Coming Attraction: Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask

Have you ever wanted something that you couldn't have really badly? That's how I feel about Sisley's Black Rose Cream Mask, which promises instant youth, smoothing, plumping, and brightening. It is expected to arrive at Sisley counters in October. I already have, use, and love three of Sisley's masks, but that won't stop me from purchasing this new one the instant it hits the counters. I want it now!



Black Rose Cream Mask is the first Sisley mask enriched with anti-aging ingredients. A soothing mask rich in trace elements, vitamins, and plant extracts, it works instantly on the signs of aging and fatigue to restore vitality to the skin.



My one test of the mask left me desperate for another! I love masks, and Sisley's are among the very best. I like to apply them and use their time on my face to relax. Imagine enjoying all the benefits listed below while you chill out.



Smoothing and Plumping Actions



Extract of black rose will offer an instant tensor effect, smoothing with antioxidant properties.

Three anti-aging ingredients:

• Extract of alkekengi calyx, anti-collagenase and anti-free radical action
• Extract of padina pavonica to stimulate the synthesis of GAGs¹
• Vitamin E acetate to reinforce the skin's natural defenses

Revitalizing Actions

• Extract of red vine leaf to tone skin and improve radiance
• Extract of chlorella to stimulate superoxide dismutase activity, which protects skin from free radicals
• Essential oil of geranium to stimulate the skin

Soothing and Softening Actions

• Extract of great mullein (new active ingredient) to fight free radicals and soothe the skin
• Shea butter, which protects, moisturizes, and soothes
• Pro-vitamin B5 to soften and moisturize
• Essential oils of rose and magnolia, also for soothing

Nourishing, Moisturizing, and Repairing Actions

• Vegetable glycerine to moisturize
• Phytosqualene, with emollient and moisturizing properties
• Shea butter to nourish and repair

My friends from Sisley gave me a custom-made sample, enough for one application, when I was at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie this week. I used it last night and was instantly smitten - with the fresh fragrance, the lovely feel, and the appearance of my skin after my treatment. You don't wash this mask off your skin after you use it. Just tissue off the excess and allow your skin to luxuriate in the beneficial ingredients.



Be on the lookout for Sisley's Black Rose Cream Mask. It's a must-have, one of many new products we can expect to see from Sisley this fall.



¹ GAGs contain special sugars, such as glucosamine hydrochloride, N-acetyl glucosamine, and glucosamine sulfate, that have high water-holding properties. These are built into larger water-holding chains of sugars such as hyaluronic acid, keratin sulfate, heparin, heparin sulfate, dermatin sulfate, and chondroitin sulfate. - skinbiology.com



Update 9/4: Sisley’s Black Rose Cream Mask should be applied two to three times a week, in a generous layer over the face and neck. As I mentioned, any excess should be blotted away (not rinsed) after 10-15 minutes.



Photo courtesy of Sisley

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Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture

Murad's Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture ($65) is a treatment moisturizer you should definitely consider if you can use products with retinyl palmitate in them. Retinyl palmitate is a fabulous anti-aging ingredient, but most of the time, it irritates my reactive skin. Murad sent me a jar of this lovely moisturizer, so I enlisted a friend to test it. Megan has combination skin, is younger than me (but still concerned about anti-aging - smart gal), and she's thorough. I knew it was in good hands. Before I tell you about her results, let's consider what Murad has to say about this moisturizer that won a Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.

Murad's Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture is an uber-rich, all-purpose moisturizer that combines a luxurious recipe of ingredients to quench dry, dehydrated skin and restore youthful resilience and tone. With a formula rooted in the Science of Cellular Water, Murad’s proprietary system for optimizing cell hydration and skin health, Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture instantly soothes and renews skin with long-lasting hydration and suppleness.

The most hydrating moisturizer Murad has ever offered, Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture offers skin both immediate and long-term benefits by locking in optimal moisture for eight hours. Avocado, sunflower, and olive fruit oils, along with oat kernel, yeast, and algae extract, hyaluronic acid, and a host of great ingredients, enhance the skin’s ability to retain maximum levels of hydration. Retinyl palmitate and shea butter improve texture and tone to restore the skin’s natural smoothness and softness. The company's Collagen Support Complex boosts skin’s resilience and plumps dehydrated skin.

This moisturizer is gentle enough for sensitive skin and effective enough to be used with all of Murad’s anti-aging products for increased hydration. The velvety formula provides moisture, smoothness, and comfort, leaving the skin perfectly polished and radiant.

Is the marketing description true? Yep! Murad's own customer reviews are incredibly favorable, as was Megan's. Here's what she had to say.

• Overall, this is a great product that I would recommend, and I love using it. Thank you!
  
• I have combination skin, and I found the product a little heavy for the day, but it was perfect for use at night. While it is heavier than the moisturizer I was using, is it not at all greasy.
• My skin felt very smooth in the morning - I noticed a big difference after just the first use.
• After two weeks of using the cream nightly, I noticed a more even complexion. After three weeks, the results were even better.
• The cream decreased the oiliness in my T-zone, which seems counterintuitive, but is a delightful result.

Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture got Megan's seal of approval. Her results demonstrated that Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture is perfect for gals who need to use an anti-aging and hydrating product, but worry that it will exacerbate their T-zone issues (unfortunately, we all "come of age" and need to step up our skin-care regimen). The price of this treatment moisturizer is attractive. Not as pricey as many of the department store "luxury lines," it's an effective and affordable investment in your skin.

