beauty products – Page 7 – Forty, Flirty & Fabulous

Soak Your Cares Away with SALONTEA

I love discovering unusual beauty products that are really fantastic. SALONTEA by Tracy Stern is a company that not only creates teas for drinking, but also creates teas to soak in! I have tried both the BATHTEA and the EYE TEA and have found them both very relaxing.

EYE TEA($16.50 USD for 8) — The websites describes them as “eye pads designed to fit perfectly over your eyes are charged with a soothing blend of organic chamomile tea, angelica root, and witch hazel to bring fast relief to swollen, tired eyes.” To use these, you let them soak in cool or warm water for a minute then place them on your eyes. This feels wonderful and did de-puff my tired eyes. The scent is really soothing as well.

BATHTEA ($16.50 for 3, $33.00 for 6) “Homeothereapeutic bath infusions that combine the benefits of aromatherapy with the direct application of herbal nutrients to your skin to effectively relieve stress, anxiety and insomnia.” These are offered in three scents; Chai, Rose Petal and Vanilla. This is really a fun product. You let it steep in the bath and it’s kind of like you are soaking in a giant cup of tea! My favorite scent was the Chai; it smells a little spicy and exotic and it a good break from the kids (or whatever stresses you).

SALONTEA’s beauty line also includes tea-infused foot soaks, body lotions, body scrubs and lip balms. Visit their website at www.salontea.com

Everyday Minerals

I enjoy trying mineral makeup because it is so good for your skin. Mineral foundation can make you look like your not wearing makeup while covering flaws.

Everyday Minerals has one of the biggest shade selection I have seen. They have six color categories; warm, golden, cool, beige, buff and olive. Each category has at least six shades to choose from. I like the fairly light from the buff category. It matches my skin tone and covers imperfections.

You can purchase the base in 3 sizes — Sample $2.50 USD, Mini $5.00 USD and Big $12.00. The base also comes in four finishes; Semi Matte, Matte, Intensive, and Original Glow.

Visit the website at www.everydayminerals.com to peruse the many varieties of base, bronzers, blushes and eye shadows. Have fun!

Clinique – Classic Cosmetics With a Twist

I was recently sent some classic and new Clinique cosmetics to sample. This is one of the first brands that introduced me to fine cosmetics in my twenties. Before Clinique, I was only wearing drugstore brands. Applying higher-end products made me feel that I was somehow growing up.

So imagine my delight when I opened the package to find Almost Lipstick in Black Honey ($14.00 USD)! This is a product that I haven’t used since the 90’s. It somehow dressed up my grunge-wear back then and now it still gives me a hint of deep color and a lot of moisture. This is a great product for someone who wants to look polished but not heavily made-up.

I also tried a new product from Clinique called Quick Blush ($21.50 USD) in Pronto Pink. I have been using this everyday and I love it. The pigment is in the cap. To use, I swivel the brush just a little and place the cap back on it to pick up the color, then I take it off and use. Its a very nice brush that applies just the right amount of color. I also love the shade, it is pretty on my light skin and I believe it would look fab on most skin tones.

The third product I tried was High Impact Mascara ($14.00 USD). Another classic product, this claims to produce “Instant drama. Volumizes and lengthens lashes for a lusher, plusher, bolder look. Pure, deep colour adds impact.” I agree that it volumizes and lengthens and give a very nice look. The only problem I had is that it smears quite easily. When I wear it, I have to check all day to make sure I don’t have smudges around my eyes.

All-in-all, Clinique is just as innovative and classy as it has always been. You may visit their website at www.clinique.com to browse and purchase products. They are also at most fine department stores.

Whiten Up with Supersmile

I drink a lot of coffee. And I also love red wine. So my teeth need constant whitening. That’s why Supersmile is so great. It was created by a dentist, Dr. Irwin Smigel, to whiten conveniently at home and on the go.

