Sunday, May 31, 2009

The Best Lip Plumping Products


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You just have to wander around the cosmetic floor and you will see dozens of lip plumping products. The choice is endless in the pursuit of pouting lips. Sure, you won’t get instant ‘Angelina Jolie’ lips but you can maximize what you already have.

There are a few different types of lip plumpers on the market too. One type contains mild irritants like ginger, cinnamon, pepper or peppermint, which dilate blood vessels in the lips and cause a slight swelling.

Another type is supposed to stimulate collagen production over a period of time. Still another just gives you the illusion of fuller lips.

Below are a few samples of the different types to help you with your choice:

If you are after the serious, heavy duty plumper you can’t go past Napoleon’s Love Bite ($25.00). Love Bite Lip Plump contains capsicum pepper and cinnamon to stimulate and swell the lips, while menthol soothes and jojoba smoothes. Be warned ladies. This lip plumper is not for the fainthearted. It has a serious punch to it as the capsicum pepper kicks in. I found it OK, but if you have sensitive skin you might find it just a bit too strong in the sting department. Napoleon aims to inspire ladies “to spice up their lip life with Love Bite Lip Plump” encouraging “big is beautiful and full is fabulous.”

Another of the heavy hitters is Sally Hansen’s Lip Inflation (13.95) This gloss promises that lips become flush and plump instantly for a sexy, pouty look. Containing peppermint, ginger and cinnamon you will instantly feel the effects of it on your lips as they begin some serious tingling. This, I found very distracting. If you don’t mind the hot feel of your lips than the gloss is actually quite nice and shiny adding to the illusion of fatter lips. It also contains vitamins A and E to hydrate the lips.

Moving onto the coloured plumping products, you can’t go past Clinique’s Full Potential Lips Plump and Shine ($37.00). This gloss plumps your lips in three ways. Containing Capsicum Extract and ginger it has a mild tingling sensation and causes the lips to swell. Also contains Magnifying Pearls, consisting of three varying pearl shaped particles, providing an immediate 3-dimensional visual effect. Lips instantly have a fuller appearance. Thirdly it also contains ingredients that boost your natural collagen production, making your lips naturally fuller over time. They also come in 10 different colours. This is one of my favourites.

The other is a new product from YSL Shiny Lip Plumper SPF 10 (45.00). This supple, stretchy, non-sticky gloss contains microspheres that are composed of dehydrated hyaluronic acid, that swell and smooth the lips’ surface, giving them an instant, visible plumper look. There was no tingling sensation with this gloss at all on my lips but they did look nice and full. It also contains mint oil to cool, wheat germ oil and Chilean rose bush oil to treat and give the lips shine. Available in 3 shades.

If you are after something really gentle and non scary, try Joey New York - Super Duper Lips kit. This gel formula’s main ingredient is honey, known to be a natural humectant to plump, hydrate and smooth the skin. The gel will make your lips smoother, softer and more “kiss-able”. I didn’t notice any huge plumping effects from the gel but it did make my lips very soft and moist.

And if you are after something completely benign, without even a hint of tingling, burning or anything even remotely happening to your lips but you still would like the seductive pout, listen up.

ModelCo has the Illusionist Lip Enhancer Kit. Containing an awesome skin colour, soft wax pencil that allows you to create the perfect pout by giving the illusion of natural, fuller lips. All you do is use it as you would your normal lip pencil outlining your natural lip line, then you go outside of your lipline just a fraction. You won’t end up with clown lips but you will be amazed just how full your lips will look with just a fraction of a millimetre added to your lips. Than you apply your favourite lipstick or lip gloss. It comes complete with ModelCo sharpener!

With all these products on the market you could assume that we are all walking around looking extremely seductive with our full and voluptuous lips. Not so. These products will only slightly enhance your natural lips and at most for a few hours. These products also work better on some than others. And even though I was trying lip plumpers all week, not one person asked me if I had anything done to my lips.

Although I assure you I was putting in my best effort pouting. I noticed an increase in the fullness of my lips but it was obviously not enough to alert others to the fact that I now possessed luscious lips. For that I will obviously have to go to my friendly local plastic surgeon.



Saturday, May 30, 2009



Ladies, when it comes to smoldering smokey eyes, the secret sauce is in the blending. Dark eye makeup looks best when it’s blended really well, and nothing can steal smokey eye thunder like a patchy makeup job that draws attention away from your eyes and onto your makeup. Lawd knows I’ve rushed through my share of smokey eyes. Regrettably, there are few eye makeup looks that can so easily go awry.

But don’t be discouraged! Try one of these tips the next time you’re feelin’ smokey.

1. Fingers Are Built-In Brushes

If you’ve never tried a smokey eye using your fingers before, give it a try. Using fingers can even be easier than using a brush. Start by loading up your ring finger with black shadow. Dab over your lid. Follow the black up with a shimmery gray shadow, and blend with a finger. Add mascara and you’re done! Just be careful you don’t drag shadow out of the lid area or too far into the inner corner of the eye.

2. Use Liner Pencils as a Base for Eyeshadows

Color the entire lid with a dark pencil before applying a lighter coordinating shadow (not necessarily the same color) on top of it. It’s a quick way to add more depth than eyeshadows alone and looks amazing!

3. Black Eyeliner and Eye Gloss Mashup

For uber-easy smokey eyes, use a jet black eyeliner smudged out with a bit of eye gloss. You won’t get a look that lasts forever, but a little loose powder patted over the edges will help prevent smearing. NOTE: don’t rub those eyes!

4. Get to the Root of Things

When lining your waterline with black, cover every nook and cranny. Get as close to the root of the lash as possible, even going in between them, to add as much black to the look as possible. What you don’t want is some of your natural skin tone along the waterline showing through to sabotage all your hard work.

5. Dab a Dot for a Pop of Color

For a pop of color, apply a neutral shadow to the entire lid. Then, smudge a dot of brighter shadow in the center of the lid and thoroughly blend.

Happy Hump Day!

How’s your week coming along? I’ve had better, but we don’t get to choose our days. All we can do is choose how we deal with them.

Have you seen the new holiday palettes for Shu Uemura? They’re called mika shu, and I think they’re adorable! I’ll post thoughts and swatches very soon.

