Pedicure Perfect for Valentine’s Day by Exuviance

Courtesy of NeoStrata

Exuviance skincare products are developed by leading dermatologists, and are advanced therapeutic skincare products that are scientifically unsurpassed in ingredients and quality.  Exuviance – for Prevention, Maintenance and Correction.

Heel Repair Cream by Exuviance is a miracle moisturizer for your feet, it’s such an amazing product it can be used on your  hands, elbows and knees.

Winner of the Shecky’s At it’s best award for 2010 – it’s no surprise.  The ingredients are age-defying and get your feet sandal-ready!

I love the high strength alpha and poly hydroxy acids that exfoliate, sooth and smooth dry, cracked, flakey and calloused skin.

The Pro-Vitamin E and superior conditioning oils reduce irritation and refresh tired feet.

I love having soft feet, I’m often lazy and forget to moisturize.  Heel Repair Cream by Exuviance gets our feet pedicure perfect in minutes, just in time for Valentines day!

Heel Repair Cream by Exuviance gets a TEN!

$38

Available at Ulta

Q&A w/ Dr. David Colbert – Dermatologist to the Stars

Courtesy of Colbert M.D

 

Dr. David Colbert is the founder and head physician of The New York Dermatology Group, and one of the most selfless doctors in the world, lending his expertise, name and talent to many of the worlds most charitable organizations,  the Maddox Jolie-Pitt Foundation to name one.

In a former life Dr. David Colbert was a dermatological research consultant for Chanel Skincare, now he’s known as the dermatologist to the Stars, with countless featured editorials in magazines such as Vogue, Allure, Self, Bazaar, Elle and Glamour – the list could go on and on.  Dr. Colbert is the Developer of the Colbert Daily Nutrition for Skin care line,  (available for purchase at Barneys New York, or at the Colbert MD website)

Taking time out of a busy schedule Dr. Colbert graciously agreed to answer a few skincare questions – we discussed his celebrity clientele and his professional opinion on Prevention Maintenance Correction and Age-appropriate skincare. 

Anita: In your professional opinion what is Prevention, Maintenance and Correction?

Dr. Colbert: Triad philosophy for skincare in dermatology means we recognize the need for all three.  We prevent rapid aging with sun block, Retin-A, facials, lasers (Fraxel, Vbeams, Gentelwave, IPL, Medlite) and good skincare habits.  We correct the aging of our skin, or other things that bother us (such as deep frown lines, age spots, hyperpigmentation, melasma, jowls, sagging skin, wrinkles and fine lines). We maintain these corrections in the same fashion throughout our lifetime.  Then we set out to choose a skincare line that feeds our skin the nutrients it needs to look its best. We developed the Colbert MD line.  Which is designed to be a daily picnic basket of nutrients delivered via QUSOME technology, reaching directly to the deeper layers of the dermis to effectuate change and youth on a cellular level.  By combining science, dermatological rejuvenation procedures and daily nutrition for skin – we can look radiant into any decade.  Preventing damage, maintaining beauty and health and correcting our little flaws along the way.

 Anita: What is your philosophy on age appropriate skincare?

Dr. Colbert: No two faces are alike.  Some 20 year olds have so much sun damage from tanning booths that they may need a Fraxel treatment long before a 40 year old who never, ever tanned.  It’s on a skin to skin basis, but in general, a fresh faced 20 year old needs nothing but sun block and water, whereas her golf loving grandmother might need fraxel resurfacing, Retin-A, some filler injections and Botox.  My philosophy is that you only need to do what absolutely needs to be done.  Most people should start using fillers and Botox until their late 30′s or early 40′s.  I like to keep it simple and elegant.  Never over do it, less is always more, and respect for your face by enhancing it in a subtle way.  Don’t give in to crazy tabloid gimmicks, or do something just because your friend did it.  Always see a board certified cosmetic dermatologist who takes time to get to know your face.  When we developed the Colbert MD Daily Nutrition for Skin product line , we made sure to add something for all age groups. 

Anita: How early should a person start a skincare regimen?

Dr. Colbert: Start your skincare regimen by the time you are in charge of your own skin.  For most people it is on the onset of puberty, when hormones kick in and pimples make themselves known.  This would be a good time to properly learn how to use anti-acne creams and moisturizers.  In sun drenched Australia, they teach young school children how to apply sun block to properly protect against the elements.  By the time we reach grade school,  we  should already be applying our sun block.  Daily use of sun block will help maintain the delicate fabric of our skin for a lifetime.

 Anita: Tell us about your days at Chanel?

