Prostaglandins — they’ve been doing the info-mercial circuit lately, getting in their 15 minutes of lash blasting fame, and RapidLash Eyelash Renewal Serum ($50) is the product du jour!

RapidLash makes some very bold claims…

Potent Polypeptides help amplify the length, thickness and volume! Powerful Polypeptides provide effective protection against breakage and naturally support longer, stronger more voluminous lashes.


Vital proteins and vitamins help replenish and fortify! Panthenol and rich minerals join forces to help replenish and rejuvenate lashes with essential proteins and vitamins that provide strength, shine and enhance lashes.


Moisturizing and rejuvenating agents help add shine and flexibility! Unique moisturizing agents provide extreme hydration to lashes by locking in moisture while improving elasticity and durability.

The product contains bioengineered octa/copper/oligo peptides, an “effective combination of amino acids,” according to CEO Robert Trow, to help “amplify volume by strengthening and rejuvenating” lashes and brows, and isopropyl cloprostenate, a fatty acid (LOL!) derivative, to help “promote cell regeneration.”
(...)
Read the rest of New RapidLash Claims 4 Weeks to Longer Lashes and Thicker Brows (165 words)

© Karen for Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds, 2008. | Permalink | No comment |

TRIA Hair Removal Laser Finds Success as a Value Alternative. The most dynamic trend for the beauty industry in 2008 has been the emergence of at-home or do-it-yourself (DIY) tools — especially those that offer benefits previously only available at a doctor’s office. Although many devices concentrate on skincare solutions, a big success story has been the popularity of the at-home hair removal laser.

Historically one of the top cosmetic procedures for women, laser hair removal involves a series of treatments at a doctor’s office or spa over months. As many cosmetic dermatologists are seeing decreased patient traffic in a tough economy, consumers are looking for alternatives. TRIA Beauty ( www.triabeauty.com), the manufacturer of the first and only FDA-cleared laser for at-home hair removal, has noted a recent spike in sales that suggests more consumers are embracing the benefits of taking laser hair removal into their own hands.

“Sales of the TRIA Laser Hair Removal System have jumped +70 percent this past quarter as more consumers see the value of finally being able to treat unwanted hair at-home,” said Kevin Appelbaum, CEO of TRIA Beauty. “The advent of true in-home laser technology offers a cost-efficient way to achieve long-term hair removal at a fraction of the cost of professional treatments.”

The TRIA Laser Hair Removal System was developed by the same team of scientists that invented the professional technology back in 1993. And, it uses that same laser technology as those professional devices, which are still considered the gold-standard among dermatologists and plastic surgeons. Unlike low-powered hair removal devices that use flashlamp or broad-spectrum light to temporarily slow the re-growth of hair, TRIA is a true laser, harnessing sophisticated technology to remove hair and prevent it from growing back long term.

“Certainly, some consumers will prefer seeing a physician for laser hair removal,” said Appelbaum. “However, for many more consumers, TRIA Beauty offers an attractive alternative at a fraction of the cost. With full body procedures costing as much as $5,000, TRIA can provide the same benefits for $995.”

A recent increase in sales and consumer interest suggests consumers agree. Consumer interest in the TRIA laser is certainly high. Visits to the TRIA website increased over 200 percent over the past three months. The company plans significant expansion in new retail outlets next year and will add to their at-home device portfolio.

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Eden Home, the leader in natural luxury, today announced availability of its exclusive line of organic skincare products. The products, composed of the purest natural ingredients, are formulated to benefit all types of skin. Eden Home is an online organic emporium with products to enhance a natural and stylish lifestyle.

“Eden Home is excited to offer products that are good for the skin and a delight for the senses,” said Alexandra Smith, co-founder of Eden Home. “Our ‘Leaf of Approval’ ensures that our products are made from the most naturally pure ingredients available.”

The Eden Home skincare line includes products for complexions of all types:

Hydration for Dry Skin
Cucumber Cleansing Milk–enriched with shea butter and aloe to drench dry skin with moisture
Daily Repair Co-Enzyme Q10 Serum–an incredible serum delivering light moisture throughout the day
Nourishing Day Creme–moisture that doesn’t feel greasy
Nourishing Night Creme–nighttime replenishment for normal to dry skin

Pure Refreshment for Oily Skin
Cucumber Face Lotion–ideal for combination and normal to slightly oily skin types

Nourishment for All Skin Types
Premium Gel Cleanser–an incredibly invigorating fusion of organic fruit juice, chamomile and green tea
Co-Enzyme Q10 Eye Creme–appropriate for the most sensitive skin including contact lens wearers, this creme reduces fine lines and puffiness while helping to tighten and tone the delicate eye area with a specialized 100% natural bio peptide complex™ to help fade dark circles

Face “Candy”
Chocolate Macadamia Masque–this silky smooth masque redolent with the decadent scents of chocolate and vanilla, is a treat for skin and senses
Cranberry Whip Masque–bursting with vitamin C plus pomegranate and palm oils to hydrate parched skin
Raspberry Facial Peel–full of antioxidants, this creamy facial peel smells incredible, leaving skin youthful and radiant
Banana Facial Peel–a spa treatment at home with this naturally scented, extra-moisturizing creamy facial peel made with real organic bananas

The importance of knowing the ingredients in your skin care products and ensuring they are organic, natural and pure cannot be underestimated. Regulations and standards for manufacturing food and drugs in the United States are established by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). However, according to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, cosmetics are not subject to approval or testing by the FDA before entering the marketplace.

