Consolidation Proclamation!

Haha, I just wanted a 9 syllable blog post.  ^_^  Maybe I'm going brain dead or brain numb.  :-P

I've been working hard on consolidating my makeup and skincare to prepare for my big move back home, to California!  It was funny that Catalina blogged about having too much beauty stuff this Christmas [read the post here] because it coincided with my packing up my beauty stuffs and yelling to my family, "Why do I have so much junk?!"  Luckily I bought the UNII palettes when I did, even though I think they're too small [read review here].


The following pictures are my entire collection of makeup and skincare products.  Since I'm in packing mode, I'm going to divide my collection into what I use every day, what I'm taking on the road, and the stuff I'm packing away.  I did have a lot of individual packages, palettes, and compacts, but I've worked real hard to consolidate a lot of it.

Product Review: UNII Palette / Depotted Shadows

UNII palette in snow

UNII palette in pomegranate

Company website: www.uniicosmetics.com

Product Review

The UNII palette is a an "easy to use makeup palette that holds all your favorite makeup in a beautiful and sturdy case."

A San Francisco Treat!

My Kindred Spirit in San Francisco is one of 3 people who I consider my closest and dearest friends, and with whom I can just let loose and be myself.  I can't believe how fast time has passed us by.  It was only yesterday that she was showing me around my new high school and in the blink of an eye I'm saying I've known her going on 16 years!

I received a Christmas package from my KS today in which included the following:

A beautiful purse with LOTSA pockets - the key to being a PERFECT purse!
Oh, yes, I am using this purse starting 5 minutes ago!  Haha!

*drools!*  Skincare & makeup!  You can bet reviews are forthcoming.
Look at that tube of lipgoss!  Swatches are definitely coming!

I love passion fruit scented anything!  And look at the pearlescent glow!
I hope I come out of the shower glowing like a pearl, too!  ^_^

Haha, my baby is wondering what's going on.
KS is the only person in the world who I can share my love of
paranormal romances.  ^_^  Who can resist a sexy vampire, huh?

Detailing on the purse.  This is part of a key chain!
Wooo!  I am definitely putting my keys on this baby
when I get back to beautiful California!  Hehehe!

Thank you to my Kindred Spirit!  I hope you have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  I'll be seeing you when I get back to California!  ^_^

****This post is organized under Retail Therapy, even though everything in this post is a gift from my KS.****

Product Review: Basis Sensitive Skin Bar

I picked up a bar of Basis sensitive skin bar from Wal-Mart before Thanksgiving.  They were having a promotion or something because my bar is 5.3 oz for $1.97 USD.

I use the bar soap with this facial sponge for gentle daily exfoliation.

The Claims

This very caring, ultra pure formula does more than clean sensitive skin.  Natural calming agents chamomile and aloe vera soothe and comfort skin.  No fragrances, dyes or other harsh ingredients.  Rinses completely.  Leaves skin clean, calm and comfortable.  No wonder dermatologists recommend it. Use daily.  Work up lather.  Rinse well.

I like to do my product reviews claim-by-claim.

Soothing and comforting skin

Using this product has not irritated my skin in any way.  My skin actually feels quite nice, smooth and calm, like falling asleep on a clean cotton pillow.

Rinses completely

My skin literally sqeeeeeaaaks using this product and I don't get that irritating dry, tight feeling afterwards.  The first few times I used this though, it felt like there was a waxy residue left on my skin, which caused my skin to turn extra oily.  However my skin has gotten used to it and the oil has lessened.

Leaves skin clean

I believe so.  I don't really use makeup remover - although I should - but I've done the toner and cotton ball test and my face has still come out clean.  Since this product doesn't irritate my skin, I would have to agree that this leaves my skin calm and comfortable.  

Ingredients

Sodium tallowate, sodium cocoate, sodium palm kernelate, triple purified water, glycerin, petrolatum, almond oil, titanium dioxide, sodium thiosulfate, chamomile extract, aloe vera extract, cyclopentadecanolide, pentasodium pentetate, tetrasodium etidronate, lanolin alcohol, beeswax

--
Kusanagi

Smile On!

