Exuviance Heel Repair Readies Your Heels for Summer

Exuviance anti-aging skincare hit my radar screen last November, when I reviewed the basic collection of  Exuviance age-reverse products.  What's interesting about these products is that they have a mix of ingredients that are already clinically proven to help address and attack all of the signs of aging skin, but some products have different ingredients and target different areas and concerns. The key thing to remember about this line is that their high-tech, anti-aging ingredients perform together synergistically, so their combined effect is designed to be more effective than just on a complementary collection of ingredients not found together in any other skin care line.

While the high end skincare is primarily for those with aging skin, the Exuviance Heel Repair Exfoliating Cream For Feet ($38.00 3.4 oz) by Neostrata, is for anyone who has hard, calloused skin on their feet. The product uses AHA/PHA in the formula, to really soften and repair calloused skin that is hard to treat. There is no such thing as an instant cure for very badly calloused, thickened skin.  It's like cellulite, very difficult to remedy.   If you have dry skin and scratchy callouses on your feet, you can try to grate them away with a callous scraper, but most often you'll end up just raising more sharp points of dry calloused skin. You can try to razor the callouses away, but it isn't easy to do yourself, and many spas and salons now refuse to do this type of callous removal.  If you try to do it yourself, you run the risk of cutting too deep and injuring yourself, or worse, causing infection. 

A product like Exuviance Heel Repair Exfoliating Cream for Feet won't get rid of the callous problem in a second, but the alpha and polyhydroxy acids will gently and persistently remove and repair dry, scaly skin and even calloused skin.  Pro-Vitamin E and skin conditioning oils also soothe and refresh your poor old aching pieds. 

The 3.4 oz. jar of thick, yellow cream smells fresh and inviting, but don't be fooled: the exoliators in this cream are powerful enough that using it twice a day, I saw results within just a few days. In 2-3 weeks you should see significant improvement.  Since powerful exfoliation reveals new skin, the packaging contains a warning not to expose treated skin to the sun for one week after use, to avoid sunburn and skin sensitivity.  That's not a problem now, but keep it in mind if you're using this during sandals season.

While this product isn't inexpensive, a week or two of using this beats some of the alternatives, especially since it  can reduce callouses safely. All you need is a jar of this product, some patience and regular application.  It doesn't surprise me that it won a Shecky’s Beauty At Its Best Award.


For more information and to purchase this Exuviance product, and the others, visit the Neostrata Web Site The products are sold in 75 countries, through physicians, pharmacies, salons and retail outlets. You can also find Exuviance products in ULTA stores, dermstore.com and skinstore.com



Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied without written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally. For more information, Email Me.  You can show your interest and support by subscribing, leaving comments on my posts,  and by following me on Facebook and Twitter  (@advicesisters).  You can also read and subscribe to my National Luxury Lifestyles Column  and NY Cosmetics column on the Examiner.com.  

*I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion Review column

 I LOVE YOUR COMMENTS!  Please leave them in the GREEN comments section below.  If yours is the first, you get double-love from The Advice Sisters!

M-A-C Cosmetics Bronze Everyday Collection

 "Jersey Shore to Jakarta, it's always sunny, somwhere..." start the press materials for M-A-C- Cosmetics Bronze Everyday, "fake bakes" available in the permanent collection.

Five bronzing powders, a nify, Skinsheen Leg Spray (longwear, water-resistant,  gel/mousse , sheer body makeup to glow legs, arms, décolletage.  Love your Lustre Drops return, to give some luminosity, wherever applied. There are aslso two new golden shades of Mineralize Skinfinish Natural plus Mineralize Skinfinish.

You know you love the look of the sun, but that the sun's UVA/UVB rays are not good for your skin. So "fake bake" with M-A-C and look tan, safely.

Here is the Bronze Everyday collection:

BRONZING POWDER

Refined Golden -Finely spun golden with soft pearl

Golden Muted- golden tan-beige with shimmer

Bronze Soft- bronze with shimmer

Matte Bronze- Bare-shouldered bronze

Suggested Retail Price $23.00 U.S./$27.50 CDN

SKIN SHEEN LEG SPRAY

*if you want your legs to look leaner,  tanned legs, help (it worked for JLo at the Oscars a few years back!)

Medium Dark- Sheer soft bronze with golden tan-pearl

Dark - Golden-bronze

Suggested Retail Price $26.50 U.S./$32.00 CDN

 

 

 

 

 

LUSTRE DROPS

*it's amazing what a little drop of shimmery lustre can do to flatter skin. Just a few drops will give your skin a pretty shimmer that can be subtle, or sexy, depending upon how much you use.

Pink Rebel- Blue pink with gold pearl

Sun Rush-Peachy bronze with gold pearl

Suggested Retail Price $19.50 U.S./$23.50 CDN

MINERALIZE SKINFINISH NATURAL

*both of these colors are quite bronze.  If you are quite pale, use a big, fluffy brush if you want to diffuse the color to a softer glow

Give Me Sun-! Light summer peachy tan

Sun Power- Deep terracotta bronze

Suggested Retail Price $27.00 U.S./$32.50 CDN

MINERALIZE SKINFINISH

Soft and Gentle- Gilded peach bronze

Gold Deposit -Soft reflective golden-bronze

Suggested Retail Price $28.00 U.S./$33.50 CDN

These products available STARTING TODAY, April 7, 2011 at all M·A·C locations,.800.588.0070 and http://www.maccosmetics.com/

 

International April 2011 at all M·A·C locations,  1.800.588.0070 and http://www.maccosmetics.com/

Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied without written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally. For more information, Email Me.  You can show your interest and support by subscribing, leaving comments on my posts,  and by following me on Facebook and Twitter  (@advicesisters).  You can also read and subscribe to my National Luxury Lifestyles Column  and NY Cosmetics column on the Examiner.com.   *I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion Review column
 

 I LOVE YOUR COMMENTS!  Please leave your comments on my posts. You can find the "comments" section (in green) at the bottom of each post next to: "Posted by Alison"  If Comments has a (0) next
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Maybelline's Expert Wear Eye Shadow Fresh for Spring 2011 @MNYInsider

Maybelilne's display at Fashion Week

Not long ago, I did a couple of review of Maybelline New York's latest and greatest products, including a ColorStay lip stain that I tested during Fashion week, and that stood up to all my tests. 


