Over-The-Counter Power: Avène Rétrinal + 0.1 Cream

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Recommended by dermatologists, Avène Rétrinal + 0.1 Cream is currently one of the most innovative skincare products on the market.

Available in three different strengths including 0.1% retrinal (French for retinol) which is currently the highest amount of retrinal available in an over-the-counter product. The lowest strength is 0.025%, which is where someone who has never used a retrinal product should begin. Classified as dermo-cosmetics, Avène Rétrinal Skin Care products are considered to be cutting edge skincare with a medical approach to skincare.

Avène Rétrinal + 0.1 Cream is quite effective for a couple of reasons. The product is a form of Vitamin A which through clinical studies has been proven to improve elasticity, radiance and skin texture – as well as reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. You will get the normal side effects with any retrinal/retinol product – skin sensitivity, peeling, dry skin. But it is all well-worth the end result. Clear, glowing, firm skin.

The easy to apply product should be applied to the face and neck after cleansing. As with all anti-aging products it is imperative that broad-spectrum sunscreen be used at all times when exposed to the sun.

I have used many retinol/retrinal products, over-the-counter and prescription – this is by far the best over-the-counter product I have used.

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Tried & Tested: Dr. Jart+ Renewalist Melting Cream

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I am always on the look-out for new and innovative products. I have a strong obsession (borderline neurosis) with international skincare. From French pharmacies to Asian markets, there is always a treasure to be found.

Dedicated to his lifelong goal of satisfying patients, Dr. Jart combined his medical background with a team of 21 skilled dermatologists to develop his eponymous skincare brand. Based in Korean, the line that consists of targeted cosmeceuticals that not only make the skin look good but also deliver long-term benefits. Free of controversial sulfates, petrochemicals, artificial dyes and fragrances, the Dr. Jart+ brand is continuously reinventing skincare.

I recently tried and tested Dr. Jart+ Renewalist Melting Cream. As the name suggests, this innovative moisturizer melts deep into the skin, renewing it’s natural luster. Formulated with moringa oil, argan oil and jojoba oil, this moisturizer delivers soothing hydration. It contains antioxidants to improve elasticity and platol white-c complex to brighten the skin. A clever addition to this product is the use of sebum-controlling powder. This will help control excess oils in the skin without clogging pores and qualifies this product to work as both a moisturizer and a primer.

The unique texture of this product is what makes it one-of-a-kind. It presents itself as a solid, balm-like consistency. A tiny spatula is provided to scoop-out the needed amount and as the product comes in contact with body heat – it melts seamlessly into the skin. The product absorbs quickly, penetrating deep into the skin’s layers with no greasiness or heavy residuals. It leaves the skin fresh, silky and radiant.

The Dr. Jart+ brand is available in the US at your local Sephora.

Scientific Serum: Oscar Blandi Hair Lift

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The quest for thick, voluminous hair is one of women’s ‘mane’ concerns. Look no further than Oscar Blandi Hair Lift. This weightless styling aid has a whipped, gel-like consistency that binds to the hair, providing fullness and body.

It can be overwhelming, thanks in part to the many root-lifters, thickening shampoos, circulation-boosting exfoliators, and scalp elixirs on the market, each promising to create thicker, fuller hair.

Hair Lift is clinically proven to:

• Thicken hair up to 47%
• Strengthen hair instantly
• Improve elasticity & body

In a series of rigorous clinical trials, hair measured thicker, fuller and stronger by up to 47%. The key to such unprecedented results is a breakthrough moisturizing system that infuses sodium hyaluronate derivatives into each strand. Hair is scientifically proven to look, feel and stay full.

Other key ingredients:

• Rice Starch Powder absorbs excess oils in the hair to naturally plump the hair shaft.
• Brown & red algae marine complex coats hair in a sheer film which revitalizes limp, lifeless hair.
• Heat activated copolymers protect hair from the drying and damaging effects of heat styling.

My Experience: Oscar Blandi Hair Lift absolutely creates fuller, thicker hair. The heat-activated serum plumped every strand of hair providing more volume and fullness. However, in my experience, hair was left quite frizzy. Easy fix: The next application I applied a bit of hair oil after applying Hair Lift and frizz was gone. I – 100% – see and feel a difference in my hair. For example: when wearing hair in a ponytail – after Hair Lift – the elastic used to tie the ponytail is wrapped around 2-times less. For me and my hair type this is a big breakthrough.

Try for yourself and experiment with amount needed and what makes this product work for you. There is a personal science to each and every individual hair type – no matter how scientifically-proven the product might be.

Struck Oil: Moraccanoil

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MOROCCANOIL

Moroccanoil is an oil treatment for the hair, derived from natural Argan Oil. This brand’s unique formula promises to fortify the hair, improve elasticity and protect against free-radicals.

Moroccanoil instantly absorbs into the hair creating instant shine without leaving an oily residue. It intensely hydrates and conditions the hair leaving it silky and smooth. It speeds up drying time and puts an end to frizzy, unmanagable hair.

Although there are other Argan-based brands that claim to do the same, Moroccanoil is truly one-of-a kind. It smells delicious, like an exotic vacation and never leaves hair greasy or sticky.

Tip: Apply Moroccanoil to damp hair at night, twist into a bun and pin to the top of head. In the morning hair will be soft, wavy and completely frizz-free.