GROOMED L.A.

Neova skincare

NEOVA

can you ever really have enough high-tech sunscreens?

 

Free Neova Nextderm samples included with every Day Therapy SPF 30.

A photo protectant moisturizer that provides daily defense against incidental UVA/UVB damage and reduces the visible signs of photoaging with booster supplies of antioxidants and emollients.

 

• Protects and corrects.
• Provides broad spectrum filters.
• Hydrates and maintains barrier function.

••Day Therapy SPF 30 meets the FDA’s new mandate for 2012.

Key Performance Ingredients

Copper Peptide Complex^®. A unique delivery system that uses the body’s natural protective carrier to transport copper, an essential micronutrient, directly into the cells for maximum restorative benefit.
Photolysomes. The liposome encapsulated DNA repair enzyme, Photolyase derived from plankton, is hyper-efficient in its defense against high doses of solar UV and unique in its ability to undo DNA damage in cells and prevent cell death caused by UV.
Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene. Provides broad spectrum UV protection.
Dimethicone. Protects skin from environmental damage while helping to retain moisture.
Squalane. Light, fast-absorbing emollient oil that hydrates and soothes dry skin and assists in cell regeneration.

Indications
Day Therapy SPF 30 is for daily protection against UVA/UVB damage as part of a complete healthy skin regimen.

Recommended for all skin types.

 

or what about this! $110

Free Neova Nextderm samples included with every Creme de la Copper.

Delivers powerful nourishing agents to dramatically improve the skin’s moisture barrier and reduce the visible signs of photoaging.

 

• Intensly moisturized dry, aging skin.
• Protects against free radical damage.
• Reduces the signs of collagen degradation.
• Hydrates, corrects and re texturizes.
• Nourishes deep within the skin’s surface.

Key Performance Ingredients

Copper Peptide Complex^®. A unique delivery system that uses the body’s natural protective carrier to transport copper, an essential micronutrient, directly into the cells for maximum restorative benefit.
Mitosomes. A liposome encapsulated repair enzyme, Arabidopsis Thaliana, known to protect the cell’s genetic material from free radical damage, aid in the removal of oxidation in the cell’s nucleus and its energy generating mitochondria.
Skinmimics^®. A highly effective blend of Ceramides provides protection by correcting defects in the stratum corneum lipid barrier, regeneration by stimulating the epidermal renewal and prevention by supplementing the skin’s own precursor substances to activate lipid synthesis.
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract. A potent antioxidant helpful in diminishing UV damage, reducing free radical damage and restructuring the skin barrier.

Indications
Creme de la Copper is for the treatment of the visible signs of photo and intrinsic aging, and to provide immediate relief to dry, aging skin.

Recommended for normal to dry/mature skin.

 

Alexandra Wagner :: Amazing facials on Abbot Kinney

Walking into Alexandra's immaculate, minimal, zen white studio immediately made me feel dirty. Her small and perfect studio is so fresh, airy and light filled, I got depressed thinking about how messy my home is. (uh, for some reason.) I couldn't wait to get on Alexandra's table so she could scrub and bring light to my face with equal aplomb. Alexandra creates wonderful custom, intuitive facials. She also happens to be an aesthetician after my own heart -- she's an extraction junkie. Before perfecting the art of skin, she was perfecting the art of...art. Alexandra is a painter and her perfectly balanced paintings are a direct reflection of an inner-drive for clarity and balance. This desire for extracting nature's inner beauty and bringing it to surface is evident in her practice.

Alexandra offers several custom facials. ( fyi : if performed by Alexandra the price may vary slightly ) I experienced the Signature Facial Plus and I left with fabulously clean and radiant skin.

AND WAIT, GROOMED LA READERS WILL GET 20% OFF THEIR FIRST TREATMENT! SO GO FOR THE GUSTO AND GET A GOOD ONE!

Skin Treatments Treat Your Skin Well

Signature Facial - $160 / $190 with Alexandra (75-90 min) * time depends on amount of extractions needed.
Alexandra's signature facial includes cleansing, surface exfoliation, enzyme peel, steam, thorough extractions, microdermabrasion, oxygen therapy, and a customized mask. A classic facial for healthy, glowing skin!

Signature Facial Plus - $185/ $210 with Alexandra (75-90 min)*
Everything included in the Signature Facial plus an ultrasonic/microcurrent infusion to instantly nurture dry and dehydrated skin - for even more radiance!

