This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Sharon. Congrats!
I don’t get enough facials…or massages…or pedicures…or baths. As a working mom, I tend to go, go, go in an effort to take care of everyone but myself.
About a week ago, I had the perfect excuse to take a nice long bath. I received a lovely set of eco-friendly bath products from Castle Baths Spa Products. The company hand makes natural, vegan bath products with Certified Organic, Wild Crafted ingredients. The company’s unique and luxurious bath products include Dead Sea Salt Scrubs and Goats Milk Soaps. Of all the products I received, my favorite was the Lavender Vanilla Dead Sea Salt Scrub. In general, I like scrubs because they do a great job of exfoliating in a short amount of time. Their Dead Sea Salt Scrubs, which contain Certified Organic shea butter, and Organic oils, cleanse, exfoliate, and detoxify skin. They also moisturize, rather than dry your skin out and can even lighten age spots, fade stretch marks, and scars. The scrub has a lovely scent and isn’t oily like some scrubs.
Castle Baths Spa Products is known for their Herbal Salt Bath Teas, designed to soften your skin and refresh your body. Unfortunately, my son ripped it as we were taking it out of the box. But it (and all of the other products I received) smelled incredible. I would actually love to try their bath teas because they can be used to restore energy and may help with stress, anxiety, and insomnia (something this mom knows a bit about!).
The last product I received was some samples of their massage oils. Since I don’t get to the spa nearly as often as I’d like to, hubby is the designated masseuse. Usually it’s a quick 5 minute neck and shoulder massage while we’re relaxing on the couch. What’s nice is that they can also be used to hydrate and soothe dry, irritated skin.
Our massage oils are great for the skin so feel free to rub-in a dab of soothing massage oil anywhere your skin needs hydrating – or mind needs a relaxing moment. They smell lovely and don’t leave a oily, greasy residue.
If you’re looking to indulge in some eco-friendly bath and body products that are actually good for you, check out Castle Baths Spa Products..
Win It! One of you will win a Castle Baths Spa Products Gift Basket. Simply leave a comment with the item you’d like most from the site. Comments will close on August 14, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn. Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.
Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.
Earlier this month, I had an opportunity to check out Dermalogica’s skin care line. I’ve been using their products for almost a month, and I am impressed with how my skin looks and feels. The company recently debuted their new UltraCalming line designed to provide relief for sensitized skin. My initial question was, what is “sensitized” skin? I have sensitive skin…but are the two one in the same?
If I use the wrong products, I will “break out” or develop redness. Hence, for the longest time, I stuck to a very minimal skin care routine (cleansing and moisturizing). Itching, burning, stinging, and redness are the “signs” of sensitive skin. Genetics, hormones, stress, chemical assaults, foods, and skin care products can contribute and cause or amplify sensitization. UltraCalming works by “controlling neurogenic and immunogenic inflammatory pathways that lead to skin sensitivity.”
I visited Dermalogica to take their BioSensitivity Quiz and scored a 6. According to the site, my skin sensitivity is noticeable enough to cause discomfort, but manageable with Dermalogica’s targeted UltraCalming products. The UltraCalming line includes a cleanser, mist, masque, barrier repair, and serum concentrate, all designed to provide relief. Since my sensitivity is intermittent, these are products I could use on a regular basis, but would rather use some of their hydrating and AGE Smart products to keep my skin looking young and healthy.
While I was at their LA location, I received a complimentary microZone treatment. For $25, you can get one of six 20 minute targeted treatments which include flash exfoliation, eye rescue, lip renewal, blackhead relief, rapid spot clearing, and hand repair. After speaking with the therapist, we agreed that my skin would benefit from flash exfoliation. While 20 minutes doesn’t seem like it would be enough time for noticeable results, it was. My skin felt soft and hydrated. She also sent me home with some samples of products that will help my skin continue to look and feel as great as it did after the treatment. I walked out of Dermalogica with information on how to take care of my skin (not skin, in general) at home.
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Susan Smith. Congrats.
I’ve never really been great at keeping a skin care regimen. I can’t tell you how many skin care counters and day spas I’ve been to, all with different recommendations for my skin. While I have some dry areas and a few fine lines, my skin is relatively healthy. I’m at an age where what I do (or don’t do) to my skin matters. I’ve committed to at the very least, using moisturizer and sun screen every day. And with a little help from Dermalogica, I’m working to reduce and minimize those fine lines that have developed.
