Exfoliators: The Unsung Heroes of Skin Care

Hopefully, by now, Beauty Wonkette has convinced beauty wonkettes everywhere that if you’re not regularly buffing your skin, it’s not living up to its total hot potential. Indeed, almost all dermatologists agree that exfoliators are the unsung heroes of skin care. It’s easy enough to understand.

As teens, our skin cells flake off and reveal a more luminous layer ever 14 days. But for every year past the age of 20, that rate increases by a day. Put your shoes back on! Calculations are NOT necessary. If you’re old enough to be reading Beauty Wonkette, you should be exfoliating ! Now, although there are loads of exfoliators out there – some of ‘em gritty, others packed with acids in the form of fruit enzymes – the fact is that Beauty Wonkette doesn’t want you to slap just any crap on your kisser. Furthermore, please remember that truly seeing results that last more than an hour or so after exfoliating, you need to do it consistently. Hence, you have to find what’s right for you. Anything that’s irritating isn’t something you are likely to use consistently.

For those of you with skin that is normal, or oil (Beauty Wonkette is from the land of olive oil and her skin literally reflects it… ), you can likely withstand all types of exfoliators. But, my lovelies, Beauty Wonkette has discovered what is without a doubt the best of all possible worlds when it comes to exfoliation.

David Colbert, MD – dermatologist to the stars – has come out with a lovely line of skincare products. The Colbert MD line is based on the idea that healthy, beautiful skin can and should be effortlessly realized by every one of us. Since the skin has its own healing mechanism that will prompt it to regenerate, he argues, we can create the environment in which it can repair and restore itself. Sooooo, Colbert MD’s system initiates the skin’s own natural healing and repair processes through the use of 3 key products each day every day. Beauty Wonkette likes the fact that it’s easy peasy AND effective AND, while it ain’t cheap, you won’t have to give up feeding your body to feed your skin.

The ColbertMD Daily System

Stimulate: The Serum
Enhances skin´s quality and structure, and refines texture. Increases collagen production. Restores skin´s natural radiance.

Nutrify and Protect: Day
Delivers key nutrients to the dermis. Defends skin against internal and environmental challenges.

Heal and Sooth: Night
Initiates skin´s natural repair processes. Helps reverse inflammation and environmental damage while providing essential hydration.

Now, all of this brings Beauty Wonkette to what she intended to talk about oh so many words ago. This IS a nice line, but honesty must prevail. Beauty Wonkette isn’t ready to part with her M Lab regimen. However, this line has one absolutely standout rockstar product that will intensify ANY skin care routine: Facial Discs ! For use one to three times per week (Beauty Wonkette has been using them 2-3 times per week), these enzyme-soaked discs exfoliate the skin, prepping it for the other Colbert MD (or any other) products and helping the system achieve full effectiveness.


Consider this Exfoliating 201: By now, most of us know that fruit acid can ramp up skin’s radiance. But, using both a physical slougher and a chemical one offers a facial like luminosity that you will LOVE. The combo breaks the bonds between surface cells and dissolves them evenly.

Now, Beauty Wonkette warns you that this is somewhat aggressive and you should do it only if your skin is normal or oily. Start slow – once a week perhaps – and work your way up. Even if your skin tends to the sensitive, you can still probably use this a few times per month.

A jar of 20 discs will set you back $48. Trust Beauty Wonkette. It’s hard to imagine how the money could be better spent. And, Beauty Wonkette is guessing that by sometime tomorrow, your skin is going to be needing a "pick me up."

Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy New Year.

Peace

New Year's Guide 2011

New Year's Eve is most definitely NOT Beauty Wonkette's favorite holiday. In fact, it's probably below Flag Day on Beauty Wonkette's list of favorite holidays. But, since it's unavoidable, here are thirteen sparkling-cocktail recipes from some favorite NY drink dens to help you ring in the New Year with a pop.

Aperol Spritz (View Recipe)
From The Mermaid Inn
This simple cocktail has just two ingredients: the tart, rhubarb-infused spirit Aperol, and the wallet-friendly prosecco. Finish with a twist.

Aviators Tipple (View Recipe)
From Martim Ake Smith-Mattsson at Double Crown
This drink gets a pop of color from maraschino syrup and a swirl of creme de violette.

The Bianco Royale (View Recipe)
From BLT Bar & Grill
VeeV acai liqueur, honey syrup, lemon juice, and rose water mingle with chilled prosecco in this floral cocktail.

Black Mission Fig Mimosa (View Recipe)
From Marc Forgione
For a dose of farm-to-table in a glass: This drink marries homemade fig syrup with walnut liqueur in a Champagne flute that's been rimmed in honey and crushed hazelnuts.

Calvados 75 (View Recipe)
From The Lambs Club
This Spanish twist on a classic blends apple brandy with fresh lemon juice and budget-friendly cava.

East Side Spirit (View Recipe)
From The National
The National's take on the Champagne cocktail features a Grand Marnier–rimmed flute filled with sherry and sparkling rosé, finished with a candied orange twist.

Hearts of Oak (View Recipe)
From Damon Boelte at Prime Meats
The Hearts of Oak cocktail packs a punch, with bourbon, sparkling rosé, and the on-trend cynar making time with cozy winter flavors like cinnamon and orange bitters.

Pomegranate Peach Bellini (View Recipe)
From Stanton Social
Peach purée and pomegranate liqueur amp up the traditional Bellini, making it the perfect beverage for a New Year's celebration or a recovery breakfast the next morning.

Red Velvet Champagne Cocktail (View Recipe)
From Plein Sud
This cocktail combines strawberry purée, vanilla, and sugar in an ode to the universally adored cupcake.

