I've had the pleasure of trying out many different Lumene products in the past. Now, Lumene is launching new product to bring a spa experience to your home bathroom.
Inspired by Finnish nature and the Arctic spa tradition of the sauna, Lumene combines the energy and harmony of this experience into the SPA products so you can transport your senses to the spa.
For generations, Finnish women have created a unique beauty experience for themselves by performing their beauty routines in the sauna. They embrace the humid steam and natural raw materials in a weekly beauty ritual, to help rejuvenate their senses and cleanse the body and mind. Lumene brings together these elements with the introduction of the SPA line and helps to recreate the relaxing sensation and positive benefits at home.
Enriched with Arctic Rose Root, the SPA line improves the skin’s appearance and has been shown to increase the skin's endorphin levels as well as elevate mood. The line also contains 90% natural ingredients and 100% natural fragrance.
The Lumene SPA skincare line includes the following products and is now available at DermStore.com, Sears.com and Target.com.
* SPA Pampering Body Cleanser, $10.00
* SPA Stimulating Body Scrub, $10.00
* SPA Detoxifying Cellulite Serum, $15.00
* SPA Intensive Firming Body Lotion, $15.00
* SPA Repairing Body Butter, $15.00
* SPA Nourishing Care for Body and Mind, $15.00
I've been using the entire line of SPA products, and I LOVE them! The scent is lovely--there's a light, pleasant fragrance that has a hint of citrus. It's a relaxing, clean smell that isn't overpowering or heavy.
The body cleanser and body scrub both leave my skin feeling clean, fresh and pampered. I love the body butter--it feels very rich and provides a ton of moisture (I put it on my feet then cover them with a clean pair of socks for extra skin softening!). The Nourishing Care is interesting--it makes my skin feel treated and moisturized, but in a lightweight way.
If you want to add a little bit of relaxation to your shower routine, consider the Lumene SPA line--I love it!
Thanks, Lumene!
Today is World Oceans Day
Well...THIS is timely, considering what's happening down in Louisiana.
June 8th is World Oceans Day. Officially recognized by the UN in 2008, but unofficially celebrated since 1992, this day allows us the opportunity to delight in our world ocean and explore our personal connections to the sea.
Depth recognizes the absolute importance of the ocean and its inhabitants—their hair, bath and body products utilize sea-based ingredients that clean, nourish and refresh skin and hair—so to commemorate and honor World Oceans Day, Depth will donate $1 from each unit sold at Whole Foods and on www.wholefoodsmarket.com from June 8th through June 15th to the National Audubon Society for Gulf oil spill recovery.
Depth utilizes these essential, sea-based ingredients to stimulate skin with a surge of moisture like no other. Depth enhances the skin’s ability to remain healthy, hydrated and resilient. The therapeutic sea botanicals within Depth are best known for their moisturizing properties, but they also serve to supply essential fatty acids, carbohydrates, vitamins and amino acids to protect and detoxify the skin. Drawing upon three different classes of sea botanicals – Brown (Phaeophyta), Green (Chlorophyta) and Red (Rhodophyta) algae – delivery of hydration and minerals to the skin has never been so moisturizing. Together, these algae powerhouses act as detoxifiers, while individually delivering their own unique skin benefits.
I'm hoping to try out some of these products soon--when I do, I'll be sure to report back.
The Depth collection consists of shampoos, conditioners, hand soaps, body wash, hand and body lotions, and shave creams in four exclusive scents: Mangrove Citrus, Sea Berry, Orange Blossom and Bay Coconut.
Hair Care ($9.99 each) - Infused with a unique blend of sea botanicals, certified organic aloe vera and natural emollients, Depth Shampoos and Conditioners are ultra-hydrating, refreshing, and moisturizing.
- Refresh Daily Shampoo – For all hair types. Keeps hair soft, healthy and nourished with a nutrient-rich blend of vitamins and sea botanicals
- Drench Hydrating Shampoo – For dry and damaged hair: Gentle cleansers work to nourish and restore essential moisture, ideal for color treated hair
- Immerse Daily Conditioner – For all hair types. Nutrient-rich to maintain healthy, beautiful hair without weighing it down
- Submerse Deep Conditioner – For dry and damaged hair. This creamy conditioner provides deep nourishment and ultra-hydration for extra healthy hair
Hand & Body Lotions ($9.99 each) - Lightweight and quick absorbing, Depth Hand & Body Lotions are enriched with ultra-hydrating sea botanicals and organic aloe vera to moisturize, soothe and nourish the skin.
