The Best Eye Creams on the Market

What do puffiness, dark circles and fine lines around the eyes have in common? They are all major skin concerns for anyone over 18. The eye area is the first part of your face to show the signs of aging. The skin around the eye area is thin and delicate and is especially vulnerable to the effects of pollution and the sun, therefore aging faster. The lack of oil glands in the eye area also means that this area cannot lubricate itself and needs external moisturization.

On top of aging and dryness – lack of sleep, fatigue and fluid retention in the lower lid can cause puffiness and dark circles.

To tackle all these issues you need a good eye treatment. The right eye treatment not only makes you look younger but also more awake and vibrant. The most effective eye treatments have a mix of antioxidants (which fight free radicals and also help reduce inflammation), moisturizing ingredients and ingredients that aid in cell turnover. Some treatments take time to work as they target the cause of fine lines, puffiness and dark circles while others have ingredients that work immediately but only temporarily. In our testing we looked for proven ingredients that work over time as well as immediate results (from items that claim to make an instant difference in your appearance). There are hundreds of eye creams in the market but we’ve narrowed down your options to give you only the best. Whether you are battling the signs of aging, puffiness, dark circles or all of the above there is an eye treatment for you.

Puffiness/Dark Circles

Zia Natural

Zia Natural Skincare Essential Eye Gel uses a blend of chamomile, cucumber and seaweed to firm and hydrate the eye area while smoothing skin, reducing puffiness and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Antioxidants help fight environmental damage and help to repair the skin. The gel has a cooling effect and the consistency is similar to a serum. Essential Eye Gel is all natural and paraben free and is packaged in a container made of 50% post-consumer waste. Zia Skin Basics can be found at fine health food stores nationwide and at zianatural.com $23.95

Origins Ginseng Eye Cream

Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream uses a blend of natural botanicals and brightening ingredients to instantly illuminate and brighten eyes. The main ingredient is Panax Ginseng, which works to boost circulation to the eye area, and is known to reduce the signs of fatigue. Hesperidin (an antioxidant) and Coleus Barbatus (a relative of the mint family) work with Panax Ginseng to combat puffiness. Caffeine helps to soothe skin while Vitamin B complex works to strengthen skin and fight off stressors. Brightening ingredients in silica and mica instantly illuminate the eye area while shea butter and other moisturizers soften skin. Clinical results showed improved moisturization and radiance. Available at origins.com $29.50

Anti aging

Avon Anew Clinical Eye Lift

Avon ANEW Clinical Eye Lift is Avon’s answer to dermatologist procedures. This two-part treatment has a dual-chamber jar that features two different formulas to target both the upper and lower eye areas – a gel for the upper areas and a cream for the lower area. The upper eye area is prone to drooping and sagging so the upper eye gel features Avon’s exclusive Dimensional-Lift Technology – which is formulated to strengthen and firm the skin of the upper eyelid by boosting elastin and collagen. The under eye area is prone to puffiness and dark circles so the under eye cream features Avon’s exclusive Derma-Refine Technology – which is formulated to increase cellular metabolism and rebuild the skin. Clinical studies show that ANEW Clinical Eye Lift visibly reduced sagging and drooping of the upper eye area while also reducing dark circles and creepiness on the lower lid. Available at avon.com $28

Lancome Renergie RARE

Lancome Renergie Microlift R.A.R.E. Superior Lifting Cream uses Lancome’s Renergie Microlift technology to combat the signs of aging. Renergie Microlift is Lancome’s top anti-aging line and it is inspired by current advances in facial plastic surgery. Best for those over 40, R.A.R.E. stands for Re-bundling And Repositioning Effect – and it aims to tighten and lift skin. R.A.R.E. targets Lumican, a collagen building protein that decreases as we age. R.A.R.E. is designed to double the production of collagen leading to an improvement in the appearance of sagging. R.A.R.E. also uses new ingredients – Oligopeptides (which works to double Lumican production) and Microlifters (silica particles and soy proteins designed to immediately lift and tighten skin). A four week study concluded that 79 percent of women showed improvement in skin tightness, 76 percent found increased firmness and 84 percent found their skin smoother. Available at Lancome counters and lancome.com $58

