Friday, January 23, 2009
Six Simple Wrinkle Free Tips
Six simple wrinkle free tips.You may think that face wrinkles just happen when you reach a certain age and there’s nothing you can do about it. But there are things we can all do to prevent wrinkles from happening in the first place.
You may already do everything you can to prevent skin wrinkles - eating right, protecting your skin from the sun, not smoking, drinking lots of water.
One thing you may not have thought about is getting wrinkle free skin by training yourself to avoid certain facial expressions and body positions.
After all a wrinkle is simple a crease in your skin. Some face wrinkles are inevitable but what you do with your face and how you hold your body every minute of the day has a lot to do with it as well.
Here’s six things you can start doing now to help yourself on the way to being wrinkle free:
1. Cut down on your pillows. Sleep with one pillow not two to avoid a double chin and wrinkling around the neck.
2. Don’t sleep on your frontSquashing your face into your pillow is not good for your skin. If you often wake up with a crumpled face over time those creases will stick!
3. Don’t read in bed and if you do lie on your back with one pillow holding the book above you. Never prop yourself up with the book on your stomach - unless you want a double chin!
4. Stand up straight Imagine you’re being pulled upright by a piece of string going through the center of your body and out of the top of your head. Standing up straight and holding your head properly means your face and neck are not pulled down or to the the side creating wrinkles and sagging.
5. Retrain your face to avoid causing wrinkles. Frown lines and brow furrows don’t just happen - you cause them by making repeated facial movements. Sit in front of the mirror and see what happens when you frown or wrinkle your brow. Chances are you are doing this a lot without realizing it. Learn to recognize the sensation. Then hold you face still without frowning and wrinkling. Practice keeping your face still during the day - at first you’ll have to think about it and then it will come entirely naturally. Not only will you look better and feel much more positive but you’ll gradually remove the wrinkles and create smoother skin - without paying a fortune for botox!
6. Try some Frownies. A celebrity anti aging secret Frownies Wrinkle free - six simple tips are small skin-colored adhesive papers you stick on your forehead preventing you from frowning. Sounds unbelievable doesn’t it? Apparently used regularly they really work to help frowns disappear and make your whole forehead smoother.
OK to say you could be wrinkle free by following these steps is a bit of an exaggeration - but retraining your body and face can help prevent wrinkles and retain your younger look for longer.
You may already do everything you can to prevent skin wrinkles - eating right, protecting your skin from the sun, not smoking, drinking lots of water.
One thing you may not have thought about is getting wrinkle free skin by training yourself to avoid certain facial expressions and body positions.
After all a wrinkle is simple a crease in your skin. Some face wrinkles are inevitable but what you do with your face and how you hold your body every minute of the day has a lot to do with it as well.
Here’s six things you can start doing now to help yourself on the way to being wrinkle free:
1. Cut down on your pillows. Sleep with one pillow not two to avoid a double chin and wrinkling around the neck.
2. Don’t sleep on your frontSquashing your face into your pillow is not good for your skin. If you often wake up with a crumpled face over time those creases will stick!
3. Don’t read in bed and if you do lie on your back with one pillow holding the book above you. Never prop yourself up with the book on your stomach - unless you want a double chin!
4. Stand up straight Imagine you’re being pulled upright by a piece of string going through the center of your body and out of the top of your head. Standing up straight and holding your head properly means your face and neck are not pulled down or to the the side creating wrinkles and sagging.
5. Retrain your face to avoid causing wrinkles. Frown lines and brow furrows don’t just happen - you cause them by making repeated facial movements. Sit in front of the mirror and see what happens when you frown or wrinkle your brow. Chances are you are doing this a lot without realizing it. Learn to recognize the sensation. Then hold you face still without frowning and wrinkling. Practice keeping your face still during the day - at first you’ll have to think about it and then it will come entirely naturally. Not only will you look better and feel much more positive but you’ll gradually remove the wrinkles and create smoother skin - without paying a fortune for botox!
6. Try some Frownies. A celebrity anti aging secret Frownies Wrinkle free - six simple tips are small skin-colored adhesive papers you stick on your forehead preventing you from frowning. Sounds unbelievable doesn’t it? Apparently used regularly they really work to help frowns disappear and make your whole forehead smoother.
OK to say you could be wrinkle free by following these steps is a bit of an exaggeration - but retraining your body and face can help prevent wrinkles and retain your younger look for longer.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Health And Beauty Awards For 2008
2008 Healthy Beauty Awards
Behold, SELF's ninth annual healthy beauty awards! Don't take our word for it; these 88 winners were chosen from over 1,000 new products, tested by readers like you! Don't shop without this guide.
Ready to buy? Here's a printable shopping list.
From the May 2008 Issue
More from this story
* 2008 Healthy Beauty Awards Shopping List
With thousands of products crowding beauty shelves, it's easy to feel confused about what actually works. How do you separate the treasures from the castoffs? We turned to you! First, SELF's beauty team gathered every one of the 1,072 products that companies launched over the past year (cubicle chaos!), then we shipped them off to 855 reader testers. The brave team slathered, smudged, smoothed and lathered, then scored each product on scent, texture, ease of use, packaging and, most of all, effectiveness. The result? The 88 very best finds, one for each category. So no more head scratching in the skin-care aisle or at the cosmetics counter. Consider this list as essential for beauty shopping as your wallet is. This list will end confusion, save you cash and bring out your most gorgeous, naturally glowing you.
Bargain hunters, great news—35 of the winners cost $10 or less. You'll find them marked with this symbol:
Skip to a category
Face
Body
Makeup
Hair
Sun
Best breakthroughs
Face
Want the smartest ways to care for your complexion? These 13 skin-care stars will leave you looking absolutely radiant.
Best Cleanser
This Works: Clean Skin, $40
Readers adored the way this cleanser left their skin soft, not stripped. "The eucalyptus smell was invigorating, and the olive oil made my skin feel dewy," one said. Plus, they were thankful for what's not in the 100 percent natural formula: synthetic fragrances, sulfates and parabens.
Best Scrub
Clean & Clear Deep Action Exfoliating Scrub, $5
Sloughing off dead skin cells doesn't have to be irritating. "Usually, formulas leave my skin scratched and blotchy, but the tiny microbeads in this scrub gently brightened and evened out my tone. I no longer have bumps under my skin from clogged pores, a problem I've been desperate to solve for years."
Best Toner
La Mer The Radiant Infusion, $90
The get-glowing benefits (thanks to antioxidants, sea salts and sea algae) won over readers. "It's a refreshing product that delivers what it promises—to minimize pores, fight dullness and make skin luminous." More praise: "It sank in quickly, and my skin instantly felt more refreshed."
Best Serum
Clarins Younger Longer Balm, $98
Testers learned that balms aren't only for lips—they can treat skin, too. This thick serum gained points for immediate skin-tightening results. "From the moment I put it on, my skin looked firmer and felt smoother." Also, its hydrating formula (with candlenut oil) didn't cause breakouts. "Not a blemish to be found!" a happy user said.
Best All-Around Moisturizer
Clark's Botanicals Smoothing Marine Cream, $95
Recruits raved about this cream with exfoliating glycolic acid. "After just two weeks, my scaly areas are well on their way to being smooth."