Shave Creams ($6.99 each) - As smooth and silky as algae, Depth Shave Creams are enriched with hydrating sea botanicals and natural emollients to provide an effortless glide for a soft, comfortable shave, while an abundance of organic aloe vera moisturizes and nourishes the skin.
Product Preview: Nair Silky Sensations
Quick: What's do you think about when you think about Nair?
For me, I think of the annoying "short shorts" commercials in the 80s/90s (Who wears short shorts? Nair for short shorts!) AND I also think about the odd/disgusting scent of Nair hair removal products. I haven't used Nair in ages. My memory of it isn't great--for me, it was always stinky and it never really worked that well.
Now, it seems as though Nair is trying hard to change our minds about their products. They have hair removal products with more pleasant scents, like lavender, cucumber/melon, and pomegranate/soy.
I received a box of Nair products to try out. I gave my sister a tube of cucumber/melon to test, and I'm going to put the pomegranate/soy through the paces. I'll report back and let you know what my sister and I think about the new Nair products. I'm hoping to get smooth, hair-free legs with minimal effort. I really hope the new products are effective.
Here are the product details:
Nair Hair Remover Silky Sensations, dual moisturizing blend--with 20% moisturizers. For legs and body. Provides 7 days of smoothness and promises radiant, silky skin. Available at drugstores for about $10.
NOTE: I have a few other Nair formulas to try out, too. I'll let you know what I think about those when I get around to using them! In the meantime, let me know if you've used Nair and had any success!
ecoTOOLS Giveaway!
It's still April, which means it's still Earth Month! And to wind down the month, I'm hosting a little giveaway, thanks to my friends over at ecoTOOLs.
As a pioneer in environmentally-friendly cosmetic and bath and body care products that are affordable, effective, and eco-fabulous, EcoTools makes it simple to green your beauty routine without sacrifice; all you need are the right tools!
Just in time for Spring 2010, EcoTools unveils the brand-new body butter, body scrub, body mists and EcoPouf – helping consumers start the season with eco-friendly essentials for a spring clean and cleanse.
A little lather goes a long way as the pioneers at ecoTOOLS introduce yet another eco-innovation with the world’s first 100% recycled plastic bath sponge! Launching in March 2010 at Target stores nationwide, ecoTOOLS takes scrubbing to a new level and – pouf! – totally updates daily bathing routines. The first of its kind, the EcoPouf ($1.99) sets the standard for bathing, showing beauty buffs everywhere that getting squeaky clean and supporting sustainability can go hand-in-hand.
Strip skin of grit and grime, and replenish and restore radiance naturally with the “Polished & Protected” Body Scrub ($5.99). The earth-friendly exfoliating scrub contains crushed walnut shells that gently remove dry, flaky skin to reveal soft, smooth and stunning skin, proving you don’t have to sacrifice effectiveness for eco-friendliness! The brand-new “Replenish Your Natural Resources” Body Butter ($5.99) banishes dry skin while saving the environment. Enriched with mango butter that replenishes and hydrates all over, it meticulously massages to keep skin supple and well-protected. The body butter exudes a warm lavender, vanilla fragrance – and an eco-friendly recipe – that will put minds and bodies at ease.
Enrich the body and the earth with two fresh fragrances from ecoTOOLS. Featuring organic botanical extracts, the new “Passion for Change” Body Mist ($5.99) wraps the body in rich, earthly warmth with just one spray. Get back to basics with a natural, yet luxurious, aroma that soothes and settles. The new and improved “Blooming Planet” Body Mist ($5.99) returns with a revised floral fragrance. Notes of organic peony and passion flower shower skin with a sheer layer of soft, pink petals. With sophisticated scents, organic extracts and affordable prices, the ecoTOOLS body mists bare it all to bring green into daily beauty routines. Although you didn’t receive these samples, they are available upon request.
Now, here's the giveaway part: Leave me a comment and I'll pick two of you at random to receive an ecoTOOLS EcoPouf. I'll give you one week and will announce the winner next Wednesday. NOTE: this giveaway is open to US residents only--sorry! Please be sure to leave me a way to contact you. Good luck!
