Dear patients, friends and colleagues,
It has been 5 years since we opened our practice and I am very proud to have developed such a highly skilled team of providers to serve the dermatologic needs of our community. Shannon Morrow, PA-C has been with us from our opening and personally trained with me for 1 year. She since has been seeing medical and cosmetic patients full-time. Emily Oehler, PA-C joined our practice this past year. Emily has practiced for 7 years under one of the most sought after dermatologists in Chicago. She has a wealth of knowledge and has greatly added to our patient accessibility. Both Shannon's knowledge, empathy, and skills and Emily's bright and highly professional demeanor have been recognized by the community, and I am honored to have them as a part of my team.
Erin DeVita, CST, CCRC, CMLSO has been my right hand for the past 9 years. She assisted me at Northwestern Memorial Physicians Group and then helped me to form Advanced Dermatology. Now as Director of Research and an expert laser provider, Erin assists with evaluating and integrating each laser into our practice by collaborating on technique and clinical evaluation. She is a treasured resource, a truly expert laser provider and researcher.
Without my team, I could not have built up our established patient base nor have been able to take care of all of your medical and cosmetic dermatologic needs. I support and trust the skill
of my team to provide you with the most accurate clinical evaluations and treatment therapy. I hope that you also trust their knowledge and experience as you continue your care with our practice.
To assist in improving patient flow and intake, we now have all of our general intake forms available on our website. Please visit www.advdermatology.com, Patient Area, for more information. We will keep you posted as we continue to advance our operating systems this year.
Lastly, May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and also a time when you CAN get sunburned. To build your awareness of this growing concern, see our article on skin cancer in Medical News. In honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, 5% of proceeds of sunscreen sales in May will be donated to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Have a great spring, root for sunshine (but use your sunscreen!). I hesitate to say anything about the Cubs.
Best Regards,Amy Forman Taub, MDAnd the Staff of Advanced Dermatology, Skinfo and SKINQRI.
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These specials are only valid during the specified dates, will not be combined with any other offer, and will not be applied to previous treatments.
April 1 - 30, 2008 - Tighten and Tone this Spring! Reduce skin laxity on the face, neck, and body with the most effective devices on the market. All Tissue Tightening procedures are 15% off this month only!
April 1 - May 31, 2008 - Cosmelan Depigmentation Treatment Special! Spring is here and that means the sun is back, which unfortunately means your melasma is darkening too. Now is the time to treat and prevent it from flaring this summer. The Cosmelan Depigmentation Treatment is $500 only (savings of $300) for a limited time.
May 5 - May 10, 2008 - Experience Beauty Enhancement to prepare yourself for the holidays during Advanced Dermatology's Cosmetic and Laser Week! Choose from the following promotions - or have them all! Each patient must receive a consultation prior to booking their appointment, so please book your consultation in advance.
Look for a mailer arriving soon describing this special in more detail! *BOTOX® Cosmetic must be over 30 units and Injectable Fillers must be a 0.8 cc syringe or larger.
Perlane and Restylane Event Days - Volume is the key feature in a youthful face. Plump fine lines, wrinkles, lips and hollowed lower eyelids with Restylane and Perlane. Injectable fillers provided by either Dr. Taub, Shannon Morrow, PA-C or Emily Oehler, PA-C will be Buy 2 Syringes, Get 1 Free on this day only! Please book your consultation in advance to benefit from this event day.
- April 15, 2008 - Dr. Taub's Event Day
- May 14, 2008 - Shannon's Event Day
- June 16, 2008 - Emily's Event Day
**A $100 deposit is required to book this appointment and will be applied to this visit. Special will not be honored on any other day and all syringes must be used at the time of purchase.
June 1 - July 31, 2008 - Due to popular demand, we have brought back the Aesthetic Special: Buy 3, Get 1 Free! Buy 3 of any of the medical facials and/or peels and you will receive 1 free. Great gifts for mother's day, prom, and weddings!
