Apr
23
CEW (UK) Beauty Awards 2009 Results
Filed Under Awards, Beauty Products, Press Release | 2 Comments
The results of the CEW (UK) Beauty Awards have been announced! The proud winners of this year’s competition are:
Best British Brand – Mass or Prestige
Neal’s Yard Remedies
Best Iconic Beauty Product – Mass or Prestige
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant
Best New Organic Skincare Product – Prestige
Neal’s Yard Remedies White Tea Enriching Facial Mask
Best Hand and Nail Care Product – Mass
Leighton Denny Expert Nails Crystal Nail File
Best New Women’s Celebrity Fragrance – Prestige
Kate Moss Velvet Hour
Best New Women’s Fragrance (50 doors min.) – Prestige
Chloé Eau de Parfum
Best New Women’s Fragrance (Limited Distribution, 50 doors max.) – Prestige
Miller Harris Le Petit Grain Eau de Parfum
Best New Men’s Fragrance – Prestige
Dolce & Gabbana The One for Men
Best New Everyday Skincare Product – Mass
Soap & Glory Glow Job
Best New Anti-Ageing Skincare Product – Mass
Tri-Aktiline
Best New Everyday Skincare Product – Prestige
Clinique Superdefense SPF25 Age Defense Moisturizer
Best New Anti-Ageing Skincare Product – Prestige
Estée Lauder Perfectionist CP+ Wrinkle Lifting Serum Corrector for Lines/Wrinkles/Age Spots
Best New Make-up Product – Mass
Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara
Best New Make-up Product – Prestige
Estée Lauder TurboLash All Effects Motion Mascara
Best New Bath & Body Product – Mass
Soap & Glory Scrub Actually
Best New Bath & Body Product – Prestige
St Tropez Everyday Body
Best New Haircare or Colouring Product – Mass
TommyGuns Blueberry and Ginseng Shampoo
Best New Styling Product – Mass
L’Oréal Paris Elnett Diamond Hold and Shine
Best New Professional Haircare Product – Prestige
Shu Uemura Art of Hair Satin Design White Tea Polishing Milk
Best New Sun Product – Mass
Nivea Sun DNAge Cell Protection Anti-Ageing Face Sun Cream SPF30
Best New Sun Product – Prestige
Sisley Sunleya Age Minimizing Sun Care SPF15
Best Classic Beauty Product – Mass
Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor
Best Classic Beauty Product – Prestige
Clinique Airbrush Concealer
Best New Brand – Mass
Tri-Aktiline
Best New Brand – Prestige
Sarah Chapman Skinesis
Best New Men’s Grooming Product – Mass
The Refinery Shave Foam Gel
Best New Men’s Grooming Product – Prestige
Clinique Skin Supplies for Men Age Defense Hydrator SP
Apr
22
Sunscreen Secrets
Filed Under Beauty, Beauty Tips, Skincare | Leave a Comment
Questions about sunscreens are plentiful in the wake of a recent report by The Environmental Working Group (EWG) that gave a failing grade to 85% of the nearly 1,000 sunscreens reviewed. The products gave inadequate sun protection, have ingredients thought to be health hazards, or have not been tested for safety, according to scientists at the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit research organization.
Consumers are understandably confused, with many questions about sunscreen use.
WebMD posed eight key questions about sunscreens to experts, trying to get a consensus on how best to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays. While the experts don’t agree entirely, their answers can give you good guidance to face the sun safely.
1. Do some sunscreen ingredients and products really work better than others?
“A definite yes,” says Rebecca Sutton, PhD, a staff scientist for the EWG and an author of the report.
Two ingredients favored by EWG scientists are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, for two reasons, Sutton says. “They protect us over this broad range of ultraviolet A (UVA) and UVB.” And these ingredients don’t tend to break down as easily as other sunscreen ingredients, according to the EWG.
UVB rays cause sunburn and skin cancer; UVA rays cause aging and likely skin cancer. Because both cause damage to the skin, Sutton says, it’s important to pick a sunscreen with broad spectrum protection that shields out both types of rays.
Many active ingredients in sunscreens break down in the sun, wiping out protection, according to the report. And some sunscreens only provide protection against ultraviolet B.
