anti-aging – Page 26 – Forty, Flirty & Fabulous

New Yes To Products Will Get Your Skin Glowing!

Recently, I was lucky to receive some of the newest Yes to products for my honest review. I have been testing (and loving) them!

Yes to products are always at least 95% natural, free of parabens, phthalates and SLS, and made with recyclable materials. And they also are affordable and very effective skincare!

Yes To Cucumbers Cooling Hydrating Mist

Yes To Grapefruit Pore Perfection Toning Mist

Yes To Cucumbers Cooling Hydrating Mist ($10.99 USD) — Consider yourself warned…this natural hydrating mist has soothing and cooling benefits that are life changing (and its aroma is addicting)! In just a couple quick spritzes, it pampers sensitive skin with instant hydration, thanks to a blend of cucumber, aloe, green tea, and elderflower extracts. It’s also infused with minty fresh all-natural menthol for a cooling kick that’s seriously spa-like. So when you need a shot of moisture that tempts the senses, close your eyes and spahhhhh-ray away!

Yes To Grapefruit Pore Perfection Toning Mist ($10.99 USD) — Want gorgeous, glowy skin? Give this delicious-smelling mist a shot! The natural toning spray (in eco-friendly packaging, naturally) revvs up radiance and reduces the look of pores thanks to grapefruit, kakadu plum, and infusions of vitamin C. It also delivers hydration and works wonders at setting makeup. Just be sure to close those gorgeous peepers before giving yourself a spritz!

What I think: I love both of these mists because they are so refreshing. They both give a soft, but steady mist. You can cover your whole face in one or two sprays. The Cucumbers Cooling Hydrating Mist is very moisturizing while the Grapefruit Pore Perfection Toning Mist is a bit lighter and is great for setting makeup too. And they both smell amazing!

Yes To Grapefruit Pore Perfection Paper Mask

Yes To Grapefruit Pore Perfection Brightening Peel

Yes To Grapefruit Pore Perfection Night Treatment

Yes To Grapefruit Pore Perfection Paper Mask ($15.99) — This natural sheet mask makes skin look bright and radiant and pores look virtually invisible. (What more could you ask for?) Each easy-to-apply, single-use mask is made from sustainable Tencel fibers and infused with a brightening serum featuring grapefruit extract and vitamin C. So with each application, your complexion looks more even and even younger.

Yes To Grapefruit Pore Perfection Brightening Peel ($15.99 USD) — Snap out of it with this spa-like exfoliating treatment that makes complexions look bright and radiant while shrinking the appearance of pores. Formulated with luminous-boosting grapefruit extract and vitamin C, it diminishes dark spots, evens out skin tone, and leaves your face feeling fully rejuvenated. (In other words, this peel gives you get the best of the zest!)

Yes To Grapefruit Pore Perfection Night Treatment ($15.99 USD) — Every sleeping beauty deserves to wake up with bright and radiant skin and practically invisible pores!That’s why this overnight treatment is formulated with grapefruit extract, lilac extract, and tea tree oil (plus potent amounts of vitamin c!) to help amp up radiance and reduce the appearance of pores. In fact, we love the dreamy, lightweight formula so much, we’ve been known to use it in the morning, too!

What I think: The Yes to Grapefruit line seems well suited for all skin types that need a bit of brightening. It is excellent for my aging skin! The mask is fun and easy to use. Place it on the face and wait 10 minutes. Then remove and massage the remaining serum on skin. My skin was so glowy afterwards.

The Brightening Peel is a quick way to get skin smooth and glowing. I like to use it in the morning about 3 times a week. Apply, wait 1 minutes and wash off. And in the evening, I apply the Night Treatment to cleansed skin and in the morning my pores look smaller and smooth. Love!

Available at http://www.yestocarrots.com and mass market retailers.

Do you love the Yes to brand? Leave a comment and let me know!

Get The Best Summer Skin Possible!

Summertime creates different issues for skin than other times of the year. By using heavier sunscreens, you can break out easier, being in the sun can cause redness or burns (my sunscreen did not work well on my recent trip to Yellowstone), and we still need to moisturize and hydrate, even in the heat. Below are great products that will help with specific skincare issues, plus will just make your skin look amazing!

