Curel – Forty, Flirty & Fabulous

Get Summer Ready With Beauty Essentials

As I write this getting ready for summer post I’m having a little laugh, because it’s already in the 90’s in Kansas City. And it doesn’t look like it’s cooling down!

So are you ready for summer beauty? I find that what I need right now is hydration. The heat and my allergy meds are drying me out! Here our my current faves (that were sent to me for my honest review):

Erborian Pink Perfect Crème ($39 USD) — This is a primer that helps to minimize the appearance of pores with a blurring, soft-focus effect. Enriched with camilla japonica seed oil, skin looks smoother with a subtle glow—and is prepped for makeup application. I like that I can wear this on it’s own or with a bit of powder on top for hot days that I don’t want to wear makeup.

Purchase at Sephora and sephora.com

LAVANILA Laboratories Healthy Body Butter ($19 USD) — These 100% pure Shea & Cocoa Butters are velvety smooth and instantly absorbed into the skin resulting in deeply hydrated, luxuriously soft skin. Each blend has powerful antioxidants and essential oils for long-lasting hydration. With super soft scents and a non-greasy formula, prepare for the ultimate indulgence. Available in four variations/scents, including: Pure Vanilla, Vanilla Coconut, Vanilla Grapefruit and Fragrance-Free. I love Vanilla Grapefruit and Vanilla Coconut for the summer.

Available at Lavanila.com

Curél Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer ($7.99 – $10.99) — This unique moisturizer is activated by water on freshly-showered skin and penetrates deeply into the skin’s surface to heal dryness for soft, healthy skin you can only imagine. After showering, apply on wet skin, then towel dry off. It leaves skin so soft!

Available at all mass retailers & drug stores nationwide

LAVANILA Healthy Deodorants — The Elements Collection ($14 USD) features fresh, energizing deodorants where health and wellness collide, inspired by some of the core elements of nature: air, water and earth. These aluminum-free, healthy deodorants are infused with carefully curated blends of pure essential oils to awaken our connection to the Elements and the immense power within them.

Purchase at Sephora.com

If you’d rather use a roll on, try Ban Roll-On Antiperspirant Deodorant, Purely Gentle ($10.58 on Amazon for two) — With a new, gentler formula, Purely Gentle provides 24 hour protection against underarm perspiration even for those with sensitive skin. The roll-on glides on smoothly providing instant freshness, transforming hot, overworked skin to smooth and refreshed.

Purchase at Amazon

It is essential to have dry shampoo in the summer! John Frieda Luxurious Volume Volume Refresh Dry Shampoo ($6.99 USD) — Give your hair an uplifting boost and touchable body that lasts while you’re on the go with just a spritz of this dry shampoo. The revitalizing formula instantly refreshes, revives and restores limp locks while getting rid of dirt and oil for hair that feels clean, healthy and light.

Purchase at ULTA and food, drug and mass retailers nationwide

What products do you like to use in the summer?

My Beauty Favorites — Week of December 21-27, 2015

I hope everyone is having a great holiday season! I have been enjoying time with family and the fact that all of the Christmas shopping and preparations are done! Now on to shopping for ourselves…LOL!

This week I’m loving products that will add moisture to my hair and body. The winter always leaves my skin and hair dry! My round-up includes, natural hair products, body wash to help itchy skin, and hair care and body care that will keep hair and skin soft:

Camille Rose Naturals Coconut Water Penetrating Hair Treatment

Camille Rose Naturals Coconut Water Leave-In Treatment

Camille Rose Naturals Coconut Water Penetrating Hair Treatment ($20 USD) — Coconut water penetrating hair treatment combines super hydrating, thirst quenching coconut water, aloe vera juice, tropical butters and oils to deeply penetrate and provide maximum moisture and shine.

Camille Rose Naturals Coconut Water Leave-In Treatment ($14 USD) — Coconut water leave-in treatment has a silky texture that combines coconut water with penetrating natural oils to provide maximum moisture and shine in a lightweight, non-greasy formula.

What I think: I like how natural these products are, they smell just like coconut oil and really moisturize my hair. The hair treatment is good for weekly conditioning and the leave-in is so light I can use it every day! Both products leave my hair very manageable.

