Natural Skin Solutions

Archive for July, 2009

Eye Cream is a female rite of passage. For every time we bat an eyelash, glance a loving gaze or smile with our entire face, it’s our eyes doing the talking. Thus, we must keep them in pristine condition. Eye cream is a must.

Here are 5 of my favorites for fall:

Amore Pacific Time Response Eye Renewal Cream ($150.00) My new obsession. It’s thick without being greasy, moisturizing without being shiny. It reminds me of my other favorite eye cream, Shiseido Benefiance, but this one has light reflectors that wake up my tired eyes as well. Almost has a gel-like consistency, which I adore.
Skinmedica TNS Night Eye Repair ($90.00) – A creamy, rich night treatment that leaves the eyes soft and hydrated come morning. Vitamins A, C and E and hyaluronic acid approve the appearance of delicate skin around the eye area. It’s like a jolt of wake-me-up.
Jurlique Arnica Cream ($36.00) – AMAZING for getting rid of dark circles, arnica is actually used for bruising but a beauty insider trick is… use it for those under eye circles and voila, watch them erase in no time. The cream part helps to nourish and hydrate. You can also use in conjunction with a heavier eye cream.
Tammy Fender Firming Eye Gel ($72.00) – Like a botanical bath for your peepers, this holistic gel-cream soothes, hydrates and protects with elder flower and green myrtle. I heart the smell (natural eucalyptus) and the consistency.
Arcona Peptide Eye Serum ($52.00)- An amazing treat for tired eyes. This gel-like formula depuffs and protects while collagen building complex of amino-peptides helpts to increase elasticity of thinning, stressed skin.

DRUGSTORE FIND: L’Oreal Advanced RevitaLift 24 Hour Eye Repair Duo ($17.99)- One side for am, with spf, one side for pm, with wrinkle repair. Loves it. Read my full review here.

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I’ve been noticing quite a few low buns, or as I like to refer to them, chignons, heading down the red carpet lately. Is this a red carpet trend? I’m thinking yes.

I asked Kevin Mancuso, Nexxus Creative Director to dish on the new mane trend.

“What’s so great about it is that it’s a modern take on a very classic style” says Kevin. “The part in the middle and loose sides let the hair frame the face, but the bun in the back keeps it off the shoulders so it’s perfect if you want to highlight a great neckline and collarbone.”

Here’s Kevin’s how to for recreating the low chignon at home:

Prep:

*Apply Nexxus Mousse Plus on damp hair all over to help maintain volume and support the structure of the style.

*Blow dry hair with a large round brush so that it’s straight and smooth.

*Skip the flat iron, because you want to keep your natural body and some texture to help hold the style.

Style:

*Apply Nexxus Root Exxtend at the roots to for extra lift at the crown.

*Create a center part, backcomb at the crown and slightly on the sides. Then smooth the top layer over, keeping the lift you just created underneath.

*Gently pull hair back into a low ponytail, keeping it fairly loose and wrap the length of the hair around the elastic and secure with pins.

Finish:

*You can pull out a few wispy pieces in the front and even in the bun. The idea is to mix smooth textures with some messy pieces, hair that’s too polished looks dated.

*Finish with a lightweight hairspray to set the style.

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