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Try Parissa Wax Products for Smooth Summer Skin

Pretty summer skin seems to take a lot of work. Since we wear less clothes, skin is a focus of summer looks. So we need to exfoliate, moisturize, use sunscreen, maybe apply a sunless tanner or body bronzer and of course, shave. Every day.

But there is an alternate — you can wax. Since salon waxing can be pricey, home waxing is a great alternative. Parissa creates many different waxing products for anyone from beginners to experienced waxers.

I have recently tried a few Parissa products. They are:

Wax Strips 3 Assorted Sizes ($12.00 USD) — This is my favorite of the three products that I tried. It is very easy to use. Just warm the strip in your hand, press on the area to be waxed and zip off. To use these, your hair needs to be at least 1/4 an inch long. The strips needs something to adhere to before they will take it off. You then press the strip down in the direction your hair is growing and remove in the opposite direction. And Voila! No more hair! Your skin will stay smooth for up to 6 weeks.

Warm Wax ($12.00 USD) a microwaveable liquid salon hair remover that comes with strips. This is for coarser hair and larger areas such as the legs. You warm it up in the microwave, apply with the included wooden spatulas, then press down the strip and remove. This method takes more practice than the convenient strips. Skin should stay smooth for up to 8 weeks.

Wax Strips Mini Eyebrow Design ($9.00 USD) — These are great for keeping your eyebrows in perfect shape. They are also great for stray hairs such as on the fingers and toes. They work just like the 3 Assorted Size strips, just press on and zip off. Easy!

All of these products come with Parissa’s azulene oil hair inhibitor that helps remove the excess wax from the skin.

Check out the website at www.parissa.com to learn more and to purchase these products.

Anastasia Line Erasing Serum

Anastasia creates some of the best brow products on the market today. She is now creating skincare with the same quality as in her other beauty products.

The Line Erasing Serum ($45.00 USD) contains “a unique blend of natural hydrators, Instalift™ Goji, and an exclusive Balkan Botanical™ Infusion to improve the appearance of skin and help reduce signs of aging. Designed for all skin types, it soothes, softens, and hydrates—leaving skin brighter and smoother. Fine lines and wrinkles don’t stand a chance!

The claim is that daily use of the serum gives the appearance of diminishing fine lines and wrinkles while maximizing moisture retention. This formula absorbs instantly and delivers long-lasting results.

I use this light serum at night before moisturizer. Just a little is needed to instantly hydrates the skin. I have noticed that after a few weeks, my skin does look smoother. I don’t have wrinkles around my eyes, but my mouth lines (nasal-labial folds) seem less deep.

I recommend trying this product. I think the price is reasonable for a high quality serum. It is now for sale at www.sephora.com and should be available soon on the Anastasia website www.anastasia.net.

Sue Devitt Oxygen Infusion Masque

Looking for a different way to cleanse and hydrate your skin? Sue Devitt has recently launched the Oxygen Infused Masque ($40.00), which does just that with a cool little twist.

The masque has self-foaming activation. This means that you massage the bright blue gel to your face and it instantly foams up. I like to leave it on for a couple of minutes before I rinse. It is very fun and the foam tickles a bit.

Through the foaming, oxygen molecules are released into pores then gently cleanse and remove impurities and environmental pollutants. The claim is that the skin appears firmer, softer and healthy-looking after using the masque. The masque contains an infusion of Microquatic™ Complex, which hydrates while Blue Algae, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein and Chamomile Extract to reduce redness and irritation, and to help control sebum production and soothe the skin.

I like how this product leaves my face very soft and smooth. I like to use it in the evening, but you can use it whenever you wish. It is safe to use every day.

Sue Devitt Oxygen Infusion Masque is available at barneys.com, Harvey Nichols and Facelogic Spas. I recommend this neat product!

Studio Gear Cosmetics

Studio Gear Cosmetics creates high quality products that give a flawless look. I was lucky to try a couple of new face products from this brand:

Prime Objective Protective Perfecting Face Primer SPF 20 ($35.00) — This is cool little product. It helps protect the skin from the damaging effects of UVA and UVB rays while priming the skin for makeup. It is a silicone based face primer that provides an effective broad-spectrum SPF 20 sunscreen while making skin’s texture appear smoother. It also contains a sustained release liposome system with retinol which is touted to promote cell turnover and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as a milk protein complex to help to balance and protect the skin from environmental stresses.

