GROOMED L.A.

Dermalogica's Overnight Repair Serum

Anything that I can accomplish while I am also asleep is nothing short of amazing. "Look younger" is always #1 or #2 on my to-do list, so it's no wonder I'm smitten with Dermalogica's Overnight Repair Serum ($60) that gets to work on my tired, winter-dry skin at night. I love the extra helping of peptides--Palmitooyl Tripeptide38 to be exact--and lightweight oils (argan, Vitamin E, rose hip seed) that I can mix with my favorite nighttime cream or wear alone for some much-needed moisturizing oomph. It absorbs quickly, smells divine and effortlessly softens my smile lines so I can wake up to smoother, more vibrant, moisture drenched skin. All while studying the backs of my eyelids. What could be better? Plus it's completely free of artificial fragrances and colors. 

- Amelia Glynn

 

Alegenist Concentrated Reconstructing Serum

Alegenist, a Alguronic Acid* based line of anti-aging skincare packs a serious punch. 

The line, developed by a team of biotechnologists from San Fran is loaded with the acid that does so many good things, it's like the Mother Teresa of ingredients (read below!). When I tested the Concentrated Reconstructing Serum, I did my very best to stick solely to the serum for a few weeks to test out its claims of brilliance with as much purity as possible.

I found that I needed a moisturizer on top of the serum to infuse my skin with some much needed moisture. It's chilly here in L.A. (what 70 degrees? Brrr!!) and my skin is as dry as ever. So, I mixed up my daily moisturizer from brand to brand to see how the serum did under my usual routine of, well, mixing it up. I will say, that besides a little boost of Xeomin two weeks ago and a brilliant Lamprobe session with Tina K or Belle Visage, my skin does look and feel taught, very radiant and a bit softer in the wrinkle dept. I imagine it's a combo of all these things and the Alegenist Alguronic Acid doing its thang.

I am psyched to keep going with my serum until I use every last drop and I think I will order (asap!) the  Regenerative Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 20 to apply on top of it to get the full one two punch from the product, as they suggest.  

I'm inspired!! 

*Alguronic Acid^® is the tradename for a never-before-seen biotechnology discovery from a team of scientists in San Francisco. Alguronic Acid is a powerful regenerative compound produced by a specific and unique strain of microalgae that functions to protect and regenerate the single-celled organism in the harshest environments and conditions on the planet.

Tested for its potential anti-aging skin benefits, Alguronic Acid demonstrated the ability to significantly increase cell regeneration and renewal as well as elastin synthesis.  Furthermore, when applied to skin tissue models, Alguronic Acid demonstrated a significant inhibition of melanin production and significant protection from UV cell damage and DNA damage.

WHAT :: 

A smooth, advanced anti-aging serum formulated with a high concentration of the revolutionary ingredient Alguronic Acid to rebuild skin firmness and elasticity while restoring skin density and elasticity. Wrinkles are minimized and skin radiance is boosted.

• REBUILDS SKIN FIRMNESS.
• RESTORES SKIN DENSITY AND ELASTICITY.
• BOOSTS SKIN RADIANCE.
• MINIMIZES DEEP WRINKLES.
• TIGHTENS AND LIFTS THE SKIN.

1 fl oz.   $95.00

MORE ::

Active Ingredients:

1. A high concentration of Alguronic Acid: increases cell regeneration and elastin synthesis.
2. Tetrapeptide-21: boosts collagen synthesis and reduces wrinkles.
3. An algal-based alternative to retinol (vitamin A): increases skin density and reduces wrinkles.

Directions for use:
Following cleansing, apply the Concentrated Reconstructing Serum to the entire face morning and night.  For optimal results, follow with the Regenerative Anti-Aging Moisturizer or the Regenerative Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 20. Use only as directed.

The Concentrated Reconstructing Serum is:

• Suitable for all skin types
• Dermatologist tested
• Non-comedogenic
• Hypoallergenic
• Not tested on animals

All Algenist products are formulated without:

• Parabens
• Sulfates
• Synthetic dyes
• Phthalates
• GMOs
• Triclosan

Ingredients: Water/Eau (Aqua), Dimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydroxyphenoxy Propionic Acid, PEG-100 Stearate, Niacinamide, Algae Exopolysaccharides, Tetrapeptide-21, Beta-Glucan, Algae Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Malus Domestica Fruit (Apple) Cell Culture Extract, Inula Crithmoide Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris (Bamboo) Leaf/Stem Extract, Glucosamine HCL, Pisum Sativum (Pea) Extract, Ergothioneine, Cetearyl Alcohol, Lecithin, Sorbitol, Xanthan Gum,  Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Ceteareth-20, Sclerotium Gum, Propanediol, Sodium Hydroxide, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Disodium EDTA, 1,2-Hexanediol, Benzoic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Citral, Fragrance (Parfum), Phenoxyethanol.

