Kate Somerville CytoCell Dark Circle Corrective Eye Cream

I have been using Kate Somerville's new CytoCell Dark Circle Corrective Eye Cream ($75) for over a month, and I love it! It's so much more than a dark circle corrector, I wonder how it got its name. It's clinically proven to treat all signs of aging in the delicate eye area, including fine lines and wrinkles, puffiness, dullness, uneven skin tone - you name it - and dark circles.

I was lucky to be given a "pre-production sample" at the Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie blogger party. It has lasted since late February and shows no signs of running out yet. It must have been close to a full-sized product. I feel privileged because it's so nice.

The eye cream, something like a creamy serum, is intended to reactivate dormant stem cells around the eyes, which “helps with dark circles, fine lines, wrinkles and puffiness,” said Somerville. Just in case you haven't noticed, stem cells are a focus of luxury skin care lately. Key ingredients in CytoCell Eye (nickname for it) include Peptide P-199, said to enhance skin tissue and cellular regeneration, and Eyeseryl (also a peptide) to treat under-eye puffiness and dark circles. Eyeseryl has anti-edema properties.

Somerville's four-week clinical trial demonstrated these fabulous results.

• Reduces under eye dark circles by up to 60%
• Reduces puffiness around the eye area by up to 75%
• Diminishes fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area by up to 60%
• Helps to improve radiance, skin tone, and smoothness

I don't really have dark circles under my eyes, so I won't be the best person to evaluate its effectiveness on them. I can tell you that it reduced the crepiness over my eyes. My crepiness (it comes with age) is not awful, but it's there, and it bothers me. CytoCell Eye also reduces the appearance of the fine lines around my eyes. I have used it day and night and at night alone, and I settled on night only. I like using an effective, but not overly heavy eye cream at night. I don't want to encourage the pooling of fluid while I sleep. CytoCell Eye seems to help banish that wake-up fluid. I did find this cream to ball up a little under my eye primer in the morning, which may be totally due to my primer, not the cream. So, I use it at night.

I love the texture of CytoCell Eye. It is so creamy and nice. I feel hydrated the moment I apply it, and the feeling lasts all night - probably because it absorbs so perfectly. One ample pump (yes, I love the pump container too!) covers both eyes, under and over, with a little for the sides toward my hairline. CytoCell Eye is free of fragrance and parabens, another reason to try it. While some of you may think CytoCell Eye is expensive, I think it's extremely reasonable for state-of-the-art skin care. Compare the prices of Somerville's products to the other latest and greatest eye creams at the department store, and you'll understand why I find the prices extremely reasonable.

Kate Somerville is dedicated to using scientifically proven ingredients in her skin care, and it shows in her products. This isn't the only one of her new introductions; I will be featuring others this week and next. I am a believer.

You can purchase Kate Somerville products at Neiman Marcus, Kate Somerville's Web site, and other department store counters.

DC-area friends: Margarita Vega, Product Specialist for Kate Somerville at Neiman Marcus at Tysons Galleria, will be doing DERMAL QUENCH facials on May 24. Call (703) 761-1600, extension 3304, to book an appointment. I have never experienced a treatment like it; it took years off my face in just a few minutes. If you didn't see my feature, you can read it now at this link. Don't miss an opportunity to have a DERMAL QUENCH treatment. I would buy the machine if I could!

Photo courtesy of Kate Somerville

Ombres Perlées de Chanel Giveaway Contest

The winner is...Soni! Congratulations!

This week's giveaway contest is a blockbuster - all because I thought I would use up the first Ombres Perlées de Chanel palette I purchased, so I bought a second one to use later. Now, it's clear to me, with all the pretty new makeup I purchased for spring and am starting to (and plan to) purchase for summer, that it will take a long time for me to go through these gorgeous eye shadows, introduced for Spring 2011. One of you - the winner of this contest - can have the second (new) one.

The palette offers five luminous shades that flatter the eyes a bit differently in every light. The ultra-refined powder formula, with the luster of fine pearls, is presented in five shades: Blanc Perle, Rose Porcelaine, Violine Clair, Gris Vert, and Gris Noir. If you want to see swatches, pop open this link to my December feature. All of the shades leave a beautiful sheen on the eyelids, a sheen that clings. There's no fallout, no micro-glitter, no artificial powder look to these, features that have turned some off of Chanel eye shadows. The texture of Ombres Perlées de Chanel is exquisite.

The magic of this palette comes from its success in mimicking the luster of pearls. Each shade is characterized by the reflective quality or brilliance of the nacre on the pearl's surface. The more lustrous the pearl, the more it shines and reflects light. The more heavily you apply these shadows, the more lustrous they become. The palette is a perfect tribute to Coco Chanel, whose love of pearls is legendary.

How can you enter to win? Here's the "fine print." Just leave a comment here once. After you comment, feel free to send me an e-mail at bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com and identify your comment. You can never be too careful about sharing an e-mail address you care about on a blog, so feel free to follow this step (an alternative is to code your e-mail, e.g., myname at gmail dot com, in your comment).

