Good Grief!

My computer is acting up, so writing and posting is becoming more of a challenge than it should be. I think it's almost time for a new laptop....a purchase I've been avoiding all stinking year long. Ugh.

Anyway, since technology is not my friend, I leave you with a quick beauty quote for the day. Be sure to check back in tomorrow for a Beauty Product of the Week!

In the meantime...I think you'll get a kick out of this:

"The average woman would rather have beauty than brains, because the average man can see better than he can think."

-Anonymous

Happy Wednesday!

Health Kick!

I'm on something of a health kick these days. I'm trying to eat better, take my vitamins and exercise very regularly. And so far, things are going great: I've lost weight and am discovering new muscles on a daily basis (thanks, Jillian Michaels and your crazy 30 Day Shred!)

I've mentioned several times that we need vitamins and minerals to keep our skin looking great and our bodies doing what they're supposed to (click here for an older post about this topic). The list of things we need to ingest to look great seems huge--almost daunting. That's why vitamin packs are so convenient.

I recently received a Nutritional Supplement Pack from iQ Derma Firmaceuticals along with their Firmaceuticals Body Firming Gel. The box contains 30 daily pouches of vitamins and minerals designed to promote total skin and body wellness. The vitamins work in conjunction with the firming gel to help sustain a healthy metabolism.

Each pack contains one each of the following:

Multi-Vitamin Supplement - to provide essential metabolic functions and antioxidant protection

Mineral Supplement - to aid metabolism and boost skin's overall health

Vitamin E - to neutralize free radicals with antioxidants and condition the skin from the inside out

Thermogenic Supplement - to aid in the processing of proteins, carbohydrates and fats

I usually take a women's one-a-day with my breakfast, followed by calcium and Vitamin D at lunch and dinner, but I am willing to go a month with the iQ Derma vitamin pack. I plan to start it in July and will report back on my experience.

Have you ever used vitamin packs? What do you think of them? Do you see any improvements or do you think you just end up with expensive urine?

What's Old is New Again!

Recently I've noticed something of a trend: older brands that have since faded away are making a comeback. Let's get a bit nostalgic and check out the newest incarnations of once loved, possibly forgotten products.

PERT HAIR CARE
I have a rather scandalous story centering around a bottle of Pert. No, I am not going to share this story...I don't want to incriminate myself of otherwise sully my reputation.

Anyway....I remember using Pert, the milky-green shampoo in the huge green bottles--as a kid. My mother bought it for us instead of sexier, spendier products like Pantene. Pert did it's job--it cleaned our hair with abundant lather and a super clean scent.

I never noticed that Pert vanished from store shelves, but it's making it's way back! They offer a 2-in-1 formula that combines shampoo and conditioner. At $4 or so, Pert is economical and (thanks to the 2-in-1) time saving.

FINESSE
I don't think I ever used Finesse products, but I do remember their jingle (Feeling beautiful...nothing less than beautiful...Nothing Less Than Finesse!) so I wasn't aware that Finesse disappeared over the years.

Now, Finesse has been restyled and is offering up a slew of products for all sorts of hair care issues. I received a sample of Finesse shampoo and conditioner, and I must admit--it has made my hair very soft. Plus it smells fresh--and it costs less than $7.00. Welcome back, Finesse!

AQUA NET
Like many of its former hard-core users, Aqua Net has something of a bad reputation. Mention the brand name, and I bet you instantly think of 80s hair metal bands. Back in the 80s--when I was a kid--I was very into ballet. Once a year, I'd have a huge ballet exam where every move counted. I had to have perfect posture and not a single hair could be out of place. My mom used to pull my hair back into the tightest bun known to (wo)man, secure everything with a gazillion bobbi pins, and then spray the holy hell out of my head.

Well, slap on the spandex because Aqua Net is back, bitches! And I say: Embrace it! Aqua Net is wicked cheap--you can pick up a gigantic bottle of the stuff for about $3.50--and, as we saw in the 80s, it has the power to defy gravity. If you're looking for kick-ass hold and you don't want to spend a ton of money, Aqua Net is your answer.

