pass the vino

Cheers to Caudalie for creating this refreshing collection of Vinotherpie products designed to cleanse and pamper your skin. I tried the Cleansing Water for Face and Eyes and found it a nice alternative to traditional foaming cleansers and makeup removers. Great for even the most sensitive skin, this micellar water captures dirt and washes it away without rubbing. Plus, it has soothing and hydrating ingredients like grape, chamomile, plant glycerine, mint and caraway to clean and invigorate skin. Just use a cotton pad to apply to face and eyes in the AM and PM. According to the directions, you don't have to rinse it off but it felt a bit sticky at first so I dabbed it with a few drops which helped. I also smoothed some over my eyelids after a late night party and watched the makeup slide off--no need for pulling or rubbing. The next day my face felt smooth and soft, so I was eager to try the Merlot Shower Gel as well. This plant-based, soap-free gel lathers up and feels smooth all over your body. Warm red currant and red vine leaves give it a subtly sweet scent. If you like these products, try the Day Perfecting Cream too. It's ultra-moisturizing and offers antioxidant benefits. For more info on Caudalie, go to www.caudalie-usa.com.

help for dry skin: mayday! mayday!

Got dry, irritated, chapped or peeling skin? I do. I have been known to try every extra-emollient, ultra-rich skin cream out there in the hopes it works its magic on my rough elbows and knees. While some work better than others, I have always liked the texture of thick petroleum-based formulas more than those with a cream base. For some reason, they just feel more healing. That's one of the reasons why I love Ren Skincare's Mayday Mayday Rescue Balm with Bio Actives, which hit stores in April. Designed to deeply moisturize, soothe and strengthen dry skin with Omega 6 essential fatty acids and trigyceride-rich Shea Butter, it's great for really dry hands, elbows, knees and lips. It feels really soft when you smooth it on and absorbs quickly without feeling greasy. After just two uses, my knees felt much smoother. And I LOVE the fresh scent! I'm not sure what the ingredient is that's responsible (maybe the soothing chamomile and pink violet) but it makes you smell like you've just left the spa. It comes in a palm-size tube that fits easily in your hand (although I'm sure I'll need more very soon!) and is packaged in a simple white box with purple accents. And--not that this is a reason to buy a skincare product--I love the pretty graphic design on the inside cover. It's a nice surprise when you open the box! Get your dose of Bio Actives at Space.NK, Sephora, Blue MercuryBarney's, Fred Segal and www.RENSkincare.com.

sunscreen: rock on

I'm all about touch. To be honest, I fell in love with Rock & Republic's extraordinary makeup collection because of its sleek, extravagant packaging. But I have to say, the products are just as unbelievable. From rich, vibrant colors to luxurious textures, they make you feel like you deserve to indulge. I recently tried the Classic Tinted Primer SPF 20 ($46) and wished all sunscreens could feel so decadent. The mousse-like formula spreads on evenly and absorbs quickly, providing sheer coverage with a matte finish. If it's true that the silicone base fills in fine lines and minimizes pores, I plan to use it every day. The best part: I can skip my morning coffee. The primer has caffeine in it to stimulate circulation and energize the skin. Also, try the Accentuate Bronzer/Highlighter for Face and Cheeks ($45) featuring a matte shade of bronzer designed for all skin tones and a shimmer finish highlighter in coral, rose or gold. Swarovski compact and kabuki brush ($225) sold separately. Available at Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom and www.rockandrepublic.com.

scents of summer

What better way to start summer than with a fresh new scent? Hubert and Isabelle d'Ornano recently introduced a trio of fragrances that represent fantasy, lightness and elegant simplicity. Each is reminiscent of a different type of summer dress. Eau de Sisley 1 represents a sunkissed dress with hints of the garden, Eau de Sisley 2 exemplifies a white summer dress dotted with green notes and Eau de Sisley 3 pays homage to a seductive dress adorned with red rubies. I was lucky enough to try Eau de Sisley 1, a scent that hints of rays of sunshine, fresh cut grass, wild flowers and all things summer. Its top notes include green mandarin, grapefruit, pink berries and spices. The middle notes are water jasmine, green tea and juniper berries and the base is made up of patchouli and musks. It starts out crisp and fresh and ends with a soft, clean scent that lingers on the skin. Plus, it's light enough for summer while having a definite personality of its own. To try one or all three ($165 each), go to www.neimanmarcus.com.

total revival

It seems like such a basic concept: skin care products that speed up the natural action of your skin. In your twenties, skin regenerates itself every two or three weeks but, as we age, skin regeneration slows down to every eight or nine weeks which means dead skin cells gather on the surface leaving skin looking dry and dull. Dr. Greg Brown, a plastic surgeon who was growing frustrated with the limits of his trade, created the ReVive Skincare System to bring the enviable glow of youth back to his patients. I've been using two of the products for the past couple of weeks and I LOVE the results! Great for normal to dry and sensitive skin, the Sensitif Cellular Repair Cream, a reparative day cream with SPF 15 for designed for sensitive skin, boosts cellular turnover and reduces signs of premature aging and overexposure to the sun. The Revive Moisturizing Renewal Cream, a perfecting night cream with Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), the Nobel Prize winning ingredient exclusive to ReVive, gently exfoliates, retexturizes and renews facial skin. Perfect for all skin types, it's goal is to diminish imperfections and the appearance of fine lines for fresher, glowing skin. Both products feel silky smooth when you apply them, absorb quickly and smell nice. After trying so many products that promise to do so much for your skin, I was relieved to feel that ReVive products felt so natural. They didn't feel annoyingly tingly or tightening the way some of the other products do so you feel better about using them. In addition, the company created a beautiful brochure that not only explains each of the products and how to use them but explains the technology behind them and provides a glossary of skincare definitions. To learn more about ReVive products or to order, visit www.baysbeautyboutique.com.

