LYRA MAG.

 Balms and creams deliver relief for aches and pains-where you need it-and work speedily too.  There are a slew of DIFFERENT kinds of hemp plant derived hemp oil ( Cannabis Sativa seed oils) that are having a marketing  moment. Despite much information-consumers still can mix-up the differences between the THC loaded hemp plant one, and the CBD loaded one...and plain ole' hemp oil without any cannabinoids- that's been around the USA in products- for years, and years. Think of it like fruit-all related but different (apples vs oranges) Of common importance-is the purity of the hemp source-as hemp picks up whatever is in the soil it is grown in-and that includes bad stuff like pesticides, toxic metals + chemicals...etc. Look for organic, full spectrum third party verified CBD (on the label -smart code etc) to ensure potency and purity. Currently there aren't any USDA organic standards for hemp. With that general info-one  easy to rub in cream tried-that helpe...

While a lot has been buzzed about J beauty (Japan)---it's  the bio based ingredients-with 'natural' sustainably sourced-that really stood out for us. via GIPHY Evonik -a fav destination at these cosmetic-skincare-haircare  supplier shows-with the coolest samples of new ingredient loaded products...is really branching out in an interesting way. They should launch their own direct to consumer company. WHAT: "The fusion of ancient wisdom and advanced technology" is their MO-for the newish Evonik Advanced Botanicals division.   "In-vitro-cultivation"-inspired by traditional Ayurvedic medicine-inspired the types of plants  grown in controlled (indoor) environments in France-that reminded us of urban farming at its best-no pesticides, herbicides, or GMO anything,  needed. Or deforestation-aka social exploitation. The first product form Evonik Advanced Botanicals  is NeoPlanta® Withania-an urban pollution fighter-balancing skin serum-that's vegan...

Suppliers' Day SUNSCREENS Nature inspired science to renew and protect the human body's biggest organ... was the dominant theme for skincare ingredient companies. As big users of physical sunblocks (a laymen's term)-we noticed quite a few enhanced zinc oxide and titanium oxide -aka inorganic ingredients-amped up with "actives" Mineral sunscreens- notably are  tested and labelled correctly - for all the different global requirements (like FDA Category 1 Sunscreens) . The big deal breakthroughs: environmentally safer, added protection vs blue light + infrared rays, non-irritating, and imo-better efficacy- longer lasting (our experience)-than toxic chemical equivalents and formulations. (Cue the power of  the EWG ). AND physical sunblocks don't leave a white pasty film-making them suitable for more skin tones...and aren't as pricey vs those nasty chemical sunscreens-anymore. NEWer Ingredients: KOBO 's - four in one multi-purpose sunscreen ...

Plus Home Scent Inspirations... Part 3 Some Themes from NYSCC Suppliers Day(s) Sustainable Sourcing-Of Nature Akin to the food industry-consumer demands for supply chain transparency, fair labor wages + eliminating child labor, earth concerns and production realities on the finite supplies from Mother Nature (aka major CPG cocoa sourcing initiatives )... KUNCAI -conjures up a synthetic MICA for "effect pigment end use" vs destroying the earth (Brazil, India) and lives by mining for it -to supply shiny metallics for industries varying from cosmetic s (mica-pearlescence qualities- is a staple ingredient in 'natural'mineral based makeup)--to automobile industry's car paints. That big crystal looking MICA is synthetic!!!!   Many companies-claimed ethical sourcing methods...like pictured above, Sudarshan    Ironic that mineral makeup which is booming demand -for its natural composition...can be sourced toxically-tragically, fatally.  Essenti...

