Advice Sisters July/August SUMMER 2009 "What Works" Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion Review by Alison Blackman Dunham (aka. "Advice Sister Alison")
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This Summer 2009 What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column focuses on keeping your skin safe from the sun's damaging rays. Page two features The Advice Sisters® Exclusive What Works" Buyer's Guide where you can find access to products and purchasing information. Shop from home, save money and time, and even reduce your carbon footprint! The sun is wonderful, but getting too much of it isn't healthy. Did you know you can get the largest proportion of sun damage just doing daily chores such as walking to your car or to the store? Using common sense, and routinely applying broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sun screens with decent SPF can help. Many cosmetics products (besides classic sun screens) have SPF in varying levels. Get in the habit of wearing them! No matter what products you choose, you need to apply enough of it (read the labels for more information) and re-apply them every few hours (more often, if it’s hot, or you're exercising). SPF protection isn’t a substitute for sensible sun bathing. It's still best to avoid the sun when it's the strongest (10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.). Cover arms, legs and feet, and don't leave home without sunglasses and a hat.
SENSATIONAL SUN BLOCKS:
Avon's Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus IR3535® Gentle Breeze SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion $12.00 4 fl. oz. What a revelation it was when we realized that we could have soft skin and keep bugs away, with Skin So Soft products. Now Avon has advanced to help protect us not just from bugs of all sorts, but also from the sun's damaging UVA/UVB rays. This sunblock/insect repellant multi-tasker moisturizes and protects skin from harmful rays,. It even discourages mosquitoes and ticks that may transmit West Nile Virus and Lyme Disease...you definitely want this product if you're going anywhere near the woods. Of course, it still moisturizes your skin--what a multi-tasker. There's a light scent, and good for your skin aloe and vitamin E. It is safe for children, dermatologist-tested. DEET-Free. PABA-Free. This clever and affordable product does it all!
I have been impressed with the value of True Blue Spa products from Bath & Body Works, in the past year. They offer spa-style at an affordable price. For Summer, there's the True Blue Spa 29 and Holding SPF 29 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Lotion $12.00 6 fl. oz.. Parasol 1789 (Avobenzone) is the key ingredient, giving you broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection in a sweat and water-resistant formula. Good for your skin ingredients include sea kelp, known to help nourish and hydrate skin. I like the slim, oval-shaped bottle with white flip top. Even better, the creamy white lotion smells, surprisingly just a bit like fruity peanut marshmallows instead of super-sweet, cloying coconut or chemicals. The lotion dries fast and doesn't feel sticky or greasy, making application, easy and enjoyable. If you like it you'll use it, and SPF 29 would be better than one with an even higher rating that you don't like or use! Best of SkinTentions $35.00 1.7 fl. oz. by Bliss is a "moisturizer on a mission." It protects your skin with SPF 15 for UVB (burning) protection plus a UVA (aging) rating PA++ . What's PA++? According to Bliss, PA++ is a rating which indicates that it’s clinically proven to protect against age-inducing UVA rays. But this multi-tasking moisturizer has SPF 15 for daily use, and it also delivers a daily dose of antioxidant vitamins, minerals and omegas to keep skin looking healthy, plus phyto nutrients from tonka beans for a luminous finish. All the products the Advice Sisters have tried from BLISS in past seasons have been effective and still within the range of affordable. While I might not ordinarily spend $35.00 on just a plain SPF 15 product for my face, I definitely would pay for one that is a great, one-step moisturizer as well. I The light cream absorbs quickly and easy, and has an amazing, fresh scent that to me smells like spa-style just mown grass. Whatever it is, it is sensational. Guys will like it, too. I don't really know much about the PA++ rating, but Bliss, thoughtfully, has a video clip that explains more about this product and gives some good, basic advice about SPF and UVA/UVB protection.
Looking tan isn't the same thing as being protected from the sun. For that, you need real protection from the sun's damaging rays. For total face and body protection try the Erno Laszlo Total Face and Body Protection SPF 30 $42.00 7 fl. oz. This excellent, lightweight cream provides broad-spectrum sun protection for your entire face and body. It's formulated with soothing botanicals, sea water, and antioxidants that calm and hydrate skin and help to protect against photo-aging. Key ingredients include: Vitamin E to help defend skin against free-radicals and prevents pre-mature aging; Shea Butter to hydrate and protect skin; Green Tea Extract (for it's anti-inflammatory properties) and Sea Water to help support and retain skin’s natural moisture. The luxe lotion in white tube with black flip-top has a very light, fresh scent, and SPF 30 featuring 3% Avobenzone; 7.5% Octinoxate 7.5%; and 5% Octisalate. I like the non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula that won't make me break out. It's an elegant, effective way to protect yourself in the sun!
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Sunscreen is a must-have, but not one type fits all. Banana Boat has a whopping 30 different sun care products to suit everyone at every age. We didn't' try all 30, but we did sample some of the higher SPF products. The ultimate in SPF protection is the Banana Boat Ultra Defense SPF 85 Continuous Spray Sunscreen (It also comes in SPF 80, 50 and 30). The can is ergonomically designed so you can grip it easily when you're "self-misting" hard to reach places. The all-in-one can has a twist-lock cap so you don't have to fuss with the cap or perhaps, misplace it or tip it over and have a mess. The spray is powerful with good coverage, but it's not so aggressive that the product comes out in a huge, gloppy rush. The product is rub-free thanks to the misting action, and it dries quickly leaving a fresh, light scent. Your skin will feel coated as this product is very water resistant and enriched with hydrating ingredients such as aloe vera and Vitamins A & E. When you wash it off, your skin will feel very nice! An exclusive "AvoTriplex" technology provides long-lasting UVA/UVB protection. The products were not just tested in a lab under artificial conditions, but in the real heat of the Florida between (10 am to 3pm, when the sun's rays are the most intense). Among other new items I really like this season is Ultra Defense™ Sunscreen Faces SPF 30 3 fl. oz srp. $7.99 tube. This oil-free lotion is just for faces, It feels great while it protects and even cools your skin. Depending upon the SPF these products will run you $9.99-$10.49. Banana Boat also has some nice, multi-tasking products even the most sun screen averse tan a-holic, will find pleasurable For example, their Protective Tanning Dry Oil SPF 25 $9.99 6 fl.oz. It offers a fine mist to help you tan in an all-in one cap spray, providing very water resistant, fast and even coverage and the luxury of coconut & grape seed oils, to help your skin stay hydrated and have a healthy. Safe glow. This is a far cry from baking with baby oil. It's totally non-greasy, clear, and has UVA/UVB and antioxidant benefits. Key ingredients are 5% Homosalate, 4% Octocrylene, and 3% Avobenzone. There is an SPF 15 version, and two less protective Tanning Dry Oil sprays in SPF 8 and SPF 4. I like portable products that I can pop into a purse or tote. Among the 13 different "Sport" products and the 12 Ultra Defense general protection products are several, swivel up sticks. Ultra Defense Sunscreen Stick $4.99 SPF 50 .55 oz. has an ultra-sheer feel, and it's great for eyes, lips, nose and face, and other sensitive areas. The non-sticky, stick has 2% Avobenzone, 10% Octocrylene, and 6% Octabenzone for good UVA/UVB protection. Apply it at least 15 minutes before you go out in the sun, and after swimming or towel drying. Babies and Kids, have at ten Banana Boat UVA/UVB products formulated just for their skin types, so they don't need to use this one. The Sport Performance Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 $4.99 . 55 oz. is also good for sensitive areas, with a swivel up package that's perfectly portable even on a boat or tucked into a swimsuit pocket. But this one is very water resistant and sweat resistant, with the same amount of UVA/UVB ingredients and protection. These easy to use, amazingly affordable, highly effective sun screens mean there's no excuse to be stuck without sunscreen-ever! After your fun in the sun, Banana Boat has so many products it's almost overwhelming! There are also 1- after sun and sunless tanning products too and none cost more than$10.49!
Ain't Misbehavin Skin Clarifying & Mattifying Sunscreen SPF 30 PA+++ $30.00 4 fl.oz. from DERMAdoctor is pricey, but it could be priceless for women who have oily, combo or blemish-prone skin. If you have purchased "facial" sunscreens that leave you feeling greasy all day long or worse, with breakouts, this product will give you a real reason to smile. It has UVA/UVB protection with 3% Avobenzone, 6% Oxybenzone,7.5% Octinoxate, and 5% Octisalate, along with skin-saving, sebum-sequestering Micro-particles (microscopic sponges that soak up excess oil and keep skin mattified all daylong without drying or irritation). Willow bark (a natural source of salicylic acid thought to have antibacterial properties), Nordihydroguiretic Acid (a botanical that helps quiet hormones) , Licorice root extract (a skin-soothing antioxidant), and Oleanolic Acid (to calm blemish-prone skin) help you keep your complexion protected and clear. The fragrance-free, dye-free, non-irritating, allergy tested (not on animals) product absorbs fast and completely, feel light by hydrating, and is good for all skin types. If you want to save your skin and avoid acne and back-nce, it's well worth the price. If you just want an good, easy to deal with sun screen, it's a little splurge that will pay skin-saving dividends as well. TIP: apply this product from it's flip top tube at least 15 minutes before sun exposure. Stop by Misikko for a great deal on today's hottest flat irons like a CHI flat iron or from top brands like FHI
One of the things I dislike about sun protection is the scent of many products. If I don’t like the smell, I don’t want it all over my skin! MelanSol by Oceana Naturals is herbal, and quite nice. This line of skin care products is toted as having 100% natural ingredients including fruit and topical plant based antioxidants like green tea and vitamin E. The active UV filter in the MelanSol sun screens is zinc oxide. And there are two SPF strengths: SPF 10 (blocks up to 90% of UV rays) and SPF 25 (blocks 96% of UV rays). Personally, I would not use an SPF 10, but the company doesn’t have higher SPF products. There is plenty of debate about how much more protection you get with higher SPFs, however. And an SPF of 50, for example, does not give you double the protection of a product with SPF 25. A higher SPF may stop you from getting red, but it won’t keep you from the rays that can cause skin cancer. I received a lot of information about suns screens and SPF from MelanSol (visit their web site if you want to know more) but the bottom line is that to be truly protected, you have to use enough of the product you choose and use it regularly, no matter what the SPF you choose. You can feel the water resistant MelanSol coating and protecting your skin, and it smells nice.....so you are likely to use more of it more often. The product also has bio-melanin (supposedly 1,000 times more powerful than Vitamin E) plus the 10% zinc oxide, so it’s a good choice for anyone with sensitive skin, and even appropriate for children. Face the facts: if you have sensitive skin, you need special protection from the sun's UVA/UVB rays. A good one is the SPF Facial Moisturizer $13.99 1.7 fl. oz. from Cetaphil. This skin-saving product from a brand you already know and trust, has a blend of 5 sun filters that block UVA/UVB rays with micronized titanium dioxide specifically formulated for the face. This product hydrates and protects your skin for up to 8 hours, without any filmy white residue or greasy feel. It's fragrance-free, non-irritating, and non-comedogenic so it won't clog pores. The compact, flip top tube is so portable, and the white cream absorbs into a clear protective layer, very quickly. Key ingredients include 5% Octisalate; 6% Octabenzone; 7% titanium dioxide/aluminum hydroxide/Stearic acid; 7% Octocrylene; and 7.5% Otinoxate. If you have acne, rosacea, melasma, or other skin conditions where a hydrating but protecting sun screen is a must-have, this gentle one from Cetaphil with high SPF 50 is a skin-saving, good choice. Swat! smack! itch!! Pesky bugs bite you before you can even react. But you can protect every member of your family not only from mosquitoes and deer ticks, but from the sun's damaging rays, if you're carrying Avon's SKIN SO SOFT Bug Guard Plus IR3535® Gentle Breeze(tm) SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion $12.00 4 fl. oz. This multi-tasking sunblock and insect repellant combo moisturizes and protects skin from the sun's UVA/UVB rays and it repulses insects. Good for your skin Vitamin E and aloe moisturize. This product is not just effective and affordable, it's lightly scented, pediatrician and dermatologist-tested DEET-Free and PABA-Free. Impressive! But it's also very water-resistant and sweat-resistant. Don't even think about going camping, hiking or traveling, without a bottle!