Dr. Colbert: I went to medical school in France and have French ancestors.  While attending French med-school, I fell in love with dermatology and as soon as I finished my dermatology training, I left NYC and took my first dermatology position as an MD in one of Chanel’s laboratories in the beloved “City of lights”.  We worked on the sensory aspects of skincare products.  We researched variables, such as water loss in the skin, the science and texture and how to measure it, as well as quantifying what makes a product truly luxurious.  France is really the birth place of modern dermatology as a medical field.  I was very lucky to have many great teachers and mentors.  Besides acquiring a taste for fresh French foods and chocolates, I also learned the essence of skincare at Chanel and in the French medical school system.  I returned to NYC and implemented my knowledge and experience of dermatology into my own skincare line.  I was able to incorporate the secrets of the  French skincare culture with the modern science of dermatology to deliver what I believe is a sensuous , luxurious and extremely effective anti-aging skincare line.  And as fate will have it, Colbert MD will soon find its place in Paris luxury boutiques where skincare was born. 

Anita: What makes your skincare collection unique?

Dr. Colbert: Firstly, Colbert MD Daily Nutrition for Skin uses QUSOME technology.  A Qusome is a little Trojan horse molecule that envelopes active ingredients and then delivers them through the epidermis, reaching down into the deeper layers of skin and releases them in proximity to the collagen factory cells (Fibroblasts).  This means that a micro-explosion of collagen and elastin growth can occur as never before.  Qusomes were initially used to deliver pain medications through pain patches.  We use this innovation to feed the skin nutrients such as hyaluronic acid, Tibetan Goji Berry extract, Angelica Sinesis, Tremmela muchroom extract, Inflacin, and a veritable picnic basket of skin nutrients to feed the skin from the outside in.  Our line is a 3 step process that includes the “Intensify Facial Discs”  – a potent home microdermabrasion treatment to be followed by silky “Stimulate Serum”, and then our rich overlay night cream called, ” Heal and Sooth”.  In the words of Oscar nominated actress Michelle Williams “my skin actually looks fresher in the morning when I apply the Colbert MD products at night”.  The line is deigned to stimulate, sooth and activate your skin’s locked in radiance. 

Anita: If I was on a budget and couldn’t afford to purchase all of the pieces in your skincare collection, which would you recommend? 

Dr. Colbert:  If you have to limit yourself you should try the to purchase the Intensify Facial Discs, Stimulate Serum, and Sooth Night Cream.  These are the three favored product tools of actresses and makeup artists.  Used together it will help unlock the glow!

Anita: If a person was on a budget – are there any drugstore skincare collections that you would recommend?

Dr. Colbert: While I can’t say that it’s a comparable result, or substitution for the Colbert MD line, my best advice for those on a budget would be to always use a daily sun block, find a good mircodermabrasion pad with light glycolic acid, and to try various combos of OTC creams that unlock your glow.  This is trial and error, of course.

Anita: I am of opinion that most women focus too much on makeup and not enough on skincare; in your experience do you find this to be true?

Dr. Colbert: True.  If women use excellent skincare products in the right way, they could use less makeup and show off their beautiful natural skin tones.  Less is more, and we can see that being reflected in the new trends of Hollywood fashion and beauty.

Anita: The question I’m dying to ask, and I’m sure everyone wants to know – which celebrities are fans of Colbert MD?

Dr. Colbert: There are many celebs who have openly declared themselves as fans of the Colbert MD Daily Nutrition for Skin product line.  To name a few; Naomi Watts, Rachel Weisz, Michelle Williams, Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, Adriana Lima, Catherine Zeta Jones, L’Wren Scott, Mrs. Stephen Colbert, Amy Sedaris, Jennifer Carpenter, Tonne Goodman, Julianna Marguiles, Sienna Miller, Alexandria D’Ambrosio, Candice Swanepoel, Shania Twain……(The list is long)

Anita: They all have gorgeous skin!  – any last minute pearls of wisdom?

Dr. Colbert: Beautiful skin starts from within.  I have a book about it called “The High School Reunion Diet”.  The hardcopy is out, but it’s scheduled for paperback release in March.  The book provides tips for eating better, and points out which foods are invaluable assets, or for damaging to our skin.

Anita: I would love to read it! Thank you Dr. Colbert for taking the time to answer these questions.  I know you are very busy with your clients, charities and tours.  I’m looking forward to meeting you in person during your next visit to San Francisco.

Dr. Colbert will be making a special appearance at Barneys New York on February 12th :  2:00 to 5:00 – if you are in the area please stop by and say hello!