NEUTROGENA Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne collection

Neutrogena Rapid Clear® Stubborn Acne Cleanser ($8.99 USD) — Clinically proven to rapidly reduce size and redness of stubborn acne in just 1 day.Formulated with maximum strength Benzoyl Peroxide, the acne medicine dermatologists recommend most for clearer skin, without a prescription. 10% Benzoyl Peroxide acne treatment. Use daily to reveal clearer skin. Rapid Clear® Stubborn Acne Spot Gel ($8.99 USD) — Clinically proven to rapidly reduce size and redness of stubborn acne in just 2 hours. Formulated with maximum strength Benzoyl Peroxide, the acne medicine dermatologists recommend most for clearer skin, without a prescription. 10% Benzoyl Peroxide acne treatment. Continuous improvement throughout the day. Available at http://www.neutrogena.com and mass market retailers near you.

Miracle Skin Transformer Acne Control ($48 USD) — A skin-perfecting tinted skin enhancer that creates a flawless finish as it moisturizes and treats acne prone skin, while fighting future breakouts. Long wear, natural coverage conceals imperfections instantly, helping to diminish the appearance of blemishes, pores, acne scars, and uneven skin tone for a smooth, matte, flawless finish.

Purchase at www.miracleskintransformer.com

Jane Iredale Tantasia Self Tanner & Bronzer ($36 USD) Skip the tanning beds and laying out in the sun and switch to self-tanning lotions to give you the summer bronze you crave. Try from jane iredale – it’s a moisturizing, natural bronzer and self-tanner for face and body. This bronzer provides instant, healthy-looking color and builds a gradual, natural looking tan within three days, for optimum control and customization (Available www.janeiredale.com) Jane Iredale Powder-Me SPF ($47 USD) There are plenty of gripes about traditional sunscreen (i.e. the thickness, the white cast on the skin, the smell, etc.) but there are plenty of ways to include sunscreen in our daily routine that alleviate these concerns. The Powder-Me SPF is a chemical-free, dry sunscreen for the face and body, which provides highly water resistant SPF 30 with UVA High. This summer staple provides coverage and color while helping to calm and nourish skin. Even if you’ve had too much sun, smooth on Powder-Me SPF to help soothe the inflammation. (Purchase at janeiredale.com) NeoCell Collagen Beauty Builder – Sunscreen protects against UV light, but not infrared and visible, which are the main causes of skin wrinkling. Proactively incorporating collagen into your beauty routine will help sustain the amount of collagen in the skin, promote elasticity, and protect against free radicals that cause cell damage. The NeoCell Collagen Beauty Builder is a great option to support your skins health and boost collagen production. (Available at Whole Foods, Vitamin Shoppe, Walgreens and CVS) The G.M. Collin Marine Revitalizing Anti-Aging Cream ($92 USD) – For an added boost of Collagen, include anti-aging products that work to reduce fine lines are wrinkles. The G.M. Collin Marine Revitalizing Anti-Aging Cream uses the power of marine science by creating a revitalizing combination of Marine Collagen, Marine Algae and Oligo-Elements. Cellular fatigue and sun damage are also addressed with the use of this powerful anti-aging cream. It has a luxurious texture that goes on smooth and an invigorating scent that awakens the senses. (Purchase at skin1.com).

derma e Soothing Redness Reducing Serum ($29.95 USD) — Reduce redness, calm irritation, diminish blotchiness, and relieve skin discomfort with this gentle, fragrance free, moisturizing serum. Our formula contains anti-aging Pycnogenol®, a powerful antioxidant shown to reduce redness while soothing irritated or sensitive skin. A complex of therapeutic botanicals such as Canadian Willowherb™, Olive, Arnica and Calendula helps reduce blotchiness, flare-ups and discomfort. Excellent for sensitive skin, rosacea, or anywhere skin is red or irritated to promote healthy skin tone, and a cool, calm and moisturized complexion. 100% vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, mineral oil-free, lanolin-free, gluten free, GMO-free. Purchase at http://www.dermae.com

