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.

get in touch: Nivea Million Moments of Touch Movement

When's the last time you and your significant other held hands? How often do you hug your kids? At a glamorous cocktail party held on the 61st floor of the Empire State Building, the team at Nivea--along with Dr. Drew Pinsky--shared the fact that we're losing touch with each other! People just don't touch as much as they should anymore and, in fact, the term "PDA" more commonly refers to a personal digital assistant rather than public display of affection.

Nivea hopes to change all that with its Nivea Million Moments of Touch movement, designed to help us achieve smooth skin so we want to touch and be touched more. Rebecca Romeijn and Jerry O'Connell were named the celebrity ambassador couple for the brand and promise to touch each other more in 2012. The rest of us can join in the action too by entering the Nivea Touch contest on Facebook and promising to revive our power of touch. Winners will receive a date night on Nivea every night from now through the end of the year.

Getting smooth can be as simple as using Nivea touch of Renewal Lathering Body Scrub in the shower, Smoothing on Nivea Extended Moisture every morning and night, or slicking lips with Nivea A Kiss of Berry Swirl vitamin-enriched lip care with SPF 10. There are plenty of products for men too, like Nivea Maximum Hydration Moisturizing Lotion, guaranteed to smooth even the driest skin.

Go to www.niveausa.com to learn more about all these products and http://www.facebook.com/NIVEAusa?sk=app_168749696562045 to enter the Million Moments of touch contest. The fact that the folks at Nivea have gone through all this trouble? Touching!

craving conditioner

Welcome to spring (we thought!) Between the cold air and dry heat, my hair's been having its ups and downs...or rather, more downs than ups. It's been craving moisture lately so you can imagine my panic when I reached for the conditioner in the shower and picked up a bottle of shampoo. Then another bottle of shampoo. Then another bottle of shampoo. They were all bottles of shampoo! No conditioner in sight.

Just as I was about to call out to my husband and ask him to rummage through the beauty stash in search of conditioner, I saw it: A silvery marine blue tub of product nestled in the shower rack between the shaving cream and the loofah. I picked it up and--yes!--it was conditioner. After unscrewing the top, I scooped a goop and smoothed it through my hair, dispersing it throughout. It felt soft and creamy and my hair seemed to drink it up. After rinsing, my hair felt smooth and sleek again. And it even looked smooth and sleek after blow drying.

Redken Nature's Rescue Cooling Deep Conditioner is ultra moisturizing and helps re-balance hair while cooling and soothing the scalp. What it's made of: A Sea Algae Hydracomplex, complete with sea algae to protect, soy protein to replenish, aloe vera to moisturize and oceanic calone for fragrance. Use daily after shampooing or after using Refining Sea Polish.

For more info, go to www.redken.com.

happy vday: kiss bliss

A kiss is just a kiss...or is it? Hopefully, you'll be doing some serious smooching this Valentine's Day so it's best to be prepared. Try these soft and sheer Tinted Lip Balms from Burt’s Bees for a hint of sheer color and a cutting edge formula that leaves your lips feeling smooth. Available in six modern, wearable shades and a sweet natural flavor, these 100% natural balms care for your lips with soft flower waxes, moisture‐rich Shea Butter and Vitamin E, leaving lips feeling smooth, healthy and totally kissable. Visit www.burtsbees.com and go ahead, pucker up.

happy vday: three must-haves for a night of romance

Got a romantic evening in store? Fit these three beauty/fashion essentials into your vday routine and you'll be ready for romance.

#1 Show your hair some love.. with the LOVE Collection from Davines. Whether your hair demands deep conditioning or hydrating definition, the LOVE formulas nurture and care for hair in need of some TLC. Try LOVE Smoothing Shampoo ($22) for dry, frizzy hair. The prickly pear extract provides intense moisture to hair and scalp while Indian Fig Extract heals hair cuticles, leaving hair manageable. LOVE Smoothing Conditioner ($25) works to replenish both hair and scalp, restoring heat-damaged hair with Vitamin E so hair looks soft, silky and manageable. More info at www.davines.com.

