beauty review: TATCHA Aburatorigami Beauty Papers

to keep shine at bay, blotting papers are fabulous for absorbing excess oil without disrupting makeup. TATCHA Aburatorigami Beauty Papers are quite luxurious and a great option for all skin types!

i think glowy, dewy skin is pretty, but when you have oily skin, there is a line when shine gets a bit out of hand. i'm getting older more fabulous, so i find this issue to be less frequent. that, of course, doesn't mean i never need anything to help. i use other blotting papers but these soft sheets stand apart thanks to having that little something extra…

made with all-natural 100% abaca leaf {strongest among natural fibers and used for many things in the paper industry} and gold flake, these fragrance and powder-free sheets work beautifully to keep my skin looking fresh. the slim packaging makes them purse-friendly and great for travel.

i highly recommend you treat yourself and check these out! visit tatcha.com for more info.

product featured sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

new beauty: SheaMoisture Dry Oil Mists

to pamper your skin and give it an instant boost of moisture, SheaMoisture offers some fabulous products. and not only are they nourishing to skin, but they're so affordable! now the brand offers Dry Oil Mists, and from the description they definitely sound like they are a perfect addition to the range…

available in 4 scents, each has its own unique and multipurpose benefit. they boast quick absorption on bare skin,are suggested for use as a gloss for hair, and can even be worn as a delicate fragrance.

oh, how i love a multitasking product! 

also, these mists do not contain parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oil, gluten, synthetic fragrance or artificial color. lets take a closer look, shall we??

varieties include:

Tahitian Noni & Monoi {Soothing & Reparative} 
features a formula of certified organic shea butter, antioxidant tahitian noni, monoi, and a blend of rich coconut oil, natural floral essences and sweet almond oil.

Coconut & Hibiscus {Brightening & Toning}
made with certified organic shea butter and coconut oil to hydrate and firm skin; hibiscus flower and songyi mushroom extracts brighten and improve the appearance of uneven skin tone.

Lavender & Wild Orchid Healing {Hydrating & Calming} 
this healing, hydrating and calming blend utilizes certified organic shea butter to heal; lavender and arnica to soothe; and wild orchid extract to repair dry, rough skin.

Argan Oil & Raw Shea {Anti-Aging & Softening} 
effectively rehydrates and repairs dull, aging skin. includes certified organic shea butter, argan oil and frankincense & myrrh to nourish and soften skin.

SheaMoisture’s Dry Oil Mists are available at Target stores nationwide. for more info, visit SheaMoisture.com.

info and image provided by PR for SheaMoisture

fitness expert Tracy Anderson shares her Bioelements faves

as a fan of both Tracy Anderson and the fabulous skin care brand, Bioelements, i was excited to learn that the two partnered up to bring health and wellness info from body to skin and beyond…

in a recent SkinReading blog post {that they've so graciously allowed me to share with you in its entirety, below}, Tracy {trainer to celebs like Gwyneth Paltrow, Nicole Richie and Molly Sims} shares her thoughts about the connection healthy living has on skin, as well as how Bioelements products complement her intense fitness regimen, causing an all around glow.

read on and enjoy!

*what's your philosophy when it comes to skin care?*
"it's so important to take care of your skin. i only use products that incorporate natural ingredients with the best of science and have a certain quality standard, which is why i love Bioelements."

*what are your favorite products?*
"Kerafole and Beyond Hydration"

*you've always stressed that food plays an integral part in transforming and maintaining your body ~ do you think it plays a part in how your skin looks and feels as well?*
"yes, absolutely! you are how you eat. you are how you move. you are how you care for yourself. what occurs on your skin is aligned with how you treat your health and what you put on your skin. the routine requires consistency and care just like anything else."

*what other daily habits do you feel contribute to healthy skin?*
"drinking water, not eating gluten, circulation which exercise is vital for, positive thoughts, managing stress well."

