get your veggies

I've been dying to try the Yes To line of skin care products every since I read about it in WWD. It's such an innovative concept and sounds so good for you. So when Yes to Blueberries launched, I finally got my hands on it. I eagerly tested Age Refresh Overnight Hydrating Cream, Smoothing Daily Cleanser and Daily Repairing Moisturizer but I was somewhat disappointed. I just didn't feel like they did much for my skin and I didn't love the scent so I was reluctant to keep using the products. But before I turned a cold shoulder on the entire line, I decided to try some of the other Yes to products. I loved the rich, moisturizing effects of Yes to Carrots Hydrating Body Lotion with SPF 30, especially on extra dry areas like knees and elbows. I really liked Yes to Tomatoes Deep Cleansing Facial Pads, which left my skin feeling clean and refreshed. And you can't go wrong with Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Eye Gel (my favorite), designed to smooth and brighten skin around the eyes. It's even more soothing than the actual cucumber slices themselves. And you can feel it tightening and firming as it sets into your skin. Who doesn't want that? To pick your favorite vegetable from the Yes to garden, go to www.yestocarrots.com.

look like the balm

Need a touch of color but can't get to the beach? Smooth on Balm Shelter Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 18 ($25). It improves tone and texture so your skin looks smooth. Plus, it's tinted for an added dose of color and has spf 18 to protect you from the sun's harmful rays. I wore it yesterday and it really helped minimize fine lines--you know, the ones you really want to hide! As far as the tint goes, the challenge is in finding a shade to match your skin tone. It comes in light, lightweight and medium. I tried light/medium which seemed at little too light at first but blended in perfectly. A definite must-have for your summer makeup bag. See more at www.thebalm.com.

every day is mother's day: give her roses

Mother's Day may be behind us but moms still appreciate a little extra pampering every now and then. Lavera comes through with its Wild Rose Cleansing Milk ($18), a soothing cleanser that gently removes makeup, leaving skin feeling refreshed and youthful. Use it morning and night to cleanse and refresh. Another great indulgence: Wild Rose Moisturizing Day Creme ($25), a light, nourishing creme that gives dry, mature skin a radiant, healthy glow to dry plus lasting hydration. Once her skin is in great shape, she'll want to show it off. Treat her to Lavera's great makeup products. Try the super smooth (and fruity!) lipgloss, the long-lasting, columizing mascara and transparent Loose Powder in a convenient shaker tub. All available at select Target stores nationwide and www.lavera.com.

earth day: life's a beech tree

So it's supposed to protect skin from free radicals--well, it actually feels like it does. The smooth, silky cream feels nourishing and protective the minute you smooth it on. Dubbed "the natural Botox," Naturopathica Beech Tree & Ginseng Daily Moisturizer ($56) blends antioxidant rich Beech Tree and Goji Berry with a firming complex of Ginseng to form a very luxurious product. One application actually made me feel like I just got a great facial as soon as I rubbed a drop into my normal-to-dry skin. The best part: The product is ECOCERT certified and comes in a carton made from 100% recycled fibers and a bottle made from 100% post consumer PET plastic derived from diverse feedstocks of post-use recycled containers. Translation: It reduces your carbon footprint too. Pick up a bottle at www.Naturopathica.com and spas nationwide.

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.

breakthrough beauty: mega moisture

prettyisprettydoes

gives you

an exclusive preview

of FOX TV's Good Day Dallas

Breakthrough Beauty feature...

as reported by Susan Redstone

You need it in the winter, you need it in the summer--you can never be too moisturized in my book. That's why I always look for the most ultimately moisturizing products. Vaseline Sheer Infusion (6.8 oz., $6.25; and 13.5 oz. pump, $8.99) delivers with twice the moisturization of other leading everyday body lotions, thanks to a unique delivery system called Stratys-3 that works deep below the surface, penetrating three layers of your skin. The result: long-lasting, silky skin you'll want to show off. Use it twice daily--as part of your AM and PM routines--and you'll be totally touchable in no time. Look for Sheer Infusion at food, drug and mass retailers nationwide. For more info, go to www.vaseline.com.