Maybelline is one of the official sponsors of Fashion Week, and they know how to translate runway magic into real-way beauty.  Their Expert Wear Eye Shadow for example, has 25 new and improved shades and color combos in singles, duos, trios, quads, and 8-pans.


if you haven't checked out Maybelline in your favorite mass market retailer or drug store lately, the first thing you'll notice is that the pans are now curved. The design is more like a sleek race cars compared to boring, flat, packaging.  The compacts still have clear tops so you can see the color or colors in all their glory, but the back of the compact also gives you "how-to by the numbers" instructions, so you won[t have to guess what color goes where (feel free to change the order as you wish--that is what makes makeup, so much fun). The pans also align with the rate of usage, so you won't run out of the lid color, and are left with just liner, for example.


What you can't see, is news, too. the formulas feature improved pigments for stronger color. Of course,. the products still slide on easily and are crease-proof for long wear. The shadows are grouped into four distinct color families:  Chic Naturals, Perfect Pastels, Stylish Smokes and Modern Metallics

Pastels are always popular for Spring and Summer.  My pick from the Perfect Pastels grouping is a trio called "Green Gardens."  Interestingly, the base/highlight is a light pink shimmer, the lid color is green, but a subdued, wearable, light green, and the accent or crease color is a luxurious, deep teal green.  Wear it subtle with just the pink and light green, or add more of a smokey look with the teal.

With Summer coming (eventually--hope it gets here soon),  the "Bronze Haze" trio from the Modern Metallics grouping also caught my eye (bad pun, intended).  A base/highlight of a soft gold shimmer would look pretty on it's own, but there's also a bold copper for a lid color (or use it as an accent with the gold) and a deep bronze that almost looks like metallic chocolate milk also as an accent, liner or lid color. These colors flatter every eye color, and every skin tone.  They'll look pretty now, simply sizzling with a tan (make it faux, of course).

If you don't want to fuss with a lot of colors, Tastefully Taupe from the Chic Naturals collection is a single pan that can get you through the spring and summer with one, smooth, semi-deep color.  Layer it for intensity or just use a bit to add a hint to tint to lids. One color, and out the door you go!

Alas, I didn't get any samples of the Stylish Smokes grouping to report on to you, but the press literature I got indicates that the grouping focuses on earth tones, plums and greys, with a few touches of jade or sapphire. They sound easy to wear.  The smoky eye is not going out of style any time soon, so why not try something a little different?  At just $3.75 for one of these colors, you'll be able to add a touch of excitement to your makeup collection, and spend less more than you would for a fast-food breakfast. Try single plans in Antique Jade and Night Sky,


Maybelline New York Eye Shadow Singles are $3.75: Duos are $4.50: Trios are $5.50, Quads are $6.25 and the 8-pan shadows are $8.30.   You can find Maybelline in mass market retailers and drug stores, nationwide.Check out http://www.maybelline.com/ for lots more new products, information and more.

so©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied without written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally. For more information, Email Me.  You can show your interest and support by subscribing, leaving comments on my posts,  and by following me on Facebook and Twitter  (@advicesisters).  You can also read and subscribe to my National Luxury Lifestyles Column  and NY Cosmetics column on the Examiner.com.  

*I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion Review column

 I LOVE YOUR COMMENTS!  Please leave your comments on my posts. You can find the "comments" section (in green) at the bottom of each post next to: "Posted by Alison"  If Comments has a (0) next to it, I would especially appreciate yours being the first! Thanks in advance for interacting with me.
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ecoTools Brushes Leave Green in Your Wallet and Help the Environment, Too

It seems to me that this year, just about everyone is coming out with a “green” line of beauty products or beauty tools every minute. Often, these "green" products will take a lot of green out of your wallet, all in the name of natural.  But ecoTools has affordable brushes that are not just gtreen, they're nice and user-friendly.

For starters, ecoTools brushes arrive in environmentally friendly, reusable storage pouches with zip tops so that the brushes stay clean and neat. A nice touch are the eco-friendly suggestions printed on the pouches, to inspire you to “think greener.”

Inside those pouches are some pretty nice makeup tools.  Each individual brush has a sturdy handle made from sustainable bamboo and the collar holding the bristles is crafted from recycled aluminum, making the brush green and lightweight..The powder brush I tried , for example, has generously sized, soft-as-a-kitten, bristles, but not kitties or animals of any kind were annoyed, injured or killer to make them.  ecoToolb brushes are crafted of synthetic, cruelty-free Taklon. While I am not averse to using cruelty-free hair brushes, the synthetic brushes appear to hold up well, wash and dry well, and I think they actually hold more powder color, so you get more intensity without having to layer.

ecoTools smudge eyeliner brush

I also liked the ecoTools new Angled Eye Liner Brush (holds a nice, sharp line), and the unique, Smudge Eyeliner Brus that features an included sharpener with a flip cap on one end.  You can sharpen your liner pencils as well a smudge a smoky eye, with the slim, rounded, Taklon bristle brush end.
The prices will make you smile, too.  The Smudge Eyeliner and Angled Eyeliner brushes, for example, are each just $3.99 and the big Powder brush is $7.99 Other brushes in the collection range from $2.99 to $9.99.  You can't beat it for cool, for green, and for affordable!

ecoTools are available at Ulta and Walgreens stores Visit www.ecotools.com  for more information.

Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied without written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally. For more information, Email Me.  You can show your interest and support by subscribing, leaving comments on my posts,  and by following me on Facebook and Twitter  (@advicesisters).  You can also read and subscribe to my National Luxury Lifestyles Column  and NY Cosmetics column on the Examiner.com.  

*I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion Review column

 I LOVE YOUR COMMENTS!  Please leave your comments on my posts. You can find the "comments" section (in green) at the bottom of each post next to: "Posted by Alison"  If Comments has a (0) next to it, I would especially appreciate yours being the first! Thanks in advance for interacting with me.

Motion Sense From Degree Woman can save you from odor and embarassment

The weather is heating up and you know what that means?.......
...If you guessed additional opportunities to have odor causing perspiration, you got the right answer!

But there's a solution.  Recently a new deodorant/anti-perspirant appeared on the market from Degree Women called Motion Sense.  Degree has found a way to take a deodorant/anti-perspirant in a solid, swivel up stick form, and add something that "senses" that you need additional freshness support. Maybe it's high tech, or maybe it's magic, or a little of both, but while most of these types of products are activated by moisture, this one is activated by motion first. This seemingly ordinary product is not so ordinary!  It will keep you dry and therefore, more odor-free up to 24 hours, offering up a little bit more help when your body needs it most.

There's nothing I like better than trying something new, so I was really excited to try this. The product slides on smoothly, and although it is like a tank against the enemies of sweat and odor, it isn't sticky. The Fresh Energy scent I tried is as described:  "fresh and uplifting, with a hint of citrus and a clean finish that won't mess with your major fragrance choices. I can't tell you how it works in real technical terms, but the motionSENSE™  "microencapsulated fragrance technology"  releases a burst of additional protection when your body gives the signal that it needs a lifeboat! There is also an Active Clean scent that I didn't try.

For those who want to know what's in it:  The key active ingredient is 18.2% Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex GLY. Other ingredients include:  Cyclopentasiloxane, Stearyl Alcohol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, PPG-14 Butyl Ether, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Parfum, Dimethicone, Polyethylene, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Maltodextrin, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Gelatin, Cellulose Gum, Silica, BHT.

At a srp. of just $5.00, it's not a huge investment of money, but it could be priceless -- the thing that literally saves you from embarrassment --  at a job interview, a hot date, or just when you're simply...hot from the sun, exercise, hormonal changes, or anxiety.  Check it out starting now at mass market retailers and drug stores, nationwide. You'll be glad you did!

 Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved.The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied without written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally. For more information, Email Me.  You can show your interest and support by subscribing, leaving comments on my posts,  and by following me on Facebook and Twitter  (@advicesisters).  You can also read and subscribe to my National Luxury Lifestyles Column  and NY Cosmetics column on the Examiner.com.  

Lindsay Phillips Footwear You'll want to SPRING for!

There's nothing more exciting than being able to pack away the snow boots, and slip on new shoes and sandals for Spring!  But if your budget is a bit slim for Louboutin stilettos, or you travel a lot and need to edit your shoe selections, carefully, you'll want to know about the hot, new styles of footwear from Lindsay Phillips!

The Advice Sisters first reviewed Lindsay Phillips Switch Flops back in June, 2009,  with Velcro ribbon/ornament add-ons that made the flip-flops totally new, simply by changing the ribbon details. We applauded the snap-on details and different sole choices on her  flip-flops from 2010.  

But now it's 2011, and there is a new, Lindsay Phillips Spring 2011 Collection!

This year, we're loving the Liz Flats ($64.00) in Pink Canvas, Neutral Canvas, or Bright Silver ($64)!  Like the 2010 flip-flop version, these snap shoe styles change their look immediately,  by simply switching one snap-on ornament for another. What could be easier?  If you travel, the flats can fold up into your tote, but they have a padded insole and a rubberized sole, so you can walk with comfort and confidence on bumpy streets. They run true to size, and are slightly stretchy so, for example, if your feet swell in an airplane or in the heat, they won't cut into your skin like some flat do.  

I tried the Neutral Canvas Liz Flats which arrived in a colorful, orange,brown & white polka-dotted box. .  Each of the Liz Flats comes with a coordinating flower (mine "gold" fabric flats had a gold flower ornament featuring a silver "jewel" in the middle,  The flats were true to size (*note: on the Lindsay Phillips web site the flats are offered in SMALL (6) MEDIUM (7-8) LARGE (9-10-11)  but I have been told that the flats definitely do come in sizes as mine did--so you will want to check if you need a specific size and not just one in a range of small, medium or large).  My size 8 flats were true to size and very, very comfortable. These are perfect change-into shoes for your wedding party and there is even a ballet flat (looks just like the Liz Flat) in black, silver or leopard, for little girls).