Beauty Product of the Week: Activated Thermal Mud

What is it? Caviahue's Thermal Mud will help "diminish the signs of aging now! Caviahue Thermal Mud is one of the most unique skin care products and deep cleansing facial masks in the world. One of its main ingredients is the thermal waters that flow from the inside of a volcano and are charged with the right minerals and oxygenated properties that purify the skin, leaving it smoother, softer and beautiful. You will feel a natural lifting of your facial and neck skin when you use the thermal mud regularly and as instructed.

• Helps diminish the signs of aging
• Deeply cleans and purifies
• Unclogs pores and allows your skin to breathe
• Provides the balanced blend of minerals from Caviahue thermal water and Caviahue volcanic clay
• Leaves the skin smoother, softer and absolutely beautiful"

Available online for $74.90

What did you think? I haven't used a mud mask in ages, and spending almost $80 for a skin care product is a steep investment. This mud mask is so nice! It's very dark--almost gray/black--and has a surprisingly un-muddy, pleasant scent. It's easy to apply and you don't have to use tons to get a good layer of the stuff on your skin.

The mud mask comes with a sponge to help remove the product after a 15 minute wait. The sponge helps provide some exfoliation, and it left my face feeling very soft and very clean.

The final verdict? This mask is a treat to use! I know it's spendy, but you get a lot of product, so it will be sure to last. I've made this product part of my weekly skin care routine, and just love how refreshed it makes my skin feel.

Sorry for the small image!

Congrats!

Congrats to Heavy Hedonist! You are my Lumene winner! Be sure to check for an email from me very soon.

For the rest of you, I'm sure I'll be offering another giveaway soon enough.

Beauty Quote for the Middle of the Week

It's Wednesday! Yay! I'm exhausted and am oh-so ready for the weekend.

Here are two killer quotes for you to ponder today. Because really? Having the right outlook on life can make you feel better...more beautiful.

Both quotes come from ballerina Margot Fonteyn:

"Take your work seriously, but never yourself."

"The one important thing I have learned over the years is the difference between taking one's work seriously and taking one's self seriously. The first is imperative and the second is disastrous."

Happy Hump Day! I'm back tomorrow with a Beauty Product of the Week.

Final Reminder

Don't forget: I'm giving away a basket filled with awesome skin care products from Lumene. I'll be announcing my big winner tomorrow! You still have time to enter. Just be sure to read this post. Best of luck!

Pro Tools for an Amateur Price!

I've tried many Ms. Manicure products in the past, and I've really liked them. They're easy to find, they're inexpensive, and their kits include everything you need to give yourself a pretty decent mani or pedi.

Ms. Manicure now has a new kit out that I just love: their Tips and Toes kit. It contains 9 pro tools, including two pairs of easy to grip clippers (one for your toes, the other for your fingernails), orange sticks, a pumice stone, and other great stuff. The best part is that it will only set you back about $10 or so.

Use this kit to save yourself some money! You can easily give yourself a salon-quality mani or pedi by following these tips:

FOR BOTH A MANICURE OR PEDICURE:

1. Get everything you need set up in one place before you start. The last thing you need is to be running around looking for a nail clipper when you're trying to give yourself a relaxing at-home spa beauty session!
   
2. Remove any old nail polish. (Click here for my Battle of the Nail Polish Removers!)

FOR A PEDICURE:

1. Soak your feet in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes. If you have a foot soak, go ahead and use it. If not, try some Epsom salts. Even if you use water and nothing else, do NOT skip this step!
2. Clip your toenails straight across with toenail clippers. Doing so will help prevent ingrown nails or nail infections. Also, don't clip your toenails too short!
3. Using cuticle cream and an orange stick, gently push back your cuticles. Never, ever, ever cut your cuticles. Doing so could result in an infection! Not pretty.
4. Use a pumice to exfoliate your feet, paying particular attention to your heels and the balls of your feet. You may have a lot of cracked and flaky skin that needs tending to. Take your time exfoliating and don't be too rough on your feet. Avoid "cheese grater" style foot stones--they may take off a little too much!
5. Massage your feet with a foot lotion. Try something with peppermint in it to make your skin feel rejuvenated and to cut down on foot odor.
6. Make sure your nails are not covered in lotion.
   
