.:: CybeleSays ::.

Meet M Lab. It Just Might Change Your Life

Here’s one making its US debut – Milbar Laboratories or M LAB. Hailing from the UK, this cosmeceutical line touts 45% to 70% clinically active ingredients in all of their anti-aging products. What does that mean? Well, the average luxury product line has anywhere from 10% to 20% active ingredients. Active ingredients are also called “performance” ingredients and these are the ones that do the work in a product (think worker-bees) to conquer whatever your concern is – increase firmness, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve texture, etc. Do the math and it almost sounds too good to be true. It reads quality but are the products really better than the ones you are probably using? I’ve been on the regime of the following for the past three weeks:

Anti-Aging Cleanser ($60/6oz)

Anti-Aging Toner ($60/6oz)

Anti-Aging Eye Cream ($170/.5oz)

Anti-Aging Treatment Cream ($260/2.4oz)

One thing I know for sure is the overall texture of my skin is fantastic. I didn’t know it was looking so sullen until now! As far as wrinkles, I thankfully don’t have many noticable ones but those I do have around my eyes definitely seemed smoothed out. So if you need a boost for your overall appearance, I can recommend these ones. On M Lab's website, they tell you what % of active ingredients each contain and I felt somewhat more educated about this cosmeceutical line after reading their material.

There are a few other face products in the line, a body cream and even a Travel Collection ($130/6-piece), which is a great way to try all the products without the huge $ commitment. I think we’ll be hearing more about this line in the coming months. All @ mlabonline.com

Take Lisa Hoffman On Vacation

I don’t have another trip planned until next month when me and the SO are driving to upper (no one calls it upstate, like New York…hmmmm) California to visit some friends. One I will be packing is LiSA HOFFMAN Spa Facial Packette ($35 @ lisahoffman.com). For some reason I just don’t feel like I am using the real thing if a product comes in a small bottle or container. Maybe these small ampoules are ok with me because I’ve seen the overall cool zip bag they came in? Or because each says Lisa Hoffman and the product name right on each and it’s not a peel and stick label? I don’t know but I like them. Each is airtight so the formula is guaranteed fresh when you open it. I’m not really green but I’m not really about travel sizes anymore because of the waste they leave behind so I had to question that aspect. The packaging is made with recycled materials.

So what do you get? All 10 of their face products! Here’s what you get:

• Anti-Aging Serum
• Clay Mask
• Exfoliating Cleanser
• Eye Treatment
• Hydrating Booster
• Hydrating Mask
• Lip Moisturizer
• Lip Polisher
• Moisture Seal Cream
• Purifying Toner

Each is .06oz in size and there’s a detailed insert explaining each of the products so while you have your Hydrating Mask on you can peruse the info. Such a great way to try out the line without committing to a full size.

Baby Love

People are really careful about what they put in their baby's body so doesn’t it make sense to pay attention to what you put on your baby's body? I was at the February Magic Show and the only booths that were busy were ones having to do with Organic and natural everything so hopefully this won’t just be a trend but rather a way of life. Here are two we recommend for the baby in your life.

I chose to feature Cleanse ($18/7oz @ babymoonbotanicals.com) from BABY MOON BOTANiCALS as the Johnson’s Baby Shampoo I grew up on is probably isn’t all that gentle. This is a cleansing mousse that keeps cradle cap, psoriasis and eczema at bay. It contains therapeutic-grade essential oils and is free of sulfates and parabens.
Crawling over to us from Australia, OTOPiA ORGANiCS is your answer if you are cautious about what products you put on their skin. Their Babymist Refresher Spray ($17.99/4.4oz @ cvs.com) is a calming floral water that contains Neroli, which, MaryAnn from Baby Moon Botanicals told me is good for insomnia. It also contains Hydrosols, which are one of the best forms of aromatherapy for babies. 

