National beauty brands are always raising the bar when it comes to incorporating unique and exotic ingredients, and it’s important to know exactly what these quirky ingredients do for us… Check out the hot new beauty ingredients for 2012!

1.       Monk’s Pepper Berry

• Called “the ancient elixir of happiness” – in ancient Greece, monks used to brew pepper berries in hot water and drink as tea. This tea actually promoted feelings of happiness and, years later, was also found to have powerful antioxidant properties (when ingested and applied topically)
• Fights the signs of aging, promotes a radiant glow and protects skin from free radical damage
• Example: Every product in the new Stages of Beauty brand has the monk’s pepper berry ingredient (cleanser, scrub, treatment cream, serum, etc.).

2.       Sheep’s Wool

• Chemists have extracted a protein peptide called ProSina from the wool of New Zealand sheep
• ProSina improves the condition of damaged nails by seeping into the nails, resulting in the integrity and cohesion of the nail plate. Strengthens weak, brittle and/or peeling nails.
• Example: Dermelect Cosmeceuticals’ anti-aging nail treatments (base coat nail strengthener, Launchpad, concealer and base coat ridge filler, Makeover, fast drying top coat, High Maintenance and moisturizing cuticle cream Rejuvenail)

3.       Seaberry Oil

• Derived from the sea buckthorn shrub native to Siberia (think cold!) with skin repairing and highly moisturizing properties
• High in carotenoids, vitamin C, amino acids, minerals, sterols and polyphenols
• Carotenoids are a natural shield against UVA/UVB rays and also accelerates skin rejuvenation
• Great for extra dry skin, acne, eczema and scars
• Will not find in many products because it has a bright orange color and a unique fragrance, so it is a challenging ingredient to master
• Example: Found in Fresh’s Seaberry Restorative Body Lotion

Miracle Skin Transformer Body SPF20 may be my new favorite skin-care and makeup product rolled into one!  Sheer coverage that adds a lovely glow… and yet does NOT ‘enhance’ wrinkles the way so many products can…  as a fair skinned lass with a ruddy complexion Miracle Skin Transformer also helped to even my skin tone… LOVE that!

What is is?

Miracle Skin Transformer Body SPF20 is a high performance tinted treatment body enhancer with a naturally derived silicone base plus antioxidants and natural actives that zeros in on your body’s skincare concerns to give skin a total transformation.

Transform the appearance of arms, legs and décolleté – you’ll see a difference instantly: Skin looks smoother, firmer, and totally flawless.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- Triclosan

Miracle Skin Transformer Body SPF20 available at Sephora.com

Naturopathica Beech Tree and Ginseng Daily Moisturizer is one of my absolute favorite finds for combating winter skin!  Non-greasy… lightweight and yet penetrating… and a small-dab-will-do-ya!

This nourishing moisturizer blends antioxidant rich Beech Tree and Goji Berry with a firming complex of Ginseng to help protect skin from free radicals.

FOR SKIN TYPE: Normal to Dry Skin

HERO INGREDIENT: Beech Tree: this potent extract helps to significantly increase the oxygen consumption rate in cells thereby enhancing moisture retention.

It’s the dressiest time of the year, and this holiday season, partygoers can dress up with a clear conscience thanks to H&M’s Conscious Party Collection. Available in store beginning November 24, the women’s collection is filled with this season’s party essentials such as  kimono blouses, high-waisted pants, dinner jackets and folklore-inspired dresses, with red as the key accent color. A Goth theme reigns supreme in the Divided department, with black draped dresses and pants featuring metallic details. The entire collection is made from sustainable materials, such as organic cotton, recycled polyester and Tencel®, and continues H&M’s conscious work toward a more sustainable future in fashion.

Visit online at hm.com

Contemporary women’s apparel brand SURIA by Neha Chhabra is an Indian and American-fused collection of culturally inspired garments.  Created with the ingenuity of skilled craftsman and Neha’s jet-setting lifestyle, each item is at once feminine and simplistic.  SURIA by Neha Chhabra is suited for both the fashionista – a globetrotting corporate or modern woman – who craves the charming details, natural fabrics and artisan techniques.

The Indian-inspired collection boast a youthful western touch – a concept evolved from a myriad of influences – Neha’s Indian heritage, lineage in the fashion industry and jetsetting lifestyle along with her California upbringing and experimenting with her mother’s wardrobe. Neha’s immediate and husband’s family has been in the business of fashion for many generations, which has thus inspired Neha to launch her own line. The collection of handmade pieces includes day dresses, embellished vests, kaftans and tunics made from India’s local fabrics – rich in color and texture. Contemporary silhouettes feature delicate patterns and vintage prints that are produced from the finest materials including crepe, georgette, chiffon, silk, woven sil, cotton and brocade with crepe de chine. The color palette’s foundation includes bold shades of fuchsia, mustard, indigo and teal along with cooler tones such as baby blue and white.

