Drugstore Gem: Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque

Drugstore Gem is a series uncovering the best drugstore products that you might not have otherwise tried. 

Chances are you've seen or heard of Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque (it's been around for literally 75 years), but maybe you didn't pay much attention to the big bottle usually hanging out on the bottom shelf of the drugstore. It was one of those products I was always sort of intrigued by but just never tried until Mr. M's cousin's wife recommended it to me when I was having some pregnancy-related skin issues because it helps clear acne without any of the big no no's (salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, retinol). 

I now use it religiously twice a week and it totally keeps everything under control. It's minty and refreshing (hence the name), sucks out pore-clogging impurities and leaves skin super clean without that dry, tight feeling. The best part? A huge tube is less than $5 and you can find it at any drugstore.

Votre Vu January Special

Luxury French skin care brand Votre Vu has a fab promotion running now through January 31st. With the purchase of any Face Base set, receive a free full size Luxee Yeux Eye Beauty Balm, a $49 value. Votre Vu takes the French approach, natch, when caring for skin, which involves following a cleansing, toning, treating and moisturizing routine. Each Face Base set includes a cleanser, toner, serum and day creme for four specific skin types:

• Attentive, for Sensitive Skin ($98.70 instead of $141 individually)
• Full Benefits, formulated specifically for Mature Skin ($125.30 instead of $179 individually)
• Peau Equilibrée, for Oily and Combination Skin ($95.90 instead of $137 individually)
• Best Regards, for Normal to Dry Skin ($94.50 instead of $135 individually)

Luxee Yeux Eye Beauty Balm is specifically formulated to counter the three prominent signs of aging – moisture loss, collagen breakdown, and free radical damage. Visit the Votre Vu site to order your Face Base set before January 31st to receive a free eye cream.

Everything Old is New Again

In the new year I usually decide to revamp my makeup and skin care wardrobe, but I already have so many products that even for a beauty aficionado like myself, it's getting to just be too much. So I decided that instead of buying a slew of new items, I would scavenge my existing goods and rediscover old favorites. 

There's always those amazing staples that I adore, that one day I come across and am thinking why did I ever stop using this!? In no particular order, here are my old faithfuls:

Revlon 3D Extreme mascara is one of those mascaras I occasionally cheat on because I just can't help myself, and then I start using it again and vow to never use anything else. It creates amazing length, volume and curl and strangers (yes, really) always comment on how long and thick my lashes are and ask me if I'm wearing falsies. Major bonus: it's under $10.

NARS Orgasm blush is one of those cult products that everyone raves about, but unlike some others (I'm talking to you Maybelline Great Lash!) actually lives up to the hype. It's the perfect peachy pink with a subtle golden sheen that works on everyone regardless of skin tone. I like to mix up my blushes depending on season and my makeup looks, but if I could only choose one for the rest of my life, this would be it. 

It's really hard for me to commit to a skin care product because there's always something "new and revolutionary that will change your life" hitting the market. Kinerase C8 Peptide Intensive Treatment is something I always have close by because it smooths fines lines, brightens skin and protects with antioxidants. At $98 it is a little bit of an investment, but unless you're very dry, it can replace your daytime moisturizer.

What are your recent new discoveries from your existing stash?

Proactiv: Beyond the Three Step System

So unless you live under a rock you know about Proactiv's famed three-step system for acne-prone skin. What you may not know is that the brand has a slew of other products perfect for those who experience the occasional breakout, but don't have a major acne problem. I had the pleasure of trying out a few products that definitely changed the way I think about Proactiv.

Clarifying Night Cream is hands down my new favorite skin care product. It contains all the ingredients that really improve skin - retinol, salicylic acid, vitamins, but it's gentle and non-irritating. This is perfect for in between skin when you don't need to use a serious acne medication, but you don't need a heavy duty anti-ager yet. Clarifying Night Cream improves skin's texture and tone, refines pores and just makes skin look glowy and amazing. 