3LAB Anti-Aging Cream ($675 2oz) — Anti-Aging Cream is a water-based luxurious treatment that harnesses the power of hydration to fight the signs of aging ranging from fine lines and winkles to uneven skin tone to environmental damage. Providing all day hydration, this luxurious cream contains 3LAB’s Marine Repair™, a proprietary complex of marine ingredients, along with a blend of peptides and minerals. This unique formula helps to deeply hydrate, maintain and regulate skin homeostasis, increase elastin and collagen production from the inside out, while reducing the visible signs of aging. Engineered with advanced targeting technology, Anti-Aging Cream has the ability to identify the function of each layer of the skin while delivering targeted active ingredients to each layer of the skin. Purchase at http://www.3lab.com

Travel Beauty Essentials That Will Help You Achieve a Stylish Getaway!

Summer time is travel time! Are you taking any trips this summer? My family and I are leaving for a camping trip to Yellowstone tomorrow. I’m so excited, but I definitely need to pack some beauty products — I’m not totally into roughing it!

Below are my picks for travel — some items can even go on a plane if you are lucky enough to be flying off to paradise.

Dr. Alkaitis Organic Skin Care Travel Kit ($55 USD) — The Travel Kit contains the following products:

Day Crème 7ml
Night Crème 7ml
Eye Crème 3.5ml
Purifying Facial Cleanser 30ml
Nourishing Treatment Oil 30ml
Soothing Gel 30ml
Herbal Toner 30ml
1 Mask
This Travel Kit with daily use will last anywhere from 7 to 12 days. Our products do not contain water and are quite concentrated. For instance, after using one of the crèmes, the skin should not be shiny; this is an indication that you have used too much. A rosy dewy blush is the desired result.

What I think: I have just started using these products and are taking them with my on my trip. They have a wonderful herbal aroma and are very light on. I especially love the eye cream and herbal toner. I am looking forward to using them all on my trip and see how my skin looks when I finish.

Available at http://www.alkaitis.com

Sphinx Travel Razor ($14.99 USD) — provides a convenient and effective shaving experience to achieve silky smooth skin on-to-go. The first of its kind, Sphynx combines beauty, innovation and design with the introduction of the Sphynx Razor, a 3-in-1 travel shaver, containing a refillable water cartridge, moisturizing soap bar, and a luxe razor blade for shaving anytime, anywhere!

What I think: This is such a cool product! It is your soap, water and razor in one. It is very easy to use and gives a fairly close shave. It is perfect to take camping or on a long road trip.

Available at sphynxrazor.com

Vita Liberata Fabulous Self Tanning Gradual Lotion ($30 USD) — This ultra-hydrating lotion formula is gentle enough for dry and sensitive skin types, and creates a natural-looking tan that fades after four to seven days. Certified organic botanicals and a moisture locking system nourish the skin and give 72-hour hydration while Odour Remove™ technology ensures no smell whatsoever.

What I think: This is a perfect travel multitasker — moisturizer and self tanner. I apply it every day and in a few days I have a really nice tan without streaks. It doesn’t smell, which is a big plus. I apply it with a tanning mitt so that it doesn’t stain my hands. After about a minute, I can put my clothes on and go about my day!

Available at http://www.sephora.com

London SOHO New York Disney Belle Organizer

London SOHO New York Disney Belle Enchanted Eyes Brush Set (3-Piece)

London SOHO New York Disney Belle Organizer ($9.99 USD) — The wide, zip-top design holds everything you need to stay organized at home or on-the-go. Made of smooth satin with metallic filigree details and an easy-to-wipe lining, this collection blends the romance of Beauty and the Beast with functional design to make your fairy tale dreams come true!

London SOHO New York Disney Belle Enchanted Eyes Brush Set (3-Piece) ($12.99 USD) — Beauty is how you feel inside and it reflects in your eyes.

Flat Angled Liner Brush: Create a flawless line by applying liner close to the lash line. Gradually thicken line as it extends to the outer corner of your eye. Can be used with powder, gel or cream liner.

Medium Smokey Fluff Brush: The perfect size and shape to create a flawless smokey look with your favorite shadow. Create depth and detail by tapping pigment onto eyelids.