Purchase at shop.camillerosenaturals.com

Curel Itch Defense Body Wash ($6.99 USD) — is a powerfully calming and hydrating cleanser that breaks the pattern and lavishes on the calming moisture. It contains an innovative blend of cleansing agents mild enough for serious dryness and eczema-prone skin. The soap-free formula, made with a cationic ingredient, leaves skin especially soft. Prevent the itch before it even begins!

What I think: This is so nice for use in the winter. It leaves skin soft and doesn’t irritate very dry skin. Add a moisturizer right after shower and skin is hydrated all day.

Available at mass market retailers near you.

Carol’s Daughter Monoi Conditioning Dry Shampoo For Dark Tones

Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk 4-in-1 “Combing” Creme

Carol’s Daughter Ocean Moisturizing Trio

Carol’s Daughter Monoi Conditioning Dry Shampoo For Dark Tones ($22 on sale now for $15.40) — Start refreshing your hair with this dry shampoo that absorbs oily buildup while restoring hair to its full body and shine, free of weighty residue. It’s made with conditioning Monoi, an ancient Tahitian beauty secret, and a blend of natural absorbing powders to give your hair the strength it needs to keep moving. So now, when time is of the essence, all you have to do is spray ’n go!

Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk 4-in-1 “Combing” Crème ($10) The first step to simple, beautiful curls is by using this creamy super detangler that does it all: untangles, moisturizes, defines, controls frizz, adds shine. Made with Agave and Keratin, this lightweight leave-in gives your curls the glide they need to style with ease. Now nothing can bring your curls down….

Carol’s Daughter Ocean Moisturizing Trio ($26) — “Ocean is clean and relaxing with a bit of sweetness. It appeals to both men and women and was Carol’s (my mom) favorite scent. She never grew tired of its special, distinct aroma. It is sure to soothe both body and soul.” —Lisa Price, Carol’s Daughter Founder

This set includes:

The Ocean Sulfate-Free Cleansing Gel is a sweetly scented sulfate-free body wasy. 8.0 fl oz
The Ocean Body Butter Cream is a deeply moisturizing body butter that leaves skin softer and healthier. 8.0 oz
The Ocean Dry Oil Body Spray is a silicone-free moisturizing body spray that leaves skin soft with a natural glow. 4.3 fl oz
PLUS, No Sulfates, No Parabens, No Petroleum, No Mineral Oil, No Artificial Colors

What I think: The thing I love most about Carol’s Daughter products is that they are natural and gentle on hair and skin. The Monoi dry shampoo smells so good and works very well. I like that it comes in two shades, light hair and dark hair. Having dark hair myself, it’s nice not having to worry about white powder residue.

The combing cream detangles my hair, and my daughter’s, so easily. A little goes a long way and leaves hair soft!

The Ocean products smell amazing! The lotion is my favorite as it is so moisturizing, it feels like butta! I like to use the dry oil body spray after taking a shower. It leaves my skin smooth. This kit is a great deal, too!

Purchase at http://www.carolsdaughter.com

My Beauty Favorites Week of July 27-August 1, 2015

My children are going back to school in a week and a half. Even though summer is winding down for us, it is still blazing hot out! And, I still need to use summer beauty products to treat my skin during the hot weather.

This week I am loving a anti-aging power serum, a hydrating body lotion, moisturizing lip balm and a fun travel fragrance bottle.

Lancome Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate ($78 for 1.0 oz; $105 for 1.7 oz; $135 for 2.5 oz.; $175 for 3.4 oz.) — an innovative serum that sinks in instantly — and quickly transforms your skin. The formula works day and night to target the 10 key signs of youth (texture, resiliency, elasticity, firmness, sagginess, fine lines, wrinkles, radiance, even skin tone and clarity) and is clinically proven to offer noticeable results in just 7 days.

What I think: I have been using this serum for a short period of time, but I already see a difference in my skin. After use, my skin’s texture is more even and glowy. I am looking forward to continued use and to see improvements in other areas soon!

Available at Lancôme counters nationwide and lancome-usa.com

Curél Daily Moisture Original Lotion ($7.99 USD) — Skin will feel happy and healthy all day long with this rich lotion. Featuring time-released moisturizers, this lotion hydrates and relieves dry, itchy, irritated skin. Clinically proven to provide 24 hours of continuous moisturizing, it will leave your skin smooth, comforted and intensely satisfied.

What I think: I feels that I need lots of moisture in the summer, especially on my legs and feet. This is perfect to apply after a shower or at night time, when you want extra moisture. The scent is very mild and creamy. It does not linger and will not interfere with your other fragrances.

