Hey honey, fall is in the air and it’s the perfect time to rethink skin care routines. While we were playing in the sunshine (wearing sunblock of course) the scientists at Guerlain were buzzing about their labs and creating the new Abeille Royale Serum. Its key ingredient is honey, actually many varieties of the best ones from New Zealand along with Royal Jelly from France. Honey, well known for its healing properties is even used for healing wounds in traditional medicine practices. The Abeille Royal Serum is composed of a pure royal concentrate which stimulates the healing process and repairs the micro-damage done to our skin that forms wrinkles. After using the serum for a month my skin looks smoother and plumper, and it’s become a daytime and nighttime addiction for me!

Available:www. Nordstrom.com and Nordstrom stores

It’s black as onyx and makes my skin clear and bright. The new Boscia Luminizing Black Mask is a combination of pine bark extract, an antioxidant, Vitamin C – and we all know how good that is – along with Montmorillonite Clay which exfoliates, soaks up excess oil and dirt, and finally, extracts of rosemary and eucalyptus which are anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. Spread the black gel all over your face, avoiding eye area and hairline and wait about 20 minutes. Then, my favorite part…..peel off! It peels off easily, removing dead skin cells and revealing skin that is clearer looking and more radiant.

Available: Sephora stores and http://www.Sephora.com

Put your best foot forward! As we get ready to leave sandal weather and head for the boot brigade, our feet will start needing a different kind of TLC. Our focus on what color to paint our toes wanes, while paying attention to keeping feet soft, and making sure we don’t get those…ugh…ugly cracked heels becomes more important. To the rescue is Votre Vu Trés Magni-feet Traitement Exfoliant pour les Pieds as well as Votre Vu Tres Magni-feet Crème pour les Pieds. Start with the exfoliating scrub which, along with the gritty bits, contains peppermint oil which not only smells nice, but has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Other ingredients include products which are anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and moisturizing. After I washed off the exfoliating cream I applied the rich foot cream which contains shea butter, arnica extract, verbena oil, menthol and geranium oil. My feet were as soft as baby skin. This two part foot regime will keep those tootsies smooth, lovely and ready for a fabulous fall kick-off!

From Amy, our fabulous Beauty Editor, comes this review: Skyn Iceland Pure Cloud Cleanser is quite possibly the richest and creamiest cleanser I’ve ever used on my face. It doesn’t foam, and a dime-sized dollop of this heavenly stuff is more than enough to remove even the toughest, long wear formula makeup. Despite its thick texture, the lather transforms into a fluffy cloud, as its name suggests… as long as you dispense the correct amount. When used with the accompanying muslin cloth, Pure Cloud Cleanser turns into an at-home spa experience. I could feel the circulation in my face increase when using the cloth and cleanser in concert. Pure Cloud Cleanser is also loaded with moisturizers like shea and cocoa butters, so skin won’t feel tight, post-rinse. The grime of the day, the too-hot office climate and the dry, crisp Fall air will all be rinsed away with a drop of this dream cream cleanser.

Available: http://www.SkynIceland.com or Sephora locations.

Full disclosure: I haven’t always been as particular about my sunscreen usage as I am about my highlights or wardrobe. I know there are plenty of you in my shoes who feel a little guilty about soaking up some rays to darken your skin tone. But it’s time to stop ignoring that nagging voice in the back of your mind and start protecting yourself. Consider this a self-defense class for your skin.

Let’s start with the ABCs of ultraviolet radiation—with a little help from the Skin Cancer Foundation – so we know what we’re fighting and why. UVA rays cause long-term damage like premature aging and wrinkles. UVB rays are the ones that give us sunburns and cause immediate visible damage. And, finally, UVC rays can’t break through the Earth’s atmosphere, so we don’t have to worry about those (but something had to be the “C” in ABCs).

Both UVA and UVB rays cause skin cancer—the most common cancer in the United States. Every year there are more new people diagnosed with skin cancer than breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancers combined. Yikes! That’s a powerful statistic. The Skin Cancer Foundation also reports that the previously held belief that most of our UV ray exposure happens before the age of 18 is untrue. So, don’t think you can feel better about tanning just because you’re an adult.

Okay, scary stuff is out of the way, now’s it’s time to learn some defense techniques against these UV rays. The no-brainer: sunscreen and sunblock. I enlisted the help of certified pharmacist and proprietor of C.O. Bigelow Apothecary, Ian Ginsberg, to help explain the difference. Sunscreens are the chemical blockers, which have organic materials that absorb UV rays before they can damage the skin. Sunblocks, on the other hand, physically block the UV rays with inorganic ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These metals sit on the skin and deflect and scatter UV rays.

