Perricone MD No Lipstick Lipstick

I never liked Perricone MD's No Foundation  Foundation, so I have no idea why I was intrigued by his new No Makeup Skincare. I looked it over at Sephora and decided the No Lipstick Lipstick ($30) was the safest purchase for someone who had never been impressed. How hard is it to screw up a lipstick?

Described as an anti-aging lip treatment with SPF 15 designed to enhance lip contours and mimic the natural rosy color of youthful lips, No Lipstick Lipstick is available on one shade: Sheer Rosy Pink Sheen.

No Lipstick Lipstick is said to restore the natural rosy color of youthful lips while deeply nourishing and conditioning. It smooths vertical lip lines with neuropeptides (state-of-the-art ingredients), and its solid-to-serum texture allows for sheer, buildable coverage.

When I took it out of the box, I blanched. The lipstick looked like it had had an accident during manufacturing. Look at the motley surface of the bullet: a combination of frosted, garish pink studded with rose. The color was disastrously uneven. I have no other No Lipstick Lipsticks here for comparison, so I really don't know if I received a dud or not. However, it applied to my lips just fine.

I took swatch photos in full sun to show you that it's actually a pretty, sheer, warm pink. Who would have expected such a pretty color from that lipstick bullet?

Will I recommend Perricone MD No Lipstick Lipstick to you? I don't think so. I don't like it when my product looks "diseased," even if it applies nicely. No Lipstick Lipstick is just another sheer pink lipstick. I will give it credit for the neuropeptides and SPF 15, but then take away some credit for the shape of the tube. It ends up in a mediocre zone.

All in all, I'd say try it if you are a Perricone fan. Otherwise, I think you could skip it.

Photo at top courtesy of Sephora; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Favorites: Eye Treatments from Dr. Perricone, Kate Somerville, and Le Métier de Beauté

You have asked me to describe my skin care - what I use and why. I thought I'd start today with eye care. Before I tell you what I've been using lately - and I do mean lately - I need to explain a blogger's routine.

I often switch products. A company will send me a product to use, and I normally test skin care for a full month before I will write about it. As a result, it's rare that I use a single product for a year or more. Right now, I am using three products around my eyes - products I have used a year or more - but I continue to test new things. One new-to-me product that impresses me (so far) is Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Repair Eye Serum. I love the glow it gives my under-eye area. It may make its way onto my more permanent list.

I usually wear a serum and a hydrator. I start with Perricone MD Acyl-Glutathione Eye Lid Serum ($115). I have been using it for over a year, and I love it. Claimed to be a first in skin-care technology, Acyl-Glutathione Eye Lid Serum topically replenishes the skin’s glutathione levels around the eye to dramatically reduce the visible signs of aging in the upper eyelid area and deliver a youthful, more awakened appearance. Additional benefits include dramatic tightness and firmness of droopy eyelids, smoothing of fine lines and wrinkles, and minimized redness and dark circles anywhere around the eye. The light, fast-absorbing texture of Acyl-Glutathione Eye Lid Serum also enhances make-up application by acting as a primer to help makeup glide on more smoothly and improve its wear throughout the day.

A patent-pending molecule, acyl-glutathione replenishes the glutathione levels in the skin. Glutathione is the chief, master antioxidant that rapidly depletes with age, stress, the environment, and less-than-optimal health. Its replenishment is critical to help the skin defend itself against accelerated aging. Glutathione deficits show up on the skin as fatigue, dullness, severe loss of elasticity, deep wrinkles, extreme loss of hydration, and visible change in skin texture.

Had I participated in the Perricone's test group, I would have been among those who saw dramatic results. I use Acyl-Glutathione Eye Lid Serum day and night. My concern was crepiness in the inside lid above the crease, closest to my nose. It happens to everyone with age, but I hate it. This serum clearly and significantly reduced that crepiness.

Dr. Perricone recommends applying the serum directly to the eyelid, working up to the brow bone in gentle patting motions. Also apply it to crow's feet and lower contours of the eye area. It takes only a few moments to absorb and then you can follow it with an eye cream if you wish (I do). There is no fragrance, and it is so lightweight, I cannot feel it on my skin. Additionally, a very tiny amount is adequate for coverage around both eyes; a light-handed pump is all you need. In short, it works!

I have been topping the serum with one of two eye creams/hydrators. One is Le Métier de Beauté's Revive Eye Concentrate ($175), which I adore. Revive Eye Concentrate with Syntoc Actif + HydrationPlus Complexe (to use its extended name) is an innovative eye treatment featuring a hydrating protein-peptide complex that penetrates the dermis to reduce puffiness and improve lymphatic circulation and elasticity. It's designed to repair and plump the delicate skin around the eyes. Using Le Métier de Beauté's exclusive Syntoc Actif delivery system, which delivers the active ingredients directly to the dermis where they are needed, it offers these key ingredients.

• Hesperidin methyl chalcone decreases capillary permeability to reduce edema (water retention that causes puffiness and even worse, slackening skin).
• A state-of-the-art dipeptide improves lymphatic circulation and further reduces edema.
• Palmitoyl tetrapeptide, a regenerating peptide that has been shown to improve elasticity and strengthen the skin around the eyes. It can slow or inhibit glycation and inflammatory damage too.

In the past couple of years, I have found eye creams with peptides to be enormously effective, and I'm a proponent of anti-glycation products. The experience of using Revive Eye Concentrate is extremely pleasing. I really like the pump container, although I'll admit I had to learn to use a light hand. The first few times I pumped, I got too much product. I used the excess around my mouth because I didn't want to waste it. I've got the touch perfected now. The only thing I might request to improve the container is the addition of a window. I'd like to know how much I'm using and when I'm approaching the day I need to buy a new one. One day I'll pump and get a spurt, and it's only then that I know I need to buy more.

The light pink, creamy serum smells like rose hip oil. It's a very light, pleasant fragrance that I smell on application, but not long after. I use it over and under my eyes. The concentrate absorbs rapidly, leaving the feeling and look of moisture on my skin without any greasiness that can interfere with makeup or trap water overnight. I have found that it's perfect for use on its own; I don't need any additional cream around my eyes. I am also enamored with the fact that my concealer or other products do not pill over it.

