Subscribe to this feed
Blog Entries
Perfecting your SPF
Looking for the perfect skin protection can sometimes be a little confusing. There are so many products with SPF out there -- how do you choose? Let's break it down by your skincare needs:
Anti-Aging: Kinerase Lotion SPF 30 is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation and is supposed to help minimize the appearance of fine lines, blotchiness, sun damage, and more. Best of all, it protects you from further sun damage.
Beach Babes: Murad Waterproof Sunblock SPF 30 offers maximum-strength protection from the sun while you're taking a dip in the pool or riding the waves at the beach. Helps defend against premature fine lines and wrinkles.
Sensitive to the Sun: Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 55 PA +++ is a powerful sunscreen for the face that's designed to protect against UVA/UVB rays, which cause sunburns and aging of the skin.
Bronzing Beauties: If you want to tan and protect, try a temporary tan solution. The Murad Firming Bronzer With SPF 15 for Face and Body provides a shimmering bronze finish with an "active firming complex." Bronze up your body with natural ingredients such as rosemary, cornflower, and pomegranate. Also contains UVA/UVB sunscreens for broad-spectrum sun protection.
posted by Krista DeWeese | 05.22.09 2:43pm | Add a Comment (0) | Permanent Link-
Jurlique Makes Citrus Work
"Biodynamic" might not be the first word that comes to mind when you think about skin care. But it's one you'll want to get acquainted with, as it's the driving force behind the dynamite skin care offerings from Jurlique.
The brand uses high-quality, organically grown ingredients (such as black elder and daisy) in its products, with the goal of improving clients' skin in the most natural manner possible. Jurlique's philosophy? "Nature trumps chemistry every time," and it's so true. I found this out for myself when I tried the company's line of citrus products.
I'll admit to being a little apprehensive about trying the Citrus Purifying Mist. My skin, while mostly clear, is super-sensitive. But one spray was all it took to get addicted. Its marshmallow, witch hazel, and aloe vera extracts work to tone, calm (yes, calm!), and clarify the skin. The scent (lemon and tangerine) is so energizing and delicious that it's become a morning staple.
Bookending my morning skin care ritual is the Citrus Silk Finishing Powder . Designed to control oiliness and rebalance the skin, I can feel it tightening my face after I dust it on, and my skin feels smoother and more primed for makeup after I use it. (I prefer using a powder brush to the puff, and it's translucent enough to use as a setting powder, too.) One caveat: I can't speak to its oil control properties, as my skin tends to be drier.
Rounding out the collection is the Citrus Hand Cream. It's thick and rich - so thick and rich that, when I laced my fingers together and stretched my arms over my head a couple minutes after applying it, I couldn't keep my hands from slipping apart. It's sitting on my desk at work - I handle a lot of documents, and a good hand cream is essential for avoiding paper cuts. Plus, the signature citrus scent is the perfect sharp-smelling pick-me-up during midday slumps. - Shana of SheFinds.com
-
Bronzing Beauties
What's the perfect way to become a bronzed babe without soaking up the sun?
Facial bronzers and self-tanners for the body are safe and fast ways to get that Brazillian tan without the risk of damaging your skin. There are many to choose from, so finding the right one for your skin can take a little research. Some starters:
For oily and sensitive skin, consider an organic mineral-powder bronzer for the face, such as the Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Faux Tan All-Over Face Color, which looks best when applied with an all-natural Kabuki-style powder brush. For normal or dry skin, try a moisturizing pressed-powder bronzer like the bestseller Terracotta by Guerlain.
Check out our array of self-tanners for the body, including popular brands like Estee Lauder, Clarins, and Shiseido. Self-tanning lotions and creams for the body gradually tint your skin with every application, helping you achieve the perfect shade of tan.
posted by Krista DeWeese | 05.22.09 2:43pm | Add a Comment (1) | Permanent Link-
Aveeno Skin Care Products
My first memory of an Aveeno product was as the one and only thing that made me stop scratching my chicken pox. I was three, and it was kind of gross but kind of wonderful that I was allowed to bathe in oatmeal. Nonetheless, it was a while before I gave the brand the credit it deserves: The products are reasonably priced but feel luxurious, and the trio I've been using has kept my sometimes-oily sometimes-dry skin clear and moisturized. And if I run into some poison sumac this summer, I trust that my oatmeal bath will be ready and waiting.
I've washed my face with Aveeno's Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser every morning for about a year; it has acne-fighting salicylic acid that staves off occasional breakouts but leaves skin feeling clean, not dry or tight.
I love the summer-evoking botanicals-and-sunscreen scent of the Positively Ageless Lifting & Firming Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 so much that I've been using it as hand lotion as well as a face cream -- the high SPF and creamy formula keep delicate hand and face skin soft and protected.
The Positively Ageless Lifting & Firming Night Cream is super-moisturizing -- it seems to do something overnight that leaves skin more even and smoother. I'm not questioning. - Rebekah of SheFinds.com
-
Maximize your Lashes
One of my best-kept beauty secrets is an elegant pair of false lashes, and my favorite brands are the L'Oreal-owned brand Shu Uemura, Sugar Cosmetics, and Ardell. Nearly every celebrity gal on the red carpet wears false lashes, and when properly applied, they can be hard to spot.