Another little tidbit to keep in mind: SPF only refers to the product’s ability to block UVB rays. We currently have no system to measure the ability of a product to block UVA rays, but watch for something soon. That being said, it’s important to look for products that offer “broad spectrum” protection, which means they protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply a shot-glass full of product every two hours and you should be set!

Now for the fun part:

Your best face forward…

Perfect for on-the-go, the Surf-Vival SPF 30+ Face Stick fits in your purse and is easy to reapply: just open cap and rub on. Better yet, it’s organic and made in the USA. Another pint-sized face product at 1.2 oz, the new Shiseido Ultimate Protection Cream SPF 55 is allowed in your carry-on to keep you uber-protected anytime anywhere.

Sufr-Vival available: Kailani Beach on Long Island and http://www.smartgirlswhosurf.com;
Shiseido available: Saks Fifth Avenue and http://www.sephora.com

To risk stating the obvious, protect all of your face. La Roche-Posay’s Hydraphase UV Eyes SPF 29 is specifically designed for that delicate eye area. It’ll even help reduce bags and puffiness. And for the lips, Watch Your Mouth lip balm from True Blue Spa goes on easily and offers a whopping SPF 45.

Available: Drugstores and http://www.larocheposay.us
Bath and Body Works and http://www.bathandbodyworks.com

Body double…

These broad spectrum sunscreens are on double duty. Anthelios 60 Melt-in Sunscreen Milk and emerginC SPF 30+ are loaded with antioxidants to give your skin cells an extra boost in their fight against the elements. Elemental Herbs Sunscreen Sport is too, but with an eco-friendly twist: it’s all natural and biodegradable. One last plus for each—no scent and zero residue means they’ll blend seamlessly with your daily attire.

Available: Drugstores and http://www.larocheposay.us, http://www.emerginc.com, http://www.elementalherbs.com

A sensitive side…

For something extra gentle, Coppertone’s Sensitive Skin with SPF 50 for face and body has no alcohols, dyes, or oils. Proven effective, even for rosacea, you won’t notice you have it on. And from abroad, Sothys Paris Sun-Sensitive Areas Care is hypoallergenic and formulated especially for sensitive skin. It works well on face and body.

Coppertone: Drugstores and http://www.drugstore.com;

Sothys: Sothys Institute, New York and http://www.skin-one.com

Alternative appliqués…

It’s true…sunscreen can actually be fun to put on! Or at the very least, effortless. Clinique SPF 25 Body Spray is in an aerosol can that mists SPF goodness on in seconds. And the Desert Essence Sunscreen Towelettes actually smell like you sometimes wish all sunscreens still did…the beach. Both products dry quickly and leave no mess.

Clinique: Bloomingdale’s and http://www.clinique.com;
Dessert Essence: Whole Foods and http://www.desertessence.com

A personal fave…

Renée Rouleau’s Daily Protection SPF 30 glides on so smoothly, I can’t get enough. It’s extra-light and has a faint scent that doesn’t interfere with perfume. Is a great sunscreen the key to true happiness? I can’t tell for sure.

Available: http://www.reneerouleau.com

For further steps in your fight against the sun: wear sunglasses with UV polarization—most are, but make sure they’re marked as such. Oh and skip those sunglasses with the mirrored lenses, not only do you not look cool, but they reflect the rays onto the nose causing skin cancer in that spot on those that wear them consistently. Stay out of the sun when possible between 10:00AM and 4:00PM, wear big hats and protective clothing. Many stores now even offer clothing with SPF protection. (I know you knew all this, but I’m just doing my due diligence.)

Alright, that concludes the self-defense class for your skin! Now get out there and make me proud. Enjoy the sun…safely.

Exhausted from a day of running around from appointment to appointment, we were in desperate need of a little TLC, so we headed to Bellacures in Brentwood – the newly-opened second location of the posh Beverly Hills mani/pedi salon. Plush chairs and stacks of magazines greeted us on arrival, along with a wide variety of OPI and Essie nail polishes to choose from.

Bellacures is located on a charming street in the center of Brentwood, and offers an amazing assortment of treatments, including an Exfoliating Walnut Mani, a Sea Salt Scrub Pedi, a Microderm Mania Pedi and more to take care of hands and feet.

To treat our worn-out tootsies, we decided on the Softer Soles Pedi: A combination of the sea salt scrub, clay foot mask and moisturizing hot towel wrap. Our feet were gently exfoliated, and all the stress of the day melted away as soon as the hot towel wrap touched our toes. We chose a pale shade of pink that looked perfect peeking out of our open-toe strappy springtime sandals!

