SICKA THAN AVERAGE

STA Readers Save 20% On Their Next Purchase At Sine's E-Commerce Store

 

To celebrate the launch of Sine's brand new e-boutique, Sicka Than Average readers (that's you!) will receive 20% off their online purchases throughout the month of March by simply entering the code "Spring20" at checkout. If you log on to the e-boutique, you'll find spring dresses, pants, blouses, skirts, jackets, and jumpers from the contemporary fashion brands Sine, Laila and Parameter.

Pictured above are some of my favorite pieces in the Sine e-boutique. At top, you'll find Laila's Starlit Riviera Dress, which features tiers of silk ruffles along the top of the bodice and throughout the skirt. I love how the ruffles along the decolletage stop just above the midsection of the fitted bodice —which, in turn, streamlines the silhouette, minimizing the volume created by the ruffled areas. I'm also fascinated by the watercolor-esque geometric print and the choice of hues, which range from slate gray to forest green, deep magenta, asphalt black, and burnt ember.

Next, pictured above (at the center), you'll find the Sine Showcase Peplum Dress, an indigo-colored strapless dress with a fitted bodice and three rows of zippers along the waistline, as well as a single ruffle over the pencil-like skirt. It's a sweet, slightly '60s flavored design, with just a touch of spunk courtesy of the zipper details.

Last, you'll find the Sine Surprise Encounter Romper (my personal fave), a silk piece in cobalt blue and black with gold snap buttons along the front. The black piping along the top of the cobalt blue bodice, combined with the thin spaghetti straps, create the illusion of a sexy, boudoir-ready camisole, but the romper's lower part is constructed so as to give the appearance of high-waisted, loose-fitting, knee-length shorts (which adds some restraint to the design). Together, the combination is versatile, frisky yet sophisticated — this is the type of romper that you can dress down with a pair of sandals or which you can dress up by adding some stilettos, a nice jacket, and some statement jewelry. 

This is just a small sampling of the pieces in stock, so make sure to visit ShopSineNY.com and take advantage of the 20% discount. Just remember to enter "Spring20" at checkout!

Laila Starlit Riviera Dress, $298; Sine Showcase Peplum Dress, $248; and Sine Surprise Encounter Romper, $248.Visit ShopSineNY.com

FACE Stockholm Chrystal Deodorant -- So Fresh And So Clear

First things first, let's debunk some of the myths surrounding perspiration and the products made to address the phenomenon. There are two basic categories of products that tackle that unpleasant odor emanating from sweaty armpits: antiperspirants, which focus on controlling the amount of sweat released by your body (and most rely on aluminum salts to do so), and deodorants, which seek to kill odor-causing bacteria as opposed to regulating the amount of sweat released. Personally, I've always preferred deodorants since I feel like sweating is a natural process whereby the body expunges many toxins and hence I don't feel like it's wise to hamper that process from taking its natural course. But, even if you opt for deodorants over antiperspirants, there's the tricky issue of aluminum content. Some scientific research has linked aluminum content to Azlheimer's disease and, since most deodorants and antiperspirants contain aluminum, that means many of us might be putting ourselves at risk by relying on this products. The most obvious precautionary message: finding an all-natural deodorant that's effective and contains none of these potentially harmfully chemicals.

Sounds easy enough, right? Not so much. The truth is I hadn't found an all-natural deodorant that I truly loved enough to have replace my stash of Secret roll-ons — that is, until I tried the Chrystal Deodorant from FACE Stockholm. For one, it has a roll-on applicator, making it a cinch to apply. Next, it goes on clear (as opposed to, say, the Lavanila Healthy Deodorant or the Toms of Maine deodorant sticks). Unscented and hypoallergenic, the Chrystal Deodorant focuses on neutralizing odor-causing bacteria through a mixture of pure mineral salts, while chamomile soothes the skin.

I found the deodorant extremely effective -- it kept me feeling (and smelling) fresh even on days when I had on about a million layers of winter clothing and was forced to stand in boiling spaces where shedding some of these layers was simply not an option. I also appreciate the fact that the deodorant doesn't try to conceal odors with artificial baby powder or floral fragrances (those never fool anyone, right?).

If you're looking for an all-natural deodorant, I definitely recommend checking this one out!

FACE Stockholm Chrystal Deodorant, $9 for 90 ml bottle. Visit FACEstockholm.com

**This review is based on a press sample submitted for review by the company's publicity department.

Freestyle 20x10 Special Edition Shark Watch -- Prime Time

Like clockwork for the next ten months, Freestyle USA will be unveiling a series of limited-edition Shark watches, each in a color scheme commemorating the notable events taking place during the month of release. Only 500 pieces of each 20x10 Special Edition Shark Watch will be released, and each will feature all the standard features: day, month and time display, two alarms, a stopwatch with split screen function, a countdown heat timer, a night vision backlight display, and water resistance up to 100 meters.