Large Smokey Fluff Brush: Soft fluffy bristles allow shadow to glide across eyelids, blending and softly diffusing shadow. Use in gentle sweeping back and forth motion to blend edges, creating an airbrush effect.

What I think: The Belle products are so pretty and really fun. The bag is well made and perfect for travel. The brushes are good quality and so affordable! These products are perfect for ladies of all ages, but would make a great gift to a young lady just starting out wearing makeup.

Available at http://www.walgreens.com

Beauty Brands at the Plaza Grand Opening in Kansas City!

Beauty Brands at the Plaza in Kansas City has undergone the ultimate makeover! It’s all part of a national, company-wide transformation. I was lucky enough to be one of the first to check the new look of Beauty Brands, as well as the exciting new brands joining the existing mix carefully chosen and championed by their experts, along with their expanded menu of luxurious spa and salon services.

The new space is designed with the modern American beauty in mind, and it has a cosmopolitan yet approachable look. It’s filled with upscale skincare, cosmetics, hair care, nail, bath and body brands, offering ample opportunity for play. Among them are several new lines to Beauty Brands, including L’Occitane, Origins, Indie Lee, Mai Couture, Nia 24, NuFace, Ren, Rodial, True Isaac Mizrahi, Nest fragrance, and Julep. I will be reviewing some of the fantastic new products I received in future posts.

I luckily was able to tour the store and I received a complimentary blowout service. The new store has a new blowout bar, which includes three specialty blowout options: the “classic”, the “super sleek” and “the breeze.” I had the classic, which gave me volume, but my hair is also very shiny and bouncy! My stylist, Alaina, did a fantastic job!

The salon also offers haircuts, coloring and updo’s. And besides the fabulous hair salon, there are so many other beauty treatments available. There is a brow bar at the front of the salon, you can get various luxury facials, body treatments, manis and pedis, hair removal and more!

So go check it out, do some shopping or get a great beauty service treatment. I highly recommend the remodeled Beauty Brands at the Plaza!

Beauty Brands at the Plaza is located at 438 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO — Call 816-753-8822 to book a services. The hours are Friday and Saturday 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Tune in Today, June 5, 2015 For StriVectin and QVC Today’s Special Value!

I’m excited to share that today, June 5, 2015, supersize versions of StriVectin’s cult-favorite SD Advanced Intensive Concentrate for Wrinkles and TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream will be available as on QVC for $129.96 ($278 value!). It’s basically cheaper than just buying the 4.5 SD Advanced alone – crazy deal! Some information about both the products below:

StriVectin SD Advanced™ Intensive Concentrate for Wrinkles & Stretch Marks — Want your youth collagen back? The latest advancement in skincare—an improved formulation of StriVectin’s cult classic, best-selling product with new breakthrough technology— StriVectin SD Advanced™ Intensive Concentrate for Wrinkles & Stretch Marks. The revamped formula includes a potent combination of anti-aging technologies which yield visible skin transforming results starting in just 15 days. Containing StriVectin’s proprietary NIA-114® and a new Collagex-CE Wrinkle Repair Complex™, these cutting-edge actives penetrate the deepest layers of the skin, specifically targeting both Collagen types I and III. Type III, also known as “Youth Collagen”, was recently found to play a crucial role in skin regeneration and is the key to youthful looking skin. As your skin ages, it has less energy to perform its vital functions. Collagex-CE Wrinkle Repair Complex is a lipopeptide complex paired with an energy molecule that supplies the skin with essential amino acids and copper, both required for the production and maturation of collagen.

TSV Supersize: 4.5 fl oz

StriVectin TL Advanced™ Tightening Neck Cream — This high-performance neck cream includes exclusive Gravitite-CF Lifting Complex™, designed to help rebuild the elastin fiber architecture so critical to tightening and lifting the neck and décolletage area, and to improving resistance to gravity over time. The surface of the skin is instantly hydrated, feeling tighter, smoother and more supple. Over time, the visible effects of aging appear reversed for even more refined, toned definition and sculpted silhouette. With even more effective results than the original, 86% of panelists agreed it’s the best neck cream they’ve ever tried.

