A product ten years in the making, this will soon be giving other dermal fillers like Restylane and Juvederm a run for their money.

But the way LAVIV is different is that it uses your own cells to promote the turnover, and unlike many topicals that address only the surface dermal layers of the skin, LAVIV works to promote cell turnover deep down –which can give you longer lasting effects. “With topical antiaging products, the effects are seldom long lasting,” says Dr. Munavalli, a North Carolina based dermatologist and endorser of LAVIV. “This is truly a breakthrough, and it’s FDA approved, which means both safety and efficacy standards are met.”

LAVIV is available only through a Board Certified Dermatologist, and the procedure is similar to what you’ll go through for other minor cosmetic procedures like Botox and Juvederm. Dr. Munavalli recommends three treatments, typically three to six weeks apart. The way it works is like this: a sample of skin cells are take from behind your ear ; these cells are called fibroblasts and they make collagen. Then, these cells are sent to the company’s lab and the fibroblasts are multiplied, a process that takes several weeks, and then they are injected into your smile lines.

So, you see, you use your own cells to help you with your smile lines.

Is LAVIV expensive? Over the long haul, the costs come out in the wash, and it really isn’t. Your initial treatment, depending on which dermatologist you visit, may run in the range of $1,600 and up but if you compare this treatment to laser and other less effective topical treatments, you’ll realize this is a value. Plus, the refills cost far less, so the initial cost will typically be the biggest.

For more information and questions, visit the site’s FAQs here.

Tell us, are you partial to cosmetic procedures? Which ones are worth it for you? Would you try LAVIV?

- Charu Suri

For giveaways and contests, sign up for our newsletter HERE.

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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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The new anti-aging skincare line is called Algenist.  The discovery of this line is as compelling as the line itself.  For several years, company scientists were studying different types of microalgae in their quest to find renewable energy solutions.  During this research, they stumbled upon Alguronic Acid, a powerful compound produced by the microalgae that helps them to regenerate and protect themselves from environmental insults.  They immediately thought that this ingredient could be a key ingredient in anti-aging skincare, and the Algenist line was born.

The Algenist line is available at Sephora.com and comes in a Concentrated Reconstructing Serum, Regenerative Anti-Aging Moisturizer,  Regenerative Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 20 and Complete Eye Balm.  Prices range from $65 – $135.

This innovative product is one of our favorite recent finds. This is a brush that acts like an instant concealer and brightener. It uses a 7 in 1 anti-aging eye cream to immediately reduce the appearance of dark circles. It also reduces the look of wrinkles and massages eyes to reduce the look of puffiness.

The brush is like a concealer wand: it always hydrates the skin so it appears firmer, and evens out the skin tone.

Upon application, I noticed an immediate cooling and skin-brightening effect. Cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson says, “the Niacinamide ingredient (which is a B Vitamin) has been shown to improve skin texture and pigmentation.” This ingredient is used in many of Olay’s skincare products.

The brush reminds me of the YSL Touche Eclat (click the pen at the end to dispense the product on the brush). I noticed an immediate cooling effect under my eyes, but did not notice a substantial difference until I had swiped the under eye area twice. The product described onAmazon.com says it is “suitable for most skin tones,” but the color is peachy in tone, and more appropriate for those with lighter skin. However, that said, it did not look bad on my dark skin at all. It may well work for you.

The great news about this eye brush is that it is so friendly and portable, and accomplishes so much in such little time. We love the efficiency and innovation behind this creation. It retails for approximately $25 and we consider it a worth-while investment in an effort to banish those raccoon eyes.

Tell us, are you a fan of this brush? Would you invest $25 in an instant dark circle minimizer?

- Charu Suri

For giveaways and contests, sign up for our newsletter HERE.

If you like this post, share it with your friends and give it a LIKE on Facebook.

Share the video and drop us a note at videogiveaway@beautystat.com letting us know that you have done so by April 30th, and you could win $500 worth of beauty products!

You also earn an extra entry to win for every one one of your friends who does the same (and lets us know that they heard about the video from you by providing us with your email address in their message to us)!

** Must provide a U.S. mailing address to be eligible to win promotion prize (or international folks just need to pay for the additional shipping cost to mail abroad and you can be included in the contest too!). Winner will be selected by May 3, 2011 and notified by May 5, 2011.

Zeno Line Rewind Wrinkle Reduction Kit is gentle on the skin, non-greasy, fragrance-free and can be used on all skin types. I will hit 30 this year and although that’s not “old,” I do still have fine lines especially on my forehead and around my eyes. Some say it’s from smiling, some say it’s from thinking too hard, but either way no one wants fine lines or wrinkles especially at such a young age. I don’t feel I have earned mine yet.

