The Only 6 Beauty Treatments You Need to Try in 2012
I have dark circles so dark that on some mornings, my co-workers steal worried glances at me and wonder if I ever sleep. My circles are that bad.
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That's why I'm constantly searching for -- and spending a hefty chunk of change on -- products that claim to lighten said darkness. And with every new package I open, I have hope. Hope that this product just might be the miracle I'm after. Hope that I may finally be able to look like I got a full-night's sleep, just once.
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If you've got dark circles, acne, wrinkles, fill-in-your-particular-beauty-bummer here, I bet you can relate. And like me, you probably have a bathroom cabinet full of products you bought with the kind of hope I'm talking about here -- hope that's dashed when you're left amazingly underwhelmed.
It's a frustrating journey, but thankfully the beauty industry is constantly coming out with newer, better stuff. And some of the goodies that'll be on the shelves this year have me really excited. Ecstatic even. Because these bad boys have the potential to seriously live up to the expectations we have for them. Check out the full list of big beauty breakthroughs here, or a few highlights below.
University Medical WrinkleMD Eye System, $129
This sci-fi-looking, non-invasive skin device is your best at-home alternative to a hyaluronic acid-based injectable. You pop the patches on the area around your eyes, and the patented Ion Infusion technology goes to work delivering hyaluronic acid to the skin, which helps firm, tighten, and reduce fine lines. Each treatment lasts 40 minutes -- but it's a hands-free device, so you can multitask while it's going -- and you'll notice results after the first use.
Aveda Invati
This three-product, hair growth-stimulating line from Aveda is made up of 97 percent naturally derived ingredients. Their proprietary ingredient Densiplex is a blend of Ayurvedic herbs, including turmeric and ginseng, which help stimulate hair growth by reenergizing your follicles. What's so mindboggling about this is that the line doesn't use all of the usual harsh chemicals associated with traditional hair growth products. And, in the trials the company conducted, they found that the products reduced hair loss by 33 percent -- impressive. If you're concerned about thinning hair, volume loss, or even a tight and dry scalp, this line should be your go-to. The collection includes an Exfoliating Shampoo, $24, Thickening Conditioner, $24, and Scalp Revitalizer, $60.
Romi Digital Foundation, $89.95
In this high-tech-obsessed world, it was only a matter of time before foundation went digital. This handheld device helps you flawlessly apply foundation thanks to the automatic stippling technique (similar to a patting motion) it uses. In one minute it dispenses 5,000 gentle pats to distribute an all-in-one primer, foundation, concealer, and powder to your skin without a cakey or uneven finish. You can choose from among three shades and each kit comes with two months' worth of foundation and three sponge heads.
LAVIV, $3,500 to $4,500 (Avg. cost for initial therapy)
The rapid speed at which injectables are evolving makes us think we may never have to look a day over 35. And this newest advancement in the treatment of smile lines/nasolabial folds/marionette lines (call them what you want) is one more step toward this dream. LAVIV is the only FDA-approved (for aesthetic use) personalized cell therapy. Here's how it works: The substance that is injected into your lines is made from your own skin cells. They get the cells from a small skin sample that's removed from your body, and the fibroblasts -- which produce collagen in normal skin -- from that sample are extracted. The fibroblast cells are then multiplied in the "Fibrocell Science lab" over 90 days and frozen until you're ready to use them (you can get multiple treatments out of one sample). Finally, the cells are injected into your skin in three separate treatments three to six weeks apart. Sounds Frankenstein-ish, but it really works.
Kate Somerville DermalQuench Liquid Lift, $95
Unless you have a personal hyperbaric chamber (and we're guessing you don't), there is no convenient, at-home way to deliver extra oxygen to your skin -- until now. This wrinkle treatment from celebrity skin expert Kate Somerville uses a patent-pending delivery system that infuses your skin with oxygen and other anti-aging ingredients like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants. It promises to brighten dull skin, smooth and firm skin, and intensely moisturize. It's available in March, 2012.
L'Oreal Paris EverStyle Alcohol-Free Styling Collection, $6.99 each
L'Oreal has done it again, by creating another first in the mass brand hair market. Riding on the success of their other "Ever" lines, they have created a completely alcohol-free hairstyling collection. Certain alcohols that are used in many styling products can dry out hair and thus cause damage, so they've opted to ditch alcohol and instead use styling polymers to deliver on the claims each of the eight products in the collection make. From the Curl Activating Mousse to the Volume Root Lifting Spray, you're sure to find an alcohol-free, hair friendly product for your hair type and styling needs.
Click here to see 6 more beauty breakthroughs, including invisible foundation (seriously).
Which products are you most excited for this year?
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