September is here

The heat is still on but relief is looming on the horizon. This is the time to breathe deeply, relax and collect your energies for the upcoming holidays

Clear facts

As the new school year begins, our teens go back to the very judging environment of their peers. Many kids with acne suffer more from social difficulties of the troublesome teen years because of the common condition. It is therefore important to find the right products that will help them through the problematic period and help keep the skin from developing permanent scars and pigmentation. Dermalogica has a fantastic line called “Clear Start” that contains products for acne-prone skin.

Now the company announced a new addition to the line, the

Clearing Defense SPF30, a hydrating cream with sunscreen that helps avoid pigmentation and reduces the oily look. The product also protects against acne-promoting ingredients found in most makeup products. Use after cleaning the face. NIS 150 (instead of

NIS 172), available only at licensed beauty centers and health centers. Find one near you at www.dermalogica.co.il

Seven days and new skin

Want to look all fresh and relaxed for the holidays? L’Oreal Paris now say that they have the answer that will give you a smoother, younger looking skin within only seven days! Revitalift Ampoules are introduced a seven-day cure to re-plump the skin with moisture. Containing pure hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5, use one individual ampoule a day for a week for intensely re-plumped skin. The highly concentrated essence is sealed until use to preserve the benefits and freshness of the formula. Pure hyaluronic acid, a gold-standard skincare ingredient, helps re-plump, smoothen and intensely hydrate skin, while vitamin B5, an essential nutrient with soothing power, helps to revitalize the skin. Apply after cleansing and before your moisturizing regime. NIS 110, special introductory price is now NIS 89.90.

Deep cleanse

Garnier launched a new Pure Active “Charcoal Anti-Blackhead Peel-Off Mask” that helps peel away blackheads and pore dirt. Formulated with natural-origin charcoal and purifying salicylic acid, this peel targets blackheads causing impurities, such as dirt and sebum, and efficiently removes them from your T-zone (nose, forehead and chin). With just one use, pores are visibly unclogged and skin texture is refined. After four weeks, blackheads are visibly reduced, pores appear tightened, less visible. For men and women, use daily or every other day. NIS 29.90 until the end of the month.

The dry season

The air-conditioned rooms that we’ve all spent most of our days in keep us nicely chilled but also dry up the skin. The dermo-cosmetic brand Cetaphil has a line of gentle cleaners that help prevent extreme dryness. Now they also offer a new hydrating lotion that absorbs quickly and keeps the skin hydrated for hours. The lotion does not leave an oily feeling on the skin, making it more suitable for the hot summer days. NIS 89.

Good balance

L. Raphael cosmetic products are always a welcome gift – if you were wondering what I wish for in the coming holidays. But a new product introduced by their laboratories seems truly different. It is the new hydrating cream from the Mineral Balance line. The new cream balances the oil in the skin, making it perfect for women with oily to normal skin that still need hydration. Thanks to a special formula of botanical ingredients as well as minerals, the new cream helps absorb excess oil and sebum, has anti-inflammatory qualities and clears the skin while hydrating it, invigorating the inner-cell metabolism and helps fight acne. NIS 575 available at all Ronit Raphael centers.

Hairy solutions

Anti-aging specialist Jeunesse Global Israel has launched RVL, a new home care line for treatment and rehabilitation of hair. The line includes a dry-hair vitamin rich shampoo that helps create more volume (NIS 172), A scalp serum that promotes healthier-looking hair with botanical ingredients and Jeunesse’s special formula, HPT. The formula invigorates the scalp, promoting growth of new, healthier hair (NIS 622), and a leave-in hair conditioner that adds hydration and softness without adding weight. The conditioner includes omega-3 acids as well as HPT6. Use after washing with the shampoo and using the serum, and do not wash off. NIS 172. Jeunesse Global products are available online at https://www.jeunesseglobal.com/en-IL/

New mascaras

According to the FDA, to avoid mascara-related eye infections, most manufacturers recommend replacing it every two-four months. But a mascara is one of those items every makeup lover cannot do without, so I am always on the lookout for good, but not expensive, mascaras. Chic mascaras usually meet these criteria, and now they have two new ones to try: the Mega Star Volume mascara for thick and glamourous eyelashes, and the Fatal Attraction mascara for a dramatic look of long lashes. Both cost about NIS 49.