Shed Your Winter Skin
I live in the Seattle area, and we have some seriously crazy weather. A few weeks ago, it was gorgeous: the sun was shining, the temps were in the high 50s/low 60s and Spring was just around the corner. Then when Spring actually arrived, we were hit with colder temps and even a windstorm. Awesome.
Regardless of these few set backs, warmer, longer days are almost here. And that means showing more skin. I don't know about you, but in the Winter my skin gets scaly and dry. That flaky, scaliness has persisted and is still bugging me now that it's Spring.
If you're like me and need to shed the Winter scaliness, here are some hints:
- Start from the inside out. Incorporating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants can make skin less dry by helping to lock in moisture.
- Be smart in the shower. Using water that is too hot will only make dry skin worse. I am very guilty of taking long, hot showers, and I know my skin pays the price. It really does help to cool off the water temp at bit.
- Lather, rinse, exfoliate. Bar soaps can really be harsh and drying, so switching over to a creamy body wash may help. Rinse in cool water and be sure to exfoliate daily.
- Moisturize! As soon as you get out of the shower, pat yourself dry and then slather on a decent body cream. Reapply as often as needed.
- Body wash: Olay Body Wash Plus Body Butter Ribbons: wraps your skin in fragrant, luxurious, creamy lather that visibly improves skin in just 5 days.
- Body scrub: St. Ives Collagen Elastin Body Polish : Collagen and Elastin extracts are blended with exfoliating sugar crystals to reveal fresh, younger-looking skin without over-drying
- Body cream: St. Ives Softening Whipped Silk Moisturizer: whipped with an exclusive blend of silk proteins, this unbelievably soft, light textured cream glides on easily and absorbs quickly for long-lasting moisture.
Springing Ahead with Degree
So, as I've mentioned a few times now, Degree Women is launching some new products just in time for Spring. They have three new fragrances of deodorants and matching body sprays:
- Honeysuckle and Tea Tree Oil
- Olive Leaf and Pink Pepper (my favorite!)
- Orange Flower and Cranberry
So...from my sister: the new Degree Women's deodorants and body sprays are a big thumbs up! Yay! Oh, and be sure to check their website for coupons and product info.
Release Your Outdoorphins with Mother Nature!
Spring is coming, and as I mentioned awhile back, Degree is going to be launching some new products to help you get a little closer to nature. Well, now I have more deets: Degree's new products have been inspired by the scents of nature and include three vibrant fragrances: Honeysuckle and Tea Tree Oil, Olive Leaf and Pink Pepper, and Orange Flower and Cranberry. These new fragrances will be arriving soon, in the form of refreshing body mists and matching deodorants that are easy on the budget (they'll only set you back about $3.99). Learn more at their website.
To get yourself ready for spring--and for Degree's new scents--start now to infuse nature into your daily routine. Here are some ideas:
- Get out! We are all cramped inside more hours than we'd like. We spend our days in offices, cubicles, and classrooms, and only get to daydream about being outside. Well, why not schedule in some outdoor time? Take a quick walk or take a mental health day to enjoy the sunshine and budding plants.
- Bring the outdoors in. Plants and flowers in your work/living space may help to reduce your stress and could make you a tiny bit happier. Plus they're pretty to look at and smell nice, so that's a bonus!
- Inhale. If you kill plants and can't spare time to get outside, light a scented candle that makes you think of the outside. Nothing beats the real deal, but a fresh, outdoors-y scent may help transport you to your happy place.
Non-Fattening Chocolate for Valentine's Day
Wow--Valentine's Day is Sunday. I don't know about the rest of you, but 2010 seems to be flying by. Valentine's Day is insanely commercialized and it's kind of a silly holiday, but if you're looking for something sweet, skip the chocolates and check out these chocolate-inspired beauty products:
Body Deli's Dark Chocolate Truffle Botanical Butter Scrub, $32
Made of extra fine dead sea salts and certified organic raw cacao beans and organic cocoa butter, this scrub polishes skin and leaves a delicious aroma. Pure, all-natural therapeutic essential oils are used to impart the healing essence of true aromatherapy on the skin. The Body Deli recommends using the scrub on wet skin 2-3 times per week to achieve the best results. The Body Deli products are made of fresh, natural ingredients and packaged in recyclable containers. All products contain an expiration date to showcase when they lose their max. potency.