expert advice: revive winter skin with Votre Vu

While dreams of warmer weather grow more frequent, winter is still here. And what better place to put the ravages of the season to the test than at last month's Sundance Film Festival. Makeup artist Olaf Derlig made Marisa Tomei paparazzi-ready within minutes using Votre Vu products from Paris. He started by applying Wrinkle Eraser all over her face to give her glowing skin. This magic potion actually erases crows feet and fine lines around lips. (How can a product with such a tough job actually smell so good? Is it the Manoi Tiare Oil?) Then he smoothed lips with Luxe Lips to add moisture and shine. Makeup artist Jessica Liparoto relied on the Attentive line to whip Adrien Brody into star-shape. "He's very particular about what he puts on his face and tends to stick to what he knows," says Liparoto. "I was very impressed with Tragic Magic Rescue Creme. It completely balanced him out. I also used Champagne Kisses Enhancing Lip Balm on him." Makeup artist Jordan Long used Votre Vu Habitude Men's Daily Face Crème SPF15 on Joseph Gordon Levitt (Hesher). She said, "It hydrated without looking greasy." She also applied Tout Le Monde antioxidant eye gelee to combat slight puffiness and fatigue. Makeup artist Jordan Long also worked on up-and-comer Jennifer Lawrence (Winter's Bone). "I used the Tragic Magic Rescue Creme to calm her skin as she had slight redness," says Long. "I also used Champagne Kisses Enhancing Lip Balm for a nice nourishing base before I applied lipstick." I followed this tip and I haven't left my apartment for a week without it. Talk about velvety smooth--it glides on and blocks winds that whip up unexpectedly. It's supposed to minimize fine lines too--any help is appreciated! To shop for these and other Votre Vu products, go to www.votrevu.com.

Go Fig-ure

Who would have thought Fig and Sandalwood would make such an irresistible pair? Bath and Body Works' ultra-creamy Aromatherapy Body Lotion in Sandalwood Fig ($13) keeps skin soft and moisturized, while a blend of essential oil and pheromone help boost your self-confidence and put you at ease. It's a moisturizer and fragrance in one simple product. And thanks to the pheromones, if it makes you feel irresistible. Imagine how you'll come across to your date? Pick up this Vday must-have at www.bathandbodyworks.com.

soothe your skin

In my quest for moisturizing hair and skin products this month, I've come up with quite a few worth the investment. But I couldn't let the month come to an end without sharing one more amazing facial moisturizer. I've been using Korres Materia Herba Night Cream for several weeks now and love the results. The intensely rich, soothing formula is great at treating tired, dull or dry skin and promoting skin firmness and tone. But it also works to replenish, nourish and add moisture to your skin throughout the night. It has organic shea butter (an anti-inflammatory), organic sunflower, sweet almond and jojoba oil (to moisturize and prevent premature aging) and ginseng extract (to tone and brighten skin, and enhance elasticity--we all need that!) Best of all, I love the smell of it and the fact that it makes my skin feel smooth and rejuvenated. Get it now, while there are still a couple of months of winter left. Available at www.korresusa.com.

expert advice: moisturizing tips from Rhea Grous, La Suite Skin Care

Rhea Grous is a certified esthetician and well-rounded beauty expert. Sure, she has degrees from the prestigious Catherine Hinds Institute in Boston and trained at The Decleor Institute in Paris, but her real skill is evident in the personal experience she offers her customers. Formerly the number one requested and booked esthetician at Manhattan’s Bliss Spa, she now works her magic at the La Suite Skin Care studio in Greenwich, CT. Here, she shares her expertise with us and helps us combat dry, winter skin...

Prettyisprettydoes: Does everyone need moisturizer?

Rhea Grous: Yes! You need moisturizer to hydrate the skin. Lack of hydration can lead to sensitivity, outbreaks, and other skin issues. Any condition from oily to dry skin can be magnified when lacking water, moisture or hydration.

PIPD: What's the most important factor to consider when buying a moisturizer? Are there any key ingredients they should definitely have for them to be effective?

RG: It's important to read the ingredients and avoid color, fragrance and too many preservatives because they increase the chance of irritation and allergic reaction. Moisturizers these days are PRIMARILY focused on anti aging; we each have to choose what's right for our skin. Humectants, which increase water levels in the skin, are a huge benefit for moisturizers. Vitamins fight environmental damage which can be caused by free radicals. Peptides signal your skin to make more collagen, and might act like Botox. AHAs and BHAs offer antiaging and exfoliating properties and help retexturize skin. It's a good idea to look for these in your night moisturizer. Retinols are antiaging, accelerate exfoliation, improve appearance of fine lines and helps reduce sun damage. These are also great in a

night moisturizer that can work while you're sleeping.