Barneys New York

77 O’Farrell Street

San Francisco, CA 94108

415-268-3500

Valentines Day Giveaway: Champagne Kisses by Votre Vu

Courtesy of Votre Vu
Valentines day is right around the corner, is your pout ready? Leave it to the French to create an amazing lip product that naturally enhances your lips and gets them ready for love.

Champagne Kisses by Votre Vu is an enhancing lip balm that moistens and nourishes your lips with a blend of sweet almond oil, coconut oil and shea butter.
My lips stayed hydrated all day and my lipstick application was flawless, no feathering or creasing.  I loved the lip plumping effects that left my lips utterly kissable.

 
Votre Vu –  beauty products deliver superior hydration, moisture and radiance, it’s no wonder they were a favorite at Sundance.

 
Perfect your Pout avec Votre Vu:

 
Step 1) Make your lips an object of Desire with Champagne Kisses
Step 2) Mark your Target: My adored, My tres secret crush etc
Step 3) Sketch out a smooching scenario: Atop of the Eiffel Tower, behind my neck etc….
Step 4) Mix & Match: Counter Kiss – Alter the tempo or duration of the Kiss etc….

 
Tell us what your favorite Lip smooching step is to enter to win a Champagne Kisses,  just in time for Valentines day!  Two winners will be selected at random. Contest starts February 4nd thru February 8th.  Happy Kissing! P.S Don’t be afraid to be colorful! Comment here.

 

 
$29
 
 
 
 

PLANT A LITTLE LOVE THIS VALENTINE’S DAY! For a limited time receive 50% OFF ALL PlantLove™ products!

 

Courtesy of Cargo Cosmetics

Feeling and being 100% naturally pretty is easy with Cargo Cosmetic’s Plantlove Collection. 

Cargo Cosmetics creates professional makeup that is used on the sets of TV and Film.  I’m not surprised, their blushes are blendable, moist and sheer powders easily glide onto the skin creating that irresistible glow that comes from within.

Plantlove is Ecocert certified and free of parabens, synthetic dyes, synthetic fragrance, petro-chemicals and phthalates. 

The Plantlove collection includes:

1.) Lip gloss 2.) Lipstick 3.) Bronzer 5.) Blush

6.) Pressed Powder 7.) Eye shadow

and so much more!

With Cargo Cosmetics my natural features were enhanced, not hidden with excessive makeup.  The pigments are blendable and natural-looking.   Need help eliminating redness, darkness? Want radiant and luminous skin?  Cargo Cosmetics for that instant pretty that lasts all day!

For the appearance and feeling of Pretty – Cargo Cosmetics gets a TEN!

PLANT A LITTLE LOVE THIS VALENTINE’S DAY! For a limited time receive
50% OFF ALL PlantLove™ products! 

 February 7th – 20th
Enter promo code LOVE11 at check-out 
SHOP NOW!

Cargo Cosmetics are also available at:

Macy’s

170 O’Farrell Street

San Francisco, CA 94108

415-397-333

Leaving a Dull Complexion behind w/ Elemis & 20% off all Elemis skincare

Courtesy of Elemis
Elemis Skincare has a variety of skincare collections for all skin types.  I admit it, I’m obsessed with turning back the clock, even if it’s only by a few minutes.  Getting older my skincare concerns turned to skin resurfacing and a more even skin tone.  Elemis Skincare makes it possible to achieve Prevention, Maintenance and Correction.
  
Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash is an anti-aging cleanser that safely and effectively removes dead surface skin leaving behind a refined, smoother, radiant and more youthful complexion
 
Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash aids in skin stimulation for optimal cell renewal.  I love having smoother, softer skin.  I noticed that my pores were minimized, and that my skin took on a radiant healthy glow.
 
Isn’t it time to leave the dull complexion behind?
 
Enter Code: examiner2
 
$47
 
Nordstrom
865 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-243-8500

Serum de Soie Sublimateur by Leonor Greyl

Courtesy of Leonor Greyl

For 35 years Leonor Greyl has paved the way from using chemicals to vitamins and natural ingredients that restore, protect and correct the hair. Leonor Greyl is the first Haircare company to create a haircare line using the worlds finest ingredients, botancials and essential oils that leaves the hair healthy and luxuriously beautiful.

If you suffer from dry, frizzy, fine and thin hair like I do then you’re going to love Leonor Greyl’s Serum De Soie Sublimateur. 

Serum De Soie has multiple uses, it leaves the hair tangle free when applied to damp hair and leaves dry hair smooth and conditioned without weighing it down.  Either way your hair will be noticeably less frizzy, soft, hydrated and silky smooth. 