Garnier Anti Fatigue Eye Cream

Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Sun Damage Daily Eye Cream SPf 15 is the first Garnier Nutrioniste eye cream to contain SPF. As has been thoroughly documented and researched, using SPF is the best way to ward off the signs of aging. In addition to SPF 15, Anti- Sun Damage Daily Eye Cream also includes Lycopene, Vitamin C and soothing minerals to help repair sun damage and reduce sunspots and fine lines. Clinical studies show that in 8 weeks signs of UV damage were reduced. This is our pick for best mass-market eye cream due to its effective ingredients, friendly price and SPF content. $12.99 at drugstores and mass-market retailers nationwide.

estee time zone eye zone

Estee Lauder Time Zone Anti-Line/Wrinkle Eye Crème uses the science of cellular regeneration to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. It uses three powerful anti-aging technologies – Sirtuin EX –1 Technology, Tri-Hyaluronic Complex and Biomimetic Barrier Complex. Sirtuin Ex-1 Technology is exclusive to Estee Lauder and helps skin resist daily stress. Tri-Hyaluronic Complex hydrates and smoothes the skin around the eye. Biomimetic Barrier Complex contains many essential fatty acids, triglycerides sterols and ceramides which help to rebuild skin’s natural barrier. Together these three technologies reverse the appearance of aging. $43.50 at esteelauder.com counters.

All Around – target puffiness, dark circles and the effects of aging

garnier anti fatigue eye cream

Garnier Skin Renew Daily Anti-Fatigue Eye Cream uses Garnier Nutrioniste’s Dermatological nutrients – a proprietary formula of skin-essential ingredients formulated to give you radiant, even toned skin. Vitamin C, Caffeine and Lycopene target cell regeneration, skin hydration and free radical protection for vibrant skin. It instantly illuminates the eyes with natural micro-pearls. Over time fine lines and dark circles are diminished. $12.99 at drugstores and mass-market retailers nationwide.

olay definity eye

Olay Definity Eye Illuminator is an antiaging eye cream that also reduces dark circles. It penetrates deep layers of the skin around the eye with its blend of concentrated serum and hydrating gel. Multi-colored mica particles are used to instantly diminish the look of skin discoloration and brighten the eye area. Olay Definity Eye Illuminator uses Avon’s exclusive proprietary blend of glucosamine and niacinamide. Glucosamine helps to improve skin’s moisture barrier while niacinamide is an ingredient that improves the elasticity of skin and aids with tone and texture. Together they work to improve moisture and hydrate the eye area. $25.99 at Drugstores and mass merchants

La Mer The Eye Concentrate

If there is an eye cream more luxurious than La Mer The Eye Concentrate we did not come across it in the dozens of eye treatments that were tested. Using marine and plant ingredients along with the magnetic energies of minerals, La Mer targets dark circles, puffiness, lines and wrinkles. It conditions and hydrates the eye area improving clarity and tone. Sea Kelp is combined with calcium, magnesium, citrus oil, eucalyptus, alfalfa and sunflower and undergoes a 3 month bio-fermentation process that makes the healing Miracle Broth that La Mer is known for. Magnetized hematite, a dense mineral uses magnetic energies to reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness. La Mer The Eye Concentrate comes with a specially designed applicator to pick up the exact amount of product for each application. $165 at lamer.com

Kinerase Unereye Treatment

Kinerase Pro+Therapy C8 Peptide Under Eye Treatment is a new dermatologist-exclusive eye treatment from Kinerase. It uses a combination of 10 potent ingredients that work together to minimize dark circles, reduce puffiness and strengthen the delicate skin around the eye. This physician strength formula utilizes higher concentrations of Kinetin – Kinerase’s signature ingredient. Kinetin is a natural substance that helps with moisture retention and reduces the appearance of aging skin as well as aiding with cell turnover. Kinetin works along with Zeatin (Pro+Therapy”s physician exclusive plant growth factor) to slow the natural aging process. Kinerase Pro+Therapy C8 Peptide Under Eye Treatment will be available through physicians December 2009 – $85.

