[cincopa AUBAWON-Y5eT]A fresh New Year is here and, with it, comes the annual ritual of revving up our personal care, health and wellness routines. In kind, I have compiled this list of worthy wares to assist the throngs who are collectively striving to look and feel great all year through, whether to bolster or refine their current regime or start one anew.

Le Mieux Skin Perfecter (www.SkinPerfecter.com) – $225.00
Start the New Year off right by putting your best face forward courtesy of the Skin Perfecter by Le Mieux. This device transcends ordinary cleansing by combining four skin-perfecting treatments into one ultrasonic, handheld beauty tool suitable for all ages and skin types. First, it uses professional-strength ultrasonic waves (28,000 vibrations per second) to gently deep cleans skin and pores of excess oil, makeup residue, and surface impurities. Then, it exfoliates by removing cellular buildup using non-abrasive micro-exfoliation. It also extracts imperfections and reduces the appearance of enlarged pores. Finally, it infuses nourishment by accelerating the absorption of serums and other skincare treatments to reveal smoother, brighter, better-looking skin. In addition to its four-in-one benefits, I like this tool because it’s extremely easy to use and never requires brushes, cartridges or discs. The device is also super slim and lightweight, making it great for travel. In clinical studies performed over two weeks, the company reports that 100% of participants showed an immediate improvement in skin exfoliation, and that the majority saw improvements in skin appearance (84%), brightness (80%), radiance and luminosity (69%), texture and smoothness (65%), fine lines and wrinkles (50%).

Olive & Enzyme Makeup Removing & Cleansing Cloths (www.Skinn.com) – $18.50
Often, taking off your makeup can be a messy and cumbersome process that can undermine your skin’s health—especially around the delicate eye area where even the most sophisticated gadgetry isn’t an option. However, with just a quick and simple swipe of an Olive & Enzyme Makeup Removing & Cleansing Cloth from Skinn Cosmetics you can be back to a flawlessly clean slate…without feeling stripped. No rubbing, dragging or scrubbing required. These gentle yet effective skin saviors remove all traces of dirt, grime and makeup, including waterproof mascara, revealing only clean and smooth skin. Infused with Vitamin E and extracts of Argan, Coconut and Olive oils, these soft, non-abrasive cloths will drench your skin in the necessary moisture it craves. The package is quite portable, making the cloths a quick and easy pick-me-up when you’re on the go. Keep a pack in your glove compartment and gym bag for a quick and refreshing cleans any time of the day or night.

PrivateRX Cooling Pads and Soothing Serum (www.PrivateRX.com) – $15.99 each
Speaking of delicate skin, ladies often lament that shaving or waxing the bikini area can cause problems such as bumps, irritation and ingrown hairs. To counteract this, Dr. Ronald D. Blatt, created the clinically proven, dermatologist tested and hypoallergenic line of PrivateRX products to safely cleanse and calm delicate skin after shaving or waxing, help relieve irritation and prevent razor bumps. No matter the method of bikini hair removal you choose or the frequency, Private RX products will allow you to maintain supple, comfortable skin in a simple two-step process. The company’s PrivateRX Cooling Pads are soft-beaded cotton pads that gently exfoliates dry or dead skin cells to help free ingrown hair. After using the pads and after shaving and waxing, apply PrivateRX Soothing Serum to deliver and lock in concentrated moisture. These are an effective solution to an age-old problem that’s safe and easy to use.

Pura d’or Hair Loss Prevention Therapy Shampoo (www.Purador.com) – $24.99
When it comes to hair on the head, a long, thick, voluminous mane has always been associated with vitality and youth. Unfortunately, as we age our hair loses elasticity, thins and becomes duller with each passing decade. Fortunately one product, Pura d’or Hair Loss Prevention Therapy Shampoo, strives to help both men and women turn back the clock to give you more youthful-looking hair at any age. Free from the harsh chemicals that are a leading cause of many chronic hair conditions, the gentle and fortified Pura d’or Hair Loss Prevention Therapy Shampoo actually nourishes hair follicles with essential organic nutrients to reverse any damage and begin the healing process. Biotin strengthens hair strands, niacin increases circulation and the exclusive DHT Blocker Blend promotes healthy hair growth. Their formula also includes argan oil known to heal an array of hair issues as well as B vitamin complex, biotin, nettles extract, saw palmetto, He Shou Wu (Fo-ti) and other clinically proven natural ingredients to help stimulate hair growth. It is safe for daily use, for all hair types. This and all of the proprietary organic Pura d’or formulas combine science and nature to help solve problems like thinning hair, hair loss and dandruff.

