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   This summer, have fun in the sun safely and naturally with Jason Sunbrellas Certified Organic Sun Protection, one of the most effective, natural sun protections available. Jason formulates Sunbrellas with the most gentle, pure and natural botanicals from around the world, free of synthetic fragrances, parabens and harmful chemicals, and also offer gentle, effective and easy to use natural sun protection to those who have sensitive skin or chemical sensitivities.
   Jason Facial Block SPF 20 (4·5 oz, US$10, 2), a lightweight, daytime moisturizer rich in evening primrose oil and sea kelp extract, nourish, tone and protect skin with alœ vera gel, the active UV agents of micronized titanium dioxide (to deflects the sun's damaging rays), and offers wide spectrum UV protection and prevents premature ageing. Available at health and natural food stores in the United States and Canada, or by visiting www.jason-natural.com. Call 1 877 JASON-01 for a store near you.
   Phyto Plage products (3), from the inception of the company in 1975, are designed to address the needs of every hair type and provided a natural, effective solution to sun-damaged hair using extensive research and plant resource technology. Phyto Plage Moisturizing Hair & Body Wash with Bamboo Marrow (150 ml, US$18), already a staple product in the hair care regimens of world-renown hairstylists, celebrities and consumers worldwide, is specially formulated for washing hair and body following prolonged exposure to the sun; and promotes the elimination of sand, salt residue, chlorine and sun care products. It smells great and works wonders, leaving your hair shiny and clean. Products in the Phyto Plage line are available in fine salons, Sephora, and select department stores.
   All the products in the Phyto Pro styling hair care line is enriched with essential essence of myrrh, a botanical resin long renowned for its holding and volumizing properties, offering thickening power and sheen. The new Ultra Gloss Wax (75 g, US$18, 4) and Sculpting Gel Hold No. 8 (150 ml, US$18) are ideal for quick, on-the-go styling, especially during the fun-filled summer months. Recommended for short hair, the Sculpting Gel adds texture and long-lasting hold using an anti-frizz, non-greasy formula. The Ultra Gloss Wax, a personal favorite of mine in any season, shapes the hair without weighing it down and guarantees a noticeably shine and lustre. Even with my alien crop circles, there's still something there to keep untousled. Or at least a boy can dream. Phyto Pro products are sold at select salons and fine department stores. Please call 1 800 55-PHYTO for locations.
   MD Formulations' new MD Formulations Men (5), a line consisting of seven products, offers technologically advanced solutions to the most common skin care concerns for men, and is designed to keep skin clear, comfortable and healthy. The line has a multi-tasking Shave Crème (2·5 oz, US$20), formulated to not only ensure a smooth effortless shave, but also to treat and prevent common skin imperfections. The advanced formula contains soothing botanicals and moisturizers to relieve razor burn and redness while salicylic acid minimizes ingrown hairs and bumps.
The MD Formulations Men's line is available at select spas and salons across the US, www.mdformulations.com, Bare Escentuals Boutiques, Ulta, and Pure Beauty stores.
   As the foundation of the Mediterranean diet, olive oil is the key to health and longevity, and its benefits are widely acknowledged by scientists and dieticians the world over. Olive oil and olive leaf extract are also the plant-based foundation on which the new Olí line of anti-ageing skin care system is built. Olí marries the anti-ageing properties of olive oil and olive leaf extract with modern skin care science to create a line of 17 products manufactured in Alcalá de Henares, Spain to deliver optimum skin-rejuvenating results. The Olí Face Care line includes the Anti-Ageing Foaming Cleanser (200 ml, US$35) formulated to remove surface impurities while protecting against dryness and the aging process, an Intensive Anti-Ageing Cream (50 ml, US$75, 6), a light, non-oily cream that seals moisture into the skin while promoting cell regeneration, and the Anti-Ageing Daily Moisturizer SPF 25 (50 ml, US$45) with vitamin C and shea butter. For more information about Olí, please call 1-877 OLI-LINE or visit www.oli.com. The entire product line is available exclusively at Bath & Body Works flagship stores.
