Real Beauty 101

Collagen in Coffee??

I think the whole nutra-cosmetics craze is going way too far.  I just picked up this article from one of my trade magazines.  While this product is not yet offered in the US, buyer beware and above all else, use common sense when selecting these types of products!!

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A new coffee offering from beverage manufacturer Nescafe includes collagen, aiming to help give coffee-drinkers' skin a boost.

The coffee manufacturer Nescafe has developed a new product containing collagen, the beauty-enhancing ingredient. Aimed at women, the coffee producer has started selling the sachets, that contain coffee, skimmed milk and 200mg of collagen, the protein found naturally in body tissue.

But health experts have questioned how drinking collagen could boost levels in the skin because it would be simply broken down by the gut before being excreted.

Collagen is the elastic material that helps give skin its shape. It is used by cosmetic surgeons as a "filler" to remove fine lines and is an ingredient in many anti-wrinkle creams.

Despite the precise beauty benefits of mixing coffee with collagen remaining unclear, this new beverage offering is part of a much wider trend known as “nutri-cosmetics.” This is where food and drink producers promote new products by highlighting the positive effect it can have one eyes, skin, hair and a person's general appearance.

David Jago, director of trends and innovation at market analysts Mintel, told the Daily Express, “Collagen is just one popular ingredient used to lend a more skin and beauty-friendly image to a product and is increasingly found not just in beauty products but also in food and drink products—including coffee.”

To date, the product has been launched in Singapore to rave reviews.

While Swiss-based manufacturer Nestle, the maker of Nescafe, says it has no immediate plans to launch it in Britain or elsewhere, Jago predicted European consumers would follow as more brands decide to launch nutri-styled cosmetic products.

Reprinted from:: TelegraphNews, October 19, 2009

Product Review - Mereadesso

I love trying new products and since I'm a beauty blogger and a licensed esthetician, I receive requests to try new products pretty often.  Most recently, I was asked to evaluate a new skin care line called Mereadesso courtesy of SheSpeaks.  If you are not familiar with SheSpeaks, you should be!  SpeSpeaks is an awesome online community that serves as a large testing ground for companies that market to women.  You can join SheSpeaks for free (www.shespeaks.com) and based on your profile, you may be selected to evaluate products and services.  To date through SheSpeaks, I have evaluated skin care, nail polish, shaving cream, magazines, cheese, and even TV shows!  Its awesome.  I highly recommend it.

So I was contacted via SheSpeaks to evaluate Mereadesso.  The product has a great backstory.  The line was created by a former cosmetics executive who grew tired of beauty regimens that contained too many steps and too many products.  So utilizing her degrees in botany and chemistry, she launched her own two-step skin care line.  Yes, you read that right - TWO step skin care.  Sounds too good to be true, right?? Well...

I was instructed to only utilize the products that I received in the trial package - 1 full size cleanser, 1 full size toning gel, and 1 cleansing cloth.  I was to utilize these products exclusively for three weeks.  Here's what I discovered:

Face +Neck Cleaner:  I have to say that I love the way the product was packaged.  Great look and feel to the packaging - upscale fonts and nice clean lines.  I like the zippered pouch, although since it was not TSA-regulated, I did find the pouch to be a bit extraneous. You are supposed to use the cleanser with the cloth that is supplied with the product. 

What I liked:
- My skin felt smoother and looked brighter after the three week trial (and I did not use an exfoliant).
- My skin also is definitely more even toned after using the product.

What I didn't like:
- The smell is really awful, very medicinal.
- The texture of the skin is far from milky, in fact it is extremely watery and had no "slip", therefore I had to use lots of the product in order for it to spread evenly on my skin - which I thought was  bit wasteful.
- At times, the cloth really got in the way and I preferred to just use my fingertips. It also gets dirty quickly so, you have to wash it often.

Face +Neck Toning Gel: Since I was out of my favorite serum, I was excited to try this product.  While I would probably not fit the profile of this product's target market (I have not experienced any sagging or noticeable wrinkling in my face or neck), I have to say that I did enjoy this product immensely.

What I liked:
- The product was easily absorbed into my skin.  My skin felt hydrated but not greasy after use.
- During really hot weather (like we experience in Atlanta), this is all you need for hydration.  No add'l moisturizer needed.
- One or two pumps will suffice

What I didn't like:
- The fragrance was just okay, not as bad as the cleanser
- If someone has really mature skin or lives in a dry climate, they are likely to need an additional moisturizer.

In general, I liked the simplicity of the line and I loved the fact that the products are housed in pump containers to avoid "toxic dipping".  I think these products would be great for those that travel.  However, the smell and consistency of the cleanser would likely prevent me from purchasing the products in the future.

If you would like to give them a try, go to www.mereadesso.comand enter the code shespeaks003 for 20% off your purchase!  If you try them, leave a comment and let me know what you think!

Counterfeit Cosmetics

I recently read an article that scared the heck out of me.  Allegedly, at a spa in Washington state, the owner was injecting counterfeit Botox and Restylane into clients' faces!!  Good grief. 

