Sunscreen For Both Moms And Children

Of course, mom’s and kids can use the same sunscreen, but below are two brands that make specific sunscreens — one makes pastel colored sunscreens that smell like bubblegum the other creates wipes that smell like Italian blood orange.  They are:

Sunbow Sunscreen Spray ($9.99) — SPF 30,  Provides a non Oxybenzoate formula with Homosalate (Organic Compound),         Antioxidant protection, Continuous hydration, Bubblegum fragrance, and are available in SpongeBob SquarePants (yellow formulas) and Dora the Explorer (pink and blue formulas) packaging.

Sunbow Sun Stick ($7.99)  — SPF 45, Antioxidant protection, Continuous hydration, Bubble gum fragrance, SpongeBob  SquarePants (yellow formula) and Dora the Explorer (pink formulas). Sunbow products are available at www.sunbowsunscreen.com and www.drugstore.com.

The coveted gentle, physical-based formula of TOCCA’s SPF 30+ Multipack protects against UVA and UVB rays while leaving your skin glistening and delicately fragranced in TOCCA’s classic Italian blood orange scent, Stella.  With ten Towelettes to a pack, it is perfect for individual use or to share among less sun savvy friends. (Retails for $24 at www.tocca.com.)

TIGI Catwalk Curlesque Curl Collection

TIGI Catwalk Curlesque Curl Collection

Are your curls frying in the sun or wilting in the humidity?  Try products that are made especially for curly hair like the new TIGI Catwalk Curlesque Curl Collection.

Enhance natural curls and waves to bring out the very best in your hair. The exclusive Catwalk® Aquacomplex features a fusion of Cucumber Water, Kelp, Algae, Seaweed and Sea Fennel to sooth and moisturize curls and deliver extraordinary hydration while creating perfectly formed curls with movement, separation and shine. Each of the collection’s seven products features a crisp, cool, marine-inspired scent that will leave you feeling refreshed, energized and revitalized. The collection is complete with a Defining Shampoo, Hydrating Conditioner, Leave-In Conditioner, Lightweight and Strong Mousses, Curls Rock Curl Amplifier and a Defining Serum.

What I think:  It’s fantastic that TIGI Catwalk has made a line especially for curly hair.  My hair is more wavy than curly, but I really enjoyed the moisturizing elements of the shampoo and conditioner and the fact that it guarded my hair from the Kansas City humidity.  I didn’t try the styling products, but I’m sure they would provide additional conditioning and protection for curls.

Price: $14.95 – 19.95, available in fine salons nationwide; visit www.tigihaircare.com for more information.

The John Frieda Hare Care At Home Hair Colour Challenge

Myself, friends and readers have recently taken part in a John Frieda Hare Care At Home Hair Colour Challenge by using the new John Frieda Precision Foam Color ($12.99 USD).

Easy to apply, the non-aerosol foam formula spreads evenly through hair, saturating every strand completely—even the back of the head, roots and hairline. The 20-shade palette collection was developed in conjunction with the John Frieda® Creative Colour Director, and sought-after U.K. colourist, Nicola Clarke, who is responsible for some of the most iconic hair colours in Hollywood. With an array of options for blondes, brunettes and redheads, the collection brings a salon shade spectrum home.No mess, no drips,no stains—just gorgeous hair from every angle. The revolutionary colour even provides 100% grey coverage and vibrant shine with long-lasting results, offering salon precision at home.

HOW TO USE:Squeeze the center of the bottle to dispense foam into a gloved hand and apply directly to hair. Simply massage foam into hair with fingertips to thoroughly cover each strand from root to tip. The foam easily coats even the most hard-to-reach areas, including the back of the head. Let stand for 20 minutes (30 minute for grey coverage) and rinse with lukewarm water until water runs clear. Apply conditioner and leave in for 2-5 minutes before rinsing.

