OK, so let's be honest, the last few weeks have been so crazy with holiday prep and craziness that I haven't posted as often as I would have liked...the same holds true for this week, so I am going to give you my year in review...in the mother-of-all posts today...and then bid you farewell until we head full force into 2011 with all new stories, products, and kicking off Stetson Creative TV, which will include video blogs, creative tutorials, and guest entries from some of my favorite beauty mavens!  We will also be unveiling an all-new interactive site sometime in Spring 2011, so stay tuned for that as well.  In the meantime....

BEST BEAUTY BREAKTHROUGH
ADVANCED HOME ACTIVES Brazilian Peel
Glycolic peels are one of the safest, most effective peels to reduce the appearance of fine lines, smooth and even skin tone and surface, and brighten complexion..but when improperly used or timed, can result in severe irritation that can take weeks to heal.  The Brazilian Peel is the first 30% Glycolic Acid treatment peel safe for use at home with the powerful antioxidant properties of the acai berry.  Let me tell you...in one treatment, you notice instant results, and after two, your face appears rejuvenated.  Use weekly for maximum results.  If you invest in one product for 2010, this is the one to go for!!!

$78 - Advanced Home Actives www.advancedhomeactives.com

BEST FACE WASH
FREEZE 24/7 Skin Glace Daily Detoxifying Cleanser and Mask
While this is not a new product for 2010, I first experienced it this year and when a skincare line gets a beauty junkie such as myself to change the products that I personally use on a daily basis, it's a big deal.  The Skin Glace has made a believer out of  me in not only this but other Freeze 24/7 products (Try the Double Scoop moisturizer too!).  It can be used as a cleanser and foaming mask at once! Massage into face for a super-squeaky clean, and leave on for 60 seconds as it foams to clean out pores and wipe away impuries, while leaving the skin moist ans supple!

$65 - Freeze 24/7 www.freeze247.com


BEST MOISTURIZER
IMMUPURE Daily Face and Neck Firming Moisturizer
Infused with Immupure's patented Bovine Colostrum and growth factor proteins, this moisturizer is unlike anything you have ever tried.  Worth the heavy price tag, this product will provide you with near-instant results, and in under a week, you will look 10 years younger!

$185 - Immupure www.immupure.com


BEST EYE CREAM
LA MER The Eye Concentrate
With its cult-like following, it has become common knowledge that La Mer is the Cadillac of skincare, with the Eye Concentrate as the latest addition to the family.  Infused with the La Mer signature Miracle Broth, the Eye Concentrate also contains hematite, a magnetically charged mineral which works WONDERS on dark circles.  The fabulous metal roller is cooling on delicate under-eye skin for a truly luxurious experience.

$165 - La Mer www.cremedelamer.com

BEST ANTI-AGING TREATMENT
STRIVECTIN Overnight Facial Resurfacing Serum
Contains the patented StriVectin Tri-Active Concentrate which gently exfoliates while you sleep to smooth out fine lines, even texture and tone, and increase luminosity.  Use with your favorite night cream for maximum results.

$59 - StriVectin www.strivectin.com

BEST COMPLETE SYSTEM
SOMME INSTITUTE 5-Step Regimen
With their patented MDT5 Molecular Dispersion Technology, this system transforms the skin with vitamins A, B3, B5, C, and E.  This is one of those things that you have to really make sure you follow the directions and complete all of the steps, and when you do, you will REALLY see results.  I personally have a problem with skin clarity and evenness, and after two weeks using this system, my skin showed MAJOR improvements.  Best of all, it works for all skin types!  (1: Nourishing Cleanser, 2: Transport (exfoliant), 3: Serum (vitamin C), 4: A-Bomb (moisturizer with vitamins A and E), 5: Double Defense (SPF 30 moisturizer).

BEST HAIR PRODUCT
KMS CALIFORNIA Hair Play Makeover Spray
Whether prepping the hair for a style, or "making over" your existing style, this innovative hair product is one of my all-time favorites.  It absorbs oil, keeps pins and curls firmly in place, and can be used to "rejuvenate" existing products to restyle hair! Perfect for the girl on the go, or when working with multiple looks at a single photo shoot!

$23 - KMS California at Fine Salons Nationwide

BEST NAIL CARE
KARMA ORGANIC SPA Nail Polish and Remover
Non-toxic, chemical-free, and cruelty-free, these products are my #1 in nail care.  Long lasting lacquers and flawless remover are the only nail color you will ever need, and they are available in a selection of colors from mild to wild!

