The latest buzz in beauty: bee venom

In honor of National Honeybee Day on August 18, we're profiling one of the newest beauty trends: skincare cream containing bee venom.  All the rage in China & the UK, look for these products to be available in North America any day now.  In fact, Gwyneth Paltrow and other movie stars (who import it from England for personal use) say they swear by it.

Effective enough to be hailed as "the new Botox", here's how it works: the bee venom tricks your skin into believing it has just been stung, which causes the skin to release certain chemicals that tighten the area to combat the sting.  In particular, bee venom stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, resulting in smoother, firmer skin.  When applied to the face, the cream feels nourishing and the venom provokes a slight tingling sensation followed by a tightening.  It can be used as a mask, or as a day or night cream.  Some people say they notice a positive change in their skin after five to seven days using bee venom. Others say it takes weeks or months to make a difference.  The venom has a cumulative effect.  Each time it is applied, more collagen and elastin are produced.

For those of you worried about the little pollinators, supposedly, the bees are not harmed during the venom collection process.  To harvest the venom, beekeepers put a glass lid over their hives, preventing the bees from leaving.  Frustrated, the bees sting the glass. Releasing its stinger normally kills a honeybee, but the stinger can't penetrate the glass and remains in the bee. The venom collects on the glass.

Queen of The Hive by Wedder-spoon will retail in health food stores for $77.99, but you can get it online for $72.99 for 50 ml (www.wedder-spoon.ca).  You may feel a sting in your wallet, though.  But what price beauty?

Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/life/auty+product+puts+sting+lines/6644054/story.html#ixzz23jGx7Y12

Could Chocolate Replace Sunscreen?

How's that for an attention-getting post title?!  Everything is better when covered in chocolate - though we're talking ingestion here, as opposed to dipping ourselves in fondue (mmmmmm, fondue.......).  Read on:

It turns out chocolate doesn't just provide comfort on a rough day - a new study reports that chocolate helps protect against UV rays. Better yet, this isn't a matter of slathering chocolate fondue all over your body.

The Journal of Nutrition reports that the superfood contains antioxidants epicatechin and catechin that shield skin from the sun - only when you eat it. Women who consumed 326 milligrams of high-flavanol cocoa per day for 12 weeks had decreased sensitivity to UV light versus the participants who ingested just 27 milligrams per day. Another bonus for chocolate lovers? The study also showed that the women who ate more chocolate had smoother, more hydrated skin. (A note of caution: the study doesn't claim that chocolate will provide adequate UV protection all on it's own, so for now we'll be slathering on our broad-spectrum SPF while we stuff our face with the sweet stuff.) Renee Trilivas, Allure magazine

I'm going to eat some sunblock now...

How to Get the Most Out of Your Skincare Products

Ever wonder if you were applying all those wonderful skincare products correctly?  Our friends at the American Academy of Dermatology give you the scoop:

American Academy of Dermatology Shares How to Get the Most Out of Your Skincare Products

BIOKOSMA natural Swiss skincare is back!



BeautiCreams is pleased to announce the return of BIOKOSMA natural skincare products. All products are developed and made in Switzerland, gently processing carefully selected plant extracts using state-of-the-art technology.  Now available in the U.S. through BeautiCreams!

Ok - that's the official PR blurb.  Now for the gushing product endorsement - I looooove this line!  I love everything about the products: the texture (not too light, not too greasy), the fragrance (a very light, natural scent - the exceptions being the hand cream, which is a perky lemon scent, & the foot cream, which is rosemary scented), the results (the Nail Treatment Cream with milk proteins is to DIE for.), the price point - everything!  For quite some time, this Swiss product line was unavailable in the States - until now *happy dance*!  If that's not enough pre-packaged wonderfulness for you, the BIOKOSMA line uses natural active plant agents as preservatives (paraben-free, woohoo!), no mineral oils, silicon-free - & no animal testing. 

Visit our shop at http://www.beauticreams.com/ & discover this amazing line for yourself!

The Effects of Stress on Your Skin | Yahoo! Health

So stress isn't the best thing for your skin?!  Well, duh. . . but just in case you're curious:

The Effects of Stress on Your Skin | Yahoo! Health

Wackiest beauty products ever invented - via Kaboodle.com

Beauty is serious business.  If you doubt me, here's proof:

Courtesy of mcphee.com 2.5 oz $4.50

I can has cheezburger-flavoured mouthwash?



Courtesy of japantrendshop.com $107.00



The "Beauty Lift High Nose" applies gentle electric vibrations to your nose from the bottom, sides & front.  Nothing is mentioned about how to use it when you have a head cold.

