mean, cleanser, toner, moisturizer, eye cream, etc... I just want to fall into bed and catch some zzz's. Which, of course, is no frame of mind to be in when it comes to protecting your skin. Leave it to Envision Beauty to come up with a solution, which is exactly what it's appropriately called. The Solution ($74) is an advanced anti-aging complex designed to restore, perfect and protect. It's a combination day cream, night cream, makeup primer and anti-aging cream in one (how convenient!) Packed with goji berry, acai, grapeseed and vitamins (A, B5, C and E), it smooths on easily and feels like a great base on your skin. But that's not all. THe Solution promises to reduce wrinkle density and the appearance of fine lines, and improve collagen production to promote healthy, radiant skin for all skin types. Founder Kimberly Snyder is not only trying to simplify your life, she's also on a mission to help others. At least 10% of the profits from Envision Beauty go to Project Concern International, a charity that focuses on sustainable, humanitarian projects around the world. So click on www.envision-beauty.com to order The Solution today. Make it an Earth Day gift to yourself.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

recessionista beauty: bon voyage


Going somewhere? Put this on your packing list--the Bon Voyage Anti-Aging Travel Set from Lierac Paris ($28). Dry cabin air on an airplane, free radicals and pollutants can all wreak havoc on your skin. These travel essentials--in airplane-approved size bottles--are designed to combat slackening and restore the resilience of younger looking skin. What's in the collection? Eau de Soin Demaquillante Cleansing Water for Face and Eyes to eliminate impurities while protecting sensitive skin. The non-rinse formula (pretty convenient if you're on a plane, right?) has lily and chamomile extracts plus softening and anti-inflammatory properties, and is designed to clean and smooth skin. Other treats: Coherence 21-Day Intense Lift Serum, a featherweight serum that provides intensive action against skin slackening, Coherence Day Cream with highly firming, moisturizing, protecting and energizing benefits, and Coherence Night Cream with relaxing and repairing skin enhancing benefits (makes skin feel firmer, smoother and look well-rested). The best part: You don't have to be taking a vacation to try it. Just go to www.beauty.com and place your order.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Fashion Week: Classic Lips


Tough times call for tough measures--which means scaling down on your favorite makeup picks. If you can only invest in one lipstick this season--and can't see yourself falling for the recently popular pale gray lip look--make it a deep, classic color. An easy choice: Vitamin-Infused Lipstick from Tarte Cosmetics in Vinyasa (siren red) or Zen (berry). Designed to nourish, moisturize and rejuvenate lips while protecting against the environment, these Tarte lipsticks include natural ingredients from BORBA's Age-Defying, Replenishing and Clarifying lines. Good-for-you ingredients include antioxidant-rich Acai berry extract, collagen-producing beeswax, healing chamomile extract, and vitamins A, C and E. I feel its mositurizing properties as I slick it on and notice that these vibrant shades really make a statement. Finish with lipliner to create eveness and definition. It's a great investment at $22 on www.tartecosmetics.com.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

VDay: give beauty (her)


Let's face it--the best gift a girl can receive is one that makes her feel pampered, especially since life can be so stressful these days. Help your favorite female de-stress with these luxurious products from Pevonia Botanica. Start with the Anti-Stress Bath & Shower Gel, made up of hazel nut oil, chamomile and lavender to cleanse and hydrate. Apply all over your body during a bath or shower and feel the stress melt away. The Anti-Stress Bath Salts with Essential Oils also work wonders; just pour one or two scoops of salt into a warm bath and experience its calming properties. Need more relief? Try the Anti-Stress Aromatic Seaweed Bath, designed to mineralize and nourish. With seaweed and pine needle essential oils, it detoxifies and renews. Finish with the Dry Oil Body Moisturizer with squalane, chamomile and lavender to leave skin silky soft with a radiant glow. Once she's hooked, treat her to Pevonia's De-Aging collection including mists, saltmousse and body balms in papaya-pineapple and passion fruit. She can try them at home or at a Pevonia spa--go to www.pevonia.com to find the one nearest you.