September 2011 Beauty Round-Up ‘Must Haves’

By April MacIntyre Sep 5, 2011, 7:38 GMT

My favorite scent is the Gardeners Antibacterial Moisturizing Hand Gel. Hydrolyzed jojoba esters help prevent moisture loss and sugar-derived vegetable proteins help neutralize odors and glycerin is added softness.

The last month has been a busy windfall of some excellent new skincare items, mostly all made in the USA that addresses acne to aging and more.

The criteria for us is always to seek out the best in cruelty-free, paraben free natural skincare that works, is reasonable in price, and can be easily found or ordered online.

Serums run the gamut from vitamin C wondergels to glycolic and salicylic correctives for adult acne sufferers to silky, silicone-based finishers that are ideal for freaked out sensitive skin or more mature skins.

Eye creams that are gel based and effective firming treatments were found, as were fast acting spot treatments for acne.

Borghese, a veteran beauty line, has reintroduced the Fango Ristorativo mud in convenient tube packaging. This spa treatment is filled with the mineral mud of 
Montecatini, and it is an at-home spa treatment that the whole family can use.

Back to school time is here, and Crabtree & Evelyn has introduced portable multipacks of a non-drying hand sanitizer that is not too thin and runny and smells 
amazing too.

The Norwegians have taken the Evian/Vichy spray mister game and elevated it by adding organic white tea extract to the mineral rich fjord water they use in Maya, a best in category facial mister.  It's a workhorse and great for backpacks of student athletes, busy mothers and diaper bags, an executive's purse or a glove compartment beauty stow.

These products were the best of what we tested and loved, so take us shopping with you for the best in September 2011 beauty.

Maya Water Facial Mist
http://mayawater.us
Made in Norway

Best in show for the spray water misters. Even light misting spray delivers mineral-rich and pH neutral water from Skogshorn in Hemsedal.  You can clean with it, or 
simply to freshen up your make-up during the day. The fine spray sets make up or refreshes hair if used lightly.  Babies, mommas, teens and men can benefit from this 
fabulous product.

Useful and can be used all day and night, I keep a can in my handbag at all times.  Maya Water is available in “Pure” and “Organic White Tea.”  They are both 
recommended.

Crabtree & Evelyn New Anti-Bac Moisturizing Hand Gel
www.crabtree-evelyn.com
Made in USA

Available in the perfect pocketbook size, the Anti-bac Moisturizing Hand Gel comes in five fragrances – Citron, Honey & Coriander, Gardeners, Lavender, Rosewater and La Source. Crabtree & Evelyn makes lovely home and personal products that are botanical based, and have for nearly 40 years.

This set of portable hand gel is perfect for back to school, office, purse, briefcase and the car.

My favorite scent is the Gardeners Antibacterial Moisturizing Hand Gel.  Hydrolyzed jojoba esters help prevent moisture loss and sugar-derived vegetable 
proteins help neutralize odors and glycerin is added softness.

Why I love this fragrance? It's a hybrid of green and floral: A fresh blend of green clover, lavender, sage, rosemary and thyme. The product does not dry your 
hands. 

Alba Botanical Natural AcneDote Deep Pore Wash, Oil 
Control Lotion, Invisible Treatment Gel
www.albabotanica.com
Made in USA

Organic and safe for all skins, AcneDote boasts botanicals like Lemon Balm and Parsley Extracts and Willow Bark Extract, a natural source of Salicylic Acid which helps treat and prevent acne are infused into Organic Green Tea Extract that helps soothe inflamed skin.

I do no have acne, but veer on the oily side especially in the summertime. The gentle foaming wash naturally treats and helps prevent blemishes and leaves skin 
squeaky clean. A feeling I still like.  My son does have some moderate acne issues and appreciated the Willow Bark Extract and 2% Salicylic Acid which helps prevent acne even after you rinse. A face wash for the whole family except young kids and the drier older skins.

