Body Lotion Battle!

I don't normally use body lotion.  It's not that my skin couldn't use a little extra moisture, I just usually don't have the time in the morning to deal with the extra step of lotioning up.  Recently I received two lotions to try out.

The first lotion was a new formula from St. Ives, their Naturally Smooth Natural Fruit AHA Complex.  It costs about $6 for a big 21 oz. bottle and is available at big box stores. It as been designed to moisturize and improve the appearance of skin.  It contains "all natural non-greasy moisturizers" that instantly absorb to protect skin from dryness while the multi-fruit blend with alpha hydroxides gently exfoliates to improve skin cell turnover and smooth the appearance of rough uneven skin. It promises that skin will be fresher, smoother and younger looking.

The next lotion was a mystery lotion.  I was asked to test out a new body lotion without knowing what brand it was.  After taking a survey about the lotion, I learned it was a redesigned version of Vaseline Intensive Care Total Moisture Conditioning Body Lotion with Vitamins E&A.  It is also available at big box stores for a bit more...less than $9 for a big bottle.

Round #1: Price
Both products are reasonable and I'm sure you could find coupons for either brand.  Since the St. Ives is a tad, cheaper, this round will go to St. Ives...by a few bucks.

Round #2: Scent
I'm super picky when it comes to how body lotion smells...and I have two viewpoints: I either like my lotion to be fragrance free or I like it to have an almondy or vanilla scent.  Neither St. Ives nor the Vaseline appealed to me for the scent.  The St. Ives was way too fruity for my taste.  The Vaseline was too perfumey.  The Vaseline odor didn't linger long and wasn't as objectionable to me as the St. Ives.  Winner for round 2: Vaseline.

Round #3: Feel/Absorption
Both creams are very lightweight.  You're not going to get a super heavy, oily feel from either...which is good.  On that respect, it's a draw.  However, the Vaseline seemed to absorb really quickly into my skin...much faster than the St. Ives.  And when you're like me and you're pressed for time, this matters.  The St. Ives lotion felt a little stickier, but it wasn't terrible.  Winner: Vaseline.

Round #4: Softness
I tried St. Ives on one leg, Vaseline on the other.  At the end of the day, I ran my hands over my skin and really examined my knees (which are a bit scalier than I'd like at the moment).  To be perfectly honest, I didn't notice much of a difference between the lotions.  My legs were smoother and softer than they would have been without the use of lotion, but neither stood out.  Round #4: Draw.

Overall: 
Both lotions are nice and effective.  I give a slight edge to Vaseline, but it really could go either way!

What's your favorite body cream?  What's the most important feature you look for when buying a new cream?

Taming the Mane

A few posts ago, I was lamenting my inability to deal with my hair.  My hair was frizzy and out of control.  Since that post, I've done a few things...and I've had some decent results.

CUT AND COLOR
Here's an embarrassing fact: I go ages between hair cuts.  Yes, I am an alleged beauty blogger.  Yes, I know better.  I don't have an excuse for the huge lapses between cuts...I guess it's just laziness.  I'd finally had it with my split ends, I scheduled an hour+ with my stylist to refresh my highlights, trim away my dead, split ends, and give my hair some shape.  That helps...a lot!

PRODUCTS
I have also been trying out a few different products (on different days...I don't use these all together...all at once).  Here's what's been on my hair rotation:

Organix Moroccan Argan Oil: Available at big box stores for about $8.  A little bit of this oil goes a long way, so my bottle has really lasted a long time.  I put it in my hair when I just get out of the shower, and it seems to make my hair much smoother after I'm done blow drying.

Sebastian Potion 9 Light: Available in salons and online for less than $17.  I love the way this smells and make my hair feel.  It provides a flexible hold, lasting moisture and styling manageability.  I spray it on before blow drying, and it give my hair a polished, finished look.

Verb Finishing Polish: On sale now at Ulta (with a whole line of nice hair products) for $12.  After my hair is dried and styled, I run a small dollop through my hair, concentrating mostly on the ends.  It really helps control the flyaways, taming split ends and frizz. 


TOOLS
I've been trying to be a little less aggressive when it comes to combing my wet hair.  To help me, I've been using a wide tooth comb.

