I’m always writing about some newfangled, “cutting edge science” type ingredient which is good and valid because there are indeed many new ingredients out there that are absolutely amazing. But today I was thinking about my all time favorite skin care ingredient and how this one amazing ingredient completely changed and improved my skin. And that was some 12 years ago…and it still continues to be one of my all time favorites.

Vitamin C serums are in my opinion one of the most tried and true skincare ingredients ever discovered. Well, that is, after they were able to get the delivery system to cooperate. At one time the molecule was just too large to penetrate the skin so the serum simply stayed on top. However, my first discovery of an effective vitamin C was that of Cellux-C. Cellex-C products changed my skin and also changed many other’s as well. Reason being they figured out the delivery issue and that opened up a whole new world of skin care and many other brands followed suit.

Today I thought I’d share with you my all time favorite vitamin C products from a few of the most professional skin care lines on the market.

First from the granddaddy of them all as I mentioned above:

For sensitive skin:
Cellex-C Serum C for Sensitive Skin

For oily skin:
Jan Marini C ESTA Serum Oil Control

For normal to dry skin:
Obagi Professional C Serum

Gotta get your daily dose of C…even if it’s topically!

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a moisturizer/(you’re supposed to enunciate each slash…lol) anti-aging/stretch mark/scarring/discoloration/ treatment in one convenient bottle or jar? How about adding the science of peptides and antioxidants and infusing it with an amazing refreshing scent? If that’s not enough what if they made it a larger size as opposed to the typical ounce or two or even better yet it was indicated for the whole body but targeted specifically for the face, neck, décolleté and hands which all show the most significant signs of aging? You could literally have an incredible product that you could throw in your overnight bag or basically leave right there on your sink without a whole regimen of clutter. Well have I got good news for you…HydroPeptide has such a product.

HydroPeptide Moisturize Anti-Wrinkle Skin Firming Hydrator is the best product invented since sliced bread! I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love this product. I love knowing that when I’m in a hurry I have a primo product that does it all! My skin looks amazing. It firms up, brightens hydrates, improves texture, tone and discoloration, and even helps with stretch marks and scarring. And I use it from head to toe. I love that! My facial skin looks better as do my hands and décolleté. I love knowing that I can smooth it on all over and every inch of my skin is getting the same benefits as my face.

I love all of the HydroPeptide products but I love this one the most. It’s genius!

Not everyone has the time to shampoo every day and those with a drier scalp may find daily shampooing to be too drying. Finally there’s a solution that’s much more practical than the baby powder my friends used to use.

Dry shampoo has become quite popular and one of the best is Rene Furterer Naturia Dry Shampoo. Rene Furterer uses natural clays to absorb dirt and impurities. This freshens the hair and scalp, making it easy to skip a day.

I’m actually one of those people who has such an oily scalp that skipping the daily shampoo is out of the question. I also work out almost daily and won’t leave sweat in my hair. However, I do love it on the weekends when I head to the gym before my shampoo. The dry shampoo takes me from a very greasy look to presentable. One of my co-workers has such an oily scalp that by mid-day her bangs look greasy. She uses the dry shampoo to freshen up in the afternoon.

If you’re traveling, look for Rene Furterer Naturia Dry Shampoo – Travel Size. It’s a smaller size that’s perfect for camping trips when there’s not much room in the backpack. You can also put it in your hand bag for use during the day.

Make sure you follow the instructions. When I first used this, I sprayed too close to my head and my hair looked pink because of the natural clays. You should spray from a distance of about 15 inches. Be careful not to breathe the product in.

Does anyone have any other suggestions for dry shampoo or have you used the Rene Furterer product and have feedback?

Hi guys. I thought I’d give you some feedback on some great anti-aging products formulated just for men.

I get great feedback on Menscience products and I wanted to share with you the two products in particular that I think you’ll really like.

Menscience Androceuticals is a fabulous brand developed just for you. It is packed with potent, professional grade ingredients that are results oriented and the line is packaged nicely for men. Your skin will become healthier and much more youthful.

Its professional line of skincare include products for face and body and also has kits, tools and an array of shaving needs that are extremely effective and affordable.