   Not one to be left out, an old favourite, Aqua Velva (yes, even Aqua Velva) is getting into the men's grooming racket with both feet. Their new entry into the market-place, Aqua Velva Ice Balm After Shave with Aquatic Vitamins, Minerals and Anti-Oxidants (3·4 oz, US$5·99, 7), is a two-in-one after-shave that nourishes, forms and tones men's skin while leaving a fresh, clean, masculine scent. The ice-blue coloured lotion is alcohol-free, fast-absorbing and is a shot to the system with its immediate cooling sensation. It's a winner through and through. Available in supermarkets, drug stores, and mass market retail outlets in the men's shaving section. For more information on the Aqua Velva brand of men's after-shave products, visit www.aquavelvausa.com.
   Women are well acquainted with and much accustomed to custom-blend fragrances and beauty treatments but it has only been in recent years that men are catching on to (and delighting in) the benefits of having something that is uniquely yours and no one else's. Sam Soap (www.samsoap.com, 8) is dedicated to providing a truly custom-made product that is as unique as you are; and you can design a single bar of soap or an entire line of bathing products based on your specialized skin care needs, preferred scents and other desired ingredients. The company offers the flexibility to custom-make products that satisfy your mind, body and spirit.
   To create your soap, you first select a base (honey, goat's milk or glycerin base), a scent (sandalwood, fresh cut grass, orange blossom) an exfoliant (almond meal, ground walnut husk, powdered volcanic rock) and finally, a skin treatment (olive oil, shea butter, ground peppermint leaves or red Moroccan clay). The end result is a soap that is all about you and only you. Other custom-made blends can be done for shower gels, scrubs and polishes. Visit www.samsoap.com and discover a whole world of cleansing possibilities that will last well beyond the summer.
   Sihe Hair Care offers high-performing products with naturally derived ingredients. Developed for and by salon owners, Sihe's eight signature hair products deliver great results at a reasonable price. The Daily Shampoo (SRP US$9·30) provides a gentle yet effective cleansing action, with a rich and creamy foam that cleanse hair and scalp effectively without stripping them of their natural moisture. The corresponding Daily Conditioner (SRP US$10·08) provides conditioning to hair without adding unnecessary weight, lots of shine, volume and body to the hair, giving it a healthy bounce. This product is ideal for hair that cannot tolerate greasy and heavy conditioners. The company supports local independents; therefore prospective customers must ask their local salons to carry this product line. You can also order online at www.sihe.com.
   South Africa's best-kept secret—a new cosmeceutical line that will push the boundaries of how you think about skin care—is now ours to offer to you, our readers and friends. The luxurious Environ C-Quence line (9) is designed to rejuvenate skin and effectively reduce the visible signs of photo-ageing. The C-Quence line enriches skin with a powerful combination of polypeptides, antioxidants, vitamins, ceramides, and green tea, and it will speed up the restoration of the skin cells resulting in a youthful and healthy complexion. The C-Quence Gel comes in four strengths with progressively stronger concentrations of vitamins A and C. Whether you're getting an early start combating environmental damage, or seeking restoration of the smooth, supple skin of your youth, Environ has the perfect regimen to make you love your skin. For more information on the Environ C-Quence line, or for an Environ retailer near you, visit www.environ.co.za or call 1 877 337-6227 in the eastern US and 1 866 866-ENVIRON in the western US. In Canada, call 1 416 923-5900.
   Practical Nature's good-for-you aromatherapy body care products (10) were specially created to prevent and repair the damage wreaked by the sun, sand and surf naturally, not to mention what we inflict upon ourselves via gardening, sports and other warm weather activities. The foundation product of the line is the Natural Tick & Bug Repellent (5 oz, US$15), a product is safe for anyone over the age of three months. It repels annoying, flying, biting creatures without the use of chemicals. Alœ vera and witch hazel soothe the skin while essential oils of lemongrass and lavender leave a light, pleasant fragrance. It can even be used on the family dog to protect from dangerous ticks and other pesky insects without harmful chemicals. The full Practical Nature line, including gift sets, can be purchased at www.practicalnature.com. Items are also available at select salons, spas and stores.
   Keune is a professional salon hair care line represented in more than 50 countries in and outside Europe including the USA and Canada. Its Keune Haircosmetics' Ultimate Sun Care Line's moisture- and protein-enriched products restore the vitality of hair and protect it from sun damage by penetrating deep to the hair shaft with essential proteins and minerals such as provitamin B5, biomins, vitamin E, squalane oil and UV filters. The Clarifying Shampoo (1 l and 250 ml, 11) is a gentle yet deep cleansing shampoo formulated to remove styling product build-up, minerals and salts efficiently. The line's Root Volumizer (300 ml) is a foam spray with a UV filter and multi-fruit complex that gives extra hold at the base, giving the hair lift and extra shine. Phyto Protein Spray (200 ml) is a rinse-out as well as leave-in conditioner, containing natural green tea and chamomile extract, for multiple uses on dry and damaged hair.
