breakthrough beauty: the big brush-off

prettyisprettydoes

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.

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.

raise the bar

When's the last time you showered with a bar of soap? Can't remember? Well, put down your fancy cleanser or shower gel and pick up these individually wrapped Molton Brown soaps. Known for its luxurious soaps when it first opened its doors in 1973, Molton Brown has brought back two of its most popular formulas. I tried the Exfoliating Oatmeal and Milk Cleansebar ($22 per set of four) made with ingredients that have been used for centuries to soften and comfort skin. I really liked the creamy lather, designed to soften, smooth and rebalance as it cleans. I'm not sure about the exfoliating properties, though, as the oatmeal specs in the bar make you feel like you're getting smooth but I didn't really feel them. Maybe that's why it works so well! Also in stores is the Ultrapure Milk Cleansebar ($22 per set of four) which contains natural skin conditioners plus Vitamin A and D to improve texture and give skin a glowing appearance. It definitely felt smooth even while rubbing it all over my skin. Try them both or buy one for a friend; they'll make great houseguest gifts this summer! Available at Molton Brown emporia, select department stores and at www.moltonbrown.com.

start multitasking

Sometimes I look in the mirror and can't decide which skincare issues to focus on. Try to find a skincare regimen that targets them all and you'll drive yourself nuts! That's why I was excited to try the M2 Skin Technologies system which features Mandelic and Malic Acid. Madelic is antibacterial and lipid-soluble, which means it can cut through oil and really clean and balance skin deep down. Malic Acid is a natural humectant and antioxidant to keep skin hydrated throughout the day while protecting it from free radical damage. The collection consists of an exfoliating cleanser, treatment serum and skin recovery moisturizer that promise to do everything from even skin tone and reduce acne breakouts to tighten pores and erase fine lines and wrinkles. First, I try the Exfoliating Cleanser ($19.50): The gel-based formula has subtle exfoliating properties so it's definitely not harsh on your skin but still feels like it's working. Though it smells slightly like anti-bacterial soap, it feels good when you add water and work it into your skin. Next, I apply Skin Refinish ($44.50), a pearly-looking multi-purpose serum with a high concentration of Mandelic and Malic Acid. As I leave it on for the required 10-15 minutes, I actually feel it tightening my skin and pores--almost like a lightweight, transparent mask. I don't want to wash it off, thinking I can use all the tightening I can get! I finish up with the Skin Recovery Moisturizer ($30.50), with potent anti-inflammatory ingredients. Designed to reduce redness and irritation while keeping skin hydrated, it also contains vitamins A, C, E and D to protect from free radicals. It's a bit strong for my sometimes sensitive skin. Nevertheless, I use it for a few days and find my skin adapts. In the end, Skin Refinish is my favorite and I can't wait to see the results after long-term use. Thanks to renowned laser surgeon Dr. Mark Taylor for figuring it all out for us! To order, go to www.skincarerx.com or visit www.m2skintech.com for more info.