Test Drive: Garnier Moisture Rescue Fresh Cleansing Foam

It may seem like a weird beauty item to be really excited about, but I love shopping for a new cleanser. Most people just grab whatever and go, but I spend many tens of minutes painstakingly walking up and down the drugstore or Sephora aisles carefully inspecting ingredient labels and looking for the words "removes makeup."

I had been a big fan of Garnier's Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream (read up on that here) and decided to give the cleanser a go. One word - love.

The Experience:

The label lists grape and apple water extracts as two key ingredients (the grape protects from external aggressors and the apple maintains skin's moisture barrier) and this cleanser definitely smells light and refreshing. Also, something about the words grape and apple water just made me want to slather this all over my face. A little goes a very long way with this rich foam so just use a little pea sized amount to create major foamy lather. When I rinsed my face felt clean, fresh and hydrated. The best part though is that it removed every last trace of makeup; even eyeliner and mascara. I was majorly impressed because nothing (not even eye makeup remover on a cotton ball) gets all my eye makeup off.

The Verdict:

Two thumbs up on this one. If you're looking for a gentle and refreshing cleanser that won't over dry and removes all traces of dirt, oil and makeup (oh and at the fab price of $5.99) pick up Garnier Nutritioniste Moisture Rescue Fresh Cleansing Foam.

Availability:

Drugstores nationwide.

Kinerase to Introduce Mass Market Line

I think when I first heard this news it was one of the happiest days of my life (no, really). Luxurious (and luxuriously-priced) skin care brand Kinerase will debut a line for the mass market next year dubbed Dr. LeWinn by Kinerase. The product line, which is comprised of cleansers, moisturizers and treatments will hit select Walgreens and Walmart shelves in February, 2011. The best part? Each product ranges from $10-$35.

This isn't some cheap knockoff line either - the products will contain clinical levels of Kinerase's patented ingredient Kinetin, along with peptides and other ingredients normally reserved for high end skin care. Kinerase is one of my favorite skincare brands because the products are high quality, luxurious and they work - simple as that. 

I'm majorly crossing my fingers for some sort of C8 Peptide Intensive Treatment reincarnation and a version of my beloved Gentle Daily Cleanser.

FarmHouse Fresh Debuts Splendid Dirt

FarmHouse Fresh new Splendid Dirt mud mask looks and smells good enough to eat (but um, don't please) and is perfect for acne prone and oily skin and those with redness or blotchiness because it's 99% natural and uses a blend of pumpkin, yogurt, minerals and two types of clay.

This fall treat deep cleans and unclogs pores and is free of parabens, sulfates and artificial fragrances. I adore pumpkin anything this time of year (I finally had my first SB pumpkin spice latte - ahhh heaven) and this powerful mask stimulates exfoliation, detoxifies and helps boost collagen production.

Pick up FarmHouse Fresh Splendid Dirt mud mask for $20 at farmhousefreshgoods.com.

Pureology October Giveaway

From now until October 31, visit: http://pureology.com/discover/styling to win one of the following Pureology styling samples:

• Pure Volume BlowDryAmplifier - An alcohol-free volumizer for color-treated hair that amplifies hair’s bounce and flexibility as you blow it dry.
  
• Pure Volume Thickening Mist - This featherlight ZeroAlcohol spray infuses hair with weightless volume, natural texture and radiant shine while keeping color brilliant.
  
• Root Lift - Build amazing volume and control with this light, clean, humidity-resistant cream spray mousse for color-treated hair. Root Lift has to be my favorite Pureology styling product; it's reached life changing status.
  
• InCharge - A working spray with thermal and color protection, delivers enhanced color vibrancy and easy brush-through with flexible, medium hold.
  
• InCharge Plus - A firm-hold finishing spray with thermal and color protection, locks in color and style all day long.

Lashem Supports Breast Cancer Awareness

Lashem is supporting Breast Cancer Awareness by donating a portion of the brand's Measurable Difference Lash Gel to Think Pink Rocks. The best part? It's a year-round initiative. It's obviously great to have the month of October bring awareness to breast cancer, but I really love that Lashem will support the cause all year. 

Measurable Difference Lash Gel is a dual-patented lash growth product that promotes healthier, longer, and fuller lashes in as little as two weeks. Lashem's clinically-tested formula uses natural ingredients and a conditioning complex guaranteed to give lashes length without irritation. And I love that it's not a billion dollars for a tiny tube. For $49 you get a 90-day supply.

