Skin Care Archives
A Super Soothing Find on Vacation
While I had a great time on my recent vacation, I had a little run-in with the sun. I thought I was good- before we left the hotel I put a liberal coat of my favorite SPF 50 sunblock on and proceeded to spend a good portion of my morning and early afternoon at Disneyland in the hot summer sun.
No, I didn't reapply (shame on me!), and yes- despite my SPF 50, I was suffering from moderate overexposure to the sun. Later after leaving the park that afternoon, we happened into a mall with a Sephora! While perusing my favorite makeup products and trying to resist the urge to buy even more make-up I came upon Super Soothing After-Sun Gel
.
I immediately tried the tester on my still-stinging arms and immediately fell in love with the fresh scent and instant sooth. I couldn't beat the price (only $8.00) so I left Sephora.comwith soothed skin and a soothed wallet. This product will definitely be in my beauty bag on any vacation or day trip! You never know when you too will be overexposed. I highly recommend!
Also- don't forget: Get free shipping on ANY Sephora purchase with coupon code WELCOME2
Posted by Amy on August 15, 2007
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Oh, Doctor Perricone, you're wonderful!
Recently, I had a mini facial with products from N.V. Perricone MD. As the woman who was performing the facial and I were talking, I mentioned that I had recently turned 50 and had noticed significant changes to my skin tone but that I wasn't interested in using Botox or under going plastic surgery. She told me that these products were developed specifically for this reason.
We started off with a delicious power drink made from Super Berry Powder, a mixture of blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, blackberries and acai (ah-sigh-ee) which is the high energy berry of a special Amazon palm tree and tastes like a vibrant blend of berries and chocolate. This drink contains high amounts of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories.
Then the esthetician put some Synergy, An Anti-Aging Aromatic on my finger and asked me to dab a bit under my nose. This product claims to increase your sense of well-being thereby counteracting the negative by-products of stress. Well...I was photographing a wedding that evening and I have to say, it was so much less stressful than normal. I felt much more at ease.
Next up was Firming Facial Toner, which helps reduce excess oil and debris on the skin's surface, while helping the skin appear more firm.
After the toner, she applied Neuropeptide Eye Area Contour, which hydrates, contours and firms the eye area.
She followed this with Amine Complex Face Lift, which increases firmness and tone and gives a healthy radiant glow.
She also applied some Lip Plumper, which is applied not only to the lips, but to the skin around them.
To finish up, she applied some Ceramic Skin Smoother, which prepares your face for makeup.
These products are all pretty expensive, but...they're MUCH less expense and less intrusive than surgery, and I have to say, they really DO work! At the wedding I went to, my friends all said, WOW! You look great! Did you do something new, new makeup, what?
Give it a try, if like me, you're aging but don't want to look your age!
Posted by Janet on October 5, 2007
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Healing Essence for The City of Hope...
We're a huge fan of Daybreak Lavender Farm. We can't get enough of their all-natural soaps, skin treatments and toiletries. (And the free sample they send with every order!)
So we were thrilled to hear that they recently came out with a new product - Healing Essence - and are donating 100% of the SALES (not just the profits, but the total sales) to The City Of Hope's Breast Cancer Research Program.
Healing Essence was created to soothe a burn and it's healing properties are amazing. Made of Sea Buckthorn Berry, Rosehip Seed and Borage Seed, Sweet Almond, Emu and Avocado oil mixed with Old Comb Beeswax and Vitamin E, Healing Essence has robust healing and amazing anti-scarring properties. It's a super skin-softener and softens & heals raw, crusty or weeping skin accompanying psoriasis, eczema, burns. Protects cuts, rashes, scrapes as well.
Posted by megan on October 12, 2007
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Soothing Dry Hands for The Cure
I was cursed with my father's dry skin. The colder the weather gets
the worse my hands get...and being a germophobe who washes my hands a
gazillion times a day doesn't help either. About a year ago I was
introduced to Aveda's Hand Relief. It works wonders on my poor dry hands and I love the scent. I was thrilled when I logged onto get a new tube to find that Aveda has a special Pink Ribbon Edition of their Hand Relief- with $4.00 of every purchase going to the Breast Cancer Research Fund. Now I can help a great cause while moisturizing my hands and so can you!