Hang in there this week. This kind of comes out of nowhere … but that’s the kind of week I’m having. I’ve got something big on my mind. Our family’s going through some stuff that I’ll be ready to share with you soon, but for now I just want to thank you all for brightening my days and sharing your time with me.




Friday, May 29, 2009

How to Create the PERFECT Smoky Eye

How you look on the outside can also affect how you feel inside. So, to create captivating eyes on the outside, read on. There are methods and techniques to suit women will all shapes of eyes and ehtnicities, but if we have missed anything, please let us know so we can include it. Below are several eye make up techniques that you can experiment with.

Essentials * Eye Shadow - at least 2 shades, one light, and one deeper.
* Liner - Either Di Line Gel Liner or Powderliner Pencil
* Mascara - Waterproof Mascara or Lush Lash in a shade darker than your lashes.
* Shadow, Crease, Liner Brushes and a Brow and Lash Comb.

Preparation
1. Prepare the eye area, clean of all traces of make up

2. Apply an eye cream or gel to moisturise and soothe this delicate area.

3. Apply either Mineral Illuminator or Heavy Duty Concealer to the inner eye area including the bridge of the nose and the eye lid (sparingly), using the Primer Brush.


4. Dust the area lightly with Triple Milled Loose Powder, with the Blush/Powder Brush.

Step 1 - Define the Eye
1. Line the eye, using either the Di Line Gel Liner (with the Liner brush) or use the Powderliner Pencil. Apply to the upper and lower lash line (d) as desired.

Step 2 - Enchance the Contours and Highlights
1. Base Shade: With the Shadow Brush, pat a mid toned Eye Shadow onto the mobile eyelid
(a) from the lashline to the crease. Blend edges.

2. Highlight: Using the Crease Brush, apply a highlighting Eye Shadow to the brow bone (e) and inner eye corner (b).

3. Contour Shade: With the Crease Brush, apply a deeper Eye Shadow to the outer 1/3 of the eye lid in the crease (c), blending as you go and building the colour gradually. Apply shadow over the eyeliner. This helps to set it and holds the liner in place for longer.

4. Clean the Shadow and Crease Brush with alcohol sprayed onto a tissue.

Step 3 - Lashes
1. Mascara: Using a disposable mascara wand to apply if mascara is used by more than one person.

2. Sweep Mascara (either Lush Lash for sensitive eyes/fine lashes/contact lenses or the deluxe Waterproof Mascara for longwearing, ultra black lashes). Apply to bottom lashes first, then the top, taking care to coat each lash.

3. Separate any blobs with the Lash Comb.

4. Apply 2 coats to the top lashes, combing lashes in between each coat.

Notes on mascara
* Apply mascara to the bottom lashes first, to prevent those little spots on the brow bone. Applying 2 coats to the top lashes.
* If you are very very fair, why not try a slightly lighter shade than black or get your lashes tinted, as it will look more natural.
* If your lash hairs are very fine, use a thinner mascara, with a denser brush. The Lush Lash mascara is perfect for fine lashes on sensitive eyes.

Make Up Techniques for Various Eye Shapes
Look at your eyes objectively in the mirror or a photo. What do you want to achieve? Bigger eyes, bedroom eyes, attention grabbing eyes or innocent eyes? Look at the shape of your eyes.

The illustrations show various eye shapes and some suggestions for applying shadow. The main goal with eye shadow is to define and enhance, most make-up artists try to make eyes appear, larger and almond shaped -”up and out”.

Dark shadow receeds, light shadows enlarge and bring forward. If you have large eyes wear deep shades, if you have small eyes, stick to lighter shades. If your eyes protrude and you want to minimise this, use darker shadow around them, and if your eyes are deep set, opt for lighter shades to prevent closing them in.

EXOTIC EYE SHAPES
Women from different races have varied eye shapes and sizes. From the gorgeous almond asian, deep sultry middle eastern shape, the sensuous african and indian and the rounded blue eyed westerner. Many women try to change the shape of their eyes, rather than enhancing the beauty of their own eye shape. Instead of coveting another women’s eye shape and trying to fit into a standard mould, try to bring out the unique qualities of your own eyes. Revel in the difference, stand out and be proud! The key to great eye make-up is a few quality brushes, highly pigmented shadow (either cream or powder) and good blending. BLEND, BLEND, BLEND and if in doubt, BLEND!

SMOKY EYES
Soft and velvety, the secret to a perfect smoky eye is blend, blend, blend. The goal is to control the smudge. Colours to use include grey, brown, dusty mauve, deep green, navy, charcoal. For more information on creating this very popular and sexy eye make up.

(Sabrina Houssami - Miss Asia Pacific demonstrates the universality and appeal of the smoky eye technique, wearing Secret, Sultry and Oomph shades of Di Kennedy Eye Shadow, Water Proof Mascara with Cream Dream Lacquer on lips. Her cheeks are lightly flushed with Petal Matte Powder Blush).

BASIC EYE SHADOW TIPS AND TECHNIQUES
Below are two popular eye techniques:

Classic Eye Liner: Think of Maria Callas, Audrey Hebpurn or Marilyn Munroe. Where would they be without their trademark eye liner? This is a simple classic to master, and it will serve you as well as a great suit or a little black dress. Hold the Angled Liner Brush like a pencil and practice, practice, practice. All this is a single, smooth sweep of crisp colour that starts thin and gets wider towards the outside of the eye and ends in a little flick. It can be any thickness from fine to bold. For all out movie star glamour try adding false lashes.

NOTE: It’s easier to create a smooth line if your skin is smooth. For eyes with looser skin and fine lines, pull the skin taut from the arch of the brow upwards and outwards. If you find gel or liquid a bit daunting, try using the Powderliner Pencil, which is a soft, highly pigmented pencil that has a smudging tool at the other end for softening the line, which tends to be a more universally flattering technique. With all pencil liners, it is a good idea to “set” the line with a powder shadow in a similar shade.

The Classic Contoured
This eye works for most people. You simply focus on the crease of the eye, in the out 1/2 to 1/3 of the eye and use a deeper colour to acceptuate where the showdows would be if the contour was more pronounces.

It can serve to add depth, but not recommended for eye shades that are already deep set. For deepset eyes keep colours light and avoid contouring too much, focus on hightlighting. Remember, light comes forward, dark receeds. Below are some suggested combinations of the Eye Shadows that work for the classic contoured eye.



