Josie Maran Argan Blend Concealer

New for Spring 2011, Josie Maran's two-shade Argan Blend Concealer ($28) provides long-lasting, repairing coverage that hides imperfections while hydrating the skin with Josie’s signature ingredient, organic argan oil. The dual shades are intended to work together to correct and conceal flaws and highlight skin tone, helping women address the appearance of lines, wrinkles, and discoloration, while concealing dark circles, blemishes, age spots, and redness.

You probably know that argan oil - a hot skin care and hair care ingredient - is produced from the argan tree from Morocco. The oil is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, which have anti-aging properties. This organic ingredient is known to help and prevent dehydration, inflammation, hyperpigmentation, and sebum production. It's the basis for Josie Maran's fabulous line of beauty products, many of which I love.

Argan Blend Concealer is a very nice, creamy, long-lasting concealer. I have only one problem with it. The lightest color duo is too dark for my skin. It's available in three color combinations, Sand (light), Suede (medium), and Chestnut (dark). I purchased Sand from Sephora online.

The concealer duo has two shades, one yellow-based and one pink-based. You can use them alone or mix them - theoretically to customize a shade that's perfect for your skin tone or the place on your face where you need concealer. With Sand, both shades are too dark for my skin, and they are no lighter when mixed.

It's not going to be easy for you to see that in my swatch photo. I applied the shades with a sponge-tipped applicator to try to show the shades adequately. At the top - if you can see it at all - is the yellow-toned shade. The pink one is in the middle. A mixture of the two is shown at the bottom. My photo was taken in full sun. The yellow shade is very yellow. The pink one is very pink - almost unnatural. Mixed, they are no better on my skin.

It's really too bad because I like the texture, consistency, and blendability of this concealer. I prefer concealers that are just slightly lighter than my own skin tone because they brighten while they conceal. When a concealer is too dark, it draws attention to the areas I'm trying to conceal, making them look muddy. I wish Josie Maran had introduced a color that would work for us extremely fair types.

If you are interested in Argan Blend Concealer, don't buy it online, sight unseen like I did. Go to Sephora and test it to make sure one of the three shade duos will work for you. You can also order Argan Blend Concealer online from Josie Maran's own Web site.

Photo at top courtesy of Josie Maran

Resveratrol Age-Revitalizing Fruit Chews from ResVitále

Finally - a dietary supplement that tastes so good I look forward to chewing it! Resveratrol Age-Revitalizing Fruit Chews ($19.99) from ResVitále are little, individually wrapped chewies that are packed with resveratrol in an amount equal to 60 glasses of red wine! I can chew a little candy and get all the benefits of my favorite French red wines without spending over $100/bottle!

We've all heard that red wine contains resveratrol, a powerful polyphenol found in the skin, seeds, stems, and vines of red wine grapes, which has significant antioxidant properties. Resveratrol is thought by many to explain the "French Paradox," the fact that the French have a remarkably low incidence of heart disease compared to Americans, despite a diet rich in butter (thank you, Julia Child!) and other fatty foods. Actually, the fact that French people walk much more than Americans may be another significant factor. The level of obesity in the United States, particularly among children, is a frightening health crisis.

There are over 2,000 clinical studies documenting the amazing benefits of resveratrol. Anyone who doesn't see a benefit to increasing it in the diet may also believe the earth is flat and that global warming is a political plot. [Sorry, non-believers, science can explain why our cold winters are actually tied to global warming.]

I'm going to get techie on you for a few moments. Harvard University biochemists believe that resveratrol turns on the sirtuin gene, also known as the SIRT1 longevity gene. By activating this gene, scientists believe resveratrol mimics the effects of caloric restriction, which is thought to slow the aging process by limiting dietary energy intake. Resveratrol is also thought to slow many of the degenerative effects associated with aging and may potentially increase life span. Some of these health benefits may include protection from Alzheimer's, arthritis, cardiac disease, and certain forms of cancer.Trans-Resveratrol, the bioactive form of the resveratrol polyphenol, has been proven in clinical studies to activate SIRT1 and enhance cellular productivity. Trans-Resveratrol has also been shown to increase the number of mitochondria in cells, thus increasing energy capacity and enhancing sensory-motor function.

Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center used resveratrol to aid in fighting pancreatic skin cancer. One article published in the respected journal Science recounted a peer-reviewed finding that resveratrol may be a potential cancer preventative. It has also been found to inhibit tumor growth, mitigate the effects of a high-fat diet (published in Nature), and may even protect against radiation exposure! Just Google resveratrol if you would like to learn more.

I was delighted when ResVitále sent me a package of Resveratrol Age-Revitalizing Fruit Chews. I had been eying the resveratrol supplements at Costco, but had never added them to my already over-burdened cart (I hit the healthy aisle at the end of my roll through the store). The soft chews, made with organic ingredients, are said to:

• Help revitalize the youthful collagen network in the skin;
• Help repair age-related cell damage and restore youthful DNA;
• Boost energy production in cells;
  
• Defend against stress, sun damage, and toxins; and
  
• Contain antioxidant-rich superfruits for serious anti-aging defense.

I have read Dr. Perricone's writings on superfruits, which are rich in antioxidants, and I was already sold on the concept. In fact, I've eaten more blueberries in the last few months than at any other time in my life.

Unfortunately, it's recommended that you eat only one of these little sweets every day (you can have two for "advanced cellular protection"). They are a bit addictive like other fruity chews. Each has only 20 calories, so that shouldn't be a consideration. They leave a slightly sweet aftertaste (like drinking red wine without the alcohol), but cause absolutely no heartburn or "wash-back" the way some dietary supplements do (to me, at least). Because they are individually wrapped, you can take them along easily. I popped a few in my handbag for the mornings when I leave home without consuming my Resveratrol chew. I like them - a lot!

I'd love to be able to tell you that after chewing them for a few weeks I began to look 35 again. Despite what some might think, I'm not crazy. What I do believe is that I'm taking steps, backed up by science, to protect my body, and that makes me feel good. It also makes me feel just a little less guilty when I indulge my cravings for pepperoni pizza, great hamburgers, well-done french fries, and the carbs in my life.

Head over to ResVitále's Web site to find out more about their diverse product line and how to order. If you have a GNC store near you, you can find their products there.

Photo courtesy of ResVitále

Edward Bess Bess-Lash Designer Volumizing Mascara

Edward Bess has a new mascara, Bess-Lash Designer Volumizing Mascara ($30), and it's noteworthy. I'm very happy with it.

You may have noticed that I don't write about mascaras often. There's a reason. I've tried many, including the high-priced ones that get rave reviews, and I have not found them equal to or better than the Maybelline Define-A-Lash I use regularly. Why extol the qualities of a $30 mascara when you have an $8 mascara that works just as well? Finally, I am ready to recommend a $30 mascara!

I ordered Bess-Lash only because it was made by Edward Bess. Here's what his Web site has to say about it.

Your lashes deserve the Bess! Discover mega-lashes like never before. Weightless smudge-proof formula pumps up the volume. Designer brush separates and coats each lash from base to tip for ultimate definition. All eyes on you.

The description has the same spare elegance as his cosmetics. There's no hype beyond the brief description.

What I found when I applied Bess-Lash is that it has the same magnificent qualities of the volumizing Define-A-Lash mascara I've recommended to countless women - and that's a good thing! For a start, it doesn't clump. I am almost fanatical in my dislike of clumpy eyelashes. I don't think women should run around looking like they have applied a shelf of black goo over their eyes. Rather than enhancing them, it distracts. My first reaction is, "That poor makeup victim."

On my first application, I used the brush of Bess-Lash incorrectly. It has widely spaced brush combs, meaning there's a thin row of plastic combs, then a blank space, then another thin row, and more blank space as you turn the wand. The first time I used it, I had been using only the thin row of combs, without holding the wand in a way that the blank space could separate my lashes. This worked perfectly on my lower lashes, but not so well on my top lashes. I always apply mascara to my blond lower lashes - not much, just enough to make them visible.

