It isn’t hard to find skin care products containing natural ingredients, or even those claiming to be 100% natural. However, natural ingredients are hard to pin down, as there is no FDA regulation for such a term when it comes to skin care. Generally, we recognize natural ingredients as those that are extracted directly from their source in nature, as opposed to synthetic creations thereof. I thought it would be helpful to point out a few natural ingredients often recommended by professionals, and fill you in on my experiences with them.

First up: Vitamin C. Sorry, but your mom was right; Vitamin C is necessary to your vitality, including the preservation of healthy skin. And guess what? There’s even a way to demonstrate its effectiveness. Using my Sircuit Skin Sircuit Weapon Vitamin C Serum and an apple cut in half (one side treated with the serum and the other left “naked” to be exposed to oxidization), these are the results after sitting for about one hour:

As you can see, the side treated with Vitamin C product stays preserved, while the side left to fend for itself immediately begins to show signs of aging. Now, let’s imagine that the apple is your skin. Need I say more?

I’m also loving my new Plantogen facial spa therapy products right now. Their Skin Brightening Moisturizer contains a healthy dose of “kakadu plum.” What is that, you ask? While it grows exclusively in Australian wetlands, the kakadu plum has been found to have the highest concentration of Vitamin C in any known fruit. Seriously! So, I’m alternating my use of this and Sircuit Weapon, just to be sure that my skin gets the Vitamin C it needs.
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Next, please: Herbal extracts. Bilberry oil, black currant oil, tea tree oil…aside from their exotic names, they each have their own unique selling points, such as antioxidant or anti-inflammatory properties; some even offer a combination of benefits. The only way to know how the herbal extracts in your skin care products work is to go ahead and look them up!  Since the entire Plantogen Skin Brightening Line contains licorice root, I did my research and discovered that licorice root is known for its soothing properties. In fact, it’s often used for this purpose in holistic medicine.

Anything else? While Vitamin C and herbals are not the only natural ingredients worth trying out, they are time-tested for their effectiveness; in other words, they aren’t “ingredient of the month” fads.  Other Vitamins, such as Vitamin A and Vitamin E, are also known for their potency in skin care; Vitamin E is used to block ultra-violet rays and pollution, while Vitamin A is an ideal complement to your acne-fighting regimen.

And even in the winter months, when skin tends to be drier, these ingredients can be essential. For example, I recently turned to Natural Healing Oil by Nature’s Pharma to take care of my little one’s stubborn skin chapping above the lip. (The petroleum stick wasn’t cutting it, if you know what I mean.) 

The cool thing about this product is that it contains all of the aforementioned components: Vitamins A, C, and E, in addition to numerous herbal extract oils. I figured, how could you go wrong with that? And I was right (as usual!) – after a few days of application, her beet-red skin was back to its soft, peachy hue. Check out her before and afters above (she was so excited to do this!).

Not bad, right? I’m loving this natural thing so much now, I may have to bring my Birkenstocks out of hiding. OK, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I will, however, devote myself to trying out additional natural ingredients as I discover them.

If you’ve had a good – or not so good – experience with any, I’d love to hear about it! 

~ Brook 

I must admit: “Project Runway” always seems to amaze me with the challenges that are thrown at the designers. For example: last week’s episode. Dresses were the assignment, and the muses…high school ladies with prom fever!

(Christian is busy creating a prom dress for his muse – a self-proclaimed designer)

Heidi Klum escorted the schoolgirls onto the runway and had them select their designer of choice. After everyone was paired off, garment ideas were discussed and the action began. Most of the “models” had a good idea of the dresses that they were looking for, but were also open to the creative visions that the designers had.

Notice how I said “most.” That’s because poor Christian had been picked by a self-proclaimed designer, and an obvious diva. Her proposals were a bit over the top. C’mon who requests a train on their prom dress?!

Despite some of the “rough patches” that the dress discussions posed, including the request of a plunging neckline and back by Sweet P’s model, the designers all put everything into their pieces. Many altered the girls’ original ideas a bit, feeling that they couldn’t let a “design flaw” get them eliminated from the show.