Summer make-up trends with Daniel Chavez

RTÉ.ie Fashion: Make-up artist Daniel Chavez
Make-up artist Daniel Chavez
RTÉ.ie Fashion: Colour is a big trend this summer, and is surprisingly easy to wear


Colour is a big trend this summer, and is surprisingly easy to wear.

Effusive, warm and enthusiastic, Daniel Chavez is passionate about make-up and making women look at feel beautiful.

As the Director of International Artistry and Education for Smashbox, he travels the world training make-up artists and spreading his exhaustible knowledge about all things make-up.

I met him to discuss the top trends for summer make-up, how to bronze for pale Irish skins, and the quickest way to update your look for the evening.

Hi Daniel. What's the hottest make-up trend for summer?

Well as you know make up and colour is in. So what I'm asking women to do is to experiment with colour. To go from the natural look, or smokey eyes to bright colours can be a bit daunting for some women - so at Smashbox we created the Muse Collection. We want you to be your own muse! We want you to look at your skin and think "Today I'm going to be different!" The Muse Collection is an artistry inspired collection that has a palette of ten beautiful eye shadows - from your soft and your naturals to greens, blues purples and bronzes. The trick is that these colours are to be worn together - meaning you could take a green onto the eyelid then do purple under the lashes. Or if you want to stay a bit more natural, you take the bronze on the lid and take the blue as the eyeliner. It's all about being creative and being your own muse. You use a really soft blush to go with all the colours you have here.

There is a big difference in blush right now. There's a big difference between a blushed look and a flushed look. A blushed look is precision application - putting it on a specific area of your face. A flushed look is diffused over the cheeks so it looks more soft and more subtle. You take your brush and blend it right over the cheekbones and a little into the hairline and closer to the nose than you would normally go.

Then of course my favourite part - the eye liner pencils. We're doing four colour eye liner pencils, a blue, grey, green and purple. The green looks really pretty against bronze eyeshadows, and really gold/green eyeliner so sexy! The most beautiful look I've ever seen is doing a soft green or a soft purple shadow and then a grey liner top and bottom, it's so pretty!

Colours in, colour's hot so don't be afraid to experiment. And the traditional colour rules are not in. It's almost a sophisticated 80's retro trend. When's the last time a make-up artist told you to put purple on top and green on bottom! It's so beautiful, so stunning and I recommend to all your readers to at least try it.

What are the biggest make up mistakes you see people do?

Well I think one of the biggest makeup mistakes that I've seen, especially when it comes to young girls, is too much black. Lighter colours will make your eyes look bigger, brighter and more bold where darker colours make your eyes look more puny. So for a girl who's young and pretty she doesn't wear a lot of makeup and all she has on is black eyeliner on the top, on the bottom on the inside of her eye and then black lashes which all makes your eyes look smaller.

My biggest trick though for most women is ladies, oh ladies I love you so much but the windshield wiper is out! The windshield wiper is when you take the dark shadow in the middle of your eye and put the colour right in the middle. When you put the darker colour inside the crease you actually make your eyes look smaller. If you want your eyes to pop, put your darker colour onto the eyelid.

And of course number three is the bronzing. When you bronze you have to continue the bronzing onto the body. I've seen a lot of women who wear face bronzers and then you can still see the white neck. So please remember if you're bronzing your face please remember to continue onto the body!

What's your advice for paler Irish skins, would you just avoid bronzing completely?

I would avoid bronzing completely, embrace the paleness of the skin and use luminising lotions and creams. It's going to make your skin look glowing and make the porcelain look more beautiful than just pasty white. I think that's what happens a lot of times, people who have porcelain skin will use a matt powder on the face and you just look flat and white. So by adding a little luminosity in your powder, your skin looks radiant, glowing and porcelain not flat! So embrace your porcelain skin!

But if you wanted to look bronze, I could make you bronze but not in your face, I would do champagne and bronze on your eyelids and I would change your lip and do a nude, gold gloss and I'd put a pink cheek on you and then a little gold shimmer right on the cheekbone. I could make you look golden!

For a night out what's a really quick and easy thing to do to make yourself look good?

I call it "Never leave home without your three L's - Liner, Lashes and Lips". If you could put on a great liner, fabulous lash and beautiful gloss or beautiful lip you are ready to go! Flawless skin, a good powder or a good foundation and then your three L's you will look gorgeous when you go out. But just avoid the black liner, I would prefer you to use a colour liner or even in a brown or bronze liner.

But also remember little tricks, for a woman who really wants to wear less makeup but she wants her eyes to pop, it's very traditional but if you have hazel or green eyes lavenders or purples are going to being the green out. For somebody with blue eyes, bronze colours and silvers and greys bring out a blue eye. For brown eyes, you need to use a blue liner or even an indigo blue mascara are going to pop a brown eye out of your eyeballs!

Thursday, May 28, 2009

A Simple Smooch or a Toxic Smack?

Published: May 27, 2009

THE debate seems to resurface every few years. Do some lipsticks contain lead? If so, is the amount so negligible that consumers have nothing to be concerned about? Or will all those years of applying lipstick several times a day add up to a worrisome accumulation of a dangerous substance?

On one side are advocacy groups and doctors who insist that, over time, those who wear lipstick containing lead are at risk of absorbing high levels of a neurotoxin that may cause behavioral, learning and other problems. On the other side are the Food and Drug Administration and outside experts who say that any traces of lead that do exist are too minute to cause harm.

In February, the debate reared its head again when the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a coalition of health and environmental groups, issued a plea to the F.D.A. to release information the agency had accumulated on the amount of lead in lipstick. The study was conducted in response to an independent analysis in 2007, paid for by the safe cosmetics group, which found that one-third of 33 lipsticks had lead in excess of 0.1 parts per million, the federal limit for candy.

Among the worst offenders were L’Oreal Colour Riche “True Red” lipstick (with a lead content of 0.65 parts per million) and Cover Girl’s Incredifull Lipcolor “Maximum Red” (0.56 p.p.m.). Price had nothing to do with lead levels: less expensive brands, like a $1.99 tube of Wet and Wild Mega Colors “Cherry Blossom,” contained no lead, whereas a $24 tube of Dior Addict “Positive Red” contained 0.21 p.p.m.

In response to the study, L’Oreal said: “Each and every ingredient used in our products has been thoroughly reviewed and tested by our internal safety team made up of toxicologists, clinicians, pharmacists and physicians.” Parfums Christian Dior, which said it no longer makes the Positive Red shade, said, “we are confident that our products meet the highest standards and are entirely safe to be used by consumers every day.”

