Beauty Products From Around the World, Part II: France

BellaSugar — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 11:00:55 PDT

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 Lierac Coherènce- Age-Defense Firming Serum ($60) is a light yet intensive collagen enhanced serum formulated to lift, smooth, brighten and tighten skin to create a more youthful appearance. It absorbs quickly and can be used morning and night to cleansed skin under a moisturizer.
Decleor Aromessence Neroli Comforting Concentrate ($63.50) is a fast-absorbing and deep penetrating facial oil made with neroli oil to help normal to sensitve skin look and feel more hydrated, supple and radiant. Apply three drops in the morning and evening to cleansed skin. Decleor products smell amazing, so take deep breaths to benefit from the wonderful aroma.

Bring On The Bling, Part II: Pearls

BellaSugar — Tue, 08 May 2007 10:23:10 PDT

Welcome back to the second installment of Bring on the Bling. (Be sure to check out yesterday's post, Part I: Diamonds.) This series proves that nothing is too precious to put on our skin - literally. Today's featured products are infused with crushed pearls, which are believed to contain high concentrations of minerals and amino acids essential to healthy skin cells. I have yet to try these products, but if you have, please share your thoughts below.

Carita Pearl of Youth for Lips ($67) is an anti-aging lip treatment that helps to repair and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles on and around the mouth. It contains peptides that make lips look full and moisturized, as well as pearl powder to nourish the skin. Apply in the morning and evening to a perfectly clean pout.

For two more pearl-infused products,

read more Charles Worthington Dream Lustrous Locks Moisturizing Shampoo ($7) is a glossing shampoo created from pearl and silk extracts to add luster to dull hair. Not only does it pamper your senses with its unique fragrance, but it will also help moisturize and hydrate dry, lifeless hair. Available at Rite Aid stores nationwide.
Jenju Pearl Cream ($28) is a face cream fit for aristocrats. The Chinese royal court has been using crushed freshwater pearls as an age-fighting secret formula for centuries. The airy cream leaves a pearlescent glow on your skin and helps revive dull and dry cells.