LED Light Therapy - Insider Tips from Dr. David Goldberg

Considering LED light therapy to get rid of your wrinkles? Well, Dermatologist Dr. Goldberg (who gets it done himself!) explains that LEDs won't get rid of anything - what they do is stimulate the growth of new collagen, which promotes hydration and more youthful-looking skin! The collagen continues to multiply for months after the treatment with long-lasting results, and the procedure is completely painless. Just beware of take-home LED devices - the strength of the LED light is rarely strong enough to have any effect!

Check out Dr. Goldberg's site for more details, and watch the video below!

DIY ornaments, accessories, cooking & home remedies with Lierac Paris

With the craziness of the holidays and the cold creeping up on us, we’re all in need of a luxury “me” day – at least I know I am! And what better way to relax and get into the holiday spirit than with an at-home spa and DIY day? I spent this past weekend pampering myself and creating a Christmassy wonderland in my apartment – almost all from scratch!

There’s nothing like a few wintery touches around your home to set the tone for the holidays. These are my two favorite (and easy!) DIY decoration tips:

I’ve made dried orange slices for the holidays with my mom ever since I can remember – they are great to hang on a tree or in a window – and as an added bonus, they make the house smell delicious while baking! Here’s what you need to do:

1. Slice the orange(s) into very thin slices, horizontally.
2. Bake in the oven at low heat for 1-2 hours
3. When they have dried and cooled, make a hole near the outer edge and thread onto a pretty ribbon – I usually go for thin gold and glittery ribbon (like this one), but different colors look great too! You can also use wire or fishing line.

Take a look at this website I found for more tips on drying orange slices!
Photo credit: Diane Rixon.

This is another favorite of mine. Go for a walk in the park and pick up some pine cones and leaves – I like picking out all different sizes. Then buy a can or two of spray paint – gold and silver are my favorites, red also looks great! Et voilà! Easy peazy tree ornament, centerpiece, side table decoration – anything you want!

Photo credit: Style Estate


As I was in a crafty mood, I decided to check out this great DIY website, P.S. - I made this… – she makes the greatest accessories and clothes from scratch, and I found some great ideas for holiday accessories! Here were my two favorite:


Revive a pair of old pumps with a bow – all you need is fabric or ribbon, a glue gun, scissors, and Velcro!
Click here for the step-by-step.





A pair of rhinestone earrings! All you need is earring wire, rope, a glue gun, and rhinestones!
Click here for instructions!



With these 2 accessories, you’re ready for all the holiday parties you’re invited to! And the best part? You’ll be asked where you bought your shoes :)

For those of you who prefer to exercise your creativity in the kitchen, here is one of my favorite Christmas traditions: La Bûche de Noël (Yule Log) is a staple for French families during the holidays. The symbolism of the Bûche de Noël dates back to the Middle Ages when families would find a thick log that would be burned on Christmas Eve, and was meant to burn until the new year. The burning of the log on Christmas Eve was accompanied a small ceremony, and the log was decorated with ribbons.

Nowadays, la Bûche de Noël is a spongecake generally filled with chocolate buttercream, and decorated to look like a real log with meringue mushrooms, powdered sugar to look like snow, and sometimes little figurines like Santa, elves, or an axe. I found 2 recipes that I liked the look of, but you can customize your Yule Log according to taste!
Good Housekeeping recipe
Martha Stewart recipe

Photo from Betty Crocker

Finally, the best way to end a day that included a walk in the cold, arts & crafts, and baking, is with an at-home spa night using my favorite Lierac products!

Large Pores: Can You Blame the City?

One of the issues brought up at the LIERAC/NewBeauty panel event a few months ago was that of enlarged pores...and what to do about them! An attendee wanted to know if she could attribute the increase in her pore size to the polluted air of NYC. The bottom line? Dr. Goldberg says it's not the case. So, what can we do to shrink the size of our pores?

The experts weighed in, and the concensus was that a proper skincare routine, including, regular exfoliation, is key. Catherine Raubiet explained that there are two main types of exfoliation that can help the complexion - mechanical and chemical. Mechanical exfoliation includes small beads or crystals and the actual rubbing of the skin with our fingers. Chemical exfoliation, on the other hand, uses acids (such as glycolic acid) to peel away the layers of dead skin cells. Dr. Goldberg added, as well, that there are now lasers available that directly act to shrink the oil glands, thereby making pores appear smaller.

Watch the discussion below!