FABULOUS FAUX TAN:
Skin so Soft Satin Glow Continuous Mist Airbrush Spray for Fair and Medium Skin Tones $12.00 4.7 fl. oz. by Avon s an easy and inexpensive way to get your faux summer glow. A 360° aerosol delivers a quick-drying mist for allover coverage-even hard-to-reach areas. I still personally find these products a bit scary, but Avon is making them more user friendly than ever...and that's an incredible thing! Pevonia Botanica's Ligne Soleil includes a Self-Tanning Emulsion $38.00 5 fl. oz. that helps you look tan without having to bake in the sun. The key ingredients in this tinted, self-tanner are Ginkgo Biloba, DHA (Sugar) and Chamomile that work together to give you a smooth "fake bake." It is enriched with Vitamins B & E, ands Squalane. If you want a luxe tanning product, you can't go wrong with this one. I love the elegant, ergonomic white plastic bottle with clear orange cap that just screams: spa style!
The new, Almost Bronzer SPF15 $29.50 by Clinique gives you a really great, "fake bake" option along with broad-spectrum SPF 15 sun protection. The dual-pan compact has a sheer pressed powder with two shades of bronzer (lighter and darker) and two intensity options: light to medium or medium to dark. The silky, easy to apply formula isn't so shimmery that you look "dewy" and the product goes on smoothly, leaving you with a "like I was baking naturally" look. The two-color pan means you can use one, or both colors for different tan colors, and add more or less product to "build your bronze." SPF 15 is enough to keep you moderately protected if you're not really in the sun for long and it is a nice plus. And I love the square, coppery, mirrored compact and the included bronzer brush that is housed below the bronzer. The brush is good enough to actually use. Thanks, Clinique! Even better, the bronzer won't go all orange on you, even when your skin warms up, it's oil free, and good for all skin types--wow! For those who like a multi-tasking moisturizing bronzer, you can't go wrong with the new, Clinique Self Sun Body Daily Moisturizer $20.00 4 fl. oz. in "Light," or "Medium," You get great moisture for your sun-parched body, and a touch of self-tanner . If you like controlled, build-able, believable color, you can use this to help smooth out tanning discolorations, or maintain or build color with daily applications. The product is also oil- free, non-acnegenic and dermatologist tested so it's a great choice for sensitive skin or skin that is prone to break-outs. TIP: mix with a little daily moisturizer for a more natural tan. Lancaster Beauty Variations Illuminating Compact Powder $38.00 is a multi-tasking Carousel of color, all in one large, round, coppery, mirrored compact. Sections of peach, copper and rose shimmer, and bronze offer you the ideal way to contour, bronze and blush all year round. You can choose just one of these nice, fine-milled, pressed powders, or mix two or more to suit your complexion. The best way to get "toasty" is to use a soft brush. Swirl together the lighter shades for a fresh, natural glow, or add a darker one (or just use the darker tones) for a more "San Tropez" fake bake. There's even a lovely curved stripe of warm apricot and a shimmery, bronzed rose--either makes a beautiful blush all on it's one. This 5-in-one multi-tasker is perfect for that weekend away, or to stow in your desk drawer for when you need a little, luxe, pick me up. One of the best bronzers I have ever tried is Givenchy's Prismissime Mat & Glow Sun Face Powder in Sun Caramel (limited edition) $53. Only at Sephora, the compact features nine small squares of shimmer and matte bronzer in soft shades of brown beige and gold, that give your skin a hint of tint in either pearle or matte. You can pick and choose the colors you want to use to blend, shade, blush, sculpt or illuminate, or even use it an eye shadow. Prismissme Mat & Glow 9 color Face Powder gives any complexion a matte or luminous glow. Some of the 9 squares of bronze and peach color highlight, some even out complexion --it's just, genius! The Prismissme Again! Visage Compact Powder Quartet $43.00 in Sun Mango or Sun Cinnamon (limited edition) also lets you blush, highlight, contour and bronze your face. "Sun Mango" gives light to medium complexions an amazing, natural, glow while you enjoy a light, floral fragrance, and "Sun Cinnamon is for medium-deep to deep complexions." I'm in love with it (and in general, I'm not a fake bake fan). It's not a splurge, it's a necessity! At least one of Givenchy's bronzing compacts is a "must-have" for the season! Michelle Obama has popularized the bare legs look with athletic-looking legs that don't need any enhancement. But if yours are a bit out of shape, or pale, NIVEA Sun-Kissed Beautiful Legs $9.99 6.7 fl. oz is a must-have if you don't want to wear pantyhose or stocking this Summer. The 24-hour moisturizer has a hint of tanner so your legs get the sun-kissed, tanned, toned look you want, gradually. Even better, the formula discourages hair growth on your legs, so you'll shave less and look better, longer. That's a multi-tasking time saver as well as a beautifying lotion. The product comes in two shades: Fair to Medium and Medium to Dark. Honestly, I'm not a fake bake fan, but gradual tanners like this one do more than just tan, and you control the color, so I'm coming around. Who wants to wear hose on a hot day?! You can find it just about everywhere, so pop a tube into your market basket and say "Sayonora" to sad looking bare legs!
SUMMER SKINCARE GIFTS
liiv Botanicals from Avon is a line of excellent skin care products that are fragrance free, preservative-free, dye-free, and suitable for sensitive skin. The products have a "plant essence technology" that capture active plant extracts to deliver skin-nourishing benefits quickly (in as little as 3 days in some cases). These high-tech, affordable products come in a range. For Summer, try Vital Day Cream with SPF 20 $15.00 1.7 fl. oz. This is a day cream that nicely protects from harmful UV rays with SPF 20 and natural plant extracts that repair and nourish skin. After just one day, skin looks fresher and smoother and after just three days, skin clarity is improved and more even in tone. liiv Botanicals Vitalizing Eye Cream with SPF 15 $12.00 is also worth a try, and we love the slim, pump bottle that keeps our fingers (and germs) out of the product. Invest two weeks and see the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles diminish. The rich formula absorbs quickly, helping to retexturize the delicate under-eye area. Like all of the lliv Botanicals products I've tried, these perform impressively, and at a price everyone can live with. Last May/June The Advice Sisters reviewed the Dionis Spa line. This wonderful company that features products with goats milk, with formulations that emphasize natural, functional ingredients. Goats milk absorbs easily into the skin, moisturizing it and adding restorative proteins and minerals. Goats milk also contains pH-reducing caprylic acid and is good for sensitive skin, Only minimal preservatives are used, and the products (never tested on animals and especially not goats, I'd guess) are 90% to 95% natural. The products are excellent, but honestly, what captivates me the most are the beautiful labels featuring beaucolic scenes featuring....goats. The Beauty On The Go travel set $9.95 is a great introduction to the line, featuring four fantastic, must-have products in 2 oz. sizes: shampoo, conditioner, body wash and body lotion all tucked into a clear pouch with velcro closures that might just pass muster at security. There is enough of each of these pampering products to get you and someone else through a long weekend away, and it makes a wonderful host/hostess gift, too. There are ten different scents (including unscented). Ours was "LOVE," a universally pleasing (and light) aroma of black currant, jasmine and vanilla that isn't too "girly" and just right for everyone.
FANTASTIC SUMMER FRAGRANCES:
I have been very surprised with the quality and range of fragrances from AVON over the past year of two. No matter what the category, Avon knows it's audience and how to delight them. Vitality Eau de Toilette $22.50 1.7 fl. oz. by liiv botanicals comes in a slim, cool, frosted glass tube with a frosted cap that looks almost as cool as it smells. It is a luscious, clean-smelling, uplifting blend of fruits and florals, and a bit of cucumber, with a drydown of subtle ,fresh woods. Fragranced with natural oils, the scent is neither too light nor too intrusive. You can really smell the citrus in the top notes: sparkling Grapefruit, Bergamot and Melon. The floral heart of Rose, Jasmine, and Geranium gets mixed well into the introduction of fruits. The drydown of Vetiver, Sandalwood, and Cedar Wood help keep things lasting, but again, not too overpowering or heavy. The scent isn't going to turn heads, but it's very pleasant. It's new. It's nice. It's easy on the senses, and it's affordable. It's a generation-spanning scent that will delight even when the temperature is sizzling. You can't go wrong choosing this one for yourself, or as a little pick-me-up gift for someone else.