I've seen people on the three-step infomercial rave about the Green Tea Moisturizer and it really is that good! It's the perfect daytime lotion because it replenishes moisture without feeling heavy and greasy. In fact, it actually feels light and refreshing and is perfect under makeup. Plus, I'm a total sucker for anything with antioxidants.

I'm a major lover of makeup removing cloths and Proactiv's Makeup Removing Cloths are super soft, I'm talking t-shirt soft, and thoroughly remove eye makeup. I reach for them when I'm feeling exceptionally tired (or lazy) at the end of the night, or anytime I need a quick refresh, like pre- and post-gym. Plus I love that the package is truly resealable so they won't dry out - a major towelette pet peeve of mine. 

Each of these products is available at QVC.com.


Disclosure: Samples were provided for editorial consideration.

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.

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.

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. 

Paul Wesley Loves CeraVe!

Can we have a candid moment here? I am one of those vampire-obsessed way too old to be watching stuff like Twilight and The Vampire Diaries but I do anyway kinds of girls. Can you really blame me though? Rob Pattinson, Paul Wesley, Ian Somerhalder? Yes, please. 

If you're like me and have been waiting for The Vampire Diaries to start its new season (tomorrow on the CW btw) you'll appreciate hearing that Paul Wesley's gorge face is taken care of by CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser and Moisturizing Lotion, according to VD's makeup department head Beverly Jo Pryor.

CeraVe is a line of super gentle, dermatologist-recommended cleansers and moisturizers perfect for those with dry, sensitive skin or if you're using something like a retinoid and want to keep the rest of your routine non-irritating.

I'm a big fan of the cleansers because I come from the school of thought that you should leave the crazy acids and such in your treatment products and just use a gentle cleanser that thoroughly removes dirt, oil and makeup without stripping skin dry. And this brand does just that!

Swoon

Test Drive: Neutrogena Deep Clean Invigorating Foaming Scrub

I'm really not big on facial scrubs because they usually feel grainy and scratchy, but I picked up Neutrogena Deep Clean Invigorating Foaming Scrub on a whim when I forgot to pack cleanser on one of my many trips. It was cheap, it was a cool blue color and in the recent heat wave, the word invigorating sounded pretty damn good.

The Experience:

A little goes a long way with this facial scrub - all you need is a pea-sized amount. I loved the fact that it created a rich, foamy lather to take the edge off of the scrubbing beads, which actually felt smooth instead of scratchy and harsh. And thanks to a dose of menthol, this is one of those wake up your senses (and clear your sinuses) type of scrubs. If you're like me - a zombie until a cup of coffee - this is the perfect morning pick me up. 

Due to lots of travel, I had been neglecting my usual facial routine so I was in desperate need of a good exfoliation, and this scrub made my skin feel soft, smooth and decongested. Plus it's gentle enough for daily use.

The Verdict:

If you love the feeling of freshly scrubbed skin everyday this is your gig. The foamy lather combined with the scrubbers really give skin a good deep cleansing, plus the jolt of menthol refreshes skin, and keeps it feeling that way long after rinsing. Pick up at drugstores nationwide.

Designer Deals: Mario Badescu on Gilt

Starting tomorrow at noon, Mario Badescu skin care is on sale at Gilt.com and yours truly will be fighting it out to stock up. If you're not familiar with the brand, it's an incredibly easy to navigate line that's results-driven. Whether your concern is aging, acne or anything in between, MB has a solution. It's definitely a no-frills brand with simple packaging, but it has a cult following for a reason. 

Not a member of Gilt? Here's your hookup:

http://www.gilt.com/invite/lindsayelkins

Travel in Style This Summer

One of the things I love about summer is that you don't have to jet off to some exotic locale to feel like you're on vacation, you can just pack up your bags and head to the beach. Whether your beach is a lake, the Hamptons or ahem, the Jersey shore, a relaxing getaway can be just a car ride away. The only downside? The accommodations usually end up being less oceanfront villa, more air mattress on floor of friend's parent's shore house. Not to mention no fancy hotel toiletries. 