The pedicure was decadent and left our feet feeling soft, rejuvenated and ready to take on our next LA adventure.

Bellacures also offers mani/pedi parties for groups of five or more, and there is free parking (up to two hours) in the Virginia parking lot, just north of the post office.

Bellacures Brentwood
11712 Barrington Court
Brentwood
310-295-0016
http://www.bellacures.com

The Ginger Rub Bliss Los Angeles

The 135-minute Ginger Rub at Bliss in the W hotel Westwood rings in the season with a warming wrap and detoxification. Freshly grated ginger root and warm essential oils are scrubbed on briskly from head to toe, followed by a warming foil wrap, 20-minute soak and 100 heavenly minutes of body-melting massage.

Bliss Los Angeles
930 Hilgard Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90024
877-862-5477

LaLicious Brown Sugar & Vanilla Soufflé Scrub

We love this natural body scrub!
Made with coconut oil that absorbs quickly into your skin, pure cane sugar crystals to exfoliate dead skin cells and sweet almond and Vitamin E oils to condition, and moisturize. Just pat dry out of the shower. No lotion to follow needed. Skin is left smooth and intoxicatingly sweet all day long.

Available at http://www.lalicious.com or Fred Segal Santa Monica.

Éminence Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel

Although not a new product, this scrub is legendary in the skincare industry. Amazing scent aside, this peel expertly exfoliates, hydrates and plumps, stimulating collagen and creating an even skin tone. The all-natural formula features organically grown ingredients that enrich the skin with essential vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants.

NOTE: This enzyme peel is potent – made with Eminence’s Biocomplex blend of vitamins A, Ester-C and E, Coenzyme Q10 and Alpha Lipoic Acid. Apply moderately, leave on for 10 minutes and make sure to follow with a deactivating toner (e.g. Eminence’s Soothing Chamomile Tonique).

Available at http://www.dermstore.com or fine Los Angeles boutiques.

Advanced Body Sugaring at Studio Alexandria∙LA is the latest craze to hit the west coast. It’s actually an ancient Egyptian practice that “Sugar Queen” Lina Kennedy has perfected and brought to new enthusiasts, who are now driving in from all over California.

What is Body Sugaring?
Body Sugaring is a safe, gentle and effective solution to hair removal. Sugar paste is rolled onto the skin and then flicked off in the same direction as the growth, removing the hair from the root – so re-growth is slower, finer and lighter in color.

Unlike waxing, sugaring is most effective earlier in the hair growth phase. The most important advantage of the Alexandria technique and sugar paste is that it eliminates breakage, unnecessary discomfort, irritation and ingrown hairs while exfoliating dry skin cells away.

The sugar paste used at Studio Alexandria∙LA is based upon an old Egyptian recipe. It’s 100% natural, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic – and from what they tell us: actually edible. We took their word for it.

Since sugar is one of our favorite exfoliants anyway, we figured we couldn’t go wrong. And, we didn’t. Not only were we smooth and fuzz-free, but it felt like we also got a scrub to boot.

Studio Alexandria LA
11740 San Vicente Blvd., Suite 105
Brentwood, 90049
310.492.5070
http://www.studioalexandriala.com/

On a personal note, as of a few months ago I was losing all hope that my complexion would ever look clear again. After years of visiting numerous doctors and spending countless amounts of money on products promising to be “the cure,” I was about to accept a life sentence of living with acne. The same day a friend recommended I pay Dr. John Shieh at RejuvaYou a visit. She had been going to him for about a month and her skin looked fantastic.

Now two months later, my breakouts are few and far between and on a daily basis I get compliments on how much clearer and tighter my skin looks.

Dr. Shieh is a leading expert in his industry with doctors from all over the country traveling to his facility to learn about the latest and greatest in laser and anti-aging treatments. His philosophy is the optimal YOU – approaching the patient as a whole, from the inside out. From the minute you walk into RejuvaYou, you are greeted by a warm and knowledgeable staff. The facility is sleek, modern and very relaxing. To calm any nerves, a technician walks you through the treatment, lets you know exactly what to expect and applies a topical numbing cream to make you even more comfortable.

To help with my acne, Dr. Shieh performed the first step of the Triniti skin series which focuses on blemishes and the under layer of your skin where the oil production is. Think Kris Jenner of Keeping up with the Kardashians – In one episode Dr. Shieh gives Kris a mini non-surgical face lift with this exact machine. Rejuvayou is one of the nation’s only facilities to use the Trinity- a blessing for anyone who lives in the Los Angeles area!