When you're ordering your Liz Flats, be sure to add some additional snap-on/off ornaments from the extensive collection.  That's what make Lindsay Phillips footwear so fabulous, the  ability to simply snap off one ornament (and one type of "look") and snap on another. These snap-on shoe ornaments run around $12.00 (some are a bit higher) and they are much better than traditional clip on ornaments, because that snap on these flats are even better than the ones you normally would clip on, because there isn't any metal clip to irritate your skin, and the snap holds them super-securely.  Even better, you can use the same snaps on the Lindsay Phillips flip-flops too (*the original, Switch Flops use ribbon ornaments in a V-shape held fast by Velcro, and those ornaments won't work on the snap-types or vice-versa).  Since corals, oranges, honeysuckle and apricot are the colors of the moment, I suggest the lovely Cali ornament ($12.00) featuring bold coral stones set in a Byzantine-inspired, gold setting (shown on a classic black Liz flat).

Carol Snap Sandals ($49.00) are new in Black, Camel or Beet Pink ($49).  You can swap and share the snaps from your Liz flats with these sandals, making them economical as well as versatile and fun.   If you visit the Lindsay Phillips web site, you'll see all the shoe and sandal choices, colors, and ornaments, plus some super-cute accessories such as tote bags and scarves. Even the snaps on the festive Sebring Tote in Octopus or Rope Print has interchangeable snaps!  If this web site doesn't excite you, I don't know what will!!  You can't go wrong no matter what you pick!  A set of snap shoes or sandals would be a lovely mother's day gift, too. 

Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied without written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally. For more information, Email Me.  You can show your interest and support by subscribing, leaving comments on my posts,  and by following me on Facebook and Twitter  (@advicesisters).  You can also read and subscribe to my National Luxury Lifestyles Column  and NY Cosmetics column on the Examiner.com.  

SmoothSculpt by Satin Smooth @RedDoorSpas - the Newest Firming Miracle?

When I hear about a treatment that sounds too good to be true, I am always cautious, but always, curious.  That was certainly the case when II was invited to try SmoothSculpt™ from the Satin Smooth company.  I know Satin Smooth as a company producing a good line of waxing/spa products, but their latest venture is a machine that purports to firm the skin and reduce puffiness on virtually every part of your face and body.



This machine and the new treatment, is currently exclusive to Elizabeth Arden's Red Door Spa.  Elizabeth Arden and the Red Door Spa has a long standing traditional of providing luxurious, high quality treatments ( if you haven't ever seen the 1939 classic movie "The Women," I believe some of it is loosely based on the Elizabeth Arden spa).   What makes this SmoothSculpt machine appealing, initially is that the treatment is non-invasive. It simply uses the pulsating pressure and suction applied with a mechanical wand to your skin to release toxins that are "flushed away" through the body's lymphatic system. There are no injections, no chemicals, all of the SmoothSculpt products contain no parabens, yeast or wheat. They're Vegan friendly and 85 to 95% Natural. A full face treatment takes about an hour, with the target treatments on areas such as thighs or abdomen about 45 minutes totals. You can go back to whatever you were doing without any issues (other than perhaps some tenderness , and redness if your skin is sensitive). Sounds great, doesn't it?

Like any new treatment, expectations can result in satisfaction, or disappointment.  When I first experienced the treatment, it was on my jawline.  I did see some verifiable results after just one treatment, especially the next day. These results didn't last for too long, but I expected that.  You really need to do a recommended series of about six treatments that will give you cumulative results that may last for a longer time. Nina Maskil, Lead Department Esthetician at the Red Door Spa, administered my second treatment (on my legs and thighs).  She was very knowledgeable about the treatment, and she trains other people on SmoothSculpt. She has been working at the spa for something like 30 years, and what she told me also put a good perspective on this treatment, and any treatment.  "With injectibles and other instant procedures, people come into the spa seeking immediate results, and then when one treatment doesn't give them a huge transformation, they're disappointed," she said.  "The SmoothSculpt treatments can give you great results, but only over time, and these treatment are really meant to be healthy, to flush the toxins from your body, and to firm the skin (see my photos of my knees, below). SmoothSculpt exercises the muscles and releases toxins. It's not meant to be an alternative to a face lift, or exercise, or weight loss," she added.

How DoesSmoothSculpt™Work? As it was explained to me, the suction/pulse action of the wand, attached to the SmoothSculpt machine, helps to break down fat and stagnated fluid trapped within the layers of skin. It also is supposed to promote blood flow for cell renewal. I can't quantify how much, or what is "drained" from your body, but I can tell you what you need to do during the treatment. You simply lie on a comfortable treatment table, and the person trained to do the treatment applies a couple of products, First is the Facial Cleansing Milk, a gentle formula that removes makeup and prepares skin for SmoothSculpt™ service. Then a Collagen Complex Cream is applied to promote and stimulate cell regeneration. A Sculpting Contour Lotion, fortified with homeopathic ingredients, including ivy, juniper and dandelion helps to detoxify and cleanse the skin.

Does it work? That is a thornier question. There isn't a lot written about this treatment as it's really new, and those who have written about it didn't give too many real details.  As to my review, I can only tell you about my experience and my observations. This is not to punt on the issue of whether or not a treatment, especially one that is new and potentially pricey, works or not. Everyone's skin is unique, and depending on your age, skin type, health and a variety of other factors, you might not get the same result I did. And I have been keeping Nina's view in mind, that Elizabeth Arden sees this first and foremost as a healthy treatment, then one that firms the skin.  The photos above are the company's before and after photos.  I am adding two photos below that I took myself of my legs while still on the treatment table at Elizabeth Arden, They are unretouched.  Whatever you observe is the real thing.