Weigh in: do you exfoliate regularly?

5 Steps to a Royal Glow: Get Kate Middleton's Skin Now!

Photo Credit: Daily Mail

It's official: Prince William and Kate Middleton are soon to be husband and wife (on April 29th!). This exciting news has us thinking about Kate's fresh-faced beauty and how her healthy glow could be achieved by us all. Want to know how we think you could get her flawless complexion? Read on!

1. Use High Peel Concentrate to help gently peel away dead skin cells. The formula uses time-released Hydroxy-Acids that help to fight damage while leaving the skin healthy, hydrated, and smooth.

2. Moisturize with Crème Mésolift Anti-Aging Radiance Cream. Rich in vitamins A, C, E, B5, and B6, minerals, Hyaluronic Acid, and citrus AHAs, this product helps to boost the radiance of the complexion, energizing, smoothing and toning the skin.

3. Exfoliate with Micro-Abrasion Exfoliating Smoothing Cream. Micro-Abrasion uses alumina crystals to exfoliate the skin deep-down, removing dead cell debris and aiding in cell turnover.

4. Treat your lips and the surrounding area with Cohérence Lèvres Age-Defense Lip Cream. This lip treatment is formulated with ASC III Collagen Accelerating Vectors that stimulate collagen production, filling in lines or wrinkles.

5. Make sure to get enough sleep each night and stay hydrated throughout the day. At night, while we're sleeping, our skin experiences the greatest degree of cell turnover, which helps to keep our complexions looking fresh. Make sure to listen when you're told to get your "beauty sleep!" It is also important to drink lots of water throughout the day. When we drink water, we work to ward off any surface dehydration, which could leave the skin looking dull.

Weigh in: what do you think of Kate's effortless beauty?

We can't wait to see which designer's dress she wears on the big day! Regardless, she'll look great, no doubt!

Your Questions About Hyperpigmentation, Answered

In this week's video, Dr. Goldberg explains that there are different types of hyperpigmentation, and different types of bleaching agents... You just have to find what is right for you!

Dr. Goldberg Answers: "Which Facial Is Right for Me?"

With all different types of facials around these days, it is sometimes hard to determine which one is right for an individual's particular needs. Lucky for those in attendance at last month's LIERAC/NewBeauty panel event, one audience member asked dermatologist Dr. David Goldberg to clarify the differences between two main types of facials - photofacials and fractional facials.

So, you might ask yourself, which facial is right for me?

Dr. Goldberg explained that photofacials use an intense pulsed light source to help treat brown spots, redness, and brighten overall skin complexion. Fractional facials, on the other hand, use lasers that are meant to specifically target wrinkles (reduce their appearance).

Watch Dr. Goldberg talk facials in the video below!

Hope you enjoyed!

Lipo and lasers and tucks, oh my!

Confused about the difference between Liposuction, SmartLipo, VelaShape, and tummy tucks? Don't know what's best for you? Watch on and find out! This video features Dr. Sharon Giese, Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeon, and Dr. David Goldberg, Board Certified Dermatologist.

Botox or Juvederm - what's right for you?

The Lierac team is still talking about our panelist event a few weeks ago with NewBeauty Magazine, and we've been wanting to share all the amazing information we learned with those of you who couldn't make it!

We sorted through the videos we took of our fabulous panelists, and we now hold in our hands the answers to all of your beauty questions - from wrinkles to cellulite to crooked smiles, these doctors covered it all, and we're excited to share with you!

We'll be posting a new topic every Thursday, and this week we're starting with Dr. David Goldberg, Board Certified Dermatologist, who explains the difference between Botox and Juvederm... Enjoy!

LIERAC Paris and NewBeauty Magazine Event

On Thursday October 14th, we were excited to join forces with NewBeauty magazine to host an informative event at our flagship location, Phyto Universe, on 58th and Lexington. Despite the evening's "Nor-Easter," we had a wonderful turnout!

The evening centered around a panel discussion moderated by NewBeauty's Katrina Haug-Brown entitled "Advances in Cosmetic Medicine." Prominent industry experts in the fields of: dermatology - Dr. David Goldberg, plastic surgery - Dr. Sharon Giese, and cosmetic dentistry - Dr. Timothy Chase, as well as our very own Education Director, Catherine Raubiet, answered tons of questions from the audience.