Sephora Espresso Chocolate Collection, $10-$16
Bath and body products lightly scented with a rich espresso chocolate fragrance. This tantalizing scent blends energizing espresso with indulgent chocolate for a downright addictive result. Each product contains deeply hydrating ingredients, such as Aloe Vera and Jojoba, for delectably soft skin.
Dylan's Candy Bar Chocolate Cupcake Collection, $16-$22
Savor the flavor of celebration with something downright sinful and delicious. You can't miss the most crave-worthy cupcake treats! Dylan's Candy Bar Chocolate Cupcake Collection is chock full of decadent delight.
Healthy Skin and Hair in '10!
It's time to start making dreaded New Year's resolutions. Instead of saying you're going to exercise every single day for at least 2 hours or resolving to never eat sugar, do yourself a favor and keep your resolutions simple and do-able. Here's a suggestion: resolve to take better care of your skin and hair, especially during the harsh Winter months.
Skin and hair can become increasingly dull and damaged during the winter season, but with help from Olay and Pantene Pro-V, you can revive and strengthen your cold weather defense. Both skin and hair have protective moisture barriers, and when exposed to drying elements.
New Olay Body Quench Advanced Healing Body Lotion and Pantene Pro-V Time Renewal products start at the core of dryness to repair and strengthen this barrier for a soft, smooth look and feel-just in time when we need it most!
Here's a preview of the new offerings from Olay and Pantene. I'll let you know how I do with these products after I give them time to work:
Olay Body Quench Advanced Healing Body Lotion provides an immediate burst of intense moisture that continues for 24 hours, and helps heal skin’s moisture barrier over time to prevent dry skin from coming back. In fact, no leading brand is clinically proven to heal/relieve dry skin better.
Pantene Pro-V Restoratives Time Renewal Shampoo gently cleanses hair with a rich and creamy lather to remove build-up and impurities.
Pantene Pro-V Restoratives Time Renewal Conditioner helps restore shine and smoothness to damaged hair, leaving hair looking and feeling healthy. When used with the shampoo, these products promise to provide damage protection that leading salon brands can’t beat!
Pantene Pro-V Restoratives Time Renewal Mask deeply penetrates hair to help restore moisture and give hair a more youthful appearance. The great thing about these Pantene products is that if you’re not satisfied, Pantene will actually switch you back to your old product, even if it’s a salon brand. Find our more details by visiting Pantene.com.
I'm not a big fan of resolution-making, but taking better care of my skin and hair are easy enough to do. As I said, I'll let you know how these products fair. In the meantime, if YOU have any resolutions for the new year and the new decade, leave me a comment and tell me about it!
Eco-Beautiful
Eco-friendly products are all the rage in the world of beauty. There are so many new brands and products popping up every day that it's hard to keep track.
I recently got some samples of products from a company called Wembe. The company's vision is that nature compliments the human soul and envelops it with health beauty and happiness. And their line of soaps promises to be good to your skin and good to the earth. Their soaps are cruelty free and contain NO silicone, petroleum products, parabens, sulfates, phenoxythanol, polyethylene glycol, synthetic fragrances or dye. All soaps are made from organic, locally grown plants in Paraguay and 94% of their products are vegan.
I received a stack of three soaps, all housed in a recycled cardboard box with minimal packaging. They also sent me a bonus to try out. Here's what I've been using:
- Yerba Mate Exfoliating Blend: helps to eliminate dead skin cells to keep skin radiant and keeps skin detoxified.
- Citric Cleansing Blend: helps purify the skin, and essential oils keep you moisturized and smelling great.
- Mango Cleansing Blend: contains ingredients high in Vitamins A, C, and E and smells like the warm tropical forest.
- Loofah Exfoliating Blend: this is a lovely bar, almost too pretty to use. It stimulates circulation and improves skin's complexion. Perfect for the dry skin winter months.
Wembe soaps range in price from $7 to just under $10 for the soaps and $25 for a pack of three loofas.I like that these products are all natural and don't contain any nasty chemicals. They make my skin feel soft and smell great. During cold months, my skin is dry and yucky. The Wembe line does a nice job of improving skin gently.