roc Retinol

Roc Multi Correction uses a unique formula of Pure RoCâ Retinol, antioxidants and Vitamin C to reduce the signs of aging. Antioxidants fight free radicals while Vitamin C helps rejuvenate skin tone. RoCâ Retinol works to stimulate skin and smooth wrinkles. Roc Multi Correction has been clinically proven to diminish wrinkles and dark circles while giving skin more vibrancy. At drugstores and mass-market retailers nationwide $24.99

Clarins Restoring Eye Cream

Clarins Super Restorative Total Eye Concentrate is an antiaging eye cream that targets the entire eye zone from temple to temple. Clarins uses an innovative complex to support skin’s natural renewal process. Selenium fights off free radicals while Vitamin C helps to even skin tone. Caffeine and Parsley diminish the looks of dark circles and puffiness. Super Restorative Total Eye Concentrate was formulated with mature women in mind – particularly those concerned with aging related hormonal changes. $74 at Clarins counters

Clinique All About Eyes

Clinique All About Eyes has both the texture of an eye gel and cream in one. It is loaded with ingredients formulated to combat the every day assaults that cause fine lines, dryness, shadows and uneven skin tone. A trio of lipids, which mimic those found in skin, along with Vitamin E and Antioxidants work to support the skin’s moisture barrier and make skin firmer. Eyes become brighter instantly with the help of optical diffusers – microscopic particles that illuminate the area. All About Eyes $28.50 Clinique.com

- Reporting by Catia Carvalho Trooskin

Lisa Hoffman Spa Bath – Hand and Foot Butter

Dry winter air is notorious for causing parched skin. From your face to your feet, the lack of humidity is sure to take a toll on the largest organ on your body. Lisa Hoffman Spa Bath – Hand and Foot Butter is ideal for those of us suffering from this malady on our hands and feet. This creamy concoction is part of Lisa Hoffman’s Spa Bath line – a five piece line that is equally lavish and eco-friendly – Lisa Hoffman uses ingredients and fragrances that are harvested from rainforests worldwide in a sustainable manner. This shea butter cream is infused with botanicals and antioxidant acai and grape seed oil. The texture is creamy and luxurious and it smells divine – fragrance notes include Madagascar orchid, Jasmine, Orange and Bergamot.

Usually by this time of year (and it’s not even winter yet) my hands are dry and scaly and my cuticles are all torn up. I have been using Lisa Hoffman Hand and Foot Butter religiously for days and my usually ragged cuticles are beautifully moisturized and healthy looking. This highly effective moisturizing butter is packaged in a luxurious air tight jar with a special pump that you press on to distribute just the right amount of product -so every pump is fresh. Find it at LisaHoffmanSkincare.com $35.50

- Catia Carvalho Trooskin

Estee Lauder Ultimate Red Holiday 2009

Estee Lauder introduces Ultimate Red a Limited Edition collection of deep rich reds and golden accents for the ultimate holiday allure. Inspired by the runway and the red carpet, Ultimate Red is a luxurious and sophisticated collection perfect for gift-giving (or giving to yourself).

Check out our favorites from this opulent collection:

For smoky eyes in shades of plum, burgundy and grey with metallic gold, Estee Lauder brings you two Limited Edition eyeshadow quads housed in decadent gold compacts:

Eyeshadow Quad in Gold Opulence $35.00

A look with Estee Lauder Gold Opulence Quad

Eyeshadow Quad in Lavish Plum $35.00

A look with Estee Lauder Lavish Plum Quad

Available just for the holidays the Opulent Shimmer Glosses give you a sheer, shiny finish:

Opulent Shimmer Gloss in Gold ($18.00)

Opulent Shimmer Gloss in Cranberry $18.00

Create a smoky look or a precise dark line with Estee Lauder’s new Gel Eyeliner in Black.