Amia Active Band Waist Trainer (www.HourglassAngel.com) – $60.00
Here’s an interesting way to garner a slimmer midsection in minutes—the premium waist trainer from Amia. Designed to be worn while working out or concealed under clothing, the corset-like Amia Active Band Waist Trainer uses firm compression to instantly give your midsection a slimmer appearance and enhance the body’s natural hourglass shape. Curves in an instant! The company reports that the simultaneous thermal activity boost stimulates increased perspiration in the midsection, reducing water retention and slimming the area in a more targeted way by 1-3 inches. How dramatic your results are depends on your fitness routine, how frequently you do it, your body type and your lifestyle. Moreover, wearing a waist trainer also helps you maintain good posture, making you look taller and leaner. The Active Band Waist Trainer is made with a durable latex core for firm, comfortable support. It features a cotton inner lining, hook-and-eye closures, flexi-boning and firm compression.

Courtesy of Perfect Fitness

Ab Carver Pro (www.AbCarverPro.com) – $39.99
For those who prefer their midsection to sport a set of sexy six-pack abs, here’s a sure-fire solution. The Ab Carver Pro will most certainly carve your core and help you get the ripped and sculpted abs you’ve always wanted. Designed by a former NAVY Seal to promote efficient movement patterns, the Ab Carver Pro provides a quality workout for the core and stabilizer muscles among other areas of the body in mere minutes—one that can be done anywhere! The product’s “kinetic engine” is a carbon steel spring that turbo-charges abdominal and arm workouts, allowing the user to tone arms and abs simultaneously. The ultra-wide wheel stabilizes movement so the user can easily carve left, right and center to also work the oblique muscles. Rubberized, non-slip ergonomic performance grips provide stability control, while high-density foam kneepads ensure comfort and prevent knee calluses. The package also provides a digital workout—instructional videos and tips on healthy eating to get your ab workout started on the right track!

Salonpas Pain Relieving Patch (www.Salonpas.us) – under $12.00
Whether from an over-zealous workout or another cause, muscle and joint aches and pains are never fun to deal with. Now you can ditch those oral pain-relieving pills and opt for the new Salonpas Pain Relieving Patch to target those areas in need. Salonpas, a world leader in over-the-counter topical analgesic pain relief and pain patch technology, recently introduced its new and improved pain patch that that is more flexible, 20% larger and easy to apply. With three active ingredients, the patch provides temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with arthritis, simple backache, stiff neck, sore shoulders, strains, bruises and sprains. These patches are great for those seeking alternatives to systemic pain pills containing acetaminophen, naproxen and ibuprofen. The Makers of Salonpas brand of topical analgesics want the public to know there are proven alternatives like the Pain Relieving Patch to provide pain management in a safe and effective manner.

La Brea Bakery Gluten Free Bread (www.LaBreaBakery.com) – $6.99
Much has been reported about the gluten-free lifestyle, but reality is that one of the hardest parts of starting a gluten-free diet is giving up bread. Indeed, for those who need or choose to lead a gluten-free life, food options—and bread in particular—can be rather limited and can lack in taste and texture. Fortunately, La Brea Bakery may have solved that problem with its moist and delicious gluten-free sliced sandwich bread that is currently offered in two flavors: multigrain and white. They’ve raised the bar with breads that have superior taste and hold up to even heavy sandwich builds. The clean, fresh and classic white bread is soft and light with a thin crust, while the multigrain option has a nutty crust and a soft interior with notes of texture and flavor from flax seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin Seeds and millet. Known for being an artisanal bread company, SoCal-based La Brea Bakery has applied its masterful baking talents and superior ingredients for a gluten-free line like none other. La Brea Bakery’s Gluten Free Bread is available at Ralphs and Gelson’s.

Kerr Collar Football Neck Protection (www.KerrSportsStore.com) – $150
With the release of Will Smith’s movie “Concussion,” there is much discussion about head and neck injuries for football players—both those who play professionally and recreationally. I think everyone would agree that head and neck protection is very important for today’s football player—from youth leagues on up. While much has been reported about head injuries, neck injuries in football are also serious business. They can vary from the rare catastrophic event, to the much more frequent but less severe neck stinger. Dr. Patrick Kerr, an industry renowned neck expert, aims to address this issue with his invention, the Kerr Collar. Having undergone extensive research and testing at Virginia Tech Center for Injury Biomechanics and with Division 1 Football programs around the country, this revolutionary technology provides better protection for players. The low profile design creates a natural fit into shoulder pads that protects the exposed cervical spine area. Overall, it reduces some of the forces generated during a collision and provides critical protection, all without hindering player performance. It’s no wonder the Kerr Collar is reportedly currently being used by many NFL, college, and youth football programs.

***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided at no cost and/or arranged to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way as per the disclosure policy on our “Legal” page***