Mineral Cleansing

BARE ESCENTUALS’ new RareMinerals Renew & Reveal Facial Cleanser ($26/2.5oz @ sephora.com) reminds of that powdered soap dispensed in public bathrooms years ago. You’d add water to it and there was your soap to wash your hands, although I always thought it washed them quite poorly. Thankfully the only trait these two share is that they both come in the powder form. This RareMinerals Renew & Reveal Facial Cleanser is mineral-based and contains all things you like about your mineral makeup, like non-irritating chemicals and embraces the benefits of their RareMinerals face powder. I’m trying to get in the habit of looking up ingredients on the back of products to educate both of us, even though the long words and terms turn me off, so I wikipedia’d the first ten ingredients listed on the product and didn’t see anything bad. As with any skin product, if you react to some ingredients, it’s recommended you do a spot test.

A Brit Organic

Here’s a new line you probably haven’t heard of yet but with organic everything making headlines everywhere, this is one you should pay attention to. SOPHYTO is a Vegan line that comes to us from the UK and contains 95% certifiable organic ingredients. And it is the first professional line to receive the UK Soil Association certification, which has to do with using authentic organic formulas.

Unlike other skincare lines, these products are all water-based instead of oil-based, which definitely sounds better to me. Since preserving the formulas can be an issue when it comes to organic products, they have created to their own system that stabilizes it for up to three years. That’s pretty amazing.

They claim that each product is able to self adjust and handle a lot of different skin types and problems so you don’t need this one for that issue or that one for another. To me, that’s part of the confusion when looking at any line. The average person, me included, doesn’t really understand all that mumbo-jumbo.

Here’s what I tried and my thoughts:

Ultra Mild Silken Cleanser ($25/4.22oz) - this won’t strip the skin and it really removes makeup easily. Made for all skin types, even oily, and the cucumber and aloe smell is really pleasant.

Tone & Balance Super Bioactive ($25/8.45oz) – think toner. It’s also great for using after any kind of procedure like chemical peels or Microdermabrasion.
Mega Omegas Day Face Moisturiser ($38/1.35oz) – contains key fatty acids that are mucho skin beneficial: omega-3, omega-6, omega-9 and more. My skin really drank this cream in quickly. Read up more on this line @ sophytoorganics.com as there is a lot more to this line than when is written here. And why they put each products pH right on the box is pretty fascinating. 

High Performance Cleanser

Let me just state up front that I have a hard time using a little of anything. As in you only need a little bit because the product is concentrated. LA MER is hitting the scene with another new product and you guessed it – you only need a little. The Cleansing Foam ($65/4.2oz @ crèmedelamer.com) uses sea algae and special white pearl powder to gently cleanse and nourish the skin. I don’t think I have come across many cleansers that have left my skin really soft like this ones does. They usually leave me feeling tight and stretched. Ugh, I hate this feeling! This formula also contains their unique magnetized tourmaline and Deconstructed Waters to change the property of the water and make it work better with the cleanser. Big recommendation.

You Read It Here First ...

I have not seen this line anywhere else so I am guessing it is safe to say you are reading it here first! File this one is under the headline of “a totally fun product to use.” The N8B (pronounced Nate B) line has three products – 2GETHER, a men’s moisturizer and post-shave healer, 3SOME, a shaving foam/face cleanser/body wash for men, and our pick, Stick ($22/1.5oz @ n8b.com). It’s a unisex face wash that’s totally portable and the Clean scent smells divine. Inside the stick is aloe vera and algae extract, among others. The formula kind of looks like glycerin soap and you just wet your face, rub some of the hard stick over your skin and then use your fingertips to work up a light lather. This one will be great for my next trip. 

Facial Euphoria

We loved The Youth As We Know It Moisturizing Cream when it came out last year and yeah, they’ve expanded the collection! I don’t think much will get by when you have this 5some on hand from BLiSS.

First up, we got the creamy The Youth As We Know It Cleanser ($30/6.7oz) and the The Youth As We Know It Toner ($28/6.7oz). There’s been much debate on whether or not the skin even needs a toner. I vote yes as I’ve read a few places that it resets the pH of the skin. I really like this next product in the collection called The Youth As We Know It Concentrate: Age Control ($70/1oz). This serum claims to release moisturizers two different times in the day. Wow! I guess I have to believe them since I couldn’t see it on my skin but I know my face did not seem dried out when I went to wash it at bedtime.
Then there’s the The Youth As We Know It Eye Cream ($75/.5oz), if you need it, and rounding it all out, slather on that Moisturizing Cream ($79/1.7oz). They say that products in a collection are usually made to work with one another, so I would give a few of these a shot. All @ sephora.com

Somebody Get Me A Doctor!

