You gotta love wintertime. Pretty white frosting on all the trees, warm snuggles on the couch as the flakes fall outside your windowpane, bulky sweaters for hiding those extra few pounds. Ahhhh. How nice. But short of wearing a bag over your head and going for multiple paraffin baths every day, combating the dryness caused by harsh winter air can be challenging. Fortunately, I had the pleasure of sampling some of the best eye creams and face moisturizers on the market today and suffice it to say, I kicked some harsh winter ass this year!

Josie Maran Argan Day + Night Eye Cream

I absolutely loved using the innovatively packaged Josie Maran Argan Day + Night Cream. In one convenient double sided package, you can look younger during the day and fight aging while you sleep. This ultra-lightweight Argan-oil infused Day Cream diminishes the appearance of darkness and fine lines. Perhaps people were trying to be be subtle about my looking preggers (I’m not) but people were literally stopping me to tell me I was ‘glowing’. The added bonus is the fact that it helps hold eye makeup in place for the entire day. Its alter-ego, the intensely hydrating Argan Night Cream, reduces puffiness, sagging and wrinkles in the eye area while antioxidants protect the delicate surrounding eye tissue from further damage. Visit http://www.josiemarancosmetics.com or http://www.sephora.com to purchase.

Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm

I literally had flakes and dry patches all around my eyes a few months ago and applying concealer underneath my sleep-deprived eyes was next to impossible. Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm completely changed all that. This rich yet lightweight moisturizing and soothing balm for the eye area, formulated with the revolutionary antiaging ingredient alguronic acid, diminishes signs of aging and fatigue while rejuvenating and hydrating the eye area. Allow me to get technical…it’s formulated with advanced skin bioactives, including caffeine, vitamin C, cucumber extract, and alguronic acid, a unique, patent-pending compound from microalgae. This rare ingredient was discovered unexpectedly by a biotechnology laboratory in San Francisco, CA, focused on researching renewable energy solutions. Yada, yada…it really works. Visit http://www.qvc.com.

Immunocologie

Snake Venom anyone? The folks at Immunocologie aren’t messing around, and when it comes to anti-aging, they mean serious business. Their new, revolutionary Treatment Crème VenoMax™ contains VenoMAX™, a complex that actually mimics snake venom activity. This proprietary complex of anti-inflammatory ingredients synergistically inhibits the activation of NF-kB, a key mediator in inflammation and aging. Enhanced by their exclusive Bio-Fermentation™ process, this luxurious, ultra-rich crème allows skin to take on Immunocologie’s signature glow. The price tag might widen your eyes a bit but your skin will be so velvety soft, radiantly glowing, even-toned and young looking, you simply won’t care. To learn more, visit http://www.immunocologie.com or Warren-Tricomi Salon in Manhattan.

Orlane Eye Makeup Remover Lotion

When I complained to the lady at the makeup counter that the skin around my eyes was flaking up, she surprisingly didn’t whip out any eye creams. Instead, she rushed me over to a selection of eye makeup removers (and yelled at me for using…gasp….water and face wash to take off my shadow, liner and mascara). And when it comes to eye makeup remover, you really can’t get much better than Orlane. This mild lotion gently removes all traces of make-up from your lashes and eyelids. And unlike other eye makeup removers, Orlane’s leaves the delicate skin around your eyes soft. It’s enriched with cornflower and chamomile floral waters for their soothing properties and the witch hazel decongests the area, making eyes look bright and refreshed. It’s fragrance-free, ophthalmologically tested and suitable for contact lens wearers. Visit http://www.orlane.com.

I used to retreat into a cocoon during the winter months, with 5 extra pounds, chapped hands and flaking skin around the eyes. But with this new arsenal of eye creams that actually work, I won’t have to wait till springtime to emerge as a butterfly.

It’s been peeled, plucked, powered, sunburned, wind chapped, scrubbed, masked, lightened and tightened. Yes, your face has felt it all this past year, and if you were to assess its healthiness in the last twelve months, where would your face fall? Maybe you’ve finally settled into a beauty routine that works for you, and you’re feeling confident and clear for the New Year. Or maybe a few battles with breakouts and a rough patch of dry patches have you a bit uncertain about a solution to your New Year’s skin resolution. No matter where you stand, there’s always room for improvement and a lot to benefit from knowing the basics of good skin care.

To get the 411 on Skin Care 101, I met with Dr. Jeanette Graf, a board certified, award winning clinical and research Dermatologist, who left a busy day at her practice in Great Neck, Long Island to meet with me in Manhattan. The first thing to note is that Dr. Graf is a firm believer that what goes into the body is reflected in its appearance. You can dress yourself up as best you can, but nothing substitutes for a good diet and plenty of water, enhanced with a consistent routine of exercise and adequate sleep.