Russian Court (View Recipe)
From Dushan Zaric at Employees Only
This prosecco-based cocktail marries orange bitters with a helping of acacia honey and gets an extra kick from a serving of vodka. Garnish with an orange twist for a festive touch.

Spiced Pear Sgroppino (View Recipe)
From Ai Fiori
A drink made of pear sorbet and sparkling wine—chilly, easy to make, and lightly indulgent. Make as a punch to share with friends.

French 75 (View Recipe)
From Summit Bar
Start the New Year off with a twist on the traditional Soixante Quinze.

Vuelve a la Vida (View Recipe)
From Toloache
Show off your exotic side with a drink containing dragon fruit purée, lime, and mezcal ... just don't forget about the Champagne.

5 quick fixes using stuff you probably DO have

Holy Guacamole!!! Beauty Wonkette was NOT ready for yesterday's storm. Fortunately, the holidays left BW well-stocked with food and spirits. But, it always seems to be the case that even a hoarder like Beauty Wonkette finds herself without certain essentials - and there needn't be a snowstorm to cause it. Anyway, anyway, here are a few gems we've collected for what happens when you just are OUT of something...

Shampoo as makeup remover: It's not ideal, but this will do until you can make it to your beauty supply store to pick up makeup remover. Baby shampoo with water will help remove thick layers of makeup from your face, and it won't irritate your eyes.

Conditioner as shaving cream: You may have forgotten to put shaving cream on your shopping list, but no worries. You probably have conditioner, which will do the job for now. Its moisturizing ingredients should help the razor glide over your skin smoothly and help avoid razor burn. In fact, Beauty Wonkette uses up all of her "less than fav conditioners" this way. Body wash is also a common emergency remedy.

Clear nail polish to ward off eczema: Ever have eczema outbreaks on your stomach when you wear your favorite jeans? (Yes, yes, Beauty Wonkette spyed you scratching your belly like a cute little chimp) Dr. Jeanine Downie, a dermatologist in Montclair, NJ, says that painting clear nail polish onto the back of the buttons on your denim gear can keep your skin from being irritated. "People have an allergy to nickel," she says.

Petroleum jelly as a soothing agent: Washing your hands with rings on your fingers can cause soap to build up under the jewelry, which leads to skin irritation. A quick fix for this is applying petroleum jelly at night to the affected area. To get to the root of the problem, Dr. Downie says, "Take off your rings when you wash your hands!"

Toothpaste as acne medication: It's the night before a momentous occasion, you've noticed an evil mountain of oil forming on your face, and you don't have time to run to the drugstore to pick up a zit-zapping cream. Fear not: A home remedy is right at your fingertips. First, wash your face with a mild soap and pat it dry with a towel. Then, dab a bit of toothpaste on the pimple and wait for it to dry. By morning the toothpaste will have dried the sucker out. Only plain toothpaste that is low in fluoride should be used for these emergency situations, because whitening toothpastes contain hydrogen peroxide, which will irritate the skin, and gels aren't as effective. But this home remedy is not for everyone, says Downie. People with dry or sensitive skin should stay away from this quick fix because it could dry them out too much.

Claire's lashes ?!?!?!

Are Claire Danes' luscious lashes giving her hell? The Emmy Award-winning actress joined Brooke Shields this summer as a celebrity spokesperson for Latisse, the eyelash growth treatment from the makers of Botox -- but she seems to have suffered one of the product's side effects.

Danes, in a flouncy dress, touts, "When Your Lashes Grow, Your Lashes Show," while showing off longer, darker lashes in a TV and online commercial with the list of possible adverse reactions.

In a video diary on the Latisse Web site documenting her 16-week journey, Danes admitted, "When I first started using Latisse, I did actually have a side effect, the skin around my eyes was a little bit red that lasted for about a week. But since then, no, I haven't had any side effects."

However, a highly reliable source claims that Danes' makeup artist has to plaster on concealer to cover the purplish and yellowish shade. "It is hard to cover it up," the source said.

Beauty Wonkette first read about this whole affair in the NY Post when they ran this story in their uber famous gossip column Page Six. Apparently, a Latisse spokesperson told Page Six, "We can only speak to what Claire has shared with us regarding her experience with Latisse, which is that she has been pleased with her results and continues to use the product. "Claire's team has shared with us that she has not experienced skin hyperpigmentation following use of Latisse," the spokesperson told us.

"Skin-darkening is a less common side effect . . . and typically occurs close to where Latisse is applied on the skin. This has been reported to be reversible in most patients upon discontinuation of Latisse."

A rep for Danes insisted to us, "Your claims are entirely false. We will pursue legal action if you print anything to the contrary. This story should be killed." Well, not only was the story NOT killed, but Page Six has continued to run variations and updates. No legal action in sight.

Who are you gonna believe? Beauty Wonkette is perplexed. It's your call really. Is the promise of long lashes were taking a chance with increased pigmentation around the eye when dark circles is probably the number one complaint Beauty Wonkette sees? Yup. It's your call.

les perles de chanel.....spring 2011

Although Beauty Wonkette generally doesn't shrink away from the cold, (IN FACT, she likes the winter), for some reason she was longing for a little bit of Spring. Guess what? The ghost of Coco Chanel responded!

TAAAA DAAAAAA! (drum roll....)
Chanel's Spring 2011 nail polish lineup! Les Vernis in Pearl Drop, Black Pearl and Peche Nacree.

