Women (and gay men) are saving the economy (with their products!)
Recession? Please. Let’s go shopping!
While many (mainly straight) men may be tightening their wallets these days, for women and gay men it’s full-steam ahead. Like our savvy sisters, we (gay men) know that although times may be tough, if you want to survive- and get ahead- on this cutthroat runway we call life, it’s all about looking- and feeling- good.
High-end beauty and grooming products, spa treatments, fabulous shoes and man-bags; we know what’s important when times are tough. Personally, I’d rather eat at home a few nights a week and skip my afternoon Starbucks run than give up Gucci sunglasses or my Crème de la Mer Moisturizing Gel Cream!
It seems that at least a small (but important) group of gals and gay guys agree with me; a recent article in the UK’s
But it’s not just women helping to keep the economy afloat in these trying times; gay men are also doing their best to give back to America... largely through the tax they pay on high-end products designed to help us look and feel our best. According to News & Star, sales of self-tanning creams have been up 51% at some stores, and designer lipstick and eye shadow sales have increased as well- 20% in some major departments stores. Nail polish sales are up 34%. The newspaper also reports a 14% increase in luxury bags.
High-end goodies aren’t the only products to take a jump while the rest of the economy’s in a slump; chocolate giant Cadbury has also posted first-half profit gains of close to 50%.
So how can you, the ever-fabulous-and-always-glowing gay guy, help make a difference, and perhaps help pull our stagnant economy back into the black? Follow in EDGE Senior Editor Jason Salzenstein’s footsteps and splurge on one of the products below. You’ll good while also knowing that you’re helping America to stay strong!
Biologique Reserche Masque Biosensible
Biologique Reserche Masque Biosensible is a cream mask that treats your skin to an intense, comforting break. How? Its fresh, luxurious texture soothes and softens sensitive and reactive skin, detoxifying and toning redness and blemishes. Enriched with essential fatty acids and exclusive Oxygenating Complexes, it’s formulated to regulate water loss and restore the hydrolipidic film, providing instant well being and harmony.
$150 for 50ml - Available in exclusive spas nationwide. For more info and to find out where it’s sold near you go to www.biologique-recherche.com
SIRCUIT SKIN cosmeceuticals I. Cee U.
I. Cee U. is a refreshing eye treatment gel filled with active ingredients and antioxidants that moisturize, soothe and protect the delicate tissue around the eyes. Hydrocotyl Extract helps firm and reduce the appearance of puffiness while antioxidants battle the ongoing effects of free radicals that can accelerate aging. Finally, intense hydrating elixirs help to ensure you radiate a modern youthful appearance. The result? No more tired eyes. Added bonus :: I. Cee U. is free of artificial colors, fragrance, and preservatives, and cruelty free.
$120 for .5oz - For information on where to by SIRCUIT Skin Cosmeceuticals- or to buy online- go to www.sircuitskin.com
Kinerase C6 Peptide Intensive Treatment
Kinerase C6 Peptide Intensive Treatment offers the latest in anti-aging skin care technology to visibly improve your appearance. The formulation utilizes advanced peptide technology, incorporating six amino acids, with the added benefit of vitamins C and E, plus Green Tea Extract and Kinetic, to achieve remarkable results. It provides advanced synergistic technology designed to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines- the visible signs of skin aging.
$96 for 1oz - Available at Nordstrom and Sephora stores nationwide. For more info go to www.kinerase.com
Bieux Skin Bionaturals 24 Hour Treatment Moisturizer
Scientifically engineered for all skin types and dermatologically formulated for purity, Bieux Skin Bionaturals 24 Hour Treatment Moisturizer infuses skin with gentle, yet intensive moisture that lasts 24 hours. The proprietary delivery system carries collagen rebuilding and restructuring ingredients deep into the skin to impact skin regeneration at the cellular level. The result? Brighter, firmer, tighter, and more radiant skin that maintains proper hydration all day - and through the night. Safe for all skin types, this moisturizer is especially good for sun damaged, acne- and Rosacea-prone, and highly sensitive skin.
$97 for 2oz - Available at Sephora Stores nationwide and www.Sephora.com
Perricone MD Cosmeceuticals Amine Complex Facelift
Perricone MD Cosmeceuticals Amine Complex Facelift is the ideal day treatment for skin showing signs of accelerated aging. It improves the appearance of sagging skin (within 20 minutes after application!), increases firmness and tone, helps correct the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and imparts a radiant healthy glow to tired or dull skin. Infused with rich nutrients, the complex helps restore lost elasticity, bringing with it a look of youthful beauty.
$100 for 1.7oz - Available at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Sephora, and the PerriconeMD Flagship store on Madison Avenue in New York. For more info go to www.perriconemd.com
Amatokin Eye Cream
With the same stem-cell technology as the original Amatokin Emulsion for the face, Amatokin Eye Cream boosts cellular renewal, reduces the appearance of deep and superficial wrinkles, and minimizes the appearance of puffiness, dark circles and discoloration associated with premature aging. Fragrance free, this cream contains Polypeptide 153, which rejuvenates skin by awakening the body’s own reservoir of undifferentiated stem cells. Special extracts also help reduce hyper-pigmentation and blotchiness.
$109 for 1oz - Available at Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Lord & Taylor, Saks, Sephora, and Sephora.com
Zirh Platinum
The next generation of high-tech, high-power men’s skincare has arrived, and it’s called ZIRH Platinum. The convergence of cosmeceutical science and deluxe skincare, Zirh’s new high-end line is made for the most discerning men.
Zirh Platinum employs a multi-active system powered with advanced peptides that repair and firm skin, while nano-technology (liposomes) treats moisture loss and aging by restoring skin’s natural barrier function. Zirh Platinum is the perfect hybrid of botanically-derived ingredients and technological advancements.
The entire line is great, but since we’re splurging, go for the Age Defense (a highly concentrated, quick-absorbing face cream for skin experiencing early signs of aging) and Total Re-Charge (a lightweight, silky lotion that dramatically refinishes skins appearance and texture).
AGE DEFENSE: $125 for 50ml/1.7oz; TOTAL RE-CHARGE: $125 for 50ml/1.7oz - available exclusively at Barneys New York stores and online at Barneys.com
Jason Salzenstein is a writer and editor; design, image, and marketing consultant; and professional shopper. His work has appeared in numerous national and international publications and he has clients around the world. For more information :: www.JasonSalzenstein.com
