Category: bath and body

New Budget Beauty Favorites

Flower Lash Knockout Volumizing Mascara in Brown has been my daytime mascara pick for the last couple of weeks. I am liking the softer look of brown, but still with some pretty serious fullness. The formula contains Red Seaweed to strengthen and protect lashes. Enriched with Vitamins C & E for antioxidant protection. And the brush is a gentle fluffy style that doesn’t pull or tug on my lashes.

L’Oreal Advanced Haircare Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm was on the blog last week, but I felt it deserved a revisit. With some additional uses, I’ve found this mask is particularly transformative. My hair is super soft and bouncy. But the biggest plus, it makes for a great treatment after a day at the pool or lake. I’m certainly keeping this on hand as my hair gets put through the ringer during summer playtime.

Skintimate Signature Scents Moisturizing Shave Cream in Raspberry Rain takes me right back to high school when I was so religious about using shaving cream. It really does make a difference, I’ve discovered, especially in the summer. Vitamin E & Olive Butter along with 10 other moisturizers leave skin smooth and soft. Not to mention, prevent those nasty nicks.

Limited Edition Schick Hydro Silk Razor is giving me an insanely close shave and not one cut yet (knockonwood). For those of you who love disposables, I also am adoring the Schick Hydro Silk Disposables with five Curve Sensing Blades plus skin guards. They say it is the highest performing disposable razor out there.

Neutrogena Beach Defense SPF 70 Lotion has all you can ask for if you are headed for a marathon day at the beach: broad spectrum UVA-UVB protection, lightweight, fast absorbing, oil-free and water resistant for 80 minutes. But here’s the bonus: it smells like pina coladas. Winner!

Wet n Wild MegaLast Lip Color Bare It All is another winner from my drugstore beauty guru, Jessica. It is a long-wearing lipstick that doesn’t feel like it. The smooth formula glides on and has a semi-matte finish. Hyaluronic Microspheres helps color adhere while natural marine plant extracts Coenzyme Q10 and Vitamins A & E help smooth lips. Not to mention – this is a fabulous nude. AND it is under $2.

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.

What’s In His Shower

All these beauty products aren’t just for ladies. Today, I am taking a peek into his shower to let you know what he’s loving lately.

L’Oreal EverStrong Thickening Shampoo

This drugstore shampoo isn’t specifically for men, but the rosemary scent and strengthening action makes it perfect for a guy facing thinning hair. The formula works to strength fibers and prevent breakage. It also is great for the scalp, gently removing build up of excess oils and environmental pollutants.

Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Buffing Beads For Face and Body

This gentle exfoliator can be used for both the face and body – men love a good multi-tasker! The formula works with both jojoba beads and active ingredients like glycolic acid complex and salicylic acid. Not only will skin look better and smoother, but can also smooth the look of fine lines.

Anthony Logistics For Men Invigorating Rush Hair + Body Wash

I’m loving the alpine wood scent of this body wash. And again, a great multi-tasker – you can use this body wash as a shampoo. The invigorating effect is perfect for the guys who love a good workout or get down and dirty for work or fun.

Elemis Time for Men Energizing Skin Scrub

My tester specifically like this polisher because of its fine granules. It resurfaces, brightens and cleanses. It is particularly helpful in preventing ingrown hairs and blemishes when used pre-shave. The vitamin E base nourishes skin.

Kate Somerville Micro Glycolic Polisher

Again, not a product specifically for men, but certainly a crowd pleaser for the guys. My tester raves about this stuff. While I use this mixed with my moisturizer for an exfoliating treatment, the guy uses this as a spot treatment for ingrown hairs and patches of thicker skin. The glycolic and lactic acid promote cell turnover and blue lotus works as an anti-inflammatory.

If you are interested in more men’s goodies, check out this page.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE WAS 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.

Top Five for May

I’m loving all this silky, healing goodness for the start of the spring. While I am whipping my body into shape for some swimwear, I am also working on my skin and hair, wanting it hydrated and still natural looking. So for you today: a little top five round up of what is rocking my world lately.

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula with Vitamin E Skin Therapy Oil is from one of those iconic drugstore brands but totally revamped to make me fall in love all over again. This oil helps improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks or just regular ole dry skin. My uneven and ultra-dry legs have been loving this stuff right out of the shower. The Rapidermal® Absorption Systeme® means just a short wait before you can throw on clothes. Also know this can be used on the face or as a bath oil. Made in USA.

Flower Face the World Tinted Moisturizer is part of Drew Barrymore’s new makeup line exclusively at Wal-Mart. I was tripping over myself to try out the collection, particularly when I heard how it performs luxe at drugstore prices. The tinted moisturizer, available in 11 shades, is a light-coverage, luminous cream. It hides perfections and smooths with out cakey heaviness. Even my dry skin gets plenty of moisture. I can honestly say I have been reaching exclusively for this as my BB Cream/Foundation/Tinted Moisturizer since it landed in my hot little hands.

Tracie Martyn Amla Purifying Cleanser, another gem from Net-a-Porter’s new beauty section, is a ultra-high quality foaming cleanser. The A-list isn’t shy about signing the praises of this cleanser. It gently exfoliates and prevents breakouts while aromatherapy works to relax and recharge. Its namesake ayurvedic anti-aging Amla Extract is rich in Vitamin C while Hawaiian Green Papaya enzymes exfoliate.