Instead of packing your full sized goods (space is usually limited in these scenarios) or getting mismatched odds and ends in your grocery store travel section (I can't think of anything worse), why not pick up an everything you need travel kit? Enter the bliss Sink Side Six Pack.

This literally contains every single thing you need, and if it gets my seal of approval, you know it's good because I'm one of those people that brings 80 products for an overnight trip. Included are: lemon + sage body butter, soapy sap, supershine shampoo, conditioning rinse, soap and fabulous foaming face wash. These are best-selling bliss products friends, and the 1oz. sizes will last you several weekend getaways. Not to mention they come housed in their own waterproof tote. At $25 it's a total must. In fact, buy several. Click here for more info/to buy.

Test Drive: Avon Anew Clinical Luminosity Pro Brightening Serum

I've tried a lot of brightening serums in my almost 28 years my friends, and I'll let you in on a secret, not a lot of them work. From my days as a reckless youth sunning myself without abandon, I've incurred some slight sun damage, and the uneven skin tone and texture that usually happens to all of us as we get a little older. I've been seeing the commercials on TV for Avon's new Anew Clinical Luminosity Pro Brightening Serum and I was intrigued by all of the injectable-grade brightener talk, so I was so excited to have the opportunity to try it out for myself. Friends, it's only been day three of use, but I am already in love. Here's why:

The Experience:
First, I love the fact that you only have to put this on once a day, at night, and you get amazing results. I was using a skin brightener that required morning and evening use, and I have a strict morning routine that I cringe at the thought of changing, so right off the bat, I was happy. The texture is great; it's a smooth gel that somehow feels silky and hydrating, and not all drying and gel-like. It did have a little bit of a tingle, nothing unbearable, but then I read the package and it said to wait 15 minutes after cleansing your face to apply if you experience a tingle. I woke up the next morning and thought wow! I can tell a difference already! One time people, no joke. And now that I'm on day three, it's only gotten better. Expect to see an overall skin brightness and clarity (the epitome of youth!), smooth texture and a reduction in fine lines.

The Verdict:
If you're looking for brighter, smoother skin and a product that truly delivers on its claims, scoop up Anew Clinical Luminosity Pro. You will not be disappointed, especially since it's only $54 for such fancy science like Anti-Dark Spot Helix with injectable-grade L'Aspartic Acid. Plus I love the cool packaging with the clear gel surrounding the helix. If you're not in a long term relationship with an Avon lady, click here to find one in your nabe. 

*Disclosure: a sample of this product was provided for editorial consideration.

Limited Edition La Mer

Put the words limited edition and La Mer in the same sentence and I'm there. The ultimate luxe moisturizer just announced its fifth anniversary partnership with Oceana, the world's leading international ocean advocacy organization. To celebrate, La Mer created a 100ml limited edition World Ocean's Day blue Creme de la Mer jar and will make a $200,000 donation to Oceana.

Maybe it's the Cancer in me, but I am such a sucker for anything with an ocean scene/theme and I love the blue La Mer. This is also historic since La Mer has never altered its packaging until now. Quantities are limited; so get thee to lamer.com, or participating Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus or Bergdorf Goodman locations to scoop yours up. Retail price is $310. An investment? Of course. But, a La Mer purchase is always justified (super concentrated, lasts forever, God's gift to moisturizers, you get the picture), especially for a lovely limited edition such as this. 

World Oceans Day
Created in 1992 and made official by the United Nations in 2009, World Oceans Day takes place annually on June 8th and is a day to recognize the sea’s importance as a vital ecosystem and take action to preserve its delicate habitats and wildlife. With over 300,000 members in 150 countries, Oceana’s science-based policies have greatly reduced over-fishing and protected threatened marine habitats.

For more information about World Oceans Day and the partnership between La Mer and Oceana, please visit www.lamer.com/oceana.