Part 3 GT'S LIVING FOODS, HARMLESS HARVEST Gut health...has been trending for the past few years-with the benefits of  good intestinal bacteria-credited with immunity strength, vital digestive functions,  clearer skin and maybe even a cancer slayer . All anti-aging attributes-making one feel younger as in 'you are what you eat.' Probiotics live/active micro-organisms- and the prebiotics that feed the probiotics,  are bio-available in real deal eats/drinks-like kombucha tea,  kefir (we written about Lifeway's selections), sauerkraut, miso and the popular Korean seasoning kimchi. via GIPHY

Pared down skin routines-who has the time-it's PRACTICALLY SUMMER- demand multi-tasking no fuss skincare products. via GIPHY source:salmianna.tumblir.com Some favs...part one: Micellar Water's popularity from a Parisian's answer to skin cleansing instead of using French city's hard water has now evolved into versions amped up with ingredients for targeted benefits. From natural brand DERMA-E  a new Vitamin C collection-includes the ideal warm weather version-the Vitamin C Micellar Cleansing Water -gives thorough skin cleansing (via liquid dampened cotton ball)-dissolving water-resistant makeup and impurities that includes sweat--leaving a fresh feeling. Since facial skin feels replenished not striped,  (Rooibus has polyphenols-supposed to support  youthful skin -similar to grapes, grape seeds and maritime tree bark, Probiotics.anti aging properties))--normal to oily skin can skip the moisturizer after using this product-especially during the warm temps. Added plu...

Part 2 At the recent IBS-IESCS tradeshow-the Visia Imaging System-revealed its 7th version of  its awesome Complexion Analysis system-that captures/interprets 3D images of skin's top and lower layers (pictured below-the facial 'camera')...conjuring up true selfies of what lies beneath with regard to various measurable skin conditions  (like UV damage, textures, pores/poryphrins, fine lines/wrinkles, spider veins, red/brown spots),. Selfie Alert: Why stop at the surface... Similar to earlier versions that we've tried...three images-three angles (left-center-right) are photographed - skin cleansed , eyes closed-chin placed on the cup shape holder-while the Visia camera part-rotates around-taking the pictures. The instant images-are then analyzed in a software database that records/measures in three modes-dubbed Intelliflash®, cross-polarized and UV lighting. What one sees-is unique and color differentiated...of the (your) measured skin type/conditions-including s...

IBS-IECSC Conferences-NYC DYSON SUPERSONIC™ HAIR DRYER, REFA MICROCURRENT ROLLERS Selfie alert-salons and spas are getting etched out-for your selfie best. At the most recent International Beauty Show s...and International Esthetics's, Cosmetics & Spa ...we saw more technology on display along side popular items-hair+ eyelash extensions, organic -(natural leaning), cosmetics+treatments, effusive hair coloring options, and micro-needling -hand rolling devices. PART ONE via GIPHY DYSON SUPERSONIC™ Hair dryers- -a price-y option sold over 500 of these slick beauties at this show...which included a "professional' smoothing nozzle attachment, concentrator attachment and a diffuser. Beautifully packaged as one would expect of this high end hand held-we asked how this sleek machine was conjured up by James Dyson -who is well know for his tricked out vacuums..."HIS WIFE'" apparently admonished him for not re-inventing a staple of people with hair, used...

International Beauty Shows and Int'l Aesthetics, Cosmetics&Spa Show, CEW- NYC 2016 Part Two Part One No surprise here-collections of skin/body care with "natural"  a not legally defined, meaningless title -arch a skeptical eyebrow when ever that's on a  label-  and certified USDA organic ingredients continue to win favor with customers wary of toxic ingredients in skincare/haircare/and cosmetics-just like they are concerned with what they eat. Paraben, phthalates and triclosan free and/or no artificial fragrance/dyes products are increasingly important to consumers of all ages...who read the ingredients list and scan the  Environmental Working G roup website for what to avoid and really avoid (or embrace). An "O" List fav: Farmhouse Fresh Practically every skincare, hair care and novelty items at this Texas home grown exhibitor space-including masks in plastic tubs, body oils in glass bottles, and moisturizing creams in tubes= sold-out when...

