Advice Sisters Guide to Life, Success and Happiness. Alison Blackman Dunham the popular advice, beauty abnd lifestyles expert, offers her views, reviews and reports on topics of interest to adults, everywhere including beauty, fashion, travel events,lifestyle, and general topics. Bookmark this blog--it is worth visiting regularly!

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

What You Missed If You aren't Subscribed to the Advice Sisters Enews

Subscribers to the free, bi-monthly, Advice Sisters Enews already know that the "What Works" Beauty Cosmetics & Fashion review column is huge, and two-pages full of products from more than 115 different brands. It has just gone live a few hours ago at: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html. The What Works archives: http://www.advicesisters.net/WWarchives/wwarcindex.html has even more reviews.

And, Subscribers to the Enews also know the identity of the winner of the New Years Resolution Contest, that ended in March. The Advice Sisters received hundreds of entries for this contest and the winner is:........go to: http://www.advicesisters.net/newyearscontest.html to find out!

Subscribe to the Advice Sisters Enews!

We have also recently added a new bulletin board to our forums. This new, Lifestyle" board features health tips, contests, reviews, recipes and anything and everything "lifestyle" oriented of general interest. If you haven't visited in a while, please do. Sign up and participate on all our Boards & Forums at: http://advicesisters.net/simplemachinesforum/index.php

Monday, April 28, 2008

STAY SAFER IN THE SUN by Alison Blackman Dunham


A large percentage of the UVA/UVB rays we absorb from the sun that can harm our skin doesn't come from baking in it, but simply walking around outside. What you can't see can still hurt you, and the rays are there, even if it's a cloudy day. Please feel free to Link To This Post or send it to a friend. The following tips will help you protect you from the sun, premature aging, and help prevent skin cancer:



Get the right product:






There is a difference between sunblock and sunscreen. A sunBLOCK creates an actual barrier that blocks UV radiation. A sunSCREEN absorbs & deflects the sun's rays. Despite the look of a golden tan, self-tanners and bronzers do not provide any protection against the sun's rays, unless an SPF is specifically mentioned on the bottle. You must apply a sunblock or sunscreen whether you look tan, or not. There are sweat and water-resistant types of products as well, but these still must be re-applied at regularly intervals. Choose what is right for you, depending upon the environment and activity you're going to be doing. *Not all sunsafe products are appropriate for every skin type or condition. Read the labels carefully, learn about the ingredients, and consult with your doctor if you are unsure whether a product is right for you. Most importantly, experiment and find the products that you find pleasing so you will use them regularly. A sunblock sitting in the tube in your tote or on your dresser does absolutely no good.


Read the label and Use as Directed:






Check the expiration dates, as sun protection products can lose their efficiency, with age. It is best to toss anything more than six months old, and if a product has changed in consistency or smell, toss it immediately. A higher SPF will protect your skin longer, but you will need to apply enough of it, and in all the right places, and re-apply it as often as directed.






An actual, protective dose of product is about one full ounce. That may seem like a lot, but if you don't cover your skin completely, the places you miss are prone to burning and damage (not to mention you'll get an uneven look). Some sun-protection ingredients may take as long as a half and hour to bind with your skin and properly protect you.







Keep in mind that the sun hits everywhere you are exposed, so don't just apply product on legs, lips, arms, neck, back, chest & front of body but also where your bathing suit or pants line is (if you're reaching or bending over), and on your ears, inside of knees and arms, front and back of feet, and your hairline (and the exposed areas of your head, if you are bald or balding). Spray and mist sunblocks are great, because you can apply them even to hard to reach areas without extra help!


Cosmetics & Skincare with SPF--Extra Protection, Every Day:



There are so many to choose from hair savers (shampoos & conditioners specially formulated to counteract the effects of ultraviolet rays), to lip products that protect and beautify. Most women wear foundations and apply moisturizers and cosmetics, so why not pick those with SPF? There are also a vast array of moisturizers and body lotions that men will enjoy using, as well. The Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion Review Column for May/June is a huge, 2-page column that features lots of products with SPF. And, the What Works column for July/August (up the first week in July) will be focusing almost exclusively on sun screen, sun blocks, cosmetics with SPF, and multi-tasking sun prevention products!