7. Use cotton balls or a specially designed toe spreader to spread out each toe.
8. Apply a base coat to each nail. Doing so will help your polish last longer and will prevent the color from leaching into the nail which results in your nails looking yellow when not polished.
9. After allowing the base coat to dry, apply two coats of your nail color.
   
10. Allow nail color to dry and then apply a top coat.
11. Give your toes enough time to dry before putting on shoes/socks or becoming overly active.
12. Between pedis, try these Tea Tree Oil Foot Wipes--they are easy to use and make your feet feel refreshed, clean, and cool in a matter of seconds. Plus you can stash them in your purse or beach bag--they're great for the summertime!

FOR A MANICURE

1. Like with a pedicure, take 10 to 15 minutes to soak your hands. Dry when done.
2. Trim nails if they are very long.
3. File nails in one direction. Do not go back and forth across your nails in a see-saw fashion!
4. Use cuticle cream and an orange stick to gently push back your cuticles. Again, DO NOT CUT YOUR CUTICLES!
5. Massage your hands. If you have an at-home microdermabrasion kit, you can use it on your hands to soften them up. If not, use any exfoliating cream you have on hand, or just massage your skin with your favorite hand cream.
6. Make sure your nails do not have lotion on them!
7. Apply a base coat and allow to dry.
8. Apply two coats of your nail polish and allow to dry.
9. Apply your top coat.
10. Give yourself plenty of time to let your nail color dry before using your hands for heavy duty work!

Strawberries and Chocolate!

When you're healthy, you not only feel good...you usually LOOK good as well.

Well, there's one easy thing you can do to get a ton of health benefits, including:

• Stress relief
• Boosted immunity
• Modest calorie burn
• Improved cardiovascular health
• Boosted self-esteem
• Improved intimacy
• Pain reduction
• Strengthened pelvic muscles
• Improved sleep

What is this one easy thing? Have more sex!

To increase fun and intimacy with your partner, K-Y has a ton of great products that enhance stimulation and make foreplay and sex more satisfying. K-Y's latest innovation is K-Y Yours+Mine Kissable Sensations for Bodies.

With the distinct and delicious experience of decadent chocolate and refreshing strawberry, Kissable Sensations encourages couples to explore each other and discover pleasurable foreplay like never before imagined. Kissable Sensations is intended to be used all over the body, wherever you like to kiss or be kissed; making it the perfect foreplay tool for increased pleasure to help couples explore or revitalize their intimate connection.

Without saying too much, I like this product! It's not overly sticky an it's clear, so it won't stain your sheets or your skin. Add a little flavor to the bedroom with this one! You'll have fun in the process!

Disclosure: a sample of this product was provided by K-Y.

Don't Forget to Enter!

Don't forget: I'm giving away a basket filled with awesome skin care products from Lumene. All you need to do to enter is read this post. Best of luck!

For the Boys!

Father's Day is this weekend, so I hope you've taken some time to get something special for your dad, the father of your kiddos, or for the special men in your life.

If you're looking for something other than the normal dad gifts (ties, booze, grilling stuff, sports stuff, etc.), why not get dad something to pamper him? Men like to be taken care of just as much as women do, though they rarely take the time for themselves.

Here are some great gift ideas from Sephora:

• Jack Black Beard Lube Conditioning Shave (3 pack), $40: This is a value pack of Jack Black's 3-in-1 pre-shave, shave cream, and skin conditioner formula. The lightweight, lubricating lotion penetrates whiskers to soften even the toughest beard, while macadamia nut and jojoba oils penetrate below the surface of the skin to soften new whisker growth and minimize irritation. The result is a remarkably easy shave, soft skin, and no razor burn.
• Anthony Logistics Grab + Go Portables, $35: If you dad is on the go--either traveling for fun or business--or if he spends time at the gym, he could use some high quality products that are easy to pack along with him. This includes a zip-top bag filled with awesome Anthony products including Glycolic Facial Cleanser, Lip Balm, Shave Cream, Shampoo, Body Gel, etc.
• Tom Ford for Men Gift Set, $75: This set includes an eau de toilette spray and an aftershave balm. The scent blends traditional elements with modern influences. Like a second skin, the innovative Classic Woods fragrance is sensual, refined, and luxurious. It opens with a crisp citrus aroma from the Mediterranean, which carries into a bright and refreshing mix of ginger, grapefruit, and deep greens. From there the scent turns robust before mellowing into a rich and masculine base of amber and leatherwood.

