Kiehl's Introduces Organic Açaí Skin Care Collection

WWD reported Friday that Kiehl's has harnessed the power of the antioxidant Brazilian Açaí berry in its first organic skin care collection. The four-product line, due at stores in mid-September, is Ecocert and Cradle-to-Cradle certified. This is more good news for gals who want their skin to live and breathe swaddled in pure ingredients.

WWD spoke with Chris Salgardo, president of Kiehl’s USA, who said, “Since our inception, we have always been known for our service and for creating efficacious products,” said Salgardo, noting that everyone asks for “green” products, but still demand high performance. “We heard that our customers wanted organics, that they wanted paraben-free, that they wanted natural — and they wanted to focus on the first signs of aging. We went to the lab to do all that. The result: our new Açaí line.”

Salgardo also said that Açaí was chosen as the focal ingredient because its “superior antioxidant properties” help combat environmental aggressors and stimulate the skin’s natural renewal process. Grown in Brazil, Açaí has served as a food source for hundreds of years. “Açaí is a powerful superberry, which means a fruit considered to have exceptionally high levels of nutrients, antioxidants, and potential health benefits when compared to other foods. It has high antioxidant levels to help reverse and prevent oxidizing free-radical damage to skin cells arising from environmental and lifestyle stress. It is among the highest in antioxidant capacity of any edible fruit, and it is a broad-spectrum antioxidant, especially effective against superoxides [yikes! toxins that can harm skin cells] and peroxyl free-radicals [implicated in the aging process], which produce oxidative damage on skin.”

In addition, WWD reported that in addition to Açaí, the ingredients include organic lavender and rosemary essential oils, organic orange fruit water, denatured botanical alcohol, and aloe vera juice, all intended to minimize fine lines and wrinkles and increase skin luminosity. I'll bet these products smell great!

The four products offered are: Açaí Damage-Minimizing Cleanser ($25), advertised to cleanse, while preserving the skin's natural moisture barrier; Damage-Protecting Toning Mist ($27), said to improve radiance and rejuvenation of the skin; Damage-Correcting Moisturizer ( $44) to repair oxidative damage to the skin and preserve hydration; and Damage-Repairing Serum ($46), intended to even skin texture and tighten. Although serums usually have the highest concentration of active ingredients, I think I'll try the cleanser.

Here's the rub for you post-40 beauty lovers. The line is targeted at customers who are in their early to mid-30s, who are noticing the first signs of aging. Remember my post about anti-aging being a growth industry? I'm not sure whether this is a clever marketing strategy (particularly given the cartoon advertisements they have prepared), or whether the company feels there are better, stronger products available for more "mature" women.

Nevertheless, if you love Kiehl's, as I do, and you want to give an organic product a whirl, you have another choice in the growing organic field. You can learn more about these new products and purchase them at Kiehl's Web site. If you register and sign in at Kiehl's, you can select three samples. I want a sample of the new Imperial Body Balm.

Photo courtesy of WWD Online, my daily source for beauty news.

Weekly Beauty Blogger Roundup - September 5

Happy Labor Day Weekend! This cat did some Web reading, but from the expression on her face, I'd say she was using that mouse to browse succulent little mousies, not read beauty blogs.

If you get some extra time this weekend, you might want to browse my favorite beauty blog postings of the week.

Kari at Fabulous over Forty told us about Bobbi Brown's Black Plum Beauty palette. She's so right about the shades. Let her know if you liked this posting!

Amber at Beauty Junkies Unite reviewed Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare's three new products. Very interesting.

Karen at Makeup and Beauty Blog told us how to get glowy fast with Benefit's High Beam and Moon Beam. I'm sure Tabs approved.

Beauty411 loves Korres as much as the rest of us!

Interested in runway nail shades? Check out the Beauty Alchemist's review of Chanel Jade Nail Enamels.

Beauty Anonymous gave us a sneak peek at Chanel's Winter 2009 Noirs Obscurs Collection.

Gouldylox Reviews wrapped up her favorite Summer products in three postings.

Annieytown at Blogdorf Goodman had a fun review of Moroccan Oil. We were both born in the year of the rat, but I am dead-sure her birth year came long after mine.

On top of all that, The Fairest sprang to life!

In "other news," you can find links to Best Things in Beauty's (BTiB's) reviews of Lierac Paris products on Lierac's Facebook site. BTiB also made appearances on Nick Chavez's Facebook site. You might want to visit them for more great reviews of these fabulous products.

It's never too late to read this week's BTiB postings! I'm still working hard to provide useful information for the discriminating beauty shopper. Hope you enjoy!

Photo courtesy of http://studentorgs.utexas.edu/prevet/officers.htm

Chanel's Rouge Allure Satin Lip Colour and Lip Lacquer

Finally, I was able to see the new Rouge Allure lip colors in person at Saks!

The new Luminous Satin Lip Colour ($30) shades are: Mythic, a light beige; Fatale, a deep plum; Orientale, a rose beige; Desireable, a true rose; Adorable, a pink rose; Ardent, rosewood; Audace, a true red; and Lover, a blue red.

