Recently in Hands Category

Who better than the most successful hand model in the world to develop a system to help us protect our precious paws!?!?  Hand model Ellen Sirot developed a hand saving system so we can achieve model hands daily.  I got her Hand Perfection lotion and moisturizing cleanser in time for the multiple hand washing I've been practicing due to the swine flu scare (I must have washed my hands 30 times today!).  My hands have not suffered from any over dryness at all because Ellen's cleanser leaves them feeling hydrated and conditioned after washing.   And if you want true perfection, apply the Hand Perfection complete day cream($50) and watch your hands reverse time in front of your eyes-- I swear mine looked 10 years younger immediately!  

Specially formulated to protect and preserve the delicate skin of the hands, which all too often look years old than one's chronological age, ELLEN SIROT HAND PERFECTION combines dynamic skincare technology with a bounty of problem-solving ingredients like skin-friendly omega-3 fatty acids, protective antioxidants, uber-moisturizers and amino acids, all painstakingly researched and developed by Ellen herself for her own prized possessions.

ELLEN SIROT HAND PERFECTION includes a Moisturizing (sulfate-free) Cleanser($30), Complete Day Cream(purse size- $30), Nail and Cuticle Oil and Night Solution. ($22) There's also a box of reusable nitrile (latex free) Multi-Task Gloves (to shield hands from enemy #1, water) and an inherently sun protective Glovette in a racy leopard print $35 (to protect them from enemy #2, sun- I need a pair!). The collection arrived at www.handperfection.com this March, you must try these products!  Jump to see a photo of my hand after using the cream.

I'll admit it, when I first heard of Josie Maran's line of products I did not plan to try or buy anything (I know, such the beauty snob huh?!?).  But then I got a sample of the Argan Oil and have decided re-form my opinion on models turned beauty entrepreneurs.  This legendary, lightweight oil, grown organically in Morocco, is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids but does not feel sticky as a lot of E oils do.  I used it this morning as a moisturizer (absorbs amazingly fast) and then used it all over my body from head to toe (including my cuticles) and split ends. For a mom who does not have a lot of time in the morning, this is almost a miracle product.  My skin has had a subtle glow all day but I don't feel greasy. 

Best part is it's 100% organic!  Housed in a recyclable glass bottle with an easy to use applicator, I even used it on my son's rash and the redness went away almost immediatley.  The only drawback is the scent, it stinks.  But god is it good.  Just make sure you spritz on some perfume afterwards.  $48 at Josiemaran.com

Save time and money with the 1 minute Mani/Pedi scrub from Barielle!  The 12oz jar of Dead Sea Salts is a fast-acting exfoliating treatment, it only takes one minute to exfoliate and polish away dry, cracked skin with this luxurious blend of Dead Sea Salts and rich oils. The perfect prep to manicures and pedicures, the exclusive formulation includes the healing and polishing powers of Dead Sea Salts and the hydrating benefits of Soybean, Avocado, Jojoba, Rice Bran and Grape Seed Oils, as well as the ultra-moisturizing effects of Mango Seed Butter. Drench hands and feet in 60 Second Mani-Pedi, concentrating on cuticles and areas prone to dry skin, such as heels, the bottom of feet and backs of hands--even elbows can benefit from this scrub. 60 Second Mani-Pedi's fresh, mandarin scent also offers a relaxing, aromatherapy a-peel!

I love having getting manicures and pedicures but hate that it takes so long to get "groomed". The 60 second mani/pedi is going to be my saviour on days I can't make it to the spa! $25 at Barielle.com

There are many things in life that we simply can not scrimp on-- one of which is a good handcream. The hands will always give away your age so you better take care of them my snobs! I have half a dozen hand creams scattered around-- in my car, on my night stand, on my bathroom counter, under the kitchen sink, in my son's playroom-- you never know when your hands need a moisture boost! 

