This will be a quick one because we’ve got so many BB Cream-related things to do!

The birth of the newest BB in your cosmetic bag – Color Me Rouge

Why we loved it: Two words: Blebesh balm. Find out why this silly-sounding phrase is one of BB Cream’s original names and learn the origins of this all-in-one beauty product that we love so much!

5 ab exercises that are better than crunches – Well and Good NYC

Why we loved it: I’ve heard for awhile that crunches aren’t the safest or most effective ab exercise, and this article gives really clear descriptions of core exercises that you can do anywhere. This is helpful because I am very guilty of sitting hunched over a desk all day – of course I don’t want to exacerbate that when I exercise! This is a must-read for everyone, especially those with any back pain.

And that’s all for this week – short and sweet. Tell me what you’re reading so I have something to come back to when BB Cream mania calms down!

[Photo from Well and Good NYC]

“‘This is a category to watch,’ said Karen Grant, vice president and senior global industry analyst for NPD. ‘BB Creams have only been on the [U.S.] market for about a year and they have made an impact so quickly.’”

That’s because BB creams are incredible all-in-one products! Read our Spotlight Thursday: Anti-Aging BB Cream post to find out why!

[The red arrow points to ours!]

Have you hopped on the BB cream craze yet? Do you love them as much as we do?

What it does:  Hydroxatone Intensive is a super-concentrated formula specifically designed to provide fast and long term results.

Who’s it for:  Anyone looking for faster anti-aging skin results.  Pressed for time?  Hydroxatone Intensive works to give you visible results in just a few weeks.  If you want protection from the sun, I would recommend our regular AM/PM over the Intensive since it does not contain SPF.

*Insider tip: We like to use the regular AM/PM Anti-Wrinkle Complex in the morning for SPF protection, and save the Intensive Anti-Wrinkle Complex for the nights!

What’s in it?:  Hydroxatone Intensive is loaded with super high concentrations of these main key ingredients for anti-wrinkle results and that extra boost of age-defying building blocks:

• Matrixyl 3000: One of the most powerful anti-aging ingredients available that smooths and lifts skin while promoting collagen production.
• Argireline: A peptide that helps relax muscle fibers to reduce the appearance of surface wrinkles.
• Hyaluronic Acid: Moisturizes the skin and plumps it up from within.

Why we love it:  It is the perfect cream to use for younger looking skin!  It also immediately increases skin hydration (which is perfect if you’re impatient like me).

Fun facts:  I always rely on reviews to find out more about products (especially if I’m investing big money on them!).  We want to know that the product we are buying is worth it.  A review may not necessarily be a “fun fact,” per se, but it’s good to know people love our products.  This review on Ulta.com from callie girl in Lubbock, TX really hit the nail on the head:

I was very skeptical, as to how this product could live up to the hype, but it’s all true. After using it day and night for two weeks my skin has never looked better…Lines erased, imperfections erased, skin softer, it’s just a really great product! I would pay twice as much! The neck and chest cream is just as fabulous

• Pros: Easy to use, evens out skin tone, immediate results, improves skin texture, minimizes wrinkles, non-greasy, smells great, and soothing.
• Cons: No cons (AWESOME!)
• Best Uses: Deep wrinkles, fine lines and sensitive skin.
• Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
  

Want to win Hydroxatone Intensive Anti-Wrinkle Complex, a $99.95 value? Simply leave a comment below telling me why you’d like to win!

I must receive all entries by Thursday, May 17 at 12:00 am and the odds of winning are determined by the number of entries received. No purchase necessary to enter.

Congratulations to Maria Carmela Renna for winning Anti-Aging BB Cream in last week’s giveaway. Maria, please send your mailing address to me at socialmediasupport@hydroxatone.com.

At least I read some great articles.

What’s the b-b-big deal about BB cream? – Color Me Rouge

Why we love it: You might be aware that we are celebrating Anti-Aging BB Cream month here at Hydroxatone! This article does a great job explaining the basics of BB cream.

Ask the Doc: What is the difference between a moisturizer, primer and BB cream? – Color Me Rouge

Why we love it: The BB Cream month obsession continues! Dr. Jonathan Zeichner (whose ads I saw on the subway for probably two years) weighs in with some incredibly valuable information about the difference between moisturizer, primer and BB cream – and when to use each. Good stuff!

Daily Reflection: 5 Things I’ve Learned About Life and Style From My Grandmother – Fashion. Style. Beauty.

Why we love it: A gorgeous blog post with some of the best advice I have ever read. I wish I knew Kristin’s grandmother because she sounds like an incredible woman. Words to live by.