Best Moisturizer With SPF
L'Oréal Paris Skin Genesis Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 Lotion, $20
Hyaluronic acid plumps up fine lines. "It absorbs fast, and I like how it protects my skin." Also nice: The pump "squirts out just the right amount" of the fragrance-free lotion.
Best Antiaging Moisturizer
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream, $25
Users said massage helped the cream penetrate (how-tos are included). "My fine lines are fading, and my skin feels firmer." Glycerin and amino peptides help improve elasticity.
Best Night Cream
Murad Professional Nightly Hydro-Lock, $120
"I could see the difference in the morning," a tester said. The "clean citrus scent" also received kudos. "I was sad when I had to move on to test the other products!"
Best Eye Cream
Lancôme Rénergie Microlift R.A.R.E. Eye Cream, $58
This peptide eye cream seems to do it all. Firming? "My crow's-feet feel tighter." Depuffing? "My eyes look lifted." Feel-good factor? "I loved how makeup glided over this cream."
Best Mask
Korres Natural Products Cinnamon & Natural Clay Cleansing Mask, $27
"It cleared up my acne and made my pores look smaller," a tester said. Clay and zinc draw out dirt and grime. "Once I run out, I'll be buying another tube!"
Best At-Home Peel
Prescriptives Instant Gratification Skin Renewal Peel, $45
Testers were amazed at the fast results of this beta hydroxy peel. "My pores disappeared! It's the only thing that has gotten rid of my flaky skin and minimized my pores."
Best Acne Treatment
Boscia Clear Complexion Treatment With Botanical Blast, $35
"Zit zappers are always so harsh—this gel is gentle enough to use daily but strong enough to fight acne," one reader enthused. Willow bark degreases pores, and antioxidants lessen redness.
Best Makeup Remover
Almay Oil-Free Makeup Remover Towelettes, $6
Users agree these portable soothing wipes, with aloe and green tea, are "perfect postgym refreshers." One reader said, "My normal cleanser gives me raccoon eyes, but these remove makeup like a dream."
Body
Don't let your face have all the fun! Care for the rest of you with these 14 pamperers for skin from the neck down.
Best Bar Soap
Olivella Face and Body Bar Soap, $3
This olive oil–rich soap was voted a winner for "moisturizing and cleaning my makeup off while leaving behind a light citrus scent."
Best Exfoliating Bar Soap
Caress Tahitian Renewal Exfoliating Beauty Bar, $3 (for two bars)
Users loved the exfoliating seeds, which "made my skin glow," and the beachy scent, "which even my husband complimented."
Best Bath Product
Sephora Bubble Bath, $16
This sudser "is like sinking into a cloud." Also: "Even when I was testing others, I would sneak in a Sephora session."
Best Shower Gel
Burt's Bees Milk & Shea Butter Body Wash, $8
This rinse delivers the lather, testers found. "It left my skin smoother after only one shower."
Best Body Scrub
Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Matcha Tea Body Scrub, $45
Testers favored the spa-esque "euphoric" smell and exfoliating capabilities. "The crystals melted on my skin and left it instantly plumper." The ingredients list reads like a multivitamin bottle, with skin-enriching calcium, magnesium and potassium.
Best Shaving Cream
Johnson's 2-in-1 Shower and Shave Wash, $5
A multitasker that saves coveted bathroom space (not to mention valuable morning minutes), this shave cream lets you skip postshower lotion. Testers said it "gives a close shave," "leaves skin soft" and "gets the jobs of shaving and hydrating done."
Best Body Lotion
Curél Youth-Defense Moisture Lotion for the First Signs of Aging, $8
Chock-full of ingredients usually found in expensive face creams (tightening collagen and redness-reducing sage), this lotion "goes on smoothly, isn't greasy, never clumps and is long-lasting." Testers' favorite part: It has shimmer powders to brighten and even out skin tones.
Best Body Mist
Dove Go Fresh Body Mist in Cool Essentials, $4
Users were excited about its portability and moisturizing capabilities. "It's so easy to take with you, and it really hydrated my skin—one of the best products I've tried in a long time." Bonus: The spray's scent (cucumber and green tea) invigorates.
Best Body Oil
Nivea Smooth Sensation Body Oil, $7
Enriched with avocado oil, this earned top points for moisturizing. "It's very basic, which I like. Because it's lighter than other oils, it spreads easily, and the scent didn't compete with my regular perfume."
Best Hand Cream Without SPF
New York & Company City Beauty Hand & Body Cream, $8
Testers touted the fast absorption, saying, "It comes out thick but sinks into skin." The fruity scent won them over, too. "It smells wonderfully fresh. I found myself coming back to this one again and again."
Best Hand Cream With SPF
Roc Retinol Correxion Hand Repair Cream With SPF 15, $15
Readers saw "a quick reduction of age spots" on their hands from this cream with sunscreen and retinol (which promotes cell turnover). "Also, it really did lessen the appearance of wrinkles."
Best Foot Lotion
C.O. Bigelow Mentha Foot-Tingling Foot Cream, $14
Want to add some pep to your step? Recruits said this peppermint cream "has a tingling sensation that lasts for hours." One raved, "I could feel it work immediately."
Best Foot Scrub
Pedicure by OPI Green Tea Scrub, $15
With exfoliating sugar crystals and alpha hydroxy acids, this scrub "made heels and calluses soft." An enthusiast pleaded, "Make it in a hand lotion, too!"
Best Nail Product
Sally Hansen Nail Nutrition Daily Growth Treatment, $8
"It made my nails look prettier and feel stronger. It's like getting a manicure without going to the salon," one tester said. Credit goes to the restorative formula with mushroom and red tea.
Makeup
Searching for a luminous complexion, brighter eyes and more luscious lips? Here are 27 prettifiers that will enhance your naturally gorgeous looks!
Best Primer
Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Protective Base SPF 15, $17
With a green tint to camouflage redness, this primer sets the stage for smooth makeup. "It evened out my tone, and I'm glad they added SPF. It saves me a step!"
Best All-Around Foundation
Giorgio Armani Designer Compact Foundation SPF 22, $65
Testers complimented the "ideal weight" of this cream-to-powder. "It goes on light but still has coverage." They enjoyed the brush, too, for "letting you build up the base."
Best Tinted Moisturizer
Sugar Cosmetics Sugar Tint, $28
Jojoba and vitamin E hydrate in this fan favorite. It gives light coverage "that allows your skin to glow through the translucent coat." Also, its soft formula "melted into skin."
Best Mineral Powder Foundation
Maybelline New York Mineral Power Powder Foundation, $10
Paired with a Kabuki brush for blending, this talc-free powder scored points for luminous coverage. "A little goes a long way for an even, no-streak finish."
Best Loose Powder
Dior Skin Corrector Extreme Fix Powder, $44
A light dusting "evens out flaws, isn't too sparkly and blends beautifully." More praise: The "puff makes applying the powder completely mess-free."
Best Pressed Powder
Givenchy Prisme Foundation Shaping Powder Makeup, $43
"It lets your face breathe" was one plug. This compact has three similar shades with shine-blotting mica "for a natural blend."
Best Concealer
Redpoint Smooth & Remove Airbrush Pencil With Sharpener, $30
With a pencil tip, this concealer "adds just enough color to cover flaws." Mess up? Blend with the brush eraser.
