Recently in Aging Category

I recently went to Duane Reade where they have just introduced a slew of mid-range price point products including ones from Vichy and La Roche Posay as part of their skin care centers. I spent a good hour speaking with one of the center consultants (consultations are free), and got some tips about which products would be best for my skin based on my concerns and based on the results of a free skin analysis the consultant did (they use a slender stick that is lightly placed on various parts of the face to measure skin hydration, and where blackheads, acne, wrinkles and such are forming). I would highly recommend the consultation. The staff is surprisingly very knowledgeable and you can never loose when it comes to learning more about the health of your skin!

I was also introduced to a new collection of products from Vichy -- the LiftActiv CxP line. Targeted to those that are 40+, the line's products are meant to improve firmness and reduce the appearance of wrinkles while hydrating and smoothing the skin. Like all Vichy products, everything has gone through extensive testing prior to being released (Vichy tests their products on a range of skin types so their products are proven to work no matter your ethnicity), and the skin improvement stats are pretty impressive (78% of women found their skin to be instantly smoothed; 88% found their skin tauter and 91% felt their skin was softer). Click here to learn more about the line!   

Prevention is at least 100 times more important than reversal. Especially when it comes to wrinkles! I have always loved Caudalie but their new 1st Wrinkle line of moisturizing creams and serums is really making me a happy girl! Girl being the operative word. I am terrified of turning into "mam", I cringe every time someone calls me "mam". Caudalie uses the antioxidant benefits of grape seeds, it is the basis of their entire line, which fits right in with my daily antioxidant regimen of wine and chocolate =) I have been using Darphin to prevent aging but I think I am still a few year away from such heavy creams. Caudalie is perfect for my combination skin while still leaving it manageably matte. The 1st Wrinkle Cream is actually a bit too much for the summer, I tend to get really oily so the Pulpe Vitaminee 1st Wrinkle Fluid is really light and more appropriate for hot days. I go back and forth between the two, depending on how my skin feel but only the cream at night. The best part though has to be the smell, it reminds me of Japanese melon gum. Yum! Caudalie Pulpe Vitaminee 1st Wrinkle Cream at Sephora for $55.

I am starting an intense regime as I slowly push my way to the "4th" floor of life. I discovered IS skincare a couple of weeks ago and started using its C Eye Advanced Serum, Eye Complex and Super Serum Advance ($130) for pigmentation issues.  All I have to say is OH MY GOD.  Why have I not heard of this before?  After requesting the press package I was shocked to find that it has been featured in almost every magazine available on a list of celebs that reads like Vanity Fair's Oscar party (actually this is the line celebs turn to for last minute firming, brightening and moisturizing before red carpet events!).  Another noteworthy fact is that IS works with Washington Cancer Institute in Washington DC-- they have developed innovative products that address the unique skincare concerns of cancer patients.  Many of these formulas not only help create vibrant and healthy skin, they also address important issues such as acne, chafing, uneven complexion, burns and scar tissue. 

I started the IS skincare line on a night when I had a bit too much fun with the girls.  I got home, used all three products plus a sample packet of the Youth Complex ($135) and woke up with the most amazing skin (my headache was the only reminder of the bottle of wine the night before).  Intrigued, I spent a few minutes massaging each product to see how it performed (since I could not remember how I applied it the night before)-- my skin absorbed all products immediately-- especially the serums, with no residue nor greasiness.  I love the eye serum and cream but the most amazing product was the Youth Complex (on my list to get since my sample lasted 2 days)-- the results were noticeable right away.  My skin looked tighter, smoother and brighter!  Not sure if this is permanent, will report back in a couple of months.  I'm now obsessively going through all the pamphlets to see what else I need to try.  There are two masks that I must try, the Resurfacing and Rejuvenating.  Will review when I get them.

Check out the line here and find out where to buy at a doctor's office or spa near you-- this is pharmaceutical grade stuff, you won't find it at Sephora.  Check a location near you here.