Those too timid to put on false lashes have excellent mascara alternatives. For big and bold runway model lashes, try Dior's Diorshow mascara, which comes with a larger-than-life-sized brush that coats every lash. For super-volumized and long lashes, check out Too Faced Lash Injection mascara by the makers of the popular Lip Injection products that plump up your lips. If natural and full is the look you're longing for, try organic brand Bare Escentuals mascara. Don't forget that swimming season is coming up, and you'll need waterproof mascara formulas that keep your lashes looking great even when wet.
posted by Krista DeWeese | 11.22.09 6:30am | Add a Comment (2) | Permanent Link-
Zeno Acne Treatment
You might have noticed the Zeno at your dermatologist's office. A little smaller than a cell phone, this handheld device is "the new secret weapon in the war against pimples." Apply its biocompatible tip directly on your blemishes. The tip transfers modulated heat to destroy acne-causing bacteria without damaging your skin.
posted by Arnold Chao | 05.22.09 2:43pm | Add a Comment (1) | Permanent Link-
Gal Pal Deodorant Remover
Unsightly deodorant marks on the side of a favorite dress is one of every woman's fashion nightmares. It seemed as if nothing could get rid of those embarrassing white marks; then the wonderful Gal Pal Garment Deodorant Remover was born, and the fear of messing up prom dresses, tank tops, and strapless dresses was over! The remover is a sponge-like pad that quickly and easily removes deodorant stains without leaving wet marks on your clothing. Perfect!
posted by Krista DeWeese | 05.22.09 2:43pm | Add a Comment (2) | Permanent Link-
Valentine’s Day Gift Guide
So you noticed the red, heart-shaped boxes of chocolate in the local store's candy aisle and realized that Valentine's Day (Feb. 14) is upon us? Whether you have a new love in your life or you've celebrated your 50th wedding anniversary, our Valentine's Day Gift Guide has the ultimate gift ideas for you and your sweetie.
Gifts for Him:
Are you absolutely stumped on what to get him for Valentine's Day? We can help you choose perfect gifts for your husband, lover, or best guy friends! Our Top 10 Valentine's Day gifts include the 8GB iPhone, iPod nano, Nintendo Wii, and traditional gifts like watches from Blue Nile. Check out these great gift ideas for that special man: All Gifts for Him.Gifts for Her:
You really want to "wow" her this year? Browse our Valentine's Day gift guide, and we're sure you'll find something perfect for your girlfriend, wife, lover, or closest gal friends. Impress that special lady with gorgeous diamond jewelry, fresh flowers, beauty and fragrance gifts and much more! Gifts that topped the charts on our Top 10 Valentine's Day gifts for her list were red roses, Ugg shoes, and the silver Apple iPod nano 4GB MP3 player. For more gift ideas for the ladies, take a look at our gift guide: All Gifts for Her.Gifts by Price:
Shopping on a budget? No problem. We have the best gifts under $25 for you to choose from. Looking for luxury items for your loved one? We've found great gifts over $100 and gifts over $500 for the ultimate in extravagance.Gifts of Romance:
Turn down the lights and turn up the heat! We have some super sexy gifts for couples who plan on getting steamy on Valentine's Day. Look no further than our Top 10 Sexy Lingerie list and Top 10 Gifts of Love for a night you both will never forget!posted by Krista DeWeese | 11.22.09 6:35am | Add a Comment (9) | Permanent Link-
Top Scents for Valentine's Day
Looking for that perfect fragrance gift for your Valentine girl? Or a new scent to spice up your Valentine's Day romance? Check out these top-rated women's fragrances that are sure to perk up the senses!
For the princess at heart:
Vera Wang Princess Eau de Toilette - Enclosed in an elegant heart-shaped bottle is Vera Wang's newest fragrance, Princess. The scent is a mix of a floral bouquet teased with vanilla and twist of pink guava. The gold crown cap hides a keepsake gold band studded with tiny amethyst-colored crystals.For the artistic gal with an interest in vintage fashion:
Emilio Pucci Vivara Eau de Parfum - In a 1960's pop-art-inspired bottle, the newest fragrance by the Emilio Pucci brand is born. The green floral fragrance brings hints of the Italian Riviera and dazzling notes of almond amaretto and orange blossom.For the innocent girl:
Daisy by Marc Jacobs Eau de Toilette - A new, young, and full-of-spirit fragrance for young at heart women. It's flirtatious with a sweet innocence, original and playful, clever but full of color.For the playful and flirtatious lady:
Pink Sugar by Aquolina Eau de Toilette - This fragrance captures the essence of all that is sweet. Launched in 2004, this scent is still a favorite! Pink Sugar is feminine, possessing a blend of cotton candy, caramel, raspberry, strawberry, and more.For the romantic woman:
Romance by Ralph Lauren Eau de Parfum - Refined, floral, and feminine, this lovely fragrance arrived in 1998 and is still among the top-selling perfumes. With a fresh blend of rose, ginger, and violet, this scent can be worn either day or night.Don't forget to browse our Valentine's Day Gift Guide to find more perfect gifts for your Valentine. For more fragrances and spa gift suggestions, check out the Top 10 Bath & Body Essentials list.
posted by Krista DeWeese | 05.22.09 2:43pm | Add a Comment (5) | Permanent Link-
Thumbs Up for the Clarisonic
A new skin-care gadget takes center stage for its innovation: the Clarisonic. Developed by the same folks who brought us the Sonicare toothbrush, this electronic, waterproof device uses sonic power to clean your facial pores and remove grime. As one of our most-searched items, it's been rated by many users as an efficient tool for nixing dry patches and blemishes.
posted by Arnold Chao | 11.22.09 6:31am | Add a Comment (3) | Permanent Link-