Cover Girl said, “Our perspective is that our cosmetics products meet the rigorous safety standards set by the U.S. F.D.A. and are safe.”

Stacy Malkan, a founder of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, said that lead is often present in the pigment of the reddest lipsticks. The campaign urged manufacturers to reformulate their products and called for the F.D.A. to set a safety standard for lead in lipstick. Last November, Senators John Kerry, Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein asked the F.D.A. to do the same.

“The F.D.A. now says they are waiting for a peer-reviewed journal to publish their study of lead in lipstick,” Ms. Malkan said. “That could take years.”

Stephanie Kwisnek, a spokeswoman for the F.D.A., said, “Since the report was released in 2007, we have been telling the public that the levels of lead we are finding in lipstick are consistent with what we would expect to find under good manufacturing practices.”

Amid the debate, some are urging balance.

“These things sound terribly scary, but there’s a massive disconnect between how toxicologists evaluate risks and how activist groups evaluate risk, and even then there are debates,” said Trevor Butterworth, the editor of stats.org, the Web site of Stats, a nonprofit research center affiliated with George Mason University’s Center for Health and Risk Communication.

In March, Stats asked 937 members of the Society of Toxicology if cosmetics were a “significant source of chemical health risk.” Sixty-six percent disagreed, 26 percent agreed and 8 percent said they “didn’t know.”

In October 2008, a federal judge for the Northern District of Illinois dismissed a case against L’Oreal USA by a woman who is said to have purchased lipstick allegedly tainted with high quantities of lead. The judge, Robert W. Gettleman, said that the plaintiff had not shown any actual harm resulting from her use of the lipstick.

In fact, there are no F.D.A. standards limiting lead and other toxins in lipstick. The agency leaves it up to manufacturers to decide which safety and efficacy tests to perform on products. Cosmetics companies are required to list their “intended” ingredients on labels. But lead would be considered an “unintended” byproduct of the manufacturing process. (To combat this, the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit research and advocacy organization, has a consumer database at www.cosmeticdatabase.com where it lists the ingredients in more than 42,000 products.)

When asked if consumers should be worried about lead in lipstick, several doctors, including Dr. Sean Palfrey, a professor of pediatrics and public health at Boston University and the medical director of the Boston Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, said there may be reason for concern. “Yes, these are small amounts and if you licked your lips once you probably would not cause damage — at least not to adults,” he said, adding, “Lead is a substance that builds up in the body over time, so small amounts applied daily can add up and stay in our bodies.”

Dr. David Bellinger, a researcher at Harvard Medical School and the Harvard School of Public Health who has conducted studies on the health risks of very low lead exposures, agreed that “no level of lead exposure appears to be ‘safe.’ ”

But others are less concerned.

“Questions are raised whenever there are heavy metals, but lead hasn’t been linked to breast cancer, colon cancer or other cancers,” said Dr. Therese Bevers, the medical director of the Cancer Prevention Center at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

John Bailey, the chief scientist for the Personal Care Products Council, a trade group representing the cosmetics and personal-care products industry, said of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics study, released in 2007, “The initial reports were presented in a very alarming way to make people think there was something wrong, but after more deliberate assessments by a number of different bodies, the facts remain that the levels of lead found are not of concern.”

Ms. Kwisnek, of the F.D.A., said that similar reports came out about lead in lipstick in the early 1990s, but subsequent F.D.A. evaluation “did not detect levels of lead that would be considered harmful.” She added: “The levels found did not exceed trace amounts that would be unavoidable even under conditions of good manufacturing practice, given background levels in the environment.”

STILL, some consumers are cautious.

“There’s lead in lipstick, and you put in on your lips, on your mouth and you can eat it,” said Danielle Carro, a director at an organic marketing company in New York.

Organic personal-care products sales reached about $443 million in 2008, a 19 percent jump over 2007, according to the Organic Trade Association, an industry group. And in September, Teens Turning Green, a national group promoting a healthier lifestyle, began a “Lips Against Lead” campaign to ban lead in lipstick.

“I just picture a little room where the industry men are saying ‘get the cheapest junk you can and put it in the box,’ ” said Judi Shils, the executive director of the group. “I think consumers are in such a good place right now because everybody is paying attention and consumers are demanding their right to health, as they should.”



Anti-Aging’s Hero Ingredients!



What are the best ingredients to look out for when you are shopping for your next anti-aging moisturiser? Bellow are some of the latest and best moisturisers to hit the shelves. Along with high concentrations of anti oxidants in the products there is also a bevy of calming and anti inflammatory ingredients as well as ingredients to help with sun damaged skin. Whatever your anti-aging needs are you are sure to find something here that will suit your needs.

Trilogy Daily Defence Moisturiser with SPF 15

A moisture-rich broad spectrum SPF cream for the face. With ingredients to hydrate the skin and a new generation sunscreen to provide SPF15 protection against the ageing effects of UV rays. It provides photo-stable, broad-spectrum protection against damaging UV rays. This new generation sunscreen contains non-whitening ingredients and both organic and inorganic UV filters. As the sunscreen is photo-stable it will not deteriorate over time when exposed to UV radiation.

Advanced Natural Ingredients

SPF 15 (bemontrizinol, methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol)

A light sunscreen ingredient described as a ‘new generation’ sunscreen because of its photo-stability (ability to resist degradation once exposed to UV rays) and combination of organic and inorganic sunscreen filters for UVA and UVB protection.

Hyaluronic acid – Nature’s ‘moisture magnet’. Derived from the fermentation of wheat. Moisturises, plumps and rejuvenates skin, lifting the complexion and smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Pure oils of Sunflower, Evening Primrose, Sesame, Rosehip, and Jojoba – These easily absorbed oils provide Vitamins E, B and A, trace minerals and essential fatty acids which are vital for optimum skin health and assist in healing damaged skin while improving the skin’s natural barrier function.

Vitamins A, C and E – Three powerful antioxidant vitamins that have the ability to penetrate the lipid cell walls to protect against oxidation. As antioxidants these vitamins help neutralize free radicals caused by sun exposure and the natural process of ageing. This vitamin combination has been clinically proven to smooth lines and wrinkles for a more youthful complexion.