She also explained the importance of maintaining the body’s natural pH level of 7.4, which can become overly acidic based on stresses in our environment and the food we eat. Our pH level affects our cellular health and is therefore reflected in our physical appearance. According to Dr. Graf, a balance of acidic and alkaline foods is key. She recommends a Mediterranean diet — high in whole grains, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables, and fish, but low in red meat, sweets, and dairy. This diet neutralizes the pH level and keeps the body at optimal working condition.
When it comes to skin maintenance, it’s best to keep it simple. “Skin care is very basic. It’s ‘clean and cream’. You want to clean and defend with moisturize during the day and clean and rebuild with moisturize at night,” says Dr. Graf.

Your daily regime should consist of:

Cleanser-

Wash your face twice a day, especially at night before going to bed. And at the very least, keep a container of face cleansing wipes by your bed to remove make up and acne-causing bacteria for those really late nights when the bathroom sink seems just too far away.

Sunscreen-

A good one should contain antioxidants and have a minimum of SPF 15, preferably higher, that is broad-spectrum to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. It must be worn during the day every day and all year-round to defend against aging, free radicals in the environment, and sun damage.

Moisturizer-

Apply at night when the skin is busy rebuilding itself. Key ingredients should include retinal, a natural source of vitamin A that increases cellular elasticity along with poly and alpha-hydroxy acids to exfoliate and hydrate the skin. A good eye cream is also imperative to decrease puffiness, dark circles and wrinkles.

According to Dr. Graf, a good quality skin care line can be found anywhere from drug stores and make up counters, to the internet. Products do not need to be expensive to give you the results you need, but the proof is in the pudding. Dr. Graff recommends Eau Thermale Avène, an affordable line of products which contains French thermal waters fortified with minerals. The Cleanance Soapless Cleanser is a gel that helps maintain the skin’s natural pH balance by gently washing away dirt without stripping the skin of moisture. Avène’s Trixéra+ Sélectiose® Emollient Cream is rich, hydrating and soothing. It’s a great daily cream for both face and body that contains essential fatty acids to relieve itchy, dry skin, especially for those with sensitive skin. And you won’t want to leave the house without the High Protection Tinted Compact SPF 50 — a 100% mineral-based broad-spectrum sunscreen that comes in two shades, beige and honey.

Available: http://www.amazon.com, http://www.drugstore.com and http://www.aveneusa.com

Beauty is more than skin deep, and so is the process that gets you there, but it does not need to be complicated or overwhelming. No matter what your age, race, or gender, following a routine of a healthy lifestyle and daily skin care habits will help create a firm foundation to give you the gift of great skin through the New Year and beyond.
For more skin care advice from Dr. Graf, visit http://www.askdrgraf.com

The fruits of fall are exciting when they appear in late summer farmers markets but when you realize that you will have eaten your weight in apples and pears by spring, the abundance of citrus come late fall adds a welcome zest that lasts through winter. Essential oils of citrus like neroli, bergamot, tangerine and even the more mundane lemon and lime are not only fragrant but also possess powerful aromatherapy properties that range from sedative (neroli,) to uplifting (bergamot,) and provide effective remedies for the skin.

For dry skin, nothing nourishes and replenishes like orange flower oil, also known as neroli. Orange Flower Water, Orange Flower Facial Wash and Orange Flower Facial Oil from Neal’s Yard Remedies are three simple steps you can take daily to feed and hydrate your parched face. They all use organic neroli with high levels of antioxidants to replenish and protect the skin. These products are part of an organic collection that includes day and nighttime moisturizers as well as a weekly treatment so you can maintain radiance 24/7. I always follow my nose and neroli is a scent I want to live with. Aromatherapy begins when you open the bottle and find yourself transported to someplace that must be Mediterranean. Could there be a better way to start and end each day? Use these products daily and you are good to glow.

Available: us.nyrorganic.com

I love to come clean with an exfoliant that pampers rather than sandpapers and Patyka’s Radiant Exfoliating Mask is not just a gentle scrub, it’s also an emollient mask. Besides being two high performance products in one, it’s amazingly packaged and the instructions are actually useful. I learned to strengthen my neck skin – which is in need – by massaging downward using the back of my hand. The product dispenses when you press on a seal inside the jar so you don’t introduce bacteria into the product itself. The innovative outer package unfolds to reveal a list of certified organic ingredients that includes citrus acids and information that I found fascinating. In addition to being smartly packaged and delightful to use, this product left my face feeling cleansed, hydrated and looking radiant and smooth.

Available: http://www.patyka.com

Tangerine & Calendula Healing Light Night Cream from Kimberly Sayer of London is a lightweight, nocturnal potion that features tangerine oil to detoxify the lymph system, soothe skin and enhance sleep. It also includes calendula, Hawaiian sea algae and neroli oil to balance, soften and rejuvenate. Though this cream is suitable for peeps with oily skin, I found it soothing for my sensitive skin and will use it on nights when the seasonal biosphere of my apartment is not overly arid.

