The Summer of CC Creams

April 16, 2013 | By

Dr. Dennis Gross CC Cream

While it initially seemed like CC creams would be a short-lived fad, top skincare brands are proving that this product is more versatile than we thought.

It looks like no brand is getting bored of seeing what else they can fit into a single tube of tinted moisturizer, and there are several standout new products in the CC category this summer.

Coming this July, Dr. Dennis Gross launches his version: Daily Essentials CC Cream SPF 18. This is a tinted moisturizer that combines broad-spectrum SPF with hydration and coverage. Some of the same anti-aging and antioxidant ingredients as you see in the rest of his skincare line were included in this product to treat your skin all day as you wear it.

AMOREPACIFIC Color Control Cushion Compact

Switching gears now, here’s another (entirely different) take on CC Cream from Japanese cult brand AMOREPACIFIC that I’m completely obsessed with. Their Color Control Cushion Compact (available now) is a sheer liquid foundation with SPF 50 and a host of skincare ingredients.

The product comes in pretty unique packaging: The compact contains a sponge saturated with the liquid CC cream, as well as a separate puff to use for applying it. And here’s a cool bonus: When there’s no more liquid in the sponge, just pop in the refill that comes with the product!

The AMOREPACIFIC Color Control Cushion Compact is available in 4 shades, and feels weightless on your skin, while making it look poreless, even, and protecting it from the sun. What could be better? This is one multitasking product you’ll always want to carry in your bag.

Keratin Complex KeraBalm

Finally, though not a CC cream per se, Keratin Complex launched the first BB cream for hair with its new Kerabalm 3-in-1 Multi-Benefit Hair Balm.

The product goes on like a leave-in cream to smooth the cuticle (goodbye frizz!), repel humidity, and add shine. Even those of us who don’t get Keratin treatments at the salon can benefit from products that contain this strengthening ingredient.

We’ve been treating our faces to BB and CC creams, so why not our hair?

Filed Under: Beauty & Style, Cosmetics Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Jurlique? C’est Chic. Our Staff Reviews.

April 3, 2013 | By

Jurlique Viola Cream

Tester 1: Dina, Marketing
Jurlique Viola Cream – A calming and soothing  cream for delicate skin.

“When she got this new Jurlique product delivered to the Spa Week office, our editor immediately plopped it right on my desk. Everyone here knows I have the most sensitive, delicate skin imaginable.  After washing my face this morning, I warmed a small dollop of the cream between my fingertips and smoothed it all over my face and into my neck. It absorbed quickly and left my skin looking dewy, which I loved – so much so that I skipped my foundation this morning. The consensus: my tender and finicky skin loved it!”

Jurlique Herbal Recovery Neck Serum

Tester 2: Brynn, Sales
Jurlique Herbal Recovery Neck Serum — A powerful serum to improve elasticity and firmness.

“Closer to 30 than 20 now, I have recently become slightly OCD about protecting my skin against the evils of aging. One important thing I’ve learned is that you need to pay attention not just to your face but also to your neck and décolletage. Needless to say, I was thrilled to try out Jurlique’s neck serum. Comprised of potent botanicals from Jurlique’s own organic and biodynamic farms, I immediately loved the scent, which reminded me of spring rain. You only need a pump or two to cover your neck and décolletage, so the bottle is sure to last. My skin felt slightly tingly and cool after applying, and the next morning I did notice my skin in those areas looked and felt fresher. In the morning, I applied the serum under my SPF moisturizer, too. I’m definitely up for adding this serum to my day and night routine!”

In addition to the product line, Jurlique also offers Spa Treatments, and they’re participating in Spa Week — click here to browse participating locations near you!

Filed Under: Beauty & Style, Spa Week Event, Spas Tagged With: , ,

The Dermalogica Academy

December 12, 2012 | By

If you ask a beauty editor what her favorite skincare products are, you’ll get a long list. But at least one product on that list will likely be from Dermalogica.

UK-born esthetician Jane Wurwand opened the International Dermal Institute in 1983 after realizing that proper education courses for skincare professionals were lacking in America. Then, she created the Dermalogica products in 1986 after realizing that there was a lack of proper skincare options on the market, too.

The Institute has since grown into 32 locations worldwide offering education programs to skincare professionals.  And the Dermalogica Academy in NYC goes a step beyond by serving the public, too: Aside from a retail center offering the complete Dermalogica product line, customers can also book comprehensive skincare services from undergraduate students enrolled at the skincare academy.

Here’s the cool thing about the Academy skincare services: They’re free! OK, not all of them are, but some are, and the rest are very affordable.

