Skin 2 Skin - Super Smart Anti Aging Skin Care

There's nothing quite like a sensational skin care line to make me swoon.

In my never ending quest to find exemplary, fast acting, result driven skin care lines I have come across a true gem in Skin 2 Skin.
The back-story on this one is the groundswell of Hollywood actors who not only swear by the line, but won't use anything else. That coupled with key makeup artists who are putting the entire cast of popular television shows onto the product, because the results are so astounding, no matter what your skin type - effectively had me at hello.

There was enough of a rumble in the makeup jungle that I had to get my hands on some and try it out for myself.


About the line:
Skin 2 Skin pushes the envelope to offer men and women the best of all worlds. Natural, certified organic extracts with the highest possible concentration of 21st century anti aging peptides and dermatologist recommended ingredients. Both men and women experience softer and healthier appearing skin the first time they use Skin 2 Skin. Within the first week the clarity and luminosity of the skin is nothing short of amazing.
I'm hooked.

The Story: (the short version...)

Skin 2 Skin was developed out of necessity. In November 2005 CEO and founder Ken Simpson was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Treatment included successful radiation of the tumor, but the three entry points for the radiation treatments were all directed at his head and face, including one directly under his eye.
The side effects to his skin were drastic and alarming - his skin became discolored, sore, raw, broken out, dry, overly sensitive and show extreme signs of accelerated aging.
With 20 years background in the skin care industry Ken had the knowledge and experience in formulations, ingredients, and functions of products, he began to seek out products that would not only protect his skin during radiation treatments, but also restore it.

With his extreme knowledge of the products on the market, he ascertained that
a) there was nothing out there that was going to work and
b) everything was either synthetic or a combination of synthetic and a small percentage of natural ingredients. They had low concentrations of 21st century peptide technology, or none at all, and
c)his skin was so damaged that only non toxic, natural ingredients would suffice.
d) he was going to have to create something new & utilize cutting edge technologies.

Consequently this amazing line is 100% Toxic Free, the ingredients are medical grade (that means power packed results), certified organic and biodegradable. There are no parabens, Petroleums, Phthatates, Sulfites
Mineral Oils, Synthetic Colors or Fragrances, PABA, and no animal ingredients or animal testing.

What does this mean for you and me? Very fast acting, result producing products that encompass healing, preventing and anti-aging features that will stop you in your tracks. Because they use medical grade ingredients the products are super potent - a little goes a long way. That translates to huge results from products that last longer than the rest. (saving you money)

In the short time that this incredible line has been available to the public it has won no fewer than 11 major beauty awards, and has built a huge, loyal following.

So lets look at the products:

So far I have been using



Oatmeal and Pomegranate Face Scrub

Normally I am not a fan of scrubs, but this one is a rich and creamy sulphate free scrub, that is very gentle yet still very effective. It doesn't strip or irritate the skin, but instead is moisturizing, is anti inflammatory and has very powerful anti-aging anti oxidants.
It tones, nourishes and moisturizes the skin while lifting away dead surface cells.







Anti Sagging Renewal Serum



The name is not so sexy - but then again, neither is sagging skin.
This powerhouse serum facilitates the overall production of Collagen, Collagen IV and Hyaluronic Acid, which strengthens the elasticity and tightens the skin, significantly reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
It also contains very powerful antioxidants.
Skin feels firmer, smoother and more robust, and results are clearly visible inside of 2 weeks.
Its fantastic.




 


Revitalizing Eye Gel




This one is anti inflammatory, so it reduces puffiness. It hydrates and nourishes, visibly brightens dark circles, and has powerful antioxidants. With continued use connective tissue shows long term increase, improving the most sever signs of aging.

Next on my uber coveted  product list I'm getting the White Tea Face Wash, White Tea Mask and the day and night creams.



There is a Sexy Skin Introductory Set available with trial sizes of the White Tea Wash, Aging Intervention Cream, Revitalizing Eye Gel and Anti Sagging Serum, that gives you a 30 day supply.