I think I might need to pickup a new hair dryer.  My current dryer is ancient...I think I got it for free from Ulta many moons ago, so it's not the best thing in the world.  Here's where I need your help...what's your favorite dryer?  And, how much is reasonable to spend on a dryer?

Hopefully with the use of these products and with a more conscious effort on my part to take care of my hair, my bad hair days will be behind me.

Lip Service

Spring is here, which means warmer days are upon us.  That's the good news.  The bad news is that, for me and many others just like me, allergy season is in full swing.  It's tough to look cute when your eyes are blood shot, your nose is constantly running, and everything itches.  For me, all the sneezing and wiping of my nose leads to dried out, messed up lips.  For the past week, I've had this terrible scaly patch on my upper lip.  Sexy.

Thankfully, Neutrogena's got my back. They've introduced a new line of lip balm, Revitalizing Lip Balm, to provide lips with instant beauty and long-term benefits. Made up of essential ion-mineral conductors, the ion2complex works in tandem with the product’s existing moisturizers to create a positive electric micro-current, instantly giving lips a fuller, more defined look. Available in six shades, Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm SPF 20 instantly moisturizes and protects lips from the sun’s damaging rays to restore lip’s natural beauty while the product’s formula works over time to improve texture and restore the look of rosiness. 
Here are some additional deets:

• SPF 20 protection 
• Clinically proven to: 
• Help improve lip’s texture in one week 
• Help restore lip’s rosiness in one week 
• Instantly moisturize lips, leaving them looking fuller and more defined 
• Available Shades: Sheer Shimmer, Healthy Blush, Sunny Berry, Petal Glow, Soft Caramel, Fresh Plum 
• Retail Price: $8.99/0.15 oz 

I've been using this all week, and I really like the Sunny Berry shade. It's feels lightweight but also nurishing, and it lasts a good long time. The only down side is that I keep it on my desk at work and the tube looks a little bit like a flash drive. Ha!

 So far, I'm liking this lip balm, and that little dry patch seems to be going away. Thank god!

Beauty Quote!

I'm super, super busy at both work and home.  I have a TON of products to tell you about and beauty information to share, but time is not on my side.  I'll leave you with my apologies and a fun beauty quote.

Phyllis Diller, Comedian

"It's a good thing that beauty is only skin deep, or I'd be rotten to the core."

Hope the rest of your week goes well and that you have a fun weekend!

Product Preview: 3Lab

I get plenty of beauty products to try out, but I think that taking great care of your skin is even more important than using the right foundation or the trendiest blush.  If your real skin looks amazing, you can use less makeup and you'll feel more confident.

I recently received a few products from 3Lab to try out.  First, let me tell you a little bit about the company.  3Lab offers "superior skincare straight from the lab. They use new, advanced formulas to target specific skincare concerns.  For example, they have a WW cream that promises to reduce fine lines and wrinkles while reversing natural aging process.  The secret ingredient?  Gold.

Here are the three products I'll be trying out:

SHINE STOP MOISTURIZER, $65
For daytime and/or nighttime use, this lightweight formula is oil-free.  It's a gel that hydrates while giving a matte finish to help reduce shine.  I love the idea behind this.  I have combination skin, with oil areas in my T-zone and my chin.  But I also have dry patches on my cheeks, so hopefully I'll be able to use this one product to address both of my skin concerns.

HYDRA DAY SPF 20, $85
This is really lightweight and blends quickly into the skin.  It contains antioxidants to defend against environmental damage while providing a fair amount of UV protection.  Because it's water-based, it really feels great on. It's a good base to wear under makeup, and I love the amount of SPF you get from this!

BB CREAM SPF 40, $95
I've been dying to try a BB cream, and this one seems to check all the boxes in "Lydia's List of Makeup Musts."  This is a very sheer tinted moisturizer that gives such an amazing amount of sun protection.  Plus it is designed to firm and lift the skin while helping to regenerate new cells, brighten skin, and moisturize.  It does it all!

3Lab products are pricey, but they use a lot of science and research.  They're available at Nordstrom, Barneys, and Bliss.  Click here for more store information. I'll report back soon and let you know what I think!