The two I wanted to tell you about today are amazing. I know you guys love eye products so I wanted you to check out Menscience Eye Rescue Formula. It’s packed with powerful ingredients that diminish the signs of aging around the eye area, lightens up dark circles, and smoothes out and brightens up the skin.

Next I wanted share with you Menscience Anti-Aging Formula. This is a dermatological grade anti-aging treatment that is lightweight and goes on matte and invisible. It significantly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and firms up sagging skin. You’re going to love this product and at less than 60 bucks…the price is right and oh so worth it!

Have any of you heard about DermaQuest Skin Therapy? It’s a brand that’s been around since 1999 but I only recently discovered it. DermaQuest products are absolutely amazing. You’ve really got to check it out.

This results oriented professional skincare line uses quality ingredients along with cutting edge science. And when it comes to good skincare those are two assets that usually persuade me to give a line a try. So try…I did…and oh how impressed I was!

As per usual…to try out the line my first two purchases were a mask and an eye treatment. I can usually get a really good feel for a line if I like those two types of products within any line.

DermaQuest Skin Therapy C Lipoic Mask is awesome! It’s an anti-aging mask that firms, hydrates, provides anti-inflammatory properties, prevents collagen breakdown and improves skin tone and texture. I loved this mask!

DermaQuest Skin Therapy A and M Eye Recovery was also a treasure to discover. It was an all in one eye product find! It tightens and firms the eye area, works wonders on fine lines and wrinkles, hydrates and soothes the eye area, and even targets dark circles and puffiness. You’ve just got to give it a try…you WILL be impressed!

Have you ever gotten all dressed up with the fancy dress, the makeup and the hair only to feel like something was missing? It might be fragrance. While visuals are important, people really hold onto scent. Scents can make a lasting impression and really cement memories.

Scent is very personal and of course, a fragrance that’s perfect for one woman may not appeal to another. I will say that some fragrances encompass so much of what most women feel and that’s the case with Elizabeth Arden Pretty Eau de Parfum Spray by the Elizabeth Arden Pretty line. It’s a floral fragrance that’s feminine and flirty. Put simply, it really makes me feel like a beautiful lady. Not too heavy and not too light, I’ve found it works well for daytime and evening events all winter or all summer long.

I received the Elizabeth Arden Pretty Gift Set as a gift and it is probably one of the nicest things anyone has ever given me. Elizabeth Arden has really done wonders with the power of scent.

What’s your favorite fragrance?

Ever consider spending $140 bucks for a shampoo? Words like “heck no,” “that’s insane,” or “ridiculous” come to mind. However, think again…because it can be and is indeed worth it! At least the one I’m going to tell you about is!

I never in a million years thought I’d say that. Heck, I even buy 99 cent bottles of Suave every now and then. But the bottom line is…in the long run (if you’re into gorgeous locks of hair) it’s well worth it and then some!

Philip B has an incredible line of products all of which are the crème de la crème of hair care. My favorites have always been the four products in the Philip B Four Step Hair and Scalp Facial Treatment. It includes the Philip B Rejuvenating Oil, Peppermint and Avocado Volumizing and Clarifying Shampoo, Lightweight Deep Conditioning Creme Rinse, and the pH Restorative Detangling Toning Mist. My hair started to look amazing when I began using these products. The change was almost immediate…in fact; it was literally after the very first use.

This had me wondering if I should take the plunge and pony up the 140 bucks for their new shampoo called Philip B Russian Amber Imperial Shampoo. I spend that much on a trip to the salon…so why not spend it where I can look salon beautiful right from my own home…over and over again? So I did it! And I am so glad I did. My hair is crazy gorgeous now. Soft and silky and oh so shiny! It looks better than it ever has…including anytime I’ve just stepped out of the salon.

The shampoo is formulated with eleven “life-giving” L Amino acids that repair hair at the cellular level. It also contains an extremely high dose of Panthenol that is coupled with a catalyst that potentiates the B5 which facilitates delivery deep into every strand. Pair those qualities up with their brilliant blend of chamomile, grape seed, rosemary, nettle, burdock and sage and you can understand the price tag along with why it works extraordinarily well. I love this shampoo. You’ve got to try it…You won’t be disappointed. You’ll feel like you spent the best hundred and forty bucks you’ve ever spent!! I can promise you that!!