Available drugstores and mass retailers.

Burt’s Bees Intense Hydration Lip Balm ($3.29 USD) — Sweet, juicy lips are always in season thanks to Burt’s Bees® Lip Balm with Coconut and Pear. This delectable moisturizing balm combines a juicy extract of vitamin-rich pear with creamy, hydrating coconut oil. The light formula, with shea butter, makes lips feel soft, replenished and healthy. Stash this lip balm tube in your purse or pocket for anytime dry lip therapy. It’s 100% natural and contains no parabens, phthalates or petrochemicals. Burt’s Bees lip conditioners are available in a variety of other fun flavors. Spread on a little TLC with Burt’s Bees moisturizing lip balm.

What I think: This extremely hydrating lip balm is also very yummy! It has a refreshing scent and taste. And you can lick your lips and feel safe, because it’s 100% natural! This is wonderful after being in the sun or for very dry lips.

Available at mass market retailers.

Travalo Excel ($19.99 USD) — We all know that airport security can be a little frustrating…make it less frustrating with this product. Available in 9 different colors, EXCEL holds 65 sprays so that you can travel with your favorite fragrance anywhere you go.

Travalo can be taken in hand as carry on luggage onboard planes anywhere in the world. Travalo has a unique pressure regulating system that makes sure the bottle adjusts to changing air pressure during flights, preventing any leaks, and enabling you to be fully prepared for landing!

What I think: This is so cool! You can easily fill it by placing the bottom of the Travalo on your favorite perfume (take off the spray cap first) and pump it so it’s full. And then you can take your favorite scent with you!

Available at Ulta stores and http://www.ulta.com

Fresh Spring Bath And Body Care From Caress, Whish, Curel, Osmotics and Orico London

I find that now that I am wearing short-sleeved shirts and capri’s and showing more skin, I really want it looking and feeling it’s best. So I have been using more moisturizing and fresh-smelling products than in winter.

The following products not only make your skin smell and feel great, but look good, too. Now all I need is a little self tanner and I will be ready for summer!

Whish Body Oil in Blueberry ($28 USD) — Whish Body Oil works to restore your skin’s natural luminance, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and soothing inflamed skin while providing you with long-lasting moisture. Its blend of sesame and sunflower seed oils moisturize, olive leaf extract and jojoba oil soothe and Dermaxyl is clinically proven to reduce wrinkles and fine lines while enhancing your skin’s overall luminance.

What I think: I love this oil because it sinks into the skin and doesn’t leave it greasy. It is perfect to use after a shower when skin is still damp because it locks in the moisture and skin is soft all day. The blueberry scent is nice, but it also comes in Almond, Coconut, Lavender, Lemongrass and Pomegranate.

Available at shop.nordstrom.com/s/whish-body-oil.

Curel Daily Moisture Lotion ($7.99 USD) — As you make the transition into warmer weather this spring, make sure to give your skin the everyday therapy it needs! Daily Moisture Lotion from Curél® Skincare is your once a day solution to continuously moisturized skin. This lotion is formulated with time released moisturizers and mimics the skin’s natural function, replenishing its essential protection mechanism – ceramides – to lock moisture for a full 24 hours. Daily Moisture Lotion is dermatologist tested, non greasy and quickly absorbent, leaving your skin smooth, hydrated and satisfied.

What I think: This lotion really keeps my skin soft all day, and I love that it isn’t greasy. Perfect for every day use and for people who need a little extra moisture.

Available at drugstores and mass market retailers near you.

Caress Body Wash ($3.50 USD) — Caress has recently released 3 new body washes in fantastic spring scents. They are from left to right in the photo above:

Aqua Sparkle — infused with lilac blossoms and aquamarine essence to invigorate the senses.

Emerald Rush –infused with lush gardenia and white tea essence to revitalize the senses.

Juicy Escape — infused with sun-kissed lily and pink grapefruit essence to uplift the senses.

Kelly Rowland is the new Caress ambassador. She is excited to inspire women to enjoy every day experiences in a fresh way. She knows how important it is to start every morning feeling fabulous, which is why she uses the new Caress Fresh Body Wash Collection (her favorite being the Emerald Rush.)

What I think: I love Emerald Rush too, but I think Juicy Escape is my favorite. They all smell fantastic! I like using them as a bubble bath.

You can join the talk about these great products on twitter #caressme and you can purchase them at a mass market retailer near you.