In true Tim Gunn fashion, the designers made it work and produced elegant, yet fun, prom dresses appropriate for their teenage models. For the record I just want to say I am a little jealous, my prom dress wasn’t an original Project Runway item (I bought it at my local Windsor store).

Victorya pulled in her second challenge win on this episode while Christian and Kevin faced the chopping block (both of which are designers that I adore). The two were facing elimination for differing reasons; Christian because he didn’t produce what had been asked of him by his model, and Kevin because he didn’t finish the hem (by choice) on the bottom of his dress.Ultimately, Kevin was bid off by Heidi, and Christian was spared.

At this point of the competition things are definitely heating up. It’s almost hard to pick the designer who should be sent home. This week Kevin’s dress wasn’t bad by any means. Had he hemmed the dress, I feel that the judges really would have struggled to find the weakest garment design.

So, had this been your prom, which dress would you want to be draped in?

~ Leeann 

..Oh yeah, and the dress featured here was not the winning Project Runway dress nor the one eliminated — it was my fave designed by Kit!

For my birthday last month, I wanted a straight style that would resist the humidity associated with a night of dancing and mingling. Determined to put one man’s hair care line to the test, I decided to take my self-proclaimed “stylist” bag equipped with some of his products to my real-life hair stylist over at Kallisto Salon & Spa in Brea, California.  From shampoo and condition to styling, we went through each product in my little pouch with a spritz here and a quarter-sized application there. Hours later, standing outside The Room in Santa Monica at 2:30 a.m., I turned to my girlfriend to ask her how my ‘do was holding up. Her response – “Definitely not Tina Turner-esque!” Enough said.

Enter Frédéric Fekkai. Whether or not you have heard of “Fekkai,” it is easy to associate luxury with the name, simply by letting the syllables roll off your tongue (feh-kigh). For more than 20 years, this hair connoisseur has provided us with products that allow us to step into an A-list salon environment with each aroma. Fekkai made a pivotal move when deciding to trade in his scissors in his native country of France for a chance opportunity here in the States.

Since the opening of his first New York salon in 1989, Monsieur Fekkai has established a hair care system that targets a vast audience of female clientele from varying backgrounds. His products effectively treat all types of hair, from too thin and desperately dry to stringy-straight and coarsely-curly. Typical of my inner skeptic, I initially doubted the rumored “effectiveness” of Fekkai products: for I have had so many disappointments with products that claim to “effectively treat your hair.” Much to my relief and surprise, I was totally wrong.

With two product lines at my fingertips, I immediately began to open each bottle, only to unveil undeniably alluring scents. But with great products like Luscious Curls ® and Coiff Ô, the smell is only the beginning. This is simply because their actual use invites your hair to a rejuvenating experience in and of themselves.

Blended with ginseng/honey hydrates and a citrus-floral scent, Luscious Curls shampoo and conditioner moisturizes and shapes your curls, while conditioning the body of your hair. After a good week of consistently using this potent duo, my usually dry and frizz-ridden hair felt tamed and bouncy. The light silicone and elastic memory ingredients in the products further account for that soft, smooth feel.

Post-shower, I move on to the Coiff styling line, which is just magnifique! This “hair couture” product is Fekkai’s most recent and large-scale launch, aiming specifically at a luxury market. Now, don’t mistake this phrase for meaning that only a six figure income can afford this collection. Granted, each bottle will cost you about $23 to $25 depending on where you purchase it. Although the line does not exactly adhere to the “bang for your buck” principle, it, then again, will not necessarily break the bank. After all, you don’t have to collect every Coiff product to get the most out of the collection. Choose several products that speak directly to your hair, and trust me, you too can “coif” your hair with an overall glow. Indeed, every piece of the collection is each a luxurious formulation, but I especially adore the Defense/Pre-Style Thermal/UV Protectant, Controle/Ironless Straightening Balm, and Nonchalant/Piecing and Forming Wax. When I opt for the faux-straight look, these tools, infused with violet/tea leaves and a memory complex, keep my curls in check, while protecting them from excessive damage.

If you are a regular here at Beauty Chat, then you are familiar with my ranting on how my naturally curly locks have proven to be unmanageable and unruly – pretty much, a frizzfest! However, thanks to one man (by the name of Fekkai of course), they are definitely worries that I can work with.

