REVIEW: New! Wei East China Herbal Advance Eyes Alive

I discovered Wei East skincare several years ago (well, perhaps a little longer than several, the older I get the quicker time goes by). My first Wei East love was their China Lotus Anti-Aging Masque, which remains the creamiest, most hydrating and soothing facial masque I've tried to this day.  I was intrigued by Wei East's sparkly, energetic, charismatic founder Wei Brian. That's what first drew me to want to try her products. There she was, peddling skincare made from ancient Chinese recipes loaded with herbs and botanicals on HSN (yes, the shopping network) long before botanical, natural ingredients in skincare was, well, cool!

Since those days, HSN has come a long way in provision of the ultimate in beauty must-haves and Wei Brian has continued to expand her much adored skincare line, all the while staying true to her premise that ancient Chinese remedies passed down for generations from mother to child and nature's flora and herbal wonders are what make life worth living, and what make skin beautiful.

I admire Wei for holding true to her heritage, for allowing her love of nature and beauty to drive her purpose and mission; oh yes, it is a mission and Wei represents it well. And is if I needed more reason to admire her, allow me to add yet one more; one that demonstrates her grace and one that deserves respect. Wei makes no secret of the fact that she and her family have struggled to find help for her son diagnosed with autism at the age of six. Through a journey that led them through various Western and Eastern treatment modalities, they have seen some light, where once there was only mysterious darkness, and are hopeful and confident about continued improvements and progress in the treatment of autism. As one who works specifically in the field of mental health for very young children, I know how devastating this disorder can be for families and how important it is to support continued research for its treatment. To help bring "rainbows" to families affected by autism, Wei created a special WE Help Bring Hope collection to support the work of The Autism Treatment Center of America™ and Autism Speaks™ . Collection by collection, box by box, they donate the entire purchase price of the collection ($70) to these organizations. Incredible!

So, I know I've digressed, but if I'm going to feature an article on a Wei East product, I simply cannot do it justice without sharing the depth of beauty of its founder and creator.

Now onto New! China Herbal Advance Eyes Alive: Wei's new China Herbal formulas feature breakthrough technology that allows scientists to extract properties from herbs in ancient Chinese remedies with greater precision and deliver them directly to your skin. Using only the freshest, hand-harvested Green Tea from China's remote Lushan region, they use advanced extraction technology to deliver both immediate and long-term benefits to the thin, vulnerable skin around the eye area.

Combined with Mulberry Leaf and Soy this new formula is said to provide visible results within minutes of application and to diminish the appearance of puffiness, dark circles, fine lines and crepiness over time, and for me it has. The cream has a light, silky texture that absorbs effortlessly making application comfortable and efficient. As a little goes a long way, just a tiny pea size or so is needed each application. Just gently tap onto the undereye area with your ring finger. The scent is very light, subtle and herbal so as not to overpower the sensitive nasal passages close to the eyes. I've found this cream to be very soothing to my undereye area and I've noticed a brightening effect for sure where once only purplish, dark circles appeared at the inner corners closest to my nose. I'm enjoying this product immensely. A bit hard to explain or pinpoint but it just "feels good!"

This is a huge tube of eye cream compared to most eye creams you'll find on the market at a whopping .7 ounce and retails for $35. Compare that to some of these: Murad Lighten & Brighten (.5 oz $67), Relastin Eye Silk (.5 oz $69, which I do still love by the way), SkinCeuticals Eye Blam (.5 oz $78),  Hylexin (.78 oz $95), Bliss The Youth As We Know It Eye Cream (.5 oz $75), Philosophy Hope in a Tube (.5 oz $33).

For more information about Wei and Wei East products, please visit Wei East online or HSN.com.  There, you'll find incredible specials on beauty and skincare kits as well as the inside story behind all her wonderful products individually.

GIVEAWAY: Light, Camera Lashes! Tarte MultiplEYE Lash Enhancing Mascara

Ooooooh la la ... Wow-Factor Lashes!