7 Beauty Products for Sunny Days – Breezy Mama

Why we love it: Our partners at Keranique and Miracle Skin Transformer both got mentions – so the author clearly knows her stuff!That nail clipper looks really cute too, although I am strangely attached to this unique nail clipper I got as part of a pedicure set when I was a child. I am 29. And I cannot bear to part with my special clipper. I don’t know the brand but I should probably be featured on some reality show featuring people who refuse to give up strange random possessions.

Keep your produce fresher, longer – Fit-a-licious

Why we love it: I printed this out and put it on my fridge – this is SO helpful! I never knew any of this (admittedly, I am not so into cooking, but I’m trying) and this is really valuable information. Did you know all these facts?

Product Review | Hydroxatone Intensive Youth Serum & Luminique Skin Brightener- KP Fusion

Why we love it: Our Luminique Facial Brightener helped Kimmie get more even-toned skin with less of a need for foundation. That’s what we like to hear! Oh yeah, and the fact that she will continue to buy our products. I can’t tell you how happy it makes me when people love our products.

Hydroxatone AM/PM Anti-Wrinkle Complex, Declatone Neck & Decollete’ Complex And A Giveaway TO WIN THEM! – Polarbelle

Why we love it: I really like how Polarbelle shows the texture and look of our products on her fingers. Really gives you a sense of how creamy and luxurious our anti-aging products really are. Plus, her review is lovely and she’s giving away two products!

 What are you reading?

This is a huge month for us because we just launched our Anti-Aging BB Cream and are devoting the entire month of May to our favorite new product. Stay tuned to our Facebook updates for updates, giveaways, information and offers all month long and learn about the product (and enter to win your own) on our Spotlight Thursday: Anti-Aging BB Cream post.

And now, here’s the love!

Facebook

Billie B. said:

I bought the Facial Rejuvenation System. No complaints so far!! I actually was so impressed with Revitalizing Microdemabrasion I asked my mom (for fun) if I could give her a facial using the facial cleansing tool and she said yes and she loved the results!!!

and

My hairdresser complimented my face on yesterday and she was unaware that I had used any of you guys’ products! I LOVE HYDROXATONE! I LOVE HYDROXATONE!

and

I have had my Hydroxatone AM/PM Anti-Wrinkle Complex for a week now and can already tell you this was the best money I have ever spent on anti-aging products and I started out with the cheaper drug store brands you know like — well I am not going to name names — but these just did not work. Then, I went and started buying my products from the mall in high end department stores, believe me ladies you are totally wasting your money on some of those, they might as well put as they say you know put snake oil in their products. But, I can honestly say after trying Hydroxatone for only a week I do really see a reduction in my wrinkles!

Ree H. said:

I received a sample of the InstantEffect in the mail – it really does “erase” wrinkles – however seems to smudge off after I put moisturizer on – should I be applying the moisturizer first THEN the wrinkle eraser?

Our response – So glad to hear the InstantEffect sample helped reduce the appearance of your wrinkles! You’ll want to use your moisturizer first. Let it absorb, and then tap the InstantEffect into any wrinkles with your pinky. Hope this helps!

Angela B. said:

I am in love with your 90 second wrinkle product

Twitter

@harlow_quinn: @Hydroxatone I love it!! My skin is still soft at the end of the day & when I wake in the morning, it still feels like velvet! #powerproduct

Blog reviews

Hydroxatone: Hydrolyze Review – Beautasia

Product Review | Hydroxatone Intensive Youth Serum & Luminique Skin Brightener- KP Fusion

Hydroxatone AM/PM Anti-Wrinkle Complex, Declatone Neck & Decollete’ Complex And A Giveaway TO WIN THEM! – Polarbelle

 Hope you a wonderful weekend! I always do!

You guys are lucky.

But so am I, because I managed to snag one. Right in time for Anti-Aging BB Cream Month!

What it does:  Our Anti-Aging BB Cream (the BB stands for Beauty Balm) contains Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen and is your all-in-one multi-tasking perfecting cream that hydrates, conceals, protects, reduces the look of aging and brightens skin in just one step.

Who’s it for:  Ideally, everyone. However, at this time we only have three shades available – Light, Medium and Tan. I’m extremely fair skinned and the Light is perfect for me. Many people will likely have to go one shade up from what they might think.

What’s in it?:

• Vitamin C - Supports optimal skin health by promoting the skin’s own regenerative properties help stimulate collagen used during the skin’s own regenerative process
• PhytoCellTec™ – Formulated with an ingredient that help skin stem cells maintain their natural renewal capacity
• EMortal™ – Contains ingredients that support the natural renewal process of the skin
• SPF 40 – SPF 40 Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB protects the skin from the elements including harmful UV rays and oxidative stress

Why we love it: You don’t need foundation with this product (but if you want to wear it, our BB Cream acts as an excellent primer!). It offers instant coverage of dark spots and blotchiness, brightens dullness and discoloration, soothes and moisturizes the skin – all while providing incredible anti-aging benefits!