Avitalin Skin Care - superior nutrition for optimum skin health.

 

  

GLOWING SKIN WITH SKIN RADIANCE 

No, I’m not pregnant and I’m not a blushing bride and alas, I’m not in love (unless you count that unrequited crush).  So why am I glowing?  Well, maybe it’s because I’ve been using Avitalin’s Skin Radiance Growth Factors Renewal Complex.  Yes, that’s a complicated name for a skin care product, but when I investigated the ingredients, I came to understand the intensity of the name.  The first component is Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), a compound discovered by a Nobel Prize winning biochemist named Stanley Cohen.  The second radiance-inducing ingredient is kinetin – a type of plant hormone that induces cell division and turnover, which, as we who chase anti-aging ingredients know, is a key factor in achieving the high pro glow.  The third ingredient contributing to this complex brew is deer velvet extract.  Now, this ingredient really demanded some further investigation. 

Deer velvet extract indeed comes from deer antlers, which are cast off every year as part of the deer’s natural growth cycle.  These antlers are harvested for both their nutritional and medicinal value and have been used in Asian medicine for thousands of years to stimulate the immune system, to promote cell growth and for their strong anti-inflammatory properties.  Sounds good to me. 

Marina Volod – founder of Avitalin hails from Russia and now lives in Oregon and her philosophy of skin care is to treat the skin but also use ingredients that activate the innate biological functions of your skin cells to better perform.  You might also like to know that Avitalin’s products are free of parabens and formaldehyde-releasing ingredients commonly used to preserve skin-care products and instead they use a new natural preservation system approved by ECOCERT and other international certification organizations.  You can check out Skin Radiance at:

http://www.avitalin.com/skin_radiance_.html

Benefits:

• Stimulates new cells growth
• Increases epidermal thickness and strengthen skin’s elasticity and structure
• Relieves oxidative stress and helps in delaying premature aging
• Helps in the healing process
• Visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines

 

1oz.  $100

Avitalin’s ultimate anti-aging complex features an unparalleled combination of growth factors to combat the visible signs of aging and generate new cell growth.Recent scientific research has shown that growth factors are capable of tissue remodeling and play a leading role in the process of new cell development. Gradually the skin is transformed, becoming clearer and firmer. 

 

xo Alison 

Greeks do it better - KORRES Quercetin & Oak Age Reversing Face Serum

While I get to try the latest and greatest, sometimes I simply keep going back to one brand.

I'm pretty sure it's not just the perfection of the packaging that has me reaching for my KORRES.

I've been drenching in this lately.

WHAT: 

Quercetin & Oak age-reversing serum

$62/1.01 oz.

 

WHY:

Dramatically reduces wrinkles and restores skin elasticity and firmness while providing intense nourishment and hydration. Quickly works to rejuvenate & brighten dull and damaged skin. Visibly improves skin texture, revealing a smooth and youthful complexion.

 

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Yeast Active ::  substantially improves skin's immune system and promotes cell renewal. 

Vitamin C ::  visibly rejuvenates & evens skin tone for a radiant, youthful glow. 

Biotechnology derived Hexapeptide ::  firm the skin and increases its elasticity. 

Hyaluronic Acid ::  a potent active hydrating agent that binds water.  (BTW, I TAKE 60 MGS OF HYALURONIC ACID A DAY. GET IT AT ANY VITAMIN SHOP)

 

SMELL: amazing, woodsy, natural, addictive

FEEL : silky, smooth, not sticky

RESULTS : skin looks vibrant, hydrated, refreshed.

 

I couple it with this

                                 

WHAT:

Quercetin & Oak Age Reversing Instant Eye Lift Eyecream

$42 // 0.51 oz.

 

WHY:

Based on Nobel Award-Winning research, Patent-Pending Quercetin & Oak Instant Lift Eye cream is clinically proven to reverse the signs of aging.  Revolutionary technology stimulates cell growth and protein synthesis to dramatically reduce eye wrinkles, significantly increase skin elasticity and reduce puffiness and dark circles. 

WHAT'S INSIDE:

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. 

BEST SELLERS: Yogurt cream for oily and dehydrated skin made from real, edible yogurt and the  Wild rose family, enriched with antioxidant Wild Rose oil and the multitasking antioxidant and multivitamin sugar crystal treatment for all skin types.  

