This PaloVia at-home laser kit can be yours with the small price of filling out an entry form.

Before and after shots as part of the PaloVia press kit.

I have not used this bad boy myself, so I can’t promise you you’ll look like your teenage daughter after a few uses, but I can tell you the PaloVia Skin Renewing Laser’s purpose (to “reduce fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes”) and its retail price ($499).

The spiel as it was pitched to me:

The PaloVia™ Skin Renewing Laser™ is the only FDA-cleared, at-home laser clinically proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. Now, the same patented laser technology proven by dermatologists for more than a decade has been adapted and perfected for use at home. It delivers a visible improvement in fine lines and wrinkles in just one month. The laser generates short pulses of micro-fine laser light that reach deeply into the skin’s sub-layers, where wrinkles form, treating the aging support structure. Then the body’s natural healing process sweeps away older, damaged tissue and rebuilds it with fresh new collagen and elastin – the crucial building blocks of smooth, youthful skin. Best of all, it fits seamlessly into your life – because it’s fast and easy to use. Each treatment session takes just 3-4 minutes. Use it daily for one month, and then just 2 times per week to maintain your results.

The kit comes with the laser, pre-treatment gel, charger, storage case, and instructions. The initial phase requires once-a-day treatment for 30 days (but remember only 3-4 minutes) and the follow-up maintenance consists of twice-a-week touch-ups “ongoing.” To to win this loaded weapon, enter here.

A South Seas tan. (photo courtesy of South Seas)

I’m not going to pretend life is hard as an editor  forced to review to facials and airbrush tans for the job, but I’ve been through my fair share of mediocre treatments and tan jobs ala Oompa-Loompa. But I love risking my body for the price of potential orange streaks so that I can tell you, dear readers, which treatments to try and which treatments aren’t worth the dough. Three services you must enjoy: Natura Bissé Aroma Awakening facial at The Spa at the Ritz-Carlton and the airbrush tan and Da Vinci one-hour teeth whitening at Facelogic.

Jump for details.

Natura Bissé Aroma Awakening Facial at The Spa at the Ritz-Carlton
Three new facials have been added to the Ritz-Carlton’s lineup thanks to the launch of Natura Bissé in the spa: the Aroma Awakening for 50 minutes, La Alternativa wrinkle-relaxer for 80 minutes, and the Diamond Multisensorial Lifting for 90 minutes. I can vouch for the power of the Aroma Awakening facial. It’s not so much a skin treatment as a 50-minute slice of peace. Combining facial reflexology and Ayurvedic aromatherapy, it’s truly blissful, which is really what I want most out of a spa trip. The facial massage dulled my stress (and left me nicer, quite frankly), and the floral facial bath and cleansing left me with a beautiful glow I didn’t even cover up with makeup. Book by calling the Ritz-Carlton.

60 minute Da Vinci teeth whitening session and airbrush tan at Facelogic
Sure Facelogic staffers are experts on all things face, but they’re quite good at sunless tanning and teeth whitening, too, as it turns out. The two services are perfect for vacation preparation in a snap. (Forget the detox dieting–a tan and a teeth bleach is easier.) The airbrushing, performed expertly by spa coordinator Nicole Barton is a paraben-free formula from South Seas Skincare. Although the typical aftermath includes that sunless tan smell and temporary sticky skin, I was pleasantly surprised by the near-perfect even application and natural looking color. Although there’s nothing natural about getting a Caribbean tan overnight, the ladies at D headquarters swear they’d never know I’m a fraud. (Even they hadn’t seen me glowing in the dark the day before.)

The Da Vinci teeth whitening is even more impressive. Just 60 minutes took my teeth up a few bright notches. (My teeth are fairly white to begin with, but the technician told me moving five shades brighter is a fairly common result for stained teeth.) The hook for me is Da Vinci’s claim not to break down enamel (instead, helping to rebuild it) and organic ingredients. I won’t lie to you, 60 minutes of having teeth under a laser light show (and the preparation between each 20-minute round) can be boring, but I snoozed (okay, snored) through each session. My teeth are noticeably whiter, and even though I felt a little sensitivity for a day, I’m thrilled. Book by calling Facelogic.