*what is your post-workout skin care routine? or, any post-workout skin care tips?*
"i love the Moisture Positive Cleanser post-workout because you just sweat and the skin is warm so it is great to clean while adding moisture. always wash your face and pile on the healthy skin care products post-workout. they really sink in and provide that healthy glow!"

*you've mentioned in the press that Bioelements Vitalization body creme is one of your travel must-haves - what are some tips you use to avoid skin issues that can come from frequent travel?*
"you got it ~ amazing moisturizer for your entire body. don’t rely on the items that may be at a destination for you. this is not the time to drop the ball with what works for your skin."

*you've transformed bodies all over the world with your approach to fitness, but are there any tips you've picked up from your clients that have contributed to your wellness ~ skin care or otherwise?* "lean into your own beauty. stop trying to look like other people. lines like Bioelements are vast and researched enough so that you can have that valuable custom approach. lean into that and give the products time to work with you. people are so willing to lose focus if they don't change the second they put something on their body. the body doesn't work that way and your beauty can’t shine under a constant state of self-criticism."

*now let's talk relaxation: what's your favorite spa service? how about your most-loved way to pamper at home?*
"that question makes me realize how much i need a vacation! give me a beautiful beach, great food, great wine, great people and i don’t even need a spa! i live for do-it-yourself products like an amazing Bioelements mask. then you can multitask!"

Tracy obviously has great taste in skincare ~ be sure to visit her website!

have you used Bioelements? read my past product reviews, and visit their website for more product info!

info and images courtesy of Bioelements

beauty review: jane iredale Hydrating Spray

let's face it {excuse the bad pun, LOL}, hydration is essential for keeping skin healthy and looking its best. when skin looks good, makeup looks better, and when makeup looks better, we feel better…

do you see where i'm going with this? 

skincare is important! :)

that said, i'm excited. and it's all because of this beauty from Jane Iredale…

 POMMISST Hydration Spray

beauties, me and my skin are quite enamored.

the jane iredale brand boasts being "the skin care makeup", and this is truly the case {stay tuned for more product reviews!}. this one product is a gorgeous, multi-tasker. there are three sprays in the Hydration collection, and it's been about 4 weeks since i was given the opportunity to test out POMMISST; as previously mentioned, i love it!

with pomegranate extract, white tea leaf extract and rosemary leaf extract {all organic}, POMMISST does what it says it will: hydrate. it also conditions and is fabulous for all skin types.

the multi-tasking element comes in because all three Hydration Sprays can be used to set makeup, refresh skin any time of day, be sprayed on to makeup brushes to moisten them for creating different textures and depth of color {instead of water} and is just great overall for keeping skin in balance.

i find the scent of POMMISST to be beautiful {slightly sweet and citrusy}. it's such a treat to spray on my skin each morning, before i apply my moisturizer, after i'm done with my makeup, and each night just before i go to bed {ok, i may or may not mist my face at other points of the day, but these are the most frequent…*wink}.

the other two sprays include:

Balance Antioxidant Hydration Spray 
this one is formulated specifically to help balance oil production and pH. orange essential oil, orange peel extract, grapefruit peel extract and algae extract calm and feed the skin.

 D2O Hydration Spray
sets minerals, helps to hydrate and plump the skin cells. it contains chamomile as a key ingredient to calm and protect the skin. features a ylang ylang fragrance.

so, what more can i say? as a newbie to the jane iredale brand, i am very impressed with POMMISST and can only imagine how fabulous the other two Hydration sprays are.

find out more for yourself at janeiredale.com!

beauty review: EYES by ToGoSpa {formerly Eyedews}

EYES by ToGoSpa {formerly known as Eyedews} have been pampering my eyes for the past couple of weeks and what treat they are! these at-home, spa-inspired gel treatment pads work by stimulating circulation and production of new, youthful skin cells. 

the pads, once applied, are activated by the body's temperature and are packed with a fabulous combination of natural, high-density marine collagen, enzymes, amino acids, natural marine minerals, trace elements, proteins and vitamins. all of these ingredients have worked quite well together, and leave my eyes looking more awake and youthful ~ love! 

