Well, here is another product that I bought at Sephora recently and of course, apparently I totally wasted my money. I always am a sucker for positive reviews by the sales people. Yes, it is tingly but it really isn’t doing anything. I should have read the ingredients better. Here is my favorite guru, Paula Begoun’s review of Bliss Labs Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask. You can read Paula’s full reviews in her book Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] or on her websites www.cosmeticscop.com and www.beautypedia.com.

Bliss Labs – Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask

Price:   $52.00/3.4 ounces

Claims:

A super-quick-fix for dull, tired, sallow, ‘I’m sick of my’ skin. Engineered to mimic the effects of our spa’s famous triple oxygen facial (but in seconds), this fabulous new complexion brightening formula uses every ‘tech’ in the book to work to furnish you with a fresher, younger-looking face.

Review:

Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask brings us a “complexion brightening” formula that claims to use “every technology in the book to work to furnish you with a fresher, younger-looking face”—but that doesn’t explain why the backbone of this formulation is closer to a cleanser than any age-erasing treatment product. The second ingredient is methyl perfluorobutyl ether, a mild solvent used most often for industrial, not cosmetic, purposes, and it can release oxygen in the presence of water. But the issue this fails to address is that supplying oxygen to otherwise healthy skin isn’t beneficial—after all, oxygen is a prime source of free-radical damage. Further, if Bliss is pro-oxygen, why did they include antioxidants in this product that would in effect block the oxygen from having any impact? This product is a waste of time and a bigger waste of money at the ludicrous price of $52.

So, there you have it. Another $52 bucks I wasted.

No, I’m not really MIA – I just have not had much to post about lately. Actually, I don’t have any money to buy anything to post about (haha). Just kidding.  I’ll be back soon posting items that Paula Begoun adores and loathes. 

Here’s hoping we all have a great 2009!

Ah, Sephora – my favorite store! I never get out of there under $100 though. I remember when Sephora first came to Charlotte – I thought I’d died and gone to heaven. It has sky rocketed in the retail world and has made a huge name for itself in their on-line sales as well. Of course, you can buy some of the same products at some big box retailers such as Belk and Nordstrom but I still prefer to shop at Sephora.

I am not a huge fan of Sephora’s brand of makeup and I thought I would post a few items that Paula Begoun states are great. Unfortunately, there are not that many. Maybe in the years to come they will focus more on the product and not the flashy product packaging!

Here is Paula’s review of Sephora – of course, you can read Paula’s full reviews in her book Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] or on her websites www.cosmeticscop.com and www.beautypedia.com

Sephora At-A-Glance

Strengths: Inexpensive; some good cleansers and makeup removers; the Blotting Papers; good powder foundation; the Light Touch Highlighter; Impressive blush and shiny eyeshadow options; great metallic finish eyeliner; awesome brow kit; bountiful selection of lipsticks and lip glosses; a couple of very good mascaras; several outstanding makeup brushes; the Luminizer shimmer lotion; testers are available in-store for each product, and sales pressure is practically nonexistent.

Weaknesses: Mostly average to below-average toners, moisturizers, and sunscreens; no options for those dealing with acne or skin discolorations; some SPF-rated products (including foundations) lack sufficient UVA-protecting actives; the lip plumper is too irritating; too many disappointing eye-makeup products, including several disappointing eyeliners and brow pencils; unappealing shimmer powders.

**The BEST Sephora makeup products by Paula Begoun**

>Extreme Lash Mascara ($14.00)

>Eye Dew – Liquid ($10.00)

>FACE Exfoliator & Mask, for Normal Skin ($12.00)

>FACE Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover ($10.00)

>Lengthening Mascara ($10.00)

>Long Lasting Metallic Eyeliner ($10.00)

>Luminizer  Sephora ($22.00)

>Roll-Up Blotting Papers ($8.00)

>Sephora Brushes ($4.00-$40.00)

Lee and I are volunteering in the LungStrong 15K (run) / 5K (run/walk) on Saturday, October 18, 2008 at in honor of our friend, Jennifer Bunich, who died suddenly in February from stage 4 lung cancer. Jen had only a few minor symptoms and she was NOT a smoker.

LungStrong (http://www.lungstrong.com/) is a local organization putting on a race and funds raised from this race will go to Lungevity (http://www.lungevity.org/), a research organization out of Chicago, as well as Presbyterian Hospital’s Cancer Ward. This will be the second year of this event and we plan to continue this effort each year and even take the LungStrong organization to a national level.

We are desperate for volunteers! We are in need of over 120 volunteers. PLEASE consider helping us and the fight of lung cancer and sign up to volunteer. Of course, we welcome runners, walkers, sponsors (aka, those who want their name on a banner) and even those who would like to make a simple donation. As a family or friend, I hope you will join us in honoring and remembering our friend, Jennifer Bunich.

Saturday, 10/18/08: Jetton Village – Lake Norman, NC (Rain or Shine)

This is a family event – so please bring your spouses and children and there is a kids race/walk as well.

Today is Jen Bunich’s birthday. As you may know Jen passed away in February of this year from advanced lung cancer with little or no signs and she was not a smoker! She was the co-Founder of Charlotte Smarty Pants and would be so happy to know that today, her birthday, CSP was nominated by viewers as the “Best Blog of 2008” in Creative Loafing. We miss her everyday.

While I am not a fan of the brand bareMinerals, I do like some of their lip products. I just bought the bareMinerals Buxom Babes Tints ($28.00) at ULTA a few days ago and I am shocked at how much I love them. Now, they don’t really ‘plump’ as it says it will, but they do have something that feels like it plumping, but it is not. It’s a cool, refreshing feeling though and they come in 4 lightly scented flavors and my favorite – they are compact and easy to use – you don’t need a mirror! AND, believe it or not, you CAN wear all 4 colors. 

>Cherry Buxom (sheer poppy shine/ cherry-scented)

>Coco Buxom (sheer butter shine/ coconut-scented)

>Margarita Buxom (sheer raspberry shine/ berry-lime scented)
>Melonie Buxom (sheer fuchsia shine/ melon-scented)

Just released: Paula’s Best 2008 Media Tour ‘Least Expensive’ and ‘Expensive Products’. Of course, you can read Paula’s reviews in her book Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] or on her websites www.cosmeticscop.com and www.beautypedia.com

Note from Paula: My Best Products list is now even better! The list of products below has been slightly revised from my original selection due to recent discontinuations of products. Please also keep in mind that although not every product on the list below was rated a Paula’s Pick, that does not mean they’re not worth considering.

Best Water Soluble Cleansers for All Skin Types

>CeraVe - Hydrating Cleanser ($11.49 for 12 oz)

>La Mer - The Cleansing Lotion ($65 for 6.7 oz)

Best Scrubs

>Olay - Definity Pore Redefining Scrub ($9.99 for 5 oz)

>Dior - Exfoliating Face Scrub ($31 for 2.5 oz)

Best Makeup Removers

>Neutrogena - Oil-Free Makeup Remover ($6.99 for 5.5 oz)

>Paula’s Choice - Gentle Touch Makeup Remover ($12.95 for 4 oz)

>Bobbi Brown - Instant Long Wear Makeup Remover ($22 for 3.4 oz)

Best Acne Products

>Neutrogena - Rapid Clear (2% BHA) ($5.54 for 1.7 oz)

>Clean & Clear - Persa Gel ($5.60 for 1 ounce)

>Oxy - Lotion Vanishing ($5.29 for 1 ounce)

>Paula’s Choice - 1% Beta Hydroxy Acid Gel ($17.95 for 4 oz)

>Paula’s Choice - Blemish Fighting Solution ($15.95 for 2.25 oz)

>N.V. Perricone - Outpatient Therapy Acne Treatment Gel Cream ($55 for 2 oz)

Best Moisturizers/Anti-wrinkle

>Olay - Regenerist Perfecting Cream ($18.99 for 1.7 oz)

>Neutrogena - Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream ($17.49 for 1.4 oz)

>Paula’s Choice - Hydrating Treatment Cream ($16.95 for 2 oz)

>Clinique - Repairwear Intensive Night Lotion ($47.50 for 1.7 oz)

>Estee Lauder - CP+ Perfectionist ($55 for 1 ounce)