$10 - $12 Karma Organic Spa www.karmaorganicspa.com

BEST BODY
COMODYNES Hydra Tanning Moisturizing Summer Effect
A perfect way to stay moisturized while keeping that sun-kissed glow all winter long!  With vitamins E and F to protect again free radicals, this lotion provides gradual color which increases with daily use.  A word of warning: wash your hands immediately after applying or you will find yourself looking "dirty".  Apply in a circular motion for full, even coverage and the most fabulous legs you have ever seen!

$10 - Comodynes www.comodynes.net

BEST MAKEUP(tie)
MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick
By now you are tired of hearing about it, but for a lip color that goes on creamy, with intense pigment, that lasts FOREVER, this is your only choice.  Whether you prefer perfectly nude, the reddest red, or the blackest black, there is something here for you!

$19 - Make Up For Ever www.sephora.com

MEHRON Celebre Pro HD Foundation
You don't have to spend $30, $40, or even $60 for flawless buildable coverage.  This cream foundation allows you to create a smooth, light coverage for daily wear, or build full coverage for a photo shoot or editorial look.  Wet your makeup sponge and set with a translucent powder for the best lightweight foundation you have ever used...feels like nothing is there at all!  Available in 20 shades!

$10 - Mehron www.mehron.com

BEST MEN'S PRODUCT
BRAVE SOLDIER Antiseptic Healing Ointment
By no means a new product, this is the product that kicked off the entire Brave Soldier line, and one of the best products I have tested this year!  Formulated with lavender, tea-tree, macadamia, and hemp seed oils, this antibacterial remedy will soothe and kick-start healing of any nick or scrape you may encounter.  The best part is the addition of lidocaine for instant pain relief!  If you cut yourself shaving, stub your toe, or are simply clumsy like me, this is one product you NEED in your medicine cabinet.  LADIES, this is a great product for you too! Apply before waxing to numb the skin and prevent infection and bumps!

$12 - Brave Soldier www.bravesoldier.com

So there you have it! My favorites of the year for 2010.  Get ready for a whole batch of new products in 2011, because I know you cant resist the latest and greatest..until then....

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

Continuing with SPA WEEK, we are discussing at-home facial treatments targeting specific skin concerns. Though you may not have the time in your daily regimen, adding some of these products and techniques to your daily routine may dramatically increase your skin's appearance, texture, clarity, and tone.
5 Steps to Perfect Skin:
1. Cleanser
2. Exfoliate
3. Tone
4. Mask
5. Moisturize

These steps can be applied with small variations for any skin type

NORMAL SKIN:
You already have great skin, so maintaining it is your main concern.
Using good quality products is important as inexpensive fillers and detergents can dry your skin or cause breakouts. For a normal skin treatment, I really like the selection from KATE SOMERVILLE because you can really see instant results, even after just one treatment!

1. CLEANSE with the Gentle Daily Wash which contains soothing herbal ingredients to clean without overdrying.


$32 - Kate Somerville www.katesomerville.com




2. EXFOLIATE with Exfolikate Gentle to remove dead skin cells, prevent cellular turnover, and reveal brighter, more radiant skin.



$65 - Kate Somerville www.katesomerville.com



3. TONE with the Micro Glycolic Polisher, which contains lactic and glycolic acids along with powerful antioxidants to promote cellular health and reveal younger-looking skin.


$90 - Kate Somerville www.katesomerville.com



4. SOOTH with the Quench Hydrating Mask. Exfoliation and toning can cause mild, temporary skin irritation and/or redness, so it important to follow with intense hydration. This mask will sooth with cucumber and hyaluronic acid for ultimate hydration.


$45 - Kate Somerville www.katesomerville.com


5. MOISTURIZE with Deep Tissue Repair for intense moisture with proteins and vitamins to help improves skin overall texture, and reduce fine lines.


$150 - Kate Somerville www.katesomerville.com



Using these 5 steps once a week will keep your skin radiant and healthy for years to come!

SENSITIVE / ROSACEA:
The most important thing to know when your skin is easily irritated is that you must avoid harsh detergents and other ingredients that can cause irritation.  I really like BIOELEMENTS because of their ability to really customize a treatment plan that works for you.  For example, the process I just outlined that works for normal skin would wreak havoc on overly sensitive skin.
1. CLEANSE with the Sensitive Skin Cleanser, which contains essential oils to soften and sooth the skin.



$41 - Bioelements www.bioelements.com





2. / 3. EXFOLIATE / MASK.  Sensitive skin can't handle very abrasive exfoliation, so instead try the Measured Micrograins which works as a mask and gentle scrub.  Not only is it a great time saver, combining the steps eliminate irritation caused by excessive wetting and drying the skin!