BEST SUMMER BEAUTY HELPERS :
Most people associate the name "Rembrandt" with a famous, Dutch painter. I also associate it with a Mynah Bird that used to live in an art gallery who was trained to screech just one phrase (at about 30-second intervals): ""Hello! RemBrandt! Don't forget to turn out the lights!" Rembrandt is also a line of excellent tooth-care and whitening products -- eight in the Rembrandt Whitening Collection. All of these products are designed to help you get whiter teeth and then maintain the brilliance. They contain the same enamel-safe ingredients that dentists use, but all of these are for at-home use, and amazingly affordable. Want whiter teeth? Read the review of the products on the Advice Sisters Blog. Cotton swabs in a pearly, round, package make for a pretty dressing table. They're even more clever when the makeup remover is built right into the swab! That's the idea behind Dot the I $22.00/50 swabs from Jane Iredale. Inside the handle part of these dual-tipped, cotton swabs is a pre-measured dose of eye makeup and mascara remover that not only clean off makeup, but help to calm and condition your skin. The botanical formula is alcohol-free, and contains lavender water and algae extract to calm, soothe and hydrate your skin. It's really a nifty idea, especially these days when you have to be careful what you put in your carry-on bag, and you don't want to pay extra weight for a bottle of makeup remover. Just Bend the striped swap tip until it snaps, and watch the opposite end fill up with the makeup removed. It's clever, convenient, and actually fun to use. Reviewers all gushed: "pretty cool!!!" I discovered IsABelt at the Accessories show this Spring, and then seemed to find them literally, everywhere I looked. The concept is stunningly simple: use a thin, plastic belt that lies flat and nearly undetectable instead of a big, bulky one. The basic IsABelt is thin, but there's a wider, unisex version as well. The clear plastic belt has a flat, plastic adjusters like the type you'd find on a bathing suit or bra, and a similar type of flat clasp to keep it closed. A lightweight, flat belt also feels so much better in the summertime when you still need to keep your pants from gapping or falling down, but you don't want something restrictive and heavy around your waist. IsABelt is available in sizes: Small (fits up to size 6) Medium (fits up to size 10) and Large (fits up to size 14) and Plus sizes and in clear, and black, and there's a junior sized version for children, tweens and young adults. You can also get a breast cancer version in clear plastic with light, medium and dark pink ribbons (proceeds from this version is donated to the Susan B. Komen foundation). The Advice Sisters have always loved BOOTS products, no matter what they are. But some of their simplest should be ignored. For example, the not really new, but still very nice and affordable Boots Protect & Perfect Day Cream $29.99 50 ml. has SPF 15 and works nicely to smooth and moisturize skin. I like the somewhat old-fashioned but elegant, frosted glass jar with pearly white lid. Just makes me feel "girly" using it. The Boots Protect & Perfect Eye Cream $19.99 15 ml. comes in a petite, pearly, plastic jar, and does a nice job of brightening dark circles and de-puffing. What makes both of these products exceptional (other than the affordable prices) is that they also contain ingredients that have a similar effect to retinoic acid- a treatment you can only get with a prescription known to repair the signs of photo-aging. You're getting good quality and a lot of skincare benefits, for not a lot of cash. PeaceKeeper Cause-Metics was founded by a political activist, so it seems fitting that 5% of the purchase price of every Perfect As Is Lip Balm $7.00 goes to the Women's Self-Worth Foundation to help empower women. The lovely, rose-colored lip balm debuted in May 2009, in support of Dr. Cheryl Saban's new book: What Is Your Self Worth? A Woman's Guide To Validation. All this would be reason enough to want this nice balm, but the balm itself is great. It's 74% organic, infused with rosebud and the sweet tasting herb, stevia. It smelled a bit citrus-y to me, and felt exceptionally silky and moisturizing. Certified organic ingredients such as palm oil, extra virgin olive oil, jojoba oil, and coconut oil may make your mouth water, but don't eat it--it's just the most amazingly pampering treat for lips, only! The clear, chunky, swivel-up stick is a generous, .25 oz. Help support and empower women, and pamper your lips in the process. Now that's what I call a good deal! In the Sex & The City Movie, the girls razz Miranda for not waxing. If you're a DIY when it comes to hair "down there," you'll love the new Schick Quattro Trimstyle $8.99. It is an easy, affordable, all in one high performance shaver and bikini trimmer that doesn't require a salon appointment or a PhD. to use. The slim, green and white hand shaver has a slim design and contoured, rubber grip handle. One side of the shaver has a 4-bladed razor for a smoother, longer-lasting shave, and two conditioning strips with aloe and the other with duo-vitamin complex , all in a pivoting head. You can use any other Schick Quattro for Women refill cartridge (sensitive or ultra smooth) in 8ct ($18.99) and 4 ct ($9.99). The other side of the shaver is a waterproof, battered powered trimmer that uses just one AAA battery, and it is even safe to use in the shower. An adjustable comb gently guides the hair towards the trimmer blade in a choice of 3 length settings. You can even remove the comb completely if you wish for an even closer trim. A simple on/off button means you don't have to devote an hour to reading the manual before you get started! In today's busy and economically-lean times, do it yourself if definitely a must-do! Less high tech but pampering is the Schick Intuition Plus Limited Edition Razor $9.99. It features three limited edition handle designs like dainty white flowers on a pink handle for advanced moisture, or Refreshing Moisture (Green), or Sensitive Care (blue). There are different scents in the conditioning strips surrounding the quad-blade too (no need to use extra shaving gel -- the bands also have skin conditioner with shea butter, aloe and Vitamin E). You can get 4 different refills : advanced moisture with shea butter, refreshing moisture with cucumber melon scent, sensitive care with aloe and Vitamin E and Soothing Moisture with Milk and Honey. These make "DIY" delightful!
Pamper your face with an elegant exfoliator: Royal Treatment Gentle Pearls Face Scrub $32.00 1/69 fl. oz by Votre Vu Paris. An organic formula of refining pearls mixed into a soothing exfoliating, emulsion, rids your skin of dry, dead skin cells. Hydro-regulating active plant extracts soothe and balance. The nicely moisturizing formula will refine and resurface your skin and make it look much more radiant, nearly instantly, with reduced pore size. The press literature suggested that there was a light scent, but I smelled, literally, nothing. Key ingredients include: Gentle Cleansing Complex (polymers); Vegetable Glycerin ; Extract of Laminaria Ochroleuca ; and Extract of Enteromorpha Compressa. The clear, gel is so gentle, you might not think at first that it will work, but it definitely , does. It is a nice little treat for yourself..go ahead...splurge! Softlips (srp. $2.99 - $3.99/2-pack) features a lot of varieties of their slim, swivel up lip balms. No matter which one you choose, they are affordable, silky, luxe lip conditioners designed with skin-protecting ingredients to help keep lips soft, supple and healthy. The lip balms also offer sun protection but without the waxy feel or nasty scent of some protective balms. For Summer, try the Softlips® Limited Editions SPF 20. Active ingredients include 2% dimethicone; 7.5% Octinoxate; 3% Octisalate; and 3% Oxybenzone. The limited edition lip balms are packaged two to a card, featuring a Softlips® favorite plus a new, one-of-a-kind flavor. For example, I tried Cherry and Coconut Cream. And who wouldn't love the hands-down favorite, Vanilla, paired with peach mango! You can wear them separately, or mix them together for a delectable surprise on your lips. They're not just good for your lips, they're fun to wear.
Sun block in a pill? It's a tempting idea. Now there's a nutraceutical that helps enhance the strength of the topical sunscreens, so you might be able to stay out in the sun a bit longer. Glisodin Skin Nutrients Advanced Skin Brightening Formula $125.00/60 softgels by Isocell Paris, is a pill (a very large, rust-colored one) that is designed to balance out skin tone by providing a protective layer that acts as a barrier against the sun’s UV rays. It has ingredients that features some of the attributes of leading sunscreens: a stable broad-spectrum protection, strong anti-oxidants and a gentle formulation along with an appealing smell and feel. Cartotenoids that have photo protective and anti-inflammatory properties to help protect the skin and reduce inflammation caused by UV exposure· Citrus Bioflavonoids to promote even skin tone by inhibiting tyrosinase activity or the enzyme that promotes hyper pigmentation · Borage Seed Oil to soothe irritated skin while supporting skin’s structural integrity If it sounds too good to be true, you can visit the GliSODin web site and read some of their case studies. There is evidence that nutraceuticals can enhance the quality and look of your skin. This one supposedly protects the skin by reducing oxidative stress and minimizing skin damage associated with sun exposure and environmental stressors; reduces post inflammatory hyper pigmentation ; supports the beneficial effects of facial skin resurfacing treatments; and reduces the incidence of side effects associated with facial skin resurfacing treatments. This may all be good and well and true, but it is not a substitute, just a potential enhancement, for sun block. You will still need to apply a strong UVA/UVB sun block to protect your skin. Still, if you don't mind swallowing horse-sized softgels, your skin could be all the better for it. Arnicare Topicals are products that help speed healing directly where you need it to relieve everyday body aches and pains due to muscle fatigue, strains, minor injuries or overexertion. Arnicare products contain extracts from the Arnica montana plant that work by reducing swelling, bruising and pain associated with an active lifestyle. These extracts work deep down at the cellular level by reducing pain and swelling at the site of injury. I tried a few of these and they did seem to help, at least, some. There are several different types of product, including Arnicare Gel $8.99 2.6 fl., oz, with Arnica montana 1X HPUS 7%, purified water, alcohol, carbomer, silicone oil, and sodium hydroxide for use before, during and after sport activities; Arnicare Ointment for use on tendon and ligament sprains; Arnicare Cream for massaging sore muscles and caring for delicate skin, and Arnica Pellets in a little, blue tube that you dissolve in your mouth, used most for generalized pain, stiffness and swelling or pain in large areas of the body. The products don't smell or irritate skin. They're free from artificial ingredients and harmful chemicals and the specialized formulation of Arnica montana used in Arnicare is safe, so you don't have to worry about drug interactions. In the event that injured skin is inaccessible due to bandages, Arnicare Pellets will get working on your symptoms from the inside (*but I would still consult your doctor before ingesting or applying products after serious injury). I like the idea of trying new things. Homeopathic medicine may not be for everyone, but if you are achy and don't want to try a smelly, harsh product, these might be just the thing. I am not suggesting that men are the only ones that snore, but guys are less likely to do anything about it. Silent Snooze $19.00 (30 uses) looks like a nose clip for an elf, but it's worn inside the nose to help stop (or at least, reduce) snoring. If you’ve ever had to share a room or a bed with someone who snores, you'll be happy to suggest this product. The drug free Silent Snooze gently stimulates the septum to promote better breathing. You can get it in Unscented, Lavender, and Eucalyptus and one size fits all. I didn't really notice the scents, but I like the idea of aromatherapy to get someone to wear this. The device did bother irritate the inside of my nose a bit until I got used to it. As to whether it stopped snoring, you’ll have to ask my husband, who says he thinks it did. I am not sure why you can only use this for 30 days )you must wash it after each use). More than 80 million Americans snore - 65% are men and 35% are women. There are many reasons people snore, and Silent Snooze might not work for every person for every reason, but if you snore and/or you are bothering someone else, surely it’s worth a try
ABOUT THE
ADVICE SISTERS REVIEWS: The Advice Sisters
web site and blog offer impartial,
up-close-and-personal product reviews, conducted by expert beauty &
fashion reviewer, Alison Blackman Dunham. If other opinions are
included in a review, "we" (instead of "I") is used.