Most of the questions asked were collected ahead of time, but some audience members had the opportunity to ask their questions live. Topics discussed ranged from wrinkles, Botox, and liposuction, to scar improvement and teeth correction. We learned that lasers can be used to treat wrinkles, skin doesn't have to become more sensitive once spots are removed, gum lifts can be performed to help treat "gummy" smiles, and there is a big difference between Juviderm (a sugar substance that just fills in) and Botox.

Raffle prizes included: a FREE consultation and 10% off of a service at Dr. David Goldberg's office, a $150 gift bag of LIERAC bestsellers, 3 NewBeauty totes brimming with their magazine, TestTube, and fragrance box.

Prior to, and after the roundtable, guests mixed and mingled with the doctors one-on-one while enjoying Le Poisson wine and hors d'oeuvres.

L-R: Jacqueline Flam-Stokes (Director of Marketing & Sales, Brand Manager), Louise Coolick (Beauty Director of NewBeauty), Dr. David Goldberg, Dr. Timothy Chase, Dr. Sharon Giese, Jenna Muller (Director of Communications for LIERAC Paris)

The atmosphere at Phyto Universe

The panel: Dr. Sharon Giese, Dr. Timothy Chase, Dr. David Goldberg, Catherine Raubiet

Catherine Raubiet answering a guest's question

Audience at the panel discussion

Guests mingling at the cocktail party

Photos courtesy of Ana Schecter, http://www.anaphoto.net/.

Lierac Paris & NewBeauty Present 'Advances in Cosmetic Medicine'

Beauty lovers, mark your calendars! On October 14th, Lierac Paris and NewBeauty Magazine are coming together for a round table discussion about the latest advances in cosmetic medicine and hot trends in the skincare industry. This one-night only beauty event will be moderated by Katrina Haug-Brown of NewBeauty Magazine, and will feature four of the top industry leaders that you don’t want to miss!

Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served, and each guest will also receive a complimentary gift bag with Lierac Paris products, beauty samples, and a copy of NewBeauty Magazine – all valued at $75!
Guest speakers include Dr. David Goldberg, Dr. Timothy Chase, Dr. Sharon Giese, and Catherine Raubiet.
We hope to see you at Phyto Universe on October 14th!

Register Now!

Lierac Paris chats with certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Mitchel Goldman

As we enter the medical community in the U.S., we're excited to launch our
"Q & A" series. Stay tuned as we interview various top industry dermatologists, plastic surgeons, aestheticians and spa professionals.



To launch our series, we chatted with Mitchel Goldman M.D.
Dr. Goldman is double-board certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon, recognized by the American Board of Dermatology and the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.

He is a volunteer Clinical Professor in Medicine/Dermatology at the University of California, San Diego and the founder and Medical Director of Goldman Butterwick & Associates, Cosmetic Laser Dermatology.





His many areas of cosmetic surgical expertise include:
Laser Surgery and Resurfacing
Liposculpture
Dermal Filling Treatments
Botox/Dysport Therapy
Laser Closure of Varicose Veins
Sclerotherapy treatment of unwanted leg veins
Photorejuvenation
Photodynamic Therapy

L: How did you get your start in dermatology?
Dr. G: I have always been interested in medicine and surgery as well as making
people happy. Dermatology and specifically cosmetic dermatology fits my
interest.

L: And what is your specialty?
Dr. G: Cosmetic Dermatology

L: The summer just ended (here in NY anyway!) is there a particular skin regimen
that you suggest to your patients after all that sun?
Dr. G: Even with the summer over, you can still damage your skin with the
ultraviolet light, so the continued use of sunscreen remains the single most
important anti-aging skincare regimen.

L: How does diet play a role in skin health?
Dr. G: No one really knows for sure. However, it is best to eat a diet high in
antioxidants which should decrease aging of your entire body including the
skin.

L: What is a big skin myth that you’d like to clear up?
Dr. G: Topical water sprays will hydrate your skin. This is NOT true. While thermal water sprays feel good, they are only useful to help damaged skin heal and will not enhance
skin rejuvenation.

L: What product do you think should be invented?
Dr. G: A topical product that uses sunlight to rejuvenate the skin as well as
prevent and treat skin cancer and precancerous changes in the skin.

L: What procedure is most in demand in your practice?
Dr. G: The use of filling agents such as Juvederm, Restylane and Sculptra to
revolumize the skin and Botox and Dysport to relax hyperactive muscles.
Also, lasers like the Active and Deep FX to erase wrinkles and the Lumenis
One Intense Pulsed Light to reverse brown and red blotches on the skin
surface.