The introductory watch, introduced earlier this month, features a bright yellow and blue band, a green rubber casing along the dial, and another red square along the perimeter of that green square casing. I'm still speculating about all the different colors and why they were selected. I'm assuming the red is a reference to Valentine's Day (or maybe National Wear Red Day on Feb. 5th), and I'm guessing the blue references winter sports (and maybe even the Winter Olympics). As for the green, it might perhaps be a nod to Super Bowl (as in green football fields), and the yellow could maybe evening primrose, since some say the evening primrose is the flower of choice for the month of February (though if I let my imagination roam, I start thinking it might be a reference to Mardi Gras since yellow, green and purple tend to abound in decorations for the festival).

I can't wait to overanalyze the March edition!

Freestyle 20x10 Special Edition Shark Watch, $60. Visit FreestyleUSA.com for a list of retailers.

Shades of Love -- Oh-So-Fab DSquared2 Sunglasses

It seems practically demented to write about sunglasses in the midst of another round of snowstorms, and yet I'm finding it oddly comforting to envision and anticipate the warm, sunny days of spring. Maybe it's a Field of Dreams effect, where my subconscious mind trusts that, if I expend enough energy visualizing this weather, it will somehow actualize the fantasy. All I know is this: my fantasy warm weather ensemble isn't complete without a fetching pair of shades, and these DSquared2 sunglasses are just the ticket.

I love the octagon shape of the DQ0039 black frames (pictured second from top) and how the long, rectangular strips along the frame's exteriors add a bit of Miami Beach Art Deco panache to the otherwise simple style. As for the DSquared2 DQ0037 shades, former Destiny's Child member Michelle Williams was actually spotted wearing these in black while attending the Tracy Reese Fall 2010 show at Bryant Park during New York Fashion Week. We actually spotted Michelle Williams backstage minutes before the show, but we didn't catch her wearing her DSquared2 shades since Williams was kind enough to take them off for all the photographers lurking about, angling to take her picture. Still, it's clear why she'd pick such a classy pair of shades -- the teardrop-shaped lenses flatter almost any face shape, and the thickness of the arms adds that "I want to go incognito" Hollywood flavor. Personally, I find this style particularly alluring in the purple shade (pictured above), which features translucent print (it's an almost tortoise shell-esque effect) but in an unexpected color scheme.

Now, doesn't your outlook seem a bit brighter? See how far thinking about sunshine goes?

DSquared2 DQ0037 sunglasses, $330, and DSquared2 DQ0039 sunglasses, $450. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue locations across the US.

Come Here, Kitty! -- Katy Perry's Trash & Luxury "Cat's Meow" Tee

The ever-cheeky Katy Perry was recently spotted wearing this Trash & Luxury "Cat's Meow" tee atop a black sports bra, a piece she paired with a pair of sporty black spandex leggings and kicks (presumably her choice ensemble for a trip to the gym or a yoga class). The vintage-looking tee features a reworked image of Julie Newmar, the beloved actress who played the original Catwoman in the late '60s Batman television series. Newmar paved the way for actresses like Eartha Kitt, Michelle Pfeiffer and Halle Berry, who would all later add their own flair to the famous Catwoman persona, and she beguiled audiences during her many TV appearances, quickly becoming the most popular villainous character during the TV series' short-lived run (1966-1968).

I love how the tee immortalizes Newmar in a demure way. Even if you don't know whose luscious red pout, long eyelashes, and arched eyebrows are being depicted, you do appreciate the image's retro glamour. And, of course, the "cat's meow" reference is a rather clever, tongue-in-cheek nod to the purrr-fection  of Newmar's Catwoman role.

Trash & Luxury "The Cat's Meow" T-shirt, $46. Visit TrashandLuxury.com

Stella McCartney's STELLA Solid Perfume Necklace -- A Rose Unlike Any Other

Many have tried to capture the intrinsic olfactory beauty of the rose blossom, but few have been as successful as Stella McCartney, who struck gold with her STELLA Eau de Parfum. Over the years, McCartney has tinkered with the formula to produce several limited-edition scents, among them the 2006 and 2008 editions of Stella Sheer, both more lightweight, whimsical iterations of that original perfume. This month, the beloved British designer released a new treat for STELLA devotees: a silver-toned necklace with a round locket bearing the company logo and, tucked inside it, a concentration of solid perfume.

When I first saw the necklace, it reminded me of a cross between an amulet and an old-school subway token, which only fascinated me more. The necklace is extremely easy to open -- if you just press your thumb along the top disc and slide it to either side, it'll reveal the concentrated white solid perfume. Unlike other solid perfumes, which have a thick, deodorant-like texture, the STELLA solid perfume glides onto your fingertip as easily as a creamy lip balm or ointment. 