Established in 1996, out of Greece's oldest homeopathic pharmacy, KORRES today offers advanced natural formulations that deliver maximum results. The active natural extracts used in the formulas ensure enhanced product performance, bringing you clinically proven, advanced skincare benefits, while also avoiding harmful synthetic compounds, to ensure maximum skin compatibility and environmentally- conscious products.

                                                             sephora.com

SOMME INSTITUTE - closing out the year with this gorgeous skin care line

 

I've been blabbing about rounding out the year with a "BEST OF" post - featuring Groomed L.A.'s top picks on all our fave subjects.  Looks like this tired mama 'aint getting to it.

But I did want to go out with a skin care bang and one company I lost it over this year was Somme Institute.

I was sent their line and told to use it exclusively for 5 weeks.  And I tried my hardest to, which is tricky when sampling skin-care is what I do.  But I did my best to use it as my primary line and the results were stunning.  I heard nothing but:  Holy crap, your skin looks amazing!  What?  You just had a baby?  Your skin looks insane!  And more of that sort of stuff. Not kidding.   Yes, I did a VI PEEL or two but I am quite certain, it was my diligent application of this 5 step process ($298), daily, that sent my skin into a gorgeous, glow-y universe.  

The stylish, minimal, modern packaging is clearly and cleverly designed with giant color dots and once you get going there's no thinking about what product comes first. You simply get the colors in your head and then you can grab the right one in your sleep.  It's that easy.

Ok, here's the deal:  Somme Institute has developed and patented a revolutionary and radical new technology called MDT5 (Molecular Dispersion Technology).  Containing free radical fighting anti-oxidants, MDT5 allows 5 highly engineered essential vitamins (A, B3/B5, C, and E) to penetrate the inner skin layers in their active forms at high concentrations. These free-radical fighting vitamins are bound in a scientific matrix of polypeptides that target specific skin cell receptors permitting Somme Institute to benefit the skin by:

• Delivering intense hydration and moisture
• Repairing sun damage and discoloration
• Smoothing fine lines, wrinkles and crepiness
• Increasing the density of the dermal matrix
• Increasing skin elasticity with continued use

This unique formula penetrates deep within the skin without oxidizing or losing potency when exposed to air or light.

The result is the most profound visual changes in skin texture, radiance and overall appearance ever achieved in cosmetic history without a prescription.

THE 5-STEP PROCESS INCLUDES:

Step 1: Nourishing Cleanser (non-foaming/non-irritating)

Step 2: Transport (gentle exfoliant)

Step 3: Serum (with Vitamin C)

Step 4: A-Bomb (moisturizer with Vitamins A and E)

Step 5: Double Defense (SPF 30+)

 READ MORE ABOUT IT AFTER THE BREAK

 

ERNO LASZLO BLUE FIRMARINE SERUMS

Once again, my fave, ERNO LASZLO, has done it.

They just announced two amazing new products: Laszlo Blue Firmarine Lift Serum (1 oz. $225) and Laszlo Blue Firmarine Eye Therapy (0.5 oz  $90) Ok, hold up.

I gotta say, when I took these beauties out of the box I actually held them up like statues. Yup, it was as if I was holding an Emmy. They were that stunning. I dashed over to my hubby, who always appreciates a great design and he too oohed and ahhed. They are lookers.

But I digress. Those are just bottles people, not product. And that's what counts. (Though I can't say it enough, I am intoxicated by great design and packaging. Call me superficial. Whatevs.)

And I am also a serum junkie. If serum were Orero's dunked in milk, I'd be obese. (Did that make sense? You get the point.)

These two sumptuous serums are an extension of the extremely popular Laszlo Blue line like the SPF 30 Cream or the Treatment Bar (I have this one, love it). The Blue line has some amazing capabilities. They're enriched with the same naturally occurring Spirulina Maxima, a blue-green algae that firms the skin by feeding new collagen growth from within.

The Lift Serum provides the skin with vital nutrients to enhance cellular energy, hydration and firmness while the Eye Therapy instantly lifts, firms, and hydrates the delicate area around the eyes. This power duo of serums is a perfect one-two-zie: lightweight with easily absorbing properties. I'm gonna go serum nuts with these and see what happens.

Take a dive into this pic below...

PRODUCT OBSESSION - MURAD ACTIVE RADIANCE SERUM

 LESS IS MORE THIS SUMMER

I waved my flag, I devoured not one, but two burgers and I sat in awe as fireworks flashed through the Santa Monica sky. In other words, I gave summer a big, fat 4^th of July kiss on the lips.

