The BEST Serum I Have Ever Used: Orlane Super-Moisturizing Serum.

Really, this is the most amazing serum I have ever used. Yes, really. My title is not to be taken lightly. This is the best serum I have ever used. Orlane Super-Moisturizing Serum has earned holy grail status in my life, and I have only just begun to use it.

The serum is more like a lightweight lotion, that absorbs into my skin, immediately making it more plump. My lines appear less as they soak in the hydration. My skin immediately feels soft and full of moisture. I cannot tell you the difference it makes. I use it right after I apply my eye cream and before my daily moisturizer, though it almost feels like I do not even need it.

The wonder of this serum is in how it works with hyaluronic acid and in three ways, as it works into each layer of the skin.

Based on the latest research on hyaluronic acid, this serum activates the key moisture receptor, CD44, for the very first time. To trap water like a sponge, hyaluronic acid must bind this membrane receptor, which is located on the surface of keratinocytes.

Super Moisturizing Serum provides intense hydration in three synergistic steps:
• Increases the number of CD44 receptors necessary for capturing and redistributing water—skin is replenished and its natural self-moisturizing mechanisms are restored.
• Fosters natural hyaluronic acid productions, which slows down as we age—skin becomes smoother.
• Optimizes the availability of water by encouraging aquaporins, which are channels that conduct water to the epidermis—skin is immersed in a moisture bath.

Super-Moisturzing Serum* is not cheap. 1 oz. is $190, but oh so well worth it. Seeing as one pump dispenses enough to cover my entire face, neck and part of my decolletage, I am guessing it will last a good while. If you are concerned about the price, use it just for daytime, which is what I am doing, so I can make the bottle last as long as it can.

To see for yourself just how amazing this serum is, visit an Orlane counter and rub a small amount into one hand and not the other. Wait a minute or two and you will notice the difference and be sold.

You can shop for Orlane Super-Moisturizing Serum at fine department stores such as Saks, Bloomingdales and Neiman Marcus.

*I received a press sample of this product.

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Fresh Effects from ChapStick.

It is said that simply by applying a lip balm every night before bed, your lips will never be chapped. While I sort-of believe this theory, as I apply a lip balm every night, I still sometimes get chapped lips. I guess that is why I am forever on the hunt for another great lip balm.

This time I turned to the good ole stand-by ChapStick. Not just the run of the mill original black tube, even though that is just as good, but I like a bit more. Like this new one, called Fresh Effects*.

Fresh Effects is ChapStick's latest premium addition to the ChapStick lip balm line. Fresh Effects combines a subtle tingling sensation with a perfect creamy formula and yummy flavors - for soft and healthy looking lips.

While I do like both flavors, Invigorating Green Tea Mint and Refreshing Mandarin, I must admit that the Green Tea Mint is my favorite of them. My lips love the cooling sensation and the feel of being hydrated with it blend of 13 moisturizing ingredients.

Fresh Effects is sold at mass merchandisers right now for $2.99.

Have you experienced the fresh and cool feeling yet?

*I received a press sample of this product.

Clinique Deep Comfort Hand and Cuticle Cream.

The last thing I apply before heading under the covers at night is hand cream. There is nothing more soothing as a deep, nourishing hand cream to end the day. I love the way it feels, but let's face it. When you live in the temperamental northeast like I do, hand cream is a necessity to keep my hands from cracking.

My latest favorite hand cream is this brand new launch from Clinique. It is called Deep Comfort Hand and Cuticle Cream, and my hands are loving the 12 hour long soothing comfort.

Deep Comfort Hand and Cuticle Cream* absorbs quickly and smoothly into my skin without leaving it feeling sticky or tacky. Almost instantly, my hands even look more hydrated, soft and plump.

Deep Comfort Hand and Cuticle Cream contains some nourishing ingredients to get it to work the way it does:

• Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate - These help to prevent skin dehydration by providing both immediate and long-term moisturization.
• Birch Extract - This extract helps to strengthen the skins's moisture barrier so it improves overall, over time.
• Vitamins C and Vitamin E - The must have Vitamins to protect skin from all that we subject it to.
• Barley Extract, Wheat Extract and Murumuru Butter - These ingredients work together to not only strengthen the skin's moisture barrier as the Birch Extract does, these help the skin by retaining more of it's natural moisture, so the skin looked more smooth and hydrated.
• Gentian Extract - This instantly soothes dry and irritated skin and cuticles.

Deep Comfort Hand and Cuticle Cream is available now at Clinique counters and online for $17.50.

*I received a press sample of this product.