Gel Eyeliner in Black $19.50

Find this dramatic collection at Estee Lauder counters and Esteelauder.com.

- Catia Carvalho Trooskin

hairfreé™ Brushes Eliminate Frizz With a Swipe

Shampoos and Conditioners have been engineered for decades with the purpose of fighting frizz. I used to look up to them as if they were some Marvel Comic Superhero. I remember dousing my hair with rich, milk protein-infused conditioners and leaving hair masks on my head for a long time, so when I received a Hair Brush that did most of these tasks for me with a single brushstroke, I was overjoyed.

hairfreé™ makes brushes that have ceramic coated plates. This is the black part of the brush (and this is also the part that makes cleaning your brush a snap!).

The ideal way to use this brush is to put a blow dryer in front of it, heat up the plates, then brush your hair and style it with your own blow dryer. But the results from using the brush per se are pretty stellar: here is a before and after of my own hair without heating the plates:

Before & After (without heating the brush)

After using hairfree that’s been heated for a few minutes with blow dryer (not styled)

The best part of using hairfreé™ really is the multitasking convenience and the ability to keep your brushes tangle free. The brushes are the hair equivalent of lint removers…they’ll make the maid less needed.

Look at how easy it is for you to get the hairs out!

The brush also has a mirror on the back, so when you’re traveling, you don’t have to keep sneaking into the bathroom to make sure your strands are perfectly in place.

There is also a round brush version with the same technology that can be used to style and curl your hair. The flat brush is $9.95 and the Round Brush is $15.You can purchase them here.

- Charu Suri

Korres Vitamin E Face Primer

There’s nothing worse than looking in the mirror at mid-day and seeing that your foundation rubbed off. All of your hard work primping in the morning and now your look is gone. The good news is that this is easily solved by layering a face primer underneath your foundation. Now for the bad news – many popular primers contain pore-clogging silicone and lead to breakouts. What’s a girl to choose – long lasting makeup or acne?

You no longer have to choose – enter Korres Vitamin E Face Primer a certified organic, silicone free face primer that not only gives you a smooth and long lasting finish it also contains natural extracts and vitamins to soothe skin. This 99% natural product is free of parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances and dyes, mineral oils and petrochemicals. It has none of the bad stuff but is full of the good stuff – Vitamin E, Jojoba and Sunflower oils and Edelweiss extract nourish your skin.

Korres Vitamin E Face Primer goes on more like a moisturizer than a primer. Most primers have a rubbery texture that seems to lay on the top layer of skin while Korres Vitamin E Face Primer sinks into skin. You can use it alone or over moisturizer – I found that I did not need a moisturizer under the primer as it gave my skin enough moisture on its own.

All of Korres’ products use naturally derived active ingredients for maximum results while remaining true to their environmentally-conscious values. Vitamin E Face Primer is no exception. This skin friendly primer helped my foundation glide on smoothly and made it last and look fresh all day. It did not irritate skin or cause breakouts and my large pores actually looked smaller.

Fantastic results from a 99% natural product – a long lasting look and no breakouts – I might just have found my Holy Grail primer.

Korresusa.com $28

- Catia Carvalho Trooskin

Philosophy’s Holiday 2009 Treats: Hey Mr. Gingerbread Man…

We had the good fortune to learn about Philosophy’s Holiday launches last week, when we were introduced to everything your mother would love to have in her kitchen: gingerbread, pumpkin pie and even that touch of lavender.

Let’s take a moment first to reflect the brand’s mission: each bottle has a beautiful philosophical message that takes us to the heart of the human spirit. In fact, many women all over the country have been inspired the messages alone. Apparently one girl who was getting ready to be married was uncertain about her wedding, then read the label on her Amazing Grace shower gel and she knew she had the courage within her to tie that knot.