Best Head to Toe Moisturizer

>CeraVe - Moisturizing Lotion ($12.99 for 12 oz)

>Paula’s Choice - Slip Into Silk Body Lotion ($15.95 for 8 oz)

>Olay - Age Transform Body Creme-Serum ($9.99 for 10.1 oz)

Best Serums for All Skin Types

>Garnier Nutritioniste - Skin Renew Daily Daily Regenerating Serum ($12.99 for 1.7 oz)

>Paula’s Choice - Super Antioxidant Concentrate ($22.95 for 1 oz)

>DDF - C3 Plus Serum ($62 for 0.5 oz)

Best Mineral Sunscreens and Daytime Moisturizers With Sunscreen

>Good Skin - All Calm Gentle Sunscreen SPF 25 ($12 for 1.7 oz)

>Dove - Energy Glow Brightening Moisturizer SPF 15 ($10.99 for 1.7 oz)

>Rodan & Fields - Reverse UVA/UVB Sunscreen SPF 15 ($35 for 1.7 oz)

Best Foundations With Sunscreen (SPF 15 or Greater)

>L’Oreal - True Match Super Blendable Makeup SPF 17 ($9.99)

>Shiseido - The Makeup Dual Balancing Foundation SPF 17 ($36)

Best Liquid Concealers

>Maybelline - Instant Age Rewind Under Eye Concealer ($5.39)

>Yves Saint Laurent - Touché Eclat Radiant Touch ($39.50)

Best Pressed Powders

>Cover Girl - Trublend Pressed Powder ($6.99)

>M.A.C. - Mineralized Skinfinish ($24.50)

Best Powder Blushes

>Jane - Blushing Cheeks Blush ($3.79)

>Estee Lauder - Tender Blush ($25)

Best Powder Eyeshadows

>Elf - Custom Eyes ($1)

>Paula’s Choice - Soft Matte Eyeshadow Trios ($10.95)

>Bobbi Brown - Eyeshadow ($19)

Best Lip Glosses

>Cover Girl - Wet Slicks ($5.19)

>Sisley Phyto - Lip Star ($52)

Best Mascaras

>L’Oreal – Lash Architect 3-D Dramatic Mascara ($8.29, straight or curved brush)

>Cover Girl - Lash Blast Mascara ($8.99)
>Chanel -Sculpte Cils Sculpting Mascara Extreme Length Fine Lashes ($25)

I am an avid fan of BBS although I stick to the under $50.00 a month bags. Some of the bags rent for over $500.00 a month–that is nuts to me. If you have the financial ability to rent a $500 bag for 30 days then you should just buy the bag for crying out loud!

You can also buy ‘gently used’ bags at deeply discounted prices at the BBS Outlet. In the Outlet there are new products every Wednesday and additional reductions every Friday.

I just purchased this bag – a brown and taupe Andrea Brueckner Tierney City Handbag for $185.00! It retails for $650.00. Yay for me!

Andrea Brueckner was born in Canada but studied fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Her debut handbag line was released in 2004. Many of Hollywood’s women sport her bags, including Jessica Alba.

I have a ton of lipsticks, lip gloss’ and lip stains. Of the many that I have tried over the years, I only have a few that I wear consistently. I’m always searching for a better one – one that really does stay put, not to sticky or slick, moisturizers, compact enough to fit in my pocket, easy to apply when you don’t have a mirror handy.

I found 2 that are great and I wear them almost every day. It’s amazing that not only are they really affordable but really do stay on.

L’Oreal Colour Riche Lip Gloss $8.95 ($4.99 at ULTA)

A lightweight lip gloss infused with moisturizing and nourishing Vitamin E and Omega 3 oils. This unscented formula leaves lips shiny and glossy with a hint of subtle shimmer. Does not contain an SPF.

REVIEW BY PAULA BEGOUN: Colour Riche Lip Gloss is L’Oreal’s best lip gloss, period! It has a silky yet moisturizing texture that imparts sheer to medium color (depending on the shade) and leaves lips with a glossy finish free of stickiness. The shades, including the goes-with-anything Rich Pink, are bound to please—and don’t be nervous about trying the deeper hues; each goes on softer than it appears.

I couldn’t agree more, it is SO moisturizing and the color stays on. I love this stuff!

L’Oreal Infallible Lip Gloss – $9.99

This lip gloss feels good and looks very pretty. It definitely stays on longer than most lip gloss but not for 6 hours like the ad says. Put it on with a light hand – otherwise, it will feel tacky after a while and will bleed. There are 16 shades. It does not contain an SPF. L’Oreal Colour Rich is more moisturizing.

REVIEW BY PAULA BEGOUN: Infallible Never Fail Lip Gloss is the lip gloss partner to L’Oreal’s Infallible Never Fail Lipcolor. Like its lipstick partner, this gloss presents more problems than solutions. The triangle-shaped applicator would have been helpful in getting a precise application, except for the fact that it’s not stiff enough, making it a struggle to achieve an even application. The gloss applies sheer yet feels dry and tacky throughout its wearing time. It does stay on reasonably well through drinking and eating, but certainly does not last the promised six hours. The color starts to bleed into lip lines and wears off unevenly after a couple of hours, requiring reapplication or touch-ups throughout the day. The uncomfortable wear, combined with the need for frequent reapplication, makes this gloss not worth considering over better traditional lip gloss options from L’Oreal as well as from other lines.

I don’t completely agree that it is that bad, but it not of the same caliber of the Colour Riche.

M.A.C. SlimShine Lipstick – $14.50
Lipstick combining creamy emolliency with a unique sheer colour pay-off. Finishes include cream, sparkling pearl and metallic. Provides the shine and moisturizing comfort of a gloss but with a smooth, non-sticky finish. Distinctive on and off. Comes packaged in its own stylish extra-long lipstick case.

REVIEW BY PAULA BEGOUN: Slimshine Lipstick is for women who prefer sheer, glossy colors. That’s exactly what this smooth, lightweight lipstick provides, and the color range is a smart blend of the trendy along with the tried-and-true. These slim lipsticks have a very glossy finish but aren’t the least bit sticky. They’re not much for longevity (and not for anyone prone to lipstick bleeding into lines around the mouth), but if those concerns don’t apply to you, this is another sheer lipstick to consider.

I love this lipstick. My only complaint is that the case doesn’t stay shut so sometimes I reach for it in my handbag and the top came off. Otherwise, it is super moisturizing and doesn’t bleed. 

Don’t forget, you can read all of Paula’s in-depth reports in her book Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com].

My husband’s uncle, Robert C.Shaler, Ph.D., Sc.D. (hon) (uncle Bobby as we call him), has his own TV show! It is part of the Discovery Channel network called ID Investigation Discovery and the show is called Crime Scene University.

Robert was the director of forensic biology in New York City’s Office of Chief Medical Examiner and in 2005 he left and headed to Penn State’s new forensics major program. In the wake of the WTC attacks on September 11, 2001, he assumed the responsibility for identifying the 2749 people who perished. He designed, organized, and implemented the DNA testing strategy that became the cornerstone for the majority of the 1592 identified victims. He is a truly amazing person and he welcomed me with open arms the minute I met him!

[UPDATE: I'm on my 4th bag! Oooh, I love this site! I have found that after about 3 weeks I am ready for a new one. Some of the bags rent for several hundred dollars a month - whoa!]

I’ll admit, the Sex & The City movie finally convinced me to sign up for Bag, Borrow or Steal. There is a plug in the movie about it, for those of you who have not seen it yet. It’s a simple concept – borrow a handbag (or other accessories on the site) for as long as your membership allows and then return it when the time is up – think Netflix.

The membership levels are:

>$9.95 per month

>$19.95 for 3 months ($6.65 per month, save over 33%)
>$59.95 per year ($5.00 per month,  save over 49% – Best Value!)

You don’t have to sign up for a membership but it is worth your while because the prices to rent are cheaper if you have a membership – substantially cheaper. Once you sign up, you can choose your bag and the prices for the bags range from $15.00 a week for a Coach bag and up to $150.00 for a vintage Coach bag. The couture/vintage are pretty expensive.

I borrowed the bag “Lily” (see below) from Treesje at a rate of $30.00 a month.