Leave a message to contact me.

Stila Contouring Trio / Visiting Mr. P in November

I won this palette from a contest hosted by the wonderful Sue Lynn (get to know more about her on her blog and youtube channel) back in March/April this year.  This is post is long overdue and I am determined to get this done before next year!

Stila advertises that this Contouring Trio has multiple uses, which there are.  This palette and trio of colors can be used to contour and highlight your face in day and night settings.  These shadows can also be used as eyeshadow.  May I also suggest a brow shader?

CL2425's Nana inspired eyes / Lancome Glamour on the Go

...mmmm...  The formatting for this blog is totally off.  I dunno how to fix it!  

I'm always on the lookout for new ways to dress up my monolid eyes.  My eyes are such that I often think lining the upper lash line, or tight lining, or mascara is futile at best.  Sometimes, I trick myself into believing there is a difference.  :-P

Swatch: Wet n Wild mini collection

When I say it's mini, I really mean it!  I added Wet n Wild to my collection for the convention in Las Vegas earlier this month.  While I mean this to be a swatch post, I will also include some thoughts on these 2 products.

Coloricon palette in #248 Lust/Desir

This palette comes with 3 matte and 3 highly-pigmented effect (shimmery) shades.  It claims to provide all-day crease resistant color.

Without a primer, these pigmented colors crease on me after 3 or 4 hours.

H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner in # 881 Ultra Black/Ultra-noir

This is my very first ever liquid eyeliner!  The product packaging says it's perfect for a day at the beach or night on the town.  It uses a felt tip applicator and is long-lasting, smudge-proof, and water-proof...so it says.

Personally, I have yet to meet an eye product that is smudge-proof and long-lasting.  Water-proof is fine but my problem is that these products aren't oil-proof.  This liquid eyeliner doesn't last more than 3 hours on me without a primer.  I've been trying it out with my Too Faced Shadow Insurance primer and have come to the (disappointing) realization that this eyeliner and I are not meant to be.  The TFSI doesn't keep it from disintegrating into my crease, it only contains the smudging and smearing to a minimal area.  =_=  *sadness*

--
Kusanagi

Smile On!

Leave a message to contact me.

DIY makeup palette

In preparation for my 2 UNII palettes that I purchased on Friday, I've started practicing how to depot my shadows.  I depotted several shadows, some with remarkable success and some without as much success, but I did it all without needing to throw anything away.

This is the Sonia Kashuk palette box that housed my Sonia Kashuk travel brushes.

I took out the dividers that hold the brushes and glued in the depotted products with a hot glue gun.  This palette is perfect for me right now because it holds everything that I'd need for a full face.  ^_^  

I really hope I don't ruin any of my Tarte shadows when my UNII palettes come!

Product Review: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Double Face Perfector

I bought mine in # 710 Light.  This product has both concealer and highlighter in one.  There are only 4 available shades for the Double Face Perfector: Light, Light/Medium, Medium, and Dark.

Claims for concealing:

~ covers adult imperfections: age spots, broken capillaries, blemishes

~ complete coverage, doesn't settle into fine lines

Claims for highlighting:

~ light reflectors brighten away undereye darkness

~ add a luminous touch

My thoughts regarding the claims for concealing
This is by far one of the best concealers I've used!  It conceals my undereye darkness without looking cakey, without settling into fine lines, and without looking like obvious concealer.  I dunno if it hydrates, but it definitely does not dry my skin.  These qualities also make the concealer ideal for covering blemishes.  It has great coverage and eliminates the concealer/imperfection color code.  My personal preference is to apply concealer right before the setting powder or powder foundations.  The only problem I have is that I chose a shade that is too light for my skin, so I have to apply this very sparingly to avoid the entire "white blotches on my face" effect.

My thoughts regarding the claims for highlighting
Yes, it does add a hint of luminous touch to my cheekbones and the bridge of my nose, but it's almost imperceptible.  Xteeener mentioned a while ago that she didn't think very highly of the highlighter.  I am in agreement with her.  However, I think that the highlighter could be a base under a powdered highlighter.  I'm not going to try it because my face is naturally oily and the last thing I need is to look shiny.

