winter skin care: curel wins the gold

The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games have come and gone...and as a result, we've met superstar athletes, witnessed superb performances and shed a tear or two over their trials and triumphs. But we also learned a few things about taking care of our dry, winter skin. If these athletes managed to protect themselves from whipping winds and freezing temperatures, we can too. Thanks to new Curél®, it's possible. Curél® Itch Defense Skin Balancing Moisture Lotion for Dry Itchy Skin rebalances four essential components of healthy skin, restoring skin to its natural moisture levels: Humectants and emollients boost moisturization and leave skin feeling protected, natural ceramides restore skin’s barrier function and regulate skin’s ability to hold moisture, Accelerated Cellular Turnover minimizes dry, flaky skin and smoothes the skin’s surface, balancing the dry skin cycle, and balanced pH levels return skin to a healthy equilibrium. I've been using it on myself for the past two weeks and definitely notice a difference. But I also use it on my kids (when they let me apply it!) and it works wonders for keeping their skin soft and smooth. The best part: It helps reduce itchiness which many babies/toddlers/kids have so they sleep better and are just happier campers in general (which means moms are happy too!) Look for more info and other great Curel products on www.curel.com.

dare to go bare

Sounds like every mom's dream...a product that helps melt inches off your waist, hips and thighs, reduces cellulite and transforms your skin's appearance. This Smoothing Body Refiner ($70) from Nude Skincare contains bioactive fig to stimulate lipolytic activity and gently break down the build-up of fat cells. Mountain ash, ginger and ginkgo increase circulation to metabolize fat cells and toxins for visibly smoother, firmer skin. Too good to be true? Maybe so. But not for lack of efficacy. What new mom has the time (or energy!) to apply it morning and night to problem areas using firm strokes towards the heart, as the directions require? Plus, the bottle advises, you'll get better results after body brushing. But when your daughter takes 45 minutes to get dressed every morning and won't leave the house until you find her pink socks--every day!--who has time for that? Don't get me wrong: I love the concept, but you have to be pretty diligent to see any true improvements. Then again, like child-rearing, things that are worth the effort usually take time. I do see smoother skin but can't comment on whether the anti-cellulite properties work yet. I'll get back to you in a couple of months with another update. In the meantime, try it yourself at www.nudeskincare.com.

share the gift of caring with Curél

I know about dry skin. In fact, I douse myself in ultra-thick moisturizing creams religiously as part of my nighttime beauty regimen. I am constantly trying to soothe and smooth rough elbows, knees, hands and feet. So when Curél came out with limited-edition Continuous Comfort Moisture Lotion for Dry Skin with time-released moisturizers ($8 at drugstores nationwide--it features the iconic Red Cross symbol), I just had to have some. Designed to hydrate and relieve skin for 24 hours, the non-greasy formula absorbs quickly, doesn't clog pores and is dermatologist recommended. Plus, it smells great!

Through its ongoing support of the American Red Cross, Curél goes beyond skin’s surface to nurture the people who need care the most, donating funds to the organization that helps heal communities in times of crisis. Collaborating for the second time, Cynthia Nixon and Curél are proud to launch the “Share the Gift of Caring” campaign in support of the American Red Cross. Log on to www.curel.com to dedicate a portion of Curél’s donation to someone you love, then encourage them to share the gift of caring by doing the same!

The American Red Cross has donated $250,000 and plans to donate $10,000 more. And you can click on the website to donate $1 of that $10,000 in a friend’s name. Your friend will receive a message from Curél letting her know that you care, and she will be invited to share the gift of sharing with someone else—creating a chain of donations from the Curél brand on behalf of real people across the United States.

A great gift and an amazing product for a superb cause--plus you get silky, smooth skin in the process!