The products too are rich and inspire you to come back “full circle” to the smells you grew up with. Who among us has not had the craving for some gingerbread? Or eggnog at a party, for that matter?

And so, it is with much nostalgia and joy that we bring you our favorites from the Holiday 2009 Collection.

Bake Shoppe: Not just your traditional hot rolls and bagel bake shop, this charming box packs Raspberry Mousse lipgloss that tastes as delicious as a fruit tart while hydrating your lips. We also are suckers for the Raspberry Mousse & Pink Frosted Layer Cake Shampoo, Shower Gel and Bubble Bath. A four item set is $30.

Gingerbread Man Scrub: This hot salt scrub will slough away dead skin cells while leaving your body as soft as proverbial butter. Gingerbread itself originated in Europe (although ginger is popular in Asia) but Philosophy has made this sugary treat as American as apple pie. $25.

Peppermint Hot Cocoa: You’ll find a variety of hot cocoa flavors in Philosophy’s Winter Store. Double rich & Peppermint but we love the latter because it reminds us so much of Christmas-y Kris Kringle, patties, swirls and candy canes. The brisk and energizing scent makes us tingle like we’re getting our first kiss. $6, $10 or $16, depending on the size you pick.

Snow Shoes & Mittens: You can wear your J.Crew gloves, bundle up like Kate Beckinsale in Serendipity , warm your hands with a cup of hot cider, but slather on Snow Shoes and Mittens first! This buttery spread is not for your morning bagel, ladies. This duo contains shea, mango and cocoa butters to triple hydrate the skin; it also contains olive and macadamia nut oils to go that extra hydration mile. The best part? It smells like freshly fallen snow. $20.

Holiday Angel: This is angel food cake scented Bath & Shower Gel and Shampoo and makes you feel more indulgent than going to a Chocolate and Wine Tasting. If you love a rich and foaming lather shampoo, then you’ll need to get (and give) one of these, STAT. Plus, it has a touch of shimmer (subtle, not tinsel-town) that makes for very glam layering. $16.

Party Girl Kit: This is a great kit before a big, festive night! It includes a pomegranate bubbly exfoliating shower gel, a body lotion and a lip shine and as it is with all Philosophy products, the keepsake bags and boxes are reusable (in this case the shiny black patent leather bag is great for cosmetics and cotton alike. This three piece set is $35. Get your LBD on!

Have a Cherry Christmas: Have a Holly Jolly or Cherry Christmas! This slightly tart smelling body wash will leave you thinking of bowls of berries even when Jack Frost is nipping at your window. $16.

The Recipe Box (in Red and Green): This is a great gift to give the Julia Child in all of us. The Red Velvet and Sweet Creamy Frosting Shower Gel live in the Red Box; while the Green Box houses Apple and Pumpkin Pie. Apart from the delicious flavors, you’ll want to save the box for recipe cards. And watch the marvelous Meryl Streep in Julie & Julia afterwards, of course. $16 each.

There are so many more holiday treats on Philosophy’s site so make sure you don’t miss them!

- Charu Suri

Sun Soul: Got Acne & Wrinkles? Wear Sports Shirt

Skincare has come a long, long way since Macy’s started selling creams and potions on their floor at the turn of the century (some in unbranded packages too). We’ve seen gels, creams, potions and sprays grace the glass shelves of department stores that offer us a million choices for what we want and need.

And ultimately, everyone who loves their skin wants a product with clock-like efficiency with the easy breeziness of a Microwaveable dinner.

So here’s a toast to the makers of Sun:Soul, which has efficiently harnessed the power of sunlight through fabric to heal your skin from acne and wrinkles. We’ve harnessed everything in the world from wind, to light to water — it makes sense that the sunlight is next, right? Naturally!

We chatted with Dr Lori Brightman from the Laser & Skin Center for Surgery in New York, who said that she firmly believes and supports this new high-tech product. It comes in two light packages: one for yellow, and the other for blue light. The blumod is a solution for blemished skin and is a deliciously soft, lightweight and breathable fabric that treats your acne.