Coco Chanel believed the light-reflecting property of pearls enhanced a woman’s natural beauty by bringing a delicate luminosity to her skin. Peter Philips, Global Creative Director of CHANEL Makeup, captures this quality in a radiant Spring 2011 Collection, LES PERLES DE CHANEL. Pearlized shades of black and white are accented with pinks and corals, brightening the complexion and creating a natural glow."

Ohhh that Coco! The polish will be available in January on Chanel.com and Chanel counters for $23.

Beauty Wonkette needs a mani/pedi way before then.

A Model of Enduring Beauty....

Beauty Wonkette has always thought Iman was amazingly gorgeous, with her regal body and perfect skin. And — after 35 years as a beauty and fashion icon, she's still recognized as an enduring beauty by both the public and the industry (she received a Fashion Icon Lifetime achievement award this year from the Council of Fashion Designers of America.)

So how has she managed to keep her spectacular body and looks after 35 years in the public eye?

Iman told Allure that she credits her radiance in middle age to things that many of us could do better (like sunscreen everyday), and to things that some of us consider a luxury - like professional facials. And, of course, it doesn't hurt that she has her own makeup artist who uses things like mink false lashes to create her gorgeous looks.

But not all of her beauty secrets are highbrow. For instance, the former supermodel admits that she doesn't know how she ever lived without Moroccan Oil (neither can Beauty Wonkette, actually). More notably, though, Iman's successful, 15-year-old company, Iman Cosmetics, was founded when she saw a need for cosmetics – with an emphasis on foundation – for women with of color. One of the things that BW loves about her line is that it's really affordable AND available (as in every supermarket and drugstore Beauty Wonkette has been in lately).

Part of Iman's lasting appeal is that, while she's exceptionally beautiful, her beauty philosophy is accessible. "Makeup should just enhance who you are," she's often been quoted as saying. And, by her own account, even though she looks much younger than 55 (YES, I SAID 55), Iman still faces some of the same aging problems that the other mortals do, i.e. she had something called "frozen shoulder" which sidelined her from working out for awhile. She may not have been able to work out regularly, but she's known for her striking figure, which stays model-thin even after giving birth in middle age (at 45.)

Beauty Wonkette tried to find out just how Iman manages to stay so slim. According to the Mail Online, Iman is a devotee of "clean eating", but that's contradicted by reports in People magazine, which say Iman eats what her family eats. The magazine then gives an example of her whipping up a shepherd's pie (Beauty Wonkette is no nutritionist, but is pretty sure that doesn't qualify as "clean eating.") Whatever her diet secrets are, they seem to be working...

BW has a ways to go before hitting 55, but if getting there means looking like this gal, BW ain't skeered at all. You shouldn't be either!

Beauty Wonkette wishes you a Merry Merry....

Ahhhh I know. Beauty Wonkette has been a bad girl. She hasn't posted for so long. Indeed, some would argue that all Beauty Wonkette deserves in HER stocking is a big, old, dirty lump of coal (that's right, you say, COAL not KOHL).

But, Beauty Wonkette has an excellent excuse. First, Beauty Wonkette is now MRS. Beauty Wonkette. No, no - I didn't marry somebody named Beauty Wonkette BUT I did marry. Yep. Again. Hehe.

AND, one of the perks of BW's real job is international travel. And travel BW did...

Okay - enough! Bottom line: BEAUTY WONKETTE IS BACK!

And, she's wishing you and yours a very MERRY MERRY...

Beauty Wonkette likes her tresses shiny BUT if you want to rock the matte trend....

Fashion swings like a pendulum, and these days, it’s describing an arc away from super-shiny hair of dubious provenance, toward matte tresses as messy as an unmade bed. The look began on the Paris runways this spring and summer, where models wearing shimmering, reflective fabrics sported hair that was the opposite of the glossy clothes: flat in texture, full of body and deliberately dulled down.

Surprisingly, the look of two-day-old hair seemed fresh, and the trend has taken off, appealing to women who want a bad-girl edge that says “I’m not trying too hard.” For its star practitioner, look no further than Twilight’s Kristen Stewart, an actress who rocks the matte look both on and off camera.

Careful readers of fashion magazines will notice that the “no product look” can be seen on models in both articles and ads, with bed-head hair that is neither shiny nor stick-straight. It’s as if they all “just said no” to silicone (products, that is).

Get the Matte Look
Summer is the perfect time to try this trend, because it’s warm enough to let hair dry naturally without a blow-dryer, which uses heat to add shine. To get the look of unwashed hair without having to wait for it to happen in real time, we asked Fabrice Gili, the national creative director of Frederic Fekkai salons, for tips.

* Hair washing: Wash your hair with your regular shampoo, but for the second shampoo, take a plain bar of all-natural olive oil soap. “I like the traditional cube soap that my grandmother used on us when I was growing up in France, but any olive oil soap that’s pure, gentle and unscented will do,” he says. Lather up and massage the foam starting halfway down your hair all the way to the ends, carefully avoiding the roots. Rinse thoroughly. “The soap will leave a matte finish wherever it was applied, and add depth and texture,” says Gili. It’s best to air-dry your hair, but if that’s not possible, try attaching a diffuser to the blow-dryer. “Any other tools, like a straight iron or a flatiron, will only add shine and negate the effect you’re trying to achieve,” he says.

* An even quicker way to get matte hair is by styling it dry and using a powder. Sprinkle or spray dry shampoo on the roots, working it through the scalp, and then bend over to brush it out. “The powder surrounds the shaft of the hair, almost doubling its circumference, which makes it look and feel a lot thicker,” explains Gili. “On all the fashion shoots I’ve been doing lately, I’ve been using dry shampoo, and it adds a lot of body and gives a really big result,” he says. If you’re all out of dry shampoo, baby powder will work in a pinch, he adds.