Think Pink Rocks is a non-profit organization whose mission is to raise awareness about early detection of and genetic testing for breast cancer and to provide funding for screening, treatment and research.

To make your own donation toward breast cancer research and treatment, visit www.thinkpinkrocks.com.

Clarins Teams with Celebrity Makeup Artist Pati Dubroff

Huge news babies - internationally-renowned makeup artist Pati Dubroff, who makes A-listers like Julianne Moore, Katherine Heigl and Naomi Watts look flawless on the red carpet, is teaming up with fab beauty brand Clarins and YOU get to take advantage. On Friday, October 22nd head over to the Clarins counter at Bloomingdales for skin care advice and makeup techniques by Ms. Dubroff herself. Plus you'll receive your choice of two limited edition palettes free with any Clarins purchase. 

When: Friday, October 22nd

11:30am-6:30pm

Where: Bloomingdales 59th St. 10000 Third Avenue, New York

Clarins Beauty Counter

You can either stop in between the designated hours or call and make an appointment (I guarantee it will be packed so call ahead!!) 212-705-2891/2892.

NeoStrata Friends and Family Sale

It's Friends and Family time over at the NeoStrata website so log on, enter code FRIENDS at checkout and enjoy 20% off! I know I'll be stocking up on the Exuviance Performance Peel AP25, which is completely life changing.

Beauty Crush: La Mer The Hydrating Facial

I've been having a serious case of dry, flaky skin lately and my usual exfoliating/moisturizing routine just wasn't cutting it. I was digging around in my beauty closet when I came across a sample of La Mer The Hydrating Facial that I had been meaning to try. One application was all it took to get me hooked on this amazing product because it completely cured my dull, dry situation. 

The facial is actually a super soft cotton cloth soaked with La Mer's Hydrating Ferments and tourmaline. There are two cloths - one for the upper portion of the face and one for the lower - and all you have to do is put them on your face and chill out for eight minutes while it does its thing. 

What I love most about this amazingly luxurious facial is that it's insanely hydrating, yet cooling and refreshing at the same time. It's the closest thing to a spa facial in terms of luxury and results. I did a peel first (with Pevonia Botanica Enzymo-Spherides Peeling Cream) and then applied this facial and was left with skin that was radiant and glowing with nary a flake or dry patch in sight. 

At $250 for six facial treatments it's a definite splurge, but you can really get away with using it every two weeks or once a month if you're oily, which makes it a little more economical. Order from the La Mer site to score complimentary shipping and samples with your order.

Holiday 2010: NARS Bento Box

Yes, the temp has barely dropped and we're already talking about holiday. I always really look forward to the beauty holiday collection roll outs because they usually involve sets and palettes - my weakness. NARS took a bit of a different route this year with the super limited edition (as in only 1,000 were produced for the US) Bento Box. 

The Bento Box is a limited edition set of two Kabuki cups that were hand-poured with a new NARS-exclusive lipstick formula in highly pigmented shades containing Vitamin E. The Bento Box is handmade and comes with a Kabuki lip brush for precise application. The NARS Bento Box set officially launches on November 14, but click here to sign up to receive email notification for when the set arrives so you can be the first to snatch it up because this will definitely be one of those sold-out-in-the-first-two-minutes-find-it-on-ebay-for-80-times-the-price-sets.

Lab Series Supports Breast Cancer Awareness

The man in your life can now support Breast Cancer Awareness by picking up a tube of Lab Series Daily Defense Moisture Lotion SPF 15 in a special Pink Ribbon-encased tube. Lab Series Skincare For Men will also make a $10,000 donation to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Daily Moisture Defense Lotion SPF 15 is a lightweight moisturizer infused with antioxidants developed especially for a man’s skin. Instant, all-day and long-term hydration allows skin to maintain a healthy appearance as it restores skin's moisture balance. Photo-activation technology utilizes daylight to help activate skin's barrier, protecting it against environmental damage, and at the same time activates a delivery system to help smooth and repair the skin. 

Pick up the Pink Ribbon-encased tube of Lab Series Daily Defense Moisture Lotion SPF 15 at department and specialty stores and the Lab Series website. 

Brazilian Blowout Controversy

If you've had a Brazilian blowout/keratin treatment I hope you're reading up on huge controversy happening right now. In a nutshell: Oregon Health and Science University tested various batches of "formaldehyde free" Brazilian blowout solution and found that each contained high levels (read unsafe) of formaldehyde. If you're unfamiliar on the risks of coming in contact with formaldehyde it's highly carcinogenic in humans and has been linked to myeloid leukemia, brain cancer and myriad other problems. Basically, it's really bad stuff.