expert advice: peel appeal with Dr. Jennifer Linder

Sometimes I find myself looking in the mirror and wishing I could turn back the clock a bit. I would love to be able to erase all the results of late night partying, excessive sunbathing and summers as a lifeguard at some of the most chlorinated pools in town. What I really need is to start with a clean slate--in other words, give my skin a fresh perspective. So I turned to Dr. Jennifer Linder, M.D., a dermatologist and Chief Scientific Officer for PCA Skin, a company known for its skin peels, to ask for her beauty advice. "There is no reason to be afraid of chemical peels, especially superficial chemical peels," says Linder. "If done correctly, they are not only incredibly safe but also affective with minimal downtime. There are several different kind of peels from superficial chemical that trigger only mild flaking with minimal downtime to deeper chemical peels that result in more redness, peeling and therefore may require some downtime. Many people do not realize that there is a huge difference between these two types of chemical peels. The superficial chemical peels can be very effective--especially when performed in a series--and are, therefore, my favorite peels to recommend. In contrast, the peels that patients are more commonly nervous about are the deeper chemical peels that trigger more peeling and redness. Patients still get a nice result but they need to be prepared for some downtime with deeper peels. The word chemical can sound scary as well but it is important to realize that many of the chemicals that are used for peeling are the same ones that are found in natural foods we eat like citrus, sugar and milk.

Different methods of chemical peeling have been used for centuries, starting with Cleopatra who used lactic acid peels to keep her famous face looking fresh. Fortunately, we now have truly identified the most beneficial solutions for topical use. Some of the deeper peels can be aggressive and these have lead to the fears surrounding chemical peel treatments. These concerns were only heightened when Samantha on Sex and the City had a deep chemical peel. These deeper treatments can create a significant amount of discomfort, redness, downtime and visible flaking. Because of possible side effects of the deeper peeling solutions, these treatments should only be administered by a physician. In most circumstances this type of aggressive treatment is not necessary. On the plus side, there are superficial and medium depth peel options out there that do not create this effect. In general, I recommend superficial chemical peels especially if you are skeptical of or nervous about peels. I recommend asking for superficial peels that are blended with other beneficial ingredients such as skin brighteners (to reduce discolorations), hydrating ingredients and skin-strengthening antioxidants. These added ingredients will increase the outcomes and decrease the risk of side effects. I personally recommend PCA SKIN’s comprehensive line of chemical peels. They truly are the gold standard for peels and there are multiple options for the technician to choose from so you will get a treatment catered to your specific skin concerns.

PCA requires all skincare professionals to take training before purchasing the treatments so you know you are receiving the treatment from someone who knows exactly how to administer it for the safest, most dramatic results. You will still get the exfoliation benefits of a typical chemical peel without the downtime. These types of treatments allow you to return to daily life immediately following their application and the result is healthy, beautiful skin. I personally have a PCA Peel once a month because it leaves my skin healthier and more glowing. There is absolutely no reason to be afraid of superficial chemical peels. Superficial peels can be used to treat all types of skin conditions such as acne, hyperpigmentation, visible aging and even rosacea and sensitive skin. Anyone with normal skin is also a candidate for preventative treatments to help prevent early onset of visible aging. Superfical peels can also be use to maintain results once a skin condition has been cleared.
The deeper, more invasive treatments I referred to are typically only necessary for those with severe textural scarring and very deep wrinkling. I personally prefer injectable fillers for these types of issues over these more aggressive peels because of the possible side effects. In general, superficial chemical peels, especially the PCA peels are beneficial for all skin types and ethnicities. One can be absolutely confident that they will have beneficial outcome that results in healthier more beautiful skin." If you're still hesitant about trying a skin peel but would love to learn more about PCA Skin products, try the newest product in the collection--just launched last month. PCA Perfecting Face & Body Hydrator SPF 30 is a UVA/UVB moisturizer with pigment control. Loaded with five melanogenesis inhibitors--bearberry, licorice root extract, kojic acid, mulberry root extract and lactic acid--it works to reduce existing skin discoloration while preventing future hyper pigmentation.

PCA SKIN daily care products are available through physicians and licensed skin care professionals throughout the United States and on www.skinstore.com. For a referral to a clinical practice that carries PCA SKIN products and professional treatments including PCA Peels, call 1.877.PCA.SKIN (722.7546).

feet first

With summer just around the corner, you might be stocking up with sunscreen, bug spray and a collection of your favorite colored flip flops. But you're probably forgetting about a very important accessory for warmer weather. Relief for your feet! I know, it's not the first thing on your list...but think about it: It gets hot out there, your feet sweat (as gross as it sounds, it's true!) and they might even smell a bit. Not to mention all the calluses and blisters you get from trekking around town in wedges, platforms and your favorite sandals all day long. To the rescue: FootWorks, a collection of footcare products you can't live without, from Avon. Start with the Green Tea & Mint Exfoliating Scrub ($3.99) to retexturize skin and leave it feeling softer and smoother. The tiny granules are gentle on your skin but really get the job done. Then try the Green Tea & Mint Cooling Moisture Lotion ($4.99), a cooling foot lotion with green tea extract that moisturizes skin and dries super-fast! Plus, it really cools as it works and leaves your feet smelling minty fresh (sounds like a toothpaste commercial, but it's better than smelling sweaty!). If you don't have time for this elaborate footcare routine, just spritz feet with the Green Tea & Mint Invigorating Spray ($4.99) for quick, cooling relief! Check out www.avon.com to make your purchase.