As I mentioned previously, I had two SmoothSculpt treatments. The first was at the Editor's event and while I waited for my turn, I got to see the results of the editors ahead of me. They seemed to enjoy the SmoothSculpt treatment, but I didn't see a huge difference in the tautness of their skin right after the treatment. Maybe the skin looked a bit plumper, and a few wrinkles seemed diminished (probably due to the plumping action). Even after the application of a collagen mask post-treatment, while their skin looked refreshed, I didn't see exceptional results. But maybe that's not the point, since a series of treatments is recommended to get the kind of results shown in the before and after photos, above.  When it was my turn, I found the initial experience to be kind of disconcerting, at first. I felt the pulsing pressure and gentle suction which isn't very powerful, but it was enough that I felt like I was being kissed by an octopus!  I quickly got used to the rhythm and then found more relaxing. I was advised to drink a lot of water (to flush out the toxins) and told that the next day I would see better results. The next morning, as I looked in the mirror, the skin on my jawline seemed tighter, and I really looked refreshed.  I was impressed.  If you can get that kind of a result in less than an hour with one treatment, imagine what you'd look like after six of them?!

left leg after SmoothSculpt

The second treatment was the body treatment at Elizabeth Arden's Red Door Spa, a few weeks later.  Nina at the Red Door told me that I shouldn't expect to see a dramatic difference in just one treatment, but that with cumulative treatments, the firmness gets better and better.  She did the left leg.  At that point I took the photos, above. As you can see my left knee is tighter and defined, while the right one isn't (I am not going to show you my thighs so the knee will have to be demonstration, enough). You can see that the skin, at least temporarily, is really tighter and better defined. .And my skin looked smoother and healthier, too.   Based on my experience with SmoothSculpt, I'd say that it's a treatment worth looking into.

There are some caveats: Although the treatment was not painful, my jawline felt a bit sore for about a day after the treatment.  And when Nina applied the wand to my inner thighs, it did hurt.  It wasn't level 10 pain, but it was unpleasant. The day after the treatment, my skin was a bit bruised (although I have sensitive skin that bruises easily).  If you are pregnant or have specific health or skin issues, you should always talk to your doctor first, before having any treatments. In addition, since the toxins are eliminated through your lymph system, people who have thyroid issues should also be cautious and consult with their doctor, first.

Thank heavens for something new!  SmoothSculpt can deliver smoother, younger, tighter looking skin to men and women of all ages. If you are interested in trying this new treatment, you can get one to see how you like it, and then invest in a series if it's to your liking. I believe that packages are available at somewhat of a discount. Right now Smooth Sculpt is available only at some Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa locations, but more locations will surely be offered in the not-too-distant future. *Satin Smooth also has a new treatment called DermaRadiance Flower Peel, a new approach to dermabrasion with flower peel grains that gently exfoliate and stimulate your skin and you can get this at the Red Door Spa, too. 


Smooth Sculpt treatments cost $75.00 for a targeted body or facial area treatment, and $140 for a full face treatment. Consultations take place prior to treatment to see if it is a good fit for the individual. There are discounts (10% for a purchase of six sessions; buy 7 -get one free, and purchase 10 get 2 free services). 

The treatments are currently available exclusively at Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas in these cities:• Fort Lauderdale, FL; New York City, NY; Chicago, IL; Fairfax, VA; Dallas, TX; Atlantic City, NJ (Harrah’s) ; Washington, DC; Mystic, CT; Garden City, NY. Visit www.reddoorspas.com


Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied without written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally. For more information, Email Me.  You can show your interest and support by subscribing, leaving comments on my posts,  and by following me on Facebook and Twitter  (@advicesisters).  You can also read and subscribe to my National Luxury Lifestyles Column  and NY Cosmetics column on the Examiner.com.  

*I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion Review column

 I LOVE YOUR COMMENTS!  Please leave your comments on my posts. You can find the "comments" section (in green) at the bottom of each post next to: "Posted by Alison"  If Comments has a (0) next to it, I would especially appreciate yours being the first! Thanks in advance for interacting with me.
 

MAC Cosmetics Quite Cute Collection - sneak peek and review

MAC has new Spring collections. To a MAC fan (and who isn't?), a new collection launch is a most exciting time.  So fasten your seat belts, MACfanatics, because MAC is about to launch THREE new collections, and they are arriving soon! . For your pleasure, here's a peek, starting with MAC Quite Cute,  Available April 7, 2011 through May 2011

Here's my take on the MAC Quite Cute Collection:  First of all, who doesn't love pastels in the Spring and Summer?  But while this is a collection of pastels, they are refreshing.  There's a bit of "naughty/flirty" in them as well  (in that early Britney Spears  and Japanese "adult" schoolgirl way).  I adore the heart-shaped accents in the Mineralize Blush that makes me feel positive and happy before I even add a MAC-created glow to my face. The Cutie Eye Shadow X4 Quad is the star item in this collection.  Four slightly shimmery shadows take pastels and give them a bit of an edge with just a bit of brightness so they're not so "sweet."  Goody Goody Gum Drop is a stain formula light, white pink, Boycrazy is a pale lavender lustre formula with a silverly peral, Moshi Moshi! is a pale white green gold frost that looks amazing on lids or as a highlight, and Azuki Bean is a mid-tone dirty violet frost that might be the best violet shadow I've ever tried!  The lip colors are a bit too creamy/dreamy/light for my taste, but they're a nice alternative to all those bold orange and red lip looks that not everyone likes or can wear (and there is one lipstick, a trendy matte, neon pink called "Candy Yum-Yum" to brighten up the look if you feel the need. The remaining items in the collection, including three pastel nail lacquers that I really like:  creamy blue pink (Ice Cream Cake); Creamy pale lavender (Little Girl Type) and the  Mischievous Mint, a creamy pale blue mint.  These colors are also brightened up just a bit but they're still soft, light pastels that translate beautifully to fingers and toes.  The rest of the collection including pencils, mascara and faux eyelashes make the look come alive.