What are you getting YOUR dad this year?

Gray: Hot or Not?

I received an email from Infusium 23 about what they consider to be the trend of celebrities embracing and enhancing their gray hair. Here's what Infusium 23 had to say:

For most women, gray hair means one thing – getting older. However, thanks to the gray hair trend among celebrities and fashionistas, gray is the new black (or blonde, or brunette!). Songstress Pink, supermodel Kate Moss and reality TV star Kelly Osbourne have gone as far as dying their locks gray, while older women such as actress Jamie Lee Curtis have sported their gray locks proudly.

Disguising gray hair can be a never-ending battle, but women can now embrace all shades of gray! Dare to wear hair gray (whether it’s natural or not!) with these tips from Infusium 23 hair health expert Gavin Harwin:

• With gray hair, it’s important to avoid things that look like roller sets and teasing. Think simple and modern, not retro, to keep it fresh.
• Gray hair can be drier and coarser. Add moisture and control frizz with Infusium 23 Frizz Controller Leave-In Treatment which infuses the hair cuticle with nutrients to provide smoothness, control and protection against frizz.
• Try a cool, short haircut which makes gray hair look young and hip.

What do you think of gray hair as a trend?
Here are my 2 cents: If you are an older woman and your hair is naturally going gray, I think there's no reason NOT to embrace gray. Salt and pepper, white, and shiny silver hair can look beautiful. If a woman likes her hair to be gray, then she should go for it.

My mother has salt and pepper hair, but she would love for it to be silver. She's asked stylist after stylist and has always been told that it's difficult--if not impossible--to dye hair gray in a way that looks good. She's stuck with her salt and pepper, hoping for the day when it all turns gray.

While naturally gray hair looks just fine, I think it looks really weird for someone who is not naturally gray to dye their hair that shade. Look at Kelly Osborne in the photo above. It looks strange to me, but what do I know?

Let me know your thoughts! If this really is a "trend," I can't see many women embracing it.

Lumene Rocks! (Contest)

The good folks from Lumene are giving away over $100 worth of Lumene products to one of my lucky readers! Be sure to read all the details and leave a comment--you're going to want to win this one!

THE GOODS
Lumene is giving away a basket of their Excellent Future products (Lumene Excellent Future Deep Repairing Cream, Lumene Excellent Future Deep Repairing Serum, Lumene Excellent Future Deep Repairing Eye Cream and Lumene Excellent Future Deep Repairing Night Cream). I tried out these products at the end of 2009 and loved them (as I've enjoyed almost every Lumene product that's come my way!).

Here's more about the Excellent Future line: Innovative and powerful Lumene products utilize modern stem cell technology. Beneath the skin's surface lies invisible damage caused by genetic aging and external factors. These ultramodern products help to prevent and delay damage from surfacing. They also help to prevent the formation of wrinkles and to smooth the appearance of wrinkles that has already formed.

Lumene's Excellent Future products repair and protect skin, especially for us who are over the age of 30. Skin contains cells that play a key role in preserving its youthful appearance, stem cells. At the age of 30, skin's ability to repair itself has weakened because the stem cell functions have slowed down. By protecting these vital cells the skin's ability to repair itself is promoted. Excellent Future Cream contains innovative ApplexcellT™ which Apple Extract protects skin's stem-cells and Arctic White Peat that provides the cells with optimal environment.

HOW TO ENTER
It's easy! If you want to receive this basket of Lumene Excellent Future products, just leave a comment (make sure I have a way of contacting you)! I'll announce the winner next Wednesday, June 23rd. (NOTE: this contest is open to readers in the US only--sorry!)

Good luck!

The Results Are In!

Ok last week I previewed Nair Silky Sensations, and I finally got a chance to give it a try.

First, let me say that I had very low expectations. I figured there was no way Nair would work. I thought it would smell bad and do very little to get my legs hair-free.