   Australia has given some wonderful treasures over the years: Elle Macpherson, Rick Springfield, Ian Thorpe; and now the introduction of Tanline Visible Results, the latest all-over, self-tanning line imported from Australia. We can now achieve a sexy Aussie beach tan without leaving home (and we have a reader prize in July 2005, too). The Tanline product line is specially formulated with rich ingredients such as shea and cocoa butter, hazelnut and macadamia oils, as well as soothing aloe and chamomile-all designed to give you a natural, golden brown tan without even baking yourself out in the sun and making you look younger and fresher. Hydrating to the skin, Tanline Visible Results (12) is fade resistant, so the intensity of tan lasts longer, slowly wears off evenly and naturally like a sun-achieved tan. The fabulous Body Balm (500 ml, US$28) has a cool, easy-to-use formula of almond and hazelnut oils that leaves your skin silky soft and nourished. As a back up to the Body Balm, I would recommend the Body Butter (250 ml, US$20), deeply hydrating combination of shea and cocoa butter designed to keep your skin soft and smooth, giving more adequate attention to extra dry areas on the body such as ankles, knees and elbows. Tanline skin care products are available online at www.tanline.us.com or at www.tanline.com.au.
   Sothys Paris, the professional skin care leader, pushes sun protection into the future with Soins Soleil Cellu-Guard, one of the more advanced and comprehensive luxury suncare systems available. Enhanced with the latest generation of optimized UVB-UVA filters and the breakthrough Cellu-Guard Complex—an exclusive blend of fruit polyphenols and highly purified calophyllum oil—these high-tech formulas prevent and repair cellular and tissue damage caused by the sun. The Self-Tanning Hydra-Cream for the face (US$24), an intensely moisturizing cream with DHA (dihydroxyacetone), erythrulose (sugar) and Isocell Life (soybean phospholipids and glycerin) produces a long-lasting, natural-looking tan on the face, while restoring proper hydration levels and promoting increased softness. The hypoallergenic and fragrance-free Extreme Protection Care Sensitive Skins SPF 30+ (US$30) provides the maximum in sun protection, making it ideal for sensitive-skin types or delicate areas. The non-oily Age-Defying Repairing Cream (US$32), enriched with a concentrated blend of wild mango butter, Isocell Life, gold chamomile and Cellu-Guard Complex, regenerates and repairs sun damaged skin to restore hydration, improve firmness and promote a radiance to the face. It's a must-have for all serious sun-worshippers. The Sothys Paris Soins Soleil Cellu-Guard collection (1) will be available at Sothys spas (see Lucire July 2005) and salons nationwide. For more information, visit www.sothys-usa.com, or call 1 800 325-0503.
   The generous lathering action of the Man's Double Duty Deodorizing Soap (10·5 oz, US$15) is packed with the good stuff, including shea butter and olive oil and formulated to cleanse, moisture and deodorize your skin, in the most masculine way possible. This very new line (13) of men's grooming products for the face, hair and body is available at www.themanproducts.com or by calling 1 716 655-1900.
   Created distinctly for men, the True Gentlemen shaving products are prepared with the purest ingredients and botanical extracts available, combining traditional shaving methods (to assure a comfortable shave) while drastically minimizing common shaving problems. The True Gentlemen Shaving Cream (unscented and with lavender essential oil) is a composite formula of alœ, glycerin, coconut oil, and various essential oils resulting in a comfortably close shave while preventing skin irritation and redness. The True Gentlemen After Shave Balm (unscented and with lavender essential oil) is a very light lotion rich in vitamin E, bladderwrack and shea butter that moisturize the skin after shaving, with chamomile and alœ helping to soothe any irritation caused by the razor and plant extracts and Vitamin C to tone and preserve healthy, youthful skin. •

Phillip Johnson is features’ editor of Lucire.

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Read the print version of this article, with more products, in the July 2005 issue of Lucire. To make sure you don’t miss out, click on the image at right to subscribe or buy a single copy. (Click 'Yes' if pop-up boxes appear—you're being switched to our secure server and it is completely safe.)