$10.00/week or $30.00/month  - with a membership
$24.00/week or $48.00/month  - without a membership

Color: Brown

Lining Color: Cream
Hardware: Gold
Handle Drop: 8 inch
Size: Large
Special Features: Removable Strap, Cell Phone/Blackberry Pocket

 As I mentioned in a prior post for the A-List, Part 1, there is a great report on Beautypedia.com. You can read all of Paula’s in-depth reports in her book Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com].

According to Paula and Bryan, the A-List and B-List products are for healthier, younger looking skin. The A-List products are ones that should be first on your list to check out and the B-List products play a supporting role to help your skin look its best.

The B-List: Playing a Supporting Role to Help Skin Look Its Best:

B-List Ingredients:

>Green Tea

>Soy Isoflavones / Extract

>Pomegranate

>Ceramides

>Linoleic / Linolenic Acids / Phospholipdis

B-List Products with Green Tea:

>Clinique “Advanced Stop Signs” ($38.50 for 1.7 oz)

>DERMAdoctor “KP Duty Dermatologist Moisturizing Therapy” ($36 for 4 oz)

>Dove “Essential Nutrients Day Lotion SPF 15” ($6.59 for 4.05 oz)

>Estee Lauder “Fruition Extra Multi-Action Complex”($46.50 for 1 oz)

>Good Skin “All Firm Rebuilding Serum” ($25 for 1 oz)

>Mary Kay “SPF 30 Sunscreen” ($14 for 4 oz)

>Neutrogena “Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream, Original Formula” ($11.99 for 1.4 oz)

>Paula’s Choice “BHA products various formulas” $17.95 for 4 oz)

>Paula’s Choice “Super Antioxidant Concentrate” ($22.95)

>Paula’s Choice “Moisture Boost Hydrating Toner” ($14.95 for 6 oz)

>Paula’s Choice “Healthy Skin Refreshing Toner” ($14.95 for 6 oz)

B-List Products with Soy Isoflavones / Extract:

>Aveeno “Skin Brightening Daily Treatment SPF 15” ($19 for 1 oz)

>DDF “Silky C Serum” ($72 for 1 oz)

>MD Skincare “Hydra-Pure Antioxidant Firming Serum” ($95 for 1 oz)

>MD Skincare “Hydra-Pure Oil-Free Moisture” ($75 for 1 oz)

>Paula’s Choice “Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate” ($22.95)

>Paula’s Choice “Skin Recovery Hydrating Treatment Mask” ($12.95 for 4 oz) find.

B-List Products with Pomegranate:

>Aloette “Advanced Eye Recovery Complex” ($54.95 for 0.5 oz)

>Borba “Clarifying Complexion Shield SPF 15” ($25 for 3.4 oz)

>Estee Lauder “Advanced Night Repair Concentrate Recovery Boosting Treatment” ($85 for 1 oz)

>Murad “Vitalic Energizing Pomegranate Moisturizer SPF 15” ($30 for 2 oz)

>Paula’s Choice “HydraLight Moisture-Infusing Lotion” ($18.95 for 2 oz)

>Prescriptives “Super Line Preventor Xtreme” ($47.50 for 1 oz)

B-List Products with Ceramides:

>CeraVe “Moisturizing Lotion” ($12.99 for 12 oz)

>CeraVe “Moisturizing Cream” ($14.99 for 16 oz)

>Dr. Denese New York “HydroSeal Hand & Decollete Serum” ($35 for 3 oz)

>Elizabeth Arden “Ceramide Gold Ultra Restorative Capsules” ($68 for 0.95 oz)

>MD Formulations “Moisture Defense Antioxidant Lotion” ($50 for 1 oz)

>Osmotics “TriCeram” ($30 for 3.4 oz)

>Pond’s “Radiance Restore, Age-Defying Skin-Brightening SPF 15 Moisturizer” ($12.99 for 1.7 oz)

>Paula’s Choice “Hydrating Treatment Cream” ($16.95 for 2 oz)

>Paula’s Choice “Skin Balancing Toner” ($14.95 for 6 oz)

>SkinCeuticals “Retinol 0.5 Refining Night Cream with 0.5% Pure Retinol” ($42 for 1 oz)

B-List Products with Linoleic / Linolenic Acids / Phospholipdis:

>Avon “Hydra-Radiance Moisturizing Day Lotion SPF 15” ($12 for 4 oz)

>Clinique “Repairwear Deep Wrinkle Concentrate for Face and Eyes” ($55 for 1.4 oz)

>Dove “Energy Glow Brightening Moisturizer SPF 15” ($10.99 for 1.7 oz)

>Dr. Denese New York “HydroShield Ultra Moisturizing Face Serum” ($49 for 0.5 oz)

>Estee Lauder “DayWear Plus Multi Protection Anti-Oxidant Lotion SPF 15” ($38 for 1.7 oz)

>Estee Lauder “Hydra Complete “Multi-Level Moisture Lotion” ($40 for 1.7 oz)

>Good Skin “Tri-Aktiline Instant Deep Wrinkle Filler” ($39.50 for 1 oz)

>Kiss My Face “Face Factor Face + Neck SPF 30” ($10 for 2 oz)

>Paula’s Choice “Hydrating Treatment Cream, for Normal to Dry Skin” ($16.95 for 2 oz)

>Pond’s “Mend & Defend, Intensive Protection SPF 15 Moisturizer” ($9.39 for 3.3 oz)
>Prescriptives “Intensive Rebuilding Lotion” ($80 for 1.7 oz)

As I mentioned before, there is a great report on Beautypedia.com. You can read all of Paula’s in-depth reports in her book Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com].

According to Paula and Bryan, the A-List and B-List products are for healthier, younger looking skin. The A-List products are ones that should be first on your list to check out and the B-List products play a supporting role to help your skin look its best. I’ll post the B-List products shortly.

A-List Ingredients that you should look for in a product:

>Glycolic or Lactic Acid

>Salicylic Acid

>Retinol

>Vitamin C

>Vitamin E

>Niacinaminde

>Sunscreen Actives

A-List Products with Glycolic or Lactic Acid:

>Paula’s Choice “8% Alpha Hydroxy Acid Gel” ($17.95 for 4 oz) [I use this and so does my husband – we both love it. I can only use it every other day though. It exfoliates for me so I don't have to use a scrub anymore!]

>Peter Thomas Roth “AHA 12% Ceramide Hydrating Repair Gel” ($48 for 2 oz)

>Peter Thomas Roth “Glycolic Acid 10% Hydrating Gel” ($48 for 2 oz)

>Neutrogena “Healthy Skin Face Lotion, Night” ($12.59 for 2.5 oz)

>Ultraceuticals “Ultra Ace Hydration Booster” ($50 for 2.5 oz)

A-List Products with Salicylic Acid:

>Bare Escentuals “bareVitamins Skin Rev-er Upper” ($21 for 2.3 oz)

>Neutrogena “Oil-Free Acne Stress Control 3-in-1″ ($7.99 for 2 oz)

>Paula’s Choice “1% Beta Hydroxy Acid Gel” ($17.95 for 4 oz)

>Paula’s Choice “1% Beta Hydroxy Acid Lotion” ($17.95 for 4 oz)

>Paula’s Choice “2% Beta Hydroxy Acid Gel” ($17.95 for 4 oz)

>Paula’s Choice “2% Beta Hydroxy Acid Liquid” ($17.95 for 4 oz)

>Paula’s Choice “Weightless Body Treatment with 2% Beta Hydroxy Acid” ($19.95 for 8 oz)

>ProActiv “Solution Clarifying Night Cream” ($28.75 for 1 oz)

A-List Products with Retinol:

>ResQ “Alpha Hydrox Retinol Night ResQ” ($14.99 for 1.05 oz)

>Estee Lauder “Diminish Anti-Wrinkle Retinol” ($80 for 1.7 oz)

>Lancome “Re-Surface Eye, Retinol Concentrate Wrinkle Corrector for Eyes” ($47 for 0.5 oz)

>Neutrogena “Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Intensive Night Cream” ($17.39 for 1.4 oz)

>Paula’s Choice “Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Mattifying Concentrate” ($22.95 for 1 oz)

>Paula’s Choice “Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate” ($22.95 for 1 oz)

>Philosophy “eye believe, deep wrinkle peptide gel” ($30 for 0.5 oz)

>SkinCeuticals “Retinol 0.5 Refining Night Cream” ($42 for 1 oz)

>SkinCeuticals “Retinol 1.0 Maximum Strength Night Cream” ($48 for 1 oz)

Caution: Not everyone can tolerate retinol and many people’s skin cannot tolerate any amount of prescription retinoid without experiencing discomfort and visually undesirable side effects. Retinol’s most common side effects include flaking, sunburned-like skin. However, this can be mitigated in many cases by using a lower strength or by applying the retinol product less frequently.

