Obsession of the Day: Dermalogica UltraCalming Skincare Treatment Kit for Sensitive Skin

I have to say that I am maniacal about my skincare regimen and of the three products I rotate and use regularly, I have one that I will swear by without fail: Dermalogica.

The company that is greatly responsible for my (so far) wrinkle-free complexion has just come up with something that I've been testing for about a month and I'm officially obsessed with: the new Dermalogica UltraCalming Treatment Kit ($40), designed to supply relief for those of us out here with sensitive skin. You know what I mean: itching, redness, heat, stinging and dryness caused by pollution, environmental factors and - quite frankly - the wrong products. It can be irritating, sure, but evidently this condition can cause permanent cellular damage, which can lead to more serious skin conditions and premature aging, which, you know, would kind of suck.

The system contains five products that contain a proprietary complex that mitigate your angry skin's inflammatory response to those environmental factors, providing immediate and long-term relief. The kit includes their UltraCalming Cleanser; an UltraCalming Mist, which is amazing to keep on your desk or in your gym bag; an UltraCalming Serum Concentrate, an all-day hydrator and a fabulous under makeup addition; the UltraCalming Barrier Repair, my personal favorite waterless moisturizer that melts right into your skin and keeps you smooth and hydrated; and the UltraCalming Relief Masque, which is a fabulous masque that helps skin recover from any damage and sensitivity. I adore all these products and for those of us who have sensitive skin, this collection is a must have.

I mean, after all, when accused of being too sensitive, sometimes it can be true. No need to suffer from irritated, red skin this season. Help is here: Dermalogica.


Dermalogica UltraCalming Treatment Kit ($40), available via their website

Attention Gentlemen: Get In on The Lab Series Skincare For Men Event at Bloomingdale's!

Dudes, let's chat for a moment.

I know some of you think that it's not exactly masculine to use all those fancy face creams, that it's more masculine to let your face weather like an old Western saddle, only to be cleaned by water and bar soap. Ok, so that might be cool to people who don't have the option to use these tools but can I be honest? Dry, flaky skin on a guy is SO NOT ATTRACTIVE. I don't care if you have Johnny Depp's cheekbones (or anything, for that matter) or Zac Efron's hair: if your skin is in poor condition, we tend to kind of think, "Ew." Double goes for ragged fingernails, but that's a whole other discussion.

Consider this post a PSA to head to Bloomingdale's flagship on 59th St in NYC from today, June 4th, through June 10th, where skincare line Lab Series Skincare for Men will be on hand for some serious male (skin) bonding time: complimentary grooming services- including aestheticians, shoe shiners and manicurists- will have you ready to face the summer and all those lovelies who have to look at that mug of yours. If you're a dad, consider this a Father's Day gift that will keep on giving.

Additionally, if you're a Foursquare junkie like the rest of us, check in to the Lab Series at Bloomingdale's Foursquare venue TODAY, June 4th, at the counter and you'll receive exclusive Lab Series samples and every 10th person who checks in will receive a complimentary full-sized product!  Um, hello? FREE. Yes, that's what Willis was talkin' about!

Get thyself to Bloomingdale's today and check out a new skincare regimen. After all, you know that your amour has fabulous ways of saying "Thank You." This would be the nicest way to take one for the team you've ever known. Go check it out.

Reader Question: How To Get Rid of Dry, Chapped Lips

Reader Question: "Beauty Lip Question: I have constant dry, chapped lips that are always peeling. I have tried Vaseline at night, chapstick with sunscreen, burts bees without sunscreen. Help! I hate the gloopy feeling on my lips."

Answer: Oh wow, I have BEEN THERE! As a fellow former sufferer of dry lips, I understand the frustration of looking for the right lip product. Not only are dry lips painful (cracking can HURT) but they can mar any beauty look (peeling lips under lip products = completely unsexy look) and some of the products can be less than comfortable. Wax lips work on no one.

Although I've tried (and do actually use sometimes) every product you've mentioned in your question, if you're looking for immediate relief from cracked, painful lips, I might suggest the following process and two products that you simply have to try:

1) Go home tonight and head to the bathroom. Wet your lips and then take a wet washcloth and gently exfoliate your lips (very gently) for about ten seconds. No longer.
2) Mix one part olive oil to two parts kosher salt or brown sugar. Using a cotton swab, apply this to your lips (close your mouth) and exfoliate your lips. Leave it on for about a minute. Use your washcloth to wipe them dry. (As an added bonus, use it as a hand scrub, then wash your hands for gorgeously smooth hands.)

3) Get yourself some Neosporin Lip Health Overnight Lip Therapy ($7.99.) Apply this to your freshly-exfoliated lips and it will shield you from moisture loss while you sleep as well as reduce chapping and peeling without a thick, waxy texture. Over time, you'll see your lips will become more smooth and hydrated.

As I stated before, I use it all the time and then I carry Rosebud Salve ($6)  in my purse and apply it liberally throughout the day. Between these two products and the olive oil scrub, I haven't had a problem with dry lips since.


Other considerations for dry lips:
- Don't lick your lips or apply drying matte lipsticks if your lips are chapped or dry. Both of these actions suck moisture from an already parched area
- Too much sodium and alcohol in your diet doesn't help. Try cutting back a bit and you'll see an improvement in your overall appearance, not just your lips
- Drinking more water does help
- This might sound prissy but it's totally helped me: I swear drinking through a straw has helped the condition of my lips. Just don't pucker too much or you can risk getting lip lines.

Hope that helps! Any other questions? Send them on!

Obsession of the Day: Jeune D'Age Organics Skin Care

Sometimes testing beauty products can be interesting. I mean, look, we're all born with one type of skin and one type of hair. So, when I got the chance to let my fabulous mother test a well-trusted organic line of skincare for her mature skin (don't let her read that word, she'd kill me), I signed her right up. Six months of consistent use later, I'm beyond thrilled with the results and ready to tell you about it. For those seeking ultra-moisturizing, luxurious skin care that's organic and healthy for you, please look no further than my mom's new glow from Jeune d'Age Organics.

She's been using the Anti-Aging Serum (photo above, $39.95 for a box of 30 packets), which contains amazing antioxidants and ingredients like hyaluronan (a dermal hydrator that plumps and smooths), DMAE (a compound that's naturally produced in the body that when applied topically lifts and tones), CoQ10 (a strong  antioxidant that helps carry more oxygen to cells, encouraging renewal), açai (another strong antioxidant) and retinol palmitate (Vitamin A), which exfoliates and helps promote collagen production while reducing wrinkles. Even better, it comes in a flower seed box. When you're done with the box, plant it and it will grow gorgeous flowers. My mother (a very accomplished gardener) liked this almost as much as she loved the products.

She follows this with the Previor Face and Body Lotion ($29.95), which she smooths on over the serum. The lotion contains coconut oil, olive oil (which is rich in vitamins and helps to and repair cell membranes), shea butter (known to soothe rough, dry or chapped skin), vitamins A and E, and green tea (to help with elasticity as well as inhibiting the formation of freckles and dark spots).The result is incredibly-hydrated, smoother skin with less hyperpigmentation.

These two products combines have given Mom some amazing, smooth and fabulous skin. If you're looking for a fabulous anti-aging solution for your beauty routine, I highly recommend this beautiful set of beauty products. Even if you're not, there's a certain holiday coming really soon (cough: Mother's Day) and you might consider some beautiful skincare for a spectacular woman in your life.

Jeune d'Age Organics, available via their website