Category: bath and body

Stephanie Johnson Traveler

When it comes to makeup bags, there is absolutely a gold standard. And that gold standard is the Stephanie Johnson Traveler. This tidy case always works perfectly to store and access makeup easily while I am on the road. Especially important are the two snap-out mesh pouches that allow me to organize but also spread out in those luxurious hotel bathrooms (okay, they usually aren’t luxurious, but I can dream, right?).

Stephanie Johnson has has a long passion for printed fabrics and her collection is full with unique, travel inspired designs and colors. I chose Cannes with gold and ivory but I also love the palm beach turquoise. She launched her company in 2000 and quickly became a cult favorite with her compartmentalized design and chic details (such as zipper pulls made with Turkish silk knots). This is an investment piece you can build upon to make a collection as your travels pile up.

HANAair Professional Hair Dryer

I am guilty. Guilty of using what I now know is an inferior hair dryer for years. I received the HANAair Professional Hair Dryer from Misikko last month and, admittedly, I wasn’t sure I would be willing to quit my beloved Chi. The Hana was heavier and had more settings than I was used to. But then, I turned it on and my whole hair drying world changed.

My drying time is literally cut in half. The super powered AC motor in this thing is STRONG. I think, despite the low noise claims, it is fairly loud (but I don’t mind with this kind of performance). Even when I have it on my now preferred lower heat level, my very long hair dries in minutes. I don’t notice drastically shiner hair, but I like knowing that the tourmaline lined ceramic heater is good for my locks.

The HANA Salon Air Hair Dryer Features:

  • Ion Technology- condition hair & reduces static electricity
  • Tourmaline & Titanium Oxide Technology- natural ions promote healthier hair
  • Silver Nanotechnology- for antibacterial Protection
  • Scratch Resistant Shell with black metallico finish adds durability and is easy to clean
  • Long life motor with low noise
  • Gyroscopically balanced for easy handling
  • Fiberglass concentrator

International Salves

My Belgian friend, Sarah and I joke about her being my intern. I am pretty sure she thinks I am kidding, but I am dead serious. She recently saved the day by tracking down a European drugstore offering that I was dying to get my hands on: Homéoplasmine.

Since I am the queen of dry, irritated (and red) skin, I am always game to try out something that provides relief for skin irritation. This European salve is made with plant extracts and an antiseptic to soothe. I have been using it on my forearms where I suffer from Keratosis pilaris (those nasty red bumps that also show up on the back of the upper arms). I also have used it on cuticles, scars, psoriasis, and even on my cheeks where I have a little redness.  No wonder this is (was) the best-kept beauty secret of countless professional estheticians and makeup artists.

The balm contains Calendula officinalis (pot marigold), a popular plant in Europe, that induces wound healing and helps relieve skin infection. It is an antiseptic and accelerates the cellular rejuvenation. Make sure you pick up a tube on your next visit to a Parisian pharmacy.

My other international gem isn’t quite as hard to find. Yu-be Moisturizing Skin Cream is available at Sephora. Yu-be was invented in 1957 by a Japanese pharmacist, and continues to be the top selling medicated skin cream in Japan today. The cream is glycerin based, with vitamin E, vitamin B2, and camphor (giving it a slightly medicinal smell). Glycerine is used in personal care products as a humectant to give smoothness and lubrication. It is an effective treatment for psoriasis, irritation, rashes, calluses and burns.

I have been putting Yu-be on my dry and callused feet before bed. After about 10 minutes in socks, my feet are soft and moisturized.  Cuticles are soft and the camphor has a cooling effect, but without an obnoxiously overwhelming odor.

Purusa Dream Extract

Let’s face it – sleep is an integral part of anyone’s beauty regimen. There is quite a difference between the face I put forward the days after a restful and a restless night’s sleep. So, I am game to try anything that will lull me into a a good solid, dream-filled sleep. One thing that has improved my quality of sleep is putting in place a routine that I follow every night before I hit the hay. And Purusa Dream Extract has been a welcome addition to the lineup. The Purusa Dream Extract contains Australian sandalwood, organic French Clary sage and Italian Bergamot – a minimal, tasteful scent made with essential oils. A little spray on the pillows gives a clean, relaxing feel that puts me in a restful mind frame.

Purusa Dream Extract is available at fine boutiques and online at www.sebastiansigns.com.

 

Omoroivza Queen of Hungary Mist

I’ve recognized some skin care products for sticking around for decades, but this is the first time I’ve encountered something that has passed the test for centuries. The original formula of Queen of Hungary Water was formulated for Queen Elisabeth of Hungary in the 14th century. It was the original “must have” in Europe, known all over the continent for centuries. Are you paying attention yet? Because this legend certainly had mine. And I can’t say I blame the Queen for reportedly having the original formula written in letters of gold. Yes, it is that good.

And I am no stranger to sprays or sprits. I use these products year-round: for extra moisture in the winter and a refreshing cool-down in the summer. So trust me when I say this one is special. It is part fragrance, but only in the sense that it effects your mood in the most lovely way. The Orange Blossom, Rose, and Sage Waters are uplifting, refreshing and soothing all at the same time. The updated formula contains no alcohol, allowing for tremendous skin care benefits.

The whole Omorovicza line utilizes Hungarian Thermal Water, full of minerals and trace elements that work wonders on the skin. In addition, the founders developed Omorovicza Pannon Complex that works to best deliver these beneficial ingredients. So, as your mood lifts, you are toning and hydrating the skin – probably why I have decanted this into smaller containers for the airplane.

Some of my other Omorovicza favorites include: Thermal Cleansing Balm, Gold Eye Lift and Gold Shimmer Oil.

 

 

Eve Echo Hand Soap and Hand Sanitizer

I truly admire those who use beauty for a charitable purpose. And Eve Echo is doing just that by selling deliciously scented hand soaps and hand sanitizers. Eve Echo is lending 100% of profits to FINCA, which, in turn, will offer low-interest loans to women to help them build businesses that create a path out of poverty. Natalie Portman is the FINCA spokeswoman and Eve Echo hopes to find “Eve Echo Ambassadors” who help get out the word. What a better way to make a difference than giving (or keeping for oneself) such stylish gifts.

I know I am already hooked. The products are cruelty-free, sulfate-free and triclosan-free (which translates into “doesn’t dry out skin”). I am a HUGE fan of the lavender vanilla hand sanitizer. The packaging is sleek and the sanitizer smells appealing, not antiseptic. The vanilla is more spicy and less cloying-sweet. It meets the TSA requirements and will certainly be travelling with me over the holidays and pretty much always.

My favorite hand soap has to be coconut butter, but pomegranate peppermint is feeling festive this time of year. Like I mentioned above, lavender vanilla is right up there at the top. Actually, out of the whole line, the only thing that isn’t my favorite is the grapefruit honey dew hand soap, but I am not much of a melon gal.

Eve Echo’s hand sanitizers retail for $8.00 for .41 fluid ounces (12 ml). Hand sanitizer refills are available in a two-pack for $10.00. The hand soaps retail for $14.00 for 8 fluid ounces (237ml).

Speaking of charity for beauty, don’t forget to checkout BeautyBloggers.org and our currently action benefiting Doctors Without Boarders. Auction ends 5 pm CST on Monday, December 12.