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Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...and those of us holding the mascara wand.After two decades of covering the beauty industry, I've come to learn what makes it so alluring. Finding the perfect shade of makeup to match your skin tone, adding a swipe of eyeliner to give your tired eyes a lift, discovering an innovative new product line, or indulging in a totally luxurious spa treatment. My experiences have been documented in magazines, newspapers and websites worldwide. I've tested newly formulated products in the lab, explored hair removal options, shopped for lipstick, added shine to my hair and succumbed to massage marathons--all in the name of beauty. I've written press releases, hosted makeover events and co-authored a Do-It-Yourself Beauty book (Alloy). On this blog, I write about products and services that I come across every day as well as those that have been provided by publicists or the companies that make them. Either way, I write what I think. I hope to share some of my insights--and bring you the latest, greatest beauty news right here. Join me in the quest to find all things pretty.
The must-have accessory this season: astaxanthin. Don't let the name fool you--it's not a new program to help you file your taxes, nor is it a diet supplement. It's a super-antioxidant that protects body tissue from oxidative damage. One thousand times more potent than Vitamin E, it's found in salmon and gives the fish their pinkish hue. Leading dermatologist and skincare surgeon Dr. Kenneth Mark incorporated astaxanthin--along with seven other dominant antioxidants--in his Antioxidant Hydrating Cream (1.7 fl. oz.; $95). It promises to reduce melanin production, prevent collagen breakdown, eliminate free radicals, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, even out skin tone, decrease blotchiness, hyperpigmentation and brown spots, soothe irritated skin and add moisture. It's been a week since I've been using it and the first thing I noticed is that my skin feels really soft! Next, the fine lines are finer and my skin's lost that dry, wintery feeling. As an added bonus: The cream works both preventatively AND correctively so you can erase the past and prep your skin for the future at the same time! The only down side--especially in this economy--is really the price. But you know what they say: Dr. Kenneth Mark's Antioxidating Hydrating Cream with Astaxanthin--$95 (available at www.KennethMarkMD.com). Beautiful, youthful-looking skin--priceless!
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.
