Lierac

Skin Care

Beauty Products From Around the World, Part II: France

French women are in a constant search for flawless, perfect skin.

French women are in a constant search for flawless, perfect skin. Some view aging as a a four-letter word and will do everything in their power to seek out preventative, anti-aging treatments. The French describe American women as “vulgaire” for our heavy makeup and cosmetic surgeries and scoff at young Hollywood celebs that prance around with fake tans and fake hair extensions.

In France, if you have the slightest skin condition (anything from eczema to acne) your medical bills for "treatments" can be covered up to as much as 65%. In my recent research there is one thing I've learned about French beauty — despite all of the gorgeous makeup and clothing that hails from France, a glowing complexion is the is the most coveted accessory!

Carita Pearl of Youth Cream ($214) is an anti-aging skincare product that firms, tones, smooths and protects skin from environmental damages that cause premature aging. With continued use, skin should become softer and lines will look more refined. Use one pump on a cleansed skin in the morning and gently massage into the face and neck using moderate pressure.

For two more fabulous French beauty products read more

Skin Care

Lotion Up For Landing, Part II

Welcome back to the second installment of Lotion Up for Landing, my three-part series on hydrating face creams that will quench your skin after a long flight.

Welcome back to the second installment of Lotion Up for Landing, my three-part series on hydrating face creams that will quench your skin after a long flight. (Be sure to check out part I, too.) Not only are these creams luxuriously rich, but they're also less than 3 ounces, so you can toss them in your carry-on luggage without worry.

Hydra-Chrono Hydration Extreme Balm from Lierac ($47) is the perfect rich face balm for flights. It contains a moisturizing complex so divine that skin instantly looks hydrated and more supple. It also contains a technology called Aqua-pump, which acts like a hydraulic pump for your skin to reach the surface and the deep-down layers to help prevent wrinkles. To purchase, you can call 1-877-5-LIERAC or check the where to buy section.

For two more super-rich moisturizing lotions, read more

Murad

A Clean and Clear Face in 2007: Clarifying Masks

Clarifying masks are a great way to deep clean clogged pores and awaken tired winter skin.

Clarifying masks are a great way to deep clean clogged pores and awaken tired winter skin. They help get rid of dead cells on the surface of your skin as well as dry up blemishes that are beginning to form. Start off 2007 with a clean and clear face!

Gently apply these masks in a thin layer, avoiding your delicate eye area. Allow seven to twenty minutes drying time (whenever it feels crackly) and then rinse off with warm water in small circles to help exfoliate your skin. Here are my three top picks for clarifying masks sensitive enough for all skin types.

Lierac Soin Éclat Express Clarifying Mask, $35, is a mud-like, menthol facial mask derived from weathered volcanic ash that attracts and then absorbs toxins, free radicals and pollutants on your skin.

It also contains polyethylene microbeads which exfoliate dull skin as well as bearberry which acts as an astringent and antiseptic to deep clean your pores.

Lastly, the peppermint extract in the formula helps to soothe facial muscles. Use this mask two to three times a week and sit back, relax, and take deep minty breaths while it works its magic.

YonKa Masque 105, $32.95, is one of my longtime favorite clay masks since it is especially formulated to calm red, sensitive, easily irritated skin.

This sage green colored concoction helps to detoxify, tighten up your swollen pores and can even be used as a spot treatment for blemishes.

It also smells delicious since it's made from: lemon, savory and five quintessential essential oils. I find this mask to be relaxing and invigorating. After 15 minutes of this, you'll look and feel like you've taken a refreshing cat nap.

For one last clarifying mask, read more