MLab, though, is on sale today at ideeli.com, and with prices around 50% off, I’d be amiss not to mention it here!

Ideeli.com

This is a line with its roots in science, and while many of you are thinking – “What? Science? I just want to look pretty!” science is a pretty essential part of quality skincare.

Essentially, it’s all about anti-aging, and trust me, ladies, I’m FEELING the aging of late. So, if MLab can make me boost all those factors of youth (i.e. firmness, elasticity, etc), I’ll sell an arm for it. And if it’s half off, well, that’s even better. I like my arms.

Bonus: Every M Lab purchase on ideeli today will come with a free .5oz M LAB Anti-Aging Treatment Cream, a $50 value, which features 68% clinically active ingredients!!! I LOVE free stuff!

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Nordstrom

Concealers are tough – you need them for everything from imperfections to under-eye darkness, but you also need something that, ideally, will be a perfect base for stuff like shadows and also not accentuate lines.

How about if it did ALL that…firmed/hydrated and protects to help prevent future lines, wrinkles and discoloration?

I can honestly say that La Prairie’s new concealer does ALL these things. It’s a  combination of treated pigments and hydrating ingredients – that, in normal speak – means that it works and continues to work for hours. Like, say, even from the beginning of a flight to the end of your first day of a trip!

It’s one of my favorite brands, so I can’t say I’m surprised, either!

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Perricone MD

My favorite has become Perricone MD Amine Complex Face Lift – for those not in-the-know, it’s super fast to absorb, and helps to firm and left skin, which makes it look younger.

And, my friends, no matter how young you are, chances are this will help you.

The way it works is through high levels of DMAE and topical Vitamin C Ester. It’s also Paraben-free, and, I have six bottles to give away! (They are worth almost $100 each.)

To have your chance to win, please share your tip for staying young. Earn extra entries by:

1 – Following me on Twitter. (I’m @alywalansky)

2 – Following @perriconemd on Twitter – you will get inside info about special deals!

3 – RT-ing this contest!

4 – Become my Facebook Fan, and share your favorite eBeautyDaily memory!

Deadline to enter is August 20.

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Since that show, Oprah fans have been flooding the internet with questions:

Does is it really work? (Where can I get some???) Are there any side effects?

One product is NeoCell’s Super Collagen Powder. A scoop mixed with water or juice and taken twice a day is the ticket to healthy, beautiful skin – the same way that was shown on Oprah.

“A daily ‘collagen cocktail’ is one of the easiest, most effective and least costly ways of improving the way skin looks and feels,” said NeoCell Vice President of Sales, Darren Rude. “There’s no need for needles or Botox, just a simple drink twice a day. Many of our customers say they see results in just a couple of weeks.”

Collagen is a fibrous protein and serves as a building block for skin, cartilage, ligaments, and other connective tissues in the body. As people age, the body produces less collagen at a time when it needs it most – such as repairing skin damaged by years of sun exposure. This is why collagen supplements like Super Collagen Powder are important – they help the body repair itself.

Could this actually be true??? I’m scooping as we speak…

Photo credit: NeoCell

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The HandSpa is designed exclusively to plump up hands and diminish fine lines and the appearance of veins on the backs of hands.

It looks like a nail dryer and emits red and amber lights to combat aging skin and uses Revitalight’s world-renowned intense LED photopulsation.

Used by itself or in conjunction with creams or serums, it helps reduce wrinkles and smoothes skin, producing more youthful hands after only a few 10 minute sessions.

A girl can never be too prepared…so I’m going to attempt a few test sessions and see what happens. What do you all think of this?

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At this time of year when we’re thinking about resolutions and what to do next year, or looking back and realizing that we’re another year older (YIKES!), it’s a super interesting read.

Even in these hard economic times, 58% of women are more likely to trade off cost for longer lasting results. It goes to show you that women will not trade down quality in their anti aging quest. I also was somewhat surprised that women are not as influenced by friends and marketing of brands as we think (or at least I did). They rely heavily on their physician’s expertise and conformability with a product, basically using his brand loyalty over their own.