Or Call 818-638-8758 for more information.  You will not believe the results!  It's amazing and for the ultimate Beauty Snob!!!

There are so many home use peels, I've used a lot of them and most have some effectiveness but I really have not noticed much differences among them. Until I tried the MD Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Peel. This is the first acid peel that has a 2 step process, first the acid (this is a blend of salicylic, glycolic and lactic acid) and then a neutralizer to stop the acid from continuing to penetrate the skin. This is the type of process you would get at a doctor's office. But let me back up. When you get a peel at a doctor's office, they need to use a neutralizer because the acid they use is super strong. But this neutralizer is still useful because it stops that annoying itching and stinging and calms the skin down. So it does serve a purpose but the acid itself is not strong enough to actually reverse aging, for that kind of result, you need to go to a doctor. What this will do is, it will remove the superficial layer of dead skin to reveal the nicer new skin below. You get super smooth skin and a youthful glow. For me, that's all I am asking for with a product like this. I have to say, my skin looks pretty damn good right now!!! If you use this daily, as it is intended, it might penetrate deep enough to have some effect on wrinkles but it would be subtle. After the first few uses, I didn't notice much of anything, but after more uses, I felt the acid intensify which means it took off the dead layers of skin and is getting deeper in the skin. Most doctors will tell you that daily use of this type of peel is effective but if nothing else it will prevent aging. And how do I know that? I just interviewed an Oculoplastic Surgeon and Liposculpture specialist and got the whole scoop on peels and other procedures. I will be posting that next week so make sure you check back for the very interesting and informative interview. MD Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel, 30 Day supply for $78, 60 day is $128. For convenience, the 30 Day Supply Travel Packs is $80 and are individually wrapped like the wet wipes you get after you eat ribs.

Best known for its highest quality stones and ability to combine gems in creations with extraordinary chromatic effects, Bvlgari is now exploring the beneficial properties of gem stones on the skin. Produced in Switzerland, each product contains Bvlgari Gem Essence; a formula of four extracts of fine and precious stones: sapphire, malachite, tourmaline and citrine. This unique formula provides three main benefits to the skin: radiance, nourishment and protection. There are three skincare programs: Precieuse Line, Lumiere Line and Cleansing Line. I received samples of the Precieuse line and am impressed with the luxurious and innovative line of skincare. The Serum Precieux felt lightweight but delivers a deeply hydrating formula that makes the skin appear younger immediately. It also left a very smooth texture which made it great to use during the day under make up. The night cream (Creme Precieuse Nuit) was equally impressive with a deeply nourishing texture that left my skin ultra soft and moisturized throughout the night. Available at Neiman Marcus North Park, call 214-363-8311 to order!

Bvlgari Serum Precieuse here

Bvlgari Creme Precieuse Nuit here.

I have been traveling non stop and not only have I not had time for my regular facials, my skin is in serious need of reviving. I finally got time to pamper myself at home with this Glycolactic Peel from REN. The people behind REN reminds me of Ben & Jerry, they love what they do and they want to make the world greener by doing things better. It is a totally green line using only renewable ingredients that are 100% natural and organic. This Glycolactic Peel has fruit enzyme and acids that is very gentle but totally powerful for a major pore cleanse and dead skin cell removal. I hate that part of the facial when they squeeze your face to death, I stopped doing facials like that and it is totally unnecessary when you use fruit acids and enzymes to remove that stuff. This will clean your pores completely, including any blackhead you may have. The morning after the peel, my skin looks peachy and flush. For the best results, I use a scrub the day after the peel to help with the skin renewal by removing any access dead skin that is on the surface. You will be amazed by the fresh skin that is yours!! The only caveat is, this peel does make you itchy and tingly while it's on and it needs to stay on for a full 10 minutes to have its full effect, but trust me, it is worth 10 minutes of a very slight discomfort. I walk around the house with it on and check emails or whatever to distract me. It is a peach color so you won't scare anyone with it on! REN Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask at Sephora for $55.