And, if you're a STELLA purist, no need to worry — the solid perfume version stays true to the original fragrance notes: the top notes of rose essence, mandarin essence, and peony; the rose absolute heart; and the amber base note. If you prefer wearing your fragrance in a more subtle manner, concentrating on pulse points, this is the way to go — besides, you'll have a chic piece of jewelry to add to your wardrobe.

STELLA Solid Perfume Necklace, $49. Visit Sephora.com

Silence Your Winter Skin Blues With These Body Moisturizers

Yesterday, we covered a range of products to keep your complexion looking radiant and enhance your comfort level during this relentlessly cold weather. On today's agenda: discussing some quality goodies to moisturize and soothe every area of your body. Give some of these products a whirl. and your skin will feel soft enough for some serious cuddling action underneath your cozy down comforter or yummy blanket.

Check out these skin savers!

SHOWING OFF YOUR BODY OF WORK

Jo Malone Vitamin E Body Balm, $75. Visit NeimanMarcus.com

If I could, I would swim in a pool of Jo Malone's Vitamin E Body Balm, dipping every inch of my body in the buttery waters. Though we tend to think of balms as having as having a really thick consistency, Jo Malone's Vitamin E Body Balm has a deliciously pleasant custard-like texture, like lightweight butterscotch pudding, and the very act of applying it feels somehow sensual and indulgent. The balm is easily absorbed by the skin and leaves it feeling Gerber baby soft thanks to ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, wheat protein, coconut oil, and Vitamin E (which is rich in antioxidants and functions as a powerful skin conditioner).

Tammy Fender Bulgarian Lavender Body Oil, $65. Visit TammyFender.com

I can't lie: I expected to loathe this product so much that I actually cringed as I pressed down on the pump and watched the oil droplets fall into the palm of my hand. Why? Because I'm one of those rare people who avidly dislikes the scent of lavender. For some reason, the smell makes me think of dusty nursery homes with country kitsch decor. Yuck. To my surprise though, I not only liked but actually adored Tammy Fender's Bulgarian Lavender Body Oil. The smell of the Bulgarian lavender extract is actually way more sophisticated and elegant, and way more gentle and subtle, than the lavender scent we typically find in skincare products. Plus the oil works wonders on the skin -- two or three dime-sized droplets is enough to canvas a large surface area (like arms or legs), and it softens and soothes the skin, helps to heal wounds and diminish the appearance of scars, and promotes cellular turnover. Plus, if you're into holistic medicine, you'll appreciate the fact that Bulgarian lavender oil is said to promote a sense of calm and balance throughout your entire being.

Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Body Lotion, $22. Visit Sephora.com

This lotion's scent alone makes it a treat, and the fact that it manages to leave your skin soft and smooth thanks to ingredients like shea butter, chamomile extract, sweet almond oil, and safflower oil, is all the more reason to live "under the Tuscan sun."

Korres Jasmine Body Butter, $29. Visit Sephora.com

Korres is one of those brands that makes my heart go pitter-patter, and their body butters are simply superb. The Guava Body Butter was my Korres product of choice for over two years, but once I tried the Jasmine Body Butter, I had to add it to my moisturizer rotation. The floral scent is pretty and feminine without being overwhelming, and the texture is rich yet somewhat fluffy, which makes it all the more delightful to smooth onto skin. And, once it's absorbed, your skin feels soft and smells like a flowerbed. Yum!

Jergens Sensitive Skin Relief Unscented Daily Moisturizer, $6.49. Visit Drugstore.com

This has been crowned my favorite Jergens lotion to date thanks to its ultra gentle, easily absorbed formula. Hypoallergenic and fragrance free, the lotion has done wonders to soothe my irritation-prone skin, even helping to diminish the appearance of the tiny red bumps on my arms (I've had keratosis pilaris since I was a kid, but it's manageable with the right moisturizers and treatments). Even better, it's delicate enough for me to use on my toddler son, which means less money spent on multiple moisturizers — and that's always a plus, okay?

Aveda Replenishing Body Moisturizer, $23. Visit Aveda.com

When you smooth this moisturizer on, you'll feel a nice cooling sensation and a slight tingle, akin to what you experience when you apply aloe gel onto sunburned skin. The vital ingredient is meadowfoam seed oil, a stable oil with a long shelf life that contains 98% of fatty acids — it not only hydrates, but it creates a moisture barrier that helps the skin retain its moisture levels. Other ingredients include chamomile and lavender, both vital skin soothing agents, and glycerin, a natural humectant. There's a reason why this is one of Aveda's best-sellers, gals: it's a winning ticket.

Pur Minerals Pur Body Butter, $23. Visit PurMinerals.com

Want to find a mineral-based skincare product that actually yields results? Check out Pur Minerals' Pur Body Butter, which relies on organic sunflower oil, a natural substance rich in fatty acids that help kill bacteria on the skin, vitamin D that helps to prevent the emergence of outbreaks such as acne, and antioxidant-rich vitamins E and C, which also boast restorative properties. The lemon and sage scent, meanwhile, gives the body butter a nice, invigorating kick.