Now that summer is in full swing, my beauty regime has shifted into an au natural, beach-ready direction. I’ve swapped my spring blow-outs and polished make-up for naturally wavy-locks and foundation-free skin.

To anyone who shares my minimalist make-up attitude, Murad’s Active Radiance Serum  featuring Resilient-C Complex is a must. The rich, silky serum gets skin glowing in just one week. For real! Simply cleanse, apply the serum, wait one minute, moisturize and voila! bright, clear, luminous, summer skin! It’s that easy.

 From every mountainside, let beautiful skin ring!

 xx, Natash

$89 FOR 1.0 FL OZ.

 

 

 

 

PRODUCT OBSESSION - SK-II Cellumination Essence

From the moment I laid eyes on SK II CELLUMINATION ESSENCE I knew I had to know more asap.  Ok, so I'm a sucker for a great bottle design, name and tag line and SK-II Cellumination Essence has it all goin' on in spades.  The theory behind the essence is all about brightening and conditioning cells to boost the transmission of light within the skins surface (hence the gorgeous iridescent bottle) so that skin will look more luminous, radiant and even-toned. "The glow from within"  they call it.

SK-II talks of skin's  "aura-lucency" - the total diffuse of light within the skin surface.  As we age, fluctuations in the skin that cause uneven skin tone can affect the reflection of light transmission, resulting in duller looking skin.  Conditioning and redefining the skin surface can help boost the total transmission of dissuse light (aura-lucency) and can lead to skin that appears noticeably more radiant and glowing.

SK-II contains AURA BRIGHT COMPLEX, a juicy cocktail containing Centella asiatica extract, Nicotinamide W and concentrated Pitera (an exclusive ingredient to SK-II).  This complex refines the skin's surface, boosting it's glow through hydration, leaving it looking plumped and radiant while decreasing discoloration and unevenness.

I am sooooo excited to go nuts with this serum!  I love serums as they are super light and feel so great going on.  It says that after 8 weeks of using the serum, studies report that respondents skin is brighter and more even-toned.  Me likes!!

Available at www.sk-ii.com

SK-II Cellumination Essence (Hydrating Serum) hydrates and refines the surface to boost skin’s natural, healthy-looking glow and to help diminish the appearance of discoloration for a more even tone.

• It conditions and refines for a skin surface with more even texture and transparency that boosts light transmission within the surface. More light transmission creates a healthy looking natural glow and makes the look of discolorations such as age spots have a less obvious contrast to natural skin color.
• It contains concentrated SK-II Pitera that helps lead to improvement in overall skin appearance.
• It permeates quickly into the skin and gives a light and smooth feeling when applied.

 50 ML - $220

PRODUCT OBSESSION - SKIN MEDICA

Read about SKIN MEDICA in New Beauty Magazine and had to learn more.  And did I ever.

I've gone lady ga-ga for their ANTI-AGING line:

The TNS ESSENTIAL SERUM -This unparalleled anti-aging serum is the first to combine the renowned growth factor serum, TNS Recovery Complex in one chamber and APS Corrective Complex™, a potent mixture of antioxidants, peptides and other innovative anti-aging ingredients, in the other chamber. Together these products work synergistically to transform and regenerate your skin for a more youthful appearance.

TNS RECOVERY COMPLEX - TNS Recovery Complex, containing the key ingredient NouriCel-MD®, rejuvenates sun damaged and aging skin. NouriCel-MD is an unparalleled physiologic combination of antioxidants and other elements that are found naturally in the skin-a uniquely formulated, anti aging skin care product.

TNS LINE REFINE - reallllyyy love this one! I don't think I'm imagining it when I see the fine lines on my face absorbing this stuff within seconds...Generates rapid filling and smoothing action to visually reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth, eyes, and crow's feet while providing long term anti aging benefits.

DERMAL REPAIR CREAM - Dermal Repair vitamin enriched facial cream intensely hydrates and replenishes dry skin with antioxidants and hyaluronic acid. Dermal Repair skin cream helps to reduce the appearance of age spots as it provides skin protection against harsh environmental conditions.

VITAMIN C and E COMPLEX - Vitamin C+E Complex is a fragrance-free, concentrated facial skin care formula containing 15 percent stabilized vitamin C in water- and fat-soluble forms along with vitamin E in two different forms. Vitamins C and E work synergistically to provide and maintain extraordinary antioxidant protection. Especially recommended for natural skin care defense against exposed skin.

Our entire aesthetic product line is based on the science of the skin's own healing abilities. As skin ages, elasticity decreases, lines appear and overall appearance is diminished. To counteract the effects of time, our skin care products contain restorative ingredients that work below the skin's surface to regenerate the health of the skin.