Shea Butter – Shea butter is excellent in counteracting dryness as it helps to bind moisture to the skin. It is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and has a high content of antioxidant Vitamin E.

Licorice root extract – Traditionally used to soothe irritated skin. Its beneficial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits may also help to reduce visible hyperpigmentation. RRP $44.95, 50ml

Trilogy Replenishing Night Cream


A deeply moisturising night cream formulated with vitamins, antioxidants, natural oils and extracts to replenish and revive skin. Helps to restore the skin’s natural suppleness and elasticity overnight. Wake up to a noticeably rejuvenated complexion.

Advanced Natural Ingredients
Hyaluronic acid – Nature’s ‘moisture magnet’. Derived from the fermentation of wheat. Moisturises, plumps and rejuvenates skin, lifting the complexion and smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Certified Organic Rosehip oil, Avocado oil, Marula Nut oil and Olive oil – With healing, moisturising and nutrifying benefits these natural oils provide the skin with the vitamins, lipids, essential fatty acids and polyphenols required to assist cell renewal and repair.

Licorice and Mulberry extracts – Licorice contains Glabridin (a powerful skin lightening ingredient) in minute quantities. This is isolated and concentrated to create a safe and powerful skin brightener. Glabridin suppresses the formation of Melanin; the pigment responsible for skin dis-coloration. Mulberry is a gentle skin lightener and protects the skin against damage caused by free radicals.

Green Tea extract – Contains vitamins and polyphenols (active anti-oxidants) that help prevent skin damage and has anti-inflammatory astringent properties that can help reduce reddening of the skin.

Cucumber extract – Credited with moisture binding, moisture-regulating, soothing, tightening and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains amino acids to strengthen the skin and helps to refresh and rejuvenate tired, stressed skin.

Calendula oil – A herbal extract from marigold flowers that has a calming anti-inflammatory effect on the skin. It also helps to soothe and heal skin disorders and acts as a mild antiseptic to help keep irritated skin free from infection.
RRP $52.95, 60g

Jan Marini Skin Research Age Intervention Regeneration Mask


Age Intervention Regeneration Mask by Jan Marini Skin Research is an entirely new concept in topical anti-ageing and skin regeneration that benefits any skin type. The mask incorporates resurfacing technology with a host of powerful antioxidant and skin soothing agents including the new red wine longevity extract, Resveratrol, all combined with our remarkable targeted peptide blend. By using a sophisticated dual action occlusion and delivery system, we can simultaneously both saturate the skin with a high concentration of potent topicals and provide a more resurfaced and luminous skin texture. The mechanism for this intense and immediate targeted infusion enables the skin to absorb and retain far higher levels of skin renewing natural ingredients while resurfacing at the same time. Results are immediate and progressively cumulative with lasting benefits.



Active Ingredients
Glycolic Acid. Provides superb skin resurfacing and retexturing benefits.

Proprietary Peptide Blend. Targeted peptide blends designed to provide remarkable skin rebuilding and rejuvenation benefits.

Resveratrol. Polyphenol from red wine often referred to as the “longevity” molecule. Has a wide range of anti-aging benefits that include wrinkle reduction, anti-inflammatory activity and has been shown to modulate genetic expression

Green Tea Extract. Powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Medical validation exists regarding its ability to significantly decrease the appearance of lines and wrinkles, reduce the appearance of skin redness, including rosacea and has demonstrated anti-acne properties. May also assist in protecting the skin against sun damage.

Red Tea Extract. Powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Studies suggest that it can significantly decrease the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

White Tea Extract. Powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Helps to prevent sun damage and boosts the immune function of cells. Decreases appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Pomegranate Extract. Powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Helps to support cellular regeneration and skin repair.

Linoleic and Linolenic Acid. Essential fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties. Assists in preventing trans-epidermal moisture loss.

Co-Enzyme Q-10. Powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Acts like a “cellular battery” to boost the skins ability to repair and regenerate. Helps to protect the skin from sun damage.

Algae Extract. Contributes beneficial minerals to the skin and promotes excellent moisture retention and elasticity.
RRP $184.00, 29g

Dr. LeWinn’s Private Formula Line Smoothing Complex S8 Hydrating Day Cream


Dr. LeWinn’s Private Formula Line Smoothing Complex S8 Hydrating Day Cream is an anti-ageing treatment moisturiser to help reduce visual signs of ageing and keep skin hydrated throughout the day. Suitable for all skin types, it contains caviar extract to nourish and stimulate skin as well as hydro-boost micropatch with aqualance to provide continuous hydration through its slow release system.  It also contains anti wrinkle peptide snap-8.

Active ingredients:
Hydro-Boost Micropatch - Unique delivery system that allows the slow release of Serine molecules throughout the day for optimal hydration

Aqualance™ - Deep and continuous hydration for up to 24 hours

Acetyl Glutamyl Heptapeptide-1 (Snap-8) - Alternative to painful injections, 30% more powerful than Argireline®

Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer - Intensely Hydrating

Caviar Extract - Nourishing and stimulating RRP: $89.95, 30g

Apivita Wine Elixir Anti-wrinkle & Firming Night Cream


Cell regeneration almost doubles during the night while collagen production is also enhanced. Thus night time offers the ideal opportunity for an effective beauty regime. Thanks to red wine (resveratrol), the natural wine elixir anti-wrinkle and firming night cream contributes to the elongation of cell life span, naturally increasing collagen and elastin production. Salicylic acid derivative exfoliates, smoothes out and improves skin texture while beeswax, softens, nourishes and soothes irritations. In the morning, skin becomes softer and brighter, while signs of aging become less visible.

The active ingredients of the wine elixir line:
Resveratrol (RTV)-  the active ingredient of red wine, naturally increases collagen and elastin production and decreases even the deepest wrinkles.

Beeswax - Beeswax hydrates, softens and calms sensitive skin and skin suffering from sun exposure and environmental pollution.

Lupine - Lupine promotes the production of high quality collagen to improve elasticity and face contour.

Olive Polyphenols - Olive polyphenols from organically cultivated olive leaves extract, have strong anti-oxidant activity and increase skin elasticity.

Propolis - Propolis is particularly rich in flavonoids and has strong anti-oxidant activity against certain free radicals related to oxidative stress and skin aging.

