An Apple a Day Helps Keeps Aging Skin at Bay

Envision a skincare line infused with an ingredient so special, it has the power to help an apple heal itself after being punctured. Then imagine the ingredient comes from natural, plant stem cells. Factor in that 100% of subjects experienced visible decrease in wrinkle depth in clinical studies - 100%!

Nope, we're not talking about a Retin-A or a retinol product, not talking about products boasting acai berry, and one doesn't need to visit the dermatologist to reap its benefits. What's the ingredient? The latest buzz in skincare is a rare Swiss Apple called the Uttwiler Spatlauber.  These rare apples boast an extremely long shelf life; they last four months longer than typical shriveled apples. The Swiss Apple has a self-renewal power that rejuvenates aging, saggy skin. Apple stem cells are rich in epigenetic factors and metabolites that assure the longevity of skin cells.

Allow me to introduce you to Eclos!  Eclos uses the super apple to boost the production of human stem cells. It protects skin from stress, and decreases wrinkles for fresher looking skin. Eclos takes the revolutionary technology of super apple and plant-based stem cells to create younger looking skin. The application of plant cell cultures to maintain human skin stem cells is a breakthrough in anti-aging.

For the past two weeks I've been using three products from the Eclos line with fantastic results!  Truly, I've been amazed.  The three Eclos products I tested: Instant Radiance Facial Scrub, Skin Renewal Clay Mask and Cellular Activator Face Serum. 

The facial scrub with its dermabrasion properties gently but effectively exfoliates the skin leaving a glowy, healthy radiance. I noticed how smooth my skin was after the first use, but twice weekly application has also assisted my skin's overall texture. The scrub smells of a lovely aromatherapy-ish botanical scent, provided mainly I would guess by the rosemary, a highlighted ingredient that helps to restore and retain a youthful balance.  Other ingredients you'll appreciate of the scrub include ginkgo biloba (helps re-energize skin), willow bark (a natural beta hydroxy acid aids in exfoliation) both part of a PhytoPlex24 combination of plant extracts unique to Eclos, horse chestnut, gotu kola, green tea, turmeric, matricaria, cucumber, comfrey, West Indian Rosewood, vitamin E, palmarosa, cardamom, geranium and ylang-ylang.

The clay mask was an instant favorite too.  As one might expect, it helps to absorb skin impurities. The mask additionally invigorates, detoxifies and clarifies with its Kaolin Clay, Moroccan Lava Clay, anti-oxidizing green tea, rosemary and of course its Plant Stem Cell technology.  A thin layer is all that's needed to reap the effects (in fact, it's recommended).  I noticed a warming sensation the first couple of times I used the mask, which faded with additional usage.  This is typical for me, though, when using a clay or mud based mask. It's not at all irritating, though you will feel it tighten as the mask dries, generally after about 5 - 10 minutes.  What's amazing is how firm my face feels after rinsing the mask off.  My facial skin is definitely tighter, firmer (not that awful dry tightness though), to the point that I actually notice it when I wake up in the morning.  At first I wasn't sure if it was the mask or the serum providing the result (and probably long-term both work to produce the firming result), but even when not applying the serum - you know, just to do my own little test - the firmness is still there next morning. Please understand, this isn't an, "Oh, I think if I really concentrate hard enough I might just perhaps feel a little firmer in the face," kind of result; this is a, "Yes! My face is definitely firmer, even still this morning and I am amazed," kind of result.  As with the scrub, the clay mask uses the high potency plant stem cells extracted from the Swiss apple to stimulate skin stem cells, encouraging aging skin to behave like younger skin. It's enriched with the PhytoPlex24 to minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and tired skin while delivering a smooth and radiant complexion. The mask's use of ginkgo biloba, turmeric & green tea's anti-inflammatory properties help slow the signs of aging, chamomile & cucumber soothe, revitalize and hydrate skin, horse chestnut and willow bark help to firm skin and enhance cell turnover and gotu kola improves skin firmness and elasticity by boosting collagen. Use of the botanical mask provides an aromasensory experience ... altogether now, deep breath in, and let it out. Again, in and out ... And once more ... in ... and out ..... now relax.