My Review Philosophy: This beauty, fashion and cosmetics review column is called "What Works" (not what doesn't). I want to direct you to what I think are great products, not denigrate those I didn't like (but you might love). All beauty reviews are subjective. It's my responsibility to describe products in a way that offers information, but allows you to use your own, good judgment about whether to buy it or not. I have tested thousands of products and that gives me a strong background on which to base my comments, but in the end, the decision to try something is yours, alone. A Signature Approach Many online publications and blogs find it easier and more economical to just post photos and press releases of products "as if" they have actually used them, or get paid for "advertorials" (reviews written in exchange for money). I only allow genuine reviews. That is, I (or a qualified reviewer) actually try the products reviewed. This approach takes much more time and effort, but it is what distinguishes The Advice Sisters from a lot of others. I know you appreciate the difference. A Note About Compensation: I will never formulate my reviews using just high resolution photos and press releases, without experiencing the product I am reviewing. These type of "faux" reviews simple add to the junk and clutter on the Internet, without offering anything substantive or new. In order to write real reviews of real products, I am using samples provided by a company or a public relations firm. There is no way I could write valid, responsible, up-close-and-personal reviews without them. In consideration of The Federal Trade Commission's latest initiative to monitor the validity of blogger reviews, please note that I do not accept "advertorial" (paid content) and any paid advertisements are marked as such. Sample products are not valid "compensation" for the tremendous amount of effort it takes to write genuine reviews, nor do samples influence my experienced opinion of products in any way.
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MARVELOUS SUMMER MAKEUP :
I am always looking for ways to protect my face from the sun's damaging rays, without having to wear a sunblock as well as foundation. Cover Girl & Olay Simply Ageless Foundation $13.99 make it easy to create a flawless (and protected) face. Cover Girl and Olay are beloved brands already known for effective, affordable products. Together, they have developed an creamy foundation with anti-aging properties and SPF 22. The cream-to-liquid foundation comes in a two-part compact (no mirror) with a flip-top, sponge applicator compartment and a screw-off jar of solid cream foundation. It comes in 15 shades from Ivory to deep. If your skin is maturing, or dry, the creamy formula helps reduce the look of lines and wrinkles in a non-settling formula that is fairly opaque, but still natural. I didn't test the foundation for four weeks (the amount of time you'd need to use it to show real improvement in your skin) but I know Olay products are excellent, and coupled with this nice foundation with a reasonably high SPF, it's well worth the try. I would definitely suggest this new, affordable, travel-friendly foundation for year-round use. When you need a little pick me up, there's nothing better than a new, luxe makeup item. Some of the most glamorous are from Givenchy's Summer 2009 Le Makeup Collection, inspired by the sensual experience of post-monsoon in paradise, where amber light shimmers in earthy tones, to make your skin look amazing and shades of copper and bronze in metallic and pearly formulas add beauty accents for a glamorous, glorious Summer look. There are gorgeous lipsticks, and eye shadows, and tons of covet-able items in this collection -- so many, in fact, that I couldn't list them all in detail on this column, so please read all about the Summer 2009 Givenchy Makeup Collection on the Advice Sisters Blog. including some of the best powder bronzers I've ever tried.
Another multi-tasking marvel from Avon is their magIX Tinted Face Perfector $10.00. This clever, mirrored compact (bottom part has a makeup sponge) is a satiny, gel-powder texture that you can use as a full coverage, concealing foundation, or just for lightweight coverage. I tried it over a sunburned nose and it subdued the angry red color without making my face seem mask-like. Avon's exclusive OPTIX Light Diffusing Technology features gives you a light-diffusing powder and a shine free-formula that diffuses fine line. And it has SPF 15! My skin stayed matte for hours (up to 10 is the claim) and adapts in five colors: ( fair, light, medium, medium deep, and deep.) to most every skin tone. I love it for on-the-go because it's so easy and applies so flawlessly. This is an affordable, amazing piece of technology, and a must-have."
Everybody loves a winner, especially when it's cheap and effective. Self Magazine awarded Rimmel London Stay Matte Clarifying Matte Foundation $6.99 the honor of being the best mattifying foundation this year. It comes in six shades from ivory to sand (for medium dark skintones). It doesn't have SPF, but it does have an effective dose of mattifying-clarifying ingredients to keep skin looking nice and matte. all day long. The lightweight foundation won't blog pores, and hides small blemishes and imperfections. There's no oil, fragrance or parabens. For under $7.00, we can see why SELF was impressed (we are, too).
You want your eye makeup to last when you're out in the sun, having fun, or at night, when you don't want to bother touching up your makeup. Jane Ireldale's adorable, mini-sized Eye Gloss $15.00 are just the thing! These wanded tubes with sponge tip applicator lets you swipe on a shimmery wash of color that looks pearly, not gaudy and they're small enough to fit into an evening bag. You probably won't need to tote them with you, though, because the product really, truly stays put!. You can choose from eight colors: Champagne Silk; Green Silk' Brown Silk' Grey Silk' Mauve Silk, Peach Silk, Wine Silk, and Lilac Silk. Notice the word "silk" is used in each? That's because they really do slide on like silk! Even better, these are made without synthetic dyes, filler or chemical preservatives, so they're non-irritating to your eyes. The do have natural ingredients such as macadamia nut oil, to hydrate the sensitive skin on your eyelids. Wear a light color like Peach Silk or Champagne silk as a highlight, a darker shade like Grey Silk or Wine Silk on lids. Work fast, and you can blend them out to next to nothing, or layer it on for more drama. These are not just beautiful every day, they're great for lightening your load when you travel, or to keep in your desk at work for day-to-evening, changes. New to our reviews this column is Bamboo™ The company believes that skin needs to be naturally balanced, and their products are formulated to achieve this (with concentrations of natural ingredients along with the latest clinically proven bioactives). I was curious to see how the products would perform, and tried one of the Minerals Makeup Collection items, a Bamboo Minerals Foundation $40.00. It arrived in a chic, matte black cardboard box contained in a silvery metal "shaker" tin. The loose powder has a natural SPF--and this always confounds me since I cannot tell just how much (or how little) it will protect my skin from the sun's damaging rays. This foundation has titanium dioxide and may contain zinc oxide, according to the label. Both of these are known to help block the suns' rays. But if you use a mineral foundation, assume that the sun protection is still minimal, and wear a sun block for true protection. But this mineral foundation is very silky and fairly opaque (depending upon how you apply it. It did am awesome job of quickly covering flaws, yet letting the natural characteristics of my skin show through so it looked completely natural. Very, very nice! It is opaque enough to pinch-hit for a concealer. This is a good thing, because you are then matching your foundation to the concealer in a perfect match. I was a bit confused by the classification of colors, although I liked the idea that you can match not just the intensity: light, medium and dark, but also the tone: more of less of pink, red, Latina, deep, etc. It's a fairly pricey product, but so many mineral makeup products say they're 100% minerals when they are not. The label on this foundation lists the ingredients as: bamboo silk, caulis bambusae flavonoid, mica, titanium dioxide, ultramarine blue, and maybe, zinc oxide--nothing else. If you are seeking a pure mineral product, the cost is justified, and the product is excellent.
I love lip gloss, especially one that's luxe, moisturizing and adds sex appeal with the swipe of a wand or brush. I like it even better when it lasts a long time, and protects my lips. Limitless Long Wear Lip Gloss $21.00 by Smashbox has got it all. It's a bit on the pricey side, but you get a lot for your money to make it very worthwhile. The SPF 15 formula is super-silky, pampering lips, and the color lasts for up to six hours (mine, through salads and drinks). The one-swipe, sheer, shimmery formulas, make lips look fuller, younger, pouty, full of shine and sex appeal. I tried the natural looking "Endless," a sheer plum that just added a mere hint of tint and lots of shimmery shine. I also tried "Nonstop," a bright raspberry that made me feel like a star. There are four other shades as well; "Eternity" (shimmery bronze); "Forever" (whispering pink); "Infinite: (soft pink-nude) and "Boundless" (juicy melon). All are universally flattering. If you want to spice up your day, just slick on a coat of Smashbox Limitless Long Wear Lip Gloss
HANDS, FEET AND NAILS
Back in the What Works column of Fall of 2004, the Advice Sisters literally gushed about the White Truffle Shampoo by Philip B, and we loved the hair care travel kit we reviewed in November, 2006. The company must have liked the review, too, because our column is still featured on the Philip B web site. It's been some time since we have received anything from this luxe line to review. We're ready to gush, again: Philip B. Botanicals are not just products for hair, but for your entire body. We loved the Lovin Hand and Body Creme $40.00 6 fl. oz ; $27.00 2 fl. oz. The latter, in flip- top tubes small enough to fit in a handbag or get through airport security. The Lovin Hand & Body Creme (Scent-ual and revitalizing) soothes and moisturizing even the driest skin immediately with Vitamins E & B5, plus emollient shea butter and coconut oil. It has a light, fresh, slightly floral scent, absorbs instantly, and shows and immediate improvement you will love. The Cucumber & Blue Orchid Hand & Body Creme (tightening & strengthening skin energizing) has a more pronounced scent of orchid, featuring cucumber and blue orchid, plus A, B5, and E. It feels a bit richer and lasts longer on the skin, leaving that floral/orchid scent for good measure. There's also aloe, retinol, and oligopeptides chains that helps firm and tighten skin as well as leave it more youthful and luminous. These are a bit pricier than the average, but they're a wonderful, little splurge that will do a body, good.