Your skin is peeking out from behind the cold. PHiLOSPHY Winter Skincare Rescue Pack ($40 @ sephora.com) will wake sleeping skin and give it max hydration. This kit has some of my favorites from their line including the Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser (4oz) – this one is great for travel! When Hope Is Not Enough Replenishing Cream (1oz), Kiss Me Exfoliating Lip Scrub, Kiss Me Red Very Emollient Lip Balm.

We have a kit to giveaway! Simply email us the band that has a song with the same name as the title of this feature. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address or you won't be entered into this random drawing. Hurry, entries close one week from today at 12 noon PST! cybelesayscontest (at) gmail.com

Max Meds

I’ve been curious about this next line for quite some time and finally got the chance to try it out. We all know what great brands Sephora carries and this COSMEDiCiNE was created especially for the outlet. They claim to have the highest grade of ingredients just short of a prescription. The products also have what they call Instant Recognition Technology, which is a way for the ingredients to deeply penetrate the surface so they can do their thing.
One of the most interesting traits is one that the Medi-morphosis Self-Adjusting Exfoliator ($42/4.2oz). This face scrub is made with stop-action crystals that won't let you overdue it. That's a first!
And as with any line you want to try, if they have some kind of sample kit, I say go for it. This Spa-It-Yourself At Home Facial Kit ($95) contains nice sizes of all the essentials – The Facialist Deep Exfoliator (2oz), 1.35 oz Medi-Mask Intensive Clay Treatment (3.35oz), Hydra Stat Intensive Moisture Mask (2oz), Mega Dose Skin Fortifying Serum Ampoules (6 x 0.5 oz - these are my favorite items in the line), an adjustable white terry cloth head band, all packed in a white terry cloth travel pouch. All @ @ sephora.com

You Want the Best? You Got the Best…

There’s a new line on the horizon and we’re please to introduce you to it. If your skin seems to be extra sensitive, flaky, dry or red this time of year, then this line is for you. What sets this line apart from others? ATOPALM has a patented MLE technology, which helps restore the skins’ lipid layer that can be broken down in these colder months. Think of these as a toothpaste made for when your teeth are sensitive.

The 7-product line has ones for your face and body and they have a great kit with nice sized versions, which I always say is the only way to try any line. The Skin Repair Kit ($99 only @ skinstore.com), contains a Facial Foam Wash (5.06oz), MLE Cream (2.19oz), MLE Body Lotion (4.05oz) and MLE Face Cream (1.18oz). These are worth a try.

Know What You're Using

Here’s a first -- ORiGiNS is the first prestige line of hair and body products to put out a collection certified organic by the USDA National Organic Program. Each of the 9 products in the Origins Organics line declares how much of the product’s ingredients are organic, so for the most part, you know what you are getting. Hair and body never had it so good and I think this will be a trend for 2008. So choose from the Foaming Face Wash ($25/3.4oz) or the Cleansing Body Bar ($15/3.4oz) or some others. My other favorite has to be the Soothing Lip Balm ($15/.5oz). It’s 97% organic, fixes my dry lips and has a nice vanilla scent. All @ origins.com

Travel Friendly

I am really loving these BOOTS No7 Quick-Thinking 4-in1-Wipes ($6.99/30 pack @ target.com). I recently went on a motorcycle trip through Albuquerque and back to Los Angeles and these were my saving grace as I could only pack a backpack on the bike. Each thick wipe cleanses, tones, removes makeup and moisturizes. What does the work? The pro B5, natural witch hazel and fennel. Perfect for any traveling you have to do this season!

