If you are going to buy just one cosmetic this season, consider Laura Mercier’s Shimmer Bloc. The delicate gold-rose shown here can brighten cheeks, eyes––even the body, for an all-over spring glow. Bamboo Apothecary, 4112 Magazine St., 895-1664.










Devachon’s vitamin C enriched hair care products and unique, low sudsing formula keep disobedient curls and renegade, chemically treated tresses on best behavior. Some say––in a reverent whisper––it is the miracle cure for dry, frizzy hair. Belladonna, 2900 Magazine St., 891-4393.














Trilogy’s botanical, aroma-therapeutic body wash is made with kawa kawa extract to regenerate skin cells and burdock root to draw out impurities. Perfect to wash away winter blahs. Oliveaux, 5422 Magazine St., 899-8120.












Be an environmentalist from nail tip to toe with SpaRitual’s gorgeous nail lacquers. The product is vegan, DBP free––a chemical banned in Europe––and its recyclable packaging even uses water-soluble inks. Perfect for the all-organic ultimate mani/pedi that includes exfoliation and therapeutic massage. Earthsavers, 5501 Magazine St, 899-8555; Lakeside Shopping Center annex, 835-0225.











Enchancing your Beauty
Looking to slow––or maybe even turn back—the clock on your skin? Dr. Patti Farris
(836-2050) gives us the lowdown on the newest topical treatments. “Check out Relastin,” she says. “Available on the Internet, this product has been shown to regenerate new elastin fibers and increase skin’s thickness and firmness.” Next up are two powerful antioxidant creams she uses at her practice: Prevage MD, containing a derivative of co-enzyme Q-10; and Cellex-C, which boasts both vitamin C and E. Finally, there is Anthelios with Mexoryl SX. This sunblock has UVA protection that’s so good it stops sun damage, once and for all.

Laser technology now provides long-term results with little or no down time. You can come in for these procedures on your lunch hour, then go back to work. “These are not the ablative lasers of the past,” says Dr. Ruth Owens of the Face & Body Institute (455-7200). She suggests a three-pronged attack on aging––what she terms the “3-D effect.” The Genesis laser is used to treat superficial layers, which reduces fine lines. After which, the Titan goes even further, tightening collagen, essentially a mini-face lift. Lastly, the PhotoFacial removes age spots, redness and sun damage.

We all have had some pretty good reasons to worry recently. Luckily, Juvederm is here to erase the lines left behind by stress and sleeplessness. This newly available injectable gel can address both moderate wrinkles on the forehead and even those deep grooves around the nose and mouth. Dr. Kamran Khoobehi (779-5538) explains that this exciting new product is easily tolerated because it is made from hyaluronic acid—the same material that composes the building blocks of your very own body. Most importantly, it lasts three times longer than collagen––giving you six months or more of a beautiful, younger looking you.