You can "earn" a second entry by tweeting this contest. Just make sure to include "@BTiBeauty" (without the quotes) in your tweet. I will tweet the contest this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry. You can earn a third entry by following the blog - either here or on Twitter (any entrant who is already a follower will automatically earn the follower point, but you can save me time by telling me you're a follower in your comment). I can't track followers through a third-party service, so you need to be on Google's list for me to verify the entry.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, April 9, at midnight. The next morning, I will use a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. I will e-mail the winner at that time. The winner will have 48 hours to reply to my message and provide a shipping address. After 48 hours, the prize will be forfeited, and another winner will be selected. Make sure to check your e-mail - and look in your spam folder - when the contest ends.

This contest will be open to anyone anywhere in the world. I will ship the gloss uninsured (the insurance costs as much as the compact - or more - and I can't insure a small Priority box - rules, annoying USPS rules). I will also provide proof of shipping, if necessary. I am going to take a chance that both mail systems will deliver the box - yours and mine - without loss, theft, or destruction! Let's see how it works if we have an "international winner." So far, my luck with international shipping hasn't been very good. I want to keep trying because there are so many of you out there reading my blog (and I'm grateful).

Good luck!

Photo courtesy of Chanel

Sirius Skinsonic Sonic Skincare System - The Illuminating Path to Beauty

The Sirius Skinsonic Skincare System ($49) offers more than its competitors and costs less - far less. When the company offered me an opportunity to try one, I jumped at the chance. I have always wanted to try the well-known sonic technology cleanser (ahem), but honestly, I didn't want to spend the money. When I saw what was offered with the Sirius product - for less than I have paid for a single eye shadow palette - I was amazed.

This system comes with five brush heads/applicators! There is a normal brush, sensitive brush, hydration applicator, exfoliation applicator, and massage applicator. Don't think you need to confine that massage applicator to your face and neck. I've been using it on sore muscles. So, what you get is the power of sonic technology to take care of cleansing, exfoliation, hydration, and toning - all with a single device that's cute as a button and fits easily, without messy cords, right on my bathroom counter.

Sonic cleansers are more effective than manual cleansing. I have used a Sonicare toothbrush for more years than I can count. It brushes my teeth much more effectively than I can with a manual toothbrush. The same is true for sonic skin care. It sweeps away not only makeup and any debris on the skin's surface, but also dead skin cells that clog our pores and make our skin look dull without regular exfoliation. It stands to reason that clean skin is receptive skin. Moisturizers and treatment products absorb better when there's nothing standing in their way.

You are supposed to use the Skinsonic for one minute twice/day for cleansing that is two times better than you can do on your own, exfoliation that is eight times better, and makeup removal that is six times more effective. It claims fast, noticeable results, and I can tell you it delivers.

When mine arrived last month, I immediately reached for the sensitive brush. I have sensitive, thin skin, and I knew it would be the best brush for me to use. I was right. I cleans without any irritation. Just remember, when using a sonic cleanser, to let it do the work. Don't press the brush head into your skin.

The massage/toning brush head, or attachment, is so cool! I will admit, I'm not using it on face as often as I'm using it on my muscles. I love to dash into the bathroom, get my little buddy, and hold the massage attachment on my tight neck muscles or on a leg muscle that's been "mistreated" at physical therapy. Call me crazy; I think I know what I'm doing. The massage/toning applicator is actually intended to be used on nasolabial folds (which I hate) or slackening skin to increase circulation and improve skin density and volume. It should leave your skin smooth, tight, refreshed, and energized.

The hydration applicator is amazing. It really does "punch" your moisturizer or treatment product into your skin, without pain and suffering. I never dreamed. I have not yet tried the exfoliation applicator because I find the Skinsonic itself a perfect exfoliator. Those who have tougher skin may find the exfoliation more effective than their fingers alone.

You don't need to purchase any special skin-care products to use the Skinsonic. Use the products you prefer. The device uses just two AA batteries, which are plentiful at my house. Whenever they expire, I'll have plenty more at the ready. It sits in a small cradle. I like the way the system feels in my hand. It's lightweight and comfortable - easy to use and easy on my hand and arm, with its sleek ergonomic design.

This little marvel is worth much more than its price. The cost is a fraction of what a Clarisonic will set you back, and it offers more. How can you argue with that? It also comes with a money-back guarantee. If you are not delighted with it, the company will refund your money during a generous 60-day trial period. I think that's a safe offer. Head over to Sirius Beauty to learn more or order.

I'll be chatting about skin care all week long, so please come back. I thought this Skinsonic wonder would be a nice kick-off to my newest things in skin care features.

Photo courtesy of Sirius

Bobbi Brown Tawny Shimmer Brick Giveaway Contest Winner

Congratulations to Jenny (notified by e-mail)! She won the Bobbi Brown Tawny Shimmer Brick giveaway contest. I think she's going to be a happy gal when she sees it. She said in her comment that she had never tried a Shimmer Brick. Oh my, I think I am about to corrupt her.

Jenny lives in Canada. That's all I know about her. I hope she has a store that carries Bobbi Brown nearby. Once she wears Tawny, I think she will want a second set of stripes.

