Like many of you, I love going to the spa and getting amazing body treatments. However, the finances don't always support my little spa habit so I've had to find ways to economize and get the benefits from home treatments. One of the lines I've taken a closer look at lately is the H2O Sea Pure line.
Product Review: H2O Plus Sea Pure Skin Care
Urban Decay Announces Alice in Wonderland Book of Shadows
This Week With the Glamarazzi
Edited by Dani
As the year draws to a close, people use many different ways to say goodbye to 2009... Some reminisce over events of the past, nostalgically recalling people, places, and really killer parties. Others, like myself, prepare by dreaming big and getting excited for the future. Speaking of which, I am so thrilled to start the new year as co-editor of the Glamarazzi! Iggi and Keedah have graciously allowed me to jump into rotation on their project, and I'm excited to read some amazing posts! Also in the spirit of newness, please welcome the latest addition to the glamily, Adina from KraseyBeauty. Her blog is fantastic, and I'm sure we'll continue to see amazing posts from her! Welcome Adina!
And as always, new members are always welcome. If you would like to be involved in the "Glamarazzi" get the details here.
Happy New Year everyone! Be safe, be smart, and be fab....like I have to tell you!
- Be careful in choosing your getting ready music tonight: The Glamour Whore almost didn't make it to 2010...*GASP!*The styling in Katy Perry's new video almost shocked her to death. I'm just as surprised as you, girl.
- Getting dolled up for NYE? Diary of a Style Addict shows you how NOT to wear an American Apparel Micro Mesh dress. If you carry one pice of advice into the new year, THIS IS IT.
- Hair take so long that you now only have 5 minutes until the limo arrives to pick you up? No worries. FerOHHHsh has got you with a sultry smokey eye in less than five.
- With all of the champagne flowing tonight, the walk of shame may be inevitable...The Style Aficionado helps you do it with class. What morning after?
- Sometimes despite the fresh start, there are some things you just shouldn't give up...chocolate, shoes, and products that make your life a little more glam. KraseyBeauty reminisces about the beauty products that rocked her world in '09.
- At the Beauty Bar, Retrodiva reviews the SensiClear Skin Care System, just in time to repair the holiday damage. Because I KNOW I'm not the only one who over-indulged...
Signature Scents: Do You Have One?
I've made a huge deal out of telling everyone that my signature scent is Tom Ford Black Orchid, and that isn't a lie. There are a great number of people out there who will instantly think of me when they smell that particular scent. Especially boys. But that is a post for another time, and perhaps another blog.
What I haven't told many people, in fact, I can only think of two off the top of my head, is that one of the fragrances that I adore and get the most comments on is Tiptoeing Through the Chambers of the Moon by Pilar and Lucy. It's my secret weapon.
Smoldering amber and seductive tuberose come together in this enigmatic and soulful elixir. This is the olfactory calling card for the girl who knows her equinoxes and solstices, can point out every constellation in the night sky, and just might have a pack of tarot cards in her purse – but you won’t catch her in muddy sandals. She’s far too glamorous for that. Much like the woman who wears it, Tiptoeing Through Chambers Of The Moon keeps complex secrets, and only reveals enough to keep ‘em guessing. Mysterious, alluring and ethereal…spinning a warm and sexy web that one can’t help but get caught in.
Some people love it, some hate it, but everyone comments.
So, what is your secret weapon?
Product Review: SensiClear Deluxe Acne System
Last in the set is the Blemish Free Acne Spot Treatment. This is a stronger formulation, at 2% salicylic acid, and is to be used only on blemishes as needed. I find this to be comparable to other blemish lotions. It's not as light as the gels out there, but it seems to get the job done.
Overall, I think this is a perfect set for those with sensitive skin who don't need large amounts of salicylic acid to fight breakouts. Unfortunately, I am not one of those people. If I don't beat my skin down with salicylic acid at a 2% concentration, I'm going to regret it. I used the system for 30 days, but at the end of that period, I went right back to what I was using before with more than my typical blemishes on my face.
If you are interested in trying this system, it does come with a risk free guarantee if you order it through the SensiClear.com site. My only issue with the site and the ordering process is that it seems to be a club of some sort where you sign up for scheduled deliveries. However, SkinStore.com has a great price on them right now, although I'm not sure of their return policy.
Avoiding Dry Winter Skin
Start with a body scrub. This physical exfoliant can help remove the dead skin you can see as well as the dead skin you can’t see. Choose a formula that doesn’t have salt as the basis. A sugar scrub or one with other abrasives such as almonds are far more gentle on winter skin. A few to try are Neutrogena Sugar Scrub Body Exfoliator, Tree Hut Shea Sugar Body Scrub, and Origins Lavender & Vanilla Sugar Body Smoother Scrub.
Next, slather on a rich, moisturizing body lotion. These work especially well after scrubs, as they protect the new skin that is now on the surface. If you tend to have extremely dry winter skin, look for an extra emollient formulation such as Lubriderm Advanced Therapy Triple Smoothing Body Lotion or Nivea Nivea Creme. If you suffer from sensitive and dry skin, consider the Aveeno brand - they have some wonderful products at a good price point, such as Aveeno Active Naturals Creamy Moisturizing Oil.
Spot treat those problem areas. Everyone has them. My problem areas happen to be my cuticles. In the winter, they always turn into a huge mess. Someone else might have problems with their elbows or heels. I like to spot treat with a petroleum-based product overnight, such as Eucerin Dry Skin Therapy Original Moisturizing Creme. Apply right before bed and allow to absorb naturally into the skin.
Be extra zealous with the lip balm. Not just the gloss, but an extra moisturizing formula that will help to keep the dryness away. After all, this season’s dark lips aren’t going to look good if you have dry, flaky skin! Use a sugar scrub to exfoliate the lips such as philosophy | kiss me exfoliating lip scrub, then immediately apply a heavy duty lip balm. I swear by Smith's Rosebud Salve and Carmex. Your preferences may vary. Apply often and generously.
Don’t neglect your nails! Did you know that the cooler weather can even affect the condition of your fingernails? As nails dry out, much like wood, they become even more brittle and prone to breakage. Keeping them covered in a moisture-sealing product will help with the problem. Again, Eucerin Moisturizing Lotion is often recommended as is Aquaphor Healing Ointment, both petroleum-based products.
My Visit to the MAC Counter Today
Resulted in purchases that I really didn't need, but I had a few holiday dollars left.
First up, the Warm and Cozy Collection. My overall impression? Not extremely exciting, but awesome for the daily basics and weekend neutrals. The Shadesticks are especially nice:
These are the three that I bought - left to right: Nurture, Warm and Cozy, and Relaxed. I skipped Cuddle because it was just too white for me to ever consider using. Nurture is as light of a color as I want to consider.
I also picked up my first Mineralize Skinfinish in By Candlelight:
Stuff On Sale: After Holiday Beauty Edition
Benefit Cosmetics
- Get a FREE silky powder eyeshadow in low profile with every $35 purchase at Benefit. No promo code necessary. While supplies last. Item automatically ships with order.
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- Use coupon LSDEC9 for an additional $10 OFF all sales over $70
- Use the code SAVETEN and save 10% at FragranceNet.com plus get Free Shipping on orders over $70. Offer ends 12.31.09
- C.O. Bigelow has great bed, bath, fragrance and personal care gift packages! Get Free Shipping on orders within the United States over $50.00. Enter coupon: ship3 Expires 12/31/09. Click Here!
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