#2 Get your senses in the mood with the ultra- creamy Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Sensual Black Currant Vanilla Body Lotion ($13) before you get dressed. Black Currant Absolute inspires heightened sensuality while Vanilla Absolute soothes and calms. Go to www.bathandbodyworks.com to purchase.

#3 Stilettos equal sexy...foot pain doesn't. But with the help of Foot Petal’s Rose and Rosebud Tip Toes, your night will be pain-free guaranteed. "Instantly look 10 lbs thinner and 10 yrs younger by slipping on high heels,” says certified pedorthist and creator of Foot Petals, Tina Aldatz. “ I love the look of opaque tights with patent pumps, but tights can cause toes to slide forward--Foot Petals will prevent this." Virtually invisible in all of your shoes, Tip Toes help prevent calluses from forming, protect bones and tissue, and cushion the sensitive ball-of-foot area. $6.95 at www.footpetals.com.

happy vday: give lip

The holiday of love is fast approaching--can your lips take the heat? Don't get caught off guard; keep them well protected with Aubrey Organics Treat 'Em Right Lip Balm ($2.95 each). The pure organic oils in the formula makes it super-moisturizing and long-lasting, and helps prevent chapping. The best part: There are five fun flavors to choose from so you can savor the flavor long after the actual makeout session. Go to www.aubrey-organics.com for more info.

Get Set to Smooch: Enter Nivea's Kiss the One You Love Contest

Whether you're planning on giving your Aunt Esther a kiss as you walk in the door of her holiday celebration or snooching under the mistletoe with that special someone, Nivea's got you covered. The brand's A Kiss of Moisture Hydrating Lip Care SPF 4 promises uber-smooth lips with every application. But now there's another reason to keep your lips feeling soft and smooth.

Nivea introduces its Kiss the One You Love Contest on Facebook, a viral campaign that aims to bring together couples that may otherwise be kept apart this holiday season, to share their love stories for a chance to win the opportunity to spend New Year’s Eve together in Times Square. Facebook users can vote for their favorite couple and ultimately decide which two winning couples will be flown to New York City and prepare to be kissed when the clock strikes midnight. Two winning couples will experience one of the most important kisses of the year in Times Square during the world’s most exciting New Year’s Eve celebration.

Now through December 23rd, couples can log onto Facebook.com/NIVEAusa and share their stories of love and how they have been kept apart this holiday season on a personal profile page, complete with a (optional) photo and personal URL. The couple’s entry will also be viewable on the main contest page where consumers can view and vote on their favorite love stories.

Added features of NIVEA’s Kiss the One You Love Contest application include easy sharing capabilities featuring visuals of the couple so they can rally their friends and family to vote by forwarding their profile as well as posting contest details on personal walls and link to Twitter to capture votes. Voting will come to a close on December 23, 2010 at 11:59 PM and the winning couples will be announced on December 28th via Facebook. To upload your story and vote for your favorite couple, visit Facebook.com/NIVEAusa.

As the official sponsor of the Times Square Alliance New Year’s Eve Celebration for the third consecutive year, NIVEA will unite thousands of people in Times Square for one of the most memorable kisses as the clock strikes midnight. Throughout the evening, the NIVEA Kiss Platform will feature memorable moments to entertain the crowd. NIVEA will paint Times Square blue and white creating the signature “sea of blue” featuring New Year’s Eve accessories and NIVEA Lip Care products to protect the lips of revelers in Times Square as they prepare to be kissed on New Year’s Eve.

So what are you waiting for? Sign up for this exciting event on Facebook today at Facebook.com/NIVEAusa and beat the long distance relationship blues.

win free products: from Pureology

If you haven't tried Pureology yet, here's your chance. Just visit the company's website,

http://pureology.com/discover/shampoo, by August 31st, and win one of the following shampoo samples of your choice:

· Pure Volume Shampoo - This extra gentle cleanser offers extraordinary volume with brilliant colour vibrancy and serious colour protection. This ZeroSulfate®, non-colour stripping formula volumizes while adding moisture.