L: What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve received (or have given out?)
Dr. G: It is best to allow your physician to turn back the clock a little at a
time. IE, do not do every procedure on the same day. Space out your
treatments so that your friends will only think you are getting younger, NOT
having surgery.

L: Why did you bring Lierac products into your practice?
Dr. G: Advanced formulations combined with elegance appeals to my patients.

L: Do you have a favorite Lierac product that you would recommend?
Dr. G: Coherence L.IR* is most applicable to my philosophy since it uses
technology combined with skincare to produce rejuvenating effects.

*Coherence L.IR is a new anti-aging cream that is only available in dermatologist offices. Ask your local dermatolgist for more info, and keep checking our website for more information.







If you are located in Southern California, please pay a visit to Dr. Goldman!
Goldman Butterwick & Associates, Cosmetic Laser Dermatology is located in the heart of beautiful University Center San Diego, CA.

Address:
9339 Genesee Avenue, Ste. 300
San Diego, CA 92121
Tel: 858.657.1002

Follow this link to Schedule a Treatment and/or consultation.
For more information, please visit: www.gbkderm.com

Have questions for Dr. Goldman? Or do you have questions that you'd like to answered in a future post?
Please comment below!

Lierac Paris' NEW Video How-To Series

As we announced a couple weeks ago, the Lierac team is launching a video series of how-to's, step-by-step demos, and more! This week, Erica starts off the series with Diopticerne. Watch our video to learn more about Diopticerne, and how it's used!

Stay tuned for more videos to come. If you want to know more about a certain product, let us know - we'll make a video just for you!

3 Steps to Flawless, NY Fashion Week Skin!

It's hard to believe that a new season of Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week is quickly approaching (the first day of shows at the NEW location at Lincoln center is Thursday, September 10!). I don't know about you, but we're super excited to see what's in store!

We all know that flawless makeup starts with a smooth canvas. Flipping through all of the September issues here in the office, we're really inspired by some of our favorite makeup artists including Francois Nars, Matin, Gucci Westman, and Michelle Phan.

We've gotten to thinking about how we would create a soft, smooth canvas. Here are some tips for creating gorgeous, glowing skin!

1. Cleanse the skin with Eau de Soin Cleansing Water formulated with Chamomile, to help soothe, relieve itching, purify and refresh, and extracts from the Lily, to heal, soothe, and provide anti-inflammatory action.

2. Apply Masque Velours. And do you know what's great about this product?! You don't need to rinse it off! Simply use tissue to blot the skin and remove excess product.

3. If additional moisture is needed, apply Hydra-Chrono Comfort Cream or Hydra-Chrono Extreme Balm.

Et voila!! A moist, dewy face is yours, ready for a flawless makeup application.

We're also very excited for our sister brand, PHYTO hair care, who will be backstage creating the looks for some amazing designers including Costello Tagliapietra, Mik Cire, Odd Molly, and 3.1 Phillip Lim! We'll be posting backstage photos soon so be sure to come back to check them out!

What designers are you excited to see on the runway?

Emmy Beauty for All Ages

All eyes were glued to the TV on Sunday night checking out the celebs’ latest fashion, style and beauty. We, of course, were checking how great everyone’s skin looked! We chose some of our favorite radiant red-carpet beauties, and asked Catherine Raubiet, Lierac’s national training director, for tips on how to achieve these looks.

We loved Lea Michele’s natural and radiant look, and it’s so easy to achieve yourself! Before applying your makeup, Catherine suggests applying a mattifying moisturizing cream like Lierac’s Mat-Chrono Moisturizing Cream – it will keep you shine-free throughout the day!

Also make sure you remember your eyes. Catherine pointed out that the eye contour area is often left out of most peoples’ beauty routines – but it is so thin and fragile that it should be paid the most attention to – especially if you’re staying up late and not getting enough sleep! Apply an anti-dark circle eye contour cream at night before going to sleep, and an anti-fatigue eye contour cream in the morning to decongest eyelids, and give you a fresh outlook on life! Catherine recommends Lierac’s Diopticerne for undereye dark circles, and Diopticalm anti-fatigue.

Eva Longoria-Parker illuminated the Emmy Awards red carpet. You probably can’t pull off that Robert Rodriguez dress on a day-to-day basis, but your skin can definitely glow like hers! Catherine told us that all you need is a radiance serum and moisturizing cream to make you skin look young and illuminated. Lierac’s Mesolift serum and cream contain a rich cocktail of vitamins and minerals - an instant “pick me up” for your skin!