Perfectly polished nails finish your look, or can change it,
instantly, and Creative Nail Design gives you lots of
options. Go subtle and demure with light polish, or keep the dark
trend from the cooler months, and still look chic. HAIR HELPERS:
Pomegranates and blackberries are both full of healthful antioxidants and vitamins. Therefore, it only stands to reason that I would like Vitamin Shampoo Renewing Pomegranate Blackberry Shampoo and Conditioner $6.99/each. This dynamic duo smells fresh and tart, and lathers beautifully, while offering hair a super-fruit blend of high potency vitamins and antioxidants, thanks to pomegranate, while blackberry (and guava) give hair essential moisture. Yogurt proteins balance and nourish your hair as well. I like the cheerful, red, flip-top tubes that look like weights, and make it fun for guys, too. The products are sulfate and paraben-free so they're good for you and for the planet, and they truly make Summer hair, a healthy and exceptional experience. The cost makes them the perfect products for your guest bathroom this Summer, and for your own family, any time. There are six other blends of shampoo and conditioner including: Rejuvenating Blueberry Avocado; Energizing Dragonfruit Kiwi, Nutritional Acai Berry Guava; Smoothing Mangosteen Yogurt; and Healing Goji Berry Green Tea. All are what your hair and your senses, crave!
Spending time in the sun, is fun, but the sun's rays can not only damage your skin, it can damage your hair, too. It only make sense to use products that protect the top of your head, as well as products that protect the rest of you. When it comes to hair, Redken makes lots of great products, including a trio of treats in their Color Extend Sun collection that help busy people do the most for their hair in the least amount of time. Color Extend protects both highlights and color, with an exclusive Interbond Conditioning System and advanced Hydra-Shield complex, exclusive to Redken. The products feature "Soplexyl, " a patented sun filter that actually sticks to your hair to give it the type of UVA/UVB protection you get from serious sunscreens. The products also have Benzophenone-4, that, along with Soplexyl, provide real protection against the sun's damaging rays. Other good for your skin ingredients include mango oil, to help restore moisture and ceramides, to repair and resurface each strand. The products will make your hair feel soft, hydrated and pampered, but not greasy, I can't live without them!. Read the entire review on the Advice Sisters Blog or better yet, Subscribe to the Advice Sisters Blog Feed in a reader or enter your address to get posts by Email and never miss a post:There's even more news (and new products) from Redken. Redken Layer Lift 07 Length Elevating Spray-Gel $15.00 5.7 fl. oz. This fresh-smelling spray gel in a silvery bottle with non-aerosol spray cap adds volume to hair and a nice, shiny finish. It's designed for all hair types, but works especially well with layered styles that can flop and then look funny, instead of fabulous. It not only prevents flatness, it helps deal with the frizzies. I have medium-length hair that usually doesn't need a lot of volume, but does need some to keep the top layers from frustratingly, flattening out. This new product works exceptionally well. Just spritz it on damp hair and blow-dry, or air dry, or arrange with your fingers to get the results you want. RootFul 06 $15.00 8.5 fl. oz. is another time and style-saving new product I like, featuring a targeted nozzle to allow you to spray the product precisely where you want it (at the roots, of course). This one will lift just the root area--great for around the face, but it won't feel sticky, like some styling sprays. There are other products in this volume-centric styling collection that I didn't try, but I'm pretty sure they'll be great.
Kerastase, Double Force Controle Ultime $36.00 9 fl. oz. is an exceptional way to keep hair under control. As long as you are going to reach for a product, why not make it one that helps as well as beautifies? This hair finishing spray costs more than drugstore brands, but it does a lot (and does it well), too. It comes in a cool, mint green can, with a spray diffuser top that leaves an assertive, but not assaulting, mist. The product itself, suitable for all hair types, features concentrated fixing polymers that have a strong hold, but still lets your hair move without looking stiff or feeling crunchy I'm just loving this must-have product and so will you. Read the entire review on the Advice Sisters Blog I have always had a soft spot for anything and everything AVEDA makes. Their eco-friendly attitude and formulas, and their wonderful scents, and of course, high-performance products that are still affordable, win my heart. For Summer, AVEDA provides a three-step protection for your hair, with a 16-hour UV defense & recovery system to ward off the damage done by sun, salt, and chlorine. One way to protect your hair every day, instantly, is with a spritz of Sun Care Protective Veil $26.00 3.4 fl. oz. This lightweight, water-resistant, UV-defense spray smells herbal and refreshing, but what it really does is protect your hair color from fading, along with damage and dryness, Naturally-derived UVA/UVB protection comes from wintergreen and cinnamon bark oils, and an antioxidant blend of green tea extract, organic sunflower seed oil,, and Vitamin E help defend against free radicals. Certified organic shea butter and coconut and palm oils condition and detangle. Just spray on dry or damp hair before you have fun in the sun. If you use it on damp hair, it makes an excellent detangler. Don't use too much (A little goes a long way). After sun, cleanse with a Sun Care Hair and Body Conditioner $20.00 8.5 fl. oz. that helps remove gunk from your hair and body (we love this!) in one step without stripping or ruining your hair color. The formula features a corn-derived chelator and babassu betaine surfactant system (99% naturally derived) among other things, to gentle but thoroughly cleanse and still maintain the hair and body's moisture balance. Guys will love this easy to use product, too. For additional pampering (of your hair only) there's an Sun Care After-Sun Masque $26.00 4.2 oz. that you leave in for just 2-5 minutes and then wash out. How much easier can that get?! Morikue protein restores sun-parched hair, while a bunch of natural ingredients such as shea butter and coconut oil replenish moisture. Natural antioxidants of green tea extract, certified organic sunflower seed oil, and Vitamin E, protect against future damage. Natural sun filter provide additional UVA/UVB protection. This summer, AVEDA's got you covered, head to toe! Pureology's eco-friendly products have their AntiFade Complex. This is a blend of antioxidants and UVA/UVB full spectrum sunscreen. The gentle formulas, with organic botanicals and other good-for-your hair ingredients, leave your hair shiny and soft, and protected. All their amazing products, have this benefit. The company doesn't test on animals, and the scents they use are always light and pleasant. What's not to like? For Summer gift-giving (and a little splurge for yourself), you I like the fantastic, limited edition, Hydrate To Make A Difference Set $54.00. This nicely boxed set includes a trio of "must-have" hair products let you hydrate your hair and enjoy Summer, in style. The set features full-sized products including: HydrateShampoo® 10.1 fl. oz.; HydrateCondition® 8.5 fl. oz. (I reviewed last Summer and a travel-sized bottle ( 2 fl. oz.) spray can of amazing, RootLift Spray Mousse. The shampoo and conditioner are perfect for helping your hair deal with the fading and drying effects of the sun, salt, and chlorine. The spray mousse gives your hair a bit of ooomph without a lot of effort. The alcohol-free formula helps your color look brilliant, with a bit of fullness and control, and no sticky mess. Read more on the Advice Sisters Blog. Trilliant $21.00 4.9 fl. oz. by Sebastian is a spray bottle of shine enhancer that you can use before you heat style, and also to add more gloss, post styling. In the bottle it is separated: clear on the bottom, blue on the top. There are glamorous glitter particles in it as well. The spray smells a bit like juicy watermelon but it's no lightweight in the hair care department. The multi-tasking complex gently conditions hair and gives it body, provides heat protection, and glosses it with shine and a smooth finish. Key ingredients include Silica, Titanium Dioxide, and Tin Oxide. Take it with you on vacation, to the beach, and make sure you have a bottle on your dressing table. Once you try it, you'll be hooked!
SUMMER FASHION & LIFESTYLE ITEMS:
I am a fan of flip flops for lounging, although I can't wear anything between my toes for a long trek on City streets. There are so many types to choose from these days! One company that's making functional, fashionable, and eco-friendly flip flops is Floc Designs. They have flip flops with a foldable, portable, unique design called Pocketflops $20.00. This footgear actually folds in half so you can put them in a purse or pocket---really great for women who wear heels or whose feet get tired on the go. Even more special is that the new "Earth Line" of Pocketflops’ soles are made with 95% recycled domestic tires and come with a carrying case (with the same design) created from organic fabric or PET (recycled bottle) fabric. They have a design choice of trees and birds or President Barack Obama. They're affordable, packable, practical...fantastic! Read the entire review on the Advice Sisters Blog.
There's not much in the way of :must-have" statement pieces that you can get for under $25.00. But if you're looking for something special and affordable in the way of accessories, don't forget to check out Avon -- no kidding! They're not just cosmetics anymore (although those are note-able, too) -- the company has surprisingly lovely accessory pieces at truly surprising prices. For example, a lovely, Long Goldtone Link Necklace (#520-063 ) $24.99. The matte, hammered links look just like a necklace I saw in a very upscale boutique for over $600.00 (and that's no lie). . You can wear this one hanging long at 32" or double it up and/or shorten it with the 3" extender. I will be reviewing more Avon accessories in the coming week on the Advice Sisters Blog. Don't miss them!.