I would definitely buy the concealer part again (in the proper shade!)

--
Kusanagi

Smile On!

Leave a message to contact me.

Product Review: Tarte Jewelry Box (Limited Edition)

Tarte Jewelry Box
Click picture for current Sephora link

I am revamping this post because the messiness of the original format is getting on my nerves.  Also, now is a good time for a Product Review.

I received my Tarte Jewelry Box at the beginning of November.  It looks great on the website and is truly a fantastic value.  For $52, you get 47 different makeup products plus a multi-strand necklace.  I like looking at the necklace but know I won't wear it any time soon.  Necklaces make me feel as if my head is swelling from blocking the blood flow in my jugular veins...  Yeah, I'm weird, I know.

I won't be able to justify another cosmetic purchase for the next 5 years.  There's just so much product and every day is a new makeup adventure!

It is now the beginning of December and I have developed a love/hate relationship with this box.  I love it because this is all-inclusive.  I can get everything I need, such as: eyebrow shades, eye shadows, blush shades, highlights, contour, bronzer, eyeliners, eyeshadow base, lip glosses, and extra room for travel sized brushes when you remove the gold tray holding the eyeliners.  The shadows are pigmented and buildable.  The shadows are a little on the softer side because they powderize <-- I honestly can't find a word to describe it when I dip my brush in the pan.  The lip glosses are amazingly pigmented and moisturizing.  The highlighter is my favorite because it has pink and gold shimmers but isn't overbearing.  I love this box because it has everything I need.  I just wish the pans were removable...

I hate this box because it is the damnedest, most awkward box ever.  The top lid flips up to reveal a large mirror, but the attached necklace makes it noisy and heavy.  The top level of shimmering shadows is glued to the side panels of the box and opens by swinging out like double French doors or the suicide doors of a Honda Element.  This means that you cannot have anything near or around this box sharing your vanity top.  This also means that if you don't open the top layer all the way, you won't be able to access some of the matte shadows on the second level.  Yep, just put this box on its own little pedestal, all alone.  The lip gloss drawer slides out too easily and again, don't even bother putting this box near your collection of other skincare and cosmetics.  It requires a large surface area.  Also, the worst thing about this box is that there is just ONE magnet holding the front flap closed and it is a weak magnet at that.  This box is not travel friendly.

I'm not going to do a swatch of this product because other bloggers and youtubers have covered it.  The links are below.

GouldyloxReviews

Beautyburg

Mar0nilla

Just for kicks, this is what the last drawer with eyeliner originally looks like.

The eyeliners are awesome, btw.  They are pigmented and creamy and so easy to take if you're traveling.  In fact, it's easy to make these eyeliners the only thing you'll need for eye makeup when you travel.  They're that good.