If you have young skin that shows no signs of aging yet, this line is the perfect way to keep your complexion looking youthful.
If your skin shows any signs of aging, no matter how faint or extreme this is your remedy.
On my next movie I am putting my entire cast on these products. They're just that outstanding.

But don't just take my word for it - Skin 2 Skin has been written up in magazines around the world, including
Allure, ELLE, W, and Shape. To see some of the press the line is getting, CLICK HERE
Love it.

Find a list of locations, or order directly on the Skin 2 Skin website

Skin Care & Makeup Tips To Hide Fine Lines And Wrinkles

Back to the issue of crows feet.
Most of yesterday's blogpost remedies require a significant financial commitment that doesn't always work with a girl's budget. Or they take a little time to kick in. So what can the girl on the go do right now to make a difference?





Here are 4 Skin Care and Makeup Tips to help hide your fine lines and wrinkles.





1. Use a really good, extra hydrating eye cream.

Chances are your eye area is dehydrated.Every morning use an eye cream. Choose an eye cream that contains Hyaluronic acid, (which will use moisture to plump up the skin, smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles) as well as antioxidants such as green tea or idebenone.
Apply it with your ring finger (the ring finger will create the least amount of dragging on that delicate skin around the eye) and start from the outer corner, working your way in.
Never pull or wipe the skin, always be super super gentle!
Give it at least 2 minutes to absorb into the skin before putting anything else on.
Before you begin applying makeup use a facial SPF product, and make sure you get it on your crows feet (without getting it in your eyes!).

2. Use a Silicone Based Primer
Smooth the primer not only over your T zone and cheeks, but also up through your crows feet. Keep it sheer and blend it in.
Primer will act like caulking, and help fill in the lines. It will also help the makeup you're about to put on to stay in place.
Silicone particles are spherical, and bounce light off them selves, and in the process diffuse the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

3. Use A Light Hand With Makeup!
Getting heavy handed with your makeup through the area will only make your crows feet look worse!
Instead use a silicone based foundation like FACE Atelier Ultra Foundation, gently working a small amount through the area with your fingers. Blend it well, and keep it sheer. FACE Atelier Ultra foundation won't need powder, but will set on its own, and look luminous and beautiful.
NOTE: Avoid Like The Plague: matte foundations, oil free/dry finish foundations, crushed mineral foundations and any heavy concealers. They will all make the lines around your eyes look worse!!

Sidenote: Use a cream blush, working it into the cheeks and blending it well. Cream blushes make the skin look dewy and fresh, and will help create the illusion we are after! Powder blushes sit on the surface of the skin, making it look dry. By virtue of being right next to your eye area they will make your lines and wrinkles look more pronounced.

4. Do Some Nighttime Repair Work

First up use a good eye makeup remover, and gently remove all traces of the day's makeup.
Next apply an eye cream that again is super hydrating, but that also contains retinol (proven to work on fine lines and wrinkles). Alternatively use a free standing retinol product as well as an eye cream.
Retinols can take a little getting used to, so if its your first time, use gradually - every 3rd day, working up to every 2nd day then daily.

Final note: drink more water and get more sleep. Both will help your eyes to look less tired and your skin to look glorious!

Revolutionary New Body Care

The Future Of Body Care Unfolds

Every so often a product line comes along that can truly be defined as revolutionary.
Introducing Mirai, Japanese age defying body care for women, by women.


Japanese women are revered for their exotic bath rituals, and their beautiful, smooth complexions.
This is an age defying body care line, combining Japanese scientific research and clinically proven natural ingredients. The Japanese are not only known for their healthy culture and longevity, but also for their superior skin health.

Mirai has taken the secrets of Japanese skin care - purifying, cleansing and anti aging botanicals and introduced a body care line which includes a Purifying Body Wash, Purifying Body Serum, and  
Instantly Purifying and Cooling Body Spritzer to help minimize the signs of aging and to support beautiful, healthy skin.

Mirai, which means "new beginning" in Japanese, has developed a breakthrough APG-40 formulation which target the evolving needs of women with maturing skin, specifically addressing the most common skin care concerns which show up due to diminishing estrogen levels.