Abbot Kinney Ultimate Electro Lift $280/$330 with Alexandra (90 min-105 min)* - price varies depending on specific needs
This facial will give you everything we have to offer! It features all the benefits of the Signature Facial - surface exfoliation, enzyme peel, microdermabrasion, soothing oxygen treatment, thorough extractions, and a customized mask, with an added microcurrent treatment to stimulate, lift,Ýand sculpt the muscles of the face, leaving your skin energized, firmer, plumper, hydrated and radiant. Instant results can be seen to improve fine lines, eye puffiness, contours of the face, and give a more lifted and youthful glow. Your skin will be visibly firmer, glowing and radiant - ultimately transformed!

Abbot Kinney Electro Lift $ 130/$160 with Alexandra (45 min)
A quick and intensive treatment which includes an exfoliating enzyme peel and a toning microcurrent treatment. This is a wonderful treatment to maintain the benefits of the Ultimate Electro Lift or is great for a refresher, prep for a photo shoot, or a special event.

Oxygen Facial - $145/$165 with Alexandra (60-75 min)
This is a wonderfully therapeutic facial, especially for those with more sensitive skin. It includes a gentle surface exfoliation, custom enzyme peel, thorough extractions, cooling oxygen, and vitamin therapy to help calm and restore your skin's vitality. Oxygen therapy is calming and antibacterial, helping the skin to heal at the cellular level. The combination of oxygen and vitamins leaves your skin with a hydrated healthy glow.

Deep Cleanse Vitamin Facial - $125/$140 with Alexandra (60-75 min)
This is a basic, super effective facial, with an enzyme peel, steam, thorough extractions, and custom mask, your skin will be renewed! Natural ingredients from all over the world and plant-based preservatives are used instead of parabens.

Teen's Purifying Facial - $85 (50 min)
This treatment includes a deep cleanse, exfoliation and thorough extractions to help eliminate clogging and blemishes, leaving young skin clean, smooth and bright.

Signature Back Treatment - $100-175 (50 - 75 min)
Give your back some love with deep cleansing, exfoliation and a hydrating mask that will leave it silky smooth. Price and treatment options depend on your back's specific needs.

Chest Treatment - $20-$60
This treatment can be added to any facial. We offer an exfoliation and mask, or for those with more specific concerns, a more intensive treatment to help your chest look and feel smooth and hydrated. Price and treatment options depend on your chest's specific needs.

*All prices are subject to change without notice. All times stated are approximate.

phone: 310.399.0123
email: alexandrawagnerskincare@gmail.com
1636 Abbot Kinney Blvd., 2nd floor. Venice, California, 90291

Spoil yourself. Sit back, relax and let this facialist come to you.

I can't even begin to tell you what an insane luxury it is to have a facial in your home.  I was skeptical of what a "home facial" would be like.  What about all the machines? The equipment?  When Juanita showed up at my apartment lugging three trips of salon-worthy-facial paraphernalia, I knew I was in good hands. (In high heels albeit, looking stunning and glam with the most perfect skin I have ever laid eyes on).

She set up shop in my bedroom while I sat sipping one of the homemade herbal tea concoctions she blended specifically for me.  She lit a candle.  She made my toddler toy strewn bedroom as zen slash spa-like as possible.  

Then came the facial. I am an extraction whore, and if you are too, then I have the skin pimp for you.  Juanita just don't quit.  She goes over and over your skin looking for any little thing that might be lurking.  Then it's on to mixing up her own creations for your specific skin type and totally customizing the facial from beginning to end.  

This is a serious treat. And at not-so-over-the-top prices.  It's so worth it not to have to get in my car and deal with LA life when I need to relax, clear my skin, clear my mind and get the gunk out of my face.

She also works out of the Salon By Maxime on Rodeo which is where you call to book her. 

http://thesalonbymaxime.com/

The Salon By Maxime Place page

421 North Rodeo Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 205-2370

Open Tue-Sat 9am-6pm

Check out her prices but really, it's all about the customizing.  And she left me with some bad-ass product too.  One in particular, a doozy of a  Hydroquinone, Retnic Acid, Kojoc Acid-mutha that has my skin renewing itself daily.  Wowza.

Here is a taste of some other things that are mixed in!

Exfoliating brush to remove dead surface cells... High frequency used for it’s germicidal, stimulating and soothing effects... Galvanic current is used for iontophoresis which helps with better absorption of product. This same current is used for disincrustation which helps product penetrate deeper and it liquefies sebum deposits in pores... Vaporizer for hydrating or preparing skin for pore cleansing...High frequency to cauterize and prevent infection or bacteria from forming.  An electric mask hydrates and softens the pores.  All the various equipment has variations of treatment depending on her goal.

