Beauty – Page 127 – Forty, Flirty & Fabulous

Moisturize All Over With John Masters Organics Argan Oil

Have you tried Argan oil? This is a natural product that is harvested and produced in Morocco by hand in the Argan forest. Argan oil is a fantastic moisturizer for hair and skin that nourishes without leaving you feeling greasy.

John Masters Organics 100% Argan Oil ($38.00 USD for 2 oz). It’s excellent for taming frizzy hair and mending split ends, and when applied to skin it helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and blemishes.

This product is harvested by a women’s cooperative, which has established an ecosystem reforestation project to ensure sustainability and to protect the rare, endangered tree. The income generated is providing healthcare and education for the entire community.

What I think: I love that this is 100% Argan oil. I have tried many products that use the oil as an ingredient, but I really love that this doesn’t have anything else in it. And, it works so well. A little goes a long way, but I use it in my hair to cut the frizzies, my legs after shaving, my cuticles and it is a fab eye makeup remover.

Visit www.johnmasters.com to learn more and to purchase. Enjoy!

Easy, On-The-Go Moisture, With Smith & Vandiver Aromatherapaes Moisture Balm

Traveling this summer and don’t want to take bottles or jars of lotion to keep skin soft? Try a moisture balm. They smooth and heal dry, rough skin, especially areas such as your cuticles, elbows, knees, and ankles. They are also great for legs and other areas after shaving.

One I am currently is Smith & Vandiver’s Aromatherapaes Moisture Balm. It is available in 2 scents:

• Soothing Moisture with Neroli & Lavender: Perfect for post-shaving, post-pool party, and a day spent beachside.

• Refreshing Moisture with Sweet Orange & Vanilla: Fabulous for arid summer climates, dried-out skin from hanging out next to the AC too long, and post-shower.

Key Ingredients:
• Shea Butter
• Neroil
• Cocoa Butter
• Lavender
• Beeswax
• Sweet Orange Oil
• Sweet Almond Oil
• Vanilla

Love that it’s Natural! All Aromatherapaes products are formulated to meet the Whole Foods Premium standard and are certified under the Natural Products Association. With these standards, a product must not only meet a 95% level of certified
natural ingredients, the balance must be certified-safe synthetics that have no natural alternative. The NPA seal
helps consumers know they are getting a truly natural product.

Directions for Use:

Twist container from bottom to expose stick. Apply directly to dry skin areas.

Availability:

Moisture Balm is available at grocery, chain drug, and mass-market retailers, specialty stores and natural stores
across the country and on-line at www.svnaturally.com. The suggested retail price is $5.99. Enjoy!

Nicole by OPI Introduces Texture Coat

Nicole by OPI announces the launch of Texture Coat, a line of graffiti-style nail art products inspired by OPI’s bestselling Shatter. Available in six chic shades – Gold, Silver, Red, White, Turquoise and Black – Texture Coat offers a simple way to create unique, unpredictable patterns on nails with a quick, at-home application.

“Fans of Nicole by OPI are fun, fashion-forward women who love experimenting with trends and using nail lacquer as a form of self-expression,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, Nicole by OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “Texture Coat offers an easy way to create your own completely customized nail art. Whether you choose pastels, darks, glitters, shimmers, or sheers to pair with Texture Coat, the endless options will accessorize every look.”

To use this product, start with Base Coat Plus, followed by two coats of any Nicole by OPI nail lacquer. Let the lacquer dry completely before applying Texture Coat. Complete the manicure with Top Coat Plus for a high-shine finish.

Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquers and Nail Treatments contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde. Nicole by OPI formulas are long-lasting, fast-drying, and salon-quality, with products featuring the Perfect Stroke brush for streak-free, even coverage. Texture Coat will be available July 2011 for $7.99 each at ULTA, Target, Meijer, Harmon, Wegmans, Sears, and H-E-B. Texture Coat will be available in Canada at Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart and Loblaw.

For more information, visit nicolebyopi.com. Follow Nicole by OPI on Twitter @NicoleByOPI and become a Facebook fan!

New Summer Haircare Products By Pureology, TRESemmé, and ECRU New York!

Summer hair care can be tricky. Pool water damages hair, the sun can strip the color and humidity makes it frizzy. It’s important to find a hair care line that fits your summer hair needs. Here are three product line ideas and some helpful summer tip:

If you have blond hair, try Pureology Perfect4Platinum ($24.00 to $32.00 USD) system for high-lifted and highlighted hair, four levels or more. It delivers concentrated keravis to replenish and plump the keratin gaps, equalizing porosity. Chamomile extract improves overall suppleness and softness. The lemon extract clarifies and smoothes the cuticle for enhanced shine. Finally, coriander oil creates a mirrored surface to magnify shine. The signature AntiFadeComplex® delivers free radical damage protection for longer lasting hair colour. The line includes Shampoo, HairCondition, ReconstructRepair Masque and Miracle Filler Lotion. Visit http://www.pureology.com to learn more and purchase.

Avoid heat-styling as often as possible during the summer months. After washing your hair, wring out any extra moisture with a towel and allow your hair to air dry before blow-drying. Cutting back on your use of hot tools such as a blow dryer and flat iron will help reduce damage. Be sure to use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to treat dry, strawlike hair. Try ECRU New York Luxe Treatment Shampoo ($22.00 USD) and ECRU New York Protective Silk Conditioner ($22.00 USD) to restore moisture and provide superior conditioning leaving hair beautiful and healthy. Visit www.ecrunewyork.com for more product ideas.

Worried that your summer hairstyle will wilt or frizz with the heat and humidity? Help is on the way! Start the summer off by giving your hair a fighting chance with the TRESemmé Climate Control Collection ($4.49 each item in the line). Protect against harmful UV rays and keep your locks looking beautiful with the specially designed formula that creates a barrier between your hair and the weather. Infused with the Climate Control Complex, the collection contains olive oil, keratin, UV blockers and polymers to leave hair shiny, soft and manageable while protecting against humidity, UV rays, static and wind. With the TRESemmé Climate Control Collection you can have amazing hair regardless of the weather! TRESemmé can be found at mass market retailers near you! Items in this line include Shampoo, Conditioner, Mousse and Finishing Spray. Enjoy!

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

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.

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

Acetone-Free Nail Polish Remover, 8 packets — 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!