A History of Beauty

The beautiful and crazy Cersei Lannister!

I sometimes have nerdy tendencies.  These are often displayed by my love of history (it's what I have my degree in!), my proximity to uber-nerds (my husband and my sister), and pop culture choices.  This past Sunday, the second season of Game of Thrones picked up on HBO, and there was much happiness in my household.  New Game of Thrones?  Huzzah!  (Seriously, if you haven't read the mammoth George R.R. Martin books, do yourself a favor--pick them up!  They'll take awhile to read, but they're a lot of fun.)

Anyway, with GoT back in full swing on HBO, I get to geek out with an epic story coupled with pretty scenes and interesting costumes.  All of this had me thinking...what did women do to make themselves look a little more lovely throughout history?


Here are some of my favorite beauty habits throughout time:

• Egyptian Eyes: the famous, heavy lined eye of the Egyptians was produced using Kohl, a mixture of lead, copper, burned almonds, soot, and other ingredients.  Everyone in Egypt wore eye makeup, and it was even thought that it could protect the wearer from evil spirits while producing better vision. 
• China Glaze?: a mixture of beeswax and gelatin was used to produce a makeshift nail polish around 3000 BC in China. This practice was reserved for the upper classes, and nail color signified your position in culture.
• Morality in Europe: In the European Middle Ages, wearing makeup the church considered sinful (most fun things were forbidden at this time in history!).  However, most women ignored fear-mongering and painted their faces regardless of an eternity of damnation.
• Pale is the Rage: Societal stature has always been important in Europe. From the Renaissance on, people who had to labor often did so outdoors, resulting in tanned skin.  Super pale skin meant that a person did not have to toil and had more of a luxurious, pampered life.  To enhance paleness, women would bleed themselves or use a white face paint (that contained questionable ingredients!)

SCARY STUFF

• Through the centuries, cosmetics have included all sorts of scary and potentially deadly ingredients like mercury, arsenic, and lead.
•  Belladonna was used to dialate pupils, something women used to like.  This would be fine, but belladonna has been know to cause minor visual distortions, inability to focus on near objects, and increased heart rate. Prolonged usage was reputed to cause blindness.

Interested in learning more about the use of cosmetics throughout history?  Click here!

I could use a drink…

I don't know about you, but sometimes the week can really take its toll on me. Stress at work, social commitments, family commitments…there is just so much for us to do during one day. All the stress and responsibilities we have can make us do bad things, like eat poorly or drink too much. If you're feeling like you're at your wits end, try taking care of yourself instead of indulging in bad habits.

One easy way to pamper yourself while enjoying a girly drink without the alcohol or hangover is to take a long, hot shower with Skinnygirl Margarita bath products.  If you've watched the Real Housewives of New York, you no doubt already know who Bethany Frankel is. She left behind the housewives and became something of an entrepreneur with her Skinnygirl line of low-fat, low-cal beverage mixes. Now she's expanding into skincare products with her new bath collection.

I recently received a sample of her Margarita bath collection. I've been using her liquid bath soap, body lotion, and body scrub for about a week now, and they're pretty good. Just like a normal margarita, they have a citrusy sweet scent that is pleasant in the shower. There's just enough refreshing scent to make you feel relaxed in your shower without leaving you smelling like you just spent hours in a bar.

Of the three products I tried, my favorite is the body scrub. I like the way it exfoliates gently but effectively, leaving my skin feeling soft all day long. The Skinnygirl bath collection is available online and at Walmart for about $15. If you're looking for a little pick me up, consider grabbing a set of Bethenny's new products. Self-care is better than self-indulgence.

Pro-Choice!

If you've read my blog for any length of time, you know that I just love Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Black Honey. Black Honey goes on smooth, the color is light but noticeable and flattering, and it's perfect for everyday wear. Almost Lipstick in Black Honey has a killer reputation for good reason: it's affordable, easy to wear, and feels great.

I was so excited to learn that Clinique's Almost Lipstick line was growing. The Almost Lipstick brand now includes 7 new shades. There are so many to choose from that it can be hard to figure out which one to buy! While I almost always have a tube of Black Honey around, it's nice to have some variety to choose from.