Rice bran oil - Rice bran oil is rich in phytolipids and reduces transepidermal water loss as it absorbs 3 times its weight in water. It has anti-oxidant properties and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.

Oats & Lecithin - Oats are rich in polysaccharides, vitamins and trace elements which help skin retain its moisture, while lecithin is rich in fatty acids and contributes to water loss reduction. This combination helps enhance the structure of the skin’s hydrolipidic barrier and preserve high levels of moisture.
Mixture of essential oils

Neroli -(bitter orange tree blossoms) It relaxes, soothes, calms and contributes to the improvement of skin elasticity and stimulation of cell regeneration.

Patchouli -It lightens the mood, has anti-aging activity and assists in skin regeneration.

Geranium- It relaxes and serves as an anti-depressant, has healing properties, controls oiliness, brightens and balances skin.

Sage -Rejuvenates, tones and has anti-wrinkle properties.
RRP: $84.90, 50ml

Alpha-H Age Delay Intensive Anti Wrinkle Night Treatment


Alpha-H Age Delay Intensive Anti Wrinkle Night Treatment is comprised of all the things that your skincare dreams are made of.  The luxe Age Delay Intensive Anti Wrinkle Night Treatment by Alpha-H consists of only the most scientifically proven, technologically advanced, fast acting, and highly moisturizing ingredients available to date.  Not only does Alpha-H Age Delay utilise the next generation Vitamin A, Retinyl Propionate, which is even more effective than it’s predecessors and without any of the aggressive, skin-sensitizing side effects previously associated with the last generation of vitamin, but also indulges you with a further potent and deeply penetrating antioxidant cocktail that nourishes and protects your skin while actively reversing the signs of aging.

The hero ingredients of the Alpha-H Age Delay Intensive Anti Wrinkle Night Treatment are:

Glycolic Acid

Salicylic Acid

Retinyl Propionate (Vitamin A 1%)

Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)

Green Tea Extract

Olive Leaf Extract

The sophisticated and scientifically advanced LipoCeutical Time Release System delivers measured doses of encapsulated Vitamin A throughout the night, which ensures that even the most lined, collagen-poor, UV affected skin will actively benefit from the anti ageing and highly moisturizing effects of the treatment 8…10…even 12 hours later!

Call 1800 659 777 or visit www.alpha-h.com
RRP: $99.00, 100ml

Beaubelle Amazing Luminance - Holistic Oxygenating Cellular Cream


Lyopholized diamond combined with gentle massaging action has deep pore-cleansing, refining and re-texturizing effects. Extracts of rhodochrosite, an anti-stress stone, preserve skin firmness, improving elasticity and resilience. Extracts of malachite, a semi-precious stone, toughen skin against environmental assault. Providing instant radiance and a more even skin tone, skin feels firmer and smoother, with a pristine and youthful appearance.

Key Ingredients:
Caprylyl Glycol, Squalane and Shea Butter- Replenish moisture, helping to keep skin hydrated for extended periods.

Red Algae– Clarifies skin by soothing stress related pigmentation for a visibly brightened complexion.

Ginko – Anti-oxidant neutralises aging free radicals. Skin’s moisture is replenished while complexion appears more even, transparent, fresh and luminous.

Phylderm Vegetal C – boosts cell metabolism by improving tissue oxygenation. Helping strengthen skin’s barrier over time, it encourages natural cellular turnover and offers visible benefits to the skin to provide a smoothing effect and minimize the appearance of roughness and wrinkles.

Soothing lavender, toning mandarin and calming patchouli have antiseptic, astringent and antibacterial properties that blend to help promote a balanced, soft and supple skin texture.

Lyopholized diamond combined with gentle massaging action has deep pore-cleansing, refining and re-texturizing effects.

Rhodochrosite, an anti-stress stone, preserve skin firmness, improving elasticity and resilience.

Malachite, a semi-precious stone, toughen skin against environmental assault. Providing instant radiance and a more even skin tone, skin feels firmer and smoother, with a pristine and youthful appearance.



Wednesday, May 27, 2009

A Summer Must Have: Face Spritzers

With the hot weather steady rolling it's way in, your going to want to have a refreshing pick me up available at hand throughout the day, and I'm not talking about a bottle of Dasani. Your going to need an easy skin rejuvenator on call, something that won't make your perfectly applied make-up run. Any ideas? I got one, how about a cheap bottle of antioxidants, moisturizers, and refreshing ingredients mixed into one magic potion available at the pump of your finger? I'm sure you already know where I'm going with this Dirt Cheap Blues Clues game. A face spritzer, or shall I say a facial refresher to be more politically correct, is the perfect and incredibly cheap investment for your hot and humid summer. Not only do these mists pack a healthy punch of energy to help you trudge through your day, they also have loads of anti-oxidants perfect for healthy rejuvenated skin. And, my most favorite part about them is that they are absolutely a blast to use! I spray mine a couple of times during the day and I instantly feel refreshed, energized, and ready to embark on another incredibly hectic day. Want to give them a try? I've picked out three affordable spritzers that may do the same for you.


Here's a product that most flight attendants can't lift off without. Evian Mineral Water Facial Spray is perfect for those who are planning to take long flights to exotic lands this summer. This spray helps soothe irritated dry skin due to high altitudes. It is also a great way to freshen up for those of you planning to stay on the mainland this season. At only $11.50 a bottle, it won't hurt your wallet either.



Looking for something moisturizing yet extremely light weight with tons of antioxidants? Meet mark.'s new Mist Opportunity Multi-Tasking Refresher for a mere $8.00. With a name that long it sure carries a lot of baggage (the healthy kind). Containing a blend of kiwi, grapefruit, lemongrass, and bamboo extracts this pump sprays out a whole lot of stimulating anti-oxidants solely for your skin's pleasure.


Has your skin been under a lot of pressure lately? Don't think it's going to meet it's monthly facial deadline without a little TLC? Try La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water for a quick lift me up today for only $13.50 a pop. Stress can do so much damage to your poor skin, La Roche can fix that. It helps sooth burning, itching, sun damage, and helps prevent the signs of aging. Now that's a bottle of water you should be taking with you to work.

Feeling on the creative side today? Why don't you try mixing up your own magic spritz? There are plenty of DIY home recipes for some great all natural facial spritzers. Try reading this little recipe I found on the web a while back, it's on of my personal favorites.