The Professional Whitening System ($36.00 USD sm. $75.00 USD lg) – is made up of two items; the Supersmile Professional Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste with CALPROX® and the Supersmile Whitening Accelerator (with carbamide peroxide). The Website touts, “The Supersmile Whitening System is the perfect bleaching solution for everyone interested in safely and gently whitening teeth at home without messy trays. Just brush and whiten! Supersmile not only enhances professionally bleached teeth – but – most importantly, causes no sensitivity – and the Supersmile Professional Whitening System is the only system that will restore bonding, porcelain veneers, crowns and even dentures to their original color.”

To Use the Professional Whitening System, combine both products on a dry toothbrush and brush for two minutes, then rinse. I have been using the system for a couple of weeks and my teeth are at least a couple of shades whiter. This is so much easier than whitening trays and don’t bother my sensitive teeth as much.

Supersmile also sells fun, on the go products. Supersmile Quikee ($16.00 USD)- “Just a drop of our new pocket-sized Supersmile Quikee Whitening Tooth Polish with CALPROX® smoothed over your teeth with the tip of the tongue after eating or drinking, freshens breath while fighting cavities and plaque–anytime, anywhere. Quikee conveniently and effectively removes stains caused by coffee, tea or red wine while it helps maintain whiteness.” This tastes really sweet and minty and is easy to use. I like to concentrate it at the base of my teeth.

Also convenient is the Supersmile Single Dose Powdered Mouthrinse (60 Packets$29.00 USD –24 Packets $16.00) “Supersmile Single Dose Powdered Mouthrinse is a quick and convenient solution when there’s no time to brush. Just tear off the top of an individual-use foil packet, add water, swirl and rinse. CALPROX® attacks plaque and stains, and baking soda assures fresher breath and assists in cavity prevention.” This is not my favorite of the products. It was gritty, but did leave my mouth minty and clean.

One of my favorite Supersmile products is the all natural Sugar-free Supersmile Professional Whitening Gum with CALPROX® (Gum Box – 12pcs – $4.00 USD-Gum Jar – 100pcs – $24.00 USD). It, “quickly and effectively whitens teeth, freshens breath, promotes healthier gums and removes superficial surface stains with every use. And Supersmile Professional Whitening Gum is sweetened with XYLITOL – the natural cavity inhibitor preferred by dental professionals.” Plus it tastes yummy and makes my breath very fresh!

Visit the website at www.supersmile.com to learn more about Dr. Smigel and his fabulous products. They just might make your smile a little whiter!

Kiss My Face Potent and Pure Face Care

Kiss My Face makes natural and organic skin care. I was lucky enough to try items from their Potent & Pure line. The system was created by combining scientific knowledge with botanicals, vitamins, extracts and minerals. Potent & Pure is safe for sensitive skin and does not contain parabens, phthalates, SLS, artificial colors and fragrances, and is not tested on animals.

The products I tried are:

Start Up® Exfoliating Face Wash ($15.00 USD) “Cleanse and exfoliate skin with organic ingredients. Clarify, cleanse and luminize skin with this revitalizing blend of natural green tea and other pure renewable plant sources, many certified organic. Gently exfoliate with natural fruit acids.” Contains Natural Fruit Acids, Lemongrass oil and green tea.

Shea Soy Facial Cleansing Bar ( $13.00 USD ) – “Gently cleanse and calm with organic ingredients. This creamy, fragrance free bar contains organic oils, shea butter and aloe to moisturize while you cleanse. Your skin will feel fresh, smooth and hydrated.” Contains shea butter, aloe and soy oil.

Cell Mate® Face Crème & SOF 10 Sunscreen ($21.00 USD) – “Lightly moisturize and protect skin while reducing the signs of aging with organic ingredients. Instantly enhance skin tone, reduce fine lines and protect from environmental stresses. Antioxidant vitamins and botanicals soothe and revitalize throughout the day while natural mineral sun block helps protect skin.” Contains titanium dioxide, lavender and horsetail.

Eyewitness™ Eye Repair Crème ($19.00 USD) – “Reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness with organic ingredients. Smooth the appearance of wrinkles and moisturize the delicate skin around your eyes. Natural and organic oils and butters leave skin looking hydrated and rejuvenated.” Contains hawthorne Bery exrract, shea butter and rose hips.