· Hydrate Shampoo - Pamper your hair with this award-winning, moisturizing, super-concentrated shampoo. The extra gentle, non-colour stripping, ZeroSulfate®, salt-free formula enhances colour brilliance and maximizes colour retention.

· SuperSmooth Shampoo (my favorite!) - Gently cleanse and smooth unruly hair without stripping away moisture, and intensify natural shine while protecting colour vibrancy with this concentrated ZeroSulfate® shampoo.

· Essential Repair Shampoo - Renew strength and help repair and fortify against damage while protecting colour vibrancy with this concentrated and gently cleansing ZeroSulfate® shampoo.

Go to http://pureology.com/discover/shampoo and claim your free gift now.

breakthrough beauty: get a slim stomach for summer

prettyisprettydoes

gives you

an exclusive preview

of FOX TV's Good Day Dallas

Breakthrough Beauty feature...

as reported by Susan Redstone

Time was when you'd gain a few pounds...then eat salads for a few days and lose it again. No longer. Once you hit 30, there's a greater chance of accumulating fat around your waistline that refuses to budge. Whether it's because of past pregnancies, menopause or excess weight, abdominal bulges and bumpy skin may be becoming all too familiar. Sure, exercising and eating right can help but a new topical treatment makes the process a little smoother. Lierac Paris introduces Morpho-Slim Stomach and Waist Resculpting Firming Concentrate ($55). It contains anti-cellulite and firming action, synthesizes collagen and promises other great perks. Just apply once or twice daily for a minimum of 28 days and watch your stomach appear flatter, your skin become firmer and your unsightly bumps on thighs and buttocks look smoother. What's more, it dries quickly for immediate dressing and has a pretty floral scent. How does it work? Active caffeine empties the fat cells and brown algae extract triggers tightening. As the number of fat-storing cells decreases, your waist appears re-contoured and refined. I'm only on day two but I am determined to be diligent and will keep you posted on the outcome. Hopefully, I'll see results in time for summer. Available next month at select European Skincare Centers at CVS/pharmacy, Duane Reade and Longs Drugs, www.beauty.com, www.cvs.com and

www.lierac-usa.com.

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.

breakthrough beauty: the big brush-off

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gives you

an exclusive preview

of FOX TV's Good Day Dallas

Breakthrough Beauty feature...

as reported by Susan Redstone

Washing my face with my favorite cleanser--and my bare hands--doesn't always give me the deep clean I need. But Garnier has come up with a new and improved way to come clean. Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew The Brusher Gel Cleanser ($6.99) comes with a built-in scrubbing brush that lets you go beyond regular manual cleansing. At first, I have to admit, I was hesitant to try it. I spend enough time each day scrubbing baby bottles with a bottle brush and the thought of using a similar tactic to clean my skin just wasn't that appealing. But in the name of beauty, I indulged. Turns out it's a pretty cool concept. You squeeze the gel into the brush then twist the bottle closed. What looks like rubber bristles are actually soft and flexible and feel soothing on your skin as you scrub away dead skin cells on your face in circular motions. The non-drying formula, which exfoliates skin to deeply eliminate impurities and promote cell renewal, is packed with good-for-you ingredients. It contains Vitamin B5 for moisture, Vitamin E to detox skin, and Green Leaf Extract to sooth and refresh. The result is clean, radiant skin instantly. Look for The Brusher Gel-Cleanser at mass market retailers nationwide or click on www.garnier.com for more info.