We know how fabulously innovative Tarte Cosmetics is; we know how devoted to green beauty Tarte creator Maureen Kelly is; and we love that with Tarte we can have the best of both worlds.

MultiplEYE lands on the heels of Tarte's Light Camera Lashes, the wildly popular 4-in-1clinically proven natural mascara that lengthens, curls, volumizes and conditions eye lashes.

This is the brand new lash enhancing mascara from Tarte, and now is your opportunity to win one of your very own.

MultiplEYE™ Clinically-Proven Natural Lash Enhancing Mascara

A one-of-a-kind mascara that is clinically proven to immediately increase the appearance of lash volume by 638%, while also increasing the appearance of lash length with regular use.

Fortify lashes by naturally increasing the appearance of lash volume by 638%, while also increasing the appearance of lash length and growth. Using a unique blend of high-performance natural™ botanical nutrients, tarte has engineered a nourishing onyx-black mascara base infused with their proprietary HydroPlant™ peptide (a soy-amino super protein) to help stimulate lashes for a 638% increase in the appearance of lash volume and increased appearance of length, growth, and strength.

To achieve maximum results use as a part of the multiplEYE™ 3-step regimen for naturally enhanced lashes without the prescription or the harmful side effects. Use with multiplEYE™ clinically proven natural lash enhancing primer for an incredible 1102% increase in the appearance of lash volume! The towering spiral brush separates and envelops each lash in the nutrient-rich formula to help promote the appearance of sky-high lashes.

To enter:
We want to know why you'd like to try MultiplEYE Lash Enchancing Mascara or why you simply must have MultiplEYE . 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 only. Good Luck!

NOTE: Your entry acknowledges permission to provide representatives for Tarte with your contact and mailing information if you win this sweepstakes. One (1) winner will be chosen to receive this prize. Mascara shade is black. Contest open to residents of the USA only. Contest ends Sun., April 11, 2010 at 11:59 pm.

And for a yummy exfoliating treat to soothe and prepare lips for a healthy showing for spring and summer months, be sure to check out Tarte Frxtion, an award winning duel-sided stick that's both a natural sugar exfoliator as well as a lip balm. Use the sugar crystals to exfoliate your lips, then apply the vanilla scented lip balm on the now-smooth surface to condition and protect lips. Sugar craving anyone?

Love Your Korres Kissed Lips

Recreate your favorite fashion and beauty trends with Korres antioxidant-rich, long-wearing formulas for brilliant color and a radiant finish to your complexion.

LOVE YOUR LIPS COLLECTION
The perfect way to achieve healthy, luscious lips with a hint of color! Prepare the lips with Lip Scrub, play your way to the perfect, naked pout with Cherry Oil Lip glosses in universally flattering shades and put the finishing touches on your pout with Jasmine Lip Butter that melts onto the lips, leaving a shiny, tinted finish. The limited edition collection includes:

• NEW! Organic Lemon Lip Treatment Scrub a gentle yet effective lip treatment that prepares the lips for long-lasting lip color.
• Cherry Oil Lip Gloss in New Naked Shades Rose 22 and Beige 30; high-shine, long-wearing glosses in flattering natural shades enriched with Cherry Oil and Vitamins to deeply hydrate and repair the lips.
• Best-selling Jasmine Lip Butter, an intensely hydrating lip treatment with a soft, sheer hint of color.

Retails for $34.50 (a $64 value)

CHERRY OIL LIP GLOSS

Long-lasting, creamy, semi-sheer formulas in wearable and vibrant shades. Go natural with NEW naked shades!

• Cherry Oil moisturizes lips, prolonging the wear and giving a high-shine, non-sticky finish
• The natural active Jojoba Oil smoothes fine lines and deeply hydrates the lips
• Potent antioxidant Vitamin C and E prevent free radical damage and repair the lips
 
Retails for $17
 

SPECIAL BEAUTY OFFER


For more information and to shop the sweet special offer going on now, visit Korres online.

