Refissa, a new topical formulation of Tretinoin, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Refissa is the only 0.05% prescription strength, fragrance-free, emollient-based Tretinoin Cream specifically indicated for dry skin.  This topical Tretinoin cream helps to reduce fine facial wrinkles, rough skin and irregular pigmentation.

Most dermatologists view topical retinoids as the cornerstone of treatment for sun damaged skin and acne. Most retinoids, however, are formulated and indicated exclusively for the treatment of acne.

Among topical retinoids, Tretinoin is the "Gold Standard" of treatments, and Refissa, formulated in a moisturizing base, is an ideal option for mature patients with drier photo damaged skin.  Sunscreen should be used in conjunction with retinoid products, including Refissa.

In the interest of fair balance, it should be noted that there are other FDA-approved Tretinoin products on the market, such as Renova and Retin-A.  Those products differ in their formulation, indication and price. A 40 gram tube of Refissa may last 2-3 months, depending on individual usage patterns and costs on average, less than $2.00 per day.

Refissa, from Spear Dermatology Products, Inc, is available by prescription only. Full prescribing and safety information, as well as patient package insert can be found at www.refissa.com.

Trish McEvoy's specially trained makeup artists will be at a Nordstrom location near you this month to teach Power of Makeup Classes.

There is nothing like getting a professional makeup lesson and this is an opportunity to learn tips and techniques from a group makeup artist.  In addition, Trish McEvoy's makeup artists will be sharing new product information.

Classes will be held in Nordstrom stores across the country from July 17 through August 1st.  To reserve a spot in a Trish McEvoy Power of Makeup Class or for more information, contact the Trish McEvoy counter at your local Nordstrom.

New philosophy eye hope advanced anti-aging eye cream delivers clinically proven results using ingredients that address the most common concerns around the eye area.  Oh--and it does that without breaking the bank!  Sound too good to be true?  It might if it were anyone other than philosophy, the leader in multi-tasking products, bringing this new eye cream to you.

I've been using new eye hope advanced anti-aging eye cream twice daily and have been really impressed. The formula focuses on the three most common concerns around the eye area: fine lines and wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles and hydration.

To combat those concerns, philosophy uses targeted ingredients:

• antioxidants, peptides and collagent enhancers to address fine lines and wrinkles
• anti-inflammatories such as green tea and coffee bean extract, as well as circulation enhancers to target dark circles and puffiness
• hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to target hydration concerns

I've been able to maintain smooth skin around my eyes and have noted improvement in puffiness and dark circles.  eye hope also hydrates the area around the eyes well.  I'm confident that with continued use I will see even better results.  I have not experienced any sensitivity or burning with this eye cream. 

philosophy eye hope advanced anti-aging eye cream retails at $48 for a .5 oz pump bottle and can be purchased at department stores and online at www.philosophy.com, Nordstrom.com, Sephora.com and SkinStore.com.

 

The creator of Essie Nail Color, Essie Weingarten and award-winning jewelry designer Judith Ripka have one thing in common.  They both love diamonds.  In August, Essie introduces the Essie Loves Diamonds by Judith Ripka Nail Polish Collection. 

The nail polish collection includes three colors:

• Put a Ripka Ring on It (blush pink)
• Heart My JR Jewels (dark burgundy)
• Queen of Hearts (true red)

In addition to the formula being infused with diamond dust, the limited-edition collection of 30,000 bottles has a unique surprise for three lucky people.  Three bottles will contain something special--a diamond, an emerald and a sapphire.  How neat is that?  I love Judith Ripka jewelry and Essie nail polish, so you can bet I'll be picking up Heart My JR Jewels!

The Essie Loves Diamonds by Judith Ripka Nail Polish Collection retails at $15 and will be available in August fine spas, salons and beauty destinations nationwide, including www.essie.com,  ULTA Beauty and www.judithripka.com.

 

MAC Colour Craft is all about making it your own…perfection as The Muse intended. This unprecedented assortment of Mineralize Skinfinish shades work it out beautifully, with three new mosaic combinations: Triple Fusion, Smooth Merge or Warm Blend.  Get creative!