Fun facts: This is not the first blog post I’m writing about our BB Cream. I wrote one last month. I don’t like to wear makeup when I exercise but because I am self-conscious about the acne I always have on my chin, I like to have some coverage. Plus, I always wear SPF. So last month I ran a 10K (6.2 mile) road race wearing only our Anti-Aging BB Cream on my face. I was impressed by how smooth, hydrated and even-toned my skin looked as soon as I put it on. And my pimples weren’t showing at all! Afterwards, I snapped a photo of my face – and I looked flawless. Even after sweating during a 6.2 mile run, my skin remained smooth and even-toned.

Me wearing Hydroxatone Anti-Aging BB Cream after running a 10K race

I wish I took a ‘before’ picture, but don’t worry – I’ve got some ideas planned for this month including both photos and video!

For more information on BB Creams, check out this article: What’s the b-b-big deal about BB cream?

Want to win Hydroxatone Anti-Aging BB Cream, a $49.95 value? Simply leave a comment below telling me why you’d like to win!

I must receive all entries by Thursday, May 10 at 12:00 am and the odds of winning are determined by the number of entries received. No purchase necessary to enter.

Congratulation to Chris Dodson for being our random winner of Deep Wrinkle Concentrate from last week’s giveaway.  Chris, please email us at socialmediasupport@hydroxatone.com with your mailing address.

Mom Wins $3 Million Nutella Lawsuit For Not Reading Labels—And You Could Cash In, Too – Blisstree

Why we love it: This is absurd! If you want to know if a food is healthy, you read the label. If your food doesn’t have a label (think fruits and vegetables) then it simply is healthy. If your food has a label filled with sugar and saturated fat, well, it’s pretty safe to say your food is not, in fact, healthy. Yet this woman not only sued Nutella because the delicious chocolatey-hazelnut spread is not healthy (redundant much?) but she actually WON. $3 million. Ridiculous.

Get Tressed Launch Giveaway – Get Tressed

Why we love it: The last of the yba site launch giveaways (those went by quickly!), this incredible hair care giveaway will offer one lucky winner $350 worth of awesome hair products from top brands like Keranique, Sedu, Solia, Ceramic Tools and more. Check it out!

People Magazine Shows Us Zooey Deschanel Without Her Adorkable Makeup – The Gloss

Why we love it: Wow, people are really hating on Zooey’s face without her false eyelashes and heavy eyeliner. People, she is still pretty! Also, no one looks super flattering photographed THAT close up without makeup. I’d love to see this picture taken at more of a distance. I am certain Zooey Deschanel still looks lovely. Also, seeing her without makeup looking normal and pretty should show us how real women look without makeup – and it’s good!

You’re trapped on a deserted island, what do you bring? - Color Me Rouge

Why we love it: An article that really made me think! I have tons of beauty products, so if I was trapped on a deserted island and can only bring three . . .

1. Hydroxatone Anti-Aging BB Cream – The perfect all-in-one product, this provides SPF protection (from those harmful island rays) while covering imperfections and creating a smooth, even-toned face with a little bit of color.
2. Bumble and bumble Curl Conscious Calming Creme – If my hair is released in its natural state on the island, I will need to keep my frizzy curls tame and this product helps me do just that.
3. Nail clipper – Practical. I don’t want to know what would happen to my toenails otherwise.
   I totally forgot about my perpetually dry lips and the only thing in the world that can help them: Eucerin Aquaphor. The REAL #3.
   

What three beauty products would you bring if you were trapped on a desert island?

What are you excited about this weekend? While you muse over that, here’s the social love we got from you this week. . .

Facebook

Carol C. said:

I am 64 years old and I get told all the time that I look at least 10 years younger. I know it is the Hydroxatone and whenever possible I tell others about this amazing product.

Nicole P. said:

Received my free sample and already feel and see a difference. Loving Hydroxatone!

Meryl S. said:

I got Hydroxatone with my beauty test tube a while back. It’s great. Never tried anything like it before… Love Hydroxatone!

Kathy B. said:

Use Hydroxatone AM/PM [Anti-Wrinkle Complex] cream all the time. L0ve it. Less wrinkling. I am 64 years old, look like I’m in the 40s. What can I say. Thank you.

Adrienne B. said:

Just tried my sample [of InstantEffect]….cannot believe every single forehead wrinkle is gone!!

Susan C. said:

Love the InstantEffect …tried several similar things but none compared.

and

Hydrolyze Advanced Under Eye Formula and InstantEffect. I had an accident when in college and I have small scar tissue that looks like a wrinkle … When I use these products together the scar literally disappears!!

Kara B. said:

LOVE their product line. I am finding better results than [competitor brand]. Cheaper too. Products are 1/2 cost of brand I was using before. Plus you get a 30 day risk-free trial on certain products, so u can try before you buy. If you don’t like, call within 30 days & not pay anything. I am adding to my above basic skincare on items that I personally need.