Beauty Trends for 2010: Mood & Language, Baby

Are you ready for these newly predicted beauty trends?

A report by Reuters (London) says those in-the-know think austerity chic will make way for mood-enhancing make-up in 2010 alongside naturally sourced cosmetics and those enhanced by biochemistry and nano-technology advances. The trend for cutting back on the use of cosmetics ruled the beauty industry in 2009. But innovation and consumer resilience have shaped a new landscape for products in the coming year, according to consumer marketing and consulting firm Mintel in its Global Beauty Trends for 2010.

The four predicted trends for beauty products are: Mood Beauty, Nu Natural, Pro-Tech't and Turbo Beauty 4G.

"While 2009 brought its challenges for the industry, beauty brands and suppliers have continued to seek creative new ways to merge science, nature and sustainability for better results and more eco-friendly formulas and packaging," said Mintel's Director of Beauty Innovation Nica Lewis .

The report said 2010 will see more consolidation in the beauty industry and the evolution of old trends as well as new ones as consumer confidence returns. Recent product evolution has seen actual ingredients that will enable consumers to enhance their mood through make-up and skincare in 2010, going beyond aromatherapy and use of scent.

Mood Beauty: entails a new concept of beauty that intersects with psychology and wellbeing. Think beauty products with psychological benefits and ingredients that act on neurotransmitters, chemicals in the brain that effect mood.

Nu Natural: is a new vision of natural beauty products evolving from a current trend toward organic ingredients, with an eye on purity and local production. Mintel Beauty Innovation said it expects to see more products claim labels like "free from" and "sustainable" though will simultaneously contain synthetic ingredients. Manufacturers will explore simpler formulas such as infusions and fluids, creating with a new generation of phytochemicals, anthocyanins and fermented actives.

Pro-Tech't: will extend an existing emphasis on protection, one of the basic functions of skincare, hair care and color cosmetics. This is already heavily in the scheme of things - so not a new concept. Beauty products are offering protection against sun damage and other environmental factors, physiological changes as well as man-made factors. Expect marketers to utilize computer technology language (e.g. "fire walls") to engage consumers via product description. Also expect to see a growth in immune-boosting and enhancing skin defenses claims in products.

Turbo Beauty 4G: high tech beauty capitalizing on advances in biochemistry and incorporating the use of next-generation nanotechnology in beauty products is expected to boom. This trend features more quasi-medical results and "mix-it-yourself" solutions: at-home kits, cures and gadgets that offer alternatives to cosmetic surgery and non-invasive procedures. Well, we're seeing a lot of that already and looking forward to more.

And you thought this was going to be an article on mood lipsticks. Pshaw. = )

source: Reuters Life, fashionmag, Mintel Beauty

REVIEW: REN F10 Enzymatic Smooth Radiance Facial Mask

Yes, Louise, you can exfoliate without sugar, salt, particles or harsh granular scrubs.

Got a question via my little Contact Me option from my banner up top. Louise of Charlotte, NC asks, "Can you recommend a gentle product that doesn't have grains in it but still gives the face an excellent exfoliation?"

Your wish, Louise, is my command. Now I suppose I should qualify this by reminding everyone I am not a dermatologist or skincare professional; I'm just a woman who loves skincare, so you should check with a professional if you want more information about what you read here. There are many products on the market that offer chemical versus physical exfoliation. Chemical exfoliation generally consists of applying forms of alpha hydroxy acids and/or beta hydroxy acids. The acids help to dissolve the "glue" around the cells, ultimately shedding several layers of the epidermis. We're not talking about the potency of say battery acid, we're talking about gentle acid found, for instance, in many of the fruits we eat.

