Dear Beauty Junkies-
Did you know that most shampoos are made with sulfates and harsh salts? Sulfates were first added to shampoos to produce lather. Unfortunately, sulfates are bad for you and for the environment. However there's good news! It's 2009 and shampoos don't need sulfates anymore to give you those luxurious suds.
Those ingenious beauty product developers at L'Oreal have come out with a new line of haircare products called EverPure. Its a sulfate-free color system that is 100% Vegan and uses natural botanicals (Just like that expensive salon brand. You know which one I'm talking about.) Neither the shampoo or conditioner use drying salts either. To be honest, I didn't know this was an issue but its important to those with color-treated hair. Think about it. When you use a salt scrub on your skin, it strips away dead cells. Do you really want your shampoo or conditioner to strip away that nice color you just got? L'Oreal promises this line will keep your hair-color shiny and true through 32 washes. And remember, if you do have color-treated hair, you shouldn't wash it every day! I promise you it's not as gross as it sounds. That's why the pony-tail was invented.
You know that I'm a sucker for a good fragrance. I mean I like something a bit more exotic than the smell of baby shampoo. Luckily, L'Oreal's EverPure System smells fabulous! It comes in a light rosemary mint scent. (Again, just like that expensive salon brand, but not as overpowering.)
Overall, the shampoo and conditioner provide a soothing (and smoothing) experience which reminds me of the spa. Except for the price. Both products come in an 8.5 FL OZ tube for $6.99 each. A great value for two superior products!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Pamper your Feet!
Your feet are so important! They get you where you want to go and they keep you grounded. If your feet feel good, you'll feel good. So don't neglect them, pamper them! Now that sandal weather is here, you'll want your feet to look good too.
Yup, pedis are a must but they can be expensive! These days more and more women are trying to stretch out the time between professional pedicures in order to save a little cash. I'm right there with them! I find that my polish stays looking nice for weeks but the skin on my heels and around my toenails gets rough really quickly. (I think its the flip-flops but I'm not giving those up.)
Luckily, there is a simple solution to the dry, cracked skin problem at your local drugstore. Burt's Bees makes a Coconut Foot Creme that is super-thick and emollient. Some may find it a tad greasy but if you rub the extra from your hands onto your elbows, they'll look and feel great too!
But first back to your feet. You smooth it all over your heels and toes, put on some cotton socks and hit the hay. The next morning your tootsies will feel silky and soft. I noticed a big improvement after only one night. I can't wait to see how my feet look after a few more days!
In addition to being a fabulous product, Burt's Bees is 99.7% natural, doesn't test on animals, encourages recycling the aluminum tube and is only $8.99. Wow!
Need I say more? Go buy some...now. Your feet won't mind taking you to the store knowing they'll get a treat tonight!
Best,
HP Girl
Beauty Reporter
Yup, pedis are a must but they can be expensive! These days more and more women are trying to stretch out the time between professional pedicures in order to save a little cash. I'm right there with them! I find that my polish stays looking nice for weeks but the skin on my heels and around my toenails gets rough really quickly. (I think its the flip-flops but I'm not giving those up.)
Luckily, there is a simple solution to the dry, cracked skin problem at your local drugstore. Burt's Bees makes a Coconut Foot Creme that is super-thick and emollient. Some may find it a tad greasy but if you rub the extra from your hands onto your elbows, they'll look and feel great too!
But first back to your feet. You smooth it all over your heels and toes, put on some cotton socks and hit the hay. The next morning your tootsies will feel silky and soft. I noticed a big improvement after only one night. I can't wait to see how my feet look after a few more days!
In addition to being a fabulous product, Burt's Bees is 99.7% natural, doesn't test on animals, encourages recycling the aluminum tube and is only $8.99. Wow!
Need I say more? Go buy some...now. Your feet won't mind taking you to the store knowing they'll get a treat tonight!
Best,
HP Girl
Beauty Reporter
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Bye Bye Pimples!