Here are the details:

Xin “Faith” He, 46, illegally injected customers with counterfeit Botox, a prescription wrinkle remover, and prescription cosmetic filler Restylane, authorities said in a three-count indictment unsealed Aug. 25. He could face up to the three years behind bars.  Authorities said He had been injecting patients with the substances since November 2004. Customers paid for misbranded drugs, the indictment states.

In April, agents searched the Bellevue salon, Natural Beauty, where they discovered vials labeled with Chinese characters. There are no similar products manufactured in China that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Agents also discovered receipts and other documents indicating He had imported the drugs from China, the indictment states.

 

He, a licensed esthetician and manicurist, was not authorized to prescribe or administer Botox and Restylane. Hoewver, she had been performing these procedures for the past 15 years in China and the US.

 

Here's the deal:

• DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT purchase cosmetic procedures from a spa that does not have a doctor on staff.  In fact, it is illegal for an esthetician to inject anything into someone's body.  Estheticians are only allowed to provide topical treatments (those that are administered on the top of the skin).  Other procedures may be administered under the supervision of another medical professional.
• If you are receiving an injectible, ask to see the vial that will be used in the treatment.  The vial should be in English.  Both Botox and Restylane are brand names of products.  These brand names should be present on the label.  Here are pics of what the packages should look like.

   

  

• Its OK to ask the salon where they receive their products from - should be within the US. I would be wary of spa/salons that ship in products form other countries.  They should also be familiar with which pharmaceutical company manufactures each product - Allergan makes Botox and Medicis Aesthetics manufactures Restylane in the US.

• Ultimately, be careful when selecting a medical spa.  Check references and ensure that all of the proper licenses and personnel are in place.

"Real" Women in Glamour

Glamour magazine is receiving rave reviews for printing this image of  a model Lizzie Miller in the September issue.  The picture has sent the internet abuzz over the past few weeks and Glamour says it will change how it will select models in the future.

Personally, I do see this as a step in the right direction.  She has a small tummy, some stretch marks, and her hair is pulled back in loose bun which could be held together with a scrunchie - looks like the everyday woman to me! 

However, I think its interesting that a slimmed down Jessica Simpson appears on the issue's cover.

What do you think?  Think this will last or fizzle away like the Dove Real Beauty campaign feature "real sized" women?

Awesome Makeup Tricks

Jamie Kern of IT Cosmetics shows how to enhance cleavage, slim thighs, and define abs - all using make-up tips and tricks.

While you can achieve the same looks using regular make-up, IT Cosmetics is waterproof, meaning you can swim in it.  You have to see this to believe it.  You can purchase IT Cosmetics on the website or though HSN.

Beauty Buzz with Jennifer Walsh

Great video featuring Jennifer Walsh, noted beauty expert, speaking about some of the hottest new skin care products.  Featured products include:

• Best of Skintentions by Bliss - super vitamin enriched moisturizer
• Freeze and Go by Freeze 247- Botox-like topical moisturizer for face
• Brazilian Peel - first medical strength glycolic peel (30%) available OTC
• Morpho Slim by Lorac - topical slimming solution

The skinny: Topical solutions have temporary effects so if you choose to purchase these products, expect to keep using them to achieve and maintain desired results. But I have to say that I am VERY curious about the Brazilian peel.  It appears to contain a neutralizer that "shuts it off" so that home users will not get burned.  However, users should expect the same recovery conditions associated with glycolic peels such as the potential for redness, flakiness/shedding of skin, and increased sensitivity until skin has fully healed.  Also, if you choose to use this product, remember to slather on the sunscreen!!  As is the case with all peels, your skin will especially susceptible and vulnerable to penetration of UVA/UVB rays which will increase chances of sun damage.

Tweet with Jennifer! - @behindthebrand

Drink your beauty!

Recently, I was told that I have been ingesting the wrong type of protein to recover from my workouts.  I bought an e-book from Jennifer Nicole Lee (if only I could look like her after 3 kids) and in it she recommends that women back away from soy protein and switch to whey protein instead.  She also recommends all kinds of great things to add to your protein shakes like organic coconut oil, flax seeds (for essential omega 3s), and egg whites (actually makes the shake super frothy and adds extra protein).

So when I heard that there was shake mix on the market that is supposed to boost hair, skin and nails, it really piqued my interest.  I have to say, I'm completed fascinated by the growing number of beautyceuticals hitting the market these days (BeutyScoop, Borba, Glowelle, etc).


Developed by a duo of plastic surgeons, BeautyScoop billed as the "edible beauty accessory".  Its been featured in DailyCandy and the Today Show and has received endorsements from Ricki Lake (really?) and Marcia Gay Harden.  It's key ingredients are safflower oil, canola oil (which contains omega-3s), assorted peptides and proteins for anti-aging (both soy AND whey), and biotin (known for strengthening hair and nails).  And it apparently tastes like vanilla and you can mix it with water, juice, or milk. This may be the newest addition to my daily shake regimen!


