THE FACE HAS IT

As seasons change, especially now that fall’s cooler and drier temperatures are setting in, our skincare products and regimen also need to change.  What worked in the summer, generally doesn’t work in the fall, or even winter.  This edition focuses on changing your skincare regimen and includes some high performance products that nourish, restore and revitalize I’ve reviewed.

~ QUICK TIPS FOR MAINTAINING HEALTHY SKIN ~

·       Skin needs to be protected from assaultive climatological changes year-round. 

·       During the colder and drier months especially, consider using products that are more densely formulated, including cream cleansers and moisturizers (versus lotion-based), serums and even face oils. 

·       Consider also limiting the frequency of exfoliating, which will minimize irritation to the delicate tissue.  

·       Be gentle to your skin and don’t forget to try and minimize stress and exposure to environmental pollutants.

·       Use makeup that is dual-purpose, by treating skin while adding color.

·       Get a sufficient amount of rest each night to replenish and revitalize.

·       Drink plenty of hydrating fluids. 

·       Maintain a healthy diet and fitness routine. 

~ PRODUCTS TO CONSIDER ~

Caviar of Switzerland ~ A new entry in the luxury skincare market is Caviar of Switzerland.  This prestigious collection includes Intensive Eye Cream, Cellular Repair Serum and 24h Regeneration Cream.  Key ingredients in each of these products include 1) caviar extract, which is prized for its protein, minerals, vitamins and lipids; the properties also aid in cell regeneration, re-mineralization and hydration; 2) a proprietary formula of a collagen synthesized peptide, which helps to minimize fine lines while firming and hydrating; and, 3) the potent antioxidant resveratrol, which protects the cellular structure from environmental assaults by pollutant free radicals; testing has also shown that this antioxidant contains anti-inflammatory and skin lightening properties.  Other product ingredients include bisabolol, shea butter, panthenol, sodium hyaluronate, vitamin E and UVB filters.  Product consistency is rich and luxurious and glides on effortlessly; all of the products were non-irritating and quickly absorbed without leaving any tacky residue.  My skin immediately looked firmer, brighter and definitely revitalized and healthy.  These Caviar of Switzerland products reminded me of another premier brand of skincare I used many years ago, La Prairie.  http://www.caviarofswitzerland.com

Jane Iredale ~ I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing and using this premier mineral makeup line for at least seven years and have always enjoyed using the products, but have also eagerly looked forward to the new seasonal collections and color palettes.  I wasn’t disappointed with the latest collection, Jane Iredale’s Simply Magical Fall 2012.  Simply Magical is simply stunning!  For the eyes, there’s a PurePressed Eyeshadow trio, Sundown in Deep Charcoal, Shimmery Beige and Rich Purple-Grey, and Mystikol in Smoky Quartz on one end and a Pinky-Peach highlighter on the other end; I love the swivel dispenser action that dispenses just the right amount of color; glides on effortlessly with a soft tip applicator.  What’s great about these colors is that they’re easy to blend and can be worn either light and neutral, or intense and glam; all accentuate the natural beauty of the eyes.  For the cheeks, there’s PurePressed Blush in Whisper, for warmer skin tones and Barely Rose, for cooler skin tones; these blendable colors can also be taken from just a hint of color to a darker blush of beautiful color that also enhance.  For a hint of color to my eyes, I’ve occasionally used the PurePressed Blush without any irritation and the subtle hint of color is lovely.  Wearability, blendability and the ability to take the eye or cheek colors from natural to glam is something I’ve always appreciated about this line.  All of the products are gentle and non-irritating and good for the skin with their base of natural minerals.  Lastly, for the lips, there’s Just Kissed Lip Plumper in Montreal, a Rich Red and Venice, a Mulled Wine.  A huge plus with this product is that it’s also a treatment product; ginger, peppermint and spearmint oils plump, and oils like jojoba, lemon and tangerine hydrate; there are also peptides that stimulate collagen, as well as vitamin E, extracts of green tea, grapeseed and fruit.  Overall, you’ll love the Simply Magical Fall Collection and all of its stunningly beautiful colors.  http://www.janeiredale.com

Marula The Leakey Collection ~ Marula Oil is the current über oil and in terms of antioxidants and Omega 9 fatty acids, is higher than argan or grapeseed oil.  Marula Oil is an effective hydrator, is quickly absorbed, densely concentrated and leaves no tacky or oily residue; its aroma is neutral; it is also rich in vitamin C, anti-oxidant rich flavonoids and fatty acids (palmitic, oleic and stearic), which are all vital to healthy skin and cellular generation. The prized oil is derived from East African Marula trees and wild harvested.  Not only is the fruit prized for skincare benefits, it is also consumed.  In using Marula Oil, I only needed a small quantity, about the size of a pea to amply hydrate my skin; after using the product, my skin felt more firmer and supple with fine lines and wrinkles diminished; I also liked the design of the applicator, which is a swivel dropper that has the exact amount of oil measured each time the dropper is removed.  The Leakey Collection is aligned with the local rural women who harvest the fruit and who then process it for the Marula Oil; this is definitely a fair trade arrangement with production enabling the local women to have a sustainable economy and viable livelihood.  http://www.marula.com