Available: http://www.kimberlysayer.com and Whole Food Markets

Rejuvenating Eye Cream from Amala is light, non-greasy, easily absorbed, et voila—darkness disappears and smoothness reigns. Natural ingredients feature peptide-packed cocoa bean, Vitamin C-rich acai, brightening licorice root and antioxidant lemon and bergamot oils. This product is so effective that you need to use very little for maximum result. Extra points for minimal packaging that makes the most of recycled paper.

Available: http://www.amalabeauty.com and ABC Home, New York

Hands down, the most brilliantly packaged product I sampled was the Hands Bergamot gift set from Space NK. Hand Lotion Bergamot and Hand Wash Bergamot come in a boxed set, the cover of which illustrates the lines of the palm. Instructions on how to read one’s palm are enclosed. But it’s what’s inside that counts: these products gently cleanse, thoroughly moisturize and the scent is revelatory– much greener than the bergamot I associate with Earl Grey tea. My hands felt like they’d had a revitalizing spa treatment. Great for gifting thyself.

Available: http://www.spacenk.com

Ginger Lime Hand & Nail Cream from Primavera is energizing and deeply hydrating without feeling greasy. I look forward to using this product all winter to keep my nails and cuticles from shredding like dried coconut. The essential lime oil is mildly astringent and antiseptic with an uplifting scent. Additional ingredients include organic ginger essential oil and organic jojoba oil. The minimally packaged product fits nicely into a cosmetic bag so you can use it to pamper your paws all the livelong day.

Available: http://www.PrimaveraLife.com

For skin with that certain zest, use products that are so citrus.

Spring showers are history. So Cal can now reclaim her sunny disposition.

Slight editorial exaggeration aside – our tank tops don’t really hibernate until July, like the rest of the country. But the sundresses definitely don’t get their usual mileage!

Either way, Angelenos don’t have the luxury of hiding anything under bulky seasonal clothing. As such, a popular term in beauty treatments lately is “non-invasive.“ Translation: minimal to zero downtime.

If we don’t have to sacrifice efficacy, the option of a quick turnaround (well, pretty much in any scenario) is king on the west coast. And it’s of special interest when beauty is concerned.

Tucked away in a wellness lounge on La Cienega called réVélation, Leslie Diaz has been treating celebrities and pro athletes with a breakthrough technology called Percussive massage. She is wonderfully personable, and very conscientious about approaching each treatment with a specific goal. The non-invasive treatment has proven successful for multiple grievances, such as acute and chronic pain, weight-loss, cellulite-reduction, speeding up post-op recovery time, sleep issues, sciatica, and migraine headaches.

Percussive massage is an advanced therapeutic massage using a patent-pending machine (co-developed by Leslie herself!) to deliver more powerful penetration and compression therapy. The treatment can increase the breakdown of scar tissue, muscle metabolism, and the lactic acid cycle to relieve pain. The direct effect of the rhythmical pressure used in these treatments is said to dramatically increase the rate of blood flow and lymphatic drainage.

Make sure to also ask Leslie about the other specialists in the bungalow. They’ve got a therapy for your every need!

Modus Therapeutics
916½ N. La Cienega Blvd. | Los Angeles, CA 90069
213.494. 5680| http://modustherapy.com

Next up is Long-Time-Liner Conture Make-up in Beverly Hills – the leading technology in semi-permanent makeup. Headquartered in Munich, Germany ““ the salons have expanded to Cannes, Zurich, and Berlin. Now, “Master Linergist” Michelle Park has brought the technique to the United States.

For anyone who fills in or defines their eyebrows as part of their regular beauty routine, this technology makes a world of difference. And that’s understating it. If you struggle daily with sparse or uneven brow contours, you’ll leave the salon calling Michelle and Jacqueline, “artists.”

The Conture® Makeup is applied by a “Linergist” (certified semi-permanent make-up application technician) who uses a method, device and pigmentation to ensure the finest level of semi-permanent pigmentation.

The pigmentation is also a saving grace for patients who have suffered from medical conditions or have allergic reactions to makeup.

LONG-TIME-LINER
421 N. Bedford Drive | Beverly Hills, CA 90210
310.271.3322 | http://longtimeliner.com/

Thirdly, it seems remiss not to mention CoolSculpting by Zeltiq (zel-teek) – a treatment that has garnered lots of interest in the world of non-invasive procedures. For those who are basically healthy and fit, CoolSculpting offers a welcome antidote to the stubborn bulge. It isn’t an alternative to the Lap Band or cure-all for obesity, but an advanced cooling technology that is said to eliminate stubborn fat cells.

