Want to spoil yourself or know someone who could use a little spoiling? La Mer has introduced some fab luxury sets just in time for Holiday shopping. Some of my favorites are:

The Connoisseur Collection ($395.00 USD) — This beautiful set includes Creme de la Mer (2 oz),  The Lifting Face Serum (9 ml) and The Eye Concentrate (6 oz) in a festive keepsake box. This is gift that not only will make someone feel pampered, but is transformative for the skin!

The Signature Collection ($240.00 USD) — This travel-ready set includes Creme de la Mer (1 oz),  The Lifting Face Serum (16 ml) and The Eye Concentrate (6 ml) in a traditional Creme de La Mer box. This is a great idea for those ladies who like to take a bit of luxury with them while traveling.

Legendary Luxury ($1390.00 USD) – Here is the ultimate gift for ladies who love Creme de la Mer! 16.5 ounces of Creme de la Mer will keep you or someone you love looking beautiful for a long, long time!

Looking for a little extra with your purchase? visit www.lamer.com online, and when you spend $300.00, you will receive the Small Miracles Collection. A perfect stocking  stuffer, this kit includes Creme de la Mer (.24 oz),  The Lifting Face Serum ( .17 oz) The Eye Concentrate (.1 oz) and The Hydrating Infusion (.5 ox). Enjoy!

LORAC Everyday Eye Collection

Looking for great gift ideas and a great offer! Spend $50.00 at www.loraccosmetics.com through December 1, 2009 and  you will receive free shipping along with two full size Multiple Rush Lip/Cheek Sticks in Love Rush (pink shimmer) and Crush Rush (rose) and a mini Couture Shine Liquid Lipstick.  

What to buy when you visit the website. LORAC boasts great make up sets at affordable prices. One good choice to begin your shopping is the Everyday Eye Collection ($22.50 USD). This fun set features 9 of LORAC’s best-selling Eye Shadows and a Front of the Line Liquid Eye Liner all packed in a chic Croc Makeup Case.  This is available only at the LORAC website. This is a value of over $202 of makeup! You will get:

9 Eye Shadow Pots:
Beige/Joy/Cappuccino
Mesmerize/Cocoa/Suede
Kiwi/Lush/Jade

Front of the Line Liquid Eyeliner:
Black

These are beautiful long-wearing shadows and the thin felt tip liner is so nice to have. Most pen-like liners are thick and a bit unwieldy, but this one is very fine and easy to maneuver.

Visit the website and learn more about this set, plus other cool kits and other fab makeup products!

Kairos Clear Collection

Do you know that your hair care products may be contributing to your acne? I had no clue. But this is the purpose of Kairos Acne Care Solutions. The website describes the brand as, “a new approach to acne management, the first ever hair care created to combat the causes and aggravators of acne related to hair and hair care products.” I break out on my forehead and cheeks and was intrigued to try this brand!

Acne Shampoo ($24.00 USD) — Some of the claimed benefits of this Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment are that it helps to prevent acne, clears & controls breakouts, enhances shine, and eliminates product residue. To use: Massage into wet hair, lather, rinse well. May also be used directly on active acne areas on scalp, face, and body.

My 14-year-old daughter loves this shampoo because of the scent and how it makes her hair so soft. When she began using it, she didn’t even know it is supposed to clear breakouts — she just thought it was a great shampoo! She doesn’t usually break out, but I do (I know, unfair). I have noticed that I have been breaking out less since I have used this whole system.  

I also love the Balancing Breakout-Controlling Conditioner ($28.00 USD) — The benefits to the conditioner are that it softens, detangles, smoothes and moisturizes while preventing acne and controlling breakouts. This is a nice, light conditioner that you can use every day. This also smells great and makes hair soft and smooth.  

The Oil-Reducing Pore-Perfecting Treatment ($28.00 USD) can be used twice a week to eliminate greasy hair, keeps hair cleaner longer and helps with acne and breakouts. This is a great product that exfoliates my scalp and skin and helps control the oil. This is a special treatment that is used after shampoo and left on fir 3-5 minutes.

I have noticed that my skin looks clearer after trying this system. Please visit the website at kairosclear.com to learn more about these products and the styling products in the line (my daughter also LOVES the hairspray). Enjoy your soft hair and clear skin!

Korres Quercetin and Oak Collection is described on their website as, “Age-reversing skin care for younger, firmer, more elastic skin while dramatically reducing wrinkles and restoring skin elasticity and firmness”. As a forty-something woman, I could definitely use that! So I have been testing the Quercetin and Oak  Age-Reversing Day Cream for Normal to Dry Skin and Age-Reversing Night Cream for about 10 days now and I am really enjoying them.