Even better, it works - really well. Since I started using it, I've noticed two major changes. The crepiness on the inner side of my eyes over the crease has been reduced significantly, making my eyes look younger and better, and the fine lines under my eyes have been blurred. I can crinkle my face (or smile) and force them to reappear, but they have definitely diminished. I've also experienced no puffiness in the morning - even after one nine-hour night sleeping on my side.

Early in my use of this product, I found the effects to be somewhat miraculous, so I tested it. I used a hydrating cream without peptides on one day and nothing on the next, a hide-out weekend day. I certainly noticed a difference. My areas of concern were back. That little test told me two things: 1) I need to use Revive Eye Concentrate every day, twice a day, as directed, and 2) a month's duration may not have produced lasting effects at the cellular level. That stands to reason, given a skin cell's life cycle. I've been using this product for two years. I would recommend Le Métier de Beauté Revive Eye Concentrate to everyone.

Another eye cream I love is Kate Somerville's KateCeuticals Multi-active Repair Lifting & Lineless Cream ($195), shown at the top of this feature. Rich and powerful, KateCeuticals Multi-Active Repair Lifting & Lineless Cream delivers unmistakable anti-aging results. This potent formula uses a proprietary blend of collagen-building peptides (there's that word again) to effectively tighten and lift the look of sagging skin, dramatically reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles with instant relief of dryness and long-term moisturization. Designed to renew and rejuvenate, this powerful formula creates a lifted look and bright, youthful glow. The following description from Kate Somerville describes the cream's merits.

• A proprietary blend of peptides stimulates collagen production, helps prevent the breakdown of elastin, increases skin’s moisture levels, and dramatically reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkle.
• Commiphora Mukul resin extract (from an Indian tree well-known in Ayurvedic medicine) produces a volumizing effect to plump the skin from within.
• Blackberry leaf extract inhibits the breakdown of collagen.
• Natural sugar beet root extract promotes collagen production and long-lasting hydration.
• A unique brightening complex, featuring natural herbal extracts, improves luminosity and evens out skin texture and tone.
• A special blend of soybean lipid extracts repairs the skin’s lipid barrier for long-term hydration.

Why do I love it? For the same reasons I love . It works. Not only that, I like the container, which dispenses just enough and not too much cream for one application. Press on the top and out pops a "dose." My makeup never rolls off in sheets when applied over it. You wouldn't believe how many eye creams can't handle normal color products like concealer or foundation.

I must mention another product that have pleased me enormously when I tested it: HydroPeptide Eye Anti-Wrinkle Dark Circle Concentrate ($60). I am currently testing a new product that's already showing me great results: RéVive Intensité Volumizing Eye Serum ($350).

There you go. Part 1 of my daily skin care. Bored yet?

Photos courtesy of Kate Somerville, Perricone MD, and Le Métier de Beauté's Revive Eye Concentrate

Perricone MD Acyl-Glutathione Eye Lid Serum

I'm impressed. Perricone MD Acyl-Glutathione Eye Lid Serum ($115) works, with visible results. In this day and age, with marketing claims that don't always match reality, Dr. Perricone has scored with this eye serum.

Claimed to be a first in skin-care technology, Acyl-Glutathione Eye Lid Serum topically replenishes the skin’s glutathione levels around the eye to dramatically reduce the visible signs of aging in the upper eyelid area and deliver a youthful, more awakened appearance. Additional benefits include dramatic tightness and firmness of droopy eyelids, smoothing of fine lines and wrinkles, and minimized redness and dark circles anywhere around the eye. The light, fast-absorbing texture of Acyl-Glutathione Eye Lid Serum also enhances make-up application by acting as a primer to help make-up glide on more smoothly and improve its wear throughout the day.

A patent-pending molecule, acyl-glutathione replenishes the glutathione levels in the skin. Glutathione is the chief, master antioxidant that rapidly depletes with age, stress, the environment, and less-than-optimal health. Its replenishment is critical to help the skin defend itself against accelerated aging. Glutathione deficits show up on the skin as fatigue, dullness, severe loss of elasticity, deep wrinkles, extreme loss of hydration, and visible change in skin texture.

A four-week independent consumer use study resulted in these conclusions.

• 76% reported improvement in the appearance of deep creases above the eyes
• 73% reported an improvement in the firmness of the eyelid skin and reduced droopiness or sagging
• 80% reported an improvement in the appearance of dark circles under the eyes
• 71% said they felt an instant smoothing effect around the 360-degree orbital rim of the eye area

Had I participated in the tests, I would have been among those who saw dramatic results. I have used Acyl-Glutathione Eye Lid Serum day and night for two months. My concern was crepiness in the inside lid above the crease, closest to my nose. It happens to everyone with age, but I hate it. This serum clearly and significantly reduced that crepiness.

Dr. Perricone recommends applying the serum directly to the eyelid, working up to the brow bone in gentle patting motions. Also apply it to crow's feet and lower contours of the eye area. It takes only a few moments to absorb and then you can follow it with an eye cream if you wish (I do). There is no fragrance, and it is so lightweight, I cannot feel it on my skin. Additionally, a very tiny amount is adequate for coverage around both eyes; a light-handed pump is all you need.

In short, it works! While that shouldn't be amazing, it's delightfully unique among scores of products said to make a difference around the eyes. I won't be without Acyl-Glutathione Eye Lid Serum until Dr. Perricone introduces its successor.

You can purchase Acyl-Glutathione Eye Lid Serum at the Perricone MD Web site, Sephora, Nordstrom, and other outlets for Dr. Perricone's products. I purchased mine from Sephora.

Photo courtesy of Perricone MD

Perricone MD Acyl-Glutathione

Earlier this year, Dr. Nicholas Perricone introduced Acyl-Glutathione, a new treatment moisturizer. I purchased it not long after because I have grown to love my Perricone MD products, and this one appeared to have promise - even with a name that won't roll off the tongue. I always try to tell you about impressive skin care. If your skin doesn't look good, your makeup won't either.