Mirai's founder and CEO, Koko Hayashi, developed this line with the Japanese lifestyle in mind, where beauty is based on good health, and comes from the inside out.
"Skin is our largest living organ that naturally rejuvenates itself. As estrogen levels decrease with age, the skin's ability to rejuvenate lessens. Mirai's products are designed to assist and boost the skin's abilities. By living naturally and using our APG formulated products the skin begins to care for itself and the benefits become evident."

Mirai's fabulous body products are available at www.MiraiClinical.com

Tired Eye Relief

Today I am really dragging my tail feathers after several very long days in a row on shoots. I've got many more days before the next day off, so the issue becomes how to you arrive on set looking fresh faced, and not looking exhausted?
Turns out I have a few tricks up my sleeve, the first of which you need to know about quickly, as it is a limited edition product.

You've heard me talk about skynICELAND products before.

This is one of my all time favorite product lines, as it is the only skin care line designed to treat the effects of stress on the skin. That's all they are about - Solutions for stressed skin.

And who has stressed skin?

These days pretty much anyone living in a city or busy town, anyone exposed to environmental pollutants (which is essentially all of us!) anyone who is tired, over worked, sits in front of a computer all day, has life-stuff to deal with - basically everyone.

The first place we see stress or exhaustion on the face is the eye area.

image courtesy of livestrong.com

Anything from puffiness, wrinkles, dehydration, dark circles, dulled skin, lifeless appearance.
The under eye area is where you can either save your look, or where you lose the game entirely.


skynICELAND has a limited edition product called the Icelandic Relief Eye Pen.

Its their best selling eye cream in a travel friendly pen.



You can apply it morning and night, but you can also throw it in your handbag for quick fixes throughout the day for on-the-go relief from the damaging effects of stress.

It goes after the 3 major eye issues associated with stress related oxygen and nutrient depletion: puffiness, the wrinkled/dehydrated skin and the under eye dark circles.
It provides instant aid as well as a (very much welcomed) cooling sensation.

You can apply it over makeup as needed through out the day, as it is residue free, and won't smear your concealer or eye makeup.

The convenient pen is perfect for travel (a lifesaver with you on long flights, so you can arrive looking fresh eyed and pretty!), great to have with you on long work days, days with big meetings, days where you are going out after work, awesome for brides, perfect for honeymoons - the list goes on...

They're not expensive either.

As this is a limited edition, you may want to pick up a few. I certainly am...

Get skynICELAND products at Sephora or at skynICELAND.com

Chemical Peels You Can Do At Home

I've had so many emails about the post I did on chemical peels, many from ladies who either don't live near a  day spa, who's budget doesn't allow for it right now, or who's schedule doesn't permit frequenting one, but all of whom want to add the chemical peel into their skin care regime.

If you fall into that category, or if you just want to do them at home, here are a couple of fabulous options from my go to skin care website, BeautyatSkinDeep.com

Credentials Fruit Enzyme Peel ($25)

Utilizing a blend of fruit extracts and enzymes, this unique product exfoliates without using granules or abrasives. Salicylic acid, combined with papaya and bromelin enzymes, dissolves surface buildup for a purer finish. Naturally fragrant spearmint and camphor oils increase circulation, aiding the skin in the release of toxins, and reducing inflammation. Formulated with oil-free moisture, the skin is rendered soft, brightened and revived.

After cleansing the skin, apply and leave on for 10 -15 minutes, then rinse off. (easy peasy)

Dr Denese Firming Facial Resurfacing Peel $34.99

What is it: An innovative, creamy orange peel that delivers a brightened, refreshed complexion. It deeply exfoliates to reveal smooth, radiant skin that is firm, toned, and glowing, while improving skin's texture and elasticity in just five minutes.

Who is it for: Anyone with poor skin texture; uneven skin tone; dull, lackluster skin; skin lacking radiance and glow; lack of firmness to the skin; dry, rough skin; or tired, unhealthy looking skin.