other benefits i've noticed: the skin around my eyes look more relaxed, calm and moisturized; they also de-puff, reduce irritation, and leave my skin well-hydrated, so the appearance of dryness surrounding my eyes has been reduced {keeping fine lines away!}...

you'll also be happy to know that EYES can be used anytime and anywhere. they're a bit slippery coming out of the package, but they stay put once they've been applied. 

what else can i say about these other than you should definitely give them a try! they come in 3 "flavors": Soothe {ice water}, Lift {green tea} and Firm {pomegranate; not pictured}…

visit togospa.com for more info! 

product featured sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

budget beauty: Olay Fresh Effects {S'Wipe Out!} Refreshing Makeup Removal Cloths

when you want to quickly take off your makeup {because it's late or you're seriously tired}, and know how bad it would be to sleep in it, i'd like to suggest you consider the Olay Fresh Effects {S'Wipe Out!} Refreshing Makeup Removal Cloths ~ they've been quite fabulous for me to use in the past few weeks... 

these special pre-moistened cloths help to lift away dirt and makeup and are effective even when it comes to removing tough-to-remove waterproof mascara; infused with Olay's signature moisture and vitamin E complex, i think these wipes do a good job removing most of my makeup. i say most because these don't leave my skin completely clean. i think this has to do with the fact that i typically wear a full face of makeup and my foundation is a long-wearing formula. so...there isn't really a cleansing cloth that is absolutely a one-step cleanser for me.

the way i like to use these wipes is as a "first cleanse" ~ removing my eye makeup and all other products that i've had on my face that day. one cloth aids in taking off  a lot of my makeup, but like i said, it doesn't take it all off. it does help in leaving my skin feeling soft and smooth, though ~ no dryness or tight feeling in the slightest. i love the smell, and of  course, the convenience of it is splendid.

compared to other wipes i currently use and have tried in the past {Neutrogena Makeup Removal Cleansing Towelettes are my favorite from the drugstore; i wrote about them here, way back when…maybe time for an update??!}, these rank very high on my list of makeup removers.

i recommend you try these Olay S'Wipe Out! makeup removal cloths for yourself! they can be found at your local drug and mass retail stores. visit olay.com for more info.

product featured sent to me for review consideration; i was not paid for this post and all opinions are my own; pic taken by me :)

beauty review: MAC Lightful w/Marine-Bright complex

~ it's a new year, so you may have resolved to start a new skincare routine. and even if that's not the case, we all want skin that's soft to touch and beautiful to look at. to make it reality, good skincare products are essential! to help you navigate through the plethora of products, i've been testing out many for the past few months and will be sharing my thoughts and opinions throughout the month of january. i hope you'll find it useful! ~

nourish, hydrate and brighten the skin with the exclusive asia-inspired formula that defies dull skin while fortifying against key environmental aggressors. enhanced with marine-bright formula, featuring three potent seaweeds harvested from the world's oceans and optimized with vitamin C. this unprecedented skin-brightening complex, made possible through our exclusive technology, improves clarity, evens pigmentation and creates perfectly luminous skin instantly and over time.

this is the description regarding the MAC Lightful range of skincare products; i'm here to say i'm beyond happy with what i have been using {3 of 4 products}: Softening Lotion, Essence and Moisture Creme {there is also a Cleanser, but i have yet to try it out for myself}. each of these beauties are formulated to give skin a healthy glow and feed skin beneficial ingredients to make your skin look its best.

like millions of people, i've always been a fan of MAC; i'm also especially fond of their skincare products, which i think are so underrated and don't get near the amount of hype they deserve {just saying…}. sure, i love my studio fix plus powder, lipglass, and don't even get me started over the assortment of amazing eyeshadows, but MAC's skincare is quite effective. needless to say, Lightful has my heart.

let's take a few moments to take a closer look at the products i've been using, shall we?

