This sci-fi-looking, non-invasive skin device is your best at-home alternative to a hyaluronic acid-based injectable. You pop the patches on the area around your eyes, and the patented Ion Infusion technology goes to work delivering hyaluronic acid to the skin, which helps firm, tighten, and reduce fine lines. Each treatment lasts 40 minutes -- but it's a hands-free device, so you can multitask while it's going -- and you'll notice results after the first use.
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Aveda Invati
This three-product, hair growth-stimulating line from Aveda is made up of 97 percent naturally derived ingredients. Their proprietary ingredient Densiplex is a blend of Ayurvedic herbs, including turmeric and ginseng, which help stimulate hair growth by reenergizing your follicles. What's so mindboggling about this is that the line doesn't use all of the usual harsh chemicals associated with traditional hair growth products. And, in the trials the company conducted, they found that the products reduced hair loss by 33 percent -- impressive. If you're concerned about thinning hair, volume loss, or even a tight and dry scalp, this line should be your go-to. The collection includes an Exfoliating Shampoo, $24, Thickening Conditioner, $24, and Scalp Revitalizer, $60.
In this high-tech-obsessed world, it was only a matter of time before foundation went digital. This handheld device helps you flawlessly apply foundation thanks to the automatic stippling technique (similar to a patting motion) it uses. In one minute it dispenses 5,000 gentle pats to distribute an all-in-one primer, foundation, concealer, and powder to your skin without a cakey or uneven finish. You can choose from among three shades and each kit comes with two months' worth of foundation and three sponge heads.
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LAVIV, $3,500 to $4,500 (Avg. cost for initial therapy)
The rapid speed at which injectables are evolving makes us think we may never have to look a day over 35. And this newest advancement in the treatment of smile lines/nasolabial folds/marionette lines (call them what you want) is one more step toward this dream. LAVIV is the only FDA-approved (for aesthetic use) personalized cell therapy. Here's how it works: The substance that is injected into your lines is made from your own skin cells. They get the cells from a small skin sample that's removed from your body, and the fibroblasts -- which produce collagen in normal skin -- from that sample are extracted. The fibroblast cells are then multiplied in the "Fibrocell Science lab" over 90 days and frozen until you're ready to use them (you can get multiple treatments out of one sample). Finally, the cells are injected into your skin in three separate treatments three to six weeks apart. Sounds Frankenstein-ish, but it really works.
Unless you have a personal hyperbaric chamber (and we're guessing you don't), there is no convenient, at-home way to deliver extra oxygen to your skin -- until now. This wrinkle treatment from celebrity skin expert Kate Somerville uses a patent-pending delivery system that infuses your skin with oxygen and other anti-aging ingredients like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants. It promises to brighten dull skin, smooth and firm skin, and intensely moisturize. It's available in March, 2012.
It seems like every day a new beauty product comes out and with each one comes the same thing: Hope. Hope that this anti-aging serum will erase those brown spots. Hope that this smoothing cream will banish frizz for good. Hope that this spot treatment will make acne a distant memory.
Of course, we all know that most of the beauty products out there won't end our quest for perfect skin and hair. It's evidenced in the "product graveyards" we all have in the back of our bathroom cabinets. But every year there are a few breakthrough beauty products that do deliver the impossible. Heck, that's why we keep the hope alive, right?
And in 2012, we have quite a few potential "miracles in a bottle" to get excited about. Some of the new releases include an all-natural hair growth system, both digital and invisible foundations, truly game-changing styling products, plus an injectible that puts Juvederm to shame when it comes to knocking out deep wrinkles. Don't you just love technology?