The Triniti Skin Rejuvenation treatment is suitable for anyone seeking relief from blemishes, laxity, and wrinkles. The new treatment consists of a brightly pulsed light that feels like little rubber bands snapping on your skin.

I conclude that the minimal amount of pain you might experience for 30 minutes during the treatment is well worth the amazing outcome you’ll see after just one treatment at RejuvaYou. Dr. Shieh has truly given me hope in a way that no other doctor has – plus I’m already saving money on heavy foundations and cover-up. Bonus!

No matter how much we hide beneath the 30 SPF and floppy hats, you’d be hard pressed to find an Angeleno who didn’t appreciate a healthy glow this time of year.

At BNLA, there has yet to be a self-tanner that we’ve all agreed on – until now. We are unanimously thrilled with our golden brown limbs, thanks to the new St. Tropez Self Tan and Everyday/Gradual Tan collection.

There’s an Everyday/Gradual Tan for Face, as well as for body, plus a Self Tanning Bronzing Spray. All are formulated with their Aromaguard™ technology, which removes the usual indicative aromas of tanning, leaves only a light fresh scent and streak-free color.

There’s also a new St. Tropez cosmetics line, consisting of Bronzing Rocks, Radiance Mousse and Bronzing Powder. You only need a little swipe of each. We like the rocks – and the mousse is pretty blended into tinted moisturizer or foundation.

Check them all out at http://www.sttropeztan.com or Kinara Spa on Robertson in Los Angeles.

West coast seasons change more than people think. There’s a pretty big difference between the moisturizers we need in January and the ones that work for July.

Being that July is here, it’s time to discuss. For those of us who want the SPF protection and armor against aging, it can be hard to find products that won’t sweat off within the first hour of a BBQ.

To be fair, a few of the below suggestions had some close competition, but overall these scored highest on our “BNLA’s Best Ways to Face L.A.” summertime poll…

BEST DAY CREAM:

Zelens Skin Science Cellular DNA Protection Day Cream, SPF 15
Only a little dab is needed of this potent day cream. We love how it absorbs and protects against the UVA/UVB rays out here. It evens out our skin, provides a clean brightened slate for makeup. Pick it up at Space.NK in Bloomingdales Century City or http://www.blissworld.com.

BEST NECK/DECOLLETE CREAM:

Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle® Neck
Even though the fresh fragrance was popular, it was the quick-absorbing, light-weight feel of this formulation that put it over the top for us. Wearing a lot of white in summer can cause women to be weary of décolleté creams and those dreaded seat belt cleavage marks. Un-Wrinkle Neck targets the delicate skin where we’re most susceptible to sun damage and “crepe paper” texture, leaving skin smooth & toned. Available at Larchmont Beauty Center in Los Angeles or http://www.peterthomasroth.com.

BEST MIRACLE NIGHT CREAM:

ReVive Sensitif Cellular Repair Cream
This might be intended for daytime, as there’s an SPF 15 infused, but we like it for nighttime. It’s said to be “the most effective reparative cream available for fragile and dry skin.” It’s perfect on delicate skin and if used post-operatively or on recently lasered/chemically peeled skin, it helps the healing process up to 40% faster. Within weeks, we saw younger brighter skin blooming. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Beverly Hills Hills or http://www.saksfifthavenue.com.

BEST EYE CREAM:

Top Ten Eye by Natura Bissé
No matter what season it is, we always need effective eye cream in our beauty arsenal. Top Ten is made with Natural Elastin Amino Acids and Mucopolysaccharides to restore elasticity, reduce moisture loss and promote deep hydration. Great for any skin type, day or night. For more serious dark circles and puffiness, try Natura Bisse’s Diamond Bio-Life Eye Contour Cream. Sold at Barneys in Beverly Hills or http://www.barneys.com.

BEST TREATMENT FOR LIP LINES:

ReVive Lip & Perioral Renewal Cream
We tried not to include multiple products from the same brand, but this product is just too good not to pay our homage. A small drop of this cream blended into and around lips at night is remarkable for repairing irritations and diminishing those fine vertical wrinkles. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Beverly Hills.

BEST FACE SCRUB:

ExfoliKate Gentle
Kate Somerville’s scrub works gently but effectively on all skin types. It doesn’t leave our faces dry afterward or cause irritation. Cellular turnover is accelerated with Retrinyl Palmitate, leaving us looking radiant and ready to moisturize. Available at Nordstrom in The Grove, Los Angeles or http://www.katesomervile.com.