You'd think I'd be a wee bit on the old side to be writing about getting rid of pimples since I'm usually writing about getting rid of wrinkles. Life isn't fair! How can I possibly be cursed with both?
Actually, the occasional hormonal pimple isn't much of a problem anymore now that I've found Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion. This stuff is an amazing concoction of some magical pink sediment and a liquid of salicylic acid and isopropyl alcohol. You just dip a Q-Tip in the pink part and dab it on the offending zit. Then you go to bed (preferably in the dark so that your bed-partner doesn't see the pink dots on your face.) The next morning you wash off the remaining product and voila! you have obliterated the red bump. The drying lotion works particularly well if you catch the pimple as soon as it begins. If its been around a day or two, it might take more than one night to reduce it completely.
You can find Mario Badescu at Ross Cosmetics in Highland Park, Illinois for a discounted price of $17. Their website is www.rosscosmetic.com. Mario Badescu products are also available direct from NY by phone order. That number is (800)BADESCU.
I hope you like this product even if you don't feel like a teenager again!
Best,
HP Girl
Beauty Reporter
Actually, the occasional hormonal pimple isn't much of a problem anymore now that I've found Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion. This stuff is an amazing concoction of some magical pink sediment and a liquid of salicylic acid and isopropyl alcohol. You just dip a Q-Tip in the pink part and dab it on the offending zit. Then you go to bed (preferably in the dark so that your bed-partner doesn't see the pink dots on your face.) The next morning you wash off the remaining product and voila! you have obliterated the red bump. The drying lotion works particularly well if you catch the pimple as soon as it begins. If its been around a day or two, it might take more than one night to reduce it completely.
You can find Mario Badescu at Ross Cosmetics in Highland Park, Illinois for a discounted price of $17. Their website is www.rosscosmetic.com. Mario Badescu products are also available direct from NY by phone order. That number is (800)BADESCU.
I hope you like this product even if you don't feel like a teenager again!
Best,
HP Girl
Beauty Reporter
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Roll Away Wrinkles!
Hello fellow Beauty Junkies:
I'm sure you've probably seen the commercials for two Garnier products that include a built-in roller to apply the product. Well, since I am a sucker for gimmicks such as this, I decided to try them out. Besides, CVS had a "Buy One, Get One Free" sale on all Garnier a few weeks ago.
The first is the smaller lime green roller. It is called Skin Renew and is for under the eyes. The ball is metal so it feels nice and cold upon application. It is great for depuffing the eyes. Unfortunately, I have found that it doesn't work on my dark circles. However, if you tend to wake up with swollen eyes, then you will love this product. It is also handy to carry in your purse if allergies (or a tear-jerker movie) make you swell up.
The second is the Ultra-Lift Pro Deep Wrinkle Roller. It comes in a red bottle with a white, plastic roller. I have to say that I was disappointed it wasn't produced with the cold, metal roller as I think that would have been better. However, I am really loving this product so far. I've only used it for about ten days but I have noticed a little bit of improvement around my jaw line. This is my new area of consternation so I'm pleased to see some results.
The packaging for the Ultra Lift Pro says that you will feel your face and neck tightened and toned instantly. That seems a bit of an exaggeration to me, but like I said, I do see and feel a little something. Its just not instant. But what do you want for $8.99? You can't get face-lift miracles without a doctor. The box also says that your face will look firmer, more defined and have reduced deep wrinkles in four weeks. I'm buying the firmer and defined part due to the slight improvement I've seen in my aforementioned chin and neck area. I can't speak for the reduced deep wrinkles and truthfully I'm a bit skeptical.
Just remember to keep wearing your SPF products after any treatment and you will prevent new wrinkles!
Best Regards,
HP Girl
Beauty Reporter
I'm sure you've probably seen the commercials for two Garnier products that include a built-in roller to apply the product. Well, since I am a sucker for gimmicks such as this, I decided to try them out. Besides, CVS had a "Buy One, Get One Free" sale on all Garnier a few weeks ago.