Okay, anyways, when you take the gold tray out, you open up a lot of space for extra goodies.  I like my Sonia Kashuk travel brushes because they're flat and they fit.  You could also put cotton tips and other stuff in there.  

~~~~~

Kate Diamond Cut Eyes in GD-1 Gold Diamond

This video-cam may not be the right camera to take good pictures.  Everything looks so grainy!  However, this post is about this Kate eyeshadow palette and a monolid look that looks pretty darned good!

Product Review: Neutrogena Ageless Intensives Tone Correcting Concentrated Serum Night

Find out more about the production from Neutrogena's website.

This product claims to fight the look of stubborn dark spots and discoloration to uncover more even-toned, younger-looking skin.  This product has essential soy, retinol|SA, and pure vitamin C to smooth out texture, smooth out wrinkles, reduce the look of dark spots, and revitalize your complexion.  

Let's review claim-by-claim.

Smoothing out texture
I don't notice a difference to the texture of my skin.

Smoothing out wrinkles
Nope.  I still have my fine/deepening lines, and worse, I've got more now than when I first starting using this product a couple months ago. 

Reducing the look of dark spots
For the first month that I used this, I did notice a slight reduction in dark spots.  But that was then, this is now.  If I don't have any makeup on and I take a picture of myself, I can see the age/sun spots in the photos so clearly!  I thought they were supposed to be reduced in darkness or size!

Revitalizing complexion
I get better results with SK-II, Envie de Neuf, and my own orange peel brightening mask.  I don't think this product is playing a major role in my skincare.

This product isn't working for me anymore.  I don't think I will repurchase this.  The only good thing it does for me now is that it's a convenient "light moisturizer" I can take on the plane without getting hassled by the TSA.

I won't be repurchasing this product again.  I like Neutrogena's brand overall, but I'm not too thrilled with this product's performance.

--
Kusanagi

Smile On!

Leave a message to contact me.

Natural Vitamin C Brightening Mask

My home-made orange peel powder.

Mmmm!  Chobani Greek Yogurt is so tasty!

For the mask, this yogurt could be too thick.

A little too thick, but effective all the same!

I normally like to do all my masks at night so that I can sleep with the serum(s) on throughout the night; however, I think this mask is great for the mornings.  Not only do you get the benefits of low-cost, all-natural brightening mask, but you get some time to eat your morning yogurt as well.  ^_^

Benefits of this mask:

Brightened skin

Moisturized skin

Softened skin

Luminescent skin
Refreshed skin
Cooled skin

For my mask, I used only the yogurt part of Chobani's Greek Yogurt, which is really thick.  I have also used Yoplait's strawberry yogurt with similar results.  

--
Kusanagi

Smile On!

Leave a message to contact me.

All-natural calming toner

 

Just as I have received a new SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, I discovered a new way of using my lavender essential oil with what is left of my TN Dickinson's witch hazel.  The irony of trying to use up the inexpensive products so you can use the expensive product, only to find that you want the inexpensive product.  LOL.

1 tsp witch hazel

3 drops lavender essential oil

This makes for an all-natural toner that soothes and calms you to face the day or unwind from the day.  The lavender oil is surprisingly not greasy and has a cooling sensation on the skin as the toner gets absorbed.  This natural toner is more hydrating that witch hazel alone, is easily absorbed into the skin, and prepares the skin for serums and moisturizers that come after the toning step.  Personally, the scent of lavender essential oils always reminds of the spa and getting facials, so this is a plus for me!

The witch hazel at Wal-Mart costs around $5.00.  The lavender essential oil at Whole Foods costs between $7 and $11.  This will last a lot longer than a bottle of SK-II Facial Treatment Essence because there is so much witch hazel and essential oil.

Note:  This toner is not limited to lavender oil.  I have mixed and matched with tea tree oil and rose oil for some interesting toners.  Adding tea tree oil will tingle the face as its antibacterial properties annihilate acne-causing germs!  *insert evil laughter here*  Adding rose oil will moisturize the skin and calm it without the tingle that lavender oil causes and makes my skin feel so soft.  This could be my alternative to pricier toners and essences!  ^_^

2nd note:  Before using any essential oils, be sure to read what they can and can't be used for.  Also, be sure to read when they can and can't be used, i.e. pregnant or not.

Sisley Paris Phyto Star Eyes in Sparkling Rhapsody

Just when I am coming to terms with my extravagant spending on the Tarte Jewelry Box, comes another temptation!  Sisley Paris' Phyto Star Eyes Sparkling Rhapsody e/s palette is now available.  I should have held out!  :-P  Such luxury and beauty for chic elegance!