My latest obsession is the Tensolift Handcream from Natura Bisse that I managed to get a sample of last month; it's pure decadence for your paws! My hands were very dry from the cold weather in NYC but a couple of days of Tensolift upon my return home and they were good as new!  TENSOLIFT HAND CREAM is designed exclusively to FILL,LIFT AND LIGHTEN aging hands and it delivers as promised.

This technologically advanced treatment is formulated with ingredients such as Hyaluronic acid and skin-identical cushioning lipids that fill the skin from within, providing extraordinary volume and smoothness. The anti-oxidant botanical extract obtained from the "Bellis Perennis" flower lightens dark spots, another sign of aging, and prevents the appearance of new ones while evening skin tone and restoring a youthful luminosity. TENSOLIFT HAND CREAM acts as a protective glove throughout the day; it has an extraordinarily silky texture, is water resistant and contains an SPF15.  I started kickboxing recently and my hands are taking the worst beating-- I now use this as a protective glove before I don my boxing gloves!

And don't worry about greasy hands prints on your clothes, its non-oily and lightweight formula disappears into your skin quickly.  Price is $105 but trust me, it's much cheaper than the injectables that women are using to fill their wrinkled and neglected hands ($900 each session).  Tensolift will be available at Neiman Marcus on March 22nd.     

In the Sunday Style section of The New York Times there was a round-up article on nine multi-tasking beauty products and one of them was Revolution Organics All-Over Body Balm, ($28) which I've been meaning to write about! I've been using it on and off for the last few months and it's wonderful for on-the-go moisture. The balm looks like an over-sized chapstick, but the cool thing about it is that it has over 22 different uses (from relieving chapped lips, to soothing dry spots, to nourishing dry cuticles)! Such a useful space-saver in both my bathroom and my handbag. More recently though I tried out the Revolution Organics All-Over Skin Creme, ($33)
which I've been using when I'm on the move as well (it's a travel-friendly size), on my hands (though you can use it anywhere, I don't find it greasy enough to use on my body). It has a lemon meringue pie sort of smell which I surprisingly like (the products are scented only with USDA-certified perfume blends). Plus like all of Revolution Organics products it has a certified organic USDA seal (meaning its held to the same standards as the food we eat), it's free of chemicals, parabens, synthetics, artificial ingredients, and fillers (including water!). All the products in this line come in small packages, but don't be alarmed by the seemingly high prices given their sizes (especially the Skin Creme) -- the products are potent enough that you'll only need a little (remember they don't use fillers!).

I'm leaving for my friend's Marrakesh wedding next week and am already thinking ahead as to what I will be packing! Traveling these days takes way more foresight with all the rules on what you are and aren't allowed to pack and since you can't really take liquids with you on the plane it's a great time to experiment with new products (taping/wrapping/sealing opened products is one of the worst hassles, but the though of spillage in my luggage scares me almost as much as my suitcases being lost!). elizabeth W is a wonderful line I've only recently discovered though from what my perfume expert friend Christine tells me they are very well-known and respected by those in the fragrance industry. They have some wonderful products that come perfectly compact and travel-ready so you can walk the airport with confidence a la Posh Spice, knowing that you'll have everything you need to look glam wherever your destination may be!

I have a weakness for Lavender, so I love the Lavender Eau de Parfum spray, 1/2 fl oz, $20. Though I wouldn't spray this on my body, I love it as a room spritzer (maybe even spritz my area on the airplane...airplane smell makes my stomach turn!). It comes in 10 scents, but as an alternative there's also elizabeth W travel candles, $20.  Jump for more Snob finds!  