Under $10

AcneDote Oil Control Lotion, with 2% Salicylic Acid

Infused with Willow Bark Extract, Parsley and Lemon Balm Extracts and Organic Green Tea Extract just like the cleanser, it is the perfect weightless matte moisturizer for 
the grease monkeys. Also reduce redness and inflamed skin.  If you break a shine fast when made up, this is one to try.  Caveat: Use sparingly.

Size: 2 oz / 57 g

Under $15

AcneDote Invisible Treatment Gel

Has 2% Salicylic Acid

Also has Willow Bark Extract, a natural source of Salicylic Acid helps treat and prevent acne.  Licorice and Lentil Extracts help neutralize acne-causing bacteria and combat shiny skin.  Organic Aloe and Organic Chamomile help soothe and 
calm inflammation.

Serious spot treatment that kills a zit dead in its tracks. Works in hours and is non-sticky and leaves no residue.  A family workhorse for that skin eruption that has to go. Caveat: Use sparingly. 

Size: 0.5 oz / 14g

Under $10

Murad Acne Spot treatment
www.murad.com
Made in USA

Dr. Howard Murad, M.D., FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist, trained pharmacist, and Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine (Dermatology) at the Geffen 
School of Medicine, UCLA.  He knows a thing or two about skincare and I really like 
all his new items brought to market in the last year.  Dr. Murad founded the skincare company in 1989 and he developed the clinically proven The Science of Cellular 
Water™, the world’s most comprehensive approach to understanding health and aging. The Science of Cellular Water looks at the ability of cell membranes to hold water as the fundamental marker of youthful good health.

(This Product Is Contained In The Following Kits: Acne Complex Kit, 30 Day Acne Complex Kit - size may vary)
This is also a killer spot treatment: Murad spot treatment has 3% Sulfur to heal and prevent blemishes.  Sulfur works to heal blemishes while zinc, licorice and 
allantoin soothe and calm the skin, plus Vitamins C and E neutralize free radicals and condition the skin. Salicylic acid exfoliates in order to speed the healing process and  oat flour prevents the dryness often caused by acne treatments.  Hardcore, works and must be used sparingly.

Murad Age Reform Intensive Resurfacing Peel
www.murad.com
Made in USA

My favorite of the entire group for September; this little miracle worker makes you look like years faded away when you slept.  Easy to use, you crack the tube open 
and apply to clean skin while watching a little late night TV, and wait 10 minutes.

Gently remove with a warm washcloth.  (I got two applications from each tube)
Murad’s Intensive Resurfacing Peel brightens and smoothes skin by combining the benefits of a peel with gentle microdermabrasion. Bamboo beads buff away 
debris and exhausted cells to reveal youthful-looking skin, while Glycolic and Salicylic Acids stimulate cell proliferation.

This treatment brightens tone and smoothes texture and makes a huge difference in skin. Try it.  Caveat: Formula is intense and if you have sensitive skin, you may only be able to leave product on for a few minutes to start. With continued use, product can be left on for longer increments. For optimal results, use once per week and follow with moisturizer and sunblock.

$45.00 for 4 x 0.17 FL. OZ.

Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment 40ml/1.35oz
www.laroche-posay.com
Made in USA

This is a build product, meaning the more you stick with it, the better it gets. You will go through a peel-y phase but the acne issues lessen dramatically. This is a 
double-action acne treatment which is non-whitening, non-drying formula.
The product has micronized Benzoyl Peroxide to reduce inflammation and irritation and micro-exfoliating LHA for precise exfoliation.  Works on moderate acne, pimples,  
blackheads and whiteheads.  For teens, young adults and adult-acne plagued.

Under $35

Effaclar K

Salicylic Acid percentage is 1.5%. This is a combination skin savior, and for the acne-prone, but sensitive skinned too.  This product, like the one above, has a peeling phase you have to ride out. It's worth it. Acne and blackheads are 
under control.

