ARTISTRY® is among the world’s top five largest selling premium skincare brands. Available March 2012, Artistry is launching an “Escape to Paradise” collection inspired by the sun-drenched glamour of the Italian Riviera.

They have spared no expense in their packaging and the Cheek and Eye Quad I received, as well as the Lip Gloss Duo Compact, were simply elegant and beautifully designed; not to mention the weight of the Lip Gloss Duo…I need to put that on a scale! There’s some weight to it for certain.

The Cheek and Eye Quad are available in Golden Glow (sampled above) and Fresh Radiance. Each set contains 4 shadows and 4 cheek colors for $73.50 per palette. The Lip Gloss Duo Compact is available in Tropical Coral (sampled) and Pacific Orchid. Each are available for $58.50. These are meant to give you a sun-kissed glow with their complimenting warm hues.

The Eye Pencils in this collection are available in Island Violet (sampled) and Lagoon for $23.50 each. I like that they are dual-ended and have a smudger tip, and are suitable for contact lens wearers.

Artistry is also launching Intensive Skincare, (available for $138.00) which is touted as using the latest advancement in skincare science. There is an Anti-Wrinkle Firming Serum that was developed with leading dermatological research scientists from the University of Michigan. It is proven to boost collagen activity by 300% overnight and awaken the skin to become firmer.

I had to research further into their testing practices: Dermatologists spent ten years working to better understand retinol and mitigate side effects at the University of Michigan. Dozens of compounds were tested and more than 1,400 tests were done to ensure ideal results. I will only be able to share with you overtime if what they claim rings true, as results usually take up to four weeks. So far, I can say that the serum has a light fragrance to it and is incredibly soothing and hydrating to the skin.

The Artist Behind Artistry: Artistry colors are created by Itsuki, who is an artistic leader in the beauty industry and has created looks for Kate Bosworth and Diane Kruger, and crafted runway looks for Zac Posen among others. Now Itsuki brings her talent to collaborate with the ARTISRTY ® brand.

**Please note these products are only available through an Amway Independent Business or online at www.Amway.com/Artistry.

Check out our introduction to Artistry skincare with our (Review, Before/After Photos) An Introduction to Artistry Skincare: Time Defiance System

- Nicole Gordon Levine

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Estee Lauder’s Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lift Age Correcting Serum claims it can “repair, recharge and restore.”  To achieve its lofty aims, it contains a mixture of Rock of Ages Algae (three billion years old and derived from Australian and South African fossils), EGT, an amino acid, the extract Silktare, and black tourmaline, a mineral—all in all, it sounds like quite a brew.

I used this product at night, applying it with the massage like motions indicated in the instructions, for about two weeks straight.  Right away I noticed how quickly and easily absorbed it was, always a plus with me.  Products (even costly ones) that sit on my skin like a layer of grease are not appealing. I don’t like the feel, and I don’t believe they are doing my complexion much good. So this serum scored points for absorption right off the bat.  As for the other claims, the jury is still out. It might take longer to get the full effect, though I have noticed in a general way that my skin is looking good—fresh, youthful and not too tired or worn out.

So I am willing to believe that the serum is helping with overall skin texture and appearance. I plan to keep using it to see if I can derive even greater benefits such as the ones promised in the literature.

This product retails for $200 for a 1 oz. pump bottle.

- Yona McDonough

Plus check our (Review & Swatches): Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Soleil Makeup for Summer 2011

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I think I found that product with Beverly Hills Be Inspired Shine & Repair Serum with Argan Oil.
I wasn’t familiar with Argan oil so I looked it up.  Wikipedia defines Argan oil as an oil produced from the kernels of the argan tree, endemic to Morocco, that is valued for its nutritive, cosmetic and numerous medicinal properties.  Argan oil remains one of the rarest oils in the world due the small and very specific growing areas.

Before Treatment

Be Inspired comes in 1.7 FL. OZ. /50ML clear pretty bottle with silver cap & a silver base.  It’s also inside a drawstring black velvet bag.   The product looks very rich & it is no surprise it retails for $39.95. (The precious Argan oil might be a factor as well).
There is a host of other ingredients, but some of the ones that I thought worth mentioning were domestic fruit (plum) oil, avocado oil, sunscreen, hydrolyzed soy protein & hydrolyzed silk.   I thought it important to mention that it does not use animals to test and it is made in the good ‘ol USA.
The pump top allows for easy access of the serum.   It can be applied to wet or dry hair as per the directions.   The product smells faintly of lavender which happens to be one of my favorite scents.

After Treatment

I used this product 3 times before writing this review and I was extremely satisfied with the results.  My hair looked shiny, smelled great & just had an overall healthier feel.  I expect my phone to start ringing any minute from a salon that wants to use me in their commercial.