I use the Quercetin and Oak  Age-Reversing Day Cream for Normal to Dry Skin ($48.00 USD) every morning after cleanser and serum. Some of the ingredients and benefits of the cream are: 

• Regenerative Oak Extract firms and plumps aging skin, while radically boosting collagen and elastin production.
• Powerful Quercetin Active- The most active, well-established polyphenol for maximum antioxidant protection. It catalyzes Proteasomes in our cells, dramatically Improving Skin Cell Functioning: cells are turned back to a youthful state, creating younger, healthier and more elastic skin
• Proprietary blend of Shea Butter, Sweet Almond and Hazelnut oils provides instant nourishment and hydration.
• Mourera Fluviatilis constantly regulates the optimum hydration of the cells, maintaining their health and improving their quality
• Myrtle active extract enhances intercellular communication visibly increasing skin density, protects collagen fibers, and significantly boosts skin elasticity

The Quercetin and Oak age-reversing night cream ($52.00 USD) has the same basic ingredients with the addition of:

• Barrier-Repairing Everlasting (Amaranth) Lipids are naturally compatible with the skin and successfully control moisture loss while effectively repairing and restoring damaged skin.
• Time-release proprietary blend of Jojoba, Grape and Pomegranate oils provides instant nourishment and hydration throughout the night.

Both creams are thick, but not greasy, although the night cream is heavier. The day cream soaks in quickly — but you just need a little bit! I feel that my skin looks smoother and definitely plumper. I have been also using it on the back of my hands and they look smooth and very young (I am big on treating my hands well as they can give away a lady’s age!). The scent of the creams are earthy, but mild. 

I recommend these products to really moisturize dry skin and give a nice glow. I haven’t noticed reduction in lines, but I have not been using them for long. I love that Korres uses natural ingredients and feel good about applying them to my face!

Visit www.korresusa.com to learn more and to purchase these lovely face creams. Enjoy!

I absolutely love the natural beauty care movement. In 2009, I have tried so many wonderful natural and organic hair care and skin care products. Although I have reviewed a couple of natural cosmetic companies, there aren’t as many out there as the other products.

Thats why I was so happy to try 100% Pure, a company that makes truly natural color cosmetics and skin care. They do not include synthetic chemicals, chemical preservatives, artificial fragrances, artificial colors, or harsh detergents in their products.  Their products are not tested on animals and are vegan, which I really like (I’m an animal lover). Another thing I love about these cosmetics is the all of the fragrances are real — real fruits, pure essential oils and pure absolutes make up the fantastic scent in the products. 

One important note about these products is since there are no preservatives, each product ahs an open jar symbol with a number on it. That number indicates how long you can use the product once it is opened.

I was lucky to try the following four outstanding products:

Fruit Pigmented Mascara ($21.00 USD) “This 100% natural mascara lengthens, separates, thickens and glosses lashes with fruit pigments and Black tea pigments. Lash conditioning ProVitamin B5, Vitamin E, Oat and Wheat protein conditions for healthier lashes. Gentle, all natural, good for you formula is suitable for everyone, even if you wear contacts or have sensitive eyes.” Water and smudge resistant and available in 4 colors, Black Tea, Blackberry, Blueberry and Dark Chocolate. I tried Blackberry, which is a purpley-black color. On the eyes it appears very dark and is so pretty. I wear contacts, and the mascara doesn’t irritate my eyes and it lasts all day without smudging!  

Fruit Pigmented Champagne Eye Shadow ($15.00 USD) – The website touts this shadow color as, “A glamorous eye shadow color of cocktail inspired, fruit pigmented cosmetics to make you sparkle and shine! This Champagne Eye Shadow is colored with the antioxidant and vitamin rich fruit pigments instead of minerals or synthetic dyes.” This shadow has organic rice starch as its first ingredient, and I think it is such ans interesting idea for a powder shadow, since they are usually made of talc or minerals. It is shimmery, pretty and long-lasting. A perfect base color, brow bone color or great for a natural look.

Shimmery Cocoa Berry Lip Gloss ($13.00) – This “100% Natural lip glosses made with 83% Vitamin E from organic rice bran and beautiful colors from fruit pigments. Vitamin E is a powerful anti-aging antioxidant that drenches your lips with moisture and deeply softens.” This is a beautiful lip gloss in a lovely neutral pink that would look good on all skin tones. It is very moisturizing, and I feel good knowing that it is natural and make with ingredients like shea butter, hone and fruits. Lovely!

Organic Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream ($19.00 USD) – ”Anti-inflammatory, caffeine rich green tea and coffee de-puffs and reduces swelling while increasing circulation to alleviate and brighten dark circles. Concentrated with potent anti-aging vitamins, antioxidants, and nourishing rosehip oil. Truly, 100% Pure.” This smells like coffee, which is fun, especially in the morning! It’s your first wake-up call, even before the first cup of joe! This great eye cream soothes and smooths  my tired eyes. I use it morning and night and my eyes look refreshed all day long!  

Check out these fab products and more at www.100percentpure.com. They will satisfy your craving for excellent natural makeup!