Glenn Close looked stunning in this Rubin Singer gown, but we were more focused on her youthful-looking, radiant face. Good news - you don’t have to be an award-winning actress to achieve this youthful look! Before you begin your beauty routine, use a gentle but powerful a Hydroxy-acid-based serum for a peeling and rejuvenating effect. Catherine recommends Lierac’s High Peel, a highly concentrated serum that moisturizes while correcting the principal signs of aging, and instantly softens and smoothes skin. Next, she recommends you use a lifting and firming care for energy and radiance. Lierac’s Coherence Day & Night creams and Neck Firming cream increase firmness and repair skin while providing optimal hydration and moisture.

With these easy steps, you can look fit for the red carpet every day!

Sneak Peek! Behind-the-Scenes Look At NEW! LIERAC Paris High Peel

Extra, extra, read all about it (well, maybe not all)! Here's a little sneak peek into one of our NEW products, High Peel, set to launch in October 2010.

Do you love Comfort Peel 2-in-1 daily moisturizer and gentle peel? If so, you are going to love the NEW High Peel! Want to know why? Well, read on for some really cool facts about the upcoming release!

What's special about High Peel?

--It contains a highly concentrated formula of time-released Hydroxy Acids (Salicylic and Glycolic) that helps to exfoliate, resurface the skin and reduce visible signs of aging like dark spots (maybe too much time at the beach?!) and wrinkles

--While fighting wrinkles, it also works to moisturize and soften the skin (with Urea), giving you a healthier-looking complexion

--It is safe to use between (or in lieu of) doctor visits

Be sure to stay tuned for more!

We Agree - Every Girl's Gotta Spa! (And Win A LIERAC Paris Cohérence Anti-Aging Kit!)

In celebration of one of our favorite blogger's birthdays, we teamed up with Shannon Nelson of A Girl's Gotta Spa! for a fun, but BIG giveaway!

We all agree that a girl needs a little pampering from time to time, especially on her birthday. So, we're helping her to give away the ultimate anti-aging skincare package (valued at $417) which includes:

Cohérence Serum

Cohérence Day Cream “du jour”

Cohérence Night Cream

Cohérence Nutri

Cohérence Eye Cream

Cohérence Neck Cream

Cohérence Lip Cream

Coherence is formulated with collagen type III vectors, or the “youth collagen,” that literally plumps, firms and smoothes wrinkles.

Enter now on A Girl's Gotta Spa! All you have to do is comment on her blog and give some insight into your anti-aging skincare regime to qualify to win the entire Cohérence line. Easy, no?! The contest ends tonight, August 23rd, at 11:59 PM EST. Winner announced on August 24th. Winner chosen at random.

Legal jargon: Contest only open to legal US residents 18+. Only one entry per person total. Lierac Paris has provided the prize to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! (sm) for free for this giveaway. No purchase necessary to enter or win. No cash or product substitutes will be given. I can cancel this contest at any time without notice. You give me permission to use your name in the winner announcement post. Contest is void where prohibited.

Have fun, good luck and Shannon, we hope you had the best birthday ever!!

Bisous, Lierac

On Trend With Diopti Démaq

One of the biggest beauty trends right now surrounds lashes. We all want fuller, longer sets and there has been a movement towards trying to improve upon that with which we've been born. Many products are currently on the market that promise to help your lashes grow longer and thicker (think LiLash, Rapid Lash, etc.) and most are specific treatments that are applied to the upper lashline like a liquid eyeliner.

There has even been a push towards improved mascara formulas (with the ability to both lengthen and volumize) as well as technology not previous seen on the market. As an example, many brands, such as Lancome and even Maybelline, now offer mascaras with oscillating wands to help coat lashes more uniformly, allowing the applicator to really act at the base of the lashes, giving them a boost.

In keeping with the lash trend, LIERAC Paris has introduced Diopti Démaq, a "double duty" product that works to remove all traces of eye makeup while working to strengthen and soften lashes. The formula, replete with Keratin and Vitamin B5, also keeps lashes from being lost. Pretty cool, no?

So, what do you all think about the lash craze? Are you on board with it? Have you tried any lash enhancing products? Share!

