Bath & Body Archives
Weed Out Rough Skin
I've never been a Crabtree & Evelyn kind of girl. I'd walk by the store and love the flowery, ultra-girly packaging, but I never came to truly adore any of their products. That is, until I ran out of hand cream and my co-worker Liz offered me this adorable little metal tube. I immediately fell in love with the smell and texture of it - just a bit of pine scent, but not overwhelming, and so smooth to touch. It absorbed into my skin immediately and kept my hands soft without feeling greasy.
"Gardeners Hand Therapy?" you ask. I know, last I checked I didn't have any green thumbs, fingers or toes. I can't plant a garden to save my life. But shhh, don't tell anyone!
Posted by Megan on August 28, 2006 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
Dry Skin Banished!
Reader Laura was kind enough to share her experience with Aveeno Positively Smooth Lotion.
"I live in Nevada... think 7% humidity. From the day I started shaving, my skin started protesting. I just learned to deal with terribly itchy, dry skin immediately after shaving (until I'd slathered on lotion about five times). Until I found Aveeno Positively Smooth Lotion. It is my go-to, never-fail lotion. One application right after razoring up and my skin is SUPER happy, moisturized, and best of all, NOT itchy! It's a miracle product and I've gotten so many people hooked on it."
Thanks Laura!
Posted by Megan on September 4, 2006 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
Proud to call myself a LUSH!
I admit it, I'm a LUSH. That is - I adore LUSH. What's LUSH? Heaven. It's an amazingly wonderful handmade cosmetics shop.
I first heard about LUSH from Erin, who sang their praises. Not too long afterward, I received a box of LUSH bath goodies from Itsy and I was hooked forever. What makes it so different from any other shop? The products are amazing. They all smell fantastic and feel even better on your skin. After my first bath with a LUSH bath bomb/bubble bar, my skin felt so soft and smooth, I knew could never go back! And neither will you!
It's so hard to choose a favorite, but here are two that I adore!
Posted by Megan on September 5, 2006 | Comments (1) | Tell a friend
A Different Kind of Parfumerie
A friend of mine was talking about scents recently; specifically the Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, a company which I'd never heard of, which specializes in "formulating intriguing, compelling body and household blends with a dark, romantic Gothic tone." I clicked on the link and was happily immersed in reading about all the different scents these people put together!
Being the 'unique' person I am, the scents that most appealed to me were of the darker, spicer type:
Les Infortunes de la Vertu: ...blend of leather, oakmoss, orange blossom, amber, and rose with a breath of virginal French florals and a hint of austere monastic penitential incense.
Laudanum: The essence of the most debauched hunger encapsulated into a perfume. Desire beyond love, anguish beyond sanity. Nutmeg, sassafras, black poppy and myrrh.
They even have The 7 Deadly Sins made into perfume, of which Greed (base and earthy, yet glittering with golden notes: patchouli, heliotrope, copal and oakmoss) and Lust (red musk, patchouli, ylang ylang and myrrh) intrigued me (the description of the scent, not the actual sin!).
For those of you that enjoy a lighter, cleaner or more flowery fragrance, they have those as well! In fact, a friend thought this perfume sounded fantastic: "...a light, pure scent: white musk, green tea, aloe and lemon."; she laughed at the name...Embalming Fluid!
In closing, any place that features a Dorothy Parker quote is ok by me:
I like to drink martinis
Two at the very most.
Three, I'm under the table,
Four, I'm under my host.
Posted by Janet on September 7, 2006 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
Let the Inner Sexiness of Your Hair Come Out
Having thin, fine hair can be frustrating. I used to see women with naturally thick, healthy manes and wonder where I went wrong! While I've found that curling my hair can provide some extra volume, it can also do a lot of damage. Thank goodness I discovered Big Sexy Hair Blow Dry Volumizing Gel! It works wonders - getting rid of the frizz and adding the fullness! Keep in mind, however, that this is not a "leave in and go" product. You must blow dry your hair after each application. I recommend using a big curling brush for this task. In no time at all, other gals will envying your 'do!
Posted by Krista on September 14, 2006 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
Might as well face it I'm addicted to...lotion!
Maybe it's age, maybe it's habit, maybe it's my neurotic side showing, but I have to put lotion every time I wash my hands. While hanging with my cousin this weekend, I offered her some lotion, because manners dictate that much like gum or mints, if you take out lotion, you have to offer it to everyone. My cousin partook of some of my Aveda Hand Relief lotion and was immediately shocked by how smooth it made her hands feel. I find it a bit pricey at $20 for 5oz. but I'm willing to pay for quality. Pick up the limited-edition Pink Ribbon Hand Relief and $4 goes to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Get smooth hands and help find a cure for Breast Cancer; two birds, one stone!