Alright, now for the serum. Love it!  Here's why. This is a light creamy-gel textured serum that once applied instantly reveals firmness and youthfulness to the skin.  You can feel it; you can see it; and it lasts.  Now this is a little funny, and shhhh please don't go telling people, but over this past week I've not been able to resist a double-task in the mirror delighting in what a noticeable difference I'm seeing in my skin.  Lines are definitely less noticeable, even forehead and those awful "11" lines between the eyebrows are diminished in appearance.  I am delighted that not only are the results visibly noticeable, I can actually feel how much better toned and resilient my skin is. Remarkable. The serum boasts many of the same ingredients as the scrub and the mask including the rosemary, turmeric, green tea, comfrey, gotu kola and more.

All Eclos products are FREE of parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragances & dyes, and petro-chemicals. (Happy Earth Month!)

The idea of using the rare super apple's plant stem cells as an anti-aging element in a skincare line is not altogether brand new. Super apple skincare lines are around and typically they are quite pricey. From Chantecaille's $260 Nano Gold Eye Cream to ReVive's $1,482 Peau Magnifique.  They're out there, but really, who can afford them? Not many. So here's the piece de resistance.  Are you ready for this?  Eclos is a drugstore brand of skincare.  Yep, that's right - drugstore!  Believe me, no one is more surprised than I to find such a fabulous, plant-based, sensory delighting, results driven, line of skincare coming from a drugstore.  The prices are going to blow your mind.

The whole range of plant-based Eclos products costs less than a single product from some of the other brands utilizing the super apple plant stem cells, and even two, three, ten times over (and then some). Eclos' range consists of Facial Cleanser Skin Prep, $14.99, Facial Scrub, $12.99, Clay Mask $12.99, Cellular Activator Face Serum $24.99, Moisture Therapy Regenerative Cream $24.99 and Restorative Eye Cream.  Check Ulta, Rite Aid, Walgreens.com and soon, CVS for this amazing line of anti-aging skincare. For more information about the brand, visit Eclos Beauty and their presence on facebook. Enjoy!

Get $20 Back on Olay Pro-X Skincare

So you all know how wonderful I think the Olay Professional Pro-X line of anti-aging skincare is.  Olay Pro-X is a scientifically advanced line of professional skin care products created by an inspired partnership of Proctor & Gamble Beauty scientists and renowned dermatologists. We gave you the scoop about it's launch this past December. Since then, Pro-X has been flying off the shelves, and with good reason. Quite simply - it works!

Get $20 back when you spend $50 or more on Olay Pro-X skin care products at drugstore.com. Offer ends 04/09/10, but you have until 4/23/10 to postmark your rebate request.

Click link for $20 off $50 on Olay Pro-X at drugstore.com

GIVEAWAY: NVPerriconeMD Cold Plasma

What's the hottest new product receiving rave reviews from NVPerriconeMD?

Cold Plasma
Five years of intensive research guided by a lifetime of scientific insight has yielded Cold Plasma, a breakthrough in skincare technology from renowned healthy aging expert Dr. Nicholas Perricone.
Formulated with Dr. Perricone's patented delivery system, Cold Plasma addresses the 10 most visible signs of aging: wrinkles, enlarged pores, dryness, discoloration, redness, uneven skin tone, impurities, loss of firmness, loss of smoothness and loss of radiance.

Our skin is the largest organ in the body and the barometer for internal health. As we age, our cellular metabolism changes, creating the need for easily assimilated targeted nutrients. Inherent in Cold Plasma technology is the understanding that your skin determines the nutrients it needs to stay healthy, supple and youthful looking.  The testimonials on this product speak for themselves.

