HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Wishing everyone peace, love and joy for today and the rest of your tomorrows.

With love and gratitude for a wonderful year!
Editorial Staff,
Beauty Editor Post
beautyeditorpost@gmail.com

2010 GIFT SETS - BARE ESCENTUALS BEYOND GORGEOUS

Bare Escentuals offers a makeup collection full of extraordinary beauty. The collection includes . . . Original Mineral Veil, Satin Ruffle Eyecolor, Frills Eyecolor, Pink Ribbon Blush, 100% Natural Lipgloss, Big & Bright Eyeliner, Flawless Definition Volumizing Mascara, Eye Shaping Blush, Flawless Application Face Brush, and a keepsake box for storing all of your new treasures. "Gorgeous, with all its playful touches."
A $145 value for $54.

2010 GIFT SETS - ELEMIS

Elemis Replenish Moisture Duo is a perfect gift to give during the holidays. Elemis Maximum Moisture Day Cream uses desert plant extracts to protect the skin against climate change while adjusting to the skin's ever changing needs for moisture and protection.

Elemis Maximum Replenish Night Cream uses prickly pear, lotus flower, and other interesting ingredients to support the skin's renewal process during the night. With each purchase of the Maximum Moisture Day Cream each customer will receive a free Maximum Replenish Night Cream - a $65 value! If you would like to save an additional 20% for online purchases over $49, use the promotional code MISTLETOE1 and enjoy the savings.

2010 GIFT SETS - EMINENCE HOLIDAY TREATS AND TRIP FOR TWO

Eminence is celebrating this Christmas Season by offering their Spa Goodie Bags and Beyond Organic Gift Boxes. The 2010 Spa Goodie Bag includes a 4oz Cranberry Pomegranate Sugar Scrub, 2oz Naseberry Cranberry Body Wash, 2oz Naseberry Body Lotion and a loofah. The Beyond Organic Gift Box contains a full size Bearberry Eye Cream and all nine products in the Biodynamic collection. Each purchase of either of these Gift Sets is accompanied by a chance to win a trip for two to the Golden Door at Naples Grande Beach Resort in Florida . . . "sophisticated, soulful relaxation."

2010 GIFT SETS - DERMALOGICA SMOOTH AND RENEW KIT

The Gentle Cream Exfoliant, a non-abrasive hydroxy acid exfoliation treatment, is accompanied with free travel sizes of the Skin Hydrating Masque (0.75 oz) and Skin Hydrating Booster (0.25 oz). InStyle Magazine quotes the Gentle Cream Exfoliant as, "a favorite for its mildly exfoliating fruit enzymes," while naming the Skin Hydrating Masque as the best in its league. Retail Value $66.00 Season Promotion Gift Set Price $36.00

Beauty Gone Wild - "The Story of Cosmetics" Continues

A continued discussion on "The Story of Cosmetics" video, the critique and the rebuttal of the critique.

Beauty Gone Wild - "The Story Of Cosmetics" Critique

There are always two sides to every story. Therefore, in the spirit of fairness and neutrality, please take the time to watch this video which critiques the "The Story of Cosmetics" posted on December 3rd. Listen, learn and remember that the truth is generally found somewhere in the middle.

Beauty Gone Wild - "The Story of Cosmetics" Video

Did you know that the words like 'herbal', 'natural' and 'organic' have no real legal definition? Consequently, anyone can manufacture and promote a line of cosmetics and call it 'natural' or 'organic'. "The Story of Cosmetics" video is sourced from the Coming Clean Campaign (Campaigning for Organic Integrity) and is worth taking the time to watch, after which, you can then make up your own mind as to what products you choose to use. Choose safe and healthy. Support honest labelling. Educate yourself on green chemistry. Learn to read labels. Stay tuned . . .

Beauty Gone Wild - Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is used in skin care to temporarily lighten pigmentations such as freckles, pregnancy mask and age spots by inhibiting the process that leads to discoloration. In the United States, the FDA estimates there are 65 companies selling more than 200 products containing hydroquinone in an array of over-the-counter products (up to 2% strength) and prescriptions (up to 4%). The most common preparation is a 3% topical solution that is generally applied twice a day on non irritated skin (eye and mouth areas must be avoided).

Hydroquinone has been shrouded in controversy since 2001 when it was banned in Europe following clinical tests showing it was the cause of leukemia in mice when used in large doses for a long period of time. Japan, Australia and Canada followed suit. The U.S. has proposed a ban, or at the very least, the FDA is pushing for stronger regulations and physician's prescriptions. Currently, there is a four month grace period while the new proposed regulations are being discussed. For now, if you live in the U.S., you have a choice as to whether to use it, or not. It is a time to do your homework and make a wise personal decision.

Cautionary Info:
Exposure to ultra violet rays will trigger repigmentation of the bleached areas. It is always recommended to avoid UV exposure and wear sun protection. It is not recommended if you have allergies to sulfites. There can be side effects, or allergic reactions, such as a rash, erythema (redness), swelling, blistering, drying of the skin, cracking or peeling of the skin, even shortness of breath. In rare cases Onchronosis can develop, which is a blue black darkening and thickening of the skin. There has also been some evidence of abnormal adrenal functioning and high mercury levels in individuals using topical hydroquinone as well as some research has shown it to be a carcinogen.

The good news? There are so many other options to lightening pigmentation that are effective without the side effects or aggression of this compound. Some may take a little longer to show results, but there is no question they are much safer.

Stay tuned . . .

Beauty Gone Wild - The EU vs The FDA

The European Union (EU) in Europe and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the United States are the two agencies responsible for examining and ensuring the safety of products that reach the consumer. The FDA is set up to protect consumers from products, drugs, medical devices, cosmetics and dietary supplements that are deemed unsafe or ineffective. The European Union "establishes safety, health and environmental protocols" for its citizens. A CE mark on a European product indicates that a product is certified and has met the EU's safety standards.