I like this primer because you can never get too much sunscreen. You just need a little bit to smooth out the skin. Too much can be a tad greasy, just enough is silky. Once smoothed it all over your face, you are ready for concealer, foundation and the rest of your makeup.

Try the Flawless Foundation ($25.00) over your Prime Objective for glowing skin. This also contains silicone for a smooth finish. The website states that it also provides “the hydrating benefits of Hyaluronic Acid, light to medium buildable coverage, the antioxidant protection of Vitamins A, C and E, and a broad spectrum UVA, UVB sunscreen, SPF 10.”

This is a great summer foundation, because it is light, has the all-important sunscreen and gives the face a lovely glow. It is not heavy or cakey, and seamlessly blends into the skin.

Visit the Studio Gear website for product information at www.studiogearcosmetics.com and to purchase these wonderful items!

Borba Advanced Aging Deep Wrinkle Repair SPF 45

Looking for a great day moisturizer? How about an effective sunscreen? An anti-aging wrinkle cream? Does your skin need a little glow? Yes? Me too!

Borba Advanced Aging Deep Wrinkle Repair SPF 45 ($55.00) will bring you all of these. Skeptical? I was too until I tried this great product. The Borba website describes it as, ” light day moisturizer with an SPF 45 and an amazing dry touch feel that will leave skin supremely moisturized, not white or ashy like other SPF facial moisturizers. This powerful crème reverses the most extreme signs of aging, addressing deep wrinkles, exacerbated loss of firmness, loss of radiance, severe dryness and sun damage.”

This product includes an advanced multi-layer liquid Crystal System that boost skin’s ability to hold and retain moisture immediately and over time. Sepilift DPHP and Elastin Fiber stimulate natural anti-aging defenses in dermal layers and counteract skin-aging enzymes for a younger, more toned appearance. It also includes broad spectrum SPF 45 UVA, UVB and UVC sunscreens. Argan oil, glycerin and kojic acid are also included to hydrate and even out skin tone.

This cream is white when you first apply it, but blends into skin beautifully. It its silky, not greasy and absorbs quickly for makeup application. I find that it does even out my skin tone and gives me a little glow. And it even smells nice!

I love not having to wear moisturizer, plus wrinkle cream, plus sunscreen. Having it all in one product is great for the summer because it doesn’t weigh down your skin or make it greasy.

Visit www.borba.com to learn more about this fantastic product and where to purchase.

David Babaii for Wildaid

At the core of David Babaii for Wildaid hair products is a partnership between celebrity hairstylist David Babaii and actress Kate Hudson. 10% of the profits go to global wildlife conservation organization Wildaid to help save endangered animals.

Wonderful? Yes, but even more wonderful is that the natural ingredients are so good for your hair! They are “an exclusive blend of exotic natural and renewable ingredients. Rich Cupuacu butter from the South American Amazon, nutrient rich super volumizing volcanic ash from the Vanuatu islands of the South Pacific, Blue Algae, and Polynesian White Ginger (to name but a few).”

The products are free of sulfates, parabens, petrochemicals, and animal products. And of course, free from all animal testing.

The best thing of all (for people watching their wallets)? These quality products are affordable — with many of them just $9.95! Here are 3 of my favorites:

Amplifying Shampoo ($9.95 13.5 oz) is touted to add lift and luster to fine, limp hair (like mine). Volcanic ash brings volume, white ginger enhances sine and coconut oil created the rich lather. This is not only safe for color-treated hair, it will help the color last longer.

Amplifying Conditioner ($9.95 13.5 oz) — this product also contains volcanic ash, white ginger and also has blue algae to strengthen, smooth and to create shine.

Hair Polish ($9.95 1.7 oz) contains nettle, orchid, oat, cucumber and white ginger to keep hair stronger and healthier. Wheat and Rice proteins offer natural damage control. This is a light cream that you use on damp hair before styling.

Using these three products together, my hair becomes a totally different entity. It has tons of body and hold. I used it this morning and now at bedtime I still have volume, bounce and shine. And it feels so soft and natural. These are some of the best hair products I have tried lately!

