For the chemical-conscious looking for real results, your skincare prayers have been answered with the new M-61 line from Bluemercury Founder, Marla Beck. The new skincare line combines the best of technical skin science and power-packed naturals while stripping out undesirable ingredients. By mixing dermatologist loved super heroes like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, peptides, glycolics and Retinol, with heavily researched, naturopathic inspired healing plants, Marla created a power-packed treatment line that provides maximum results with minimal time.

We had the opportunity to test out the new line and have been very impressed with the Fast Blast 2-Minute Vitamin C Facial Mask ($50, m61labs.com), a fast-acting vitamin C infusion to brighten tired, dull skin. Marla recommends using the product as a quick pre-party pick-me-up to add an instant glow to skin. We like it for these priming purposes, but don’t leave it on longer than the recommended 2 minutes. We tend to get a little over-zealous with our mask application, but more time on, doesn’t always mean better results. Use this as directed to avoid residual redness after rinsing. In addition to Vitamin C, this mask contains firming seaweed, soothing aloe vera, and antioxidant vitamin E for a powerful uplifting cocktail of natural nutrients. Overall, we loved the foaming effect and saw a perceptible difference in our skin tone.

Perfect for soothing after sun & ski exposure, we are also enamored with the Hydraboost Hydrating Vitamin B5 Peptide Serum ($78, m61labs.com). This peptide-packed B5 hydrating and firming serum was originally invented by Marla to painlessly restore moisture to irritated, dry skin while skiing. Rather than goop on heavy creams or Vaseline to maintain skin’s moisture balance in extreme conditions, this feather-light serum does the trick. Thanks to its weightless texture and restorative properties, we see this product becoming an after-sun essential this summer. It contains aloe and centella asiatics to soothe parched, irritated skin and is a great moisturization alternative for oily or blemish-prone skin.

The entire line is available at Bluemercury or online at m61labs.com.

Last week I was fortunate enough to be invited to an event unveiling the latest and greatest that QVC has to offer and was absolutely blown away by the variety, talent and innovation in the room. A veritable beauty smorgasbord, so many of our favorite brands like Philosophy, Bliss and Tarte were represented, as well as some lesser known brands that I’ve been dying to check out. Studded with industry veterans like Mally, creator of Mally Beauty, and new comers like Sarah Potempa, the hair genius behind the Beachwaver, I got to mix and mingle with some of the industry’s brightest.

As I roamed the aisles feeling like a kid in a beauty candy shop, a few items stood out. I’ve been wanting to try Eve Lom Cleanser ever since hearing about its cult-like status from friends and editors alike. I was a bit deterred by the hefty price tag (retails for $95), so I was excited to have the opportunity to test drive the product courtesy of QVC. I have to say…after using it for a week, it’s worth every penny. Unlike many cleansers, this one won’t leave skin feeling tight, dry and in major need of moisturization. The cleanser melts onto skin, wiping away all traces of grime while also conditioning. A white muslin cloth is even included for exfoliation, making the whole experience feel like a decadent treat, rather than like a tedious nighttime chore. Thankfully, QVC makes this cult classic, once described by Vogue as the, “best cleanser in the world,” more affordable, offering it for $68.28, including an additional 3 pack of muslin cloths. A little goes a very long way, so it will really last!

Another amazing product found at the Space.NK table was the By Terry Touche Veloutee Highlighting Concealer Brush. As the mastermind behind YSL’s Touche Eclat concealer, Terry de Gunzberg set the bar pretty high for this off-shoot of her famed makeup artist favorite. Available on QVC and QVC.com for $58, this concealer goes beyond covering dark circles by also illuminating the eye contour to camouflage with light coverage. The wide brush makes for easy, flawless application, and the soft-focus pigments disguise imperfections and exhaustion while smoothing fine lines. It’s become a morning staple that I can’t live without!

In conclusion, I walked away more convinced than ever that every beauty need under the sun, and a product to suit every budget, can be found on QVC and QVC.com. As evidenced by this stellar event, QVC continues to expand it’s remarkable selection and partner with renowned beauty brands and personalities to deliver a hand-picked selection of the best in beauty. Check out the selection for yourself on QVC.com!

I’ve personally always been a fan of translucent powder in moderation to set makeup, stop shine and minimize pores, but used incorrectly it can be a beauty maven’s biggest nemesis. When piled on too thick, powder can make complexions look cakey and dry and settle into fine lines and wrinkles.