PIPD: Does your moisturizing routine need to change based on the season (ie: hot weather vs. cold weather)?

RG: Absolutely, weather changes our skin's needs. In general, warm weather gives the skin more of everything and skin tends to prefer a lighter version of its usual moisturizer. Additionally, this is NOT the season to forget sunscreen -- it should be a must!! Many moisturizers include sunscreen these days (sunscreen in a moisturizer is automatically a day cream). VS night cream which usually has a retinol or alpha hydroxy. In winter, the harsh elements tend to rob the skin of water. Look for a moisturizer to spike the humectants and increase water levels.

PIPD: Any product recommendations?

RG: La Mer products, which are oil-based, are an incredible way to moisturize dry skin. The moisturizer is the best in the business. La Mer also has an incredible oil-absorbing moisturizer for those that are super oily. Both are expensive but worth it. Skinceuticals' Face Cream is water-based, hydrating and has antioxidants to protect and shield the skin of free radicals that promote aging. SkinMedica products range from inexpensive (under $50) to expensive ($112). They are water-based and, therefore, compatible with most people's skin. They have antioxidants and epidermal growth factors which are great for healing and promoting new cells (available from a doctor or the internet). G.M. Collins products are in the same range as above. There are creams with peptides as well as antiaging options. Peptides are very popular these days as they aid in minimizing wrinkles. This is a great option for those who don't want to Botox, and a great choice for those who use Botox since it helps to extend the lifespan of the treatment. One of my favorite lines is a drugstore brand called La Roche Posay. Redermic (about $44) has all the bells and whistles, but no peptides. A water-based cream containing vitamins, humectants (like sodium hyaluronate and glycerin) and a silicone ingredient that makes the product soooo silky and helps fill in wrinkles. It reads beautifully on the skin at a low price point and is easily accessible. Plus, it comes in normal to combination skin as well as normal to dry. The company's Effaclar moisturizer is great for oily skin and runs about $25. It's a great way to mattify the skin in the morning while still treating it.

For more info on Rhea and La Suite Skin Care, go to www.lasuiteskincare.com.

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.

holiday gift guide: give H2O+

The trick to gift giving is to give someone something they want that's also something they really need. And everyone needs skincare products that feel good but also really work. Tucked away in this handy beauty bag, the Sea Pure Natural Skincare gift set (a $42.50; a $56 value) features three marine-based beauty essentials. There's a gently foaming Creamy Facial Cleanser, an ultra-hydrating, antioxidant packed Deep Moisture Cream and a line-minimizing Perfecting Eye Cream--all enriched with ingredients that boost the body's sirtuin levels to naturally stimulate skin cell regeneration. Blended with marine botanicals, shea nut butter and sunflower oil, this rejuvenating collection helps smooth skin and deflects daily free radical damage. Give it early for great results by the holidays! Go to www.h2oplus.com for this and other gift set options.

get nude now!

Who doesn't want to look good in the nude--especially when it comes to your face? Luckily, Nude Skincare products revive your skin, making you look and feel younger after just a few uses. I've been applying the Age Defence Moisturizer ($100) and Advanced Eye Complex ($108) for two weeks and couldn't be happier with the results. Here's how they work: Probiotics, the good bacteria found on skin, and prebiotics the natural sugars which bioselectively feed these good sugars, join forces to rebalance and strengthen skin's natural protective barrier. So what's inside? Only good-for-you stuff, like botanicals, peptides, COQ10, antioxidants and essential fatty acids. I love the facial moisturizer and its silky smooth texture. Sure, it glides onto your skin and absorbs quickly like you'd expect a good moisturizer to but it also offers a subtle firming action and leaves skin the way it feels post-facial. It's especially soothing for sensitive skin as well. The eye cream promises its own anti-wrinkle remedies while offering an immediate lift, reducing dark circles and eliminating puffiness. Plus, it increases collagen production to banish that hollow, sleepless effect. The same super-smooth texture left the skin around my eyes feeling smooth and helped soften unfriendly crow's feet. Also available is the Hydrating Water ($34), with prickly pear to lock in moisture, vanilla floral water to tone skin and rose floral water to soothe the complexion. The bottom line: Use Nude products and you'll feel like you can venture out without makeup because your skin looks THAT good. I even got two unprovoked comments from friends...something about a radiant glow! Go to www.nudeskincare.com to view the entire collection and make your purchase...or head to your nearest Sephora, Barneys, or Whole Foods store.