TSV Supersize: 3.4 fl oz

What I think: I have tried the SD Advanced before and think it’s amazing! It instantly makes my skin look younger — there is a smoothness and a glow that it gives. Plus, over time, my skin looks better and better, with wrinkles and pores appearing much smaller.

This is the first time I have tried the neck cream. After a few days of use, my neck looks a bit smoother and firmer. I will keep using it to see what kind of amazing changes I get.

To purchase this fabulous set (only today), tune into QVC or visit http://www.qvc.com to learn more and purchase. Your skin definitely won’t regret it!

Tune Into QVC On June 5th For a Fab StriVectin Deal!

Have you tried StriVectin? It’s fantastic! Tomorrow, June 5th, QVC will have something special from StriVectin on sale. Visit http://www.qvc.com or watch QVC tomorrow for more information!

StriVectin is an anti-aging powerhouse. What does StriVectin claim to do? Here is some info from their website:

Initially invented by two biochemists searching for a cure to skin cancer, StriVectin discovered that NIA-114 revitalizes, hydrates, and transforms skin.

NIA-114 is a unique and patented technologically advanced form of Niacin that nourishes the skin surface to address multiple visible signs of aging and give skin a more healthy and radiant appearance. This breakthrough skin care molecule powers each and every StriVectin formula and is scientifically proven to reinvigorate the skin surface for optimal performance, strengthen and nourish the moisture barrier, inhibit the impact of environmental aggressors and intensify the efficacy of other ingredients.

I have tried some of their products in the past and they really work! So tune into QVC tomorrow to learn more!

Smooth and Tone Skin For Summer!

I love trying new skin care. I never know when I am going to find a new favorite. I also think it’s good to switch things up now and then in my skincare routine.

Below are my new favorites from Intraceuticals, Hada Labo Tokyo, Luzern, Lumene and The Vitamin Shoppe.

What are your current skincare faves? Leave a comment and let me know.

Intraceuticals Rejuvenate Cleansing Gel ($29 USD) — A lightweight gel cleanser to thoroughly cleanse the skin. Removes impurities, restoring the skin’s natural balance. Primes the skin for optimal results from 3 step hyaluronic layering.

What I think: This is a nice, light cleanser that cleans skin without drying it out. I think a gel cleanser is perfect for summer as it isn’t heavy on the skin.

Available at http://www.intraceuticals.com

Hada Labo Tokyo Ultimate Anti-Aging Facial Mask ($14.99 Pack of 4) — Hada Labo Tokyo Ultimate Anti-Aging Facial Mask one of a kind spa treatment at home! 10 minute revitalizing facial. Intense yet gentle infusion of anti-aging ingredients for an immediate boost of hydration and youth restoration. Adheres perfectly to the facial contours for maximum coverage. Suitable for all skin types. Free from parabens, fragrances, dyes and mineral oil. Clinically shown to deliver significant results in 4 weeks: 79% saw improved skin texture & smoothness, 74% saw improved skin elasticity & firmness, 4 Week Clinical Study – Improvement over baseline.

What I think: These are so great! They are easy to use — just open a pack and smooth the paper mask on your skin. Then leave it on for 10 minutes and remove. Leaves skin soft and glowing!

Available at http://www.ulta.com

Luzern Laboratories Force De Vie Pure Oxygen Eye Contour Crème ($90 USD) — This moisture-rich cream unites the latest eye contour-perfecting technology with the cutting-edge formula of Force De Vie Crème Luxe, the anti-aging crème moisturizer that has inspired a cult following. Force De Vie restores the “life force” to skin by optimizing three skin-vital functions: cellular energy, moisture balance, and nutrient utilization for a fresh, healthy-looking, radiant complexion…everyday. Boosts cellular oxygen uptake to increase collagen and hyaluronic acid synthesis and promote microcirculation to enhance skin luminosity.

What I think: This is a gorgeous eye cream! It is velvety in texture and glides right onto the eye area. I notice that instantly, the skin around my eye looks more hydrated and smoother.

