Archive for December, 2008
Dec
30
Beauty News: Drug for Growing Eyelashes Approved by FDA
Rejoice! Now there is an official drug that can help you grow long thick beautiful eyelashes!
Photo: ABC News
FDA has approved the first and only science-based treatment for growing eyelashes. LATISSE was developed by Allergan, the company behind Botox.
Latisse is a prescription treatment that has to be applied daily on a continued basis. As a result of regular continued use, the length, thickness and colour of eyelashes are visibly improved. Side effects of Latisse can include eye redness and itchiness. More serious but less common side-effects could be darkening of the eye iris or of the eyelid skin and, according to some reports, even permanent darkening of the whites of the eyes.
Photo: ABC News
Latisse is based on a chemical called prostaglandin, which is used to treat glaucoma. It was the side effect observed in the patients treated for glucoma with prostaglandin that inspired developemtn of this eyelash enhancement treatment.
Latisse will be available early next year and a month supply is expected to cost you over a hundren dollars. Which makes it quite an expense over a year.
Sources:
Telegraph.co.uk
Medical News Today
ABC News Report at video.yahoo.com
Related Posts:
Beauty News: Athena Cosmetics Withdraws RevitaLash from the Market
Read more about long eyelashes:
Tips for Long and Beautiful Eyelashes
Visit the original post at: Skin Care and Beauty
Dec
29
Beauty Fact: Best Anti-Ageing Treatments
A review published in Archives of Dermatology named the tree most effective skin anti-agers.
1. Topical retinols
2. Fractional CO2 Laser resurfacing
3. Hyaluronic-acid-based fillers
We all know about Retinol. It is the best non-invasive anti-ager up to date. Retinol is a form of vitamin A which when applied topically increases cells turnover and stimulates production of new collagen in both naturally aged skin and skin damaged by ultraviolet radiation.
Many women resort to topical retinol treatment to rejuvenate their skin, get rid of or improve appearance of wrinkles or age-spots. Topical retinols are not always well tolerated. There are certain side-effects such as irritation, dryness, susceptibility to sun damage or even a ‘retinoid dermatitis’. However currently it appears to be the most effective non-invasive anti-ageing treatment.
Photo by DACshots at Filickr.com
There has been a lot of talk about the fractional CO2 laser this year. Dermatologists are very excited about this recently launched laser and the anti-aging effect it produces. Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser works by creating millions of microscopic wounds that cause the skin to go into a repair mode and increase collagen production. As a result skin is firmed, fine lines and wrinkles are reduced, skin tone is evened out. Another thing dermatologists are so happy about is that the time needed for a recovery is not as long as compared to other similar laser treatments. According to Elle (US, August 08) one needs a week for a full recovery, while some may experience “slight redness” for up to a month. However in another Elle article in December issue three women undergoing this procedure give a feed back on their recovery which seems a bit longer than just a week. Their skin looks burnt till it peels off only around 14-15 days after treatment and a month later they describe their skin being “marbled shades of red, extremely sun sensitive”. Only four months later they can report seeing positive results of younger looking skin, smaller pores, reduced pigmentation, lines and acne scarring.
Photo by Andreas Rueda at Filickr.com
And finally something that has been there for quite some time and now will definitely get more attention: Hyaluronic-Acid-Based fillers (such as Restilane, Juviderm). It appears they offer much more than just instant plumping effect. Hyaluronic-Acid-Based fillers also stimulate collagen production in the skin by stimulating fibroblasts. The exact mechanism behind this effect is not yet fully understood.
Visit the original post at: Skin Care and Beauty
Dec
24
Beauty Review: Issima Secret Divin Skin Perfecting Anti-Ageing Serum by Guerlain
Product Tag Line:
A divine serum that enhances the skin’s beauty and delays the effects of time.
Product Profile in short:
(as described on Guerlain Website)
In an instant skin looks smooth, even, matte, and incredibly velvety
With every application skin’s quality is visibly improved
Promise:
“Imperfections and fine lines are smoothed away, the pores tighten, skin becomes even, velvety… incredibly radiant with a matte finish, just like the skin of an angel”
What’s Inside:
Guerlain does not provide details about the active ingredients neither on their website nor in the product booklet. From these two sources we can only find out that Secret Divin contains Anti-Ageing Complex and Blue Gold
Close-up on Active Ingredients:
Water
Cyclopentasiloxane- skin-conditioning agent - emollient
Dydroyized Adansonia Digitata Extract – baobab extract, emollient, antioxidant, improves skin’s elasticity
Butylene Glycol - humectant
Glycerin - humectant
Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate – emollient used for skin conditioning
Polymethyl Methacrylate – film forming agent (polymer of methyl methacrylate)
Polysorbate 20 – emulsifier, helps to stabilize emulsions and suspensions
Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer – silicone polymer, adds luster, sheen and creates slippery feeling to skin products
Polyacrylomide – polymer of acrylamide monomers, film forming agent
Algin –. substance obtained from marine algae (seaweed), used to stabilize creams and make skin supple
C13-14 ISOPARAFIN - thickener or gelling agent, emollient
Perfume
Titanium Dioxide – A natural white mineral pigment, used to give opacity to face powder, eye shadow, also used in full-spectrum sunscreens to protect skin from UVA and UVB
Sorbitol - humectant
…
Wheat Germ Protein - emollient and antioxidant
…
Silica – talc-like powder, absorbs excess oil, in some sources is also described as emollient, conditioning agent
…
Gold
…
Geraniol – maskin tonic, according to cosmeticsdatabase.com, it has a risk hazard rate of 5 out of 10 and in some studies showed skin irritation at very low doses
…
Plankton Extract – antioxidant, skin-conditioning
Limonene - synthetic flavoring substances, many sources say it’s skin-sensitizing.