According to the study, the top three factors that influence a woman’s decision to either move forward or decline a medical anti-aging treatment, such as injectables are:
1. Physician Training and Expertise: 95% of women considering a treatment ranked a physician’s training and experience with the procedure or product as most important compared with other factors, such as how the product works or how quickly results appear.
2. Gradual Results that Last Two Years: 89% of women preferred gradual results lasting two years over immediate results lasting six months.
3. Information from Physician and Web sites: 99% of women receive information about medical anti-aging treatments from health care providers or health and medical Web sites. When making a final decision, a woman’s doctor was cited as the best source of information.

Additional study results showed:

• Only 15% of women who have undergone previous anti-aging procedures are influenced by friends, family or a co-worker’s recommendation.
• One-in-three women who have had an injectable treatment have also had another type of non-invasive medical anti-aging treatment.
• 58% of women who’ve considered an anti-aging procedure are more likely to trade off cost for long-lasting results.
• 91% of injectable users and women considering anti-aging treatments would rather have results last longer rather than occur immediately.

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Banking on promises that a product can “reverse the aging process” or “deliver the results of a facelift” leads us to spend our kids’ college fund (or my shoe fund) year afteryear to try an array of anti-aging skin care products. Our hope is that one day we will find a product that actually lives up to its claims.

Speaking last week at the American Academy of Dermatology’s SKIN academy (Academy), dermatologist Patricia K. Farris, MD, FAAD, clinical associate professor of dermatology at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, discussed how to separate fact from fiction when evaluating cosmeceuticals and tips for gauging the validity of product claims.

“When consulting with our patients, dermatologists can suggest skin care products that have strong science behind them and that have been proven to be safe and effective in human studies,” said Dr. Farris. “The biggest problem with cosmeceuticals is not that they don’t work, but that their benefits are greatly exaggerated.”

Cosmeceuticals can be divided into categories based on their active ingredients. Anti-oxidants represent the largest category. They are followed by peptides (small proteins that stimulate the production of collagen and thicken the skin) and growth factors (compounds that act as chemical messengers between cells and play a role in cell division, new cell and blood vessel growth, and the production and distribution of collagen and elastin). More recently, Dr. Farris noted that the new trend is toward combination products. For example, cosmeceuticals with multiple anti-oxidants, retinol plus anti-oxidants, growth factors plus vitamin C and other unique combinations that are now being mass marketed. Consumers tend to favor combination products, embracing the philosophy that if one ingredient is good, then two must be better.

“The important thing to understand about combination products is that often the individual ingredients have been studied, but the combination of active ingredients has not,” said Dr. Farris. “More rigorous scientific studies are necessary to assure that biologic activity is maintained when ingredients are formulated together, and clinical studies should be done to determine if combination products really offer any added benefit.”

Consumer demand is high for cosmeceuticals containing “natural” or “organic” ingredients. However, Dr. Farris advised that the notion that these ingredients are safer than synthetic ones is a common misconception. In reality, there is no data to support the notion that natural or organic ingredients — derived from the root, stem, leaves, flowers and fruit of plants — are safer or even more effective than their synthetic counterparts.

“The problem with cosmeceuticals labeled ‘natural’ is that the labels themselves don’t mean anything because these products are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA),” said Dr. Farris. “In fact, ‘natural’ skin care products are less tested and scrutinized than synthetic products and pharmaceuticals.”

Dr. Farris noted that most compounds as they exist in their natural state cannot be formulated into skin care products. They must be chemically altered before they can be incorporated into cosmetics. For instance, compounds including retinol, vitamin C, and soy are among those that require chemical alteration — after which they are referred to as enhanced natural ingredients. Enhanced natural ingredients tend to be more stable, penetrate better and have more long-lasting effects on the skin than unaltered plant extracts, which is the reason why most cosmeceuticals contain chemically-altered ingredients.

“There are a number of cosmeceutical ingredients that are completely synthetic, such as collagen-boosting peptides and synthetic forms of vitamin A,” explained Dr. Farris. “These compounds are among the most potent anti-aging ingredients and have been used extensively by dermatologists. So, it’s important for consumers to understand that synthetic ingredients are not necessarily bad and, in fact, skin care products containing these ingredients are probably among the most effective in the marketplace.”

Dr. Farris offered these tips when purchasing cosmetics:

– Ask yourself what the product claims to do and what kinds of studies have been performed.

– Trust your instincts. If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.

– Stick with products and brands that you know to be reputable. Well-known manufacturers have more money behind their active ingredients and product testing.

– Beware of Web site claims, as many are biased even if they say they are objective.