I love having silky, smooth frizz free hair — isn’t it time you did too?

Serum De Soie Sublimateur by Leonor Greyl gets a TEN!

$42

 

 

DI PIETRO TODD SALON
2239 FILLMORE STREET
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115
Telephone: 415-674-4366

 

 

Valentine’s Day Giveaway: PureMoist lipstick in Carrie by jane iredale

Courtesy of jane iredale

I’ve been obsessed with this gorgeous shade of Red Lipstick, it was created for Sarah Jessica Parker by jane iredaleI’m in awe that the same shade of Red Lipstick looks equally amazing on SJP and myself.

jane iredale makes cosmetics that compliment all skin tones, which explains why this color worked well with my complexion.  Carrie by jane iredale is a pink based red, a departure from the reds I’ve been wearing lately.  This is a perfect Red for Valentine’s Day.

PureMoist comes in 32 fashion colors, from matte to shimmer. The state-of-the-art liposome formula gives intense moisture, color and staying power. No FD&C dyes or preservatives.

I loved the Mint & Vanilla scent, plus the SPF 8 is an added bonus. Give your lips a drink with Jane Iredale PureMoist. You’re lips will be drenched in beautiful color and ultra hydration.

Carrie by Jane Iredale gets a TEN!

To win a Carrie Lipstick by jane irdea  comment to enter.

$19

Pure Beauty

2124 Fillmore Street

San Francisco, CA 94115

415-346-2511

Beautiful Healthy Hair w/ Jan Marini

Courtesy of Jan Marini

Marini Hair Revitalizing Conditioner is breakthrough technology for thinning, aging, chemically and environmentally damaged hair.  One of the Key ingredients in Marini Hair is a propriety peptide that promotes thicker, fuller and luxurious hair. 

 I noticed instantly the increased fullness – my hair was lush and gorgeous! I love having happy full and luxurious hair!

  *Features & Benefits*

  • Hair looks & feels fuller and lusher with the first application
  • Addresses the issues associated with thinning & aging hair
  • Reconstructs hair and provides greater resiliency to withstand the stress of chemical treatments & aggressive styling
  • Benefits increase progressively with continued use.

You’re going to see the improvement in your fine, thin chemically treated hair during your first application.  The smell is fresh and clean, a treat for your hair and senses.

A definite beauty splurge at $195 but worth every penny – Marini Hair gets a TEN!

Dawn Patrice Skincare Studio

870 Market Street #1188

San Francisco, CA 94102

415-839-8184

*Usage Instructions*

Shampoo and condition hair as usual. Apply Marini Hair Revitalizing Conditioner to wet hair once daily. Spray very sparingly to root area and massage over entire scalp. Apply leave-in conditioner or styling aids as usual.

Age defying Acne Cleanser by NeoStrata

Courtesy of NeoStrata
NeoStrata skincare products are developed by leading dermatologists, and are advanced therapeutic skincare products that are scientifically unsurpassed in ingredients and quality.
I suffer from adult acne and with age comes other skincare concerns.  I’m after the fountain of youth.  If you experience acne around your jaw line or chin it’s safe to say that it is hormonal acne.  There is not much we can do but use skincare products that aid in the prevention of acne breakouts.
Foaming Glycolic Wash by NeoStrata is a two in one win – it aids in the fight against acne and premature aging.  I’ve used it for the past few weeks and my results are clearer more radiant skin.
Foaming Glycolic Wash is recommended for experienced Glycolic users, it has %18 Glycolic Acid.  It’s for people who prefer a deeper cleanse without the cause of skin irritations. Other benefits are a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and a smoother and more even skin tone.
$28
Available at Ulta

Bronzed Goddess for everyday pretty by Cargo Cosmetics

Courtesy of Cargo Cosmetics
Cargo Cosmetics creates innovative makeup that prepares you for the runway of life –  or everyday pretty.
 
Winter usually means pale skin, and with my summer tan fading I needed to find a tinted bronzer that I could mix with my favorite moisturizer or foundation.
 
Multi-Mix Bronzer by Cargo Cosmetics is a universal flattering shade that can be worn alone or mixed with you got it your favorite moisturizer of foundation.
 
You’re going to love the natural looking color that creates that luminous glow that comes from within. 
 
Multi-Mix Bronzer by Cargo Cosmetics leaves your skin dewy, radiant and allows your inner Goddess to chase away the Winter blues. 
 
I especially love the instant pretty glow that lights up my face – isn’t it time you got the pretty back?
 
Multi-Mix Bronzer by Cargo Cosmetics gets a TEN!
 
$28
 
Macy’s
685 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94105