WHAT’S THE VERDICT?:  I like this color because it is easy to use and doesn’t have a strong chemical smell.  I tried Dark Red Brown and it covered my grays well, but I didn’t get much red in my dark brown, but it was shiny and pretty.  I don’t have a photo up because I didn’t get a chance to take my after photo, my grays popped up after a few weeks (I procrastinated).

My daughter Hannah had reddish blonde hair before coloring and wanted to go more blonde so she chose Dark Golden Blonde.  It turned out almost exactly like her hair was before — not much change.  Marissa went from a golden blonde to Dark Natural Brown and it looked fab, quite a difference!

Bridget tried Medium Chocolate Brown and it covered her gray well.  She loved how soft her hair was afterwards and how great it made her feel to get her color back.

We all had different experiences with this color, but I think it is a quality home hair color and worth a try!

WHERE TO FIND IT: Food, drug and mass retailers nationwide.

Treat Yourself To A Home Spa Day

Is your skin stressed from sun and heat?  Try one or more of these relaxing products to get your skin in shape and looking fab!

Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Masque ($45.00 USD)  — With soothing botanical extracts of cucumber, papaya, chamomile pineapple, sugar maple, sugar cane, orange, lemon and bilberry; this ultra-gentle, non-stinging, anti-irritant gel masque is made for all skin types including even the most sensitive skin. Recommended for daily use as a hydrating and calming masque. May be used under the eye area to reduce puffiness. Use in the treatment room to soothe the skin, even after the most potentially irritating procedures including extractions, waxing, clinical facials, peels and electrolysis.

What I think:  This green gel is fun to use, and is easy, too.  Just apply, let sit for 10 minutes and wash off.  Afterwards my face is soft and clear.  Any redness is reduced.  This doesn’t  irritate my skin at all, so it can be used each day.  This is available at www.peterthomasroth.com and Sephora.

Lavanila Healthy Body Wash 2-in-1 Shower & Shave ($14.00 USD) – Packed with nourishing ingredients that promote healthy skin, this non-irritating time-saver soothes, cleans, and moisturizes. While traditional washes and shave creams are made with sulfates and other harsh detergents that can irritate sensitive skin, Lavanila’s all-natural, chemical-free formula is packed with a daily dose of anti-oxidants and vitamins that promote calm, healthy, super soft skin.

Key Ingredients include coconut oil, organic rose hip oil, organic aloe and calendula. The scents are Vanilla Passion Fruit, Vanilla Lavender, Pure Vanilla, Vanilla Grapefruit, and Vanilla Coconut.

What I think:  I tested the Vanilla Grapefruit wash and it was very effective as a shower gel, shaving gel and even as bubble bath. The scent is light and perfect for the summer.  Visit www.lavanila.com to learn more.

The Body Shop Body Butter Duos ($16.00 USD) features an innovative twin pot of fragranced Body Butters to moisturize skin from head to toe. One side moisturizes dry skin like your elbows and knees, and the other side caters to normal skin. They come in four delicious flavors: Vanilla, Macadamia, Acai and Sweet Pea.

What I think:  This is such a cool idea!  One side of the pot holds a thick cream that is almost like a balm and the other side holds a lighter cream.  Both are scented the same but are for different types of skin.  I like to use the thick cream on my feet and elbows and the lighter cream on arms and legs.  Visit www.thebodyshop-usa.com to purchase.

Nothing feels worse than sunburnt skin! Smooth on aloe vera and lather up with Cures by Avance Skin Repair Body Mist ($39.00 USD) to hydrate and soothe skin. This exceptional body mist penetrates to heal and relieve sunburned skin. Sea minerals and essential oils provide deep rehydration and restored tone as the skin is visibly repaired. Perfect during the warm summer months for a lightweight, moisturizing glow that will bring out your tan!

What I think: This spray is light and moisturizing and is perfect for relieving summer skin problems. I do have to say that it has a very strong herbal scent, a little too strong for me.  But if you love natural-smelling products, this might be perfect for you! You can purchase this at www.curesbyavance.com.