The Zeltiq process involves drawing the chosen area of skin between two cooling panels that will chill fat to around 5 degrees Centigrade. Aside from an initial pulling sensation, there is no pain. Patients relax for the duration of 60 minutes. Tissue is kept in the cooling zone during this time, causing frozen crystalline formation to occur within the targeted cells. Post-treatment, the body goes to work progressively. After about 4-6 weeks, fat cells break down and are eliminated, resulting in up to a 40% fat layer reduction. No cutting, no downtime. Results vary from patient to patient.

Dr. Fardad Forouzanpour, Beverly Hills Cosmetic Surgical Group
8500 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1020 | Beverly Hills, CA 90210
310.360.0504 | http://PerfectSelf.com

As an acne prone gal, I have always had to pay close attention to my ingredients whenever I am thinking of adding something new to my facial regime. But, that can be hard when you have no idea what to look for! Here’s a quick tip””anything that comes from the earth is good! In celebration of Earth Day, we have searched the world over to bring you the finest and most natural ingredients available, sure to give your skin the healthy glow you’ve been craving without the harsh ingredients!

Whether you are getting ready for the summer sun or trying to overcome the dryness of this harsh winter, your skin can certainly use a pick-me-up!

The Source: Sea Pearl Elixir, Dominican Republic
The Elements: Seaweed, Coconut Extract, Cucumber, Palm Tree Origin, Shea Butter, Olive.

Our journey begins in the luscious Caribbean. Flown in from the Dominican Republic, the Sea Pearl Elixir is packed with all natural ingredients. The B1, B2, B3, B6, and B12 vitamins in seaweed combined with its mineral salts and proteins help soften the skin to prevent premature aging and fight off free radicals. The cucumber offers added benefits designed to remove accumulated pockets of waste and toxins deep inside the skin to minimize inflammation and redness and promote ultimate hydration. Lastly, the palm tree origin, penetrate deep into the skin to provide a long-lasting shield of moisture and a radiant complexion.

The Source: Whipped Basil Moisture Crème, Domincian Republic
The Elements: Avocado Oil, Organic Shea Butter, Organic Jojoba oils, Fresh Basil, Carrot Root, Raspberry, Rosehip

Whipped Basil Moisture Crème gives you the perfect blend of ingredients to make your skin feel hydrated, but not greasy. Jojoba oil tends to have a bad rap especially for those who are acne prone or have oily skin. However, jojoba oil can actually help prevent breakouts because it tricks the skin into producing less natural sebum (the oil that clogs your pores) and protects the skin from harmful bacteria. Basil also has similar benefits. You can actually create your own basil serum at home. http://www.beyondjane.com Avocado oil helps diminish aging by treating brown spots or sun damaged skin and also produces collagen to help keep your skin looking smooth and youthful! Carrot root adds vitamin A to help keep your skin alive and protect against skin cancer.

Available http://www.cygallehealingspa.com

The Source: Kiss my Face, Upstate New York
The Elements: Organic Bees Wax, Organic Canola Oil, Aloe Vera

This fun and vibrant lip balm is 100 percent organic and available in a variety of flavors. They use local ingredients farmed in upstate New York including, Organic Beeswax – used to help soften the skin with its anti-oxidant properties, Organic Canola Oil – acts as a moisturizing agent and Aloe Vera””to heal and soothe and to prevent chapping or sun damage.

Available Whole Foods stores and http://www.kissmyface.com

The Source: Skincando Miracle Cream, Bulgaria
The Elements: Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Essential Fatty Acids, Organic Rose Geranium Oil,

This unique combination of ingredients is designed to diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone. Rose geranium oil can actually be used to treat oily or congested skin, inflammations, eczema, broken capillaries, varicose veins, dermatitis and can prevent premature aging skin.

Available: http://www.skincando.com and
Georgia – 89 East Houston Street – NYC http://www.georgiany.com
New London Pharmacy – 246 Eighth Avenue, NYC http://www.newlondonpharmacy.com

The Source: Rose and Billbery Toning Gel: Iran
The Elements: Aloe, Seaweed, Billberry, Rose Oil, Rosehip

This gel is packed with all the right stuff! Bilberry and Rose holds the perfect properties to tone and reduce redness and repair broken veins while Rose Hip nourishes dehydrated skin. Rose oil revitalizes and helps the skin to maintain elasticity.

Available http://www.theorganicpharmacy.com

Coast to coast, the weather is dry this time of year. Even in sunny Los Angeles, we’re trading our light moisturizers in for heavy body crèmes. This season, a few body treats are topping must-have (or must-give) lists on the west coast.

Kiehl’s has launched a new sumptuous option for skin hydrating. A more indulgent version of their original Crème de Corps, the new formula debuts just in time for the holiday season! Promising up to 24 hours of moisturizing, the new Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter is air-whipped with Shea Butter, Jojoba Butter, Beta Carotene, and Squalane oil.