Posted by Amy on October 14, 2007
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Crabtree & Evelyn Goatmilk - The ultimate comfort for dry skin
We're into the driest season of them all for my skin. In the summer, when I'm at the beach and in the sun on a regular basis, I'm careful to protect and moisturize all the time. As the temperatures drop (if they just WOULD already in the DC area!) and the air gets drier, I get a little more lax, and my skin pays the price.
I tried Crabtree and Evelyn's Goatmilk Comforting Body Lotion, which is said to be light enough for sensitive skin. It was not heavy on my skin at all and absorbs quickly, which is a priority for me.The lavender scent is one of my favorites, so that's a nice bonus. The line includes a Comforting Body Wash as well.
Next on my agenda: the 60-Second Fix Manicure set for hands, the body part that gets the most abuse from me in the winter. It's available in a "Helping Hands" kit for October, when 10 percent of proceeds are donated to breast cancer research. Find a Crabtree and Evelyn location here, wherever you may be around the world.
Posted by Laurie on October 20, 2007
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Arcona Pumpkin - THE scent for the season
Recently, I tried Arcona's Pumpkin Body Lotion; and I adore the scent! The product is "infused with pumpkin extracts and glycolic acid," comes in two strengths:10% and 20%, and is said to "improve tonal quality and elasticity in the skin. Excellent for regenerating and repairing sun damaged skin; it should be used sparingly and once a day."
I'm on my third day of it, and I do notice a bit of a tingle...feels good! I'll keep you posted. But for now...I'm enjoying the smell :-)
Posted by Janet on October 25, 2007
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The name says it all - Avon's Anew Ultimate Age Repair Elixir
If a name says it all then I am sold on the name alone! Ultimate - Age - Repair - Elixir. I am in love. An elixir that is going to repair and restore my skins firmness and elasticity all without needles or pain? Where do I sign on the dotted line? YEAH! This is the most expensive product in the Avon arsenal but what's nice about Avon is there are great at taking back items if you are unhappy with them.
Continue reading "The name says it all - Avon's Anew Ultimate Age Repair Elixir" »
Posted by Denise on November 1, 2007
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Bye-bye ordinary lotion, hello Skin MD Shielding Lotion
Instead of just patching your dry skin problems like other lotions, a shielding lotion (like Skin MD Sheilding Lotion) repairs the outer layer of skin and turns it into a protective barrier so that moisture stays in the skin where it's needed.
I tried it for a few days and my hands really felt softer. I also used them on the driest area on my body (my feet) and was pleasantly surprised. I'd much rather use a shielding lotion that works to help eliminate lotions altogether. The best part? It wasn't greasy and absorbed amazingly quickly! Love it!
Skill skeptical? No problem. Head on over to the Skin MD web site and grab a free sample (just send a self-addressed stamped envelope OR $2 for shipping and handling). See the Skin MD web site for more details.
I've also found that a few local Walgreen's carry Skin MD, but you can find a store near you on the Skin MD store locator.
Posted by megan on November 9, 2007
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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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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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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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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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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
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Three Little Wonders
Check out the Three Little Wonders kit at Sephora.com
. It rocks, really. I cannot recommend this product enough. My skin is tight, clear and evened out. I love the Sheer Transformation Renewing Creme the most. My skin feels so soft after.
The Truth Serum Collagen Booster feels like its tightening my face instantly! I am 32 and this has been my first step to anti aging. I've had this kit almost a month and everything looks still seems almost full, I imagine it will last three to four months, so the $65 stings a little less.
COUPON ALERT!
Posted by Krista on February 6, 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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Get over your winter blues with LUSH and Bath & Body Works
The winter, it is killing me. And worse than the feeling that I'll never see the sun again is the dry, itchy mess that is my skin.