Acyl-Glutathione ($175) quickly earned a place in my skin-care routine. I like everything about it, except its small size, one fluid ounce. I want Dr. Perricone to super-size it.

Acyl-Glutathione (pronounced ay-sil gloo-ta-thigh-on), addresses the accelerated signs of aging, including severe dryness, extreme loss of elasticity, deep lines and wrinkles, and fragile, thin skin. Used as both a preventative and corrective moisturizer, this treatment helps create visibly improved skin in just 30 days. I've been using it for a few months and can report that it's effective.

I learned on Sephora's blog that the name, Acyl-Glutathione, comes from the patent-pending molecule created to replenish glutathione, an antioxidant, in our skin cells. If you experience a decrease in glutathione, your skin could appear fatigued, wrinkled, and/or dehydrated, or change in texture. Acyl-Glutathione works to fix those deficits by bringing your skin back to life and defying aging. After just 30 days of continued use (just a dime-sized amount, twice a day, says Perricone), you’ll notice a decrease in the appearance of fine lines, creases, and wrinkles and a boost in hydration.

In a 30-day consumer research study, after application every morning and evening:

• 85% saw a reduction in the appearance of horizontal forehead creases;
• 90% saw a reduction in the appearance of 11 vertical creases;
• 85% saw a reduction in the appearance of smile creases; and
  
• 88% saw a reduction in the appearance of marionette creases above the chin, but below the mouth.

Those are impressive results. A majority of consumers saw their skin look more supple (less thin) and found it bounced back quickly from sleep creases. I am a long-time side sleeper, and occasionally I awaken in the morning with a deep crease from a pillowcase wrinkle. Note to self: go buy silk pillowcases. I have seen almost no sleep creases since I started using Acyl-Glutathione. Most users also see an increase in firmness and radiance.

The lightweight cream absorbs very quickly, leaving behind a protective "film" that's barely perceivable (I like to be able to feel my treatment moisturizer to know it's still there). The ingredients that contribute to its effectiveness include DMAE, glycolic acid, peptides, dimethicone, sesame seed oil, glycerin, and, unfortunately, the ubiquitous propylene glycol. I can't seem to shake that ingredient from my beauty products. The treatment is paraben-free.

Dr. Perricone recommends following the application of Acyl-Glutathione with a moisturizer if necessary. Even though my skin is very dry, I have not found any "top coat" to be necessary. It's nicely moisturizing. There is no discernible fragrance (it's light, pleasant, then gone - all good). My only complaint is the small size of the jar. Perhaps I'm applying it too liberally (I apply more than a dime-sized dab), but I expected to get a few more months out of it. I'm almost at the replenishment point. Despite the size, I will purchase it again. I am extremely happy with it.

You can purchase Acyl-Glutathione at Sephora and Nordstrom or directly from Perricone MD, where you can see instruction videos and will often find special offers.

Photo courtesy of Sephora

SUPER by Perricone

Dr. Nicholas Perricone's new skin-care line, SUPER, arrived at Sephora weeks ago. I had mentioned it in August when it was introduced by WWD. Now, you can see it and buy it at Sephora.

I've been reading Dr. Perricone's book, Forever Young, and I've started eating a lot more blueberries. I'm also looking for an inexpensive source of watercress, which I've always loved, but can't find in large or reasonably priced bunches. I believe that the so-called super foods can make a difference in our lives, health, and skin, so I'm happy to add them to my diet if I like them. Nothing is going to convert me to salmon, but I'm happy with many other super foods.

Perricone says super foods are the world's (and our skin's) super heroes. Inspired by a passion to feed hungry skin, Dr. Nicholas Perricone created SUPER, a nourishing collection of formulas for your face and body. Infused with phyto-nutrients derived from some of the most powerful super foods and formulated with advanced patented ingredients, SUPER allows your skin to indulge in nature's most nutritional bounty.

SUPER was designed for the 25-35 age group. I'm not its target audience, but I still purchased a piece to give it a whirl. Dr. Perricone has already taken care of my age group with his eponymous line. I love the idea that he has introduced products that will encourage the younger set take good care of their skin - at an affordable price. I think his timing is great, since interest in skin care seems to be at an all-time high. The younger the better!

All of the products feature ingredients with high nutritional value that also benefit the skin. The products count yogurt, açaí berry, melon, chili peppers, watercress, melon, and dark chocolate among their ingredients.

I bought SUPER Lush Lips with Coconut Oil ($20). I love the beachy scent of coconut oil, and there's nothing age-specific about hydrating the lips. This buttery balm melts into your lips for deep hydration. Made with deliciously addictive coconut oil, it's packed with a superior form of vitamin E that keeps lips in a tropical paradise that's sweet, silky, and smooth. I keep mine next to my bed and reach for it every time I start to feel parched. This is one of those hard balms, so you have to dig a bit with a fingernail to extract enough product to make a difference. Once you do, your lips will feel pampered.

Recently, I had the privilege of interviewing Rene Marshall, Mid-Atlantic Account Executive for Dr. Perricone. Rene thinks the SUPER like is ideal for the client who is experimenting for the first time with skin care and wishes to prevent the signs of aging. She said that each of the products adopts the scent of its basic super food(s). I can testify to that! My SUPER Lush Lips jar takes me to the beach.

I asked Rene to name her favorite products from the new line. She mentioned SUPER Lush Lips without any prompting. She also told me she loves SUPER Detox Elixer with Watercress ($30), a spray that works as a hydrator to lock in moisture. It's perfect for travelers of all ages. Since our skin can become dehydrated in an airplane's pressurized air, SUPER Detox Elixer with Watercress can help keep the skin moist during a trip. Rene knows about travel - she's on the go all the time! She also mentioned that it's great for setting makeup.

Among her other personal favorites?