There are three tiers of skincare treatments price-wise. You can receive a basic skin analysis and product recommendations free of charge, so anytime you feel lost and in need of some skincare direction, stop by and chat to an expert. (Not in NYC? Dermalogica retail stores nationwide offer these basic consultations as well.) As for the Academy-exclusive services, you can get a range of specific “microZone®” treatments (think a quick exfoliation or blackhead fix) for $20 each, or opt for a full 60-minute treatment (for face or back) for just $50.

The hour-long treatment is fully customized to your skin’s needs, and includes extractions and a Galvanic current application, which helps tighten pores and control oil production.

What to expect: You’ll relax in a communal room featuring a row of white leather treatment chairs, ambient music, and soft, dim lighting. It feels like a futuristic spa, and the academy students conducting the treatments are well-trained and professional. In fact, a teacher conducts a 2nd analysis of every client to ensure the treatment protocol determined by the student is on-target.

We love this go-to skincare spa for affordable treatments when Spa Week isn’t in session (though we do have spa deals year-round). And we love the products, too! See a few of our favorites below:

Special Cleansing Gel: A smooth, slippery gel cleanser that’s actually moisturizing.

Daily Microfoliant: A gentle, foaming rice grain cleanser/scrub with enzyme action.

UltraCalming Mist: A calming, moisturizing spritz for sensitive skin.

Get more information on the Dermalogica Academy, or find a Dermalogica retail location near you.

Filed Under: Facials, Products, Skin Care Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Expert Skin Q&A: How to Treat Cystic Acne

September 18, 2012 | By

You ask, we get answers! This week’s reader skin question is being fielded by Dr. Joshua Zeichner, Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in the Dermatology Department at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York City.

Q: What’s the best way to treat cystic acne?

A: Cystic acne is a severe form of acne that can be treated with topical medications, but may also require oral medication. Over-the-counter products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid are a good place to start.  If you see no improvement after two weeks of use, make an appointment to see your dermatologist — those types of angry pimples can heal with permanent scars if not treated.  Your dermatologist may give your prescription topicals in combination with pills by mouth.  Some women may be treated with hormonal therapies to normalize any fluctuations in hormones causing cystic eruptions.

A word of caution: Many topical acne medications can be irritating and make you sensitive to the sun.  Choose a good sunscreen for sensitive skin (I like Cetaphil DermaControl Moisturizer SPF 30).

Got a question for us? Leave a comment below and we may answer in the  next post!

Prefer to leave your acne treatment to the pros? We can help! Spa Week is happening NOW, so book a discounted $50 facial at a participating spa near you: Click here.

Filed Under: Skin Care, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,

How to Change Your Skincare Routine from Summer to Fall

September 18, 2012 | By

Now that summer is coming to a close, what does your skin need?

We consulted top dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross to share some tips for summer-to-fall skincare changes that will really make a difference.

“To help transition your skin from summer to fall, focus on products that help repair sun-damaged skin,” says Dr. Gross. “By the end of summer, many women are dealing with the consequences of months of sun-exposure, including sunburn, peeling, redness, and dry skin.”

Dr. Gross put three such ingredients into his favorite new product, Ferulic Acid + Retinol Brightening Solution. Here’s a breakdown of what they are and what they do:

Azelaic Amino Acid: Helps control oil secretion to prevent formation of blackheads & whiteheads; Fades dark spots & brightens skin.

Bearberry Extract: Corrects hyperpigmentation & helps increase cell turnover for younger-looking skin.

Ferulic Acid: Offers sun damage protection; A plant-based antioxidant that enhances properties of other vitamins for healthy skin.

Bonus tip: “It’s also important to avoid taking extra hot showers as the weather gets colder,” Dr. Gross advises. “Hot showers can be drying to the skin. Shower with the bathroom door closed to allow the steam to build-up, and moisturize as soon as you get out of the shower.”

And, of course, the best way to transition skin between seasons? A facial! Here are a few highlights of $50 facials you can get at top spas during Spa Week in October (booking happens now, so don’t wait!):

Affinia Beauty & Spa, New York, NY: 55 Min Ultrasonic Facial plus Ossein Eye Treatment

Ageless Spa Medica, Chesterfield, MI: Oxygen Facial Regular with Supersonic Saline Mist Exfoliator and Oxygen Infuser

Alchemie Spa, Santa Monica, CA: 45 Min Skin-Plumping Oxygen Facial

Andrew Michaels Salon and Spa, Salem, MA: 50 Min Ocean and Collagen Cocktail Facial

Aniko Salon and Spa, Chicago, IL: 45 Min Signature Aniko Spa Facial Includes Customized Mask and Extractions

Annemarie4Skincare, Lebanon, NH: 50 Min Customized Ultra Sonic Facial

Filed Under: Skin Care, Spa Week Event Tagged With: , , ,