THE FACE...

Deep Pore Cleansing Facial

$130

Skin Clarifying Facial

$100

Rejuvenating Facial

$120

Hydrating Facial

$140

Four Layer Facial

$190

Back and Shoulder Facial

$130

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

 

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

THE ORGANIC PHARMACY - BEVERLY HILLS

This place is COOL.  London's ORGANIC PHARMACY has opened shoppe in Beverly Hills on North Beverly Drive. 

This place is the real deal when it comes to organic products.
They will custom blend ingredients for you and you can work with a homeopath to devise a detox program for your specific needs (call ahead to book this). It's very hands on and personal. And if you set up a personal health assessment, a customized skin/health program can be devised for you. Everything is blended from herbs and homeopathic recipes and let me tell you, any cream or oil you try smells beyond, beyond, beyond.

I'm a fiend for natural, essential oil smelling products and this is the mother-ship in that dept.

They also have some exciting treatments available too such as the GREEN COFFEE BODY SCULPTING which is getting a lot of raves right now.

A duo massage treatment incorporating massage techniques designed to reduce bloating and stimulate the flow of lymph and micro circulation, Fat burning coffee and thermogenic (heat stimulating) chilli to target problem areas such as thighs, waist, tummy and bottom.
The treatment uses a salon strength body oil as the first massage which heats the body. Heating the body helps increase the fat burning effects of the other ingredients and helps stimulate blood flow which helps improve oxygenation of the skin. Result flatter tummy, smoother skin, reduced puffiness.
The second massage used our latest salon strength body sculpting gel which incorporates lipoytic agents and toning ingredients to continue the process but also contains cooling agents to cool the skin . The alternate heat /cool has an extra stimulating effect on the lymphatic system. It also contains a system on slow release.
 

453 North Beverly Drive
Beverly Hills 90210
Tel: +1 310 2727 275
9:30am-6:30pm (Monday- Saturday) 10:00am-6:00pm (Sunday)453 North Beverly Drive
Beverly Hills 90210
Tel: +1 310 2727 275
9:30am-6:30pm (Monday- Saturday) 10:00am-6:00pm (Sunday)

Malie Organics’ Launches Anti-Aging Facial Collection Powered with HAWAIIAN COFFEE FRUIT EXTRACT

I LOVE MAILE ORGANICS and they just introduced a potent and effective, natural and organic anti-aging skincare collection featuring new plant technology exclusively from the State of Hawaii. The primary active ingredient, Hawaiian Coffee Fruit Extract from Kona, possesses more antioxidant power than any other plant source – and more than any other coffee derivatives used in skincare brands today. WOW! I am just starting to use it now and I'm loving the way it feels when I put it on. Looking forward to seeing how it goes over the next few weeks.

How it works:

The coffee fruit creates and stores unique antioxidants and nutrients to protect its seeds from the tropical sun and other environmental stress. The result: five superior antioxidants working synergistically to repair cell damage and neutralize the free radicals that cause aging. They also provide dynamic anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and anti-bacterial action.

The “natural-by-nature” synergistic antioxidant action:

Hawaiian Coffee Fruit Extract contains five exceptional phenolic anti-oxidant acids developed by nature to work in combination:

• Chlorogenic Acid – with anti-inflammatory properties
• Caffeic Acid – also with anti-inflammatory properties
• Ferulic Acid – reacts against free radicals and repairs cell damage
• Quinic Acid – with anti-viral properties
• Trigonelline – with anti-bacterial properties to cleanse skin, minimize blemishes and even skin tone

All natural skincare with 70% certified organic ingredients. Free of parabens, petroleum, phosphates and fragrance.

Malie’s Anti-Aging Collection Powered with Hawaiian Coffee Fruit Extract retails at $56 and is available at www.malie.com.

MD Skincare by Dr. Dennis Gross

Finally I got a chance to try a couple of fun things from MD Skincare by Dr. Dennis Gross.

I was really eager to try the ALHPA BETA DAILY FACE PEEL. I've heard a ton about this two step peel regime. It's simple as can be, two different wet swipies, like old fashioned Stridex pads. So easy - I love it!

I'm all about discovering this Alhpa Beta Skincare line!

Here's the deal-e-o about it. First of all, they have an amazing website (click above), with the Dr. giving a podcast describing the products which I think is a great service. I've just started with it so I'll have to check back in in 30 days to letcha' know how it went. I got the 30 day supply ($78). So far, I'm really digging the way it feels and how my skin is responding. So all great so far!