scrub, slough, smooth

A good body scrub is the key to maintaining soft, smooth skin during the winter. Thankfully, LA-based Stark Waxing Studio delivers--with its Stark Body Scrub ($24). Finely ground walnut shells slough off dead skin cells and the gentle lather releases the invigorating scent of fresh chamomile, lemon verbena and peppermint. For extra smoothing, use the Stark Exfoliation Mitt ($9) daily to promote smoother, healthier skin and prevent and release ingrown hairs. Tip: Exfoliate skin dry then repeat once in the shower. The net-like surface is gentle on skin but rough enough to make a difference in your skin's texture. Finish with Stark Soothing Oil ($23) made from apricot seed oil which nourishes and softens skin, organic lavender oil, an anti-inflammatory, and organic peppermint oil which relieves irritation. Massage into dry elbows, knees, heels and anywhere your skin needs a little smoothing. It really heals and it smells great too. This three-step routine is easy to follow and can really save your skin this season. Check out these products and others at www.starkwaxingstudio.com.

moisturize your hands

When I hear Skin So Soft, I think bug spray. I know, I know...Avon makes lots of great skin care products under the Skin So Soft brand but bug spray has always been what I know best. I finally expanded my SSS knowledge and tried the Wintersoft Hand Cream with Hydroseal Complex--the perfect antidote to this dry, winter month. It went on smoothly, absorbed quickly and smelled pretty. But the real plus is that it left my hands feeling like velvet afterward. Seriously, I can't stop rubbing my fingers over the back of my opposite hand. The intensive formula locks moisturizing ingredients and skin softening oils into dry, flaky skin to give you 24-hour hydration. The true proof is that my 2-year-old daughter noticed the difference. And you know kids: they tell it like it is! Pick up a tube at www.avon.com. Try the Winter Soft oil-enriched Hand Wash and the Intense Concentrate for rough dry elbows and knees too.

holiday looks: sleek locks

During this hectic holiday season, the best holiday hairstyles are effortless and beautiful. "Whether you are hosting an intimate gathering at home or going out for a night on the town, tousled loose waves do the trick every time," says celebrity hairstylist Larry Sims, who addresses the tresses of Wanda Sykes and Queen Latifah. "Start with your hair down and change your look in 10 seconds by pulling it up in an undone updo. If your hair is short, add texture to make it a short, sassy style. Whether your hair is short or long, make sure you protect your hair from thermal heating damage with Smooth 'N Shine's Silk Style Iron Styler. It protects and prevents hair from dehydration during thermal styling." Check out the complete collection of Smooth 'N Shine products at your local Walmart or www.walmart.com.

thyme out

Long day? Need to unwind? Trade your traditional moisturizer for a palm full of Thymes Essentials Dry Body Oil ($18). The lightweight formula absorbs quickly into skin and the fresh scent actually reminds you to take a deep breath and relax for a few minutes. But the best thing about this oil is that it is super-hydrating, thanks to a blend of Abyssinian, jojoba, apricot kernel and evening primrose oils, plus skin-smoothing triglycerides. I used it from neck to toe and was thrilled with the results. If you're lucky enough to have someone else smooth it on you, even better. For feet that need a little extra help, try another Thymes favorite: The AHA Foot Cream gently exfoliates with an alpha hydroxy acid fruit complex while shea butter and safflower oil moisturize your skin. Get both at www.thymes.com and you'll see smooth results.

pure genius

I gave up my highlights years ago in favor of a more natural hue--my own! It wasn't until this past year that I started using single process color. So I was eager to try Pureology's new SuperSmoothcollection from Pureology Serious Colour Care, the first 100% Vegan formula andZeroSulfate^® shampoos for colour-treated hair. The products' heat protective ThermalAntiFadeComplex create a protective barrier against heat styling damage and maximize color retention. The packaging won me over immediately: the SuperSmooth Shampoo and SuperSmoothHairCondition come in lightweight bottles with long, bumpy necks so you don't have to worry about slippage. (The SuperSmooth SmoothingElixir comes in a mini-version). And the SuperSmoothRelaxingHairMasque, designed to nourish and smooth, comes in a round tub and is packaged with a mini wide-tooth comb so you can evenly distribute the product throughout your hair (it's a little small but so cute and does the trick!). They're all scented with a hint of geranium, which smells so pretty! My favorite product was probably the hair mask--it was rich and luxurious and you only have to leave it on for two to five minutes, as opposed to 10 or 15 as with other masks. After styling, I realized I forgot to use the SmoothingElixir oin my damp hair--and there were some visible frizzies!--but I smoothed some onto my my just-blow-dried locks and my hair looked smooth and neat. Get more info or find out where to buy at www.pureology.com. Or, if you're on the East or West Coast, stop by one of the company's two flagship salons: Rare by Ruth Roche/Pureology Salon in New York, NY, and Byu-ti Hair Therapy salon in Santa Monica, CA.