Summer is coming and you know what that means, girls! The sun is coming and it is going to make you old!! Ahhh!! I don't want to be an alarmist but now that I am almost 40, I worry a lot about wrinkly skin and with good reason. I NEVER lay out in the sun anymore, when I go to the beach, I make my husband erect the largest beach umbrella ever. It requires heavy anchors so the wind doesn't blow it over. Well, all this stress and concern has lead me to Natura Bisse's C+C Vitamin Body Cream. The intense pure vitamin C repairs cells and helps to firm the skin. You know how the skin falls away from the muscle when you age? Just think Donatella Versace in her bikini. Yeah, we do not want that to happen. This helps take that slack off and prevents it if you are not there yet, which is where I want to stay! It also smells so wonderful and feels super luxurious when I'm slathering it on. I just can't get enough of this and I am glad it comes in this jar so I can get big scoops in my hand and apply generously. The 17oz jar is $147 and worth every penny. At Neiman Marcus.

You are in for a real treat, girls! Every week in February you will have the chance to win the Daily Essentials Skincare System (valued at $150). You will love this anti-aging prevention and treatment cleansing, exfoliating, and hydrating trio. The detoxifying cleanser removes toxins as well as remove every day make up; the exfoliate, my personal favorite, has tiny crystals that leave your skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated like never before. The hydrating moisturizer completes this mini facial experience leaving your face silky smooth.

Enter to win the Freeze 24/7 Daily Essentials Skincare System by answering the following: Who is this leading lady who already won 2 Golden Globes and is now nominated for an Oscar? Please put your answer in comments by Friday Feb. 6th at 11:59pm EST. One entry per person, please. Please use an active email address to enter so we can contact you when you win.

Thank you Freeze 24/7 for sponsoring this Snob Quiz Giveaway!

How many products claim to make your skin healthy as well as prevent common signs of aging? Yeah, can't be helped but I'm a bit of a skeptic. Seems like a lot to ask from a few products, but I am impressed by the Freeze 24/7 Daily Essentials Skincare System. I am hooked, I must admit, after using this for a week. There are three steps to this skincare system: Cleanse, Exfoliate, and Hydrate. You begin by using the Skin Glace Daily Detoxifying Cleanser and Mask. You would not think that this gentle and thin cleanser would be so powerful in actually removing your every day make up so thoroughly, but it does. You then go on to the IceCrystals Anti-Aging Prep and Polish, which I absolutely LOVE! This exfoliate has tiny crystals that you massage over your face that instantly give you the tingling sensation that let's you know things are working. Once you rinse and dry your face you will instantly notice the deep cleaning that leaves your face so soft and pure. The IceCream Double Scoop Intensive Anti-Aging Moisturizer completes this mini facial experience by rejuvenating the cells. You will go to sleep a very happy girl knowing that a lot was accomplished! After only a week, I have noticed my skin healthier, brighter and smoother. Freeze 24/7 Daily Essentials Skincare System, $150, also available at Henri Bendel, Fred Segal and Saks Fifth Avenue (in store only).

UPDATE: Shoe Goddess responds to Heidi's post! 

As much as I sympathize with Heidi's pain, I wonder if there was any preliminary sign to her foot situation and if she always wore well made shoes? I kind of see the article as a terrible blow to all the women (aged 50+) who gracefully wear high heels without the need of a trainer to teach them how to keep their balance in their high heels. This article also seems complete nonsense to me as a 45-year-old French woman, who has been wearing heels since I was 16 years old. I understand both Heidi and her mother's issues with high heels, but I also wonder if there were any steps that could've been taken before reaching the extreme. Although narrow shoes and high heels can contribute to bunions (hallux valgus) there is also a hereditary factor and choosing the right pair of shoes is really important. (jump to read more!)