Click on the images below to link to the promotional tutorial videos.  I think I linked them correctly.  Please let me know if there are any problems.

In case the pictures don't link to the videos, below are Plan B links.  ^_^

Complexion
http://www.sisley-cosmetics.com/pse/pages/teint-en.html#

Day Makeup
http://www.sisley-cosmetics.com/pse/pages/jour-en.html#

Evening makeup
http://www.sisley-cosmetics.com/pse/pages/nuit-en.html#

--
Kusanagi

Smile On!

Leave a message to contact me.

SK-II Facial Treatment Mask

Traveling can really take its toll on one's skin.  This week, I went to Las Vegas and my skin suffered with work stress and travel stress.  The only good thing is that I got to see Mr. P for a short time.  ^_^

I was trying to implement a travel plan of taking a mask with me to counteract the travel stress.  However, I forgot to pack my mask this time.  So the moment I got home from Vegas, I tore into my SK-II Facial Treatment Mask.  I don't have a lot of these masks, so I'm sure I can't do a great in-depth review of this product.  However, I will say that this product has impressed me a great deal. 

I am very impressed!!!

I put the mask on and relaxed for about 30 minutes.  I took off the mask and patted the remaining serum (which was a lot) into my skin on the face, throat, and decolletage, then I went to bed.  When I woke up this morning, those fine lines under my eyes and on my upper cheeks were filled.  My face was moisturized without feeling greasy.  My skin felt refreshed!  EDIT:  Also, also!  It's very cooling and refreshing, and my pores are smaller after using it!!!

I like it a lot.  If I finish my other current masks, I will see if I add this to one my of mask wish lists.  ^_^

To read more product information about this mask, click here.

Below is the copy/pasted blurb about this product:

Radiance, Moisture Enhancing Mask by SK-II. Revitalizes. Comforts. Provides intense hydration. A 100% cotton mask that soaks skin with Pitera's fusion of vitamins, amino acids, minerals and organic acids. Immediately replenishes dehydrated skin, leaving it refreshed and cool.

--
Kusanagi

Smile On!

Leave a message to contact me.

Product Review: Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex

Does it seem that the fancier the item, the longer the name?  LOL...  my humor.  ^_^  I'll put the product info at the bottom.  Visit Estee Lauder's website here.

I've been using a sample size of this product for more than a month and I really really really like it!

Packaging
I'm not a fan of this type of packaging.  For this one little bottle that can easily set you back $80 for the 1.7 oz version, this type of packaging will not allow you to get every last drop.  If you go with the conversion that there are about 450 drops per fluid ounce (viscosity of the serum is taken into consideration) and the 1.7 oz bottle holds 765 drops, that's about $0.104 USD per drop.  And given the type of packaging this is, there is bound to be a couple of drops that you won't be able to get.

Repairing fine lines
I still have fine lines under my eyes and around my mouth.  However, when I use this product I feel as if it smoothes out the lines a little bit.  I think this product works through absorption and by filling in the lines.  The thing is, I believe this is best used at night when you're resting and your skin has a chance to repair.  So while I don't notice a dramatic improvement, I can safely say that my skin isn't getting worse, either.

Evening out the skin
In my experience, I think this product does do a fantastic job of evening out my skin tone.  It seems to take most of the redness away from around my nose and mouth.  It's going to seem weird but I think that this product doesn't get absorbed fully into my skin and I believe that's a good thing!  After applying this product and letting it set, I can't help myself sometimes and touch my skin to feel how smooth it is.  It feels a little bit like a primer, but not as powdery or dry.  It retains a bit of moisture... for me, at least.

Hydration
So judging by my last statement, yes, this product does provide some hydration.  But this is no excuse to skip moisturizer.  Serums still need to be locked to skin with a moisturizer to boost efficacy.

Environmental Repair
Now this statement, I truly can't say.  I think the only way to prove this is to do an experiment with two sample populations with similar lifestyles and living in similar environments.  Your control group would not use this serum, and the experimental group would.  I think that's the only way to see if this environmental repair claim is true.  However, for all the other benefits, I think we can afford to let this claim slide a bit.  ^_-

Okay, now read on for the product information, which I copy/pasted from the website.  Remember to visit the website for more information and product comparisons.  ^_^