Highbrow

The new eye brows gel by L’Oreal Paris is truly a happy addition for those who love long-wear makeup products. The new brow gel is easy to apply, and quickly achieves fuller, natural-looking brows that will last days, an important feature especially during the High Holidays. The gel comes with an attached applicator and brush, and there are three shades for the perfect match. It is now available at NIS 49.90 instead of NIS 60.

As good as olive oil

Made from pure olive oil and olive fruit, the products of Olea Essence from the Golan Heights are all natural and very effective. The local natural producer now added a new facial mask made from olives, which helps deeply cleanse and purify the skin, invigorate the blood flow in the skin and create an anti-aging effect. The mask reduces toxins presence in the skin, relaxes the skin and helps reduce fine lines. Enriched with natural vitamins, it helps condition the skin and soften it, balancing the oil and adding hydration. NIS 177 available in the brand shops on 17 Ben Yehuda

Street in Tel Aviv, Katzrin and Ein Gev, and online. For details go to www.oleaessence.com

Extra tight

Clarins extends its leading Extra Firming collection, adding new Extra-Firming Phyto-Serum, a power lift serum that visibly firms, lifts and tightens slackened skin to help visibly redefine facial contours with results you can see after first use. The innovative formula is concentrated with the latest advancements in plant science: potent Kangaroo Flower and Mitracarpus extracts visibly firm, lift and smooth to fight the look of wrinkles and skin slackening. White Lupine extract, a new plant discovery and key ingredient, visibly tightens skin for a more youthful look. Organic Blue Agave and Quinoa extracts form a supportive mesh on the skin’s surface for an immediate lift effect. Hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates skin. The gel texture is refreshing and the tightening sensation is immediate. Pair it with the Extra-Firming Eye. NIS

465 for the serum and NIS 399 for the Eye serum. Available only at Superpharm stores.

Sweet start

Help your kids get into the school year with Hasade Hebrew-letter shaped organic cookies. The cookies come in a special school year package with a door sign and coloring book. NIS 19.90 available at nature shops and general stores.

Red and refreshing

I love martini vermouth and the new red Martini Fiero is one of the tastiest aperitifs I’ve tasted lately. A combination of blood oranges and aromatic, crisp white wines, Martini’s master blender created a red drink that pairs perfectly with tonic. Drink over many ice cubes. NIS 49.

Colorful year

Looking for a small gift to start the new school year? Guri introduces a set of crayons that do not stain the little hands and clothes (and furniture…) The company also has a vast collection of crayons, pens, colors and everything the little ones need for a happy start. The Bic crayons set of 12 shades, including gold and silver, is NIS 10.

Thinner than ever

The quest for the crispiest and tastiest cracker continues – and this time the Fitness new Thin Crackers give a good fight. The new crackers are offered in two flavors – rosemary, with rosemary and garlic, and rustic (Kafri) with red quinoa and sesame. Both are made with whole cereals. With only 99 calories for five crackers, they are great as a nosh in between meals or with spreads.

Yes, please

My new favorite backpack is the Italian Moleskin Metro Slim bag – a sleek backpack with a slim and sophisticated design that comfortably holds my laptop and everything else I need when on the move. The elegant and waterproof backpack has padded back system, adjustable straps and “breathing” back material, and it is waterproof. With fashionable colors, such as bright yellow, blue, black and green, this bag is perfect for both summer and winter. Why let only hi-tech people enjoy it? A great choice for a holiday gift to someone who travels a lot. The bag is available in Israel only at Swagg.co.il. NIS 469.

Practical choice

Still looking for a practical school backpack for the kids – Tik Hatikim offers “Stories” bags in a range of colors. The bags have large compartment, including one for the laptop, a side holder for the water bottle and with padded straps and a padded back. Excellent bag in the price range. NIS 99 available at Tik Hatikim stores around the country