NewBeauty.com (by Marci Robin Zitner)
LipFusion was the first lip-plumping gloss I ever tried, so no matter how many others I test out, there’s always a special place in my heart (and on my face) for it. And I recently returned to Fusion Beauty’s famous formula when they introduced a new version of the gloss: Smile Whitening Color Shine.

Now, of course, you don’t actually put this on your teeth (unless you’re that woman who always manages to get lipstick on her teeth when she dares to converse right after application… which is me, unfortunately). Just like the other LipFusion glosses, you apply it generously to your lips, where you’ll feel that subtle sensation that indicates it’s working towards making your lips fuller. But it’s also creating an ideally flattering color contrast between your lips and teeth, minimizing the look of yellowness and maximizing brightness.

Both my fuller-than-before lips and my teeth have just the right amount of pretty shine when I where this updated classic, and I leave the house feeling confident that my mouth is my best feature. (Until I open it, that is.)

TreeHugger.com (by Jasmin Malik Chua)                                                                                     

1. Badger Cocoa Butter Lip Balm
Pucker up for your daily java fix with this extra-creamy balm made from organic cocoa butter, organic extra-virgin olive oil, and golden yellow beeswax, as well as extracts of organic dark roasted Arabica coffee beans, rose hip, and seabuckthorn berry. Organic aloe vera melts away cold-weather dryness with lipsmacking aplomb. ($5, Badger Balm)

2. Perfect Organics Hazelnut Coffee Ultimate Body Scrub
For an invigorating, skin-toning buzz, slough away with this heady brew of finely ground coffee beans, moisturizing organic plant oils, and gentle botanical extracts. Allow to percolate on skin before rinsing for best results. ($24.99, Perfect Organics)

3. BodyCoffee Energizing Body Bar
Supercharged, silky smooth skin is just a lather away with this sense-stimulating body bar that exfoliates while it cleanses. Ground Coffea Arabica—with a touch of peppermint extract—gets circulation pumping for that natural glow, while moisture-locking hemp and olive oils relieve parched winter skin. ($8, BodyCoffee)

4. Three Ravens Atomic Cafe Amaretto Bath Salts
Scoop a few spoonfuls of these Cafe Amaretto-inspired salts into your bathtub for a pampering, espresso-infused pick-me-up. With a cuppa that is both organic and fair trade, social responsibility has never felt this indulgent. (From $3, Etsy)

FDANews.com

"At the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Marshals seized today 12,682 applicator tubes of Age Intervention Eyelash, a product that may, in some users, lead to decreased vision. Authorities said the sales value of the seized tubes is approximately $2 million.  "Age Intervention Eyelash is sold and distributed by Jan Marini Skin Research, Inc., of San Jose, Calif.

The FDA considers Age Intervention Eyelash to be an unapproved and misbranded drug because Jan Marini Skin Research has promoted the product to increase eyelash growth. Before a new drug product may be legally marketed, it must be shown to be safe and effective, and approved by FDA.  The agency takes seriously its responsibility to protect Americans from unapproved drugs.

FDA also considers the seized Age Intervention Eyelash to be an adulterated cosmetic.  The product contains bimatoprost, an active ingredient in an FDA-approved drug to treat elevated intraocular pressure (elevated pressure inside the eye).  For patients using the prescription drug, using the Age Intervention Eyelash in addition to the drug may increase the risk of optic nerve damage because the extra dose of bimatoprost may decrease the prescription drug’s effectiveness.  Damage to the optic nerve may lead to decreased vision and possibly blindness." Continue Reading…

ARS.com
You’ve heard of Soy Dream, but have you heard of SoyScreen?  For you “greenies” out there this new soy-based sunscreen technology, is a natural alternative to petroleum-based sunscreens.  The company responsible for the new soy bean screen is iSoy.  No, it’s not sold at your local Apple store; however, the company’s ferulic soy glycerides (FSG33) a new soy-based anti-aging ingredient recently made its debut in New York City marketed by a major cosmetics company.

“When Agricultural Research Service (ARS) chemists Joe Laszlo and Dave Compton originally developed SoyScreen, they envisioned outdoor enthusiasts and other consumers using their invention as an environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based sunscreens.

Instead, SoyScreen—and the patented ARS method of producing it—became the technological platform from which iSoy Technologies Corporation of Cary, Ill., began launching a novel class of cosmetic ingredients called “skincare bio-lipid actives.”

In February 2007, a variation of SoyScreen formulated by iSoy—ferulic soy glycerides (FSG33)—made its commercial debut as a key active ingredient in a wrinkle-prevention skincare product marketed by a major cosmetics company in New York City.