 Lightful Softening Lotion

this gorgeous, antioxidant-rich lotion {it's a liquid, though; think toner} is perfect for any skin type, containing a solid mix of antioxidants, repairing ingredients, and soothing agents {created to calm redness and reinforce a healthy barrier function for the skin}. i used this twice daily for three weeks when i began seeing results: smoother and more radiant skin.

Lightful Essence  

a vitamin C serum, highly infused with antioxidants and other fabulous ingredients helps to brighten skin and improve the look of discoloration and uneven skin tone.  the smooth-textured serum comes in a pump bottle and applies fabulously. i used this mainly at night, but did use it sometimes in the morning. overall, i would definitely recommend you try this out for yourself, if you haven't yet.

Lightful Moisture Creme 

my favorite! it's uber-lightweight but oh-so hydrating; the smooth texture absorbs quickly and is simply fabulous. i don't know how it was done, but this moisturizer is packed with antioxidants, and beneficial plant extracts. my only gripe: it needs to be in a pump rather than a jar. 

the MAC Lightful collection is certainly worth a look {oh, and did i mention the sparkly packaging?! so pretty…} if you're considering changing to all new skincare; of course, if you're just looking for one or two things to add to your current routine, i think you'll find them beneficial as well!

visit maccosmetics.com for more info.

products featured sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

MAC extends Prep+Prime BB Beauty Balm color range...

gorgeous beauty news! MAC has extended their range of Prep + Prime BB creams! so if you were curious to try the new product, chances are you're now more likely to find your perfect match...

MAC Prep + Prime BB Beauty Balm leads the next generation of BB creams, evening skin tone, blurring imperfections and enhancing skin’s natural luminosity while shielding it from harsh UV rays. now in six new shades, the extended color spectrum ranges from light to medium to beige, and on to caramel bronze. semi-translucent and luxuriously light. 

~ available in an SPF 35 cream and a go-anywhere SPF 30 solid cream compact ~

Prep + Prime BB Beauty Balm SPF 35

Extra Light ~ pale alabaster
Light ~ pale ivory
Light Plus ~ light beige
Medium ~ warm beige
Medium Plus ~ tan beige
Medium Dark ~ caramel beige
Dark ~ deep caramel
Deep Plus ~ neutral tan beige
Dark Deep ~ rich golden bronze

Prep + Prime BB Beauty Balm Compact SPF 30

Extra Light ~ pale alabaster
Light ~ pale ivory
Light Plus ~ light beige
Medium ~ warm beige
Medium Plus ~ tan beige
Medium Dark ~ caramel beige
Dark ~ deep caramel
Deep Plus ~ neutral tan beige
Dark Deep ~ rich golden bronze

have you tried MAC Beauty Balm yet?
visit your local MAC store or beauty counter and let an artist beautify you if you haven't {i'll be doing so myself this week!}, and be sure to visit maccosmetics.com for more info.

info and images courtesy of MAC

spring beauty: L'Occitane Immortelle Brightening Mist

 although it's currently raining here in so cal, sunny spring days are quickly approaching. so, as they say, there's no time like the present to update and refresh your beauty regime! 

what to start with?

consider L’Occitane's new Immortelle Brightening Mist

 extending its Immortelle Brightening rage with this new product, Brightening Mist is formulated with the same rigour and exacting standards as the most advanced anti-aging creams.

alcohol-free, the mist promises to soften and brighten skin as well as aid in keeping makeup in place all day; it combines the unique properties of immortelle essential oil with bellis perennis to keep skin young-looking, radiant and even-toned.

sounds like beautiful days are ahead...


 visit loccitaine.com for more info.

info and image courtesy of brand PR

Joey New York returns with new, natural products

in life, sometimes it's necessary to take a little break to rejuvenate, revive and rethink. this was certainly true with for the Joey New York brand. co-founded {with her mother} by Joey Chancis in 1994,  Joey took a brief hiatus from the market in order to undergo all-natural reformulations. and it was for the best. now Joey New York has returned to beauty shelves with a formidable lineup of instant skin care fixes ~ all enhanced with the natural anti-aging benefits of young green coconut water.

i was sent two of these products to try and can say i love the results...