Courtesy of skymall.com 1-800-SKYMALL $27.95

From CosmeSearch, Inc.  This includes Micro Collagen Plumping Balm & and accompanying "plumping device".  Was that plumping or pumping?



Courtesy of imaginaryanimal.com $16.00



Hand soap.  Enough said.



Courtesy of drugstore.com $4.79



For motorcyclists, horseback riders, truck drivers & anyone else suffering from the dreaded "monkey butt" affliction: now there's a little something to sprinkle on your bottom half to absorb sweat and minimize frictional skin discomfort. 

(BeautiCreams makes no claims regarding the efficacy of the above products - except that they probably are good for a laugh or two.)

This Could be You. . .

If you're not on our email list, you're missing out on some AWESOME deals.  Just saying... www.beauticreams.com

Purple is a good colour for you. . .

I've recently noticed just how many of our posts concern food - perhaps a result of blogging on an empty stomach?  But it really is necessary to pay attention to what we're putting inside our bodies - not just on our skin.  So many women (& men) who purchase from us are looking for that miracle cream/serum/potion in a jar that will magically make those lines & wrinkles disappear.  But that's only part of the solution - your skin won't show improvement if you cover yourself in expensive topical products, then go home & chow down on Cheetos & a can of frosting for dinner.  Help your skin battle free radicals (which break down collagen, which in turn leads to those aforementioned annoying lines & wrinkles) with a diet rich in antioxidants.  If you find yourself in the grocery store, scratching your head because you can't find the "antioxidant" aisle, never fear: think purple.  If you choose purple-coloured foods like blackberries, black currants, blueberries, wild blueberries, plums, purple figs, purple grapes, beets, purple eggplant, purple asparagus or purple cabbage, you'll be well on your way to getting those free radical-fighting antioxidants your skin needs. 

May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month



Take care of the skin you're in!  Here's some very important info from our friends at the Skin Cancer Foundation:

With 3.5 million cases in over two million people diagnosed annually, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Fortunately, skin cancer is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and The Skin Cancer Foundation would like to take this opportunity to recommend the following prevention guidelines:

Seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM when the sun is strongest. An extra rule of thumb is the "shadow rule." If your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation is stronger; if your shadow is longer, UV radiation is less intense.

Do not burn. A person's risk for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, doubles if he or she had had five or more sunburns at any point in life. Severe burns not only significantly increase your chances of developing skin cancer, but can make you ill. For severe burns, see your doctor.

Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths. UV radiation from tanning machines is known to cause cancer in humans. Indoor UV tanners are 74 percent more likely to develop melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, than those who have never tanned indoors. Tanning bed users are also 2.5 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma and 1.5 times more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma. The more time a person has spent tanning indoors, the higher the risk.

Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses. Clothing can be your most effective form of sun protection, so make the most of it with densely woven and bright- or dark-colored fabrics, which offer the best defense. The more skin you cover, the better, so choose long sleeves and long pants whenever possible.

Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating. One six-ounce bottle of sunscreen should provide two full days of sun protection for prolonged outdoor activity.

Keep newborns out of the sun since their skin is extremely vulnerable. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months. Children are very sensitive to ultraviolet radiation- just one severe sunburn in childhood doubles the chances of developing melanoma later in life.

Examine your skin head-to-toe every month. While self-exams shouldn't replace the important annual skin exam performed by a physician, they offer the best chance of detecting the early warning signs of skin cancer. If you notice any change in an existing mole or discover a new one that looks suspicious, see a physician immediately. To find out more about how to perform self-examination and spot a skin cancer, visit www.SkinCancer.org/selfexamination.

See your physician every year for a professional skin exam. You can also check www.SkinCancer.org/Tour to see if The Skin Cancer Foundation's Road to Healthy Skin Tour is coming to your area. The Tour, presented by AVEENO and Rite Aid, provides FREE, full-body skin exams by local dermatologists.

About the Skin Cancer Foundation
The Skin Cancer Foundation is the only global organization solely devoted to the prevention, early detection and treatment of skin cancer. The mission of the Foundation is to decrease the incidence of skin cancer through public and professional education and research. For more information, visit http://www.skincancer.org/.

Food for thought - Fruit and Veggies Prove to Be the Best for Your Skin!

Some very insightful info from our friends at American Spa:

Fruit and Veggies Prove to Be the Best for Your Skin!

And no, a jelly-filled doughnut does NOT count as a serving of fruit...