Visit www.db4wildaid.com to purchase and for a store locater. Enjoy!

Amazon Beauty Presents Rahua Hair Products

Amazon Beauty has created a wonderful hair product line called Rahua made with rain forest grown organic ingredients.

The key ingredients in this unique haircare, according to the Amazon Beauty website, “include Rahua® Elixir which instantly repairs damaged hair and speeds hair growth and Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens), a centuries old calming ingredient from aged “holy wood” that imparts an amazingly beautiful aroma and is traditionally used in Shaman ceremonies.” And boy does it smell good!

Amazon Beauty Rahua® Organic Shampoo ($32.00 9.3 oz) and Rahua® Organic Conditioner ($34.00 9.3 oz) are a wonderful duo to help dried out hair become soft and managable again. The products are safe and claim to strengthen color-treated and delicate hair. I like to wash with the shampoo then apply the very thick conditioner and leave it on in the bath or shower for a few minutes. When I rinse it out, my hair is noticeably smoother.

Visit the website at amazonbeautysecret.com to learn more about these amazing rain forest ingredients and to purchase or locate the products.

H2pro Silk 1-Minute Thermal Hair Treatment

Is your hair getting frazzled by this summer’s heat and humidity? I know mine is!

H2pro Silk 1-Minute Thermal Hair Treatment ($13.00) is touted to bring a 1-minute hair treatment to revitalize your hair and protect it from heat as you style. It is infused with jojoba hydrolyzing crystals to hydrate as well as protect hair from heat.

To use this product, apply a little bit on towel dried hair, mostly through the ends. Then use a comb to distribute the product evenly. Leave in for 1 minute and style as usual.

This cream smells great and seems to give my hair body and manageability. I don’t really feel the hydration, and I still have to use a little shine serum afterwards. What I do notice is a difference in the volume and bounciness of my hair.

Visit the website at www.h2probeautylife.com to learn more and to purchase this product and the great styling tools they offer.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair

Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex ($47.50 for 1 oz and $74.50 for 1.7 oz) is Estee Lauder’s newest anti-aging serum, which is inspired by groundbreaking DNA research to give skin a dramatic reduction in the visible signs of aging.

The claim: Chronolux™ Technology repairs the appearance of past damage addresses damaging effects before they become permanent, and you’ll see a visible improvement in the signs of aging-specifically lines, uneven skin tone and immediate hydration.

Does it work.? I have been using this serum every evening after I wash my face for about 10 days, I apply it to my face, neck and the back of my hands. Where I have seen a big difference is in my hands. They are softer and younger looking. I have also noticed that the skin around my eyes is looking smoother. I think that I would have to use it longer than I have to see real results, but I can see that it does help. It also feels good going on and smells nice, too. I do see instant hydration with every application.

Visit www.esteelauder.com to learn more about this serum and find out how to get your own 10 day sample.

La Fresh Travel Wipes

La Fresh and its products are created to meet various needs of those who travel frequently or always on the go. Their Travel Wipes — products such as insect repellent, sunscreen, makeup removers and anti-bacterial wipes — are airport security friendly, adhering to the strict guideline regulated by TSA*.

Each product comes in a compact and sanitary single-use package. All La Fresh towelette materials are made with biodegradable cloths and natural ingredients are used whenever possible.

The latest addition to the Travel Wipes are All Natural Biodegradable Insect Repellent Towelettes ($3.99 for 6). The first thing you notice when you open one of these packets up is the fresh mint scent. It is strong, but much more pleasant than normal insect repellents. The wipes contain all natural peppermint oil, sesame oil, olive oil, castor oil,, wheat germ oil and vitamin E.

Even more pleasant than the scent, is that the product is 100% Deet-free and is still very effective. My family and I all rubbed this on the evening of the 4th of July when we did our fireworks and no one got bit (there are a lot of bugs where we live).

I also recommend the La Fresh Sunscreen towelettes SPF30 ($3.99 for 4) for a summer trip. They are pre-moistened biodegradable cloths that one applies on the skin for protection from sun damage. These have a mild sunscreen scent to them and the lotion absorbs into the skin quickly.

Visit the website at www.lafreshgroup.com to learn more about these products as well as the other great Travel Wipes that they carry.