The first is the smaller lime green roller. It is called Skin Renew and is for under the eyes. The ball is metal so it feels nice and cold upon application. It is great for depuffing the eyes. Unfortunately, I have found that it doesn't work on my dark circles. However, if you tend to wake up with swollen eyes, then you will love this product. It is also handy to carry in your purse if allergies (or a tear-jerker movie) make you swell up.
The second is the Ultra-Lift Pro Deep Wrinkle Roller. It comes in a red bottle with a white, plastic roller. I have to say that I was disappointed it wasn't produced with the cold, metal roller as I think that would have been better. However, I am really loving this product so far. I've only used it for about ten days but I have noticed a little bit of improvement around my jaw line. This is my new area of consternation so I'm pleased to see some results.
The packaging for the Ultra Lift Pro says that you will feel your face and neck tightened and toned instantly. That seems a bit of an exaggeration to me, but like I said, I do see and feel a little something. Its just not instant. But what do you want for $8.99? You can't get face-lift miracles without a doctor. The box also says that your face will look firmer, more defined and have reduced deep wrinkles in four weeks. I'm buying the firmer and defined part due to the slight improvement I've seen in my aforementioned chin and neck area. I can't speak for the reduced deep wrinkles and truthfully I'm a bit skeptical.
Just remember to keep wearing your SPF products after any treatment and you will prevent new wrinkles!
Best Regards,
HP Girl
Beauty Reporter
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Quick and Easy Eyeliner from L'Oreal
Dear Beauty Junkies-
As the area around my eyes keep looking older and older, I decided I needed a good eyeliner to really make them pop. Problem is, I'm not much of a makeup artist. I find brushes too difficult to use. And pencils are worse. They tug and drag that delicate skin way too much. I certainly don't want my beauty products to make my eyes look worse!
So, I was very happy to find L'Oreal's Voluminous Eyeliner. They say it is "mistake-proof." I'm not sure I would say it is 100% mistake proof as it took me a day or two to get used to the slanted tip applicator. But once I got the hang of it, it really was great! With the tip, you can either make a thick, sultry line or a thin, softer line. Either way, the product stays on all day with smudging or fading. L'Oreal Voluminous comes in a few shades and is only $8.99.
I give it the thumbs up even though I'm all thumbs when it comes to makeup application!
Best Regards,
HP Girl
Beauty Reporter
As the area around my eyes keep looking older and older, I decided I needed a good eyeliner to really make them pop. Problem is, I'm not much of a makeup artist. I find brushes too difficult to use. And pencils are worse. They tug and drag that delicate skin way too much. I certainly don't want my beauty products to make my eyes look worse!
So, I was very happy to find L'Oreal's Voluminous Eyeliner. They say it is "mistake-proof." I'm not sure I would say it is 100% mistake proof as it took me a day or two to get used to the slanted tip applicator. But once I got the hang of it, it really was great! With the tip, you can either make a thick, sultry line or a thin, softer line. Either way, the product stays on all day with smudging or fading. L'Oreal Voluminous comes in a few shades and is only $8.99.
I give it the thumbs up even though I'm all thumbs when it comes to makeup application!
Best Regards,
HP Girl
Beauty Reporter
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
A Better Body Butter
Greetings from Las Vegas!
I'm loving the gorgeous weather here in the desert but it is definitely hard on my skin. Especially when you add in the chlorine and maybe a tad too many glasses of wine! Thank goodness I brought a jar of my body butter from home. I bought it at Bed, Bath & Beyond for only $5.99 but it works as well (if not better) than many other expensive brands I've tried. It is made by Nature 2 Nature and comes in many different "flavors." I am coo-coo for Coconut so that is what I am using. The scent isn't terribly strong but that is a good thing if you also like to wear perfume. Best of all, the product is super-moisturizing. I love the way it absorbs quickly while providing more oomph than a lotion. That's because this body butter is enriched with shea butter and soothing aloe vera; it is truly terrific after a day in the sun (or a harsh winter day, too.)