You can kiss those Accutane appointments goodbye – because with blumod tees and visors, you’re using natural energy to battle those zits.

This is the way it works: dense polymer matrix blocks harmful UV rays of sunlight (think of it as thick filters) and fluorescent compounds in the material convert this light into a beneficial, energizing skin doctor. The flow of sunlight triggers a process called Photo Dynamic Therapy (PDT). Blue light reacts with oxygen and tiny molecules generated by skin bacteria (porphyrins), suppress bacterial growth.

This may all sound so Organic Chemistry, but it works (they’ve done studies, darlings, to back all this chemistry stuff up.).

The yelomod uses — you guessed it — yellow light to deliver benefits to the skin (same way as mentioned above). But this time instead of curing acne, it will even out your wrinkles. And yes it’s not as goopy as clearasil.

You can wear this just as you would your sports tee. “It’s clothes therapy for your skin,” says Dr. Brightman. “It’s SPF in clothing and it’s very beneficial.”

Sounds like a living dream (and even better than the one Joseph had about his Technicolor Dreamcoat). All you have to do is wear the clothing in the sun for a few hours a week.

Get your sun filtration sports wear at www.blumod.com; www.sunsoul.com; or yelomod.com. Certain Fitness Centers like Club H Fitness are already carrying this, and Dr. Brightman thinks many more med spas will start carrying this “smart” sportswear soon.

Oh, and one other thing. Don’t wear it on rainy days (or visit Alaska during the dead of winter and expect to look like Dr. Zizmor). Even the working sun needs a break now and then.

-Charu Suri

NARS 15th Anniversary & Holiday Palette

NARS Cosmetics is celebrating its 15th Anniversary (this means the CRYSTAL year, folks!).

Since anniversaries imply a company has been around long enough to make a meaningful impact in your lives (and NARS certainly has in mine!), it’s only too natural that they launch a commemorative palette.

15th ANNIVERSARY EVERLASTING LOVE PALETTE- $75.00 each

Everlasting Love contains intense eye hues to create the perfect smoky eye and Wild at Heart (above) featuring bold lip shades for a deeply pigmented pout.

PLEIN ETÈ MINI MULTIPLE SET- $45.00

An exclusive set of mini Multiples boasting three best-selling shades. Ete means Summer in French — so this palette is filled with memories of beach and sand especially as the temperatures start dropping. This is a Sephora exclusive.

DROP DEAD GORGEOUS MINI NAIL KIT- $30.00

This miniature collection includes four glamorously festive shades: Arabesque, Chinatown, Candy Darling and Saratoga
D. LOVELY LIP GLOSS DUO SET- $45.00

Four smaller versions of the successful Duo Lip Gloss in a variety of mix and match shades: Misbehave/All Night Long, Pillow Talk/Sandpiper, Orgasm/Chihuahua, and Greek Holiday/Stolen Kisses.

- Charu Suri

Bath and Body Works – Winter Cordials

I love flavored lip products! As a kid you could not separate me from my Lip Smackers – they went everywhere I went. Now I’ve found a grown up version -Winter Cordials by Bath and Body Works and C.O. Bigelow are flavored to taste like your favorite holiday drinks. The delicious flavors are:

Triple Hot Chocolate $7.50

Warm Spiced Cider $7.50

Vanilla Cream Eggnog $7.50

Hot Buttered Rum $7.50

Mini Mentha Frosty trio $10.00 – Spearmint, Cinnamint and Peppermint flavors

All of the flavors are incredibly sweet and have a hint of mint. I can’t decide if my favorite is Warm Spiced Cider or Hot Buttered Rum – I guess I’ll just have to use both.

Unlike my Lip Smackers which were mostly for flavor – the Winter Cordials give you a hint of shimmer and shine – so I can have a sweet and shiny pucker.

