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A new wrinkle filler is creating quite a buzz for those trying turn back the clock. For the first time, a product is claiming it can erase certain lines permanently.  Patti Cook, Facial Filler Patient: "What I don’t like are the wrinkles and creases in my face."  Patti Cook is typical of many women, looking for a more youthful appearance without surgery.  Patti Cook: "It would be nice to be 5 or 10 years younger."  She’s especially interested in erasing the creases going from her nose to her lips.  In the last several years, there’s been an explosion of facial fillers receiving FDA approval.  Products like Juvederm and Restylane could help Patti plump her creases.  But typically these fillers last only six to eight months and that means the user needs to get shots once or twice a year to maintain that effect.  But that may all be changing with a new filler called Artefill which claims to be permanent.  Read More / Watch Segment

Last year over 10,000 beauty products flooded the market.  Some are good, but most are bad.  Knowing that, how can anyone tell which product truly performs as advertised?  Well, we can thank CEW for taking the time to sift through the madness.  They’ve taken the time to review and vote on the best and most innovative treatments for acne, aging, cleansing, and moisturizing.

Some of the finalists include:

St. Ives Apricot Face Wash Blemish & Blackhead Control
Bare Escentuals RareMinerals Skin Revival Treatment
Burt’s Bees Soap Bark & Chamomile Cleansing Crème
Estēe Lauder Rectifiance Intense Eye
Sally Hansen Line Freeze for Lips
SK-II Whitening Source Intensive Mask

CEW 2007 Beauty Award Winners
[ Via CEW.org ] 

Best Acne Treatment $10 and Up
MD Skincare(R) All-Over Blemish Solution

All-Over Blemish Solution prevents breakouts by penetrating deep into pores to disband blockages and blackheads before they surface. Pimples begin two to three weeks before they appear, so daily treatment is the best way to stop acne. Eliminating acne in the “flat” stage reduces the risk of developing unsightly blemishes otherwise known as "bumpy" acne. This product also contains a chelator, which removes heavy metals found in tap water that further irritate acne-prone skin.

 
Best Acne Treatment $10 and Under
Neutrogena Rapid Clear Pads

Neutrogena Rapid Clear Pads with maximum strength, acne-fighting salicylic acid (2%) contain a revolutionary technology, MicroClear™, to cleanse deep down within pores to dissolve trapped oil and dirt. Not only do they reduce existing acne in just eight hours, but they also help prevent future breakouts from occurring. They help stop emerging breakouts from becoming visible, and skin is left looking clearer and healthier without dryness or irritation.

Best Anti-aging $30 and Up
Wexler Intensive Night Reversal & Repair Cream

The Intensive Night Reversal and Repair Cream combines Niacyl™ with Patricia Wexler M.D. Dermatology’s patented MMPi20™ technology. Together, the two complexes decrease expression lines, resurface imperfections and boost skin’s natural moisture level, so skin is firmer, plumper and less-less lined by morning. In addition, it contains two cutting-edge peptide complexes, Argireline™ to smooth lines and Matrixyl™ 3000 to visibly smooth wrinkles. It also contains Complex-C to brighten the skin.

Best Anti-aging $30 and Under
Olay Definity Deep Penetrating Foaming Moisturizer

Olay Definity Deep Penetrating Foaming Moisturizer penetrates up to 10 surface layers deep to help reverse the look of past damage coming from beneath the skin’s surface, allowing natural rebuilding of skin’s collagen. Less dense than a lotion or cream, this aerated serum feels virtually weightless on the skin and spreads more evenly. Formulated with Essential Glucosamine Complex, this moisturizer helps improve the appearance of uneven skin tone to reveal more luminous skin.

Best Cleanser and Scrub $12 and Up
Clinique Liquid Facial Soap

Clinically formulated cleansing by Clinique’s guiding dermatologist-that’s how great skin starts. Our new nondrying liquid formula maintains skin’s protective lipids; works to loosen surface flakes; and preps skin for the exfoliating action of Clarifying Lotion. Custom-fit to skin types in Very Dry; Dry, Dry Combination; Combination Oily; and Oily skin formulas. These cleansers are clean-rinsing, leaving no potentially problematic residue, so they won’t rob skin of its natural moisture balance.

Best Facial Cleanser and Scrub $12 and Under
Dove Energy Glow Skin Brightening Facial Cleanser

Dove Energy Glow Skin Brightening Facial Cleanser is formulated with moisturizers and vitamins that work with the skin’s renewal process. The cleanser includes exfoliating beads, which brighten skin, reveal a more even tone and help reduce the appearance of fine, dry lines. The product is dermatologist-tested and non-comedogenic, and provides oil-free moisturization.

Best Eye Treatment $20 and Up
Avon ANEW Clinical Eye Lift

The first-ever, dual eye treatment featuring two different formulas to target both the upper and lower eye areas, providing a visible lift. The upper-eye gel features Avon’s exclusive Dimensional-Lift Technology, which strengthens and firms delicate eyelid skin from the inside out by boosting elastin and collagen. The under-eye cream features Avon’s Derma-Refine Technology and is formulated to accelerate cellular metabolism to reduce puffiness, dark circles and crepey skin.