• SUPER 3-Minute Facial with Ginger ($50) - ginger stimulates the skin and gives you a glow. When you put on makeup after using it, your face will glow.
• SUPER Hand & Cuticle Cream with Yogurt ($30) is water-resistant. Rene said you don't have to keep applying it. Yogurt is loaded with probiotics, which will keep your skin soft and moist.
• SUPER Body Toning Serum with Olive ($35), which Rene suggests putting on top of Cold Plasma Body. Not sure I'd use two body moisturizers, but I'm intrigued by the firming nature of this one.
• SUPER Bright EYED with Melon ($50) is very creamy and will create very moist skin around the eyes. Rene suggested that older gals should use it on top of our Cold Plasma Eye.

Rene told me that SUPER items are so popular they are selling out at Sephora stores. The price point is affordable, and the scents of the products are heavenly. Younger gals are using SUPER for their main skin care regimen, and older Perricone customers are supplementing our heavy-duty treatments with these fun and effective products.

Rene has some events coming up in the DC area. Live around here, and you can meet her! She has two SUPER launches at Sephora: one on November 7 at Pentagon City, and the other on November 21 at Tysons Corner Center (both 11:00 to 6:00). All events will feature free gifts, free mini-facials, and consultations. Naturally, she will be at the Nordstrom Beauty Trends show at Tysons on November 13. Rene will have the "best of the best" Perricone reps with her, so I look forward to seeing them.

If you don't live near DC, ask your favorite Sephora when they will host a SUPER event. The events are a great time to ask the experts and learn more about the line.

Photos courtesy of Sephora

Dr. Perricone to Launch Super

Dr. Nicholas Perricone, creator of my favorite Cold Plasma, is launching a new line targeted at the 25-35 set. Super skin care will be available at Sephora in October, with prices ranging from $20 to $50. Perricone will also open three Super stores in California this year.

Thirteen products will make up the Super line. He developed it using molecules from his favorite "superfoods," a term he uses for ingredients with high nutritional value that also benefit the skin. A hand and cuticle cream features the probiotics found in yogurt, which are intended to stimulate collagen synthesis for smooth, soft, and healthy skin. Other products count acai berry, melon, chili peppers, watercress, and dark chocolate among their ingredients.

This line isn't intended for me. Dr. Perricone has already taken care of my age group. I love the idea that he's introducing products that will encourage the younger set take good care of their skin - at an affordable price. I think his timing is great, since interest in skin care seems to be at an all-time high. The younger the better!

Photo courtesy of Perricone MD

Cold Plasma Giveaway Contest Winner

Congratulations to Rose Mary, who was just notified by e-mail! She won the Cold Plasma.

Our four independent judges selected her entry. They had a very hard time selecting only one winner. There were so many heartwarming and convincing entries. It took them all day to read, re-read, and finally vote on a winner. They wanted to be able to select more than one winner. I understand; I could have selected at least five of the entries to win!

My thanks to Dr. Nicholas Perricone and his team for their generosity. Maybe we can talk them into sponsoring another giveaway soon! I am using his skin care regularly, and I am very happy with the results. I love Cold Plasma. Cold Plasma Eye is one of my newest favorites - it has made a huge difference in the skin around my eyes. I am about to test the new Cold Plasma Body, and I can't wait.

Thank you for entering and for your sweet stories. We have contests every week. I hope that each of you will win a prize this year!

Photo courtesy of Perricone MD

Dr. Nicholas Perricone Cold Plasma Giveaway Contest

Congratulations to Rose Mary!

The generous folks at Perricone MD are sponsoring a Best Things in Beauty giveaway contest for a fabulous skin-care treatment: Cold Plasma ($150)! You read at Best Things in Beauty that Dr. Nicholas Perricone won a 2009 WWD Beauty Biz Award for Prestige Product Breakthrough of the Year in the skin category for Cold Plasma. I have been using both Cold Plasma and Cold Plasma Eye, and I am impressed with their performance. I'm happy with the way my skin looks!

This revolutionary treatment is designed to help enhance your current anti-aging routine through the power of "biochemical individuality." Cold Plasma works through a patented ionic (i.e., charged particles) suspension carrier system that allows your skin to "extract" from Cold Plasma’s formula according to your individual, unique needs. This personalized system, called biochemical individuality, is a self-selection process charged by phospholipids, major cell membrane components. Phospholipids are fat derivatives that help lock in moisture because phosopholipid bilayers have hydrophilic (attracted to water) heads facing outward and hydrophobic (mix poorly with water) tails facing inward toward each other. The phospholipids in this formula help direct needed nutrients where they can be effectively used through the cell membrane. This means that if any of the ingredients aren’t needed, they just won’t be used. Pretty cool, huh?

Beyond the unique delivery system, the key ingredients/technology behind this product include:

• Advanced neuropeptide technology to give anti-inflammatory effects, which assist in slowing 10 signs of aging;
• DMAE to help stimulate nerve function, thus causing muscles under the skin to tighten, providing a lifted and firmer appearance to sagging skin;
• L-tyrosine, an amino acid that brightens skin to help radiate a youthful glow; and
  
• DHA, an essential amino acid, to support the preservation and hydration of skin.

All that without parabens, fragrance, sulfates, mineral oil, fillers, or artificial colorants!

So, how can you enter to win this award-winning product from Dr. Perricone? Two steps. First, leave a comment with this posting explaining why you want or need Cold Plasma for your skin. After you comment, feel free to e-mail bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com and identify your comment. You can never be too careful about sharing your e-mail address on a blog, so I would follow this second step if I were you (an alternative is to code your e-mail, e.g., myname at gmail dot com, in your comment).

The most compelling entry will win. Since I'm such a softie, I will enlist a small panel of independent judges to select the winner. Then our generous contest hosts will send Cold Plasma to the lucky winner.

The deadline for entries will be midnight on Tuesday, July 27. The contest is limited to U.S. and Canadian residents. I will be announcing this contest posting at Free!Grechen, my giveaway contest partner.

Can't wait to try Cold Plasma? You can order a free, deluxe sample of Cold Plasma at Dr. Perricone's blog! All you have to do is pay the USPS shipping of $4.95.