Best Bronzer
Smashbox Cosmetics Fusion Soft Lights in Baked Starburst, $30
Testers adored this bronzer for "the variety of suntan and highlighter tones." Swirl the shades together for a real-looking glow.
Best Highlighter
Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Illuminating Veil, $12
Catch light with this luminizer that's "not too shimmery." Also: "The brush applicator is sleek for a drugstore brand."
Best Powder Blush
Jane Iredale Twice Blushed Cheek Colour Kit, $46
Testers awarded this duo points for its versatility. "I liked that there was a sparkly and matte option in one compact."
Best Cream Blush
Estée Lauder Tender Blush Sheer Stick, $25
Applauded for a "light texture" that's "easy to spread over cheeks," this blush reflects light for a flattering effect.
Best Makeup Multitasker
DuWop Doubleglow 7, $25
Users said this champagne-toned cream is "all you need for oomph." Wear it under your foundation for a lit-from-within sheen or over to add radiance.
Best Palette
Sonia Kashuk Sheer Magic Mineral Face Palette, $15
This stackable trio of concealer, foundation and blush is "great for on the go." Plus: "They are nicely piled in the order you would use them."
Best Lipliner
Shiseido The Makeup AutomatiLip Crayon, $22
Get the best of both worlds with this crayon that can act as both a liner for day and an allover color for night. "It glides smoothly and feels moisturizing. I usually don't wear liner, but I'm totally sold."
Best Hydrating Lipstick
Stila Long Wear Lip Color, $18
Lipstick can feel like shellac, so our recruits were pumped when they found one that "provides both moisture and a just-right dose of color."
Best Long-Lasting Lipstick
CoverGirl Outlast All Day Lip Color, $10
Permission granted to sip that drink and give a kiss: This lipstick isn't going anywhere. "It glides on like a balm. You can't tell you're wearing anything, but the color stays on so long!"
Best Lip Gloss
Dior Ultra-Gloss Reflect, $25
The creamy formula "is wet but not sticky, the perfect thickness." One swipe, and it's sheer. Two, and you get "a glittery shine that isn't too overpowering."
Best Lip Balm
PeaceKeeper Cause-Metics Eco-Sensual Balm, $3
"It's more glossy and less waxy than other balms I typically use, and it makes my lips so soft," one tester said. A minty smell "instantly revives you."
Best Powder Eyeshadow
Bobbi Brown Metallic Eye Shadow, $20
This winner outscored the competition for its longevity. "The shadow stayed in place, which is key for an all-day-and-into-the-night look."
Best Cream Eyeshadow
Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow, $18
Finding a creaseless cream shadow can seem impossible. But readers swore by the "milky but still dry" texture that never cakes.
Best Pencil Eyeliner
Merle Norman Soft Touch Eye Pencil, $14
Liners that tug along your lids can irritate eyes' sensitive skin. Thankfully, this pencil "is soft and goes on evenly."
Best Liquid Eyeliner
CK Calvin Klein Beauty Electric Edge Liquid Eyeliner Pen, $16
Readers praised this felt-tip marker for its precise application. "Liquids are usually so messy, but this has the look of a liquid with the ease of a solid."
Best Waterproof Mascara
Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Mascara, $28
Beeswax separates each lash, and the waterproof formula stands up to rain, Spin classes, even tears. "My lashes looked dark, and it stayed on all day."
Best Thickening Mascara
Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lash Extending Treatment Mascara, $20
With plumping ceramide, this glob-free formula "doesn't clump." Even better: "It looked as if I had double the amount of lashes I normally have."
Best Lengthening Mascara
Revlon 3D Extreme Mascara, $9
Users admired the brush's tiny bristles for their elongating, precise application. "I could reach each individual lash to pull it away from my lids."
Best Volume Mascara
Avon SuperShock Mascara, $9
Recruits said they could wiggle the wand to lift up each lash. "My lashes looked like the models' do in mascara ads. I even made my husband marvel at the before-and-after."
Best Nail Polish
Orly Sugar Coated Nail Lacquers, $7
Now free of formaldehyde, this polish "dried fast, didn't goop and shined more than others."
Hair
Whether your style needs volume, shine or defrizzing, you'll find your answer with the 26 superstars below (and on the next page). If there were a hall of fame for hair products, we'd be happy to induct these!
Best All-Around Shampoo
Biolage Cooling Mint Shampoo, $14
Fans liked this "deeply cleansing" shampoo for its herbal scent and oil-absorbing glycerin. "It put the kibosh on grease without stripping."
Best Hydrating Shampoo
Redken All Soft Shampoo, $12
With avocado oil and proteins, this "heavenly smelling" shampoo garnered applause from testers for its softening benefits. "I didn't need to follow with conditioner."
Best Volumizing Shampoo
Giovanni Organic Hair Care Root 66 Max Volume Shampoo, $8
Achieving sky-high body and lift doesn't have to take a kit of volumizers, round brushes and blow-dryers. Testers were thrilled to witness "a dramatic increase in overall volume" from this height-infusing shampoo. "It worked wonders. Even after the first time I sudsed up with it, it made my fine, limp hair look like it had natural, God-given body and a lot of bounce," one happy user said.
Best Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair
Bain de Terre Passion Flower Color Preserving Shampoo, $10
Scrubbing your hair until it feels like straw isn't the way to a squeaky-clean style. With UV protectants to prevent a glossy salon color from fading, this preserving shampoo "made my hair shine more than normal," a tester said. The rich lather gave one enthusiast "silky-soft strands you can easily run your fingers through."
Best Smoothing Shampoo
Palmer's Olive Oil Formula Smoothing Shampoo, $6
Credit this shampoo's olive oil and keratin for filling in the cracks in each strand, which adds shine to the texture and tames all hair types. "I'm an African-American woman, and this shampoo gave my hair shine and softness."
Best Dry Shampoo
Ojon Rub-Out Dry Cleanser, $24
Dry shampoos can be chalky and drying, but readers raved about the refreshing benefits of this easy-to-use spray. "It got the oiliness out of my hair and added some texture without a sticky or flaky feeling." Plus, the spray's bamboo aroma drew praise. "It took any unpleasant scents out of my hair."
Best All-Around Conditioner
Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Conditioner, $3
Users liked its fruity-floral scent. But they loved the way it "left strands silky but not heavy at all."
Best Hydrating Conditioner
Garnier Fructis Shine Burst Fortifying Cream Conditioner, $4
"It leaves hair manageable, soft and detangled," a fan said. Vitamins B3 and B6 restore each strand and help add sheen.
Best Volumizing Conditioner
Yarok Green With Envy Conditioner, $35
This fortifier relies on marshmallow to plump. "It gave me body without drying out my hair."
Best Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair
Logics Color DNA Age Revitalize Conditioner, $26
One colorer said it "gave me the posthighlights radiance I needed." Proteins restore rifts that dye causes.
Best Smoothing Conditioner
Dove Frizz Control Therapy Conditioner, $4
"A little bit goes a long way toward removing tangles." A frizz-prone user noted she had "considerably fewer flyaways even in the rain" after using this.
Best Leave-In Conditioner
Nexxus Salon Hair Care Humectress Luxe, $10
This leave-in spray counts on nourishing ceramides and coconut oil to "control the frizz when the humidity is high."