Purchase at http://www.luzernlabs.com

Lumene Bright Now Vitamin C BB Serum ($21.99 USD) — Instantly brightening. Illuminating. Beautifying. Pore minimizing. Hydrating. Sheer finish. No color. All skin types. Arctic skin science. Wild arctic cloudberry and encapsulated vitamin C. The potent nectar and seed oil of the resilient arctic cloudberry protect and detoxify, while encapsulated vitamin C allows for time-released skin penetration. Additional light reflecting pigments provide instant luminosity. The bioactive combination delivers lasting radiance for bright, smooth skin, protected from the signs of aging. Formulated without parabens, formaldehyde donors, mineral oil, synthetic colorants. Vitamin C BB serum provides instantly silky soft, visibly more beautiful and brighter skin. Light reflecting pigments help to create flawless, radiant complexion. Gently exfoliates to help clarify the skin and smooth out a rough texture. Helps to minimize pores and keep skin matte.

What I think: Serum is so important for all skincare regimens. This not only delivers anti-aging powerhouses like Vitamin C, it gives skin

Available at mass market retailers. Learn more at http://www.lumene.com

The Vitamin Shoppe Moroccan Argan Oil

The Vitamin Shoppe Peppermint Essential Oil

The Vitamin Shoppe Moroccan Argan Replenishing Skin Care Oil ($7.99 USD), Balancing, Nurturing, Hydrating. For general skin care dispense small amount of oil into palm of hand. Rub hands together to spread evenly & pat onto face, hair other areas of need. For added benefit mix each pump o oil with 1 to 2 drops of Vitamin Shoppe Essential Oil.

The Vitamin Shoppe Peppermint Essential Oil ($8.49 USD) — The Vitamin Shoppe Peppermint 100% Pure Essential Oil. Add essential oils to Vitamin Shoppe Carrier oils. Do not apply undiluted oils directly to your skin.

What I think: I haven’t used a lot of essentials oils, but the cooling property of peppermint oil is touted to improve the dullness of your skin and dry up excess oil. I have tried Argan oil before and love how hydrating it is for skin and hair. Both of these products are very affordable and natural!

Available at http://www.vitaminshoppe.com.

Feel Good About Your Beauty Routine With Natural Products

There are so many wonderful natural beauty products on the market these days include natural skincare and hair care. I find that not only are these products better for you, they are very effective.

Below are some of my current favorite natural hair care and skin care. Leave a comment letting me know some of your favorites — I would love ideas for what to try next!

L'Occitane Peony Collection — L’Occitane Peony Collection

The peony, known as the “king of flowers” is valued for its unparalleled beauty and rarity. Embracing the absolute perfection of this elegant bloom, L’OCCITANE’s newest skincare collection helps to achieve a natural-looking complexion with their proprietary, Perfecting Peony Complex. Peony extract and mineral-based optical correctors help to visibly correct skin texture irregularities and minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines for stunningly beautiful, luminous skin.

What I think: I have been testing (and loving) this collection. The products left to right are the Peony Perfecting Essence, the Peony CC Skin Tone Perfecting Cream, the Peony Perfecting Cream and the Peony Perfecting Mist. They all have a lovely light floral scent. Used together, the skin care leaves my skin soft and glowing. The CC cream starts out white and blends to my skin tone. It gives a nice light coverage and my skin is smooth and even with use.

Learn more and purchase at usa.loccitane.com.

Mad Hippie Eye Cream ($24.99 USD) — From the dreaded crows feet to those tiring bags under the eyes, uniting the power of peptides & antioxidants, this product packs a punch. Contains a peptide formula that reduces dark circles under the eyes. Works to strengthen capillaries & veins, while increasing lymphatic drainage & circulation. Effectively increases firmness and elasticity of skin, while reducing swelling.