Dr. Perricone has written a new book called Forever Young. In the book, he explains how he discovered the technology that underlies Cold Plasma, including his efforts to isolate charged particles and suspend them in a highly absorbent and penetrative base for maximum absorption into the skin - and how the nutrients in Cold Plasma directly stimulate glycosaminoglycans, the precursor to collagen and elastin. Dermatologists have been looking for years for effective ways to stimulate the skin's natural levels of glycosaminoglycans, and Dr. Perricone scored when he found a way!

The book is available for pre-order right now, only at Amazon. If you pre-order the book now, you can get a free Concentrated Restorative Treatment, a $75 value! Check out this link for details. I'm going to pre-order; I love free stuff!

Back to the contest...Good Luck! Make sure to leave a comment here to enter.

Photo courtesy of Dr. Nicholas Perricone

Perricone MD Cold Plasma Eye

Not too long ago, I realized the eye cream I had been using had stopped performing for me. Although the increase in crepiness and fine lines had probably been gradual, I became painfully aware of it when I looked at some close-up photos of myself. What to do? My friends at Perricone MD came to my rescue!

I had been dying to try the new Cold Plasma Eye ($95). Cold Plasma, an award-winning anti-aging treatment that diminishes wrinkles, enlarged pores, dryness, redness, discoloration, uneven skin tone, and loss of firmness, smoothness, and radiance is the do-all treatment! I reviewed Cold Plasma in March; here's the link. It has become a staple in my skin-care regimen. When I heard that Cold Plasma Eye was about to be introduced, I was delighted. I knew it had to be great. Now that I have used it for a few weeks, I'd say it's better than great. The speed with which it has improved the skin around my eyes is amazing!

In just a few weeks, I have reversed the crepiness and upper lid puffiness that had "crept up on me." Underneath my eyes, my skin is firmer. I don't look tired (even when I feel it), and the skin around my eyes is less reactive to irritants (resulting in less redness).

Cold Plasma Eye is a drenching cream-based serum that addresses the seven most visible signs of aging along the contours of the eyes: fine lines, puffiness, dark circles, redness, loss of elasticity, loss of hydration, and loss of brightness. Safe enough to apply along the orbital bone and directly on the eye lid where many women experience dryness, Cold Plasma Eye absorbs quickly into the skin and provides an excellent base for concealer and make-up. It is significantly better under my eye makeup than what I was using because it doesn't leave any excess creaminess to cause shadow creep.

Based on Dr. Perricone's neuropeptide technology (which has anti-inflammatory effects and assists in slowing the signs of aging) and including his signature ingredients, vitamin C ester and DHA (an essential amino acid that supports preservation and hydration of the skin), Cold Plasma Eye had stunning results in clinical trials.

• 93% noticed area under eyes felt more moisturized and comfortable
• 93% noticed skin around eyes appeared brighter and healthier
• 88% noticed fine lines and wrinkles around eyes had diminished
• 79% agreed this eye cream works better than any other eye cream they had previously used
• 76% noticed skin around eyes felt soothed and less red

Even though Dr. Perricone warns us to try his new products in an inconspicuous place for a few days before applying them to the face, I knew the I could wear Cold Plasma, so I stated using Cold Plasma Eye on the skin around my eyes each night. After the first week - and visible results - I began using it day and night. At this moment, I'd resemble a tigress protecting her newborns if anyone tried to take it away from me.

It has a fruity fragrance that sticks around no longer than about 30 minutes. It's a bit cooling when applied, and it absorbs quickly. It's free of the chemicals we are all trying to avoid: parabens, silicons, sulfates, phthalates, and synthetic dyes. It is said to have a proprietary delivery system. I would like to know more about that, but it may be a "state secret."

I highly recommend this new eye treatment! You can purchase Cold Plasma Eye from Nordstrom, Sephora, SkinStore, and, of course, Dr. Perricone's Web site. If you want to try Cold Plasma and Cold Plasma Eye together, Dr. Perricone has a value set available for $195, which will save you $50.

Photo courtesy of Perricone MD

Perricone MD Neuropeptide Deep Wrinkle Serum

Dr. Perricone's Neuropeptide Deep Wrinkle Serum ($180) is for people who don't want deep wrinkles - not just those who might have them! It's a fast-acting treatment - called the five-minute miracle - that effectively minimizes the appearance of lines and wrinkles, addresses loss of elasticity, and creates a more youthful appearance. I've been using it for almost a month, and I like it.

This age-fighting complex transforms the skin's texture with the help of four distinct peptides. I've decided that you have to have peptides in your daily skin-care cocktail. The peptides were the primary reason I had to try this one.

This lightweight serum instantly smoothes lines and wrinkles, helps improve the appearance of sagging skin with an immediate tightening effect, and enhances the complexion's overall health. Phospholipids contribute hydrating and repairing benefits.

Perricone's research shows some excellent independent testing results.

• 90% of subjects reported that, with sustained use, they continued to see improvements in the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
• 90% noticed an improvement in their skin's texture/smoothness.
• 90% reported that their skin appeared more radiant.
• 87% reported that their skin appeared healthier and renewed.
• 77% reported an improvement in the appearance of lines and wrinkles within five minutes of application.
• 73% reported that, after using the product, the overall quality of their skin improved.

What impresses me is that this serum is just slightly thicker than water - and it's effective. I have been using it under my moisturizer, and I have been pleased with the tone and elasticity of my skin. I'll continue to use it and update you after more time has passed. As with all of the patented Perricone technology, Deep Wrinkle Neuropeptide Serum delivers long-lasting anti-aging benefits, cumulative with continued use.

What's in it?

• Neuropeptides to instantly relax lines and wrinkles and keep working to do that over time
  
• DMAE to firm, tone, contour, and lift the appearance of skin
• Phospholipids to help repair and hydrate the skin

It also has glycolic acid in it. What's not in it? Synthetic waxes, fillers, fragrances, and dyes. It also has no parabens in the ingredients. It is fragranced - beautifully. It smells like roses - just for a minute, like someone passed through the room with a bouquet.