SunSafe Tips For Men:








Even if you're not really into skincare, wearing sun protection is essential to avoid skin cancer and premature aging. Daily shaving opens up your new skin to sun damage unless you wear a sunscreen or sunblock. Buy a fresh product (not the one that's been sitting in your drawer since your last beach vacation 2 years ago) and apply it properly (enough product to protect yourself). Balding men leave the top of their heads constantly exposed to the sun, which also causes flaking, irritation, and redness so definitely wear a hat, or use an SPF product on your head. A good choice is a spray or mist-type sunblock that will give your entire head a thorough (but light) coating. Hair or no hair, always wear a hat if you're going to be outdoors for any length of time. Hats and sunglasses will protect your head, face and hair, but there are fabrics that actually have SPF protection woven in and these are available in shirts and pants for both men and women. These can help protect the rest of your body, especially if you're not using sunblock. Consider investing in a long-sleeved shirt and pants with SPF for those times when you're going to be outside for a long time!


Other SunSafe Tips:





Sunscreen will protect your skin, but it won't save you from sunstroke. Don't dehydrate! Drink lots of water, especially when you're out in the sun. Wear good sunglasses with protective filters to help avoid damages to your eyes, headaches, and squinting, which contributes to wrinkles and crows feet. Sunglasses add glamour to your look, too! Check your skin regularly for unusual moles or skin changes, and see a dermatologist immediately if you find any. A cancerous mole the size of a dime is dangerous enough to be lethal. A quick check could save your life.

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Monday, April 21, 2008

A "Beauty" of an Idea for Earth Day

Where I sit, Earth Day is tomorrow, April 22nd 2008. Earth Day is a name used for celebrations in the Northern Hemisphere during the Spring, and the Fall in the Southern Hemisphere that are supposed to inspire awareness of and appreciation for our Earth's environment. Although I'm a writer, I also helped start up New York City's recycling programs! Now, as a beauty and fashion reviewer, I think of Earth Day not just as a way to preserve the Earth, but also to preserve ourselves just a little bit more! So, in honor of Earth Day, I'm suggesting a beauty oriented retail web site that has nothing but natural, truly organic, good-for-your-skin beauty and wellness products. The company, Beautorium.com features truly organic, natural and organic beauty care!

I paid a visit to the very user-friendly site, where products can be searched by type, and by skin solution as well as by brand. The company has a nice range of products from anti-aging to pregnancy and baby, from body care to hair care, from fragrance and home goods, to aromatherapy to makeup. I noticed a number of brands that the Advice Sisters have routinely reviewed in our "What Works" Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review columns including Pangea , Juice Beauty, and Dr. Hauschka. I am also happy to report that all the Beautorium.com brands are: natural or organic; not tested on animals, cruelty-free; have ingredients and with proven benefits; are professionally and beautifully presented and are from compelling brands and company personalities.

Beautorium.com also offers counsel, tips, and solutions on beauty issues, lists specific information on what ingredients to avoid, provides certifying third-party organizations, and every ingredient is listed so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Ordering was easy, and I liked the fact that you don't have to fish around for the shipping information, and you can choose from UPS ground or rush shipping (there's even a zone map showing you how long it will take for your products to arrive). Although I haven't received an order from Beautorium.com just yet, I am told that my products will arrive nicely packaged in a pretty (recycled) Beautorium box, and free samples from other lines are sent along with every order (to familiarize you with brands you might not have tried yet). And, if your order is over $75, Beautorium will include a free “I Am a Natural Bag” fair-trade burlap bag to help cut down on the use of plastic bags. Orders also have a 60-day 100% satisfaction guarantee. Shipping confirmation is also straighforward and efficient.

For Earth Day, and for every day....treat yourself to organic, good-for-your-body products and make the Earth, and you, just a little bit better.

Friday, April 18, 2008

Evenings in VOGUE -- fun fashion, beauty and music

R&B singer Cassie, looking gorgeous in a skin tight black dress (the girl could be a model) hosted "Evenings in Vogue" last night at 1 Oak on 17th Street and the West Side. The fabulous party was packed with Vogue VIPs, beauty and entertainment industry influencers , and celebrities such as Sean Combs, Charlotte Ronson, Phillip Block and Phillip Block, and Alexis Phifer Alexis Phifer

While guests enjoyed cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and music by D-Nice, some enjoyed extra goodies such as manicures by Spa Ritual, and Vogue illustrator Donovan did individual portraits.