You can truly drench yourself in luxury (and pretend you are at the beach if using the Coconut scent) for only six bucks, so go for it!
Best,
HP Girl
Beauty Reporter
I'm loving the gorgeous weather here in the desert but it is definitely hard on my skin. Especially when you add in the chlorine and maybe a tad too many glasses of wine! Thank goodness I brought a jar of my body butter from home. I bought it at Bed, Bath & Beyond for only $5.99 but it works as well (if not better) than many other expensive brands I've tried. It is made by Nature 2 Nature and comes in many different "flavors." I am coo-coo for Coconut so that is what I am using. The scent isn't terribly strong but that is a good thing if you also like to wear perfume. Best of all, the product is super-moisturizing. I love the way it absorbs quickly while providing more oomph than a lotion. That's because this body butter is enriched with shea butter and soothing aloe vera; it is truly terrific after a day in the sun (or a harsh winter day, too.)
You can truly drench yourself in luxury (and pretend you are at the beach if using the Coconut scent) for only six bucks, so go for it!
Best,
HP Girl
Beauty Reporter
Thursday, April 2, 2009
You Make Me Blush
Hello Beauty Junkies-
If you could live with only one beauty product, what would it be? I know this is a tough one....especially for us fair-skinned types. I mean, really. How does one choose between lipstick and mascara and blush? Those are my top three. I've written about my new favorite mascara in an earlier posting. I still am not ready to talk about lipstick ever since Sarah Palin gave it a bad name. So, today, I want to tell you about a fabulous new blush I found at CVS.
I'd been wanting to try one of L'Oreal's mineral products; so I decided on the blush since my stick of NARS is getting a little tired. I've also tried (and loved) the Bare Minerals brand that is sold at Sephora, and thought it would be great to find out if the drugstore brand could compete.
Guess what? L'Oreal's Bare Naturale is a winner! First, of all the color (I chose Pinched Pink) lasts a full day. I think it stays on better than a cream or other powders because of the application technique. But who cares why. I'm just glad it does. I hate looking in the mirror at noon looking like I just rose from the dead.
Speaking of application, the mineral blush comes in its own container with a really decent, puffy brush. I find it a little less messy than the Bare Minerals because the top is really big and can catch all the extra product you tap out of the brush before applying. If you are a neat freak, you can then clean out the top if you like. If you are truly cheap, you can save that product to use again. Either way you are going to happy with this product, so give it a try. You will be blushing all day long with no touch ups!
Best,
HP Girl
Beauty Reporter
If you could live with only one beauty product, what would it be? I know this is a tough one....especially for us fair-skinned types. I mean, really. How does one choose between lipstick and mascara and blush? Those are my top three. I've written about my new favorite mascara in an earlier posting. I still am not ready to talk about lipstick ever since Sarah Palin gave it a bad name. So, today, I want to tell you about a fabulous new blush I found at CVS.
I'd been wanting to try one of L'Oreal's mineral products; so I decided on the blush since my stick of NARS is getting a little tired. I've also tried (and loved) the Bare Minerals brand that is sold at Sephora, and thought it would be great to find out if the drugstore brand could compete.
Guess what? L'Oreal's Bare Naturale is a winner! First, of all the color (I chose Pinched Pink) lasts a full day. I think it stays on better than a cream or other powders because of the application technique. But who cares why. I'm just glad it does. I hate looking in the mirror at noon looking like I just rose from the dead.
Speaking of application, the mineral blush comes in its own container with a really decent, puffy brush. I find it a little less messy than the Bare Minerals because the top is really big and can catch all the extra product you tap out of the brush before applying. If you are a neat freak, you can then clean out the top if you like. If you are truly cheap, you can save that product to use again. Either way you are going to happy with this product, so give it a try. You will be blushing all day long with no touch ups!
Best,
HP Girl
Beauty Reporter
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