MAC: STYLE WARRIOR 2009 COLLECTION

style-warrior-mac-collection-09

 

Because Every Woman has an Inner Wild Thing!!

mac-style-warrior-collection

M.A.C COLLECTION BEING RELEASED MAY 28TH, 2009!!

This collection envokes animal colors and has cute bags and packaging with animal print!

Lipstick $14

  • Sunsational - Sheer frosted beige gold
  • Brave New Bronze - Creamy mid-tone pink nude
  • Purple Rite - Mid-tone frosty orchid
  • Tribalist - Creamy blackened berry

Lipglass $14

  • Liberated - Sheer yellow gold with pearl
  • Gold Rebel - Sheer copper bronze with pearl
  • Fierce & Fabulous - Bright magenta purple with pearl
  • Style Warrior - Blackened bronze brown with pearl

Eyeshadow $14.50

  • Soft Force - Frosty pale white gold
  • Bright Future - Frosty bright yellow gold
  • Tempting - Sinfully rich coco
  • Vibrant Grape - Bright magenta purple
  • Night Manoeuvers - Deep charcoal brown with pearl

Eye Kohl $14.50

  • Smolder - Intense black

Pro Lash Mascara $12

  • Coal Black - Honest-to-goodness black

Beauty Powder Blush $18

  • Eversun - Neutral peach bronze with gold pearl
  • On A Mission - Pearly mid-tone plum

Solar Bits $19.50

  • Scatterrays - Soft metallic peach with gold pearl
  • Bronzescape - Clean yellow brown with gold pearl
  • Impassioned - Frosty cool taupe

Nail Lacquer $11

  • Peaceable - Pearly pale golden beige
  • Violet Fire - Bright creamy magenta purple
  • Mercenary - Frosted blackened bronze

Brush $23

  • 242 - Firm fibre Brush with rounded edge for smooth, even application of powder, emollient and concealer products

Bronzing Powder $21

  • Solar Riche - Mid-tone deep orange brown
  • Refined Golden - Finely spun golden with soft pearl finish

Lustre Drops $18.50

  • Pink Rebel - Blue pink with gold pearl
  • Sun Rush - Peachy bronze with gold pearl
  • Bronze Hero - Hot bronze with fine gold pearl

Skinsheen $22.50

  • Medium Dark - Sheer soft bronze with golden tan pearl
  • Dark - Golden bronze
  • Deep Dark - Deep warm bronze with rich golden pearl

Iridescent Loose Powder $21

  • Golden Bronze - Golden brown with golden bronze shimmer

Brush $45

  • 182 Buffer - A full, dome-shaped brush of extra soft goat hair

 

mac-style-warrior-collection-09



Are Chemicals in Beauty Products Really That Bad?

ingredients_main.jpgTalk about a phrase that doesn't roll right off the tongue... "Pretty Products For Healthy People Minus Many Lousy Chemical Substances" is something a company called Best in Beauty would like you to remember. Their mission it is to increase awareness about potentially harmful ingredients in cosmetic products, and each word in the phrase is supposed to remind you of a sketchy chemical. We ran their list by independent cosmetic chemist Jim Hammer and dermatologist Jeannette Graf to see what's really worth worrying about:


"Pretty" is for "Phthalates":
"Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) has been found by the FDA to be safe and effective in making nail polish flexible and resistant to chipping," Graf says. "However, since DBP has been banned in some countries, most polish manufacturers no longer use it."

"Products"is for "Propylene Glycol":
This is widely used as a humectant (a substance that draws water to the skin), and at the very worst, "may cause some skin irritation," Hammer says. Otherwise, the FDA has found that the levels used in cosmetic skin-care products are well within the safe range.

"For" is for "Formaldehyde":
"Formaldehyde is a carcinogen, but most issues come from breathing its fumes," Hammer says. In beauty products, like nail hardeners, the liquid form is used--and formaldehyde is far less toxic in that form, adds Graf. "The FDA and CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) have concluded that, in the levels used in nail-hardener products, it is safe for the vast majority of consumers." The one beauty use it isn't necessarily safe in, Graf says, is Brazilian hair straightening treatments.

"Healthy" is for "Hydroquinone":
"This is a very effective skin-lightening agent, widely used in many products," Hammer says. "However, based on some evidence in rodent studies that it may cause cancer, the FDA has proposed a ban on its use in over-the-counter products." Graf adds that most dermatologists believe hydroquinone is safe at the levels used in cosmetic products. "The rat studies were done with intravenous hydroquinone--not topically, as humans use it--and the doses were very high," she says.

"People" is for "Petroleum": "The most widely used petroleum products in cosmetics are petrolatum and mineral oil," Hammer says. "Petrolatum is safe for use, but has a negative stigma attached because it's derived from crude oil, and seen as harmful to the environment."

"Minus" is for "Mercury": Mercury has antibacterial properties that can help prevent eye infections. "But it can be toxic, so according to the FDA, it can only be used in trace amounts in certain eye products, including mascaras and eyeliners, when no other preservative can be used," Graf says. "It is otherwise outlawed in any cosmetic product."

"Many" is for "Mineral Oil": "Mineral oil has received a very bad rap. It was vilified in the 1950s when the mineral oil was industrial-grade and extremely pore-clogging," Graf says. "Today, cosmetic-grade mineral oil is quite elegant and non-irritating as well as non-clogging." Adds Hammer, "It is a very good moisturizer because it forms an occlusive covering over the skin."

"Lousy" is for "Lead":
"The FDA has looked at the lead levels in lipstick and found that they are well within non-toxic levels," Graf says. According to Hammer, "If any trace lead is present from the use of other minerals, the amounts are small enough not to worry about."

"Chemical" is for "Colorants":
"Cosmetic colorants are strictly regulated by the FDA and have been determined to be safe for use at the levels found in cosmetics," Hammer says. "Some individuals may experience particular sensitivity to certain ones, for example FD&C Yellow #4"

"Substances" is for "Sodium Lauryl Sulfate":
"It's just internet paranoia," says Hammer. "This is a very effective surfactant, in many cases derived from coconut, used in shampoo, body wash, even in toothpaste. " Graf adds that, despite the rumors, sodium lauryl sulfate "is not linked to cancer."


PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Source:  Allure


Clarins High Definition Body Lift

For perfectly smooth, firm skin, with visibly reduced signs of cellulite. Clarins now launches its fifth generation Body Lift treatment.  An innovative formula that stimulates the release of excess fats through two innovations: by facilitating the opening of the protein barrier which protects stored fats, and by helping to trigger the elimination of fats. It slows down the expansion of fatty tissue, the main cause of stubborn cellulite. Ensures a reinforced draining and firming action through better protection of the blood circulation and skin support fibres. Smoothes the skin on application and enhances its beauty through its moisturising and nourishing action

Active Ingredients
Combined with Caffeine, 8 plants for ‘high definition’ cellulite control –
To increase the release of adipose:
Blue Button Flower, Caffeine, Sunflower Phospholipids and Escin from Horse Chestnut, Cangzhu, and Geranium

To reduce the storage of adipose:
Uncaria Tomentosa from Peru slows down the storage of fats and stabilises the results

To slow down the expansion of fatty tissue and firm:
Baccharis – A Clarins exclusive, and Pycnogenol extracted from Maritime Pine

To stimulate drainage and enhance beautiful skin:
Pycnogenol (natural antioxidant supplement) extracted from Maritime Pine, Escin (saponin extract from the Horse Chestnut Tree)

To increase circulation and Sunflower Phospholipids
Available from 29 June 2009
RRP: $72.00, 200ml

Magic Hands - The Best of the Best Hand Creams

What is the one place on your body that doesn’t lie about your age? It is your hands. It is also the area that has the thinnest skin on your body and one of the most abused. Yes abused. Think about it. How many times a day do you wash your hands? How many times do you pamper it? While we spend hundreds of dollars on luxurious skin care products and makeup and are by now quite conscious about wearing sunscreen every day, we tend to neglect our hands.

In fact, because the skin on the back of our hands is so much thinner than on our face the loss of fat that happens when we age is obvious straight away, leaving behind wrinkly, saggy skin. Therefore I took it on myself to search high and low and find the best hand creams out there to provide the pampering our hands need and deserve.

This was a wonderful assignment for me as I already own dozens of hand creams, one for each of my handbags and one or two for the car and several for every room in the house. Therefore I am only too happy to road test a few more. As there are hundreds of hand creams on the market appealing to different needs I decided to break them into groups. Following are my favourites.

The Best Fragranced Hand Creams.

Glamourflage - Raunchy Rosie Hand Cream $25.95 One of the most beautifully fragranced hand creams I have ever tried. It is a light freesia scent and it is also very moisturising with Aloe Vera, Macadamia and Calendula oils. www.glamourflage.com.au

Beauty & the Bees - Honey and Olive Protective Hand Cream $27.95 This hand made cream is fragranced with rose, geranium and lavender oils smelling absolutely wonderful. It is also an intensely rich treatment cream for before or after a bath or shower. It provides protection against the elements, gives a semi-waterproof barrier, soothes and restores hard working hands. www.beebeauty.com

Anti - Aging Hand Creams

NeoStrata - Hand & Nail Cream - PHA 8 This hand cream is specially formulated in an emollient base with 8% PHA (gluconolactone) combining the exfoliating and long lasting moisturizing benefits of a PHA with the antioxidants Vitamin E and Vitamin B Complex in a smooth luxurious cream. It moisturizes and conditions the hands and cuticles and reduces the visible signs of aging. Ideal for revitalizing dried, sun damaged hands. It is fragrance free and hypoallergenic. www.neostrata.com

Mecca - Hand-Elujah Age Defying Hand Treatment $38.00 If the signs of time have taken toll of your once smooth, spot-free hands, redemption is here with this three in one boosting balm. Filled to the brim with a blend of exfoliating Alpha and Beta Hydroxy acids, repairing Aloe, skin boosting vitamins and Bearberry extract to help even out the skin tone. www.meccacosmetica.com.au

Sally Hansen - Anti-Wrinkle Extra Firming Hand Creme $19.75 For the very dry hands that have fine lines and wrinkles this is the cream. Ceramides play a key role in maintaining moisture levels and help to firm the skin. Marine Collagen and Vitamins are essential to boost natural collagen productions. The result is visibly younger-looking and smoother skin. www.sallyhansen.com

Extra Nourishing Hand Creams.

Ahava - Intensive Nourishing Hand Cream $29.95 This is a highly concentrated formula created to rejuvenate even the driest skin. A grease-free blend of Dead Sea mineral enriched mud and assorted natural essences works deep to relieve itchiness, redness and scaling and stimulates your skin into moisturizing action. Perfect winter solution to dry and overworked hands. www.ahava.com.au

Decleor - Nourishing Comforting Hand Cream $40.00 This is a phyto-aromatic cream for the hands that creates an imperceptible protective glove. It nourishes and protects from external aggressors to leave the skin satin-soft. It also helps with fine lines and age spots. Containing Shea Butter, Parsley, Dyers Weed and Vitamins B5 & E, it is not only very moisturising but also great for helping fight age spots. www.decleor.com

Sense - Intensive Hand Therapy $27.00 This beautiful creme counteracts harsh environmental elements as it hydrates dry, cracked skin with powerful moisturising and soothing ingredients. Mulberry leaf, bearberry leaf, and elderberry flower brighten and refine the skin’s appearance. Irish moss and mallow provide intensive moisturising and emollient properties, while echinacea and centella asiatica act as excellent firming agents. Also contains whole grape and green tea extracts for powerful nutrient protection. www.usana.com

Hand Treatment Bush Essentials - Body Scrub $30.00 In my search for the ultimate hand cream I came across this scrub. This scrub is made from mineral rich Sea Salts and contain the most amazing essential oils. Australian Lemon Myrtle for soothing, cooling, anti bacterial, anti fungal. Lime oil combats brittle nails & cellulite, Peppermint for invigorating and cooling. Patchouli soothes & controls dry itchy skin, Bergamot lifts the mood. All this in the base oils of Macadamia, Jojoba and Vitamin E. I have never felt my skin more moisturised than after using this scrub. And for several washes after use I didn’t even need to apply hand cream. I can thoroughly recommend you treat yourself to this little pot of luxury. www.bushessentials.com

In my search for the best hand creams I came across some excellent products. This collection is only the tip of the iceberg as there are literally hundreds of hand creams on the market and I’m sure you have your favourites too. Nevertheless the most important thing is to look after this delicate area of your body, don’t neglect it and treat it as it deserves to be treated, as the hardest working skin on your body.