– For day, use products containing anti-oxidants, as they have sun-protection properties. At night, use products containing retinoids, peptides or growth factors for their repair properties.

– Talk to your dermatologist about the best options for your skin care needs.

Photo credit: Neutrogena® Dermatologics

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1. Frownies. These little tape devices work miracles without needles and have been around for a hundred years. Wear them at night or for at least four hours and you will see results. Warning: Your husband may think you look like a mummy.

2. Make a mate latté. Yerba mate tea tastes great and comes in many flavors. Heat water almost to boiling, steep for 10 minutes, strain, and then top it off with steamed, frothy milk (or use almond milk and a dash of cinnamon). Do not drink mate if you are taking an MAO inhibitor, as the combination may raise blood pressure.

3. Positive attitude. Various researches have shown that optimism increases good health. Start with positive self-talk: “I can handle this.” Try to avoid criticizing yourself!

4. Care for hands and feet. Exfoliate (use the scrub recipe from chapter 7) and then, before bed, mix avocado oil and primrose oil in equal parts, apply a few drops to hands and feet, cover with gloves and socks, and go to sleep.

5. Detox for a day

6. Dr. Gilbère’s Seaweed Detox Bath. This mineral bath increases blood and lymph flow to circulation-starved areas, breaks down cellulite and moves waste out of your body. You can also use it as a body wrap.

7. Whiten your teeth. Try whitening strips while reading a book before you doze off.

8. Sleep. Get at least eight hours of sleep. Try to go to bed before 10 p.m. Tip: Listen to calming music for 45 minutes before bedtime. (I’ve heard of a study showing that music helped elderly folks sleep longer and feel less tired the next day. This may be because music decreases a key stress hormone in the body.)

9. Sleep with a contour pillow, the affordable alternative to pricey beauty pillows. The Anti-Wrinkle Pillow made by Eyetopia™ stretches the neck and reduces the pressure of face to pillow (which, in turn, reduces wrinkles!). Visit www.cynthiaboxrudmd.com for more info.

10. Look Younger with a sunless tan, use a bronzer or sunless tanning lotion- it will soften the appearance of imperfections while giving you skin an youthful healthy glow

11. Use eye-hydrating goggles. Saturate cotton pads with an herbal calming tonic such as argan or neem oil and place in these specially designed, hydrating goggles. Sleep in them or remove after 30 minutes. Visit www.dreamessentials.com to find out more.

12. De-puff. Cut back on white flour and sugar for 24 hours. Refined carbs cause your body to retain water, making your face “puffy.”

13. Pimple zapper. Blend one packet of brewers yeast and a few drops of lemon juice and apply as a mask before bed. As the mixture hardens, it pushes away debris clogging your pores.

14. Throw on another pillow. Fifteen minutes before rising from bed in the morning, place an extra pillow under your head. This will help de-puff your eyes.

15. Cut down on salt. Salt makes you retain water. Avoid fast foods and switch to Spice Hunters, my favorite spices. My mom is now also a believer in these tasty salt-free spices.3 (Those with high blood pressure should only have 250mg a day; the average person, 3,000mg or less. If you are active and sweat a lot, you may need more.)

16. Pray. Thank God for everything before bed and before you get up. Be grateful!

17. Be joyful. A happy person looks younger because a smile sheds years.

18. Plump away your wrinkles. Drink eight to ten glasses of water with lemon a day. Your skin will be more hydrated and the appearance of wrinkles less pronounced, while lemon helps with digestion.

19. Avoid sugar. It dries out your skin and promotes wrinkles

20. Choose an herbal coffee instead of a regular cup of joe. In a coffee/tea press, make Teeccino Vanilla Nut caffeine-free herbal coffee, then mix with unsweetened vanilla almond milk, half a drop of Pure Inventions vanilla cocoa, and 1/2 tsp Xylitol—or add a little organic half-and-half (it’s a vanilla-cocoa delight!).

21. Get a pedicure and manicure, or DIY. Soft hands and feet and clean nails are beautiful, with polish or without.

22. Use a silk pillowcase. Silk does not crease the way cotton does, and will not leave a mark on your face.

23. Drink rooibos (red tea). This South African tea has collagen-building copper, as well as vitamin C and other antioxidants.