Bye Bye Blackheads is a gel formula that helps rid the skin of blackheads and breakouts in just 60 seconds. this short, sweet facial gem is applied to skin then rubbed off {it's a bit gross, but not a huge deal}. the coconut water replenishes necessary nutrients to the skin, salicylic acid exfoliates and aides with blemish control, and vitamin E restores suppleness.  used twice weekly, this easy-to-use product makes keeping skin in healthy condition beyond simple!

 using the PEEL-Off Masque {pictured at top} once a week has been beneficial and it really does what it says: removes dirt, debris and other deep-seeded impurities beneath the skin. and while i'm not the biggest fan of peel off masks, it works, so i keep returning to it. green coconut water and indian ginseng refresh, vitamin E soothes...the results are beautiful.


other products in the range:

Young Coconut Water Complex Day Gel & Night Cream Eye Duo {two products to combat puffiness, dark circles and fine line around the eyes}
Correct-A-Line for Face and Eyes {a multi-tasking skin hydrator and makeup primer}
Keep It Up {lightweight serum}
 Line Up {skin-firming serum that keeps skin hydrated and soft}


Joey New York can be found online at joeynewyork.com and shopnbc.com

products featured sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

natural beauty: my current Jurlique faves

i've been a fan of Jurlique for years now and for good reason. with natural ingredients, highly effective formulas and gorgeous smelling products {always a good thing}, it hard to resist the inner and outer {i love their packaging!} beauty that is created by the brand.

 when it comes to cleansers, i have used plenty in my life. the delicious-smelling Balancing Foaming Cleanser naturally cleanses away surface impurities, leaving my skin comfortably fresh, hydrated and feeling soft. it's perfect for combination skin types and a little goes a long way ~ a fabulous benefit when budget is a concern.

to refresh, tone and keep my skin hydrated, i'm crazy about Citrus Purifying Mist. there's little doubt as to why this citrus and aloe-infused, skin-loving fluid is a bestseller and beauty editor fave ~ this mist keeps oil under control, nourishes {it's packed with antioxidants} and is a most fabulous treat when skin {or i, haha!} needs a little midday pick-me-up.

jojoba oil, sweet violet, lavender and lemon oils {among others} compliment the sun-protection of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide in Purely Sun-Defying Moisturizer with SPF 15 Sunscreen. i love this lightweight cream because it's an overachiever: it addresses the visible signs of aging skin as well as protects it against environmental aggressors and premature aging caused by icky UV rays.

a facial treat at the end of my day has been to include a healthy dose of Herbal Recovery Night Cream; nourishing and antioxidant-rich {thanks to botanical extracts and vitamin A}, i've enjoyed the benefits of this all-skin-types cream. it's a bit thicker in texture, but not heavy in the slightest; i love waking up with hydrated, happy, glowing skin!

every product from Jurlique is unique and so effective. if you're not familiar with them, take some time to visit their website, jurlique.com, and learn more! i'm sure you'll be happy you did. :)

products featured sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

5 fabulous winter skin soothers...

this time of year is my favorite when it comes to weather. in my neck of the southern california woods, the days are sunny, mild {low to mid 60s}, and sometimes warm {low 80s}, but complimented with a cool breeze {or high winds}. nights and early mornings are chilly {20s-30s} and i love it. it makes me so happy to layer up with scarves; i relish the opportunity to wear my coats and gloves, and i never complain over having a numb face after being out for an interval run or brisk walk with my dog in the early morning hours.

unfortunately, my favorite season of year is responsible for my dry skin, something i could complain about. thankfully, this beauty girl keeps an arsenal for parched skin, so i don't have to!

i love and often use olive and coconut oils , two of the best natural ways to bring soft, suppleness to any dry area of the body, but also turn to these fabulous goodies for dry skin relief...


for hands:

Atopalm Moisturizing Hand Treatment ~ suitable for sensitive skin, i was introduced to this product a couple of months ago; it's a fragrance-free formula and not only makes my rough hands feel instantly hydrated, but contains antioxidants to help keep hands looking young.