June 15 - August 15, 2008 - Summer Laser Special - 10% off Fraxel Restore Laser Treatment, Laser Photorejuvenation, Laser Hair Removal and Laser Leg Veins! Receive 10% off any individual laser treatment or laser treatment package! This is the best way to kick start your summer by reducing unwanted sun damage, hair, and leg veins. Book your consultation early so that you can enjoy the benefits all summer long!
June 1 - August 31, 2008 - Contour, Shape and Reduce your Cellulite this Summer! The VelaShape™ is the most effective FDA approved device for improving cellulite. Learn how you can benefit from this treatment program in a complimentary consultation and enjoy this summer's VelaShape™ special. Purchase an initial 6 treatment package and get your first maintenance treatment free!
***This special is for first time VelaShape™ clients only, may not be used on maintenance packages and other restrictions may apply.
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January 18 - 21, 2008 - Dr. Taub presented at Orlando Dermatology and Aesthetics Conference on Topical Antiaging Growth Factors in addition to Medical Vs. Procedural Treatments for Acne, Integrating PDT Into Daily Practice, Difficult to Treat Clinical Entities: Laser Solutions, and AK (ActinicKeratoses) Treatment Options.
February 2008 - Dr. Taub was interviewed by the Pioneer Press on Skincare for Spring/Summer in Chicago.
February 2008 - NDTosk Communications for the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) interviewed Dr.Taub to expand on her and Erin DeVita's presentation "Cellulite reduction, shaping and contouring of the lower body: A review of procedures performed in one clinic over the previous year" for a news release for their media at their upcoming 2008 meeting in Kissimmee, FL.
February 14 - 18, 2008 - Dr. Taub presented at South Beach Symposium 2008 in South Beach, FL on "Integrating PDT Into Daily Practice"
February 19, 2008 - Lori Baranowski, Billing Coordinator passed her coding exam and is now a Certified Dermatology Coder.
March 6, 2008 - Dr. Taub presented the Acne Treatment Summit to a group of physicians in Lincolnshire, IL for Aesthera Corp.
April 24 - 30, 2008 - Erin will be attending the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP)Annual Meeting in Boston, MA.
June 18, 2008 - Dr. Taub will be teaching at Dermatology Grand Rounds Education Conference at Roosevelt Hospital in New York on "Procedural Treatment for Acne" and to the residents on "Fractional laser for difficult to treat conditions".
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Melasma Treatments - Fraxel Restore (aka Fraxel® SR1500) continues to be a great procedure for treating melasma. Most patients appreciate improvement after three monthly treatments. Very light settings are effective and therefore only result in about a day of redness following the treatment which is easily covered by makeup.
Another option, Cosmelan® Depigmentation Treatment, by mesoestetic®, is also highly effective for the treatment of melasma. A mask containing kojic, azeleic, salicylic and ascorbic acids is applied in the office. It is worn home and removed later that day after a pre-determined amount of time based on your Fitzpatrick skin type and skin sensitivity. An at home skin care program consisting of mesoestetic® Hydra-Vital Factor K cream and Cosmelan® 2 cream continues the treatment. The Cosmelan® Depigmentation Treatment Program is recommended no more than 2 times a year, at least 6 months apart. With each additional treatment, you should see incremental gains in the overall appearance of the skin. Subsequent treatments, after the initial treatment, will help to maintain the results achieved.
Isolaz™ Deep Pore Lazr Therapy (also known as PPX) is an FDA approved treatment for acne that we offer at Advanced Dermatology. The Isolaz™ combines vacuum suction and light to target acne. Vacuum applies gentle suction to remove dirt, blackheads, and excessive oil from deep within the pores, while the light helps to destroy acne causing bacteria. The procedure is virtually painless and can be used alone or in combinations with other acne treatments. Benefits are often seen after the first treatment, however a series of treatments is recommended for optimal results. If you are interested in more information or would like to know if you may benefit from Isolaz™, please schedule a medical evaluation with Dr. Taub, Shannon Morrow, or Emily Oehler.
