Entries by Jessica
Fashion and function in one shoe
I buy a lot of shoes. But just because I buy them, doesn't mean I wear them. I have a closet filled with shoes I've only worn once because I just can't bring myself to suffer the torture of sore feet and blisters or the indignity of limping home after a night out because my shoes are slowly draining me feet of all feeling.
I recently bought a pair of shoes that not only look great and has a heel (a bonus for me as I'm only 5 feet tall) but that can actually be walked in without causing excruciating pain. Terra Plana makes stylish, sexy and comfortable shoes out of recycled leather or sustainable material.
I bought the Kashmir and I love it. The heel is slim but sturdy and the rubber on the sole makes walking or standing for long periods of time a lot more comfortable than doing so in most heeled shoes. This particular style is open on one side, which is a very flattering look for many a foot.
Terra Plana makes shoes for both men and women and the styles available are extensive. It's a great bonus that the company is environmentally conscious. I'll definitely be buying more from them, especially heels!
Posted by Jessica on July 18, 2008
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Summer spritzing
I use spray toners all year round, but it's summer when I really up the ante.
I find they really cool me down and give my face the refreshment it craves during hot, humid days. I always have one on hand, and even carry one in my purse for an instant pick-me-up. I find they're especially useful if you're out all day (say, at the beach or a music festival) and then have evening plans that don't factor in time to go home and freshen up. A few sprays on your face and neck and even in your hair is usually enough to make you feel fresher.
I thought I'd give a run-down of three of my favourites. I've tried a countless number and these are the ones I continue to go back to.
- Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater
This spray is both refreshing and moisturizing. It has a light, flowery scent and gives your skin a nice, dewy glow when applied directly after foundation or tinted moisturizer. - John Masters Organics Lavender Hydrating Mist for Skin and Hair
This soothing spray has anti-inflammatory properties, which I find essential in the summer. Skin can get red and blotchy from the heat, but a quick spritz can help calm the skin's surface. I also love that this spray is meant for both skin and hair. - Refresh Me Rosewater Toner
I like the light scent and fine mist of this toner. It's great for setting make-up, and if you keep it in the fridge, I find it makes for a great morning refresher for your skin. Don't get me wrong, I still need my coffe, but this is a nice bonus!
Posted by Jessica on July 17, 2008
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In (and out) of the shower with Lush
To be honest, I'm usually a soap girl. I don't usually buy shower gels or scrubs, though I do admire them from afar. They always seem to look pretty, but I rarely go past the browsing stage. LUSH may have changed all that.
My sister recently gave me some Lush products as a gift. One of them was the
Creamed Almond and Coconut Skin Conditioner and I decided to try it last week. I have to say, it was a lot more fun than plain old soap, and it smells amazing!
I love that it feels more like a lotion than any shower gel or soap I've ever used. You spread it on (much like lotion), work it in a bit, then rinse off and your skin feels super-soft. This one is specifically for sensitive skin, so I'm not sure if the softening effects would be the same in all of their shower smoothies, but I will defintiely be using more of this.
Along with the shower smoothie, my lovely sister also gave me the Coconut Natural Deodorant Powder
So thanks to my sister, I now smell great in, and out, of the shower!
Posted by Jessica on February 28, 2008
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Cleanse and exfoliate in one with Suki
I realize I can be fickle with facial cleansers. Even if I find one I love, I'm always on the look-out for one that's even better. I just can't seem to commit!
On my latest shopping excursion to check out beauty products I decided to give Suki Pure Skin Care a try. They make a wide variety of natural skin care products and I went with the Exfoliating Lemongrass Cleanser.
It comes in a jar and is actually hard to the touch. You have to dig your finger in to get a dime-sized amount and then massage it between wet hands before working it into your skin. For a product that starts off hard and grainy, a little water and friction turn it into a super-soft, gentle foam that literally melts into your skin. Talk about luxurious. The tiny grains exfoliate and then seem to disappear as the foam takes over. It rinses easily and smells amazing - vibrantly lemony and a little sweet. Yum! No, I haven't tried eating it, but I have been known to open the jar just to smell it. My skin seems to love this cleanser, feeling soft and looking brighter after I use it.
This is now my new favourite cleanser, and I vow to finish the jar before going off to see what else is out there. But once I do, I'll be sure to share my latest and greatest cleanser finds!