I followed the directions to a T. Here's what you're supposed to do with Silky Sensations:

Squeeze cream into palm of hand. Smooth an even layer to cover hair. Do Not Rub In. Wash your hands immediately after application. Leave on for 3 minutes. Then check a small area for hair removal. Total hair removal depends on hair thickness. If the hair does not come off after 3 minutes, leave on for a few minutes longer. Do Not Exceed 10 Minutes of total application time.

Remove Cream and Hair: Gently wipe off the cream and hair with a damp washcloth. Do Not Rub. Once all hair has been removed, rinse skin thoroughly with lukewarm water in the shower. Pat dry. Keep tube closed when not in use. To maintain smooth and radiant skin, apply your favorite moisturizer daily.

I was certain that when I wiped away the product, I'd be left with my normal stubble. I WAS SHOCKED when I saw a hair-free patch of skin as I wiped the Nair off my leg. I continued to wipe off the Nair with a washcloth and was left with a smooth, soft leg devoid of hair. WOW!

Encouraged by the results on my right leg, I continued onto my left leg. Again, the Nair worked well. I should have left the Nair on my left leg a tad longer, but with just a few wipes of my washcloth, my legs were way better than they were when I started.

Let's break this down to key points:

THE GOOD

• Easy to apply
• Easy to remove
• Left skin very soft and relatively hair free
• No knicks, no bleeding!
  

THE BAD

• Though the smell is VASTLY improved, there is still an under-note of hair remover/chemical weirdness
• To have perfectly hair-free legs, I need to get the timing down better. That, or I need to bust out my razor to shave the hair that Nair missed
  
• It seemed difficult to get the Nair off my hands. I felt a little OCD washing them as much as I did!
• I liked that the Nair worked and left my legs so smooth, but I am a little hesitant to use this on a regular basis. There seem to be a lot of chemicals involved in the Nair process, and I'm not a big fan of over-using somewhat harsh products.

A WORD OF WARNING

• Before you try this product, be sure to do an allergy patch test (as recommended on the product). I do not have sensitive skin as a rule, but I still went through the process to make sure I wouldn't have a bad reaction. If you're going to use it on your legs, test on your legs first. If you're going to use it on a different part of your body, be sure to try it where you're ultimately going to use it as well. Your skin may react differently to this product from use to use, location to location. BE CAREFUL and make sure you follow all the directions to a T.
  

OVERALL

• Though reluctant to even TRY this product, I'd give it a cautionary thumbs up. It removes hair and leaves skin soft...just like it's supposed to. If you're not a fan of chemicals or have sensitive skin, stick with shaving!
  

Beauty Product of the Week: Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash

What is it? Philosophy's Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash is "A mild, exfoliating facial cleanser. Designed to effectively cleanse the skin while providing resurfacing benefits. Gentle enough to use daily, this unique formula is sulfate-free and formulated with ingredients designed to replenish and protect the skin with topical antioxidants as it helps condition the skin and retain its moisture level." Available at department stores and Sephora for $25-$37.

What did you think? I love Philosophy's Purity Made Simple. It's the perfect face wash since it's both gentle and effective at removing dirt. I bought my mother a skincare kit from Philosophy recently, and the Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash was included for her to use in the morning. That piqued my interest.

I've been looking for something that I could use daily to gently exfoliate my skin. I didn't want anything that would be too harsh, so I knew Philosophy would be a safe bet. I keep this product in my shower and have been using it daily on my face, neck and chest. It is non-abrasive, but I can feel it working when I use it. It leave my skin feeling smooth and looking good.

The final verdict? I love this product and am certain that I'll become a regular user. This product is effective for all skin types (even sensitive skin) and it does an excellent job of smoothing skin while cleansing. It's a winner!

Thanks, Lumene!

I've had the pleasure of trying out many different Lumene products in the past. Now, Lumene is launching new product to bring a spa experience to your home bathroom.

Inspired by Finnish nature and the Arctic spa tradition of the sauna, Lumene combines the energy and harmony of this experience into the SPA products so you can transport your senses to the spa.

For generations, Finnish women have created a unique beauty experience for themselves by performing their beauty routines in the sauna. They embrace the humid steam and natural raw materials in a weekly beauty ritual, to help rejuvenate their senses and cleanse the body and mind. Lumene brings together these elements with the introduction of the SPA line and helps to recreate the relaxing sensation and positive benefits at home.