* Another way to tamp down the shine while adding texture is to braid your hair while it’s still wet. “A few hours later, take out the braid, and you will find a nice matte soft wave,” he says.

If ever there was a low-maintenance but avant-garde hairstyle, the matte-and-mussed look is it. Gili invites you to try it. “This is being worn by young, contemporary women who are thoroughly trendy and ‘get’ what’s happening,” he says. And it may be happening throughout the fall season, if the hairstyles at the recent fall/winter ready-to-wear shows are any indication. Talk about putting out the “welcome matte.”

Purdy tootsies CAN be achieved

SOME PEOPLE are convinced that Beauty Wonkette has a foot fetish. WEG.... Nah, she doesn't really. BUT, Beauty Wonkette does believe that good grooming includes keeping her tootsies soft and purdy. It ain't hard. Really. Read on!




For stunning tootsies all year round, follow this nourishing routine:

The 6-step Professional Pedicure
At least twice a year (once before the summer season and once before the winter holidays), treat yourself to an intensive professional pedicure. Beauty Wonkette indulges far more frequently. Costly? Nah. Beauty Wonkette does it herself. But, whether the pampering will be done in the privacy of your home or at your favorite spa or salon, choose a treatment that includes the following steps:

1. A salt bath to soften feet.

2. Callus removal, which therapists usually carry out by first brushing a special softening solution onto the affected area and then using a brand-new or properly sanitized tool.

3. A sugar scrub to exfoliate the whole foot.

4. A foot massage, using a natural oil such as grapeseed, which deeply penetrates your skin, returning feet to supple form.

5. A hot paraffin wrap, which seals in moisture.

6. And finally, the fun part: the classic pedicure, during which your toenails are cut and filed, cuticles are softened and nails are painted.

Do-it-yourself Daily Maintenance
1. Sit at the edge of your bathtub and apply a foot scrub. Choose one that contains your favorite essential oils or make your own by combining 1 tablespoon olive oil with 1 tablespoon raw sugar, oatmeal or chickpea flour. Massage the scrub into your feet and leave it on for five minutes. If time permits, soak hand towels in warm or hot water, and wrap them around your feet. This seals in moisture and works in the same way as a paraffin wax treatment.

2. Keep a foot brush or designated washcloth in the shower. Pour liquid soap onto your chosen scrubber and rub until your heels and toes are thoroughly clean. Three times a week while showering, run a foot file vigorously across your heels and soles. Be sure to replace your file once a month to avoid bacteria buildup.

3. Immediately after your bath or shower, slather your feet with a thick body butter, taking care to massage the lotion into your heels and soles.

4. For an added moisture boost, twice a week before you go to bed, rub olive oil all over your feet and soles, and sleep with socks on.

Now, WIGGLE YOUR TOES !!!

Go ahead! FEED YOUR FACE

Take raspberry seed oil, add a splash of apricot, honeysuckle and lavender, shake well with gingko leaf and carrot root, and top with a dash of rye seed.

Beauty Wonkette licked her lips (yes, yes 'tis no secret that Beauty Wonkette loves things that taste good :D )But, Beauty Wonkette snapped out of it cause she knows this isn't the recipe for a super antioxidant smoothie. It's what's in the new protective serum from luxury organic skincare line Om Aroma & Co.

Launching today, the all-natural, paraben-free Red Raspberry Serum ($58 for 1 oz.) has everything necessary to deliciously fight fine lines, restore natural glow and provide natural UVA and UVB protection. Just massage in the serum twice a day after cleansing.

Are you a NYC Beauty Wonkette? Need your daily serving of fruit? Join Om Aroma tonight to celebrate the launch at their storefront in Limelight Marketplace from 6-8PM, and enjoy red raspberry mocktails and special offers.

Sweet.

Om Aroma & Co. at Limelight Marketplace, 656 Avenue of the Americas, (212) 359-5557

AND, FROM OUR FRIENDS AT VITAL JUICE NYC:
Receive 20% off your Red Raspberry Serum purchase by entering the code VITALJUICE (offer is good until Sept 1) here

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU: New creams harness the power of natural electricity

Beauty Wonkette is no stranger to the use of microcurrents in skincare. In fact, she is quite fond of her NuFace device. And, yes, it has long been understood that skin cells naturally communicate and stimulate repair and regeneration via tiny electrical currents. These currents are stronger in young skin, and weaken as we age.

This knowledge inspired U.S. scientists at Johnson & Johnson, parent company of the skincare giants RoC and Neutrogena, to discover a way to harness the power of natural bio-electricity in a pot. And this year, both companies launched new high-tech skin creams which claim to do just this.

Described as a 'true revolution in skincare' RoC's Brillance range contains E-Pulse Skin Electro-Stimulation Technology, which is protected by no less than ten U.S. patents, while Neutrogena's Clinical Skin Care also contains a patented ion2 complex.

Both claim to rejuvenate in a similar way - by producing low level micro-currents to boost collagen, making skin appear firmer, smoother and less wrinkled.

Dermatologist Jane Khoury, who worked with Neutrogena on its Clinical range says: 'Diminished bio-electrical signalling has been observed in older skin. These changes may affect the balance of healthy turnover in the skin, resulting in visible signs of aging like wrinkles and sagging skin.'

UK anti-aging consultant Tina Richards, who developed the Tua Viso anti-aging device, adds: 'We know electronic micro-current stimulation works. It has been used in medicine for wound healing, physiotherapy rehabilitation and even orthopaedics and bone growth.'