Cetaphil DailyAdvance Ultra Hydration Lotion, $10.79. Visit Drugstore.com

If you ask most dermatologists for a drugstore lotion that delivers the type of results you'd find from a prestigious (and pricey) brand, they're bound to mention at least one Cetaphil product. When it comes to people with dry, sensitive skin, this is one of the best alternatives in the market. It even helps to diminish the appearance of eczema and other common skin conditions. The DailyAdvance Ultra Hydration Lotion is particularly effective, providing more long-lasting moisture to parched skin while remaining non-greasy and lightweight.

Curél Ultra Healing 24-Hour Daily Moisturizing Lotion, $6.39. Visit Drugstore.com

This is the Godzilla of Curél products -- a corpulent moisturizer for those whose parched skin needs instant gratification. As soon as you apply on itchy, ashy, or dehydrated skin, you'll breathe a sigh of relief as the moisturizing ingredients penetrate the epidermis. Oat extract calms any existing inflammation or irritation, shea butter softens and hydrates, and eucalyptus functions as a powerful antiseptic and antibacterial.

Liz Earle Superskin Body Cream, $24 for 1.6 fl. oz. tube and $55 for 6.7 fl. oz. tube. Visit Us.LizEarle.com

Always at the forefront of organic skincare products, Liz Earle recently added the Superskin Body Cream to her famed line of Superskin products. This earthy lotion features such botanicals as avocado oil (which is rich in vitamin E, magnesium, linoleic acid, and essential fatty acids), soothing chamomile extract, glycerin (a natural humectant), antioxidant-rich grapeseed extract and pomegranate extract, rosehip oil and cranberry seed oil (both rich in essential fatty acids), borage oil (which is rich in the essential fatty acid GLA, which helps to lock in moisture), vitamin E, and Neroli essential oil (which is derived from orange blossoms and, according to holistic medicine experts, can help uplift moods).

Aveeno Intense Relief Repair Cream, $14.99. Visit Drugstore.com

I remember getting chicken pox when I was about 12 years old, and the only things that saved me from scratching my skin right off were calamine lotion and Aveeno bath soaks. And if you've ever suffered from any skin irritation, then you know the home-y comforts of Aveeno's product range. If your skin is flaky, itchy, or just painfully dry, it's time to pull out the big guns:  Aveeno's Intense Relief Repair Cream. The hypoallergenic cream will make your skin feel leaps and bounds better in just a day's time thanks to ingredients like: soothing colloidal oatmeal, pure oat essence to diminish redness, ceramides to restore the skin's barrier (which will help it retain moisture), shea butter to moisturize and soften, and glycerin, a humectant that draw moisture to the skin. Let the repair process begin!

MAKE YOUR TEN FINGERS AN TEN TOES LOOK LIKE A PERFECT 10

Miss Oops Butter Hands, $15. Visit MissOops.com

The newest addition to Miss Oops' fabulous line of problem-solvers, Butter Hands is a rich hand cream with SPF protection that features kokum butter, a substance packed with essential fatty acids and antioxidants, as well as Vitamin E (which protects skin from free radicals), and sesame oil, which is also rich in vitamin E and which is reputed to replenish moisture and relieve tension. Though I'm not as floored by Butter Hands as I am with Pedicure in a Bottle, I do very much enjoy how silky soft it leaves hands and how the texture is as lightweight as a dab of Country Crock.

Lubriderm Intense Skin Repair Ointment, $4.99. Visit Walgreens.com

It's got a Vaseline-meets-Neosporin texture and when you apply this ointment to sensitive areas like cuticles, elbows, knuckles, or around the ridges of your nose, it provides a protective shield so that these  zones won't be further chafed or irritated.

Sally Hansen Salon Hydrating Foot Creme, $6.49. Available at mass food and drug retailers,

I don't know about you, but I can never seem to fall asleep if my feet are rough, dry, or ashy. I'll literally feel so uncomfortable that I'll toss and turn for hours, finally relenting, getting up from the bed and applying some much needed lotion. Once my feet are nice and smooth, I can lay back down and sleep like a baby. Go figure. Bur, of course, if your feet are extremely dry, they need an extra potent cream to get them back to a silky soft state. Enter Sally Hansen Salon Hydrating Foot Creme, a super-charged moisturizer that features shea butter, olive fruit oil, peach kernel oil, tea tree extract, aloe leaf gel, evening primrose oil, algae extract, ginseng root extract and peppermint oil — all of which help to make those feet of yours look and feel like you've spent all your days chilling on a hammock, legs propped up in utter relaxation, living a life of utter leisure.