New Peels - We now offer the new peels using gloTherapeutics skincare. All of the products contain the gloComplex consisting of spin trap, carnosine, amla and niacinamide to further enhance the performance of each product while preventing free radical damage, combating inflammation,
supporting skin structure and revitalizing the skin. gloTherapeutics products can be used alone or combined for a deeper peel and more optimal result, depending on your skin's needs.
gloPeel Prep to prepare the skin by gently stripping oil and soften surface cells for more thorough chemical exfoliation.
gloEnzyme, a fruit enzyme exoliant with (bromelain, papain, pomegranate and cranberry extracts and BioAstin™) and salicylic acid promotes clarification for all skin types from acne to sun-damaged.
gloLactic 15% combines lactic and gluconic acids with antioxidants (blueberry fruit puree, bilberry fruit extract and mulberry extract) to promote exfoliation and moisture retention leading to softer, smoother skin and improvement in the appearance of fine lines.
gloModified Jessner 14% is a synergy of effective acids (lactic and salicylic) and antioxidants (resorcinol, resveratrol, raspberry fruit extract and lycopene) to help reduce the appearance of melasma, freckles, acne and mild cases of rosacea.
In addition to these peels to enhance our aesthetic service menu, a variety of masks have
been added, available in facial treatments only, to amplify results.
gloSoothing Gel Mask contains a complex of soothing ingredients, antioxidants and vitamins (rose hip seed oil, vitamin E, calendula extract, wild yam extract, EGCG, L-menthyl lactate, pomegranate extract and rutin) to repair and calm sensitized skin.
gloCalming Seaweed Mask is an antioxidant rich clay based mask designed to soothe, nourish and purify with herbal ingredients (algae extract, wheat protein, arnica montana, bentonite and kaolin, focus vesiculosus extract, macrocystis pyrifera and calendula extract).
gloPumpkin Enzyme Scrub provides a blend of physical and enzymatic exfoliants (date seed and jojoba beads, zeolite, pumpkin enzymes, fungal protease and fruit enzymes) to help breakdown dull, rough skin and impurities without damaging or irritating skin. Supportive conditioning and nourishing ingredients (rice extract, phospholipids and sphingolipids) maintain the skin's balance and moisture content while antioxidants help increase skin's strength and resistance to environmental stress. Look for this product for retail in Skinfo®.
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Before ( left) and 2 weeks After ( right) BOTOX® Cosmetic in the brow and forehead.
Photos courtesy of PhotoMedex.
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| Skin Cancer According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 5 Americans and 1 in 3 Caucasians will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common form of skin cancer, is estimated to affect about 1 million Americans annually and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the second most common skin cancer, is estimated to afflict more than 250,000. Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. While it is not the most common, it causes the most deaths. However, if recognized and treated early, it is usually curable.
Everyone is at some risk for skin cancer but increased risk depends on several factors including sun exposure, skin type, number of moles on the skin, and family history. Many of these risk factors are beyond our control and cannot be prevented or changed. However, one risk factor is controllable: the amount of sun exposure received in a person's lifetime. More than 90% of skin cancers are caused by sun exposure, and a person's risk for skin cancer doubles if they have had five or more sunburns. Tanning beds also contribute to the risk of developing skin cancer, and according to the American Cancer Society even the occasional use of a tanning bed almost triples the chances of developing melanoma. Therefore, limiting sun exposure and avoiding tanning beds is essential.
When outdoors, protect yourself from the sun by wearing a sunscreen of SPF 30+ with Zinc Oxide and UV protective clothing.
Early detection is the best defense in treating all skin cancers. A monthly self skin exam is a great way to detect new or changing moles. Look for the "ABCDE's" of skin cancer: A stands for Asymmetry, B stands for Border, C for Color, D for Diameter and E for Evolving or changing. Schedule your yearly skin exam for a complete evaluation.
Tans are out-unhealthy like smoking! Spread the word that pale is the new tan!