Find them at Bath & Body Works stores or bathandbodyworks.com

- Catia Carvalho Trooskin

The Best Beauty Home Gadgets: Recession Friendly Splurges

Has the economic situation made you think twice about spending on expensive dermatologist and spa treatments? Do you want dermatological results but are afraid of undergoing a medical procedure? In the US there are over 10 million surgical and non-surgical procedures a year – 80% of those procedures are non-surgical. If the thought of sitting in a dermatologist’s chair makes you queasy – have no fear – many technologies that were previously only available in spas and dermatologists offices are now available over the counter for home use. Whether you are battling acne, trying to diminish the signs of aging or looking for easy hair removal we’ve found a home solution for you. These are effective & easy to use home gadgets that promise to save you money and give you the results you seek:

ACNE

Acne affects about 80% of the US population. Most acne issues are treated with over-the-counter medication however acne is the leading reason for seeking dermatological treatments. If you are looking for an effective at home solution with dermatologist-like results the below are for you:

Thermaclear is a heat-enabled acne clearing system that works by releasing a beam of heat directly to acne spots. It claims to clear acne pimples at least twice as fast as acne not treated with Thermaclear. Users have found Thermaclear to be highly effective, especially when used at the onset of acne spots. It only takes two seconds of use to start the acne clearing process. There is minimal pain from the heat, which is similar to tweezing for some and more like waxing or using an epilator for others. The biggest difference between Thermaclear and other heat-enabled acne clearing devices is the easy two second treatment time. $149 amazon.com

ZENO is another heat-enabled acne clearing device. Unlike Thermaclear’s treatment time of two seconds, Zeno must be used for two full minutes on each spot you wish to remove. The tip heats to a pre-set temperature and upon contact with acne spots releases heat into the follicle killing acne bacteria. Users reported acne clearing up in just a few hours as opposed to topical treatments that take days to show visible effects. $149 amazon.com

ANSR Acne Care Kit uses a combination of red and blue LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights and topical treatments to get rid of acne. Most LED devices used to treat acne only use blue LED lights – the ANSR system uses both blue and red LED lights in order to eradicate the acne pimples and then diminish redness and scarring. Users reported a noticeable difference in the appearance of their skin. Kit includes LED gadget and topical pre-treatment cleanser, moisturizer and night gel. $195 blissworld.com

Evis MD Platinum Blue Light Therapy – is a handheld LED device that uses blue light to treat acne. Uses the same level of LED light as professional machines for a once a week treatment as opposed to other LED devices that require daily use. $249.95 amazon.com

Tanda Acne Light Therapy Treatment also uses blue LED light to kill acne-causing bacteria removing pimples and preventing future breakouts. It is to be used along with a special cleanser and anti-blemish gel that were designed specifically to work with the Tanda device. Users found the Tanda device significantly improved the skin’s appearance. At around $75 per blue light treatment at a facial clinic the Tanda pays for itself after only a few uses. Set includes Tanda device, Light-Optimized Cleanser and Light-Optimized Anti-Blemish Gel. Can also be used with a Red Light treatment head to reduce the signs of aging ($75 sold separately). $250 Sephora.com

ANTI AGING

The majority of cosmetic procedures are those aimed at rejuvenating skin. That is no surprise – since about 8000 people in the U.S. turn 60 each day. Aging is a fact of life but the appearance of aging skin doesn’t have to be. The below at home treatments promise to help in the battle against wrinkling, sagging, age spots and rough texture:

Nuface Micro current Device uses micro currents to instantly lift skin. Studies show a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles over time. It is FDA approved for use in toning the face. The micro currents increase blood flow for more collagen and elastin production. It is handheld and convenient and only needs to be used for a few minutes a day. $325 blissworld.com

Tanda Regenerate Anti-Aging Starter Kit is dermatologist recommended and scientifically proven to reduce the signs of aging. Improves skin tone, texture and color and diminishes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines using red LED light therapy for results that are close to dermatologist treatments. Kit includes Light- Optimized Cleanser and Anti-Aging Serum to be used in conjunction with device. Can also be used with Blue Light treatment head to combat acne ($75 sold separately). $275 sephora.com