Shakira Debuts New T-Shirt And Bracelet for Hard Rock

Pint-sized, hip-swiveling Colombian pop star Shakira has collaborated with Hard Rock for the second time to design two new items, the Shakira Artist Spotlight T-shirt and the Shakira Artist Spotlight Bracelet, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Shaki's Pies Descalzos foundation.

Pictured above you'll find an image of the bracelet, which features faceted glass beads, Chakira beads in turquoise, purple, and pink hues, and zinc alloy hardware, with the words "Shakira" and "Pies Descalzos" etched along the silver-toned edges. All of the proceeds from the sale of the bracelet will benefit Pies Descalzos, the NGO Shaki created in 1997 to give impoverished children in Colombia access to educational opportunities.

The Shakira Artist Spotlight T-Shirt, meanwhile, was designed by the artist herself and features several references to her music catalog and to the iconography she has used throughout the years. In the backdrop, there's a purple heart (often associated with bravery), with studs along the shape's edges. Atop the heart, running vertically along its center, there's an illustration of an electric guitar, Shaki's prized instrument. Its positioning along the center of the heart could perhaps allude to music being her biggest passion, which would be further reinforced by the guitar's halo-like golden gleam. Light purple angel wings spread out from either side of the guitar, perhaps referencing the transcendental power of music. Propped by the base of the guitar, on the corners of an amp bearing Shakira's name, you'll notice two cherubs slouched over in a blissful sleep. The cherubs remind me of the cover art for Shakira's Fijación Oralalbum, in which the singer holds an apple in one hand while leaning against a tree in an Eden-like garden, a cherub-like baby hovering nearby. The angels, then, could reference the album's iconic artwork, as well as Shakira's protective, motherly approach to the children in her  Pies Descalzos foundation.Lastly, you'll notice that lush pink flowers surround the amp, with some of the petals  grazing the bottom of the children's feet. Again, this could be a reference to the garden motifs in so many scared scriptures and Shakira's interest in theology and philosophy, which has been cleverly expressed in many of her Spanish-language songs.

Generally speaking, I tend to associate Hard Rock tees with tourists and not stylish city slickers (to me, the tees are kind of like Mickey Mouse earns that I feel like the main consumers are tourists visiting these establishments), but I have to say Shakira's design is among the nicest I've seen in quite some time.

Shakira Artist Spotlight T-Shirt, $26; Shakira Artist Spotlight Bracelet, $12. Visit HardRock.com

Winter Skin Blues? Try These Moisture-Replenishing Facial Products

Between the incessant Seattle-like rain, the New Hampshire-esque snowstorms that have shut down the public transportation system in cities like Philadelphia, and the bone-chilling cold everywhere from Chicago to New York City, this winter has seemed particularly bitter and positively endless. Even Florida and California haven't been spared, which is just uncanny. Adding insult to injury, Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog weather psychic (so to speak), saw his shadow on February 2nd, signaling six more weeks of winter, which means there's no sign of this weather easing up any time soon. That furry, stinky, groundhog bastard! Yeah, yeah, I know it's not his fault, but I have to take my hostility out on someone and so Phil is persona non grata right about now.Then again, if you live on the East Coast or even the Midwest, it doesn't take a weather guru for you to know the chilly days are far from over.

Since we probably won't be seeing amenable weather until April or May (sigh), we need to prepare accordingly and tend to our skin, which tends to suffer acutely during these dry, cold winter months. The products here will help restore moisture to your skin and calm any existing irritation (such as itchiness and flaking), taking you through the winter season and straight into swimsuit season.

Enjoy and stay tuned for tomorrow's run-down of the body moisturizers you need to usher you through the remaining winter days.

FACE TIME

Intraceuticals Hydration Gel, $89. Visit Intraceuticals.com

This is the ultimate pick-me-up for dull, dehydrated skin. When you apply a few pumps of the gel onto your face, you'll feel a delicious cool tingle as the moisture penetrates your pores. Hyaluronic acid helps to promote collagen synthesis and make skin appear younger and more supple, while green tea extract soothes and calms the skin. I love how quickly the skin drinks up the gel -- you literally feel like you're quenching its thirst.

Patricia Wexler M.D. Anti-Aging Sensitive Skin Starter Kit, $39.50. Visit BathAndBodyWorks.com