Simply Shari’s Wheat Free and Gluten Free Snacks and Dinners

Simply Shari’s, an amazing gluten-free line of Cookies, Brownies, Pasta, Pizza and Sauces! Shari Cole founded Simply Shari’s in 2005 with her father to provide wheat free, gluten-free and GMO free food products that are well-balanced, nutritional, and delicious.

Fudge Brownies ($4.29 USD) Nothing is better than a moist and fudgy bite full of chocolate! These morsels are made of intense chocolaty heaven made with gluten-free flour and amazing top-quality chocolate. Our gluten-free Fudge Brownies are certain to satisfy your brownie cravings!

Lemon Shortbread ($4.29 USD) The satisfying texture of shortbread combines with a unique “lemony” flavor to satisfy your craving for a delicious gluten-free cookie. These wonderful treats are great with ice cream, or afternoon tea.

Quinoa + Marinara  ($3.49 USD) Italian-style food is always a favorite with kids and adults alike. Gluten Free Quinoa and Marinara is no exception! Quinoa is a super food known for thousands of years by ancient civilizations for its high protein content and easy digestibility and it is Gluten Free! Pour our easy-to-use marinara packet into water, bring to a boil and serve over hot gluten-free Quinoa noodles. Fabulous! Add gluten-free sausage, chicken, vegetables—create your own delicacy!

What I think:  My favorite of the three that I tried are the Lemon Shortbread cookies.  They are sweet and tart and make a nice snack with coffee or tea.  The brownies were a bit dry but fudgie.  I loved the quinoa noodles because they are a smart idea and more accessible than regular quinoa.  The sauce wasn’t my favorite, but you can pair the noodles with whatever sauce you like.

All-in-all these are great treats for people who need to follow a gluten-free diet. Enjoy!

Simply Shari’sis available at www.simplysharis.com, Kroger, Giant, Garden of Eden, and Ralphs, among others

For a complete list of retailers visit http://simplysharis.com/zip-locate-simply-sharis-retail.php

Try A Daring Lip Look With Violent Lips

Jessie J glammed up her lips and showed a little patriotism during her performance on Britain’s Got Talent. To get the look, use the Union Jack pattern from Violent Lips. Simply shape it, peel it, set it and wet it!

Violent Lips: The ultimate form of self-expression, Violent Lips ($14.95 for a set of three) offer a statement-making range of FDA approved, vegan lip tattoos, tested on supermodels, not animals and made in America. Designs range from bold animal prints and raging rainbow to sexy fishnet and glam sparkles with new patterns and styles releasing every few weeks.

What I think:  I have tried The Rainbow and The Checkered Pink and they are both so much fun!  They apply like a temporary tattoo and stay on for quite a while.  They are easy to trim and look so cool on!  They do make the lips feel a little dry, but it is worth it for a night out or a fun party. 

You can purchase these at ViolentLips.com. Enjoy!

La Fresh Acetone-Free Nail Polish Remover

La Fresh Acetone-Free Nail Polish Remover

La Fresh Acetone-Free Nail Polish Remover (8 for $4.99 and 16 for $9.99)  — Bye-bye polish removers that are harsh on the nails and harsh on the nose. Hello fresh, healthy nails and an incredibly delicious scent. LA FRESH delivers this revolutionary good-for-nails polish remover that quickly cleans & conditions all 10 nails with just one pad. Helps moisturize with Aloe, Glycerin and Vitamin E. Helps strengthen nails with natural Rosemary and Horsetail Extract. And best of all, helps deliver an unbelievably fresh experience with natural Tuscan orange aromatherapy. Free of parabens, sulfates, petrochemicals, acetone, acetate, dyes, PEGs, artificial fragrances & animal byproducts. Try it to believe it.

What I think:  Convenient and great smelling, these wipes are easy to use and so nice to have around. One wipe removes polish from all 10 nails, except for when I used a crackle coat over my base polish. Then it took two wipes, but that’s because it was a lot of polish to remove.