My can't-live-withouts: Quench Hydrating Face Serum, Deep Tissue Repair Cream with Peptide K8, and ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment.

I have picked my can’t-live-without skincare products from brands all over the board. I’ve got my earth-friendly Hugo Naturals soap stock, luxurious Chanel Hydra Beauty Gel Creme, beloved Revision Skincare Intellishade tinted moisturizer, etc. But if you asked me my two favorite skincare lines ever, it would come down to Renee Rouleau (whose purse we spilled yesterday) and Kate Somerville. These are lines that I love from wash to moisturizer and everything in between. My love affair with the Kate Somerville line began when I had the opportunity to sit down with Kate and talk product. Her understanding of skin from the inside out and passion for results is what drives this collection of lotions and magic potions. (Read up on her philosophy here.) The deal was sealed when I played with several products from the line. Each one had a glorious texture and an immediate effect on my face. You have an opportunity to meet Kate, too, in a Master Class at the Kate Somerville counter at Neiman Marcus Willowbend on Friday, and I highly recommend it if you’re in the market to see difference in your skin. Friday, April 27 at 11 am or 2 pm. Reservations can be made by calling Gina at 972-629-1700 ext. 1333.

If you can’t make this work, consider picking up the Glow Kit. You’ll be as head over heels as I am. I know it.

photography by Matthew Shelley, design by Charlotte Tobin

We’re lucky to still have access to Renée Rouleau here in Dallas. The aesthetician is always en route to LA and New York to pretty the punims of celebs, but she still makes time for her Dallas clients. When she’s out of town, you can rely on her line of products to keep your skin in check. (My favorites include the Luxe Mint Cleansing Gel, the new Glow Enhancing Cream, and most recently, the Soothing Eye Makeup Remover.) She’s fun to spot at events, too, always with a matching mani and eyeshadow job and occasionally a quirky and whimsical accessory (like her pink fascinator and faux tattoo at DIFFA). I knew it would be fun to look in her bag.

Renée's Valentino bag

1. Crossfit socks.
2. Tina Craig ostrich wallet
3. Payment reader
4. Motley Crue ticket stub. “I grew up in the 80s.”
5. Water. “Hydrated skin is healthy skin.”
6. Wisp toothbrushes. “For in between clients–my career is spent inches from people’s faces.”
7. (from top) MAC Cremesheen Glass in “Fashion Scoop” and “Loud & Lovely,” and Lancome Color Fever Gloss. “I love color.”
8. Business card holder
9. Renee Rouleau Daily Protection SPF 30 and Synergy.
10. Duracell Instant Power Charger
11. Vintage lock. “My husband gave me this from Tunisia.”
12. Lab sample of “new top secret product”
13. Keys to Harley. “I have a 2009 Sportster with loud pipes and a custom paint job.”
14. Mini nail files and Colore Science Mineral Powder SPF 50 as a “way to touch up sunscreen through the day.”
15. Altoids and Band-Aids. “It’s part of a woman’s survival kit.”
16. Renee Rouleau Skin Drink. “To keep my skin hydrated on the go.”
17. Jewelry: beaded bracelet from Cape Town (“One of my favorite cities”) and Shona earrings and necklace for “going from day to night.”
18. No Picking Twisty Toy.
19. Renee Rouleau samples. “When I hand out business cards, I also hand out a sample.”
20. Rosetta Stone. “I’m French and my husband’s French, so I use this to keep fresh on my French.”
21. iPhone
22. Photos with husband.
23. Ted Baker “Hoola” quilted iPad case.
24. Vogue sunglasses.

photography courtesy of National Laser Institute

“I just moved here from California and I need a recommendation for a place to go for Botox. Help!” –Calissa

Here’s a short list of local med spas personally approved by the lovely ladies (and their crows feet) of D Magazine. Rejoice, rhytiphobics.

Skintastic Medical & Surgical Rejuvenation
The D staffer says: “I’d never had any needles put into my face before, and Dr. Adelglass totally put me at ease. A nurse even humored me and held my hand. His technique is subtle but noticeable, so I walked away looking better, but no one could tell exactly what I had done. (Restalyn and Botox.)”

Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery
The D staffer says: “Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery is who I use and love for BOTH Restalyn and Botox. Dr. Bassichis is helping me keep my youthful look as I get older!”