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are classified by experts as physical blockers, which work by reflecting rays away from the skin. Other sunscreen ingredients, such as oxybenzone, are chemical blockers, which work by absorbing rays and preventing them from penetrating.
“The physical blocking sunscreens are by far the better sunscreens vs. the chemical sunscreens,” says Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD, a dermatologist in Danville, Calif.
Newer sunscreen formulas include the ingredients avobenzone and Mexoryl SX. “These are considered improvements because they provide excellent UVA and UVB protection,” says Dina Began, MD, a physician at Montefiore Medical Center and assistant professor of medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York.
Mexoryl (ecamsule), a UVA blocker approved in 2006 by the FDA, was judged as effective in a report on the sunscreen ingredient in a study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in 2007.
But the EWG found in its literature search that as much as 40% of Mexoryl can degrade within two hours, Sutton says.
Another new sunscreen addition, Helioplex, is a stabilizer used in sunscreens that combine avobenzone (a UVA sunscreen) and oxybenzone (a sunscreen that blocks UVB and some UVA). While they may be more stable, Helioplex products trigger the same concerns from EWG scientists as do other chemical blockers — the risk of upsetting hormonal balance, Sutton says.
The bottom line: Physical blockers work better on both UVA and UVB rays, according to experts interviewed by WebMD.
2. Do some sunscreen ingredients really carry health risks?
Experts disagree, with some thinking they do and others saying the link is unproven.
Sutton thinks some ingredients are definitely hazardous, including oxybenzone. “We have animal studies that indicate we should be concerned about hormone disruption,” she says. “Oxybenzone is found to have weak estrogenic effects in fish.”
What some experts suspect happens is that the body interprets the presence of the chemical as some sort of hormone. “It could be turning on or off certain functions,” she says. “The hormonal balance is becoming disrupted.”
In laboratory studies, some sunscreen ingredients, including Padimate-O and Ensulizole, have been linked to cell mutations that can be linked to cancer, Sutton says.
But the official stance of the Skin Cancer Foundation is that oxybenzone is a “safe and effective UV filter,” according to a spokesperson.
The American Academy of Dermatology has no official position on the use of oxybenzone sunscreens, a spokesperson says.
3. What do I look for when I go sunscreen shopping?
Sunscreens using physical blockers (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide) are preferred by EWG scientists and the doctors interviewed by WebMD.
For shopping help, see EWG’s list of recommended brands at www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/sunscreens2008. Or ask your doctor to suggest a brand.
Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, Badreshia-Bansal says. And know that SPF applies only to UVB rays.
4. Which sunscreens are best to use on children and infants?
Best for kids, says Sutton, are sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide at levels of at least 7% and with an SPF of 30 or higher. “You can typically find the percent on the list of active ingredients on the label,” she says.
The sunscreens with physical blockers are preferred for kids, agrees Pat Treadwell, MD, a pediatrician at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis and a member of the executive committee for the dermatology section of the American Academy of Pediatrics. “If there is a generic brand, that should work fine,” she says.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, parents should keep babies younger than 6 months out of direct sunlight as much as possible. For babies older than 6 months, the Academy recommends using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 on all exposed areas. For babies younger than 6 months, use sunscreen on small areas, such as the backs of the hands and the face if shade or protective clothing aren’t options. The Academy recommends broad spectrum products and products with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for sensitive areas such as nose, cheeks, tops of the ears and shoulders. Some are now available in “fun” colors.
5. Which is better, spray sunscreens or cream sunscreens?
While a spray form of sunscreen is often viewed as more convenient — especially for hard-to-reach areas — most experts say creams offer better coverage and are more likely to be used properly.
5. Which is better, spray sunscreens or cream sunscreens? continued…
Sutton has yet another reason to prefer creams. “The problem with sprays and actually with powders is inhalation. You can actually inhale these small particles and they can potentially damage your lungs,” she says.
Badreshia-Bansal is not a fan of sprays, either. “It’s definitely not the optimal way to put on sunscreens.” She offers sunscreen pads with SPF 30, available through physicians, to her patients who hate to put on creams.
But Began doesn’t discount spray sunscreens. “I think it’s a convenience issue. Some people will find the spray is easier to use. If both are applied in adequate quantity and spread over the surface of the skin, I think you can get comparable results. The spray should be sprayed diffusely. You want an even film on the skin. It is a good idea to rub it in. But it’s often used on areas you can’t reach. So respray [to be sure you have enough applied].”