Best Hair Mask
Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Instant Repair Treatment, $7
Hold this mask upside down and not a drop will fall—that's how rich it is. "Unlike other masks that you have to keep on forever, this one detangled after a few minutes." Also: "The beachy coconut smell made me feel like I was vacationing."
Best Hair Balm
Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Relaxing Balm, $16
Users adored how this apple-scented balm detangled and smoothed strands. "It took less time to dry my hair, and my strands weren't frizzy or tangled." About three pumps and you'll be on the way to a tamer style."I have curly hair, and it made my hair so soft that my friend and I were both amazed."
Best Deep Conditioning Treatment
Warren-Tricomi Repair Rejuvenating Serum, $50
Call in the big guns and apply this vitamin-packed treatment once a month for six days straight to repair overprocessed hair. One thirsty-stranded tester raved, "It's like no other product I've used before. The first day I used it, my hair looked healthier."
Best Overnight Hair Treatment
John Frieda Frizz-Ease Crème Serum Overnight Repair Formula, $10
Finally! A lightweight, P.M. glossifier that "doesn't stain your pillows" but does "mend split ends and leave hair silkier." A tester tip: "Instead of greasing up to my roots, I would simply work the serum into my hair from ear level down, so I didn't even have to rinse it out in the A.M."
Best Mousse
Davines Creative Moulding Foam, $21
A good mousse doesn't make hair stiff, and this one fits the bill. Fans applauded the vegetable-protein-filled formula for hydration. "It made my curls shiny and gave my hair lots of hold without the crunch."
Best Volumizer
Bed Head Superstar Volumizing Hairspray, $17
With plumping panthenol, this spray "gave volume that lasted even through high-humidity days."
Best Texturizer
Shu Uemura Liquid Fabric Texturizing Spray, $30
Testers loved this mist for adding "slept-in texture to even just-washed hair." Because the spray covers a large area, you need only a couple of blasts.
Best Straightening Product
Aveda Smooth Infusion Style-Prep Smoother, $24
The lotion's aloe targets damage to smooth out strands. "It made my style look straighter and worked wonders to add body to my fine, sometimes lifeless hair."
Best Wave Enhancer
Sunsilk Waves of Envy Gel & Cream Twist, $4
A hybrid of a gel and a cream, this styler is great for creating touchable waves. "I have ringlets that aren't easy to work with. This product kept my waves non-frizzy all day. I'm telling all my curly-haired friends about it!"
Best Heat Protectant
Fekkai Coiff Défense Pre-Style Thermal/UV Protectant, $25
Blow-dry with confidence: This alcohol-free spray is like a bulletproof vest for your hair. It blocks out damaging heat (and UV rays) with wheat proteins and panthenol. "Usually, I have to flatiron to get my hair smooth, but this spray made it lie flat right after blow-drying. Plus, it didn't leave any sticky residue like most other protectants do."
Best Frizz Fighter
Pantene Pro-V Silkening Tranformation Crème, $4
"Smoother hair minus any weigh-down" was the consensus among our testers on this frizz-erasing cream. "It's an inexpensive product that will leave your hair feeling like a million bucks. When I stopped using it for even one day, my husband asked me what happened to my hair!"
Best Styling Paste
Extreme Style by VO5 Texturizing Gum, $4
"It's the only product that helps my naturally curly hair look defined." Fans liked how flexible any style looked after using this marshmallowy molder.
Best Shine Spray
Suave Professionals Vibrant Shine Mist, $3
This shine-enhancing spray is completely oil-free, employing silicone to add sheen to the most dehydrated strands. "The spray made my long, straight hair look like a sheet of glass."
Best Hairspray
Umberto Beverly Hills Regular Hold Hairspray, $9
Recruits favored this spray for the moldability and flake-free formula. "It wasn't too tacky, kept my hair in place and did everything I could hope for in a hairspray."
Sun
Pump up your beach-bag arsenal with these 8 smart protectors so you can enjoy summer and great skin.
Best Face Sunscreen
Aveeno Continuous Protection Sunblock Lotion SPF 70, $11
"I'm more apt to wear this sunscreen daily because, even with such a high SPF, it lacks the usual greasiness," a tester said. This sunblock combines antioxidants and proteins for the ultimate shield.
Best Body Sunscreen Lotion
Juice Beauty Green Apple SPF 20 Antioxidant Body Moisturizer, $34
This chemical-free block has peptides to restore elasticity and alpha hydroxy acid to exfoliate. "It brightened, moisturized and smoothed my skin," one enthusiast raved.
Best Body Sunscreen Spray
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunblock SPF 70 With Helioplex, $10
If you sometimes feel like a contortionist trying to get a spray to work, you'll like this sunscreen; it mists from every angle. Readers praised the dry-touch formula. "The mist's smooth, not sticky, spray was easy to use."
Best Mineral Sunscreen
Ahava Sun Protection Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30, $22
"This block soaked in faster than other chalky formulas." With aloe vera to calm sun-exposed skin, the sunscreen has minerals to protect against free radical damage.
Best Face Self-Tanner
Garnier Nutritioniste Ultra-Lift Glow Anti-Wrinkle Firming Moisture Cream SPF 15, $15
Get a subtle faux glow, plus skin hydrators and protection, thanks to fortifying rice proteins, vitamin A and omega oils. Readers said this lotion "felt lightweight, like I had nothing on," and they praised the "not-too-noticeable tint" it gave to their complexion. "It made my skin look healthier overall."
Best Body Self-Tanner Lotion
Hawaiian Tropic Island Radiance Self-Tanner, $9
For serious self-tanners who want a deep bronze Brazilian tan, this one develops three shades darker than your normal skin tone. "I enjoyed the gel formula and how quickly the tan builds. I applied it in the morning, and I looked more bronze by lunchtime," one tester said. And the ingredients list reads like a summer smoothie, with hydrating mango, guava and papaya extracts.
Best Body Self-Tanner Spray
L'Oréal Paris Sublime ProPerfect Airbrush Self-Tanning Mist, $10
With its hands-free application, this bottled bronzer is like getting a salon spray tan at home. "It gives your body an ideal golden color."
Best Glow Lotion
Jergens Natural Glow Express Body Moisturizer, $8
Finally: a glow lotion that delivers faux vacation color fast (in only three days!). "Others take so much work, but this one lets you see a sun-kissed shade faster."
Best breakthroughs
Four cool finds that blew away SELF's editors: You'll love 'em, too!
Earth Therapeutics Clean + Cool Footwipes, $6
Portable cleansing wipes, packed with tea tree oil, peppermint oil and vitamin E, to freshen up and moisturize even the grimiest, sandal-clad peds.
St. Ives Elements Protective Cleanser, $7
The first drugstore face wash to deliver UV protection. The sunscreens are encapsulated in a silica shell, which sticks even after the water comes off.
Cake Beauty All-Purpose Treatment Balm, $24
A richly concentrated (with 86 percent shea butter), multitasking balm that smooths frizz, hydrates lips and softens rough patches.
Neutrogena Nourishing Eye Shadow Duo, $8
A two-part compact to give eyes the one-two punch of a protective base (loaded with hydrating soy and silk powder) and a vibrant, flattering color.
Behold, SELF's ninth annual healthy beauty awards! Don't take our word for it; these 88 winners were chosen from over 1,000 new products, tested by readers like you! Don't shop without this guide.