Posted by Megan on October 25, 2006 | Comments (1) | Tell a friend
Because, in the winter, everyone has dry skin
I got an email from A Girl Must Shop reader monique recently about her favorite dry skin product:
"This is my favorite winter-time product. The cold, dry weather is so harsh on my skin and this is the only thing I've found that can cure dry cracked skin (lips or knuckles) literally overnight. I used to get chapped lips that lasted for months, but since I've started using aquaphor at bedtime I haven't had a problem."
I am also a huge fan of Aquaphor. I keep a tube beside my bed and apply it on all my dry spots before bed. I also find it really helpful for itchy, irritated skin. Thanks Monique!
Posted by Megan on October 30, 2006 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
Goldie Lip Gloss
I am in love with this cute little lip gloss from Goldie (found at Bath & Body Works). It's smaller than a normal sized lip gloss, but not by much. It had a normal sized wand and the gloss? Smells like chocolate! I got the red color and it's just the right amount of transparency. And at $7 you can't go wrong!
Posted by Megan on November 3, 2006 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
Don't forget to take your vitamins
I love the fall; the beautiful leaves, the crisp chill in the air, apple pies, and colds. OK, maybe I don't love the colds of fall. This time of year is really tough on the immune system, it seems everyone has or has had that cold that's going around. Aren't you glad your immune system in in great shape? Thank goodness for vitamins! What? You don't take vitamins?
What your mom used to (and probably still) tells you, is right, vitamins are good for you. They give you the vitamins you need, which is especially important for those of us who don't follow the food pyramid, or can't stand green leafy vegetables.
I didn't take vitamins for the longest time, until I read that vitamins were also good for combatting PMS, in this book that my Doctor suggested. The book extolled the virtues of the effects of vitamins on PMS and highlighted a core list of vitamins known to help with PMS.
After doing much research, I found that GNC's Ultra Mega Women's vitamin is just about the most comprehensive vitamin out there. I've been taking them for years and I have to say my PMS and my immune system has improved. One word of caution for those who don't like swallowing big pills, these pills are pretty big and to top it off, you need to take two of them a day. Big pills don't bother me, though, and I don't have a problem taking this every night before bed. Also! Be sure to eat something before you take these, or them might not agree with your stomach. I find taking them before bed works really well for me.
Posted by Megan on November 8, 2006 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
Black Friday Tip: Don't do it!
I love shopping (Duh!), so when I go shopping I want to enjoy it, therefore I don't usually shop on Black Friday. I don't give into the madness; I go on-line.
Here are some things (under $25!) that I found at Sephora recently...and I LOVE them! Great idea for gifts!
Carol's Daugther Love Butter: If you like cinnamon, you're sure to love this! I use this on my feet at night and fall asleep with this gorgeous scent enveloping me!
Bare Escentuals Liner Shadow Compact Quad: For those of us that have discovered Bare Escentuals, this eyeliner set is amazing! I particularly liked Quad III :-)
L’Occitane’s Harvest Soap Set: Something nice to bring as a hostess gift to the holiday parties you'll be going to! Lather up with this set of twelve mini guest soaps in four of L'Occitane's top-selling scents: Verbena, Honey, Olive Oil, and Lavender.The honey scent I particularly enjoy.
Two Faced’s Lash Gems: Interesting gift for those free spirits on your list! Just like jewelry for your lashes, Lash Gems add twinkle to the tips of your lashes.
Sephora’s Indulgences Whipped Body Delights: On a cold winter's night, what better remedy for the blahs than to soften your skin while wrapping yourself in the delicious scents of Peppermint Mocha or Hot Apple Cider or Eggnog!
Posted by Janet on November 24, 2006 | Comments (1) | Tell a friend
Just what we need: stress relief!
Janet and I are in love with Aveda. Whenever we stop at the mall for a little browse we end up in Aveda for some tea and, if we're lucky, Stacey is there to give us a hand treatment. Of course the best part of the hand treatment has nothing to do with the hands, and everything to do with calm.
At the end of our little hand treatment, Stacey tabs a few drops of this stress-relieving blue oil on the temple and at the back of the neck. According to the Aveda web site, the oil "helps dissolve tension and raise energy levels with the balancing aromas of refreshing peppermint and soothing blue camomile." I agree with that! I really love the tingly feeling that it gives. It definitely makes for a more relaxing shopping adventure.