The new miracle creams are actually two products designed to work together. The first is a grayish, silicone-based serum containing vitamin E and powdered copper and zinc (the elements of the 'battery') and the second is a water-based moisturizing cream that, applied over the serum, activates a weak ten micro amp electrical charge in the top layers of the skin.

You cannot feel it, but it's claimed this will trigger the skin to produce both collagen and elastin - proteins in skin that diminish as we get older.

Collagen gives skin its smooth structure and prevents wrinkles, while elastin gives skin its youthful bounce and resilience.

Certainly the new creams are generating excitement. The before and after pictures Beauty Wonkette saw before testing the products herself were impressive, and in RoC's clinical studies, 97 per cent of women said they saw positive results.

The company says results can be seen in just two days. But not everyone is convinced that these new bio-electricity creams can live up to their promises.

Tina Richards warns: 'The micro-currents generated by these creams are a watered down version of professional grade machines and I doubt they will have the same results.

'Also, they cannot give the same improvements in facial muscle tone and firmness that have a powerful anti-aging effect.'

Consultant dermatologist Dr Russell Emerson of the Hove Skin Clinic in England is even more sceptical. 'Skin cells do communicate using electricity, but I don't think a topical cream can work at cellular level in the way these companies claim.'

Well, Beauty Wonkette had to find out for herself. Reluctantly, she set aside her beloved RevitalEYEZ Double Peptide Emulsion (19.99 from Go Bare Skincare) to try the Neutrogena Clinical Eye Lift Contouring Treatment.

Beauty Wonkette's verdict? DAYUM THIS STUFF WORKS !!!

Yup - and Beauty Wonkette was amazed how just how quickly she saw results. BW has deepset eyes and was sort of craving a bit of a lift beginning at the tender age of 4 3/4. It was the beginning of a lifelong quest and a long string of eye products. She had finally settled on a combo regimen that consisted of the oh-so-pricey Zelens Triple Action Eye Treatment by day and the far more reasonable (but remarkably lovely and effective) Go Bare Skincare product by night. Well, that regimen has changed once again. BW has replaced the Zelens product with the Neutrogena combo in the morning and is still using RevitalEYEZ (because BW lovesssssssss peptides) at night. The firming of her upper eyelids is more than just a little noticeable and has provided more of a lift than botox! At about $40 for a combo pack that will last about a month using it once a day, it's not dirt cheap, but alot more reasonable than the Zelens. More importantly, though, IT WORKS !!!!

Beauty Wonkette Plays Frugalista with a Fabulous Foundation

Although Beauty Wonkette doesn't wear foundation herself, L’Oreal True Match foundation ($9 at just about any drugstore) caught her eye when burlesque star Dita Von Teese recommended it on Twitter. It turned out that Beauty Wonkette's 3 testers also loved the light, buildable coverage. And, with 24 different shades in three undertones (cool, warm, and neutral), you’re sure to find a perfect match for your skin. BW's tip: Apply foundation with your fingertips and then follow by buffing your skin with a powder brush for a flawless finish.

Woo Hoo - Beauty Wonkette Loves This Full Body Facelift!

Beauty Wonkette seriously loves spa days, but has trouble finding the time. So, when she finds an at-home treatment that is truly worthy, she becomes a true devotee. Well, this little jar of magic isn't just spa WORTHY, the fact is it yields better results than just about any spa treatment Beauty Wonkette can recall.

Yes, indeedy, masques/masks aren't just for faces anymore -- to give your body a full tune-up for swimsuit season, try Ole Henriksen's African Red Tea Indulgent Body Mask. Algae firms up areas where skin is loosing elasticity, Bentonite and kaolin clay detoxify, honey inhibits bacterial growth, yogurt and vitamin C hydrate and improve skin tone. Either incorporate the mask into your daily routine -- midway through your shower, after cleansing and exfoliating the entire body, work the mask with your fingertips into every inch of your skin, from the toes to the neck. Wash off after 30 seconds. For a deeper firming treatment, Henriksen suggests applying the mask to trouble spots and resting on a warm bath towel for 20. Then rinse with cold water. "It may be a little uncomfortable," says Henriksen. "But it really helps to firm and tone the body." (Beauty Wonkette nods vigorously)

24.5 oz will run you about $65 at Ole Henriksen

The RETURN of Beauty Wonkette !!!

Yup - this time I'm back for good (more or less. Yes, my lovelies, Beauty Wonkette missed you....sorta. BW cannot tell a lie. We spent 3 months in Tuscany renovating our dream house. BW loves you, but did NOT miss you - or anybody else for that matter... xoxo

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK! my hormones!

No, no - it's NOT that time of the month.... NO, no - it's not a zit..... Well, then, what provoked that shriek, you ask? Well, last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration acknowledged that triclosan--the ingredient in everything from your cutest skivvies to cosmetics to toothpaste and antibacterial soaps--may pose a health risk. Specifically it may mess with your hormones, contributing to endocrine disorders (which impacts everything from fertility to metabolism) and may be the cause of increased resistance to lifesaving antibiotics. Disturbing fact of the day: Triclosan is so ubiquitous, in fact, that it's found in the urine of 75 percent of the population. So, it has taken Beauty Wonkette a bit of time to calm down as Beauty Wonkette is very sensitive about anybody messing with her hormones and / or endocrine glands!

Of course, the FDA is not telling us to ditch our triclosan-laced products just yet. They emphasize that they are reviewing the existing science--mainly animal studies--and will report back in spring 2011. That's a year away!

Beauty Wonkette is not going to be a freak about it (at least not any more of a freak than usual). AND, Beauty Wonkette loves her current lip gloss so much that the FDA will have to pry it from her cold, dead hands. But, Beauty Wonkette now considers herself officially done with antibacterial products and is going to make an effort to look at labels.

