Lumene Excellent Future Line

The hot ingredient right now is the Uttwiler Spatluber apple. Vogue featured it in the Nov. 09 issue . The article says this almost extinct apple's stem cells seemed able to protect human stem cells in tests, even defending them from UV radiation.

You might wonder how one would come to study this ancient apple, and they tell us that too-their longevity. Even after picking they lasted much longer than other ones and the trees bark was self healing.

Lumene's Excellent Future line contain Applexcell™, which they describe as a "combination of a modern apple stem cell extract and ancient Arctic white peat", "that works help skin repair itself"

You can read the test results at the website if you wish. They do provide details.

The Excellent Future Deep Repairing Cream is highly emollient. Far more than I needed, but the driest of skins will drink it up.

The Excellent Future Deep Repairing Serum is lightly moisturizing and sinks in fast .It made my skin smoother and softer after only a couple uses. It makes a nice makeup base as well.

Both retail for $ 29.99 and are all all CVS stores and CVS online.

http://www.lumene.com/ for more info.

* press sample

Guerlain New Rouge G Le Brilliant & Kiss Kiss Strass

January brings us new Guerlain lipsticks . In my world, thats cause for major excitement.

First up we have an addition to the Rouge G line called Le Brilliant. They have taken those luxe lippies and made them one better, with the additon of shimmer. I am liking the Le Brilliant even better than the original. That bit of shimmer seems to make them last longer, be more creamy and well, lets face it, I just like shimmer.

Shown are the shades Beatrix and Barbara. Beatrix is almost a lip tone, a pink lip tone, but light and just a swipe of tint and shimmer for your lips. Barbara was hard to get a good shot of. It's not as dark on as it appears in the photo. It's a medium , brown with a dash of plum.

Next up are Kiss Kiss Strass. The rest of the official description is " Crystal Shine , Shimmering Colors." That covers it well. These have loads of sparkle , are highly moisturizing and creamy. The pigment here is good, medium I would say. The lipsticks have 3 different kinds of Mother of Pearl for maximum shimmer .

Shown below are Rouge Broderie ( the pink one) and Brun Satin.

The Kiss Kiss Strass ($ 31.00)and Rouge G Le Brilliant ($ 46.00) have 10 new shades each.

Available now at Nordstrom, Saks, and more.

MAC Studio Fix Lash

I've been using the line for over 15 years and can't can't recall the last time a MAC product disappointed me. Perhaps not ever. But I have never had much luck with their mascaras. Mostly because like so many , they smudge on me. Zoom and Plush Lash would be great if not for that. It's not them, it's more me.

New Studio Fix Lash is just so basic . Now basic is not what I think of with MAC . It has the newer plastic/rubber wand but simply lengthens a little bit , defines a little and thats it. No volume, no boost, no curl, no big lashes. MAC says it is the mascara that "kills clumps" and "separates". OK, it does do that. I can say I didn't have any clumping. So it does do what it does well. It also didn't smudge on me.

If any of you have tried it I'd be interested in what you thought. I know one other person who had the same thoughts as me after using it.

*press sample

Rodial Creme de la Creme Firming Body Creme

My first Rodial product and this came so close to making the best of 09 list.

I knew I would like it, but didn't expect to not only love it, but find it to be such a top product. It really is that good.

I can go two days sometimes with one application if this is what I am using. With shea butter, grapeseed oil, and pomegranate extract ( pomegranate ellagic tannin ), Creme de la Creme is scentless and dries fast . Basic but so not basic. I can't say if it firms too much yet, but overall it's a big winner.

$ 45.00 for 6.8 oz

Available at Henri Bendel, Fred Segal, http://www.beautyhabit.com/ and more.

*press sample