It's a little odd because people always think you can get anything anytime in NYC, yet where I live on the Upper East Side, not only do most places close early, when it comes to eats, there's nothing besides cheap, greasy take-out and expensive Jean-Georges-esque restaurants! With one exception -- Fig and Olive -- I am there 3-4 times a week for lunch or dinner (I don't cook unfortunately), and love it there especially in the summer when they use fresh figs (versus dried when figs aren't in season). Needless to say, I love figs and olives and my eyes brightened when I came across Naturally by Upper Canada Soah & Candle Makers. Their line of products include Sweet Vanilla Fig ("Detoxifier"), and Pressed Olive Avocado ("Skin Protector"), and for a more fall smell -- Cranberry Moro Orange ("Purifier"), scents. I tried both the Hand & Body Wash ($12) and the Coarse Salt Scrub ($15) both of which, like all the products in this line, are free of parabens, mineral oils, and synthetic dyes. Each product is also made with (as the name implies!), botanical extracts and all natural ingredients, oils, and mineral complexes. The smells are great while not being over-powering and while I don't love the Hand & Body Wash so much for my body (not moisturizing enough), it's great for hands -- refreshing pick-me-up!

SpaRitual has just launched some new moisturizing lotions and bath salts! Besides smelling and feeling great (looove Eucalyptus..more on that later in the post!), the lotions are 83% USDA Certified Organic, paraben-free, and infused only with consciously sourced Organic Essential Oils (Australian Eucalyptus, Egyptian Geranium, and Somalian Frankincense), and Instinctual Organic Bath Salts infused with Madagascan Ginger Oil. This line is great because it mixes amazing quality with an eco and spirit-conscious philosophy. SpaRitual claims (and something about the way their creams smell makes me agree...), that their lotions calm the mind, relax the body and recharge the spirit. Read more for a mini-rundown on some of their stand-out products!

I love fun, kitschy products (growing up, I was that kid whose room looked like pee wee's playhouse...:) ), so clearly I'm all over Soap & Glory. The line was developed by Bliss founder Marcia Kilgore and is inspired by tabloid-style journalism. Marcia's pampering products are based on the belief that a good laugh can take off as many years as a good ‘lift’...which is so true! Ever since I've been writing for the Snob blogs -- writing about what I love most -- people have been telling me I look like a happier, healthier person:) Of course good products always help, and this is a nice, fun and inexpensive line, and with the backing of Bliss founder Marcia Kilgore, you know these are actually reliable when it comes to quality. Read more for a run-down of my favs!

I have been obsessing about my hands lately. They show age without fail, like the rings on a tree. I have a bathroom full of treatments and products to prevent my face from aging but what about my hands?! They need love too. And now that I am going to be 40 soon (ok, not that soon but eventually I will be), I want to start taking care of my hands so they can be my accomplice when I lie about my age rather than my mole. And speaking of moles, that is what I am trying to avoid, or rather age spot, liver spots - age detectors. You do not want hands full of them because no matter how fresh your face looks, if your hands are full of veins and spots, you will not be feeling very pretty. The sun of course is our skins' biggest enemy, I am thinking of wearing gloves when I drive but that would make me into one of those freaky Asian women I used to make fun of (I am talking about all my cousins who have no limits to what they will do to stay fair, wearing gloves is just a small and minor part of their insane ritual). Luckily, I have discovered Become, it is an Australian line and who knows about the damages of the sun more than the Australians? It seems like there is just no shade on that giant rock. I am so happy that there is Age Resistant treatments specifically made for the hands. I keep the Smoothing Complex by my sink, it is a salt scrub full of mineral oils. It is important to exfoliate to get new skin cells to be exposed in all its beautiful young glory. The Rejuvenating Hand Cream I keep in my bag, at all times. I wash my hands A LOT, I've got 2 kids and I cook so it is unavoidable. Of course I have tons of creams but none that are Age Resistant, need I say that again? Sure I like to be moist, but I need more, I need to resist aging!! The Rejuvenating Hand Cream is $15 and the Hand Smoothing Complex is $29. Become is a direct marketing company but you don't have to get involved in all that, you can order on their site with Advisor ID # 100109, password 'become'. Or, call Customer Service at 1-877-BECOME2 (1-877-232-6632).

I am constantly searching for the perfect hand and foot creams. I try everything! I like to slather lotion on my hands and feet at night right before going to sleep. I recently tried Eucerin Plus Intensive Repair Hand and Foot creams, and I’m in love!

