Product Review: H2O Plus Sea Pure Skin Care

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.

I started with the H2O Plus Sea Pure Purifying Body Mud. This is a thick paste that you squeeze out and apply liberally to the skin and let dry for 10 minutes. It feels like magic - slightly tingly and not irritating at all. After allowing that to dry, stepped into the shower and used the H2O Plus Sea Pure Cleansing Body Oil to help remove it.

This is an amazing cleanser that won't make your skin feel dry or dehydrated. It is based on an oil, yet still cleans well. Don't look for a lot of foam or lather here - with all natural and organic ingredients, you don't get that much, but you won't miss it, either.

Next, I exfoliated with the H2O Plus Sea Pure Reviving Body Buffer.

This is a natural sea salt scrub that helps remove impurities and dead skin, leaving fresh soft skin behind. You know I'm all about a good scrub, and this is at the top of my list of best scrubs ever. I've never used a sea salt scrub that doesn't dry my skin out at all, which is nice. It makes the next step even easier.

To finish up and moisturize after the shower, I used H2O Plus Sea Pure Finishing Body Silk.

This is a very unique oil/lotion hybrid, and I love it. It goes on smoothly like an oil, but doesn't leave any greasy feeling behind whatsoever. It absorbs quickly into the skin and moisturizes just the right amount - not too much, not too little.

After the entire treatment, my skin felt like a million dollars. I would highly recommend this line to anyone who is interested in spa body treatments. I enjoyed the way it made my skin feel, and my green sisters will love the natural formulations.

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Urban Decay Announces Alice in Wonderland Book of Shadows

Hello, gorgeous.

No real information yet on release date or where you will be able to purchase it, but head on over to the Urban Decay website to be notified ASAP on all the details.

I'm a huge fan of Urban Decay shadows - all of their line, really. I've never gotten a bad product from them. Will you be picking one up?

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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...
  

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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.

I wish I could describe it, but I can't. I've tried a million times and it just doesn't come out right. It's such a bombshell, retro-fabulous, witchy fragrance that I don't even try anymore. I'll just let LuckyScent.com do the talking for me:

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?

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Product Review: SensiClear Deluxe Acne System

The SensiClear system is designed for those with sensitive skin who experience some problems with breakouts. While I've heard that this system seems to be "Proactiv Lite," I can tell you that the two systems are radically different, and probably wouldn't work for the same person. Proactiv contains benzoil peroxide and salicylic acid, while SensiClear contains salicylic acid only.

The set consists of four different products: Purifying Cleanser, Balancing Toner, Blemish Free Acne Treatment Lotion, and Blemish Free Acne Spot Treatment. Each product has it's pros and cons.

The Purifying Cleanser is a clear gel and it has a powerful smell - almost minty, but I can't really put my finger on what it is. Worth noting because if you are sensitive to fragrances, this might not work for you. The cleanser works well, although it doesn't contain salicylic acid - it's just a standard cleanser that does a great job of making your face feel wonderfully clean.

SensiClear's Balancing Toner is one of the most interesting toners I've ever tried. Again, there is a high fragrance level here, so be warned. However, this isn't a liquid like other toners - it's more of a gel. I found that I didn't always feel like one squirt of toner was enough for my entire face, and found myself using more than I probably needed because I wasn't used to the consistency. The active ingredient is 0.5% salicylic acid (most anti-acne products have 2%).

The standout product of this line, in my opinion, is the Blemish Free Acne Treatment Lotion. It's a very good moisturizer that settles in instantly and doesn't leave a ton of greasiness behind. It's one of the few moisturizers out there that has salicylic acid in it, at a concentration of 0.5%, not too shabby for a moisturizer. I'd avoid using it around the eyes, however.

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.

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Avoiding Dry Winter Skin

The onset of the cold weather always means more than just holiday shopping to me. It usually means that I’m in for a few rounds of dry, patchy, ashy skin. Several things can work together to make your skin dry and ashy. Turning on the heat can dry out your environment, including your skin, and exposing yourself to the elements outside can lead to chapping and discomfort. And a quick trip to the drugstore can turn into an hourlong shopping session when I’m trying to find the right kind of product to help with skin issues. Luckily a few steps taken as a preventative measure with some subsequent follow up can make all the difference.

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.

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