A-List Products with Vitamin C:

>Cellex-C “Serum for Sensitive Skin” ($90 for 1 oz)

>DDF “C3 Plus Serum” ($62 for 0.5 oz)

>Jan Marini Skin Research “C-ESTA Serum” ($60 for 1 oz)

>La Roche-Posay “BioMedic Potent-C 10.5 Concentrate” ($60 for 1 oz)

>MD Skincare “Hydra-Pure Vitamin C Serum” ($90 for 1 oz)

>N.V. Perricone “Vitamin C Ester Eye Therapy” ($50 for 0.5 oz)

>Paula’s Choice “Super Antioxidant Concentrate” ($22.95 for 1 oz)

>Peter Thomas Roth “Power C20 Anti-Oxidant Serum Gel” ($85 for 1 oz)

>SkinCeuticals “C E Ferulic” ($122 for 1 oz)

A-List Products with Vitamin E:

>Artistry by Amway “Skin Refinishing Lotion” ($48.85 for 1 oz)

>Dermalogica “Multivitamin Power Firm, for Eye and Lip Area” ($47 for 0.5 oz)

>Jason Natural “Ester-C Lotion Anti-Oxidant Regenerating Moisturizer” ($16 for 4 oz)

>Kiehl’s “Light Nourishing Eye Cream” ($20 for 0.5 oz)

>NeoStrata “Daytime Protection Cream SPF 15, PHA 10″ ($33 for 1.75 oz)

>Paula’s Choice “Skin Recovery Toner” ($14.95 for 6 oz)

>Paula’s Choice “Skin Recovery Moisturizer” ($16.95 for 2 oz)

>Paula’s Choice “Skin Balancing Moisture Gel” ($16.95 for 2 oz)

>RevaleSkin “Night Cream” ($99 for 1.7 oz)

Note: Vitamin E should not be listed on cosmetics simply as “vitamin E.” Instead, manufacturers are required to list the form of the vitamin. Examples you will come across include tocopheryl acetate, tocopheryl linoleate, tocotrienols, alpha tocopherol, and tocopheryl succinate.

A-list products with Niacinaminde:

>La Roche-Posay “Biomedic C-Recovery Treatment” ($50 for 1 oz)

>Mary Kay “TimeWise Even Complexion Essence” ($35 for 1 oz)

>Paula’s Choice “Skin Balancing Toner” ($14.95 for 6 oz)

>Paula’s Choice “Hydrating Treatment Cream” ($16.95 for 2 oz)

>Paula’s Choice “Skin Balancing Moisture Gel” ($16.95 for 2 oz)

A-List Products with Sunscreen Actives - click to see prior post on the Best Sunscreens

There is a great report on Beautypedia.com that I found which I wanted to share. Of course, you can read all of Paula’s in-depth reports in her book Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com].

List of A-list products with Sunscreen Actives:

What they do: All sunscreen actives work (to varying degrees of success) to shield skin from damaging UVA and UVB light emitted by the sun. “Chemical” sunscreens such as avobenzone or octinoxate work by converting UV light to heat energy before damage to skin can occur. “Non-chemical” sunscreens (which include only titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) work by deflecting and scattering UV light before it can penetrate and cause damage to skin. Regardless of which actives you use, you must make sure that at least one of the following ingredients is present to ensure you are getting sufficient protection from UVA light: avobenzone, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, Mexoryl SX (ecamsule), or, outside the United States, Tinosorb.

Why they’re on the A-list: Sunscreen is the first and foremost best defense against wrinkles Period! Let me say that again: It’s important! Daily application of a sunscreen (whether it’s in a moisturizer or a foundation) rated SPF 15 or greater is critical to preventing new wrinkles and keeping existing lines from deepening each year. Ignoring this fundamental principle and focusing instead on the myriad anti-aging claims on product labels is an open invitation for more wrinkles, skin discolorations, and potentially, skin cancer. (Remember: If the claims for the product don’t involve claims about sun protection or sunscreen, then they don’t require any proof of efficacy.) None of the other ingredients chronicled in this report will work as well for your skin if you ignore the importance of or are not diligent about applying sunscreen daily.

Ongoing use of an effective, broad-spectrum sunscreen allows skin to reap maximum benefit from “anti-aging” products. Skin is also better able to repair itself, has a stronger immune response, and will maintain its firmness years longer than it will for those who disregard sun protection or, even worse, continue to tan, whether in the sun or in a tanning salon, and the latter is much worse than getting a tan from the sun.

Shop for sunscreens that not only provide sufficient UVA protection but also include antioxidants and other skin-supportive ingredients. Including such ingredients allows the sunscreen to work even better, while you’ll also be fortifying your skin with part of what it needs to remain healthy.

BEST Sunscreens for Normal to Oily Skin

>Avon “Anew Advanced All-in-One Max SPF 15 Lotion” ($16.50 for 1.7 oz)

>Avon “Ageless Results Renewing Day Cream SPF 15″ ($14.50 for 1.7 oz)

>Avon “Hydra-Radiance Moisturizing Day Lotion SPF 15″ ($12 for 4 oz)

>Clinique “Sun-Care UV-Response Face SPF 30″ ($17.50 for 1.7 oz)

>Estee Lauder “DayWear Plus Multi Protection Anti-Oxidant Lotion SPF 15″ ($38 for 1.7 oz)

>Neutrogena “Healthy Skin Visibly Even Daily SPF 15 Moisturizer” ($13.09 for 1.7 oz)

>Paula’s Choice “Skin Balancing Daily Mattifying Lotion with SPF 15″ ($18.95 for 2 oz)

>Paula’s Choice “Essential Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 15″ ($12.95 for 6 oz)

>Paula’s Choice “Ultra-Light Weightless Finish SPF 30″ ($15.95 for 4 oz)

>Pond’s “Mend & Defend, Intensive Protection SPF 15″ ($9.39 for 3.3 oz)

BEST Sunscreens for Normal to Dry Skin

>Almay “Sun Protector for Body SPF 30″ ($8.99 for 4.2 oz)

>Almay “Sun Protector for Face SPF 30″ ($8.99 for 4.2 oz)

>Elizabeth Arden “Extreme Conditioning Cream SPF 15″ ($36 for 1.7 oz)

>Good Skin “All Bright Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30″ ($12 for 1.7 oz)

>Jan Marini Skin Research “Bioglycolic Facial Lotion SPF 15″ ($36 for 2 oz)

>Mary Kay “TimeWise Day Solution Sunscreen SPF 25″ ($30 for 1 oz)

>Paula’s Choice “Extra Care Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30+” ($12.95 for 6 oz)

>Prescriptives “Anti-Age Advanced Protection Lotion SPF 25″ ($60 for 1.7 oz)

>SkinCeuticals “Sports UV Defense SPF 45″ ($34 for 3 oz)

>Pond’s “Radiance Restore, Age-Defying Skin-Brightening SPF 15 Moisturizer” ($12.99 for 1.7 oz)

>Kiss My Face “Face Factor Face + Neck SPF 30″ ($10 for 2 oz)

BEST Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin

>Clinique “City Block Sheer Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 25″ ($16.50 for 1.4 oz)

>Good Skin “All Calm Gentle Sunscreen SPF 25″ ($12 for 1.7 oz)

>Neutrogena “Healthy Defense SPF 30 Daily Eye Cream, Light Tint” ($11.99 for 0.5 oz)

>Obagi Nu-Derm “Physical UV Block SPF 32″ ($40 for 2 oz)

>Paula’s Choice “Pure Mineral Sunscreen SPF 15″ ($14.95 for 6 oz)

>Paula’s Choice “Barely There Sheer Matte Tint SPF 20″ ($14.95 for 1 oz)

>SkinCeuticals “Physical UV Defense SPF 30″ ($34 for 3 oz)

Note: Most foundations with sunscreen contain titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide as the sole active ingredients. Such sunscreens are also good choices for those with sensitive skin.