The New XTRAC® Ultra Laser for Psoriasis is here! If you have mild-moderate psoriasis that doesn't seem to clear with topical medications or if you are currently on systemic therapy and have stubborn plaques that never seem to resolve, we have a laser treatment that can help you achieve clearer skin! The XTRAC® laser is the first FDA market-cleared excimer laser system, introduced in 2000, to treat plaque psoriasis and is covered under most insurance plans. The laser utilizes narrow-band UVB therapy to the affected areas so we can target psoriasis plaques without harming normal skin. The treatments are quick and painless. Patients clear in as few as 6-15 treatments and some experience remission of their psoriasis for as long as 6 months! Can you imagine clear skin without all the messy topical medications? Call our office at 847-459-6400 to schedule a visit with our Physician Assistants to see if the XTRAC® laser is the appropriate treatment for you to get control over your psoriasis today!
Melasma Melasma is a skin condition that occurs on the face in the form of brown patches. A change in hormonal status (higher levels of estrogen) is thought to trigger and be the cause of the condition (i.e. birth control pills, pregnancy), although many women without these risk factors also develop melasma.
UVA rays are a stimulant for melanin (brown pigmentation) to develop on the skin, and unfortunately can even penetrate through car window glass. For this reason the most important product to use everyday to help prevent melasma is a broad-spectrum sunscreen with Zinc Oxide and SPF 30+ to block the UVA rays. We recommend Skinfo® Pure Protection, which has the highest amount of Zinc Oxide available in sunscreens. Colorescience Sunforgettable® SPF30 powder sunscreen is also a must have to re-apply throughout the day, extremely light-weight and can be worn over makeup! Also wear a protective hat when outdoors for extended periods to further block these rays.
To lighten and prevent worsening of the pigment, we recommend prescription and cosmeceutical products as well. Most lightening products contain hydroquinone, a chemical which impairs the cells from making melanin, or botanical ingredients such as kojic acid, arbutin, and licorice. Visit Skinfo for a consultation to discuss which lighteners are best for your skin.
If you have been diligent with your sun protection and have tried a variety of topical agents but still have patchy pigment on your skin, you may need treatments to help shed the abnormal pigment and lighten the skin. We have a variety of procedures such as Medical Facials and Peels, the Cosmelan® Depigmentation Treatment and the Fraxel® Restore (aka Fraxel® SR1500) that help to achieve these results. Please call 847-459-6400 to set up a consultation to discuss these options so that you are prepared for the upcoming spring and summer months.Cellulite Cellulite is common in women of all races, but more common in Caucasian than Asian females, where over 85% of the female population has some form of it. There appears to be a strong hormonal component, as it is rarely seen in men. It is seen only in males with male hormone deficiency or men receiving estrogen therapy for prostate cancer. Cellulite can occur on any area of the body that contains fat but is most common on the thighs, and buttocks. Cellulite cannot be correlated with obesity or weight and liposuction does not help it. The four leading explanations for cellulite are hormones, abnormal connective tissue (fibrous tissue under the skin), blood vessel changes and inflammatory factors. Treatments are focused on improving blood flow and fluid distribution in the fat, reducing the size of fat cells and firming the fibrous tissues. Cosmetic treatment options have improved over the last couple years. The VelaShape by Syneron and the Cellulite procedure by Thermage using their new ThermaTip™ CL have advanced treatment therapy by requiring fewer treatments than in the past with greater results. In addition, topical cosmeceutical products, such as Cellex-C Cellulite Smoothing Complex and mesoestetic® Reducer Gel with Caffeine and Anti-Cellulite Cream Gel, enhance overall improvement and assist in maintaining results from treatment. Contact us to set up a cosmetic consultation to discuss how you can benefit from the cellulite treatments now available.
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| Skinfo Product Study Results
We recently completed a study comparing Skinfo® products to over the counter equivalent products. Subjects were given two products in exactly the same container that were labeled only A and B and asked to rate them in different areas. Here are the results of that study:
Skinfo® Vita Lite Moisturizer was compared to Cetaphil Lotion. Subjects preferred Skinfo® Vita Lite Moisturizer in all areas; amount of moisture, consistency of the product, use with other products, ease of application, and overall preference. Subjects commented the following:
· "Product B (Cetaphil Lotion) did not absorb as well as Product A (Skinfo® Vita Lite Moisturizer)."
· "Product B (Cetaphil Lotion) did not work well with powder makeup."
· "Product B (Cetaphil Lotion) was too runny and didn't leave a good feeling on my skin."