POE Pumpkin Perfecter Enzyme Mask might smell very fall but those active pumpkin enzymes are perfect to embrace all year round. The anti-oxidant rich pure pumpkin promotes cellular turnover. The gentle formula would work for more sensitive skin types and can be used up to three times a week.

L’Oreal Advanced Haircare Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm promises to repairs a year of damage in one use – sign me UP! Even though I don’t chemically treat my hair, I have seen some more damage around the ends over the past year. The luxurious balm works to instantly improve the appearance of split ends, rough ends, weakness and dullness. After one use my hair was silkier and shiner. One of the biggest bonuses? My hair wasn’t weighted down. It was still bouncy and full.

Best Body Oils

I fell hard for body oils when I came across my beloved Tocca Dry Body Oil. Alas, it is long gone – how could they do that to meeee??? RIP. Ever since, I’ve been digging through every body oil I come across in the search of something perfect. While none quite live up to my beloved Tocca, these five come pretty close and are outstanding in their own way.

Omorovizca Gold Shimmer Oil:

This oil gives instant shimmer while sending skin care ingredients to work, improving the look of your skin over the long term. Gold acts as an anti-inflammatory and can repair damage caused by aging and the sun. Apricot Kernal and Carrot Oil provide a dose of Vitamin A. Vitamin E boosts collagen and works as an antioxidant. And Calendula heals and repairs. The tiny flecks of gold add a subtle glow – after application run your hands through your hair for a bit of glimmer there as well.

Note: Now through Sunday, May 5th is Neiman Marcus Scent Event so great excuse to pick up this oil and get a tote chock full of samples.

Ila Body Oil for Vital Energy:

I consider this a therapeutic oil. If I am down in the dumps or pretty sore from a workout, I turn to this blend of Argan Oil, Rosehip Seed and Juniper Berry. The herbal scents are pretty strong, so this wouldn’t be my choice before a black tie event (and certainly not before a date!). But the formula works to drain the lymphatic system and improve circulation boosting overall well being. Organic and hand-blended in the Cotswolds, England.

Johnson’s Baby Oil:

Sometimes there is nothing like an old classic. I add a splash to my bath and end up coming out with a perfect silky hydration. The gel formula also works great in the shower and comes in a Cocoa Butter formula – perfect for summer. And a little trick, I like pouring a little around the edges of the tub to prevent hairs from a shave sticking to the walls.

Caudalie Divine Oil:

This stuff smells most like my beloved Tocca and its spray dispenser makes it easy to measure out reasonable doses. The vegetable oil blend is quite the multi-tasker, perfect for in the bath, right out of the shower, on hair or even nails. The fragrance Moroccan rose, Bulgarian rose, grapefruit, pink pepper, cedar, vanilla and white musk can also be a treat during a massage.

Tata Harper Revitalizing Body Oil:

This is for you guys looking for something organic. But that isn’t all. This beautifully crafted oil includes 14 natural ingredients and is made at a farm in Vermont. The formula quickly absorbs and instantly turns skin supple and healthy. Frankincense and Arnica work to reduce puffiness. Alfalfa Extract and soothing Calendula energize skin, leaving it more radiant.

GO SMiLE 6 Day Double Action Whitening System – GIVEAWAY

Time to face the music… my teeth were needing a little whitening loving care. Just in time, I had the newest from GO SmiLE cross my desk and I dove in immediately. GO SMiLE’s new 6 Day Double Action Whitening System has a improved version of their patented Ampoule Technology™ delivery system paired with a “double action” whitening system.

I’m totally a gadget nerd, so I loved this delivery system. Each ampoule contains two capsules sleeved with a protective cardboard. You break the inner capsules with a little pinch and the liquid formulas mix and activate. The product comes out on a cotton-like applicator. Just rub across your teeth and wait to eat or drink for 20 minutes. Easy peasy.

I am on day four of the 6 day whitening system and I can report visible results and zero sensitivity. My teeth look whiter and brighter. The new “double action” whitening system is ideal for those with long-term staining habits such as smoking or drinking coffee or those whose teeth have not responded to other whitening products. I’d also suggest this system for first-time whiteners as well – it is gentle and super easy to use.

Now the best part: starting today, GO SMiLE is having quite the giveaway over on Facebook. The grand prize includes an iPad2! Make sure to click over and enter to win your very own kit for whiter teeth.

21 Drops Headache Essential Oil Rollerball

I have a good friend who suffers from headaches constantly. What a pain would that be? So when this essential oil blend crossed my desk, I knew he’d be the perfect person to try it out. When you just don’t want to pop Advil constantly, this rollerball can work to stimulate proper blood flow and give some natural relief. Rosewood Wood Oil, Lavender Flower Oil, Peppermint Leaf Oil work to soothe, calm and revive. And feel free to use with abandon – instructions say “use frequently”. My friend reports it really does heal a headache. And that it is perfect for on the go in the car, bedside table or first aid kit. Just watch out for cold nights – my tester had a frozen bottle after leaving it in the car on a cold night last week.