While the FDA does collect samples to examine and analyze and inspect manufacturing plants and imports, products that cause consumers adverse reactions are only followed-up based on complaints. In addition, according to the FDA, manufacturers are encouraged, but not required to register their cosmetic establishments, file data on ingredients, or report cosmetic-related injuries to the FDA. Harmful ingredients such as mercury, nitrosamines, DEA and other toxins are often used in the manufacturing process of skin care products and are absorbed easily by the skin and can eventually spread through the body.

Eden Home carefully selects its products to be organic and pure from start to finish. The Eden Home “Leaf of Approval” ensures that product manufacturing processes and ingredients have been investigated so that customers can purchase with peace of mind. Eden Home’s new skincare line helps achieve beautiful skin with peace of mind, knowing that only the finest and purest ingredients will be used.

To learn more, please visit www.EdenHome.com.

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Emeshel Adds the Art of Beauty to Its Existing Luxury Collection of Handcrafted Glassware, Jewelry and Sculptures for a Unique Gallery Exhibit During Art Basel Miami, December 1-7.

The renowned visionary artist, Emeshel, Europe’s leading designer and manufacturer of luxury crystal and glass sculptures, announces the U.S. launch of the Emeshel collection and the introduction of the first line of heavenly fragrances for men and women, available in December 2008.

Emeshel Beauty is an unprecedented new line of luxury fragrances featuring a collection of five women’s Eau de Toilettes under the title of NUBIA, named after the ancient state of northeast Arabia once occupied by the Egyptian kings. Also part of the newly launched Emeshel Beauty line is the company’s first cologne for men, RAJUL, named after the ancient Arabic word for “Man.” Each perfume is identified by its own color and unique scent and has been provocatively designed to resemble the human sexual organs, taking the art of perfumery to a whole new dimension of artful sensuality and symbolism. Emeshel Beauty is considered to be the first line of fragrances of its kind in the world.

Budapest native Emeshel, named after the company itself, is the brand’s award-winning designer and visionary mastermind who is spearheading the company’s U.S. launch by announcing Miami as the first market for its highly anticipated international expansion from Europe. Emeshel is known throughout the continent as the brainchild and infamous architect behind the design and creation of one of the world’s premium and most expensive collections in crystal and glass art. Located at its newly opened showroom and gallery in the heart of Miami’s Design District, the company displays its breathtaking set of glassware and signature collection of crystal sculptures for the home, individually designed by Emeshel and sculpted by the finest master craftsmen in Murano, Italy. Among the world class portfolio of luxurious treasures is an exquisite line of hand-made jewelry and accessories, also designed by the eye of Emeshel and developed to bring the entire luxury collection together as a new wave of contemporary art.

During the exclusive unveiling of the Emeshel Beauty line of fragrances in early December 2008, the company will also host a seven-day exhibit at the Emeshel Gallery, open from 10:00 am to 10:00 p.m. daily from December 1 through December 7 during the week of Art Basel Miami. The gallery will be open to the public with free admission. The Emeshel gallery will showcase the company’s entire collection, available for sale, during which visiting collectors and luxury art enthusiasts will have an opportunity to meet the empress of opulence herself on Tuesday, December 2 at the gallery located at 3930 NE 2nd Avenue in Miami’s Design District.

“As the gateway to the Americas, Miami is an ideal test market for the U.S. launch of our company,” says Sandy Marc Kertesz, CEO and President of Emeshel. “South Florida is the epitome of luxury and decadence with a rich history of classic style and sophisticated glamour. The brand essence of the Emeshel collection reflects the affluent lifestyles of our clientele. Crystal has a unique and timeless attraction. Miami has a unique and timeless elegance that perfectly compliments our entire product line.”

Manufactured in France, the first line of fragrances by Emeshel has been developed in collaboration with one of Europe’s finest award-winning perfumers. Based in Hungary, Zsolt Zolyomi is one of the few artists in perfumery to earn a certificate from the world-renowned School for Luxury Cosmetics Development in Versailles, France, founded by Jean-Paul Guerlain. Zolyomi graduated from the school’s international division and is currently considered one of the world’s leading creators of “haute couture” perfume today.

The newly launched Emeshel Beauty line features five luxury 3.4 oz fragrances for women, each with a recommended retail price of $125.00. The single fragrance for men, also 3.4 oz in volume, retails at $120.00.

Nubia Yellow brings together the scents of refreshing lemon juice, fresh citrus and limes with a fragrance combining oil of bergamot with sweet orange from Brazil. Nubia Red evokes the delicate aroma of a sensual Odalisque, with hints of tangerine, vanilla, blackcurrant and musk. Nubia Green portrays the bouquet of a newly mowed lawn, green leaves and an intensely crisp lemon combined with refreshing dew. Nubia Rose implies freshly brewed ice tea, oil of bergamot, grapefruit and orange — combining the aromatic fragrances of a modern-day metropolis with a metallic elegance. Nubia Violet brings the fresh, waggish notes of the fruit-bearing harvest, complete with ripe grapes, sun-kissed blackberries, mulberries and hints of green apple, peach and sea breeze.