Total Skin Therapy

DERMAQUEST SKiN THERAPY is top quality! Sitting on the edge of the latest technology, this line uses top ingredients to fight the signs of aging. I absolutely need to rave about the Age Management products in their line. To try it out, the Age Management Kit ($124) is worth the trip. There are six products:

C-Lipoic Cleanser 2oz AM

Glyco Creamy Cleanser (15% ) 2oz PM

Peptide Mobilizer .5 oz AM/PM

C- Lipoic Antioxidant Serum .5oz AM

K-Q10 firming Cream .5oz PM

Solar Moisturizer SPF30 1oz AM
The synergy of this combination of products produces results. I would also add my favorite product to your regimen not included in the kit, the C-Lipoic Eye Therapy. This is a powerful eye cream you can use day and night $54/5oz. All @ skincarerx.com ~Lisa

Leave It To The Professionals

I have always thought that the MURAD line was a professional line but I took that back after I saw the new 4some of products that are only available through licensed skin care professionals. The goal of Murad Professional is to strengthen the skin’s immune system using the main ingredient Immuno-Skin Complex. Aging not only affects our body but our skin so these help to specifically target wrinkles, loss of elasticity and discolorations among others. 

Each also has aromatherapy benefits by including essential oils of orange, eucalyptus, fir needle and cedarwood.

Activating Cleansing Emulsion ($65/3.4oz)
Immuno-Skin Inhibitor ($150/1oz)
Daily Moisture Charge SPF 30 ($100/1.7oz)
Nightly Hydro-Lock ($120/1.7oz)

So if you’re serious about challenging your body’s internal clock, get over to muradprofessional.com

What Time Is It? It's 302

Taking their name from a newly discovered skin compound found in the rainforest, this next line is set to storm the industry. Each product in the 302 SKiNCARE line is based on Avocatin 302, a yellow liquid found only in the avocado and is proven to vastly improve the skin’s resilience. From face serums, to sun protection, to Rosacea and acne the line contains everything to boost every inch of the skin on your body. Standouts include 302 Drops ($50/1oz), 302 Normal/Dry Cleanser ($25/8oz), 302 Recovery Plus ($40/4oz) and 302 Body Moisturizer ($46/8oz). You can’t buy the products from the website as they feel there are too many factors that go into determining what will work for you so give ‘em a call! 800- 295-7839 and they will refund your money if, for any reason, you are not happy with your purchase. All @ 302skincare.com

Lisa's Lucky List

Everyone else does a Top Ten List, but since seven is my lucky number, I'm going to give you the 4-1-1 on seven great skin care products. These are the highlight products from several lines I have tried and wanted to share. They are in alpha order because I can’t choose one over the other and they’re all good! Here it goes:

1. BEYOND COASTAL SUN CARE – Must not forget sunscreen, even when the sun has gone behind the clouds. Daily Care SPF15 is chock full of green tea, yerba mate and lipoic acid ($14.50/4oz). And they don't forget about lips with their All Natural Lip Balm ($5/.25oz). The extra large tube provides an SPF of 15 with antioxidants galore and Shea butter. Both @ beyondcoastal.com
2. INSTiTUT ARNAUD's Youthful Radiance Serum gives a certain “glow” to your complexion, even without foundation! Skin appears to be firmer and lifted and the texture of the cream is like velvet. $30/1.02oz @ walgreens.com
3. Libertage Advance Jour Expression Line Corrector from L'BEL creates an intense patch-type effect to keep the skin in its relaxed state and to help control the appearance of wrinkles caused by constant facial muscular contraction. This is an intense gel with a double smoothing effect. Use this one in the AM. $37.50/1oz @ lbel.com
4. LUMEDiA Facial Brightener is 100% Hydroquinone-Free and brightens the skin helps you look younger and really enhances skin’s overall tone. Use twice a day to achieve optimum results. $90/3oz @ cosmeticmall.com
5. NiLAA SILK Eye Creme is just that, so silky! This one combines Indian Ayurvedic herbs and Turmeric spice for the creamiest treat for your eye area. It’s great alone or to wear over a specific eye treatment serum. This ancient Ayurvedic secret is comforting and immensely moisturizing to the eye area. $36/.85oz @ nilaasilk.com
6. PH ADVANTAGE – Rhydex-2 Wrinkle Relief Cream. Wrinkles don’t stand a chance with this one that is one Peptide packed cream. For fast acting and long term treatment of facial wrinkles, this one claims to increase elasticity, help rebuild collagen and creates an ultra hydrating moisture barrier. $75/oz @ phadvantage.com
7. SKiNDiNAViA Shine Reducing Cleanser has a remarkable time released system built in the formula to help regulate shine throughout the day and it kicks into overdrive in extreme humidity. This is a sulfate-free blend that oxygenates in about 20 seconds to lift dirt and keep your skin matte. This is a major find for oily skin types! $19/4oz @ skindinavia.com ~Lisa