I’ve always been pretty lucky because my neck never really aged all that much so I never concentrated a whole lot (on buying specific neck creams) or stressed over it by wearing scarves or turtlenecks. I just figured it looked ok because I’d always pull my face serums and treatments down my neck which kept my neck toned and youthful. Which, by the way, I know that did help considerably…so be sure to always do that!

However, since my last birthday (and it was indeed a big one!) I’ve noticed significant aging and sagging around my once youthful looking neck. So needless to say I jetted to my computer to do my research to find the most raved about anti-aging neck treatment creams.

Here are the best two I found (I purchased and used them both)…and by the way they both worked beautifully!!!

Elemis Body Products Elemis Pro Collagen Lifting Treatment for Neck and Bust

Clinical results based on a 28 day period:
• Reduces skin crepiness by up to 33%.
• Increases skin firmness by up to 17%.
• Increases skin elasticity by 14%

Perricone MD Targeted products Perricone MD Firming Neck Therapy

Benefits:
• Improves skin firmness and elasticity
• Reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles and neck skin creases
• Contains anti-glycating qualities
• Reverses the signs of premature wrinkles
• Tones, tightens, nourishes and hydrates
• Skin is left firmer, smoother and youthful-looking

Both have considerably improved my neck in terms of crepiness, firming, and elasticity. I use one in the morning and one in the evening and the skin of my neck has less creasing. It looks so much better! I love these two products and Yes! the Elemis product did help firm my chest too!!! 

This is the era of the natural beauty. You may have avoided many products in the past because of the harsh chemicals but the skin care industry is making it easier to find natural solutions that are gentler on the skin, safer for the body and less impactful on the environment.

Decleor is a brand that believes in the benefits of both aromatherapy and phytotherapy. Natural plant extracts nourish and restore the health of skin in need of help. After cleansing, use Decleor Tonifying Lotion to restore the skin’s balance. Your skin will be more able to absorb natural actives found in other Decleor products. If you’re experiencing the effects of aging and dryness, Decleor Aroma White Night Cream is a must-have. It restores precious moisture, repairs damage and improves the appearance of discoloration.

L’Occitane also offers solutions for dry skin. If your skin is dehydrated, skip the soap and opt for L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil. It’s a cleansing product that nourishes the skin rather than removing essential moisture like so many other cleansers. It leaves the skin feeling silky soft. When it’s time to choose an eye product, select one that’s hydrating but also effective at combating common concerns. L’Occitane Immortelle Eye Balm deeply hydrates the eye area but also works hard to reduce dark circles and puffiness. Fine lines and wrinkles also become less noticeable over time.

Many women who consider themselves to be “natural” have avoided makeup because of the questionable ingredients. Some brands in the past have contained additives that actually exacerbate certain skin conditions. Mineral makeup has really changed the way we view makeup since the main ingredient comes from natural rocks. Zinc and titanium actually improve the condition of the skin by aiding in healing and reducing inflammation. These two ingredients also offer natural sun protection. bareMinerals continues to be a leader in mineral makeup. If you’re still unsure about where to start, consider the bareMinerals Get Started Kit Medium. Mineral makeup takes a little practice and this kit really makes it easy. What sets the kit apart from other products available on the market is the bareMinerals Mineral Veil, an absorbent mineral product with corn starch to absorb excess oils and prepare the skin for a flawless mineral foundation look.

Please share your favorite natural brands and products with us. With so many new choices coming out, we don’t know about every one!

Today's blog entry is very, very cool! It is part three of the Beauty Research People's Choice Product Awards and we saved the best for last! Have you always wanted to know the best regimen for your skin type and condition? Well this is your lucky day, because today you're going to get the information you've been waiting for!

And the awards for the best regimens are as follows...