Here's the illustration Donovan did of me. I told him he could "glamorize" me and he certainly did. If ONLY I looked this great (but a girl can dream....can't she?)
There was also a Lounge area, sponsored by Cover Girl, where the weary could take a break and get off their stilettos........

....have a makeup artist fix up her look...try out some
of the newest Sping 2008 Cover Girl makeup. I particularly liked some of the soft pastel eye shadows that the makeup artist used on my eyes. The sheer shades that are easy to layer look beautiful on the eyes (and you can layer more for evening intensity). I also liked the new LASHBLAST volume blasting mascara by cover girl (the orange tubes in the photo) that has a patented volume-boosting formula and a patent-pending brush that helps make lashes thick, long, and non-clumping. Lucky party-goers got a sample in their gift bags. I also learned to apply liquid eye liner on my hand, and then apply it with a flat liner brush (the type you'd usually use for powder liners) because it gives a softer but still waterproof line--a bonus I took away from my visit to the Cover Girl lounge.

On the way out, I spied fashion stylist Phllip Bloch in front of the club. Here we are together -- a surprise photo opp I didn't expect! Mr. Bloch was so gracious and nice...I hope he approved of my simple black dress!
















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Wednesday, April 16, 2008

The Body Shop & MTV Guarana Lip Butter-review

Last week I blogged about The Body Shop and MTV's Move Your Lips Campaign, and I promised to update the blog if I received an actual sample of the Limited Edition Guarana Lip Butter ($8.00) on sale at The Body Shop.

The stars aligned, and a precious little pot of lip butter arrived a few days ago. The acid-green and neon red plastic pot is eye-catching, especially with the big, red lip graphic on the top (and both The Body Shop and MTV logos underneath). More importantly, the product inside really works beautifully to soothe, moisten and soften lips. The scent offers a burst of fun and fruity flavor--reminds me a bit of Juicy Fruit Gum, with without the sugary sweetness.


The butter is soft and inviting and slides on lips without feeling greasy or heavy. It features guarana berry from the Amazon Basin in Brazil. This ingredient is known for energy enhancing properties. It also contains Community Trade shea butter from Ghana and beeswax from Zambia--both ingredients sourced through the Body Shop Community Trade program (communities get a fair deal for their ingredients and accessories).


The clear, non-shiny butter is a little treat at just $8.00--a burst of feel-good you can use anytime (guys will like it -- probably they'll enjoy kissing it off you, but....)! Pop one into your purse or gym bag...use it as a pick-me-up while you're "in transit." It's a great product for a good cause.


Speaking of which, in case you missed the original post, here's the HIV AIDS campagin information, again:




"ALISON R&B star, Estelle, currently #1 in the UK Singles Chart with “American Boy” featuring Kanye West, joined The Body Shop and MTV at Grand Central Station in NYC today to launch a new campaign raising HIV and AIDS awareness, targeting the under-25s. The launch of the campaign is marked by the introduction of a new Limited Edition Guarana Lip Butter ($8.00) on sale at The Body Shop. $5 from the sale of each Guarana Lip Butter ($8) will be raised for the Staying Alive Foundation, funding HIV and AIDS prevention awareness projects for young people across the world. Globally over 40 million people live with HIV and AIDS, with half of all new HIV infections hitting young adults, under the age of 25. New research commissioned by The Body Shop and MTV revealed many under-25s do not take the issue of HIV and AIDS seriously. Seven out of ten young women believe it is a man’s job to provide contraceptives, while a third of women believe carrying a condom will mark them as being ‘easy’.


Ironically men are more worried than women about getting AIDS but engage in riskier behaviour. When asked, only 44% of men, compared to 68% of women, would refuse their partner sex if they were not wearing a condom.


MTV and The Body Shop have raised approximately $860,000 for the Staying Alive Foundation to-date. Funding from last year’s campaign supported small grants to 85 young people who are working to educate their peers to tackle HIV/AIDS.If you are interested in joining the debate on HIV and AIDS or getting informed on this deadly disease go to http://www.moveyourlips.com/ to find out more. Log on to get informed, join the debate and win fabulous MTV prizes. The product is available in all stores of The Body Shop, at http://www.thebodyshop.com/ and through The Body Shop At Home."

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Springtime Gift Idea Dilemma? Try Avon!

I used to think of Avon as primarily a beauty company, but their line of fashion and accessories continues to impress me with trendy styles and affordability. The Advice Sisters had a chance to check out some of the Spring line, in time for Mother's Day gift-giving. Here are some of our favorites (and go to http://www.avon.com/ to check out pages of gift-able goodies)!