Grade:  A

- by Deanna Perl

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Plus check out out the hottest hairstyle trends and hair color trends.

Well if you’re looking for younger looking skin, look no further than Olay Regenerist Night Resurfacing Elixir.  This little exfoliation expert hydrates to resurface skin for tighter, smoother skin.

The formula contains glycolic acid (an alpha hydroxy acid) which is the exfoliating workhorse in the formula.  It works to provide continuous, uninterrupted exfoliation while you sleep.

The formula is a lightweight gel that smoothes on very skin easily (actually, it feels like it just glides on). It does take a few minutes to completely absorb. Once absorbed, my skin felt comfortable and hydrated  (you can apply a moisturizer over it if you need more hydration).  The formula also contains glycerin, allantoin and grape seed extract which help to hydrate, protect and soothe the skin (I felt no stinging like I have with other peel treatments that I’ve tried).

The next morning I woke up to visibly smoother skin. And after a few days, my skin looked brighter and more radiant.  In the morning, I made sure to wear a sunscreen (with an SPF of 15 or higher) as AHA-containing products may increase skin’s sensitivity to the sun.

Olay shared the clinical test results with us and we were quite impressed.  In a 92 person study, they compared their formula with a dermatologists 30% glycolic acid chemical peel.  And after Days, 3, 7 and 12 of use, women in the study agreed the Olay formula performed better than the dermatologist’s peel.  Pretty amazing, huh?

GIVEAWAY:

Well, we love this product so much, we need to share one with a lucky member. Simply post a comment below telling us what product or treatment you use or have used to exfoliate (scrubs, peels, micro-dermabrasions, toners, masks, derm treatments).  And please be specific!

****Bonus points by sharing this post on our Facebook wall!

****Offer limited to US residents only or International members that are willing to pay for shipping.

The oil is extracted from the nut of the Argan tree by the Berber Women in Morocco. “Our line is a reflection of these women: of their culture, their hard work, and their beauty, both inner and outer” states Katharine who donates 25% of profits from Kahina to support initiatives to help these women.

“I strongly believe in the possibility of connecting with people from other cultures and creating an environment in which the little things we do throughout or daily lives positively affect the lives of people around the world. Even in something as seemingly inconsequential as our choice of skin care, it’s about a consciousness of the decisions we make every day,” says Katharine Phillips L’Heureux regarding her inspiration for founding Giving Beauty.

The product line that keeps on giving. Not only do they give back to the Berber Women but this line gives back to us. To our skin, to our hair and to our bodies. With the harsh winter weather upon us, it’s important to keep your skin hydrated. Not only does Argan oil nourish your skin but it helps lock in the natural nutrients. This helps prevent dry, cracked and irritated skin.

The popularity of Argan Oil is on the rise for it’s known anti-aging, moisturizing and antioxidant properties. Not only is this oil good for wrinkles and hydrating your skin but it’s also great for frizzy hair and I personally use the oil for brittle nails. It’s done wonders on my cuticles! And if that’s not enough, this magical oil has been used for stretch marks, psoriasis and acne.

Several companies have jumped on the bandwagon to offer Argan Oil based products. From Sephora to Sally’s Beauty Supply, this miracle worker is popping up on shelves nationwide.

BeautyStat and Kahina-Giving Beauty want to give you a chance to enjoy the benefits of this product. That’s why Kahina-Giving Beauty is giving away a full size Antioxidant Mask and full size Serum to one lucky winner! Leave us a comment telling us your experience with Argan Oil or why you’d love to try it. We will choose one lucky winner by random drawing.  Good Luck!!!!

Ranging in prices between $36-$90, Kahina-Giving Beauty offers a complete line of products based around Argan Oil and it’s benefits. Products and  can be purchased at http://www.kahina-givingbeauty.com

~Amelia Keith, Editor of PrettyintheQueenCity.Com

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The new PREVAGE Anti-aging Eye Serum does the usual superhero activism associated with eye care: repair crow’s feet, address wrinkles, and tackle puffiness. 97% of women who used it found a substantial difference in their under eye area.

The new PREVAGE Eye Ultra Protection Anti-aging Moisturizer SPF 15 deflects the sun with sunscreens and neutralizes free radicals and delivers the ultimate hydration to the extremely fragile eye area. Packaged in a really futuristic-looking jar with scoop spoon, this moisturizer delivers a really powerful boost of antioxidants to your “fragile as crepe” undereye area.

Each one retails for $98, on counters and at www.elizabetharden.com

We are giving away ONE of each: Prevage Eye Serum and Eye Moisturizer to one lucky winner. All you have to do is enter a comment below to tell us why YOU should win this booty worth almost $200.