· "Product A (Skinfo® Vita Lite Moisturizer) was too thick and left my face sticky."
Skinfo® Vita Lite Moisturizer was also compared to CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion. Subjects in this group also preferred Skinfo® Vita Lite Moisturizer in all areas. Subjects in this group commented the following:
· "Product B (CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion) seemed watery. Product A (Skinfo® Vita Lite Moisturizer) had a light, fresh scent."
· "Product B (CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion) was too thin and liquidy."
· "Product B (CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion) was too watery."
· "Product B (CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion) was lighter than Product A (Skinfo Vita Lite Moisturizer) and seemed to spread easier, although they both seemed to be creamy."
Skinfo® Clean But Not Dry Cleanser was compared to Cetaphil Cleanser. Subjects in this group rated both cleansers similarly on consistency and use with other products but preferred
Skinfo® Clean But Not Dry Cleanser overall. Comments were as follows:
· "Product B (Cetaphil Cleanser) smelled like plastic and felt like it left a light film on my skin. Product A (Skinfo® Clean But Not Dry Cleanser) felt lighter and smelled much better."
· "Product B (Cetaphil Cleanser) did not have an absorbing feel when applied. Product A (Skinfo® Clean But Not Dry Cleanser) was great. Neither made a lather."
· "Product A (Cetaphil Cleanser) seemed like it did not clean my skin enough. Product B (Skinfo® Clean But Not Dry Cleanser) was better but not amazing. Overall I prefer Product B (Skinfo® Clean But Not Dry Cleanser).
· "Product A (Cetaphil Cleanser) was waxy feeling. Felt like I was cleaning with conditioner. Left a residue on my face and I seemed to get under the skin bumps/pimples. Product B (Skinfo® Clean But Not Dry) was less waxy. Cleans the eye area better and washes off better but still felt like I was cleaning with conditioner.
Thank you for all those who participated in this study! Look for similar studies on products coming later this year. If you are interested in being a part of the next product study, please enter your information into our database at www.skinqri.com.
Cosmetic Studies We are looking for patients to participate in cosmetic studies for wrinkles. Patients who have had other recent cosmetic facial treatments (6-12 months) are not eligible. Call for more information.
Pearl Study We are recruiting 4 subjects with irregular pigmentation and textural changes of the face. Participants will receive 2 discounted treatments and compensation will be provided for travel and time.
Although the above is a list of our studies that are currently recruiting, we are beginning new studies all the time. Please visit www.skinqri.com to see what's new and to fill out a contact form so we can you to our list of potential subjects to contact as new studies come up that you may be interested in. 
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| April 8, 2008 - Colorescience Event - Correct and Protect Consultations! Combine forces with analyzing your skin and feeling what is best to treat and protect it at this exclusive event featuring Diane Ranger, Founder and CEO of Colorescience and mineral makeup, Gerri Zammitti, East Coast Regional Director, Michael McCarthy, National Trainer and Makeup Artist, and Katie Barrett, Colorescientist. Call 847-459-2800 or stop by Skinfo® to register for this event.
May 8, 2008 - Annual Skinfo® 15% off Event - Celebrate it's Springtime! To anniversary our opening, celebrate with us and receive 15% off your purchase on this day only. Spring is the perfect time to boost your antioxidant protection and sun block to prepare for summer sun. Replenish your supply, stock up on your favorites, and try the newest products for your skin care goals. Raffles of free gifts, samples, door prizes and more! Please call to pre-order any items.
Complimentary VISIA Complexion Analysis with Dr. Taub. Skinfo® will be hosting three free VISIA Complexion Analysis Events with free consultations from Dr. Taub and her team of skincare specialists.
- Wednesday, April 9, 2008 - 6pm - 8pm
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Wednesday, May 14, 2008 - 2pm - 4pm
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Saturday, June 14, 2008 - 9am - 11am
VISIA Complexion Analysis is a photographic imaging tool used for customized skin care consultation. It examines and provides an individualized complexion profile of the facial skin highlighting wrinkles, spots, pores, texture, bacteria, UV spots, pigmented spots, and acne. Please call 847-459-2800 to reserve your appointment. Jun 16 - 21, 2008 - 10% off Neocutis, SkinMedica TNS products and Lumeris Pyratine-6! Improve skin texture and tone with the highest potency growth factors on the market. Experience how these top-selling products impact your skin.