FSG33′s burgeoning commercial roots began with bio-lipid reaction experiments that Laszlo and Compton conducted in 1998 at ARS’ National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research in Peoria, Ill.  There, they devised an enzyme-based method to make an all-natural sunscreen from soy oil and ferulic acid, a natural antioxidant that filters out UVA and UVB sunlight.”  Read More

DailyBeauty.com
When I first saw this image, I was like “whao,” but after reading the article I realized it was ingenious.  To me it actually looks pretty comfortable.  If you are recovering from an invasive procedure, or possibly even a minor one, this healing mask may actually help you heal quicker and more comfortably.  According to Daily Beauty:

"The care you take during the post-op healing period is almost as important as the surgery itself.  A recovery device called AqueCool, by Aqueduct Medical is a new approach to that sensitive time.  It delivers continuous cool-water therapy at a safe temperature range directly to the surgical site to minimize swelling, bruising, discomfort and overall downtime after surgery.

AqueCool Masques are procedure-specific—pictured from left to right are the Lower Face & Neck Masque, the Full Face & Neck Masque, and the Periorbital Masque—and they’re custom-formable to each patient.  They can be worn while watching TV, reading, sleeping, or sitting at a computer without getting in the way.  As with any surgical procedure, it’s essential to meticulously follow your surgeon’s post-procedure instructions, so be sure to get the green light from your doctor before trying any recovery aid.

WWD.com
With the summer heat it’s no wonder that cooling and freezing products are all the rage.  This article from Women’s Wear Daily outlines the cosmetic freeze trend, and points out that by cooling the products temperature by 36 degrees it shrinks the molecules which then enables them to penetrate deeper into the skin.  I have used the Laura Mercier Hydrating Gel Mask, and I kept it in the fridge.  On those puffy mornings it is an amazingly relaxing and effective remedy.

"Freezing and cooling skin care creams, gels, masks and mists are a decidedly hot trend in the beauty world, thanks to their numerous benefits to the skin.  While self-heating masks are the perfect remedy for unclogging pores in acne-prone complexions, icicle-inducing items help keep puffiness, redness and sensitivity at bay—not to mention the added bonus of a cool burst, a definite pick-meup in soupy summer heat.  According to New York dermatologist Karyn Grossman, temperature does affect the skin. ‘Warm temperatures dilate blood vessels and cause increased blood flow,’ she says, ‘while cool temperatures constrict blood vessels and help to decrease pain, itch and inflammation.’

Cooling products are particularly effective when used on the eye area because they help to bring down puffiness and under-eye circles.  And while many products on the market use natural coolers like menthol, cucumber and eucalyptus to refresh and revive tired, dull skin, some brands take the freezing concept literally…Play & Rewind, a two-part, single-dose system aimed at the hard-partying set, is said to feature an even more potent version of its patented instant freezing technology that can be deployed with just one click.  Play is designed to be applied before a night out to luminize and soften skin, while Rewind is for the not-so-great morning after, when skin is dehydrated and in need of detox."  Read More

BeautyBentoBox.com
I came across this article about a skin care technique called double cleansing.  Most of us probably assume simply lathering our faces with cleanser and rinsing it with water leaves it clean enough to promote a clear, and healthy complexion.  Unfortunately, it’s not that easy, and like everything else it takes consistency and care to have beautiful skin.  In this article, Sasha explains double cleansing and stresses it’s importance, she hopes it will become your ritual beauty process.

 
"If there’s one thing that I’m particular about, it’s washing my face.  That’s probably why I’m always on the look out for the best facial wash, makeup remover, or skin toner.  I like cleaning my face.  I often make it a point to wash my face when I get up in the morning (or night, as the case may be) and yes, I try to wash it within the day if I feel icky.

I’ve heard it said before that you shouldn’t wash your face more than twice a day, reason being is that it will dry up your skin. I’m not quite sure if there’s any truth in that but I was a bit alarmed by it. However, I reckon moderation is key. Now, I only wash my face before going to bed, when taking a bath, after waking up or when I’ve perspired or need to remove my makeup. All reasons seems valid to me, don’t you agree?

Double Cleansing is approached in two stages: for STAGE 1, eliminate excess sebum and the make-up and for STAGE 2, eliminate the impurities. Which mainly tells you that there are a set of products that should be used for stage one and another for stage two."  Read More

DailyBeauty.com
Germany’s top department store beauty brand, ARTDECO, is now available in 55 other countries, including the U.S. It’s quickly making a profound impression on new users, thanks to spotlighted ingredients like silk, pearl, and in the case of one of our favorite products in the line, caviar.

Caviar Lifting Treatment’s formula provides the valuable nutrients of its title ingredient; but that’s not the only super-element in this rich, pink cream.  Acetyl hexapeptide-3, known commercially as Argireline, relaxes facial tension, while hyaluronic acid conserves moisture. Together, these three powerhouse components—currently not combined in any other product on the market—lead to noticeably smoother skin.