The contrasting scent of Rajul for men tells the story of an aroma representing the power of the Grand Seigneur of Arabia. After reaching the coast from the desert at dawn and leaving the vast sand dunes of the cool Arabian night, you are touched by the fragrance of the wet wind and the endless water. This fragrance is powerful and energetic, with a delicate, sophisticated and mysteriously sexy allure. The bottle designed for Rajul is purposely shaped in the form of a man’s most intimate sexual organ, honoring the power and masculine virility of his royal Arabian highness.
Emeshel Beauty is the newest addition to the company’s existing Emeshel Home Collection, Emeshel Art Collection and Emeshel Love line of jewelry and accessories.

Emeshel Home Collection is the company’s original collection of award-winning crystal, known for its diamond-like purity, flawless finish and aesthetically artful design. The home collection includes a complete range of vases, bowls, crystal decanters, bottles and bottle holders, goblets, serving sets and glass sets. The Emeshel Home Collection also includes a series of collectibles such as figurines, flowers and unique ornamental artifacts. Every item is handcrafted from the world’s highest quality crystal using the traditional molten glass method. The signature collection is known for its traditionally polished patterns and Romanesque-like engravings. Items from the collection start from as low as $200.00.
Emeshel Art Collection is the company’s most prized anthology of handcrafted sculptures made from a combination of Emeshel’s signature lead crystal and Murano glass with an enrichment of 24 karat gold, sterling silver and other precious metals. These collective works of art is the trophy collection for Emeshel, exhibiting total commitment by the designer to authenticity and quality hand craftsmanship, captured in the brilliance of the glowing reds, emerald greens and effervescent blues displayed throughout the collection. Produced in Italy and with items ranging in price from between $3,000 to $50,000, the Emeshel Art Collection establishes a new fusion of aesthetics while pioneering this field of contemporary art.

The Emeshel Love line of jewelry features a number of wearable crystal accessories, including handmade necklaces, bracelets and earrings, of which select items are meticulously threaded with handcrafted Venetian-style pearls. Each item has been skillfully fashioned in Venice, Italy using a special glass melting technique that requires intense precision. Starting at $200.00 for a set of earrings, the contemporary jewelry line combines finely cut crystal with precious metals and gemstones, making for an impressive collection of aesthetic and richly hued masterpieces.

Emeshel’s immaculate collection of crystal and glass art, jewelry and accessories has been designed from her innate passion for crystal dating back to her early childhood days, growing up in eastern Europe around her parents’ own elaborate crystal collection. With her dedication to design, eye for extravagance and endless pursuit of excellence, Emeshel already has plans to expand upon her range of beauty products with the launch of her own skincare line in 2009 as well as an additional line of women’s accessories and footwear.

The Emeshel Beauty line of women’s fragrances are individually priced at $125.00 and are available from December 2008 online at www.Emeshel.com or through the Emeshel gallery located at 3930 NE 2nd Avenue in Miami’s Design District. The Men’s Eau de Toilette is available in January 2009 and is retailed at $120.00. Additional information on the entire Emeshel Beauty, Emeshel Home, Emeshel Art and Emeshel Love Collections can be found at www.Emeshel.com.

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WARNING: Korres Sugar & Spice Showergel Trios ($12) will test your will. If you get these intending to stuff them in stockings or to give them away as gifts, be warned — they smell great, and you might want to keep them for yourself.

It’s weird because these don’t look like much from the packaging — not like holiday or food-scented products. The nondescript packaging doesn’t convey the holidays or rich, authentic foody fragrances. You look at ‘em and think, “Meh,” but that only adds to the effect.

These are far more authentic and less synthetic fragrances than the typical sugary sweet pumpkin-spice-gingerbread scented concoctions you’ll find from other holiday lines.

• Hot Spiced Chocolate Like you’re waiting in line at a Starbucks and someone walks by with a grande dark chocolate and cinnamon latte. I WANT!
• Sugar Glazed Clementine Reminds me of fresh cut orange slices and brown sugar.
• Honey Spice Like warm honey cookies and roasted pecans. Mmm…

Each moisturizing gel creates lots of big, frothy bubbles and gets the job done in the shower, but the yummy fragrances are what really set them apart. The scents quickly fade and don’t really linger on the skin, so I’ll still use them with other scents or perfumes.

Scent is highly tied to memory, yo, and showering with one of these takes wash time to a whole new level.

Korres Natural Products Sugar & Spice Showergel Trio

Price: $12
Use: Fantastic scented bath gels to get into the holiday spirit
Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A+

TIP: Be careful when you pour from the bottles because the mouth is wide and pours like a gusher. It’s not hard to empty half a bottle in a couple seconds.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. TGIF! It’s a little after 8:30am out here in Florida. Do you know where your gators are?

© Karen for Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds, 2008. | Permalink | One comment |