With Christmas coming, any of the Wembe products would make a great gift for your eco-conscious friends.
Get Your Yum on at Sephora!
This Thanksgiving, satisfy your cravings without an ounce of guilt! From creamy lotions to hydrating cleaners and luscious lip shines, Sephora offers an array of skincare essentials that will have you glowing at your fabulous feast.
Check out these sumptuous deals:
Sephora Sweet Candy Gloss Trio ($18 a $21 Value) – Better on your lips than on your hips, this set of hydrating lip glosses will leave your lips soft and deliciously irresistible. Choose from delectable flavors like Guava Passion, Tropical Jasmine, and Apple Pomegranate.
Sephora BODY Super Supreme Body Butter To Go ($15) – This rich, hydrating body balm literally melts into the skin for a one-of-a-kind experience. Made with shea butter, it moisturizes, nourishes, protects, and leaves skin silky and smooth.
Philosophy The Gingerbread Man™ Foaming Bubble Bath and Shower Gel ($16) – Pamper yourself with this ultra-rich, moisturizing shower gel that’s decadent, creamy, and perfect for daily use.
Philosophy Pumpkin Spice™ Muffin Flavored Lip Shine ($12) – Pumpkin, spice, and everything nice collide in this luscious indulgence, which works to hydrate and soothe while offering a high-gloss shine with lots of flavor.
Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Spray Perfume Set ($24) – This set of natural spray perfume, signature soy candle and customized box of matches is a delight to your sense with its addictive Tuscan Blood Orange scent! Spritz it on, light it up and enjoy.
*Holiday News Alert* Beginning November 18th, just in time for the holidays, Sephora Claus is taking over Sephora’s Twitter (www.twitter.com/sephora), giving away beauty products everyday for 31 days until December 18th. For beauty buffs who would like to enter, simply tweet on Twitter an @Sephora message and tag your wish with a #sephoraclaus “hashtag.”
Plus, you can “share” your wish on Facebook and receive one of three deluxe samples, including YSL Black Mascara, Philosophy Inner Grace Body Lotion or Mini NARS Duo Lipgloss. To get your glamorous goodie, enter any of these gift with purchase codes: WISHME, Claus, or Clause.
For more Sephora Clause details, visit www.Sephoraclause.com. You must be 18 or older and a US citizen to win. Prizes must be found on Sephora.com and less than $150.
Beat the Winter Blahs
I've lived on the West Coast for 10 years now. When I first moved out here, I used to laugh at the locals who complained about the "cold" when it was 50 degrees out and felt it necessary to bundle up under layer after layer of heavy winter clothes as soon as September became a memory.
My how things have changed. In my 10 years here, I have found that I, too, am a weather wimp. And now that Daylight Saving Time has come to an end--and Halloween is just a haunting memory--I find myself dreading the winter and all that comes with it: cold weather, possible snow, dry skin, chapped lips, static-filled hair.
Well, the good folks over at Women's Health (and in their book Age Erasers for Women) have some tips for all of us as we get ready for upcoming (or already here!) winter weather. Here you go--be sure to add your thoughts by leaving a comment!
Skin
- Not only does dry skin cause a lackluster complexion, it also keeps hydrating lotion from keeping your skin moist. Get rid of excess dry skin with a body wash with exfoliant and also a gentle exfoliating face wash.
- Because dry skin causes fine lines to be more visible, make sure you’re using a thicker face lotion with firming benefits.
- Winter is the time to forget the foundation which tends to settle into dry areas on skin giving your complexion a patchy look. Instead, camouflage dark circles with a light-diffusing concealer.
- The skin around your eyes is delicate and prone to dryness and windburn. Try using a sheer indigo blue or emerald eye shadow to downplay redness, and apply with a damp brush to help it stay put longer.
- Because the minerals in tap water and detergents in shampoo can cause your scalp to itch and flake, now is the time to skip the shampoo. Try a dry shampoo on your roots which will absorb the extra oil and you can comb out in the morning.
- Inflate your drab winter hair by adding volumizing mousse to your styling routine.
- If you’ve been considering laser hair removal, now is the time to do it. Because your hair and skin will have more contrast as your summer glow is gone, the treatment will be more effective.
