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Tuesday September 12, 2007

Face Time

By Anne Marie Scanlon

Two weeks ago I took a look at some of the specific areas that need that little extra care. This week I'll take a look at products designed to keep your face and body in top condition.

I've said it before and no doubt I'll say it again and again, one of the best weapons in your arsenal to fight the advances of time is a good scrub. Regular exfoliation isn't just away to invigorate your skin and look good as a direct result; it also helps diminish the onslaught of fine lines.

A couple of goes with Sonya Dakar's Triple Action Organic Scrub ($49) every week will leave you and your skin feeling great. This decongesting deep pore scrub is highly concentrated so you only need use a small amount to get the optimal results (one 3 oz tub should last six months). Ingredients include Linipack Seeds in three sizes to penetrate skin, unclog and exfoliate; Hydroxy Acid Blend which exfoliates, purifies (it's anti-bacterial), hydrates, tones and regenerates; Frankincense Extract which is antiseptic relaxes and calms; Rosewood Extract to slow the aging process and Green Tea Extract which calms irritation.

The Apivita Express Deep Face Scrub with Olives ($24) is an exfoliating cream which your rub on and rinse off. The ingredients include exfoliating grains of olive, grape seed and apricot oils and salicylic acid which work to remove dead skin, oiliness and blackheads leaving skin soft, smooth and really clean.

After cleaning your face you can target your other issues. If you have a multitude of issues (and who doesn't?) then Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster™ Anti-Fatigue Cream ($85) is a gift from the gods. This primer and mask is suitable for all skin types and works instantly to lift and firm the skin. With habitual usage it will restore the skins natural radiance. You can use this as a moisturizer if you have normal to dry skin. If your skin is drier then you can apply it over your moisturizer and apart from lifting skin will work as a primer for your makeup. To use as a mask for intense moisturizing and firming leave a concentrated layer on for fifteen minutes then rinse away with warm water. The one thing this cream doesn't do is make you a cup of tea.

If face masks are your thing, and I don't mean the Halloween or bank robbery kind, then take a look at the Apivita Express Face Mask range ($24). Whatever your trouble they've got the solution. There are your standard cleansing masks (Cleansing Mask with Pink Clay, Oily Skin Balance Face Mask with Propolis); a deep cleanser with Argile; deep moisturizing (Aqua Plus Face Mask with Cucumber); two anti-aging masks (Antioxidant Face Mask with Tomato and Age Management Face Mask with Green Tea). There are plenty more in the range for firming, toning, revitalizing and regenerating.

To keep wrinkles in their place and their place is not on my face I'm currently using UltraLuxe - 9 by Sonya Dakar ($185). The 9 of the title stands for 9 of the most potent anti-aging complexes known. The said 9 ingredients work against fine lines and deep wrinkles while tri-peptide technology boosts collagen stimulation and protects from environmental damage. You can use this product with any skin type and although I'll admit it's a bit on the pricey side like the Sonya Dakar Scrub a little goes a long way. Unlike some of the rich creams I've used this one absorbs very easily and it can be used both morning and evening (with no need to fear grease stains on the pillow). Apart from the fancy sounding scientific ingredients the Age Control Complex also features Aloe leaf juice, pomegranate peel, Vitamin E, Apricot kernel oil and Neroli and Rosewood essential oils.
It haven't been using it for long enough to definitely say that it works. However I will say this much it has more of a chance of working than most of the potions I've tried. The reason has nothing to do with secret ingredients but the fact that its so easy to use and completely without mess means that I actually enjoy using it. And of course I needed tell you that if you enjoy doing something you're more likely to do it regularly.
If you need a very quick fix for lines and the like then the cover up is probably your best bet. Lift & Cover Foundation ($14.99) has been specifically designed for someone like you. This is a firming, moisturizing, anti-wrinkle makeup which despite the duty it performs has a really light consistency. There are seven shades available (Cool Beige, Medium Beige, Warm Beige, Almond, Honey, Toffee and Soft Tan) and it suits anyone with normal, dry or mature skin. Isadora have a range of foundations which address different needs.
Like Isadora Physicians Formula have a number of affordable last minute cheat the eye/cheat time cover ups. CircleRx Circle Control Concealer ($8.95) is a handy back up for those times you stay up late and neglect to put your eye cream on. Or if things are really bad they have a Conceal Rx Physician Strength Concealer ($7.95).

Both of these products are new and each come in four different shades. Conceal Rx Physician Strength Concealer can be purchased in Fair Light, Natural Light, Soft Yellow and Soft Green. CircleRx Circle Control Cleanser comes in Soft Yellow, Fair Light, Natural Light and Medium Beige.
Physicians Formula also have a range devoted entirely to eh, shall we say, less smooth skin. Cover ToxTen Wrinkle Therapy Foundation ($12.95) will not only hide the evidence from your public but with time will help reduce the overall appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, you can see results in 10 minutes, after 10 hours and again at 10 days. Cover ToxTen Wrinkle Formula also has a concealer ($8.95)
A good scrub is as important for your body as it is for your face. Slough off dead skin and wash away your troubles with Aveda Smoothing Body Polish ($22) or Carol's Daughter Ocean Sea Salt Body Scrub ($25). As the name implies Sea Salt is one of the ingredients of the Carol's Daughter scrub, sea salt is a great way of rejuvenating your skin and buffing up. This product also imparts a wonderful scent onto your skin so it's a double whammy - but in a good way.
The Aveda Smoothing Body Polish also has a great scent and is made up from finely ground walnut shells, herbal extracts, lavender, aloe and kelp (a type of seaweed). This scrub is very quick and easy to use and unlike some scrubs easily rinsed away so it's ideal for use in your morning shower.

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