Perfect for gift giving, the holiday label features artwork of Jeff Koons’ TULIPS (1995-1998 Oil on Canvas) from the iconic Celebration Series. 100% of Kiehl’s net profits from collection sales will benefit The Koons Family Institute, an initiative of the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (ICMEC). Kiehl’s Since 1851, The Grove in Los Angeles

Another addicting treat comes from ALBA Botanicas’ Hawaiian collection. The Sugar Cane Body Polish is exfoliation-heaven. Skin is smoothed with fine grains of sugar cane, and then nourished with nutrient-rich honey, tropical macadamia, kukui nut and almond oils. It’s great for even the most sensitive or dry skin, is hypo-allergenic, and made with 100% vegetarian ingredients.

Check it out at Alba Botanica or any local Whole Foods Market.

For perpetually dry winter hands, TokyoMilk hand creams don’t disappoint. Though it’s almost a shame to throw out such charming packaging, rest assured that the cake is just as good as the icing here. All the scents are delish but our favorite is Honey & The Moon No. 10 Bon Bon Shea Butter Rich Lotion – a sweet recipe of Japanese Green Tea, Dandelion, Shea Butter, Macadamia and Brazil Nut Oils mixed with honey, Sugared Violet, Jasmine and Sandalwood.

Pick one up for yourself or as a surprise stocking stuffer ““ Anthropologie or Fred Segal Santa Monica.

Finally, if you really want to improve the texture of skin, check out Dr. H. Bellin’s Scar & Stretch Mark Body Cream. Perhaps not the sexiest of products – but this cosmeceutical cream claims to replenish dehydrated skin AND produce a filling effect, thus reducing the appearance of scars and stretch marks.

Personal note: I honestly take all do-away-with-stretch-mark promises with a grain of salt. That said, this formula is a highly concentrated blend of peptides, specially treated hyaluronic acids, Vitamin B, and pure Swiss Edelweiss extract. While I’m not promising erasure miracles, I will say that you’ll undoubtedly notice a difference in firmness and overall texture with regular usage.

And what are the holidays anyway without a little eggnog, peppermint bark, and preventative skin damage cream.

It takes more than lip gloss and mascara to keep her looking fabulous. Underneath it all, it starts with beautiful skin. We’ve got something for everyone on your list!

Whether she’s headed to Paris or Hoboken, she’ll love My Comfort Carry On from Caudalie, the French brand all us anti-oxidant lovers love. The kit contains Gentle Cleanser, Vinosource Moisturizing Cream Mask, Lip Conditioner, Moisturizing Body Lotion and Hand & Nail Cream. Your planet friendly girl will appreciate that the cute carrying pouch was once a plastic bottle in a former life.

Price: $19.00 and available at the Caudalie Spa at the Plaza, Bluemercury on the upper west side and http://www.Caudalie-USA.com

Your all American girl is a Clinique devotee and nothing would make her happier than to get this three piece More Than Moisture travel set of Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief, a cream/gel moisturizer, Face Spray Thirsty Skin Relief to moisturize skin with aloe, and All About Eyes serum which will hydrate and refresh puffy eyes all through the new year. The trio is packed in a cool silver zippered kit she’ll use over and over again.

Price: $40.00 and available at major department stores and http://www.clinique.com

Who needs the Miracle on 34th Street when you have this Holiday Miracles Gift Set from Votre Vu? Wrapped in its holiday finest of pretty paper, travel stickers and touches of sparkle, this three piece set includes Mal-Ligne Wrinkle Eraser, Tout le Monde Antioxidant Eye Gel and Portrait Collar Neck Crème. She’ll think you’re tres magnifque when she opens this lovely cadeau!

Price: $70.00 and available at http://www.votrevu.com

This time of year we always think of cranberries, whether using them to decorate the tree or for making a sauce to go with the turkey. But did you know that the pretty little cranberry is a great source of antioxidants too? Arcona does, and they’ve used them in their Holiday Cranberry Kit which contains Cranberry Grommage to exfoliate, Cranberry Toner on easy to use cotton pads and Magic White Ice, a gel moisturizer containing white cranberry complex, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins B5 and E to neutralize free radicals.

Price: $50.00 and available at http://www.Arcona.com

This season, when the words Hope and Joy are said on a daily basis, we mean them in the most heartfelt way. But hey, a girl still wants to look good too! Philosophy’s Joy of Good Skin set contains six of their best products ““ Hope in a Jar moisturizer, Hope in a Tube eye & lip firming cream, Exfoliating Wash, Purity Made Simple cleanser and their Microdelivery peel vitamin c/peptide crystals with Activating gel.

Price $85.00 and available at http://www.philosophy.com

And with that, I wish you all a wonderful holiday season and a New Year filled with Joy, Hope, Good Health and Prosperity.