Patricia Wexler M.D. is my homegirl (okay, only in my head, but still!). She's been at the forefront of revolutionary new MMPi technology which inhibit the production of the enzymes known as matrix matalloproteinases (MMPs), which can break down the skin matrix, the area where collagen and elastin thrive. There are multiple types of MMPs and some are vital in helping your body heal wounds and perform other functions, but a correlation has been found between high MMP levels and wrinkled or dun-damaged skin, which means regulating these levels is key. Wexler's MMPi-20 technology seeks to do precisely that, which is why she's become such a key player in the anti-aging skincare realm. What I love about this range of products is that it delivers all the benefits of Wexler's anti-aging products but also caters to those of us with temperamental skin that is prone to irritation. The products feature ingredients like: Wexler's Sym-Calming technology, derived from oat components that battle skin irritation; Sym-Relief Redness Reducing Complex, a blend of skin-calming ingredients like chamomile, bisabol and ginger; and Wexler's Advantage Anti-Oxidant Complex, which features soothing antioxidants like clove and green tea. The star products in the line are the MMPi20 Comforting and Renewing Serum and the Soothing & Renewing Night Cream -- if you've got to pick two products from the line, I'd suggest investing in these.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream, $24.50 for 1.7 fl. oz. jar and $46 for 4.2 fl. oz. jar. Visit Kiehls.com

This is like the ice cream cake of moisturizers — it's a popular and somewhat obvious choice, and yet there are few things quite as savory. A relatively lightweight product, the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream keeps your skin hydrated and smooth throughout the day — even when you're stomping around town and arctic-like gusts of wind are slapping you in the face. Apparently, back in 2005, Kiehl's chemists tested their new formula on a group of Kiehl's-sponsored climbers who were venturing to scale the peaks rising from Greenland's glaciers and, to their delight, the mountain climbers discovered that the cream kept their skin protected even under the harsh conditions to which they were exposed. Featuring ingredients like Antarcticine (a glycoprotein sourced from Antarctica), avocado oil, squalane, and Imperata Cylindrica (a plant native to Australia that endures in even the most arid climates), the cream will keep your skin looking smooth and healthy whether you're headed to the desert or the glaciers.

Lierac Paris Concentré Mésolift Toning Radiance Serum, $60, and Lierac Paris Creme Mésolift Anti-Aging Radiance Cream, $54. Visit Lierac-USA.com

Forget Batman and Robin or Starsky and Hutch -- this is the ultimate duo. The Lierac Paris Concentré Mesolift Toning Radiance Serum features: vitamins A, C, E, B5 and B6, which provide antioxidant protection (especially vitamin E) and brighten the complexion (particularly vitamin C); hyaluronic acid, which helps to preserve collagen and to ensure that moisture penetrates the cell membrane; and minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, and manganese, all of which help to regulate cellular turnover and stimulate the production of collagen, elastin and keratin. Just a few drops of the Sunny Delight-orange serum will make your skin look more vibrant. Next, for a real 1-2 punch, apply the Lierac Paris Creme Mésolift, which includes the same ingredients as the serum, but also incorporates moisturizing apricot butter and lime wax, as well as Alpha-Hydroxy-Acids that gently slough away dead skin cells, activate collagen production, and fortify the skin membrane. Not only do these products help your skin look smoother and softer, but they diminish the appearance of visible aging signs, restore elasticity to the skin, and brighten the complexion. You'll witness such a nice glow that it will feel like someone switched a light on inside of you.

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Light Soothing & Fortifying 24Hr Hydrating Care, $27. Visit VichyUSA.com

As soon as I tried this extremely lightweight moisturizer, I felt like crying out, "Where have you bee all my life?" As you massage it on your face, you'll feel the comforting rush of Vichy Thermal Spa Water penetrating each and every pore, along with microscopic grainy particles (a combination of minerals found inside volcanic rocks) that gently exfoliate and which are easily absorbed by the skin. I love the consistency of the moisturizer, which never feels heavy, oily, or cake-y, and how it leaves the skin feeling velvety soft.

AmorePacific Moisture Bound Skin Energy Hydration Delivery System, $35. Visit Sephora.com

Spraying water on your face won't do much to alleviate dry skin since it won't ensure that the moisture penetrates the skin cell membrane, but just a couple of spritzes of the AmorePacific Mosture Bound Skin Energy Hydration Delivery System will, in fact, hydrate skin. Featuring bamboo sap, ginger root extract, ginseng root extract, and a bevy of minerals such as copper, zinc, and calcium gluconates, this mist not only delivers moisture but helps ensure moisture retention. Genius!

PCA Skin Collagen Hydrator, $28. Visit Dermstore.com or call 1.877.PCA.SKIN to find a practice that carries PCA Skin Products.

If you're looking for a lovely nighttime cream, consider this creamy moisturizer, which contains shea butter, hydrolyzed wheat protein, olive fruit oil, and sweet almond fruit extract. The consistency reminds me of vanilla yogurt -- it's creamy without being greasy or chunky, and glides onto the skin easily. When you wake up in the morning, you'll understand why they call it "beauty sleep."

Weleda Everon Face Balm, $15. Visit Usa.Weleda.com

The word "balm" can be kind of frightening since we associate it with thick, medicinal treatments (like Tiger's Balm, for example), but there's nothing to be scared of when it comes to Weleda's Everon Face Balm, which features moisturizing sweet almond oil and beeswax, which creates a protective shield around your skin. It's a product I'd reserve for the winter season, when inclement weather is an everyday occurrence, but it does work wonders within that context.