Posted by Jessica on February 26, 2008
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Fruity facial toner wakes up your face
I love the facial toners that come in spray bottles, because I feel you can use them any time of day, many times a day, to refresh and wake up your skin. This is probably why I go through the stuff like it's water! My latest purchase, which I love, is Pangea Organics Italian Green Mandarin with Sweet Lime Facial Toner
It has a slightly sweet, citrus scent so spraying it not only perks up my skin, but me, too. Hmm...maybe that's why I'm always spraying it. Seriously, I carry this stuff in my purse. I find it's a good hydrator, and refreshes my make-up after a long day. I also use it as my post-wash, pre-moisturizer step.
This is the first time I've tried a Pangea Organics product, and I might have to check out the rest of their line. Ingredients are chemical and preservative-free, and you can even plant the box! I have yet to try (there's snow on the ground where I live) but the instructions just say to plant the whole thing and watch it grow. When spring hits I'll try it out.
Posted by Jessica on January 30, 2008
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Avacado and Bananas are good food for your skin, too!
If it happens to be winter where you live, and that winter happens to be cold, then you probably know the havoc cold temperatures and even colder winds can wreak on your skin. And if winter wherever you are doesn't involve snow and cold, let me just say I am jealous! But all petty jealousies aside, I am here to gush about a face mask I've been using to combat the drying effects of winter on my skin.
Upon waking up with a rather ruddy, flaky complexion after spending most of the day outdoors, I knew it was time for a skin-saving SOS. For me, that SOS is Juara's Avacado Banana Moisture Mask. I know it sounds more like something you might eat, but trust me, avacados and bananas are also great food for your skin.
The unscented mask is rich and smooth. I usually use this once a week, spread a generous layer all over my face (save for the eyes and mouth), relax for 15 minutes, then gently rinse off using a face cloth and warm water. Afterwards my skin is soft, smooth and feeling great. I find once a week is perfect but the box says twice a week is fine. I probably won't be using this in the summer, when my skin stays fairly hydraded on its own, but in the winter I need (and appreciate) the extra moisture-boost this mask offers. Here's to food for you - and your face!
Posted by Jessica on January 22, 2008
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Wake up with white tea - for your face - by Bod
As much as I would like to be, I am not a morning person. It takes me a while to get going in the morning, so I need as much help as I can find to jump-start my day. I have recently found a small pick-me-up in the form of Bod White Tea Cleansing Gel.
Along with my can't-miss-it cup of coffee, the subtle citrus scent of this gentle cleanser always seems to start me off on the right foot. Above and beyond the energizing scent, I love the fact my face feels really clean after I use it, without the drying effects of other cleansers. It rinses clean away, which is one of my top criteria for a good cleanser. If it seems to take a long time to rinse it all off, or leaves a residue, I'm not a fan. This product though, lathers nicely, feels great on my skin and rinses off easily. Plus a little goes a long way, which is always a bonus.
My morning coffee now has a partner in crime to help motivate me out of bed in the morning!
Posted by Jessica on January 15, 2008
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T-shirt envy
When I think of T-shirts, I usually think of something I’d wear with sweats while curled up reading a book on a Sunday night. But I recently purchased one online that I’m proud to wear out and about. The Electric Wire Pink and Silver tee is not only comfy, but stylish, too.
I work from home, so there isn’t too much need for business attire, but I do go to meetings and need to look presentable. This shirt fits slim, but not tight, and the cut is flattering. Paired with a black cardigan and jeans, I’m set to face the world. What caught my eye was the intricate image on the front. Achieved through black and silver stitching, the front of the shirt depicts birds on a wire. The look is unique and versatile. I may never think about T-shirts the same way again.
Posted by Jessica on January 11, 2008
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Scrub up with 100% Pure
Winter has arrived, and this means most of the moisture in my skin has dissipated, leaving my face pale and lackluster. To get my glow back I decided I needed to exfoliate. This may seem obvious, but I’m somewhat dubious of facial scrubs due to my sensitive skin.
Even those that claim to be gentle can (and have) rubbed my face raw. But a recent purchase of 100 % Pure Cherry-Honey Facial Polish has done wonders to improve my opinion – and my skin. Skin is polished with jojoba beads, which are perfectly rounded so they don’t scratch or irritate your skin.
The product comes in a tub filled with two distinct layers. Simply grab a handful, making sure to get some from both layers, and massage gently onto damp skin. The rounded beads, plus honey and crushed berries combine into paste that works to slough away dead skin.
It leaves my skin super-soft and not at all red or irritated. I use it once a week, but those without sensitive skin could use it more often. I am also loving this product because it’s made sans-chemicals, with all-natural ingredients. Happy scrubbing!
Posted by Jessica on January 9, 2008
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