Another beauty drink making news these days is Glowelle.  Developed by a team of women over at Nestle, Glowelle is an all natural drink that is packed with anti-oxidants (green and white tea extract, pomegranate extract, and goji berry extract) meant to restore the skin's radiance.    Its only sold at Neiman Marcus and comes in two flavors - Raspberry Jasmine and Pomegranant Lychee.  The formulation comes in packets that can be added to water (complete with their own satchel that fits in your purse, although it looks like a tampon holder), or in pre-mixed bottles (that are quite chic).

So what's the scoop? Its undeniable that a diet rich in anti-oxidants and vitamins leads to luscious, beautiful, skin and hair - just look at people who live in the Mediterranean!  It also helps us to feel better which in turn allows us to view ourselves more positively, more radiant.  However, I am also a firm believer that genetics also plays a huge role  in determining how our skin, hair, and nails will glow and grow.  Ultimately, it will never be a bad thing to add more vitamins and anti-oxidants to our diets, but there are no magic pills (or shakes) out there.  Some people will require more aggressive treatments depending on their individual conditions.

Beauty(ful) Sleep

OK, I thought I had heard of everything related to skin care.  Magic creams and potions, injections, and even skin care drinks.  Now, linen manufacturers are introducing....beauty bedding??

That's right several bedding manufacturers have developed pillows, sheets, blankets, and mattresses infused with skin care ingredients such as aloe, seaweed, and even copper.  Mattress manufacturers are infusing the ingredients into the mattress ticking (the material that covers the mattress).  Some others are enclosing the ingredients into small micro-capsules (woven into the fabric) which break open when pressure is applied. 

There are proponents and opponents on both sides.  One dermatologist stated that copper bedding may be beneficial for those with acne and others are more cautious since not many in-depth studies have been conducted. 

The products are priced anywhere from $70 for pillow cases to $1499 for mattress sets.

Copper bedding by Cupron Copper Technology is sold exclusively by Bed, Bath, and Beyond.  Prices range from $20-$150, depending on the item.

Here's the skinny - its unlikely that these items will produce lasting results on the skin due to the delivery method.  In order for ingredients to be most effective, they must be able to penetrate the dermis.  As with  most products, topical treatments often produce only temporary results. Further, the ingredients being delivered - aloe, copper, and seaweed - can be found in many products that have undergone in-depth testing. 

Bottom line - save your money.  If you want to buy great sheets, invest in high thread-counts!

Ojon is introducing a new bath and body line

Ok, so anyone that REALLY knows me, knows that I have a pretty bad QVC addiction.  Thankfully, due to the economy, my QVC habit has been placed in check.  But I have to thank QVC for introducing me to the Ojon® Restorative Hair Treatment back in 2003.  

Let me take you back.  I'm watching QVC  and this georgeous couple appears touting the effects of the rare oil of the tropical Ojon® tree known only to the Tawira indians who are referred to as "the people of beautiful hair (TM).  Its a husband and wife team and the wife's hair looked like shiny, black silk.  What sold me, of course, was when they showed the effects of the hair treatment on African American hair (after one use).  I couldn't dial fast enough.

Since then, I have been a faithful devotee, scooping the rare concotion into my hand, emulsifying it into an oil and then rubbing it onto my hair.  Its a fantastic pre-shampoo treatment and sometimes I apply it to tame flyaways.

Now the beautiful folks over at Ojon are moving into the bath and body category with their new line Tribal Indulgences Batana. Tribal Indulgences Batana.  According to WWD, Tribal Indulgences Batana Shower Gel, a paraben-free, sulfate-free body cleanser, includes a blend of Ojon, Swa+, Buriti, Acai and copaiba oils, and retails for $28 for 10.1 oz. Tribal Indulgences Batana Body Cream, $40 for 5.9 oz., combines Ojon and Buriti oils and Brazilian Murumuru and shea butter to moisturize skin, and copaiba and Acai oils to provide antioxidant protection. Buriti oil, extracted from the nut of the Buriti palm, is highly concentrated in beta-carotene; copaiba, Acai and Swa+ oils are naturally rich in essential fatty acids omega-3, -6 and -9, and are said to moisturize skin and infuse it with essential lipids.

You can find the line at Sephora in April or you can get it now at (where else) QVC.com!

Will the new administration crack down on harmful ingrediants?

According to www.carefair.com, the Obama administration may bring about changes to what manufacturers put in skin care.

Carefair.com says:

With any new administration there are bound to be changes which affect various industries. According to online reports, at present there is concern in the beauty industry that Obama’s administration will seek to impose greater regulation on some chemicals used in manufacturing.

Obama’s pick for EPA director, Lisa Jackson is said to have the same intent to restore the EPS’s role in safeguarding the environment. There are fears that any new regulation will lead to increased costs for the cosmetics industry especially in regards to testing chemicals for their possible environmental impact.

 

I say "Amen" to that!  Its about time that  manufacturers are held accountable for the toxic ingrediants that plague skin care products.  It appears that there is more regulation over dog food than there is for skin care.