I’m certainly not going to turn down a reason to relax. For some reason, this week I have been filled with sluggishness. I don’t know if it is the heat or just being a little worn down. Or the myriad of tech difficulties that plagued Monday and Tuesday. But either way, I am going to use National Relaxation Day as an excuse for a little pampering.
In honor of this holiday (yes, I am going to call this a holiday), Neutrogena sent over some of their most relaxation worthy products: Rainbath Shower & Bath Gel, Body Oil, Norwegian Formula Hand Cream and Triple Repair Leave-In Treatment.
I was familiar with all of these goodies, but they haven’t been in my rotation in a while. Needless to say, Rainbath is a long time favorite. The newest scent, pear & green tea, has quickly become a favorite. And their Body Oil probably can be considered the original. There is no wonder they do it so well. It never leaves me greasy, smells amazing and absorbs quickly. I like to apply to damp skin at the end of my shower.
Then onto the hair. My poor hair. It is so dry at the ends. I am vastly overdue for a cut. But until then, Triple Repair Leave-In helps me get more shine and a boost in moisture.
Last but not least is a hand cream that admittedly hasn’t been on my list of favorites in the past. I always thought it was super greasy. What I have discovered is that this hand cream isn’t the one you want to throw into your purse for during the work day. For me, this version works wonders right before bed so you have the whole night for hands to absorb all that hydration.
Right now, drugstore.com is offering 20% off all beauty and personal care so it is a great time to stock up on Neutrogena goodies.
AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.
It is so hard to review a fragrance. I consider it such a personal preference. But this one from Neiman’s took me by surprise. I usually love musky, Oriental and masculine scents. But this being summer, I guess I need a change of pace.
When I first encountered Cartier Fragrance Baiser Volé Lys Rose Eau de Parfum, I was dissuaded by the “rose”. It just isn’t my thing even if it is awfully in vogue these days. But actually this new fragrance from Cartier is based around lily (so feminine but still sultry).
Pink lily are married with raspberry and some notes of powder – and I couldn’t think of a better name: Baiser Volé (a stolen kiss).
Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program, but as always, opinions are my own.
By now, we all know how damaging the sun’s rays can be. But there is something about summertime that makes me crave a golden glow. Plus, skin-kissed skin disguises flaws. You can beat a little body makeup on the legs if you are wearing a cocktail dress. Or for that matter a bikini. Or shorts! Obviously, I am hooked on this particular beauty product. I am on FOX23’s Tulsa Live (formally Great Day Green Country) this AM sharing my favorites.
Victoria’s Secret Bronze All-Over Bronzing Stick not only had a great price point but is perfect for travel. The stick easily glides on with a true bronze shade. The gel-based formula is easy to apply and I use my hands to blend into skin ($15).
Zen-Tan Flawless Logic Shimmer is a more luxe version of a stick that applies like a cream but dries like a powder. I also blend this with my hands and it is exceptional at covering age spots and veins. This stick has slightly more shimmer and a deeper shade but still looks natural. The thin shape also makes it great for disguising tan lines ($32).
Caudalie Divine Legs Tinted Body Lotion probably tops as my favorite because of the scent and ease of application. Plus it is really hydrating – ideal for my drier skin – thanks to Grape Oil. Copper and golden pearlizers leave a radiant finish. The universal shade works on even the fairest of skin.($38)
Nuxe Multi-Usage Dry Oil is a true French pharmacy classic. While there is a version without shimmer, I prefer the slightly tinted version. The effect is very subtle making it perfect even for the winter months. A blend of six different essential oils including Sweet Almond, Camellia, Hazelnut, and Macadamia nourish and hydrate skin ($39).
Hard Candy Glow All The Way is my pick for a budget performer. The finish has a pink luminosity that works well on the body and face. The thick and rich lotion is hydrating but still can be mixed with foundation for a summer glow. The formula is cruelty-free ($8).
Xen-Tan generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program.
OTHER PRODUCTS MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.
If there is one area of grooming that I am lacking in, it has to be body lotion. Embarrassingly enough, I remember an elementary school teacher reminding me to put lotion on my legs – definitely a requirement in my super dry childhood home of Denver, Colorado.
Now that I got that little confession off my chest, I have to divulge what got me into the swing of things when it comes to the body hydration department. My adulthood spent in Tulsa doesn’t quite have the dryness of Denver but I certainly wouldn’t call it “balmy”. So lotion is a must. And bonus: as my skin ages, I can see improved tone and radiance with the daily application of lotion.
Well, get ready to bring that to a whole new level with Tata Harper Fortifying Body Lotion. Tata makes all of her products on her farm in Vermont and even grows a portion of her ingredients there. Her products demonstrate dedication to natural ingredients. But she never compromises on results and performance. No wonder a luxury store like Neiman Marcus stocks these beautiful potions.
While I have tried a lot of her skin care, this is the first body product of hers that I have tried (I am drooling over the body oil and will move mountains to get some in my hands). The lotion is packed with ingredients to strengthen and restore skin. My skin is left soft but not one bit greasy. And I honestly thing the moisture level is dramatically improved even days after use. The scent is herbal, spa-like and relatively strong. I love it but if you are sensitive, it is worth testing before purchase.
Partly because of the scent (it is strong enough to interfere with perfume and at the same time very calming), I apply to my whole body before bed. My skin wakes up with radiance, hydration and smoothness. Available at Neiman Marcus.
Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program, but as always, opinions are my own.
Now in the full swing of summer pool weather, I am guessing that most of us have bemoaned somewhat uneven skin and maybe some nasty cellulite. And if you are beauty/skin care buff like me, you also know that there is no permanent at-home treatment for this nasty little feature. There is good news though. Today’s smoothing body scrubs are better than even and can promise a full day of tightened skin. Hey, it isn’t a permanent solution but I’ll take it!