Our scientifically proven recovery compounds include essential ingredients ranging from vitamins C and E to retinol to NouriCel-MD®, our patented blend of growth factors, soluble collagen, antioxidants and matrix proteins. The impact is clear - fine lines are reduced, age spots and discoloration fade, and skin texture and elasticity is improved. All results of our commitment to creating a lifelong skin care solution for healthier skin.

Some pix from the line below: 

  

 
 
 

PRODUCT OBSESSION - EUFORA

I first sampled   EUFORA'S BEAUTIFYING SERUM  at a few award season swag events this year and fell in love with this all in one (hair, scalp AND skin) nutrient rich oil.  I needed to know more about the line asap! The company has received a ton of raise in the industry - check out this press, which is always a great sign.

It's mission, to create people and planet friendly products, promote and restore the health of color treated and  chemically serviced hair using botanical extracts, pure essential oils, no synthetics and a base of aloe vera blends is RIGHT UP MY ALLEY. 

I'm playing around with their Hydrating Shampoo, Urgent Repair Replenishing Treatment, Illuminate Shine Mist and Elevate Finishing Spray (cool because it has sun protection!) and diggin' them all big time. And I'm nuts about the Beautifying Serum - just wanna mush it in everywhere - soooo hydarting, but only the teeeniest drop in hair as it's quite rich.

So, where to buy Eufora?  Go to this page and type in your Zip for store or salons that sell the stuff!

 

PRODUCT OBSESSION - INTELLIGENT NUTRIENTS - CERTIFIED ORGANIC HEALTH AND BEAUTY

How excited am I about this line? 

INTELLIGENT NUTRIENTS is right up my alley!

First of all, check out the latest PRESS.  Their ANTI AGING SERUM made ALLURE MAGAZINE'S beauty editor top pick.  I can see why... 

Everything is certified organic, created by the founder of Aveda (WHO IS INTELLIGENT NUTRIENTS?) and the products all that ultra-pure-essential-oil-of the earth chemical free smell. I especially love going to sleep with this exact kind of product on my face.  

And you know I go nuts over a great packaging.  And the bottles are - hark! - real glass!

CERTIFIED ORGANIC ANTI-AGING MIST

Antioxidant spray prepares skin feeds, protects and restores with Intellimune® Seed Meal Complex. Made with nutritious food ingredients. Free of silicone, parabens, petrochemicals and synthetic fragrances.

Intelligent Ingredients: Aqueous Extracts of Certified Organic Intellimune® Seed Meal Complex (Black Cumin, Pumpkin, Red Raspberry, Red Grape, Cranberry), Certified Organic Alcohol Denatured with Certified Organic Bergamot Essential Oil, Intellimune® Seed Oil Complex (Black Cumin, Pumpkin, Red Raspberry, Red Grape, Cranberry), Certified Organic Orange Oil, Certified Organic Everlasting Oil, Certified Organic Carrot Oil, Certified Organic Ylang Ylang Oil, Certified Organic Bergamot Oil, Certified Organic Geranium Oil, Certified Organic Matricaria Oil, Vitamin E.

.  

CERTIFIED ORGANIC ANTI-AGING SERUM

Antioxidant restorative blend feeds all skin types with anti-aging Intellimune® Seed Oil Complex Multi-functional, works synergistically with Anti-Aging Mist to prevent and correct signs of aging, feeds, protects and restores with Intellimune® Seed Oil Complex. Instantly improves skin appearance and luminosity. Made with nutritious food ingredients. Free of silicone, parabens, petrochemicals and synthetic fragrances. 

Intelligent Ingredients: Certified Organic Safflower Seed Oil, Certified Organic Argan Oil, Certified Organic Intellimune® Seed Oil Complex (Black Cumin, Pumpkin, Red Raspberry, Red Grape, Cranberry), Certified Organic Acai Oil, Certified Organic Orange Flower Oil, Certified Organic Everlasting Oil, Certified Organic Carrot Seed Oil, Certified Organic Ylang Ylang Oil, Certified Organic Rose Extract, Certified Organic Geranium Oil, Certified Organic Matricaria Oil, Certified Organic Chamomile Oil, Certified Organic Cistus Oil, Certified Organic Beeswax Honeycomb Extract, Vitamin E.

  

They are soon launching an ANTI-AGING TOTAL BODY ELIXIR. It's phenomenal and compliments each of the 7 Mulitfunctional Aromas. It's retailing for $30. Should be avail on their website soon!