I found this two part system very easy to use. It’s very simple: to use you apply the Line Rewind Wrinkle Reduction Serum (Which is included with the device) and then you gently massage the device over your face. The device warms with red LED technology and is non-invasive. The temperature of the device is comfortable and over time with this technology, you hopefully will begin to see a decrease in your fine lines, wrinkles or sun damaged skin.

I personally focused on the areas that needed it most, my eyes and my forehead.

Before and After (single use)

As you can see in the photos, there were slight immediate results, especially around the eyes.  With regular use, I hope to see these lines disappear for good! I love getting older. I love growing  wiser. However, I am not ready for the visible signs of aging!

I also loved the ergonomic design of the device; it is extremely easy to hold, with no slippage. Therefore it also makes for a great travel companion. You can take it pretty much anywhere you go! The price is also hard to beat: how can you possibly argue with $39.99?

So, tell us, are you a fan of beauty gadgets? Have you or would you try the Zeno Line Rewind?

~Amelia Keith

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ZENO’s over the counter, thermal-based devices address major skincare concerns from the pesky zit (you may recall the famous Hot Spot, an FDA-approved device that clears your zits in 24 hours flat), to wrinkles. Its latest Line Rewind, is a cute, ergonomically-shaped pink and white gadget that targets fine lines, wrinkles and sun-damaged skin. The Line Rewind is the first anti-aging device system that uses heat, vibration and red light technology to address these skincare concerns. It not only delivers an immediate effect, thanks to optical diffusers that instantly reduce the look of the lines and wrinkles, but long-term results as well.

The way it works is simple: the two-part system includes a serum and a hand-held vibrating device. First apply a thin layer of the serum all over your face, and then use the device to work the serum into your skin until it’s thoroughly absorbed (do not rinse it off). The best time to use Line Rewind is at night, when your skin naturally repairs itself.

Line Rewind’s serum is enriched with a peptide complex and super-antioxidant Resveratrol, which provides protection against damaging free radicals that can cause premature skin aging. Hyaluronic acid provides long-lasting hydration, soothes dryness and plumps skin.

Once the serum is applied, it’s time to turn-up the technology! The device instantly warms to a soothing temperature and gently vibrates to massage the serum onto the upper layer of the skin. With red light technology, it helps erase the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and sun damaged skin.

In this economy, every penny counts; the $39.99 gadget offers an extremely affordable alternative to pricier anti-aging creams, serums and devices. The serum refills can be purchased separately for $19.99.

BeautyStat is lucky enough to be giving away 10 Line Rewind Kits! Simply share this post with your friends and family, AND email us a note at myzeno@beautystat.com saying you’ve done so, with your full mailing address, by March 12th, 2011 and you just might win one!* Best of all, everyone can save $5 off any Zeno device by purchasing one on MyZeno.com and using the code “BeautyStat” through March 31st, 2011.

If you’re part of the tech generation that powers everything with a single click –or even if you’re not –we’re sure you’ll find this gadget hard to beat. So, what are you waiting for? Simply share the love, enter to WIN, and visit myzeno.com for your BeautyStat exclusive discount. Because your skin deserves it.

*By participating in the ZENO Line Rewind Giveaway Promotion, you hereby consent to receive marketing messages through the email address provided, from ZENO. Giveaway promotion is limited to US residents only.

We here at BeautyStat have promised to give you the chance to win the hottest new beauty products to hit the market, and we are aiming to please. So without further adieu, below are the first set of winners for 2011 (winners chosen by random number generator).

And the winner of the REVIEW: PaloVia At Home Skin Renewing Laser (Giveaway) is: Mary Ann Linder. Mary Ann, please email us at Info@beautystat.com to collect your prize.

And the winner of the Giveaway: Bath & Body Works Limited Edition PocketBacs, CLEAN Anti Bacterial Moisturizing Hand Cream is: Sandy G. Sandy, please email us at Info@beautystat.com to claim your prize.

Winners, please reply back to us by end of day, Friday January 14th to claim your winnings.

If you did not win, don’t worry. See more exciting giveaways below:

BeautyStat’s First EVER Makeup Contest: Calling all Beauty Junkies

Ask the Expert Series & Giveaway: Sam Fine, Celeb Makeup Artist

(Giveaway) Kahina Giving Beauty: How Sharing Rituals Helps Others

SOFTLIPS Giveaway: Replenish Anti-Aging & Beeswax Lip Conditioners

Bonus points by giving this post a LIKE and sharing it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter.

