Tag: body lotion

Bliss Raspberry Champagne Body Butter

I had crowned Bliss Blood Orange and White Pepper as my favorite bliss fragrance (adore the Bliss Blood Orange and White Pepper Scrub). But there is a new scent in town. The limited edition, limited quantity Raspberry Champagne Body Butter is perfectly festive, fresh and cheerful.

I’m not sure what makes this champagne scented – but it definitely conjures daydreams of the bubbly. Perhaps it is a slightly grape flavor, but the leading lady is the rasbperry. Like bliss’ other body butters, this rich lotion is massively hydrating and leaves a subtle glow (there is no shimmer but I look more luminous). You can use this after a shower or bath, but I can stop slathering it on every time I walk by as it sits on my counter. This vividly scented body lotion definitely says “cheers!”

Shop here for Raspberry Champagne Body Butter and my other bliss favorites:

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.

NEST Fragrances Personal Care Products

I’m pretty sure I’ve actually uttered the words “I wish I could just bathe in this candle”. Well, NEST Fragrances heard me! They recently launched Body Washes and Body Creams from some of their most iconic scents: Bamboo, Grapefruit, Moroccan Amber, Moss & Mint, Orange Blossom and Wasabi Pear. I am most thrilled with the authentic replication of the fragrance. They didn’t alter or adapt the fragrance, so if you love Grapefruit, that is absolutely what you will get when you pick up the Grapefruit body cream or wash.

Just like all their products, NEST has fashionable packaging down. I love the way these products look in my shower or by my bed. The body wash formula is impressive. It doesn’t strip moisture, is gentle on my sensitive skin and actually conditions. Aloe vera gel soothes and silk proteins provide moisture balance. Coconut, corn and oat-derived cleansers get the job done without irritation. There is nothing better than waking up with Grapefruit in the shower.

The body cream is luxurious and rich. You can expect long-term, lush moisturizing. Shea butter, French plum oil, grape seed oil and jojoba provide nourishment. The cream also contains aloe vera to soothe. They even threw in vitamins to condition and protect. My favorite scent, Moroccan Amber is perfect at bedtime with its cozy and calming notes. These are both now available on NeimanMarcus.com. Free shipping with code JULYFS.

Sisley-Paris Sisleya Firming Body Care

Sisley-Paris has recently added to their exceptional skin care line to include body care. Perfect timing – summer times makes most of us (I think) more aware of aging and flaws below the neckline. The formula uses 19 plant-based active ingredients to combat slackening, cellulite, fine lines and dehydration. The effect is a cool tightening but not uncomfortable. The finish is silky but not matte and definitely hydrated. And while Sisley-Paris Sisleya Firming Body Care is a treatment, it certainly works as a moisturizer as well. I’m keeping it by my bed to use every night on my décolleté, stomach and upper legs. But I also like it right before a night out.

I feel I should delve into some of the technology behind this concentrate. It is a serious powerhouse product with scientific goods to back it up.

Skin slackening is caused by action on three major players of firmness: Elastin, Collagen and Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Dill seed extract boots elastin function. Extracts of Alkekengi Calyx and Soya boost the production of collagen fibers. Extract of Padina pavonica stimulates the synthesis of Glycosaminoglycans. These actions help long-term appearance of the skin.

The formula’s major active ingredient is extract of Spirulina, a blue microalgae rich in trace elements and minerals – calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc – vitamins and amino acids, which helps revitalize skin. Caffeine helps slenderize. And Vegetable Glycerine, Plum and Andiroba Oils along with Shea Butter help in hydration.

Oat extract forms the natural feeling elastic mesh on the skin’s surface, hence the instant smoothing and contouring action. Rhattany also helps tighten with astringent properties.

The scent is subtle and clean. Essential oils of Lavender and Marjoram provide calming and balancing properties, although I can’t strongly detect either. I enjoy that the overall effect won’t interfere with any fragrance, and still works great before bed. If you’re like me, I’m not up for any strong scents right before sleep.

Overall, this product really impresses me with efficacy and quality ingredients. While it is an investment, I think you can expect to see results and it is a pleasure to use. Not to mention, the packaging is beautiful.

Beach Body Summer Picks

Here’s a round-up of some of my favorite skin-savers I have found this summer:

1. Bliss Blood Orange+White Pepper Soapy Suds: I love a good lather (especially after a hot day), and bliss does it right. But at the same time, it doesn’t dry out your skin. They throw in aloe and vitamin E so soften your skin. I love this for a spicy bath, but it also works great in the shower. And the scent can’t be beat.

2. VI Derm Exfoliating Body Wash with 15% Glycolic and Body Lotion with 15% Glycolic: Those nasty red bumps on my arms and legs are never pleasant. But they are especially bothersome in the summer with tanks, swimsuits and shorts de rigueur. I used KP Duty this winter with some success, but my new favorite weapon against Keratosis Pilaris (50% of Americans have it) is glycolic in the form of body wash and lotion from VI Medical. The citrus scent is delightful and this stuff works wonders. Be careful – glycolic can make you more sensitive to the sun’s harmful rays.

3. AHAVA Mineral Suncare Sun Protection Anti-Aging Moisturizer, SPF 50: You have already heard me go on and on about quality sun care protection and how necessary it is. So I won’t repeat here. But what I also love about this sunscreen is the addition of minerals, vitamins and moisturizing agents. It takes the anti-aging mission a step further and makes my skin look better.

4. Giovanni Cool Mint Lemon Salt Scrub with Crushed Mint Leaves: This vegetarian scrub is like magic. Not only does it smooth, soothe and regenerate skin in the shower. It continues to cool skin long after you have dried off. This has to be an all time summer MVP, especially during these triple digit days down here in Oklahoma.

5. SKIN SO SOFT Bug Guard Plus Picaridin Towelettes: Bugs hate me and I hate them. Not only do they love to bite me, but I tend to have the most unattractive reaction with itchiness and red bumps. This travel-safe repellant has been my savior. It is completely effective, doesn’t smell obnoxious and keeps those suckers (literally) away.

Willa Natural Skincare

Willa Natural Skincare is designed specifically for pre-teen and teenaged skin, but don’t think about stop reading if you don’t fall into those categories. Because, Willa makes some products that I find compelling and fabulous for my more mature and drier skin. And I am not alone – beauty editors from Lucky, Refinery 29 and Daily Candy agree.

Willa, a pre-teen herself, and her mother have been working for over three years to develop the line. Willa perceptively asked why she has to use her little sister’s “babyish” soap one evening. After an unsuccessful search for an age-appropriate alternative, Willa Natural Skincare was born. Willa’s mother, Christy Prunier, knew developing an early routine to prevent acne and sun damage was crucial.

The packaging is adorable – feminine and fun without being juvenile. I applaud the various SPF products. The color collection is so age appropriate but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to wear it all myself! Perfect subtle color for hot summer days. Some of my personal favorites from the line (all under $11):

be brillant natural body lotion contains aloe and chamomile, healing my skin without being tacky or sticky. It absorbs super fast and has a clean, refreshing scent.
start fresh foaming face wash has that voluminous, airy foam that makes my skin feel so very clean. But it is gentle, preventing the tight and dry feel. It contains anti-oxidant green tea leaf extract and hydrating Glycerin.
smile shine lip gloss is super moisturizing, packed with vitamins C & E, giving lips a sheer ultra-shine. I love the clever clip… no more searching a huge handbag when in desperate need of lip hydration.

The whole line has a conscious formula: Paraben and sulfate free, DEA and phthalate free and Not tested on animals. Made in the USA. Willa Natural Skincare is available at Target.