Banish Dry, Flaky Skin!

Recently, my friend and I were having a heart to heart about our troubles with our largest organ...skin.  I confided in her that when I wear my black yoga pants it looks like someone clapped chalkboard erasers together near me.  My waistband, at the very least, is always covered in white powder.  Not really believing me I proved it to her by lightly rubbing my stomach.  Poof, epidermis everywhere!

Let me start by assuring you I take every possible measure to hydrate my skin and body.  I drink at least (most likely 16) 8 glasses of water a day, eat healthy, avoid salt (try to), exfoliate, use moisturizing body washes, put baby oil on when I'm still wet, apply lotion when I've toweled off, and often use lotion at bedtime.  You'd think I'd be able to slide across the floor like a wet seal, but sadly, nope.

Frustrated, I sought the help of my go to beauty guru, Sephora :o).  I searched almond oil and voila, I was presented with L'Occitane's Firming and Softening Supple Skin Oil.  SOLD!  When it arrived I was even more convinced it would work because of all the consumer test results and massage application instructions that were so attractively presented on the box.  I couldn't wait to shower and apply this heavenly (yet very faint) smelling oil on my chalky body.  Well, one week later I can happily tell you my skin is smooth, hydrated, free of flakes, and smells amazing (I keep smelling my forearm)!

Today, the L'Occitane's Cleansing and Soothing Shower Oil I ordered arrived and now I can't wait to add that to my shower regimen!

For all you mom's to be, this oil is also said to be great for pregnancy and stretch marks.  And I quote, "Product Plus:  Ideal before, during and after pregnancy."

Spots? What Spots?

As I'm staring out my office window at the gloomy, overcast sky it occurred to me (a snow and cold weather disliker) there is an upside to it being dusky all day long...I can use my Paula's Choice Remarkable Skin Lightening Lotion during the day as well as at night!  In the summer I only use it at night because it's ingredients make your skin more sensitive to the sun.  Even with sunscreen I'm not taking the risk.

See, when I was a teen I wanted freckles so, since people with freckles seemed to get more of them from sun exposure I figured I could get my very own by simply sunburning my face.  Please don't remove my blog from your "Favorites" list...I promise I am SO very much wiser now!  Anywho, those of you who know me know I DO NOT have freckles.  I have what I refer to as linebacker stripes and large swaths, as opposed to spots, of discoloration.

Forever, there wasn't much I could do about hiding my attempt at acquiring freckles.  Sure, heavy makeup was still pretty popular in the 90s but I always felt gross and overdone.  Slathering SPF 50 in the summer was my only defense (still is, Dad, I promise) against these patches of discoloration becoming darker until Sephora entered my life.  I was then introduced to dozens of skin lighteners that cost a mere arm and a leg or more.  Oh yeah, on the few occasions I did hand over that arm and leg the product didn't even work!

Thank goodness my mother-in-law (and guest blogger of The Product Muse) told me about Paula's Choice!  This Paula lady is all about debunking product and cosmetic claims.  My thing about her is that she has her own line.  I'm not saying it isn't great, I don't know anything about any of it except the Remarkable Skin Lightening Lotion, which IS great, I'm just saying I think people need to try things for themselves or also consider the advice of others who are not turning a profit as a result of their advise.  But I digress.

The point is, for $18 (currently $15.96) you too can fade your spots!  Yes, I said FADE.  If you want them gone you'll have to talk to someone else about that because I'm not planning on having my face lasered or whatever.  Faded to the point where a little tinted moisturizer is all I need to conceal my botched freckles is good enough for me :o)!

No Ammonia, No Peroxide=Stunning Permanent Color

I saw this Bigen "just mix with water" powder permanent hair color in a magazine last week.  First thing I did, sent a text to my wonderful hair girl, April, asking if I could bring my own color to my next visit.  Always up for a challenge or willing to check out something new, April agreed.  Well, last night was my hair appointment.  For starters, the powder had NO chemical smell.  In fact, it smelled like shampoo.  I'm guessing it was the chemicals that always made my head itch for a few days after each coloring but today I'm completely itch free.  My hair is softer, shinier, and richer with color than ever.  If you have brown hair (or gray) I definitely recommend this hair color.  It even comes in semi-permanent for those of you who just want to wash out some of your gray instead of eradicate all of it like me.  Pick your perfect shade at Bigen.