NūFACE Classic ~ Whenever an esthetic device hits the market that promises professional results, buzz on the street and within the industry is audible.  The introduction of the NūFACE device was no different.  Before trying my NūFACE Classic Pink for a Cause, I had a twinge of the skeptic in me daring it to prove itself and all the hype associated with that latest buzz.  Truth be told and after trying it a few times, the buzz on this incredible device has made me a believer.  To a clean face, I applied the Gel Primer to the recommended areas; the Gel Primer is needed to activate the device’s microcurrent flow to the pre-treated areas; I set the device to a mid-level (number 5) for the dispensed measured microcurrent; the current wasn’t felt at any time.  The heads of device should methodically be applied to the recommended areas and suggested pattern; if the activator dries, a mist of water revives it; the microcurrent action won’t occur without the activator delivery system; any residue can either be wiped off or rubbed into the skin; the heads of the device must be thoroughly cleaned, however.  Once the treatment is completed, the rest of one’s skincare regimen can occur.  I was amazed to see noticeable results of firmer and tighter appearing skin and only after the first at-home treatment; it almost appeared like I had a mini face lift, since areas didn't appear to be sagging.  This is a must-have in one’s “arsenal” of skincare tools. http://www.mynuface.com

TouchBack ~ Stunning eyes call for stunning, well-groomed and healthy-looking eyebrows.  It’s not just over-tweezing or improperly tweezing that leads to sparse eyebrows, aging causes a natural loss of eyebrow hair.  Using a 1950s vintage eyebrow pencil can make brows appear “clownish” and over-done.  And while not everyone has the ability to add just the right amount of color fill in thinning eyebrows, the BrowMarker definitely offers precision application with its fine tip applicator.  This product is a magic marker for the brows, but without leaving any permanent color until it’s removed with makeup remover; it bonds to the skin and hair to effortlessly fill in sparse areas.  I tried the BrowMarker in Blonde. The BrowMarker was easy to control and precise.  I was very pleased with the ability to gently and lightly control how much color and brow fill I wanted and where I wanted to apply it too; the result was a beautiful accentuation to my eyebrows, which emphasized my green eyes. http://www.touchbackgray.com

 ~ WORTH MENTIONING ~

Products I’ve previously reviewed that are a must-have for any skincare regimen include the Clarisonic Mia and the Clarisonic Opal.  Both products are ideal for year-round use, and maximize product efficacy while promoting healthy skin.  Both products work nicely with the NūFACE device.

~ THINGS I’VE LEARNED ALONG THE WAY ~

I grew up at a time when most women used Pond’s Cold Cream or Noxzema products; some even used harsh soap to cleanse their face.  When I was in my twenties, my skincare routine was virtually non-existent.  One of the things I regularly did, however, was to wash my face with a gentle soap.  Thinking I was doing my skin a favor, I noticed I was always having annoying blemishes.  Trying to analyze what I was doing wrong, I finally figured out what my problem was.  I’d use a fresh washcloth each day.  The problem was that in between drying, bacteria would form and I’d end up washing my skin with a dirty cloth, thinking I was doing my skin a favor.  Once I figured that out and had the sense to use a fresh cloth each and every time I washed, the annoying blemishes stopped.

For a DIY gentle exfoliator, add cornmeal to your cleanser and limit the frequency of exfoliating your skin.  I exfoliate no more than two to three times a month; to me the weekly or daily exfoliation by some is over-kill and two rough on the tissue, not to mention how it stirs up oil production. 

Another DIY for a refreshing toner is to add food-grade rosewater or orange water to witch-hazel.  The food-grade waters are available at an Indian or Arab market and less expensive than buying waters labeled for skincare.  Witch hazel can be obtained at any drugstore.  Avoid buying the DIY blend that’s already been bottled by the manufacturer; you end up paying more for that version, versus making your own concoction. 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Support and patronize those businesses that make donations to agencies and organizations that promote breast health and awareness.  Be sure to schedule a yearly mammogram and perform monthly self-exams.

That’s it for this edition.  Until the next one, remember to take care of yourself and those you love.

By Terry Herman

Terry Herman is a recognized expert in the industry, and regularly covers issues that include business, management, operations, customer care, treatments, products, and trends. In addition to writing and reviewing, she is also a management consultant and motivational speaker.  She also serves on EXPERIENCE | PREMCHIT Journeys In Retreat To Wellness Advisory Board, which is comprised of ten international experts in various fields of wellness and spa.  She also serves as a Group Manager for the popular LinkedIn group, The Spa Buzz.  You can email her at terrysspabeautywellness@gmail.com.

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(Photo credits as represented from the specific brand.)

N.B.  Google’s blog platform is incompatible with my Mac OS X and Firefox browser latest software versions, which is why some web links appear in different colors and why when attempting to have embedded images their sizing is consistent and/or can’t be sized.