I just discovered this handy little purse-sized applicator with a hand little roll-on applicator last week during Christmas shopping. I was a good girl, though, and I put off buying it until the next time I hit Aveda. Next week, right Janet!?
Posted by Megan on December 27, 2006 | Comments (2) | Tell a friend
Consider The Source.....
During a meeting the other day I couldn’t help but notice a lotion bottle, with a hula girl design, on the desk of the individual I was meeting with. Along with the bottle was a very familiar smell that I have loved all my life. Coconut! The wonderful smell of coconut! My thoughts drifted and I began to find it hard to concentrate on the important issues at hand until I couldn’t take it anymore. Wait! I need to know what that lotion is….. and that’s when I became privy to info that changed my world.
The lotion was Coconut Mango manufactured in Hawaii by Maui Tropical Soaps. The subject changed swiftly from business to shopping and it was all about the lotion and how we both loved tropical scents. That is when she informed me that she was Hawaiian and that she ordered this lotion by the case. Jackpot! Who knows a better coconut scent than someone from Hawaii? Aloha! Now, what were we talking about?
Posted by Darlene on June 7, 2007 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
Irresistable
Irresistible - Think Pink Bath Bomb from the Lush. Too pretty to use, but you must try it. When in the water, it releases a slightly sweet vanilla candy smell with a touch of lavender, and makes your skin feel soft and silky.
Also, can't beat the price - $5.55 will not strain your budget but will give you a lot of pleasure.
Posted by Sarah on June 26, 2007 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
Just Add Wings
Every spring/summer, like clockwork, my fingernails grow sooooooo fast! It's amazing! Then comes winter and their gone. So I've learned to appreciate my long nails while I have them. I pretty much seem to stick with the lighter 
colors of nail polish. This polish, entitled Angel, at Nubar is my kind of color-->subtle, soft and yes..light! My all time favorite has always been the french manicure. It seems so neat and clean! Nubar offers french manicure kits with different color schemes that I'm just going to have to try.
Posted by Darlene on July 12, 2007 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
Buy yourself whiter teeth!
Overall I'm pretty happy with my teeth, but for some reason (the dentist says it's genetic), my eye teeth tend to be yellower than the rest of my teeth. This drives me crazy! And with a wedding looming in the future, I've really go to do something about it.
I looked around at other whiteners and I have to say GoSmile looks like it's the one for me. It's not cheap, but I've heard amazing things about it and it's so easy to use. The On the Go Starter Kit comes with a ton of stuff lncluding single-use ampules and a silver carry case. The cool thing about GoSmile is that it's perfect for touching up trouble spots like my eye teeth.
I found it at BuyBeauty.com
for a bargain. Not only that, but they're running a promotion for a Free Lancome LeStylo Eyeliner (retail price $22!) with any purchase, no minimum. Just enter The promotion code LESTYLO2. Act fast! The promotion ends on Sunday or until supplies last!
Posted by Megan on July 13, 2007 | Comments (1) | Tell a friend
A Feast For Your Skin!
The nice folks at Lavender Farms sent us some products to test...and I was happy to do so! First up was the Rose-N-Rhassoul Oat Cleanser that came with the Calmez Vous Package for Sensitive or Rosacea-prone Skin Care from the Soul of the Rose .
I threw caution to the winds and not only tested the Rose-N-Rhassoul Oat Cleanser on my face...but tried it as a body scrub! Oh my goodness, it smells (and makes my skin feel) heavenly!!! I barely need to use a moisturizer afterward. I've stopped using my rosacea medicine because these products most definitely do what they claim to!
They also sent a bottle of Lavender Essential Oil in Jojoba Oil. It is very soothing to my skin...I smooth some on my face with my fingertips before using the Rose-N-Rhassoul Oat Cleanser. It smells oh so good, too!
The third item I adored was this: Plump It Up. I have *ahem* older skin which is somewhat sun damaged in places, and this stuff helps tremendously. You can use it for eyes, lips, neck...anywhere you want to get rid of some wrinkles! Works amazingly well!
They make a wide variety of wonderful products for all age groups. I'll be purchasing these products again!
Posted by Janet on July 19, 2007 | Comments (1) | Tell a friend
I am a glowing goddess
I 
Posted by Krista on July 26, 2007 | Comments (3) | Tell a friend
Mangosteen leaves my skin soft and smelling Fresh!