Ready to buy? Here's a printable shopping list.
From the May 2008 Issue
More from this story
* 2008 Healthy Beauty Awards Shopping List
With thousands of products crowding beauty shelves, it's easy to feel confused about what actually works. How do you separate the treasures from the castoffs? We turned to you! First, SELF's beauty team gathered every one of the 1,072 products that companies launched over the past year (cubicle chaos!), then we shipped them off to 855 reader testers. The brave team slathered, smudged, smoothed and lathered, then scored each product on scent, texture, ease of use, packaging and, most of all, effectiveness. The result? The 88 very best finds, one for each category. So no more head scratching in the skin-care aisle or at the cosmetics counter. Consider this list as essential for beauty shopping as your wallet is. This list will end confusion, save you cash and bring out your most gorgeous, naturally glowing you.
Bargain hunters, great news—35 of the winners cost $10 or less. You'll find them marked with this symbol:
Skip to a category
Face
Body
Makeup
Hair
Sun
Best breakthroughs
Face
Want the smartest ways to care for your complexion? These 13 skin-care stars will leave you looking absolutely radiant.
Best Cleanser
This Works: Clean Skin, $40
Readers adored the way this cleanser left their skin soft, not stripped. "The eucalyptus smell was invigorating, and the olive oil made my skin feel dewy," one said. Plus, they were thankful for what's not in the 100 percent natural formula: synthetic fragrances, sulfates and parabens.
Best Scrub
Clean & Clear Deep Action Exfoliating Scrub, $5
Sloughing off dead skin cells doesn't have to be irritating. "Usually, formulas leave my skin scratched and blotchy, but the tiny microbeads in this scrub gently brightened and evened out my tone. I no longer have bumps under my skin from clogged pores, a problem I've been desperate to solve for years."
Best Toner
La Mer The Radiant Infusion, $90
The get-glowing benefits (thanks to antioxidants, sea salts and sea algae) won over readers. "It's a refreshing product that delivers what it promises—to minimize pores, fight dullness and make skin luminous." More praise: "It sank in quickly, and my skin instantly felt more refreshed."
Best Serum
Clarins Younger Longer Balm, $98
Testers learned that balms aren't only for lips—they can treat skin, too. This thick serum gained points for immediate skin-tightening results. "From the moment I put it on, my skin looked firmer and felt smoother." Also, its hydrating formula (with candlenut oil) didn't cause breakouts. "Not a blemish to be found!" a happy user said.
Best All-Around Moisturizer
Clark's Botanicals Smoothing Marine Cream, $95
Recruits raved about this cream with exfoliating glycolic acid. "After just two weeks, my scaly areas are well on their way to being smooth."
Best Moisturizer With SPF
L'Oréal Paris Skin Genesis Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 Lotion, $20
Hyaluronic acid plumps up fine lines. "It absorbs fast, and I like how it protects my skin." Also nice: The pump "squirts out just the right amount" of the fragrance-free lotion.
Best Antiaging Moisturizer
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream, $25
Users said massage helped the cream penetrate (how-tos are included). "My fine lines are fading, and my skin feels firmer." Glycerin and amino peptides help improve elasticity.
Best Night Cream
Murad Professional Nightly Hydro-Lock, $120
"I could see the difference in the morning," a tester said. The "clean citrus scent" also received kudos. "I was sad when I had to move on to test the other products!"
Best Eye Cream
Lancôme Rénergie Microlift R.A.R.E. Eye Cream, $58
This peptide eye cream seems to do it all. Firming? "My crow's-feet feel tighter." Depuffing? "My eyes look lifted." Feel-good factor? "I loved how makeup glided over this cream."
Best Mask
Korres Natural Products Cinnamon & Natural Clay Cleansing Mask, $27
"It cleared up my acne and made my pores look smaller," a tester said. Clay and zinc draw out dirt and grime. "Once I run out, I'll be buying another tube!"
Best At-Home Peel
Prescriptives Instant Gratification Skin Renewal Peel, $45
Testers were amazed at the fast results of this beta hydroxy peel. "My pores disappeared! It's the only thing that has gotten rid of my flaky skin and minimized my pores."
Best Acne Treatment
Boscia Clear Complexion Treatment With Botanical Blast, $35
"Zit zappers are always so harsh—this gel is gentle enough to use daily but strong enough to fight acne," one reader enthused. Willow bark degreases pores, and antioxidants lessen redness.
Best Makeup Remover
Almay Oil-Free Makeup Remover Towelettes, $6
Users agree these portable soothing wipes, with aloe and green tea, are "perfect postgym refreshers." One reader said, "My normal cleanser gives me raccoon eyes, but these remove makeup like a dream."
Body
Don't let your face have all the fun! Care for the rest of you with these 14 pamperers for skin from the neck down.
Best Bar Soap
Olivella Face and Body Bar Soap, $3
This olive oil–rich soap was voted a winner for "moisturizing and cleaning my makeup off while leaving behind a light citrus scent."
Best Exfoliating Bar Soap
Caress Tahitian Renewal Exfoliating Beauty Bar, $3 (for two bars)
Users loved the exfoliating seeds, which "made my skin glow," and the beachy scent, "which even my husband complimented."
Best Bath Product
Sephora Bubble Bath, $16
This sudser "is like sinking into a cloud." Also: "Even when I was testing others, I would sneak in a Sephora session."
Best Shower Gel
Burt's Bees Milk & Shea Butter Body Wash, $8
This rinse delivers the lather, testers found. "It left my skin smoother after only one shower."
Best Body Scrub
Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Matcha Tea Body Scrub, $45
Testers favored the spa-esque "euphoric" smell and exfoliating capabilities. "The crystals melted on my skin and left it instantly plumper." The ingredients list reads like a multivitamin bottle, with skin-enriching calcium, magnesium and potassium.
Best Shaving Cream
Johnson's 2-in-1 Shower and Shave Wash, $5
A multitasker that saves coveted bathroom space (not to mention valuable morning minutes), this shave cream lets you skip postshower lotion. Testers said it "gives a close shave," "leaves skin soft" and "gets the jobs of shaving and hydrating done."
Best Body Lotion
Curél Youth-Defense Moisture Lotion for the First Signs of Aging, $8
Chock-full of ingredients usually found in expensive face creams (tightening collagen and redness-reducing sage), this lotion "goes on smoothly, isn't greasy, never clumps and is long-lasting." Testers' favorite part: It has shimmer powders to brighten and even out skin tones.
Best Body Mist
Dove Go Fresh Body Mist in Cool Essentials, $4
Users were excited about its portability and moisturizing capabilities. "It's so easy to take with you, and it really hydrated my skin—one of the best products I've tried in a long time." Bonus: The spray's scent (cucumber and green tea) invigorates.
Best Body Oil
Nivea Smooth Sensation Body Oil, $7
Enriched with avocado oil, this earned top points for moisturizing. "It's very basic, which I like. Because it's lighter than other oils, it spreads easily, and the scent didn't compete with my regular perfume."
Best Hand Cream Without SPF
New York & Company City Beauty Hand & Body Cream, $8
Testers touted the fast absorption, saying, "It comes out thick but sinks into skin." The fruity scent won them over, too. "It smells wonderfully fresh. I found myself coming back to this one again and again."