Under $30

Obagi Clenziderm M.D. Pore Therapy
www.obagi.com
Made in USA

Fruity smelling Obagi Pore Therapy unclogs pores and promotes the exfoliation of dead skin cells and prepares the skin for further acne treatments, like the 
ones I mention above.

Containing 2% Salicylic Acid, CLENZIderm Pore Therapy is used like a toner and clears away residue after washing your face.  The high percentage of Salicylic Acid 
makes it an excellent exfoliant, especially when reinforced with topical moisturizers and spot treatments too.

Under $35

glo-therapeutics Renew Serum 1 oz.
www.gloprofessional.com/
Made in USA

I love this serum; you feel it when you apply to clean skin because of the percentage of Glycolic acid (7%). The serum is all about mild exfoliation and greatly improving skin’s texture and tone.  Contains hydroxy acids and anti-bacterial agents, perfect for when you need oil control and fine line obliterating too.

Salicylic Acid causes dead skin cells to shed, which opens up pores, releasing bacteria from clogged pores.  Like hydroxy acids, salicylic acid also facilitates the 
growth of new skin, and softens the skin.  It is also well-known for its acne treating properties.

gloRenew Serum also has retinol and Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein, which conditions while controlling oil, as well as anti-oxidant extracts and D-panthenol, which is an anti-inflammatory that also hydrates and repairs the skin.

Caveat: Not an every night deal; use it 2-3 times maximum a week. May increase skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. Wear a sunscreen daily.

Ole Henriksen Ultimate Lift Eye Gel 1 oz.
www.olehenriksen.com
Made in USA

Spanx in a jar: The Ultimate Lift Eye Gel is fabulous for day and night, especially for the oilier skins who fear rich eye creams.

Nice and light, this is the eye gel for a friend who avoids them because she is afraid of blemishes. Many eye creams are too rich and heavy, but not this one.  

The natural botanical base is a cool blue gel infusion of natural astringent and anti-inflammatory Eyebright, amino acid Arginine, sodium hyaluronate, aloe vera, cucumber, and calendula extracts that hydrate, depuff, and smooth away fine lines.

I store mine in the refrigerator for extra depuffing benefits.
Under $40

Borghese Fango Ristorativo Restorative Hydrating Mud 
for Face and Body 7 oz. tube
www.borghese.com
Made in USA

The Montecatini miracle mud has been around since the beginning of time, and the Italian Fango is a multi-purpose mask helps nourish and replenish skin with vital   nutrients with Borghese’s signature Acqua di Vita Complex.

This mask helps protect against environmental damage and knocks down redness in the skin. Concentrated minerals and micronutrients replenish and re-mineralize 
dull, depleted skin. Caveat: Do not be stingy with this, apply liberally, thick 
and do not leave on too long.

Obagi ELASTIderm Day Eye Gel .5 oz
www.obagi.com
Made in USA

Hygienic pump delivery of cool blue gel-cream, love it. The great news is you need a just a little for each eye.  You can lightly apply to the lid too. Contains Blueberry extract supplies antioxidants to help eradicate free radicals, plus a bi-mineral complex and Malonic acid which promotes production of healthy skin cells.

Caveat: Do not overuse, or it will ball up on you.

Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture for Eyes .5 fl oz
www.murad.com
Made in USA

Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture for Eyes is a light-weight cream loaded with nutrients and it lasts all day. I love this gel cream, except for the packaging. It has the consistency to be packaged in a clean delivery pump or tube.  Sticking fingers in jars is my only complaint for this excellent eye cream.

A peptide blend, with a Collagen Support Complex and Hyaluronic Acid to hold moisture. You can feel it firming up the under eye skin as it is absorbed. Lovely effective product and highly recommended. Murad, if you are listening, 
please package this one in a pump too.

Under $60

Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray 4 oz.
www.skindinavia.com
Made in USA

I was dubious about "setting" makeup, especially with oil issues and trapping sweat under makeup.  But Skindinavia creates a soft, natural finish that doesn't feel 
like you lacquered your face. It just preserves the color and the look of your "face" for that special event or long day. It washes off easily with face cleanser. Caveat: 
Shake well before use. Light spray mist - once or twice is sufficient. Do not overuse.