"Hydra-Concentrated Facial Cream"

What I NEED now! Kris just turned the heat on at home and that familiar dry heat has been the straw that broke the camel's back. My skin is dry but not but IS. This is the excuse I needed to buy Benefit Cosmetic's Total Moisture Facial Cream. That and the fact my current, inexpensive moisturizer seems to be discontinued.  As usual, I received samples from this line (deluxe size) from a Sephora order a while back and took them with me on a trip.  I loved it.  It's super creaming and hydrating.  Luxurious!  Also fantastic and on my "to get eventually" list is Benefit Cosmetic's It's Potent! Eye Cream and Triple Performing Facial Emulsion SPF 15.  Emulsion?!  That word just screams "it works, it works!"  The retro packaging just entices me more :o).

Best Hand Lotion EVER!

Lotion is notorious for being slimy but it's the price we must pay for soft, itch free, crack free hands.  Or is it?  For years I've been using, and turning people on to, Jack Black's Industrial Strength Hand Healer.  "But it's Jack Black," some girls will say, "isn't it for guys?"  Does it really matter?  Nope.  This non-greasy, vegan, eucalyptus and vitamin packed lotion is the best for chapped and cracked hands and problem spots.

Also great for you and your guy (Kris may not say he loves it but always lets me know when we're out), Jack Black's Face Buff Energizing Scrub.  The menthol cools and invigorates and the scrub removes dirt and dead skin.  Your guy will love how easy and close his shave is after a once over with this wash.

Red Carpet Ready Mask

First, you should know that I rotate several masks.  A deep cleaning clay mask, an antioxidant filled pore clearing peel mask, and this one, Nude Skincare's Miracle Mask http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P212426&categoryId=C18820.  How did I find out about this mask?  Samples from Sephora http://www.sephora.com/, of course!  Did I commit to the $62 (free shipping) sticker price immediately after one use?  No, but I would have if I didn't have so many samples of it and the other products in the Nude Skincare line.  I have to say, I love all the products but I don't really feel like shelling out all that cash so I decided I would get the item that REALLY makes an immediate difference.  In short, this mask is supposed to make your face radiant.  I used it Sunday night since I'd been feeling kind of blah (mind, body, face and all) and as always, it did wonders immediately but I went to bed and kind of forgot I had used it.  Well, last night when I washed my face I thought, "gee, my face looks really pretty"and kind of left it at that.  Then this morning I thought the same thing about my skin, then remembered I had used my Nude Skincare Miracle Mask.  You can check it out and read what it does and how it does it but what's important to me is that when I use it I feel like my skin looks like it just received some Hollywood facial.  I usually reserve the use of this mask for special occasions and travel.  Use it the morning after a flight for that much needed skin refreshing or in the morning before a family get together or a night out on the town.  I actually bought the bottle so I could save my samples for travel.

Just give it a try.  If you have a Sephora store near you all you have to do is ask for a sample.  If you live near me I'm happy to let you try mine.  You can also just go ahead and order it online from Sephora http://www.sephora.com/.  They have free returns if something doesn't work out so what do you have to lose!?

Roots Be Gone!

I personally can't stand my hair the two weeks before my next appointment.  My hair has been completely gray since my late 20's.  I used to DIY with boxed color until I was introduced to my great, and reasonable, hairdresser who now does it for me every 6 weeks.  That's all fine and good but my hair grows pretty fast and gray roots are VERY noticeable with brown hair.  There's always been the option of grabbing another box of color or calling in for an emergency touch up.  I've even tried going every 4 weeks for a while but I felt like I was always having a hair appointment, plus the cost starts adding up.  So what do you do between appointments?  Well, there's a variety of messy touch up DIY boxes that all claim to be easier and blend better.  You could get those touch up pens or wands that deposit globs of color and paste your hair to your scalp.  And what about if it rains or you sweat?  Until recently, I was using a foundation brush to apply dark brown eye shadow to my roots.  The drama of it all just about makes me want to "go gray gracefully."