Q&A with Avon's Anthony Gonzalez

While I like to think of myself as a skin care expert, primarily because I do insane amounts of research and reading on the subject, and I used to write for a beauty industry mag where I learned all about the actual chemicals and ingredients, I still love picking the brains of the real experts, you know the ones with actual science degrees?

I had the chance to pose some questions to the very knowledgeable Anthony Gonzalez, Avon's Senior Manager of Global Skin Care Product Development and learned all about anti-aging and the new ingredient Activinol, found in Avon's Anew Reversalist Eye Illuminating System (which is my eye cream du jour that you can read about here). Read on for his insight:

Q. What is Activinol? How does it help keep the skin looking healthy and youthful?

A. Activinol is our latest technology in the fight against aging.  It represents a whole new approach to treating visible wrinkling.  In our research we uncovered a scientific theory that aging is actually the result of a series of micro-injuries that accumulate over time.  This inspired us to look into the methods the body uses in response to injuries to see if we could find a new way to address aging.  That led us to Activinol, which boosts the production of the protein “activin” which helps stimulate the production of the components required for healthy younger looking skin.

Avon is the first company to use this patent-pending complex, composed of highly purified phytochemicals, which include:

    * Amorphophallus, which stimulates Activin production to help trigger skin’s repair process
    * Sesbania, which Boosts skin’s support structure


Q. When should women start incorporating anti-aging skin care products into their regimen?

A. Although the 1st signs of aging typically show in the late 20’s or early 30’s, It is never too early to fight the signs of aging at least with broad spectrum SPF and a good quality anti-aging moisturizer.   The ANEW Reversalist products in particular are designed to target the needs of women experiencing moderate signs of aging including wrinkles, discoloration and loss of firmness.  If I had to give an age bracket, I’d say this is for a woman in her 40’s, however skin type and damage does vary from person-to-person.

Q. How often do women need to apply eye cream?

A. Both ANEW Reversalist Eye and Day are meant to be used as part of a daily regimen.  The eye system consists of two-parts, the Eye Cream and Brightening Veil. Avon recommends using the Eye System every morning before you apply your makeup as well as every evening. To apply, gently smooth the cream around the entire eye area. When you wake up each morning, apply the veil to brighten the under-eye area.

Q. How can women prevent future signs of aging?

A. Balance a proper skin care routine with a healthy lifestyle that maximizes the skin’s ability to counteract aging. Some great examples of this are eating foods high in antioxidants and always wearing a product with SPF or using additional sun protection such as wide brimmed hats.

One Less Excuse to Avoid the Gym Courtesy of Neutrogena

Now that summer is almost here and I can no longer hide under a huge wool sweater, I've started to get serious about working out. Since back in the day I was an avid runner who could finish 10 miles with ease (ease may be an overstatement, but I could run 10 miles), I've decided to dust off the Nikes and hit the pavement in order to get into prime shape. There's just one problem - sweating. It makes me feel like every pore on my face is clogging simultaneously. The good part is I'm so worried about my skin that my run is over before I know it. 

Someone over at Neutrogena must be as crazy as I am because the brand recently introduced Deep Clean Sport, a facial cleanser that eliminates 99% of sweat, dirt and oil, "keeping you worry-free about post-workout skin concerns." (couldn't have put it better myself). Beta Hydroxy Acid deep cleans to remove pore-clogging impurities and an active skin-cooling agent leaves your face cool, clear and refreshed. Sounds like just what you want after a run in the hot sun, no? I also love the package - it looks all sporty and like it won't leak in your bag if you're taking it to the gym. For the ultimate in portability, there's also Deep Clean Sport On-the-Go Cleansing Wipes. Both retail for $6.99 and can be picked up at drugstores nationwide.

I'm Using a Chemical Peel Week 2

So I meant to post this at the end of last week, which was my real week 2, but it was such a busy weekend (that um, started on Wednesday night and went right through on to Sunday) so time wasn't on my side. Mr. M and I are getting ready to make the drive back to NJ, where we'll stay for May, then live in NYC for a few months, then head back to Indy. So the past few days have consisted of a lot of socializing, mixed in with some preliminary packing.