In a recent order from Sephora, I received a sample of Fresh's Mangosteen Bath & Shower Gel and also the Body Lotion. It smells of citrus (I detect grapefruit), flowers, peach, and soft woods...heavenly! And it makes your skin feel so soft!
What's a mangosteen? According to Wikipedia
The mangosteen ... is a tropical evergreen tree, believed to have originated in the Sunda Islands and the Moluccas. The tree grows from 7 to 25 meters tall. The rind...is deep reddish purple when ripe and the fragrance is sweet and creamy, citrusy with some peach flavor. Often heralded as the "Queen of Fruits", mangosteen is closely related to other edible tropical fruits such as button mangosteen and lemondrop mangosteen.
Don't forget - get free shipping on ANY purchase (no minimum, ladies!) at Sephora with coupon code WELCOME2. I think it's still valid. Feel free to let me know if it's expired.
Posted by Janet on August 22, 2007 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
These candles are Scandle-ous!
I recently discovered this great new candle called the Scandle. It's a scented candle made of FDA approved ingredients including palm kernel oil, shea butter, cosmetic grade soy butter, vitamin E, body safe fragrance and essential oils that's good for you and the environment.
What's even better are the different uses for the candle.Not only can you light the Scandle like any other candle and burn it for ambiance and fragrance, but you can also use the liquid as a body moisturizer, massage lotion, as a cuticle treatment for manicures and pedicures.
I tried the lilac scented Scandle and it is different from other candles out there. I mean, what other candle can be used as a massage lotion and on your cuticles. In fact, I'm almost finished with the lilac and I'm thinking about trying the lavender one, next. I bet that one will be really good for relaxing massages.
Posted by Megan on August 29, 2007 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
I'm hitched
I am hitched and have some fabulous stuff to review. I love products so instead of hiring someone I decided to do my hair and make-up myself, that way, I can keep all my own products. First was some unbelievable foundation I found. I have freckles but didn't want to cover them, I didn't want to look painted; I wanted to be me just a little brighter! MAC makes a great lightweight foundation that felt great on my skin. 
For my lips, well that was a bit of a challenge. I have a really hard time liking any color on my lips. After trying about twenty different shades and textures I found Stila Long Wear Lip Color; exquisite. It feels awesome, not like most long wear lipsticks that are thick, tacky or cakey.
Next was the hard part, my hair. I wanted to leave my hair down but had no idea how to get that cool wavy beach hair. A friend recommended the Revlon Hair Waver. I'll be honest when I opened this up I was apprehensive; it looks like an assault weapon! My bff came over and did a test run and it worked fabulously. Combined with Redken Hair starch It created just the look I was hoping for.
Lastly was the fragrance. Stacked Style Carnival Crush. Sent of peaches and Jasmine, light, fruity and clean. It's my favorite.
Posted by Krista on October 14, 2007 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
Suki Kramer - The true mother of invention
Someone said "Necessity is the mother of invention". The internet says it was Plato. The makeup gods say it was Suki Kramer. Tired of products that always irritated her sensitive skin and allergies, Suki quite literally took matters in to her own hands and came up with the suki line of fresh finish mineral cream makeup products and pure skin care products.
Made from organic, vegetarian, cruelty-free natural ingredients, these products are good for your skin and for your environment. Suki's products are also unique in that they are multitaskers: The triple cream eye definer can be used as a shadow, liner or brow definer; the pure cream stain is used for lip or cheek. Even better, the shades of each can be mixed and matched and blended to come up with your own signature colour.
Ah, all that organic good-for-you stuff is fine and good, but how well do they work? Asks you. Most awesomely, says I
. The pure cream stain as a lip colour goes on with a smooth, rich glide (use a lipstick brush to apply). The colour varies in intensity the more you put on: use a little bit for a hint of colour, a lot for full-on look-out lady lips. The product is very matte and as a result long-lasting; our team had it on for hours with no need to reapply. If you like a look with more shine, you'll need to add a lip gloss on top. Either way, lips feel smooth, soft, and look sweet!
The Triple Cream Eye definer works similarly in that if you want intense colour, just put more product on! Since it's a cream, it feels different if you're used to a powder - it goes on exceptionally smoothly and spreads beautifully, but it isn't dry instantly. So the eyelids may feel a little clammy temporarily - blending very well helps this. But it's worth it - this cream has kick ass staying power.
The sukicolor line also includes tinted active moisturizer - the equivalent to foundation, liquid formula concealer, and rich pigment mascara.
