It’s crazy how within a few months, your look can really change when your hair starts to thin. This is definitely a sign of aging that I have been praying to never come, and I’m not even that old yet! At the early age of 28, seeing a receding hairline motivated me enough to buy Rogaine which I’ve used quite a few times, but without consistency due to being discouraged from not seeing any results. Regardless it seemed like my hair continued to thin and I pretty much gave up on it. However, I have been recently trying out Nioxin System 6 as a recommendation from a stylist friend.

Nioxin Scalp and Hair Care is a system that includes a full head-on treatment for hair-loss. The Cleanser, better known to me as “the magic shampoo”, is great especially when you use a good amount of hair product like I do everyday. It really helped remove any residue that stayed on my scalp and apparently toxins as well. The conditioner is great too, and the scalp treatment is a daily leave-in which has many nutrients, antioxidants and protects against DHT buildup- a true enemy to my hair follicles! I kind of wish I had started this earlier when I HAD the hair to fight for! (I suggest you use this as a preventative treatment too, while you still have that hair!) Well, after 2 weeks it seems that my hair looks healthier and “happy.” I’ve never really noticed it before, but it just looks nourished and rejuvenated somehow. It’s a bit early to say if my hair is starting to look fuller, though that really is what I’m hoping. I’m just going to stick witht the regimen as my stylist friend suggests, and continue to monitor any progress. Healthy happy hair and scalp leads to fuller looking hair… Right? Everything is going well so far, so thanks Nioxin!

Oh and Nioxin is sponsoring a giveaway today so you can have the chance to try it out for yourself! All you have to do is leave a comment and tell us about your first hair thinning/loss moment or experience and we’ll choose 10 lucky winners to have their own system! This giveaway contest ends December 7, 2010 so be sure to leave a comment below!

I have to admit that at first, I was pretty intimidated by the Brazilian Peel by Advanced Home Actives.

I mean – glycolic acid is acid, right?   I’ve always wanted to try a glycolic peel at the spa, or the dermatologists office.  However, I’ve always been chicken and plus it’s such a chore to schedule an appointment (and likely rush there because I’m running late at work!).

The idea intrigued me, thought.  As I surpassed 30, then 31… well who doesn’t want bright and healthy skin?  Glycolic peels can help exfoliate away your large pores, sun spots, fine lines, and and old acne scars.

Until Brazilian Peel, most at-home treatments only contained about 10% glycolic acid.  So for the best results, it was either suck it up and go to the spa, or try using those weaker treatments over and over!

The reason why most peels were only 10% glycolic acid is pretty simple.   Most glycolic peels are a two step process.  Step one is the application of the acid solution, and step two is a second solution that neutralizes the acid.  Let’s face it… we’re not professionals, and if I’ve learned anything from watching my friends experiment with at-home hair color, perms, or chemical straighteners… lots of us believe more is better.  So it’s safe to assume that an untrained person (like myself), may not time the second application right.  This could result in either leaving it on too long and burning the skin, or not leaving it on long enough to see results.

Brazilian Peel is the first 30% glycolic acid, medical strength peel for at-home use. 5x stronger than other retail products, this unique new Brazilian style peel is clinically proven to visibly brighten, smooth, firm and tone skin for a more youthful appearance. All the benefits of a professional peel, without the professional!

Brazilian Peel is so easy to use.  Amazingly, it’s just one step.  This eliminates the guesswork involved.   The peel comes in a double syringe, and you dispense two solutions: the 30% glycolic peel, and a neutralizing serum.  The serum completely neutralizes the acid’s action after ten minutes.  This means you get maximum results while reducing the risk or messing it up or overdoing it.

I’ve tried it myself, with glowing results.  My husband said my skin looked radiant (yes he actually used that word), and one of my coworkers did a double-take and told me I looked “so well-rested!”  I noticed my skin looks more even, softer, and brighter.

In addition to 30% glycolic acid, it also Brazilian Acai berry extract, an antioxidant that helps counteract free radical damage.  You can buy Brazilian Peel online at Advanced Home Interactives, Amazon.com, or find it at your local Sephora.  I just stocked up on the 4 pack for $78.  That makes it only $19.50 per treatment – way too good to pass up!

