Category: bath and body

Xen-Tan® ‘Deep Bronze Luxe’ Premium Sunless Tan

Okay. I’ve made my point. I am over my pale skin. I need a shot of color desperately. I remembered my self-tanner from last summer and rescued it from under the sink this weekend.  I had forgotten how lovely the color is from Xen-Tan ‘Deep Bronze Luxe’. Over night, my legs and arms were gently tanned – not too brown and not too orange – a pretty olive undertone. There was zero streaking. The color of the tanner out of the tube can be a little shocking – a dark muddy green. But it blends in sheer.  And I actually like the fact there is some color to the cream because you are aware of where it is applied. It also contains shea butter, Vitamin E, green tea and antioxidants to smooth and hydrate.  And for the more adventurous of you, I also use this on my face. Downside: my foundation no longer matches. Upside: I don’t really feel like I need foundation! But here is the most important thing: make sure you get a tube with “Fresh Vanilla Scent”. It is really subtle and quite lovely.  I have another tube of the same tanner without the scent and it smells terrible. Happy Tanning!

AHAVA Dermud Enriched Intensive Foot Cream

Once again, my beloved @birchbox has addicted me to a product. Now, I never was a “foot cream” person.  But when I started my company, I cut back on my weekly (yes, weekly) mani/pedi.  And my feet noticed.  Some tender, loving care was in order.  Now that I have added the AHAVA Dermud Enriched Intensive Foot Cream to my nightly routine, my feet look (and actually feel) much better.  According to Birchbox, the cream contains a mineral complex and Dead Sea mud to cure rough and callused soles.  The scent is a bit strong, and not 100% floral, but actually quite pleasing.  And it doesn’t stick around.  I have started wearing socks, however unattractive, after application.  And I do think it is absorbed even better.  My feet will never be pretty, but at least I can wear my new flat Prada sandals without embarrassment now.



NARS Cosmetics Monoï Body Glow II

Since I am fully embracing my pale skin, I haven’t even really gotten into self tanners this summer.  But I do crave that summer scent.  I am so happy NARS came out with a version of their Monoï Body Glow without tint.  Honestly, I was afraid I would be too clumsy with the original, dark tan version and get it everywhere, so version II with just oil at least minimizes the impact of my klutziness.  The effect is stunning – truly a glow that is only slightly fragrant.  You won’t need perfume if you use this oil at the end or right after your shower. The fragrance is neither coconut or vanilla, but stems from the Tiare flower (Tahitian gardenia).  It doesn’t have an overly floral note.  So charming that in each bottle is an original Tiare flower.  The downside is it lacks a dispenser, so be careful when you are pouring.  I like to do it right after I finish my shower and pour a bit on each arm and leg and rub in.

CleanWell Foaming Hand Soap

After a very dry winter, my hands were becoming parched.  And my normal hand soap wasn’t helping the situation.  A friend recommended the CleanWell soap because it is Triclosan-free, making it less drying.  The formula is also safe for sensitive skin and certified cruelty-free, which is always a bonus in my book.  I got the Hand Soap Pack so I could try out all the scents. 

  • Ginger bergamot
  • Lavender absolute
  • Orange vanilla
  • Spearmint lime (which I was surprised to find was my favorite)

I ordered mine online (http://shop.cleanwelltoday.com) but they are also available at Target, Whole Foods, Amazon and drugstore.com. I actually look forward to washing my hands now.  The scent isn’t heavy but does remain on your hands.  The foam makes a thorough wash really easy.

Yes To Carrots Hand & Elbow Cream

Since it is freezing basically everywhere in the country, I am generously sharing my dry skin solution.  My skin gets super dry when the heater comes on – I know… join the club. I used to be devoted to drugstore Lubriderm, but recently stumbled on Yes To Carrots’ Hand and Elbow Cream.  In my defense, I was in the market for a hand cream and I have always loved this brand.  But here is the real secret, I don’t just use it on my hands and elbows – it has become my everyday body lotion too!  I love the consistency, it is easy to rub in, and doesn’t leave a cloying smell.  

Philosophy The Cocktail Party

I was thinking the fruity and tropical cocktail smell would give me a break from the winter, at least in the shower.  I dove in with high hopes but was overwhelmed with a heavy, sticky and sweet smell.  Ironically, none of the smell stayed on my skin after my shower.  All that overwhelming odor for nothing!  Overall, I like philosophy products, but I think I will stick to one of their more begnin scents, like Grace.