Raging Rouge

Right now, I’m daydreaming about the day I can actually visit Canyon Ranch, to indulge in their pampering rituals for the mind and body and bask in the glory of their relaxing environs.  Right now, my time is spoken for… so I was delighted to learn that the famed Canyon Ranch has released a line of skincare products that you can use in the comfort of your own home!

Founded in 1979 (I had no idea that Canyon Ranch was almost 30 years old!), Canyon Ranch is a household name in the world of health and wellness.  Guests are treated to pampering on every level:  nutrition, exercise, skin care, meditation…  I imagine those lucky enough to enjoy a visit leave with a completely different mind-set from when they arrived.

This new skincare line is exactly the rich, pampering product you’d expect it to be.  The anti-aging formula contains the proprietary ProNAD (bio-active Vitamin B3, otherwise known as Niacin).  Did you know that ProNAD was selected by the National Cancer Institute for study as a potential skin cancer prevention agent?  The collection is 9 products deep.  Here’s my summary of the three I was lucky enough to sample:

Vitality Cleansing Cream:  This cleanser is incredibly rich, and removes all traces of makeup (and sunscreen) in a flash.  It leaves the skin feeling moisturized, even before you apply moisturizer!  This cleansing milk is gentle on sensitive skin.  Retail price, $40.

Restore Intensive Moisture:  Need a vacation, but can’t take one?  This moisturizer will reinvigorate your skin to the point that people will wonder where you’ve been.  Perfect for parched skin, or skin showing signs of aging.  Retail price, $95.

Brightness Eye Cream:  Peptides and Vitamin C help to brighten dark circles while caffeine reduces puffiness.  Your friends will all be convinced that you slept in, but you’ll know the truth!  Retail price, $70.

Canyon Ranch: Your Transformation products do not contain parabens, artificial dyes, mineral oil or petroleum.

Click HERE to buy Canyon Ranch products at Saks Fifth Avenue.  Click HERE to head to the Canyon Ranch website, to read more about the line!

I wrote this post a while ago, but anytime a friend asks me to recommend a skincare line, you can bet that DermaQuest is at the top of my short list!

When you slip on a cashmere sweater or silk pajamas, you immediately know you’re wearing something luxe.  And so it was with DermaQuest Daily Enzyme Cleaner and Algae Facial Scrub…  The instant my skin was touched by each of these two products, it knew it was in for a real treat. 

Founded by award winning cosmeceutical chemist Sam Dhatt, DermaQuest Skin Therapy is a combination of rigorous R&D and state-of-the-art skincare ingredients.  DermaQuest’s Daily Enzyme Cleanser is amazingly gentle, and leaves skin feeling squeaky clean and silky soft.  The papaya and pineapple extracts not only make the cleanser smell divine, but are a natural way to exfoliate the skin… leaving it invigorated and healthy looking.  This product is also excellent for those whose sensitivities to glycolic acid or salicylic acid prevent them from using other cleansers.

I love facial scrubs, and my search for the ultimate extremely-gentle-on-the-healthy-skin but harsh-on-the-dry-skin scrub is like a quest for the holy grail.  DermaQuest Algae Facial Scrub utilizes jojoba beads to gently remove dead skin cells while Algae extracts moisturize the skin.  Using this scrub didn’t irritate my easily disturbed skin, but was very effective.

DermaQuest Daily Enzyme Cleanser and Algae Facial Scrub both retail for $28 each (and you’ll receive a very healthy 8 oz. size).  Online retailers include SkinCareRx and DrSkinSpa.  DermaQuest products can also be found in spas and dermatologists offices.  You can search for retailers near you using DermaQuest’s online retail locator!

Long story short… these DermaQuest skincare products really make a difference in the health of your skin, and you’ll appreciate that quality during the harsh winter months.  Happy cleansing!

My "beauty secret" is no big secret for those in the know.  Benefit’s "That Gal" primer helps to give you that special glow.

As a beauty blogger, I tell-all about the products I sample.  When I discover a star in the vast universe of cosmetics, I shout about it from the highest mountain.  Prior to my beauty blogging days, I kept many secrets.  When I found makeup that made my skin look younger or shadow that made my eyes pop, I was not quick to offer the valuable information to others.  What I am saying is this:  If I was not the author of a beauty blog, Benefit’s "That Gal" brightening foundation primer would remain my little secret. 

"That Gal" makes the skin’s surface appear smoother, and provides an excellent base for makeup to wear longer.  The pink tone of this foundation primer illuminates the skin, making it appear youthful and vibrant.  Though intended to be used under foundation, this product can be worn stand-alone and reapplied over makeup throughout the day!  Don’t worry if you’re not naturally the rosy-glow type.  My skin has natural yellow undertones.  This product neutralized my sallow skin and blended perfectly.  As a bonus, this product actually smells like candy!  Love it!

Benefit Cosmetics That Gal Brightening Face Primer retails for $27 at Benefit, Macy’s and Sephora.

Don’t forget to check out the four semi-finalists in Benefit Cosmetics search for "That Gal"!  Click HERE to visit Sephora to view the finalists!