Be All That You Can BE

I’ve been testing some great skin care lines from Australia and BECOME Age Resistant Skincare is another new favorite from the region. I tried three skin basics and one treatment and they all performed as promised. The Eye Cream is super hydrating and has a nice creamy texture, which I like for that dry area around my eyes ($39/.53oz). The Day Cream also has a creamy texture and is not heavy or greasy. I definitely feel my face is getting the protection it needs. It has a patented peptide blend that smoothes and firms. ($49/1.4oz). The Reveal Enzyme Peel ($49/1.8oz) is great for the face, but also works well as a nice treat for your hands. They need TLC too! A gentle peel exfoliates and aloe leaf juice soothes. This is not a harsh peel! Call 1-877-BECOME2 to get set up as a customer after you check them out @ becomebeauty.com ~Lisa

A Dream Accident

I didn’t realize how much I missed my ol’ basic face soap until I used the much talked about COR Silver Series Face Bar ($125/4.2oz and $14/sample size @ plankdesigns.com). Many years ago I started my face routine using Clinique’s Facial Soap (you can’t beat the price and it lasts really long) and since then have used I don’t know how many different cleansers. But in the end, the bar reigns! This one was discovered by accident and it does everything a good cleanser should. It’s made with silver (known for it’s anti-bacterial and healing qualities), four kinds of collagen, provides a SPF of 15 and a low pH level of 7.2 so it helps both sensitive types and those prone to acne. Why the high price tag? It claims the ingredients are tinier than average so they effectively sink into pores to do their work. I don’t know how that’s possible but I do know how my skin feels after I use it. Clean. Just plain clean, not stripped clean. Try the sample size to see how this works for your skin or just dive in with the big one as it should last you 6 to 9 months.

Get With the System

I love discovering new skin care systems and DR. LEWiNN’S PRiVATE FORMULA is rating at the top of my list this week. His research center chose Australia for testing because of the harsh climate. Subsequently this line was named the Top Performing Premium Skin Care brand in Australia for the last 8 years. 8 YEARS! Some of the cutting edge products I really enjoyed are: The Ultra R4 Recovery Masque ($55/3.5oz) stimulates natural production of collagen using patented peptides. I followed that with the Ultra R4 Rejuvenation Serum ($69/1oz), which enhances firmness and elasticity of the skin. The UltraR4 Eye Repair Cream ($65/1.8oz) has a “collagen” peptide that is considered to be an alternative to a collagen injection. At night, I top all this off with Ultra R4 Regenerative Night Cream ($75/1.7oz), which is designed to boost skin’s natural regeneration process. It also contains a unique extract of Resurrection Plant with scientifically proven ability to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dramatically improve skin’s moisture and texture. There are many other quality pieces in this great skin care system so give them a try. All @ drlewinns.com ~Lisa

Lighten Up, Francis!

It seems that summertime brings out the flaws in my skin. Or at least I notice them more in the summer. So now I have the power! CLARiNS new Bright Plus HP Collection is high-performance skin care in just four bottles. Patented ingredients help fade age spots, freckles and sun damage. Each product contains their exclusive HP Lock-Around System of vitamin C, Alchmilla (slows excessive transfer of melanin), and Birch (sooths skin irritation and redness), among others. Let these do the work for you:

Bright Plus HP Firming Brightening Serum - $60/1.06oz, Bright Plus HP Protective Brightening Day Lotion SPF 20 - $54/1.7oz, Bright Plus HP Protective Brightening Night Cream - $58/1.7oz, Bright Plus HP On-the –Spot Corrector - $31/.33oz All @ clarins.com

Juice Is Good for You In More Ways Than One

Even if JUiCE BEAUTY skincare wasn’t 95% certified organic or an extremely effective full service skincare line, I would go back to it time and time again just for the delicious fragrances of the products!
Make a special note of the soap-free Cleansing Milk ($22/6oz). Rich raspberry and white grape juice mixed with soothing Aloe vera and vitamins melt makeup off and gently cleanse.