No one wants to enhance fine lines, so Mally Roncal, celebrity makeup artist and president of Mally Beauty, has issued a battle cry against this tricky beauty product, encouraging women to “Fight the Powder” with her new Mally Evercolor Poreless Face Defender ($40, QVC.com). The sheer, light-weight formula glides onto skin to diffuse the look of pores, fine lines and imperfections while helping makeup last longer. It can be used over makeup to finish a look and mattify without the ashy look some powders can cause. The compact design also makes it perfect for touch-ups on the go. Though it seems counter-intuitive, this shine-stopper won’t mess up the makeup you already have on. On the contrary – it will instantly smooth skin and lock in your look! We love the way it suspends over the skin to create a flawless finish.

Take the “Fight The Powder” pledge on Mally Beauty’s Facebook Page for a weekly change to win your very own Evercolor Poreless Face Defender.

We are also offering one lucky reader yet another chance to WIN. Simply and leave a comment below to enter and increase your odds!

I’ve known about Freeze 24-7 for years, but truth be told, I’ve never tried the products as a complete system. I was invited to attend an event by the brand last week and was blown away by the instant results the products delivered. I’m not the most patient person, so of course, the “Instant Gratification” immediately appealed to me. After testing the products on my hands and watching my palm lines disappear, I could not have been more excited to test out a few of the brand’s core products when I got home.

First I washed my face with the Skin Glace Daily Detoxifying Cleanser and Mask ($65). This unique cleanser actually foams shortly after contact with skin and is meant to be applied as a 2 minute mask to deep clean. You can actually feel the product working as it foams on skin and it did wonders to dissolve my fairly heavy makeup from the day. Even my water-proof mascara was no match!

Next, I applied the best-selling Instant Targeted Wrinkle Treatment ($65) to my forehead fine lines (my main point of wrinkle concern). The treatment truly lived up to its hype and immediately filled my crevices and created a smoother surface. The cream is super dense, so you only need a tiny bit with every application. Pat, don’t rub it into your lines for the best results.

Finally I finished things off with the IceCream Double Scoop Intensive Anti-Aging Moisturizer ($105). The luxe cream has a silky texture that I loved. I applied liberally, and was shocked to see how quickly the product absorbed into my skin. Many of my ultra-rich night creams, tend to sit on top of the surface of my skin for awhile before completely absorbing. This means an extra 1/2 hour of tv before I can let my face hit the pillowcase. Within seconds the IceCream Double Scoop was entirely absorbed, leaving my skin hydrated and SUPER soft till morning.

And my final obsession: the Freeze & Go Instant Smoother and Brightener. This pore refiner is like a BB cream lite and glides on to brighten skin, even your complexion and smooth skin. It’s a lifesaver on those mornings when you don’t have the time or energy for a full face of makeup and instantly makes your face look more “finished”. It’s super light and mattifying, so I anticipate this being a fantastic summer shine stopper. It can be used under or over makeup to fix fine lines, absorb excess oil and brighten skin for a flawless finish!

In just a few days, the products have become medicine cabinet staples (not an easy feat in an NYC bathroom)! While the collection is an investment, where else can you get such rapid results at home? In the end, you’ll end up saving since you’ll be able to forgo the needles and injections.

The products are available for purchase at Bloomingdales and Nordstrom stores nationwide as well as online at Freeze247.com.

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently announced new rules to help reduce the risk of skin cancer and prevent early aging. In honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month this May, we share what the new guidelines mean for you as well as expert advice from Cosmetic Dermatologist Dr. Gary Marder on how you can enjoy the outdoors while avoiding sun damage.

The new FDA guidelines, which require sunscreen labeling, are scheduled to take effect this summer as manufacturers begin to reformulate products. To offer broad spectrum protection, the FDA will call for both UVA and UVB coverage. While UVB rays cause burning, UVA rays cause wrinkling – - both can cause cancer. Only sunscreens that have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher will be able to maintain that they help prevent sunburn and reduce the risks of skin cancer and early skin aging. L’Oréal Paris and Skinceuticals were among the first skincare brands to comply with these new regulations, so if you’re looking for the latest in safe sun protection, check out L’Oréal Paris Sublime Sun Collection or SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50.