In times like these, I turn to aromatherapy and moisturization - and an occasional bath for the sake of my sanity. It always helps to find some excellent products to get me through.
Yes, I know that baths are drying, but it's worth it to me for the relaxation that comes from an hour in the tub (not too hot) with a book. Luckily there's Lush. I haven't delved into the whole product line, but the bath bombs and bubble bars are yummy.
My favorite is the Big Blue, an oceanic bomb for the bath that
is "packed with detoxifying sea salt, vitamin-rich seaweed and relaxing lavender and lemon."I love any scents that call the ocean to mind and this one sure does. But you have to look out for all that seaweed, because it does remain behind in the tub. They're not kidding when they say "all natural". We just got a new store in this rapidly-expanding company in the mall near us, but you can purchase the rest of their product lines directly from the Website. After bath? I swear by Bath and Body Works Lay it On Thick Intense Moisture Body Cream with shea butter. It smells and feels delightful, and has done wonders for my skin as we dig in for the thaw.
Posted by Laurie on February 25, 2008
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It's just like Gloves in a Bottle!
The best way to combat dry hands it to slather them with lotion and wear gloves overnight. Or so I've heard. But have you tried to do this? I'm sure I'm not the only one who ended up ripping off hot, moist gloves in the middle of the night.
For soft hands without the gloves, check out Gloves in a Bottle. Every night for a week, I applied this lotion to my hands before bed and pretty soon my hands felt much softer. I had to wonder why. Here's what is says on GlovesinaBottle.com:
Unlike artificial moisturizers, Gloves In A Bottle is a shielding lotion that bonds with the outermost layer of skin cells to turn it into what works like an invisible pair of gloves.I'm convinced. Grab a bottle today on GlovesinaBottle.com or find a store in your area - I've found it at both Brooks/Rite Aid and Walgreens.
These "invisible gloves" prevent dry skin by helping to keep moisture-robbing irritants out while better retaining your skin's own natural moisture, resulting in skin that is far better hydrated, over the long term, than what can ever be achieved by conventional lotions.
Posted by megan on March 20, 2008
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Feel like a millionaire with Steven Victor MD
Hey kids,
I recently received samples of Steven Victor MD's skin care line. I tried it out for about two weeks and loved the way that it made my skin feel. I'm lucky enough to say that I don't have to worry so much about anti-aging, so I gifted my leftovers to my mom - I sure hope she wasn't offended that I thought of her to test this line. From the sound of her review below, I think she's over it!
Here's mom's review
"How often do you wish you were a millionaire? For me it’s everyday that I use Steven Victor MD skin care. I was lucky enough to be given samples sent to try out. I guess I was chosen to give it a go because of the wonderful anti-aging qualities of this line.
I’ve been using the product for about 2 months now. After using it for a month I went back to my regular pots and tubes. After a week I returned to using Steven Victor, and I tell you there is no comparison. It leaves my skin moisturized yet not greasy or shiny. The only complaint I have (whine, whine) is that it is out of my dollar range."
Posted by megan on February 29, 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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SunBotanicals - Don't leave home without it!
It's that time of the year again! The sun it out, the weather is warm and we love, love, love to spend our time outside.
But, be sure to remember your sunscreen! While the sun provides good stuff (like vitamin D), too much sun can cause harmful effects, like skin cancer - which is the 5th most common cancer in the United States.
Hate sunscreen, the greasiness, the smell, the stinging eyes? Don't we all! Well, hate no more because SunBotanicals has come out with a line of sunscreen that smell lovely and feel just like body lotion! Check out their three amazing scents today.
Posted by megan on May 30, 2008
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FREE samples for Sephora Beauty Insiders!
Sephora Beauty Insiders only!!!
Get 7 free eye samples with any $25 purchase. Enter code JULYEYES at checkout.
Not a Sephora Beauty Insider?
Head on over to Sephora.com, and click on the Beauty Insider image on the bottom left of the web site. It's free and you get:
- Beauty Bank points with every Sephora purchase, then redeem them for a free deluxe sample each time your Beauty Bank balance reaches $100.