Learn more and purchase at http://lafreshgroup.com.  Pick some up, they are a must to have around!

Brighten Your Hair With Clairol Natural Instincts Vibrant

Clairol Natural Instincts Vibrant

Do you know that besides the physical benefits of coloring hair, freshly colored hair can do a lot to a womans self-esteem? Clairol has recently held a survey regarding the emotional benefits of coloring hair. The survey reveals 93% of women who color their hair agree their day instantly improves directly after coloring. Women feel confident and on top of the world with freshly colored hair, but as color starts to fade, their confidence and mood drop. This cycle of emotional ups and downs can be described as a “hair color rollercoaster.”

Now Natural Instincts with new Week 2 Color Refresher has a solution to love. The Week 2 Color Refresher replenishes the tones your hair color loses first and can simply be applied two weeks after coloring to give hair a color boost.

The color boost is included in the traditional Natural Instincts demi-permanent as well as the new permanent Vibrant formula. Now you can get up to 8 weeks of vibrant, healthy-looking hair color from Natural Instincts. New Natural Instincts Vibrant is a 10-minute formula that delivers stunning color with 100% gray coverage.

What I think:  I have used Natural Instincts before and liked it, but because it is semi-permanent, the gray coverage never lasted long.  The vibrant color is permanent and so lasts a very long time. I also love the idea of the color boost.  I applied it after two weeks and my hair appeared brighter and my color looked fresher. Awesome!

Natural Instincts is available at mass market retailers near you. Enjoy!

Dancing With The Stars Summer Hair Trend Report

Now that the weather is hot and humid, women everywhere are tossing their heat-styling tools and opting for the usual ponytail, just to beat the heat. Here are some new hair trends to try this summer – so you can look hot – not just feel hot.

Platinum Highlights: Create the ultimate sun-kissed highlights without ever visiting a salon this summer. Simply clip-in extensions like the Dancing with the Stars Starlights Extensions ($49: ULTA.com) in a sun-kissed hair shade (such as Swedish Blonde) and in an instant you have non-committal highlights.

(From left: Spring/Summer 2011 runway at Peter Som; Dancing with the Stars Starlights Extensions)

Ballerina Bun: Instead of tying hair up into another boring ponytail, opt for a chic knotted ballerina bun instead. Simply wrap hair into a low bun, securing with bobby pins to keep hair in place. Add volume to the bun by attaching the Dancing with the Stars Glamarama Extensions ($20: ULTA.com) to complete this look.

(From left: Spring/Summer 2011 runway at Ruffian; Dancing with the Stars Glamarama Extensions )

Braids: The braid has managed to stick around for another season and we know why! It’s easier than ever to create this trend-worthy style at home –without a stylist. Wearing hair up or down, simply incorporate the Dancing with the Stars Bellissima Braid Band ($10: ULTA.com) into any look.

(From left: Spring/Summer 2011 runway at Lacoste; Dancing with the Stars Bellissima Braid Band)

Enjoy!

Sally Hansen Collaborat​es with Prabal Gurung on Exclusive Fashion Film featuring Rye Rye

Sally Hansen’s fashion partner, Prabal Gurung, presents his first-ever resort collection this week. To celebrate, he created an exclusive fashion film featuring Rye Rye, “New Thing”. Sally Hansen collaborated with the designer and created 4 exclusive nail looks with Sally Hansen nail color including:

Xtreme Wear in Pacific Blue ($2.99)

Xtreme Wear in Sun Kissed ($2.99)

Complete Salon Manicure in Gilty pleasure ($7.99)

Xtreme Wear in Black Out ($2.99) and Antiqued Gold Crackle Overcoat ($5.95)

All of these exclusive nail colors can be found at your local drugstore.  Be sure to check out the video below featuring the Sally Hansen nail looks!

http://www.stylelist.com/2011/06/15/prabal-gurung-and-rye-rye-premiere-2012-resort-video-new-thing/

Enjoy!