Monday, March 21, 2011

The Weekly Review

Beauty scribe
2.35PM  17-3-2011
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It’s a bit like running a marathon. There are thousands of products from beauty companies on the starting line. But as the race goes on, one product forges ahead of the pack and stays there.
Why? Because it is simply the best, and no other product can do the same job as well or as effortlessly. Such a product is a clear winner in its individual category because it is so effective in solving one particular niche problem.
And then the name gets around by word of mouth or through various media. In little or no time a product can go from being discovered to being a new sensation and then becoming a classic.
These are one-of-a-kind products. Without the brouhaha and marketing frenzy usually associated with the beauty industry, they’ve fought to the top and they stay there.
The following are my current favourites. I have selected these products for their sheer ingenuity, fun, quirkiness and – of course – practicality. Have fun.
Sula Paint and Peel nail polishes (11ml, $14)
Sula, a Canadian company, started off as a purveyor of fragrances but over time released an innovative formulation for nail polishes that is not only divine but mind-boggling. You can paint on and peel off its non-toxic, water-based polishes without using a chemical remover at all. Paint as normal, avoid hot water for at least four hours and you’ll have an amazing set of nails.
Batiste Nude Dry Shampoo (50g, $14.95)
Batiste was one of the first to introduce affordable dry shampoo. The brand has now done one better by unveiling a dry shampoo for the eco-conscious, with zero volatile organic compounds. It is effective but gentle, hypoallergenic, 100?per cent natural formulation and fragrance free. Niftily packed in a squeezable bottle, the nozzle applicator makes application easy, plus you’ll notice a little goes a long way.
Prtty Peaushun Skin Tight Body Lotion (236ml, $62)
Tricky spelling, simple pronunciation – pretty potion. I came across this product backstage in New York one year. I wanted something that would give the models luminescent skin and hide all nicks, scrapes and discolourations. Created by make-up artist Bethany Karlyn, the potion is a perfect tool for a flawless taut body. The cream is fragrance-free, 92 per cent natural and has no nasties. Sensible packaging, cruelty free, great colour range including colours for dark skin and endorsed by a plethora of celebrities – what more could you ask for?
Beauty Pod ($12.95)
You can’t tell the wonders the Beauty Pod will help you unlock just by looking at it. It is just a shaped piece of sponge to the untrained eye, but once you start using it you will not want to put it down. This new, well-priced foundation applicator is the solution to all your foundation-application woes. It gives excellent professional results and finish. The domed-shaped pod that, to me, resembles a curvaceous woman, is easy to handle when applying complexion products and it also saves you from using too much. Experts who have used it swear by it and say it is the best on the market, and I tend to agree.
I Love My Muff (from $26.95)
Yes, I know. I am not trying to be provocative or take the mickey, these are great products for feminine hygiene. The products are handmade in Canada using the finest natural ingredients and beneficial essential oils to help maintain and look after the nether regions. This line is the ultimate in eco-chic, right down to the packaging, vegan formulations and recyclable PET bottles. Men, hold your horses – the company is now busy test-driving the men’s range, called I Love My Muffler.
Philip Kingsley Swim Cap (150ml, £18.40 about $30)
I am obsessed with Philip Kingsley products. Known worldwide as the hair doctor, he totally lives up to his reputation. For me, the top pick is the Swim Cap, a hair conditioner that guards against discolouration and damage caused by sun, chlorine, salt water and wind. It also provides a superb conditioning treatment for all hair types. Sadly, it is not available in Australia, but you can buy it direct from his UK website, with the addition of a reasonable postage fee.
Stockists » Batiste \ David Jones and selected pharmacies Beauty Pod \ www.beautypod.com.au 
I Love My Muff and Prtty Peaushun \ www.beautyworkswest.com.au Peter Thomas Roth \www.kitcosmetics.com.au 
Sula \ www.pmstudio.com.au Philip Kingsley \ www.philipkingsley.co.uk Prevage \ Myer/David Jones,www.prevageskin.com.au
The find
Peter Thomas Roth Instant FirmX Temporary Face Tightener (100ml, $61.95)
I know there are a few of these instant firming gels on the market but I must say this is one of the best. It is cosmetic and literally erases creases and grooves and fills up pores before your very eyes. Your face will feel taut for approximately one to three minutes following application. Do not panic. This means it is working. Once you’ve had your fun for the day, just rinse it off. Cost-effective and painless – just brilliant.
The spot
Prevage Eye Advanced Anti-aging Serum ($165) and Eye Ultra Protection Anti-aging Moisturizer SPF 15 ($150)
These two products are new to the Prevage line up. I am a fan of the Prevage range with its use of Idebenone (an organic compound of the quinone family) and published proven medical results. The serum is light to touch, goes on effortlessly and reduces puffiness, dark circles, the look of age spots, discolorations and sun damaged skin. It also supports the skin’s natural collagen to help give eyes a firmer, more lifted look. The moisturiser delivers hydration, neutralise free radicals that can cause ageing signs and with continued use, helps prevent future ageing signs. These are the new power packed duo in eye care.
 

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