24. Enjoy a Sea Cal Bath by Spa Technologies. Soak for 20 minutes is a blend of micronized coralaceous algae and marine plankton, rich in calcium and magnesium. These powerful minerals restore cellular balance by stimulating metabolism and eliminating excess water. Great for treatment of cellulite, water retention, PMS and bloating.

Do you have any personal anti-aging tips? We’d love to hear them!

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She was so right.

Now, more than 55 years later, Audrey Hepburn’s philosophy has enlightened millions of women to the benefits of taking advantage of all science has to offer when it comes to their appearance.

I’m excited to see though that doing so just became a little bit easier.

Check out the NuFace device: It was recently cleared by the FDA as an at-home cosmetic device that safely and effectively improves the appearance of the face through the use of microcurrent technology. The muscles and skin tissues are lifted and toned utilizing the NuFace’s non-invasive and gentle electrical stimulation. “The NuFace device is bringing anti-aging to the next level,” says Dr. Peter Pugliese, a renowned physician and lead medical consultant of clinical studies for the Carol Cole Company. “Where Botox has made the anti-aging market turn on its heels, the NuFace device is a new and innovative skin health product.”

Currently, microcurrent technology is used in spas to lift and tone the face, reduce and eliminate fine lines and wrinkles, improve facial circulation, skin exfoliation, lymphatic drainage, treat sun damage and skin pigment as well as improve product penetration.

Emil Y. Chi, PhD, director of the University of Washington’s department of pathology, performed clinical studies using microcurrent technology. He notes, “The fact that this technology works in harmony with the body is evident. Examination of skin tissue treated with microcurrents showed a 45% increase in the number of elastin fibers in the dermis, collagen thickness in connective tissue increased 10%, and the number of blood vessels increased by 35%. The application of microcurrents to the skin and tissue produced a firmer and tighter feeling on the skin’s surface.”

This all feels like a magic wand, doesn’t it? How does it work?

The NuFace device can be used daily as an addition to a healthy skin regimen. A non-invasive approach to facial rejuvenation, the NuFace device is used to improve muscle tone in the face. The user glides the NuFace device along the contour of the face while a gentle alternating current is emitted through dual spherical probes. In addition, the NuFace device compliments many professional treatments including LED, laser, invasive procedures and injectables such as Botox.

“The NuFacecurrently retailed at spas, medispas, and select online retailers including www.myNuFace.com $379.00 and the kit includes: the NuFace® device, Derma-Gel, Optimizing Mist, Instructional DVD, One year warranty and 30-day money back guarantee. However, ONE reader will win one right now.

To have your chance to win, please share your own tried (and perhaps failed?) methods of following Ms. Hepburn’s sage advice. Deadline November 25.

Image property of Carol Cole Company.

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Protect your Face – While arms and legs are generally covered during cool seasons, your face is one part of the body that can receive year-round sun exposure. Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen and apply it to the face, neck and chest before leaving the house.

Don’t Forget the Hands – If you aren’t wearing gloves, the skin on your hands is just as susceptible to sun damage as the skin on your face. Smoothing on a sunscreen lotion daily may help moisturize dry skin and can help protect the skin from unintentional damage, helping to prevent premature skin aging.

You’re Never “Above” Damaging Sun Rays – Whether you are hiking up mountainous terrain or speeding down the slopes, the sun’s rays become stronger as altitude increases. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UV exposure increases 8-10% for every 1,000 feet of elevation; therefore, choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF. Skiers are especially susceptible to “goggle burn” as the snow reflects 80% of UV rays.

Be Sun Smart – UV rays are present year-round, reflecting off water, concrete and sand. The sun is the strongest between the hours 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Some after-school sports take place when UV rays are strongest, so whether you are playing on the field or watching from the bleachers, it’s important to protect yourself from potential sun damage.

Make Sunscreen a “Family Affair” – Most parents understand the need to protect their children from the sun. According to the 2008 Coppertone “Sun IQ” survey, 82% of parent respondents agreed it is important that their children use sunscreen with an SPF above 30. Unfortunately, these parents are not practicing what they preach as 45% were not using sunscreen themselves. To encourage healthy sun habits for the whole family, keep a bottle in the bathroom and next to the door for easy, on-the-go application.

One of my favorite Coppertone products is their Oil-Free QuickCover Lotion Spray. It’s waterproof, won’t clog pores and it’s easy to use. Plus it has SPF 30.

Photo credit: Coppertone

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