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I’m Not Here, I’m Really On Holiday In Tuscany

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By Michael Hepworth

These are an extremely attractively line of products from a skin care specialist and celebrity dermatologist Dr. Fredrick Brandt, that are both reasonably priced and effective. Available on line through the company site or at Sephora and also at Henry Bendel, here are just a few personal recommendations on different products that I have checked out personally over an extended period of time. All the products have been produced at Dr.Brandt’s research institute.

Lets start with the new Redness Relief (1oz-$35) that is strictly for rosacea, and which can eliminate the condition with regular use. Prime ingredients in this soothing crème are Inflacin, a non steroid anti-inflammatory lotion, Pumpkin seed extract and the ever present Hyaluronic acid. Use it twice a day in moderation after putting on a serum, and this bottle should last about six weeks, and just watch the results. Still use sun screen for total protection above the redness relief.

Talking of the serum, the Dr.Brandt lineless vitamin C serum is more expensive at $90, but you only need a little dab of this powerful cocktail of antioxidants that firm, smooth and moisturize the face. It stimulates collagen production on older skin  promoting a more youthful appearance, and this version is one of the best I have tried. Aside from vitamins C and E, the lightweight bottle also contains grapeseed extract, lavender & geranium, ginger, grapefruit and silicone which are important in preventing moisture loss.

Flawsnomorer3p eye crème has been formulated to restore, replenish and rehydrate the delicate skin ender the eye. Containing triple action peptides and other anti-aging ingredients, the $80 jar should be utilized twice a day to reduce dark circles and puffiness and replenish moisturizer. Some of the other products used in this concoction are less obvious: caffeine reduces inflammation, arginine restores damaged skin cells, shea butter provides hydration, elasticity and radiance and grapeseed helps to calm redness.

If you are looking for strictly anti-aging products, then the mattifying lotion (1.7oz-$60) might be for you. This oil free moisturizer has been formulated for maturing, oily and combination skin and is designed to control sebum production to improve the skins texture and tone. It combines a retinol called Retistar with apple stem cells, aquaxyl, alpine extract and micronized powder.

The UV SFR 30 high protection face cream (1oz-$35) is lightweight enough to have just a slight residue on the face after use but it still leaves the skin silky enough. The three main ingredients are Helioguard 365, Detoxophane, Sepicalm VG and it can be used liberally when sun exposure is likely. The Detoxophane defends the skin against pollution, and the Sepicalm helps decrease pigmentation and prevents photo-aging.

Finally the soothing anti-irritant moisturizer (1.7oz-$65) is a rich hydrating cream with Shea Butter, Glistin and Pumpkin seed extract. Primarily effective for sensitive or irritated skin conditions is a deep moisturizer that can be used after washing in the am or pm.Other ingredients in the jar are green tea & white tea for protecting skin from environmental enemies and Allantoin that calms and heals.

Brand new from Dr.Brandt is Time Arrest crème de Luxe, a no nonsense cream that enters the crowded but rapidly growing anti-aging market with a multi faceted lotion that contains grape stem cells, pearl silanois, tourmaline crystals and age reversing platinum technology. More about this to come later.

www.drbrandtskincare.com
By Michael Hepworth

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What exactly is GRAND BRULOT I thought to myself as I opened the bottle for the first time just around the time this lockdown took effect. Well, Grand Brulot is listed as a VSOP Cognac Café and it can be used in Bloody Mary’s, Manhattans, Negronis, Martinis, spritzes and sidecars , just for starters. It is a blend of Ugni Blanc & Colombard that is crafted into 80 proof VSOP. Then 100% Robusta Ecuadorian coffee bean essence is extracted and blended with brandy to meld for a few months and finally, it is blended with the VSOP Cognac. There is also a whiff of peppermint, nutmeg and hot cocoa in the drink. The retail price is $42.99.

The idea for the drink was instigated in 2015 by John Bernbach who asked for the help of industry veteran Francisco Tonarely to investigate the potential of a cognac/brandy drink blended with coffee. Three year later in August 2018 Grand Brulot was launched. This cognac comes from the Tardy Cognac Group and the grapes come from its single estate. Grand Brulot also plays homage to a New Orleans specialty of the same name that is still served around town.  The name Grand Brulot was inspired by the famous French pirate Jean Lafite who helped New Orleans repel the British invaders in 1812. He would order coffee, pour cognac in the saucer, set it alight and mix it with the coffee.
Recipes:

THE RISE AND SHINE
2 oz Grand Brulot
Orange Twist

Just pour Grand Brulot over ice and the orange will highlight the flavors
of the spirit.

BRULOT BLACK MANHATTAN
1 oz Grand Brulot
1 oz Bourbon
1 oz Sweet Vermouth
3 dashes Orange Bitters

Bartender Todd Smith created this one. Stir all the ingredients together in
a mixing glass. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass with ice and garnish

with orange wheel.

FRENCH NEGRONI
1 oz Grand Brulot
1 oz  Sweet Vermouth
1 oz Campari

Build in a rocks glass over ice and garnish w/orange wheel.

GRAND BRULOT CAFÉ HOLIDAY
1 oz Grand Brulot
0.5 oz Crème de Cacao
3 oz Porter Beer or Stout
3 dashes of bitters

Throw cocktail ingredients between two cups a couple of times to mix
And ignite the foam from the beer. Pour into a highball glass over ice
And garnish with nutmeg.



www.grandbrulot.com
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