I believe Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture would be perfect for those without T-zone issues - if they can tolerate retinyl palmitate. My sensitivity to the ingredient is unusually severe, and I don't tempt the fates.

Murad also sent a Complete Reform with Glyco Firming Complex serum. I have tested the serum and plan to feature it soon. It's another "best thing in beauty." For now, hop over to Murad's Web site for more information about Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture and the wide range of skin care from this well-regarded company. There are always special offers, so make sure to click on the New Offers tab while you are there.

Photo courtesy of Murad

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Sneak Peek: La Prairie Soleil Suisse Collection

La Prairie will be launching a new Soleil Suisse Collection in May. Described as sun care for an active lifestyle by La Prairie, "the anti-aging experts," the collection of five products covers the landscape of summer needs. We got to see them at the Neiman Marcus blogger party at Mazza Gallerie. Naturally, I wanted them right then and there - and I couldn't have them.

Lynn Florio, President of La Prairie, said, "At La Prairie, we've been pioneering the creation of anti-aging treatment products for over 3o years." That line now includes a unisex sun-care collection. Soleil Suisse has it all - sleek packaging and lightweight formulas perfect for active women - and men - seeking simultaneous sun protection and anti-aging nourishment for their skin.

Soleil Suisse has a combination of mineral-enriched conditioners; soothing extracts; and elixirs and botanical antioxidants to take care of the skin. Here are some of the ingredients.

• Sea water for rare minerals
• Coralline seaweed (algae) for energy
• Jojoba butter for deep conditioning
• Prickly pear elixir and scarlet spiderling root for soothing
• Licorice extract for calming
• Red algae antioxidants

The five products in the new line are:

• Sun Protection Emulsion Face SPF 30 ($85),
  
• Sun Protection Lotion Body SPF 30 ($85),
  
• Ultra-Protection Stick - Eye, Lip, Nose SPF 40 ($65),
  
• Gradual Tanning Lotion - Face, Body ($75),
  
• Soothing After-Sun Mist - Face, Body ($75).

The first two SPF moisturizers include porphyra umbilicalis, a red algae organism that provides antioxidant protection from environmental damage to help prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; sea water concentrate containing calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc to balance the skin's mineral content; glycerin and sodium hyaluronate, humectants that attract and bind water to the skin; and La Prairie's exclusive Cellular Complex to stimulate the skin's natural repair process, moisturize, and energize.

The Ultra-Protection Stick looks irresistible to me. The portable stick is made with porphyra umbilicalis, the red algae organism in the moisturizers; shea butter, jojoba butter, and behenyl olivate to moisturize and protect the skin's barrier; emollients and antioxidants; and that La Prairie Cellular Complex.

The Gradual Tanning Lotion is a self-tanner that contains DHA and erythrulose to give you a subtle glow in hours - with no streaks. It has many of the same good-for-your-skin ingredients as the other products in the line. I'm not into self-tanning, or tanning of any kind. I'll be interested in hearing what you think if you try this one.

The Soothing After-Sun Mist is enticing to me, and I'm a sun phobe. I find these after-sun mists refreshing, so I love them. It doesn't matter that I stay out of the sun. The mist is designed to calm irritability, reduce redness, and provide the same antioxidant and moisturizing benefits as the other products, while balancing the skin's equilibrium. Boerhavia diffusa root extract, a soothing agent from an Indian plant, helps diminish skin redness and sensitivity. I'm thinking it will be great for rosacea sufferers or those with skin that reddens easily.

The products will be available at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, Saks, and La Prairie's Web site. I'll tell you more after I can get my hands on them!

Photos courtesy of La Prairie

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DermaSilk Miracle Cream

DermaSilk sent me a few products to test. It was in the time frame of my surgery, and a friend who has been trying out new skin care volunteered to help me. I knew I had to give her the Miracle Cream ($34.99) because I saw retinyl palmitate in the ingredients. My friend Berry loves the stuff; my skin reacts badly to it.

Of the products she tested, her favorite was Miracle Cream. With a proprietary blend of nine skin-restoring ingredients called Dermal Matrikine Complex, DermaSilk's Miracle Cream is an anti-aging moisturizer/treatment designed to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, firm and brighten the skin, promote the rejuvenation of skin, and optimize the skin's natural barrier function to keep it hydrated.

DermaSilk's research trials showed that Miracle Cream significantly improves elasticity and tone. The chart above shows what they found.

Berry liked Miracle Cream - a lot. She said she would highly recommend it to you. Here are some of her observations.

• Felt a little (pleasant) tingling for a few seconds the first few times I used it.
• Lightweight and absorbs well, but feels really rich and moist.
• Continued to feel well-hydrated for hours after application.
• Fine lines diminished, deeper lines softened. Sometimes I find this with products in artificial light, but not daylight. With this, I saw improvement in sunlight.
• No scent.
• Fun little pump-top bottle - clear so you can see when you're running low.
• I like to carry a moisturizer in my purse, and this bottle traveled perfectly. If I see or feel myself getting dry in the afternoon, I pat a little cream over my makeup to feel dewy again. This worked very well for that.

In short, DermaSilk's Miracle Cream was a huge hit! If you are interested in trying it, you can purchase it, along with other DermaSilk products at DermaSilk's Web site, Walgreens, Safeway, and other stores shown here.

Photos courtesy of DermaSilk

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