…
Parabens
So now we know the Secret Divine to angle’s skin. As I understand from several polymers on the list it mostly relies on film-forming and masking agents. I think, due to all of the masking ingredients and Silica, Titanium Dioxide, skin looks lighter and the tone looks more even. There are several humectants and emollients on the list which is great for moisturizing. Emollients also contribute to that smooth soft feeling and look by conditioning the skin.
I expected something better in terms of anti-oxidants since in the description of the product there is an emphasis on the anti-oxidant protection.
Experience
Texture: light fluid, light creamy pink color, has tiny reflecting particles
Smell: light sweet perfume
Upon application skin immediately feels smooth to the touch. Before I looked closely at ingredients I thought there must be something powdery and something that creates a film on the skin’s surface. I was right. After the first tactile impressions, you start noticing that the pores are smaller and skin not only feels but looks smoother. It also looks matte. So all of these effects you see immediately. Unfortunately, in a week I have developed sensitivity towards this product. It could have been one of the many polymers or Geraniol… I have no idea… but upon application my skin felt tight and in a couple minutes it felt itchy. So I couldn’t see results of a long-term use and cannot comment on how skin’s tone evens out in the long run. However, I do still use this product from time to time. For example I apply it for a couple days before events to quickly improve the look of my skin.
Price Tag:
About 80-90$ (= 55-65 Euro)
Related Posts:
Beauty Brand: Guerlain
Beauty Review: Happylogy Eye: Glowing Eye Care
Beauty Review: Guerlain Kiss Kiss Maxi Shine Lisptick
Guerlain’s New Makeup Collection Autumn 2008
Beauty Shopping: Guerlain’s Boutique in Paris, Champs Elyses
Get more information about Guerlain skin care and makeup or shop for Guerlain’s products online
Visit the original post at: Skin Care and Beauty
Dec
24
Glycerin for softening and moisturizing of skin
Glycerin is often used in with cosmetic purposes, because it has effective softening and moisturizing qualities. It is soaked into skin easily and improves its blood circulation. Keep in mind that glycerin is used with little amount. Researches found that glycerin had the greatest effect when there was not more 10% of that useful matter in the cosmetic mean. In this case, glycerin works as very active moisturizing mean. Remember, glycerin can’t be used in big quantities and in its clear form, because it becomes harmful for skin. As they say: “Good things come in small packages”.
For normal skin. Mix 1 teaspoon sour milk, 1 teaspoon yolk, and 5 drops glycerin. Put the mixture on the face with help of brush and keep for 20 minutes. Then wash mask with warm water. Such mask has nourishing and moistening effect.
Pour 1 cup of cream in the glass jar and add one egg, ½ glass of vodka, juice of one lemon and 1 teaspoon glycerin. Mix everything carefully. Use this lotion for face and neck before sleep. It cleans, nourishes, moistens and whitens skin and also prevents from wrinkles. Keep jar with lotion closed in the fridge during 6 months.
For dry skin. Mix 1 tablespoon glycerin, 1 teaspoon liquid ammonia, 1 teaspoon honey, ½ glass cold boiled water. Use the mixture like a lotion in the evening. Keep the lotion in the fridge. It softens skin and removes dryness.
Mix ½ teaspoon glycerin, 1 teaspoon honey and 2 teaspoons cold boiled water. To thicken the mask add some oatmeal and mix everything. Put the mask on the face and keep for 20 minutes. Then wash with warm water.
Pour 1 tablespoon camomile with ½ glass of boiling water and keep for 2 hours. Then filter it. Add 50 gram butter, 3 teaspoons castor oil, ½ teaspoon glycerin, 30 ml. camphor alcohol and ¼ prepared camomile decoction. Mix everything carefully and use as night cream. It has great anti-aging effect.
For greasy skin. Mix 100 gram china clay with 3 tablespoons cold boiled water, add in 1 teaspoon glycerin and spirit. Put the mixture on the face. In 20 minutes take the mask away with cotton wool wad and wash with cool water.
For combined skin. Grate one lemon and pour it with 100 gram vodka, mix everything and filter through gauze. Add 1 glass sour cream, beaten white of egg and 1 teaspoon glycerin. Mix everything carefully. Put the mask on the face and keep for 15-20 minutes. Then take away with cotton wool wad wet in the tea. Do not wash the mask fully. It protects from dehydration, especially if you spend much time at open air. Save the mask in the fridge and use every day during cold times.