US $19.00

“I chose Dermatology because it’s one of the happiest fields in medicine,” says Dr. Michele Green. “People enjoy coming to my office because they know they will look and feel better when they leave!”

Dr. Green is a board certified Dermatologist with a private practice in New York City’s Upper East Side who specializes in cosmetic dermatology. She relies heavily on patient feedback in designing new products in making recommendations. As a result, she is an expert when it comes to knowing “what women want, what they like, and what products they are asking for. “If I’m going to recommend a product, I really have to believe in it,” she says emphatically.

I was lucky enough to test some of her skin care products, the Gentle Cleanser for Sensitive Skin, the High Potency Vita-C Serum and the Antioxidant Moisturizing Cream .  

Gentle Cleanser for Sensitive Skin ($15.00 USD) –  I like to apply this gentle, lipid-free cleanser on dry skin, rub it in and then rinse. It leaves a thin, moisturizing film on skin that is touted to be helpful for people with rosacea, dry or sensitive skin. You can also apply it to wet skin. Either way it leaves skin soft and hydrated, not dry and it doesn’t irritate at all.   

High Potency Vita-C Serum ($55.00 USD) — This serum has a high concentration of Vitamin C and claims to promote skin cell renewal and collagen stimulation, plus improving skin texture and radiance. This product contains alcohol so make sure you shake it before use and apply morning and night before moisturizer. I have been using it for a few weeks and my skin is clear and glowing (and less red).   

Antioxidant Moisturizing Cream ($55.00) – My favorite of the three products, this anti-aging moisturizer includes Vitamins A, C and E which firms, reduces fine lines, strengthens and protects skin from free-radical-induced skin damage and sun damage. I love the deeply hydrating, yet non-greasy texture. I pile it on at night, because I love how it feels in the cold weather, when my skin is so dry, and it doesn’t get oily or greasy at all. Then, in the morning, my skin is glowing!  

Visit michelegreenmd.com to learn more about and to purchase these great skin care products!

A Magical Beauty Gift Set

Give your little princess the gift of beauty this holiday season. Carol’s Daughter has paired with Disney’s The Princess and the Frog to bring A Magical Beauty Gift Set ($24.00 USD). This trio is comprised of genuinely natural hair and bath treats that gently clean, condition and soothe. And as a self-appointed expert on kids and bath products ( I have 3 daughters), I really love it when good, natural products are available for children. And with cool, new characters on them — it’s a win-win in my house! 

Gift Set Includes:

• Shampoo “The Beauty Within” – 8 fl. oz.
• Conditioner “Inner Shine” – 8 fl. oz.
• Bubble Bath “Sharing Means Caring” – 8 fl. oz.
• Loofah

You can also purchase the products separately they are:

The Beauty Within Shampoo ($10.00 USD) – This is a moisturizing shampoo that contains aloe leaf juice to gently cleanse the hair without stripping or drying it and leaves hair soft and tangle free. It smells nice and fresh and all of the products have the added bonus of being pediatrician-tested and paraben-free. I love using children’s shampoos on my daughters so I know that it’s safe and when it’s natural — all the better!   

Inner Shine Conditioner ($10.00) – This ultra-hydrating conditioner is good for all hair types — but works especially well on drier hair. Shine boosting trio Sunflower Seed, Olive and Sweet Almond Oils leave hair feeling soft, while helping tame tangles for good. I use more conditioner on my daughter Abby who has thick and wavy hair then my daughter Olivia whose hair is straight and fine — and they both look great afterwards! 

Sharing Means Caring Bubble Bath ($8.00) – This fun bubble bath cleans and calms children’s delicate skin with moisturizing aloe leaf juice. It has nice, thick bubbles and all of my girls (yes, that means me too) really love the scent!

Visit www.carolsdaughter.com to purchase these fun products for holiday giving or just to make your princess feel as special as she truly is!

Bye Bye Pores HD Silk Micro-Powder

It Cosmetics always has great products that hide flaws and highlight our best features. Their fab new product, the HD Silk Micro Finishing Powder ($24.00 USD), is a translucent setting powder and all over face finishing powder that actually helps reduce the appearance of pores! This HD Micro-powder is infused with line smoothing hydrolyzed collagen, luxurious silk for a poreless finish, and vitamin K to help reduce discoloration. It also contains anti-aging antioxidants Vitamins A,C & E to help ward off free radicals throughout the day and is talc-free, oil-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free and hypo-allergenic and non-comedogenic. The translucent color works on all skin tones.

As I grow older, my pores are increasing in size and powder often makes my face look dry, especially in fall and winter. I buff this loose powder on my face and it takes away shine and diminishes the appearance of pores without looking dry and flaky. It keeps me looking fresh (not oily) all day long. This is definitely going to be my go-to powder for the cold-weather months — and most likely when it warms up, too.

Visit www.itcosmetics.com to learn more and to purchase this fantastic powder!