LIERAC Paris Joined Forces With QVC To Celebrate Super Saturday 13 In Support Of OCRF

This past Saturday, July 31st, in the Hamptons, QVC held its annual Super Saturday bash, a huge televised sales event in which big name products are offered for very discounted prices. Every year, all net proceeds are donated to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF), to help raise awareness and increase funding available for further research on the disease. The event was hosted by Kelly Ripa and Kim Kardashian. Other guests in attendance included Christie Brinkley and Gayle King.


This year, LIERAC Paris participated in the special day, offering both the Cohérence Age- Defense Firming Day Cream and the Age-Defense Firming Night Cream at half off ($30 as opposed to the regular price of $60). The Night Cream sold out within minutes, but the Day Cream is still available for purchase through the QVC website. LIERAC's own Jacqueline Flam-Stokes did a fabulous job representing the brand on-air.

Jacqueline Flam-Stokes presenting Cohérence on-air at Super Saturday

A little bit about the products featured:


Cohérence Age-Defense Firming Day Cream:

Designed to help firm skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Formulated with ASC III Collagen Accelerating Vectors to stimulate the synthesis of Collagen III, as well as vitamins (C, B5, B6, E), the cream leaves skin feeling firmer, more liftedm and optimally hydrated.


Cohérence Age-Defense Firming Night Cream:

A complement to the Day Cream, the Night Cream contains the same ASC Collagen III Collagen Accelerating Vectors and combination of vitamins, with the addition of potassium and magnesium which act as "wrinkle relaxers," preventing "pillow creases" in the skin. Skin is left smoother and more moisturized.

This event benefitted a great cause and LIERAC Paris was honored to be involved! Did you participate in any Super Saturday deals?

Happy Bastille Day!

… or simply “14 juillet” as the French say! Just to brush up on everyone’s French history, the 14^th of July commemorates the storming of the Bastille in 1789, which marks the French peoples’ very first victory against this symbol of the oppressive “Ancien Regime”, and the beginning of the French Revolution. The first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille wasn’t actually celebrated until 2 years later, on the 14^th of July 1790, and this day did not become an official French National holiday until 1880! France has now celebrated this triumphant and patriotic day every year for over a century with military parades and ceremonies, fireworks, balls – and of course, La Marseillaise!

Now just because the French get today off from work to celebrate and be merry does not mean that we here in the States can’t celebrate La France as well! Set the atmosphere “a la Francaise”: listen to La Marseillaise (go ahead, just look it up on YouTube!) or some classic French tunes- Edith Piaf, anyone? Go grab a baguette and some cheese, or go somewhere French like Le Pain Quotidien (well, they’re Belgian… but it’s close enough for our purposes, right?!). And tonight - le 14 juillet is a great excuse to have a little get-together, pop open some champagne, or just enjoy some French cheese, paté, and wine!

Vive la France!

Vive La France! Bloggers Celebrate Bastille Day At Phyto Universe

Last night beauty bloggers gathered at Phyto Universe in NYC to celebrate Bastille Day (a few days early!) with PHYTO hair care, LIERAC Paris skincare, and Caron fragrances. Guests were invited to learn about products from all brands, including some of our more recent launches. Experts were on hand to offer up their knowledge and everyone had a chance to mingle with fellow bloggers while munching on some delicious French delicacies (complete with cheese and paté, bien sur!). Live band, "The Hot Club of Hell's Kitchen," played French tunes in the background.

The night also included a mini French lesson, courtesy of Laurel Holland and the Alliance Francaise, in which bloggers learned beauty-related words and phrases associated with skin and hair, as well as hair care and skincare tips from celebrity stylist and salon owner, Julien Farel, and LIERAC's Director of Education, Catherine Raubiet.

Catherine provided great tips while highlighting some of the differences between the ways Americans and the French view skincare:

• Start early with skincare - Get regular facials as early as the teenage years. Americans view getting facials as a luxury, while the French see it as necessary for proper grooming.
  
  
• Use minimal makeup - keep makeup light! Cosmetics are intended to enahance beauty, not act as something to hide behind.
  
  
• Keep it gentle - Though Americans embrace more aggressive procedures (such as microdermabrasion, lasers, and peels), the French prefer more holistic approaches to skincare, with more of a reliance on botanics.
  
  
• Skincare regimen - It's important to maintain a proper skincare regimen including cleansing, moisturizing, and toning, in the morning AND at night. Also, exfoliate and use a mask at least once a week.
  
  
• Body care - Americans tend to forget about taking care of the skin on their bodies (just focus on moisturizing the face), but keeping the body hydrated is just as important!
  