First up is the much talked about Frank. Who is this Frank you ask? Someone you want to know. What sold me, being a social media junkie, was Frank’s amazing Instagram – a definite must follow. Frank is a Brooklyn-based body scrub company that uses coffee blended with other ingredients. There are three “flavors” and I elected to try the classic with sweet almond and orange (also available is coconut/grapeseed and cocoa).
Frank directs you to apply two handfuls to damp skin and allow to dry for five to ten minutes. Great in theory. What I found is this stuff is really messy. I was scared to leave my shower so basically I just stood there cold and drying, naked in my shower for as long as possible. I think I maybe made it three minutes. But that was all worth it when smooth and even skin was revealed. I was a little red but that dissappated so quickly. So I didn’t mind cleaning up the destruction of coffee grinds all over the shower.
This scrub not only targets cellulite and stretch marks but also psoriasis, varicose veins, eczema and acne. Skin is left moisturized and nourished thanks to the almond oil, vitamins and minerals. The bag is probably enough for four or five treatments. Bottom line: if you don’t mind a mess and love the smell of coffee, this is for you.
Interested in something a little neater (and more luxe)? Orlane Aqua Svelte Slimming Scrub is a clear shower gel that is specifically designed to smooth skin, fight cellulite and remove dead skin cells. The gel reacts when it is used in water, releasing exfoliating particles. Microspheres, Caffeine, Ginger essential oil and Marine Algae work in synergy to produce a triple action. There is a refreshing cool sensation and an awesome marine-like scent.
While there are no specific directions as to how to apply the scrub, warm water is crucial. I get after it with a pretty energetic scrub and massage. Then rinse away product with cold water (which can prolong the effects).
So what is your type? Are you going for the dirty buzz of Frank or do you prefer the elegant refreshment of Orlane?
I purchased Frank myself. Orlane Aqua Svelte Slimming Scrub was generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program, but as always, opinions are my own.
Summer is the time for those dream trips, often abroad. Even if we don’t have one planned, we might be daydreaming about being on a beach in Greece or strolling the Parisian avenues. Without leaving our vanities, we can bring the exotic into our lives via beauty. So many of the international beauty staples have withstood the test of time, making them a must-have. This morning on Tulsa Live (formally Great Day Green Country), I shared some of my favorites to transport me to travel hotspots:
I can’t help but start off with my favorite destination, France. And what is more French than Caudalie, a skin care line built upon the benefits of Grape-seed Polyphenols, the most powerful anti-oxidants in the plant world. Caudalie Polyphenol c15 Overnight Detox Oilis one of the newest from the brand and is also made in France. The team has coupled the anti-oxidants with stabilized Vitamin C to block free-radicals. The dry oil soaks in and regenerates skin while you sleep. Plus, the smell will lull you to snoozeville with Carrot, Lavender, and White Sandalwood ($52).
Another dream location I hope to visit one day is the Dead Sea, a natural phenomenon I have always been fascinated with. No wonder I love AHAVA, a collection that utilizes minerals found in the Dead Sea in every single product.AHAVA Natural Dead Sea Mudtransports that special mineral-rich mud right to your shower. The mud is harvested from the banks where clay is packed with an ultra-high concentration of minerals that can foster healthy looking skin. Excess oil, dead skin and toxins are whisked away while the mud stimulates circulation and improves skin tone. And calling all athletes and workaholics: this mud treatment can also help with stress and muscle aches. Just dirty up and spread all over your body, leave on for 15 minutes and rinse ($15).
Asia is still on my bucket list (if you don’t count my couple days in the part of Turkey that lies on the continent). My cousin has a passion for Japan and I think it has rubbed off on me. After all, Japan lays claim one of the great skin care cultures. One reason could be the availability of Wakame, a seaweed that grows along the coast of Japan and is often said to be the reason why Japanese women have youthful skin even into old age. H2O Plus Face Oasis CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA +++ contains a wakame compound that offers tons of anti-aging properties including a natural sunscreen and protection against the loss of Hyaluronic Acid. While CC creams generally have heavier coverage in my experience, this version is sheer to medium coverage and can brighten skin without being heavy. Bonus points for the inclusion of chemical free sunscreen ($35). Note: this line flies under the radar but is fabulous for relatively affordable skin care.
And we couldn’t round up this virtual world tour without a couple of stops in Africa. It seems that African ingredients are having somewhat of a moment in the beauty industry. First up is the super-popular Argan Oil from the Argan Tree of Morocco. I know we all have seen it on shelves, but what exactly is Argan Oil? The Berber people of Morocco discovered the culinary, cosmetics and medicinal benefits of Argan Oil. Unroasted Argan Oil is traditionally used as a treatment for skin diseases. In cosmetics, Argan Oil is advocated as moisturizing oil, working against flaky skin as well as nourishing and fortifying the hair. L’Oreal harnessed Argan’s nourishing benefits to heal dull, dry and damaged hair with Oleo Therapy. The Oleo Therapy collection is sulfate-free and contain six flower oils to provide nutrition and hydration to strands ($6.99 – 12.99).
Lastly, let’s head South to South Africa for another oil that has been part of beauty rituals for centuries. Marula fruit fates back as far as 10,000 BC. No wonder since its miracle oil can protect skin in severe climates. Marula Oil is packed with antioxidants and omega-9 fatty acids which can fight free radicals, prevent water loss and improve elasticity. Erno Laszlo Phormula 3-9 Cream is a nutritional supplement that packs a hydration punch and works as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Expect renewed skin and a more youthful appearance. I love this cream after a ski day or a pool afternoon. It even calms my red flush after a run and can be used on the face and body ($265).
AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.