So Refined® Jojoba & Mint Facial Scrub ($15.00 USD) – “Exfoliate and polish the skin’s appearance with organic ingredients. This non-drying, natural humectant gently exfoliates and purifies skin by removing dirt with organic jojoba beads and other natural and organic herbs and plant oils. Helps skin look visibly younger and refreshed.” Contains jojoba beads grapeseed oil and mint.

Pore Shrink™ Deep Cleansing Mask $15.00 – “Organic ingredients detoxify skin and diminish the appearance of pores. This deep cleaning clay mask helps to remove oils and bacteria from the skin. Cloves, tea tree, lemongrass and other natural, organic and aromatherapeutic® botanical extracts clean and smooth skin’s appearance. Contains bentonite clay, teat tree oil and lemon grass oil.”

I really liked both the face wash and the cleansing bar. My skin is combination, so both worked for me. The face wash smells citrusy and is refreshing. The bar is very mild. Both left my skin clean and fresh-feeling. Also very cleansing, (and exfoliating) is the facial scrub. This smells very minty and feels great on. Once its rinsed off, my face is very smooth.

My favorite product is the cleansing mask. I love clay masks. They get rid of all of the gunk in the pores. Plus it is green and I got to chase my 5 year old around screaming, “Green Mommy Monster”, so that was a plus!

Probably my least favorite was the face cream. Since it does contain sunscreen, it left a white film on my face that took a while to soak in. I had to wait a bit in the morning to apply my makeup. Besides that, it is a nice cream as is the eye cream.

I really recommend this line. It is very good for you and affordable, too. Check out the website at www.kissmyface.com to check out the Potent & Pure line and other great products. They also have a store locator so you can find a retailer near you.

Shop Frilly Lilly for Unique Bath Products!

I love discovering fun products that are unique. The Canadian company Frilly Lilly makes beautiful bath products that are wrapped in vintage-inspired packaging and are like nothing I’ve seen before.

I especially like the bathcakes. They are essentially bath bombs that are in shapes and “flavors” of bundt cakes, cupcakes and petit fours. The website instructions states, “Dissolve your Frilly Lilly Bathcake™ in the tub under running water to release the soothing oils and delicious scents. Lock the door, give yourself plenty of time to soak, and indulge without ever gaining a pound!”

I tried the Mandarin Orange Bundt Cake. It was a very pretty light orange with frosting and sprinkles on top. As it dissolved in my bath, it released a fragrant orange aroma. Very fun!

Visit the website at www.frillylilly.ca and enjoy!

Want to Cover the Grays Naturally? Try Clairol Natural Instincts

For my last review in my hair-stravaganza week, I decided to review a home hair color. In this crazy economical climate, I need to cut at lease a few corners when it comes to beauty. Clairol, a leader in the home hair color arena, is a good one to try.

A few weeks back, I attended a webinar on home hair color featuring Clairol’s Natural Instincts (approximately $9.49 USD). It touted Natural Instincts non-permanent, ammonia free color as a healthy alternative to harsher products. The color lasts through 28 shampoos and is gentle enough to be used once a month.

Something interesting that was featured on the webinar is that you can use a shade that is lighter than your natural hair color, and it won’t change the color, but enhance it.

So far I have tried Golden Cappuccino from the Golden Shimmer collection. It is a dark golden brown that is very pretty. It gave my hair a warm, golden tint. Next I am going to try Clove, a medium ash brown. It’s a very pretty cool color that will add a different hue to my hair.

To check out the different colors and types of Natural Instincts as well as other Clairol hair color, visit the website at www.clairol.com.

Save Your Hair Color with Redken’s Color Extend Line

Redkin Color Extend — Redken Color Extend

Redken has released their Color Extend line. Their website reads:

As the leading haircolor company in the professional industry, Redken is also a proven authority in the care of color-treated hair. Combining this expertise with its continued commitment to innovation, Redken introduces Redken Color Extend, advanced shampoos, conditioners and treatments dedicated to the care and preservation of color-treated hair.

The products in this line are:

Color Extend Shampoo ($13.00 USD 10.1 oz)- Gently cleanses and protects to leave hair manageable, refreshed and shiny.