Best Eye Treatment $20 and Under
Tweezerman After Tweeze Soothing Cream

Calms and soothes the skin after tweezing or waxing. With its rich and unique blend of moisturizers, honey and rice bran extract, this After Tweeze Soothing Cream provides a solution to irritation and redness. Absorbs quickly to soothe and moisturize the skin. A rich blend of moisturizers with honey and bran extract soothes and calms the brow area. Soft wand included for easy, precise application.
 

Best Lip Treatment $14 and Up
LipFusion XL

LipFusion XL is the first needle-free, Topical-Injectable™ to feature two naturally occurring fillers – micro-injected collagen and hyaluronic acid – to deliver maximum lip enhancement in a nighttime treatment. Using patented technology, the collagen and hyaluronic acid are dehydrated into microspheres, small enough to penetrate the lips. Upon application, they rehydrate and bond with the skin’s natural waters, stimulating healthy new collagen development, instant volume, and long-term plumping. Lips are dramatically firmer, fuller, and smoother overnight.
 

Best Lip Treatment $14 and Under
tarte fRxtion Sugar Exfoliator & Lip Balm Duo

Innovative delivery system/packaging: Lipstick container with convenient flip-out mirror. Unique characteristics: Lip exfoliant and balm in one; brown sugar grains on one side scrub lips smooth, while Vitamin E balm soothes and hydrates lips.

 Best Facial Moisturizer $30 and Up
Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Moisturizing Cream

A pioneer in skin brightening, White Lucent is the ultimate answer to dull, dry skin. Rich moisturizing cream utilizes latest research to improve clarity and texture. Contains gel capsules that release potent ingredients on contact, including Vitamin C to fade dark spots, Spot Deacti-Complex to inhibit melanin production and creation of new dark spots, rare Asian plant extracts to smooth, AE complex to improve absorption of ingredients, and natural plant fibers to seal them in.

Best Facial Moisturizer $30 and Under
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream

This 24-hour, light-textured daily hydrator leaves skin comfortable and visibly well-balanced, particularly in harsh weather conditions. Includes Antarcticine–a glycoprotein extracted from microorganisms, sourced from sea glaciers, and notable for its ability to protect skin from cold temperatures–and Imperata Cylindrica, a plant indigenous to the Australian desert, which possesses superb water retention properties in dry conditions. With continuous water replenishment throughout the day, skin is smooth, healthy-looking, and "moisture-even."

Best Facial Peel and Mask $25 and Up
Shiseido Cosmetics Benefiance Pure Retinol Face Mask 

Deep-penetrating face mask provides an instant lift. Delivers pure retinol to skin’s deepest layers more swiftly, stably and in larger amounts than ever before. Fine lines and wrinkles are dramatically diminished after one application. Contains pure liquid retinol, a stabilized form of vitamin A that promotes epidermal turnover and restores elasticity. Each retinal capsule is 1,000 times smaller than conventional capsules for quicker, deeper penetration. Also contains a vitamin C derivative, hesperidin, and ginseng extract.

Best Facial Peel and Mask $25 and Under
Lumene Time Freeze Instant Lift Mask

The lifting mask smooths the appearance of fine lines and helps reduce puffiness, while improving microcirculation and preventing moisture loss. Lumene’s bio-communicatorä compound technology, together with plant sterols extracted from Arctic White Peat, helps to activate the skin’s own renewal process and improve its moisture balance and elasticity. Firming soy protein stimulates cells that produce elastin and collagen, making skin firmer and more supple.
 
 

Real Self Blog

"With the launch of the Definity wrinkle cream at a price point below $30, P&G has increased consumer access to high-tech skin creams that have clinical research to back claims.  Few $300 an ounce premium skin care products can match this level of research and trials.  If the under-$30 price point makes you feel skeptical of the Definity product efficacy, I’d recommend that you not rule-out skin care products based on the fact they’re available at a low price or in Wal-mart."

Judy’s Book:
Olay Difinty: A Special Treat for Your Face

"Many moisturizers cause my face to break out with a blemish or two.  Yes, I’m one of those lucky people fighting wrinkles and acne at the same time. In the two weeks I’ve been using it, I haven’t noticed an increase in the number of break-outs.  I’ve actually noticed a decrease – which is very surprising.  I feel comfortable wearing it under make-up without fear of clogged pores."

Beauty On A Budget:
Olay Difinity — Revisited

"It was about two days ago I noticed something subtle. My face did seem brighter.  I might not go so far as to say “luminous” but then I am not given to exaggeration.  So, let’s say I noticed a brightening and maybe a clarity I hadn’t seen before."

Cosmetic Connection:
Judith Revisits Olay Difinity

"Last summer I wrote glowingly about Olay’s new Definity skincare products.  I used these products for quite a while after I wrote the review, and after a couple of months started noticing that my skin was breaking out."