ANSR Skin Rejuvenation System uses the same LED light technology as the ANSR Acne Care Kit. The only difference between the two kits is in the anti-aging topical treatments included in the Skin Rejuvenation System. $195 blissworld.com

Evis MD Platinum Red Light Therapy is another handheld device that uses red LED light technology to reduce the signs of aging. Just like Evis MD Platinum Blue Light Therapy, this version also uses the same level of LED light as professional machines for a once weekly treatment. $249 amazon.com
DEEP CLEANING

Deep Cleaning helps to brighten skin, remove dead skin cells and enhances the penetration of topical treatment products. One deep cleaning at home product stands out among the crowd:

Clarisonic MD Professional Skincare Brush uses sonic technology for a deep clean. It works at a 300 time per second oscillation to remove makeup and clean six times better than regular cleansing. Pores are clear and diminished in size. Skin is noticeably clearer and even. Clarisonic has a cult following among beauty lovers and users rave about the dramatic results. $195at clarisonic.com
HAIR REMOVAL

Bliss/Phillips Bikini Perfect Deluxe Spa Edition is an electronic grooming kit used to remove hair. Instead of springing for expensive spa hair removal, this kit allows for at home hair removal using six shaving and epilating attachments for different levels of hair removal. It even includes and eyebrow comb and micro trimmer for maintaining your arches. $59.99 sephora.com

No!no! uses thermal transference to send heat to the hair follicle for easy, no pain hair removal. No!no! literally burns the hair by use of a built in wire that transmits heat. Used in conjunction with the included buffer no!no! removes hair over time. Not for a quick fix, this is a long-term solution that requires continued use. $99 sephora.com

Tria Laser Hair Removal System is an FDA approved device that uses laser technology to remove hair below the neck. You simply zap the hairs and the hair falls out within two weeks. Regrowth takes longer than waxing, leaving you free from waxing appointments. Though expensive at $795 it is a value when compared to professional laser hair removal.

Blissworld.com

Silk’n Sensepil uses FDA cleared Home Pulsed Light technology for long term hair removal. It is dermatologist recommended and clinically proven to remove hair using optical energy to disable hair growth. It has a built in skin sensor that tests whether your skin is the right color for treatment – damage can occur in darker tones. This device can be used below the neck for effective hair removal.$499 silkn.com

LESS EXPENSIVE OPTIONS

Pretika Sonic Dermabrasion Facial Brush is an alternative to the Clarisonic brush. Many users found Pretika’s Sonic Dermabrasion Facial Brush comparable to the Clarisonic at a quarter of the price. Pretika uses sonic high frequency micro-pulsating cleansing technology to remove the dry and flaky outer-layer of skin. It reveals smoother skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Also helps with acne, large pores, oily skin and dryness.

$49.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond, Target and QVC.com

Dove SkinVitalizer Facial Cleaning Massager is a deep cleaning vibrating face massager that revitalizes skin for smooth, soft skin. It stimulates surface skin for a glowing, more beautiful complexion. Users reported super soft exfoliated skin. Kit contains a vibrating device and pads to attach to device. $7.99 amazon.com

Neutrogena Wave Power Cleanser is another deep cleaning vibrating face massager. It removes oil, makeup and dirt better than using regular cleansers. It is available in one or two speeds – for two speeds look for the Neutrogena Wave Duo. Users found skin softer and clearer after use. Neutrogena Wave $12.88 and Neutrogena Wave Duo $15.99 amazon.com

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Rejuvenator uses a vibrating device and rejuvenating pads to reveal softer, younger looking skin. Puffs use ultra-fine aluminum crystals to exfoliate and micro-vibrations stimulate skin to increase cell turnover. Users reported fresh, glowing skin and reduced pore size and blackheads. $29.60 amazon.com

- Reporting by Catia Carvalho Trooskin