Eraclea Hydrating Day Lotion for Normal to Oily Skin 1 oz.
http://eracleaskincare.com
Made in USA

My favorite day combo of the lot is this ingenious twist top pump that delivers the right amount of this lightweight but intensely hydrating and firming lotion.  I combine two pumps of this lotion with two pumps of the Hydrating Day serum noted below and cover my entire face and neck with it. 

The product has a vitamin C orange scent and absorbs quickly, really firming the skin as it is absorbed. Perfect dispensing, unfussy product that works amazingly. 

The lotion is a blend of peptides, extracts and vitamins forms a protective equilibrium barrier or elastic “second skin” to nourish and protect the skin. It obliterates fine lines, firms and brighten the skin.  The formula continues to retain and deliver water even when it feels dry on the surface of the skin. I prefer to combine this with the Pure Hydration for a daytime combination under makeup base.

$60

Eraclea Intensive Repair and Protect Serum/Vitamin C 1 Fl. Oz. (30 mL)

For me, this is a nighttime serum. Lightweight greaseless gel that is a power punch of antioxidants to correct skin's signs of aging. The product is loaded with vitamin C and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate to deliver a weightless wrinkle fighting and firming treatment that will not break out the oilier skins and those who are sensitive to glycolics.  Fantastic trio of serums/moisturizer. You feel these three Eraclea lotion/serums working and firming the skin as they are absorbed. Expensive but highly recommended.

$75.00

Eraclea Pure Hydration Serum/Zinc  1 Fl. Oz. (30 mL)

This is the juice that I add to the Eraclea lotion every day. It calms stressed, irritated skin, and is a moisture-intensive serum (also in a twist pump that swivels up and down) draws on the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of zinc to promote healing while reducing redness. The serum is meant to be used after the nighttime repair serum, but for me the results were when I combined with the daytime lotion for under makeup.  It is perfect for rosacea inflamed skin, or anyone who is using strong glycolics or skin peeling salicylics. Fab stuff.  Pricey, but it does work.

$80.00

The Organic Pharmacy Antioxidant Face Firming Serum
1.1 oz
www.theorganicpharmacy.com
Made in UK

This one freaked me out at first, and then I loved it. It has a slightly oily feel, and my natural expectation with serum products is that they normally have a gel consistency. Having said that, this vitamin C infused citrus smelling potion really worked wonders on a drier skin who used it for two weeks.

In the wintertime when my skin craves a denser face cream and serum - this will be used then for me.  I am seasonally oily skinned.  The serum has a calming feel and moisturizes the skin, and heals rosacea issues too.  This organic serum contains rose hip, grapeseed, alphalipoic acid, DMAE, carrot and grapefruit oil and it claims to reverses sun damage. The serum reduces the look of wrinkles, and absorb free radicals.  Caveat: Use only a couple drops, it comes out fast. It is thinner than most serums.

Over $50

Christina My Silky Serum 1 oz
www.christina-cosmeceuticals.com
Made in Israel

Another one that had me tentatively trying it out. My Silky Serum is for those who love creams and moisture, not for oily/combo skins. This is for wrinkles and fine lines  and creates a smooth shiny finish on the skin. My friend - who has normal-to-dry skin - adored this product.

For oily/combination skins like mine, I can see using this product when skiing or in a very cold dry climate with forced heat/air.  This Polysilicon based formula with a combination of natural antioxidants and vitamins claims to boost the production of new Collagen, improves elasticity, fills in wrinkles and promotes healthy cell growth. Caveat: Use sparingly, the dropper releases too much product, so be careful, just a bit is needed. Apply a small amount on cleaned face. Massage gently into the skin with upward sliding movements.

Over $50

April MacIntyre is Monsters and Critics' smallscreen and people/celebrity editor who loves to visit and celebrate small American businesses when she can. You can contact her on Twitter