The apparel is hand beaded and embroidered by skilled karigars (artisans ) in India who use century-old traditional beading techniques.  Crystals, beads and thread are selected to complement the fabric and design of each piece.  Variations in the design are characteristics that lend uniqueness. SURIA by Neha Chhabra’s debut line is available in made-to-order sizes or small, medium, large and extra large with price points ranging from $50 to $650.

Neha’s absorption of both eastern and western influences are the inspiration for the collection of garments that offer an effortless transition from day to night. Cultivated by heritage and experience, SURIA by Neha Chhabra celebrates style and a deep-rooted connection to Indian culture.  With vibrancy found in its design and use of fabrics and traditional embroidery techniques, SURIA by Neha Chhabra is sure to awaken your inner globetrotting goddess.

For more information, please visit www.suriaboston.com

Did you know that an estimated 4lbs of toxic chemicals are absorbed into our bodies each year through the products we lather on? Our skin is the largest organ we have, and at less than one inch thick, it’s incredibly permeable. So all those lotions, washes, masks, cosmetics – the things that make us feel beautiful and rejuvenated – are absorbed into our bodies. And without the equivalent of a liver for our skin, there is no filter to prevent those toxins from entering our blood circulation.  It’s all enough to make your skin crawl.

Check out our favorite all natural beauty picks that will help, not harm your skin.

• Raw Mascara: Choose mascara that is made from 100% natural, botanical ingredients. It does what a mascara should do – silky, non-clumping and non-smudging – while skipping the toxins and parabens. Try Earth Labs’ raw mascara and you’ll never go back.http://www.ethicalocean.com/product/raw-mascara
• Mineral Eyeliner: Still get the smouldering look without the toxins. Earth Labs’ eyeliner available in 6 shades is packed with ingredients you can pronounce. http://www.ethicalocean.com/product/mineral-eye-liner-smoke
• Foundation: NVEY Eco Creme Deluxe Foundation gives you a flawless look every time. All natural, its base is formulated to soften and soothe the skin while antioxidants protect the skin from free radicals. http://www.ethicalocean.com/product/cr-me-deluxe-flawless-foundation
• Scrub: Chalk full of ingredients you would eat, the Chemically Naked Multigrain Scrub deep cleans, calms and exfoliates.http://www.ethicalocean.com/product/multi-grain-scrub

Look for more healthy and safe cosmetics and beauty products on Ethical Ocean.

The Gorilla Perfumers, Mark and Simon Constantine, are back and they’ve brought some new creations with them.  The father and son team, whose goal is to create exquisite perfumes as an antidote to boring, mass-market scents, are introducing nine new fragrances available exclusively online at lushusa.com now!

Here are a few of the fourteen fragrances launching:

Love

($39.95 30 ml/$15.95 10 ml/$12.95 solid/$3.00 2 ml)

“Watching my sons fall in and out of love inspired this perfume, and rather like their relationships, it took quite a while to get right.” – LUSH Co-Founder, Mark Constantine

Like a sweet young romance, Love opens with a bright green apple note and develops into a spicy fragrance with cinnamon and cassia toremind you of the exhilaration of romance.

1000 Kisses Deep

($39.95 30 ml/$15.95 10 ml/ $12.95 solid/ $3.00 2ml)

Our founder and one of the Gorilla Perfumers, Mark Constantine, created 1000 Kisses Deep in honor of the lasting love he shares with his wife. An exquisite and delicate apricot-note from osmanthus blossoms, combined with a touch of mandarin and deep resins, expresses the complexities of true love.

Cocktail

($39.95 30 ml/$15.95 10 ml/$13.95 solid/$3.00 2 ml)

“A beautiful dress-up fragrance; a final gesture in the ritual of preparing to go out for a special evening.  Just spray a cloud of Cocktail into the air and walk into it.” – LUSH Co-Founder, Mark Constantine

Everyone knows a cocktail is the perfect companion after dark. This one is no exception, the leading lady in the scent is ylang ylang followed by notes of jasmine, rose, orange blossom, oakmoss and sandalwood.

Available online at Lush.com

Looking to winterize your skin? Consider these five ingredients to look for in your skin care products…

1.      DNA Repair Enzymes

Active DNA Repair Enzymes support the proliferation of fresh, young skin cells and encourage the recognition and elimination of DNA damage as it delivers protective antioxidants to moisturize skin during the recovery process.  These self-correcting enzymes help delay the aging process and enhance the recovery of damaged skin.

2.      Epidermal Growth Factors

Use of Epidermal Growth Factors (EGF) as an active ingredient results in dramatic and rapid improvement of advanced signs of photo damage such as age spots, discoloration and pronounced wrinkling as it encourages skin to continue its natural regeneration processes.

3.      Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil

Sunflower Seed Oil contains a surplus of Vitamins A, D and E to help smooth and condition skin. This emollient-like ingredient retains moisture as it works to prevent wrinkles and minimize dark circles under the eye.