Europe has always been the leader in the beauty industry. That said, they have stricter laws and regulations on the safety of product ingredients (and procedures) that pose a potential risk of toxicity, and as a result, have banished more beauty products than the U.S. The latest statistics show the FDA has restricted the use of approximately 10 ingredients. What does this tell us? Stay tuned while we explore the world of beauty gone wild.

Micro Current Facial Lifts

As we get older, changes appear in our skin and our muscle structure as well. Exercise helps the skeletal muscles of our body stay healthy and firm, but what about the muscles of the face? If it were exercise alone, you would think with all of the talking, facial expressions, and chewing our faces would be toned. Instead we start to see the cheek muscles soften causing the nasolabial folds to deepen, the eyebrows seem to be a little lower, the lip line weakens, and there is a vertical wrinkle, or two, between the eyebrows. What is a good non-invasive treatment to consider?

It is well documented that electro-stimulation can be very effective. As we get older the receptors that cause muscle contractions become less responsive to nerve stimulation causing the muscles to become too relaxed, or too constricted. This micro-current apparatus does not exercise the muscles, but instead re-educates the muscles to regain good tone and respond more efficiently to the natural currents of nerve stimulation. Micro-current treatments can offer great results without any surgery or down time. It is also very effective when used as a maintenance routine for facelifts. Remember, not even surgery offers permanent results, . . . the aging process carries on. What can you expect? A visible change should be noticed after one treatment, usually the contour of the jaw is more defined, the eyebrows are raised, the lines soften around the eye, the lip line is higher, as are the cheeks. To enhance the initial result and have lasting results, these treatments are recommended in a series of 2 or 3 times per week for 12 treatments, followed by a maintenance treatment every 4 to 6 weeks. The completion of a series has the potential to shave off 10 years.

Each treatment takes approximately one hour, is completely relaxing, entirely pain free, and presents no risk factors. Costs vary, but a package of treatments will generally run on average $1200, give or take. The costs also greatly depend on the condition of your skin at the beginning of the treatments and on how well you treat your skin on a daily basis. Highly recommended.

* If you need assistance locating a spa or salon offering this type of procedure in your area, email us at beautyeditorpost@gmail.com

Dysport - The New Botox

Dysport (Medicis) is the new alternative to Botox (Allergan). In fact, Dysport is made from the same botulinum toxin as Botox. FDA clearance was recently granted to Medicis, famous for their two great dermal fillers, Restylane and Perlane. Dysport is said to be "faster acting" with a greater "spread" giving a more natural appearance and requiring fewer injections. Dysport has the ability to last up to a few months longer than Botox since it contains less protein which is more difficult for the body to break down. Botox, on the other hand, is recommended for a smaller, more specific localized area.

The downside? A big one. A human one. As always it is terribly important to select the right professionals with the proper credentials. Since the injections go deeper and the botulinum has a paralytic effect, there is a critical need for precision to avoid the potential that the drug may spread to nearby muscles and cause unwanted side effects in neighboring areas. The professionals who administer these injections really need to know their stuff. Make no mistake . . . there is no room for error.

Dysport (Medicis) vs Botox (Allergan) is going to be an interesting boxing match to watch. It is aptly being described as," the biggest feud since the Hatfields and the McCoys." Well said.

Vampire Lift Video Clip

The vampire trend has certainly caused a stir, bleeding over into the world of plastic surgery. The Vampire Lift's popularity is greatly due to the fact the procedure uses something from your own body reducing the likelihood of allergic reactions and negative reactions.

Liquid Face Lift

Can the signs of aging be erased with a needle instead of a surgical knife? Yes, in fact there are quite a few procedures to choose from. One procedure is called the Liquid Face Lift. The facial filler Juvederm has three different formulations, Juvederm, Juvederm Ultra, Juvederm Ultra Plus. A creative mix of these three gels are injected at varying depths to instantly fill space, plump, and smooth the facial features to create a more youthful shape. Juvederm can fill in the lines around the eyes and under eye area while softening the contours downward toward the cheek. Injections will add definition to the cheekbones, plump up the nasolabial folds and replace volume. The lines above the lips can be gently filled in and add volume to the area. Juvederm will add definition to the jawline and deal with sagging skin by adding much needed volume. The entire procedure takes approximately 30 minutes. Bruising is to be expected to last for approximately seven days. The great part? No incisions. The cost? Approximately $2,200 to $6,000 and will last for a year or so.

Mesotherapy Facial Treatment

A large percentage of those seeking a more youthful appearance are making very different choices when it comes to plastic surgery. The data clearly shows a very definite move away from invasive procedures and toward non-invasive (or minimally invasive) cosmetic enhancements. Dermal fillers and Botox are largely responsible for this trend.

Enter Mesotherapy. Europeans have popularized injectable Mesotherapy treatments for treating aging skin for decades. Mesotherapy is well known to effectively treat cellulite for a smoother, firmer appearance to the skin on the body. Recently, it is gaining speed as a treatment used to rejuvenate lackluster, sagging skin on the face, neck and hands. The treatment includes multiple injections just under the skin (meso layer) with one of a variety of special formulations consisting of vitamins, minerals, vital amino acids, natural extracts, nucleic acids, and coenzymes. These injections rejuvenate the cells and create activity, which in turn, stimulate the production of the body's own collagen and elastin.

Results are generally seen after the first treatment, but most medical professionals will recommend treatments repeated every second week for 10 weeks, followed by a consistent maintenance program. This treatment is not for the faint of heart. Each treatment will run between $200- $400 per treatment. It is not FDA approved.