Tired of Looking Tired
Under eye circles and puffiness are one of the most common beauty complaints and are usually genetically inherited, or accrued from late nights at the office, lack of sleep, and general stress. I have tried hundreds of products that promise to cover and hide the “sleepless night look” so many of us sport under our eyes. Here are some of my picks to combat and conceal- and help anyone who is tired of looking tired!
Frownies Eye Gels, Under Eye & Eye Lid Collagen Patches, $29.95
Frownies eye gels are the first step in achieving a deflated under eye area. The anti-wrinkle treatment contains strong anti-oxidants that not only help protect the sensitive skin, but in one thirty minute treatment 100% of women saw a reduction of fine lines, puff and dark circles. The weight of the patch soothes the under eye area and fights free radical damage. For optimal results, all you have to do is use the gel three nights in a row and then sporadically once a week from there on out! They’re also great to use before any special nights out or as a 30 minute treatment. Frownies are a tinseltown staple and a favorite of Raquel Welch, Rashida Jones and the entire Kardashian clan!
Ask Melissa: Best Face Moisturizers at Every Price Point
Question:
My skin feels so dry this winter and I’m looking to find a new face moisturizer that not only works well but also feels good on my skin and absorbs easily. I’m pretty sensitive to fragrances and don’t like anything too perfumey. What products do you recommend?
Answer:
I can totally relate as I have dry skin all year round and a very sensitive nose too! I’ve road tested so many facial moisturizers, and have come up with my “best of” list at all different price points. These moisturizers are top notch plus they have great anti-aging properties:
SK-II Skin Refining Treatment, BUY NOW, $150
SK-II has a special scientifically proven moisturizing ingredient called Pitera, made of a fermented yeast that produces a unique blend of vitamins, amino acids, minerals and organic acids. This “secret key” (SK) ingredient was discovered in Japan at a sake brewery–the older people who worked there had mysteriously beautiful, age defied hands as a result of regularly immersing them in a similar fermented yeast mixture. I have been using this product for over ten years and really believe in it. The list of celebrity clients who use SK-II to keep their skin looking ageless is rather lengthy, and Cate Blanchett was a fan long before she became the brand’s ambassador.
vbeauté Buying Time Everyday Créme, BUY NOW, $135
Vbeauté is one of the best new skincare lines that was recently launched by Vogue It girl, stylish socialite and mom, Julie Macklowe. Teaming up with the top molecular biologists, Julie developed special formulas that include rare botanicals and focus heavily on preventing the onslaught of aging. The Everyday Créme is light but moisturizes intensely and can be used for day or night. The fragrance-free formula feels great on the face and is perfect for anyone who has sensitive skin looking to try a new “tried and true” anti-aging product.
Shiseido Bio-Performance Super Restoring Cream, BUY NOW, $98
A list of the best face creams wouldn’t be complete without Shiseido’s Bio-Performance. This pink hued formula in a tub boasts a patent-pending blend of ingredients which boosts skin elasticity and promotes moisture retention. It feels super luxurious on the skin and yet has impeccable firming capabilities all at the same time. I use it nightly and also before I do any outdoor activities like skiing or running- it’s great for preventing wind burn. This cream is like nothing I’ve ever used or felt before–it has a very special texture that is super nourishing on the skin!
Ask Melissa: Favorite Primer & Foundations
I’m 55 years young with uneven skin tone, age spots and small veins. Is a primer really necessary? If so, what is the best foundation, liquid or mineral, and which brand would you recommend?