Because I have sensitive skin, I’m usually hesitant to try skin care products. I receive numerous opportunities to try products designed to treat or prevent the signs of aging…most of which I politely turn down. However, when a company like Dermalogica gets raving reviews from a friend of mine with extremely sensitive skin, I’m inclined to try their products.
There are a TON of skin care companies, all with products designed to make your skin look and feel great. Dermalogica is different (although they do want your skin to look and feel great). Dermalogica is the number one choice of skin care. The company is dedicated to “delivering skin health results through education, innovation, and professional recommendation.”
Why do I like Dermalogica? Their skin care line is “pure” and free from common skin irritants including lanolin, SD alcohol, mineral oil, artificial colors and fragrances. This is important as I have very sensitive skin and tend to break out easily. I also appreciate the fact that the company offers Speed Mapping, a personalized product prescription for skin health results. The company begins with the premise that each person’s skin has unique needs. The company offers a variety of skin care lines to address concerns like aging, dryness, sensitivity, and acne.
I went online to determine what my skin concerns were and what products Dermalogica recommended. Here are the results from my Speed Mapping:
And here are the products, recommended by Dermalogica:
I’ve been using their Skin Hydrating Booster, designed to moisturize, smooth, and minimize fine lines. The product resembles a gel and absorbs well into the skin without feeling greasy. The most noticeable result is that my skin feels moisturized, rather than the dry, tight feeling I’ve had for months since my daughter was born.
The other product I’ve been using is their MAP-15 Regenerator. This is an incredible product, unlike anything I’ve ever used on my skin. It’s designed to control the signs of aging, improve elasticity, and brighten skin. It resembles a powder but when applied to the skin, absorbs like a cream would. I really like the way my skin looks and feels after using it.
As you can imagine, there are a ton of products available for individual skin concerns. I’m just beginning to explore all they have to offer and am attempting to find a combination of products I can use on a regular basis.
The last part of my Speed Mapping involves professional recommendations.
The closest location is in Los Angeles and offers face mapping, microZone, skin treatments, and more.
For more information or to find the products that work best for your skin, visit Dermalogica.
Win It! One of you will win $35 skin kit, based on your skin type. Simply visit Dermalogica and take the online Speed Mapping skin analysis (takes seconds…). Then leave a comment with your results (something short is perfectly fine). Comments will close July 20th, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST. US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn. Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.
Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.
Last week my incredible husband took care of BOTH kids while I stole away for a few hours of pampering and relaxation. Pamper Me Fabulous was…well…FABULOUS! I only heard of the event last minute and my number one suggestion for next year is to buy VIP tickets early because they sell out.
Pamper Me Fabulous has now become a yearly health & wellness event for women, by women, and about women…
Um…somebody stole my camera…what’s he doing here?
So what sort of pampering can you expect at this event?
Most people I encounter don’t believe I’m in my 30′s. But if you look closely, you’ll see lines on my forehead that reveal my real age. I’ve never thought about correcting them because I’d rather be the one administering injections. While I was at the event, I had an opportunity to get a collagen mask from Dr. Susanne Bennett, founder and CEO of Purigenix. Dr. Bennett developed PurGlo, the only collagen product on the market that penetrates the skin without needles or injections. I honestly had no idea what to expect. I read just a bit about the product before attending the event and learned that collagen can diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, increase the elasticity of the skin, smooth out uneven skin textures, minimize the size of pores, and reduce the appearance of acne scars and skin discoloration. Apart from the fine wrinkles on my forehead, I’d love to correct the bags under my eyes from weeksmonthsyears of sleep deprivation and the mild discoloration from teen acne. So…I spent about 30 minutes with a mask on my face. Here are some pictures (they’re all after the mask has been removed):
The most immediate result was that my skin felt extremely hydrated. After I had my daughter, I felt like all the moisture had been drained from my skin. In particular, my forehead has been very dry. Couple that with the fact that we live in Southern California in desert-like conditions and the result is severely dehydrated, dry, skin. The mask is cold and wet (and needs to stay wet during the application process) and hence very soothing to the skin. And according to Dr. Bennett, it takes about 4 weeks to realize results. You can then taper the regimen to your skin needs.
The site is very comprehensive and details how PurGlo works and how to apply it.