The controversy first started in September, and now Canada has recalled the treatment. If you regularly get Brazilian blowouts, I urge you to research the new claims that they are potentially not formaldehyde free thoroughly. Nadine Jolie has been heavily covering the Brazilian blowout controversy so definitely check out her site here to read up on all the details.

Cricket Supports Breast Cancer Awareness

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, hair care appliance and accessory brand Cricket will donate a portion of proceeds earned from its pink products to Susan G. Komen For the Cure. Support the cause and get a cute pink product at the same time! Check out the products below:

Pink Amped Up Teasing Brush

Curl or straighten your locks, then tease hair at the crown with this brush that is specifically designed to minimize damage, breakage, and split ends while creating various degrees of volume and texture.
Suggested Retail:  $3.49

Pink Friction Free Travel Dryer

This lightweight, travel-friendly dryer folds for compact storage and packing, has versatile worldwide dual voltage, and 2 heat / speed settings to create a shiny mane wherever you are.
Suggested Retail:  $36.99

Pink Scroll Mini Friction Free Flat Iron
This pretty, palm-sized flat iron uses ceramic tourmaline plates to reduce friction damage and ensure an ultra smooth finish, while the built-in comb guide detangles hair, taming every strand.
Suggested Retail:  $29.99

Pink Friction Free Dryer 
This high-powered dryer uses 1875 watts and has ceramic / ionic tourmaline technology to deliver shiny, healthy, frizz-free hair with less drying time.
Suggested Retail:  $79.95 

OPI on the Set of How I Met Your Mother

The chic and trendy shades of OPI can now be seen on CBS' How I Met Your Mother!  With OPI’s 200+ shades, the show’s key makeup artist Jennifer Turchi declares, “we will have just the right color for any look.”

Alyson Hannigan, who plays Lily Aldrin, especially loves the shade Ski Teal We Drop from the latest Fall/Winter Swiss collection, as well as the classic color Siberian Nights.

I am obsessed with Ski Teal We Drop, a blue-based teal with grey undertones. I don't know when I got on this blue nail kick, but I think it started sometime last spring. Some people immediately think OMFG blue nails? But the right blue - a la Ski Teal We Drop - looks chic, fashion-forward and is just more fun than the usual deep plums/wines/chocolates that we see every fall and winter. Word to the wise though; keep nails short and square when wearing this shade.

New: NARS Limited Edition Vintage Nail Shades

NARS went into the old nail polish shades of seasons passed vault and brought some oldies but goodies back by popular demand for a limited time. The new, er, old polishes are available now at the NARS site for $16 each and feature a high gloss, water-and chip-resistant finish. Check out the shades and their original launch dates below:

Mash (1996)
Army green infused with gold
The comedy about the staff of a Korean War field hospital using humor to keep their sanity in the face of war. The film inspired the TV series M*A*S*H. 

King Kong (1996)
Copper brown infused with gold
A classic movie about the infamous giant ape who becomes smitten with beauty

Midnight Express (1996)
Deep navy
The 1970s film for an inmate’s opportunity to escape from prison

Zulu (1996)
Forest green
A British war movie starring Stanley Baker and Michael Caine, directed by Cy Endfield in 1964

Full Metal Jacket (1998)
Gunmetal grey
An epic Vietnam War movie directed by Stanley Kubrick in 1987

I need Mash and Midnight Express on my fingers immediately. Which ones are your faves?

Womanity by Thierry Mugler Supports Breast Cancer Awareness

It's officially Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Womanity by Thierry Mugler (my fragrance du jour I might add - smells intoxicating) will donate all proceeds from the sales of the Womanity Bath and Body collection to benefit Look Good Feel Better, a free support program that helps those with cancer improve their appearance and self esteem, and manage their treatment and recovery with greater confidence. 

Please run to your nearest Bloomingdales or Nordstrom, or visit the U.S. Thierry Mugler site and scoop up the Womanity Perfumed Shower Gel ($40), Perfumed Body Milk ($45), Perfumed Body Cream ($55) or all three! Really, it's all in the name of charity here so stock up! 

I especially love that Thierry Mugler chose this particular charity to support because it's so important to help those currently undergoing treatment and survivors help to regain their confidence and femininity and to feel beautiful again. Click here to learn more about Look Good Feel Better.