The MAC Colour Craft Mineralize Skinfinish Collection includes:

Sunny by Nature - Rich bronze with pink pearl
Cheeky Bronze - Soft Golden coral with bronze pearl
Porcelain Pink - Soft pinky coral with gold veining
Triple Fusion -  Soft champagne gold/soft golden pink/rose pink with golden nuances
Smooth Merge -  Soft champagne pink/deep rose/pale cool pink
Warm Blend - Antique Gold/mahogany bronze/copper
Suggested retail price:  $27.00 US/$32.50 CDN

Brush
130 Duo Fibre Brush with built-in short natural fibres and longer optic fibres all-in-one comes together as the ultimate Artist’s tool for sleek shading and haute highlighting. 
Suggested retail price: $40.00 US/$48.00 CDN

MAC Colour Craft Mineralize Skinfinish Collection is available at MAC Counters now and at www.maccosmetics.com.

So much planning goes into making your wedding day perfect, from the invitations to the flowers to your dress.  That means not thinking about beauty, hair and makeup products on your big day can be disastrous, since you want makeup that will photograph well, yet still convey the essence of you.  Many brides schedule appointments for hair and makeup, but in a recession, that might not be an option. 

The following bridal beauty and makeup tips may help you get a head start...

In her book, Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual, Bobbi shares some tips for bridal makeup:

• If you're doing your own makeup, consider that bridal makeup needs to have enough color to compensate for the whiteness of the dress.
• Flash photography emphasizes pink tones, so make sure to use a yellow-toned foundation.
• Set concealer and foundation with a sheer loose powder.
• Choose a lipstick one or two shades brighter than what you'd normally wear.
• Waterproof mascara!
• Pack a small bag with makeup essentials for quick touch-ups.

The book is an excellent reference -- I highly recommend it.  You can find the Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual, as well many great makeup options, at BobbiBrown.com.

Three Custom Color Specialists has a Marry Me Lip and Cheek Collection that was developed especially for brides.  The colors are all-day wearable and are pigmented for great color, which is important for photos as well as durability.  The Marry Me Lip and Cheek Collection comes in warm or cool shades and retails at $50 available at ThreeCustom.com and DermStore.com.






Skincare is an essential part of bridal beauty planning, especially if the stress of the upcoming wedding is causing breakouts.  The Proactiv 3-step system is the perfect regimen to incorporate well before your big day.  Developed by two dermatologists, the Proactiv 3-step system uses proven ingredients like benzoyl peroxide to clear skin effectively.  There's a reason the Proactiv Acne System is so popular; it works.  Available at www.proactiv.com.






Naturally you'll want to be perfect and regardless of the style, you'll want your hair to be in perfect condition.  Developed by Amanda George and Neil Weisberg at their Beverly Hills Salon, I've been using the Neil George Intense Repair Mask and love the body and shine it's given my color-treated hair.  Another fabulous product I would recommend is the Neil George Indian Gooseberry Treatment Oil.  It smooths hair, calms frizz and leaves hair beautifully shiny. You can find these products at Neil George salons, Space NK @ Bloomingdales, SpaceNK.com and Beauty.com.








Don't forget hairspray for last minute strays or flyaways.  One hairspray that controls and smells wonderful is Rene Furturer Finishing Spray instant hold. It adds shine and leaves no residue. $27, available at Planet Beauty.

  

Do you remember the frenzy that was Lancome's Pout-a-Porter Lipstick collection?  Lancome issued four lipsticks originating from collaborations with celebrated designers Behnaz Sarafpour, Proenza Schouler, Peter Som and Thakoon.  I still remember Pixel-Pink and the clamoring to find it among lipstick fanatics!

For Spring 2010, Lancome is collaborating with emerging designed Chris Benz. The new lipstick shade will be inspired by Chris’ Spring 2010 collection and will be worn by the models at his show in September. You can get involved by helping to name the new lipstick in a contest sponsored by Lancome.

The contest winner will receive five of the lipsticks plus a $500 Lancôme gift certificate. All you have to do is post your suggestion on Chris’ Facebook fan page based on what you know about Chris and his fashion personality.  The deadline for submissions is Sunday, July 12th, at 5 p.m. EST.

L'Occitane Verbena is one of my very favorite scented bath and body lines.  In the summer, there is nothing more refreshing and invigorating than lemon (if you're a regular here, you know I'm a little obsessed!).  I like to start in the shower with L'Occitane Verbena Shower Gel ($20).  Not only will the fresh citrus scent get you going, but because it's from L'Occitane, you know it will be infused with essential oils that will help nurture you. 

