From a Wise Philosopher...

  I have always had a strong attraction to Philosophy products.  The adorable packaging (mostly on their body washes), unique fragrances, inventive product names and the overall mantra of the company make the entire line oh-so-appealing.  Their most popular, original product is Hope In a Jar - an all-purpose moisturizer that contains some fabulous ingredients that provide stellar results.
  Firstly, the entire formulation is a mousse-like texture, it is light, fluffy almost, and is quickly absorbed into the skin.  Slight exfoliation and the promotion of cell turnover is initiated by Lauryl Lactate, which is the ester of Lactic Acid, the natural alpha-hydroxy acid found in milk.  This acid ester works on the surface of the skin and helps to impart radiance by removing dead cells.  The next powerful ingredient is beta glucan, which is a derivative of glucose.  The beta glucan plays an interesting role in this concoction - it helps to strengthen and regenerate specific cells that target environmental toxins, dead cells, malfunctioning cells, or any other substances that are not natural or necessary for optimal functioning of the skin.  Once initiated, these cells target the removal of cells, toxins, or unnatural substances that may be the result of UV damage, environmental toxins, and free radicals.  Ultimately, the beta glucan helps to restore youth and is known to diminish fine lines while also returning skin to optimal function by ensuring that its protection factors are strong.
  Along with a shot of Vitamin E, which helps to moisturize and protect the skin, Hope in a Jar also contains Retinyl Palmitate, the precursor to Vitamin A (my favourite all-time skincare ingredient), which encourages cell proliferation and turnover, promotes collagen and elastin production, and reduces fine lines, sun damage, and results in luminous, radiant skin.
  Hope In a Jar has been a cult favourite for some time now, and right in time for the holiday season is limited-edition packaging, perfect for anyone on your list!

Hope In a Jar on Sephora's website



For the Love of Kabuki

  This Holiday season (which is so quickly approaching!!), NARS has unveiled a super exclusive, extremely giftable set of lip colour.  The Bento Box was inspired by Francois Nars' fascination with the drama and precision behind Kabuki style makeup, and is thus packaged as two separable, ceramic bowls within a beautiful wooden box. Inside the ceramic bowls are two, hand-poured lipstick formulations - Maiko, a devilish red and Sakura, a playful pink - which took over ten years to perfect.  As always, the lipstick is highly pigmented and contains nourishing Vitamin E.  Within the set is a wisteria brush, which allows for precise, even application.  Priced at $140 and available exclusively at Holt Renfrew (in Canada), this is one gift that a true beauty addict would adore.



NARS Bento Box

Berry Beneficial

    Raspberries have long been touted for their powerful health benefits - they possess strong antioxidant properties and are chock full of essential and cancer-fighting ingredients.  The component in raspberries (and other berries and nuts) is a phytochemical (plant chemical) called ellagic acid.  Studies have shown that it is likely that ellagic acid has anti-angiogenic properties through its inhibition of cancer cell growth.  Moreover, it has protective properties that help to detoxify and nourish the body.  Cosmetic scientists have caught on to this notion and believe that these detoxifying, protective, antioxidant properties would be exhibited in a cosmetic formulation.  Thus far, it has been determined that ellagic acid prevents the formation of age spots, wrinkles, and other damage caused by UVB rays through the inhibition of MMP (matrix metalloproteinase) enzyme production.  MMP enzymes break down the holy grail of youth: collagen - and nobody wants that!   With the prevalence of natural ingredients in cosmetics, coinciding with the idea that what goes on the body goes in the body, it is fairly safe to say that ellagic acid would exhibit some of its rockstar qualities in a cosmetic product.  I can't wait for more research to be done on this exciting ingredient!

Ellagic Acid in Cosmetics and Toiletries
Ellagic Acid on Cancer.org

Slip into Something a Little More Comfortable...

  It has become evident that I have a slight obsession with all things that sparkle or shine.  So, it's something short of a miracle that I haven't discovered this absolutely amazing product sooner.  Allow me to introduce... Bare Escentual's Body Lingerie.  This "luminous body shimmer" resides in a vintage-looking perfume bottle, equipped with atomizer (to provide the perfect amount of product with every spritz) and all.  A combination of mica (a silicate stone that is highly utilized for cosmetic purposes for its ability to impart a uniform, intense sparkle.  This is due to the hexagonal nature of the atoms that form each crystal), bismuth oxychloride (adds a pearlescent shimmer), oxides of iron and titanium, silica, and a natural vanilla scent all contribute to the fabulousity of this product. 



More info at Bare Escentuals and ingredient info at Cosmetics Database

Image courtesy of BE website, ingredient info from Cosmetics Database

Stocking Stuffer Beauty - Holiday Gift Guide

From top:

1. MAC Tartan Tale Holiday Collection 2010 - www.maccosmetics.com
2. philosophy The Gingerbread House - ginger-spiced and uber festive bubble bath and shower gel
3. Chloe Chloe Gift Set - the design house's floral, sexy, addictive scent
4. NARS Orgasm Lust Lip + Cheek Set - Laguna and Orgasm cheek compact, Super Orgasm lipgloss

Image 1 courtesy of www.maccosmetics.com
2-4 available at www.sephora.com (images courtesy of)

 

Cream Dream

 

 "Cream"-based cosmetic products are often daunting - at first they impart a luminous, dewy finish on your cheeks or eyelids, but shortly following that moment of beauty bliss, the product has disappeared from your face, and you're left looking like an oily mess.  Those were the old days, I'm happy to report, because Makeup Forever, a professional line of cosmetic products in any colour or formulation a beauty addict could dream of (!), has come out with Aqua Cream - a line of long-wearing, waterproof products for eyes, lips, and cheeks. 
  Staying true to the Makeup Forever line, Aqua Cream is packed full of highly concentrated pigments, accented with mother of pearl to ensure that colour is intense, but never flat.  The waterproof quality is a result of a filmogen polymer, which is water insoluble and mixed seamlessly with the pigment to encapsulate the colour and form a near impermeable layer between your skin and the elements.  The polymer also allows flexibility in the product, meaning that it has movement and thus will not dry up and flake off. The innovation, however, does not stop there...
  Included in the formulation is koalin mineral powder, which is simply the powder of the kaolin rock, which is an aluminum silicate.  The kaolin rock is often used for porcelain, and has light diffusing properties which prevent the product from feeling thick or heavy.  Furthermore, to ensure longevity and prevent skin irritation, a blend of essential oils, listed as "volatil oil" are included in the mix.  Volatility pertains to the ability of a substance to evaporate, so these volatile essential oils impart a calming aspect to the skin and quickly evaporate to adhere the product to the applied area.
  This product is absolutely amazing.  It's extremely long-wearing and never flakes off.  Available at Sephora in a wide range of colours, with uniquely tailored formulations for lips, eyes, or cheeks.  Moreover, this line of products is completely paraben free, so go cream yourself!



Images courtesy of, and more information at www.makeupforever.com

There's Nothing Quite Like....



Louis Vuitton glamour. I absolutely adore their Fall 2010 ad campaign - the beauty emulates that of a polished, glamorous, sophisticated woman.  Luminous skin, highlighted perfectly, a natural lip and minimalist eye makeup.  I'll be trying this look out ASAP, ponytail included.

www.louisvuitton.com