I have been a fanatic about my skin care ever since I can remember, so when I spotted my first sign of a laugh line believe me it was no laughing matter. Honestly I was really surprised that at my age my skin was showing signs of damage (but being a former smoker I’m sure that didn’t help). I considered getting cosmetic fillers to help recover some of the smoothness that I was losing but that’s an investment that I was not quite ready to make. I’ve tried a multitude of products but none of them seemed to reverse the damage…that is until I tried Kinerase Advanced Repair Serum. This product states that it will dramatically reduce the depth of wrinkles in 30 days – well ladies I started seeing results within a week! Yay! I am usually skeptical about products that make such dramatic claims but I am happy to say this product DOES deliver.

The serum also claims to help reduce blotchiness and discoloration but I have not yet seen results in those two areas. I mainly started using the serum around my “parentheses” so that’s where my focus was, I still have 2 more weeks (to reach my 30 day mark) so if there is more improvement in those areas I will be sure to update my post.

Kinerase is a well known brand that is known to use plant extracts, this particular product uses Zeatin  (a powerful plant-derived antioxidant). Studies have shown that Zeatin has helped to improve skin roughness, texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines. The cost of this product certainly ain’t cheap, for a .5 fl oz bottle it’s going to cost you around $115. I’ve seen this product on Amazon for approximately $80 but on most skin care sites its in the $100+ price range. Even though this product is very expensive, it’s certainly less expensive than getting a cosmetic filler. So would I recommend this product? Absolutely…great skin is no luxury!

When you have oily, shiny skin you need to get creative with your beauty routine to prevent your face from looking like an oil slick. So when I saw a product from La Roche-Posy that claimed to neutralize the shine I said why not give it a try? I purchased  La Roche-Posay Emulsion Hydratante Matite Active and I gave it a shot. The moisturizer can be applied morning and night and claimed to minimize large pores, neutralize shine and clear sebum clogged pores. I applied the very lightweight moisturizer right after I washed my face.

I was impressed by how the fluid was absorbed quickly and the immediate disappearance of my shiny face, yay! My skin felt very smooth to the touch and not at all sticky or tacky. My sensitive skin was not irritated (it’s oil free, fragrance free) ~ La Roche skincare products are hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic so they are great for skin that is acne prone and easily irritated. My face remained shine free for about 5 hours and I was very happy with the results. This product will be great in the summer when I don’t feel like wearing foundation or pressed pressed powder.

This moisturizer is dermatologist recommended and very popular in Europe but can be found online on various websites. It retails for about $24 and is well worth the investment. It’s the little luxuries in life ya know!

I’m sure that by now most of us have either watched or read about the recent plastic surgery from The Hills star Heidi Montag. If you are not familiar with the story, 23 year old Heidi recently underwent 10 surgical procedures in one day including: breast augmentation (2nd), rhinoplasty (2nd), botox, mini brow lift, cheek injections, butt augmentation, chin reduction, neck liposuction,  ears pinned back, and liposuction on hips, waist and (inner & outer) thighs.

Many people have asked if Heidi is addicted to plastic surgery and why would a young woman have so many procedures done in the same day. Take a look at her interview below. What are your thoughts?

This is Heidi’s second trip to the plastic surgeon – a few years ago she underwent rhinoplasty and breast augmentation. After her most recent surgeries Montag declared, “I think I look like myself. I think I just look like a different, improved version of myself”. Now to be completely honest, I don’t have a problem with cosmetic surgery, I feel that it’s a personal choice that people have for various reasons. However I have to say when is it enough? When is too much just really too much? If you had a choice would you undergo plastic surgery and why?

I have a weakness for great smelling products so when I first picked up Lemongrass soap by Body Blessings I had to try it. I briefly chatted with one of the sales representatives at a Shecky’s Holiday Shopping event in NYC whom told me that the soap was made from organic ingredients and it was also handcrafted. This soap has a great citrus scent and smells very yummy! It reminded me a little bit of the lemongrass soap that is sold by Bliss, however the scent of this soap is a bit stronger.

Here is a closer look at the details:

This was my first time trying a product from Body Blessings but I will be coming back for more. Body Blessings also carries a wide array of hair care, skin care and bath & body products. Give them a try!

xoxo,

Lipstick

From now until January 24th ground shipping is FREE on Kiehl’s website. Kiehl’s also offers free samples with every online order. Enjoy ladies!

Win a 2 piece Borghese gift set from Lipstick and Luxury! Borghese Rapido Cuticle Removed is a gentle formula (that’s not tested on animals) that quickly and gently removes excess cuticles in about 15-20 seconds. It moisturizes with Aloe, Chamomile and Green Tea extracts. The kit also includes 3 cuticle pushers. I’m also throwing in a Borghese Nail Lacquer Vernis in Bambina Pink. Hot and Haute!

1. Subscribe via Feedburner to receive updates & post a comment below on why you’d like to win this prize.

2. Follow me on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway.

RT @LipstickLuxury Borghese Cuticle Remover & Nail Lacquer Giveaway on Lipstick & Luxury Blog ! Follow & RT to Enter ! http://bit.ly/5UmDU0

http://twitter.com/LipstickLuxury

This contest is open to US residents and ends on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at 11 PM EST. I’ll be picking out the winner randomly and announcing them the next day!

Love,
Lipstick

**********UPDATE**********

The winner of our Borghese Giveaway is Angel ~ Congrats and your prizes on on their way!!!