Crabtree & Evelyn La Source Hand Therapy ~ shea butter and restorative sea salts are key ingredients in this lovely gem of a moisturizer. i love the light fragrance, inspired by the sea air.

Ahava Mineral Hand Cream ~ this silky, lightweight skin savior gives my hands the moisture they need thanks to its richly soothing dead sea minerals.


for body:

Julep Body Creme ~ i've become quite smitten with this brand's line of nail polish and was thrilled when i discovered how fabulous their body cream is. scented in pomegranate, this formula {rich with shea butter, avocado and jojoba oils} is decadent and highly moisturizing, but not greasy in the slightest.


Upper Canada Soap Sweet Vanilla Fig Body Butter ~ talk about fabulous, this rich, hydrating blend of shea butter, cocoa, fig and vanilla fruit extracts leaves my skin feeling amazing and really locks in moisture. the natural ingredients make my eco/green girl side quite happy as well. :)


tell me: what products do you use to soothe your winter skin dryness??

green beauty: Jurlique Love Balm

if your skin needs some extra loving care, you need to try Jurlique's Love Balm. as with all of the brand's products, this is a natural product, sure to win over the "green" beauty in you.

scented with tangerine oil (love that!), Love Balm is a salve that works on everything from your lips to your toes. vitamin E, olive and safflower oils give skin the replenishment it needs to be healthy and protected.

although this is a versitile balm that works great anytime of year, the winter is coming (not soon enough, LOL!), and that sometimes means brutal cold that can lead to chapped skin. applying this before battling the harsh, chilly elements will definitely help save your skin from damage that can be caused by it.

here are some ways you can use this Love Balm:

**on your lips to moisturize, condition, protect and soften

**on elbows-- massage into rough areas

**on your cuticles–- keep nails looking great by rubbing on daily to hydrate dry cuticles

**on hands for an all over "invisible" protective glove

**on your legs to instantly hydrate skin and give a lovely sheen when wearing your favorite dress

**on your nose to soothe chapped areas during the flu, a cold, or exposure to the elements

**on your feet-– apply to heels to help soften dry, toughened skin

**breathe in to uplift-- whenever you need a pick up, inhale the tangerine scent for an instant boost!

visit jurlique.com for more info and to order

xo

Introducing NARS Makeup Cleansing Oil

if you didn't already know, great skin is achieved when your skin is clean, like a fresh canvas, entirely free of any makeup residue. NARS has created Makeup cleansing Oil, a new technically advanced formula, to be the first and most important step in the cleansing process.

this weightless, silky solution eliminates makeup traces and flushes out pores, prepping the skin for cleansing. excess oil coating the skin surface is washed away, and clarity is visibly improved. NARS' formula is unlike most facial oils, in that it can be applied with wet or dry hands, and rinses off effortlessly with absolutely no residue. it is both gentle and effective enough for use on the eyes and lips.

NARS Makeup Cleansing Oil will be available in september 2009 on narscosmetics.com

xo
info courtesy of NARS

review: Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes

with no perfumes, dyes, oils or alcohol, Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes are just that: simple. these fabulous time-saving cleansing wipes even remove tough waterproof mascara, but leave skin soft and feeling in balance. i love these wipes for their convenience (keep them next to your bed for nights your too tired to get to the bathroom sink), clean smell and travel-friendliness-- there's no need to worry about spills or leaks when you're on-the-go!




as you can see, the wipes themselves are large (my hands are pretty big-- think piano hands)

based out of england, the Simple skincare company specializes in more than just facial wipes. they have an entire line of goodies, including a full range of natural skincare, haircare and bath and body products.