[UPDATE: I finally got rid of these.]

Well, sort of. I have some duplicate DVDs that I have purchased accidentally over the years and I’d like to get ride of them. I don’t have an EBay account so figured I would see if anyone is interested in them on my blog.

All you have to do is pay for the shipping which I have estimated to be around $3.00. I have a PayPal account and if you deposit $3.00 into my account I’ll ship the DVDs to you promptly. Of course, if you are family or friends, just let me know and I’ll give them to you.

>Reservoir Dogs – Ten Years Special Edition

>Minority Report – Widescreen

>Fargo – Special Edition

>The Sopranos – Complete Second Season (deposit $5.00 for shipping on this one)

>The Sopranos – Complete Third Season (deposit $5.00 for shipping on this one)

You can e-mail me at speindl@carolina.rr.com if you are interested and I’ll email you to get your information. By the way, I live in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Here’s a recap of several prior posts where I listed the Best AHA and BHA products, Best Concealers, Best Eye Moisturizers, Best Facial Serums, Best Facial Cleaners, Best Facial Masks,  Best Facial Moisturizers (without sunscreen), Best Makeup Removers, Best Retinols, and Best Self-Tanners, all  according to Paula Begoun (read her full reviews in her book Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com]).

Now, onto the BEST Facial Moisturizers WITH sunscreen (SPF 15+) according to Paula. All of the following moisturizers with SPF were rated the BEST by Paula’s for two important reasons:

One, each has an SPF 15 or greater and includes avobenzone, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, Mexoryl SX, or Tinosorb (the latter approved for use outside the United States) as one or more of the active ingredients (if these are listed someplace else on the ingredient list, it does not count toward reliable sun protection). Avobenzone may be listed on an ingredient label by its chemical name, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, and Mexoryl SX may be listed as ecamsule.

Two, every sunscreen on the lists below contains a range of antioxidants and also includes other skin-beneficial ingredients such as those that mimic healthy skin’s structural components. Antioxidants are proving to be an incredibly helpful addition to sunscreens because they not only boost the efficacy of the active ingredients, but also help offset free-radical damage from sun exposure. Selecting a daytime moisturizer with sunscreen or “regular” sunscreen without antioxidants isn’t giving your skin as much of a fighting chance against the cascade of damage that sun exposure can cause (and that can be dramatically minimized with diligent, liberal application and, when needed, reapplication, of sunscreen rated SPF 15 or greater).

>Almay “Daily Moisturizer for Normal/Combo Skin” $11.99

>Almay “Sun Protector for Body SPF 30″ $8.99

>Almay “Daily Moisturizer for Normal/Combo Skin” $11.99

>Almay “Sun Protector for Body SPF 30″ $8.99

>Almay “Sun Protector for Face SPF 30″ $8.99

>Aristry by Amway “Moisture Rich Protective Moisturizer SPF 15″ $28.65

>Aveeno “Skin Brightening Daily Treatment SPF 15″ $19.00

>Avon “Ageless Results Renewing Day Cream SPF 15″ $14.50

>Avon “Anew Advanced All-in-One Max SPF 15 Lotion” $16.50

>Avon “Anew Retroactive+ Day Defense SPF 15″ $25.00

>Avon “Hydra-Radiance Moisturizing Day Lotion SPF 15″ $12.00

>BeautiControl “Cell Block-C New Cell Protection SPF 20″ $28.50

>Clinique “City Block Sheer Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 25″ $16.50

>Clinique “Redness Solutions Daily Protective Base SPF 15″ $16.50

>Clinique “Sun-Care Body SPF 25 Sun Block” $18.50

>Clinique “Sun-Care UV-Response Face Cream SPF 30″ $15.50

>Clinique “Sun-Care UV-Response Face Cream SPF 50″ $15.50

>Clinique “Repairwear Day SPF 15 Intensive Lotion” $48.50

>Coppertone “Ultra Sheer Faces Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30″ $9.69

>Cosmedicine “Primary Care Multi-Tasking Moisturizer SPF 20″ $48.00

>DDF “Moisturizing Photo-Age Protection SPF 30″ $28.00

>DDF “Daily Organic SPF 15″ $36.00

>DDF “Daily Protective Moisturizer SPF 15″ $36.00

>Dove “Essential Nutrients Day Lotion SPF 15″ $6.59

>Elizabeth Arden “Extreme Conditioning Cream SPF 15″ $38.50

>Estee Lauder “DayWear Plus Lotion SPF 15″ $38.00

>Estee Lauder “DayWear Plus Moisturizer Sheer Tint Release Formula SPF 15″ $38.00

>Estee Lauder “Future Perfect Anti-Wrinkle Radiance Lotion SPF 15″ $65.00

>Estee Lauder “Re-Nutriv Intensive Lifting Hand Creme SPF 15″ $45.00

>Estee Lauder “Re-Nutriv Intensive Protective Base SPF 30″ $65.00

>Estee Lauder “Resilience Lift Extreme Ultra Firming Lotion SPF 15″ $70.00

>Estee Lauder “Multi-Protection Sun Lotion for Body and Face SPF 30″ $22.00

>Good Skin “All Bright Hand Cream SPF 15″ $16.00

>Good Skin “All Bright Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30″ $12.00

>Good Skin “All Calm Gentle Sunscreen SPF 25″ $12.00

>Good Skin “All Right Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 30″ $12.00

>Good Skin “Clean Skin Oil-Free Lotion SPF 15″ $15.00

>Jan Marini “Bioglycolic Facial Lotion SPF 15″ $45.00

>Jason Natural “Sunbrellas Active Sunblock SPF 40″ $11.00

>Jason Natural “Sunbrellas Complete Sunblock SPF 26″ $11.00

>Jason Natural “Sunbrellas Family Sunblock SPF 36″ $11.00

>Jason Natural “Sunbrellas Kids Sunblock SPF 46″ $11.00

>Kiss My Face “Face Factor Face + Neck SPF 30″ $10.00

>Kiss My Face “Sun Screen SPF 18″ $9.00

>M.A.C. “Studio Moisture Fix SPF 15″ $28.00

>Mary Kay “SPF 30 Sunscreen” $14.00

>Mary Kay “TimeWise Day Solution Sunscreen SPF 25″ $30.00

>MD Skincare “Powerful Sun Protection SPF 30″$42.00

>MD Skincare “Powerful Sun Protection SPF 30 Packettes” $42.00

>MD Skincare “Powerful Sun Protection SPF 45 Cream” $42.00

>NeoStrata “Daytime Protection Cream SPF 15, PHA 10″ $33.00

>NeoStrata “Oil Free Lotion SPF 15, PHA 4″ $30.00

>Neutrogena “Active Breathable Sunblock SPF 30″ $9.99

>Neutrogena “Active Breathable Sunblock SPF 45″ $9.99

>Neutrogena “Age Shield Sunblock SPF 30″ $9.99

>Neutrogena ” Age Shield Sunblock SPF 45″ $9.99

>Neutrogena “Healthy Skin Visibly Even Daily SPF 15″ $13.09

>Neutrogena “Pore Refining Cream SPF 15″ $14.99

>Neutrogena “Sensitive Skin Sunblock Lotion SPF 30″ $8.99

>Neutrogena “Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 30″ $9.99

>Neutrogena “Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 45″ $9.99

>Neutrogena “UVA/UVB Sunblock Lotion SPF 45″ $8.99

>NuSkin “Sunright Body Block SPF 15″ $13.97

>NuSkin “Sunright Body Block SPF 30″ $13.97

>Obagi “Nu-Derm Physical UV Block SPF 32″ $40.00

>Olay “Regenerist Enhancing Lotion with UV Protection SPF 15″ $18.99

>Olay “Regenerist UV Defense Regenerating Lotion SPF 15″ $18.99

>Paula’s Choice “Essential Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 15″ $12.95