The serum is available at Sephora, Dr. Perricone's Web site, Nordstrom (where I bought mine), and Perricone counters.

This weekend, DC-area beauties can attend a special Perricone MD event at Sephora at Tysons Corner Center. Four skin-care gurus from Perricone, including Rene Marshall, will be at Sephora all day Saturday, May 8 (10:30 to 7:00), offering wonderful free gifts with purchase, mini-facials, and consultations. There will also be a raffle for a basket of Perricone products worth $400. Worth stopping by to find the right Perricone products for your skin - or your mom's if you find yourself without a Mother's Day present the day before!

Photo courtesy of Sephora

DC-Area April Beauty Events

It's Cherry Blossom month, and with the flowering trees come blooming beauty events in the DC area. There are some great ones lined up this month, so please take advantage of advice and consultations from the pros. The events are listed here in date order. I'm going to show up at all of them! Don't live around here? I'll bet your own stores are celebrating spring's beauty.

This Saturday, April 10, Nordstrom Tysons Corner is having their Beauty Trends Show. The show is a great way to learn about new products, and the counters upstairs will be hopping after the show because there are so many specials that day. Almost every line will have something going on. I hope you will stop by to see Rene Marshall, Perricone MD guru, who has so many great tips on skin care - and a prestige line to sell. Cold Plasma won a WWD Beauty Biz award for good reason! Recently, I watched Rene show a 40-something guy (who walked into Sephora!) how to care for his skin. When she finished with him, he looked fabulous! She's amazing, and I hope you will look for her. She's one of my all-time skin care favorites. If you want to attend the show, call your favorite counter at Nordstrom to sign up. The phone is (703) 761-1121. There is a minimal cost, but it's fully reimbursable for products that day. The show starts before the store opens.

On Thursday, April 15, Raychel Wade, La Prairie Colour Ambassador, renowned makeup artist, and founder of Cheek to Chick, will be at Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria to spill her secrets on color and give you her insider picks on La Prairie must-haves for your makeup bag - from foundation to finishing products. Raychel’s expertise is in sizing up women’s “makeup personalities” based on their lifestyles, then helping them edit their makeup bags to streamline keepers and fill in the holes of anything that's missing. From CEOs to recent college grads, brides to baby boomers, and A-listers to Fashion Week models, Raychel has worked her makeup magic on them all. This should be a fun event. If you would like to make an appointment, call Neiman Marcus at (703) 761-1600 and ask for the La Prairie counter. If you are interested, I would make that appointment quickly. Appointments are limited.

Bloomingdale's at Tysons Corner is having one of my favorite events on Tuesday, April 20, and you can attend at either 11:00 am or 6:30 pm. It's a Beauty 101 Workshop/Master Class. I went in the fall of 2009 and had a blast. This season, the event will be set up as a classroom-style learning seminar. Each session will last about 45 minutes. Tickets are $25, which is totally redeemable in product, and each attendee will receive a composition book to take notes and a tote bag. There will also be lots of samples of various products for you and prizes to win as well. Take my word, this is always a fun event! If you want to participate, call your favorite counter at (703) 556-4600 to reserve a seat.

There is an Armani Beauty Master Class with Loyd Cassler and his Armani Beauty Team at Saks Fifth Avenue at Chevy Chase, Maryland. It will be held on April 22 at 5:30 pm. You will need a reservation, and you can e-mail me at bestthingsinbeauty@gmail.com to make one. There are a few seats left. The event is free, and it's the first day of Saks Friends & Family, so if you decide you can't live without any of the wonderful Armani Beauty products, you will receive the Friends & Family discount.

Shiseido is having a fabulous event at Macy's at Pentagon City on April 24 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. With an appointment, you will be able to have a consultation and makeover with Renato Almeido, Shisedo National Makeup Artist, to celebrate the Spring 2010 makeup collection. Designed by Dick Page, the collection allows you to create an entire spectrum of flattering looks, perfect for any occasion. The latest Shiseido collection is hot. To make an appointment, call the Shiseido counter at (703) 418-4488. These appointments are going to go fast, so hurry if you want a fun Saturday makeover.

Wondering where the snazzy graphic at the top of this post came from? Shiseido sponsored a Graphic Design Challenge at the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The winner, Joe Parisi, was awarded a $5,000 tuition prize from Shiseido to attend the Westwood College School of Design.

The awards ceremony took place this past Friday at Cherry Blast, a lively party that celebrated both Japanese and contemporary DC culture. At the event, guests explored two rooms packed with interactive art – a merging of art and real life – created by local artists. Congratulations, Joe! And many thanks to Shiseido for supporting our local artists.

Design by Joe Parisi and courtesy of Shiseido

Perricone MD Skin & Total Body Supplements Giveaway Contest Winner

We have a winner, selected by a small panel of independent judges. Congratulations to 1955 Nurse, who was notified by e-mail! I am envious, actually. I would love to have the Skin & Total Body Supplements.

Targeted nutritional supplements are an essential part of Dr. Perricone's three-tier approach for a healthy body and beautiful skin. This perfectly dosed daily program of nutrients is designed to help support a healthy immune system and improve cognitive skills, while enhancing the look of the skin. Skin & Total Body supplements support bone and joint function, fight free radical damage, and stimulate healthy growth of hair and nails. They also help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and give skin a radiant and glowing appearance. These supplements are the ideal cocktail of "healthy skin vitamins." We'll ask our 1955 Nurse to check in and let us know how she likes them.

My thanks to all who commented and entered this fabulous contest and to Perricone MD for our prize. Dr. Perricone has been very generous with Best Things in Beauty readers. We appreciate it!

Make sure check out the Dr. Perricone diet and other Perricone supplements. There is a lot of good information on Dr. Perricone's blog. I think you will enjoy your visit.

I posted a new giveaway contest this morning, and we have some others already lined up for the next few weeks. So keep checking in. Thanks for reading Best Things in Beauty!

Photo courtesy of Perricone MD

Perricone MD Cold Plasma

I have been using Cold Plasma ($150), the new Perricone MD award-winning skin care wonder-product, for about a month, and I'm impressed. No wonder Dr. Perricone won a 2009 WWD Beauty Biz Award for Prestige Product Breakthrough of the Year in the skin category for Cold Plasma.