My feet get really cracked in the winter, especially since I’m barefoot around the house so much. The Eucerin foot cream felt great on my feet, and I really noticed a difference after using it for a few nights. It is fragrance free and contains Alpha Hydroxy acids and urea to gently exfoliate and moisturize without stinging or irritating the skin, like so many creams. I like to apply it generously, and then put my socks on to seal in the moisture.

My hands are in good shape, but I do like to make sure I moisturize them at night. The problem is that greasy creams can leave greasy fingerprints on my books (I’m an avid reader, and I can’t go to bed without reading!). The Eucerin cream feels luxurious going on, but it dries quickly so that my books are protected! It too contains Alpha Hydroxy acids and urea. I also like to apply it to my knees and elbows.

The best part is that these creams are inexpensive and readily available. At Drugstore.com: Foot Creme for $5.03, and Hand Creme for $4.76.

I have never washed my hands as much as I have since giving birth. Prior to having a baby, I never gave germs a thought. But now, I see germs and health hazards everywhere. It would not be a stretch to say that I wash my hands at least ten times a day! Now this would not be a bad habit, except my hands are drying out and taking a beating. Which is why, I am so glad I got this bottle of hand soap last week. Linden Leaves' Linden Blossom soap is a refreshing and gentle soap for your hands. The delicate formulation is enriched with ultra-hydrating olive oil and soothing chamomile extract. It also has a gentle enticing fragrance of linden blossom. The price is a bit of an indulgence, but your hands will thank you. At LindenLeavesUSA.com On sale for $15.50!

Not only do I spend a fortune on hand creams, I use my expensive face cream and masks on them too. I noticed from a very young age that women tend to neglect their hands and made a mental to myself (at age 10) that I would always make sure my hands didn't look a mangled wrinkled mess. Your hands are one of the first things people notice so why wouldn't you care for them the way you do your face or neck? I use special scrubs and masks on my hands as well as sunscreen and in the summer months, I pull out my ultimate secret weapon for eternally youthful hands- white cotton gloves for driving! Okay, so you'll look like you're driving Miss Daisy but if you knew how much damage your hands suffer while you are driving, you'd put on two pairs, not just one. If you look at women in cities such as New York, Paris, Hong Kong, Tokyo, or Taipei where they take cabs or the subway instead of drive, they generally have unlined hands. Now look at women in Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami or any other city in American suburbia and you will see sunspots and damage from all the hours spent in the sun driving. But don't worry, there is hope! Here are my secrets for gorgeous hands (you will thank me when your boyfriend/hubby can't stop touching your hands because they're so soft and smooth :).

I have one of those paraffin vats that you need to melt paraffin wax in before using. Total mess! And I only do it once in a while so it's not like I need a constant vat of hot wax going at all times so when I do want to use it, I have to turn it on and wait....hours!!! Ask me how often I've use it? Exactly once. My dream of having perfectly moist soft hands, shot down. So when I got a facial a few weeks ago and had the glove paraffin treatment I was so excited and had to know where I could get myself some, but again I was shot down with a reply of, "sorry, this is for professional use only". Well, luckily you can find anything online and although it is only for professional use, there is no qualifications needed to buy from this place that I found. The heating chamber is $132 and heats individual gloves to the perfect temperature in 5 minutes (comes in different finishes to match your bathroom!). It also gives off aromatherapy scents during heating so your treatment starts before your treatment starts. The gloves come in a pack of 4 for $39. This is perfect for in between manicure visits, or when you are having a masking night, put this on after your mask and have a relaxing few minutes to enjoy, rejuvenate and hydrate.

My hands stay so dry, so you can imagine how they look with the crazy winter weather we have in Texas. I mean really? 70 degrees one day 30 the next…How is my skin supposed to react? So I am always on a search for a cure. It seems like I have tired everything! So when I was browsing through the cosmetics department at Saks I happened to stop at the Kiehl’s counter to see what they had. This is when the Sales Associate turned me on to a miracle, Kiehl's Since 1851 Ultimate Strength Hand Salve. This hand cream is amazing! I have always been embarrassed by how dry my hands look in the winter, but with Kiehl's Since 1851 Ultimate Strength Hand Salve my problems are solved and my hands feel much better!