6. Why not just cover up with clothing instead?
Clothing helps but won’t replace sunscreen, says Treadwell. And not all clothing is created equal when it comes to shielding from the sun’s rays. “Clothing works as long as it is a tight weave,” she says.
You can test the weave to see if it is tight enough, says Began. “If you shine a strong flashlight through, you shouldn’t see light on the other side.”
Clothing that is treated to provide sun protection, available at sporting goods stores and online, would be preferred to tightly woven clothing without it, Began says.
7. What about the mess made with sunscreens containing titanium and zinc oxide, especially the stains on clothing and the messy feel?
You may consider spending a little more, says Treadwell. “I would say the brand name ones tend to be a little more elegant, not as thick,” she says.
Or you can look on the thickness as a blessing. The physical blocking screens “leave a little sheen on the skin,” she says. So it’s easy to see where you have missed.
Shop around for different brands, Began says. “Everyone’s skin reacts differently to the different vehicles [used in the sunscreens],” she says. “It’s like picking a brand of cosmetic.”
8. What else should I know about sunscreen, and what else can I do to protect myself from the sun?
Use enough sunscreen, and use it correctly, experts say. “Make sure you are applying at least an ounce to all sun-exposed areas,” says Badreshia-Bansal. She recommends reapplying every two hours.
“I recommend my patients put the sunscreen on about 30 minutes to an hour before they go out the door and then reapply again when they are out in the sun,” Began says. “And then, if they have a lot of sweating or have done some swimming, anything that may have decreased the concentration, they should reapply it.”
You can use the SPF as a rough guide to how long the sunscreen will protect you, she says. If you use a 30 SPF, for instance, and generally burn in 10 minutes without sunscreen, you can expect about 300 minutes or five hours of protection, she says.
“We absolutely recommend wearing hats and being in the shade,” Treadwell says. “And staying out of the sun [as much as possible] from 10 to 4.” And wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Source: Web MD
Apr
21
Lunchtime Peels
Filed Under Aesthetic Procedures, Aesthetic medicine, Beauty | 1 Comment
The chemical peel is one of the oldest beauty secrets known! Since ancient times women have bathed in sour milk, or rubbed fruit skins over their skin to attain a smooth, healthy radiance, and to look younger and better. They didn’t know it then, but the source of perfect skin came in little hydroxy acids which functioned as a superficial skin peeling agent.
If you’re looking for a quick way to rejuvenate up your face, you can now go to your doctor! Chemical peels are an affordable service now available at the dermatology office. Nicknamed the ‘lunchtime peel’ for the short amount time it takes (the actual process takes 10 to 15 minutes!) and convenience that the patient undergoes. The best news of all is that they deliver visible results at a reasonable price.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FACIALS AT THE ESTHETICIAN AND THE DOCTOR’S
Chemical peels come in a range of strengths. It can work from superficial peels, which work on the topmost skin layer with minimal downtime, to deeper peels, which give more dramatic results but involve a longer recovery time and more side effects to contend with.
Although both beauty salons and the aesthetic doctor’s clinic may offer chemical peels, a beauty therapist they are only able to do superficial peels, in lower concentrations and using chemicals with a pH level of more than 2.5. For stronger peels you will need to visit a medical doctor such as your dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or aesthetic doctor.
THE CHEMICAL PEEL
HOW PEELS WORK
Chemical peels utilize a chemical solution to remove the top layers of skin. This exfoliation of the upper layers allows the younger, newer skin cells to surface from below. It also smoothens the skin, quickens the rate of cell turnover, increases collagen production and decreases wrinkles.
The active ingredients in chemical peels is usually one of the following: phenol, alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) or trichloroacetic acids (TCAs).
Alphahydroxy acid peels, such as glycolic acid, lactic acid and fruit acids, are the mildest form of chemical peels. Trichloroacetic acid peels are commonly used for medium depth peels, while phenols produce the deepest peels.
Lunchtime peels are often glycolic acid peels- this gives the least downtime, and allow you to resume your daily activities right after stepping out of the doctor’s office, unlike TCAs or phenol peels which can leave you with a red face, require you to stay out of the sun or require you to rest at home.