My next nose/skin pick is the Antioxidant Serum ($45/2oz). It has a powerful blend of natural vitamin antioxidants to rejuvenate, help smooth fine lines and firm your skin. You can use it morning and night.

Their Green Apple Peel Sensitive ($39/2oz) gently exfoliates and brightens your skin with a hydroxy acid complex of certified organic apple, lemon, grape juices and raw cane sugar (excellent for sensitive skin!). MMMM yummy.
This is also an excellent line to get teens started on a good skincare regime. They will really dig the results and fresh fragrances! All @ juicebeauty.com ~Lisa

File This: The Most Unique Product EVER

The C.O. BiGELOW Peach Nut Oil Liquid Soap ($15 @ bigelowchemists.com) is an 18-in-1 soap not just for the shower. The formula doesn’t give a lot of lather and you have to use quite a bit to cleanser but that's not a problem since the bottle is a big 7.5oz. And the scent? A really light hint of peach that isn’t overpowering or un-natural smelling.

Here’s the interesting part - Not only can it be used for both the body and hair, but other parts as well. As in, other parts of the house! Straight from the label on the bottle, and I quote, “laundry, floor cleaning (floor cleaning??), jewelry cleaning, stovetops, car washing, boat washing, and the strangest one, surf board washing.

Now when anyone tries to tell me about a great all-in-one? I’ll just mention this one and case closed.

Easy As 1, 2, 3 … 4

Want to get a quick and dramatic turnaround for your aging skin? Radical Departure from AVA MD is the ticket. 4 products for 14 days and you will see results. In the morning and eves: Orange Calendula Wash for sulfate free cleansing and then spray the Anti-Oxidant Mist next to cool and soothe. In the morning only use the AHA & BHA Lotion to reduce the look of lines and to correct uneven pigment. And in the evening following cleansing and toning, use the Retinoid Serum, a powerhouse of ingredients to help with cell turnover and firmness. This kit makes it easy to dedicate yourself to an extreme makeover. They recommend you use this regimen for two weeks every three months for maintenance. And you might recognize Dr. Ava from a well-known TV show that does makeovers. $125 for 4 product kit @ avamd.com ~Lisa

Your Daily OILY Face

Gotta blemish or other unsightly existence on your face? ORGANiCS 101 wants to help. The line was created by a former ad exec/interior designer after a friend introduced her to Electrolyzed Oxidative water (Holy Water, as she calls it) and how it kept her skin acne free. She started the line based on it and the rest, as they say, is history.

Even as adults, we still can have issues so you need to get your skin on a daily regimin to help control oil. Start with their Corrective Cleanser ($24.50/7oz). This one won’t make your skin work overtime by stripping it dry. Next, spray on Steer Clear ($20/6oz) to reset the skin’s pH and add a protective barrier, as they call it. Lastly, apply their Break-Free ($24.50/2oz), which is their flare-up protection night cream, to rejuvenate and heal the skin. The line also offers a blemish dissolver, Spotless ($16.50/1oz), Dry-Cleaner ($22.50/4oz) and Fine-Tune ($33/4oz) face masks. If you want to be more green in everyday living, this is a start in the right direction. All @ organics101.com.

And kudos for such a pleasant and easy to navigate website!

Aroma Scrub

Anything from INGRiD MiLLET is first class in my book. A new staple for my shower is the Aroma Exfoliating Gel. Not only is this good for all skin types by being extremely gentle, but it smells like sweet pink grapefruit so it’s a treat for your senses as well as for your face. The pink buffing bead gel provides a mild but thorough exfoliat