  
• Minimal cosmetic surgery - Plastic surgery is much more common in the US than in France. The French prefer the use of non-invasive topical treatments.
  
  
• Approx. 30% of skin ages due to genetics....70% is in your control!

  
  
  Everyone had a great time at 'le soirée' (we ended up with more attendees than expected...the more the merrier!). A fabulous night indeed!

  
  
  Photos!

  
  
  

  
  
  

  The experts! Julien Farel and Catherine Raubiet

  
  

  
  
  
  
  

  The band

  
  
  

  
  
  

  
  
  

  
  
  

  
  Caron's Diane Haska and Lauren of Everyday to Runway
  

  
  

  
  

  
  
  A big MERCI to all who came out to Phyto Universe!

Conquering Cellulite: LIERAC Paris Celebrates Over 30 Years Of Research And Development

Cellulite may be an inevitable woe for many of us, but did you know that LIERAC Paris has spent more than 30 years studying the causes and methods of its treatment? That's right folks, we mean business!

Here are some highlights to better acquaint you with LIERAC's involvement:

1982: Phytophyline is introduced as the 1st intensive treatment for cellulite, based on our famous synergy of Alchemilla, Ivy, and Horsetail.


1995: Body Lift range begins with 1st "anti-orange peel skin" product, boasting 7% Active Caffeine.


2000: Body Lift 10 is introduced with a record-breaking 10% concentration of Active Caffeine.


2004: Ultra Body Lift 10 breaks onto the scene combining 10% Active Caffeine with aspartame.


2009: Morpho-Slim is born. The formula combines 7.5% LIPO-REVERSE® technology with 1% brown algae extract and 4% oat polysaccharides. The LIPO-REVERSE® complex is composed of both Active Caffeine and Glaucine and directly targets cellulite, firming the problem areas. Brown algae helps in the process of lipolysis, the breakdown of fat cells (which we don't want!). Additionally, oat polysaccharides have an immediate tightening effect on the skin. This product is intended for mature cellulite.


2010: Introduction of Morpho-Slim Stomach & Waist to specifically target cellulite in these regions.

And we're not through! Have you tried any anti-cellulite products before?

Heatwave Shaves With LIERAC Homme And SPIFF

Yesterday, to ring in the launch of the LIERAC Homme line, the brand held an event at the Duane Reade Look Boutique location at 51st Street (between 5th and 6th Ave.) in NYC. The event was designed to introduce the new products (which include a shave gel, an anti-puffiness eye cream, and a wrinkle repair cream). The launch was a great success! DJ Super Jaimie spun all afternoon long (the event lasted from noon-7 PM) and our sponsors, SPIFF NYC and Muscle Milk, provided straight razor shaves and shoe shines and refreshments respectively. We couldn't have done it without them! Despite the heatwave in NYC, the turnout was great!

All of the brand's representatives wore T-shirts in the LIERAC Homme signature brown color with the slogan "High Performance Skincare For Men" on the back.

Postcards were handed out on the street which entitled the first 250 recipients to pick up a FREE mini-sized shave gel.

A customer gets a shave

Shoe shine!

Thanks to everyone who participated and made this event a success! Special thanks to New York Magazine for listing the launch in their "Events and Sales" section, http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2010/07/tomorrows_events_and_sales_up_4.html

Stay tuned for future happenings!

The Best DIY Beauty Booster: Self-Confidence!

Have you ever looked in the mirror after a killer work out and felt incredibly sexy despite the sweat pearling down your face? How about the feeling you get after receiving an unexpected compliment on your new hair cut? It feels amazing.
Makeup and skincare can surely pull their weight at making us feel and look great, yet confidence can be one of the best beauty accessories. Here are some non-makeup ways to get your inner-glow on:

• Shoulders Back, Chin Up! Good posture is the key to elegance, grace and strength, not to mention it will make you look slimmer in seconds. Roll back your shoulders, suck in that tummy and look dead-ahead - you'll feel and see an immediate difference.

• Break a Sweat. Exercise is proven to boost confidence, reduce stress and help maintain weight. Now why did you skip last night's Zumba class again?

• Play with Color. According to a study at the Nottingham Trent University in England, "after coloring their hair, women were much more likely to ask for a raise, challenge their boss, or put their foot down when confronted by a coworker."