Enriched with Arctic Rose Root, the SPA line improves the skin’s appearance and has been shown to increase the skin's endorphin levels as well as elevate mood. The line also contains 90% natural ingredients and 100% natural fragrance.

The Lumene SPA skincare line includes the following products and is now available at DermStore.com, Sears.com and Target.com.

* SPA Pampering Body Cleanser, $10.00
* SPA Stimulating Body Scrub, $10.00
* SPA Detoxifying Cellulite Serum, $15.00
* SPA Intensive Firming Body Lotion, $15.00
* SPA Repairing Body Butter, $15.00
* SPA Nourishing Care for Body and Mind, $15.00

I've been using the entire line of SPA products, and I LOVE them! The scent is lovely--there's a light, pleasant fragrance that has a hint of citrus. It's a relaxing, clean smell that isn't overpowering or heavy.

The body cleanser and body scrub both leave my skin feeling clean, fresh and pampered. I love the body butter--it feels very rich and provides a ton of moisture (I put it on my feet then cover them with a clean pair of socks for extra skin softening!). The Nourishing Care is interesting--it makes my skin feel treated and moisturized, but in a lightweight way.

If you want to add a little bit of relaxation to your shower routine, consider the Lumene SPA line--I love it!

Today is World Oceans Day

Well...THIS is timely, considering what's happening down in Louisiana.

June 8th is World Oceans Day. Officially recognized by the UN in 2008, but unofficially celebrated since 1992, this day allows us the opportunity to delight in our world ocean and explore our personal connections to the sea.

Depth recognizes the absolute importance of the ocean and its inhabitants—their hair, bath and body products utilize sea-based ingredients that clean, nourish and refresh skin and hair—so to commemorate and honor World Oceans Day, Depth will donate $1 from each unit sold at Whole Foods and on www.wholefoodsmarket.com from June 8th through June 15th to the National Audubon Society for Gulf oil spill recovery.

Depth utilizes these essential, sea-based ingredients to stimulate skin with a surge of moisture like no other. Depth enhances the skin’s ability to remain healthy, hydrated and resilient. The therapeutic sea botanicals within Depth are best known for their moisturizing properties, but they also serve to supply essential fatty acids, carbohydrates, vitamins and amino acids to protect and detoxify the skin. Drawing upon three different classes of sea botanicals – Brown (Phaeophyta), Green (Chlorophyta) and Red (Rhodophyta) algae – delivery of hydration and minerals to the skin has never been so moisturizing. Together, these algae powerhouses act as detoxifiers, while individually delivering their own unique skin benefits.

I'm hoping to try out some of these products soon--when I do, I'll be sure to report back.

The Depth collection consists of shampoos, conditioners, hand soaps, body wash, hand and body lotions, and shave creams in four exclusive scents: Mangrove Citrus, Sea Berry, Orange Blossom and Bay Coconut.

Hair Care ($9.99 each) - Infused with a unique blend of sea botanicals, certified organic aloe vera and natural emollients, Depth Shampoos and Conditioners are ultra-hydrating, refreshing, and moisturizing.

• Refresh Daily Shampoo – For all hair types. Keeps hair soft, healthy and nourished with a nutrient-rich blend of vitamins and sea botanicals
• Drench Hydrating Shampoo – For dry and damaged hair: Gentle cleansers work to nourish and restore essential moisture, ideal for color treated hair
• Immerse Daily Conditioner – For all hair types. Nutrient-rich to maintain healthy, beautiful hair without weighing it down
• Submerse Deep Conditioner – For dry and damaged hair. This creamy conditioner provides deep nourishment and ultra-hydration for extra healthy hair
  

Hand Soaps ($7.99 each) & Body Washes ($9.99 each) - Luxurious, refreshing and extra-gentle, Depth Hand Soaps and Body Washes are enriched with ultra-hydrating sea botanicals and organic aloe vera to naturally cleanse, moisturize and soothe the skin.

Hand & Body Lotions ($9.99 each) - Lightweight and quick absorbing, Depth Hand & Body Lotions are enriched with ultra-hydrating sea botanicals and organic aloe vera to moisturize, soothe and nourish the skin.