JUST FOR THE GUYS:
Guys love gadgets, especially when they're easy to use, effective grooming aids. Here are three great ones from fabulous Conair. The Chopper 2-in-1 Custom Styler $30.00 is an ergonomically designed facial (and head) hair groomer with 9 attachment combs; 3 jaw line blending combs; and a 5-position facial comb. The rugged looking electric groomer has a rubberized handle for a good grip. The blades are ground steel, diamond-sharpened, and there's a turbo button that gives the gadget a jolt of extra power when needed, for thicker hair. The set also comes with a pair of barber's scissors, storage pouch, cleansing brush, lubricating oil, blade guard, and a cape. No less impressive is the Conair Facial Trimmer $24.99 that shapes his goatee, beard, moustache or patches. Our male reviewers said liked this Conair styler that was: "really easy and pleasant to use." Another nice grooming tool for guys who just want to go bald and keep it that way is The Clean Head Shaver $40.00 , a portable, electric head shaver curved perfectly for chrome domes! Patent pending, angled, dual foils and comfort guides follow the curves of his head, adjusting naturally to the curve of the scalp for a smoother, more comfortable shave. Spring loaded comfort guides prevent him from pushing down too hard on his scalp, which can cause irritation. It can be used easily by left and right handed men, and a rubberized casing provides a secure grip. A separate trimmer attachments features three guide combs in 3mm, 6mm, and 9mm for custom fuzz and fade styling that younger men crave., Our male reviewer liked the way the shaver for maintenance, but reported that longer stubble made the shaver a bit less effective. For daily or routine maintenance, he gave it four stars. The Grounded in Nature Moisturizing Body Wash $5.95 8 fl. oz. by Polysciences is for everyone, not just for men, but I think guys will particularly like the clear, plastic bottle with "Sports drink-style" flip, top cap and unisex label that looks quite cool. They may also really like the idea that this moisturizing body wash uses the newest, green technology (combined with renewable products) to produce a body wash that is good for the planet, as well as good for the skin. The honey-colored, white clover and tropical fruit body cleanser smells softly like fruit, with key ingredients including glycerin, bio-renewable corn, and coconut. What it doesn't have, is parabens, artificial dyes or fragrances. The entire Grounded in Nature Line, in fact, uses earth mineral colors, bio-renewable veggie oils and essences, to make products you can really feel good about. This good-for-all skin types mission is simple: it safely cleanses your skin and moisturizes it. Lather up! Another set of bath & body product NOT just for men, but I think the guys will particularly like them, is from Crabtree & Evelyn, a company founded in 1973, that uses over 160 "natural botanical ingredients" in its skin care products. Share a jar of Mango Butter & Grapefruit Body Butter $26.00 7 oz.. Ideal for all skin types, this body butter smells like zesty citrus with a spicy edge, not at all girly, but good for everyone's nostrils. it absorbs easily to help keep skin soft and supple. To help protect against premature aging we’ve blended antioxidant Vitamin C-rich mango butter with shea butter, beeswax and olive oil and added grapefruit oil extract to help tone and tighten the skin. the good news is that while it's restorative and super-emollient, it's not greasy, so you can smooth it on yourself (or each other) for a healthy body treat. No parabens No synthetic dyes , No mineral oil. The brown, glass jar with red label looks chic, the scent is wonderful. For more fun, try the Nourishing, Creamy Body Wash $16.00 6.4 fl. oz. with 10% cocoa butter, 10% mango oil, nutmeg and cardamom (and 10% sweet almond oil). This body wash has no parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, mineral oil, propylene glycol or synthetic colorants. The gentle body wash still lathers nicely, leaving the scent of spice cookies (and smooth skin) behind. It's sugar and spice, but not sweet or girly. The clear tube with brown flip top cap has a brown woodcut graphic showing the ingredients. I dare anyone to resist loving this one! TIP: for more products just for the guys, read the Advice Sisters Blog Post.
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I
Clinique is one of my favorite
skin care brands no matter what time of the year, but I particularly am
fond of their sun protection products. Each sun protection product has
Clinique’s new Proprietary SolarSmart™ Technology, a unique blend
of photos table sunscreens designed to help skin defend itself from
UV rays with " 3:1 technology" (the UVB protection is three times
proportional to UVA protection). There are a number of choices from
Clinique for broad spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection. Since I
like portable products, I adore the new, SPF 45 Targeted
Protection Stick $17.50 that gives great, non-greasy,
Ophthalmologist and dermatologist tested. Oil-free
(great for sensitive skin) protection to sensitive areas such as
the lips, under eyes, on the ears, etc. And I also hate dipping my
fingers in lotion, so I give thumbs up also to the new, Clinique, SPF
25 Body Spray $20.00: This unique 360 degree continuous body spray
allows one-touch application from any angle in order to protect even the
most hard-to-reach places, and you'll never have a mess, either. The
formula was developed specifically for the body, and it's a
fast-absorbing, oil-free and water-resistant one that contains sun
screens Avobenzone, Octisalate and Octocrylene, along with Vitamin E
(protects skin from free radical damage) and Emollient Esters (to
condition skin and reduce dryness caused by UV exposure). TIP:
hold the can approximately 4 to 6 inches away from application area and
spray liberally and evenly to the body. For face application, spray into
hands, then apply to face with hands. Do not spray directly onto your
face! There are also four new body and/or face SPF creams: SPF
50 Body Cream $20.00150 ml.; SPF 30 Body Cream $20.00 150 ml. ;
SPF 30 Face Cream $17.50 50 ml. and SPF 15 Face & Body Cream
$20.00 150 ml.. Along with potent antioxidants and broad
spectrum protection, all of Clinique’s facial cream formulas also
include Plankton Extract, a natural marine extract that releases unique
“repair” enzymes when exposed to UV. These enzymes help counter visible
damage to the skin including loss of collagen
Dr. Zein E. Obagi (a Board-Certified Diplomat of the
American Board of Dermatology and a fellow of the American Academy
of Dermatology). Now Dr. Obagi is talking about ZO Skin Health,
serious skincare that aggressively fights aging with a combination
of innovative technology, powerful ingredients, and luxurious
formulas. Normally, I'd be dubious, but the Zo Oclipse Suncreen-Primer
SPF 30 $65.00 1 fl. oz is a high end, multi-tasking product
that really impressed me. The smooth-as-silk, sheer,
tinted product is so lightweight you won't even know you have it
on and I like the delivery system: a twist up/down bottle that
is clean and dispenses just the right amount of product.
For as long as I can remember, Coppertone has been the
go-to company for generations when it comes to sun protection.
Everyone has seen advertising and billboards of the classic
Coppertone girl with little dog pulling down her bathing suit
to reveal a very pale, bottom. I even remember seeing the
Coppertone banner being pulled across the sky by a little plane on
many a hot, sunny, beach day. But like many of the big
sun-protection brands, Coppertone has some special products
to suit special needs. Their Coppertone NutraShield SPF 70 with
Dual Defense $10.49 6 fl. oz for example , was designed
specifically for women to provide advanced photo-stable, UVA/UVB
protection with nourishing anti-oxidants that help combat some of
the visible signs of aging and help support the skin's natural
repair process. The fragrance free, non greasy formula moisturizes
but won't clog pores. It's waterproof, lightweight, hypoallergenic
and non-comedogenic, and if that's not enough it comes in a very
curvy, cool white, easy to grip, flip top bottle in in several
different levels of protection. The SPF 70 has 3% Avobenzone, 15%
homosalate; 5% Octisalate, 10% Octocrylene, and 6% Ocybenzone. I
didn't test it, but it us supposed to retain it's sun-protecting
properties up to 80 minutes even when you are immersed in water,
or with heavy sweating. There's a lovely SPF 70 $10.49 3 fl. oz
lotion just for faces, and SPF 30 $10.49 6 fl. oz. and
a formula with the same anti-oxidant-packed, skin-loving,
anti-aging properties. I love an affordable, effective multi-taker
from a company I know and trust, like Coppertone. TIP:
*Coppertone makes so many great products for everyone for every reason, from
sunscreens
for babies, for kids, to Sport products, and general purpose sun
screens. There is at least one you'll love.
Hawaiian Tropic is not just
synonymous with tanning and sun screens, they are known for sponsoring
the sexiest swimsuit models on any beach. Keep your body sexy and
safe, with any number of Hawaiian Topic sun products. If your skin is
sensitive, sun screens can be a confusing purchase, but I like
Hawaiian Tropic Oil Free Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Spray Lotion SPF 50
$9.99 6 fl. oz. The oil free formula is non-greasy and dries quickly
and the high SPF keeps sensitive skin, safe. Hawaiian Tropic's
SunsureTM Technology has a patented formula to ensure the broad
spectrum (UVA/UVB) protection lasts longer in the sun. The product is
also enriched with antioxidant vitamins A, C & E to help protect against
premature aging while reducing the appearance of fine lines. What more
could sensitive skin, want?! For even higher SPF, I really like
the Hawaiian Tropic Ozone Ultimate SPF 80 $10.99 6 fl.oz.
provides a sun sure technology of 3% Avobenzone, 15% homosalate, 10%
Octocrylene NS 6% Octabenzone to provide an impressive 80 minutes of
protection even if you're immersed in water. The SPF 80 is PABA free and
while it provides long lasting UVA/UVB protection, it uses less harsh
chemicals to do so. The cap lifts off to reveal a nice wide spray pump
that dispenses a fine and thorough mist of coconut scented protection.
This product also has soothing aloe, and time-released Vitamins A, C & E
to do good things for your skin besides protecting it from the sun's
damaging rays. It is oil-free, rub-free, and very pleasant to use. The
lowest is SPF 50 and the highest is SPF 80, both in spray and lotion
form with a suggested retail of $4.74 - $8.89. Hawaiian Tropic
30 Plus Sheer Touch Sunscreen $7.45 6 fl.oz. for example, is
infused with a blend of Hawaiian-inspired fruits and flowers extracts
including plumeria flower, papaya, passion flower, guava, and mango. It
smells lightly like pina colada, but it's' not a lightweight when it
comes to waterproof SPF 30 UVA/UVB sun protection A nice mist from the
continuous spray cap coats your precious skin with a clear and light
feeling waterproof sunscreen with Vitamins A, C and E in an oil-free,
rub-free, hypoallergenic, non-migrating sun screen. It dries fast and
non-greasy and offers up to 80 minutes of protection even if you're
immersed in the water. If you're the type of person who hates to wear
sun protection, this one will please you....promise! Hawaiian Tropic
has effective, pleasant to use, and affordable (all srp. under
$9.00) products for everyone from cradle to gravel: babies, kids, teens,
adults, sport, after sun, and self-tanners in a dizzyingly huge variety
of SPFs and skin types.
Don't let the name fool you,
Lancaster Oil Free Milky Spray SPF 15 $25.00 5 fl. oz.
is an excellent, effortless way to protect
your skin from daily assault from the sun's damaging rays. The
lightweight, oil-free, body spray prevent protects with SPF 15 --
moderate protection from the sun with UVA/UVB filters.
Lancaster's patented antioxidant RPF complex helps neutralize
free-radicals, responsible for premature ageing. It also has a
patent-pending tan activator complex , "Heliotan" helps to prolong
your tan, protecting it from dehydration, dryness and flaking.
Your skin will not only be protected, it will be hydrated, and
feel softer and more toned. That's quite a bit from a sun-screen
product! 
Erno Laszlo is the first line of dermatologist-created
skincare. Dr. Erno Laszlo was a pioneer in skincare, and the
favorite of stars such as Audrey Hepburn, Greta Garbo, Marilyn
Monroe and more recently, Hilary Duff and The Advice Sisters!