We live in a relatively germophobic society, but lathering up with antibacterial soaps isn't necessary--a solid 20 to 30 seconds of hand-washing with good old-fashioned soap is just as effective (and, as a bonus, it won't give you dry granny hands the way anti-bac products do).

Beauty Wonkette loves that The Body Shop, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe's sell only triclosan-free products.

Beauty Wonkette Celebrates Spring with a Zingy Peppermint Facial

Beauty Wonkette adores Spring. Maybe it's the bright sunshine, the cherry blossoms, the azaleas.... Whatever the reason, Spring is a time when everything feels new and energized and it is a fabulous time to give yourself an at home facial. Facials at home can be SUCH a relaxing experience, and something to look forward to after a day of Spring cleaning (you guessed it - Beauty Wonkette HATES housecleaning :( ). Once thought of as indulgences, today, facials are largely considered to be an essential part of a healthy skincare regime.

And why not? Facials can increase natural cellular regeneration by aiding in faster skin cell renewal and help make your skin healthy and vibrant. The use of exfoliating, extracting and hydrating helps remove daily impurities to reveal the skin’s natural state. Not only will you look better, you'll FEEL better.

And, as their popularity has increased, facials have evolved from the dull, old steaming and extracting routine to experiences where science, technology and even exotic foods (not to mention BIRD POOP.....lol) are combined to give your skin the ultimate clean-up.

While researching facials Beauty Wonkette came across an interesting peppermint facial scrub that she just had to try. It's easy to do, and requires a few simple ingredients. What caught BW's eye was the fact that this uses peppermint leaves, a leaf known for its medicinal properties. Chock full of Vitamins A and C, magnesium, potassium, inositol, niacin, and iron, this leaf is great for the helping the complexion. Usually associated with trying to naturally remedy acne, it has been used for more than 200 years for treating all kinds of skin diseases. And, even if you don't grow your own (just so happens that Beauty Wonkette does), peppermint leaves are very easy to find.

Soooo my fellow Beauty Wonkettes, here goes - just follow these easy peasy steps:

* Blend 1/4 cup dried peppermint leaves with 1 cup oatmeal (REAL oatmeal - NOT instant).
* Mix in a food processor or blender to form a coarse, dry mix.
* Put into a well-sealed jar and use a handful to rub onto wet, cleansed face and neck for a quick facial scrub.
* Add just enough water to make a thin paste.
* Stay away from the eye area. Rinse with cool water.

Enjoy!

Raising the bar (of soap, that is..... :D )

Being a bonafide product junkie, Beauty Wonkette has tried ALOT of products (ah, haven't we all???). That said, there are certain products that are etched in Beauty Wonkette's memory forever.

First up was some ungodly creation that was called something like Phisohex or Phisoderm?!?!? It came in a big green plastic bottle and was supposed to guarantee that my pubescent face remained zit-free. Unpleasant as the stuff was, I think it worked.

Next up was Noxema. The smell still makes me nostalgic. Then, I went the Clinique route. Everybody probably did at one time or another. But, then, Beauty Wonkette grew up and got a fancy shmancy job in fancy shmancy NYC and it was time for a real skin routine. That was when Beauty Wonkette became an Erno Laszlo girl (12:00 she was if the feeble memory still works). There was no product that made the impact that Laszlo's black soap made on Beauty Wonkette. ADORED it !

How can somebody get excited about soap (a question only the uninitiated would ask btw)? True, soap has been around for almost 5000 years. One would think it would have evolved a bit more since the Bronze Age, but there have been few advancements in its technology - at least, few for the better. It's one of the reasons Beauty Wonkette has a permanent place in her heart for all those artisan soapmakers out there. The soap they make may not be greatly innovated technology wise. But it's GOOD soap. It smells good, feels good, and is undoubtedly better for you than the dreaded Irish Spring BW's hubby refuses to part with.

For this reason, among others, Beauty Wonkette cannot help but get inordinately excited when someone comes up with truly inspired, innovative soap, like Erno Laszlo has done.

More than just a cleansing slab, Laszlo Blue Firmarine Treatment Bar is a wonder-chunk of skin-improving ingredients. As expected, it gently washes away impurities; but long after you've sudsed up, it's still working.

Like some of our favorite high-performance serums, the Firmarine Treatment Bar (which smells exactly how you'd expect the color blue to smell) features an encapsulated delivery system—a quality essentially unheard of in soap—that ensures the distribution of firming, smoothing, hydrating and antioxidant benefits from the likes of spirulina, algae, shea butter and vitamins C and E.

More anti-aging formula than cleanser (though entirely efficient as the latter), this brilliant bar is uniquely sophisticated in a sea of antiquated soaps.

At least that is what Erno promises.... ;- )

Visit the OPI website and have some fun!

Beauty Wonkette admits it; she has tested out a polish or two (or eight) while standing in the cosmetics aisle of her local Duane Reade. Perhaps you've seen Beauty Wonkette, standing there, not looking the wee bit guilty, with muli-colored tips, testing out the seasons hottest new shades, stinking up the store, and earning some serious dirty looks from many a passerby.

Yes, indeed, Beauty Wonkette is guilty as charged. But, now, OPI has created the perfect, non-offensive way to try out colors against your skin tone and nail length. My fellow aisle 3 testers, we’ve been saved by OPI’s Try it On Application. Conveniently located on their website, you can test over 200 colors and choose exactly what suits your occasion.

No more standing in front of shelves filled with lacquers while your poor manicurist waits impatiently at her station. You’ll know what to look for going in or can head to your local drugstore before your appointment and pick up a bottle, knowing whether or not it works for you.