Best Hand Cream With SPF
Roc Retinol Correxion Hand Repair Cream With SPF 15, $15
Readers saw "a quick reduction of age spots" on their hands from this cream with sunscreen and retinol (which promotes cell turnover). "Also, it really did lessen the appearance of wrinkles."
Best Foot Lotion
C.O. Bigelow Mentha Foot-Tingling Foot Cream, $14
Want to add some pep to your step? Recruits said this peppermint cream "has a tingling sensation that lasts for hours." One raved, "I could feel it work immediately."
Best Foot Scrub
Pedicure by OPI Green Tea Scrub, $15
With exfoliating sugar crystals and alpha hydroxy acids, this scrub "made heels and calluses soft." An enthusiast pleaded, "Make it in a hand lotion, too!"
Best Nail Product
Sally Hansen Nail Nutrition Daily Growth Treatment, $8
"It made my nails look prettier and feel stronger. It's like getting a manicure without going to the salon," one tester said. Credit goes to the restorative formula with mushroom and red tea.
Makeup
Searching for a luminous complexion, brighter eyes and more luscious lips? Here are 27 prettifiers that will enhance your naturally gorgeous looks!
Best Primer
Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Protective Base SPF 15, $17
With a green tint to camouflage redness, this primer sets the stage for smooth makeup. "It evened out my tone, and I'm glad they added SPF. It saves me a step!"
Best All-Around Foundation
Giorgio Armani Designer Compact Foundation SPF 22, $65
Testers complimented the "ideal weight" of this cream-to-powder. "It goes on light but still has coverage." They enjoyed the brush, too, for "letting you build up the base."
Best Tinted Moisturizer
Sugar Cosmetics Sugar Tint, $28
Jojoba and vitamin E hydrate in this fan favorite. It gives light coverage "that allows your skin to glow through the translucent coat." Also, its soft formula "melted into skin."
Best Mineral Powder Foundation
Maybelline New York Mineral Power Powder Foundation, $10
Paired with a Kabuki brush for blending, this talc-free powder scored points for luminous coverage. "A little goes a long way for an even, no-streak finish."
Best Loose Powder
Dior Skin Corrector Extreme Fix Powder, $44
A light dusting "evens out flaws, isn't too sparkly and blends beautifully." More praise: The "puff makes applying the powder completely mess-free."
Best Pressed Powder
Givenchy Prisme Foundation Shaping Powder Makeup, $43
"It lets your face breathe" was one plug. This compact has three similar shades with shine-blotting mica "for a natural blend."
Best Concealer
Redpoint Smooth & Remove Airbrush Pencil With Sharpener, $30
With a pencil tip, this concealer "adds just enough color to cover flaws." Mess up? Blend with the brush eraser.
Best Bronzer
Smashbox Cosmetics Fusion Soft Lights in Baked Starburst, $30
Testers adored this bronzer for "the variety of suntan and highlighter tones." Swirl the shades together for a real-looking glow.
Best Highlighter
Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Illuminating Veil, $12
Catch light with this luminizer that's "not too shimmery." Also: "The brush applicator is sleek for a drugstore brand."
Best Powder Blush
Jane Iredale Twice Blushed Cheek Colour Kit, $46
Testers awarded this duo points for its versatility. "I liked that there was a sparkly and matte option in one compact."
Best Cream Blush
Estée Lauder Tender Blush Sheer Stick, $25
Applauded for a "light texture" that's "easy to spread over cheeks," this blush reflects light for a flattering effect.
Best Makeup Multitasker
DuWop Doubleglow 7, $25
Users said this champagne-toned cream is "all you need for oomph." Wear it under your foundation for a lit-from-within sheen or over to add radiance.
Best Palette
Sonia Kashuk Sheer Magic Mineral Face Palette, $15
This stackable trio of concealer, foundation and blush is "great for on the go." Plus: "They are nicely piled in the order you would use them."
Best Lipliner
Shiseido The Makeup AutomatiLip Crayon, $22
Get the best of both worlds with this crayon that can act as both a liner for day and an allover color for night. "It glides smoothly and feels moisturizing. I usually don't wear liner, but I'm totally sold."
Best Hydrating Lipstick
Stila Long Wear Lip Color, $18
Lipstick can feel like shellac, so our recruits were pumped when they found one that "provides both moisture and a just-right dose of color."
Best Long-Lasting Lipstick
CoverGirl Outlast All Day Lip Color, $10
Permission granted to sip that drink and give a kiss: This lipstick isn't going anywhere. "It glides on like a balm. You can't tell you're wearing anything, but the color stays on so long!"
Best Lip Gloss
Dior Ultra-Gloss Reflect, $25
The creamy formula "is wet but not sticky, the perfect thickness." One swipe, and it's sheer. Two, and you get "a glittery shine that isn't too overpowering."
Best Lip Balm
PeaceKeeper Cause-Metics Eco-Sensual Balm, $3
"It's more glossy and less waxy than other balms I typically use, and it makes my lips so soft," one tester said. A minty smell "instantly revives you."
Best Powder Eyeshadow
Bobbi Brown Metallic Eye Shadow, $20
This winner outscored the competition for its longevity. "The shadow stayed in place, which is key for an all-day-and-into-the-night look."
Best Cream Eyeshadow
Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow, $18
Finding a creaseless cream shadow can seem impossible. But readers swore by the "milky but still dry" texture that never cakes.
Best Pencil Eyeliner
Merle Norman Soft Touch Eye Pencil, $14
Liners that tug along your lids can irritate eyes' sensitive skin. Thankfully, this pencil "is soft and goes on evenly."
Best Liquid Eyeliner
CK Calvin Klein Beauty Electric Edge Liquid Eyeliner Pen, $16
Readers praised this felt-tip marker for its precise application. "Liquids are usually so messy, but this has the look of a liquid with the ease of a solid."
Best Waterproof Mascara
Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Mascara, $28
Beeswax separates each lash, and the waterproof formula stands up to rain, Spin classes, even tears. "My lashes looked dark, and it stayed on all day."
Best Thickening Mascara
Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lash Extending Treatment Mascara, $20
With plumping ceramide, this glob-free formula "doesn't clump." Even better: "It looked as if I had double the amount of lashes I normally have."
Best Lengthening Mascara
Revlon 3D Extreme Mascara, $9
Users admired the brush's tiny bristles for their elongating, precise application. "I could reach each individual lash to pull it away from my lids."
Best Volume Mascara
Avon SuperShock Mascara, $9
Recruits said they could wiggle the wand to lift up each lash. "My lashes looked like the models' do in mascara ads. I even made my husband marvel at the before-and-after."
Best Nail Polish
Orly Sugar Coated Nail Lacquers, $7
Now free of formaldehyde, this polish "dried fast, didn't goop and shined more than others."
Hair
Whether your style needs volume, shine or defrizzing, you'll find your answer with the 26 superstars below (and on the next page). If there were a hall of fame for hair products, we'd be happy to induct these!
Best All-Around Shampoo
Biolage Cooling Mint Shampoo, $14
Fans liked this "deeply cleansing" shampoo for its herbal scent and oil-absorbing glycerin. "It put the kibosh on grease without stripping."
Best Hydrating Shampoo
Redken All Soft Shampoo, $12
With avocado oil and proteins, this "heavenly smelling" shampoo garnered applause from testers for its softening benefits. "I didn't need to follow with conditioner."