Put your best face forward this fall.  After all of the summer sun, beach getaways, and  outdoor barbeques it’s time to give your skin a break. We all know it’s essential to always load up on sunscreen whether it’s gloomy or not, but there are also other must have regimens your skin needs.

One of the major downfalls of cooler weather is dry skin, and dry skin does little for you health or beauty. Your skin goes from being sun kissed to being in dire need of moisture. We recommend starting off with an exfoliator. Skin needs to be exfoliated to get rid of impurities and to bring back your natural glow.

Try Philosophy’s Microdelivery Peel, which is a two-in-one exfoliator and peel that will give you the beautiful results you want.

For bodycare try Arbonne’s  Foaming Sea Salt Scrub. This exfoliating scrub is formulated with sea botanicals and sea salt for a refreshing scrub that leaves skin incredibly smooth which, even in the winter, is a must have.

After exfoliating at least once a week, we recommend using a powerful yet gentle cleanser. Of all the health and beauty skin cleansers that are out there, we keep coming back to the inexpensive and unsurprisingly ubiquitous Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. You may already have this in your skincare arsenal, so you know how great it works.

Dry skin also needs good toner to balance out any dry spots.After exfoliating at least once a week we recommend using Lancome’s Tonique Confort. This silk soft toner from Lancome’ is gentle on the skin while toning and rehydrating for health and beauty.

One of the most important beauty supplies one needs for winter is a quality moisturizer that will give your skin back the hydration it needs. Make sure to pick out an oil-free non-comedogenic moisturizer which are available at most drug stores. We recommend Clinique’s Moisture Surge, a light, oil-free moisturizer with dramatic results. This moisturizer will quickly put the glow back into your skin.

This last product, the Clarisonic/Philosophy Value set, is a celebrity favorite, this all in one kit provides you with all of the necessary tools to bring your skin back to life. It’s brush gets rid of all of the oils and bacteria that are clogging your pores. This kit leaves your skin feeling cleansed and smoother than it ever has. While it is an investment for the cost, it is definitely worth it once you see the results.

Formerly known as the popular NYFW Media Mixer, HauteSocial is the premier networking event for influential online media, bloggers, and brands representing quality communications, top media, and leading industry brands. HauteSocial provides the opportunity to connect a social network of influential online voices with the best brands in the industry. It’s not your ordinary “tweet-up” event, HauteSocial is a new sexy, social “tweetup”-”meetup” mashup on steroids!

Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week has become a central hub for many who travel from all over the World to report from the tents. For the past two seasons, the HauteSocial – New York Edition has been the leading social media event that provides attendees several opportunities, within the beauty, fashion, and lifestyle industry; a place to meet, exchange ideas, and create relationships. Our events promise to highlight the community of digital voices, while bringing together great brands, special guests and new connections that are essential to the advancement and evolution of social media.

Here’s your chance to win 2 tickets to this season’s “hautest” fashion week social media private party sponsored by Dermablend Professional, L’Bel, Degree Women, FLIRT! Cosmetics, Underbar NYC, Gerber Group, and W Hotels Union Square. Expected guests: Ted Gibson (Celebrity Stylist & TLC’s What Not To Wear), Jason Backe (Celebrity Colorist & Real Housewives of DC), Tommy Didario (Model & Actor CW’s High Society), Dabney Mercer (CW’s High Society), influential editors and bloggers in beauty, fashion and lifestyle, as well as executives from leading brands.

All you have to do is complete the steps below and leave a comment below on who is your favorite designer! It’s that easy! The giveaway ends Saturday at 12pm EST.

A random winner will be chosen Saturday, September 11, 2010 at 12:01pm EST and will be given the secret password. US residents only. Winner will be emailed and have 24hrs to claim their prize.

Complete all the steps to enter:

1. Visit the main website page of HauteSocial at http://hautesocial.com
2. Follow @HauteSocial on Twitter by clicking through the “Follow us on Twitter” button
3. Fan/Like HauteSocial on Facebook
4. Who is your favorite designer? Leave a comment below.

GOOD LUCK!!

***Update***: Congratulations to Anna Becker of NY, winner of the HauteSocial ticket giveaway!