May I take this occasion to come out and say, “bah humbug” in the very first sentence? I am not a holiday person. I don’t like all the red and green, the incessant loop of Muzak that passes for timely tunes, I prefer Wolfords to stockings stuffed with junk I don’t want, and all that white sugar, impossible to pass up, makes me sick. I’m for indulgence and gift-giving on an everyday basis just because it’s good to be alive and have some friends and family. But since we live in a market economy, purveyors of delightful products go all out for the holidays and therefore, it’s a great time to gift thy self. If you are not of Grinch-like persuasion and feel generous toward your loved-ones, the holidaze present a wonder of sweet somethings.

On a recent morning, I slathered my fine self in Ren Moroccan Rose Otto Sugar Body Polish and did not rinse it off but instead lowered myself into a hot bath scented by Ren Moroccan Rose Bath Oil. I was left with unduly puckered paws because these products make it hard to do anything other than endlessly soak. I’ve been dreaming of a trip to Morocco and this rose scent really sent me. It’s soft and unlike the cloying fragrance that is called rose but bears no relationship to the real deal, smells entirely of flower. The package states that the oil leaves no greasy residue and I found this to not only be true but appreciated the benefit of being able prolong my enjoyment rather than scrub the tub. The two products left me feeling moisturized enough to forgo my daily dollop of body lube, and the packaging, inspired by 18thcentury chinoiserie designs, is beautiful.

Availability: Sephora and http://www.RENskincare.com

Then I went to work on my moneymaker. Skin by Monica’s REFINE Deep Penetrating Clay Cleanser is made with kaolin clay, vitamin E, and extracts of lemon peel and chamomile. Normally, I’d lay it on thick but the directions say to apply a thin layer and leave on for two minutes. This mask feels cooling and does not dry hard. It is extremely refreshing and leaves you cleansed and soft without dryness. It can be used a daily cleanser and I think that’s a great idea.

Availability: select Duane Reade stores and http://www.skinbymonica.com

Next, I sampled Dead Sea Essentials by Ahava witch hazel hand cream. Unless it’s French, you are in good hands when a skin product is called cream rather than “crème.” And this one comes in a size generous enough to last all winter. The hands-on experience is a delight: the scent is subtle, the cream luxurious in feel and amazingly, it absorbs instantly so you are not left with greasy mitts. That evening, I applied the Calendula eye cream. It is light in consistency and stays put. It has a delicate scent and is readily absorbed. I do delight in packaging and this one features calendula flowers. It just looks nice in a medicine cabinet. I also used the Almond oil night cream. It comes with a pump that I appreciate because you get a pre-measured poof of product that has the texture of a whipped confection. Both products feel soothing and refreshing but the true test is facing the morning mirror. I awoke un-puffed, unlined and aglow.

Availability: http://www.deadsea-essentials.com

In another life, I’d be a Shaker. I love the aesthetic of a place for every thing and every thing in its place so the Dr. Hauschka Body Care Kit and Aromatherapy Bath Kit are my idea of heaven. You can use them for travel, they make affordable, luxurious gifts and though it will be sad when the tins are empty, they can then be used to house all kinds of clutter. I am a long-time fan of Dr. Hauschka products so having to decide which kit to keep and which to gift is tough. The Body Care Kit includes travel-sized Lemon Body and Rose Body Wash, Hand Cream, Quince Body Moisturizer, Lemon Lemongrass and Rose Body Oil – all featuring pure essential oils. These pampering products will take the stress out of any necessary travel and keep your skin nourished and naturally scented. The Aromatherapy Bath Kit contains travel-sized Lavender, Lemon, Sage, Spruce and Rosemary Bath products, each containing an essential oil to soothe your mood. In winter, I find the Spruce bath particularly transcendent. You saw this coming: I may have to keep both kits for my personal apothecary.

Available at http://www.drhauschka.com

Whether you want to do yourself some good or give a gift that does good, the shea butter products from Shea Yeleen are not only 100% natural but contribute to sustainable development in the poorest communities of Ghana, Mali and Burkina Faso. The black soap, actually toasty brown, is grainy, mildly exfoliates, has a subtle, earthy scent and cleanses with a luxuriant creaminess. I followed my shower with Lavender Honeysuckle Body Butter. This scent is the essence of spring and will do wonders to keep winter doldrums at bay. The texture is lightly creamy and softens without leaving oily residue. I used the unscented Body Balm to smooth my lips, heels and elbows and from top to toe I feel cleansed, refreshed, soothed, softened and oddly, upbeat.

Available at http://www.sheayeleen.org

With this stockpile of natural nurturers to get me through the holiday season, I’ll be a lot less grumpy and therefore, those who know me will benefit too. A good mood is truly a great gift.