My saving grace (or what saved my brown hair) is this amazing new root concealer from Rita Hazan.  This master colorist has created a product that is the lightest aerosol mist from a pinpoint actuator (like the "straw" attached to your can of keyboard cleaner).  The water and sweat resistant color is sprayed exactly where you want it, dries almost instantly, and won't come off until you shampoo it out.  I know, I've slept with it on and it's never gotten on my pillows or sheets (even looks great the next day).  Since the application is so fine the four shades blend almost flawlessly with your color.  Really!

Now my color can look salon perfect 6, 8, even 12 weeks after my hair appointment.  People I've told about Rita Hazan's Root Concealer have been amazed and thrilled with the results themselves.  Extend the life of your color, and save money too.  Get yours now, only from Sephora http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P282611&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=6008(Amazon shoppers can purchase from Sephora through Amazon).

Earn More Points At Sephora With Mascara

Calling all Sephora Beauty Insiders.  Now until 9/27 if you purchase any mascara (maybe badGal in Plum http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P222454&categoryId=B70 ) you will receive double points for your whole order.  You know what double points means, more deluxe samples and other goodies.

If you're not a Sephora Beauty Insider yet, sign up http://www.sephora.com/beautyinsider/index.jhtml%3B$sessionid$R3GQVBKDCVPFMCV0KSKBHOQ;jsessionid=R3GQVBKDCVPFMCV0KSKBHOQ.  It's free and easy.

No code is necessary to earn your double points so enter one of their other codes at check out like SKINSTARS and get 7 free skincare samples in addition to the 3 you always get to pick.  And, as always, shipping is free on purchases of $50 or more.

http://www.sephora.com/

My Amazon Favorites

Some of you have been asking why I took "My Favorites" link off.  Well, it's back and better than ever!  Find things for yourself and everyone in your life with just a click of a button.  If you can't remember that "thing" you asked me about a while back don't worry, go to http://www.theproductmuse.blogspot.com/ and I'm sure it'll be pictured right there just to the right of my blog with a link that will take you straight to the item.  Happy shopping!

Stylish, Quick, & Simple Hair

Trying to get the perfect effortless looking bun is a trick many women and girls attempt on a regular basis.  The scrunchy, elastic band, chopsticks, and a couple dozen bobby pins never seem to get the look right.  So, the second I saw a commercial for these Spin Pins by Goody

http://www.goody.com/#/grid/simple_styles/products/simple_styles_spin_pin I went straight to CVS to get a set.  Unfortunately, they were not in stock yet.  Bummer.  But, as you should know by now, when I am on a mission and cannot be stopped until I succeed.  I finally went to the Goody site and paid way to much shipping to have my Spin Pins and you know what, they are every bit worth it!  They can now be found in your local drug stores and grocery stores.  My friends are curious when they see the actual pin and then amazed when I show them how to do it and encourage them to give it a try.  It works the first time every time!

Heading to the beach or the pool, twist your hair and wrap it around it's self and then simply "screw" the Spin Pin straight through the middle from side to side.  Viola, you're good to go.  The look is even perfect for when you don't have time to fuss with you hair for an evening out...it creates the perfect chic messy bun.  Put it all up, put half of it up, for thicker hair use one in each side of the bun.  They even come in two colors for light hair and dark hair.  I have two sets now so I can have one in my purse, one at work, one in my car, and one at home...basically everywhere I have a tube of chapstick.  There's really no reason not to have one if your hair is long enough to wear up.

Amazon.com Has It!