On the site, you can filter colors by shade (pinks, purples, brights, etc.) or by collection. Which is way more organized than what your local Walgreens is offering up.

And, if you’ve had your heart set on a shade and (gasp!) it’s not at the drugstore when you get there, have no fear! Just download the free OPI app for your iPhone and you can test out the options from your phone, without resorting back to your aisle 3 tester ways.



Visit http://www.opi.com and click the “Try On This Color” tab or download the application at itunes.

Are you shampooing your hair the RIGHT way???

Okay, now, STOP ROLLING YOUR EYES THIS INSTANT! How does Beauty Wonkette know that you are rolling your eyes? Wellllll, because when Beauty Wonkette first read this SHE rolled HER eyes. After all, we've been washing our hair for an awfully long time. One assumes that one is doing it RIGHT. Si?

Well, maybe you are. But Beauty Wonkette still thinks this is a useful read....

Say goodbye to "bad hair days" with the right shampoo. Learn what to look for in a shampoo and which shampoos are right for your specific hair type. Beautiful, healthy hair is just a shampoo away!

Is your hair frizzy and out of control? Maybe it has no body and will never hold a style. If you’re not happy with the way your hair looks, your shampoo could be the problem. Even if you love your current look, the right shampoo can cut down on those hours spent blowing, teasing, and spraying in front of the mirror each day.

Choose the right shampoo. One of the biggest mistakes women make is choosing a shampoo based on price or smell. There is a real science behind all the ingredients that go into your shampoo. You need to read shampoo labels to identify those formulated for your specific hair type. The companies that produce hair care products conduct intensive research to develop shampoos that will bring out the best in your hair. Using a product that is not made for your hair could result in damage, increased risk of breakage, and a very unhappy customer — you!

Shampoo for oily hair. If limp, greasy hair is your gripe, your shampoo solution is simple: wash and go. That’s right, skip conditioner and use a clear shampoo (no creamy shampoos for you) at least once a day — twice when you’ve spent a good deal of time outside on an especially hot, sticky day. Leave shampoo on for at least five minutes and rub your scalp well — gently of course — while shampooing to remove as much oil as possible.

If you must condition after your shampoo, apply conditioner only to the middle and ends of your hair. And when you’re through, hands off! Avoid touching hair whenever possible and brush only when necessary.

Ingredients to look for:

* Panthenol which adds body by increasing the thickness of the hair shaft.
* Acidic ingredients such as citrus fruits to cut through layers of oil and dirt.
* Astringents such as tea tree oil, chamomile, rosemary, or sage which also break down oil.

Shampoo for dry hair. Restore dry or cracked hair (think split ends) with thick, creamy shampoos that contain natural oils and fats. You can even add a drop or two of safflower or olive oil to your hair to add shine and cut frizz. But even creamy shampoos contain detergents which dry out hair if used too often. Shampoo every other day to retain your hair’s natural shine, and be sure to follow with conditioner each time. Tight curls common among African American women may need a shampoo just once every two weeks. Dry shampoos (powders that absorb oil) can be used in between washes.

Colored or other chemical-treated hair is highly susceptible to dryness and breakage. Use shampoos specially formulated for color-treated hair, and wash your hair no more than once a day.

Ingredients to look for:

* Fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and oleol alcohol which moisturize and soften.
* Jojoba oil, another great moisturizer.
* Vitamin E, which has bonus antioxidant power to protect hair from damage as well as natural moisturizing action.

Shampoo for dandruff-prone hair. If you struggle with dandruff, you’re not alone; in one study, almost three-quarters of participants reported having dandruff. Dandruff can be the result of poor hygiene and infrequent washing, but it may also be caused by overgrowth of yeast that normally lives on the scalp or other skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.

The key to controlling dandruff is seeing a dermatologist to get to the root of your dandruff. He or she can recommend a medicated shampoo which will provide relief from scratching and reduce flaking.

Ingredients to look for:

* Antimicrobials like selenium disulfide, zinc pyrithione, and piroctone olamine, which inhibit yeast growth.
* Salicylic acid which breaks up clumps of skin cells on the scalp.

Shampoo the right way. Regardless of your hair type, follow these steps to ensure you’re making the most of your shampoo:

* Wet hair thoroughly using warm water to free trapped oils and dirt within the hair shaft.
* Squirt a quarter-sized mound of shampoo onto your hand, lather, and rub gently into your scalp. Do not pull your hair on top of your head to shampoo; that will lead to knots and breakage. Apply the shampoo at your hair roots and work it gradually towards the tips.
* Rinse hair with warm water to remove all shampoo.

If you do not shampoo every day, you may need to repeat the whole process to ensure all the built-up grime has been removed.

So, what say you? Have YOU been shampooing the right way for your hair type?

A Must Have Beauty Palette from NARS

As far as Beauty Wonkette is concerned, beauty palettes are generally good for two things: taking up space in your makeup bag, and wasting your money on pairings of colors you end up never using. NARS Wild At Heart 15 Yr Anniversary Palette is NOT one of those palettes. Featuring 4 you-will-wear-them eyeshadow shades, Orgasm blush (Beauty Wonkette's all-time favorite blush, and in the beauty Hall of Fame), The Multiple in South Beach (a classic shimmer cream), 4 gorgeous lip glosses ranging from nearly-sheer to look-at-me red, and a huge, hugely convenient mirror, this palette now goes everywhere with BW. It's a limited edition, so grab one while you can.