When I was at Sephora the other day, I played around with all the shades available and, after much consideration, ended up purchasing Chic Honey. Chic Honey has more pink undertones than Black Honey, but it seems right for the springtime. Just like Black Honey, Chic Honey feels light and slick on my lips, and the color looks great.

Here's a list of all the colors available in Clinique's $15 a tube Almost Lipstick line:

• chic honey
• flirty honey
• lovely honey
• luscious honey
• shy honey
• spicy honey
• tender honey

Have you tried any of these new shades yet? Other than Black Honey, what's your favorite? Leave me a comment below and tell me what shade I need to try.

Variety is the spice of life! It's so nice to see that Clinique agrees.

Product Preview: Oil Free Supreme Foundation

I've been having a hell of a time finding a decent foundation lately.  I've tried a bunch of budget-friendly drugstore brands and have been disappointed by them all, in unique ways.  Some seem too light.  Others don't go on well.  I have yet to really fall in love with anything lately.  And I've spent a pretty penny to be disappointed.

When I was approached with an email about a new foundation by Laura Mercier, I couldn't wait to give it a try.  Laura Mercier makes very nice, high quality products, so I had my fingers crossed that this would be good.

Here's the deets: The new foundation is called Oil Free Supreme Foundation and it's an innovative new oil-free foundation that gives skin the ultimate coverage, comfort and wear for a flawless complexion. It is an oil-free, non-drying, lightweight formula that glides on evenly on to skin and does not settle into fine lines.  It claims to minimizes the appearance of pores for smoother skin and provides buildable coverage, from moderate to full, while it evens skin tone.

I've been wearing this foundation for a week now, and I think I'm in love.  YAY!  My skin has been looking pretty good--my normally visible pores are not as noticeable.  My skin tone is evened out and my face doesn't seem to get as oily as it has been with cheaper products by the middle of the day. My skin feels hydrated but not greasy, and I haven't noticed any annoying slippage.  It's easy to apply (I like the pump bottle), and has very little fragrance.

At $42, this product is a bit spendy, but I am really happy with the results.  To  me, it's worth the price.  Look for Oil Free Supreme Foundation in April.  It will be available in Porcelain Ivory, Blush Ivory, Warm Ivory, Sunny Beige, Vanilla Beige, Golden Beige, Shell Beige, Tawny Beige, Honey Beige, Suntan Beige, Toffee Bronze, Rich Sienna.

Wish You Were Here!

I have another trip to Hawaii coming in less than a month (thank god!).  With the nicer weather, vacation season is about to kick off.  If you're wanting a min-vacation but have no hopes of leaving home anytime soon, check out this video from Anastasia.  It features their newest kit, Wish You Were Here, that is filled with beach-inspired goodies.  I can't wait to get my hands on this one!

Enjoy!


WISH YOU WERE HERE from Anastasia Beverly Hills on Vimeo.

Hungry?

Ok, ok...I am late to the party on this one and in all honesty, I am still trying to avoid the hype.  But I can't...it's everywhere.  In case you've been living under a rock, you already know that the Hunger Games movie is opening this week.  Like I said, I've been trying like hell to avoid it, but it's a juggernaut.  It's either give in and join the fun or be completely annoyed by all the buzz. 

I sat down and read all three books in the trilogy recently, and I must say, they were just ok.  Nothing too groundbreaking, but they were enjoyable enough and I guess that's all that matters.

Over the past several months, I've had a lot of email about Hunger Games inspired beauty products.  I haven't paid too much attention to this because, well...I'm just not a big bandwagon jumper.  I don't feel like passing on tips on how to make your hair look like Haymitch's.  I will not be blathering on and on about Beauty Base Zero.  I will, however, show you China Glaze's Hunger Games line of nail polish because hey...I like nail polish and it's always nice to look at pretty colors.

So...this is NOT news, but here's the Capitol Colors line by China Glaze:

What's your favorite shade?  I'm partial to Agro and Smoke and Ashes.  I think Cinna would approve.  Tell me, are you looking forward to the movie?  Are you a Katniss fan?  Who would you rather have her end up with...Gale or Peeta?  I can't believe I just typed that.