- Charu Suri

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World renowned dermatologist, Patricia Wexler, most noted for her innovative skincare consultations and tough-love approach to adult acne, has recently produced a complete daily acne system, ‘Acnescription’- a ground-breaking approach to treating, healing, and preventing future breakouts for mature skin. In a recent press release, Wexler noted that the secret to a blemish free complexion is consistency. “To completely and efficiently treat acne, you must follow a regimen that doesn’t over-treat the problem but truly target-treats all of the factors that contribute to a troubled and blemished skin.” BeautyStat couldn’t agree more.

The ‘Acnescription’ line targets blemishes and addresses the skin’s anti-aging needs through Wexler’s patented MMPi technology and Niacyl – a delivery system that ultimately strengthens the complexion to produce a look and feeling of youthful skin. Included in the set is the Exfoliating Glycolic Peel system – which provides daily exfoliation for optimal cell-turnover on the skins surface. The MMPi-20 Anti Aging Acne Serum is also great for not only preventing acne breakouts, but it also serves to firm the skin while visibly minimizing the appearance of fine lines and pigmented spots left from previous breakouts. Sound like a winning combination? Trust me; it’s one of the best systems on the market.

The Acnescription line can be purchase exclusively at Bath & Body Works or online.

If you have a friend who gets breakouts, email her this post and give this post a LIKE.. thanks!

- Nicole L. Townsend

The serum packs cationic conditioners, protein, ceramide, and shea butter to hydrate, then smooth the hair cuticle, temporarily reducing volume derived from frizz and dryness. The company directs the user to apply the serum to damp hair and blow-dry, then reapply the serum for added smoothing, depending on how badly it’s needed. I found that the serum does its job a little too well – I over-applied the first time and ended up with limp locks. For the next go-round, I kept the product on the last two inches of my hair, and it worked perfectly to seal off my split ends. Depending on your level of damage (and by ‘your,’ this time I actually mean ‘your’) you can customize the level of treatment – anything to preserve sanity in those harrowing weeks before a much needed haircut.

Got a friend that could use this tip? Why don’t you share it with them and give this post a LIKE? Thanks!

- Katharine McKenzie

Many of us know all too well that stretch marks work their way into being during times of quick weight gain, such as pregnancy. As the holistic plastic surgeon Dr. Shirley Madere explains, the stretch marks are better prevented than treated, since no treatment, not even surgery, can completely remove the unsightly lines.

To that end, the gel ($33) contains a 35% concentration of their patented alchemilla, ivy, and horsetail to prevent stretch marks from forming, while the Phytolastil Solution ($39) uses an 80% concentration of the same formula to fade existing marks.

In some countries (not ours) health insurance plans cover Phytolastil because it’s considered the best treatment for stretch marks in existence – its potent concoction of flavenoids and tannins smooth and tighten the affected skin like no other. So here’s to 35th years of stress-free bathing suits and low cut blouses. With Phytolastil, women afflicted by stretch marks can diminish them into near-nothingness. Phytolastil is available in select Duane Reade’s, CVS stores, and at www.lierac-usa.com.

White Caviar Illuminating Cream drenches the skin with moisture as it provides lifting and firming benefits. Pearlescent powders in the cream give immediate illumination, while a complex of brightening ingredients works to control age spots and discoloration on the skin’s surface. Continued use promotes brighter, younger-looking skin as dark spots are prevented, and the skin is firmed and protected from environmental damage.

White Caviar Illuminating Serum interrupts the cycle that creates age spots, stopping discoloration before it begins. As existing spots fade, firmness, hydration and anti-oxidant protection are increased. This lightweight fluid may be added under any moisturizer to help prevent future discoloration and keep the skin looking its best.
White Caviar Illuminating Eye Serum is a high-performing antidote to under-eye darkness. It causes the skin in this area to appear lighter and brighter for a more wide-awake and energized look. In addition, puffiness is reduced and the skin is lifted, firmed and smoothed with wrinkle-reducers. This formula adds power to any eye cream worn over it, increasing hydration and protection benefits.

Typical of products from La Prairie, this system combines premium ingredients with serious science, so expect serious price tags to match. White Caviar Illuminating Cream retails at $450/ 1.7 oz.; White Caviar Illuminating Serum at $450/ 1.0 oz.; and White Caviar Illuminating Eye Serum at $250/0.5 oz. As a luxurious touch, the White Caviar Illuminating Système is housed in substantial white pearlescent jars with silver caviar beads around the cap.

On-counters now, La Prairie White Caviar Illuminating Système is available at Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and www.laprairie.com.