What I think: This is such a light cream that instantly absorbs into my skin. It hydrates the skin under my eyes and helps make the fine lines less noticeable. I use it day and night (I’m never without an eye cream). This one is affordable and works really well (and it’s natural)!

http://www.madhippie.com

Oil Essentials ($12.99 USD): A collection of natural beauty oils that nourish and heal to deliver healthy, shiny hair and youthful hands and nails. Packed with powerful yet gentle extracts from Mother Nature’s most nourishing plants and fruits, these luxurious oils inspire the senses with essential oils while providing glowing beauty benefits. These oils are free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic colors and are safe for sensitive skin. Oil Essentials is complete with six different oils to deliver outstanding results:

Argan & Wheat Germ – Aqua
Omega 3,6,9 & Evening Primrose
Neroli & Avocado
Seabuckthorn Berry & Borage
Sweet Almond & Macadamia
Lavender & Rose Hip

What I think: I always like to have natural oils around for my hair, cuticles and elbows. All of the above oils will moisturize and heal, but my favorite is the Sweet Almond & Macadamia because it prevents loss of moisture in hair and skin. It smells amazing. I love how it sinks into my skin and leaves it so soft!

Available at Walmart, HEB and Riteaid stores, as well as Riteaid.com. The company website is www.oilessentialsbeauty.com.

Salon Grafix Healthy Hair Nutrition Cleansing Conditioner — Salon Grafix Healthy Hair Nutrition Conditioning Cleanser

Salon Grafix Healthy Hair Nutrition Collection ($7.99 USD): An alternative to harsh shampoos and conditioners. The multi-purpose sulfate and paraben-free cleansers are formulated to rebalance natural oils with pure ingredients, leaving hair clean, soft and full of body. The single step hair care regimen replaces shampoo, conditioner, deep conditioner, detangler, and leave-in conditioner with these amazing sulfate-free Conditioning Cleansers.

What I think: I have been testing the Conditioning Cleanser for Dry or Damaged Hair. It smell creamy and a little spicy — the scent is Moroccan Macadamia. I use it in place of shampoo and conditioner, I just work it in my wet hair, leave it in for a few minutes and rinse. My hair is soft and manageable afterwards and is not left dry by shampoo.

Available at http://www.walgreens.com, Walgreens and Duane Reade stores.

My Beauty Favorites Week of May 11-May 17, 2015

It’s getting close to summer in Kansas City. Hot, humid and stormy! But, I am still loving trying new products, especially ones that will make me look and feel fabulous to and through summer.

This week I’m loving a new holistic makeup brand, a fast new hair dryer, and skin-smoothing skincare and an amazing smelling bath oil.

Geri G. offers a whole system of products that offer a holistic approach to nourishing and hydrating the skin, including foundation, a multi-purpose canvas, plush mascara, lip-gloss creme, and even complimentary nutritional components.

What I think: I have been testing the Transceutical Canvas, the Innocent Foundation and the Lip Gloss Crème. The canvas is like a primer that leaves your skin glowing and keeps makeup looking fresh all day. The foundation is a little sheer for me, but the canvas keeps it on all day. I think it will be perfect in the summer when I don’t want to wear heavy foundation. And, I love the lip gloss! It is very moisturizing and stays on for a while. The color is sheer, but very pretty!

Learn more and purchase at http://www.gerigla.com.

Jose Eber Quickshine Infrared Blow Dryer ($159 USD) — Get dry lustrous hair fast with this portable, professional grade dryer. This versatile blow dryer uses the gentle hear of Far Infrared light to dry beginning deep within the hair cuticle, decreasing drying time safely by more than 50%. The days of dry damaging heat, burns and hot spots are over with the Quickshine and you can say hello to shiny and smooth hair, fast!

What I think: Love this blow dryer! It is compact so it’s easy to use and dries my hair very fast. The very red light at the mouth of the blow dryer is a bit scary, but it is not as hot as it looks. Plus, there is a cool air button that you can use to add shine to your hair.

Available at shop.joseeberhair.com

New NIP+FAB's Glycolic Fix Products — New NIP+FAB’s Glycolic Fix Products

NIP+FAB Glycolic Instant Fix Mask ($12.95 USD) — Resurface, retexture and renew instantly with this gel like mask to leave your skin radiant, blemish free and visibly smoother. A favourite of Kylie Jenner’s, NIP+FAB’s highest level of glycolic acid combines with EVERMAT™ technology to gently smooth away the appearance of lines and wrinkles, whilst clearing and reducing the look of enlarged pores.

