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Brand Spotlight: Suki

by on December 10, 2012 in Brand Spotlight, Men's Grooming, Product Review, Skin care

Suki have created great natural products that are focused on delivering results. They take a clinical approach to extracting natural healers, and then subject their products to tough clinical tests.

 

And, they’ve actually got the data to back it up!

  • 73% clinically tested subjects showed dramatically clearer skin using Suki’s oily / acne prone skin products, including their Concentrated Balanced Toner.
  • 84% show improvements in their skin’s overall appearance using Suki’s products for dry / mature skin, including their Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser.
Between all the different products they offer, it was tough for us to pick a favorite, so we let our members decide and have highlighted the top 3 bestsellers below.

 

Combating acne ain’t easy, and concentrated balancing toner makes all the difference. Applying this lemony fresh product daily will clear up your skin easier than photoshop! (no wonder Tom Hanks and Terrence Howard are Suki fans).  This toner calms & soothes irritation & redness, reduces blemishes & inflammation, prepares skin for the treatments & moisturizers that follow, restores skin’s natural ph.  Just a few spritzes on your face after cleansing with face wash will do wonders for your complexion.
Click here >>

 
 

Known as the “fountain of youth” in our HQ, eye lift renewal cream is a key ingredient in staying young. It’s the secret weapon in the fight vs dark circles, puffiness and crow’s feet.  This eye cream boosts collagen synthesis, firms under eye area, reduces puffiness, brightens dark circles, fights visible lines & wrinkles, restores radiance, nourishes cells, leaves skin lifted, toned & velvety smooth.  Gently dab pin size amount on your eye area after cleansing day and night for the best results.
Click here>>

 

Using exfoliate foaming cleanser regularly will clear out the old, and make room for new, healthy skin cells! It’s the perfect remedy for dry skin, lines and wrinkles. Replace your daily face wash with this exfoliator at least 1-2x a week.
Click here >

 
 
 
 

Brand Spotlight: Taun

by on December 4, 2012 in Brand Spotlight, Interesting Facts, Men's Grooming, Skin care

The makers of Taun are focused solely on one mission: to keep you looking young with their Facial Repair Formula. They use a combination of active ingredients to keep wrinkles away and help even skin tone. Below are some of those ingredients

1) RETINOL

Retinol is a form of Vitamin A which stimulates skin cell turnover, which means it removes dead skin cells so new healthier cells are able to come through. Vitamin A has a molecular structure that’s tiny enough to get into the lower layers of skin. Because it works underneath the surface of the skin, retinol creams can help fix deep wrinkles.  Retinol is a topical treatment approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating wrinkles.

2) NIACINAMIDE

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) reduces fine lines and wrinkles, as well as uneven skin tone. There are 2 important enzymes (NADH and NADPH) that contribute to the production of cellular energy and lipids (responsible for cell growth). With a sufficient supply of both enzymes, your skin creates an effective barrier to external factors that influence the aging process. However, the levels of both NADH and NADPH decline as we grow older. Niacinamide when applied to the skin helps to slow the rate of decline.

3) HYALURONIC ACID

Hyaluronic acid is produced naturally by the body. It moisturizes and plumps cells by strengthening the skin’s barrier, which helps hold water.

4) VITAMIN-C ESTERS

Vitamin C Esters are potent antioxidants that help protect skin from free radicals and are shown to repair previous damage as well. Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen, a key structural protein of the skin. Secondly, vitamin C is an antioxidant and can help reduce skin damage caused by free radicals. So, when vitamin C is properly delivered into skin cells, there is a good chance to reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture.

5) PEPTIDES

Peptides are amino acid polymers – a cutting edge, technologically advanced ingredient – developed to resemble short proteins produced by the body and “trick” the skin into creating collagen (helps with tissue regeneration).

6) JOJOBA OIL

Jojoba moisturizes by mimicking the skin’s natural oil (sebum).  Jojoba (pronounced “hoh-hoh-buh”) is a shrub that can be mainly found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Jojoba oil helps promote healing of the skin in numerous ways. It has antimicrobial properties, which are helpful in the healing of sores and wounds. The oil contains vital nutrients, such as vitamin E, B complex vitamins, and the minerals silicon, chromium, copper, and zinc. The oil blends well with the natural sebum of the skin, which curbs natural overproduction. This overproduction is often what leads to oily skin which is more prone to acne.

7) APRICOT KERNEL OIL

Rich in essential fatty acids, Apricot Kernel Oil lightly moisturizes while delivering additional amounts of vitamins E, A and C. Apricot kernel oil is known for its ability to penetrate the skin without leaving an oily feel. Rich in essential fatty acids like oleic and linoleic acid, apricot kernel oil is high in vitamin A. Since it easily penetrates the skin, it is good oil for prematurely aged, dry or irritated skin. The excellent softening and moisturizing properties is great for face, hands and hair. Vitamins A & C are good for mature dry or sensitive skin. The apricot kernel oil helps skin retain elasticity, clarity, and suppleness.