The set contains:
- 0.03 oz Eyeshadow in Abyssinia (delicate pearl sheen)
- 0.03 oz Eyeshadow in Alhambra (golden champagne)
- 0.03 oz Eyeshadow in Ashes To Ashes (violet brown with shimmer)
- 0.03 oz Eyeshadow in Pandora (matte black)
- 0.15 oz Blush in Orgasm (peachy pink with shimmer)
- 0.12 oz The Multiple in South Beach (shimmering apricot)
- 0.03 oz Lip Lacquer in Baby Doll (cotton candy pink)
- 0.02 oz Lipstick in Red Lizard (semi matte full powered red)
- 0.02 oz Lipstick in Manhunt (sheer poppy red)
- 0.02 oz Lipstick in Fire Down Below (semi matte pure blood red)

Available ONLINE ONLY at Sephora

Great workout gear that avoids the "ugh I STINK"

Since Beauty Wonkette is something of an exercise fanatic, we're always interested in products designed to help athletes perform at their best. And, as a wife and working woman, I love finding things that make my life easier. Heh.... Who doesn't?

Well, Beauty Wonkette has discovered a line of workout wear that does both: Icebreaker, made from New Zealand merino wool. Wool for running, stepping, etc.? Yup, but this stuff is a far cry from that itchy sweater you bought but never wear. Merino wool is soft, breathes better than cotton, wicks sweat beautifully and keeps Beauty Wonkette cool, even on hot days! That's all great but here's what Beauty Wonkette really love about Icebreaker gear: unlike synthetic fabrics, it doesn't get stinky after just one workout. In fact, you can wear the same top for a week before it even starts to ripen.

Icebreaker clothes come in several weights (Beauty Wonkette wears a couple of layers for cold-weather runs) and tons of styles, some cute enough to wear anytime. Check it out at www.icebreaker.com.

Skincare doesn't end at your chin !

Ever look at someone with a clear bight face, and then as your eyes travel down to the chest the skin revealed just where a couple of buttons are undone, you can see an area that’s freckled, wrinkled and darker than the face? Beauty Wonkette sees it all too often. It’s not pretty or youthful. What it IS is years of sun damage. Fortunately, Obagi Medical has come out with a system to treat it. The Elastiderm Decolletage System does a remarkable job of reversing some of that photo-aging damage.

Part one is a skin lightening complex that uses 4% hydroquinone (pleeeez DON'T start with BW about hydroquinone - NOTHING else is as effective) which reduces discoloration and age spots.

Part two is a wrinkle reducer that is a blend of minerals, copper, zinc and malonic acid which helps to restore collagen and help the skin produce healthy new skin cells. Start now and Beauty Wonkette promises that you'll see results in one month – just when you’ll want to be getting rid of that turtleneck! Gobble, gobble.

Available at www.lovelyskin.com

Beauty that knows no borders....

One of the most buzzed about ingredients in beauty right now is argan oil. Ah, but my fellow Beauty Wonkettes already know that. Long before BW set foot in Morocco, she was blogging about the wonders of argan oil. It truly is amazing stuff. Beauty Wonkette still loves her MoroccanOil hair stuff, even if argan oil isn't the only thing - or even the primary thing, in there. But, when we're talking argan oil, a little bit goes a long way.

Found in Morocco, it is pressed from the nut of local argan tree fruit, where it has been used for centuries by Berber women as a skin and hair care cure-all for everything from acne and wrinkles to split ends and scar tissue. It is called the “gold of Morocco” for good reason. Argan oil is rich in vitamin E, loaded with potent antioxidant polyphenols and packed with hydrating essential fatty acids like lineolic acid which deeply moisturizes the skin (or hair!) while protecting it from free radical damage.

Argan oil can be used on its all over your body, literally from head to toe. Starting at the top, it not only nourishes the scalp and hair, but leaves locks looking shiny without feeling heavy or greasy. You can use it on your skin instead of a traditional facial or body moisturizer, on your nails as a strengthener and on your cuticles to prevent cracks. Here in the US, it's a precious (read EXPENSIVO) elixir, but in Morocco.... Well, let's just say that Beauty Wonkette got into the habit of slathering the stuff everywhere. As great as the stuff is all by itself, BW has learned that when argan oil is blended into skin care, body and hair care products the results can be even more amazing.

One example is Mama Mio O-Mega Oil. This soothing oil is the miracle product for dry, itchy and uncomfortable skin. Formulated with three omega-rich oils, it improves elasticity while deeply nourishing and moisturizing the skin. Jojoba seed oil soothes and prevents premature skin aging, argan oil nourishes and helps the skin to stretch with increased comfort and safflower seed oil strengthens cell membranes. Apply this stuff once a day to shower damp skin, and you'll be amazed!

Ingredients: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcus (Sweet Almond) Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower Seed) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel (Argan) Oil, Parfum (Fragrance), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Limonene, Linalool, Citral, Citronellol, Evernia Furfuracea (Treemoss) Extract, Benzyl Benzoate (from Ylang Oil).


It isn't cheap. 7 ounces will run about $35. But, since a little bit goes a long way, the bottle will last.

Beauty Wonkette is back !

Yes, it's true! Beauty Wonkette is back. One of the perks of my REAL job means the occasional overseas posting in an exotic spot. :D Oh, okay - most of the time the postings aren't all that exotic, but this one truly was. If you ever have an opportunity to visit Morocco, don't think twice. It is, without question, one of the loveliest places on earth.

That said, it's very good to be home and really, while I've been places that I've loved, I still maintain that there isn't anyplace, at least on THIS planet, like New York. Yep - it's good to be home!

Now that we're back and unpacked and all settled in, Beauty Wonkette is ready to pick up where she left off. Soooo, let the posting begin!