So…did I entice you to check out Pamper Me Fabulous next year? Check out my Whrrl of the event:
If you’re going to be in LA this weekend, do check out what looks to be an amazing pampering event by women for women! Pamper Me Fabulous is THE spa, beauty, shopping, eating, relaxing event of the year. More than 10 top-notch spas and beauty companies from Los Angeles and Southern California will be offering Pamper Me Fabulous guests mini spa & beauty treatments including purglo collagen masks by Dr. Susanne Bennett, brow shaping with Romãn Salon, hand massages from Bliss Spa, and facials from Lierac Paris. Plus, guests will enjoy free-flowing drinks and attend pro-led breakouts covering topics from beauty to health & wellness at the expert corner. The Fabulous Finds Bazaar will allow women to participate in some “retail therapy,” and all attendees will get a swag bag filled with beauty and other fabulous goodies. Here are the details:
Enjoy and sample two mini services – massages, manicures, facials, lash extensions, hair styling and cuts from the best spa and beauty salons*
Discover and experience new beauty and luxe must-have products
Attend pro-led breakouts covering topics from beauty to health & wellness at the EXPERT CORNER
Get some retail therapy in the Fabulous Finds Bazaar
Enjoy free flowing drinks and dessert stations
Gourmet culinary bites*
Raffle with the chance to win fabulous prizes
Swag bag to brag about
Most importantly, a good time out with girlfriends/family/colleagues!
* VIP Ticket Holders only
**Please note that General ticket holders will NOT have the option to purchase treatments, but will have access to the bazaar, expert corner and lounges!
The best news is that 10 percent of each ticket purchased will go to Step Up Women’s Network, a national network of women dedicated to strengthening community resources for women and girls.
I did not receive compensation for this post other than a ticket to the event.
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Lina. Congrats!
This post was previously written and republished.
Up until Christmas Eve, my beauty regimen consisted of washing my face with soap and water. (period) But that wasn’t always my routine. When I was single I spent a lot of time buying and using the proper skin care products so that I would age “gracefully.” I enjoyed facials and made sure I found time for masks and exfoliation. Somewhere between “I do” and “It’s a boy” I found it difficult to get in a shower, let alone a 45 minute skin care regimen. I can’t believe I’m saying this but I often go to bed without removing my makeup. And that sometimes results in breakouts even a teenager would shudder at.
What if I told you that you could achieve healthier, smoother skin in just sixty seconds a day? I recently had the opportunity to test out the Clarisonic Skin Care System. I cannot imagine NOT having this system now that I’ve been using it every day for two weeks now.
What is it? Clarisonic is an innovative new product that is revolutionizing the definition of clean, healthy skin. Developed by the creators of Sonicare, Clarisonic Skin Care System is the first oscillating face brush that deep cleanses, stimulates, and clarifies skin. The brush creates over 300 movements per second (wow!) to elicit a gentle sonic micro-massage action which help to loosen sebum and dirt. It works with the skin’s natural elasticity to unclog pores for deeper cleansing without stripping the skin. Clarisonic cleans your skin so thoroughly that it actually helps prepare your skin to absorb other skin care products like moisturizers.
How does it work? Before you begin using the system, it must be charged 24 hours. But…you only have to recharge it after 30 uses (or 30 minutes), which is excellent. It is super easy to use and can even be used in the shower. Just wet your face (or whatever part of the body you’d like to use the system on), rub on the cleanser of your choice (it comes with three sample sizes of varying cleanser types), turn on the power button, and move the brush gently using small, circular motions. You can customize the settings on your system to achieve the best results for your skin type. The company also offers three different brush heads for varying skin types. It is recommended that you replace the brush head every 3-4 months.
Does it REALLY work? Studies have shown that Clarisonic cleanses twice as effectively and removes makeup six times more effectively than your daily soap and washcloth routine. Some of the other benefits include healthier skin, fewer blemishes, fewer dry patches, decreased pore size, and softer skin. In just eight weeks you’ll notice an improvement (and a reduction) in the appearnace of fine lines and wrinkles.
My Thoughts: I have to admit that I was a tad bit nervous to use Clarisonic. Would it hurt? Would my skin be too sensitive? Not only is Clarisonic safe to use on all skin types, it’s so gentle that it can be used on a daily basis (twice a day if necessary). Even those who suffer from skin conditions such as acne, seborheic dermatitis, and rosacea can use Clarisonic. I have been using this every day and one of the very first things I noticed is that when I dry my face after using it, there is no makeup residue on the towel. My face feels a lot smoother and the pores on the bridge of my nose have gotten smaller (some have even disappeared). I also haven’t had as many breakouts. Every time I use it I feel like I’m getting a mini-facial.