Twitter

@Amy_Davidson: Hey all @Hydroxatone has an at home Microdermabrasion Kit that I love! Check them out!! http://t.co/Xew0dpkd

Blog Reviews

Hydroxatone Instant Lift Pads – Beauty Blitz

Hope you all have a spectacular weekend! I will leave you with this photo of the Enterprise flying over the Hydroxatone Headquarters:

However, I did order this product for my mother as one of my employee monthly orders and ever since she’d had me reorder it.  There is a reason she loves it so much; guess it must be working.

What it does:  Deep Wrinkle Concentrate is a lightweight serum designed to visibly reduce the appearance of the brow lines, stubborn furrows across your forehead and the deepening lines that frame your mouth!

Who’s it for:  Got wrinkles?  Ok, then Deep Wrinkle Concentrate is for you!  Even if you have minor, it will help give your skin a more youthful look and who doesn’t want that?

What’s in it?:  So, why is our Deep Wrinkle Concentrate so effective?  It consists of these three powerful main active ingredients:

• Syn-Ake: Provides significant anti-wrinkle results on expression lines and diminish the appearance of wrinkles up to 52%.
• HyaCare Filler CL: Smoothes skin and also acts as a topical dermal filler which helps reduce the appearance of deep creases and fine lines a few hours after application.
• Milk Peptide Complex – MPC: Helps to increase skin firmness and thickness

Why we love it:  Deep Wrinkle Concentrate targets the heart of the wrinkles for flash results!

Fun facts:  Deep Wrinkle Filler is sold on Hydroxatone.com and also on our retailer’s websites such as Macys, Ulta and HSN.  We get tons of feedback online from our retailer’s websites as well as our own and we LOVE reading them! The reviews we get help us learn our customer’s wants and improve our products (so keep them coming!).  Here’s a great 5 star review that was posted on Ulta.com about Deep Wrinkle Concentrate:

I am happy to find a product that really works!
I have a drawer full of fillers and have even gotten injections, but that is only a quick fix and I like this brand. This really works.I have noticed a big difference as of 2 weeks. I use it above my lips. I would recommend the Microdermabrasion that Hydroxatone has. I use that every 2 days.It is gentle and I really like that they have products that are based on getting results. I was also sold on new intensive am/pm wrinkle cream for deep wrinkles.

Pros: Easy to use, improves skin texture, minimizes wrinkles, non-greasy, no smell, noticeable results, really works

Cons: Sells out fast (not such a bad con, if I must say!)

Best Uses: Deep Wrinkles, fine lines and sensitive skin

Bottom Line:  Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Special thanks to Linda from Huntington Beach, California for this fantastic review!

Want to win Hydroxatone Deep Wrinkle Concentrate, a $69.95 value? Simply leave a comment below telling me why you’d like to win!

I must receive all entries by Thursday, May 3 at 12:00 am and the odds of winning are determined by the number of entries received. No purchase necessary to enter.

Congratulation to COLLEEN for being our random winner of Liftalyze Eye-Lifting Serum from last week’s giveaway.  Colleen, please email us at socialmediasupport@hydroxatone.com with your mailing address.

 Color Me Rouge Launch Giveaway – Color Me Rouge

Why we loved it: Well – LORAC, Benefit Cosmetics, Tarte Cosmetics (a personal favorite of mine), Laura Geller, Miracle Skin Transformer (another MAJOR favorite, and also a partner of ours), Real Techniques and even Caboodles are part of this giveaway. The brands are so highly coveted and I wish I could claim this entire prize for myself. But I can’t. So you should try. And then share your winnings with me. Deal?

How I feel before an eyebrow wax vs. How I feel after an eyebrow wax – Color Me Rouge

Why we loved it: I try not to post two articles from the same website, but this piece — and its accompanying photo — made me laugh. A lot. Because I can relate. And I think many of you can, too.

I was going to make that photo the main photo here, but I thought it might scare you away.

How I Cured My Cystic Acne – Total Beauty

Why we loved it: As a longtime sufferer of cystic acne myself, this title caught my attention at first glance. The article hooked me in and left me really intrigued about the process this woman went through. I’m thrilled she achieved clear skin through what was clearly a painful and difficult process. It’s refreshing to know there are solutions out there, even though they might be expensive and invasive.

 50 People You Wish You Knew – Buzzfeed

Why we love it: When Dina sent this to me, I knew I had to share it with you all. Buzzfeed never fails to make me laugh. Which of these 50 people are your favorite? I’m leaning towards the grocery cart of Nutella . . . but the Lucky Charms marshmallows is a very close second. Share yours with us!

 And now it’s your turn. What are you reading? Tell us in the comments!