Orico Jazzy Moisturizing Body Wash ($19 USD)– is filled with the delicious fruity aromas of orange and mandarin essential oils. Natural moisturizers and antioxidants will gently cleanse and refresh your skin while also helping to regenerate cells, boost elasticity and revitalize and tone your skin with the help of Kigelia and Hibiscus.

What I think: This moisturizing wash is perfect for the summer time. The fragrance is light and clean and my skin is so soft after using this. This is perfect when you want a little luxury in the bath or shower.

Available at OricoLondon.com

Osmotics Sugar Scrub Body Polish ($38 USD) — will polish your skin to perfection even leaving the driest skin soft and silky smooth. Sugar is an excellent, yet gentle exfoliator that encourages the production of natural moisturizing factors in the skin. This luxurious body treatment is bound to leave your skin feeling smooth without any trace of oily residue.

What I think: I always stock up on scrubs in the summer. It helps get rid of dry skin from sun exposure and it is needed to prep skin for self-tanning. This one does not leave my skin greasy and I love it!

Available at Osmotics.com

Enjoy!

Get Your Feet Ready for Summer!

Are your feet sandal ready? It is always a shock to peel off the winter boots and fuzzy socks and see rough and ugly feet. Pedicures help, but it is always a good idea to have a great foot lotion on hand, er foot, to keep your feet looking great bare!

Burt’s Bees Peppermint Foot Lotion ($9.00 USD 3.38 oz.) — My husband loves this super-minty foot lotion. It contains peppermint oil and menthol to invigorate the feet and parsley leaf oil and witch hazel deodorize and soothe naturally. It is also enriched with botanical oils and vitamin E to moisturize rough feet. It feels refreshing on the feet, and if you love the scent of peppermint, this one is for you! Visit www.burtsbees.com to learn more and you can pick this up at drugstores and natural product stores near you.

Curel Targeted Therapy Deep Penetrating Foot Cream ($4.99 USD 3.5 oz) — This thick cream features shea butter, coconut milk, and claims to noticeably smooth and soften dry cracked skin in just two nights, significantly improving the look and feel of even the driest feet. This cream has a softer, more floral scent than the Burt’s Bees Lotion and I think it’s a bit more feminine. I have noticed a great change in my feet in the last couple of days. They are much smoother and appear less calused. Visit www.curel.com to learn more and you can purchase at a drugstore near you.

Aromafloria, a natural, earth-friendly company creates products in a USDA Certified Organic manufacturing facility which is 100% wind powered and Green-e certified. All of their products are formulated with natural earth minerals, organic essential oils and Fair Trade Ingredients — including their For Feet’s Sake Collection. This new line is designed to instantly refresh feet with pure essential oils of Tea Tree, Peppermint and Spearmint—known for their anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties—and claims to improve circulation, reduce swollen feet, and deodorize & hydrate dry, rough feet! It’s wellness for your feet!

I tried Aromafloria For Feet’s Sake Double Action Spa Foot Scrub ($10.50 on sale for $8.40 USD) and Intense Repair Spa Foot Butter ($10.50 on sale for $8.40 USD). The scrub was very pepperminty and was invigorating as it exfoliated! Great to use right before self-tanning. The butter was very soothing and hydrating. After I scrubbed my feet in the bath, I applied the lotion and put cotton socks on my feet. The next morning my feet looked great! Visit www.aromafloria.com to purchase these amazing products!

Enjoy getting your feet into summer-ready shape!

Curel Itch Defense Skin Balancing Lotion

Suffering from dry, itchy skin from the long winter or from something more serious like Eczema? Curel has recently released their Itch Defense™ lotion ($7.99 USD) that was awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance™. It claims to “rebalance skin in 4 ways, restoring its barrier function and ability to retain moisture, boosting moisturization and emollients to leave skin feeling protected, returning the pH balance to healthy levels and smoothing the skin’s surface to minimize dryness and flakiness.”

My skin is very dry from this winter, especially my arms and legs. A few minutes after applying Itch Defense, it feels much better. The itching and redness diminishes and after a few days, my skin is a lot less dry and flaky. My teenage daughter has eczema and has noticed an improvement in her skin as well. I highly recommend this lotion!

www.curel.com. Also, check out the Curel Skin Advisor at http://www.curel.com/expert_skin_advice.asp to help you solve your skin issues.