The Clarisonic Skin Care System retails for $195 and can be purchased from the site or through retailers nationwide. If you purchase the system directly through the site, you’ll receive a free gift which includes a 0.5 ounce Daily Renewal Serum, travel bag, and headband AND you will receive free personalization (either a name or short message)
Win It! One of you will win a Clarisonic Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing System (ARV $149). Simply leave me a comment with one main difference between the MIA and the other Clarisonic units. Comments will close on December 1, 2009 at 10 pm PST. One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.
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This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Amanda. Congrats!
Last night we got back from being away for almost two weeks. It’s been quite a whirwind between the blog events I attended and then our family vacation without a break in between. I’ve barely had two seconds to process it all. Why is it that coming home from a vacation feels like I actually NEED a vacation? It’s not that it was stressful. It was just…busy.
I can’t wait to tell you all about General Mills. I have to quickly tell you that I’m a complete geek when it comes to museums. When I found out that we were having dinner at the Mill City Museum and would have some time to tour it, I was over the moon (that’s a British phrase in case you’re curious. I lived over there for almost a year so some things never leave ya)! Who would have guessed that the history of flour milling could be so interesting (I told you I’m a geek!)? The presentation has won several awards (it’s that good!). But back to the point of all of this.
From Minneapolis, we headed to the South where my husband’s family lives. We spent time in Alabama (I could tell you the name of the city but you would never even know how to find it), Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina. See? A whirlwind. We got a little taste of everything (oh…and the food wasn’t bad either). My husband made sure that I was able to have tea with my mother-in-law in Savannah and scheduled a massage in Charleston. So I guess I did relax just a bit.
Traveling is always a bit stressful. I’m not a huge fan of flying (don’t ask me why…it has to do with control…or shall I say LACK of control), hotels tend to be mediocre (except for the gorgeous min-suite in Savannah and the hotel on the beach in Charleston), the food, being that I’m highly picky and pregnant (bad combination), is always hit and miss, and I don’t enjoy living out of a suitcase. I’m not the carefree type that makes do with what she’s left behind. So I packed carefully this time, knowing I’d be gone for nearly 2 weeks. If you can believe it, I fit two weeks of my life into a small, carry-on suitcase. Now that, my friends, takes skill (thank you Jason). Whenever I pack for a long trip, I try to focus only on the essentials. What can I do without? is a question I ask myself all of the time. One of the things that made my cosmetic routine beyond easy was a Solavie Desert Hair Care duo pack I received to review. This eco-friendly line of hair and skin care products was designed to simplify your regimen. It “addresses the body’s response to nature and the conditions within different environments” as opposed to skin type (interesting).
I live in California, which is pretty much the desert, so it was only fitting that I should try that line. The Desert Hair Duo Pack includes a combination hair/body wash and nourish/style product, which really equates to four products combined into 2 packages. Living in sunny California means I’m exposed to dry heat and gusty winds (Santa Ana’s anyone?) which means my hair and skin are predisposed to dehydration, irritation and stress. Can I add dryness and itchiness too? The goal of the Desert line is to draw moisture into the hair and skin and keep it there. As you may know, I have thick, curly hair that dries out easily. I used to highlight and straighten it a ton, but now that I’m pregnant and have a toddler, there is no time for that.
I found that the hair and body wash left my hair soft enough that I didn’t have to use the nourish/style in the shower (although you can). Instead, I used it afterward so I could comb through and style it. It basically left soft curls and there was none of the “crunchiness” that often comes with using gels and mousses. Oh, and it smells fabulous! To me, it smells like roses, which makes sense since the first ingredient in the product is Rose Oil. None of the ingredients are unrecognizable (hooray!) and overall I was satisfied with how my hair looked and felt after using both products.
Win It! One of you will win a Desert Hair Duo Pack from Solavie. Simply head on over to the site and take a look around. Come back here and leave me a comment with the type of environment you live in and which of the 6 you’d most benefit from. Comments will close on September 20, 2009 at 10 PM PST. One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.
Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.
Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.
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This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Lily K. Congrats!
Our summer series has primarily focused on helping your children have an active, enjoyable summer. However, I thought that some of you moms would appreciate some pampering (I know I would!). One of the things that always suffers in the summer is my skin. The sun, sand, and chlorine wreak havoc on my senstive skin so I’m always trying to find a way to moisturized and looking good.