NIP+FAB Glycolic No Needle Fix Serum ($19.95 USD) — No Needle Fix is a revolutionary, intensive plumping and volumizing serum that fills fine lines, smoothes wrinkles and reduces the appearance of imperfections, improving skin’s overall tonicity and elasticity.

What I think: I’ve found that both of theses products work to smooth skin tone. My pores and wrinkles appeared smaller as soon as I first tried the mask.

Available at CVS, ULTA and Target stores nationwide

Rituals Fortune Oil ($15 USD) — The shower oil becomes a silky soft foam, leaving your skin beautifully soft. The ingredients Sweet Orange & Cedar produce a wonderfully warm fragrance. The shower oil helps you keep your summer tan for longer. The oil hydrates your skin in the shower, so that you lose less pigment.

What I think: This oil is really fun to use. In the shower it turns in to a foam and after you wash, it rinses clean. My skin is left soft and smooth. Plus, the scent is amazing it is both warm and sweet.

Purchase at us.rituals.com

My Beauty Favorites Week of May 4-May 10, 2015

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the mothers and caregivers out their that do so much for others! My daughters spoiled me today and I hope you all received the Queen’s treatment, too!

My faves this week are a random mix of goodies. From a battery-powered manicure kit, to an eye cream + brightener duo, to an affordable self tanner, to hair fibers that make my hair look thicker, I have been testing lots of great new products!

Slim Uno Portable Manicure Kit ($24.95 USD) — a portable battery-powered manicure kit. You can now keep your nails looking beautiful while traveling, at work, and
at home with ease. This deluxe kit combines the sonic power of Violife’s best-selling toothbrushes, with manicurist favorite nail tools, including a cuticle pusher, shaping file, emery board and buffer board.

What I think: This looked a little intimidating in the box, but it is really easy to use. It is great to carry in my purse for nail emergencies.

Available at http://www.violife.com.

Avon Anew Reversalist Complete Renewal Express Dual Eye System ($30 USD) — A brightening veil + hydrating eye cream, formulated with Tri-Elastinex technology. Instantly brightens the eye area. Over time, the look of lines and wrinkles around the eyes virtually disappears.

What I think: The eye cream instantly absorbs into the skin and the brightening veil leaves the skin around my eyes glowing! I use both products in the morning and the eye cream in the evening. My eye area is completely hydrated and my fine lines are lessened.

Available at http://www.avon.com

Ocean Potion EverGlow Xtreme Self Tanning Lotion ($5.49 USD) — Moisturizing lotion creates glowing, natural looking color while avoiding the harmful rays of the sun. Subtle color begins to develop within hours. Reapply daily until desired depth of color is reached with full color achieved in only three days. For all skin tones. Coconut and sunflower oils offer rich moisturization. Cocoa and shea butter deliver deep hydration. Vitamins A, C and E help keep skin feeling soft, smooth and looking summer beautiful no matter what time of year. Aloe vera reduces inflammation. Fresh, pleasant mango-lime scent — unlike other self-tanners with unpleasant odors.

What I think: I love the scent of this self tanner (not something I usually say), it is really refreshing! I also like how it moisturizes my skin as it tans. After three days I had a medium-dark tan that wasn’t streaky at all!

Available at Wal-Mart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, Rite-Aid, Kroger, Publix, Winn-Dixie, HEB, BI-LO, www.wal-mart.com, www.drugstore.com, and other retail and online stores throughout the USA.

HairMax Hair Fibers ($35 USD) — are natural keratin protein hair building fibers that blend and statically cling to your existing hair to hide any receding areas and provide dramatic density, volume and natural looking coverage, INSTANTLY! They are the perfect solution for men and women suffering with hair loss and thinning hair who want to change the way they feel about their appearance. Balding and thinning areas instantly vanish leaving you with a natural looking full head of hair.

What I think: I have used these a couple of times now. My part and hairline are thinning, and this made my hair look fuller. I haven’t colored my roots for a few weeks and the fibers also helped hide my grays. This is really nice when I want to do a nice hair style for going out.

Available at http://www.hairmax.com