BEST ACNE SPOT TREATMENT:

iQ Derma’s Acne Spot Treatment lotion from the Clear Remedy collection
In every summer, a little zit must fall. For a targeted quick-fix, this Spot Treatment uses concentrated Benzoyl Peroxide and fruit acids to zero in on blemishes and accelerate healing. Spread a thin layer on 1 to 3 times daily for quick relief. Small enough to keep in your purse, pick up a tube at http://www.dermstore.com.

BEST HAND REVIVAL:

ZO Skin Health Oraser™ Microderm Hand Renewal
Formulated with shea and mango butter, sugar crystals, retinol and salicylic acid, this hand exfoliator quenches hands and returns them to a younger time. Just warm a dollop between palms to melt the shea butter, then scrub over hands, fingers and wrists for 30 seconds. Let it absorb for a minute – then rinse, pat dry and admire your healthy, conditioned hands. Available at Nordstrom in West Los Angeles.

Nothing brings back memories like the smell of summer, and Bobbi Brown Beach Body Scrub has captured the essence of the season in a softening body treatment. The pumice particles will slough away the top layer of dead cells so the citrus, an industry-standard when it comes to fighting free radicals, can go to work to restore your sun-kissed skin. Also a requisite for any pre-self-tanning treatment. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Beverly Hills, or http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com.

This spot-on, spotless bronzer won’t leave you wanting more. Guerlain Terracotta Spray SPF 10 covers the bases and protects the natural pasty color you’re hiding with a rich glow infused with SPF. Use for the face or body—the continuous spray application goes on evenly, dries quickly, and leaves you looking like you’ve just been airbrushed. Available at Neiman Marcus, Beverly Hills, or http://www.sephora.com.

Strands really take the heat driving around LA in those convertibles during the scorching summer months. On top of the usual daily styling, locks are exposed to UV rays and chlorinated or salty water, which can result in an unruly style that resembles something like bedhead gone wrong. Just because you’ve spent the day at the beach doesn’t mean you should look like it come evening. Undo Mother Nature’s mess with Ojon Tunu Elastik Hair Tamer leave-in balm. The silicone-free formula works on any hair type because it doesn’t weigh hair down or dry it out. It’ll smooth everything over in no time. Available at Apothia at Fred Segal or http://www.amazon.com.

Nobody likes working long hours during the summer. Thankfully, Smashbox has developed a powder that works overtime so you don’t have to. Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder packs in 48 minerals, 11 amino acids, peptides and pure gold, all working against time and nature to ensure not one fine line goes unwrinkled. The self-dispensing compact releases shaved pressed powder that finishes like a light, matte loose one—perfect coverage for sticky weather. Available at Bloomingdale’s, Century City, or http://www.beauty.com.

Summer beauty on the west coast is all about getting away with as little as possible. You don’t want to cake on makeup only to have it sweat off by midday. Get back to basics and go (almost) natural. A shiny, sheer gloss will draw attention to your lips and provide enough color to carry you from day to night. Pucker up to Lancôme Juicy Tubes Pure, the new, natural version of the original Juicy Tubes, in Ginger Root, an all-around flattering brown-nude shade. Available at Nordstrom, The Grove, or http://www.lancome-usa.com.

California Baby was green back when it was just an adjective, and their products reflect the trailblazing commitment to natural preservation of our most enveloping asset. Trends may wane, but skin will always be in. California Baby works that glow from the get go.

Folks, everything’s coming up Calendula. We tested the newly launched Calendula cream on everything from boo-boos to cradle cap to flakey skin not otherwise specified. This is the duck tape of the topical sphere. It is all-purpose and it is tremendously effective. You’ll want one in every room. Take it from a mom who has been chasing it from one to the next. Buy two jars. Maybe three.

And for heading outdoors, look no further than your favorite Apothecary. Kiehl’s Vital Sun Protection is right under your nose, and everything you need to protect it. Be it Barneys, The Grove, Montana, it couldn’t be more convenient, and conveniently, more effectual. And because its Kiehl’s you can sideline any concerns of faulty formulations. Since 1851 they’ve been protecting, preserving, and pleasing pediatricians with their skin conditioning cures. And how we love the spray application in the Face & Body Spray SPF 25 for Children. Anyone who’s ever tried to tangle with a toddler who hasn’t the time nor the patience for rubbing in lotion, they will immediately embrace the spray bottle treatment. Aerosols should have gone the way of Aqua Net and other environmental monstrosities. Thank you Kiehl’s, for getting it right. As always.

So go ahead. Lather on the Kiehl’s and lay down in a bed of California Baby calendula. There’s no stopping summer now. Nor should there be any stopping you.