you can purchase Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes at Boots overseas, Duane Reade in the nyc area and online at shoplondons.com

xo
pics taken by me :)

i'm loving: MAC Naked Honey Skin Salve

i am always open to trying products that promise to keep my skin looking and feeling good. you can imagine my surprise, and excitement, when i found out MAC had created a new product, Naked Honey Skin Salve.

so of course, being the MAC fan that i am, i had to try it for myself. let's just say that after trying it i didn't hesitate to purchase it! :)



part of the limited edition Naked Honey collection, this salve is uber-moisturizing, with a light and very pleasant honey scent. i would describe the consistency as being more like soft butter, and absorbs beautifully without leaving skin feeling sticky. i am loving this for keeping my feet smooth and my cuticles soft, but its also a great treat on elbows, knees and lips-- who am i kidding? i use it everywhere my skin needs it!

take a look at the other products in the MAC Naked Honey Collection...




Lipglass
She's a Star- light neutral gold
Queen Bee- mid-tone apricot with multi-dimensional pearl
Buzz- dark copper brown with multi-dimensional pearl

Eye Shadow
Crème de Miel- frosty light yellow gold
Polinator- mid-tone warm reddened peach with pearl
Buckwheat- dark copper brown with multi-dimensional pearl

High-Light Powder
Golden Nectar- muted golden tan with gold shimmer
Honey Light- light peachy gold with shimmer





Body Products
Naked Honey Skin Salve
Naked Honey Hand and Body Cream
Naked Honey Body Wash

Creations
Africanimal- honey with a dash of pepper, bergamot and wood
Naked Honey- light floral and woodsy notes with an electric finale


i highly recommend you pick up the Skin Salve-- get two!-- if you consider anything from the Naked Honey collection. you'll love it this season and will cherish it when the weather cools off. it's limited edition, so don't wait. visit maccosmetics.com or your nearest MAC retailer to try it out for yourself.

xo

review: Soft & Beautiful SKIN Exfoliating Body Polish

body scrubs are a fabulous way to exfoliate dead skin from your body to help cell turnover, and reveal healthy and more even-looking skin. i was sent a few Soft & Beautiful SKIN products to test out for review, and decided the Exfoliating Body Polish would be the first one i'd try out.

this scrub infuses sugar crystals and safflower oil to give your body a softening exfoliation. if you don't already know, exfoliation is necessary to not only slough off dead skin cell to encourage a more healthy, even skin tone, but it also stimulates circulation, leaving the skin looking like it has a glow.

upon first opening the packaging i noticed something missing that i have come to expect from most sugar and salt scrubs: a heavy, slippery oil separated from the scrub. this was a welcome difference, as it's sometimes not always easy to mix a scrub before using it, especially if the product is new.


after scooping out a bit from the side

after using it a few times, i highly recommend this scrub as one you ought to try-- from its wonderful scent, to how soft it left my skin feeling, to the fact that i didn't have a slippery shower floor after using it, Soft & Beautiful SKIN Exfoliating Body Polish is now at the top of my favorite body scrub list. if you see it, get it-- you will love it, and your skin will too!

find Soft & Beautiful SKIN Exfoliating Body Polish at a drugstore near you and online at (you guessed it) drugstore.com

stay tuned for more Soft & Beautiful SKIN product reviews!

xo

TotalBeauty.com: 7 Skin-Damaging Crimes

you probably already know that things like smoking, not wearing sunscreen and excessive tanning can lead to premature aging (well, at least i hope you do!), but there are also some "skin sins" you may be committing that will take you down the aging path faster than you might think. so if keeping your youthful look for as long as possible is your goal, be sure not to commit these...

Seven Deadly Skin Sins

Want gorgeous skin? Start by making sure you don't commit any of these skin-damaging crimes

We hate to get preachy on you, but if you want your skin to look great well into your 80s, you'll follow this advice, courtesy of dermatologists and skin care experts. When asked what the worst possible things for our skin are, these topped their lists. So now, repeat after us, "thou shalt not"... See sins

xo