“This anti-aging product not only diminishes the appearance of wrinkles, but helps complexion problems, balances oil, tones skin, and increases clarity and radiance. Plus, it proves a daily, gentle approach can give superior results vs. a harsh approach. Like exercising daily is better than a long workout once a week, it’s better to treat your skin daily."
Dr. Dennis Gross

And being that I'm a design junkie as well, the packaging is gorgeous!!

BEST SELLER
AS SEEN IN Allure, The Morning Show with Mike & Juliet, InStyle, and Lucky

30 Applications. 2 jars (Step 1 & Step 2) containing 30 pads each.

STAR PRODUCT: In just 2 minutes a day, our patented, easy 2-step system gives you a highly developed skincare regimen plus Microexfoliation™- without recovery time. Microexfoliation™ is a gentle, non–irritating method of removing cellular debris from the surface of the skin, resulting in a smoother, firmer more even complexion. MD Skincare® Alpha Beta® Daily Face Peel yields results far superior to other methods of exfoliation. Significant, notable and lasting improvement is achieved through daily use – maintain a luminous look all day long.

Visit our Alpha Beta® Skincare website to learn more.

Benefits:
Instantly helps firm skin and eliminate dullness revealing a luminous look all day long
Gently helps treat large pores and calms redness with soothing botanicals
Patented two-step technology - two minutes for radiant skin for all skin types
Provides microexfoliation without recovery time. Also available in convenient, individual packettes for treatment on-the-go.

 

I also grabbed this Botanical Cleansing Bar with Tea Tree & Aloe.

I love to switch up cleansing liquids with a good old fashioned bar. I don't something about it just feels so - substantial! I'm loving everything about this one. The smell, the weight, the way it feels and of course all it's magic powers!

Botanical Cleansing Bar with Tea Tree and Aloe produces a rich, foaming lather formulated to cleanse both the face and body. This purifying bath bar infuses skin with Organic Aloe, natural essential oils, antioxidants and botanicals to detoxify from pollutants, fight aging and provide a protective barrier to the skin. Tea Tree refreshes, heals and soothes.

Benefits:
Luxurious lather leaves skin healthy, clean and refreshed
Botanical formula offers firming and purifying benefits; Tea Tree soothes
Creates a protective, healing moisture barrier that counteracts environmental aggressors

It's only $24 and will last forever!

“Many of my patients, including myself, love a cleansing bar. This product gently and effectively cleanses the face and body, containing soothing, Organic Aloe and botanicals to naturally improve skin health. I’ve included chelators to detoxify and Tea Tree for its natural ability to refresh, heal and soothe.”
Dr. Dennis Gross

PRODUCT OBSESSION - GARTH FISHER'S CELL CEUTICALS BIOMEDICAL SKIN TREATMENTS

For those of you who have not heard of Garth Fisher, let's just say he's THE MAN of plastic surgery in Los Angeles.  Obviously, board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and infamous for being the first doc to helm "Extreme Makeover" but really, just a top notch surgeon, renowned for his fabulous boob work.  He's known as the go-to-guy for the most beautiful, natural boob jobs and lifts.  And let's not leave out the rest of the body too.  He's just a great surgeon and aesthetician.

So, when he came out with this SKIN TREATMENT  line I was intrigued.  I dove straight in for the whole SYSTEM - totally well priced, only $120 for the whole deal-e-o.  And I'm really, really into it!

Look, this stuff is very advanced.  You need to watch this VIDEO of him talking about it if you really want to dig into the science of it.  

I'm just simply finding it's doing an awesome job on my skin as I progress with my 30-day treatment.  I really trust Garth from, uh, let's just call it, first hand experience ;)...So, I'm pretty much down with whatever he's up to...

Take a look here and maybe treat yourself to the 30 DAY TEST......CellCeuticals Biomedical Skin Treatments    

Based upon his increasing recognition of the importance of proper skin nutrition and health, Dr. Fisher collaborated with well-respected industry leader Paul Scott Premo in 2006 to co-found "CellCeuticals® Skin Care, Inc", an international anti-aging skin care company. This company with exciting proprietary core technology was conceived with an obligation to develop effective and safe skin treatment products based upon valid scientific studies. To bring this vision to reality, a team of the country's leading scientists and researchers in the fields of tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and therapeutic peptides participated to create the popular and highly regarded "CellCeuticals® Biomedical Skin Treatments." For more information please visit the CellCeuticals® website.