• Don't Overanalyze Every.Little.Thing. Women are known to read into every emotion, every decision, every word. Take charge of a situation and be determined, don't mull over every consequence - you will feel empowered and capable.

How do you up your confidence? Do you have a winning outfit that never lets you down? Do you have a personal confidence mantra? Let us know!

3 Steps To A More Radiant Complexion With Microabrasion

The key to healthy, beautiful skin lies within exfoliation. It is vital to strip the skin of dead cells in order to reveal a more youthful complexion. In order to help clarify the way to go about beautifying the skin, Lilia Tourmaine, the in-house aesthetician at Phyto Universe, has offered up a 3-step treatment plan. She recommends following these steps twice a week to help rejuvenate the skin.

STEP 1: EXFOLIATE

After wetting the face and neck with water, use circular movements to apply LIERAC Paris Microabrasion to the area. This helps to remove dead skin cells and improve the skin's texture and radiance. It also sets the skin up to better absorb further product.

STEP 2: REJUVENATE



Rinse the skin completely and pat dry. Follow with LIERAC Paris Concentré Mésolift Radiance Serum which adds essential vitamins and minerals to rejuvinate dull or tired complexions.


STEP 3: HYDRATE



According to the particular skin conern, apply a moisturizer to the exfoliated areas. This serves to hydrate and reintroduce important nutrients.


It's sometimes easy to forget about our skin's need for exfoliation, but hopefully these steps were a bit helpful. How often do you generally exfoliate?

LIERAC Paris: A Leader In Anti-Cellulite Research

Cellulite isn't the most glamorous issue to deal with, but fortunately no one has to suffer alone. A gender-specific condition affecting 90% of women, cellulite results from fat storage occuring in the hypodermis (the deepest skin layer), along with water retention and aging of the connective tissue. When there is an imbalance between the processes of fat storage and release, and fat cells increase in volume. As a result, collagen fibers form rigid capsules over the fat cells, causing skin to adopt the characteristic dimpled look - not so pretty!


Lucky for us girls, LIERAC has long studied how cellulite comes to be, as well as how to treat the condition. In 2004, the brand released Ultra-Body Lift 10, a concentrate that directly targets cellulite and water retention. LIERAC introduced Active Caffeine (a 10% concentration) into the product's formula. The caffeine works along with phospholipids to reduce the accumulation of fat. In addition, Ultra-Body Lift 10 contains licorice, an ingredient rich in flavonoids that has anti-water retention and anti-toxin properties. Together these ingredients magically work to recontour the appearance of the skin, reducing unsighlty dimples and aiding drainage for a more comfortable feel.

Apaisance: Redness Relief For Seasonal Allergies

Spring brings warm, sunny weather and beautiful flowers, but, for many, one unfortunate corollary of this season is allergies. And they can be bad!! A lot of individuals find themselves battling with red, runny, itchy noses and eyes. As pollen starts causing discomfort, enter LIERAC Apaisance onto the scene!

Apaisance is a creamy emulsion that works to moisturize and soothe skin that is prone to redness and broken capillaries. Its unique formula contains green reflecting pigments that target and camouflage red areas directly, essentially acting to conceal those "problem" spots (i.e. around the nose and cheeks). The cream is suitable for even the most sensitive skin, too - it helps reduce any apparent inflammation.

Clinical results have shown:

88% Reported immediate and significant anti-redness results

79% Reported the diminished appearance of broken capillaries

50% Reported Immediate reduction of inflammation

*Study of 30 people, ages 24-76, over the course of 4 weeks

Don't suffer this season!

When Lip Gloss Just Isn’t Enough

By Andrea Arterbery


The one body part that I’m always sure to take care of (besides my hair (yes, I realize that it’s not really a body part, but I consider it to be one since it’s attached to the rest of me) and skin) are my lips. So, I find it slightly appalling that there are women in walking around here in New York with super dry lips and simply coating them with a gooey layer of lip gloss. Gross!


Now, don’t get me wrong, I love lip gloss just as much as the next girl, but I think it’s important to prep your lips before applying any type of gloss, lipstick or stain. Besides plain old Vaseline petroleum jelly, one of my favorite products to prep my lips with is the Lierac Coherence Lip Cream. Don’t be fooled by the name! Not only does it provide a little bit of plumping action and diminish wrinkles, but it’s the best base you can use on your lips in this harsh cold weather to keep them moisturized. You can also wear it plain and not worry about it leaving any type of weird, sticky residue behind. Wishing lovely lips to you all!