Have your hands taken a beating with the hard winter dryness? For simple, no nonsense moisturizing that will work and keep working through hand washings, there is nothing better than the drugstore favorite, Eucerin. I get the big jar for ease of applying, I can never get enough from the tubes at one time, I like to scoop and slather. But get the tube for your bag so you can always have it on hand. This is a thick cream but does not go on sticky or greasy, just hearty and deep penetrating goodness. I keep a jar next to the kitchen sink, one on my coffee table and another next to my computer. And like I said, it goes on clean so my keyboard never gets gunked up even when with multiple applications throughout the day. I can even skip between washes because it really gets in the skin and when I wake up in the morning, my hands are still soft and velvety. If you are wondering why I don't have one in my bathroom it's because all of my fancy lotions are there and after shower or bath is my one time during the day for a luxurious treatment. That's when I get refreshed with something in a delicious scent. And that leads me to another reason why I love Eucerin, it is completely odor free so it will not conflict with anything else I have on. Especially since I use this so much during the day, with a scented lotion I will end up smelling like a Bath and Body Works store. People have stopped buying me stuff from there during the holidays because they know I will re-gift those. I'm sorry but I just can't handle the super potent smells, just walking by the store makes me woozy. At Drugstore.com for only $12.27 for the big jar, so get 3 or 4 for each room of the house.

I just got back from New Hampshire and had the most amazing time. I was there working on voter dial testing for Hearst-Argyle which is acctually a really interesting process. We randomly picked undecided voters from lists of republicans, democrats, and independents. They then came to the studio and watched the debates while holding a dial and twisted the dial to indicate their approval of each candidate. I shook hands will Bill Richardson and Dennis Kucinich and I even went to a Hillary Clinton rally (but we forgot to get media passes so we didn't go inside the building). The experience was unbelievable, but the weather was absolutely miserable. It was four degrees the day we arrived. (And for a girl from Alabama who moved to Dallas, thats really cold.) My skin was so dry from the constant change from the cold weather outside to the warm temperatures inside so a friend offered me some of her hand lotion from Lancome. It is called Absolue Hand and you must try it if you are in a cold climate, or anywhere for that matter. I put it on and my hands absorbed the lotion almost immediately. They also became radient and so soft. Lancome Absolue Hand Absolute Anti-Age Spot Replenishing Unifying Treatment SPF 15 Sunscreen, $42.00, lancome-usa.com.

I was at my favorite spa, Cooper Spa at Craig Ranch, last week for a much needed massage and manicure after my long trip and saw the most beautiful line of body products and candles by Lollia Life. I wanted to take every single product home but settled on a handcream. There were so many delectable scents that I had to carry the coffee bean sachet the spa provides while testing it all out. I finally chose "Inspire", a heady scent of 1000 flowers. The box had beautiful vintage pink peonies surrounding an elegant peacock, the peacock symbolizes beauty, power and knowledge. It was gorgeous but the scent was intoxicating, made of Shea Butter with Macadamia Nut & Avocado oils, infusions of Mimosa, Violet leaves & Rose buds. I have been keeping this in my bag so I can moisturize throughout the day. With my new obsession of washing my hands for at least one minute, my hands are taking a beating. (I was told it was the only way to avoid getting sick again, wash your hands often and scrub with soap for 1-3 minutes- I sing happy birthday to myself while I do this. A lady at Neiman Marcus bathroom was like "oh, is it your birthday?" Did not want to explain and engage in conversation with yet another stranger so I just nodded yes.)

The candles are also tres beautiful not to mention ultra romantic! My favorite scent was the Poppy Nectar (how cute is the dangling handcut crystal piece?) with the same vintage floral and peacock packaging. They make such beautiful gifts!

Hand cream $24, candles $36-56. At Cooper Spa- call 214-383-1010 and mention Beauty Snob for free shipping!