Relastin Ultra Emollient Zinc Firming Complex, $99. Visit Relastin.com

Remember how infatuated I was with the Relastin Eye Silk? Well, that was just me dipping my little toes into the Relastin ocean, my friends. You see, the marquee Relastin product is the Ultra Emollient Zinc Firming Complex, which aims to rejuvenate and moisturize skin. The product makes a correlation between zinc and the production of collagen and elastin — according to Dr. Jacob Waugh, the Chief Scientific Officer of Revance Therapeutics, Inc. (the company that produces Relastin), an increase in the concentration of zinc leads to a corresponding increase in elastin synthesis. The Ultra Emollient Zinc Firming Complex, then, helps to kick start elastin production while also containing antioxidant-rich Vitamin E and C and skin-firming peptides.

 

Aveeno Ultra-Calming  Moisturizing Cream Cleanser, $6.99, and Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer SPF 15, $14.09. Available at national, food, drug and mass merchandisers. Visit Drugstore.com

Normally, I shun cream cleansers from my bathroom cabinet — it's probably completely psychosomatic, of course, but I tend to feel like creamy cleansers leave a film-like residue on my skin, and it gives me a serious case of the "yucks." My experience with Aveeno's Ultra-Calming Moisturizing Cream Cleanser, however, was entirely different. For one, once you rinse it off, your skin feels squeaky clean (if you use it in the shower, you might literally hear a squeak or two). The first time you use it to wash your face, you might feel a rather pleasantly soothing cooling sensation. Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, both the Aveeno Ultra-Calming Moisturizing Cream Cleanser and the Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer rely on the key ingredient feverfew, a perennial herb related to chamomile that helps relieve redness, soothe irritation, and protect the skin from free radicals. If you're having an adverse reaction to something you ate (or maybe something you touched), I'd suggest using these STAT, since they will in fact alleviate the symptoms you encounter.

 

DermaQuest Skin Therapy Hydrating Gel Mask, $59.50. Visit SkincareRX.com

Unlike most masks, which are thick and creamy and tend to harden after a few minutes, the DermaQuest Skin Therapy Hydrating Gel Mask covers the skin with a clear and ultra-thin coating. The mask doesn't dry or harden, but after allowing it to work its magic for 5-10 minutes, you'll notice your complexion feels softer and looks smoother thanks to ingredients like moisturizing sodium hyaluronate and skin calming willow bark extract, aloe leaf extract, green tea extract, and lavender water.

Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream, $38 for 1.7 oz. tube and $54 for 3.4 oz. Visit Dermalogica.com

Ideal for dry or mature skin, this complex formula features such ingredients as: moisturizing hyaluronic acid; antioxidant-rich grape seed extract; silk proteins; cooling and soothing cucumber extract and aloe leaf extract; silk amino acids, egg yolk extract, which is said to help clarify skin, removing excess oil; bitter orange extract; and more. The one caveat: this product contains Vitamin A (retinol) which can help reduce the appearance of visible aging signs, but which can function as an irritant for those with hyperactive, sensitive skin.

EYE PRIZE

Intraceuticals Contour Eye Gel, $149. Visit Intraceuticals.com

Dew drops wouldn't feel as soothing and cooling as this delicate gel, which hydrates the eye area and reduces puffiness with its mix of vitamin E, green tea, vitamin C, and hyaluronic  acid. Your skin absorbs it almost as soon as your fingertips pat the epidermis, which is absolutely remarkable. If you've had a rough night and you apply some of this around your eyes, no one will know how little sleep you've gotten.

Liz Earle Superskin Eye & Lip Treatment, $55. Visit Us.LizEarle.com

As soon as you apply this botanical treatment around the eye area, you'll feel the skin tighten a bit as it attacks those pesky lines and wrinkles with its blend of pear seed extract, West African shea nuts, white lupin protein, pomegranate extract, quince extract, cranberry seed oil, borage oil, vitamin E, and rosehip oil. You can also apply it along the outer corners of the mouth, where wrinkles tend to form to give you the despised "prune mouth" effect, and watch as the treatment smooths those ridges and crevices right out.

Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment With Avocado, $25.50. Visit Kiehls.com

This eye cream has ranked among my favorites for many years now — the fatty acids found in the avocado oil and the shea butter help to soften and hydrate the area underneath and around the eyes, while vitamins A and E provide antioxidant protection. Not only is it effective, but it never seems to get into your eyes (a common problem with eye creams), which makes it all the more lovable.

LIP SERVICE

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Lip Butter in Dark Chocolate & Peppermint, $2.39. Visit Drugstore.com

Talk about bang for your buck! For less that $5, this lip butter moisturizes lips with a blend of cocoa butter and vitamin E (which also protects against free radicals) and titillates your senses with chocolate-y scents such as Dark Chocolate & Cherry (my favorite since it reminds me of a Mon Cheri chocolate) and Dark Chocolate & Peppermint.