Sothy’s, a luxury French skin care company, is introducing an affordable, relaxing way to experience spa-quality products. The Aroma-Sothy’s relaxation line features a three-step program designed to benefit the skin and the mind. Now I will say that while I have not tried the products, they sound simply divine! Here is a little more information about each product:
Seal and protect to keep your skin moist and glowing all summer long
Aroma-Sothys Massage Elixir: Massage your body with a cocktail of ginger, nutmeg, orange, marula, and mandarin essential oils. The elixir is sure to leave your skin with a satin-like gloss and perfume finish. ($38)
Win It! One of you will win the entire set! Simply head on over to Sothys and take a look around. Come back here and leave me a comment with your favorite product (besides the 3 mentioned above). Comments will close on June 18, 2009 at 10 PM PST. One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.
Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.
Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.
Add the “Spring In For Summer Fun” banner to your sidebar and leave me a comment (be sure to visit the main party post for more details on extra entries)
Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest. Be sure to use the hashtag #SummerEvent
We’ve been dealing with diaper rashes since my son was born. It’s been a frustrating endeavor trying to find out the cause for his chronic diaper rashes. We’ve tried every brand of wipes and diapers on the market (except for cloth) and have used more creams than I can keep track of. Apparently they weren’t effective enough to be memorable. We’ve even gone so far as to try and identify potential food allergies or sensitivities, to no avail. I’ve come to the conclusion that a combination of sensitive skin and the fact that his skin doesn’t like to be wet for any length of time results in frequent diaper rashes.
I’ve tried numerous creams, butters, pastes, and oils for my son’s diaper rashes. Most of them either don’t work at all, or only work temporarily. I recently had an opportunity to test out some products from TriDerma’s new baby care line. Here is a little more information from the site:
Triderma MD Baby skin care features our unique AP4 Genuine Virgin Organic Aloe complex which naturally has over 200 healing properties, healing botanicals, and other specific ingredients to provide healing for the toughest skin problems.
The first product I tested out was the Severe Diaper Rash Fast Healing Cream. The first thing I noticed about it was the texture and consistency. It is definitely more of a cream versus a paste (which I prefer). One of the things that bothers me about zinc oxide based creams is that they leave this pasty residue that becomes impossible to clean off skin. The skin absorbs the diaper cream well (unlike “pasty,” zinc oxide based creams) and it does not contain any fragrance. It leaves skin feeling soft and moisturized while working to provide a protective barrier against moisture. I started using it after my son had a rash but I’ve continued to use it as a protective mechanism against future rashes. With the initial use, it took about a week for the diaper rash to go away completely although I noticed an improvement after just a few uses. To give you an idea of how bad my son’s rashes can get, his skin was bleeding when we first started using this. I was a little concerned it would sting since his skin was so raw but I know it didn’t because he kept asking for more. By the end of that first day, while it was still red, it had stopped bleeding. The active ingredients are AP4 Aloe, Zinc, Beeswax, Dimethicone, Oat Protein, Shea Butter, and Allantonin, all of which are natural (I googled them all for you!).
The second product I tried was the All-Purpose Aloe Healing & Cleansing Gel. I always keep Aloe Vera handy for our hot, Southern California summers since my husband burns even when he uses sunscreen. This gel, designed specifically for babies, is actually a waterless skin cleanser and protectant in one product. It contains AP4 Genuine Virgin Organic Aloe and Allantoin and provides relief for irritated skin, cuts, scrapes, and burns. It’s definitely a diaper bag must-have, particularly when children start to become exploratory and mobile. I like to use it on my son’s cheeks which seem to get red and irritated with the wind, and under his chin where he drools when he’s teething. It has the same cool feeling you’ll find in aloe vera and leaves skin feeling moisturized (and not sticky like some gels). The gel is also fragrance-free.
TriDerma’s baby care line also includes the Extreme Itch & Dryness Fast Healing Cream, formulated for dry, irritated, itchy, chaffed skin. If your child has a skin condition like Eczema, this is a great alternative to steroid creams. I haven’t tried this product but I think if I had a child with a serious skin condition, I’d be willing to opt for a natural remedy first.
TriDerma’s baby care line is sold exclusively at Babies R Us and products retail for approximately $15.00. This would make a perfect shower gift for an expectant mom!
True Confession 101: I have beauty products in my bathroom that I never use. While most of you are probably nodding your head in agreement, my hope is that the products I do show you, are ones that don’t end up wasting shelf space and collecting dust underneath your sink. If you are looking for exclusive, top-of-the line cosmetics, be sure to check out the Los Angeles-based beauty boutique called The Beauty Closet. I don’t often blog about local (or somewhat local) stores and resources, but as my blog evolves, I plan to devote an entire section to those in the Los Angeles and Orange County vicinity.