We’ve seen and envied Japanese women and their flawless, porcelain skin and chalked up such gorgeousness to a shrug of the shoulders and talk of “good genes.” But seriously, which gal (or guy) wouldn’t want their face to be so Billboard worthy?

We suspect that quite a few of you have also spent a considerable amount of time rummaging the aisles to find out if the Asian beauty brands are a good match for you, from sizing up Shiseido, SK-II to examining Dr. Ci: Labo. Now, we understand that the hunt and peck method isn’t all that, but what if you had all these Japanese beauty brands all contained beautifully under one web site’s umbrella?

It seems as though Japanese Beauty Brands heard your inner wish, because not only do they contain the major Japanese Skincare brands under one roof, they’re all the lowest prices online, guaranteed!. In addition, you can conveniently search for products for men, women and baby on one convenient portal. And if you’re one of the first ten people to spend over $75 on their site, and you’ll get a Nine West bag…FREE!

What’s more, the site houses brands that are particularly hard to find and/or are seldom discounted, including Shiseido and Taplis. The offerings from Shiseido are comprehensive, and include not only their gentle skincare solutions, but also their cosmetics and fragrances as well. And Taplis offers emulsions, creams and energy masks perfect for women on the go who want extremely comforting and portable solutions. And through December 4th, they’re offering up to 30% off both these brands!

And now we are offering three beauty hampers filled with Shiseido products worth $100 each, to those of you who share this advertorial with your friends, give Japanese Beauty Brands a LIKE on their Facebook page and leave a comment below to tell us you’ve done so by December 11th. This carefully-curated hamper will include products like the Anti Wrinkle Cream, Cleansing Foam, and Revitalizer Cream…all perfect for the cooler season.

Sounds easy, right? So remember to click on the Facebook page link above, share this with your friends and leave a comment for consideration. And remember that the first 10 order over $75 receive a free Nine West bag, so be sure to check out www.jbeautybrands.com/special-gifts for the lowest prices on Japanese cosmetics…guaranteed! Because the secret to good skincare does not have to be quite so “Lost in Translation”.

We never entered any Faustian bargain (otherwise, we would have have ended up with flawless skin, but with one heck of a conscience), but we think that supermodel Cindy Crawford must have some tryst with the flawless skin fairy godmother. When I met her last week, my jaw almost hit the floor: here is a model who’s in her mid forties and a mother of two with skin that would make a baby go, aw well gee shucks!

During the lovely and fortunate time a few blogger buddies and I got to spend with Cindy, she talked about new line, Meaningful Beauty, which will hit select Sephora and JC Penney stores in October 2010. After listening to her skincare routine, it was evident at how vigilant she is about her skincare, exercise and nutrition routine: she is fanatical about hydration, and gets facials every 4-5 weeks (pore perfectionists, take note). She does do microdermabrasion, although she’s careful to say that not “all microdermabration specialists are created equal,” so be careful to whom you entrust your pretty face.

She’s also not a smoker, and she does admit that she has had Botox (in this day and age, who hasn’t?).

Cindy and I (doesn’t she look FABULOUS?!)

From the Meaningful Beauty line, she loves the Protect Antioxidant Day Cream, which is a micro-emulsion moisturizer that protects against UVA and UVB rays, as well as the “instant pick-me-up” Glowing Serum. The complete line includes:

- Skin Softening Cleanser ($37), that’s creamy, non-foaming and perfect to swipe off impurities;

- Antioxidant Day Cream ($47) that protects the face from the effects of UVA and UVB rays;

- Anti-Aging Night Cream ($60) that has powerful antioxidants including vitamin C, vitamin A, collagen boosters and peptides to improve complexion overnight;

- Lifting Eye Creme ($56) that helps smoothes fine lines and diminish dark circles using soothing botanicals;

- Firming Chest and Neck Creme ($57) that is designed to specifcally address, firm and moisturize the neck and chest area.

The other goodies in the kitty include a Deep Cleansing Masque ($43, also called “a facial in a bottle”), Glowing Serum ($52), Line Diffuser Wrinkle Smoothing Capsules ($52), Extreme Moisture Masque ($52) and Scrub exfoliant ($31.95).

To purchase, visit MeaningfulBeauty.com or call 800-927-0047. Select products will hit the Sephora Inside JC Penney stores on October 4th.

We are giving away a complete set of these products to THREE lucky winners. Enter a comment below telling us what your biggest battle with aging is to be considered.

Good luck, lovelies! And, as always, please give this post a LIKE or share with your friends if you care to.

- Charu Suri