Posted by Shannon on October 24, 2007 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
Soap & Glory by Marcia Kilgore - Now at Target stores
Soap & Glory is a new line offered at Target from Marcia Kilgore, the founder of Bliss Spa in NYC. This line is fun and funky and offers the same whimsical unique products that Marcia brings to Bliss. The line is priced right too, $2.99 to $29.99. Pamper yourself without braking the bank.
Continue reading "Soap & Glory by Marcia Kilgore - Now at Target stores" »
Posted by Denise on November 30, 2007 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
Scentsational manly gifts form LUSH!
My brother can be hard to shop for. Like me, if he sees something he wants, he usually buys it for himself. Plus he is into hobbies that I don't even begin to understand (gun restoration is his newest).
He's a manly outdoorsy type of guy, so I have been at a loss as to what to get him for Christmas. That was until I saw Stocking Fella over at . I was shopping for a friend's long overdue birthday present when I saw this little lovely already wrapped gift box. This gift set includes
Ambrosia Shaving Creams
(which will be perfect because he has sensitive skin),
Happy Hippy Shower Gel
(which has a nice fresh grapefruit scent infused with frankincense and bergamont that I know he will love) and a
Bohemian Natural Soap
which has a nice fresh lemony scent (just perfect for him).
The scents of each are masculine without being perfumy or feminine. I know my brother will love this, because even he likes to indulge in a little bit of luxury in the bathroom and all LUSH products that I have used are luxurious.
Posted by Amy on December 17, 2007 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
They weren't kidding about "Ultimate Healing" Thanks Gold Bond!
All
I put some on when I got back to my vehicle and I just fell in love with it right away. It is good stuff and the smell is not strong or overly powerful. A very clean smell. Now I don't go anywhere without it. It has made my hands heal right away.
Very good product!
Posted by Tot on December 1, 2007 | Comments (2) | Tell a friend
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 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
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 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
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 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
bōbē bath mousse - you MUST try it!
This amazingly soft bath mousse from bōbē (pronounced “beau-bee”) is just like heaven. I tried it out recently and felt like I was washing my skin with fluffy soft clouds.
The best things about it?
- The scent was so good I was tempted to take a bite. I tried Warm Banana Bread and it immediately inspired me to bake up a loaf. (Not crazy about banana bread? No problem, bōbē has a ton of similarly amazing scents available.)
- The soft and creamy consistency felt so smooth and comforting and left my skin soft and moisturized.
- A little goes a long way - I used a tablespoon or two on my pouf and it was more than enough to clean my body (and then some!).
- It makes a great shaving cream!
Be sure to check out the wide varies of body products all available in the same amazing scents and they're all very reasonably priced.
- Bath Mousse
- Eau de Parfum
- Lip Balm
- Luxurious Body Wash
- Moisturizing Body Mist
- Roll-on Perfume
- Silken Cream
- Soy Fabulous Whipped Body Butter
- Sugared Frosting Scrub
PLUS! Get FREE shipping on all orders over $75!
US customers, please use coupon code USFREESHIP75 to receive free shipping.
Posted by Megan on January 23, 2008 | Comments (1) | Tell a friend
Ginger Souffle - A Soothing Treat by Origins
With my dry skin getting even worse in the cold winter months, I am always on the lookout for something soothing to help. Because my hands tend to crack when dry, this pretty much eliminates being able to use anything with any fragrance in it because that usually just ends up irritating my hands and turning them bright red.
However, I happened upon a sample of Origins Ginger Souffle Whipped Body Cream. I expected it to burn and turn my hands red but I tried the little sample anyway. Well not only did it not burn, but my hands felt so silky smooth after using it that I logged right into Origins.com and ordered some. Plus, I love having something scented and the mix of ginger, lemon, line and bergamot (which I don't usually like) really perks me up.
Origins.com is currently offering free shipping on all orders of $75.00 or more. So while you are picking up some of the Ginger Souffle, can I also suggest some Salt Sud's Foaming body wash? It has a fresh minty scent perks me up on those mornings when I just can't seem to get going.
Posted by Amy on January 29, 2008 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
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 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
Wine for your face? For sure!
Even though I've been moisturizing since my early teen years, actually I'm pretty bad about taking care of my face. I think it's more like I'm just plain lazy.
In my mind, to use a mask one must lock herself in the bathroom with a celebrity magazine, a hot bubble bath, her hair in a towel and some wine for oh... about an hour or so. Who's got an hour to pamper herself? Not I.
I did finally take the time to try out this Wine Hydrating Mask by Arcona and it only took about 20 minutes of my time and it was totally worth it.