You can buy Taun here

Brand Spotlight: Baxter of California – Men Only

by on February 18, 2012 in Brand Spotlight, Hair Care, Men's Grooming, Skin care

Baxter of California was started by Baxter Finley, who is somewhat of an unsung father of the modern men’s skincare industry.  Moving from New York City to Los Angeles to work in the fast paced world of advertising in the mid 1960’s Finley realized the constant heat and sun was doing a rough number on his skin. After searching high and low for a moisturizer that wasn’t pink or floral, he finally gave up and created his own. The first line of grooming products created just for men, which he named Baxter of California, was launched from his Beverly Hills headquarters in 1965.  By the 1970’s every Hollywood hotshot was slapping their mugs with Baxter’s bounty. Not only had he launched the first men’s grooming line in the US, but he identified it with the preeminent men of that era.

Over 45 years since the brand was created, Baxter of California has developed a solid reputation for producing premier products specially formulated to meet men’s skincare needs, products that have been sought after by everyone from the guys next door to leading men from Hollywood.  Products have been featured in premier publications like GQ, Details, and Men’s Health.  See for yourself and try some of their products here.

Not ready to make the commitment?  You can try samples of Baxter’s products as well as some other amazing men’s brands by subscribing to Urban Cargo’s unique service for men to learn more about how to take care of themselves.  Click here to see how it works

For those in Los Angeles, California, check out Baxter of California’s first barbershop.  Located at 515 North La Cienaga Blvd, the 1,000 square foot space boasts a retail area of 300 square feet.  The shop is called Baxter Finley, barber & Shop.   The barbershop offers basic cuts and shaved only for $40 each, and a combined cut and shave for $75.  Definitely a bit indulgent, but it’s worth it to experience it at least once in your life.  Or at least if you are in the area, it’s worth stopping by to check out the wares.

Sneak Peak: Lab Series for Men

by on February 16, 2012 in Hair Care, Skin care, Sneak Peak

Friends at Lab Series for Men just gave me some products to try.  3 are currently available in stores and 2 (as of this post) are not available yet.  Needless to say, I’m extremely excited to try these products.  As I got these products yesterday, the reviews will be coming later, but I just wanted to give you a sneak peak as to what is coming in the blog for the next few weeks. For those of you that are not familiar with Lab Series for Men, it is an amazing men’s body care brand.  Products are scientifically backed and Lab Series is a subsidiary of the Estee Lauder Companies.  The brand has been around for decades and the products are great.  I personally have used a lot of their products such as the Max LS Age-less Face Cream and Max LS Overnight Renewal Serum.

The five products I received are the following:

1)  Root Power Restorative Shampoo

2)  Root Power Restorative Style Wax

3)  BB Tinted Moisturizer SPF35

4)  Power Brightening Serum + DR4

5)  Power Brightening Eye Balm + DR4

From initial glance, the Shampoo and Style was is said to have hair restorative properties.  The moisturizer is tinted and also has ingredients to protect your skin against the sun.  While the Serum and Eye balm has ingredients that will help get rid of dark spots on your skin.  The funny thing is that I didn’t really notice that I had some dark spots on my face until received these products, so will definitely be reviewing these products in the next few weeks, so stay tuned guys!

 

 

Brand Spotlight: John Masters Organics – Brand of the Celebrities

by on February 4, 2012 in Brand Spotlight, Hair Care, Men's Grooming, Organic

While shooting the movie Source Code, Jake Gyllenhaal personally requested the use of only John Masters Organics hair products.  Jake is incredibly gorgeous, rich and successful.  He can use any products that money can buy and he chose to use John Masters products.  If it is good enough for Jake, it is good enough for me!

About John Masters Organics

John Master Organics was started by John Masters in 1991 and since then has operated under the basic philosophy of being the “most organic, most natural product available on the market.”

Not only are all of the organic ingredients purchased certified organic by either EcoCert, Quality Assurance International, California Certified Organic Farmers, or Organic Crop Improvement Association, but products have to abide by the strict rules set by John Masters.

All ingredients must meet the following guidelines :
1. All products must be made with 70-100% organic content
2. No sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, DEAs, MEAs, or TEAs
3. No GMOs (Genetically Modified Organism)
4. No petro-chemicals
5. No animal testing
6. No artificial colors, fragrances or fillers
7. All plant extracts and essential oils must be certified organic whenever possible
8. All essential oils used must be steam-distilled and not extracted with propylene glycol – which kills the effect of the oils
9. All plant oils must be cold pressed, not heat distilled – which kills the therapeutic properties of plant oils
10. All ingredients must be proven to be beneficial to the hair or skin
11. All ingredients must be harvested in an environmentally-friendly manner (wild-crafted)
12. All ingredients must be bio-degradable as possible

The brand takes care to treat the planet with respect and all aspects of the brand is true to that promise. All of the packaging uses the minimal amount of ink possible and is printed on 100% recycled and unbleached paper. By creating products that are biodegradable and packaging that is recyclable, you can rest easy knowing that what you put into the earth is as clean as Mother Nature intended it to be. Always natural, always earth-friendly, and always with your beauty and health in mind.