Since we’ve been hibernating indoors all winter, take a quick sun care refresher course from Dr. Marder, to prepare for the summer sun:

• Make sure sunscreen has both UVB and UVA protection. Not all do. The SPF is a measurement of UVB protection (SPF should be at least 30). SPF does not measure must say “UVA protection provided.”
• The worst hours to be on the beach or golf course are between 10 am – 4 pm.
• Tee shirts do protect from ultraviolet damage. They act as an SPF 15 – only where the skin is covered.
• Windows (and sunglasses) do protect from UVB – they do not block UVA. If you have a history of skin cancer, you can get an RX from your doctor for heavy tinted windows which will greatly shield your skin while driving.
• Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen every hour and a half, even if it’s waterproof!
• Always wear a broad rimmed hat to protect your face and scalp from developing skin cancers.
• Use a lipstick or lip balm with SPF 15 or higher. Both will protect from sun damage leading to wrinkles, cracking and drying out of lips and eventual precancerous lesions.

“I recommend that my patients use broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day. Even if their makeup contains sunscreen, they likely are not getting enough protection,” says Dr. Marder. “A general rule 15 minutes before going outside — apply an ounce of sunscreen to all exposed skin, including face, lips,neck, chest, ears, hands, legs and feet.”

What do you do to protect your skin in the summer?

We all know that shaping, taming and maintaining brows can feel like a constant battle. To help get your brows in check we have tips from Veet Celebrity Brow Expert, Stevi Christine, who shows us how to get perfect brows at home with the new Veet High Precision Facial Wax.

1. Before you wax, map out how your brows should look. Each brow should start at the inner corner of your eye and the highest point of your arch should be directly over the pupil when looking ahead. Use the High Precision Facial Wax Precision Tool to measure each point.
2. Follow your natural shape! The Veet applicator allows you to precisely distribute wax where you need it. If you mess up, simply wipe it away with water and start over for salon quality results at home.
3. After you’re finished allow your skin to rest. If you need to apply makeup, use a clarifying toner first to cleanse the skin properly, and avoid clogging your pores.

At only $9.99 this precision wax is a bargain compared to the cost of bi-weekly salon waxing. Have you had success with at-home waxing?

Last week we had the opportunity to check out Royal & Langnickel’s new [R]evolution Brush Collection and were blown away by the extensiveness and craftsmanship of the line. The collection includes 32 state-of-the-art brushes that claim to “push the limits of performance and durability further than any previous cosmetic brush.” Designed in collaboration with makeup artist Kevin James Bennett, the collection is extremely versatile and it’s evident that it was created with both sensibility and style in mind.

While I haven’t been using the brushes long enough to comment on their durability, I do love the huge range (includes brushes for face, eyes and lips). With such a wide array of shapes and sizes, there is truly a brush for every contour/shadow you’re trying to create. If you have a low maintenance makeup style and use one powder brush for your foundation, bronzer and blush, these brushes offer the perfect way to step out of your comfort zone (sold separately for less then $40 each) and dabble in targeted color application. While we’re all at fault for cutting corners in our routines, for a big night out you’ll be able to create a much more detailed, professional-quality look with the right tools.

Each brush is made of tightly packed, super-soft DuPont Natrafil fibers, which work well for both dry and wet makeup and mimic the performance and feel of the natural hair – allowing for precise pickup, release and blending. As a makeup artist who’s holding brushes all day, it’s important for them to also be comfortable to the touch. [R]evolution nails this with their soft, acrylic rubberized handles that are deliciously smooth, sleek and easy to hold. Even if your palms get sweaty, these babies won’t budge. Better yet, they’ll last a lifetime and withstand frequent cleaning thanks to the smartly designed handles, which are impervious to water damage and fused to a non-corrosive, titanium plated, solid brass ferrule.

Whether you’re a professional artist or just a makeup lover, [R]evolution is sure to help transform your makeup application experience.

You can purchases your own at RoyalBrush.com.

If exfoliation conjures up thoughts of abrasive granules and scrubbing your skin raw – think again! St. Ives has two new innovative scrub-free exfoliating products that use the power of alpha hydroxy acids (AHA’s) to naturally help shed dead skin cells. With self-tanning season quickly approaching, these products are perfect for sensitive skinned gals who shy away from harsher scrubs.