Shave Creams ($6.99 each) - As smooth and silky as algae, Depth Shave Creams are enriched with hydrating sea botanicals and natural emollients to provide an effortless glide for a soft, comfortable shave, while an abundance of organic aloe vera moisturizes and nourishes the skin.

Product Preview: Nair Silky Sensations

Quick: What's do you think about when you think about Nair?

For me, I think of the annoying "short shorts" commercials in the 80s/90s (Who wears short shorts? Nair for short shorts!) AND I also think about the odd/disgusting scent of Nair hair removal products. I haven't used Nair in ages. My memory of it isn't great--for me, it was always stinky and it never really worked that well.

Now, it seems as though Nair is trying hard to change our minds about their products. They have hair removal products with more pleasant scents, like lavender, cucumber/melon, and pomegranate/soy.

I received a box of Nair products to try out. I gave my sister a tube of cucumber/melon to test, and I'm going to put the pomegranate/soy through the paces. I'll report back and let you know what my sister and I think about the new Nair products. I'm hoping to get smooth, hair-free legs with minimal effort. I really hope the new products are effective.

Here are the product details:

Nair Hair Remover Silky Sensations, dual moisturizing blend--with 20% moisturizers. For legs and body. Provides 7 days of smoothness and promises radiant, silky skin. Available at drugstores for about $10.

NOTE: I have a few other Nair formulas to try out, too. I'll let you know what I think about those when I get around to using them! In the meantime, let me know if you've used Nair and had any success!

Okie Dokie, tokidoki!

Have you been anywhere near a Sephora lately? If so, you've no doubt been bombarded by cutesy products from tokidoki.

When I first saw the products, I shrugged them off. I had never used anything by tokidoki, and the graphics seemed a little too tween-ish for my taste. I figured tokidoki was all about packaging and that the actual quality of the product would be an afterthought.

But then I actually tried something by tokidoki--their Prisma Lip Gloss (in Bullets)--and my mind was changed. Apart from being a bit too fruity, I adore this lip gloss. The color is subtle, the shine is insane, and I love the way it feels--and looks!--on my lips. The applicator takes a bit of getting used to: it's a clear silicone paddle that makes lip gloss application a snap once you get used to it.

Based on my experience with Prisma Lip Gloss, I feel a bit better about the tokidoki collection and would recommend checking it out--especially if you're buying products for a slightly younger woman.

Here's what Sephora has to say about their tokidoki products:

With summer just around the corner, it’s time to add a pop of color to your palette! Whether you are an au naturel gal or glam goddess, the new criminally cute tokidoki collection exclusively at Sephora has you covered with the hottest shades of the season. From shimmering bronzer to long-lasting lip stains and eye-popping shadows, the collection offers all you need to create an irresistibly edgy new look!

Add a little mischief to your makeup bag with these colorful must-haves:

• tokidoki Perfetto Eyeliner ($16) – Channel your inner artist and draw a temporary tattoo on the skin or expertly line the eyes with this innovative chisel-tipped liquid liner. Available in eight bold shades.
• tokidoki Fantastico Lip Stain ($15) – This unique marker pen applicator will provide lips with intense color for all-day wear.
• tokidoki Luminosa Powder ($22) – Achieve a luminescent, radiant glow with this highlighting powder.
• tokidoki Cromatico Eyeshadow ($15) – Housed in signature tokidoki heart and crossbones packaging, these high-pigment shadows layer beautifully for a velvety finish. Available in 16 shades and multiple textures.
• tokidoki Brillante Glitter Eyeliner ($14) – Make your eyes sparkle with these vibrant, glitter-infused pencil liners. Available in 14 vivid shades.
• tokidoki Prisma Lip Gloss ($15) – Add sexy shine to lips with this non-sticky, moisturizing formula in a sweet blueberry flavor.
• tokidoki Inferno Bronzer ($22) – A shimmering bronzer gives your face a glowing, warm color that looks stunning solo or over makeup.
  

Blend art and beauty for a criminally chic look with the new tokidoki collection available exclusively at Sephora stores.

What's Your Hair Issue?

We all have strong opinions about our hair. We have to deal with different issues (curls, frizz, limpness, split ends, etc.) and we try lots of products to help us out. Today, I'm taking on three hair issues: curly hair, fine/limp hair, and searching for hair care products on a budget.