beauty on a budget: be wrinkle-free

Make the most of your beauty sleep--wake up looking younger than you did the night before! Garnier Nutriste Ultra-Lift Pro Deep Wrinkle Night Cream ($16.99) boosts skin’s natural repair process to reveal younger skin while you snooze. As we age, our body's natural repair system slows down, causing loss of skin firmness, elasticity and the deepening of existing wrinkles. Deep Wrinkle Night Cream works deep under the skin’s surface to restore elasticity and plump deep wrinkles from within. The result is firmer skin and decreased deep wrinkles. The rich yet lightweight formula absorbs completely without feeling sticky or greasy. Studies show that many women see firmer skin overnight and, in just two weeks, 86% of women felt firmer skin. Clinical studies show deep wrinkles are visibly reduced in four weeks. Just apply to face and neck nightly. The best part: You'd think a fancy night cream that does all this work would cost you your weekly paycheck. Not so. The price works just as well for your budget beauty routine. Available in mass market retailers nationwide. Go to www.garnier.com for more info.

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.

just add oil

It sounds and looks like a suntan oil for your body but Moroccanoil is actually an intensive regime for your hair. Salma Hayek, Katy Perry, Renee Zellweger and Debra Messing have all used it so why shouldn't I give it a try? Moroccanoil Treatment ($39) is a weightless finishing, styling and shine product in one, which protects against UV damage and other environmental hazards. The patented Argan Oil-based formula is rich in Vitamins A, E and F (omega 6) as well as phenols and tocopherols to nourish hair and scalp, promote healing and relieve dry, itchy conditions. I smoothed it on my damp hair after a shower and watched it absorb instantly. After blow-drying, I was left with a silky feel (I couldn't stop touching my hair!) and brilliant shine (who wouldn't want that?). All of the products in the collection strengthen and recondition the hair strand while adding lustrous shine and a polished, frizz-free, static-free finish. Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream ($30) promises to eliminate frizz and add definition and shine. And it delivers. Just a drop in the palm of my hand was easily rubbed into my damp hair before styling. When dry, my natural waves were accentuated and stayed put for the rest of the day. Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask ($31)--my favorite--is a deep conditioning treatment that gives hair moisture and protein. The recommended weekly dose does the trick and makes you feel like you're feeding your hair a healthy snack. The new Moroccanoil Gold Glimmer Shine ($24) didn't really do much for me. It's designed to deliver an invisible veil of shine and protect hair from UV rays and free radicals but the scent was a bit too powdery and it made my hair look a bit stringy. Still, I won't give up the weekly mask or the styling cream which helped me go from maniac mom to a semi-sane female in time for my husband's birthday dinner. To find your favorite Moroccanoil formula, go to www.moroccanoil.com.

butter up!

Keep your gorgeous glow and your carefree mood even after summer days fade away--with LaLicious Body Butter ($24 for 8 ounces). It's a non-greasy, paraben-free body butter that nourishes and softens with Vitamin E, Almond Oil and a hint of aloe vera. It comes in yummy, fruitilicious scents like Island Guava, Coconut Cream, Tahitian Flower and Lily Mango. I tried the sweet-smelling Lily Mango after a shower and was instantly transported to my favorite Caribbean island for a few blissful minutes. The whipped texture left my skin feeling silky smooth, ultimately hydrated and luxuriously soft. Go to www.lalicious.com to see the entire product line.