WHO AND WHEN TO GO FOR A PEEL
Anyone can start going for a peel whether you are in your 20s or 60s! If you notice fine lines on the face which is one of the first signs of aging, you can consider going for a chemical peel. A light, lunchtime peel can help to diminish fine lines, skin pigmentation and smoothen skin. Peels are very effective for rejuvenation of skin with early signs of aging!
AFTER THE PEEL- ADVISE AND SIDE EFFECTS
Consult your doctor to determine the best treatment regime for your face based on your age, skin type, and skin condition. A series of 3 to 5 peels may be recommended, which are performed at regular intervals ranging from weekly to monthly or even less frequently.
Chemical peels are generally safe when performed by qualified personnel. However, watch out for side effects such as face redness and swelling, temporary (sometimes permanent) loss of skin pigmentation, infection, scarring. The stronger the peel, the more risky it is. However, as the skin adjusts to the treatment regimen, these problems will subside.
It is also important to avoid sun exposure after your peel. Sometimes the clinic may also dispense glycolic acid skin care products to be included in your daily skincare regime.
A good source of information on chemical peels is found here, written by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Apr
16
ASAPS Cosmetic Procedures Statistics 2008
Filed Under Aesthetic Procedures, Aesthetic medicine, Press Release, plastic surgery | 4 Comments
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery has released its 2008 procedures statistics. It has been collecting data since 1997 to monitor trends for cosmetic plastic surgery and a portion of it includes cosmetic procedures performed by plastic surgeons. A staggering total of 10.2 million cosmetic procedures were performed in 2008! This is over 1.5x the number of procedures performed since the data collection started 11 years ago!
The most common procedures performed in 2008:
NON SURGICAL (BOTH MEN AND WOMEN)
- Botox 2,464,123
- Laser hair removal 1,280,964
- Hyaluronic Acid (like Hylaform, Juvederm, Perlene/ Restylene) 1,262,848
- Chemical peels (like glycolic acid) 591,808
- Laser Skin resurfacing 570,880
SURGICAL (BOTH MEN AND WOMEN)
- Breast augmentation 355,671
- Liposuction 341,144
- Eyelid surgery 195,104
- Rhinoplasty 152,434
- Abdominoplasty 147,392
NONSURGICAL (WOMEN)
- Botox
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Laser hair removal
- Chemical peels
- Laser skin resurfacing
SURGICAL (WOMEN)
- Breast augmentation
- Liposuction
- Eyelid surgery
- Abdominoplasty
- Breast reduction
As women make up almost 92% of all procedures, I did not include figures for procedures performed in men. However, they can be found here.
The 2008 statistics does not vary much from the 2007 statistics. The most significant difference is that breast augmentation has overtaken liposuction as the top cosmetic procedure to be performed in the United States. There has also been a 12% decrease in the total number of cosmetic procedures- which the ASAPS attributes to the economic downturn. This decrease has occurred despite doctors offering more attractive packages and payment plans. It seems people have made cosmetic surgery a lower priority, and are not comfortable with spending such money. And among patients who knock on their door asking for botox an injectable fillers to look younger, a number cite job security as a factor for such procedures. But they expect the demand for cosmetic procedures to swing upwards as the economy recovers.
About ASPS
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. Representing more than 6,700 physician members, the Society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises more than 94 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the Society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
Full report at http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Media/Press_Kits/Procedural_Statistics.html
Apr
15
Conquer Dry Skin
Filed Under Beauty Tips, Skincare | 5 Comments
Give Your Skin a Boost
If years of bad habits have started to take their toll on your skin, it’s time to make a change. Now that you know how alcohol and caffeine cause dry skin, you can slowly begin to cut down or eliminate the foods and beverages that suck the moisture away. This is an especially important step to take if your skin is very dry. Individuals prone to eczema and psoriasis are also wise to avoid these substances, as both skin conditions naturally lend themselves to exceptional dryness.
Prepare to say goodbye to flakes, itchiness and the unpleasant feel of sandpaper-like skin. These tips will set you off on the road to smoothness:
- Avoid extremely hot showers. Bathing in lukewarm water might be difficult at first – especially if you’re used to losing yourself in a steamy tub for lengthy periods of time – but with a little patience, it will soon become tolerable.