Anti-aging mask. Mix in 1 tablespoon dried leaves of mint, camomile flowers, leaves and berries of rowan-tree. Pour it with 3 glasses of boiling water and infuse for an hour. Then boil for 10 minutes and filter. Add juice of half a lemon, in 2 tablespoons glycerin and cologne. Mix everything carefully. Run the face and neck with lotion some times a day.
For all types of skin. Grate ¼ quinces, squeeze juice through gauze and add 5 drops glycerin. Put the mixture on the face for 20 minutes and then wash with warm water and rinse with cold water. It moistens and enriches skin greatly.
Visit the original post at: Beautiful Skin Blog
Dec
20
Weird Fragrances and Curious Developments in Perfume Industry in 2008
You may be amazed what kind of fragrances are out there! Cosmeticsdesign-Europe ran an article where they mention several “weird and wonderful” scents of 2008.
Photo: by Food in Mouth at Flickr.com
For those who think burgers smell seductive Burger Kind released men’s perfume called “Flame”.
It has a hint of flame broiled meat and captures the “essence of love” America has for its favourite sandwich Whopper.
Another curious scent was developed by Sports Interactive. This fragrance aims to inspire consumer’s winning spirit. And what can inspire that spirit if not the various scents found in the dressing rooms of successful teams. I wonder what this perfume smells like… sweaty T-Shirt?
Want to know how confidence and efficiency smell? Then try the fragrance launched by the Catalan Socialist Party back in January this year. Actually, as Albert Majós, explained it is neither a “perfume nor air-freshener” but the aromatic representation of socialism’s values.
Photo: by Fool-on-the Hill at Flickr.com
Finally, let’s not forget Christopher Brosius’ ‘I Hate Perfume’ range. Here are a couple examples of his fragrances: Fir Tree – fir trees in the forest with a touch of frozen ground. Ocean/Eternal Return - the scent of sailing to the shore. Blend of fresh ocean air, wooden ship and a faint hint of cypress trees growing on the cliff above the water. I have never tested any of Christopher Brosius’ perfumes but I found his idea of expressing himself and his artistic vision in the perfume quite captivating.
Perfume industry seems to be full of new developments and nice surprises for consumers. 2008 saw the launch of an anti-aging perfume Ageless Fantasy by Harvey Prince. Recently a Mood-enhancing fragrance compound derived from sea coral has been approved for a patent.
Photo: by Tywak at Flickr.com
Only listen what it can do to your psychological state: “Just inhaling very small quantities resulted in enhanced feelings of confidence, relaxation, affection, warmth, satisfaction and sensuality, in both men and women,” a spokesman for the Human Pheremone Sciences said. I am looking forward to new discoveries and launches!
Visit the original post at: Skin Care and Beauty
Dec
12
Original facial scrubs from nuts
To support the healthy condition of your skin, you should make facial peeling every week. Today I offer two recipes of homemade scrubs for your choice. The feature of these scrubs is their components, which nourish and moisten skin at one time with cleaning. The role of abrasive elements belongs to grinded nuts. Nuts peel skin with care and effectively.
Grind rind of 1 apple together with rind of 1 big slice of melon and squeeze juice with the help of gauze. Grind ½ glass of any nuts and add to squeezed mass. Mix everything carefully. Put the mixture on the face and keep for 20 minutes. Then take the peeling away with circular stroking, and wash with warm water. Finally clean the face with tonic. After this procedure your skin will become clean and fresh.
Grind a glass of any nuts and rind of big apple. Add 1 tablespoon cream (for dry and normal skin) or sour cream (for greasy skin). Put scrub on the face, neck and area of décolleté with circular stroking. In 10 minutes wash with warm water and put moistening cream on the skin. You can use this scrub twice a week, even for dry skin.
Visit the original post at: Beautiful Skin Blog
Dec
12
Holiday Shopping: Friends and Family Discount at Macy’s
Holidays are getting closer! Are you shopping for presents? I bet you are! And it is even more fun when you can shop for holiday presents at a sale! So, make sure not to miss Macy’s great Friends and Family sale. I learnt about this coupon you can use to get a 20% discount from Wednesday, December 10 till Monday, December 15.
Download the Macy’s Friends and Family Coupon in pdf format.
Happy Holiday Shopping!
Visit the original post at: Skin Care and Beauty
Dec
12
Holiday Shopping: Friends and Family Discount at Macy’s
Holidays are getting closer! Are you shopping for presents? I bet you are! And it is even more fun when you can shop for holiday presents at a sale! So, make sure not to miss Macy’s great Friends and Family sale. I learnt about this coupon you can use to get a 20% discount from Wednesday, December 10 till Monday, December 15.
Download the Macy’s Friends and Family Coupon in pdf format.
Happy Holiday Shopping!
Visit the original post at: Skin Care and Beauty
Photo: ABC News
Photo: ABC News