Best Volumizing Shampoo
Giovanni Organic Hair Care Root 66 Max Volume Shampoo, $8
Achieving sky-high body and lift doesn't have to take a kit of volumizers, round brushes and blow-dryers. Testers were thrilled to witness "a dramatic increase in overall volume" from this height-infusing shampoo. "It worked wonders. Even after the first time I sudsed up with it, it made my fine, limp hair look like it had natural, God-given body and a lot of bounce," one happy user said.
Best Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair
Bain de Terre Passion Flower Color Preserving Shampoo, $10
Scrubbing your hair until it feels like straw isn't the way to a squeaky-clean style. With UV protectants to prevent a glossy salon color from fading, this preserving shampoo "made my hair shine more than normal," a tester said. The rich lather gave one enthusiast "silky-soft strands you can easily run your fingers through."
Best Smoothing Shampoo
Palmer's Olive Oil Formula Smoothing Shampoo, $6
Credit this shampoo's olive oil and keratin for filling in the cracks in each strand, which adds shine to the texture and tames all hair types. "I'm an African-American woman, and this shampoo gave my hair shine and softness."
Best Dry Shampoo
Ojon Rub-Out Dry Cleanser, $24
Dry shampoos can be chalky and drying, but readers raved about the refreshing benefits of this easy-to-use spray. "It got the oiliness out of my hair and added some texture without a sticky or flaky feeling." Plus, the spray's bamboo aroma drew praise. "It took any unpleasant scents out of my hair."
Best All-Around Conditioner
Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Conditioner, $3
Users liked its fruity-floral scent. But they loved the way it "left strands silky but not heavy at all."
Best Hydrating Conditioner
Garnier Fructis Shine Burst Fortifying Cream Conditioner, $4
"It leaves hair manageable, soft and detangled," a fan said. Vitamins B3 and B6 restore each strand and help add sheen.
Best Volumizing Conditioner
Yarok Green With Envy Conditioner, $35
This fortifier relies on marshmallow to plump. "It gave me body without drying out my hair."
Best Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair
Logics Color DNA Age Revitalize Conditioner, $26
One colorer said it "gave me the posthighlights radiance I needed." Proteins restore rifts that dye causes.
Best Smoothing Conditioner
Dove Frizz Control Therapy Conditioner, $4
"A little bit goes a long way toward removing tangles." A frizz-prone user noted she had "considerably fewer flyaways even in the rain" after using this.
Best Leave-In Conditioner
Nexxus Salon Hair Care Humectress Luxe, $10
This leave-in spray counts on nourishing ceramides and coconut oil to "control the frizz when the humidity is high."
Best Hair Mask
Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Instant Repair Treatment, $7
Hold this mask upside down and not a drop will fall—that's how rich it is. "Unlike other masks that you have to keep on forever, this one detangled after a few minutes." Also: "The beachy coconut smell made me feel like I was vacationing."
Best Hair Balm
Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Relaxing Balm, $16
Users adored how this apple-scented balm detangled and smoothed strands. "It took less time to dry my hair, and my strands weren't frizzy or tangled." About three pumps and you'll be on the way to a tamer style."I have curly hair, and it made my hair so soft that my friend and I were both amazed."
Best Deep Conditioning Treatment
Warren-Tricomi Repair Rejuvenating Serum, $50
Call in the big guns and apply this vitamin-packed treatment once a month for six days straight to repair overprocessed hair. One thirsty-stranded tester raved, "It's like no other product I've used before. The first day I used it, my hair looked healthier."
Best Overnight Hair Treatment
John Frieda Frizz-Ease Crème Serum Overnight Repair Formula, $10
Finally! A lightweight, P.M. glossifier that "doesn't stain your pillows" but does "mend split ends and leave hair silkier." A tester tip: "Instead of greasing up to my roots, I would simply work the serum into my hair from ear level down, so I didn't even have to rinse it out in the A.M."
Best Mousse
Davines Creative Moulding Foam, $21
A good mousse doesn't make hair stiff, and this one fits the bill. Fans applauded the vegetable-protein-filled formula for hydration. "It made my curls shiny and gave my hair lots of hold without the crunch."
Best Volumizer
Bed Head Superstar Volumizing Hairspray, $17
With plumping panthenol, this spray "gave volume that lasted even through high-humidity days."
Best Texturizer
Shu Uemura Liquid Fabric Texturizing Spray, $30
Testers loved this mist for adding "slept-in texture to even just-washed hair." Because the spray covers a large area, you need only a couple of blasts.
Best Straightening Product
Aveda Smooth Infusion Style-Prep Smoother, $24
The lotion's aloe targets damage to smooth out strands. "It made my style look straighter and worked wonders to add body to my fine, sometimes lifeless hair."
Best Wave Enhancer
Sunsilk Waves of Envy Gel & Cream Twist, $4
A hybrid of a gel and a cream, this styler is great for creating touchable waves. "I have ringlets that aren't easy to work with. This product kept my waves non-frizzy all day. I'm telling all my curly-haired friends about it!"
Best Heat Protectant
Fekkai Coiff Défense Pre-Style Thermal/UV Protectant, $25
Blow-dry with confidence: This alcohol-free spray is like a bulletproof vest for your hair. It blocks out damaging heat (and UV rays) with wheat proteins and panthenol. "Usually, I have to flatiron to get my hair smooth, but this spray made it lie flat right after blow-drying. Plus, it didn't leave any sticky residue like most other protectants do."
Best Frizz Fighter
Pantene Pro-V Silkening Tranformation Crème, $4
"Smoother hair minus any weigh-down" was the consensus among our testers on this frizz-erasing cream. "It's an inexpensive product that will leave your hair feeling like a million bucks. When I stopped using it for even one day, my husband asked me what happened to my hair!"
Best Styling Paste
Extreme Style by VO5 Texturizing Gum, $4
"It's the only product that helps my naturally curly hair look defined." Fans liked how flexible any style looked after using this marshmallowy molder.
Best Shine Spray
Suave Professionals Vibrant Shine Mist, $3
This shine-enhancing spray is completely oil-free, employing silicone to add sheen to the most dehydrated strands. "The spray made my long, straight hair look like a sheet of glass."
Best Hairspray
Umberto Beverly Hills Regular Hold Hairspray, $9
Recruits favored this spray for the moldability and flake-free formula. "It wasn't too tacky, kept my hair in place and did everything I could hope for in a hairspray."
Sun
Pump up your beach-bag arsenal with these 8 smart protectors so you can enjoy summer and great skin.
Best Face Sunscreen
Aveeno Continuous Protection Sunblock Lotion SPF 70, $11
"I'm more apt to wear this sunscreen daily because, even with such a high SPF, it lacks the usual greasiness," a tester said. This sunblock combines antioxidants and proteins for the ultimate shield.
Best Body Sunscreen Lotion
Juice Beauty Green Apple SPF 20 Antioxidant Body Moisturizer, $34
This chemical-free block has peptides to restore elasticity and alpha hydroxy acid to exfoliate. "It brightened, moisturized and smoothed my skin," one enthusiast raved.