Color Extend Conditioner ($14.00 USD 8.5 oz)- Detangles and smoothes hair for a finish full of color reflection.

Color Extend Total Recharge ($16.00 USD 5 oz) – Inner hair fuel delivers anti-fade color protection and cuticle reinforcement to maintain color vibrancy and shine.

Color Extend Rich Recovery ($15.00 USD 8.5 oz)- Protective treatment provides deep conditioning to leave hair treated, manageable and vibrant.

Color Extend Shine Enrich ($16.00 USD 3.4 oz) – Protects haircolor while helping to seal split ends, smooth flyaways, and impart mirror-like shine.

I really love this line. The shampoo not only cleans and protects, it make the hair super soft. My daughter Abby, whose hair is always a tangled mess, has been trying the shampoo and conditioner and her hair is now extremely comb-able!

After my shower, I like to spray on the Total Recharge, and leave it in. You can rinse it out, but I need all the help my frizzy hair can get! After my hair is dry, I run a little Shine Enrich through it, to give some much-needed shine. Voila! Great hair!

Once or twice a week I like to used the color exctend Rich Recovery. Like a hair mask this makes hair soft, shiny and my color looks so rich. I plan on coloring my hair again this weekend, and I know that the products in this line will help so much!

Visit the Redken website at www.redken.com to purchase the products or to locate a salon near you. Then, enjoy your beautiful hair!

Aveda Shampure Shampoo and Conditioner

Aveda’s vision is to, “connect beauty, environment and well-being”. Their wonderful spa products that are infused with natural ingredients, seem to do just that.

I have tried both the Shampure shampoo and conditioner. The products in this line are very gentle and good for every type of hair.

Shampure Shampoo ($9.50 USD for 8.5 oz) – “Our pure, gentle daily shampoo—with Morikue^TMprotein—cleanses and fortifies any type of hair. Infusing it with one of Aveda’s original aromas: a calming mix of 25 pure flower and plant essences.” Coriander oil, Eucalyptus oil, Lavender oil, Morikue^TM protein, Orange oil bitter, Wheat conditioners, and Babassu are some of the ingredients.

Aveda Shampure Conditioner ($9.50 USD for 8.5 oz) — “provides daily protection from environmental stress and damage.” The conditioner has the same basic ingredients of the shampoo. I really like both products because they clean and moisturize my hair without harsh chemicals leaving me with soft, silky hair.

The wonderful fragrance is also available in a candle ($28.00 USD). Visit Aveda’s website at www.aveda.com for more information and locations where you can receive spa treatments as well as purchase the products.

Sally Hershberger Supreme Head for Normal to Thin Hair

Sally Hershberger is a celebrity stylist who has recently launched a line of haircare that is sold at accessible stores such as Walgreens.

I have been trying the Supreme Head for Normal to Thin Hair line. The products include:

Shampoo and Conditioner ($9.50 USD each) — The website states: “The shampoo gently cleanses while building volume and the conditioner detangles while adding shine and volume, Both contain Supreme Volumizing Complex to texturize thin hair. Formulated for color-treated hair. ” I really like that these are safe for color treated hair. The ingredients include African Baobab Tree extract, mineral water and rice proteins.

Primer ($12.50 USD) : This is an interesting product. You work it through your hair like a mousse to prepare hair for styling. The website claims it, “Increases shine, gives fine hair guts and makes locks easier to style, boosts performance of styling products, easily layers with other styling products to create gorgeous, sexy hair and provides a veil of thermal protection from hot styling tools.”

Supreme Lift spray ($12.50 USD) : This product is a, “light formula adds power to limp hair and maintains flexibility with a thicker, sexier texture. The light mist spray prevents hair from being weighed down and layers well with other products. Heat activated polymers condition and protect hair from heat styling.” I spray this at my roots and comb it down with my fingers. I then blow my hair dry.

Using the entire product line does create more volume for my limp hair. The scent is a bit perfume-y, but nice. These products are affordable and you get good quality for the price!

Discover more about the Sally Hersberger line by visiting the website at www.sallyhershberger.com. You may purchase them at the website or visit Walgreens.