~~~  ~~~  ~~~

AWARD FINALIST
"Best Anti-aging Skincare"
2010 CEW Beauty Awards

---

PRODUCT DETAILS
The one formula beautiful skin can't live without.

This comprehensive, high-performance anti-aging serum-inspired by groundbreaking DNA research-brings your skin a dramatic reduction in the visible signs of aging.

Use it every day to help continuously repair the appearance of past damage, prevent future damage and deliver high levels of hydration.
If you want younger, healthier-looking skin now and in the future, don't go a night without it.

VISIBLE RESULTS, PROVEN SUCCESS.
Even the best can get better. This advanced formula-with 20 patents worldwide-includes all the benefits you love about the original, plus more to help your skin repair itself like never before:

Exclusive Chronolux™ Technology

• Repairs the appearance of past damage.
• Addresses damaging effects before they become permanent.
• You'll see a visible improvement in the signs of aging-specifically lines, uneven skintone and immediate hydration.

Enhanced Environmental Repair

• Neutralizes up to 90%* of environmentally generated free radicals before they can affect skin's appearance.
• That's key, because environmental assaults such as UV, smoke, pollution and even emotional stress are the #1 cause of premature signs of aging.
• Our advanced technology repairs the appearance of damage caused by every major environmental assault.

Continuous Hydration

Creates the optimal environment for repair with nature's long-proven moisture magnet Hyaluronic Acid.

Clinical tests prove skin's levels of moisturization increase dramatically.

Soothes daily irritation and builds a rich anti-oxidant reserve to help replenish skin's natural protectants.

Think of it as "insurance" for younger, healthier-looking skin, today and tomorrow.

---

HOW TO USE

• Apply every PM on clean skin. Follow with your moisturizer.
• Use several drops.
• Smooth in gently all over face and throat.

---

FORMULA FACTS

• Dermatologist-tested
• Ophthalmologist-tested
• Fragrance-free
• Non-acnegenic

---

* In vitro testing.

--

Kus

"Smile on!"

2010 Anti-Aging Awards Winner

It is here!!!!  Finally, an easy-to-understand list of some good anti-aging skincare products!

Best Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15+:

Chanel Ultra Correction Lift Lifting Firming Day Cream SPF 15

The contenders: Dailymoisturizers with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15or higher promising benefits that include a firmer, more even-toned, less lined complexion.

Testing time: Eight weeks.

Admittedly pricey, Chanel Ultra Correction Lift Lifting Firming Day Cream SPF 15 ($150, department stores) proved to be an all-around MVP (most valuable product). It rated highest overall with consumers and was also the most moisturizing. While the Visia Complexion Analyzer images showed very little reduction of age spots or wrinkles with any of the 10 products tested, using the Chanel did result in a slight improvement in beneath-the-surface UV spots (which turn into splotchy skin over time). Testers also gave Chanel the top score for firming, softening, smoothing, and adding radiance to their complexions. "I liked the creamy texture and the way it went on," reported one pleased panelist. "It really helped my skin look plump and younger."

Best Night Creams:

L'Oréal Paris Advanced RevitaLift Deep-Set Wrinkle Repair Night Creme and Vichy LiftActiv Retinol HA Night

The contenders: Creams and lotions created to keep skin moisturized and boost its overnight-repair function. These formulas often include antioxidants and wrinkle-fighting ingredients such as retinol.

Testing time: Eight weeks.

And the winners are... It's a tie! When lab and consumer results were tallied, L'Oréal Paris Advanced RevitaLift Deep-Set Wrinkle Repair Night Creme ($20, drugstores) and Vichy LiftActiv Retinol HA Night ($42, CVS) shared the top spot.

The differences between them: Pro-retinol-A–infused L'Oréal received the best overall consumer performance score, including the highest ranking from panelists for firming and reducing wrinkles. Budget-friendly L'Oréal was also tops, per lab results, in minimizing forehead lines and wrinkles. Visia analysis showed that Vichy, on the other hand, was best at evening out skin tone and addressing fine lines and wrinkles around two other age-sensitive areas — the mouth and nose. Both treatments received impressive moisturizing scores and high praise from consumers for their light textures and unobtrusive scents, and for not causing skin irritation. "A couple of people have commented on how nice my face looked in the past month," said one volunteer who tried the Vichy. "I don't know if it's the product, but this has never happened before."

Tip: While panelists were generally pleased with the softening and smoothing benefits of night creams, the treatments were less successful at minimizing age and UV spots than more targeted treatments, such as the winning age-spot faders.

Best Eye Cream:

Olay Pro-X Eye Restoration Complex

The contenders: Treatments promising to improve signs of aging around the eyes, including dryness, crow's-feet, fine lines, puffiness, dark circles, and sagging lids.