Regional Plastic Surgery Center
The D staffer says: “I’ve had Botox numerous times over the years with various physicians and most recently had it done in the fall with Dr. Watumull at Regional Plastic Surgery. Not only was it almost pain free, he did a great job of not “over doing it” and making the look very naturally improved. I’ve gotten lots of compliments and will be certain to return later in the spring when I need refreshing.”

The Great Wall of Candles.

Every visit to LAFCO New York is a treat. The shop smells like heaven and the products are divine (almost literally). My inner history nerd can’t get enough of the Santa Maria Novella goodies whipped up originally by  Dominican monks in the 1200s. Soaps, incense paper, and other health and beauty elixirs are still made based on the original recipes using herbs, vegetable-based glycerins, and essential oils. The Great Wall of Candles, as I like to call it, shelves rows and rows of LAFCO jars housing some of the most potent and delicious candles on the market. Larger jars run at $55 (and are worth every penny), but the Little Luxuries mini jars with a matchbox in the lid for $20 are equally delightful. Bars of soap are aged like fine wines and carved by hand. Jump for a roundup of my favorite things in the Highland Park Village boutique.

1. A jar of lozenges, $13, and a the Santa Maria Novella Water, $13, known earlier as “Anti Hysteria Water” were created in 1614 to calm and relax (especially the ladies hyperventilating in restricting corsets).
2. This simple bar of Toscano soap, $35, is a little luxury for him (that you’ll want to steal with it’s slightly sweet, subtly spicy smell.)
3. Kitties and doggies have their own line here. Though I’m hesitant to spend upwards of $20 on beauty products for my own, I love this sweet line for its gentle properties and its mouthwash gel, $22, that zaps bad breath with lemon extract.
4. I’m hopelessly addicted to this hand, $50, and foot cream, $48. The hand cream makes me feel like I’m wrapping them in clouds before bed and the foot cream is pretty much magic, starting out with an almond scent and turning into a tingly menthol cream after applying.
5. This lip balm, $30, contains natural oils (everything from grape seed to rosemary) which keep lips moisturized but able to breathe (unlike petrolatum products).
6. Season-themed incense, $50. Find winter’s “Inverno” in the blue box with a little incense stand included.
7. The Little Luxuries lineup.
8. Candle Row.
9. Make your house smell just. like. Christmas. in a snap with this home spray, $65.

“Based on the information given, it’s my assessment that she has a damaged moisture barrier in her skin which is causing increased sensitivity, dryness and irritation.”

Continue reading to see Renee’s solution.

What’s a damaged moisture barrier?

Your skin has a moisture barrier made of natural lipids that keeps moisture in the skin and irritants out. When this barrier is damaged, it creates tiny, invisible cracks in the skin that allow moisture to escape (causing dry, flaky skin) and irritants to enter more easily (making even sensitive skin products cause a stinging, irritating sensation.) All the moisturizer in the world won’t help fix her dry, flaky, sensitive skin until her skin’s protective barrier is repaired.

What’ s the cause of a damaged barrier?

The cause could be genetics, over-exfoliation from too many acids and facials scrubs, overuse of the Clarisonic brush or harsh products.

How do you fix a damaged moisture barrier?

- For starters, avoid washing your skin with anything that leaves it feeling tight. Look at your cleansers and make sure to avoid the ingredient Sodium Laureth Sulfate or Ammonium Laureth Sulfate as these only further damage the skins barrier. f you’re using the wrong cleanser, you’re instantly stripping the moisture out of the skin which is the worst thing you can do for sensitive skin. See our collection of sulfate-free cleansing gels and cleansing lotions.

- Always use a toner to give your skin extra hydration, but make sure it’s alcohol-free. (Read: Five Reasons to Use Alcohol-Free Toner)

- Use a vitamin C or antioxidant serum daily. They can have excellent anti-redness properties but make sure it’s a no-sting formula formulated with stable Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, like our Vitamin C&E Complex.

- Wearing a broad-spectrum sunblock every day is a must. Our Daily Protection SPF 30 is perfect! UV rays from daylight cause inflammation in the skin which only makes sensitive skin more sensitive.