~Mellori 

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Dan and Kevin’s cameras and http://www.sephora.com

Once you get a taste of “BITTEN Sarah Jessica Parker,” you will want to go back for seconds! Among the celebrity clothing lines that are popping up throughout affordable retails stores (such as Vera Wang at Kohl’s, Isaac Mizrahi at Target, and Roberto Cavalli’s new collection at H&M), BITTEN proves to be a bit different. Pricing on all items fit into the range of $19.98 or less!

Featured at Steve & Barry’s chains throughout the U.S., the goal of this wonderful retail store and Sarah Jessica Parker, the celebrity designer, is to give customers the ability to purchase fashionable clothing, minus a large price tag. Parker’s catchphrase says it all, “Fashion is not a luxury, it’s a right.” Agreed!

Previously a shop for men’s casual clothes, Steve & Barry’s first real launch into women’s clothing is with BITTEN. Other famous females who have recently followed Parker’s lead and joined the Steve & Barry’s team include Amanda Bynes with her line “Dear” and Venus Williams with “EleVen.”

Aside from the amazing prices, Parker has taken into account that not all women are the same size, tailoring the clothing to fit differing body types. BITTEN features sizes XS-XXL in tops, bottoms ranging from 0-22, and sizes 5-11 in shoes. Infusing her personal style into her line, this star has developed a multitude of pieces, some of which include outerwear, sweaters, suit separates, jeans, lingerie, bags, accessories, footwear, and much more.

My co-worker and fellow Beauty Chat gal, Andrea (“Dre”), is the resident Steve & Barry’s expert here in the office. Dre has visited the store and purchased some hot trends from a few of their lines. Here’s what she had to say about her BITTEN jeans and Dear t-shirt: “The jeans are comfortable and great for casual wear, or you can dress them up for a night out.  The tee is comfortable as well and goes great with the jeans.  I would definitely recommend both clothing lines!”

 Sarah Jessica Parker is a busy woman these days! With her perfumes “Covet” and “Lovely,” a “Sex in The City” reunion, this clothing line, and her recent appearance on “Project Runway” a few weeks ago, she seems to be dabbling in a bit of everything. And lucky for us, we can all enjoy these endeavors. To shop for her wallet-friendly, deliciously attractive line, check for Steve & Barry’s locations, and get BITTEN!

Check out this recent YouTube video featuring her line:

[video]http://youtube.com/watch?v=QZ1hWLTQtMQ[/video]

P.S.…You can still purchase the dress/vest duo designed by Project Runway’s Victorya, I just saw it at my local Steve & Barry’s last weekend — the Ontario Mills in the Inland Empire. The pieces look adorable worn together or separately!

~ Leeann 

With all of the so-called “active ingredients” that are found in skin care products, we sometimes forget to ask: “What is that ingredient, anyway – and why do I need it?”  I started to wonder this myself recently, particularly in regards to peptides, which many products list as an active ingredient. Hence, my quest to delve into the mystery of peptides commenced. Here’s what I found out:

Peptides are short chains of amino acids (if we reflect back on our days in health and science classes, we remember that amino acids are the building blocks of proteins).  Not only are peptides created in the body, they are often well-absorbed by the bloodstream; this is what makes them so great for skin care!

The types of peptides that are particularly useful for our skin have a few too many letters in their names, so suffice it to say that if your product contains peptides, it will often say so right on the box. However, if it doesn’t claim to have any, and you wish to do some sleuthing of your own, check out this list of the primary peptides to look for in skin care.

While gathering my info, I also learned that several of the products I use contain a healthy dose of peptides. One of them, the Hydropeptide Mask from Azure Cosmeceuticals, is the very item that peaked my interest in the first place (after all, it’s in the product name). It actually contains eleven collagen-boosting peptides! Since my skin is gradually becoming firmer, I know it works. I also learned that my favorite potion to dab around the eyes, Sircuit Skin Secret Sauce, is fortified with peptides as well. So, it looks like I’m getting enough of this essential skin care component!

How about you? 

~ Brook

Photo Credit: Pierce Mattie PR and another montage from me (images from various sites)!