Dry:

MD Forte Core System for Dry Skin

Oily:

Jan Marini Exceptionally Oily Skin Regimen

Acneic:

SkinCeuticals Acne Care System

Acneic (hormonal):

Leaf and Rusher Tx Acne 123 Collection

Hyperpigmentation:

Dermalogica ChromaWhite TRx Brightening Regimen

Anti-Aging:

M LAB Travel Collection for Anti-Aging

Spa Line:

Kerstin Florian Rejuvenating Starter Kit

Natural:

Sundari Gift of Healing Skincare

Travel:

Somme Institute Mobile Travel Kit

Men:

PCA Skin Trio for Men

If you’ve been putting off tackling the challenges that are facing your skin, now is the time to take them on. It’s a new year and it’s time to get your skin under control. We all get busy at times and our daily beauty routine is often the first thing to suffer. Vow to make some time for yourself, get armed with the right equipment and get going on achieving better skin.

I know that I have talked about the Clarisonic several times here on Beauty Research but I can’t stress enough just how powerful this tool is. It’s great for oily and dry types alike, wrinkles, acne, dark spots, etc… You name it and the Clarisonic will improve it. Now that the company has come out with the Clarisonic Mia Sonic Cleansing System and the Clarisonic Mia Sonic Cleansing System – Yellow, you can use your life-saving tool anywhere. These newest versions are highly portable and super convenient.

When taking on a specific concern, look for complete kits that take the guess work out of your product selections. Kits contain products that complement one another and are safe to use together. Murad has done an outstanding job of packaging complete kits for different concerns and skin types. Most noticeable is the Murad Resurgence Evening Renewal Regimen made specifically for menopausal and post-menopausal women. I’m glad we’re finally addressing the needs of this growing population. Hormonal changes can really take a toll on a woman’s skin, leaving it susceptible to dehydration, loss of tone and uneven color. This is a great solution.

On the other side of the spectrum, if acne is your concern, there’s Murad 30 Day Acne Complex Kit. This kit is for mild to moderate acne breakouts and perfect for adult acne. It’s very effective but won’t dry out the skin. If your acne is more severe, pay a visit to your dermatologist.

If your skin is sensitive and highly reactive, you’ll need to be careful about what you use. La Roche Posay specializes in sensitive skin care, offering effective but gentle products. La Roche Posay Toleriance Facial Cream is the perfect choice for dry, sensitive skin. It deeply hydrates while soothing redness associated with eczema and rosacea. You can use it as often as needed. If you’re looking to treat your eye area but are afraid of a reaction, try La Roche Posay Active C Eyes. It’s tough on wrinkles and dark circles but gentle on the skin.

Please write in if you have other concerns you need to tackle and you’re in need of product advice. We are here to help!

Today is part two of my Beauty Research People's Choice Awards. Yesterday I gave you my list of "you the consumer's best of" cleansers and moisturizers. Today are the prestigious award winners for Anti-Aging treatments. They've been categorized as serums, eye products, multi-tasking treatments, masks and in home repair.

And the winners are...

Best Anti-Aging Serum:

StriVectin Overnight Serum

Best Anti-Aging Eye Cream:

M Lab Anti-Aging Eye Cream

Best Anti-Aging Multi-Tasking Treatment:

Olay Pro X Age Repair Lotion SPF 30

Best Anti-Aging Mask:

Jan Marini C-ESTA Facial Mask

Best Anti-Aging In Home Repair Kit:

ZO Skin Health DNA Repair Program Kit

Just a little note from little ole me...I can't help but to tell you that when it comes to anti-aging I'm soooo in love with ZO Skin Health skincare products! But along with Zo all of the products mentioned are incredible! Enjoy your winners!!

I love sharing with you my favorite products for each skin type, condition, indication, and concern but with all the awards shows lately I’ve realized I haven’t spent much time writing about you (the customer’s) favorites. So I looked at every beauty website, magazine, product review and any other professional resource I could get my hands on to give you a list of favorites that you (the beauty public) all list as your favorites. The cool thing about most award shows is oftentimes the award goes to whomever their peer chooses to be the best. For instance, the Teen Choice Awards or the American Music Awards go to whom the public votes for. And the Academy Awards are voted for by academy members who are either actors themselves or in some way work within the movie making business which makes the honor even that much more special for the winner. It’s not just someone up there deciding who they themselves think deserve it. It’s decided amongst their peers. So today I give to you the Beauty Research People’s Choice Product Awards. You (or just regular consumers like you) have all in some way or the other helped me choose the following awards!

Due to the many awards I will be splitting the winners into a three part series. Today will be Cleansers and Moisturizers.