>Paula’s Choice “Extra Care Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30+” $12.95

>Paula’s Choice “Pure Mineral Sunscreen SPF 15″ $14.95

>Paula’s Choice “Ultra-Light Weightless Finish SPF 30″ $15.95

>Peter Thomas Roth “Uber-Dry Sunscreen Cream SPF 30″$26.00

>Peter Thomas Roth “Oil-Free Sunblock SPF 30″ $26.00

>Peter Thomas Roth “Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Sunblock SPF 20″ $26.00

>Peter Thomas Roth “Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Sunblock SPF 30″ $26.00

>Physicians Formula “Sun Shield Extra Sensitive Skin SPF 25″ $9.95

>Physicians Formula “Sun Shield For Faces Extra Sensitive Skin SPF 25″ $8.95

>Prescriptives “All-Weather Friend Daily UVA/UVB Sun Protection SPF 40″ $26.50

>Prescriptives “Anti-Age Advanced Protection Lotion SPF 25″ $60.00

>Rodan + Fields “Step 3: Soothe UVA/UVB SPF 15″ $36.00

>SkinCeuticals “Physical UV Defense SPF 30″ $34.00

>SkinCeuticals “Sports UV Defense SPF 45″ $34.00

>Skin Medica “Solar Care Environmental Defense Sunscreen SPF 30+” $39.00

>Stila “Petal Infusions Skin Visor SPF 30″ $24.00

I do love to have a good tan – tan fat looks better than white fat, right! But, things have changed for me over the years. I wear liberal amount of SPF everyday and I do not tan anymore. I enjoy a good book at the beach with an umbrella and hat to give me some protection.

According the Paula Begoun, co-author of Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com]), here is what you need to know about tanning and the sun:

First, as you know there is NO such thing as a safe tan, whether it is from the sun or a tanning booth. Even if you tan slowly without burning, the damage is hazardous to the health of your skin. As a general rule it is best to apply sunscreen at least 15 to 20 minutes before sun exposure. This gives the sunscreen time to absorb and to spread over and into the skin.

How to calculate how long you can stay in the sun, the formula is this: 

• How many minutes you would normally be in the sun before you get pink? Take the number of minutes and multiply it by the SPF that you would wear.

(10 mins x 15 SPF = 150 mins, or 2-1/2 hours)

UVB radiation is the sun’s burning ray and has an immediate, harmful impact on skin. Damage from UVB rays takes place within the very first minute (yes, 60 seconds) of walking outside!

(1) UVA rays are the sun’s silent killers. You don’t feel them but they are the primary cause of skin cancer and wrinkles. (UVA rays penetrate through clear glass windows that do not have a UV coating.)

(2) Even on a cloudy or hazy day, the sun’s rays are present and impacting the skin. Sitting in the shade or wearing a hat only protects against a portion of the sun’s rays. Plus, other surrounding surfaces such as water, cement, and grass reflect the rays from the ground to your skin giving you a double whammy of exposure.

(3) Altitude is a sun enhancer: for every 1,000-foot increase in altitude, the sun’s potency increases by 4%.

(4) According to the FDA, a product’s SPF (sunscreen protection factor) number tells you how long you can stay in the sun before getting burned. If you can normally stay in the sun 15 minutes before you start turning pink, an SPF 15 product will let you stay in the sun for approximately 3 1/2 hours without burning. If you begin turning pink after 10 minutes, an SPF 15 will let you stay in the sun approximately 2 1/2 hours. The formula is 10 (minutes) x 15(SPF) = 150 (minutes), or 2 1/2 hours. If you’re swimming or perspiring, you must wear a water-resistant sunscreen which provides 40 to 80 minutes of protection before you need to reapply it to maintain a sufficient level of protection.

(5) SPF is crucial, but it is only a measurement regarding sunburn (UVB) rays. It is dangerous for your skin to not have UVA protection and many sunscreens do not have ingredients that can provided true full-spectrum (both UVA and UVB) coverage. There are no numbers to tell you about protection from UVA radiation. For that protection you have to check the active ingredient list to see if either zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, avobenzone (which may also be listed as Parsol 1789 or butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane), Mexoryl SX, or Tinosorb (Mexoryl SX and Tinosorb are only available in products sold outside the US). If one of those isn’t part of the active ingredient list (it doesn’t count if it is just part of the regular or “other” ingredients) you are not applying adequate UVA protection and that is dangerous for your skin.

(6) Oxybenzone (also called benzophenone-3) is a UVA-absorbing sunscreen ingredient that sounds similar to avobenzone, but is not the same. There are several sunscreen ingredients approved for use in the United States for sunburn protection. While benzophenones and oxybenzone do provide some UVA protection, they are not as effective as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, avobenzone, Mexoryl SX, or Tinosorb.

For those of you who want more specifics about the issue of UVA vs. UVB protection: According to the Skin Therapy Letter published by the Division of Dermatology at the University of British Columbia (vol. 2, no. 5, 1997), “UVA [range is] 315-400 nanometers.” According to the FDA, the UVB range is from 280 to 315. The range of protection for the following sunscreen ingredients is listed as “Padimate O, 290-315 nanometers; Benzophenones, 250-350 nanometers; Octyl methoxycinnamate, 290-320 nanometers; Avobenzone, 320-400 nanometers; Oxybenzone 270 to 350 nanometers; Titanium dioxide, 290-700 nanometers; and Zinc oxide, 290-700 nanometers.”

(7) There is no such thing as a truly “waterproof” sunscreen and the FDA’s 2002 regulations require companies to eliminate the use of the word. However, sunscreens that meet stringent FDA requirements can be labeled “water resistant,” which means they need to be reapplied if you’ve been swimming or sweating for more than 40 minutes and up to 80 minutes for sunscreens labeled “very water-resistant.”

(8) Crunching the numbers: an SPF 2 blocks about 50% of UVB rays; an SPF 10 filters out about 85% of UVB rays; an SPF 15 stops about 95%; and an SPF 30 stops about 97%. An SPF that’s higher than 30 does not provide any more UV protection, it just offers more time that you can stay in the sun without burning.

(9) Even if the SPF number on your sunscreen’s label is an SPF 50, it still has limitations and can let approximately 3% of UV rays penetrate your skin (Note that new, as yet unpublished, FDA regulations state that no sunscreens will be allowed to have ratings over an SPF 30+.), which explains why you still might get some color after prolonged exposure to the sun despite slathering sunscreen on your skin.

(10) You must apply sunscreen liberally. A study published in the Archives of Dermatology (October 2002, Volume 138, Issue 10, pages m1319-1325) said “Sunscreen users are only applying 50 percent of the recommended amount, so they are only receiving 50 percent of the SPF protection.” Because of this issue concerning liberal application, expensive sunscreens can be dangerous to your skin’s health. After all, how likely are you to liberally apply a sunscreen from Lancome that costs $32 or, even more absurdly, a sunscreen from La Prairie that costs $150 for one ounce?

(11) If you are using AHA, BHA, Retin-A, Renova, Differin, or any topical pharmaceutical retinoid, it can make your skin more vulnerable to sun damage due to the surface exfoliation and changes (removing the top layer of sun-damaged skin) caused by using these products. This information does not impact those who are already diligent about using sunscreen, but if you are not being diligent, your skin is even more at risk for sun damage and sunburn, even with minimal with minimal sun exposure.

(12) If you are using more than one product that contains sunscreen, the two sunscreens do not add up to one SPF number. In other words, an SPF 8 and an SPF 15 do not add up to an SPF 23. Though you would get an increased SPF value for protection, there is no way of knowing what that increased protection would be. If you want to count on getting an SPF 30’s worth of protection, then that is the number you should look for in one product.

(13) Getting sunburned is bad enough, but what you may not know is that a sunburn continues to develop for 12 to 24 hours after the initial burn takes place! Treat a sunburn the way you would treat any other burn. Do not cover it with thick salves (thick moisturizers are the worst). These will trap the heat and cause more damage. Get the skin in contact with cool (not cold or icy) water or pure aloe vera immediately (do not put ice directly on the skin—that’s too much cold and can cause a different kind of burn). Then keep applying the cool water or pure aloe vera on and off for several hours. You may also want to take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory, such as aspirin, to reduce pain and swelling. If you are unsure what to take, consult your physician.