Dermalogica Age Smart Renewal Lip Complex, $26. Visit SkincareRX.com

This lip treatment smooths and hydrates your pout thanks to vitamin E, avocado oil, shea butter,  hyaluronic acid, palmitoyl oligopeptide, and cocoa seed butter, but what I love the most about it is its clever applicator.  Shaped like a lipstick tube, the Age Smart Renewal Lip Complex features a slanted perforated tip so that, when you twist the bottom, the product spurts out of each hole like tiny strings of pasta. You then glide the lip treatment, which has a petroleum jelly-esque texture, over your lips and you're good to go! There's no mess, no having to dip fingers into some tube and possibly transfer germs, or any other sloppy application mishap.

PCA Skin Peptide Lip Therapy, $20. Visit Dermstore.com

I cringe to write the words "lip plumping" since I tend to associate the phrase with the vast array of lip glosses that promise to give women Angelina-esque pouts and yet make them suffer through a really painful, burning tingling sensation to get these results. But, in the case of PCA Skin's Peptide Lip Therapy, fuller lips are a viable option without any of the accompanying pain. Ingredients include: a BMX Complex, which includes a blend of tomato and barley that attacks flakiness; hydrating shea butter and aloe leaf juice; bisabolol, a chamomile extract with anti-inflammatory benefits; safflower seed oil, castor oil, and sunflower seed oil, which contain omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids that help the skin retain moisture; and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, which stimulates collagen production. When you apply it on your lips, you'll notice they smooth out a bit, and those ridges and wrinkles flatten out to create an even, smooth surface.

Bach Rescue Balm, $5.95. Visit NelsonsStore.com

This paraben-free lip balm targets dry, rough, cracked lips with a blend of five plants: Malus pumila (known as Paradise Apple), Helianthemum nummularium (the scientific name of the Rockrose, an evergreen trailing plant with bright yellow blossoms), Clematis vitalba (known as Old Man's Beard, a flowering shrub), Impatiens glandulifera (commonly referred to as Ornamental Jewelweed), Prunus cerasifera (Cherry Plum), and Ornithogalum umbellatum (known by such names as Star-of-Bethlehem and Grass Lily). These particular plants are rarely used in skincare products, so there's no scientific evidence of their healing properties, but the lip balm does replenish lip moisture. That being said, it takes a second to get used to the balm's consistency -- when you first dip your finger into the lip balm pot, you'll notice it's extremely hard and you may have to dig your fingernail in there to scrape some of the product out. Once you apply it on your pout though, your mouth will curve to form a nice, happy smile.

** The products discussed in this piece were submitted as press samples for review and editorial consideration by each company's publicity department or representative.

Tommy Hilfiger's Limited-Edition Whitney Biennial Tote - The Style of Art

Starting today, to celebrate his role as the official fashion sponsor of the "2010, Whitney Biennial" celebration at the Whitney Museum of American Art, designer Tommy Hilfiger will unveil a special tote featuring imagery from photographer Ari Marcopoulos, whose work will be featured in the Biennial exhibit. The canvas tote, pictured above, is available now at the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Tommy Hilfiger Fifth Avenue store in New York City, with 50% of the proceeds from its sale benefiting the Whitney Museum.

Born in the Netherlands and residing in New York since 1980, Marcopoulous has earned a following for his often gritty work, which tends to capture various counterculture phenomena. Take, for example, his iconic photograph of the macarabre skull tattoo on Alice Temple's back or his kinetic images of snowboarders and skaters all over the world. One of my favorite recent images, which ran in The New York Times features a grunged-out model wearing a Versace Atelier gown paired with dark makeup and black combat boots, sitting atop some steps with her legs spread out and the dress's skirt bunched up, as a skater performs a jump right above her head. It's a fashion-y shot, of course, but it's still true to Marcopoulos' aesthetic and, like all of his photographs, it manages to lure you in and make you feel like you're witnessing that moment captured.

To check out Marcopoulos' work, make sure to swing by the Whitney Biennial exhibit, which runs from February 25th through May 30th. Other artists featured include: Michael Asher, Jessica Jackson Hutchins, Erika Vogt, Tam Tran, and Lorraine O'Grady. And, if you want to turn a trip to the museum into a weekend activity, listen to this: Tommy Hilfiger will underwrite admission to the Whitney Biennial this Saturday, February 27th for the first 1,000 visitors, so make sure to visit Tommy.com for all the details on the generous offer.

Tommy Hilfiger x Whitney Museum x Ari Marcopoulos tote, $98. Available at the Tommy Hilfiger Fifth Avenue Store and the Whitney Museum of American Art. Visit Tommy.com for details on the tote and Hilfiger's participation in the Whitney Biennial.