And the “Beauty Research People’s Choice Product Award” Goes To….

Best Cleanser for Oily Skin:
Philosophy Never Let Them See You Shine Cleanser

Best Cleanser for Dry Skin:
Korres Materia Herba 3 in 1 Cleansing Emulsion

Best Cleanser for Normal Skin:
Cor Silver Soap

Best Cleanser for Sensitive Skin:
Osmotics Calming Cleansing Milk

Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin:
Avene Cleanance Anti Shine Regulating Lotion

Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin:
Pevonia Rejuvenation Dry Skin Cream

Best Moisturizer for Normal Skin:
MD Formulations Moisture Defense Antioxidant Creme

Best Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin:
Abella Facial Moisturizer Cell Renewal Formula

It’s not that easy buying gifts for a man. What you think he wants or needs might not be in line with reality. I must say, for romantic occasions like Valentine’s Day, I like to stay away from the practical gifts like tools and gift certificates.

Fragrance is the first thing that usually pops into my head and I have been impressed with Kenneth Cole Black. It’s a very dark and mysterious fragrance that’s quite unique. There’s also a Kenneth Cole Black Gift Set that contains the signature Kenneth Cole Black fragrance, a shaving gel and deodorant. It makes for a very cool packaged gift!

I realize that traditional fragrances might not suit your man. Perhaps he’s very sporty and active and the whole cologne idea doesn’t really go over well? That’s where Molton Brown comes in. Fragrances are incorporated into more practical products like Molton Brown Active Cassia Body Wash and Scrub and Molton Brown Cassia Energy Sport Body Spray. The scents of these two products come from essential oils and natural extracts so the results are more subtle. Your man won’t even think he’s using any kind of fragrance. It’s definitely a good fit for an active lifestyle.

The next thing that comes to my mind is grooming. For some men, it’s a chore. Others enjoy the art of pampering themselves. If you’re going to give grooming products as gifts, make sure they come from a premium specialty brand like Art of Shaving. The shaving creams are really superior, treating the skin gently and resulting in a fabulous shave. The Art of Shaving Cream Sandalwood and The Art of Shaving Cream Lavender are both scented with only essential oils.

I could go on and on about great gifts for men but this is a good start. I think most men can appreciate luxurious personal care products from their ladies.

Want the best mascara in the world? Check out the three below. Each comes in more colors than shown and I’ve added a few of the customer ratings I found on SkinStore.com and SpaLook.com. I know these mascaras are phenomenal but it’s nice to hear what others are saying as well…

Too Faced Lash Injection Pitch Black $19.50

This mascara makes your lashes as long as fake eyelashes do. It uses a unique 3D coating technology that it literally looks as though you must be wearing a professionally applied set of lash extensions. If you’re looking for length this mascara’s for you!

BEST MASCARA IN THE WORLD!!!!!!
11/3/2009 11:14:38 AM
Thank God for this mascara! As I'm getting older my eyelashes have become much more sparse as well as shorter. I'm not a false eyelash kinda girl (end up looking like a clown) so I couldn't wait to try this mascara and OMG I was SHOCKED! It really truly looks like I have false eyelashes on. I also love it because unlike most other waterproof mascara it does not harm my eyelashes at all actually just the opposite, I can sleep in this mascara and it hydrates and strengthens my lashes because of the polymer casings. PURE GENIOUS!

Being True Hy Performance Mascara Obsidian  $22

This great wand grants your wish for volume, length and curl. Your lashes appear separated and elongated.

The best I've ever tried 1/28/2010 11:22:10 AM
This mascara is fantastic - no clumps or flakes and it stays put. The brush really separates each lash for maximum definition. I've found my "true" favorite.

Blinc Kiss Me Mascara Blue  $24

Blinc is the first company to invent mascara that forms tiny tubes around your lashes rather than painting them. The tubes do not run, smudge or flake! The blue makes blue eyes pop! Love this stuff! Also comes in other traditional and non-traditional colors.

Wow! - 5/7/2008 4:18:25 AM This mascara is great. It stays in place and lasts a long time. It's easy to remove and gentle on the eyes/eyelashes. Finally I can use mascara on my lower eyelashes without turning into a raccoon! Love the blue - have blonde hair/blue eyes, nice match.