As the first mass-market exfoliating pads, St. Ives Scrub-Free Exfoliating Pads ($4.99, Drugstore.com) promise to reveal smoother, younger looking skin in just 7 days and are formulated with 100% lactic acid. I was somewhat skeptical after feeling the super-soft texture of the pads and wondered how the smooth cotton could really deliver on that lofty claim. However, after replacing my toner (day and night) with these pads for one week, I was pleasantly surprised to find a more radiant, glowing complexion. Patches of rough winter skin where eliminated and my skin felt noticeably softer. For the price these pads can’t be beat, and the results are right up there with some of the more expensive department store options I’ve tried.

Also, new to the St. Ives family is the St. Ives Naturally Smooth Hand Cream ($2.99, Target). Like the Pads, this lotion promises softer, smoother skin in 7 days and contains AHA’s to gently exfoliate skin. While I like the thought of turning back the clock on my hands (a sure telltale sign of a women’s age), what I love most is the fast-absorbing texture of this lotion. Unlike so many intensely hydrating hand lotions, this one absorbs INSTANTLY into skin and leaves no slick residue behind. It’s perfect for me when my hands get dry on the job, since the last thing I want is for my makeup brushes to be slipping out of my hands or to be touching clients with greasy paws.

Have you tried either of these products yet? What have your experiences been?

As someone who’s been highlighting, dying and bleaching my hair for as long as I can remember, I’m always on the lookout for the latest reparative hair care products that will finally bring relief to my damaged mane.

Lately I’ve been loving Davines Dede Delicate Ritual Shampoo ($23, Barneys.com) and Melu Mellow Anti-breakage Lustrous Conditioner ($26, Barneys.com). I’m always trying to fight the fine-hair curse of blond locks and Dede gives my baby-fine hair body. Fortified with carrot extract, sweet almond oil and olive ampho acetate, the mild shampoo imparts major hydration and strength without weighing hair down.

While Dede does have a matching conditioner, I like combining the shampoo with Davine’s Melu Conditioner. Housed in a generous tub, this conditioner could easily be mistaken for a hair mask. It’s just this extra-concentrated dose of TLC that my hair needs. The super conditioning formula contains apricot butter, which is rich in vitamin A and C, with smoothing, conditioning and antistatic properties. I have exceptionally knotty hair and this conditioner makes combing my hair significantly easier, both when wet and when dry. Thanks to the silkening properties of this duo, I am even able to air dry my hair without many frizzies or flyaways – previously unheard of for my over processed locks.

With my cleansing and conditioning needs covered, now what about styling? Nexxus recently launched the ingenious ProMend Styling line which helps repair damaged ends WHILE styling hair. Since I’m always rushed in the mornings, I love ways to multitask, and there’s no better way to get instantly fresh-looking ends than to bind splits while styling. The line helps eliminate some of those guilty feelings often associated with styling, by repairing past damage and preventing future breakage. Best of all – it even helps me extend time between trims by keeping my hair looking healthy longer. The line has a range of four products to suit most every styling desire, but my favorite is the ProMend Split End Binding Bodifying Mousse ($11.99, Utla.com). It imparts incredible volume while instantly making my hair appear healthier!

In my previous youth I used to frequently travel to Israel. During these voyages, I would stock up on various brands not offered in the states or just frankly cheaper in the middle east. These brands included Makeup Forever, Helena Rubenstein and anything with dead sea salt I could smuggle back without setting off security bells.

A few years into my holy land travels I started visiting spas and relaxing more into the culture. Although much more of an assembly line rather a zen like experience, I started to pay attention to some of the staple products being used in these facilities. Especially for hair. My fluorescent blonde strands were rinsed and manipulated into condition with oils, massage and sometimes steam heat. The process was decadent and nourishing. Shine prevailed from top to ends and miraculously with my thin mane this treatment didn’t weigh it down, but created soft volume. Thus began the love affair with Argan Oil. So in every spa and roadside stop I would find the Mediterranean blue bottles with the Moroccanoil label and stock up for my trip home. Once the craze swept the states my smuggling was not as necessary and the Moroccanoil family became my thirst aid for dry hair.

Now with the launch of the Moroccanoil for body, my skin is practically itching for this superior level of hydration. I was lucky enough to attend the launch party in NYC at the fabulous Trump Soho Penthouse, where I received the swag bag filled with the “warmly” scented jars and tubes. After sudsing, buffing, pampering and soufflé-ing I will tell you I am a newly re-obsessed Morrocanoil junkie!