The Beauty Closet was started by former makeup artist, magazine editor, and Makeup411.com Beauty Director Shannon Levy out of her love for products and extensive beauty expertise. Here is where you’ll find products by Paul & Joe Beauté, Scott Barnes, Kevyn Aucoin, Rosie Jane, Hourglass, Leaf & Rusher, and Beauty Blender. These hard-to-find products are ones you’ve likely seen in magazines and on celebrities. If you’ve ever walked into a department store, confused by the sheer number of beauty and skin care products that seem to repeat themselves over and over, from counter to counter, look no further. Shannon Levy has weeded out the good from the great and compiled them into one very chic boutique. Product offerings include cosmetics, fragrance, skincare, and accessories.
I recently tried The Brown Sugar Lip Scrub by Sara Happ and the What Comes From Within Beauty fragrance. My skin is generally dry which means I’m constantly moisturizing some part of my body. When my lips are dry, I usually just cover it up with lip gloss (although that never fixes the problem). Now I have exfoliated many areas of my body since it helps remove dry, flaky skin…my face…my legs…my back…but never my lips! Just like any other scrub, the Lip Scrub eliminates dry, flaky skin leaving lips extremely soft and supple. Try it for a week and you’ll definitely notice a difference! And…the scrub smells good enough to eat (but I wouldn’t recommend it!). It’s available in 6 yummy flavors and retails for $24.00.
I am not one that usually likes strong fragrances. In fact, I only use splashes and body sprays because I’m so sensitive. The problem I face with splashes and sprays is that they don’t last long (definitely not an entire day). Re-application is always necessary but who wants to lug around a bottle of body spray? Now you can have the luxury of an eau de parfum in the convenience of a portable, purse-sized bottle. What Comes From Within Beauty Purse Pen combines sweet lychee, pineapple leaf, tangerine, gardenia, stargazer lily, white rose, vanilla flower, meditative sandalwood, and warm tonka bean. This eau de parfum is a bold fragrance that does not require much in the way of application (a little goes a long way). I love the way the fragrance is described on the site. Sarah Horowitz is the perfumer behind the product and strives to create fragrances that express the individuality of the wearer and entice those around them. You can layer the fragrances but I recommend sticking to one (I’m simple that way). You can also choose from Peace and Light scents. A 0.3 ounce bottle retails for $40.00.
If you’re looking for high-end cosmetics that are certain to make a statement, check out The Beauty Closet.
About a week ago, I had the perfect excuse to take a nice long bath. I received a lovely set of eco-friendly bath products from Castle Baths Spa Products. The company hand makes natural, vegan bath products with Certified Organic, Wild Crafted ingredients. The company’s unique and luxurious bath products include Dead Sea Salt Scrubs and Goats Milk Soaps. Of all the products I received, my favorite was the Lavender Vanilla Dead Sea Salt Scrub. In general, I like scrubs because they do a great job of exfoliating in a short amount of time. Their Dead Sea Salt Scrubs, which contain Certified Organic shea butter, and Organic oils, cleanse, exfoliate, and detoxify skin. They also moisturize, rather than dry your skin out and can even lighten age spots, fade stretch marks, and scars. The scrub has a lovely scent and isn’t oily like some scrubs.
Castle Baths Spa Products is known for their Herbal Salt Bath Teas, designed to soften your skin and refresh your body. Unfortunately, my son ripped it as we were taking it out of the box. But it (and all of the other products I received) smelled incredible. I would actually love to try their bath teas because they can be used to restore energy and may help with stress, anxiety, and insomnia (something this mom knows a bit about!).
Earlier this month, I had an opportunity to check out Dermalogica’s skin care line. I’ve been using their products for almost a month, and I am impressed with how my skin looks and feels. The company recently debuted their new UltraCalming line designed to provide relief for sensitized skin. My initial question was, what is “sensitized” skin? I have sensitive skin…but are the two one in the same?
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True Confession 101: I have beauty products in my bathroom that I never use. While most of you are probably nodding your head in agreement, my hope is that the products I do show you, are ones that don’t end up wasting shelf space and collecting dust underneath your sink. If you are looking for exclusive, top-of-the line cosmetics, be sure to check out the Los Angeles-based beauty boutique called 