- During the holiday season, cosmetics counters are crammed full of gift sets that go on sale afterwards. This gives you the perfect excuse to find those fragrances you’ve been meaning to test.
Beauty Quickies, Part 2
As we are all painfully aware, money is tight at the moment. These beauty and personal care products will make you feel pampered without having to spend a lot:
MS. MANICURE
One easy thing to cut out of your budget are all the extras...you know, morning coffees from Starbucks and regular pedicures and manicures. I can't help you with the coffee thing (actually, I can! Pick up a Keurig and brew single-serve coffee at home before heading out for work or school), but for your nails, I whole heartedly recommend Ms. Manicure products.
I've mentioned them before, but I was using a Ms. Manicure nail kit the other day and was impressed with the number of tools you get for next to nothing. Their Handy Dandy Mani solves all of your impromptu nail issues. Featuring Cuticle Nippers, Nail Clippers, Nail Scissors, Wood Cuticle Sticks, a Nail Brush, a Washable Salon Board, 4-Way Nail Buffer, and Slant Tip Tweezers, this beauty booty will keep your nails looking fresh and clean. At just $9.99 for the kit, you can keep on at home and stash one at your desk (or in your locker). Nice! Click here for more info.
ECO-TOOLS BRANCHING OUT
I really like Eco-Tools makeup brushes because they're inexpensive, high quality, and are made from good-for-the-earth materials. Now Eco-Tools is coming out with personal care products like “Clean Skin, Cleaner World” Body Wash ($7.99), “Sustainable Softness” Body Lotion ($7.99), “One Hand Helps the Other” Hand Cream ($7.99), and “Blooming Planet” Body Mist ($7.99). Their new line of products is 98% from nature, paraben-free, phthalate-free, dermatologist-tested and cruelty free. Check their website for retailers.
MOUTH FRESHENING TRIO
So you've spent a ton of time (and money) making sure your skin is perfect, your makeup amazing, and your body perfumed and primed for the day. But don't forget to focus on your breath! If you want to get long-lasting freshness and a very clean feeling mouth, try the new trio of Crest Extra White Plus Scope Outlast ($3.25 for 4 oz. or $4.25 for 7.6 oz.), Oral-B Advantage Floss Picks Plus Scope Outlast Flavor ($3.49 for a bag of 75), and Scope Outlast mouthwash ($4.99 for 750 ml or $5.99 for 1250 ml).
These products is infused with the advanced Outlast technology that binds tightly with select receptors in your mouth, triggering a minty fresh sensation that lasts longer than ordinary products. I've been using the trio for a few weeks now and WOW! They really make you mouth minty and fresh. And fresh breath is a perfect fashion accessory since it's always in season! Look out for them at drugstores and big-box retailers this month.
Beauty Product of the Week: Vitalizing Gel Body Oil
What is it? Vaseline's Intensive Care Vitalizing Gel Body Oil with Brazilian Nut and Almond Oils promises "amazing" skin. "When skin is healthy and hydrated, light reflects off the rich color below the surface, giving it an amazing natural glow. But daily showers strip natural, protecting oils from skin allowing essential moisture to evaporate.
Cocoa Butter Vitalizing Gel Body Oil, used after bathing, replenishes skin and locks in moisture for naturally radiant skin. Contains Brazilian Nut Oil - rich in essential nutrients known to boost skin's moisture barrier, and Almond Oil - naturally high in minerals and known antioxidants." Available at drugstores and big box stores for about $7.50 or less, depending on the size you get.
I've been using the gel body oil for about a week. In that short period of time, I've already noticed a difference. My skin feels very soft, nicely moisturized, and all around nourished. I don't think I'm radiant...not yet, at least!...but this does improve my skin's overall feel.
The scent is light and pleasant. It doesn't linger too long like some products can. The packaging is minimal, but that may have been what drew me to it in the first place. The only thing I've noticed is that I have to be careful to not over apply the gel/oil. A little really does go a long way, and if you don't allow enough time for this to absorb into your skin, it could get a bit messy.
The final verdict? I like this product. Sure it adds a step to my morning routine, but I've already noticed that my skin is benefiting from the gel/oil. As long as I don't over apply it, my skin feels perfectly moisturized. Vaseline's Gel Body Oil is like baby oil for grown ups...and that's not a bad thing!
You Say It's Your Birthday!