It's pretty obvious to me that you gals like makeup, so I will try to stock up next time I go the the Company Store. I think I can get there sometime in the next month.

We will be starting another giveaway contest later today. Come back. In the meantime, thanks very much for reading Best Things in Beauty! I love to read your comments.

Photo courtesy of QVC

Clé de Peau Beauté Cream Foundation SPF 26

Clé de Peau's Cream Foundation SPF 26 ($120) has attracted your attention. I know that from your comments and questions, and I promised to tell you about it. Like me, some of you are Clé de Peau fans. There was a "former" Clé de Peau Silky Cream Foundation. It came in a pot. You may know it. This one has replaced it.

The new foundation is said to adhere evenly to the nanostructure of the skin, offering lasting coverage, a flawless finish, and "unparalleled radiance." Maybe, maybe not. I have used generous samples of the new Cream Foundation (from Neiman Marcus), and I don't love it. That's not to say that you won't. It's just not the right foundation for me - from a color and feel perspective. That's why I dawdled before featuring it.

Let's start with color. My skin is somewhere between an I-10 (ivory) and and O-10 (ochre or yellow). Neither shade is absolutely perfect for me. The ivory is a smidgen too light, and the O-10 is a smidgen too yellow/dark. There is also a B-10 (kind of pink); it's not right for me either. I don't think I have to tell you that I won't be purchasing two $120 foundations to mix the shades. Even I'm not that extravagant.

The Cream Foundation is also a little bit drying on my very dry skin. Some might call it firming and like it. I don't. I don't like a taut feel. The finish is a bit matte on me too - even when I have on plenty of moisturizer underneath. I prefer a more glowing look.

My issues do not mean that you won't love it. I love Clé de Peau makeup, so I attribute my impressions to my peculiarities. I love the SPF 26, but fear it may have something to do with how chalky I look in this foundation. If you have a normal skin type, you may love it. It does leave a nice, smooth finish that is long-lasting and flattering. My recommendation? Don't purchase it online. Go to a counter, try it on, get a sample if you can, and wear it. You may find it's perfect for you.

Photo courtesy of Clé de Peau Beauté

Weekend Roundup - April 2

This was a good week for beauty, from spring's daffodils to our pursuit of the latest and greatest beauty products. Come along with us on a spring tour.

Gaia at The Non-Blonde showed us La Prairie's gorgeous Quiet Berry Cellular Luxe Lip Colour - a shade that will flatter many of us. We also got a peek at Quiet Plum.

Amy continues to dazzle us with features from Paris. This week, she showed us Dior's Mitzah Collection at Café Makeup.

Sabrina's jaw dropped when she saw the new Dior Addict collection. Definitely check in at The Beauty Look Book to find out what's new.

See more of Dior Addict at Fab over Forty! Kari showed the lineup - one you're going to love. I do. I have bought more colors of Dior Addict than any other lipstick line ever.

There was a new eye shadow alert here at Best Things in Beauty, featuring YSL Beauté's Metal Eyes Collection - Pure Chromatics Wet and Dry Eye Shadows.

Puredistance 1, a "serious perfume," has been well received by the perfume world. Jane was smitten too. Head over to Daly Beauty to find out why.

Who doesn't love a sale? Chelsea gave us the 411 on Ulta's sale, with some recommendations. Pop over to BeautyXposé to see some makeup you might consider.

Kelly is fearless. She tried an intense pulsed light treatment. Find out how she fared at Gouldylox Reviews.

Want to see another alternative to the knife? How about chin exercises. Debbi at DivaDebbi swears they work.

Like those classy high-shine nails? Take a look at the China Glaze Island Escape Collection with Carla at Product Girl.

Have we tempted you? Happy shopping!

The Friday Forum - April 1

It it's April, it must be daffodil season! My daffodils have started to bloom, although they are hanging their heads from this week's rain. It has been cold, rainy, and fairly miserable outside, with below-average temperatures. The daffodils and other early flowers are all we have to assure us it's spring.

Yesterday was my last day of physical therapy. I graduated! Actually, I think they kicked me out. While I would like to have continued to go - the discipline is good for me - they made it pretty clear that my insurance would not continue to pay for my visits. That's a good thing, right? I am so grateful to my therapist. He gave me the encouragement, confidence, and support I didn't get from my surgeon. He made me believe yesterday would come, that I would be able to straighten and bend my knee again. He was gentle, but tough - and fun. Who would have thought someone could make torture fun? I'll miss seeing him!

In the next two weeks, a lot of new makeup is going to appear at beauty counters. Yesterday, I popped over to Bloomingdale's at lunch, hoping to see some new introductions. I came back empty-handed (well, not really). The newest products hadn't arrived. I do have a lot of skin care news. I've been using fabulous new products. Testing skin care can take some time, but I'm ready to recommend some of the best things in beauty. Hope you will find the next week interesting.

What's new in your life? It's time for The Friday Forum. We use the forum to share information and chat. Did you find any deals you couldn't resist this week? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By Monday, most readers have moved on.

My giveaway contest for Bobbi Brown's Tawny Shimmer Brick will end tomorrow night at midnight. If you haven't entered yet, now's the time. If you don't play, you can't win!