NYC dermatologist Patricia Wexler, MD, was recently on my friends' beauty podcast Fat Mascara raving about the anti-aging benefits of the NIA-114 molecule found in Strivectin Products. After listening, I immediately brought home a jar of the new Strivectin Multi-Action Restorative Cream, $95, and slathered it on before bed. It's designed to simultaneously address 12 signs of aging -- everything from wrinkles to discoloration to enlarged pores -- thanks to the aforementioned NIA-114, peptides and hyaluronic acid. The cream itself is rich without being heavy, and it sinks in instantly. And after only a week, I'm starting to notice a difference -- proving, yet again, that Dr. Wexler knows her stuff.
I am not a fan of most hand creams. They leave your keyboard slick and slimy and can even ruin the handles of your favorite bag -- I'm speaking from experience. Still, I care about my hands. I spend a lot of time taking care of the skin on my face, and I'd like young-looking hands to match. That's why I'm wearing Iluminage Skin Rejuvenating Gloves, $45, while I type this -- even if they look a little dorky. These nude fingerless gloves have copper woven into the silky fabric, which has been clinically proven to improve skin's appearance in four weeks. And the technology is serious stuff -- it originated in hospitals. Iluminage also make a pillowcase, eye mask and socks -- in case you're thinking what I'm thinking, which is that you'd like to drape your entire body in this fabric. Hopefully sheets and pajamas are coming soon.
I am an extremely delinquent makeup brush washer. I definitely don't do it once a week. To be honest, I may not even wash my brushes once a month. Gross, I know. But who has time to shampoo them like a dozen tiny dolls and then leave them to dry overnight? Not I. Now that Japonesque Waterless Brush Cleaner, $16, exists, my excuses are moot. You spritz it on your brushes and it dries in seconds, removing makeup and killing bacteria. Forget once a week -- I may start washing my brushes every day.
There's nothing better than real-life beach hair -- it's tousled, it's textured, it's sexy. But the next day it's crunchy and dehydrated. Alterna Bamboo Beach BB Balm for Hair, $22, gives you sexy beach hair that's also moisturized, shiny, frizz-free and protected from the sun. And it smells deliciously coconut-y and has just a hint of golden glitter to give your hair a sun-kissed glow. Like you've been at the beach -- or not.
May can be a slow month for new beauty products -- lots of exciting products will arrive at drugstores next month. However, I'm impressed by the new beauty products launching this May. There's fascinating new technology, cool ingredients I haven't seen before and makeup that will change your everyday routine and get you out the door five minutes faster.
From Christie Brinkley's new serum to the first dry shampoo for your makeup brushes, there's so much to get excited about this month. I apologize in advance for your credit card bill because you'll want to buy all eight.