One such product I enjoy with excellent results is REN's F10 Enzymatic Smooth Radiance Facial Mask. The mask has the consistency of a sweet honeyed jam of sorts. There are no harsh granules to bother sensitive skins. Fruit enzymes provide a deep yet safe and gentle way to slough away dead cells and debris. There's no burning and no irritation. The mask is formulated to gently exfoliate and detoxify, and boosts cell renewal leaving the complexion smooth, toned and bright. Enzymes from papaya gently remove dead cells while Vitamin C from Barbados Cherry extract and essential oils of orange, mandarin, grapefruit and pineapple neutralize antioxidants and fight free radicals. In addition Arctic Blackcurrant oil rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fatty acids help to repair and soothe skin. 1.7 oz pump bottle retails for $37

Using this mask just once a week helps keep my skin in check and very smooth. I've often noticed little bumps or dry patches that have been present the day before are gone by the next morning after using the mask. The mask has a slight fruity tea-like scent to it, very natural; it's effective for all skin types. Apply generously after cleansing the skin, leave on for about 10 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. Apply a moisturizer to enhance hydration and you're set to go.

For more information or to purchase this gentle, lovely facial mask, visit REN Skincare. Also available at Apothica, Skin Botanica and Sephora.

REVIEW: Tallulah Jane Natural Perfumes

Tallulah, 333 and Gotham


From New York City based indie perfume house Tallulah Jane comes a trio of beautiful fragrances that embrace the centuries-old craft of Bourbon perfumeries but with a bold, modern edge.

Blended with botanical essences, resins and balsams, Tallulah Jane scents are an ever-evolving olfactory experience. Ethically chosen organic and wild crafted oils are mixed together in certified organic grape alcohol or jojoba, then hand poured in small batches. No two vintages are exactly alike, so your Tallulah Jane scent is categorically unique, as if designed by nature - especially for you.

Soooo ... the "scrumptiousness" of these fragrant elixirs is not to be missed. Each evokes its very own emotion and experience, and I've found that the perfumes take on a special individuality for each who wears them. In other words, you'll not find any of the three smell the same on your friend as on you.

I know, you may say, "Well this is the case with many fragrances."

Perhaps, but these blends are especially personal. Each bonds with the wearer creating a symphonic aroma that lingers ethereally in the air. The packaging is quite sweet in its minimalist, linear bottles with decorative elegant stars and scripted writing. The bottles include a rollerball making application very easy and fun. I've been enjoying each of the three, but my favorite way to wear them is to layer Tallulah with Gotham. The blend is what I'd describe in my very amateurish way as spicy-floral. The fragrances are all very organic in scent. What I mean by that, is they each have an earthy quality to them. The essence of each note is clearly depicted on examining the aroma. However, these perfumes are to be enjoyed for their wholeness and uniqueness rather than to be picked apart for characterstics of their individual notes.

Tallulah - the signature scent, creamy jasmine notes flirt with heady tuberose for a scent that is timeless yet nouveau. I've never smelled a jasmine perfume quite as exquisite as this one ... smelling it now ... mmmmmmmmmm, so heavenly!

333 - an exquisite triple threat: three different types of chamomile and lavender are combined with three essences of citrus tree, neroli, petitgrain and bitter orange.

Gotham - a sparkling, earthy oriental, deep and sexy, yet bright and crisp. Equal parts Bloomsbury and Bay of Bengal, this scent is a blend of exotic spices and rose, rounded off with the earthy depth of patchouli. I adore this one!

It's really hard to choose a favorite. Each is so different yet so sublime. All Tallulah Jane fragrances are 100% vegan.

Tallulah Jane Natural Perfumes are available at the equally exquisite Spirit Beauty Lounge. Each 8ml bottle retails for $58.

Now thru 1/5/10, enjoy 20% off Tallulah Jane Perfumes with code: TJ20

Or, try all three fragrances. Receive free mini samples with any SPL purchase thru 1/5/10;

just enter code: TJSAMPLE

Don't forget, Spirit Beauty Lounge will happily send you a custom sample package for a small fee so you can try perfumes (and skincare, cosmetics, haircare, etc. too) before purchasing. It's a fun and lovely way to explore wonderful products that call out to you!