Tag: body oil

Brand Spotlight: basq skin care

Even though I am not a mom, I can appreciate a brand grown out of skincare for expecting and new moms. Brands like this put my mind at ease knowing that they are gentle and free of harmful ingredients. All basq products are chemical, paraben and phthalate free and not tested on animals. And note that all basq products are rigorously tested for no skin allergy and irritancy. Not to mention they are backed by some major celebrity fans including Heidi Klum, Molly Simms, Jamie Lynn Sigler and Poppy Montgomery.

As the brand evolved, their products expanded to appeal to women in all their stages from pregnancy to weight loss to mature skin. The premise is keeping skin looking polished and young. While I haven’t tried the skincare, I have had a chance to check out some of their goodies for the bod. While gentle, they also are infused with aromatherapy. Ingredients include nutrient rich oils and plant extracts to strengthen and rebuild skin.

One of their most popular product lines is focused on treating stretch marks ranging from prevention to repair. The two products I have been testing out are part of this group. First, Citrus Sugar Body Polish is known as the first step in fighting a repairing stretch marks. Exfoliation literally pushes damaged skin up and out. The gentle sugar granules remove dull, dry skin and reveal renewed skin underneath. Essential oils like Rosehip, Grapeseed, Wheat Germ and Hazelnut work to nourish and improve skin, leaving it hyrdated and radiant.

The citrus scent – Neroli (Orange Blossom) – is fairly mild and the exfoliation action works well with my redness-prone and sensitive skin, probably thanks to the oils. Skin is left prepped for other treatments, particularly the rich moisturizers I am using in this frigid and dry weather. The basq Resilient Body Toning & Hydrating Oil has been high in the recent rotation. Touted as even more effective than lotions, this stuff is packed with oils much like the scrub: Hazelnut, Sweet Almond, Wheat Germ, Grapeseed, Rosehip, and Eucalyptus oils, along with Vitamin E.

These oils and vitamin E can strength skin in ways that lotions can’t. They protect skin while it is stretching during pregnancy, preventing marks. And even those who aren’t will love the amped up hydration that I have come to love. My main peeve with oils is sometimes they can leave skin greasy. Not this one… it absorbs easily and there is no sticky residue you can so often find with creams and lotions.

Available at BeautyBridge.com and basqnyc.com. Right now at BeautyBridge.com, get a FREE basq Citrus Sugar Exfoliating Body Polish 4 oz. with $75 or more of basq Purchase.

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.

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide on FOX 23’s Great Day Green Country

Despite my bit of a curmudgeon attitude, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. And honestly, these little gems have me cheered up. I guess this post might be more geared for the guys, but I am all for a “to me, from me” gift next week if you are single or taken. From scents to decadence, these all will thrill anyone on your shopping list:

Brand Spotlight: BeautyCounter

You might have noticed some Beautycounter goodies sprinkled through recent posts (here and here). This unique brand really swept me off my feet. And not just because their products are beautiful. But also because of what Beautycounter is all about. If there is a major trend in beauty these days, it has to be an interest in ingredients and the safety of products we use on our face and body.

Moroccanoil Pure Argan and Dry Body Oil

All sorts of good things are coming out from Moroccanoil these days. Remember this post featuring new goodies for fine hair? I remember first hearing the buzz that they were also launching body care items and I knew instantly it would be a hit. Body care and Argan oil have always been a match made in heaven. And Moroccanoil’s formulations are spot on in texture, scent and absorption.

Indie Lee Vanilla Citrus Moisturizing Oil

Indie Lee went through a terrifying experience to inspire her all-natural and sophisticated skin care line. Suffering from headaches and change in vision, she underwent an MRI and discovered a life-threatening brain tumor. The tumor was successfully removed, but they discovered it was caused by enviromental toxins.

Motivated by the impact of what we put into our bodies, Indie developed natural alternatives to combat our main skin care concerns. Relaunched in April of this year, her products and packaging are sophisticated, sleek and modern. Plus, full of all that good stuff so you can feel guilt-free about slathering it on.

While I haven’t tried the skin care – hope to soon! – I have tried their body oil. You know I am a sucker for any body oil. This goes above and beyond, also suited for face and hair. The formula isn’t greasy so I can see all skin types loving it. The vanilla and sweet orange scent is very subtle, but pleasant. I love that it won’t interfere with my favorite fall fragrance.

The oil is made from four simple ingredients: Simmondsia Chinensis (jojoba) Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (apricot) Oil, Vanilla Planifolia (vanilla), Citrus Aurantium Sinensis (sweet orange). Just a very small amount goes a long way. Apply 2 to 4 drops of oil to hands and rub palms together to warm. Massage gently over face or body until skin feels hydrated. For best results, apply to damp skin after bathing to seal in moisture.

Available at IndieLee.com, Urban Outfitters, and Dermstore.com.

Emily and Tony’s Aromatherapy Massage Candle in Fougere

File this under “sexy”. I’ve been burning Emily and Tony’s Aromatherapy Massage Candle in Fougere the last couple of weeks and happily enjoying it while feeling a little bit naughty. While some could say this is designed to be used with a significant other, I’ve had a blast using it all by my lonesome.

First, the scent is right up my alley. Top notes of licorice and cardamom are layered with mid notes of cedar, vetiver, patchouli, amber and nutmeg. Base notes are vanilla bourbon and licorice. A little spicy, a little woodsy and a little gourmand. Perfect.

What makes this candle special is that you can scoop out the melted oils and use to moisturize. I also tried pouring it into my hands but that got a little messy. It applies like a body oil and seriously heals and nourishes my skin. I’ve been using it at night and the sultry scent is pleasant to fall alseep to. My skin is radiant (and smells amazing) in the morning.

Burns up to 50 hours. Also available in Coco and Creme de Vanille. Buy yours at emilyandtony.com.