Formulated with Dr. Perricone's patented delivery system, Cold Plasma addresses the 10 most visible signs of aging: wrinkles, enlarged pores, dryness, discoloration, redness, uneven skin tone, impurities, loss of firmness, loss of smoothness, and loss of radiance.

This revolutionary product is designed to help enhance your current anti-aging routine through the power of "biochemical individuality." Cold Plasma works through a patented ionic (i.e., charged particles) suspension carrier system that allows your skin to "extract" from Cold Plasma’s formula according to your individual, unique needs. This personalized system, called biochemical individuality, is a self-selection process charged by phospholipids, major cell membrane components. Phospholipids are fat derivatives that help lock in moisture because phosopholipid bilayers have hydrophilic (attracted to water) heads facing outward and hydrophobic (mix poorly with water) tails facing inward toward each other. The phospholipids in this formula help direct needed nutrients where they can be effectively used through the cell membrane. This means that if any of the ingredients aren’t needed, they just won’t be used. Pretty cool, huh? Cold Plasma was developed through five years of collaboration with physicists at Los Alamos Laboratories (a site I was privileged to visit years ago).

Beyond the unique delivery system, the key ingredients/technology behind this product include:

• Advanced neuropeptide technology to give anti-inflammatory effects, which assist in slowing 10 signs of aging;
• DMAE to help stimulate nerve function, thus causing muscles under the skin to tighten, providing a lifted and firmer appearance to sagging skin;
• L-tyrosine, an amino acid that brightens skin to help radiate a youthful glow; and
  
• DHA, an essential amino acid, to support the preservation and hydration of skin.

Cold plasma is free of parabens, fragrance, sulfates, mineral oil, artificial colors, and fillers.

When I first started using Cold Plasma, I was applying it over my "regular" anti-aging serum and using it as a moisturizer. I noticed right away that my skin was more smooth and firm, although I didn't find it to be extremely hydrated. The texture of Cold Plasma is best described as a creamy gel. I wondered how it would be heavy enough to moisturize my extremely dry winter skin. What I didn't realize was that I was using it incorrectly. Perricone's Mid-Atlantic superstar Rene Marshall told me to use Cold Plasma under my other products, so I started substituting it for the serum I was using.

That did the trick! Used to enhance my skin care regimen, Cold Plasma has been extremely effective. Now I want to add on other Perricone products to see how much better it can get! Dr. Perricone's own studies have found that 94% of test participants were pleased with the results they saw from using Cold Plasma, 89% indicated that their skin had never looked healthier and smoother, 85% saw instant results (as I did), and 79% believed Cold Plasma was the best skin care product they had ever used. Wow!

I believe that younger women or those with oily or combination skin will find that they don't need to add a moisturizer over Cold Plasma. The nutrients alone will be enough to perfect your skin. Dr. Perricone said in an interview with Vanity Fair that one should follow Cold Plasma with a moisturizer, if necessary. Just because I need a moisturizer for extremely dry skin doesn't mean you will.

We had our own Cold Plasma giveaway contest a few months ago - won by GeorgiaMist. Right now, and only through today, March 7, you can enter to win Cold Plasma at Fabulous Over Forty. What are you waiting for? Head over and enter - this is a fabulous product!

While you are at it, we have a Perricone MD giveaway contest going for Skin & Total Body Dietary Supplements. As I write this at 5:00 am Sunday, I find it hard to believe that only six people have entered to win $140 worth of effective vitamins and nutrients especially designed to make you look good and feel good. I know you have visited. Why haven't you entered yet?

If you don't win the contest at Fabulous Over Forty, you can purchase Cold Plasma at Dr. Perricone's Web site, the Perricone flagship store in New York, Nordstrom, Sephora, and many other retail locations.

Photo courtesy of Perricone MD

Perricone MD Skin & Total Body Supplements Giveaway Contest

I am so excited about this giveaway contest, sponsored by Perricone MD! I have wanted to try Dr. Perricone's supplements because everyone raves about them. Now, one of you will have the opportunity to try the Skin & Total Body dietary supplements ($140)!

At the Nordstrom Beauty Trends Show in the fall, Nordstrom's beauty guru Julianne De’Chaump and others told us what an incredible difference the supplements have made for their skin, energy levels, and general well-being. Skin & Total Body works from the inside out to nourish and reveal healthy, glowing skin.

Targeted nutritional supplements are an essential part of Dr. Perricone's three-tier approach for a healthy body and beautiful skin. This perfectly dosed daily program of nutrients is designed to help support a healthy immune system and improve cognitive skills, while enhancing the look of the skin. Skin & Total Body supplements support bone and joint function, fight free radical damage, and stimulate healthy growth of hair and nails. They also help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and give skin a radiant and glowing appearance. These supplements are the ideal cocktail of "healthy skin vitamins."

Dr. Perricone recommends taking one packet twice daily with meals. At the Trends Show, it was suggested you could cheat and take one packet per day, making a 30-day supply last 60 days. The way I look at it, that makes sense if you take good care of your skin and have a healthy diet (see below). If you need help, though, you should take the supplements as directed.

Perricone MD is generously providing BTiB a 30-day supply of Skin & Total Body to give away. Each packet in the supply contains three softgels, two capsules, and three caplets. Among the ingredients are Omega 3, skin and joint essentials, calcium and magnesium, and lots of antioxidants.

How can you enter to win? The contest is open to U.S. and Canadian residents. Leave a comment on this post and share with us why you want or need these supplements. (I can't enter - sob!)

Then, e-mail bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com and identify your comment. You can never be too careful about sharing your e-mail address on a blog, so I would follow this second step if I were you. The deadline for entries will be midnight March 12. A small panel of judges will select the winner.

While you are thinking about your entry, check out the Dr. Perricone diet and other Perricone supplements that will interest you and inspire your entry! That's a big hint. There is actually a lot of good information on Dr. Perricone's blog. I think you will enjoy your visit.

