Tag Archives: elasticity

Laser In A Bottle

I’m at the age when you start to consider medical procedures. I’m not against cosmetic surgery or procedures, but I am afraid of looking like a monster. You all know what I’m talking about (and if you don’t, just turn on “The Real Housewives”). No one wants to look like they’ve had work done, but most of us would love to turn back the signs of aging. Luckily, there are some wonderful at-home “procedures” you can do at a fraction of an office-visit price. And the results are almost as good.
I have fallen in love with Dr. Brandt’s Laser A-Peel System. Dr. Brandt has been in the business for over 20 years and has a huge celebrity following. He has done a magnificent job of creating products for home use that very closely mimic in-office procedures. The Laser A-Peel system tightens pores, improves elasticity, and reveals skin radiance in 5 minutes. This innovative duo is formulated with lactic and glycolic acids and delivers high-impact results in minimal time.
The system is very easy to use. Just pump the peeling solution onto a cotton pad and spread a thin layer over entire face (avoiding the eyes). Wait 5 minutes and then rinse with warm water. I could feel how smooth my face was while rinsing. Then apply the soothing gel and voila! Beautiful, radiant skin. Just after that short amount of time (and one use), I saw immediate results. My pores were tighter and some of the little “bumps” I have were diminished. It has a heftier price tag, but you only have to use it once a week so it should last quite awhile. But please take note-this product does contain alpha hydroxy acids that may increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Always wear sunscreen!

20120409-095832.jpg
Dr. Brandt Laser A-Peel System $75
available at Sephora

20120409-100122.jpg

2 Comments

Filed under Beauty

Miracle Worker

I have definitely reached the age where deep wrinkles are starting to appear. I can blame genetics (my dad had deep forehead wrinkles) but my dermatologist tells me the main reason for them is that I talk with my face. In other words, I’m very expressive. That’s fine and dandy, but I still don’t like it. There are so many products that claim to erase wrinkles, it’s hard to know what to try. One line I have seen success with is Philosophy’s Miracle Worker. I totally dig the retinoid pads, but only recently tried the eye cream and moisturizer. Philosophy has put together a set that contains all the products and it’s a great value.
The Philosophy Miracle Worker Set contains their best anti-aging products. They feature retinoids, which are proven to diminish the appearance of deep wrinkles. Used together, these products improve the elasticity and firmness of your skin and renew your skin tone and texture. The set consists of Miraculous Anti-Aging Eye Cream and moisturizer, and Miracle Worker Anti-Aging Retinoid Solution and pads. It is also appropriate for all skin types. My deep wrinkles have not disappeared, but they certainly do look better.And in my opinion, every little bit helps.

20120324-172928.jpg
Philosophy Miracle Worker Set $119 ($185 value)

This set is exclusive to Sephora (I know, I shop there way too much) and is a limited edition. Don’t let this one pass you by.

Leave a Comment

Filed under Beauty

Thicker Hair With Invati

I have fine hair that seems to be thinning as I get older. My biggest beauty fear is losing my hair, and finding a handful in the shower drain can be very depressing. So when Aveda unveiled their new Invati line I was very intrigued. This three piece collection claims to reduce hair loss and improve and thicken thinning hair. I was hesitant. It is not the cheapest collection and I was very skeptical. But, I forked over the money and was on my way to being a guinea pig.
Here are the vitals. Invati means “invigorate”. Formulated with the power of Densiplex (an invigorating blend of ayurvedic herbs such as turmeric and ginseng), the Invati line basically claims to help you keep the hair you have longer. It does this by using the densiplex to energize and rehabilitate the scalp. A healthier scalp equals healthier hair. It also restores strength and elasticity which reduces breakage. Here’s a breakdown of each product.

20120225-151530.jpg
Invati Exfoliating Shampoo $24
This shampoo cleanses, exfoliates, and renews the scalp. It is clinically proven to remove build-up of sebum and product residue.

20120225-151832.jpg
Invati Thickening Conditioner $24
This conditioner is clinically proven to restore strength and improve hair elasticity, reducing breakage. It thickens hair with a blend of guar, palm, and rapeseed-derived ingredients.

20120225-152035.jpg
Invati Scalp Revitalizer $60
This helps energize and rehabilitate the scalp around follicles when massaged in (8 sprays on each side of head, massage in. I do this in the am and the pm. It doesn’t make hair feel dirty). This spray creates the optimum environment for healthy hair.

Okay, so how do I really like it? Love the conditioner and the scalp revitalizer. The only reason I’m not crazy about the shampoo is because it doesn’t lather, but my hair does get clean. I can say in all honesty that I have seen a huge drop in the amount of hair in the drain. Because I don’t wash my hair every day, there would be a good amount of hair left in the shower. Now, there are days I don’t even have to clean the hair trap. My hair does look and feel thicker, especially on the days I wash my hair. Usually, after rinsing the conditioner out of my hair, my hair felt pretty thin. Now, it’s noticeably thicker when wet and you can feel it “thickening” when rinsing out the conditioner. I’ve been using it about a month and I do have to give it “two thumbs up”. It is worth the price tag if you suffer from thin hair. I will suggest shopping around. I’ve found salons that offer a discount if you buy all three items, which I recommend. It is truly a “system” and for optimal results you need to use all the products.

20120225-153342.jpg
Please visit Aveda to order or find salons near you.

20120225-155508.jpg

20120225-155524.jpg
Does my hair look thicker?

4 Comments

Filed under Beauty

Waddle Repair

Remember Ally McBeal? There were two characters-Richard and Whipper-and he was most attracted to her “waddle”. In other words, her loose neck skin. At the time, I was a mere youngin’ of the late twenty/early thirties range, and could not relate to this at all. Well, the times, they are a’changin my friends. I feel there are two things that truly give away my age-my eyes (years spent squinting) and the lines on my neck. Yuck and yuck! It really never occurred to me that all these years I should have been protecting my neck. In my search for a neck cream, I came across one from L’Oreal. So far, so good.
L’Oreal’s Age Perfect Hydra-Nutrition Golden Balm for Face/Neck/Chest is really good. It’s a thick, rich, and delicious smelling balm that deeply nourishes thin, delicate skin with calcium + ten precious oils. It immediately penetrates deep below the skin’s surface, locking in 24 hour hydration. The elasticity is improved for more toned, firmer, and younger looking skin. It’s thick-really thick-but not at all greasy. It soaks in very quickly. And after using it for a couple of months, I can see a difference. Even some of the finer lines have disappeared. I don’t need to use it on my face (yet) but my chest is starting to need a little help too. Good thing this balm covers all the bases.

20120111-160122.jpg
L’Oreal Age Perfect Hydra-Nutrition Golden Balm $19.99
available at all major drugstores

2 Comments

Filed under Beauty