- Use a moisturizer with lipid-rich oils to reinforce skin’s natural barrier. This one is really important as regular moisturizers will hydrate but not necessarily fix a damaged barrier if they don’t use these special repairing ingredients.  Look for moisturizers with Linoleic Acid, Soybean Sterols, Jojoba Oil, Phospholipids, Borage Oil, Merospheres (liposome encapsulated rosemarinus officinalis), Kukui Nut Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Glycolipids, Squalane and Rose Hips Seed Oil. Many of these are found in our Phytolipid Comfort Cream which is formulated to repair the skin’s protective barrier down deep, where damage begins. Within weeks, visible redness and skin sensitivity will be greatly reduced – if not eliminated. Trust me, this cream works!

- Be sure to use products exclusively formulated for the unique needs of your skin. What’s your skin type?

Within 4-6 weeks (if not sooner), the skin will be less red and sensitive and back to a healthier, hydrated state.

The Vichy shower set-up at another Woodhouse Spa in the country.

It’s true. A couple weeks ago I had one of the best evenings ever. After a champagne flight and cheese platter with apples, grapes, and pears from Cru, I headed to the Woodhouse Day Spa, where I enjoyed one of my new favorite treatments: the Organic Sea Polish body treatment, a Woodhouse staple. Dead Sea salts are used to exfoliate your body and applied like a massage. You’re then rinsed in a deliciously cozy Vichy shower, while you basically relax in bed. You’ll leave feeling silky smooth and so relaxed. I have one complaint: it’s not long enough. Forty-five minutes of bliss is a tease. Follow it up with a massage to keep the high going. If you want this experience (and trust me, you do), call up Woodhouse Day Spa and make an appointment. Mention ShopTalk while booking and you’ll get a 20 percent discount throughout the month of June. (Valid on all massage, facial, and body treatments.) I’m sure all the treatments are equally wonderful, but if the Organic Sea Polish sounds like your cup of tea, consider the discount: it’s originally $90, but with your ShopTalk discount, you’re talking only $72. Not bad. Not bad at all.

photography courtesy of Hiatus Spa

The newest treatment in the lineup at Hiatus Spa & Retreat includes a body scrub, Vichy shower, full body massage, and my favorite part, a lemon cocktail. (If you haven’t had the Vichy treatment yet, imagine being given a soothing shower while you lay in a warm bed–I just had one at the Woodhouse Spa in Plano. It’s magical.) This whole package will cost you $160, which is quite a deal for the bundle. Reserve your “Walking on Sunshine” treatment now.

I got sunburned this weekend. Spare the lecture. I’ve already kicked myself for forgetting the sunblock. What do I do with my face NOW? Do I aloe it? Do I moisturize it? Do I exfoliate? Are there any products I should hold off on using until the burn has faded? –Lobster Face

We asked resident expert, Renée Rouleau.
“The goal is to reduce heat and give it time to repair and heal,” she says.
Jump for the cure.

Don't let this happen to you. (Kim Kardashian shows off her burn via her Twitter.)

DO:
Apply cool compresses to the skin, a soothing gel-based mask (like Renee Rouleau Azulene Gel Mask) or even a frozen bag of peas. Lowering the temperature will constrict capillaries and lessen visible damage to the skin, as well as making it feel better.

Use a moisturizer with calming ingredients like Aloe, Chamomile, Sea Whip, Japanese Green Tea, or Azulene, but not one that is too heavy or greasy as these can create an occlusive seal that trap heat in the skin keeping the skin red longer. Use something lightweight, breathable and calming. My favorite is Renee Rouleau Stress Recovery Lotion.

DON’T:
Avoid any kind of exfoliation. Your skin is extremely inflamed so facial scrubs and acids will only increase inflammation. Wait at least a week before using any exfoliating products as at that time, it will help remove surface flakiness caused from the burn.

Avoid using any blemish products as ingredients such as Benzoyl Peroxide, SD Alcohol 40, Tea Tree Oil, Sulphur and Salicylic Acid will all be too irritating to already inflamed skin. Just keep the routine really gentle and avoid any product that stings when applied.

Thanks, Renée!

Ps. The Azulene Gel Mask is the bomb.

Ps. Um, TODAY is Thursday.