They come in a cool flip-up case, which has that elegant appearance we have come to expect from Chanel. The darker shades are very dark and intense. There is no way I could wear them. I was "taken with" the pinks, Desireable and Adorable, though. The lipsticks feel creamy on the lips, and the colors are very pretty. These came home with me.

The new Luminous Satin Lip Lacquer ($32) was not my cup of tea. That doesn't mean you won't like it. I think I was expecting a more gloss-like look and feel. The Lip Lacquers are anything but gloss-like. I would describe them as liquid lipsticks. The color is intense and opaque, and I couldn't find a shade, among the eight on display, that I really loved. But if you love strong lip color, you will love Lip Lacquer. It's nice and creamy too.

You can see the new lip colors now at Chanel online and Saks. I'm sure they will be available at a department store near you very soon.

Photo courtesy of Chanel.

Sisley Supremÿa - More Information - More Tempting

Last night, I attended a Sisley master class at Neiman Marcus at Tysons Galleria. Our instructor was Anita Bahramy, a young, beautiful lady with gorgeous skin. If she's an example of the results we can achieve with Sisley products, I'm there!

Even though there were tempting Sisley makeup testers scattered about, we focused on skin care. The attendees were all interested in ingredients, effectiveness, and results, and Anita delivered. She was able to answer our questions with ease - obviously, she knows her product line.

We got right to the latest big thing, Supremya ($750). Supremya is meant to be used at night, when our skin cells have an opportunity to rest and regenerate, without stress, light, or other environmental assaults. Our handout said that when we are young, the natural repair mechanisms of cells in the basal layer of the skin are able to handle what life throws at them. As we age, the skin's natural capacity to repair itself diminishes, slowing cell reproduction and making damaged cells less capable of defensive maneuvers. The result? Wrinkles, along with loss of suppleness, firmness, and/or radiance.

Supremya "pushes back the skin's genetically programmed clock," allowing cells to function at "full capacity." Supremya is made up of "Photo-Complex LC12 and the benefits of 25 synergistic anti-aging actions in the highest concentration ever designed by Sisley." Because there is a patent-pending, they still won't tell me what's in Phyto-Complex LC12 (Lengevity Concentrate 12h).

The premise for its effectiveness is that the complex increases cellular communication to boost synthesis of longevity proteins and heat shock proteins, two components vital to the preservation of cellular DNA and regeneration. Supreyma doubles the life span of cells, increases their capacity to resist environmental assault, and prompts them to create new, healthy cells at an accelerated rate.

Here is what our handout said we could expect.

• Cell life span doubled (makes cells live 60% longer) and capacity to resist stress and self-repair increased "considerably"
• Sixty percent decrease in the number of calls destroyed by UVB radiation
• Cellular DNA preserved, and dermal/epidermal exchange increased
• Evident improvement in the density and texture of the dermis
• Younger, firmer, smoother, and more luminous skin
• Better protection against life's daily aggressions (I don't think they mean other drivers on the road)

I got another sample - yea! Here's what I can tell you about my use of the last sample. After squandering it by using it all over my face for a few nights, leaving me with little to evaluate, I started using it only around my mouth. This is where I feel I could use the most help. It only takes a very small amount - you massage it into your wrinkled areas if you only have a tiny amount to test (if you have the full-sized product, you use it on face and neck). After one week, I am sure that the downturned wrinkles at the corners of my mouth are not as deep. I really can't believe it, but I can see the results. So, will I be springing for this $750 wonder? Almost certainly, yes!

You can learn more about the product at Sisley's Web site and, of course, at Best Things in Beauty. I'll be featuring more Sisley products in September.

Photo courtesy of Sisley.

Do You Know about Beautorium?

I didn't know about Beautorium (spelled with a lower case "b" on their Web site) until Amber posted a review of Suki Nectar Pure Cream Stain [for] Lip and Cheek ($40.15) on Beauty Junkies Unite last week. I had to have it!

When I got to the Beautorium Web site, I found a "natural and organic beauty emporium," with lots of specials and brands galore. There was the motto: "Good for your skin, Good for the planet, Good for you." I was smitten.

Beautorium's founders, Ann and Barry, have a great page that explains their philosophy, brand selection criteria, and a unique "Good to Know" system. If you love natural products, you've got to check it out!

Let's start with the brands. There were the familiar Korres, Dr. Hauschka, Trilogy, and Red Flower. Then, there were brands I had never tried, like Suki. I ordered my Nectar, but couldn't stop there. There was a gift (free sensitive cleansing Bar) with a $50 purchase.

Suki is a 100% natural skin care line that was launched in 2002. The products are based on active ingredients, clean environmental processes, and real science. Beautorium told me Suki products were highly effective, highly ethical, and highly evolved - sold! You can read about Suki here.

After browsing, my choice for something new was Suki's Butter Cream Healing Salve ($24.95). The salve is a multi-functional, organic balm and a non-greasy alternative to classic herbal healing salves, which moisturize, heal, and protect areas of your body that need special attention. The description even mentioned eczema. I have a touch of eczema on my chest now and then, and I was looking a bit "pink" the day I ordered. The salve sounded perfect.

