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subscribe to beauty counter blog via RSSHand In Foxglove
December 27, 2011 1:47 pm
CHINESE FOXGLOVE (chy-neez fox-gluv)/ n. / 1. Also known as Rehmannia glutinosa, a reddish purple perennial that is one of 50 fundamental herbs in traditional Chinese medicine; n / 2. / Native to China, Korea, and Japan, a flowering herb that is considered a vitality booster as well as a liver, kidney, and heart strengthener; n / 3. / A vitamin A, B, C and amino acid-rich herb that has both antifungal, astringent and anti-inflammatory properties; n / 4. / A plant with an abundant source of glucosamine, which is ideal for protecting and fortifying even the most delicate skin, e.g., “shield sensitive complexions from environmental aggressors and combat fatigue with Chinese foxglove.”
Try it: Wei East Nutri Guard Face Cream with Chinese Foxglove, $40, available January 2012 at www.weieast.com.
tags: Nutri Guard Face Cream, Skincare, Wei East
Sowing The Seeds Of Peaceful Skin
December 5, 2011 6:35 pm
BORAGE / (boor-ridge) / n. / 1. Also called Borago officinalis, a blue wildflower commonly known as “starflower” that is native to Syria but found in most of the Mediterranean region; / n. / 2. A herb with large leaves that can be brewed into a medicinal tea prized for its abilities to break fevers; / n. / 3. A relatively large plant that can grow up to 1.5 feet with green foliage that is traditionally used to garnish classic Pimm’s Cups; / n. / 4. An annual herb with seeds that are rich in gamma linolenic acid (GLA), a known anti-inflammatory that when applied topically can soothe irritation and restore skin’s intracellular moisture barrier to relieve severe dryness and damage, e.g., “Raise your glass to borage, for a tasty cocktail and a calm complexion.”
Try It: Marie Veronique Organics Treatment Oil with Borage Seed Oil, $80, www.mvorganics.com.
Dairy Queen
November 18, 2011 2:08 pm
YOGURT / (yo-ghert) /n. / 1. A dairy product that is produced from the bacterial fermentation of milk; / n. / 2. Derived from the Turkish word yogurt and related to the obsolete verb yogmak, which means “to be curdled or coagulated”; / n. / 3. A creamy, edible delicacy that is typically made from cow’s milk although frequently obtained from the milk of water buffalo, goats, sheep, camels, and yaks; / n. / 4. Rich in lactic acid and probiotics, which combine to help break down and remove dead skin cells, stimulate collagen production, soothe irritation, and impart good bacteria to prevent acne and promote cell renewal when applied topically, e.g., “yogurt is great in a pita and for your skin.”
Try it: Dairyface Glad Allover Nourishing Facial Refresher, $19.95, www.dairyface.com.
tags: Dairyface, Glad Allover, Skincare, Yogurt
Alfalfa Sprouts Up
November 1, 2011 12:38 pm
ALFALFA (al-fowl-fa) / n. / 1. Also known as Medicaga sativa, a flowering plant in the pea family that is native to multiple continents; / n. / 2. A drought-resistant perennial legume with purple flowers and a deep root system that is particularly adept at retaining water; / n. / 3. Protein and fiber-packed sprouts that are consumed by humans and thought to detoxify, aid in digestion, balance hormones, reduce cholesterol, and help fight off infection; / n. / 4. A seed extract with mono and oligosaccharides that act as a potent antiager, smoothing and protecting the skin, e.g., “Shield against fine lines and wrinkles and get your daily dose of fiber with alfalfa.”
Try it: Yves Rocher Lifting Bio Anti-Wrinkle Day Care with alfalfa extract, $27, at www.yvesrocherusa.com.
tags: Alfalfa, Skincare, Yves Rocher
Green Is Good
October 17, 2011 12:36 pm
PURSLANE (per-sleign)/ n./ 1. Also known as Portulaca oleracea, a succulent plant with yellow flowers that first emerged in North America in the pre-Colombian era; / n. / 2. / Frequently called “little hogweed” or “pigweed,” a durable shrub that can withstand poor soil conditions and drought; n. / 3. / A traditional Chinese medicine used to treat infections and insect bites; n. / 4. / A leafy vegetable that was worn as an amulet in Ancient Greece to ward against evil; n. / 5. / A flavorful salad green rich in omega-3 fatty acids that is consumed in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East; n. / 6. / A muscle contraction inhibitor that, when applied topically, can diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, e.g. “Eat your vegetables and take off the years with purslane.”