What do you have to do to enter?
We want to know why you'd like to try Cold Plasma or why you think you simply must have Cold Plasma.  Share your comments in the entry form below along with your email (won't be shown online) so we may contact you if you win.  One winner will be chosen at random to win this prize. This contest is open to residents in the USA and Canada. Good Luck!

NOTE: Your entry acknowledges permission to provide representatives for NVPerriconeMD with your contact and mailing information if you win this sweepstakes. One (1) winner will be chosen to receive this prize. Contest ends March 21, 2010 at 11:59 pm.

Korres Skin Renewal with Pomegranate, Quercetin and Wild Rose

You all know I've got teensy weensy proclivity for pomegranate. Ok, a huge one! I've stumbled across a fab pomegranate infused kit great for renewing your skincare regime this new year.

Korres is offering their Prep, Prime & Perfect Skincare and Color Collection, a limited edition collection of skin perfecting must-haves offering the best of both worlds – Korres skincare and color.

PREPARE:
Refreshing Pomegranate Wipes cleanse the skin and remove make-up efficiently from face and eyes;
Wild Rose Brightening and Line Smoothing Serum, an ultra concentrated vitamin C serum that brightens and smoothes fine lines and wrinkles;
Wild Rose 24-hour Moisturizing and Brightening Cream is clinically proven to increase skin radiance by 49%

PRIME:
The silky, 99% Natural, Silicone-Free Face Primer primes skin for make-up application and extends the wear of your makeup (read my review of this product here)

PERFECT:
Wild Rose Brightening Foundation WRF3 offers a long-lasting, flawless, radiant finish;
Wild Rose Lip Butter an intensely hydrating lip treatment packed with a juicy pop of color;
Pro-vitamin B5 and Rice Bran Mascara in 01 Black is an easy-to-layer mascara for high-definition and length with provitamin B5 that nourishes the lashes.

Just $39.00 ( A $104 Value)

I'm really amazed by that offer! If you've used even just one of those products, you'll know just how fantastic a value that collection is. And to sweeten the pot for your New Year pleasure, Korres is also giving you a free mini skincare kit for free. The products in these "free gifts" will turn you on to what will become some new must-haves in your skincare routine. Oh yes, they're that good. Here's why I say that.

You're getting these ingredients in your free gift products below, and here's what they do for you:

Quercetin - a new love of mine, and I own Korres' Quercetin & Oak Night Cream (included in the gifts below), so I speak from experience on this. One of my favorite purchases last year. Korres reports it is 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

Oak Extract - firms and plumps aging skin, while radically boosting collagen and elastin production

Jojoba, Grape and Pomegranate Oils - in a time-release proprietary blend provides instant nourishment and hydration

Vitamin C - significantly diminishes fine lines, hyperpigmentation and resurfaces skin, revealing a soft and radiant complexion

Vitamin E - a potent anti-oxidant, defends skin against free radical damage while also providing moisture

Ginseng Extract - visibly improves skin tone and actively firms by enhancing elasticity

Provitamin B5 - imparts long-lasting moisture to the skin

Phytic Acid - a natural skin lightener, helps illuminate sun damage and acne scarring

Evening Primrose Oil - rich in linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid, provides hydration and nourishes the delicate skin around the eyes

Vitamin K and Ruscus Extracts - work synergistically to increase blood microcirculation, quickly and visibly diminishing dark circles while also moisturizing the skin

Zinc Oxide - a natural sunscreen, prevents premature aging by providing sun protection

Shea Butter - enriches their Guava Body Butter to soften, moisturize & restructure the skin

Sunflower, Almond & Avocado Oils - in a A proprietary blend restores skin’s elasticity & smoothness

Quince Extract - acts as a soothing agent to heal and nourish stressed skin

There's so much more in these skincare treasures, but that's enough to get you salivating, or at least gives you some comfort and confidence that if you treat your skin to Korres you're giving it quality, natural products that will also yield fantastic results. And how can you argue with FREE? Those ingredients above all come in the products in your free gift!

