.:: CybeleSays ::.

Honey, Honey Part II

HONEY facts:

• In order to produce 1 pound of honey, 2 million flowers must be visited.
• Honey is fat free, cholesterol free and sodium free.
• Not only is it quite soothing on minor burns, but can help combat infection and minimize scarring.

So using HONEY in beauty products seems like a natural fit, right? Here are some we love that love us right back in Part II of our on-going feature on products that exploit HONEY.

1. TOCCA Body Wash in Cleopatra ($19/8oz @ tocca.com)
2. AROMA M Geisha Blanche Eau de Parfum ($80/1.7oz @ luckyscent.com)
3. JUNE JACOBS Pore Refining Oatmeal Scrub ($38/3.7oz @ junejacobs.com)
4. THE BODY DELI Oatmeal and Honey Masque ($24/2oz @ thebodydeli.com)
5. LUSH Bath Bomb in Honey Bee ($6.15/6.3oz @ lush.com)

AMALA Shines In A Sea Of Confusion

Natural, organic, pure …what product doesn’t scream one of these on their label these days? Where does it stop? I recently tried a body scrub that smelled so good - the packaging was great and the company philosophy was about using natural aromatherapy ingredients and fine spices like “ground cinnamon” and “crushed cloves.” I was starting to write the scrub up when I looked at all the ingredients. Argh! White petroleum, Mineral Oil! How can a company’s mission be to “provide 100% safe, all natural elements” blah, blah, blah and then put those really bad ones inside? Don’t get me wrong, I have used products containing those ingredients and have no real issue with them. What I have a problem with is stating something and turning around and delivering another. So needless-to-say, my dander was up when I got to this AMALA skincare line. Let’s investigate, shall we?

The name is pronounced AMA-la, like Pamela without the P. They come to us from Germany and take their name from the Sanskrit word for “most pure.” Their products are certified organic by Ecocert (like our Natural Product Association but to the 10^th power. Ecocert doesn’t mess around). Phew, I’m calming down now. Amala believes in using whole plant ingredients and the products are 100% free of synthetics, chemical preservatives (expiration date stamped on the bottom of each box) and their line is the first to be formulated with exclusive organic emulsifiers. There’s really so much more to this line then what I have here so if you curious, you can read it on their site.

Onto the products – they come in three categories: Purify, Hydrate and Rejuvenate, depending on your skin’s needs. For the face, there’s Cleansers, Toners, Moisturizers, Mattifiers, Eye Treatments, and Yogurt Masks in each collection to name a few. Right now, the Purifying line is the only one available to purchase on their site with the other two rolling out September 1^st. They even have products for the body, one of which was my favorite out of the few I tried. The Detoxify Body Butter ($27/1.7oz) was really nice feeling but I wasn’t too wild about the earthy-crunchy scent. I was able to overlook it, as it didn’t linger. My skin didn’t feel greasy at all, just soft and hydrated, which must be due to the fig and olive oil. I even gave it the ultimate test by shoving my arm in front of the SO to touch. He also approved. 

As with any “natural” line, especially this proven one, spot testing is recommended – just because it’s natural or plant-based doesn’t mean it’s gentle. All @ amalabeauty.com

Mask O’ the Month

Last fall, KANEBO came out with the Sensai Cellular Performance Lifting Series. Not only does this brand have quite the cult following, but I’m sure this full anti-aging line will soon too. My first pick of the litter is the Sensai Cellular Performing Lifting Mask ($180 @ kanebo.com for a location near you). If you read this site regularly, you know we love a good mask and this one doesn’t disappoint and it’s a fun one to use since it peels off. No mess! Step one consists of spreading a smooth layer (only 3 or so pumps) of the Lifting Concentrate (.68oz) onto the skin. If contains highly concentrated Natural Musculifter, which is a natural yeast-derivative called Biodyne. Translation: it improves the texture and claims to energize muscle cells, whatever that means. I understand this next second step better. The Lifting Peel-Off Mask (1.7oz) reacts with the concentrate to help the skin absorb the nutrients and exfoliate the surface. I feel like a commercial here but it really did improve the overall texture, tone, and moisture level on my face. My skin was very smooth and did not feel at all tight.
The overall process takes about 26 minutes (25 on the face and 1 to apply) and it was the best 26 minutes I spent on my skin all weekend.