(14) If you have babies or small children, sunscreen protection should be of primary concern. Their delicate skin is even more sensitive to the sun’s damaging energy. All sunscreen formulations that have an SPF are regulated closely by the FDA; the formulations don’t differ in any way because of the age of the intended user. Of greater concern than the cute packaging on kids’ products is that the formulation you choose contains one of these UVA-protecting ingredients: avobenzone, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, Mexoryl SX, or Tinosorb. For more information on protecting small children from the sun, see our Baby Skin Care Section.

(15) If you are looking for a less irritating sunscreen for your kids or yourself, choose one that contains only pure titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide as the active ingredient (Paula’s Choice Pure Mineral Sunscreen is one option and there are other options available in drugstores and department stores). These non-chemical ingredients are definitely less irritating than other types of sunscreen agents.

(16) If you’re determined to get a tan, the only safe way to do it is with self-tanning products such as Paula’s Choice Almost the Real Thing Self-Tanning Gel or the many other options available at the drugstore, from Neutrogena to Coppertone. You can also go to self-tanning booths offered in many tanning parlors (such as Mystic Tan®) that spray a uniform layer of self-tanner from head to toe. The results can be very impressive, assuming you follow all the pre-spray directions.

My Mom and I spent the day shopping this past Sunday – a ritual that we are trying to do every few months. While I was in another store, she popped into Bath & Body and purchased the Anti-Aging Starter Kit by Patricia Wexler, M.D. I wish I could have been there to tell her to ‘wait’ until I show her the facts. But, I promised her I would give her the review from Paula Begoun on this. So far Mom loves the products and like I always say, if you enjoy a product then by all means keep using it.

Paula Begoun is co-author of Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com]). Here is Paula’s review of my Mom’s products.

I HIGHLY recommend that you read Paula’s review on this entire product line and the background of Patricia Wexler, M.D.

At-A-Glance
Strengths: Good selection of well-formulated moisturizers and serums; two highly recommended cleansers; good topical disinfectant with benzoyl peroxide.

Weaknesses: Moderately expensive; at-home AHA peel provides more irritation than help for skin; all lip products contain potent irritants; one sunscreen lacks UVA-protecting ingredients; no non-irritating salicylic acid products for acne-prone skin; skin-lightening product is alcohol-based; jar packaging.

$$$ – Universal Anti-Aging Cleanser ($18.00/3.4 oz)
Claims: This all-in-one cleanser gently cleans without over-doing it. The ideal first step to a skin-changing regimen.
Review:  Universal Anti-Aging Cleanser is a standard, but very good, cleanser for normal to dry skin. It’s reminiscent of Neutrogena’s Extra Gentle Cleanser, except for the price, of course, which is about twice that of Neutrogena’s. While nothing in this product has anything to do with fighting aging, the claim will get the attention of many. For removing makeup, you will need to use a washcloth to be sure you’ve gotten everything off. It does contain fragrance. By the way, if by “universal” Wexler means “all skin types” that’s a mistake, because someone with oily to very oily skin won’t be happy with this product. This contains fragrance in the form of methyldihydrojasmonate.

$$$ – Resurfacing Microbrasion System (Step 1: 1 fl oz; Step 2: .5 fl oz) ($60.00)

Claims: Clinical skin-resurfacing results. Brightens skin, combating signs of uneven pigmentation with botanical extracts.
Review: Resurfacing Microbrasion System is a two-step system. Step 1 is the Skin Resurfacing Cream with MMPi, which is nothing more than a scrub in an emollient base with alumina as the abrasive agent. It can be gritty, so use it carefully. As far as scrubs go, this is OK, but the claim that it can inhibit collagen breakdown is wishful thinking because the ingredients are washed away before they can be of much use to the skin. Step 2 is the Intensive Hydrator with MMPi, a well-formulated moisturizer with ingredients that mimic the structure of skin, cell-communicating ingredients, and some unique antioxidants. The combination of these two products doesn’t hold any special benefit and more to the point, there are better, less expensive scrubs available, and there are other Wexler moisturizers more interesting than this one.

Note: A reappraisal of published literature concerning multiple professional microdermabrasion treatments indicates that its overall level of improvement is marginal, at best (Source: Dermatologic Surgery, June 2006, pages 809–814).

$$$ - Intensive Night Reversal and Repair Cream (.5 fl oz) ($42.50/1.7 oz)
Claims: This cream takes Dr. Wexler’s exclusive anti-aging technologies to the next level. Speeds recovery from daily environmental damage. Targets deep expression lines and slackened skin structure.
Review: Intensive Night Reversal and Repair Cream features a state-of-the-art formula, but much of what makes it an exciting option for normal to dry skin will be lost once this jar-packaged product is opened. The amount of cypress oil is potentially cause for concern; although not much is known about this plant, two of its components are camphor and d-pinene, both of which can irritate skin.

$$$ - MMPi.20™ Skin Regenerating Serum (.5 fl oz) ($55.00/1 ounce)
Claims: Visibly repairs and improves skin inside and out, and is clinically shown to firm the skin. Boosts skin’s own regenerative powers to diminish the visible signs of aging. Visibly reverses the lines, sink and sag. Helps maintain a youthful complexion.
Review: MMPi Skin Regenerating Serum does have a wonderful silky-smooth texture, but it lacks the impressive state-of-the-art ingredients in Wexler’s other products, plus the jar packaging won’t help keep the few good ingredients in here stable.

$$$ - Deep Wrinkle Eye Repair (.25 fl oz) ($$29.50/.5 oz)
Claims: Visibly reduces expression lines and other deep wrinkles, smoothes lines, restores lost firmness builds and binds moisture with Dermaxyl peptides.
Review: Deep Wrinkle Eye Repair with MMPi is a fairly state-of-the-art formulation, but the jar packaging leaves much to be desired because none of the exciting ingredients fare well when routinely exposed to air.

Long story short, all the products above except for the cleanser are rated “average & expensive” which means: “An ordinary, boring product whose excessive price makes it ludicrous to consider.”

A friend of mine recently told me that her daily skin care regime includes all Origins products. I was so glad she told me so I could let her in on a little secret…Origins skin care products are not very good!

I currently use some of their body products and I used to use their face products until I did some research on them. According to Paula Begoun, author of Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com]), all 84 skin care products received a poor rating! The only Origins products that received a very good or good rating was their makeup.

Paula bases her reviews on the actual formula of a product – not her own personal experience or her feelings about a particular company.  Her reviews are based on a products potential for irritation, dryness, breakouts, sensitivities, greasiness, anti-wrinkle claims, exfoliation potential, healing, antioxidant value, sun protection, and other issues of performance and if a company is overcharging for its products or is dishonest in their claims and literature.

Here is list of what my friend is using and Paula’s review and well as a review of the entire Origins line:

A Perfect World by Origins

Claims:

Origins has uncovered the key to longer-lasting look of youth, health and vitality – utopia’s own Silver Tip White Tea. It helps banish youth offenders long before they cause visible signs of oxidation, deterioration, dehydration.

Review:

A Perfect World, White Tea Skin Guardian is a silicone- and water-based serum that contains some good antioxidants (and in stable packaging), but ultimately just irritates skin due to the bergamot, lemon peel, spearmint, and rosewood oils it contains. Your face will smell great, but that has nothing to do with taking the best possible care of skin.

Plantidote Mega-Mushroom Face Serum by Origins

Claims:

Optimizes skin’s defenses against aging. Daily use will result in a renewed radiance and clarity. Skin will look and feel calmer, healthier and less stressed.

Review:

Plantidote Mega-Mushroom Face Serum is a water-based serum that contains a large number of skin-beneficial ingredients, including efficacious plant oils (the kind that aren’t fragrant and protect skin), glycerin, lecithin, and many antioxidants, including olive oil, turmeric, and several species of mushrooms. Things go awry then because Origins just couldn’t resist adding irritating fragrant oils to the Plantidote products. Lavender, orange, patchouli, geranium, and mandarin oils all have volatile compounds that counter the soothing, anti-inflammatory effects of the ingredients that precede them. Dr. Weil could have easily found this out from a number of sources, including the medical journal search engine at www.pubmed.com (the National Institutes of Health Web site), www.naturaldatabase.com, and other resources. The oils assuredly make this serum smell wonderful, which is great for your nose, but they aren’t helpful to skin in the least, and prevent this product from being recommended. Without these questionable, problematic fragrant extras, this could have been one of the more intelligently formulated antioxidant serums available.