The Crochet Medallion Knit Top (sizes small-XL and women's sizes 1X-3X ) is just $21.99, and comes in comes in two of the season's hottest colors: a bright blue, and a soft yellow. The plunging, gathered front with large crochet medallion, defines the waist, but flares out over hips to be flattering to every figure. The top can be sexy if worn without a cami underneath, but equally alluring and day wear friendly worn with an additional layer underneath. The fabric is soft and drapes beautifully, in viscose/spandex knit jersey. The top looks delicate, but you can drop it in the washer and dryer! I have seen lots of tops that are similar to this style, but not at this price!!!!

And how about not one, but two sets of strappy, metallic sandals, for just $19.00!
Sizes 6-10M (half sizes, order one size up). These ladylike, flat, toe-loop sandals have sturdy, no-slip rubber crepe soles, and elastic at the adjustable buckle to ensure a perfect fit. You get one pair in bronze, and another in gold--that's just $10.00 a pair (but they look like they're a lot more).



...and if you want to get Mom (or yourself) some fashion-forward baubles, there's an entire line of fun, fashion jewelry averaging under $30.00. Give Mom something inexpensive but timely --a bracelet supporting a good cause, for just $3.00. There's a Salma Hayek-sponsored Against Domestic Violence bracelet (100% of the net proceeds ($1.86) goes to Speak Out Against Domestic Violence) and a Reese Witherspoon-sponsored Women's Empowerment Bracelet." (the first $500,000 from bracelet sales will be matched by the Avon Foundation for a total donation of $1 million to UNIFEM, the United Nations Development Fund for Women, for projects that will empower women around the world).


Of course, Avon is known for fragrance and cosmetics, and there are plenty of things to choose from at Avon as well. The Advice Sisters will be reviewing more Avon beauty and cosmetics in our upcoming What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column for May/June, up the first week in May...so watch for it!



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Monday, April 14, 2008

Product of the Week- Instant Aromatherapy from Bath & Body Works

In case you're wondering why this blog has had just a few posts in the past few weeks, it's due in part to the fact that I had a torn meniscus and had to have knee surgery. And, if you're wondering what this fact has to do with the product of the week, it's simply that when you've had knee surgery you tend to sleep poorly, have pain, and be stressed out and, if you are feeling sorry for yourself, you may indulge in things to eat that aren't really good for you, while your ability to exercise is completely stopped. There are prescription drugs for the pain, but I really don't like the side effects.

So I got to thinking.....wouldn't it be nice if I could stop cravings, dull a headache, energize yourself, relieve stress, and sleep soundly, without pills or invasive techniques? And wouldn't it be even better if the treatment was less than generic drugs, say...$10.00 or less?



The world works in mysterious ways. After pondering a better way I found a package had been delivered to me containing a set of Instant Aromatherapy Roller Balls .3 fl. oz $10.00/each from Bath and Body Works. These are portable "weapons" to get you through the day and night, feeling right. Each roller ball has a bright, colorful label to remind you of it's function, and each roller ball vial is filled with intense doses of essential oil blends formulated to provide specific, therapeutic bennies. Simply roll the oil on your wrists, rub wrists together, and breathe in the lovely scents (*the photo is of the Headache Blend. That one you rub on your temples, the base of the neck, or wherever the tension resides).


As I'm writing this, I'm craving a snack (it's 3:30 in the afternoon--the time when my cravings really get the better of me). But the enticing blend of sweet fennel (to help stave off hunger) and grapefruit (to calm cravings for sweets) in the "Crave Relief" roller ball has put my mind back on business. And the citrus-y blend of mandarin (to wake you up) and lime (to refresh and rejuvenate) in the "Energy Boost" roller ball is keeping me lively. Reviewers also liked the "Stress Relief" blend of spicy eucalyptus (to clear the mind) and spearmint (to ease mental fatigue)essential oils, the "Sound Sleep" blend of lovely lavender and chamomile (a 'must-have" for travel) and the reassuring scent in "Headache Relief" of the peppermint (to ease tension) and geranium (to soothe and refresh).



The idea of aromatherapy on the run isn't new, but the travel-friendly packaging and affordability and the clean, easy to transport format, makes these perfect companions and an alternative to medications for small things that ail you. Now that travel season is getting into gear, another plus is that these aromatherapy roller balls can make it through airport security without causing a ruckus. They also won't ooze in your bag. And, as I dreamed it, they're only $10.00 each!