Try it: Skyn Iceland Angelica Line Smoother with Purslane Extract, $65, www.skyniceland.com.
tags: Purslane, Skincare, Skyn Iceland
Magnolia Leaf Wax, On; Dull, Dehydrated Hair, Off
October 10, 2011 5:30 pm
MAGNOLIA LEAF WAX / (mag-no-lee-ya leef waks) / n. / 1. / The hydrolipidic film on the foliage of Magnolia macrophylla, a deciduous tree that is native to the Southeastern United States, parts of Southern Europe and Southeastern Asia; / n. / 2. / A thin, transparent shield that protects dark green, heart-shaped leaves from external aggressors like extreme weather, dehydration, and UV damage; / n. / 3. / Possessing light-reflecting properties to boost shine and seal cuticles when applied to hair, e.g., “Add radiance to dull, dry locks with magnolia leaf wax.”
Klorane Conditioner with Magnolia Wax, $14, available beginning November 1 at select Duane Reade locations.
tags: Hair, Klorane, Magnolia Leaf Wax
Davines Debuts Its Own Must-Have, Multipurpose Oil
August 22, 2011 12:15 pm
ROUCOU (ru-ku) / n. / 1. / An oil extracted from the hairy, spindly fruits of the achiote, or Bixa orellana, a bushy evergreen shrub with origins in the Caribbean and Amazonian regions; / n. / 2. / Also known as bija by the Caribbean Indians, referring to a body paint created from the achiote fruit’s crushed crimson seeds thought to have magical properties; / n. / 3. / A medicinal pulp used as an insect repellent that doubles as a soothing salve for cuts, burns, and blisters when mixed with its own seeds; / n. / 4. / Rich in pro-vitamin A and beta carotene, a natural skin illuminator for dull complexions and a smoothing agent for dry hair, e.g., “Repel frizz, lackluster skin, and pesky mosquitoes with roucou oil.”
Try it: Davines OI/OIL, $39, www.davines.com.
Vichy’s Sugar Rush
August 15, 2011 11:37 am
RHAMNOSE (ram-noz) / n. / 1. / An extract of Uncaria tomentosa, a large woody vine found primarily in Brazil and other tropical climates in Asia and the Mediterranean; / n. / 2. / Known colloquially as “Una de Gato,” or “Cat’s Claw,” a popular anti-inflammatory agent with antibacterial properties that can help relieve arthritis and chronic pain and kill viruses; / n. / 3. / A naturally occurring deoxy sugar that has recently been utilized as a skin stimulator with rejuvenating effects that can help improve surface texture and diminish the overall appearance of wrinkles, e.g., “Plump up fine lines with rhamnose for a complexion that’s the cat’s meow.”
Try it: Vichy Liftactiv Nuit with Rhamnose Extract, $49, available at drugstores.
tags: Liftactiv Nuit, Rhamnose, Skincare, Vichy
Paradise Found
August 3, 2011 12:45 pm
NONI (no-nee) / n. / 1. / Also known as Morinda citrifolia, a fruit-bearing tree that traces its origins back to Tahiti and the Marquesas but can now be found growing throughout Asia, South America, and the West Indies; n. / 2. / A yellow oblong fruit, which has a pungent odor when ripe; n. / 3. / A pressed juice, popularized by herbal-driven health circles and Australian-born model Miranda Kerr, that is frequently ingested as a natural remedy for everything from headaches and metabolic function to cardiovascular disease; n. / 4. / A fortifying and stimulating extract for the skin that is packed with vitamins and minerals like calcium and iron, e.g., “Soothe your stomach and boost dull complexions with noni extract.”
Try it: Carita Rich Lagoon Cream with Noni Extract, $118,
www.caritadirect.com.
tags: Carita, Noni, Rich Lagoon Cream, Skincare
Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia!
July 28, 2011 11:20 am
CHIA (chee-uh) / n. / 1. Also known as Salvia hispanica, black and white seeds cultivated from a plant that is a member of the mint family; / n. / 2. Originally harvested in the Southwest and Mexico between 1500 and 900 BC, a regular component of the traditional Mayan and Aztec diets; / n. / 3. A natural energy booster and appetite suppressant; / n. / 4. An anti-inflammatory rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids that boosts skin’s elasticity and helps reduce redness caused by conditions like rosacea and eczema, e.g., “Calm inflamed complexions and help curb cravings with chia.”
Try it: One Love Organics Skin Savior Waterless Multi Balm with Chia Seed, $68, www.oneloveorganics.com.
tags: Chia Seed, One Love Organics, Skin Savior Waterless Multi Balm, Skincare