Testing time: Eight weeks.

And the winner is... Olay Pro-X Eye Restoration Complex($42, drugstores) ranked highest in the lab and proved to be a standout hydrator, according to the Corneometer moisture study. Visia analysis also showed Olay to be one of the top performers on undereye crinkles, though the results were modest. Consumers noted that the cream reduced their crow's-feet, puffiness, and undereye bags. Several liked the nonirritating, soothing properties as well. "It felt nice going on, moisturized my skin, and was very gentle," reported one.

Best Anti-Aging Serum:

Boots No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Beauty Serum

The contenders: Concentrated blends of vitamins, peptides, antioxidants, and botanicals formulated to avert or minimize fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and uneven tone.

Testing time: Eight weeks.

Boots No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Beauty Serum ($23, Target) was a superior performer overall and shared the highest consumer score with the second-place finisher, Mary Kay. Consumers gave this vitamin A- and E-enriched formula high marks for its tone-evening and skin-firming properties; the latter victory was echoed in the lab, where Boots received a perfect firming score, according to our Cutometer measurements. "It's easy to apply and nongreasy," said one panelist. "My skin has never looked better."

Best Body Lotion:

Fresh Sugar Açai Age-Delay Body Cream

The contenders: Moisturizers that, over time, can also firm, smooth, and even out skin, plus enhance radiance.

Testing time: Four weeks.

It may be packaged — and priced — like a royal indulgence, but Fresh Sugar Açai Age-Delay Body Cream ($65, Sephora) is also a real worker bee. This lightly scented formula, laced with antioxidant açai oil, skin-smoothing sugar, and softening citrus fruit acids, was the only body lotion that received top lab scores for both moisturizing and firming. Fresh also earned one of the highest consumer grades for its skin-tone-evening and radiance-enhancing properties. Panelists raved about the rich-but-not-too-greasy texture as well: "Easily applied and clean," said one tester. "Left a nice glow."

Best Hand Cream with SPF 15+

Dior Capture Totale Multi-Perfection Hand Repair Creme SPF 15

The contenders: Hand lotions and creams with a minimum of SPF 15. These moisturize and address roughness, wrinkling, and brown spots, some with ingredients commonly found in face creams: antioxidants, peptides, and retinoids, to name a few.

Testing time: Four weeks.

Dior Capture Totale Multi-Perfection Hand Repair Creme SPF 15 ($56, department stores) had the best overall performance score, rating first in a key hand-cream measure: ability to moisturize after six hours. Testers raved about the soft feel of their skin, and several singled out the scent — an unsurprising bonus from a company known for its fine perfumes. Most comments reflected these perks: "What a difference," raved one 49-year-old tester. "My hands look much smoother, as if I am in my 30s."

Best Instant Wrinkle Smoother

Boots No7 Intensive Line Filler and Olay Regenerist Filling + Sealing Wrinkle Treatment

The contenders: Fast-acting topical treatments promising to diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles. These temporary smoothers work by either plumping up the skin or filling in creases with a spackle-like serum.

Testing time: 15 minutes in the lab (to test the instant claims); one week at home.

And the winners are... Boots No7 Intensive Line Filler ($18, Target) and Olay Regenerist Filling + Sealing Wrinkle Treatment ($19, drugstores) showed their might in somewhat different areas when our experts and panelists rated skin changes in three wrinkle-prone hot spots: the forehead and around the eyes and mouth. Olay ranked highest in the lab for reducing forehead lines, and came in first with consumers for minimizing wrinkles all over the face. Boots won for ease of use and performed slightly better than Olay on eye wrinkles. As one tester reported about the Boots: "Very fast results, not irritating, and it gave me a fresh look when I was tired." Tip: The wrinkle-flattening effects our lab experts noted on the Visia 15 minutes after application were definitely subtle. But if you don't have a cosmetic dermatologist on your speed dial, or months to wait for your skin care to kick in, our winners can provide you with a quick pick-me-up.