Here is MAC's Description of the Quite Cute Collection:  “CUTE !” The most fanciful, fun and flattering compliment a young, modern trendsetter could ever want! Our version is the girliest kind of international glam possible, a style ride that combines postage-stamp-sized puppies with pixie swizzle-stick fashion and butterfly kisses for cute boys and even cuter shoes! Cupcake icing colours, vintage romance, an ATM card with Hello Kitty on it –and a way of life that says “yes!” to everything adorable! Come on, get happy with the multi-culti cutie, from Tokyo to Toronto to Paris with love! Pastel shades for Eye Quads, Lipstick, Plushglass and Nail  Lacquer…And, due to popular demand, we’re completely cute-ifying three favourite Lip Pencil shades  from last season that will join the fun and frolic. Flash! You’ll ♥ the Mineralize Blush with the sweet heart baked right into it. If it shines, shimmers and pops it’s completely, contagiously, cute!"

MINERALIZE BLUSH
 

Miss Behave - Light beige with pearly mint green heart

Giggly  - Light pink with pearly plum heart


Sakura - Lavender with pearly magenta heart


Suggested Retail Price $23.00 U.S./$27.50 CDN




NAIL LACQUER


Little Girl Type - Creamy pale lavender


Ice Cream Cake - Creamy blue pink


Mischievous Mint - Creamy pale blue mint


Suggested Retail Price $14.00 U.S./$17.00 CDN




LASH


#7 Lash


Suggested Retail Price $14.00 U.S./$17.00 CDN


LIPSTICK


Playing Koi -  Creamy white peach pink (satin)


Quite Cute  - Creamy bright whitened lavender (cremesheen)


Saint Germain - Clean pastel pink (amplified)


Candy Yum-Yum  - Matte neon pink (matte)


Play Time  - Creamy intense violet (cremesheen)


Suggested Retail Price $14.50 U.S./$17.50 CDN




PLUSHGLASS


Bubble Tea - Creamy pale nude


Fashion Fanatic - Creamy pale pink


Girl ♥ Boy  - Bright light blue pink


I ♥ U  - Creamy mid-tone purple


Suggested Retail Price $18.50 U.S./$22.00 CDN




LIP PENCIL


Naked Liner -  Light neutral


In Synch  - Bright yellow pink


Boldly Bare  - Dirty red brown


Suggested Retail Price $13.00 U.S./$15.50 CDN




PENULTI MATE EYE LINER


Rapidblack  - True black


Suggested Retail Price $17.50 U.S./$21.00 CDN




LOUD LASH MASCARA


Noisy -  Black Black


Suggested Retail Price $14.00 U.S./$17.00 CDN




ZOOM LASH MASCARA


Zoom Black  - Rich black


Suggested Retail Price $14.00 U.S./$17.00 CDN




CUT iE EYE SHADOW X4


Goody Goody Gum Drop  - Light white pink (satin)


Boycrazy  - Pale lavender with silver pearl (lustre)


Moshi Moshi!  - Pale white green gold (frost)


Azuki Bean  - Mid-tone dirty violet (frost)


Suggested Retail Price $36.00 U.S./$43.00 CDN






Quite Quite is available in North America April 7, 2011 at all M·A·C locations,

1.800.588.0070 and http://www.maccosmetics.com/




International April 2011 at all M·A·C locations, 1.800.588.0070 and http://www.maccosmetics.com/
 
 
 

Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied without written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally. For more information, Email Me.  You can show your interest and support by subscribing, leaving comments on my posts,  and by following me on Facebook and Twitter  (@advicesisters).  You can also read and subscribe to my National Luxury Lifestyles Column  and NY Cosmetics column on the Examiner.com.   *I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion Review column  I LOVE YOUR COMMENTS!  Please leave your comments on my posts. You can find the "comments" section (in green) at the bottom of each post next to: "Posted by Alison"  If Comments has a (0) next to it, I would especially appreciate yours being the first! Thanks in advance for interacting with me.
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Annoucing M-A-C Cosmetics Primed for Perfection Collection

 What special significance does April 7, 2011 have?  For MAC Cosmetics fans, it's the launch date for a new collection of primers called M·A·C Primed for Perfection.  M-A-C began their excellent primer grouping with Prep + Prime that you can use under/during/over makeup application.  Now they're adding some new products:  Prep + Prime Vibrancy Eye, P + P "advances eyes and focuses potential. A lightweight, quick fix AND long-term solution for puffy, tired-looking creases and bags that targets the three main causes for dark under eye circles – pigmentation, visibly weakened capillaries and shadowing – while illuminating the eye area with optical effects for instant luminosity," as the M-A-C press literature describes it.  There's also  a new, shaded highlighter debuting with this collection – Prep + Prime Highlighter. It is:  "lush and cushiony, yet lightweight – in wearable hues that provide a sheer wash of colour to highlight, brighten and perfect. The click “pen” allows for exact application."

PREP + PRIME VIBRANCY EYE - Suggested Retail Price $30.00 U.S./$36.50 CDN

My take on this product:  I woke up with dark circles and puffiness this morning, and immediately tried this product. It was silky and cooling (not greasy) upon application, and I felt it firming the under-eye area right away.  Used with one of the new, Prep + Prime highlighters, I might just have a more rested look this morning.