Get the Instant Aromatherapy Rollber Balls at Bath and Body Works stores and at: http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/

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Wednesday, April 09, 2008

A new way to look at water and beauty-product of the week-e energy water system

You already know that water is essential for our survival, and that drinking it is a beauty booster. But water does great things for our bodies from the outside, too. The e energy water system (Pro size 12.9 fl. oz $40.00, Personal 3.6 fl. oz $40.00 & Purse .44 fl. oz
$49.99) by iTech : http://www.eenergywater.com/ is a new way to look at water's beautifying benefits. The system (bottle and filter--and you provide the water) converts ordinary tap water into a unique, "energy water" that is pH balanced at 3.5 to 5.0. and that helps to revitalize your hair and skin.



Spray the transformed energy water on hair to improve texture, add shine, and extend the longevity of color treatments. Spray a fine mist on your skin to soften, tone, and hydrate, and even to freshen makeup throughout the day. The light fragrance provides an energizing aroma, while nutrient filled vitamin C soaks into your skin.



If the cost seems a bit much, keep in mind that you are not purchasing water -- you are purchasing the e energy water system, consisting of the bottle and filter (the water comes directly from your tap). Once you own the system, you can refill it as often as you like for free from your sink, and you won't have to replace to filter for 1-1 1/2 years.



The bottles are user-friendly--just uncover the filter, put it in the bottle, add water, and that's it! The red caps are cheerful, and the clear reservoir lets you see all the filters at work. Now here's the more technical part: the main filter features an ion exchange resin that, essentially changes the pH level of the water you've added to the bottle. The other 3 sections of the filter include the fruity floral (vitamin C) The HGF (human growth factor) which prevents hair damage and protects damaged/colored hair. The silver added activated carbon section suppresses chlorine, heavy metals, calcium, magnesium, microbe and removes organic/inorganic material. Take away all the chemistry, and enjoy the fruity floral filter's light, fruity smell. The press literature tells us that this Vitamin C cocktail helps to regenerate skin tissues, cure wounds, is anti-bacterial, anti-inflammation, prevents skin aging and anti-oxidization. It feels refreshing spritzed on your skin, and of course, it can't hurt to give your skin vitamin bennies.

Benefits specifically for your hair include protection against hair damage (especially for damaged or colored hair.) and it's supposed to make it soft and shiny-- and it does!



On a practical note, these days you can't take water into an airport with you, but with this system, you can empty the bottle before the security checkpoint, and refill it in the bathroom before you get on your flight. And, there's nothing more refreshing than a spritz of water (especially if it is a bit chilled) when you're at the beach or the pool this Summer. Of course, it'll also refresh you while you are sitting at your desk at work, or waiting on line at the bank, or....

I can think of lots of reasons to want this. So give your hair and skin the same luxurious "drink" you give your body! Get an e energy water system and spray, away!!!

Sunday, April 06, 2008

Fight AIDS and HIV, and raise awareness-new campaign and support with a new product!

A few days ago I received some information about The Body Shop and MTV's Move Your Lips Campaign. I thought this might be of interest to you or your teenagers. I'm hoping to review the new, limited Edition Guarana Lip Butter ($8.00) on sale at The Body Shop. I will re-edit this post to include a review of the actual product if I can get a sample. Meanwhile, this is a worthy campaign--ALISON





R&B star, Estelle, currently #1 in the UK Singles Chart with “American Boy” featuring Kanye West, joined The Body Shop and MTV at Grand Central Station in NYC today to launch a new campaign raising HIV and AIDS awareness, targeting the under-25s. The launch of the campaign is marked by the introduction of a new Limited Edition Guarana Lip Butter ($8.00) on sale at The Body Shop. $5 from the sale of each Guarana Lip Butter ($8) will be raised for the Staying Alive Foundation, funding HIV and AIDS prevention awareness projects for young people across the world.


Globally over 40 million people live with HIV and AIDS, with half of all new HIV infections hitting young adults, under the age of 25. New research commissioned by The Body Shop and MTV revealed today the extent to which it seems that many under-25s do not take the issue of HIV and AIDS seriously. Seven out of ten young women believe it is a man’s job to provide contraceptives, while a third of women believe carrying a condom will mark them as being ‘easy’.
Ironically men are more worried than women about getting AIDS but engage in riskier behaviour. When asked, only 44% of men, compared to 68% of women, would refuse their partner sex if they were not wearing a condom.