Skinfo events are in-store only (please call 847-459-2800 if you need any products sent out to you if you cannot come in). Discounts are not valid with any other offers.
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April Earth Day and Arbor Day Celebration - Skinfo® is joining in the fight to reduce global warming. We worry about what the environment is doing to our skin every day, the damage it presents in the form of fine lines, wrinkles, sun spots, and dull tone. While we strive to defend against the damaging free radicals and UV exposure on our skin, we often overlook an underlying cause, the lack of fresh clean air and global ozone protection, most commonly referred to as global warming. Excess carbon dioxide in the air is a leading cause of global warming. Trees help prevent global warming by removing carbon dioxide from the air and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. During the week of April 20 -26, 2008 Skinfo® will be donating 1% of sales to the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of Earth Day on April 22 and Arbor Day on April 25. The Arbor Day Foundation is dedicated to inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. In an effort to give back to the environment what we often take for granted, this donation will go towards planting new trees, seminars and conferences, re-foresting, and education. One tree will also be planted for every dollar donated. For more information about Arbor Day and the Arbor Day Foundation, go to www.arborday.org.
Elta MD UV Physical SPF 41- A lightly tinted, water resistant, chemical free sunscreen ideal for very sensitive skin and children. Natural mineral UV protection that's oil-free, paraben-free, and fragrance free. Contains antioxidants to neutralize free radicals to help prevent sun damage, absorbs quickly and can be used on the face and body. SkinCeuticals AOX Body Treatment - formulated with three powerful antioxidants, AOX Body Treatment protects the skin from free radical damage and lightly exfoliates, while optimizing the balance of lipids and hydration in areas suffering critical moisture loss, giving a more radiant appearance.Lumeris Pyratine-6 Cream and Lotion - help smooth and brighten the skin, significantly reduce erythema and facial redness, correct visible signs of aging and clarify skin tone. Helps reduce the appearance of facial redness associated with conditions such as rosacea, eczema, and contact dermatitis. |
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gloMinerals: Introducing our Spring 2008 Collection - Spring is upon us and what better way to freshen up from the winter drab then to add a little color to your day. The new Butterfly Collection from gloMinerals includes three new gloLoose eye shadows in cheerful apricot, playful pink and whimsical lavender. They are housed in a no mess dispenser for easy use and travel and available individually or as a set of three. Plumping the lips has never been so easy; two new gloLip plumper shades, sheer berry and copper shimmer, are a quick and easy way to plump, shine and hydrate lips in one-step.
Lastly, don't forget about the gloSpring essentials kit. This kit contains six eye shadows and two blush duos that are sure to put a spring in your step and makes a great gift at only $60.00 ($162.00 retail value!). Stop in Skinfo today to try out any of these new products or call to place your order at 847-459-2800.
* gloMinerals products are available for purchase in-store only. Call today to place a phone order.
Colorescience: Skinfo has expanded their inventory of products carried from Colorescience at Skinfo and skinfo.com. Now available:
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Box of Chocolates - a collection of 6 lip candy glazes that hydrate, plump and taste like chocolate mint!
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Precious Pearls - beautiful beads of light made with genuine pearl powder reflect off the skin for a sheer glow.
- Pep Up Gel - an instant face-lifting gel containing 3 peptides to tighten, lift and plump the skin.
- Rock Solid Foundations - The Global Collection consists of the Pressed Mineral Pigment Compact and F.A.C.E Colore Creme De La Cremes. They are very concentrated pigments to deliver PURE pigment for great coverage and lasting sun protection.
- Wild to Mild Skin Bronzer - the sister product of Line Tamer with the added benefits of a bronzing mineral and rice peptides. Packed full of powerful antioxidants and "good for your skin"ingredients, Wild to Mild will brighten your skin instantly, plus give it a sun-kissed look.
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