After 20 or so minutes, I rubbed it off with a warm cloth and oooooh, my skin was so soft. I read on the label that it works over time and with repeated use my skin would be a smooth as a baby's bot-tom. Ok, well not a baby's bottom but at least you'll be transported about 10 years or so.
Try it out - it's great paired with a great merlot!
Posted by Megan on January 31, 2008 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
Pattern Body Wash - win it and tell us what you think!
Well, not EVERYTHING, but I think you get what I'm saying.
The Pattern peeps sent me out a sample of each scent (Black Pepper, Citrus, Cucumber and Eucalyptus).
I tried the Cucumber scent and was thrilled with the ultra-clean scent and the bubbles galore.
Janet tried the Black Pepper and she's crazy about the scent (spicy but not like pepper, more like a fragrant spice) and also mentioned that she loved the feel of the lather.
My future sister-in-law tried out the Eucalyptus which worked create to clean her sinuses out in the shower first thing in the morning - but it wasn't too overpowering.
Now, we just have the Citrus scent to report on and I think I'll let one of our readers do the honors.
FREE GIVEAWAY!
Just leave a message in the comments below (your email address will be kept private) and we'll pick one random commenter to try the Pattern Citrus Body Wash and let us know what she thinks of it.
Posted by Megan on February 1, 2008 | Comments (11) | Tell a friend
Hyssop Baths $1 Super Sale
Just in time for Valentine's Day, these soaps make wonderful gifts! All soaps are only $1 for the month of February! Thanks to Hyssop Baths.
The square Glycerin Soaps have a beautiful marbled effect. Both pleasing to the eye and nose...wonderfully scented: peppermint, mango, and lavender.
The rectangular delicately designed Shea Butter soaps and Honey Soaps...make you "Ooh!" and "Aah!" 
Posted by Deborah on February 5, 2008 | Comments (1) | Tell a friend
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 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
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 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
LUSH -- Personal Care Products: Deodorants
Since I want to get away from aluminum based deodorants, I took a trip to LUSH to give their deodorant line a try. 
Aromacreme Deodorant was the one I tried first and I absolutely LOVE the smell! However...it DID irritate my underarms, possibly because I'd just shaved...or maybe it was from the chlorine in the pool. But it smells so divine, I'm willing to give it another try. Like one of the reviewers said: "The best thing about you is your good smell, which drives me to attempt to discreetly smell my own armpits throughout the day." 
Aromaco: When I went back to Lush and said I'd tried Aromacreme but that it was a little harsh for me, the saleman suggested Aromaco. It's got patchouli, baking soda, chamomile vinegar and witch hazel and while it doesn't smell as amazing as Aromacreme, it does smell good (don't be put off by the fact it has patchouli as an ingredient; it's not an overwhelming, dirty patchouli smell at all). Plus it's cooling on the skin, rumored to sharpen the wits
and even acts as an insect repellent. I'll be trying this on my skin during mosquito season!
Both Aromacreme and Aromaco are solid deodorants. 
Last up is Coconut, which is a deodorant powder that the salesman recommended and gave me a sample of. I tried Coconut and it does have a lovely smell, not overwhelming at all. I found it works best with an application of Aromaco first, but it makes a damn fine dusting powder on it's own.
Posted by Janet on March 31, 2008 | Comments (2) | Tell a friend
Shemergency to the rescue!
What's a shemergency? According to Ms. & Mrs.:
They're the beauty blunders, fashion faux pas, and personal care predicaments that keep women from looking and feeling their best.We've all had 'em - a run, a hangnail, a headache, wardrobe malfunction, last-minute cat fur disaster, static ans stinkies - you name it, the shemergency survival kit has you prepared.
Small as it looks (the size of a small make-up case) this kit has it all...
Folding hair brush with mirror, hair spray, clear elastics, earring backs, hand lotion, nail clipper, emery board, clear nail polish, nail polish remover, mending kit, safety pin, double-sided tape, lint remover, shoe shine wipes, stain remover, static remover, breath freshener, lip balm, dental floss, pain reliever, deodorant wipes, tampon, adhesive bandages, facial tissues.I know! I wonder, too, how it all fits in the bag. I think it's some kind of optical illusion! Oh, and the bag is the best part - it's made of metal mesh and has a cute little fingernail clipper attached. You'll never want to leave home without it.
Make a fabulous gift! Check out Ms. & Mrs. for more handy emergency kits including one for the bride, bridesmaid, working girl and MORE!
Posted by Megan on April 4, 2008 | Comments (1) | Tell a friend