Associated Content:
Product Review: Olay Difinity

"Olay Definity may not turn back the years, but its pretty close!  The cream itself is almost iridescent. It has a silky feel when you apply it to your face.  The package claims that the cream penetrates up to 10 layers of skin to help reverse past damage, giving you a more luminous look."

Step 1: First, wash your face with your usual cleanser to remove dirt and makeup, rinse skin well.  Gently pat your face dry.

Step 2: Boil four chamomile tea bags in a large sauce pan, apply an exfoliating scrub with fruit enzymes (try Murad Exfoliating Fruit Enzyme Mask To Go) and do not rinse!

Step 3: Once the water begins to boil, remove pan from heat.  Create a tent with a towel and hold your head about a foot above the pan and let steam penetrate your skin for three or five minutes.

Step 4: After you have steamed yourself, rinse the exfoliant off with warm water, and pat yourself dry.  Next, apply a mask that’s suitable for your skin:

    Dry skin:  Clarins Thirst Quenching Hydra-Care Mask, $34
    Oily skin: Dr. Brandt Poreless Purifying Mask, $40
    Acne:  DDF Sulfur Therapeutic Mask, $34
    Normal/Combo:  Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Carbon Mask, $12

Step 5: RELAX!  That’s the whole point.  Check the label for suggested time limits and rise mask once it’s ready to be removed.  Be sure to rinse thoroughly and once again pat the skin dry and while your skin is still damp, apply a small amount of your daily moisturizer.

For best results you should wait 6 to 8 hours before you apply any makeup and remember to drink plenty of water!

[ Via Beauty and personality Grooming ]
 

Durham, whose background is in environmental research and development (focus on bio-pollution), worked with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to find the best source of sea water to be used in the collection.  She has also implemented a patient-pending process to “purify, micronize and ionize the water” used to develop the new line.

The key ingredient Odoroki, is a cocktail of 78 essential nano-nutrients, minerals and salts derived from the sea.  C’Watre will roll out over the next few months to select Spa’s.  The line consists of five retail and five professional products. The simple packaging represents the products simple objective: to give the skin what it needs.  As Durham points out to WWD “seawater has the same molecular composition as human blood plasma…and the additional antioxidants and amino acids bring skin cells to a healthy state, providing the skin with everything it needs.  We call it ‘intelligent aging.”  She says “it’s about simplicity,” and we say it’s Skinplistic!

[ Via WWD.com ]

Aside from a healthy snack, grape seed has been used as an anti-aging ingredient [against free radicals] in many beauty products, but a recent study has shown chemicals found in grape seeds may also help prevent skin cancer.  Researchers at the University of Alabama exposed hairless mice to ultraviolet rays in order to determine whether the presence of grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSP) in the diet affects the skin’s reaction to sunlight.

As it turns out, yes!  The mice whose diets had been supplemented with the GSP had 65% fewer tumors and the tumors that were present turned out 78% smaller than in mice that were fed a standard diet (no GSP).  The study shows, GSP has antioxidant properties and appear to limit the effect UV light has on the immune system, which means a diet rich with grapes (not seedless) may be beneficial for your aging skin and to the prevention of skin cancers.

[ Via DailyBeauty.com ]

Super Line Preventor Xtreme’s formula is intended to defend the skin from free radical damage.  The Super Antioxidant System is designed to neutralize the effects free radicals have on our skin.  Grape seed phosphate extract, rosemary extract, pomegranate, mannitol and vitamin C play integral parts of the formulas power to fight free radicals.  The product also contains; creatine, hexapeptides, hyaluronic acid and glucosamine for hydration and improved texture of the skin.  Mari Yamasaki, vice president of product development for Prescriptives told WWD, “this is a cocktail that addresses all types of free radicals and their damaging effects…no one ingredient can do it all, but together these ones pack quite a punch.”  Unlike a lot of brands, Prescriptives does not claim to have one miracle ingredient, instead they realize that the synergy of multiple components is what makes a product powerful.  Xtreme will be available at counters June.

Prescriptives.com  [ Via WWD.com ]  

I have not had a chance to review this crème, however, I did test it on the back of my hand and the texture was divine.  The crème is very emollient; a very small amount can be spread over your entire face.  It did not leave a sticky or greasy residue, it simply absorbed into the skin leaving it very soft and smooth.

Sawyer, whose instructional experience began as a line specialist for Prescriptives, says “You can only do so many women one-on-one [at a] counter or in-store at a time, I really wanted attainable beauty, and I wanted to show as many people as I could.  QVC is amazing at that."  Each product includes a three hour instructional DVD, just in case you’re not a pro.

The line consists of seven products:

• Alive: botanical-loaded moisturizer $34 
• Eye Slept: under eye cream $21
• Powder and Brush Duo: $59
• Starlets: iridescent powder shades $21
• Essentials Palette: neutral eye shadows $34
• Smoke and Mirrors: a one-step smoky eye tool $20
• Foundation and Blush Combo: $51

For more QVC brands: QVC Beauty

TriciaSawyer.com    [ Via WWD.com ]