Anyway, so I posted that I had started using an at-home chemical peel, Exuviance Performance Peel AP 25 to be exact, and I wanted to give a little week 2 update. I wish I had one of those medical cameras that zoom to every line and pore (well maybe I don't actually) so I could do a before, during and after, but you'll just have to take my word for it. After week 2 I've noticed great improvement in skin texture, I actually really look forward to using the peel (I use them on a Sunday, Thursday schedule) because my skin feels so smooth after. I really only have subtle fine lines (which I deem deep) around my eye area, and those have definitely started to diminish. 

Now, let's be clear, you can't use this peel on your eyes, but what I do is gently wipe the peel pad around the orbital bone (the place where your cheek bone meets your undereye area). I repeat: do not get this in/really close to the eye area. At this rate, I'm confident the lines will be completely gone by the end of 6 weeks. But of course, I'll keep you all posted.

Votre Vu Duette - A Perfect Combo

At first you wouldn't think a hand cream/lip balm duo is a total must have, but I've been finding that I can't live without Votre Vu's Duette, Luxe Lips moisturizing lip balm and Tarte D'Amande luxe hand creme duo. Votre Vu is a fairly new French skin care company that utilizes natural ingredients, but it also super luxe at the same time.

Luxe Lips is a silky, lightweight balm that smooths lips and imparts a natural shine. Coconut oil and shea butter nourish, while UV filters protect from the environment so you can reapply all day. It also smells delish!

 Tarte D'Amande is a rich hand creme that absorbs quickly and doesn't leave a greasy residue behind (a must for me when choosing hand creams!) Sunflower, jojoba and grape seed oils moisturize, soothe and provide antioxidant protection. 

The package is so pretty I keep it on display in my bathroom and it's also great to toss in your bag for touch ups on the go. I also totally love that the lip balm compartment has a mirror so it won't end up all over your face - total genius.

Head to the Votre Vu website for more info and to order. 


Disclosure: a press sample was provided for editorial consideration.

Worth the Splurge: Bulgari Precieuse

Let me preface this by saying these products are a major splurge. With prices ranging from $150 for Regard Precieux Intensive Regenerating Eye Contour Cream to $320 for Serum Precieux Intensive Regenerating Concentrate, the Bulgari Precieuse skin care line is a definite investment. With that being said, the products and luxury are absolutely amazing. 

Let's start with the packaging: the pumps for the Serum and Eye Contour Cream deliver the perfect amount of product so you're never wasting your precious, super luxe and expensive skin care.  The Creme Precieuse Nuit comes with an applicator so you don't have to stick your fingers in the tub and contaminate the product. Plus the packaging is beautiful enough to grace any vanity.

Now to the formula and results: I've been using the Serum and Creme Precieuse Nuit (night cream) for a few weeks now and my skin is radiant, glowing and at the optimal hydration level. The Serum helps fight fine lines, discoloration, and improves skin density and elasticity. Bulgari's exclusive Gem Essence renews radiance while Polypeptides III stimulate collagen and elastin and restore firmness. My skin has never looked good! I'm always after that fresh, dewy moment, and this gives my skin just that. 1fl oz is $320.

The Creme Precieuse Nuit is so rich and decadent and feels like silk going on. The formula is so concentrated you only need a tiny bit for your entire face and neck. Like the Serum, this night cream contains Bulgari's exclusive Gem Essence and Polypeptides III and leaves skin toned and moisturized, fights lines and wrinkles and lessens discoloration. The minute you put this cream on your face you can tell it's a really luxurious indulgence. At $280 for 1.7 oz it's definitely steep, but the tub is huge and will last a long time, and it's really one of life's little pleasures to pamper yourself with a really expensive cream.

If you order from the Neiman Marcus website you can receive an NM gift card with a purchase of $250 or more (and lord knows these qualify) with the code BET2GET. Hurry though, offer ends today!