Finally! After what seemed like an eternity, Project Runway is back from its break and sweeter than ever. We caught up with the designers for, what I feel, was their most interesting assignment of the season thus far — designing with candy and/or candy paraphernalia. Here’s how it all went down:

Everyone was sent to the Hershey’s store in New York and given five minutes to grab anything that they felt would make their outfit stand out. With no budget, the designers ravaged the store, grabbing all that they could get their sticky little fingers on…for better or worse.

Back at the design studio, Jillian found out the hard way why she was the only one who selected actual pieces of candy, to create her look. Because it is nearly impossibly to get edible accessories to cooperate! While the other designers used materials such as pillows, stuffed animals, and candy wrappers, she chose to work with Twizzlers.

Despite the fact that she was stressed out beyond belief, Jillian “made it work” and sent a yummy creation down the runway. Because she pushed herself in a way that no one else did (and created a wonderful dress), she deserves a ton of credit.

This week was pretty successful for the designers. I thought most of the pieces shown were delicious, and I still cannot pick my personal favorite. Rami was ultimately selected as the winner with a futuristic approach to candy-inspired clothing.

And for the ousted contestant…Elisa. Just when I started to understand the lady, she loses the challenge. For those of you who missed the last episode, we got to peek into a tragic event that took place in Elisa’s life a few years back while she was in London with her T-shirt line. Hit by a car (she was a pedestrian), her skull was cracked open almost 4 inches, putting her in a coma for five days. Project Runway was Elisa’s attempt to get back into the business.

Despite such a sad story, it was her time to go and she left the runway with extreme grace and poise. Kudos to the good attitude Elisa!

So, as Kit pointed out last night, season 4 is at the half-way mark. I can’t believe it! How do you feel this round of Project Runway has stacked up?

~ Leeann

Photo Credits:  http://www.bravo.tv.com
 

If your New Year’s kiss seemed to be lacking in freshness or flavor, or you find yourself craving a tasty and stylish breath enhancement, enter the latest Beauty Chat giveaway! 

One lucky reader will receive three Oral Fixation mint tins (Seven Deadly Cinnamon, Night Light Chai, and Mimosa Mint), in addition to a special mystery gift (to be revealed soon!)

To enter, just leave us a comment and why this tiny treat is perfect for your lifestyle.

The winner will be selected on Friday, January 18th. GOOD LUCK!

~ Brook

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Pierce Mattie PR

May Yeung Jewelry is more than just a beautiful line of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings; it is also a company that is dedicated to donating their generosity to various philanthropic causes.

Developed in 1999 by sisters May and Kathy Yeung, May Yeung Jewelry has teamed up with various charitable causes over the years. Currently partnered with Step Up Women’s Network (a non-profit organization dedicated to providing resources for women and girls), the company has created a 16” sterling silver, Carnelian stone drop charm necklace inscribed with the motto: “Invest, Involve, Inspire.”

Contributing an impressive, and generous, 50% of all proceeds earned from the necklace, May Yeung Jewelry hopes to improve the lives of many. This item has been worn by celebrities such as Jessica Alba, Melissa George, Kate Walsh, and many others, hoping to bring attention to this cause.

        (Actress Melissa George striking a pose in May Yeung Jewelry) 

Additionally, May Yeung Jewelry has also created a bracelet for Make the Connection, a cervical cancer awareness program created by Step Up Women’s Network. For this specific campaign, close to $10,000 has been raised!

May Yeung is a business woman with a heart of gold, explaining that, “It always feels good to leverage talent to give back.” Using her jewelry to help many, the partnerships that have been made through May Yeung Jewelry have been rewarding in many ways. “I love designing,” Yeung said. “It’s great that you can utilize that in more ways than just for profit. It makes me realize that this is exactly where I want to be.”

Using stunning accents such as pearls, Swarovski crystals, onyx, and much more, gorgeous items are carefully created. Your purchase of the Step Up Women’s Network necklace and Make the Connection bracelet will help women and girls in a variety of ways. These, and other pieces by May Yeung Jewelry (which are available at www.mayyeung.com), exemplify classic jewelry with a twist. So take your love for buying jewelry to a whole new level — benefiting others.

~ Leeann

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Dennery Marks PR