MTV and The Body Shop have raised approximately $860,000 for the Staying Alive Foundation to-date. Funding from last year’s campaign supported small grants to 85 young people who are working to educate their peers to tackle HIV/AIDS.

If you are interested in joining the debate on HIV and AIDS or getting informed on this deadly disease go to www.moveyourlips.com to find out more. Log on to get informed, join the debate and win fabulous MTV prizes. The product is available in all stores of The Body Shop, at www.thebodyshop.com and through The Body Shop At Home.

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Wednesday, April 02, 2008

Colorado and Nikon-www.letstalkcolorado.com event

East Coasters mingled with Coloradans on 42nd Street last night, for an event featuring the great (and beautiful) state of Colorado, and Nikon. The long, thin gallery featured gorgeous photos of Colorado's attractions (doubtless taken with Nikon cameras) showing everything from the deer that you can actually see walking calmly down the street in Boulder neighborhoods, to the Flatirons, to the serene desert.



There was a display of some of Nikon's popular digital cameras, and computer stations where visitors could long on to http://www.letstalkcolorado.com/. The user-friendly site gives people a chance to share their favorite Colorado memories (and see what other visitors are saying), learn about events in the area, find vacation values, get the snow report, and even choose from a bunch of FREE Let’s talk t-shirts (order it online and pick it up at any Colorado Welcome Center.). You can also sign up to win a free trip to Colorado: http://www.letstalkcolorado.com/mapstory/



Of course, there was information about Nikon as well. I envied the Nikon photographers (one is in the photo) as I have always loved Nikon equipment. There seems to be two major groups among journalists: the Nikon loyalists, and the Canon loyalists. While I did take these photos with a Canon PowerShot, and it is easy to use and works well, I've always loved Nikon (although I do use a Canon for "snapshots" and to date, for Fashion Week).

My husband is from Boulder, and I remember being awed by the beauty of the landscape the first time I visited. It's a laid-back place where everyone seems to enjoy life just a bit more. Boulder, especially, is a fun place to visit (you can't actually "own" a dog in Boulder, although you can have one and be it's caregiver or friend, or "fur parent"). In any case, Colorado is a diverse state with lots of things for residents and tourists to enjoy...so check out http://www.letstalkcolorado.com/ and find out for yourself!

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Tuesday, April 01, 2008

LUSH’s Top Five Tips to an Eco-Friendly Bathroom

I received some tips from LUSH Cosmetics, a company that makes fresh, effective products using organic and natural ingredients while being kind to all animals and the environment--they even have an expiration date on them! Try some of these to be more "green" in your daily life!Alison
LUSH’s Top Tips to an Eco-Friendly Bathroom

Mark Constantine, founder of LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics, suggests that you become more discerning when choosing your cosmetic products, so you don't end up with lots of half-used bottles. *Alison's Tip: read the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion Review Columns regularly http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html to help decide what's worth a try!

Here are more of Mark’s tips:

1) Use soap instead of shower gel or liquid soap, use shampoo bars instead of bottled shampoo and use solid massage bars instead of massage oil. They are all better for the environment as there is little or no packaging and solid products contain no water therefore need no preservatives.

2) Check the products for a use-by date. No use-by date means that the product could be heavily preserved (which means more preservative going down the drain – bad for the environment).

3) Try to buy locally produced cosmetics products. Check the label, have they been made in the US or air-freighted in from afar? Buying local products can help reduce the amount of pollution caused by transportation --but sometimes the larger carbon "footprint" is created when you buy a product that has to be trucked across the country than shipped across an ocean so be aware of this, too.

4) Buy toothbrushes and razors that have a disposable head so that you only replace the head and are not throwing as much away…and don’t forget to turn the water off while you are brushing.

5) Explore water-recycling systems for your bathroom. When you do have a bath make the most of it! Take at least 45 minutes out of your schedule to relax and unwind. Try recycling your bath water to water your garden or share your bath with you partner!

*Alison's Tip: Many companies not only try to make their products more environmentally-friendly, but they give back to Earth-related causes when you purchase certain of their products. Find the companies whose products you love and whose charities you'd like to support. Then you'll be feeling good, looking good, and doing good, too!