What's in it? Organic lavender extract and organic cocoa butter, organic pressed fruit oils, organic healing herbs, and shea and cocoa butters. The blend provides soothing relief from skin irritations and, with luck, helps prevent future occurrences. When it arrived, I instantly smelled the lavender. So relaxing! I love the fragrance.

The salve is almost solid. I dug in with a spatula and "liquified" the product in my palm before applying. I went to sleep with that wonderful lavender fragrance, and it was still with me when I awakened the next morning. Not only that, I was less pink. It works.

I love Beautorium - the site, the selection, the philosophy, the information, and the service (I even knew when my box would arrive). The shipping box told me it was made from recycled materials - excellent. My order was packed carefully, and Beautorium sent me some very nice samples of Suki and other products. I will have a blast playing and trying. They also sent me a natural, reusable carry-all bag - so nice! Don't you love lagniappe?

This is a site I will return to - again and again. Why don't you spend a little time this long Labor Day weekend and explore Beautorium? I bet you'll like it too.

Photo courtesy of Beautorium.

Long Weekend Shopping: Clinique Gift, Ulta, and More

This weekend will be a great time to shop for beauty products! Here are just a few of the offers that have arrived in my e-mail box.

Bloomingdale's has a very nice Clinique gift, shown here, with a purchase of $25 or more.

I have started to anticipate the arrival of Ulta's monthly catalog of promotions. The latest didn't disappoint. The promotions, which include gifts with purchase from bareMinerals, Too Faced, Cargo, Smashbox, and Benefit, start on Sunday, September 6. Use code 23581 for $3.50 off any purchase of $10 or more. Ulta still has their 20% off special through September 5, but some of their best premium products are excluded.

Bliss has a free six-ounce hot salt scrub and free shipping with any purchase of vanilla+bergamot body butter. Enter code EML9902 until September 10.

Beauty.com has a great gift with purchase. As a rule, their gift bags are fabulous, and this one appears to be the norm: fabulous. You will receive the bag of samples with any $100 purchase while supplies last or until September 15. If you have wanted to try the Nick Chavez Beverly Hills hair products, now's the time.

Beautorium is offering free shipping when you purchase one of their top 10 moisturizers or cleansers. Use code FIVESTAR. While you're there, check out their other specials - there are some great ones.

Skinstore has its Steals and Deals in play, with discounts up to 70% on selected items - while they last.

The weekend free shipping offers abound. Estee Lauder has free shipping with any purchase of $25 or more through the weekend. Enter code LABORDAY at checkout. Clinique has weekend free shipping too. Just use the code WEEK. MAC is offering free shipping on any order. Benefit has free shipping with code PARTYUSA.

Bobbi Brown has free shipping all weekend - no code needed. It's a good time to get a look at her online exclusives, "Labor Day Love" palettes. If you spend $100, you can also get the fabulous Blender Brush. Use code BLEND5 at checkout.

LORAC has a VIP starter set for $18.50. It's a steal. Free shipping too with a purchase of $50 or more.

Beautyhabit is having a huge clearance sale this weekend, and quantities are limited, so act fast. There is some "nice stuff" available. These are final sales.

Korres has free shipping and a free deluxe sample of Sugar Crystal Multivitamin Antixoxidant Treatment with a $25 purchase. Use the code LABORDAY at checkout. The offer expires at the end of the weekend.

The offers keep flying in! Lancome has free shipping all weekend and a free sample of Juicy Tubes Jelly in Bolole with any purchase. No code needed.

That should be enough to get you in trouble. Have a great Labor Day weekend!

Photo courtesy of Bloomingdale's.

White Tea - Antioxidant and Anti-Aging Properties

Cosmetics & Toiletries reported on September 1 that researchers studying the antioxidant and anti-aging properties of 23 plant extracts from 21 plant species found that white tea, along with 11 other plants studied, exhibited high or satisfactory effectiveness in inhibiting two enzymes that contribute to the aging of our skin. Nine of the 11 extracts inhibited both of the enzymes studied.

The nine plant extracts with activities against these enzymes, elastase (which breaks down elastin) and collagenase (which attacks collagen), included white tea, bladderwrack, cleavers, rose tincture, green tea, rose aqueous, angelica, anise, and pomegranate. White tea inhibited both enzymes the most.

The article is pretty technical, but here's the bottom line. The researchers concluded that white tea reduces the risk of inflammation and wrinkles. Neal's Yard, which specializes in organic skin and body care and was a study collaborator, plans to use this information to select effective anti-aging ingredients for its natural skin care lines.

This isn't the first study that has found white tea to be beneficial to skin. In 2003, another study found that the ingredients in white tea are effective in boosting the immune function of skin cells and protecting them against the damaging effects of the sun.

Who makes products with white tea? Origins offers the well-regarded A Perfect World moisturizer for face ($35), and the new Nivea My Silhouette for body ($15.99) contains white tea and anise. Origins products are available at Origins online, Beauty.com, Amazon, some department stores, and Target. The Nivea product is available at CVS and other drugstores.

This is good news for anyone who loves organic skin care products!

Photo courtesy of Cosmetics & Toiletries.