International Beauty Shows and Int'l Aesthetics, Cosmetics&Spa Show NYC 2016 PCA SKIN® -New Product Launches PART ONE: This sorta  two in one  tradeshow at Javits convention center-is always a big draw with spa owners, estheticians, and those in school to be ...hauling rip free over-sized tote bags- filled to brim with the latest adornments and goodies.  Crowded aisles- even on the last day when we got there -are aligned with exhibitors serving up new and tried /true products in hair (attached and clip-in hair extensions are still HUGE), haircare tools, nail art, and our focus-skin/body care. Sell-outs of what's hot...were common. Some Highlights: From a Queens based importer-tables of fun-South Korean skin care products...incredibly cheap---from a country acclaimed for its product innovations-and loads of them...no wonder their export skin care/beauty market is BOOMING.  Anti-Aging +Treatments Skincare: Multi-Tasking cosmeceuticals with...

ALGENIST, STUDIO 10, EXUVIANCE Much has been made of the neck down tune-up-as part of New Year's resolutions...while warmer temps-longer daylight hours has the focus shifting upwards- on neck up 'fitness' goals...now that we're not hiding behind scarves, knit hats, and winter jackets-zipped up high. Though real changes in skin texture and tone from OTC (non prescription) products takes a few weeks (at least)...there are plenty of goodies that subtly- visibly improve skin texture, tone and overall appearance -right away- temporarily and even more- over time. Primers -serum blurring skin treatments help temporarily fill in minor wrinkles, and pores ---and are musts for camera wielding selfie types....but with consumers looking for value-multi-tasking skincare, beefed up ingredients in the mix are making these make-up preppers- treatment products too. For 2x every day: Happy night for us-at a recent Cosmetic Executive Women's event-Sephora big seller Algenis...

NYC… Seeking out skincare developed by prominent trained scientists aka lab rats- with an excellent track record, well respected in the medical field-put their name out there prominently, and who have verifiable clinical studies (and not teeny tiny ones) to back their products claims…is something smart consumers should seek out-especially at up there pricey points. Brands usually bought at mass retail chains-…imo-are def. getting in better in quality over the years---but for us-there seem to be cheap fillers, scents that irritate or smell well  cheap , questionable chemicals with toxic implications in the mix-or marketed with a real active ingredient so far down on the list- it's ineffective. Not always- (we like Physician's Formula for a few things)- but often. The other extreme is the crazy exorbitant priced creams and serums-usually aimed at the anti-aging crowd-that we think-why bother-just get some non-ablative little (no) downtime-or ablative (need a week off) laser...

ZO SKIN HEALTH, ORIGINS PLANTISCRIPTION, YARDLEY Like leaves on a tree, that sense of re-birth/renewal always descends on our brain and skin cells ---and encourages a test drive of new...and new to us -beauty products to go along with the better weather and the shedding of old... For the past three weeks-we've been dabbing on ZO® Skin Health's Olluminate® Intense Eye Repair $130.  This product is by the highly respected pioneer of dermatological endeavors-- Dr. Zein Obagi, MD--- who actually has two collections out now-the other one called ZO® Medical. We don't understand the difference between the skincare lines- besides from a marketing/distribution perspective...as both offerings address similar issues (hydration, anti-aging, etc) and don't vary all that much on price---from what we could see. ANYWAY---the potency of the formulas in both skincare lines= impressive. With the über thick, white creamy Olluminate® Intense Eye Repair -that targets fine...

NYC We have a gal pal who once told us that--- her female friends always gave her the best gifts-like spa certificates, the latest 'it' makeup/nail polishes-in colors she liked...well, okay - except for the 'rock' on her finger and most recently, the Christian Louboutin knock-out black pumps her husband bought home on a whim, one day... nice . But...it does makes sense for women to be gift thing divas...we're the major decision-making purchasers in this country (just like the majority of registered voters who vote). ---and sometimes the practical/splurgy gifts are the keepers---! Our thought was skin care as giftables-the kind that's not sold mass market---but mostly available for purchase in reputable Doctor's offices. Why???-because the products may not be glamorously packaged or pitched, but work-and with scientifically derived,  higher concentrations of active ingredients- work... and my be an indulgence to some, but appreciated by all. LIKE: T...