CURLY HAIR
If you have naturally (or chemically enhanced!) curly hair, you may want to try out Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding. It helps to transform curls and waves, making them shiny and lovely. The pudding helps to stretch out, soften, and elongate curls without making hair feel crunchy or gross. Curly Pudding smells really good, but there's also an unscented version if the original is a bit too powerful. Curly Pudding comes in three sizes (2 oz, 8 oz, and 16 oz) and ranges in price from $7.00 to $38.00. Pick it up online here.

FINE/LIMP HAIR
Dealing with fine hair can be tricky. It's soft and tends to fly away...or it just hangs lifelessly. To boost it up, you may want to consider Phyto's Actif Maximizing Volume Spray. You spray this on your towel-dried hair and then style it as usual. It makes fine hair look plumped up, but--like most volumizers--it does tend to change the texture of your hair. It makes fly aways less of an issue, so hair is easier to style. It also lasts all day long--an added bonus. Phyto products are available at Sephora stores and online.

IF YOU WANT TO SAVE SOME $$$
Sure, the great recession is mostly over, but some of us still want to save a few pennies here and there. And one way is to cheap out on your hair care products. I usually use Matrix shampoo and conditioner that I buy at the salon. It's not the most expensive stuff in the world, but sometimes I just want to be cheap and try something I can pick up at Target.

Lately I've been using Pantene Ice Shine and Suave Humectant products. The one thing I've said over and over about cheaper shampoos is that they lather up beautifully--and I love that! Pantene's products are decent enough. They smell good and leave my hair soft and manageable. The cheaper Suave products are less satisfying. Though they're supposed to help moisturize dry hair, I have not noticed that my hair is more hydrated. I'm also not crazy about the way their products smell...they smell cheap. So--if you want to save money, I'd say stick with Pantene and forgo the Suave.

What hair issues do you have? If you want me to look into anything for you, leave me a comment!

Product Preview: Super Fluid UV Defense

Ok--Memorial Day has come and gone, and summer is (un)officially here! (Though if you live in the Pacific NW, it feels more like fall than spring or summer!) With the warmer, sunnier days, it's really important to start getting your sun protection routine into place.

I recently picked up Kiehl's new Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50+ and I can't wait to really give it a try. Before I do (I'll be sure to give you a review soon!), I wanted to give you a preview of this product.

So...what is it? It's an ultra-lightweight, oil-free product that you put on after your moisturizer and before your makeup. It provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays. It's also waterproof and fragrance free, so it should be long lasting.

According to Kiehl's (and I tend to agree with this statement), 90% of skin aging comes from exposure to the sun, and from damage done by the sun's rays. Dark spots, discoloration, and premature aging are all attributed to unprotected sun exposure.

I like that this product can be applied in the morning and then forgotten about. Who wants to fuss with sunblock when they're wearing a full face of makeup? I also like that it's from Kiehl's since their products are usually very high-quality.

I'll let you know what I think of this soon. In the meantime, if you're interested in trying Super Fluid UV Defense, you can pick it up at your local Kiehl's or online for $32.

Yay for Sephora!

I'm back from my extended long weekend. After writing this blog for about 4 years, I do need a break every now and then.

Anyway, the Memorial Day weekend was rainy and chilly in the Seattle area, so my husband and I didn't do much. Sometimes a quiet weekend is a good one. One thing I DID do was visit my local Sephora.

Like many of you, I go to Sephora on a regular basis and spend way too much money there at times. That's one of the hazards of being a makeup blogger, I guess! Anyway, usually I just go to Sephora, get what I need and don't think anything else about it. I suppose I take my poor little Sephora for granted to some extent.

When I went over the weekend (to the Alderwood Sephora), I had a great shopping experience. I got what I wanted, sure, but I also got killer customer service. When I checked out, the Sephora girl noticed a problem with my rewards card. She took her time to actually look into the issue and made sure that when I left, my rewards card was properly updated and that I was satisfied with my experience.

So--yay for my local Sephora! Yay for taking time to make sure I was taken care of in a professional, friendly manner. Though I usually take Sephora for granted, I'm glad to find that they don't always take US for granted.