Then I had a moment of insight and realized I needed to ensure that I was using the blank spaces in addition to the combs on my top lashes. Once I did, I had the keys to the kingdom.

This mascara easily coats my lashes, which are thankfully long, adds some volume without weight (or that dreaded shelf), and separates for a natural look. There are no nasty fibers to fall into my contacts. It stays put all day, without flaking or smudging. My lashes look as nice at the end of a work day as they did when I set off from the house. It comes off without harsh eye makeup removers. What more can you ask from a mascara?

You can purchase Bess-Lash at Edward Bess online or Edward Bess counters at Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus.

Photo courtesy of Edward Bess

R.I.P. Knut

"Baby" Knut died today in his home at a Berlin zoo. No one knows why.

This news hit me hard. The world-famous, adorable polar bear made headlines when he was hand-raised by zoo keepers after being rejected by his mother at birth in December 2006. Bear keeper Heiner Kloes told the Associated Press that Knut "was by himself in his compound, he was in the water, and then he was dead." Kloes added, "He was not sick, we don't know why he died." A post-mortem will be conducted on Monday to try pinpoint his cause of death.

I am extremely sad. This one hit me hard, not only because the little guy captured my heart, but also because the world's love for Knut forced people to think about polar bears and understand the impacts of global warming.

I know that we will see him in heaven. Until then, sweet Knut, we loved you.

Photo courtesy of the Associated Press

Guerlain Terracotta Eau Sous le Vent

I am now officially hoarding Guerlain's Terracotta Eau Sous le Vent ($55). I just purchased my second, and I'm considering a third. I think it's a limited edition, and I don't want to run out - ever. This is the most heavenly hydrating mist I think I've ever used.

Described as a hydrating, tan-enhancing body mist, which might lead you to believe it's tinted or can't be used on your face, Eau Sous le Vent is instead a mist that will make you glow, without adding color. As if that weren't enough, the fragrance is so divine I've even been spraying it on my body before I go to sleep at night.

I've found different descriptions of the fragrance, and the Guerlain product specialist at Neiman Marcus was no help. She said it was jasmine. It's not jasmine. Nordstrom's Web site says it's enhanced with the scent of tiare flower. I read somewhere else it's sweet orange extract/orange blossom. Maybe it contains both. It doesn't matter to me. It's intoxicating.

Eau Sous le Vent's lightweight mist hydrates the skin and is said to amplify your tan (thanks to the Tan Booster complex). I won't be figuring out that tan-boosting quality since I avoid the sun. I can envision it, though, because it adds a slight glow.

Enriched with a vegetable protein, an abundant source of hydro-regulation, its formula helps protect skin against dryness and the intense heat of summer days (or late winter gloom). Guerlain suggests you apply it in the morning to moisturize, after sun exposure to soothe, or as a generous splash of summer fragrance to refresh the skin. I suggest you apply it anytime you want a treat - for your skin or your senses.

As an extra-added benefit, the bottle is very pretty. I like the wooden top that coordinates with the printed design on the clear glass.

I purchased both of mine at Neiman Marcus. I suspect all Guerlain counters have it, but it's selling out quickly. Make sure to try it before it's too late to buy one.

Update 3/21: I finally found and read the package insert, and the fragrance is Tiare, or Tahitian gardenia.

Photo courtesy of Nordstrom

Weekend Roundup - March 19

During the past week, my star magnolia started to burst into bloom. I took this photo late Thursday, right before we had 70-degree weather on Friday, when the rest of the buds opened. I wanted a photo that portrayed the hope and anticipation of spring. We've been talking spring beauty for months. Now, we are eager for the real thing!

A friend at work told me this week she was ready to buy her spring makeup. Each season, she buys a new theme, and she wanted corals and peaches for spring. Good choice! Let's see what our beauty mavens chose to feature this week.