October is breast cancer awareness month and the beauty industry has once again rallied around initiatives and charities that support cancer survivors and cancer research by coloring our world pink. There is something incredibly fulfilling about supporting good causes, especially ones that affect our fellow females, all the while going about our daily beauty routines. It’s also worth noting that women suffering from breast cancer and undergoing chemotherapy and radiation often battle skin problems during their course of treatment, so a lot of these products can also help women feel better during their most trying, difficult times. And that, dear reader, is the essence of true beauty.

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite BCA philanthropic products and included a few other products that benefit other causes.

Skyn Iceland’s pink-packaged, travel friendly Detox Kit For Stressed Skin is a sampling of the line’s luxe facial products in FAA-approved sizes. The icy Glacial Face Wash, the utterly cooling Arctic Face Mist, the rich Antidote Quenching Daily Lotion and luxurious Oxygen Infusion Night Cream come in totable sizes in a pink plastic case. Five dollars from the sale of each ink Detox Kit sold in October will be contributed to Cancer Support Community, an international non-profit dedicated to providing support, education and hope to people affected by cancer.

InviCible Scars Advanced Scar Therapy, created by a top breast reconstruction surgeon in San Antonio, is donating 10% of this product’s profits to Cancer Care. The doc created this product specifically for patients who complained about the efficacy of existing scar treatments available. The cream works topically to diminish the appearance of scarring, which can lead to improved mental and emotional health, since breast cancer’s effects reach further than the physical reminders. InviCible Scars can improve your beauty on the inside and out!

Amala addresses hyper sensitive and reactive skin with the Soothe line, utilizing the soothing properties of Organic Desert Fig, the fruit of the Prickly Pear Cactus, whose potent seed oils are responsible for the plant’s resilience despite the extreme drought conditions of its native Morocco. If these oils help a plan survive ultra dry climates, think about what they can do for your skin in less-than-optimal weather. Also, women undergoing cancer treatments succumb to issues like more sensitive, reactive skin, and since Amala was created to address inflamed skin in a chaotic state, the line meets the needs of BCA patients. If you crave extraordinary moisture, you’ll get it with the Moisture Cream, Lip Salve and Cream Cleanser. 10 percent of the sales will be donated to Cancer Care, as well, through December. The charitable company will also generously donate five percent of its annual profits to farms in its global, fair trade network in need of support.

So many BCA products are designed specifically for face or the skin in general, but few actually focus on the breast area itself! The limited edition Mama Mio Boob Tube Magic Shimmer is a bust and neck firmer that adds a dew-kissed sheen to the décolletage area for when you want to wear a low-cut, sexy top or if you want to show a sliver of cleavage. It firms the skin and does it in a way that makes you sparkle, and at BN, we’re all about form and function. Mama Mio will donate $1 from every tube sold to Look Good…Feel Better, a cancer support charity. Each product is packaged with a breast self-exam instructional pamphlet, too. This product certainly reminds you to be aware of your breasts, while creating a lush, juicy décolleté.

Palmer’s classic Cocoa Butter Lotion gets a cosmetic upgrade in a BCA-supporting pink bottle. Proceeds benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The lotion is rich and effective, absorbing into skin and relieving ashiness. The light cocoa smell lingers throughout the day and this perennial favorite locks in moisture as the mercury drops. Available at mass marketers nationwide.

Exfoliating is manageable for women with sensitive skin, thanks to Therapy Systems Amazingly Gentle Scrub, a mild exfoliant and cleanser packed with jojoba beads and peppermint and grapefruit oil. You can use it on your knees, elbows, soles of your feet and anywhere you need to slough off dead skin cells. 20% of all annual profits will be donated to the non-profit Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition, which raises awareness to breast cancer in men and women in the region.

Elemis Sparkling Beauty Collection collects five products in a reusable fuchsia case. Pro Collagen Lifting Treatment Neck and Bust in Boob Tube Pink protects the delicate neck and bust areas from sagging skin and it encourages a daily breast check. The kit’s Visible Brilliance brightens skin’s luminosity. $10 from the sale of each limited edition case is donated to Living Beyond Breast Cancer, which offers programs and services to all women affected by or at risk of the disease.

EmerginC Red Carpet Primer is essentially a tinted moisturizer/primer designed to give you makeup staying power. Slather on your face -don’t “neck”lect your neck- to fill in lines, courtesy of the Filling Spheres technology, before applying concealer or foundation or powder. It also camouflages large pores. You need to use this primer before any event, such as a wedding, where you are going to be photographed a lot. 20% of the sales will benefit Living Beyond Breast Cancer.

Darphin’s Intral Soothing Cream is aptly named; the super gentle, luxe cream, which replenishes essential moisture and protects against environmental irritators, is comfortable enough to use daily. Darphin will donate $20 for each bottle sold through October to the Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation.