I really like using a primer under my foundation as it smooths out and prepares the skin for make-up application. My favorite primer is by Laura Mercier–it has the perfect consistency and it really fills in lines and wrinkles for smoother skin appearance. I like Sue Devitt’s Triple C-Weed Whipped Foundation for medium to full coverage. It’s oil-free formula has a whipped texture that evens out skin imperfections while locking in moisture at the same time. Minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles too. -Melissa
Buy Now, Laura Mercier Primer, $30
Buy Now, Sue Devitt’s Triple C-Weed Whipped Foundation, $40
Buy Kiehl’s Rosa Arctica Face Cream, $60
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Buy Kiehl’s Rosa Arctica Face Cream, $60
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Buy Fresh Sugar Honey Tinted Lip Treatment SPF15, $22.50
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Buy Fresh Sugar Honey Tinted Lip Treatment SPF15, $22.50
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Buy SkinCeuticals Eye Balm, $50.97
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Buy SkinCeuticals Eye Balm, $50.97
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Buy Terry concealer and illuminator, $55.50
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Buy Terry concealer and illuminator, $55.50
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Buy NIA24 Sun Damage Prevention 100% Mineral Sunscreen, $45
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Buy NIA24 Sun Damage Prevention 100% Mineral Sunscreen, $45
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New Beauty Gadgets that Erase Wrinkles and Treat Sunburn
Recently we’ve been seeing new launches in the world of FDA approved skincare devices. Two of them are particularly interesting, Zeno Line Rewind Wrinkle Reduction Kit is mass priced and sold in drug stores. It retails for $39.99. PaloVia Skin Renewing Laser
is premium priced and sold online and on QVC. It retails for $499.00.
Below are FAQs about these new devices.
1) How do these skincare devices work?
Ron Robinson: PaloVia Skin Renewing Laser eliminates under-eye wrinkles using patented fractional laser technology (apparently the first FDA-cleared, at-home device that can be used to help treat under-eye wrinkles). The micro-fine light works from within the source of wrinkles. It stimulates the skin’s natural collagen and elastin production. The unit comes with a pre-treatment gel and the device. The pre-treatment gel is applied to the under-eye area. The device is switched on and activated with the desired low or high setting. The unit is placed and worked upon the target under-eye area. Suggested use is three-four minutes for the first month and twice a week thereafter.
ZENO LINE REWIND Wrinkle Reduction Kit uses heat, vibration and red LED technology to fight wrinkles. The system includes a serum and the device. The serum, enriched with peptide complexes, antioxidants and hyaluronic acid, is applied all over the face. Upon turning on the device, it warms to a soothing temperature and gently vibrates to massage the serum onto the skin.
2) Do these devices represent a threat to the topical market?
RR: These devices do pose a minor threat to the topical market due to their immediate, long-lasting effects and prices almost comparable to mass and premium cosmetic products.
In addition, they may take away a minor share of consumers who undergo dermatological procedures, given their relatively low price points and convenience.
3) Can these devices be used in tandem with a cosmeceutical treatment?
RR: In case of PaloVia, it is recommended to use a sunscreen daily and use a moisture-rich cream after the application if the skin feels dry. It is safe to continue using regular skincare products. Zeno Line Rewind comes with a serum, as mentioned above, but it also can be used in conjunction with other skincare products. A mild cleanser is recommended.
4) What do consumers say about these skincare devices?
RR: We surveyed the BeautyStat.com community. Eighty-eight percent of Beautystat readers are excited to try the PaloVia Skin Renewing Laser, and 70 percent are interested in trying the ZENO LINE REWIND Wrinkle Reduction Kit. They feel great about the affordable price compared to expensive doctor visits. Consumers are interested in trying non-surgical procedures to fight aging lines. One percent of consumers are not convinced by the claims made by PaloVia, and 20 percent are skeptical about the effects of the ZENO LINE REWIND Wrinkle Reduction Kit.
Buy Now, Zeno Line Rewind Wrinkle Reduction Kit, $39.99
Buy Now, PaloVia Skin Renewing Laser, $499
 Ron Robinson is a cosmetic chemist and research executive who has developed products for Clinique, Estee Lauder, Revlon, Avon and Lancome. Ron is the founder of a fast-growing online beauty community called BeautyStat.com. Ron and BeautyStat.com have been featured in Women’s Wear Daily, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Self Magazine, Women’s Health Magazine, GCI Magazine, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, AM New York, Allure, NBC and CBS News. |