Now through January 6th get a free 4 pcs Hydration Rescue Kit with any $25 purchase
Code: HYDRATION4

Or spend $50 and get a free 6 pcs Hydration Rescue Kit
Code: HYDRATION6

Korres Prep, Prime & Perfect includes a treasure trove of skincare goodies and at $39 it's almost too good to be true. Begin the New Year treating your skin to indulgent products that are absolutely pleasurable to use, yet at a tiny price. Don't forget to add your free gift, you're sure to find new loves there too. Visit Korres USA now for the deals mentioned in this article (thru 1/6/10). Korres products are also available at Dermstore, where you'll find fantastic discounts and free gifts galore!

REVIEW: Skincare Blues? Erno Laszlo Has Your Fix

Lazuline (adj.): having the color of lapis lazuli, a light shade of blue

Lazuline is the hue of LASZLO BLUE FIRMARINE SPF 30 and of its star ingredient, Spirulina Maxima. A fresh water blue-green algae, Spirulina is rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The latest from the legendary skincare line of Erno Laszlo, this daily face cream delivers intensive nutrition to the skin -- improving hydration and giving skin a healthier appearance with new firmness and bounce.

80 years ago, Dr. Erno Laszlo proved that although our skin is complex, the most effective remedies for it often come from the simplest, most elemental sources. The Erno Laszlo brand continues this tradition with the launch of Laszlo Blue Firmarine SPF 30, harnessing the power Spirulina Maxima—a sustainable fresh water micro-algae that boasts over 70 essential vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants. When this ingredient is combined with other actives in Laszlo Blue Firmarine, this daily firming face cream delivers intensive nutrition to the skin. For slightly dry to slightly oily skin, age 30+.

Features and Benefits

•Feeds new collagen growth, enhancing skin firmness and bounce
•Provides essential fatty acids, anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals that feed and nurture the skin’s microenvironment
•Natural phyto-nutrient pigments (chlorophyll and phycocyanin) contribute to the product’s lazuline hue as they regenerate damaged cells and soothe inflammation
•Protects with Vitamins E, C and A, Organic Green Tea, Multi-Mineral Complex and mineral-rich Deep Sea Water
•Boosts the skin’s immunity (anti-viral, anti-bacterial)
•Integrates SPF 30 for year-round protection from sun and free-radical damage
•Assimilates quickly into the epidermis, effectively hydrating and nurturing tired skin
•Lush texture and subtle, calming scent
•Dermatologist tested, allergy tested, irritation tested, clinically tested, non-acnegenic



REVIEW:
This is a soothing light blue cream with an almost spongy elasticity in texture, having a light, fresh marine scent and providing the perfect amount of nurturing to aging skin. Though it possesses an SPF 30, the product is a bit too rich for my normal to combination-oily skin, even though it is 40+ in years, a testament to the decadence of this product. This has fast become a go-to moisturizer for night-time repair. The cream with its whipped-like element, glides smoothly across skin and blends into skin effortlessly leaving a not-to-be-missed glow of health. I notice a firming affect but it's not a tight feeling, more of a resiliency in texture and appearance, if that makes any sense. There's a definite youthfulness, a noticeable youthfulness to my skin after use. In addition, whether it's the light blue color of the cream or the ingredients therein, my skin is definitely brightened by this product, a result I appreciate more and more as the years wear on. And all of these effects + exquisite moisturization are still there in the morning ... a big plus! A bit pricey at $195 a jar, but soooo worth the luxury.

The cream is packaged in an elegant, minimalist styled sheer blue cubed jar, a nice touch. Laszlo Blue Firmarine SPF 30: SRP $195 / 1.7 oz / 50 ml. Available at the Erno Laszlo Institute and Erno Laszlo counters at fine specialty stores including Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Holt Renfrew.