Best Body Sunscreen Spray
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunblock SPF 70 With Helioplex, $10
If you sometimes feel like a contortionist trying to get a spray to work, you'll like this sunscreen; it mists from every angle. Readers praised the dry-touch formula. "The mist's smooth, not sticky, spray was easy to use."
Best Mineral Sunscreen
Ahava Sun Protection Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30, $22
"This block soaked in faster than other chalky formulas." With aloe vera to calm sun-exposed skin, the sunscreen has minerals to protect against free radical damage.
Best Face Self-Tanner
Garnier Nutritioniste Ultra-Lift Glow Anti-Wrinkle Firming Moisture Cream SPF 15, $15
Get a subtle faux glow, plus skin hydrators and protection, thanks to fortifying rice proteins, vitamin A and omega oils. Readers said this lotion "felt lightweight, like I had nothing on," and they praised the "not-too-noticeable tint" it gave to their complexion. "It made my skin look healthier overall."
Best Body Self-Tanner Lotion
Hawaiian Tropic Island Radiance Self-Tanner, $9
For serious self-tanners who want a deep bronze Brazilian tan, this one develops three shades darker than your normal skin tone. "I enjoyed the gel formula and how quickly the tan builds. I applied it in the morning, and I looked more bronze by lunchtime," one tester said. And the ingredients list reads like a summer smoothie, with hydrating mango, guava and papaya extracts.
Best Body Self-Tanner Spray
L'Oréal Paris Sublime ProPerfect Airbrush Self-Tanning Mist, $10
With its hands-free application, this bottled bronzer is like getting a salon spray tan at home. "It gives your body an ideal golden color."
Best Glow Lotion
Jergens Natural Glow Express Body Moisturizer, $8
Finally: a glow lotion that delivers faux vacation color fast (in only three days!). "Others take so much work, but this one lets you see a sun-kissed shade faster."
Best breakthroughs
Four cool finds that blew away SELF's editors: You'll love 'em, too!
Earth Therapeutics Clean + Cool Footwipes, $6
Portable cleansing wipes, packed with tea tree oil, peppermint oil and vitamin E, to freshen up and moisturize even the grimiest, sandal-clad peds.
St. Ives Elements Protective Cleanser, $7
The first drugstore face wash to deliver UV protection. The sunscreens are encapsulated in a silica shell, which sticks even after the water comes off.
Cake Beauty All-Purpose Treatment Balm, $24
A richly concentrated (with 86 percent shea butter), multitasking balm that smooths frizz, hydrates lips and softens rough patches.
Neutrogena Nourishing Eye Shadow Duo, $8
A two-part compact to give eyes the one-two punch of a protective base (loaded with hydrating soy and silk powder) and a vibrant, flattering color.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Blood Type Obsession
Japan is in the grip of a blood type obsession, with an increasing sector of the population subscribing to the theory that blood types determine every aspect of personality, temperament and interaction with others.
Despite a undeniable lack of scientific evidence proving a link between blood type and temperament, this has not stopped the Japanese population enthusiastically embracing the concept.
Matchmaking services, employment opportunities and beauty products are among a raft of aspects of modern day Japanese life that subscribe to the blood typology theory.
TYPE A – Patient, uptight, sensitive, responsible, cautious.
Famous examples: Adolf Hitler, Britney Spears, Ringo Starr
TYPE B – Individual, unconventional, optimistic, unpredictable, creative, strong
Famous examples: Paul McCartney, Jack Nicholson, Leonardo Di Caprio
TYPE O – Trendsetting, passionate, vain, self-confident, loyal.
TYPE AB – Sociable, popular, calm, rational, critical, indecisive
Long Lashes Now
A while back, I told you about a controversy that had been brewing in the dermatological world: Several cosmetic companies -- after discovering that glaucoma drugs that include ingredients known as prostaglandins had the surprising side effect of creating thicker, longer eyelashes -- began including prostaglandin-like ingredients in cosmetic products. Trouble is, the FDA had not verified or approved the assertion that such ingredients lengthen lashes, which forced cosmetics companies to retract the claim and reformulate their products.
Well, I'm pleased to share the latest update on this topic: On December 26, 2008, the drug company Allergan announced that the FDA had approved Latisse 0.03% as a treatment for hypotrichosis (the medical term for sparse eyelashes. The active ingredient in Latisse, bimatoprost, was approved for the treatment of eye disorders like glaucoma years ago, but this is the first time it has been officially approved to enhance the eyelashes (defined here as an increase in length, thickness, and darkness).
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Thicken Eyelashes FDA Approved
The FDA has just approved a new drug for -- get this -- thickening your eyelashes! They even claim it treats a "disease." You might suspect the disease is called something like "Thin Eyelashes Disorder" but no, as usual they have a really technical sounding term for it: hypotrichosis which means, in Latin, "Thin Eyelashes Disorder."
"Hypo" means sub-par or under-performing.
"Tricho" means hair.
"sis" means a disease or disorder.
And thus, "hypotrichosis" just means thin eyelashes disorder. But it sounds really medicalized, doesn't it? Gee, if they use Latin, it must be a real disease, right? Just like osteoporosis (bones-with-holes-in-them disorder).
The drug (called "Latisse") is made by the same medical geniuses who brought us all Botox -- a drug made from deadly bacteria that are injected into your skin to paralyze your muscles into a state of wrinkle-free numbness. Is this really the best application of modern medical technology?
I'm just glad the FDA has its priorities straightened out. Let's see: We have drugs that stop wrinkles, drugs that reverse baldness, drugs that produce six-hour erections and probably even a drug that attacks bad breath that we haven't heard about yet. And now we can add to that list a new drug that treats thin eyelashes disorder.
Apparently, any biological feature or function that matters on a date gets top priority at the FDA. After all, if Americans had to date each other with thin eyelashes, bald heads, wrinkled faces and flaccid penises, nobody would ever reproduce and who, then, would the drug companies sell their next generation of drugs to?
Welcome to the world of chemically-enhanced dating, where you're never really sure if the person you're taking out on the town is really who they seem to be, or just a pharmaceuticalized augmentation of that person's secret cosmetic wish list.
"Hypo" means sub-par or under-performing.
"Tricho" means hair.
"sis" means a disease or disorder.
And thus, "hypotrichosis" just means thin eyelashes disorder. But it sounds really medicalized, doesn't it? Gee, if they use Latin, it must be a real disease, right? Just like osteoporosis (bones-with-holes-in-them disorder).
The drug (called "Latisse") is made by the same medical geniuses who brought us all Botox -- a drug made from deadly bacteria that are injected into your skin to paralyze your muscles into a state of wrinkle-free numbness. Is this really the best application of modern medical technology?
I'm just glad the FDA has its priorities straightened out. Let's see: We have drugs that stop wrinkles, drugs that reverse baldness, drugs that produce six-hour erections and probably even a drug that attacks bad breath that we haven't heard about yet. And now we can add to that list a new drug that treats thin eyelashes disorder.
Apparently, any biological feature or function that matters on a date gets top priority at the FDA. After all, if Americans had to date each other with thin eyelashes, bald heads, wrinkled faces and flaccid penises, nobody would ever reproduce and who, then, would the drug companies sell their next generation of drugs to?
Welcome to the world of chemically-enhanced dating, where you're never really sure if the person you're taking out on the town is really who they seem to be, or just a pharmaceuticalized augmentation of that person's secret cosmetic wish list.
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