Why is it different: Enriched with innovative Actizone Firming Factor, this new, ultra-light peel delivers superior visible benefits from using the treatment just a few times a week. It delivers an instant glow and smoothness to the skin, deeply exfoliates the skin, and helps revitalize skin texture and clarity.

How do I use it: Cleanse face. Apply peel to the entire face, avoiding the eye area. Leave peel on for five minutes, then rinse off with warm water to reveal a smooth, glowing, firm complexion.

Most peels can be used weekly to keep your skin in glowing, luminous condition, and are definitely preferable to facial scrub exfoliants, in my opinion anyway!

If you go to BeautyatSkinDeep check out their sample program. You can build your skin care wardrobe one step at a time with products they let you sample first.
They have great Help and Advice sections, and beauty experts to help you choose the correct products for your skin type and needs.

Stressed Skin Super Remedy

I'm always talking about taking care of your skin, and how makeup will never look fantastic if the skin underneath it isn't looking fantastic.
So what's a girl to do if her skin is completely stressed out?

image courtesy of Parents.com

If your post holiday, mid-winter skin is stressing, or if you are stressed out and fall into the "does my skin look as freaked out as I feel" category, you need to know about skyn ICELAND.

This entire line is devoted to correcting stressed skin. Its brilliant.

Stress does not discriminate. It's an equal opportunity epidemic, affecting everyone in this high-octane, 24/7 world. You're familiar with how stress feels within — the palpitations, the nervous energy, the chronic worry. But how does it affect you on the outside?
What happens to your skin when it's subjected to stress day in and day out? When stress is unrelenting, your hormone and chemical levels can spike, disrupting your body's natural, healthy balance. Plus, skin's natural immune function is impaired, so it's less able to heal itself.
 
skyn ICELAND skincare products are specifically formulated to counteract the detrimental effects of stress on skin. Since stressed skin is damaged skin, what it needs most is to be soothed, healed and replenished to regain its natural health and radiance. In Iceland's pure, untouched environment they discovered new beneficial botanicals and pristine Icelandic glacial waters, which helped to create the perfect antidote for stressed skin.

When you think about Iceland it's peaceful, unspoiled, totally pure and pristine. Its clean air and water, mineral-rich hot springs, deep fjords, untouched glacial rivers, health and harmony. Now, think about what all of our lives are actually like. Do the words "overscheduled," "overextended," "non-stop" and sometimes just "totally overwhelming" sound more familiar?

Here are my 4 favorite skyn ICELAND products, that I use both in my makeup kit and at home on my own skin:









Pure Cloud Cleanser.
Pure Cloud Cleanser is the ultimate in cream cleansers.

It cleanses, dissolves makeup, hydrates
and nourishes, and is super gentle on both
stressed out, and non stressed skin.

 

 Arctic Face Mist

This beautiful facial mist instantly

soothes and calms irritated, stressed out

skin, with natural icelandic mineral water,

antioxidents and multivitamins fortifying

and replenishing the skin, bringing

back its natural healthy glow.

When skin needs an instant boost and repair, 

whether its a client who's had a long night out on the town,

or whether its me looking a little sleep deprived and 

worse for wear, I use 

skyn Iceland Antioxidant Calming Serum. 

It soothes away redness and irritation while boosting 

the skin's immune function and giving some 

super intense hydration. 

The formulation is super lightweight,

doesn't leave any film on the surface of the skin, 

and you see an immediate result.

Invariably if I'm using the Antioxidant Calming Serum

I'm also using the skyn ICELAND 

Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels.

When we're stressed out or tired, the delicate skin

under the eyes really takes a beating.

These gels firm, de-puff, reduce wrinkling,

and hydrate in 10 minutes.

They are fantastic to use when you are traveling, 

and are a favorite

of  flight attendants world wide.

skyn ICELAND products are all paraben free, Petroleum free, Sulfate free, Cruelty free and 100% vegetarian.

You can find skyn ICELAND at Sephora, QVC, Saks, Henri Bendel, Beauty.com, Skinstore.com and skynICELAND.com