4.      Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil

Coconut Oil is used as an effective moisturizer that soothes the skin. It also contains antimicrobial, antioxidant and antibacterial properties that work to delay signs of aging.

5.      Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Oil

Grapefruit Oil is most commonly used to cleanse and tone the skin. When used as an active ingredient, it tightens skin and reduces the appearance of large pores which is especially good for oily, problematic skin.

The DNAEGF Renewal skincare line, based on 25 years of clinical research by Dr. Ronald Moy, is the first to combine two scientific breakthroughs, DNA Repair Enzymes and Epidermal Growth Factors, with other natural, beneficial ingredients such as Sunflower Seed Oil, Coconut Oil and Grapefruit Oil to transform aging and photo damaged skin. This revolutionary skincare line is comprised of six products that work to renew, repair, hydrate, prime and protect.

For more information please visit www.dnaegfrenewal.com.

Quercetin & Oak 3 Step Prep Collection available at Sephora.com

A collection of Quercetin & Oak products that prep skin for long-lasting makeup and crease-proof eye shadow and concealer.

What it does:
This set features products that refresh and prepare the skin for flawless makeup application in three easy steps. Step 1: Prep the skin for long-lasting makeup application with Quercetin & Oak Antiageing Face Primer. This face primer provides an even and perfected skin surface for long-lasting makeup application and instantly smooths the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and pores. Step 2: Prep the eye area for crease-proof eye shadow and concealer wear with Quercetin & Oak Antiageing Eye Primer, a 3-in-1 eye primer. The Apricot undertone instantly corrects darkness and imperfections on the eyelid and the undereye area. The eye primer provides a 360-degree smooth, even canvas, diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Step 3: Use Quercetin & Oak Antiageing & Antiwrinkle Concealer on areas you want to conceal. The long-lasting, highly-pigmented yet ultra-elastic formula covers dark spots, circles, blemishes, and other imperfections. The appearance of fine lines and wrinkles are dramatically reduced while skin’s texture is improved.

This set contains:
- 0.34 oz Quercetin & Oak Antiageing Face Primer
- 0.14 oz Quercetin & Oak Antiageing Eye Primer
- 0.18 oz Quercetin & Oak Antiageing and Antiwrinkle Concealer

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan

Quercetin, an ultrapowerful antioxidant derived from the oak tree, helps to minimize the signs of aging and keep skin looking younger.

Quercetin & Oak 3 Step Prep Collection available at Sephora.com

L’OCCITANE Launches New Immortelle Products Offering a Precious Nectar with a Powerful Anti-aging…

Immortelle Precious Cream ($56): A rich, smooth day cream enhanced with precious Immortelle Cell Extracts, Immortelle Essential Oil and antioxidant Vitamin E to correct deep wrinkles and restructure skin for improved firmness and a visibly younger looking complexion.

Immortelle Precious Night Cream ($68): A silky smooth overnight treatment enhanced with precious Immortelle Cell Extracts, Immortelle Essential Oil and antioxidant Vitamin E to help reverse the thinning of the skin, which naturally occurs with age.

Immortelle Precious Eye Balm ($38) – A rich eye treatment enhanced with precious Immortelle Cell Extracts to smooth and firm the eye contour and visibly reduce dark circles and puffiness. Shea butter helps nourish delicate skin as ivy and holly extracts stimulate circulation for a more youthful appearance.

Immortelle Essential Water ($27) – An alcohol-free toner enhanced with precious Immortelle Cell Extracts to soften and refresh skin. Centella Asiatica extract helps stimulate collagen production as green tea improves micro-circulation, leaving skin perfectly toned and prepared for topical anti-aging treatments.

Immortelle Precious Protection SPF 20 ($58) – A rich, smooth day cream enhanced with precious Immortelle Cell Extracts, antioxidant Vitamin E, and SPF 20 to correct deep wrinkles and restructure skin for improved firmness and a visibly younger-looking complexion. Protects against both UV and free radical damage.

Immortelle Precious Fluid ($44) – A light-textured lotion enhanced with precious Immortelle Cell Extracts and antioxidant Vitamin E to correct deep wrinkles and restructure skin for improved firmness and a visibly younger-looking complexion. Hydrating fig gel mattifies skin and helps restore balance for a perfect make-up ready result.

Immortelle from Corsica Eau de Parfum ($68): L’OCCITANE also reveals the olfactory richness of this unique flower and invites you to embark on a new journey in the Voyage en Méditerranée Eaux de Parfum collection. This luminous scent offers a vibrant tribute to immortelle flowers – the “golden suns” that light up the Corsican landscape. A rich, smooth composition with liqueur notes, the oriental interpretation of this everlasting flower evokes sunshine with a touch of mystery.

L’OCCITANE Immortelle available online at loccitane.com