No matter what your skin type, the eye-catching, checkerboard
rainbow-colored, pressed powders in their shiny, square, black
compacts are a delight to use. For example, the Erno Lazlo Multi-pHase
Bronzer $38.00 (light or deeper) features a triple-milled, matte
powder that smoothes on your skin without streaking or flaking. The
five different hues in bronze (with other warm tones) gives you face a
sheer, natural "tan" with the flick of a bronzer brush. There's also
Vitamin C to provide brightening properties and clarifying benefits,
and Vitamin E to calm and strengthen. structure and helps calm and
soothe skin irritation. TIP: Use the bronzer to even
out any splotches (on your face) from uneven tanning, or swipe a
cotton ball or bronzer brush around all of the colors, and lightly
apply to areas of the face that naturally "catch" the sun including
the forehead, tops of cheeks, brow bone, and the tip of the nose and
chin. There's also a lovely Multi-pHase Highlighter, and a
universally flattering Multi-pHase Blusher. 
White is a traditional "must-have" for Summer, just as black is a
classic color for the cooler months. For Summer 2009,
Avon is re-interpreting one of it's fragrances: "Chic in
Black" (formerly known as "Little Black Dress") in a feminine scent
called "" $22.50 1.7 fl. oz. It's a
scent that is sure to please, in one of my favorite fragrance
classifications (Floriental), mixing white florals and woods.
The top notes are bergamot, fresh cut freesia, and sparkling mandarin
with a floral heart of gardenia petals, white peony and white dandelion.
The dry down is sweet white woods, white musk, and warm benzoin. The
fragrance sounds like it could be very sweet or very young, but the
woods and musk keep the sophistication level high even though the cost
is amazingly low. It's light, and very pleasant on the skin. A
simple, clear, square glass bottle with translucent rectangular cap
rimmed in white, make the presentation, dressing-table worthy. 
Sarah Jessica Parker has been genuinely involved in the
fragrances she has created for Coty Prestige, including Lovely
and Covet. Now SJP has a trio of tempting
fragrances based on lovely moments: Dawn, Endless and Twilight .
There's an Eau de Parfum Spray $58.00 2.5 fl. oz and $38.00 1
fl. oz and a Soft Body Lotion $28.00. The Lovely Collection
bottles are clear, polished glass, with rounded edges. Each has a watery
floral design stencil on the front, by New York artist and fashion
illustrator Sara Singh (with Sarah Jessica Parker and Jon DiNapoli).
The caps are vintage-y, ribbed balls of clear plastic (the same one
appears on SJP's first scent, Lovely). Each scent and each
of the bottles have a color theme appropriate to the fragrance: blue,
violet and white for Dawn; pink, violet and burgundy for Endless; and
Champagne/gold for Twilight. The outer cartons look gift-able as-is.
These are already building a buzz as universally loved fragrances. You
won't want to miss them! *
You've probably been using Q-tips since you were a baby.
These soft, dual-ended cotton swabs are reliable and useful for
some many things. Today's Q-tips come in a wide variety of
packaging, to suit the needs of busy adults on the go. Now
the product has a new package you can't help but love, a , Q-Tips Cotton Swabs Vanity Pack
(srp.) $3.19 that puts 258 Q-tips into a chic, square, slide
open cardboard box pretty enough to leave out. You can
choose from four colors: blue, yellow, red and purple. each with a
pretty, floral design. In case you're wondering what to do with
your big box, besides clean your ears out with them, they're the
best little beauty secret to clear away makeup smudges. They act
as applicators in a pinch or when you're traveling Tip:
get the handy, 30-count, plastic, flip-top Purse Pack just for
$0.99 . They're great for applying glue to things without
getting your hands dirty. Even better, Q-tips are eco-friendly
100% pure cotton (biodegradable), and even the new packaging is
recyclable. Sometimes, the simple, reliable, effective
things you already know and trust can surprise you...and be the
best, too. 
Threading is one of the most effective and safe ways to remove excess
hair. Threading
doesn't require any chemicals and yet it's effective. The Threader $150.00 by SunMaita is a
do-it-at-home threading kit that has everything you need to remove excess hair
with a threading system. The little threading machine was engineered to
replicate the exact angles that master threadists use in salons. If you
do it correctly (*it did take a little practice) you will not only roll
off hairs at the follicle so it comes back less quickly and less coarse,
but you also polish off dead skin cells as well. A threading
treatment can last up to four weeks, and it's especially good for
sensitive skin that can't tolerate harsh chemicals or the irritation of
shaving or waxing. The Threader kit includes: the
plastic threader tool, chalk (to make the hair more visible before
threading); Feel Less (a light numbing agent); The Closer (soothes skin
after threading), 40 organic cotton blended replacement threads,
and an instruction booklet. A threading treatment in a salon could
cost you close to the price of the entire kit, so even though The
Threader is an investment at first, it'll pay off as time goes on. The
process is really very easy, although I had a bit of a challenge at
first getting the tiny threads on the Threader and I had to work
the angles a bit to really get the results I wanted, with just a
little practice I did quite well! The combo of the numbing agent
and the tool made hair removal fast and not comfortable. I've
tried other
threading devices that irritated my skin and pulled quite bit, but
The Threader just removed the hair so easily I had to check the
mirror to see if it was working. If
you're traveling, or you just want an alternative to shaving, chemicals,
or waxing The Threader is a great choice. 
Visit the
Back in 2007 The Advice Sisters introduced the Juice Beauty
brand, a collection of organic skincare products that have a
unique, 100% organic juice base. For those who are concerned that
what you put on your skin, is absorbed into your body, knowing
that your skincare products have formulas using plant oils,
botanicals, honey, aloe vera, and raw can sugar from farms that
specialize in sustainable and organic farming, makes them a
perfect choice. The products don't contain harmful chemicals but
they do have lots of antioxidant, skin benefits. We were very
impressed with the skincare items we tried. Now, for Summer,
we really like Juice Beauty SPF 30 Mineral Light Moisturizer
$29.00. This multi-tasking, tinted moisturizer provides full
spectrum protection in the sun, with chemical-free, SPF 30 and
certified organic white grape and pomegranate juices, vitamin
antioxidants, and good-for-your skin, nurturing and moisturizing
benefits. What could be easier to help your skin stay young and
safe? TIP: If your skin tends to be
oily, apply evening and lightly blot. Another goodie from is the
trio of SPF 8 Lip Moisturizers $15.00. The nicely
boxed set of three moisturizing and protective lip balms
have mineral sun protection combined with certified organic
emollient plant oils, mango and passion fruit essences, and
nutrient-rich vitamins and honey to moisturize and protect lips.
The fruity scent is a plus. You get a clear, a tinted pink
called "Joyful" and a dark berry called "Playful." They'll
give you lips a lovely, natural-looking lip stain that's perfect
for casual Summer and nude-looks. Lips are one of the first places
to show age and sun damage. This is an affordable, effective,
way to save them from the ravages of sun, and time
At first it sounds a bit crazy--a lip gloss that can help you curb
your appetite. But then it makes sense. After all, think about how
often you lick your lips. The average woman eats about 6 pounds of
lip gloss in her lifetime, so if you're going to ingest lip
product, why not make it something that can help you instead of
harm you?
Huge Lips, Skinny Hips $20.00 is a lip gloss that
comes in a clear, wanded tube and is available in six sexy,
shimmery colors. But this isn't just any same-old, same-old lip
product. This one features Hoodia, a known appetite suppressant.
That might just offer some hope to those who want to help keep
their lips lovely, and their thighs, thinner. The lip gloss also
has Vitamin B (to plump lips) natural lipids, meadowfoam and lemon
peel oil, to hydrate and soothe, no parabens, a moist,
long-lasting formula, and it will help diminish the appearance of
tiny lines and lip wrinkles.
Chanel
always pleases, and when it comes to Chanel's Summer 2009
collection; Côte d’Azur, I'm a bit behind in getting samples
to review. But honestly, the items are so drool-worthy, so hot,
these are bound to be coveted collectibles. The collection is
varied and contains all the usual products for eyes and face, but
the items I love the most are the six new shades of Chanel's
Aqualumiere lipsticks. These moisturizing lipsticks slide on
like satin and they're sheer and smooth and even better they have
SPF 15 to keep your lips safe from the sun just a bit longer. For
this collection, all of the shades satisfy.
Can a lipstick make you look younger? Perhaps. The latest
youth-oriented beautifier to wow us from Avon is their
Anew Youth-Awakening Lipstick $10.00. This lovely products
packs a lot of punch into an elegant, pyramid-shaped, gold and
clear plastic tube with a top so shiny you can use it as a mirror.
The lipstick is sheer, creamy and very moisturizing, but it has
something more: the same technologies found in
ANEW skincare products .For a better than natural look, try
the slightly shimmery, "Perfectly Natural" or slightly more pink,
"Blushing Bride." For more oomph and glamour,
try "Regal Red." While you're tinting your lips with
one of 10 shimmer or satin shades, the ANEW anti-aging ingredients
work deep within your lips to fight the 5 signs of lip aging: Deep
wrinkles; reduced definition; loss of rosy tone; decrease in
fullness, and rough texture. I wasn't able to use just this
lipstick for the 4 weeks you'd need for great results,
but I know that
ANEW skincare is excellent. Any product that includes this
anti-aging technology is likely to give good results. Even better,
the lipstick has SPF 15 to ward off the sun's damaging rays. For
the beautifying results, it's worth every penny right there!
Until now, no lipstick could customize the intensity of
color in one tube, but thanks to Avon, you can literally
choose from 10 shades of lipstick and customize it seven ways with
the new
SpectraColor Lipstick $9.50. (photo) The chunky, click-it pen
has a slanted top with a bunch of little holes in it, and a swivel
dial on the bottom that lets you literally dial up the intensity
you want. Dial from one to seven with one being the least intense
color, and seven, the most. Then, click the pen and watch your
shade bloom out of the tiny holes in the top. It's almost,
magical! I liked "The Roses" and "the Pinks" for
rose or pink in a range you'll love. 
When I think of Summer makeup, one of the companies I know will
produce products I really want, is Tarte. They are 100%
free of parabens, petro-chemicals, phthalates, sulfates and
synthetic fragrances, and their eco-friendly packaging helps
reduce green house gas emissions by using recyclable or
post-consumer recycled material. For Summer, Tarte Health
Couture has some great new good for beautifying and good for
your skin items you won't want to miss. The Advice Sisters
reviewed Summer-worthy, sweat resistant products for eyes and
cheeks, and a unique self-tanner that also help deal with that
bathing suit saboteur, cellulite!