$31 - Bioelements www.bioelements.com










4. TONE with the Calmitude Hydrating Solution.  The best part about this solution is it comes in a spray bottle for easy application, and includes licorice and white tea to calm and reduce redness.



$26 - Bioelements www.bioelements.com




5. MOISTURIZE with Calmitude Sensitive Skin Moisturizer.  Really massage into the skin for full absorption until the hands no longer slide easily.



$39.50 - Bioelements www.bioelements.com





You can use the cleanser, toner, and moisturizer daily, and save the exfoliating mask for 1-2 times per week, and you will see dramatic improvements in skin tone.

DRY / AGING:
Some problems that affect aging skin are dryness and discoloration along with the obvious fine lines and wrinkles.  Common ways of treating the visible signs of aging are antioxidants, proteins, exfoliation, and moisturizing.  LA MER has spent years building up a cult following for it's iconic anti-aging products, which contain what they call "miracle broth", which is unlike any other anti-aging product I have tried, with results starting to show almost instantly, and full results showing after continued use.
1. CLEANSE with the Cleansing Foam.  Massage into face with warm water and the luxurious foam cleanses and sooths the skin without over drying, revealing soft, pure skin.



$65 - La Mer www.cremedelamer.com




2. EXFOLIATE with the Refining Facial, massaging into skin with circular motions to reveal smooth, radiant skin using diamond powder and polished sea quartz.



$75 - La Mer www.cremedelamer.com




3. TONE with The Radiant Infusion to minimize pores and brighten complexion without over drying and to prepare your skin to receive moisturizer.



$95 - La Mer www.cremedelamer.com





4. MOISTURIZE with Creme de la Mer, which includes the legendary miracle broth.  Warm the formula in your hands and generously massage onto face and under eye area for the ultimate in anti-aging and hydration.



$130 - La Mer www.cremedelamer.com




For dry and aging skin, you don't want to use a mask, as they can often irritate and dry skin further.  There is a reason for the La Mer cult following, as it works so effectively it's like nothing I've ever seen before.  If you are still skeptical, head over to your nearest Neiman Marcus and try it out for yourself.  By the time you are finished shopping, your skin will feel younger and brighter!

OILY / ACNE-PRONE
If you have problems with breakouts, a traditional facial is not usually beneficial, and can cause further irritation. and actually strip the skin, which can actually cause an increase in oil production.  Recently, I discovered SKINTACTIX, which is a skincare line specifically designed to treat acne without the use of harsh chemicals like benzoyl peroxide.  You too can enjoy the facial experience while working to treat your acne prone skin.
1. CLEANSE with the Antibacterial Cleanser, which foams to get deep down into pores and balances pH.



                $10.50 - Skintactix www.skintactix.com

2. EXFOLIATE with the antibacterial Pineapple Scrub, which contains a gentle abrasive to remove dead skin cells while soothing with aloe and seaweed to allow skin to accept further treatments.



$12 - Skintactix www.skintactix.com




3. TONE with the Glycolic Exfoliator.  Witch Hazel and alcohol in toners can cause excess drying and actually lead to more oil production and acne.  Apply to a cotton pad and wipe over face in a thin layer.

            $13 - Skintactix www.skintactix.com

4. MASK.  The Green Tea Poultice is my favorite product from the line, calming irritated skin and soothing acne bumps almost instantly.  Product directions say to rub into skin, but I found that it works very effectively as a mask.  Massage onto face and leave on for approximately 30 minutes and then rinse with cool water.


$16 - Skintactix www.skintactix.com



5. MOISTURIZE with The Treatment Moisturizer with calming Hyaluronic Acid, Avocado, and Green Tea without clogging pores.



$14 - Skintactix www.skintactix.com






REMEMBER That with all of these facial procedures, read all product directions thoroughly, and you can often maximize results by using these products daily or weekly.

As far as 50 goes, women often let themselves go down one or two paths: They stop caring about their appearance and taking care of themselves, or they become obsessed with looking younger and fighting aging.  Neither is healthy.  Every woman (and man) is beautiful, and don't you forget it!  At this point, you can continue the regimen of moisturizing and exfoliation that you were using in your 40s, but you may want to upgrade your product line.  With its cult following, CREME DE LA MER still remains one of the most effective anti-aging treatments available.  With a less than revolutionary list of ingredients, it is the emollient process in which it is made that makes this NASA-developed creme the industry leader.