Today is the birthday of my most favorite person on this planet: my husband. He's a funny guy. He really thinks that August 19th should be an international holiday. He'd love for the world to stop what it's doing to wish him a happy birthday. He can't help it...he's a Leo.
In honor of all people celebrating birthdays, un-birthdays, or who just need a slice of love in the form of birthday cake, I thought I'd mention these birthday inspired beauty products:
- Philosophy's Birthday Party: This fun kit includes three body washes in vanilla birthday cake, strawberry ice cream, and chocolate frosting scents. If these don't sweeten up your birthday suit, I don't know what will! ($30)
- Philosophy's Vanilla Birthday Cake Lip Shine: A moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips does not apply with this one! You can enjoy all the cakey goodness and you don't have to ingest a single calorie. Plus your lips will shimmer and look great. ($12)
- Dylan's Candy Bar's Birthday Cake Batter Collection: Just thinking about these products makes my teeth hurt! Dylan's offers sickening sweet body goodies like ice cream sugar scrub, candy butter cream, and cake batter ice cream sugar scrub. (prices vary.)
- Lush's Happy Birthday Bubble Bar: Lush products look--and smell--good enough to eat, and this one is no exception. This bubble bar smells like orange cake and vanilla ice cream. It's sure to get you in a festive birthday mood!
Skin Deep
Did you know that in the process of cleansing your skin, you're causing damage? I had no clue, but it kind of makes sense. I know that after I shower, my skin feels a little dry and tight. I even have this annoying patch of dry skin on my tummy that never goes away, no matter how often I moisturize.
Well, the folks over at Dove have been working on this and are launching a new body wash with
something called NutriumMoisture™. According to Dove, current body washes actually damage proteins and lipids in the skin’s outer layer, often leading to the loss of critical moisture which can result in dry, itchy and irritated skin. Moisture is essential for healthy, hydrated skin controlling up to 70% of skin functions.
Dove has discovered how to restore skin’s natural moisture while cleansing with body wash meaning moisture loss caused by cleansing no longer has to be a skin care concern. Unlike other body washes whose moisturizers sit on top skin, NutriumMoisture contains natural moisturizers that fully absorb into surface skin to replenish lipids lost during cleansing.
Dove Body Washes with NutriumMoisture are clinically proven to significantly reduce dryness, improve moisturization and leave skin more even toned.
Now, I am normally a bar soap user, which may be one of the reasons why my dry patch persists. I bought myself a poof thingy and have been using Dove Body Wash with NutriumMoisture for a few weeks now. The body wash lathers up nicely, which makes me feel like I am getting washed in a car wash (but in a good way!). The scent is subtle and clean, and I emerge from the shower with soft, clean skin. I'm happy to report that so far, the dry patch on my tummy seems to have gone away. Hopefully it will stay a thing of the past!
From what I've tried so far, I like this product. It's available now for just under $4. If you're a body wash user, give it a try.
One more thing: this makes me curious to know if you use bar soap or body wash. Leave me a comment and let me know.
Can You Keep A Secret?
In this crappy economy, we can't all get away to exclusive hotels or pricey day spas. But that doesn't mean we can't deny ourselves of a few life's luxuries.
If you're looking for a way to pamper yourself and treat your skin well, check out Malibu Secret and their anti-aging body cream.
Malibu Secret is a body cream that designed to replenish and repair the skin by using good-for-you botanicals, anti-oxidants, natural butters, and plenty of vitamins. The result? Skin that is more supple, that has an improved texture, and that is intensely hydrated and moisturized.
I've been using my sample of Malibu Secret for about a week now and my skin is noticeably softer. The cream is light, absorbs quickly into the skin, and doesn't feel overly greasy like some products can. The scent is subtle, but it reminds me of summers on the beach--fitting since it is Malibu Secret! It's no wonder that Tori Spelling, Heather Locklear, Kevin Sorbo (yes, as in Hercules!) and a host of other celebs are devotees of Malibu Secret.
A tube of this skin-loving product will set you back $25...much less than a salon treatment or night at a five-star salon. Click here for more info about this product or here to order.