May the odds be ever in your favor!

Sometimes I Suck...

Ugh.  Sometimes I really doubt my abilities in the world of beauty.  Sure, I know how to apply makeup and know what products I need to take care of my skin. But when it comes to doing my hair?  I completely and totally suck.  I would love, love, love for my hair to have healthy, casual waves.  Instead, my stupid hair is either stick-straight or wavy in a frizzy, messy way. 

I try to make my hair look nice.  I really do.  I use junk before I blow dry to protect my locks from the heat.  I still end up with a frizzy mess on my hands.  I've tried using curling irons to get soft, pretty waves.  What do I end up with?  More of a fried mess with bonus crimp lines.  Sexy!  It seems like no matter what I do, my hair ends up looking a fright.

So now I am turning to YOU, my friendly readers, and am asking for your help.  What advice do you have for someone like me who absolutely, positively SUCKS at doing her hair?  Is there a product I should be using?  Not using?  What's your curling iron technique?  I am in serious need of a little girl-to-girl advice (or as Tori Amos might say, I need a big loan from the girl zone).

Leave  me a comment and help me out!  God knows I need it!

Product Preview: Lash Genius

Instagram

Whenever I think of Anastasia Beverly Hills, I think of two things: brows and quality.  Of course, lately Anastasia has really been branching out and now makes a wide range of beauty products for the entire face.  The quality remains the same: solid. 

Coming soon is Anastasia's newest waterproof topcoat, Lash Genius.  This product will make your favorite mascara and make it waterproof with a few swipes.  It goes on top of your normal mascara and looks a little like a clear mascara.  It doesn't make lashes clumpy, doesn't feel heavy, and it doesn't harden your mascara. 

I don't normally wear waterproof mascara, but there are times when I should.  Some examples: when I'm at a wedding (I always cry!), watching a tearjerker, or listening to StoryCorps on NPR on my way into the office (those damn heart-warming stories get me teary every single time).  Seriously...listening to StoryCorp on NPR will make even the most cynical people burst into tears, and I've cursed my lack of waterproof mascara many a time.

Lash Genius gives you flexibility, which is nice.  It doesn't alter your normal mascara, but instead acts like a "umbrella" for your lashes.  Living in the soggy Seattle area, this is something I appreciate.

I've been trying out a sample of this, and so far, so good.  I like that I can't tell that I'm wearing it.  It also seems to last a good, long time, but since it's not heavy and clear, you could probably swipe on an extra coat if you're having an especially moist day (ew!  I hate the word "moist!"  Sorry about that!).

Anastasia's Lash Genius will be out (at Sephora!) in May 2012 and will sell for $21.  Check it out!

Beauty Product of the Week: Sugar Lip Treatment

What is it? Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15 is formulated with an array of ingredients that nourish and protect the lips. Sugar, a natural humectant, ensures long-lasting moisture while hydrating meadowfoam and black currant seed oils condition the lips. It is further enriched with antioxidant-rich vitamins to defend against wrinkle-causing free radicals and provides year-round protection from damaging UV rays. The versatile formula allows for buildable coverage to customize a sheer or rich hue and is the perfect partner to the bestselling Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15. Available in three shades (and clear) at Sephora for $22.50.


What did you think? If you're a beauty insider at Sephora, you'll get two small tubes of Fresh Sugar lip treatments for your birthday: the clear version and Rose, a lightly tinted version.  Both feel great going on and last a while (always a plus!).

While I like the clear version, I prefer the tinted lip treatment.  The color is very pretty and easy to wear, and when I wear it, I feel like I'm just wearing lip balm...not a heavy lip color.  I can swipe the tinted lip treatment on with little effort and look very put together.  I like that!

My only complaint is how the tubes open.  You have to twist the base, which always makes me worry that I'm raising the product with the cap still on (I'm not...but it feels weird).  Other than that, I really like this product and plan to buy a full size when my birthday freebie runs out. 


Final verdict?  This is a pricey product, but for once, I think it's worth it.  The color options are great for everyday use--they're subtle but flattering (perfect for a day at the office), and there's a shade for everyone.  It feels light but moisturizing and is much more fun than a tube of Chap Stick!