For as long as I can remember, when people ask me "where'd you get that?" or "where do you think I can find something like...?" I've been saying "GO TO AMAZON!"  Now, my new answer is, "GO TO MY BLOG AND CLICK ON THE AMAZON LINKS!"  As everyone should know, you can find just about anything you want or need on Amazon.com.  You can find deals, new products, used products, comments, groceries, reviews, things you haven't thought about in forever (maybe 8 tracks), ask questions, more often then not get free shipping, gifts, and so much more.  Amazon.com is my go-to site for the vast majority of "stuff" in my life, even coffee.  It's my one stop shop when I need to get a gift to go here, find that specific lure for my husband (Hi Kris!), need a new belt and duvet covers, and we're almost out of coffee.  "CLICK" and done!

So now when something on my blog catches your eye, or there's just something specific you're looking for, simply head down to the bottom of my page and click on over to Amazon.com.  You're a hop, skip, and a jump away from whatever it is you've been looking for.
http://www.theproductmuse.blogspot.com/

Throwback Mask At A Throwback Price

Do you remember this mask, Queen Helene's Grape Seed Extract Peel Off Masque  http://search.ulta.com/review/prod5023084/Peel%20Off%20Masque ?  In the 90's it was one of those products you could go to the grocery store or drug store and buy off the shelf with your own babysitting money.  It was inexpensive and it worked.  Well, a few months ago it popped into my mind and I remembered how fun it was peeling it off and how soft my skin felt afterwards.  I became obsessed with finding it and searched everywhere, Jewel, CVS, Walgreens, and more.  It was nowhere to be found.  I even enlisted the help of my sister, Rachel, on the West Coast and my best friend, Christina, on the East Coast.  Both of them remembered the mask fondly but neither came across it.

Fast forward a couple months, I'm visiting Rachel in Seattle and we hit the local Ulta Beauty store http://www.ulta.com/ for some supplies.  Low and behold, there it was right in front of me, looking exactly the same as when I was a teen!  And for the low low price of $3.99!  I don't remember what it cost in the 90's but $3.99 is a steal as far as I'm conserned.

Yes, I bought it.  Yes, I use it weekly.  Yes, it's still super fun to peel off all in one piece.  And most importantly, yes, it still clears my face of "debris" and makes it feel fresh and soft!

FYI, if you spend $50 (sometimes it's $25) or more online at Ulta http://www.ulta.com/ shipping is free!

An Apple A Day...

Right about this time of year, when the temps go down and you start trying to pull on your jeans, I need a little pick me up and a way to encourage myself to eat healthier both to ward off colds and flues but also, and very important, to slide into my beloved jeans easier.  Enter, THE HONEY CRISP APPLE!

This time every year the rush is on to gather up as many of these crisp, juicy, sweet, and all around delicious apples as possible.  With just the first bite my body sings.  I feel better both inside and out and all of a sudden I want to make better choices for myself.  It's the perfect snack, you will be full and satisfied for hours.  Try eating one of these, or any other variety, examples of nature's perfect foods every day for a week.  I just bet you start (or keep) making healthier decisions and feeling great!

Grab some at your local supermarket or, for some fall family fun, check out Garwoods Orchard in LaPorte, IN and U-Pick some yourself!  http://www.garwoodorchard.com/

Amazing Lashes-Be A BADgal

It won't take long for the world to realize I'm a self proclaimed Sephora Whora!  It's my go-to store and site for everything bath, body, beauty, and fun.  http://www.sephora.com/

You've asked so here it is, Benefit Cosmetics has my absolute FAVORITE mascara!  BADgal Plum Mascara intensifies your eye color as well as making your lashes look long and beautiful in a "natural" way.  I love the way it's not so in your face like black mascara and in the rain (or the lake) if a little smudges under your eyes you don't look like a raccoon.  http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P222454&categoryId=B70

I encourage everyone to head to their local Sephora (or my house) to try BADgal Plum Mascara on one eye...you'll notice that "I can't quite put my finger on what's so gorgeous about her" look right away and immediately apply to the other side!  While your there sign up to become a Beauty Insider for loads of free samples, birthday presents, deals, and a whole lot more.  Or sign up online.  Plus, you get free shipping on purchases of $50 and up.