Kiss and Make-up for Valentine's Day

Did you know that the first modern "tube" lipstick was invented in Paris (where else?!) in 1884?  It was made from deer tallow, castor oil & beeswax, & was wrapped in silk paper.  We've come a long way, baby... Of course, women have been using various natural ingredients to tint their puckers for thousands of years - for example, remnants of ancient cosmetics have been found in Eygptian tombs.  One of our favourite modern lip tints are gloMinerals Liquid Lips (available at www.beauticreams.com/glglli.html).  A high-shine, highly pigmented luxurious formulation for an ultra-moist look that lasts while rich nutrients condition and protect.  So, celebrate this Valentine's Day with a perfectly-coloured pout & smooch away! 

Makeup & skincare products to LOVE - a few days later....

Nothing like a bad head cold to throw you completely off track!  A few days missed means a few products to love at one time.  Aren't you lucky?  Today, it's all about Babor.

Specifically, Babor's Gel & Tonic 2 in 1 Cleanser.  2 in 1 meaning, you guessed it: double-action, containing a cleanser and toner to deep clean skin quickly and simply in one easy step. The result?  Visibly clean, soft and smooth skin.  Contains pansy extract and salicylic acid, so it's excellent for helping prevent annoying blemishes.  Why this is so loveable: you can actually feel it working as soon as you put it on your skin.  Cool, tingly - clean!

Next up: Babor HSR Lifting Cream Rich.   Formulated for "mature" skin that is prone to dryness.  I never actually thought of my skin as "immature".  Perhaps "premature" is a better word.  A little older, a little drier, fine lines starting to appear...you know the routine.  I would never have gone for a "lifting" product.  But I tried a sample of this & was just amazed.  I could definately notice a difference right away - my skin felt much smoother (without being greasy).  While I don't expect to see a dramatic lift, the way it makes my skin feel is reason enough to continue using it.  In addition to Babor's proprietary HSR Lifting Complex, it contains wheat proteins, oat proteins & vitamin E...mmmm, almost makes me want to try it on toast.  Almost.



Last, but not least, Babor's Khanya of Africa Revitalizing Shower Gel.  It has a yummy scent - not for the floral girly girls.  This is definately more incense-y & earthy.  It's a great his & her fragrance that stays with you post-shower.

Try them all for yourself: http://www.beauticreams.com/

 

Makeup & skincare products to LOVE - Day 3

Nia24's Physical Cleansing Scrub is the absolute BEST - lightly scented, this all-in-one cleansing scrub gently removes dead skin cells.  ProNiasomes, which are spherical Jojoba Beads infused with Pro-Niacin, help wash away skin's visible imperfections.  It immediately leaves your skin feeling softer & smoother.  And a little bit goes a long way.  I cannot adequately express my love for this product.  I want to marry it & kiss it on the lips - it's that good!  Get your own: www.beauticreams.com/nifasc.html

Makeup & skincare products to LOVE - Day 2

Today, the love is for NeoStrata - specifically, the Bionic Face Cream.  Ok, I admit - normally, I'm a sucker for a pretty package.  And if a product smells nice, I'm sold.  The NeoStrata line features neither of those things.  But what it does have is formulations that seriously work.  And isn't that really what it's all about?  No fussy packaging, no fragrance - just goodness for your skin.  Here's the scoop:

A highly emollient face cream with Polyhydroxy Acids designed to moisturize the skin while visibly reducing lines, wrinkles and other signs of photo aging.  Gluconolactone and Lactobionic Acid visibly reduce signs of photoaging.

 

NeoStrata Bionic Face Cream leaves your skin visibly smoother, & so soft!  It absorbs quickly, making it a great daytime, under makeup cream.  As always, available at http://www.beauticreams.com/.

Makeup & skincare products we LOVE!

As we all are aware (unless you've been hiding under a rock), Valentine's Day is a couple of weeks away.  So, seeing how love is in the air, we thought we'd take a moment to give some love to our personal favourtite products...

The object of today's affection is GloMinerals Face Primer.  The official copy on it says, "Create your own perfect canvas with GloMinerals Face Frimer. This clear gel glides on giving you a smooth, more uniform surface by filling in fine lines and imperfections, to create a flawless appearance before application of your foundation".  Having used it, I can officially say that it is absolutely true!  The trick - only use a little, apply evenly, & wait at least 5 minutes before applying foundation (although I have been known to wear only the primer on a good skin day).  It feels a bit slippery going on, which is not exactly a T-zone's best friend, but it does go matte eventually.  Voila - smooth, flawless skin!   

The Global Soap Project

Ever wonder what to do with all those leftover bits of soap that are too small to use?  This is a fantastic way of not only recycling, but giving, too!

http://www.globalsoap.org/