I'll be posting this giveaway contest at Free!Grechen, a great giveaway site you should get to know. I'll also be tweeting it to spread the word.

Good Luck! This is quite a prize!

Photo courtesy of Perricone MD

Perricone MD Nutritive Cleanser

Perricone MD Cosmeceuticals Nutritive Cleanser ($60 for the super size) is an anti-aging cleanser that features two key patented Perricone anti-aging ingredients, Alpha Lipoic Acid and DMAE.

Nutritive Cleanser is gentle enough to be used twice a day. It washes away makeup and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils. The ingredients provide anti-aging benefits and help reveal a brighter and smoother skin surface. After cleansing, your face will be perfectly prepared for your skin-care treatment products.

I was given a generous sample of Nutritive Cleanser that I have been using every night. It removes makeup with ease (even mascara), and it leaves my face feeling nice and clean. Even though cleanser is on the skin for a very short period, I have noticed some tightening of my pores after use, fortunately without any taut feeling. The cleanser has a very pleasant powdery fragrance that doesn't linger past its removal - perfect!

Besides being paraben-free, Nutritive Cleanser has two ingredients designed to bring back your glow.

Alpha Lipoic Acid

• The ultimate antioxidant protects cells
• Diminishes fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration
• Refines skin texture
• Reduces pore size, puffiness, imperfections, and uneven skin tone

DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol)

• Provides ultimate contouring benefits to skin beginning to lose elasticity
• Delivers lifted, tightened, and toned appearance to the skin
• Diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

You can see the Perricone MD products at the Perricone MD Web site (where the first 400 orders will come with deluxe samples of Cold Plasma and No Foundation Foundation), Nordstrom, and Sephora. I am trying other well-regarded Perricone products, including the new, award-winning Cold Plasma, and can't wait to tell you more. So far, the results have been great!

If you are interested in learning more about skin care and Dr. Perricone's recommendations, you might have fun checking out his blog, Daily Perricone!

One more thing...Perricone has new packaging, so you will see less "clinical" packaging replacing the packaging shown here. The sleek, new packaging is color-coded, with green for age prevention, bronze brown for age correction, silver for ageless, and blue for clear skin. I like it!

Photo courtesy of Perricone MD

Perricone MD Cold Plasma Giveaway Contest Winner

We have a lucky winner! GeorgiaMist, who was notified by e-mail, will receive Perricone MD's Cold Plasma, a $150 product. She got the most votes from our independent judges, making her "the one." GeorgiaMist, your Cold Plasma will be mailed to you directly by our sponsor. Congratulations!

Dr. Perricone won a 2009 WWD Beauty Biz Breakthrough of the Year Award for Cold Plasma in the Prestige Skin Category. You can find out more about Cold Plasma at this Best Things in Beauty link or by visiting the Perricone MD blog.

My thanks to Perricone MD for sponsoring this terrific and generous giveaway contest - and to our judges who selected the winner. I was convinced with each comment that we had a winner, so there was no way I could serve as a judge. Our independent judges had a tough time too; there were many of you who got their votes. Thank you for entering and for your kind e-mail messages. Happy New Year to all!

We will start a new giveaway Monday. Stay tuned!

Photo courtesy of Perricone MD

Perricone Cold Plasma Giveaway Contest

The generous folks at Perricone MD are sponsoring a Best Things in Beauty giveaway contest for a fabulous new product: Cold Plasma ($150)! You just read at Best Things in Beauty that Dr. Perricone won a 2009 WWD Beauty Biz Award for Prestige Product Breakthrough of the Year in the skin category for Cold Plasma.

This revolutionary product is designed to help enhance your current anti-aging routine through the power of "biochemical individuality." Cold Plasma works through a patented ionic (i.e., charged particles) suspension carrier system that allows your skin to "extract" from Cold Plasma’s formula according to your individual, unique needs. This personalized system, called biochemical individuality, is a self-selection process charged by phospholipids, major cell membrane components. Phospholipids are fat derivatives that help lock in moisture because phosopholipid bilayers have hydrophilic (attracted to water) heads facing outward and hydrophobic (mix poorly with water) tails facing inward toward each other. The phospholipids in this formula help direct needed nutrients where they can be effectively used through the cell membrane. This means that if any of the ingredients aren’t needed, they just won’t be used. Pretty cool, huh? Cold Plasma was developed through five years of collaboration with physicists at Los Alamos Laboratories (a site I was privileged to visit years ago).

Beyond the unique delivery system, the key ingredients/technology behind this product include:

• Advanced neuropeptide technology to give anti-inflammatory effects, which assist in slowing 10 signs of aging;
• DMAE to help stimulate nerve function, thus causing muscles under the skin to tighten, providing a lifted and firmer appearance to sagging skin;
• L-tyrosine, an amino acid that brightens skin to help radiate a youthful glow; and
  
• DHA, an essential amino acid, to support the preservation and hydration of skin.

All that without parabens, fragrance, sulfates, mineral oil, fillers, or artificial colorants!

So, how can you win this award-winning product from Dr. Perricone? Two steps. First, leave a comment with this posting (with your first name or favorite online name) explaining why you need a product like this for your skin. Second, send an e-mail to bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com identifying your comment with your name. Please put Cold Plasma in the subject line. The most compelling entry will win. Since I'm such a softie, I will enlist a small panel of independent judges to select the winner. Then our generous contest hosts will send Cold Plasma to the lucky winner.

The deadline for entries will be December 31 at 5:00 pm Eastern Time (we are running this contest for 10 days so that none of you miss it over the holidays). The contest is limited to U.S. and Canadian residents. I will be announcing this contest posting at Free!Grechen, my giveaway contest partner.

Want to learn more before you enter? Check out the Perricone MD blog! It has great information about skin care and Dr. Perricone's innovative products. I plan to post more information about Cold Plasma while the contest is open. Stay tuned and good luck!

Update 12/26: I extended the deadline by two days. So many are traveling, so the two extra days may give you more time to enter.

Photo courtesy of Perricone MD