April 13, 2018

By Terry's rose lip care range is blooming, a professional nutritional plan that uses your DNA, SkinCeuticals introduces customizes serums and a clever way to stash your stuff.

This cult-classic lip balm just got even better

Anyone who’s ever tried By Terry’s luxe Baume de Rose will attest to its amazingness, and I bet you didn’t know this fancy lip-softening formula was actually created by accident when the laboratory inadvertently doubled the amount of rose butter in a test batch. Just when you thought the rest was history, the saga continues with three new ways to pamper your pout.

I generally don’t mind using my finger to apply any lip balm that comes in a pot—but skipping this step is a plus. Among the new Baume de Rose offerings is the Flaconette, which delivers the same rich, replenishing, glossy formula in a mess-free tube with a doe-foot applicator.

And for those of you who prefer a chubby pencil, the Crayon le Stick Lévres serves up the hydration and smoothing you love in an effortless twist-up stick.

Last but not least, the Baume de Rose range now includes a Lip Scrub so you can get your fix while prepping your pucker for lipstick to come. Essentially the balm with micro-fine sugar crystals that melt as you massage your lips, it’s a great product for any Baume de Rose devotee.

Want to lose weight? Take a closer look at your DNA.

For the record, I am not trying to lose weight (right now). After four months of eating clean and doing Pilates just about every day, I’m in a great place physically and mentally. I can actually see muscles I’ve never seen before, I’m definitely less jiggly and my flexibility has increased exponentially. But as someone who truly believes that knowledge is power, I jumped at the chance to try Arivale, a new approach to weight loss and wellness that uses specific genetic markers to tailor the ideal diet and fitness program for your unique body—but they don’t stop there. You also get a dedicated “coach” who helps you stay on track, meet your goals and provide all the support you need along the way.

I did the “entry level” saliva-based DNA test (the full monte provides A LOT more genetic insight and requires a blood draw), and about six weeks after sending them my spit, I finally got the email that my results had been posted to my personal dashboard and scheduled a phone call with my coach, Lisa.

The markers in orange represent an above-average predisposition, green means I have a lower-than-average tendency, and gray means I'm right in the middle.

My test provided eight key insights that effect how (and why) I gain weight—and help me lose weight when necessary. Frankly, I was a bit surprised at the results since I’ve basically been going about dieting the wrong way (for my body) for as long as I can remember. In a nutshell, the low-carb, high-protein/fat approach actually makes it harder for me to lose weight.

Weight gain from saturated fat: I have an increased predisposition for weight gain if I eat too much fat from meat, eggs and dairy. I almost started crying when I heard this solely because of my love for cheese. Lisa quickly quelled my distress by reminding me that if I’m not trying to lose weight, it’s OK to keep eating it—but that I should keep this in mind if I ever want to drop a few pounds.

Weight gain from dietary fat: In addition to the fat mentioned above, I’m also more likely to gain weight from healthy fats found in avocado, nuts and plant oils. Bummer.

Weight gain with low activity: This might seem like a no-brainer, but I’ve never been a workout person. However, according to my DNA, I have an above average propensity to gain weight if I don’t exercise. If I had made a commitment to fitness all these years, maybe I wouldn’t have had to be so restrictive with my eating to stay slim. At least I know now, right?

Weight gain from carbohydrates: This one was the shocker. I’m actually at a reduced risk of weight gain from carbs. That doesn’t mean I could have been eating bread and pasta all these years (which I haven’t), but I don’t have to feel guilty about eating whole grains like oats and quinoa—and if I want to lose weight, I should actually keep these in my diet.

Obesity: Considering my family’s tendency to be overweight, I was also surprised to learn that I’m pretty average when it comes to my predisposition for obesity. And with a current BMI of 20.4, I’m on the low end of the “ideal” zone.

High waist circumference: We all know belly fat can be a risk factor for heart disease, diabetes and more. Apparently I’m at a lower that average risk for a high waist circumference, so wise lifestyle choices should help keep me healthy for the long term.

Bitter test preference: This is an important marker for weight loss, because if you’re a “super taster” who’s sensitive to bitterness, you’re probably less likely to enjoy vegetables, and likely to fill your diet with less healthy options. I’m an “intermediate taster,” right in the 50th percentile on this one.

Sugar taste sensitivity: Similar to the bitterness marker, the lower your taste sensitivity to sugar, the more you crave to satisfy your sweet tooth. This explains why some people are good with a single square of dark chocolate for dessert, while others may throw down a pint of ice cream before calling it. I’m amongst the 81.4% with a typical sugar taste sensitivity (although I’ve never met a pastry I didn’t like).

When I take all of this information into consideration, it definitely helps me better understand the relationship between my diet, lifestyle and weight all these years. I can now say that there’s no need to try fad diets (keto is obviously out for me) and that balance—and exercise—are really key for maintaining my health. And even though I’m not actively trying to lose weight, if I have a beach vacation coming up and want to slim down a bit, now I know cutting back on fat and NOT cutting out the healthy carbs is the way to do it.

So many people struggle with losing weight, basically because they don’t know where to start—and your DNA can actually work against you. If you’re looking to get your health on track and need a little help doing it, I highly recommend trying Arivale, because knowledge really is power!

A customized SkinCeuticals serum? Yes, please!

The annual SXSW Film Festival in Austin is much more than a showcase for movies. Brands and influencers flock to the Texas town to meet and greet, party it up and, of course, generate buzz for all sorts of new products and services. At this year’s festival a few weeks ago, a major beauty launch was revealed, and it’s SkinCeuticals’ D.O.S.E. personalized corrective serum.

This innovative technology begins with machine that acts like a miniature skincare factory that produces lab-grade formulations on the spot within minutes. (No more filling out questionnaires online and waiting for your bespoke formula to arrive on your doorstep.) Working with a skincare professional, consumers complete a tablet-based assessment to identify key skin concerns (including fine lines, wrinkles and discoloration), and the information is transferred to the D.O.S.E. machine. From there, the appropriate active ingredients are mixed and dispensed, along with a custom label that features a unique bar code for easy replenishment.

No word on when the D.O.S.E. technology will be available, but I think it’s safe to assume this service will be offered at dermatologist and plastic surgeons’ offices where SkinCeuticals is currently sold. Stay tuned for updates about this exciting development!

An innovative storage solution

No matter how large or small your bathroom may be, there never seems to be enough room for everything, right? Real estate constraints aside, a cluttered countertop drives me crazy, so I’m always on the hunt for newer, neater ways to stash my stuff. Enter Real Techniques’ 3 Pocket Expert Organizer…

Designed to securely stick to any smooth surface, including glass, mirrors, marble, flat tile and laminate (without the need for any tape or adhesive that will leave residue), this easy-to-clean organizer is perfect for makeup brushes and often-used essentials like your toothbrush and toothpaste. Whether you keep it out in the open or tucked inside a cabinet or medicine chest, it frees up much-needed space while keeping everything in its place!