Best At-Home Peel:

Boots No7 Advanced Renewal Anti-ageing Glycolic Peel Kit

The contenders: Facial peels infused with glycolic and salicylic acids, among other exfoliants. Inspired by in-office dermatologist treatments, these at-home versions aim to slough off dead cells in order to improve radiance, skin tone, and smoothness — and soften the look of lines.

Testing time: Four weeks.

Boots No7 Advanced Renewal Anti-ageing Glycolic Peel Kit ($25, Target) won most-appealing peel. This twice-weekly Boots kit, a glycolic acid solution that's left on for five minutes and neutralized with soothing pads, was the top performer both in the lab and with volunteers at home — a hit on all fronts. Visia imaging showed that the peel evened tone and smoothed skin, which consumers echoed; they also reported that it minimized the look of creases while leaving skin soft and radiant. "It made my face smoother and silky as a baby's bottom," one woman raved. "I was tempted to use it every day!" (She didn't.)

Best Facial Firmer:

Peter Thomas Roth Firmx Growth Factor Extreme Neuropeptide Serum

The contenders: Creams and serums that claim to firm, tighten, lift, tone, and/or sculpt sagging skin with active ingredients like peptides. Some also aim to hydrate and reduce the look of lines and wrinkles.

Testing time: Four weeks.

Peter Thomas Roth Firmx Growth Factor Extreme Neuropeptide Serum ($150, Sephora) is a treatment that proved splurge-worthy; lab tests showed that it toned and firmed the jawline, and more than half of consumers agreed that it increased firmness. "I even feel as though my face looks thinner due to firming around the jaw," one participant claimed. The creamy serum also scored well for hydration in the lab, but didn't improve the look of lines and wrinkles — none of the treatments in this test did.

Best Age-Spot Fader:

Roc Multi Correxion Tone Perfecting Treatment

The contenders: Serums and lotions aimed at fading dark splotches. These manifestations of UV damage are among the major signs of aging — right up there with wrinkles and sagging.

Testing time: Eight weeks.

Roc Multi Correxion Tone Perfecting Treatment ($13.80, drugstores) proved to fade age spots noticeably, according to Visia analysis — and, even better, to do so for under $15, a lot less than you'll pay for the other age-spot faders we tested. This lotion, which you can wear alone or under moisturizer, also happened to be the product best tolerated by skin and least likely to cause irritation. Still, not even the winners erased spots outright. Said one tester: "Although it did not lighten all my spots, it worked remarkably on the ones it did lighten."

Best Instant Redness Reducer:

Clinique Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Powder

The contenders: Remedies — whether in cream, serum, or powder form — that claim to reduce facial redness and soothe skin both immediately and over time. Though their anti-aging qualifications may not be immediately obvious, uneven skin tone can add years to your appearance.

Testing time: 15 minutes in the lab (to test the instant claims); one week at home.

Clinique Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Powder($32.50, department stores) nearly swept the category, with top scores for ease of use, consumer performance, and overall performance (a measure of lab and consumer results). "This face powder worked immediately," said one tester, adding that "it definitely minimized the amount of redness I have and did not take a lot of work to apply." Another liked its calming effect on her inflamed skin: "It felt soothing and worked great under my makeup."

Best Body Sunscreen with SPF 30+:

Banana Boat Ultra Defense SPF 50 Lotion

The contenders: Water-resistant or waterproof broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or higher. Sun damage is the number-one cause of wrinkles and age spots, so not all the sunscreens were required to make specific anti-aging claims; instead they had to be formulated and packaged in a way that would appeal to women 35 and over.

Testing time: A single summer.

Banana Boat Ultra Defense SPF 50 Lotion ($10, drugstores) is a product that volunteers gave outstanding marks for both preventing a sunburn and resisting water. Surprisingly, testers also preferred this product over lower-SPF options for ease of absorption, not feeling oily and greasy, and not causing any burning or stinging — three areas where lower-SPFs usually perform better. Testers noted that it was "easy to apply" and "felt rich and creamy on dry skin." They also liked the fact that it didn't have a strong fragrance. And considering the price ($10 for eight ounces), you never feel guilty about using too much.

Here is the link to the full article.

--


Kus

"Smile on!"