Youthtopia, Skin Firming Cream with Rhodiola by Origins

Claims:

These patent-pending formulas help empower skin to rebound from damaging stress, retrieve its youthful buoyancy and reduce the look of lines and wrinkles. Plant Peptides and Vitamin C help enhance skin’s natural collagen production. Buckbean Extract helps firm and lift the appearance of slack contours. And Sunflower and Barley rebuild skin’s moisture barrier. Skin rallies, reanimates with a renewed radiance. In 8 week clinical tests, women who regularly used Youthtopia Skin firming cream with Rhodiola experienced a 44% reduction in the look of lines and a 61% lift in skin’s appearance.

Review:

Youthtopia, Skin Firming Cream with Rhodiola. I have to hand it to Origins for coming up with some of the most clever product names around, because they convey a sense of cuteness. I wish what was inside the jars was just as clever, because—despite some very good ingredients—Origins’ penchant for potent, skin-sensitizing essential oils makes almost all of their products too irritating for skin, as is the case with this moisturizer. It contains sandalwood, geranium, orange, patchouli, cinnamon, nutmeg, and thyme oils, all of which present problems for skin and won’t do a thing to help it regain its youthful appearance.

ORIGINS product line review by Paula Begoun:

Started in 1990, Origins was Estee Lauder’s contribution to the (still going strong) demand for natural products. Their approach and claims all hinge on the wonder of plants and the allegedly miraculous properties they offer for skin, whether it be dry, sensitive, oily, or simply showing the effects of time. Here’s the issue: Just as there are good and bad synthetic ingredients, there are good and bad natural ones. Ironically, Origins isn’t all that “natural” because it uses its share of synthetic ingredients, and the plant extracts they do use include some that are bad for skin.

I have never been opposed to using natural ingredients. However, it lacks integrity when a company throws in any plant ingredient with no proven benefit for skin beyond anecdotal information, and then boasts about all sorts of improbable results. It becomes a far more serious issue when the natural ingredients in question have published research showing that they are in fact irritating or damaging to skin. That’s the predicament of reviewing Origins’ skin care products: almost every product they sell contains several volatile oils (another term for essential oils), all of which have their share of negative qualities when used on skin. In their attempt to appear more natural, Origins uses quite a bit of these offending ingredients, and they’re often listed before the much more beneficial additives, such as antioxidants, cell-communicating ingredients, and skin-identical ingredients.

You might be wondering why, if Origins has had such continued success, their products can be such a problem for skin? Can’t women just use what they like? The answer is two-fold, yes women can use what they like, but often women like what isn’t good for them. For example, smoking is bad for skin (and for your lungs), but lots of people smoke; getting a tan from the sun is bad for your skin, but lots of people spend time outdoors getting a tan; and using products that contain irritating ingredients is bad for your skin, and lots of products come to the table with these inconsistencies.

As I explained in the introduction to this book, there is a litany of problems that take place when skin is irritated or inflamed, but fundamentally this results in the skin’s immune system becoming impaired, collagenase (the breakdown of collagen) occurs, and the skin is stripped of its outer protective barrier. What is perhaps most shocking is that all of these damaging responses can be taking place underneath the skin and you won’t even notice it on the surface. The clearest example of this is the significant and carcinogenic effect of the sun’s “silent” UVA rays. You don’t feel the penetration of these mutagenic rays, but they are taking a toll on your skin nonetheless (Sources: Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, March 2006, pages 30–38; International Journal of Toxicology, May-June 2006, pages 183–193; Skin Research and Technology; November 2001, pages 227–237; Dermatologic Therapy, January 2004, pages 16–25; American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, May 2004, pages 327–337; Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, November 2003, pages 663–669; Drugs, 2003 volume 63, issue 15, pages 1579–1596; Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, March 2002, pages 138–146; Cosmetics & Toiletries, November 2003, page 63; Global Cosmetics, February 2000, pages 46–49; and Contact Dermatitis, February 1995, pages 83–87).

Most of the Lauder companies really have their acts together when it comes to formulating state-of-the-art moisturizers, serums, and sunscreens that leave out the problematic plant extracts (and that represents a lot of products given the almost two dozen cosmetics companies under the Lauder corporate banner). Origins is the exception, and I encourage my readers who prefer to shop for skin care at the department store to explore the truly far better options from Clinique, Estee Lauder, Prescriptives, M.A.C., Bobbi Brown, or even La Mer. Even salon-styled Aveda, also owned by Lauder, with a natural theme similar to Origins, has less problematic formulas.

For more information about Origins, owned by Estee Lauder, call (800) 674-4467 or visit www.origins.com.

I cannot tell you how many times I have tried a self-tanner – with so much optimism and then indignity. I swear I have used every self tanner on the market, including the popular Jergens Natural Glow in Light, Medium and Dark tones. I used the Jergens color light on my legs (never on my face because I am sure I would break out; I am too sensitive). I won’t lie, this product is GREAT for the price, but it’s the smell that gets me. I just can’t handle the smell! I always said that if I can smell the product on me than so can everyone else! I would mix it with some of my regular lotion, but to no avail.

Having a nice sun-kissed glow is something that really can change your outlook – kind of like having a really ‘good hair day’, but it can be costly. So, for those of you who have given up on the sun (for obvious reasons), here are the BEST self-tanners from Paula Begoun. You can read her full reviews in her book Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com]).

The BEST Self-Tanners (I did not include the very good tanners):

>Almay “Sunless Tanning Gel for Body” $9.99

>Almay “Sunless Tanning Gel for Face” $9.99

>Clinque “Self-Sun Body Quick Bronze” $18.50

>Clinque “Self-Sun Face Quick Bronze” 18.50

>Estee Lauder “Body Performance Naturally Radiant Moisturizer” $35.00

>Estee Lauder “Go Bronze Plus Tinted Self-Tanner for Face” $22.50

>Estee Lauder “Sunless SuperTan, for Face” $22.50

>Lancome “Flash Bronzer Tinted Self-Tanning Moisturizing Mousse $29.50

>Paula’s Choice “Almost the Real Thing Self-Tanning Gel, for All Skin Types” $12.95

>Sonia Kashuk “Bronze Sunless Tanner” $14.99

How did Paula pick the best ones?

Almost all self-tanners will work as indicated, because 99% of them contain the same “active” ingredient, dihydroxyacetone (DHA). DHA reacts with amino acids found in the top layers of skin to create a shade of brown; the effect takes place within two to six hours, and color depth can be built with every reapplication. DHA has a long history of safe use, but it is critical to keep in mind that the “tan” you get from DHA does not provide any sun protection. If you decide to use a self-tanner, be sure you continue to protect exposed skin every day with a well-formulated sunscreen rated SPF 15 or greater and that contains the UVA-protecting ingredients of avobenzone, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, Mexoryl SX (ecamsule), or Tinosorb.

Self-tanners with sunscreen tend to be a problem if used as your sole source of sun protection. The reason is that ideally, a self-tanner should be applied sparingly while a sunscreen requires liberal application. If you apply a self-tanner with sunscreen liberally, you risk a blotchy or too-dark result. Conversely, applying a self-tanner with sunscreen sparingly will not get you to the level of protection stated on the label, and that puts your skin at risk for damage.

If all self-tanners are similar, how did I decide which ones to rate as Paula’s Picks? Good question! Although I have no doubt you will have success with any self-tanner rated with a happy face on this site (for best results, be sure to follow the application instructions exactly), the handful of options below are the self-tanners that, for the most part, are also state-of-the-art moisturizers or gels that just happen to turn skin a beautiful shade of tan. I’d recommend starting with any of the options below before others because what each contains will prove helpful for skin (especially normal to dry skin) while imparting a sunless tan, which is the only kind I (and any dermatologist informed on the dangers of tanning in the sun) recommend.

By Paula Begoun