Pricing Upon Request - Major Department Stores Nationwide

MAKEUP: You should continue to use the PRIMER/FOUNDATION/HIGHLIGHTER regimen which I recommended for your 40s, using quality brands and products, but there are a few additional things you should know about makeup in your 50s.  Just make sure to avoid MATTE foundations, as they make your skin appear to be overly dry.

1. CREAM BLUSH.  Since skin tends to dry out as you age, using moisturizing ingredients will keep your face looking fresh and radiant.  STILA's Convertible Color is an excellent choice, as these moisturizing compacts can also be used on the lips!

$24 - Sephora Stores www.sephora.com

2. TRANSLUCENT POWDER.  Caking on the powder is going to make your skin clay-like and actually AGE YOU more, so use sparingly.  MAKE UP FOR EVER's HD Microfinish Powder goes on light and leaves your skin silky and flawless.  TIP: Tap off excess powder before applying to your face to ensure a smooth, sheer coat.

$30 - Sephora Stores www..sephora.com

3. EYELINER.  Apply to your top lid ONLY as a smokey eye can make you look tired at this age.  CLINIQUE offers a very nice Quickliner, which is a self-sharpening pencil in 14 shades that goes on easily on softer skin above the eye.  TIP: Try a grey or brown liner instead of black to make you look fresh and young.  TIP: Using a white or very light green eyeliner inside the lash line on the lower lid can open up your eyes and make you appear younger, and more rested.

$14.50 Sephora Stores www.sephora.com

4. EYESHADOW.  The number one rule of eyeshadow in your 50s is to stay away from bright colors and anything with a shimmer, which can actually accentuate fine lines and wrinkles.  Choose instead matte eyeshadows like the Suede Palette from AMAZING COSMETICS.

$36 - Sephora Stores www.sephora.com


5. MASCARA. Lashes often appear thinner as you age, so make sure to use a good quality volumizing mascara on the top lashes only.  Also, it helps to use a lash primer such as DIOR's Lash Plumping Serum, which contains vitamins and proteins to enhance the natural lash appearance.

$28 - Sephora Stores www.sephora.com

6. LIPS. Use a lip liner to prevent feathering of the lipstick.  If you have fine lines around your lips, MODELCO has a Perfection Lip Wax Kit that contains a waxy coating for your lips as well as a nude lip liner to keep you lip stick firmly in place.  TIP: Use a moisturizing lipstick, NOT a long wear lipstick, as the longer the wear, the more drying the lipstick.

$30 - Henri Bendel 5th Ave www.henribendel.com


If you have personal questions, please email them to matthew@stetsondesigngroup.com

So now that I have discussed how to feed your skin with food, vitamins, and minerals, let's talk about my favorite thing: PRODUCTS! Many women (and men) have the illusion that the more expensive a product is, the better it works. Celebrities swear by cremes, peels, etc....so whats the truth about it? Skincare is about ingredients, not whether or not its associated with luxury, etc.
Example:
CREME DE LA MER - Has a cult following and is used by almost everyone who can afford its exorbitant price tag, and has been christened as a "miracle creme." Let's look at the ingredients: Sea kelp, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, lecithin, vitamins c, e, and b12, citrus oil, eucalyptus, wheat germ alfalfa and sunflower. At first glance, nothing remarkable, and all ingredients we have discussed this week, though experts still have not figured why it works so well, it just does. My thoughts: If you can splurge go for it, otherwise there is another product out there for you!

$130 - Neiman Marcus www.neimanmarcus.com

YES, you can get a good skin creme at a drugstore!
OLAY REGENERIST has received stellar reviews, and even often gets ranked higher than many department store brands. (Yes, the commercial is actually true!) Regenerist contains amino-peptiedes, green tea, B complex, vitamin e, and citric acid (vitamin c), which are proven beneficial to the skin. How does it compare to La Mer? Only you can decide what works for you!

$20 - Major Drugstores Nationwide

ONE more thing....
I can't talk about skin nutrition without talking about one of my absolute favorite skincare products. I discovered IMMUPURE while working at one of the cosmetics counters at Henri Bendel, a high end department store on 5th avenue in NYC, and it is brilliant. This is one of the few products I have ever seen that gives you nearly INSTANT results. The key to its success is a product called colostrum, which is a protein produced during pregnancy, which is said to restore cell DNA and protect from free radicals. Also containing polypeptides, B complex, shea butter, and vitamins A, C, and E, this is a line that I can fully endorse even with the high price tag.

$50-$200 Immupure http://pharmacollc.com/immupure.html and at Henri Bendel NYC