Beauty Product of the Week: Lavender Salt Scrub
What is it? Trader Joe's Lavender Salt Scrub will "cleanse your skin while taking a shower. This product is so full of natural ingredients, you could eat it! Includes Apricot Kernel Oil, Almond Oil, Green Tea Leaf, Avocado Oil, Vitamin E, and the highest grade of Lavender Oil." Available at Trader Joe's for about $6. (Note: sorry for the photo quality! It's a quick shot from my iPhone.)
What did you think? Trader Joe's is a shopping mecca. They sell all kinds of fabulous food products, reasonably priced produce, and ultra-addictive Olive Oil Popcorn. But they also have an aisle of personal care products, and I love checking out the goodies in that aisle.
On a recent excursion to TJ's, I picked up their Lavender Salt Scrub. It's reasonably priced at about $6, and it sounded appealing. When I tried it out in the shower, I was not disappointed.
I love the way salt scrubs feel, smell, and (oddly) taste. This scrub really exfoliated. It softened up my skin to the point where I left the shower with a freshly scrubbed pink glow. The lavender scent is not over-powering, but it's definitely there. It's a relaxing scent that will fill your shower and bathroom with a calming freshness.
Use this to slough off dead skin cells before shaving or applying a self-tanner. This exfoliates like no one's business! The only bad side? There was a considerable amount of slippery residue left behind on the shower floor once I was done using this product. That's the only downside to an otherwise awesome product.
The final verdict? Not bad! This certainly leaves my skin feeling smooth and smelling like lovely lavender. If it weren't so slippery, I'd use it more often!
Cinco for Cinco!
Today's Cinco de Mayo! Don't let all the knee-jerk panic about Swine Flu get you down! It's time to pour yourself an icy margarita and image yourself south of the border, sitting on a perfect beach, watching the world go by without a care in the world.
If a trip to Mexico scares the hell out of you (though it really shouldn't!) or isn't on your agenda, try these five products to make your look a little more caliente!
- OPI Strawberry Margarita: give your nails a sneak-peek of what's coming this summer by painting them with this cheery bright pink. There's no way you can feel blue when your nails are this bright and happy.
- Philosophy Cocktail Party: smell like you're a margarita, a mimosa, or a daiquiri without fearing that you'll get pulled over for a DUI! Philosophy's yummy hair and body washes will leaving you smelling sweet without any pesky hangovers.
- Eyelid Gilded by Benefit: this tequila gold pencil will give you a healthy glow. Add it to the corner of your eyelids to brighten your eyes and make them pop, glide the gold tint over your lips, even use a little on your cheeks to make your face glow! This product will give you an instant pick-me-up.
- Bare Escentuals Buxom Lips in Margarita: your lips will get an upgrade with one swipe of this lip polish. The sheer raspberry tint will make your voluptuous lips all the more tempting. You really can't go wrong with Buxom Lips...in any shade!
- Sugar Cosmetics Beauty School Bronzing Kit: fake your way to summery skin with this bronzing kit. Follow the directions in the kit, and the products will give you a natural, just back from the beach glow.
Beauty Product of the Week: Tone Enhancing Ribbons
What is it? Olay's Body Wash Plus Tone Enhancing Ribbons "is the only body wash with an actual ribbon of mineral shimmer. It helps transform skin to the rich, lustrous tone it deserves. It contains tiny interference pigments which help to diffuse light, giving skin the appearance of a more even, radiant sheen. The cleansing ribbon and moisturizing mineral ribbon interact to provide a luxurious shower experience that results in hydrated skin and a beautiful, soft sheen without sacrificing lather." Available wherever Olay products are sold for $3.99 to $5.99, depending on size.
What did you think? I usually use soap in the shower. Yes, I know...it does make my skin dry, but I'm all about convenience. That said, I've been using Olay's Tone Enhancing Ribbons body wash for a few weeks now and my skin does feel much softer. The lather is comforting and scented with a slightly vanilla perfume. It makes me feel both clean and my skin nourished. With soap, I always feel clean but over-scrubbed! Once dried off, my skin has a subtle shimmer from the body wash without having that tacky glittered look. And my skin maintains a softness and pleasant scent out of the shower.
Final verdict? Overall, this is a very nice product, especially if you are a fan of body wash. If only I could use a body wash without having to get a shower puff, I'd be all set. Still, this body wash does everything it says it will: it makes my skin feel good and look good thanks to the subtle shimmer it provides.