Everyone now and then I find a product that really captivates me.
The Maybelline Pulse Perfection by Define-A-Lash Vibrating
Mascara $14.00 is one that is (as their press slogan correctly
says): "so good, you won’t believe your eyes." This new,
vibrating mascara easily and quickly coats every lash to make even
thin or light lashes look lush, and without a hint of clumping. I
tried it myself, and I can honestly say that it genuinely,
instantly made a huge difference in how my eyes looked. I wear
glasses, so every flaw and mistake is magnified. Before I even
left the building, I was getting compliments! My lashes looked
thoroughly coated, thick, shiny, long and even a bit more curled
than usual (without an eyelash curler). That's impressive! It's
easy to say that this new mascara does a whole lot, for just a
little.
Everyone can wear virtually every color in the spectrum, but it's
the intensity and tone of The same idea holds true for eye
makeup. The same color of brown that makes blue eyes pop, isn't
the same color brown that works for others. So Eyes by Design
has come up with complimentary products, including Quartets
$24.95 *plus shipping & handling of "best" colors for brown,
green, blue and hazel eyes. The four colors work together, or
separately, to make your eyes look the best they can be! Each
black, mirrored compact contains 4 powder eye shadows from light
to dark and in pearl and cream finishes. The lightest shades bring
your features forward while the dark shades make them recede.
These pressed powder shadows are easy to apply, and they are
long-lasting and true to color. They are also Dermatologist and
Ophthalmologist-tested.
I don't know why, but neon just makes me feel happy. Designers
like Michael Kors, for example, featured neon colors in his
I first mentioned Creative Nail
Design's Solar Oil in an
Orly Nail Polish $3.50/each from their Summer "
If you don't have time for a real manicure, or your nails look
like they were caught in a meat grinder, the quick, easy and
affordable solution is faux nails. Nailene has a
number of different styles, including So Natural $6.99 for
active lifestyles with a square shape and short length, and So
Real $6.99 with a medium length and square shape. They look
like natural nails (mine had white, French manicure, tips), but
better. All nails are full size, painted, and ready to apply
with the included, nail glue. While
press-on nails are easier, if you want to wear your faux nails for
longer than a day or two you really need glue. When you are ready
to remove the nails, Nailene's artificial nail and polish
remover should do the trick. Don't worry if you lose one...there
are extra nails in every kit in a variety of sizes. If your nails
are great and you want a great French Manicure, Nailene has
some easy ways to accomplish this Summer classic with your own
nails. Try the Nailene French Manicure Kit $7.99 that
comes with sheer nude and sheer pink base colors, a top coat, and
nail guides to help you apply the opaque white tip. The kit takes
all the guesswork out of picking the right products for a perfect
French manicure. But if you already have your own, sheer base
colors, kick them up a notch with a Nailene French Tip
Pen $8.99. These are felt-tipped flat pens that let you apply
the perfect coat of white or black at the top of your nail as
easily as drawing with a marker. To make those tips absolutely
perfect, use Nailene Perfect Tips French Manicure polish guides
$2.50, Simply apply the stick-on, white guides, and pain above
the curve for the perfect finish. All of this is just, genius!
Nano-technology in hair dryers is amazing. It creates
high-tech dryers that help you create shinier, silkier styles with no
effort at all. But many of the great ones are also quite heavy, leading
to hand and arm fatigue before you can really do a great blow-out.
However, I've just discovered H2pro's Nano Ultra Light 1900 Blow
Dryer $160.00 that cuts drying time by an impressive 50%, so you
don't have to fuss so long. Even better, at just 360 grams (that is just
a little over half a pound) it's one of the lightest and most powerful
blow dryers I have ever seen!! When you pick up the dryer, it
almost feels like a toy at just 12.65 ounces (so light you can hold it
up for a long, long time and not feel fatigued), but, amazingly, it has
a motor that is 30% more powerful than other professional hair dryers
and delivers a very HOT 1900 watts of drying power. The dryer features 2
speeds and 3 heat settings so you can adjust the amount of power and
heat you want. There is also a cool shot button to set styles, and a
"Turbo" button to give the dryer an extra boost. A long and substantial
power cord, a diffuser and concentrator heads, add to the dryer's
versatility.
I reviewed the EverPure Sulfate Free Color Care Line of
products by L'Oreal in my
Curls (loose and wavy, not frizzy and out of control) are so hot on
the red carpet and runways right now, but unless you're amazingly
blessed with perfect hair, you'll need a little help to create perfect
curls. On the other hand, straight, swingy, shiny hair is never going to
be out of style and if you're not blessed with perfect hair, you'll need
a little help to keep straight styles looking sleek. There's a great
two-in-one styling tool from CONAIR that lets you have straight
hair or curls, depending upon how you use it. Infiniti by Conair
Tourmaline Ceramic 2 in 1 Curl or Straighten Styling Iron, Model CS54
(srp. approx $49.99) lets you do both curls and straight styles with
one appliance. In these budget-minded times, one multi-function
appliance is tons better than having to purchase and deal with two
different ones. And yet, this iron look pretty much like a traditional,
high end, nano tourmaline ceramic straight iron with has flat plates to
glide through your hair and straighten it. The difference with this one
is that the outer edges of the styling tool are curved. Flick your wrist
and wrap your hair around the barrel to create perfect waves and curls
in literally, seconds.
I
first was introduced to Jane Marvel at the
Bottled
water is a hot item, and with the economy being what it is, DIY water
carriers are an even hotter item. The new, personalized water bottles
from Greensender.com 's Bottle Shop are more than just a
fun way to drink life-sustaining water, they're environmentally
friendly, budget-friendly, fashion-forward. Go to the web site and
custom-design and personalize a premium SIGG reusable water bottle laser
engraved with a name or phrase, and your art selection. I selected a one
liter, fire-engine red, metallic finish bottle with "Advice Sisters"
and a sun design. Using a high-tech laser-engraving process,
Greensender engraved my name and art selection right onto the bottle
(pick from three sizes: $19.00; $22.00; $25.00) . You can see from the
photo how beautiful the results are! The site was super-easy to
negotiate, and the tracking and delivery fast and efficient. A
personalized water bottle can last for years, and makes an appreciated,
unique and useful gift for your wedding party; for your weekend
host/hostess gift; to commemorate a birthday, a birth or other special
occasion; or "just-because. " 
When
you think of a thermos, do you automatically think of the character
lunch boxes you carried as a kid? Adults, want stylist choices when it
comes to carrying our beverages. Stanley (formerly Stanley Aladdin) has
new, unique, food and beverage carrying solutions that are eco-riendly/sustainable,
stylish, and functional. Not all water bottles are created equal. If
you've ever had one dent or spring a leak, you know what I mean. But the
Stanley nineteen13 Stainless Steel Water Bottle 24oz (star) $17.00
won't let you down. It saves you money and helps reduce disposable water
bottle waste and lets you enjoy fresh (and free), water. The
lightweight but rugged, 100% stainless steel bottle has a wide-mouth
opening so you don't have to swallow the opening whole to get the liquid
out. The top is a screw-top with a finger-loop that you can grip or add
a clip to, and it's leak-proof so it won't make a mess if it falls out
of the cup holder onto the floor. Take it on a hike, or on your bike, or
in a car, or take it empty through security, then fill it with cold
water (it'll stay cool much longer than a plastic bottle would). The
rust colored container with silver star and wings is a "tat" for your
tote -- making it fresh and hip.
I think
I've found the perfect urban flip flop: the "FIT sandal" $30.00
from Havaianas The rubber flip flop that that was
featured wasn't just an ordinary plastic beach shoe. The style combined
a traditional thong flip flip with a sandal to create a shoe that's
inexpensive, comfortable and yes, even washable. They come in different
sizes, and in great colors like gold, silver, black, white, yellow, pink
and even some cute designs. What makes this one wonderfully different is
that there's a strap on the back and also a slight wedge, all in a soft,
shock-absorbing, sponge-y rubber. The sandal style gives your foot
support, and the wedge makes even the most uneven, hot, bumpy street a
comfortable, confident place to walk. Another benefit you won't get with
leather sandals is that these are washable. Simply sponge, wash or hose
them off with a bit of gentle soap and water, and your sandals will look
brand new, again. I'm just in love with these! You
probably couldn't get away with wearing this type of casual sandal to a
corporate office, but honestly, they are cute enough to wear with
sundresses to shorts, to bathing suits anywhere else. I have been
wearing mine non-stop since I got them
Sarah & Katie were friends and moms. Apparently, they had a shared
vision of spices that would stay fresh, as well as orderly, on their
shelves. Together, they created a most unusual company, TSP Spices.
They now offer individual spices and spice gift sets (without additives
or fillers) with a difference. These TSP spices are fashion-forward,
individually packaged in tear-open
packettes
to preserve real freshness and in single teaspoon measures. You always
have what you need, but you won't have to buy an entire bottle of a
spice that just sits and spoils
because
you don't normally use enough of it. What's more, the spices are packed
a dozen
individual servings in a silvery tin, so you can stack them on
your shelf without having to deal with different sized containers. Now
that's,
organization! These make a perfect gift for a couples
shower, or a weekend host/hostess.
I
love scented candles all year long, but when I'm entertaining I am
always seeking fragranced items that will appeal to men as well as to
women. So many candles features just "fruits" or "flowers," and they
just don't have the right feel for a guy's sensibilities" One home
fragrance collection that does, is The WOODS perfumed Candle Tin
$12.00 5 oz. by Hill House Naturals. This is one of those
rare scents that everyone will like. Hillhouse Naturals is a
family owned business that began in 1986 and is focused on eco-friendly
practices and products. The generously-sized, silvery tin with "craft
paper" label on the top is unisex, but the fragrance feels fresh and
sexy, like "days spent hunting and gathering in the winter forest." You
immediately smell lovely, aromatic woods and moss that make you feel
like you've been "hunting and hiking in the forest." The actual top
notes are bergamot, grapefruit peel and tangerine, on a rich wood base
of vetiver, Spanish moss, oak wood, teakwood and earthy patchouli.
One company that's making functional, fashionable, and
Sometimes, The Advice Sisters get a product that seems
to create natural excitement. That's the case with the new line of
Pert Plus