MAC Says:  "Prep + Prime Vibrancy Eye immediately improves radiance and clarity around the eye area with the following main ingredients: Vitamin C Complex with Melannite (K3 aminopropyl ascorbyl phosphate and 2CME ascorbyl tocopheryl maleate) serves as a brightening agent and antioxidant. The anti-angiogenics phytosphingosine, glycosaminoglycans and gingko biloba help strengthen skin. For optics, a cocktail of light reflective pearls in multiple colours renders the maximum skin-enhancing effect. A range of peptides – sweet orange extract, red algae extract, caffeine and sucrose – soothes and depuffs the eye area, while glycerin, trehalose, sodium hyaluronate and shea butter add up to a powerful combination of moisturizers and emollients. " *like all skin care treatments, this one may work better for some than others, but over time, this combination of ingredients has the potential to brighten the appearance of dark circles, reduce puffiness and add moisture around the delicate eye area. Wear it under your concealer!

PREP + PRIME HIGHLIGHTER -  Suggested Retail Price $23.00 U.S./$27.50 CDNLight Boost Soft yellow cream  (*yellow helps diffuse the look of dark circles and shadow)


My take on this product:  the chunky, click-it pen with brush tip is great for precise and clean application (who wants to stick her hands into a tube or jar of "goo?" The cream is very opaque and intense, so be sure to blend it out for a more natural look).



Bright Forecast Mid-tone peachy coral  (* this color is known to help diffuse bruises).Radiant Rose Light shell pink  (*closer to your skintone than white or eggshell, this is a more flattering color for a natural looking concealer and it helps to brighten, too).




Available:  North America April 7, 2011 at all  M·A·C locations, 1.800.588.0070 and
http://www.maccosmetics.com/



International April 2011 at all  M·A·C locations, 1.800.588.0070 and  http://www.maccosmetics.com/

.Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied without written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally. For more information, Email Me.  You can show your interest and support by subscribing, leaving comments on my posts,  and by following me on Facebook and Twitter  (@advicesisters).  You can also read and subscribe to my National Luxury Lifestyles Column  and NY Cosmetics column on the Examiner.com.  

*I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion Review column

 I LOVE YOUR COMMENTS!  Please leave your comments on my posts. You can find the "comments" section (in green) at the bottom of each post next to: "Posted by Alison"  If Comments has a (0) next to it, I would especially appreciate yours being the first! Thanks in advance for interacting with me.
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Shiseido's Beauty Beauties Booty for Spring 2011

Last week I shared some of my top picks from Shiseido's amazing new skincare launches for Spring 2011.  I initially saw these at a preview during the holidays, last year.  The pop-up shop that Shiseido created for this event was literally in two floors. Skincare was on the first level, makeup on the second.  I held off on reviewing these products, keeping them safe and tucked away for a couple of months, because although I was eager to share them, none were going to be availble until Winter, or beyond.  But Spring is nearly here, and I am so excited to let you know that Shiseido's newest makeup collection is going to be coveted by fashionistas and makeup lovers everywhere.  Available now, you'll want to try all of these!

My new, true love is Shiseido's Shimmering Rouge $25.00, This is a stunning line of lipsticks in 13 gorgeous, glossy, intense colors. These lipsticks are super-elegant, super gorgeous, and super-beneficial for your lips.  They're a new creation from Shiseido's Artistic Director, Dick Page.  In case you want to know who got to try these first, you will be happy to know that Mr. Page tested them on the Fashion Week runways on models  (who wear a lot of lip products, as you can imagine).  This awesome lipstick walked down the runway on lips in shows such as Michael Kors and Band Of Outsiders. The long-lasting color slides on perfectly in one swipe from the elegant, slim-line, angled-tipped tube. The formula contains "super-bio yeast extract: to promote collagen production while Shiseido's exclusive, dual-layer, spherical pearl ingredient helps disperse light in all directions and help your lips look smoother and younger, A Super Hydro-wrap vitalizing DE ingredient contains an oil that blends well with water, so your lips look and feel moisturized. This lipstick may be intense, but it's so moist, so elegant, and so fashion-forward on my lips, that I keep staring in the mirror and wondering why my lips look just like the ones in television commercials (impossibly intense and beautifully colored, shiny, perfect lips). I can't stop gushing about these nor can I tell you which colors are best--they are all beautiful. However, I'll go out on a limb and tell you that I like  "Desire #406."  because the fresh, mid-toned red is really on the pink side, adding life to even a sallow complexion--and it works on everyone! Since bold, red lips are not going out of fashion, another favorite that will flatter just about every complexion is #RD601 Golden Dragon." This deep, rich red is neither too orange nor too blue --it is just the sexiest color I have ever seen (blot it down if you aren't really feeling big, bold lips and you'll still let a rosy lip stain, or add a slick of shiny lip gloss for lips that could stop traffic).  If you love superior lip products,  at least one of these needs to make it into your makeup bag. TIP:  keep your lipstick lasting longer with more definition, by investing in Shiseido's Smoothing Lip Pencils $20.00.  I love the silky feel of the pencil, but it stays put!  And, there's a nice lip brush on the other end of the pencil ( with short bristles and a slightly rounded tip let you apply a sharp line or fill in your lips with one brush).  This means you don't have to carry another lip brush or rummage around for it when you're applying lipstick. There are several new shades (*these are not the ones in the photo-I'm just using this photo for illustrative purposes) including "#OR310 Tangelo" an apricot-orange-y shade you'll want for Spring's hot new apricot/orange-centric lip colors such as Shiseido's gorgeous new shade "OR405 Sizzle" (a vibrant coral that looks sexy, not gaudy) .

