breakthrough beauty: mega moisture

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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.

flat out

During one of my many single summers in the Hamptons, I was invited to a very exclusive house party by a friend who had a share in the house. She told me to come by early so we could finish primping together. Being my low-maintenance self, I managed to touch up my eyeliner, mascara, bronzer and lip gloss in about five minutes, then spent the next half hour watching her straighten her hair. Too bad the Paul Mitchell Express Ion Smooth 1.25 had not yet been invented. The first claim on the package is that it reduces smoothing time--and it's true! I did my whole head of mid-back length hair in about five minutes flat. The Express Ion Complex blend of silicone and ceramic restores moisture and seals the cuticle without causing damage. It's easy to use: Just plug it in, turn it on and choose from four different temperatures, then run it through each section of your hair. Not only did my hair look straight but it felt soft, smooth, silky and static-free. The best part: For September and October 2009 only, it is available in a limited edition, ultra-lightweight pink version to benefit Fran Drescher's Cancer Schmancer foundation (a portion of the proceeds will go to the charity and help promote early detection of all cancers). Ready to iron things out? Take this advice from Angus Mitchell, artistic director of education and co-owner of John Paul Mitchell Systems: “A major fall trend will be sleek, straight hair with a thick fringe (as seen on Katy Perry). A must-have product is new Paul Mitchell Hot Off The Press – a thermal protectant spray that’s great before flat ironing hair and achieving this look.” Pick up an Express Ion Smooth at your local Paul Mitchell salon.

you can't be too rich!

I'm having a bad beauty day. I just got through trying to squeeze the last drop of Mario Badescu Super Rich Olive Body Lotion (6 0z., $10; 16 oz., $22) out of its bottle. I mean, the ink on the label is even worn off from overuse. The funny thing is, I'd never even heard of Olive Body Lotion until I received a sample to test-drive. Now I don't understand why there hasn't been much buzz about it. The only answer I can come up with is that its dedicated users want to keep it a secret so it doesn't go flying off the shelves, making it more difficult for them to get their fair share. When I first tried it, I figured it was going to be just another body lotion. But before long, I was addicted to its rich moisturizing properties, the way it left my skin feeling silky smooth, and its clean, refreshing scent (it's subtle but there). It's definitely a must-have after my showers when I smooth it on every inch of my body. And it dries in seconds so I can go about my day. I can assure you--I won't be lotion-less for long. I'm planning to go to www.mariobadescu.com as soon as I'm finished typing this to order more.

pour on the shine

There's a new love in my life...but shhh, don't tell my husband (he's sitting right next to me and he just wouldn't understand!) His name is John Frieda and he wooed me with his new Brilliant Brunette Liquid Shine Illuminating Shampoo and Conditioner ($6.49 each). Granted, he's not the first hair expert to promise shine...but he sure delivers! I can feel it oozing over my locks from the second I pour it on. I guess what I'm really experiencing is the uber-silky feeling. But when your hair is perfectly silky and straight, it reflects light better and creates a high-shine look. Formulated with a unique shine-infusing complex that contains hydrolyzed silk, olive oil and a silicone emulsion, Brilliant Brunette products add luster to dull brown tones without weighing hair down. They penetrate damaged areas inside the hair shaft and polish strands outside for a glossy finish. The true test: Blow-drying my hair and actually getting a glimpse of my new shiny strands. But don't think Frieda prefers brunettes; he has a Sheer Blonde Go Blonder and Sheer Blonde Color Renew Collection too! Look for these illuminating new products at food, drug and mass retailers nationwide or go to www.johnfrieda.com for more info.

luscious locks

Throughout my years in the beauty biz, I've been introduced to lots of products--some basic, some innovative, some invigorating, some calming, some essential and some luxurious. And while I've rushed to try most of them, there were a handful I saved for "special occasions." Terax is one of those brands. I remember getting my first tube of Terax Crema and wanting to make it last for way more than it was intended to. And now--years later--when I try it again, I have the same reaction. I started with the Miele hydrating shampoo for normal to dry hair (6.7 oz; $20). It has honey and elder for moisture and shine as well as wheat protein and vitamins for strength and vitality. It also lathers up rich and creamy and rinses out thoroughly. I followed up with the one-and-only Terax Crema. The luxurious conditioner is scented with rice flower, shea, bergamot and juniper--definitely soothing to the senses. Designed to moisturize hair and restore split ends, breakage and dryness, it leaves my hair silky, shiny and super-soft (I can't stop running my hands through it!) Thankfully, it comes in a 2 oz. tube ($9), a 6.7 oz. tube ($22) and a very rewarding 16.9 oz. ($48) pump bottle--definitely worth the investment! For more great Terax Hair Care products, check out ULTA, Sephora.com or Beauty.com.