- First dibs on the hottest new beauty products with Beauty Insider-only pre-launches.
- Score invites to private shopping nights and Insider-only events
- Personalized beauty ideas, tips and products based on your favorites.
- Get a FREE gift on your birthday!
Posted by megan on July 6, 2008
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Nice shave
If you are like me, you have tried all the ways out there to get rid of unwanted hair, including shaving, waxing, hair removers, etc. And with summer in full swing, smooth skin isn't just nice -- it's a necessity.
If you aren't into spending $80 on a wax and would like the type of shave you only can get from a men's razor...try the Schick Quattro for Women. With four blades, a pivoting head and conditioning strips -- the Quattro gives a smooth, close shave every time. And it looks pretty, too! The Quattro even works well with just water. For summertime purposes, you may still need to shave everyday or every other day, but your effort will not be in vain.
The Quattro for Women can be found in most discount and drug stores. You can also go online and find out more information at quattroforwomen.com.
Posted by Tracy G on July 9, 2008
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Get your soap on 4th ave
I just came across the 4th Ave Soap Co at Etsy. Go check it out - they sell soap (of course) lip lustre, lip balms, moisturizer, floral water sprays, aftershave and lotion bars.
I'm in love with the designs on the soap, the packaging and the scent names like Lime Sugar Babassu Oil Soap which is infused with a gorgeous lime sugar fragrance that's bright and bubbly sweet with a
lovely lime kick.
I don't think I can pass that up! Could you?
Posted by megan on July 15, 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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Hope in a Tube
Looking for "Hope in a Tube?" Look no further, seriously, look no further!
Philosophy's - Hope in a Tube lives up to its name. Though I would rename it "Love in a Tube" because that is what you will do, you will love this product! If you're tired of your current eye cream feeling like a moisturizer, need to get rid of those fine lines that are getting deeper and want immediate results that you can see and feel then once you try it, you will be addicted!
BONUS!
Philosophy.com is currently offering free shipping with orders over $50 plus members receive 2 free samples, so nows a perfect time to try some "Hope".
Continue reading "Hope in a Tube" »
Posted by Sherry on July 28, 2008
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Baby your summer skin with Booth's
Booth's 4-in-1 Multi-Action Body Lotion is great for your summertime skin. If you're like me, you use a lot of lotion in the summer, and I hate buying expensive lotion as I use it 2 to 4 times a day to prevent my skin looking and feeling dry after being out in the sun.
Booth's Body Lotion provides the hydration that I need and the Coconut Fig scent that smells wonderful. At only 9.99 for a 32 oz. bottle, it's a major deal!
The benefits can't be beat either:- A potent combo of alpha hydroxy acids works tirelessly to ditch dead skin cells and even out skin tones so even sun-damaged areas look healthy and happy.
- Sweet almond, apricot kernel and shea butter oils work in perfect harmony to hydrate needy skin.
- Vitamins and minerals perform like superheroes, valiantly fighting off the dastardly deeds of the harsh environmental forces that threaten our skin.
- Caffeine firms and tones less-than-taut skin, making it feel youthful, revitalized and wide awake.
Get yours at Ulta.com and get $3.50 off your order of $10 or more and FREE SHIPPING with orders over $50 with promo code 94917
Posted by Sherry on August 1, 2008
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Say "ciao" to dry skin
When I picked up the container of Green Tea-Cucumber Hand & Body Cream by Ciao Bella,
I was a bit taken back how light this was. Then I did what I do with
most things that I purchase in the personal care department; I opened
it to take that all crucial nose test.
It smelled very clean and
fruity. And it felt wonderful and not greasy at
all. It even made my cuticles feel normal again.
But the big test was
the feet. Like most people, my feet tend to be one of my driest parts. So I put a small amount on both feet and it worked right away; I
could feel the difference.
Even two hours later it was still doing its job and the scent is still
lingering. Best of all they do not test on animals, which is always a
plus in my book!
Posted by Tot on September 9, 2008
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