I have recently been introduced to luxury skin care line SK-II, which I have called “Japan’s skin care secret” because of the obsession (well-deserved) over the anti-aging products in this line with women of all ages in Japan.  The special ingredient Pitera only found in SK-II products was discovered through years of research based on special yeast reactions.  SK-II continues to forward their line with new and innovative research that changes the way women around the world think about taking care of our skin.

SK-II has a new line that was released in November 2009 called Skin Signature Series.  The top …read more

As more and more men find themselves stealing skin care products from their wives, girlfriends, and sisters to treat their dry and damaged skin, it is becoming more apparent that there is a need for more options for men’s skin care.  Men’s skin is entirely different from women’s so it’s no longer appropriate for men to borrow women’s products whenever they have a skin problem.  Men need to start developing regular skin care routines if they also want to have clear skin.
Baxter Finley could be called “the father of the modern men’s skincare industry.”  He started his Baxter of California …read more

Have you recently noticed a new skin care brand in the U.S. called SK-II with ads featuring the lovely Cate Blanchett and wondered why you’ve never heard of it before?  If you’ve spent time in Japan then, like me,  you are already jumping for joy to know that you can finally get SK-II without flying around the world (my sister-in-law from Japan with flawless skin is quite thrilled!).  For the rest, you are about to learn about a Japanese skin care phenomenon.
For over 30 years SK-II has helped women to maintain young and beautiful skin.  The skin care brand began …read more

Sothy’s professional skin care is hosting a special “Good Skin Habits” Giveaway on Splendicity to teach us all about the ways that Sothy products can be used to counteract our regular bad skin habits, and to give one reader the opportunity to use a free package of Sothy’s products at home!
Sothy’s has identified some common “bad skin habits” that can be easily fixed with the proper use of some of Sothy’s specially selected products…

Bad Skin Habit:  Over-Exfoliating

Good Skin Habit: Using a Gentle Daily Cleanser like Sothy’s Morning Cleanser, which uses shea butter and chamomile extract to get rid of oil …read more

The combination of the cold wind while you’re outside and the super dry air caused by heaters inside takes it’s toll on the delicate skin on your lips.  If you live in a cold climate, your face is probably the only body part that you expose to the elements when you go outside.  There are cute gloves, hats, and boots, but it’s pretty hard to find a cute face mask!!  Jessica Wu, MD, at University of Southern California Medical Center says that because lips are mucous membranes you actually lose 10 times more moisture through your lips than through the …read more

In America the words “organic” and “all-natural” are used everywhere, but the exact definition of these terms remains a little mysterious.  Everyone is starting to become interested in buying organic, but it’s hard to know if a product is really offering what it claims.

Melvita Apicosma Fondant body balm $28
France has a special organization called Ecocert that certifies the make-up of natural and organic cosmetics.  Melvita is a French organic skin care line that produces a wide variety of products that are certified by Ecocert France.  This strict organization certifies that 99.15% of the ingredient’s are from natural origin and 20.34% …read more

As I become more committed to using only the most natural products on my face and body, I realize that the list of ingredients in these products become very similar to the ingredients that I already have in my kitchen.  Lately it seems that the trend in skin care has moved backwards, away from exploring new chemicals, and towards natural products that have forever worked in harmony with the systems of the human body.
I’ve been searching online for great recipes so that I can attempt to put together some all-natural scrubs at home.  I know that a lot of fabulous …read more

Even if you are a regular Nordstrom shopper, you might not know that many stores actually have in-store beauty rooms where you can actually receive a spa facial while you’re out shopping.  I recently heard about the skin care treatments available at Nordstrom, so I decided to check it out and share my experience.
Elemis is a worldwide spa chain that, in addition to their own day spas, has set up tiny skin care boutiques on cruise ships, planes, salons, and department stores to allow customers to get luxurious skin care treatments while they are engaging in regular activities.  Elemis focuses …read more

Sometimes don’t you just get sick of your regular skin care routine and decide that it needs a makeover?  Sephora is celebrating January as skin care month, so throughout the entire month they will be offering free one-on-one consultations to help you do just that!  Professionally trained beauty pros will be making appearances at Sephora stores nationwide to give free advice, product recommendations, and free personalized samples that will perfectly suit your skin’s needs.

I love the idea of a skin consultation at Sephora because they carry a wide variety of skin care brands, and their professionals will know exactly which …read more

When my skin is breaking out the last thing I think about is adding moisture.  I want to put acne cleansers and treatments on as soon as possible to dry out my skin and zap the trouble areas.  But drying out irritated skin is usually the wrong way to solve the problem…
It may sound backwards at first, but one of the best ways to heal skin that is breaking out is to keep it thoroughly moisturized.  If your skin is extremely tight and dry, your body will start to secrete natural oils as a reaction.  Shiny, oily skin can easily …read more