Fantastic Firming Creams, Part II: Face

BellaSugar — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 16:00:52 -0800

Yesterday I told you a little bit about some firming bust creams, and today we're moving up on the body by focusing on creams to firm your face. Firming facial creams can help to minimize the appearance of your pores, and some can topically and temporarily suspend muscle contractions in your face - similar to what Botox does, but without the side effects.

Tracie Martyn Firming Serum ($185) is a favorite among celebrities, so I was really excited when I received a sample to test. I used it only a few times, but I found it to be calming, moisturizing, and brightening.

Clarins Extra Firming Day Cream ($77) is more for women in their 40s and up. The medium-weight cream has a very clean smell, and it claims to firm, tone and reduce those stubborn fine lines on your face. I found it to be soothing and it left my skin looking plump and smooth, but I didn't feel any particular sensation when I applied it, so it's hard for me to judge if it really worked.

For one more drugstore brand, read more.

I have yet to try this Neutrogena Visibly Firm Face Lotion ($18), but I've read a lot of positive reviews on it and plan to check it out. It is a fragrance-free, non-comedogenic face cream that contains SPF 20 and active copper to restore firmness and elasticity to the skin. Supposedly you will see the firming results after just one week of use.

Bella Brand: Tracie Martyn

BellaSugar — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 06:00:17 -0700

If you haven't heard of Tracie Martyn by now, it's time to get acquainted with your new best friend. No, not Tracie herself, but her famous Firming Serum, a miracle moisturizer that tones, firms, and detoxifies your skin.

The Firming Serum is just one highlight from Martyn's collection, which the British makeup artist turned facialist founded about a decade ago. She's got an astounding roster of A-list clients, including Madonna, Susan Sarandon, Cyndi Lauper, Kate Winslet, Diane Von Furstenberg, Penelope Cruz, Kate Moss, Meryl Streep, and Kelly Ripa. Yes, these women have amazing skin, but they also have help: Some of Martyn's loyal customers have been visiting her salon weekly for as many as nine years.

The philosophy behind Tracie Martyn's skincare line is that it uses natural, organic, and holistic ingredients, and the products are completely free of petrochemicals, dyes, artificial fragrances, and fillers. For details on Martyn's five fabulous products, read more

Amla Purifying Cleanser ($65) is a concentrated cleanser that uses botanicals, resurfacing enzymes, and antioxidants to help protect and repair damaged skin cells.
Dubbed a "facial in a jar," Enzyme Exfoliant ($90) helps exfoliate, counteract redness, and balance skin tone. Also, it has a great fruity aroma.
Firming Serum ($185) is an anti-aging serum that builds collagen, lifts, firms, and shields the skin against sun damage and free radicals.
LotuSculpt QuickFix Eye Pads ($45) are a great little pick-me-up for tired eyes. These quick and easy pads help diminish fine lines and wrinkles as well as soothe puffy, dark, and irritated eyes.
LotuSculpt Activator ($50) can be used on its own or with the QuickFix pads to fight crow's feet and dark circles. It is made with hexapeptides, which inhibit facial muscle contractions.