Equally Impressive is the new, Shiseido Perfect Refining Foundation $38.50.  It is available in a fifteen different shades form very light ivory (for the seriously pale) to Deep Ochre (for deeper complexions).  The shades are organized by five shades of ivory, five shades of beige, and five shades of ochre. In case you're not sure what tone ochre really is, it's categorized as a golden-yellow or light yellow brown.  Someone described it as the color of a #2 pencil!  One reporter of color said the deepest shade really isn't that deep, so you'll have to try these at your favorite Shiseido counter if that's a concern (you'll probably be trying them anyway if you aren't purchasing online).  I tried a shade right in the middle of the color spectrum: "B20-Natural Light Beige."  The first thing to note is that the foundation is packaged in a 1 fl. oz  rectangular, black plastic jar with a tiny squeeze tip top. The small size makes it great for travel, although pricey for the size.   The foundation is a loose liquid (hence the small tip on the top), but it smooths on your skin without any effort -- no brushes, pads or sponges required to make a flawless, moistly-matte complexion.  Specially developed "Reflect & Fit" powders help diffuse light so your skin really looks remarkable, while a "Hydro-Producing Complex" moisturizing skin for up to 15 hours, and a "Micro-Smoothing Complex" (a Shiseido exclusive) helps deal with skin issues like enlarged pores and acne scars.  I noted, with delight, that the pores on my nose just seemed to go away, while other foundations settle in and make them even more noticeable. For that alone, I'd give it a thumbs up.  But this foundation also has SPF 16 (a minimal amount of SPF) with the active sun protection ingredients being 1.9% Octinoxate and 4.1% Titanium Dioxide.  A foundation that protects your skin and make it look great gets a high-five, from The Advice Sisters!Although I don't think you need anything to "finish" the look of the foundation, above, Shiseido does have a new,Translucent Pressed Powder $32.50. Although I liked the silky powder, it is semi-opaque, so use a light touch or you might find your complexion looks a bit too light or chalky.  But what I like about the powder is that you can use it on bare skin to produce a natural, even-toned finish, but it also has ingredients that help it absorb more oil and therefore, minimize shine. This lovely, oil-absorbing powder will help keep your makeup fresher and stop it from creasing. With warmer weather about to arrive, this slim, round, black, mirrored compact of pressed powder will cut the shine, even when you're on the go.

No matter how many years I have reviewed beauty products, I still haven't been able to warm up to "fake bake" products. But I'd rather suggest a self-tanner or bronzer to you, than recommend you soak up the sun and along with your "glow," the potential for skin cancer and premature aging of your skin.  So I'm happy that Shiseido has created a luxurious Bronzer $35.00 in three different shades:  Dawn Light (for light complexions to gently illuminate and brighten the skin); Desert Rose (for medium complexions, to warm up the skin in a more significant way); and Dusk (for deeper complexions and for those who like to contour their facial features).   I received the lightest and deepest to try, and honestly, the light looked alarmingly deep in the compact. But as I cautiously applied the bronzer with the nice, included, mini-bronzer blush, I realized that the product was very sheer and layerable. One swipe didn't do much and two added more color. By three passes, I looked "bronzed" but not crazy brown or orange. It was actually, nice and natural!  Soft Airy powder lets you spread the bronzer more evenly, while water-repelling silicone helps the finish, last. There is also super-oil absorbing powder and the excellent, Micro-Smoothing Complex that is also featured in the foundation (to reduce the look of large pores and scars). I wish there was SPF as well, but I'll say this:  if you want a great bronzer, you'll get the best of all possible worlds with this one.

I know this is a long post, but one other product I want to call to your attention is Shiseido's Luminizing Satin Eye Color Trio.  These were also created by Dick Page, Shiseido's Artistic Director. The Luminizing Satin Eye Color Trio $33.00 comes is available now, in three new shades:  "Bouquet-V1308" is a purple-violet palette of shimmery light, medium and dark,  inspired by the "sculptural impression of a wild bouquet of flowers."  There's also "Voyage - BR209" "with very shimmery, almost metallic, milk chocolate, gold and champagne colors "inspired by a photograph of Shiseido model, Rquel Zimmermann, crossing the Venetian lagoon by Motocafi."  The third new trio is "Punky Blues BL310)  featuring light and deep blue (supposedly the best choice to make blue eyes pop), plus a sheer, hot pink that I really love. This trio is inspired by "a cheeky, spontaneous pictured taken in London representing aggressively bright colors."  The colors are trendy, but like the lip colors, there is a translucent quality to them so they never look harsh. These powder shades are satiny smooth and so easy to apply, you could almost use a fingertip (there is a  mini sponge tipped applicator and a mini brush applicator, included). Micromatic color pgiment reflect light to create more vivid but still translucent, colors. The Super Hydro-Wrap Vitalizing DE (found in the lipstick) helps to moisturize, while dual optimizing powder adds a natural sheen and long wear. Personally, I am most fon of the Voyage palette with it's Spring-into-Summer tones of metallic browns and golds, but all thet trios are truly beautiful--you can't go wrong with any of them.

Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied without written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally. For more information, Email Me.  You can show your interest and support by subscribing, leaving comments on my posts,  and by following me on Facebook and Twitter  (@advicesisters).  You can also read and subscribe to my National Luxury Lifestyles Column  and NY Cosmetics column on the Examiner.com.  

*I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the "A Note About Compensation" section of the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion Review column

 I LOVE YOUR COMMENTS!  Please leave your comments on my posts. You can find the "comments" section (in green) at the bottom of each post next to: "Posted by Alison"  If Comments has a (0) next to it, I would especially appreciate yours being the first! Thanks in advance for interacting with me.