Mask O' the Month

We introduced you to the NUDE line back in January and I finally had a chance to try the Miracle Mask ($70/1.4oz @ barneys.com). Let me say first that just because this product is made with mostly natural ingredients, that doesn’t mean it is gentle. So with that said, if you have sensitive skin, you may want to forgo this one as it’s not recommended for you.

This Nude line uses a lot of alternatives to harsh chemicals and this one is your answer to that dull winter complexion. It uses natural AHAs and mandarin extract to exfoliate and red ginseng to smooth your skin out and boost up the appearance.
The only thing I don’t like about the product line is the label. Once you peel it off to open the product up, there goes all the info on the product and you are just left with the blank container. Just a suggestion, Nude!

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

Mask O’ the Month

We’re always so head over heels with SHiSEiDO’s cosmetics that we have not really devoted the time to their skin care line, until now. Their White Lucent Intensive Brightening Mask ($66/6sheets @ sephora.com) seems especially made for this time of year. Not only do these somewhat Friday the 13th looking sheets hydrate but they also claim to penetrate deep enough to fade pigment spots in the skin. From what I read, it just says that it fades them; it doesn’t get rid of them altogether. To what degree are they washed out? No concrete evidence on that or from what my naked eye could see in trying them out. I don’t think using one of these masks for 10-minutes a week for 6-weeks would be powerful enough to rid the skin of them anyway.

If you are looking for a refreshing boost to your sallow skin this season, this is a good one to use. It uses a Multi-Target Vitamin C, Spot Deacti-Complex, and Asian plant extracts that Shiseido developed especially for this line of White Lucent products and these really seemed to plump up my skin.

Mask O' the Month

I got so much more than I ever dreamed I would the first time I tried this is a super star at home mask. MALiN + GOETZ new Detox Face Mask ($38/4oz @ malinandgoetz.com) not only produced timely results but the smell of the natural almond extract calmed me immediately. The thick formula feels good going on the skin and afterwards it felt firmer, smoother, lifted and plumper! Amino acid hydration technology (their description) translates to adding stable vitamin c, vitamin e and soy protein to address concerns for aging. Oxygenation cleansing agents deep pore cleanse and lift out all the impurities. There is zero irritation and it is safe for all skin types. You really need to get this one! ~Lisa

Scrub-A-Dub, Two-In-Da-Tub

There’s nothing better than a good quality face treatments, especially this time of year. Based on the most powerful antioxidant our there, these two grapeseed-based products from CALiFORNiA NORTH’s Appellation Spa collection give you two ways to deep cleaning using this ingredient.

Have a little extra time on your hands? Appellation Grapeseed Clay Facial Mask ($26.50/4oz) is a nice one to wear while in the tub. It firms, detoxifies and unclogs pores using crushed grape seeds.

Need a quick skin pick-me-up? Appellation Grapeseed Scrub ($24.50/8oz) uses round beads to slough away dead skin on the face and then provides nourishment the willowbark, vitamin E and C.
Both are pH balanced and available @ appellation.cc

Fall Color Pick - Mossy Green

I consider greens, as in mossy greens, a very neutral color. They are so earthy, warm and natural that they could take the place of nudes in most cases. Olive, tarragon, and the creatively named products below, all make up our 2^nd Fall Color Pick, Mossy Green.
The way I’m thinking about this piece is if I were to paint a picture of moss using different shades and textures, which ones would I use? Here are our picks to make up our portrait:

1. PORTiCO SPA Clarifying Shampoo $14/6.7oz @ porticospa.com
2. L’OREAL H.I.P. Pure Pigment Shadow Stick in Mesmerizing $9.99 @ walgreens.com
3. PUR MiNERALS Pur Colour Shadow in True Emerald $12 @ purminerals.com
4. URBAN DECAY Smokeout Blending Eye Pencil in Green Goddess $14 @ beauty.com
5. ORLY Nail Lacquer in Green With Envy $3.19 @ head2toebeauty.com
6. CREATiVE SPA Sea Rocks Soak $12/5oz @ prettylikeme.com
7. THE BODY SHOP Shimmer Smudger in Slate Green $13.50 @ thebodyshop.com
8. ASTARA Green Papaya Nutrient Mask $39/2.2oz @ beauty.com
9. BECCA Line + Illuminate Pencil in Fiji $22 @ bergdorfgoodman.com
10. LORAC Front of the Line Waterproof Eyeliner in Green $20 @ sephora.com
11. URBAN APOTHECARY Mineral Shadow in Citrine $10 @ urbanapothecary.com
12. SiSLEY Phyto-Ombre Eclat Long Lasting Eye Shadow in Anis $40 @ sisley-cosmetics.com
13. DiORkiss in Granny Smith 308 $19 @ sephora.com
14. SONiA KASHUK Eye Definer and Eye Smudger in Olive Suede $5.99 @ Target stores
15. PRESCRiPTiVES Colorscope Creamy Eye Color in Jungle $18 @ prescriptives.com
16. GiELLA Nail Polish in Cat’s Eye $25 @ giella.com
17. MiSTRAL Bath Salts in South Seas $5.50/2.1oz @ mistralsoap.com
18. H2O+ SPA Exfoliating Sea Marine Body Wash $18/8oz @ h2oplus.com
19. TARTE Eyeshadow in Peyton Place $17 @ tartecosmetics.com

Skincare 101

The TESS line conducted research with hundreds of teens and their mothers to find out what teens wanted and needed in a skincare product line. And what they came out with is a full range of products that address every need. But heh, some of them are good for us gals in the next generation too. I love to try masks on the weekends and these two next TESS masks were absolutely great for my skin. Mask O’ the Month? I think so. And right now you can purchase an unbelievable deal and get two for $20! The Go Undercover Strawberry Soothing Face Mask feels cooling and hydrating on the skin and You can even leave it on overnight! The Magic Mud Mask Eucalyptus Face Mask absorbs oil and purifies but it doesn’t leave your face feeling dried out like some made of mud can. As a matter of face, my face felt as soft as it did after using the Go Undercover Mask. Why should teens have all the fun?? $20 for both 4oz masks @ tessskin.com ~Lisa

A Homeopathic Delight

Any beauty product with the word honey in the title gets my immediate attention. I just love what honey does for my skin. The Greek company, KORRES, was an early one on the market that endorsed the all-natural way. 1996 to be exact and they have grown to 150 products strong. None of the products contain mineral oils, silicones, or propylene glycol. They spend a little more for quality natural ingredients but the costs are pretty reasonable in comparison. Two new additions to the line are the Thyme Honey Cream ($26.50/1.35oz) and Thyme Honey Mask ($29.50/1.35oz). Thyme honey is one of the best qualities of honey available in Greece and contains a lot of antioxidants. This ingredient ensures maximum moisture and these are both made for normal to dry skin. Both @ sephora.com

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!

Mask O' the Month

This at home treatment mask is also easily portable to take on trips. TAHiTiAN NONi TePoema Pore Refining Mud Mask comes in a canister with 8 single use packets for a refreshing treat to help prevent blackheads and clear up troubled skin. They use Tahitian volcanic black sand and natural earth clays to draw out impurities. Spread it all over your face and neck and relax for 10-12 minutes while it completely dries, and then rinse off. You can use this once per week, or more if necessary. $40/8 packets @ tahitiannoni.com ~Lisa

Scrub and Go!

Do your daily face exfoliation in the shower with the newest item in PHiLOSOPHY’s microdelivery peel family. When you combine the Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash and the Microdelivery Peel Exfoliating Cloths, you can shower while you deep clean your face. The Clothes are kind of a souped up delivery system for delivering the Wash. To use, wet the cloth and pour a small amount on it and work it into a slightly damp face and massage for 30-60 seconds. This is not for the faint of heart as far as exfoliating goes. This is a super power scrub with ingredients like borage seed oil to help lock in moisture, and a form of vitamin E to help protect against environmental stress. It also contains Panthenol to soothe and act as a humectants and diatomaceous earth (finely grained powder) to naturally exfoliate the skin. You can also use the cloths with their Purity Made Simple on the days you don’t want to have the full exfoliation. Perfectly polished with Philosophy. Wash: $25/8oz,Cloths - $15/20 cloths @ sephora.com ~Lisa