Products
Tag Archives: Products
A Little TLC for Our Feet
I am not the kinda gal who carries her heels in her bag until she gets to work. Not gonna happen. Not now. Not ever. Because of this, my feet have always gotten a little extra TLC. Here are some products and tips that you too can use to keep your feet happy.
Finally! A Natural Looking Self Tanner.
After trying countless self tanners and watching turning my legs turn various shades of orange over the years, a miracle has happened. As I was perusing Lorac and looking for my go to bronzer, I discovered they introduced a self tanner. Who is the happy camper now? ME! I ran with glee to the counter and purchased SelfTANtalizer Body Bronzing Gradual Self-Tanner & Mitt. I ran home, stripped down and applied the self tanner with the mitt that comes with the product. No bronzed palms, no more funky streaks or weird dark spots. And the best part, no orange legs. Completely natural and fast drying. If you want the natural healthy look you get at the beach, apply every couple of days if you want the natural beachy glow. Just remember that this is like every other self tanner in that it doesn’t penetrate past the first layer of skin. So don’t forget to exfoliate and shave before applying.
More Products Please.
It’s that time again. More product recommendations from yours truly. Bliss Lemon + Sage Body Scrub ($36) – I love body scrubs, especially the Bliss line which has about 4 different kinds. While I have used all of them depending on what I needed at the time, this is my all time favorite. Besides having no odor, it doesn’t hurt like other scrubs and doesn’t leave my skin red or raw. Dior SkinFlash ($36) – If you prefer minimal make up, this is the product for you. I carry this (and my Tide stick) around with me at all times. With a light swab under eyes and on smile lines, my face is instantly brighter. Not in an alarming unnatural way but just enough for me to need nothing else. It doesn’t crack like concealer or absorb my eye makeup during the day. Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner ($19) I love cream eye shadows all year around but summer is the best time since they are light and low maintenance. While I am a loyal fan of Laura Mercier and Fresh, Benefit makes a great shadow too. Apply over a primer and it lasts all day. Bumble and Bumble Curl Conscious ($27) – Finally a product that brings out the waves I have spent my entire adult life dreaming about. I have tried a lot (and I mean a lot) of products to control and even out my very particular curls. I apply a good amount of this cream, twist my hair and diffuse for about five minutes. I get dressed and then diffuse a bit more. LOVE! Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray ($23) – I have to say that I didn’t voluntarily leave my hair curly until I discovered this product. I started using it on my own hair for that “I just rolled out of bed I am so cool” look. I spray and my hair develops a thicker texture that is a bit mussed and hot. Well, I thought so anyway. Coupled with the Curl Conscious detailed above, and my hair is happy and cooperative. Tigi Rockaholic Dry Shampoo ($21) Curly hair is best after a day or two so dry shampoo is a very close friend of mine. I have tried many brands but Rockaholic is by far my favorite. It freshens up my hair with a light lemon scent and is long last lasting without powdery residue. I have also found I don’t need as much product as with other lines. And now onto skincare. I have used the same skincare line for several years and recently switched completely over to Kinerase. I have always been a fan of the eye creme and now I am equally happy with the line’s other products too. Note that these are a little pricey but a little bit goes a long way. In general, I restock my facial products twice a year. Kinerase PhotoFacials Daily Exfoliating Cleanser ($40) Unlike most exfoliants, I use this every morning and night. My skin feels clean and fresh without looking red or raw. I hate washing my face but I don’t mind this cleanser at all. Kinerase C8 Peptide Intensive Treatment ($98) Similar to other serums, my skin just sucks this product up. Within moments, it always feels and looks better. I am not saying my skin has no lines left but my skin is softer and supple looking with the lines not as obvious. I use the Day ($67) and Night ($67) moisturizers over it. Kinerase C8 Peptide Under Eye Treatment ($68) Ok I admit it. I am obsessed with my crow’s feet and am in a daily battle with preventing more feet arriving to gleefully prance. Similar to the serum, I see the fine lines reduced and not as harsh. I use morning and night with Restructure Eye Cream ($55). So there you have it. Hopefully you will have the same great experience as I have if you pick up any of these goodies. If you do decide to purchase any, make sure you are considering your hair or skin type. And try to buy as much as possible from Sephora. They have a great rewards program and accept returns without attitude.
What’s the Real Deal with Ceramic Products?
Ceramic hair dryers are supposed to be better because ceramic is a more reliable heat conductor. The thought is that it heats up more evenly than the traditional metal coils, eliminating hot spots. My thought on this is that it is not as important in a dryer as in a curling iron or a flat iron, tools that the heat is directly applied to the hair. It could also increase the life of the heating element, as ceramic is not weakened by the heat it conducts. I personally think that it is not a huge concern in tools that we use at home since they don’t get that much use relative to what a professional uses. My personal choice and that of some of the top stylists is a traditional heating element dryer, the Elchim 2001. By Jeannette Farrell, Master Colorist at Cinta Salon
The Skincare Regimen
I am often asked how I get my skin to look so good. It is incredibly flattering and people are often disappointed when I reference genetics. Well, I admit I do help things along since those uninvited lines are not coming without a fight. Without further adieu, here is the regimen that I follow religiously. AM Step 1. After the shower, I use Ole Henriksen Pick Me Up Toner ($30) on my face and neck. My skins loves this stuff because it cleans, tones and instantly feels fresh. Step 2. I use a dime size of Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster ($48). This anti-aging serum makes my skin feel fresh with the help of vitamin C. Step 3. For creme, also from the Ole Henriksen line, Sheer Transformation ($45) is great for my color spots. Step 4. For the eyes, Kinerase Under Eye Rescue ($78) is just great. It isn’t cheap but a little bit goes a long long way. Early Afternoon We all get a bit tired and peaked looking in the afternoon. So I apply a little bit of Kinerase again and it freshens me up. PM Step 1. To clean my face Boots 4in1 wipes ($7) takes off all of my makeup, tones and moisturizers my skin. Step 2. Follow up with a dime size of Enlighten Me Pigment Lightening Serum ($48) which also helps with the pigments on my face. Step 3. I use Sheer Transformation again but I have used Pure Perfection night cream ($48) for years before recently switching. Step 4. I close out with Kinerase. For this and all of the other steps, there is no need to slather on product. A little bit goes a long way. Regardless of what products you use, here are must-follow tips: 1. Make sure the products you are using are age-appropriate. If you are using 22 and using collagen filler meant for my 37 year old face, then you are using the wrong products. You can get a free analysis from Sephora to ensure you are using the right products. 2. Be consistent with your skincare regimen. If you don’t regularly clean, moisturize and take care of your skin, then don’t complain when the crows feet start squawking. 3. Don’t forget your neck and chest. 4. Apply sunblock. 5. DO NOT GO TO BED WITH MAKE UP ON. ‘Nuff said. 6. If your skin is sensitive, get samples before buying. 7. Pat your face dry after washing. 8. Wear a sleeping mask. You will sleep better which will visibly benefit your eyes and skin. 9. Read tips 1-8 again. Share Share with your friends.