One of my holy grail beauty products is the Shea Butter Verbena Body Creme.  I love to apply this moisturizer after getting out of the shower.  It keeps my skin soft and supple year 'round.  $39

No matter the season, you can't miss with L'Occitane Verbena products.  You can find these and other Verbena products in L'Occitane boutiques or at L'Occitane.com .

The Chanel Fall 2009 Venice Makeup Collection includes:

Eye Gloss Luminous Cream Quadra Eye Shadow:  Chanel makeup innovation puts glowing new emphasis on the eyes with a new gel-cream texture in eyeshadow that blends from sheer to intense. You can go from smoky to sophisticated.  I can't wait to try this!  $65

LES 4 OMBRES Quadra Eye Shadow in Murano:  This palette can create looks that are subtle or dramatic, with shades of moss, pink and seafoam, and green shimmer ($56). The latest IRRÈELLE Silky Eyeshadow Duo arrives in Acqua Alta, a pairing of white and grey shadows ($40).

LE CRAYON SOURCILS Precision Brow Definer helps brows look perfectly defined with two new shades of Blond Clair and Cendre Noir.  $28

STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF Long Lasting Eyeliner deftly delivers long-wearing definition and flawless eyelining. The season's most-wanted shades: Espresso, a deep brown; and Celadon, a rich emerald. $28

The Chanel Lip collection expands with a selection of shades to complement the eye palette. 

ROUGE ALLURE Luminous Satin Lip Colour ($30) arrives in:

• Intuitive, a pinkish brown
• Clandestine, a rich brick shade
• Captive, a classic brown
• Amusing, a rosewood tone
• Comedia, a true rose
• Instinctive, a perfect pink nude

Lips glimmer with LÈVRES SCINTILLANTES Glossimer in Courtisane, a natural pink, and Arelequin, a glossy gold.  $27

LE CRAYON LÈVRES Precision Lip Definer in Praline d’Or, a golden-hued nude.  $28

There are two blushes in the collection:  JOUES CONTRASTE Powder Blush ($42) in Fresque, a subtle peach shade or LES TISSAGES DE CHANEL Blush Duo Tweed Effect ($45) in Tweed Sienna, a gorgeous earthy bronze.

Give skin is luminous finish with POUDRE DOUCE Soft Pressed Powder in Pêche Caresse, a soft peach.  $50

CHANEL introduces two new shades of LE VERNIS Nail Colour: Intermezzo, a white pearl, and Gondola, a stunning maroon shimmer.  I'm already smitten with Gondola--that will be a must-have for me.  $23

The Chanel Fall 2009 Venice Makeup Collection is available at CHANEL boutiques, department and specialty stores and on CHANEL.com.

 

Coppertone NutraShield with Dual Defense is a new line of broad spectrum sunscreen lotions enriched with antioxidants that promote natural skin repair and combat premature skin aging from the sun. 

I was interested in this new sunscreen line because there is some research that suggests that not all topical antioxidants are created equal.  The results of independent studies presented by the makers of Coppertone at a recent American Academy of Dermatology meeting show that exposure to sunlight can cause some antioxidants to become skin-damaging pro-oxidants.  Does that mean that the skincare product you use on your face that contains antioxidants is harmful?  More research needs to be done before jumping to that conclusion.

Coppertone NutraShield with Dual Defense is a sunscreen line enriched with antioxidants to help promote natural skin repair by neutralizing harmful free radicals created by UV exposure.  As more women incorporate daily UVA/UVB sun protection into their daily skincare routines, there was a need for a sunscreen that won't clog pores, doesn't feel greasy and provides skin treatment benefits.

Coppertone NutraShield with Dual Defense comes in several formulations: SPF 70+ Faces lotion as well as SPF 70+ and SPF 30 lotions for the body.  The SPF 70+ Faces lotion is for daily use, even under makeup.  In my experience, you should be able to use this if you have dry or combination skin.  Oilier skins might want to proceed with caution.  It goes on light and creamy; I rub in well and let it dry completely before applying makeup, so as not to get the white cast that some sunscreens give. 

Coppertone NutraShield with Dual Defense Sunscreens are available online and at mass market retailers across the country.