Thistle Farms, an enterprise which is run by women who’ve survived violence and prostitution, handmakes all of its products! The company has just relocated to an 11,000 square foot manufacturing facility which is allowing them to increase both production and sales. The company’s Body Polish mixes shea and cocoa butters to exfoliate. It comes in a variety of scents, too! The Body Balm is a rich emollient which you’ll need for the upcoming cold, bitter winter.

Lush Cosmetics’ donates 100% of the proceeds of the aptly named Charity Pot Hand & Body Cream to multiple causes the company believes in – that translates to animal rights, environmental protection and humanitarian charities across the globe. That might seem nebulous but the Pot is linked to several charities at any given time in what can only be deemed true philanthropy! Whatever charity the pot is benefiting is posted on the lotion’s cap, so you’ll always know what cause you’re supporting. The vegan Charity Pot is made with fair-trade cocoa butter and scented with ylang ylang! Say goodbye to dry skin and hello to a clear conscious!

Green tea may be all the rage, but red tea reigns supreme at Ole Henriksen. The African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser fizzes and foams with antioxidant-rich red tea and Vitamin C. It won’t dry your skin yet it’s potent and thick enough to remove makeup without irritating even the most sensitive of skins. Not many cleansers can do both but African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser thoroughly cleanses without harshness, thanks to its thick foam consistency. Ole Henriksen will be donating 25% of the proceeds from the sales of the African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser to the Wellness Community. The Wellness Community is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free emotional support, education and hope for people with cancer and their loved ones.

Sanítas Skincare will donate a portion of all PeptiDerm Eye Treatment sales in October to benefit Sense of Security, a local Denver charity that helps breast cancer patients with financial hardships. Sanítas Skincare has produced a limited edition pink labeled version, which is specially formulated to help prevent the signs of premature aging, specifically the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the delicate eye area.

In Chinese astrology, I’m a snake. In addition to a natural propensity for being content to lie about curled up until the urge to explore strikes, I like to shed my skin. Skin is the largest organ of the container we call a temple and, in addition to ridding us of toxins, when neglected acquires the superficial characteristics of dried fruit.

Exfoliation gives us the feeling of a fresh start. I learned to practice this process under the tutelage of my mother who used coarse kosher salt in the shower and scrubbed herself from top to toe. If you enjoy the sensation of being scraped raw by bits of glass, this simple, all-natural regimen is for you. However, I say a little luxury in this department yields a great sense of well-being, which in my book means happiness.

Melvita’s Extra-Soft Body Scrub, a marmalade of orange, cane sugar and apricot transports you to the sunny day when the apricots reached their peak of ripe perfection. The honeyed-texture is thick enough to remain undiluted by errant sprays of shower water yet is not overly goopy. It is finely grained, just enough to get the job done, and leaves you feeling like you live inside satin. This super gentle scrub, which smells good enough to eat, is made of natural and organic ingredients certified by ECOCERT France.

Availability: http://www.melvita.com

I applied the appeal of fruit to my face with Eminence’s Organic Skin Care Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel. Oh yum: it has a luscious consistency that is midway between mousse and puree, and the delightful aroma of a savory autumnal kitchen. After ten minutes I uncovered a light, bright face that felt smoothed and soothed. Something was missing and I realized it was the normally apparent pores on my nose.

Availability: http://www.eminenceorganics.com

Juice Beauty’s Age Defying Solutions is a value-packed kit containing Green Apple Cleansing Gel, Green Apple Peel, Green Apple Antioxidant Serum, Green Apple SPF15 Moisturizer and Green Apple Antioxidant Moisturizer. The products are light, readily absorbed and deliver results: firmness that feels soft rather than tight. The scent is light apple juice –which makes sense since the main ingredient is antioxidant-packed organic juice. Feeding your face with this diet of green apples might be the easiest way to pack the power of fruit into your daily routine.

Availability: http://www.juicebeauty.com

Emerge Labs Swiss Apple Stem Cell Serum and Grape Solar Stem Cell Protection Cream with SPF 30 are creamier in consistency and therefore feel a bit more indulgent though the white packaging makes the inside of your bathroom cabinet look lab-like. Both products are readily absorbed, feel comfy on and do leave your face looking firm and glowing. I don’t have a degree in biochemistry so I can’t explain exactly how stem cells perform, I can only attest to the fact that they definitely do.

Availability: http://www.emergeskincare.com and at Metamorphosis Day Spa

If you can, invest in gold. Chantecaille Nano Gold Firming Treatment is deeply moisturizing without leaving any greasy residue. The treatment promises to reduce deep wrinkles by 45% and hydrate skin for up to 24 hours. In addition to the energizing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties of gold, hydrating ingredients include botanicals like linden tree extract and anti-aging Swiss Apple Uttwiler Spatlauber stem cells. Though I was raised on the simplest of natural ingredients, I would make this treatment my gold standard in an instant.

Availability: http://www.Chantecaille.com and at Barneys New York.