Gaia gave us a sneak peek and color swatches of the new Laura Mercier Gel Lip Colours at The Non Blonde. I have been trying to get my hands on these for weeks! There was only one available in a set, but all of them should arrive at my local Neiman Marcus soon.

Need a little blue for your nails? W magazine reported that cool blue is spring's hottest polish shade. Sabrina compared Dior's and Chanel's iconic blue shades of nail lacquers at The Beauty Look Book.

While in Paris, Amy from Café Makeup is showing us some European-only beauty finds. One of the pieces she featured last week was Chanel's Vitalumiere Eclat compact.

Until she can get her hands on the Chanel European foundation brush, Kari at Fab over Forty found an inexpensive subsititute from Sonia Kashuk for Target. Can't beat the price!

Home beauty tools are becoming more popular than ever. Kelly showed us the latest in beauty gadgets with Micro Needling. Head over to Gouldylox Reviews to find out whether this technique hurts.

No one can deny Cate Blanchett's amazing (and gorgeous) skin. DivaDebbi reviewed some of the SK-II products that Cate uses. Did it do wonders for Debbi's skin, too?

What we put in our bodies is just as important as what we put on them. We know that, although many of us prefer denial (do I look like pepperoni?). Jennifer from BeautyXposé told us about five important foods we should add to our diets.

Want to learn how to get sexy hair with beachy waves? Who doesn't? Laurie from Product Girl tried out the Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray with excellent results. I'm intrigued.

Here at Best Things in Beauty, last week's superstar was Le Métier de Beauté. Dustin Lujan showed me his signature eye shadow application technique, Couches de Couleur. I also got my hands on all three new Crème Fresh Tints for Lips and Cheeks, and they are exquisite. In another feature, I showed everyone the lip colors Dustin and I selected together for my look last weekend. Tomorrow, I hope to show you all of my new Le Métier de Beauté Lip Crème glosses. It has been an exciting LMdB week here!

Photo by BTiB

Bobbi Brown for Dress for Success

“The more you give in life, the more you get back”- Bobbi Brown

Since 2001, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics has supported Dress for Success, an incredible non-profit organization that helps disadvantaged women re-enter the workforce and achieve economic independence. Bobbi knows that a woman's appearance and her feelings of self-worth are inextricably linked.

I have donated business suits and winter coats to Dress for Success many times over the years. I think it's a fabulous organization. That's one reason I'm pumped over this makeup set.

“Dress for Success is an amazing organization because it gives women the tools and knowledge they need to look like and eventually become the person they hope to be,” said Bobbi.

For over 10 years, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics has donated over $1 million in makeup and monetary funds to this effective organization. Bobbi has personally gone above and beyond by hiring women who have completed the Dress for Success program in an effort to empower them and give them a second chance at making a life for themselves. She also participates in makeup lessons with the women, teaching them how to create work-appropriate makeup looks, and has one of her Beauty Team members working with the affiliates on a monthly basis to teach women how to apply makeup for interviews.

This spring, Bobbi is taking her partnership a step further and has created a Dress for Success Makeup Collection. All proceeds from every sale will go directly to the organization. That's generous!

The collection is designed to make it quick and easy for any woman to look her best. It includes the following pretties.

• A new limited-edition Eye Palette featuring Bone Eye Shadow, Beige Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow; Taupe Eye Shadow, Espresso Eye Shadow, and Navy Eye Shadow
• Brownie Lip Color
• Petal Lip Gloss
• Extreme Party Mascara
• Crystal Lip Gloss

I have all of these items, but to support Bobbi Brown and Dress for Success, I will buy this set. Maybe I'll do a giveaway contest, so that one of you can enjoy the pleasures of using Bobbi Brown's makeup. Or maybe I'll get greedy and keep it for myself. You really need to consider buying one!

The collection will be available for $60 exclusively at Macy’s counters in March 2011. That means I need to call Macy's, and if it's in stock, go over this weekend. I can do that!

Photo courtesy of Bobbi Brown