- Limit your time in the shower or bath. The skin is simply not meant to be exposed to water for long periods, evidenced by prune-like hands and itchy skin. Ten to fifteen minutes is optimal; longer periods contribute to the loss of the skin’s natural oils, resulting in moisture loss.
- Use a mild, gentle soap formulated with non-drying ingredients. Glycerin, lard, shea butter, goat’s milk and vitamin E are all ideal ingredients in moisturizing cleansers. Look for the addition of nourishing oils, such as sweet almond, olive, grapeseed, sesame, marigold and coconut.
- Gently pat the skin dry after showering or bathing. Be careful not to rub the skin vigorously; the key is to dab it until it is nearly dry. Slight dampness is fine – in fact, it is better than drying the skin completely.
- The dampness serves as a perfect foundation for the moisturizer you follow up with. Slather on a rich body lotion or cream while skin is still slightly moist. The moisturizer will seal the water into the skin. If your skin is extremely dry, moisturize as much as possible throughout the day.
Apr
10
Peter Thomas Roth is no stranger to skincare.
Launched in 1993 by the namesake himself, it is known for its superb quality control and progressive new product development. It’s also used by celebrities including Sarah Jessica Parker, Sharon Stone, and Shalom Harlow. The Peter Thomas Roth Clinical Skin Care Company blossomed from Peter’s mission to create a broad-scale collection of therapeutic skin treatments that use the most effective and potent ingredients with the most advanced technology to produce enough variety and choice in formulations to satisfy anyone’s individual skin care needs.
The rejuvenating Peter Thomas Roth treatment collection currently consists of a comprehensive range of over 100 products including moisturizers; cleansers and treatments that promote clear skin and address all skin care needs including anti-aging, acne, hydration and sun care. The line is available at elite spas and select retail locations worldwide.
For a limited time only, the Gilt Groupe is bringing you some products from the Peter Thomas Roth skincare range. Here you can find some of Peter Thomas Roth’s best sellers including Body Buffing Beads, Un-Wrinkle treatment serum, Power K Eye Rescue, facial treatments and many more. These one of a kind skincare sets employ the most advanced technology and address all skincare needs from head-to-toe.
On Gilt Groupe, the products on offer include
- UNWRINKLE & MAX SHEER MOISTURIZER DUO, $80 (Usual $117)
- ANTI AGING COMPLEXION DUO, $28 (usual $60)
- SCRUB & WASH DUO, $40 (usual $58)
- WRINKLE PREVENTER, $28, (usual $75)
- POWER K DUO, $150 (usual $250)
- BASICS KIT $20 (usual $42)
- SCRUB & TAN DUO $40 (usual $64)
- BOTANICAL OASIS TRIO $30 (usual $61)
- BUFFING BEADS KIT $18 (usual $36)
- SLIMMING GEL $25 (usual $100)
Gilt Groupe is an invitation-only access site, to men’s and women’s coveted fashion and luxury brands at prices up to 70% off retail. Each sale lasts only online for 36 hours and many items sell out quickly, so check it out before it’s too late! I am a member, so you can use me (enter my email bellalusciousbabe[at]gmail.com) as a referral to join the site. For your ease, you can also join by clicking here.
And besides Peter Thomas Roth products, the other sales online at Gilt Groupe today are: Vivienne Tam, Bill Blass, Rebecca Minkoff Handbags, Y-3, and Duncan Quinn Neckwear. Its a great site with great deals! Don’t hesitate to join!
Apr
8
Tips to age-proof your skin
Filed Under Beauty, Beauty Tips | Leave a Comment
Wrinkles are a inescapable process with age, especially noticiable for sun beaten faces and excesses with alcohol and smoking. Once wrinkles have formed, they’re there to stay. So be skin smart and start now to ease the signs of time and prevent further damage!
IN YOUR 20s
- * Sunscreen every day
- * Products with glycolic acid
- * Do light chemical peels.
IN YOUR 30s-40s
- Retin-A – a derivative of vitamin A
- Skin lighteners such as hydroquinones
- Medium-chemical peels.
IN YOUR 50s and 60s
- deep laser treatments
The most important factor is PREVENTION. So take steps now and limit sun exposure, use sunscreen, keep hydrated and stop smoking!
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